PM ASSURED N.C.W POLITICAL APPOINTEES MUST PROVE THEIR WORTH

National Council of Women President, Ella Kauhue making a point during the women’s presentation at the Prime Minister’s Office. Photo credit: OPMC.

National Council of Women President, Ella Kauhue making a point during the women’s presentation at the Prime Minister’s Office. Photo credit: OPMC.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured the National Council of Women (NCW) that political appointees must prove their worth under an annual performance contract when they are recruited if they are to retain their job.

A government statement said Mr Sogavare made the assurance when a group from NCW visited him and made a submission on women’s political participation and recommendations to the DCC government.

It said part of the submission states that proper scrutiny should be carried out of the persons listed on the unofficial list circulated by the social media and newspapers so that their appointments are justified.

It adds this should also be centered on service delivery and not merely the creation of another bureau institution with high salaries at the cost of poor mothers and families.

But Mr Sogavare said he acknowledged that the recruitment exercise is on-going regarding political appointment adding, the issue of political appointees could be better discussed when official appointments are made and duly announced by the government.

The Prime Minister said the issue that continues to surface in the media could be better debated once a formal announcement is made by the government as in its current stage, the appointments are not absolute further discussions only leave room for more speculation.

Meanwhile, Mr Sogavare told the women’s delegation that while the DCC government would welcome their submission, he contends that the discussion surrounding the ‘unsanctioned list currently in circulation is unnecessary, to say the least.

He said such discussions would only distract the public of other important activities the government is embarking on, such as the completion and the launching of the government’s policy document within its 50-days in office.

The NCW indicated to the Prime Minister that while they recommend that the number of political appointments be reduced, the women’s pressure group advocated for a Gender Focal Point Advisory position within the Prime Minister’s Office, the reappointment without condition of the former Clerk to Parliament Ms Taeasi Sanga, the appointment of a Policy Secretary for Women, Youth and Reconciliation at the Caucus Office and appointment of more women as Permanent Secretaries and High Commissioners.

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