GOVERNMENT PAYMENT COMMITMENTS

Earlier on today the Presidential Advisor Mr. Peter Jacob following a cabinet meeting announced on behalf of the President His Excellency Sprent Dabwido and cabinet, the official appointment of the Hon. Baron Waqa member for Boe as the Minister for Nauru Fisheries.

Furthermore, Mr. Jacob also announced the Government commitment to partially paying out some outstanding salaries, royalties and land leases next week Wednesday 5, June 2013 till Friday 7, June 2013.  

Payment includes: -

Government land leases including the Regional Processing Centre

Government pending salaries amounting to $2 million

Eigigu Holdings Corporation pending salaries amounting to $300,000

RONPhos pending salaries amounting to $2.2 million

Following the outstanding royalties

My Jacob also announced that cabinet is also considering paying out the 2007 RONWAN no later than 30, June 2013.

Government salaries for the next pay week will be paid out a couple days earlier from Monday 3, June 2013.

APPOINTMENT OF THE HON. BARON WAQA, MP AS MINISTER FOR NAURU FISHERIES

His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido today has appointed the Hon. Baron Waqa member for Boe to be the Minister for Nauru Fisheries. Mr. Waqa is a prominent member of the former Scotty Government as the Minister for Education.

Mr. Waqa’s appointment in President Dabwido’s Government will ensure stability in the government and cabinet to maintain a quorum after the departure of the Minister for Finance the Hon. Roland Kun. Thus, the time is ticking and all candidates are all already out campaigning.

ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT

Today Thursday the 30^th of May 2013, His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido after the resignation of the Minister for Finance the Hon. Roland Kun has issued a public notice regarding the assignments of his Government ministerial portfolios. 

The President has appointed himself also as President to be the Minister for Finance & Sustainable Development and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade. 

Furthermore, the President has appointed the Minister for Health the Hon. Shadlog Bernicke to be the Minister for Justice & Border Control, Minister for Sports and Minister for Fisheries. 

Last and not least, the President appointed the Minister for Education the Hon. Aloysius Amwano also the Minister for Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation. 

All these ministerial assignments by the President are assigned in addition to each of the Ministers permanent portfolios, as they are previously held by Mr. Kun prior to his resignation. So stay tune, for more update. 

Resignation of the Minister for Finance

Yesterday Tuesday 28, May 2013, the Minister for Finance the Hon. Roland Kun has resigned the second time from his Ministerial post. The nature for his resignation is not stated, but was only announced by NTV News.

Thus, his second time departure from President Dabwido’s government comes as no surprise since, earlier he agreed to resign, only to re-accept the President's offer the second time. However, his departure cause no impact on the nation's current political position, since the country is already under a state of emergency (SOE), and will be going back to the poll next week Saturday 8, June 2013.  

Furthermore, the electoral role has closed at 12:00pm this afternoon and the opening of nominations. Names of nominees will be posted, once they are announced. 

PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION

THE CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION

DECLARATION OF STATEOF EMERGENCY UNDER ARTICLE 77

WHEREAS

A. The late dissolution of the 20th Parliament and subsequent established dates for electoral activities would result in Supply Appropriation not being made in time in accordance to law to enable Government departments to perform their normal functions.

B. Appropriation limits have been reached across a number of sectors and therefore Government no longer has legal authority to effect payment to maintain all government’s functions. This includes the payment of some urgent overseas referrals, hospital meals as well as a number of critical needs.

C. Nauru cannot function without the legal authority for Government to fund these essential needs. Nauru must and shall continue to function. It is therefore necessary to place all functions, operations and finances of the Republic of Nauru under the direct control of the President, and I Order by this Proclamation, that all government departments, entities and instrumentalities including the Nauru Police Force and Reserve Member of the Force shall continue to function as normal and subject to direct orders of the President.

D. The situation has reached a state where Government cannot carry out its function in accordance with the Constitution and other laws and the only solution the Constitution provides for the situation, is through emergent and extraordinary measures.

E. The situation has been reviewed by the President and Cabinet and having been satisfied on the advice that I have received, that there now exists a grave threat to the economy and security of the Republic of Nauru, such as to justify the declaration of a state of emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, 

in accordance with Article 77 of the Constitution of Nauru, and in pursuance of the deliberations and decisions of the said meetings, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO,M.P, President of the Republic on Nauru and Chairman of the Cabinet, PROCLAIM, as follows:

1. A State of Emergency exists throughout Nauru.
2. That the Constitution of the Republic of Nauru shall remain in place except for those Articles of the Constitution, specifically excluded from the application and operation by Presidential Order made under Part IX of the Constitution.
3. This Proclamation shall come into force at once and may be extended by further proclamations.

