Three new board members of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) were officially sworn in today at NICTA’s Head Office in Port Moresby city.
It is a four (4) member board, headed by Mr. Brian Riches as the Board Chairman. The three members sworn in are Mr. Charles Chew as Independent Expert, Mr. Charlie Gilichibi as the Non-Executive Director and NICTA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Polume Lume as the Ex-Officio member of the Board.
In his welcome remarks to the new board members, Chairman Mr. Riches congratulated the three members on their appointment to join him on the board, especially the CEO Mr. Lume. He firmly believes that he is the right person, at the right place, and his appointment is right and timely.
He said, these three members are the right people for a time that is very exciting for Papua New Guinea. And with the people supporting them, the country needs the right people in the right place at this time, especially with what’s been going on recently in the public arena.
“I just have great faith in their capacity and ability to contribute to NICTA, in our decision making that has huge implications across our country and our people. We have the ability to make significant change to our lifestyle, and to our ability to just do normal day to day functions.”
“What I do wish to stress is that NICTA is in a state of change, in a time of significant strengthening in our capacity to support the ICT sector and support those that operate within the sector,” said Mr. Riches.
He further added that with this board in-place, the focus is now on restoring public trust and strengthening institutional governance and performance. He also pointed out that they will be focusing on good governance, accountability, and transparency, which he is very stern on.
“Quite frankly, the three members who are now being sworn in today, they do also have the same ethics and the same desire to do the best we possibly can, in the time that we have.”
“Our country is in the beginning of massive change, and the level playing field that we wish to bring to our ICT sector for all the operators within it should bring enormous benefits to each and every one of you, your family, your friends, your children and your grandchildren to come.”
“I affirm the board's support in practical reform, the internal coordination policy review and stronger legal and enforcement capability,” he said.
The board members were indorsed in a Dedication Prayer by Pastor Mathew Tapus from the Christian Apostolic Church, while the Official formalities of Oath taking and Affirmation of Office was facilitated by Mr. Billy Pidu – Senior Provincial Magistrate, NCD.
