East Sepik Governor

He told parliament today that he received calls from 5 companies – one of them has been operating in Lae in for 40 years, employs 230 Papua New Guineans – that they have not been able to access Forex, thus resulting in the company having to cut down on working hours for their employees.

“They have K16 million in the bank, they need to pay their foreign suppliers K12 million. I am being told that there is K3 billion in orders sitting in there at all the banks,” said Bird.

In a media conference yesterday with the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel, the Governors said the plan is achievable and can be implemented in a coercive manner.

Bird said Abel’s idea in gauging the views of governors on certain issues in the province is good for the governance of the country.

He said governors have a clear view of what’s happening in the province and can articulate better on issues.

With the 100-Day Economic Stimulus Plan, Bird said although provinces have issues, many of them have never been given consideration.

National Alliance Party candidate, Allan Bird, flew over the absolute majority figure of 77,108 this morning, making him the province’s second governor since PNG gained independence from Australia in 1975.

Counting was suspended at 8:30am after the exclusion of third-placed candidate Gabriel Dusava.

The official declaration for the new governor will happen today.

The unofficial figure: Bird is sitting on 88,701 votes and Kenny Waiyu finishing second with 65,513.

That was the final message from retiring East Sepik Governor and Papua New Guinea’s first Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare in Parliament today.

Today was Sir Michael’s final day as a politician after 49 years representing the people of East Sepik Province.  

 “I practise national unity and I am proud to be called the father of the nation.

“When we swore to the Bible at the Government House, we are promising that we are the servant to the people, it is important to be fit and healthy in this house, to know the importance of parliamentary systems,” Sir Michael said.

The East Sepik Governor will retire from politics after close to four decades representing his people.  

National Events and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed to Loop PNG that Tuesday’s Parliament sitting is dedicated to Sir Michael.

Tkatchenko said when parliament sits; Sir Michael will make his farewell speech as a Member of Parliament before Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and Speaker make their reply.

The East Sepik Governor’s Parliament farewell will be on April 4, when the house will stand in unity to commemorate the political life of the longest serving MP in the Commonwealth of Nations.

A public program for Port Moresby residents will happen on April 6 at the Constitution Park.

The East Sepik Provincial Government has a separate program to farewell their Grand Chief.

Sir Michael will turn 81 years of age on Sunday April 9.

This week will be the last sitting for the 9^th parliament before the country goes to the polls in June.