DECLARED AT NAURU this Twenty Seventh day of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 1

AUTHORISATION OF TREASURY PAYMENTS

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY order and authorise the withdrawals of monies from the Treasury Fund to meet expenditures for the purposes and in accordance with the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2013 approved by Cabinet on May 27th 2013.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 2

WRIT FOR A GENERAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

TO: RETURNING OFFICER,

GREETING!

FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY ON MAY 27, 2013 EXERCISED UNDER PART IX OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NAURU. THIS IS TO COMMAND YOU TO CAUSE ELECTIONS TO BE MADE TO ELECT MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO SERVE IN THE TWENTY FIRST PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAURU AND I APPOINT JUNE 8TH 2013 TO BE THE DATE WHEN THE POLL FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE SAID ELECTIONS SHALL BE TAKEN.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AT NAURU THIS 27thDAY OF MAY 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 3

ELECTION DATES

By virtue of the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY order and declare that the dates for the General Elections be as follows:-

Date of Issues of President’s Writ                 -             27th May 2013

Closure of the Electoral Rolls                         -             29th May 2013 (12.00 noon)

Nominations Open                                           -             29th May 2013 (12.00 noon)

Nomination Close                                            -             1st June 2013 (12.00 noon)

Last date of Withdrawal of Nomination         -              5th June 2013 (5.00 P.M.)

Polling Day                                                       -              8th June 2013 (11.00 A.M. – 6.00 P.M.)

Insofar as any part of section of the Electoral Act or any other law is inconsistent with this order, it is to the extent necessary, hereby be suspended.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 4

APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICER

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY appoint Mr. Bernard Grundler, the Acting Chief Secretary to be the Returning Officer to conduct a General Election to elect members of Parliament to serve in the Twenty First Parliament of the Republic of Nauru.

GIVEN under my hand this 27th day of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 5

APPOINTMENT OF ELECTORAL REGISTRAR AND DEPUTY ELECTORAL REGISTRAR

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY make the following appointments for the General Election to elect members of Parliament to serve in the Twenty First Parliament of the Republic of Nauru.

1. Mr. Antonius A. Maybir as Electoral Registrar
2. Ms. Ophelia Caleb as Deputy Electoral Registrar

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 6

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICERS

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY appoint Mr. Sasi Kumar and Mr. Michael Cain to be the Deputy Returning Officers for the General Election to be held on June 8th, 2013 to elect members of Parliament to serve in the Twenty First Parliament of the Republic of Nauru.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 7

REFERENCE TO SUPREME COURT

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY order and declare that all rights and obligations conferred upon the citizens of Nauru under the Constitution or any other law on Nauru, to refer to the Supreme Court any question regarding any Articles of the Constitution or to initiate any proceedings in the Supreme Court are hereby revoked, unless expressly ordered under my hand.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 8

REMOVAL OF SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER

Despite all the efforts that have need made to dissolve the 20th Parliament in an orderly fashion that would take into consideration the timely dates to avoid Elections disrupting the budgetary process. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Landon Deireragea, M.P and Speaker, Hon. Godfrey Thoma, M.P has deliberately and needlessly prolonged the dissolving of the 20th Parliament and refusing to comply with the Presidential letter of dissolution.

THEREFORE

In order to avoid further disruption to the Electoral process and also to allow clear passage of Presidential Order 2. I write to the Returning Officer by superseding any previous order by the Speaker. I therefore with immediate effect remove the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament from their respective offices.

GIVEN under my hand this 28th day of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, MP

PRESIDENT

STATE OF EMERGENCY

Today the 27^th of May 2013, His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido declared a State of Emergency under Article 77 of the Constitution of Nauru. In his Address to the Nation, the President states two reasons for declaring a State of Emergency.

First the President said that there's foreseeable threat to the nation’s economic security, in relations to the insufficient funding to cater for the country’s expenditures under the Public Service such as the departmental expenses and overseas medical referrals as well as to purchasing of food supplies for the hospital.

The President also make it clear that these are expenditures that can only be released from the treasury funds under the certificate of the Speaker of Parliament under article 59 of the Constitution of Nauru, but at this stage, while there is no parliament to transact any business due to the dissolution that took place last week, the President have no other options, but to call for a State of Emergency to give him sufficient powers to ensure that these expenditures are met.

