MSG CHAIR CLARIFIED AMENA YAUVOLI’s APPOINTMENT

Office of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Chair, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has clarified the appointment of the new Director-General (DG) of the MSG Secretariat, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli.

A statement this morning says the appointment is made within the requirements of the MSG Agreement and authority of the MSG Chair after consulting MSG leaders.

The Government of Vanuatu is disappointed over the appointment of the new MSG Director General, saying the proper process was not followed.

Vanuatu’s Daily Post article implies the appointment was in breach of the MSG Constitution.

But the Office of the MSG Chair explains, the process mentioned in the article can only apply to normal recruitment process of the DG when his contract comes to an end naturally.

It adds, only part of the recruitment process was published and therefore did not give a clear picture of the process.

The complete process of the recruitment of the DG commences six (6) months prior to the expiration of incumbent DG contract which cannot be applied when the incumbent Director General suddenly resigned in short notice.

Meanwhile, the statement confirms, appropriate legal advice was sought from the Secretariat on the authority of the MSG Chair to
appoint the DG.

The option available to the MSG Chair was to exercise his authority to fill the position immediately as required under the MSG Agreement.

It said Article 8 (8) allows the MSG Chair to make decisions on behalf of MSG on issues of urgency after consultations with his colleague Leaders.

The MSG Agreement does not say how consultation can be done but as along as the Chair consults with Leaders, he can exercise his authority.