President of the Nimamar LLG Stanley Tunut was officially sworn in as Chairman of Tourism & Culture, Youth, Sports & Religion on Monday 05 September 2022.
He takes over the portfolio from Kavieng Town Mayor Sikal Kelep who held the position since winning office in 2019.
Governor Sir Julius Chan when making the announcement said Tunut’s appointment was not a demotion for Kelep but rather a means to allow Kelep more space to carry out his duties as Mayor of Kavieng Urban. Stating it was rare to change appointments when the PEC member has been performing well.
“ We have discussed the increasing roles and responsibilities of your leadership as the Kavieng Town Mayor and custodian of our Capital City with the booming economy driven by business growth since this Government upgraded and continues to upgrade the infrastructures and municipalities with a greater focus on Tourism and Autonomy.
“It is with this foresight and our mutual understanding and your given consent that I relieve you of the responsibilities in the PEC as Chairman Youth, Sports, Tourism, and Culture & Religion.
“You have been a loyal and committed participant in the PEC. My Government will support you and together build your capacity to manage and run the township efficiently in line with the development aspirations of my Government,” said Sir J.
Tunut’s appointment allows for fair representation from the LLG’S and districts as per section 25 (6) of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local Level
Governments, which states, “The Governor shall appoint a Chairman for each committee under this section, but such appointment shall be made so as to ensure fair representation of the various electorates and districts within the province.”
Officiating at the swearing in ceremony was magistrate Patricia Tivese who called on the three arms of Government including Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary to work together for the betterment of society.
“The three arms of Government must work independently and in accordance with the law. As elected members you are mandated to carry the people’s burdens and to ensure our province progresses,” said Magistrate Tivese.