Major changes in military, housing

THE government has revoked the appointments of four senior military officers but has not given any reason for it.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the officers should be placed under the office of the chief of staff and to carry out such duties and responsibilities as assigned.
The officers are:
lCol Vagi Oala as joint task force commander;
lCapt (Navy) Max Aleale as chief of operations;
lCol Joseph Fabila as support commander; and
lCol Tokam Jethro Kanene as defence attaché to Indonesia.
O’Neill said Oala, Aleale and Kanene should report to the chief of staff.
The National Executive Council also endorsed the appointments of board members of several statutory bodies.
O’Neill said cabinet had also revoked the appointment of Michael Pearson as acting chairman of the Teaching Services Commission and appointed Baran Sori to act in that position for three months until a permanent appointment was made.
The NEC appointed Faye Zina-Lalo, Angela Gima Mageto and Eno Daera as members of the
National Housing Corporation board.
O’Neill said Lalo, Mageto and Daera were persons with professional experience and who had been recommended by the NHC.
“They will serve as board members for three years each.”
He also announced the promotion and appointment of:
lLt-Col Otto Pandum to the rank of colonel and as defence attaché to Indonesia; and
lCommander (navy) Thomas Raivet as captain (navy) and chief of defence intelligence.
He said the following were also appointed:
lCol Ray Numa as training commander;
lCol Walter Enuma as chief of operations;
lCol Joseph Ben as support commander;
lCol Gilbert Toropo as joint task force commander; and
lCol Joseph Fabila as defence attaché to Australia. 
 “I congratulate all those who have been appointed to the various positions and I trust that you will do your best to serve the interest of our people,” O’Neill said.