Country Party appoints new executives

THE PNG Country Party has announced the release of former leader Jamie Maxtone-Graham and Jim Nomane.
Country Party acting president Nelson Duwabane announced that the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission had approved the release of Maxtone-Graham and Nomane.
Goroka MP and Environment and Conservation Minister Thompson Harokaqveh is the new party leader.
Duwabane said Harokaqveh, who was recognised by Speaker Jeffrey Nape last week, would lead the party into the elections and thanked all members for their contributions in building the party from 2005.
He said the executives, members and supporters stood ready to support the parliamentary wing.
Party secretary Wilson Thompson Orlegge announced vacancies in the executive had been filled with the election of Kilroy Genia as president and Ron Amajagipo as the church representative.
“Genia is from a rural district and is well versed with the party philosophy and aspirations,” Orlegge said.
“With his experience in public service and as former MP for Abau and senior ministries, this will complement the national executives and parliamentary wing to take the Country Party forward.”
Orlegge said the party had established women’s, youth, Young Country and Rural wings.
“We want to open membership as much as possible to ensure we develop a layer of party cadres and crop of candidates for tasking on leadership role in the party and country.”
He said the party had an election platform that was formulated after consultation with the National Research Institute.
It focuses on its original 10-point plan in 1974, which touches on the use of customary land, agriculture and primary industry and rural development.