The autonomy of New Ireland Province is soon to be a reality.
Minister for Autonomy and Bougainville Affairs Steven Kama recently signed a declaration of commitment to autonomy withthe New Ireland Provincial Government.
All available resources and necessary legal steps to fulfillthe government’s commitment underthe Alotau Accord will be used to facilitate this transition.
Autonomy Committee Chairman Sir Noel Levi says he is ready to takethe next step to gain approval fromthe National Executive Council.
Meatime, asthe New Ireland province is moving to achieve political autonomytheir Governor Sir Julius Chan is facing a court challenge.
His position asthe governor has been challenge by a regional candidate Ian Ling-stuckey.
His court petition alleged thatthe disbursement of free and subsidized education and old age pension policies was used to bribe voters inthe province.
