BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
WESTERN province has a new Premier. He is David Gina, the provincial member for Munda ward 15.
Gina polled 15 votes defeating his only rival and provincial member for Nusa Roviana ward 16, Ramrakha Talasasa by 11 votes in a secret ballot presided by the Assembly Speaker and Clerk on Tuesday morning in Gizo.
Assembly Speaker, Kevin Paia declared the new Premier shortly after the election to the public outside the Western provincial government building.
leading the newly elected Premier to inspect the guide of honour on Tuesday.
Gina took his oath of allegiance before the Magistrate of Western province, Davis Vurusu after being declared winner.
He addressed public in his maiden speech, conveying his determination to accept and address the challenges of the premier’s post.
“Today we have come through due democratic processes and as has been announced, we now hold the mandate to govern the affairs of the people of Western province.
“As the person now chosen to lead and manage the affairs of our beautiful province, I am deeply conscious of the high honour the 10th Western Provincial Assembly have bestowed upon me.
“It is with humility, gratitude and honour that I sincerely thank the 26 members of the 10th Western Provincial Assembly for the trust and confidence rendered, in giving me this honour, to lead our prestigious and beautiful Western province.”
Gina succeeds former premier Wayne Maepioh who had lost his seat in last month’s elections.
He is the province’s 10th premier.
The executive lineup is expected to be made public tomorrow.
Gina (centre) elected then took
his oath of allegiance before the
Magistrate of Western Province,
Davis Vurusu left after being declared winner on Tuesday
