The East New Britain Provincial Government held its final sitting of the current ENB Provincial Assembly last month, April, at the Gazelle International Hotel in Kokopo, East New Britain. The sitting formally endorsed three government business papers and marked the official farewell of the eighteen Local Level Government Presidents serving as members of the East New Britain Provincial Assembly. The government business papers passed during the assembly include: • The establishment of the ENBP Implementation and Management Unit (ENB – PIMU), • Status progress report on the NGI Referral Hospital • Status of ENB Early Childhood Education (ECE) formerly Bismarck as an agency of ENB Provincial government and request for registration with DHERST. ENB Provincial Member and Chairman of the Provincial Assembly, Michael Marum, in his address, commended the eighteen LLG Presidents for their support since he assumed office in 2022. Governor Marum said the LLG presidents had been active members of the assembly and had played an integral role in the numerous Provincial Executive Council decisions. He acknowledged that their journey had been marked by a fair share of debates and differences. “What unites us is our shared commitment to the advancement of East New Britain.” He also stated that the provincial government has made progress in various sectors in infrastructure, education, agriculture and tourism and added that law and order remain a top priority. “We have instituted targeted interventions in high-risk areas, reinforced community policing initiatives, and broadened our youth engagement programs to mitigate crime and foster social responsibility.” “These initiatives are supported by both national and local partners, underscoring our collective commitment to restoring peace and ensuring safety throughout the province.” In attendance at the assembly were member for Rabaul district, Doctor Allan Marat as well as member for Kokopo district Ereman Tobaining Jnr, and member for Pomio district and Minister for Health, Elias Kapavore. Member for Gazelle and Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mr. Jelta Wong, was absent due to work commitments. Meanwhile, Pomio MP Elias Kapavore, expressed similar sentiments in commending the LLG Presidents for their active role in the Provincial Assembly. “Some of you will return, while others will move on. We extend our best wishes to each of you in defending your respective LLG seats.” Furthermore, the next sitting is scheduled for September this year, during which newly elected Provincial Assembly members will be sworn in. The number of LLG Presidents represented in the Provincial Assembly will increase from eighteen to twenty-three, following the creation of five new LLGs that will be contested in the upcoming election.