Highlanders in charge of the government

THE prime minister gave the finance and treasury portfolio to Peter O’Neill in the recent ministerial reshuffle because he has been consistent, stable and done a good job thus far in the public service ministry.
The offer of the finance and treasury portfolio is not only a promotion, but more importantly, a vote of confidence on his ability to do the job.
The decision by the PM is not politically motivated and engineered to suit political convenience, but rather, a decision made on merit.
The ministry of finance and treasury is the third most senior position after the deputy prime minister.
The deputy PM is Don Polye.
If you look at it, highlanders are now in charge of the government.
This is not surprising as the region is the economic base of PNG.
Politically, it is good too because the region is providing the pillar and foundation to the Somare government.
The people of Southern Highlands and Hela are glad and happy to have five senior government ministries – finance, treasury, education, public service and climate change.
Sir Michael Somare is rewarding the province for its natural resources (PNG LNG project) as well as the political support and marriage that Governor Anderson Agiru and his brothers continue to provide him.
We urge the PM to stay on until 2012.

Wamne Epesi
Kagua, SHP