Former Nusa Roviana MPA wins election as Speaker of the Western Provincial Assembly, vows to perform to his best
THE newly elected Speaker of the Western Provincial Assembly (WPA) is Ramrahka Aquila Talasasa.
The former Western Provincial Assembly Member for Ward 16 – Nusa Roviana- was elected during the election of a new Speaker yesterday.
Mr Talasasa was elected ahead of former Chief Tourism Officer, Jeffrey Patovaki Jnr by 23 votes to 1 vote.
During the election at the Chacha Conference Building in the Western Provincial capital, Gizo, only two MPAs were absent.
Talasasa had served as MPA for Ward 17 since 2013 when he secured the seat in a bye-election after his father who was the MPA died.
Mr Talasasa also served as the Chairman of the Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PPAC) in 2018.
He was also the Deputy Premier after Premier David Gina was ousted last year in a motion of no confidence.
In his maiden speech, Mr Talasasa thanked the Western Provincial Assembly members for the trust and confidence they have in him to lead the assembly.
“It’s a very great honour for me to be elected as the new Speaker of Western Province and so I will continue to serve our province to the best of my ability by fulfill my duties.
“I’ve served this province for some time now and I will do my utmost best as I continue to serve in my new position as Speaker,” he said.
Meanwhile, nomination for the premiership is now open ahead of the election this Friday, 6 January 2023.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
