Solomons

A Brand New

Look In The

The Solomon Islands' new Chief Minister, Mr Peter Keniloreu, has named his new Council of Ministers. Only two have held posts in a former council Mr P. Ghemu, who retains his portfolios of Foreign Trade, Industry and Labour, which he held under Mr Solomon Mamaloni, and Mr Mariano Kelesi, an old hand, who lost his seal to Philip Solodia in 1973 after holding it for 12 years. He becomes Minister for Education and Cultural Affairs.

The remainder of Mr Kenilorea’s coun cil art all new to the job; Mr Benedict Kinik , Minister for Finance; Mr J.

Tepaika, Minister for Works and Public Utilities; Mr F. Billy Hilly, Minister of Home Al a rs; Mr D. Ho'ola, Minister for Health and Welfare, and Mr S. Kelly, Minister for Agriculture and Land.

Unless the r.ew siationalisl Parly form ed by the trace unions wields more in fluence than its five elected members are likely to exert, the Solomons may continue to eschew party politics on which the West minster parliamentary system is based. Mr Kenilorea isn’t a party man. In fact, this is his first introduction to politics.

His first speech after his election might have sounded naive, but it also suggested the abolition of a recognised Opposition.

He and his Council of Ministers did not alone constitute the government, he said.

All the members of the Legislative Assembly were the government.

And everyone knew he meant it. Mr Kenilorea’s honesty is recognised and applauded by everyone. A Malaila man, aged 42, he was educated in New Zealand, qualified as a teacher and has worked as an education officer and district com missioner. His entry into politics was at the behest of many people.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, Mr Michael Somare, lost no lime in sen ding his congratulations to the new Chief Minister, hoped they could develop a “close working relationship’’ and invited him to make an early visit to PNG.

Mr Somare and his ministers have been worried over the Solomons’ future.

Privately, they don’t think their neighbours are fully prepared lor in dependence and fear the creation next door of a power vacuum.

Australia’s Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Fraser, also sent his good wishes and assured Mr Kenilorea of “Australia’s willingness to provide continuing assistance to your country’s progress and development.