Gilberts Ready For Change

The Gilbert Islands, having achieved internal self-government in two stages (on November 1 and January 1), are now in the last stage of political development before inde pendence. And according to Chief Minister Naboua Ratieta, the country should not delay too long before

seeking full independence and control over its own destiny, The transition from colonial status has been comparatively smooth. The only major problem was the fear of the landowners of Ocean Island, the Banabans, about their future. It was because of these fears that the

appropriate Order-in-Council provided for internal self-government to come in in two stages.

The Banabans had persistently claimed that internal self-government would, in some way affect their position. That was not the case, but the British Government allowed the two months grace between November 1 and January Iso that the Ocean Island landowners could be convinced their fears were groundless. In any case the Order-m-Council safeguarded their position in accordance with an undertaking given by the old GEIC Government in 1947.

Under the first stage of internal selfgovernment a Minister of Finance replaced the expatriate Financial Secretary. That left the Attorney- General as the only expatriate in the Council of Ministers. Another provision is that the Governor, who presided over meetings of the Council of Ministers, no longer attends.

The Order-in-Council provided for an executive Public Service Commission to operate from January 1. The Governor is required to accept the recommendations of the Commission.

Mr Roniti Teiwaki, who was Minister for Education, Training and Culture, was appointed Minister of Finance and it fell to him in November to present the 1977 Budget to the House of Assembly. He was replaced in theeducation portfolio by Mr Ibeata

Tonganibeia.

Mr Ratieta strengthened the Council of Ministers by appointing Mr Teatao Tannaki as Minister of State in the Chief Minister’s office.