The New Ireland Government will be moving to reserve the Local Level Government (LLG) vice president’s seat for women.
Governor Sir Julius Chan made this announcement following the province’s one-day LLG elections polling.
“This will allow for gender balance at the LLG level,” he said, which is also in line with the matrilineal culture.
Furthermore, the New Ireland Government is determined to give the LLGs more autonomy and has moved to increase approved project funding for presidents to K200,000 while ward members will continue to receive ward level funding of K30,000.
They will be allowed to make independent decisions and set their own priorities on how the money is spent at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Sir J cautioned that development also brings with it added problems like law and order issues, thus he called on the people to be mindful of the influx of people coming into the province.
“We are a friendly and socially responsible Province, but I warn those coming here with the intent to commit crimes, you are not welcome, and will be sent home under the New Ireland Vagrancy Act.”
(Governor Sir Julius Chan)