Oala For Spc?

Oala Oala-Rarua, Papua-New Guinea’s Assistant Ministerial Member for the Treasury, is almost certain to be nominated by Australia for the post of sec retary-general of the South Pacific Commission. The post is vacant following the sudden death in February of Afioga Afoafouvale Misimoa. Misi m o a , a West Samoan, was the first Islander to have been appointed to the post, which is based in Noumea, and general feeling among SPC member governments is that another Islander should get the job.

Oala, a Papuan, approaching 37, has represented P-NG at the last two South Pacific Con ferences and is popular with some leaders. P-NG Administrator Johnson has supported Gala’s nomination, which will be dis cussed in Canberra, and if sup ported there, other member gov ernments will be sounded out for reaction. The secretary-general is usually appointed by agreement.

Stuart Inder.