By Jack Lapauve Jnr – EMTV News
New Ireland Province is on the path to achieving an autonomous government system.
This week, Inter Government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan signed an understanding for the decentralization of powers to New Ireland.
Governor Sir Julius Chan says the signing is significant, as the province prepares for autonomy.
The signing took place on Tangar Island, about 3 hours by boat away from the mainland.
Hundreds attended to witness this historic occasion. But it was extra special for Governor Chan. This was where his mother gave birth to him.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and senior Government Ministers of the cabinet attended to witness the handing down of powers to the New Ireland Provincial Government.
The signing indicates New Ireland’s dream to be autonomous. Governor Chan, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Inter Government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu signed to ink the path to autonomy.
Speaking to the locals, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the onus will be on the public service mechanism and people of New Ireland to drive the autonomy agenda forward.
New Ireland is the last of the 3 provinces chosen to see the decentralization of powers to the Provincial Government. Enga and East New Britain have signed theirs last month.
The signing was followed by traditional performances, and food sharing.
