“Noken tru appointim ol wantok blo yu!” (Do NOT appoint your wantoks!)
This was the advice, from East Sepik Governor Allan Bird to his counterpart Provincial Heads on the appointment of Provincial Health Authority heads, following the passing of the Provincial Health Authorities Act [Amendment] 2023.
He stressed that this practice of appointing people in the will only set off a ticking time bomb which will lead to the downfall of any healthcare system in their respective provinces.
“That is the best recipe for failure! You want that thing to fail you markim ol boy blo yu!” (If you want to fail, appoint your own people.)
Upon stating this he urged all provincial heads to think carefully when making appointments for provincial entities and encouraged them to look for credible people to work with, who are capable to carry out the aims and visions of the people.
“Even people who have no connection with you.”
“Professional people who are successful, putim ol igo insait na let them manage these things because they also have an interest in good health services.”
He referenced his province and their experience in the last 6 years and the overall success of the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority which has led to developments in their health sector.