Chan: Political integrity vital

 POLITICAL integrity at local level government level is the key to development, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan said.

He told his People’s Progress Party caucus meeting in Kavieng last Thursday: “We are a government for all the people. 

“Even those who did not support us in the general election are citizens of New Ireland and deserve the opportunity to improve their lives.”

When asked by party supporters about the distribution of project funds, he reminded party supporters: “I have always made it clear that those who share in the mission and vision of the Malagan Declaration will be given priority to services. PPP serves all the people of New Ireland equally, rich or poor, weak or strong.

“But, just as Peter O’Neill would not embrace Belden Namah in Cabinet, it will be difficult for me to appoint structure members to the provincial executive council. I believe in development and they believe in saucepans. 

“As elected representatives, we in PPP will look after those who believe in our vision.”

The meeting, organised by party executives Phillip Bartsaka, Simon Saro, Sam Vatnabar, Daniel Tomarai and Gertrude Salir, was held at Public Enterprises Minister Ben Micah’s hausboi at Kokop. 

The meeting also endorsed party candidates for this month’s LLG elections.

Provincial party vice-president Vatnabar said: “PPP has three New Ireland members in parliament and they are the voices of the people, focused on performing in accordance with the People’s Progress Party policies.

“It is a challenge to us at the LLG level to follow our MPs’ example.” 

Sir Julius said the LLG elections were critical for New Ireland, especially because of the increasing responsibility and revenue to the LLG and ward levels.