JONESTON QUESTIONED LEGALITY OF PROVINCIAL MEETING

Flag of Rennell and Bellona Province. Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Former Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province Timothy Joneston has questioned the legality of the recent decision of Rennel and Bellona Provincial Speaker Mr Dictor Maitagi to appoint a series of provincial
meetings without the premier’s authorisation.

Mr Joneston says according to the Provincial Act 1997, the Speaker’s decision is illegal.

Mr Joneston explains this is because only the premier has the discretionary power to convene any provincial meeting. The speaker’s role is to facilitate it.

“But one thing is that standing orders are clear just like the National Government. Business is for the Premier’s. If he wants to call the Assembly that’s at his discretion, facilitated by the Speaker, just like that, but it’s very interesting in a sense that the Speaker was the one who called for the meeting.”

SIBC News understands Rennel and Bellona Provincial leadership is recently debated during last week’s meeting.