THE national government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has endorsed Patrick Toiraena as the new Provincial Secretary (PS) for the Western Province.
MPGIS approved the endorsement and appointment based on the recommendation from the Western Provincial Government Executive.
Mr Toiraena will formally take up his new role once formalities with the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) are sorted out, a spokesperson from the MPGIS yesterday confirmed,
“Patrick Toiraena was appointed but pending formalities from MPS,” the officer said.
This means Toiraena’s appointment will come into effect once the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) formalises the endorsement and appointment.
Two candidates have been shortlisted and interviewed for the position.
However, Toiraena was given the preference because of his experience. Mr Toiraena has served in the position on acting basis for some time.
The Western Province PS position became vacant since the last holder of the position, Jeffrey Wickham retired in September last year. Mr Wickham contested the Provincial Election last December is now the new Member of the Provincial Assembly for Ward 16.
During the unpreceded long dissolution period of the Western Provincial Assembly from June to December last year, Mr Toiraena was tasked to take charge of the affairs and services of the Western Provincial Government.
Mr Toiraena has served as provincial government administrator for many years. He served as Deputy Provincial Secretary since his posting to Gizo.
In any provincial government administration, the provincial secretary oversees the implementation of government regulations and other Cabinet decisions by mainstreaming them into
the recurrent and capital development budgets of MPGIS and the nine provinces.
A provincial secretary also acts as a province’s registrar-general and is responsible for formal documents and records such as licences, birth and death certificates, land registries and surveys, business registrations and writs.
Mr Toiraena hails from Malaita Province.
By MOFFAT MAMU
