Newly elected Malaitan Premier Peter Chanel Ramohia has appointed his new executive members over the weekend.
There are 16 ministerial portfolios in the provincial executive block.
The line-up is as follows:
– Japhelet David Sau – Minister for Forestry, Mines and Energy,
– Honourable Joe Heroáu – Minister for Finance and Administration,
– John Laisy – Minister for Agriculture and Livestock,
– Finly Fiumae – Minister for Eastern Regional Affairs,
– Felix Ngeno – Minister for Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Trade,
– Patrick Apua – Minister for Malaita Outer Islands Regional affairs,
– Randall Sifoni – Minister for Education and Human Resources,
– Martin Fini – Minister for Land Administration, Reform and Survey,
– Morris Houahe – Minister for Fisheries, Environment Management and Conservation,
– Francis Watelin – Minister for Southern Regional Affairs,
– Ezekiel Teusa – Minister for Women, Youth and Sport Development,
– Alick Butala – Minister for Public Works, Labour, Transport and Communication.
– Rose Liata – Community Health and Medical Services
– Reverend Michael Maeliáu – Minister for Northern Regional Affairs.
The only female member Rose Liata and Rev Michael Maliau were in the opposing camp during the premier’s election but were given portfolios as well.
Premier Ramohia polled 20 votes to win the seat over his contender Reverend Michael Maeliáu who polled 12 votes.
This means 6 other members who voted in the premier were left in the backbench.
When asked about the decision, the Premier Hon. Ramohia explained it’s a matter of power sharing.
“I want to see power equally shared amongst the assembly members.”
“More so it’s a way to see that every member from each region is represented in the ruling provincial government side to ensure forward movement on issues we will tackle.”
Premier Ramohia who is a marine biologist by profession added there will be no place in his government for preferential treatment and regionalism.
The Deputy Premier who also holds the Provincial Minister for Regional Affairs, Housing, and Provincial Services is yet to be confirmed.
An insider revealed that it is a tough decision for the premier who needs to discuss with the two who are vying for the post, Alick Maeaba and new comer Malcolm Moli.
“The Premier will discuss with the two to reach a compromise.”
For those without portfolios, they will in for the Special Duties post and Provincial Minister for Development planning, Institutional Strengthening, Projects and Central Region Affairs.
By TEDDY KAFO
In Auki