​Milne Bay swears in MPs

Milne Bay’s five national Members of Parliament were sworn into the Milne Bay Provincial Assembly this week.

Formalities were carried out in alphabetical order by district as each member was sworn in by the Alotau District Court Magistrate Leonard Mesmin.

In a ceremony witnessed by Milne Bay public servants and the general public, the five MPs sworn in vowed to work together.

The first to be sworn in was Milne Bay Governor Sir John Luke Critten, who assumed the Speaker’s seat from Wilfred Giarua.

Alotau Open MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel was then sworn in, followed by Esa’ala Open MP and Minister for Justice and Attorney General Davis Steven.

Kiriwina Goodenough MP and Minister for Forestry, Douglas Tomuriesa, was also sworn in, including first timer in the house of representatives, Samarai Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard.

Deputy Prime Minister Abel encouraged all the MPs to work together for the common good of the Milne Bay people, at the same time thanking voters for their trust in the five elected MPs.

Abel alluded to the confidence that the Milne Bay people had in each MP, especially for those that retained their seats.

The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for his appointment to such an important portfolio.

In conclusion, Abel encouraged Samarai-Murua MP Leonard to put aside any political difference and work with all the ministers and governor as “Team Milne Bay”.

(Loop file pic)

Author: 
Sophie Yaruso