The New Ireland Provincial Assembly carried out a smooth transfer of power at its first meeting of 2016 on Wednesday.
The Assembly unanimously voted to remove Ken Bart, the President of Tikana LLG, from the office of Deputy Governor, and replaced him with Ambrose Silul, President of Nimamar LLG.
According to members of the Assembly Bart has failed to carry out his responsibilities as Deputy Governor.
He has been absent from many meetings, including Provincial Implementation Committee and Provincial Executive Council meetings.
Deputy Governor is a very important position, one that must be taken seriously, with full participation in the Executive Council and Assembly, Bart, for whatever reason, clearly felt he had other priorities that were more important than doing the people's business.
Governor Sir Julius Chan also announced the new appointment of Hon. Graham Lali, President of Sentral NiuAilan LLG, to the PEC, replacing Bart as the Chairman for Education. “Education has always been a priority of this Government as stated in the Malagan Declaration, New Ireland will establish a University, I now task President Lali with moving this vision forward in 2016”
“I think we now have a stronger and more committed team with the promotion of President Silul to Deputy Governor and the addition of President Lali to the PEC” Sir J said.
“I am looking forward to working productively with them and the entire provincial team.”