Chief Secretary Sir Zurenuoc apologizes to NCD Governor Parkop

CHIEF Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc has apologised to National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop on his political position, admitting he had made a blunder.

Sir Manasupe said his conversation with journalists last week was intended to differentiate between governors under the Organic Law on Provincial Government and Local Level Government and his position but obviously admitted he lost his way in the discussion.

He said in 2006, the National Capital District Commission Act was amended so that the regional member would be referred to under that Act as the Governor. "This has not changed," he added.

Mr Parkop had stood by this amendment, maintaining that he was "Governor of NCD".

Sir Manasupe said in a statement yesterday: "The National Capital District as our nation’s capital is unique.

"It is important to distinguish between the unique situation facing Port Moresby and the other challenges facing the Provinces. "I regret if my comments in relation to the regional member for the National Capital District caused any confusion or cause to Powes Parkop or his constituents. I only wished to clarify that the NCD is not a province governed by the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local level Governments.

"The National Capital District continues to be governed in accordance with its own unique legislation, the National Capital District Commission Act."

"Governor Parkop, my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by that article. "I am aware of the 2006 amendment and therefore the article is misleading.

"My conversation with reporters was intended to differentiate between Governors under the Organic Law on PGLLG in your position but obviously I lost my way in the discussion. I will tell media to retract it."