THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has made several changes following the resignation of Calrick Runimetu as Deputy Premier and Finance Minister on Monday.
The changes saw a new Deputy Premier, a Finance Minister and a new Culture and Tourism Minister being sworn-in on Tuesday.
The resignation of Runimetu, who cited underutilization in his role as Finance Minister as one of the reasons for his resignation, led to minor ministerial portfolio changes to the Premier Billy Veo executive.
The Minister for Culture and Tourism Ron Kituru Ghemu was moved to the Finance Ministerial portfolio, while the MPA for Nono Ward (Ward 22), Eric Hitu, joined Premier Veo’s executive as the new Minister for Culture and Tourism. The Minister for Transport, Works and Communication, Brian Lotikena has taken on additional responsibility as Deputy Premier.
In a swearing-in ceremony conducted for the new Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Western Provincial Assembly Speaker Ramrakha Talasasa wished the MPA for Nono Ward the very best in his new role.
Mr Ramrakha urged Minister Hitu to look at his role more broadly.
Minister Hitu, in turn, thanked Premier Veo and the executive for taking him on board.
He said he is well prepared to work with the executive members and the Western Provincial Government administration.
Minister Hitu said through the political challenges, he believes the executive can endure.
Premier Veo informed the media and other personnel who attended the swearing-in ceremony that the reshuffle was made after much consultation with his executive.
“It was after much consultation before I made such appointments. Consultation is key and I’m always engaged in it,” Premier Veo said.
Premier Veo highlighted that his appointment of Lotikena as Deputy Premier and Ghemu as Minister for Finance was influenced by his belief in grooming new leaders to take up key portfolios.
“Over the past two years, I’ve been working on grooming new leaders in the provincial government.”
On that note, Premier Billy Veo called for support for Lotikena in his new role.
Premier Veo said he is confident that his executive is still strong and has the numbers to continue ruling.
Premier Veo rubbished reports alleging that four of his executive members would resign soon.
“Our current number is 14 and we’re still strong and united. Our focus now is on passing the revised budget and on the mid-term review on 28th October,” he added.
Premier Veo thanked the WPG administration team for their work and urged them to remain neutral when it comes to politics.
He advised his executive members that politics is a double-edged knife, adding that, “please be watchful in your roles. Your actions and decisions while performing your duty can impact your role and career.”
By addressing the political hiccup, the Western Provincial Executive will resume business as usual today and is expected to discuss matters related to energy tomorrow.
Meanwhile, an important immediate task ahead of the new Deputy Premier Lotikena is travelling to China with other provincial government delegates.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
