Clerk eager to work with Speaker

 By JEFFFREY ELAPA

THE new clerk to Parliament, Vela Konivaro took his oath of office before Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio yesterday at Government House.

Konivaro, the former second legislative counsel who was behind the drafting of the controversial legislations during the 2011 political impasse, was appointed clerk for a period of six years starting on May 1, 2013.

He was appointed by the National Executive Council to replace Don Pandan whose term expired last year.

Konivaro was the second legislative counsel at the office of the Prime Minister when the government of Sir Michael Somare was overthrown in parliament.

He comes from Tauruba village, Rigo, in the Central province.

Konivaro said he was prepared to work with Speaker of Parliament Theo Zurenuoc in his modernisation programme.

Konivaro said one of his aims was to fight corruption in parliament.

He said he was not new to drafting legislations and that he was prepared to assist the Speaker in running parliament with his experience as a top legal draftsman.

“I will be establishing good working relationships with the Speaker as the political head, the members of parliament and the staff of parliament,” he said.