Secondly the President has made it clear that due to the delay of the dissolution process of the 20^th parliament, the House has caused the two dates for election to be overlapped. Thus, the President said, he has shorten the election period from that which has been previously announced by the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma which is to fall on the 22^nd of June 2013, to an earlier date which is the 8^th of June 2013. The President said the purpose of calling an early election is to avoid the overlap with the budgetary processes. 

The President appealed to the people of Nauru for their understanding and support in this move, as it is very important to keeping the country to run smoothly. In conclusion the President said that he will be issuing Presidential Orders including the authorization of the State of Emergency and the new election date via government gazette. 

DISSOLUTION OF THE 20TH PARLIAMENT OF NAURU

DISSOLUTION OF 20TH PARLIAMENT OF NAURU

Article 41(4) of Constitution of Nauru

Preamble

1 On 15 April 2013, the President advised former Speaker, Honourable Ludwig Scotty MP, to dissolve Parliament.

2 On 18 April 2013, Honourable Ludwig Scotty MP resigned after delivering the President’s advice to Parliament.

3 On 25 April 2013 Honourable Godfrey Thoma MP was elected Speaker.

4 Parliament could not proceed due to lack of quorum on the afternoon of 25 April 2013 and on 26 April 2013, 30 April 2013, 2 May 2013, 7 May 2013, 9 May 2013 and 14 May 2013.

5 On 16 May 2013 Parliament met. A member sought leave to move an Article 24 motion but leave was not granted and Parliament resolved not to suspend standing orders in order to allow the motion to be moved without notice.

6 Parliament could not proceed due to lack of quorum on 21 May 2013 and 23 May 2013.

7 Article 41(4) requires the Speaker to dissolve Parliament on the 7th day after the advice of the President has been referred to Parliament if no resolution for the removal from office of the President and Ministers under Article 24 is approved after the date on which the advice was so referred.

8 In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court of Nauru in Keke and Others v Scotty and Others (No 2) [2013] NRSC 3, the 7th day for the purposes of Article 41(4) is 23 May 2013, being the 7th day after Parliament had an opportunity to make a resolution under Article 24.

Dissolution

Pursuant to Article 41(4) of the Constitution of Nauru, I dissolve the 20th Parliament of Nauru.

Hon Godfrey Thoma MP

Speaker of Parliament

23 May 2013

WRIT FOR A GENERAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF NAURU

Electoral Act 1965—section 15(1)

To the Returning Officer

This is to command you to cause elections to be made according to law of members to serve in Parliament for the Republic of Nauru, and I appoint 22 June 2013 to be the date when the poll (if any) for the purposes of the elections will be taken.

GIVEN under my hand at Nauru, this 23 May 2013.

Hon Godfrey Thoma MP

Speaker of Parliament

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF NAURU

Electoral Act 1965—section 15(2)

1 On 23 May 2013, Honourable Godfrey Thoma MP, Speaker of Parliament, issued a writ for a general election to me as Returning Officer under section 15(1) of the Electoral Act 1965.

2 The polling day for the general election is Saturday 22 June 2013.

Polling will open at 11am and close at 6pm.

3 The nomination day for the general election is Saturday 8 June 2013.

Candidates may be nominated from midday on Saturday 1 June 2013 until midday on Saturday 8 June 2013.

A person who has been nominated as a candidate may withdraw by notice in writing given to the Returning Officer before 5pm Friday 14 June 2013.

4 The rolls will be closed for the election at midday on Saturday 1 June 2013.

Bernard Grundler

Returning Officer

NAURU APPEAL FOR NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES ASSISTANCE TO HELP FIND IT TWO MISSING FISHERMEN

The Commissioner of Police Mr. Richard Britten was interviewed by Nauru Media on NTV News regarding the incident that occurred on Friday 10, of May 2013, where two local fishermen at the age of around 19 and 13 (boys) went missing in the sea and were haven’t been found till today.

According to Mr. Britten he said on Friday morning he had ordered all their three rescue boats for the search whole day and there was no success. The Commissioner said that he had spoken to the parents of the two boys that soon he will be calling off the search operation since it has taken more than three days with no positive sign on ground search.

Mr. Britten said he has contacted all Aviation controls from neighbouring countries to keep an eye on these two boys in the sea, and if possible to call for their rescue as soon as possible.  

The Commissioner said he is aware of the Fisheries Safety Regulations in place, but really the responsibility is in the hands of every fisherman in Nauru to ensure that they are able to have basic emergency equipment on-board such as life jacket and radio before going out for fishing because of emergencies.

However, besides the Commissioner’s message the parents, families and friends of the two missing boys urged everyone for their assistance in allocating and rescuing these two fishermen.

If you see this blog, please help spread this news to your local media and news stations close to Nauru for help. 

NO QUORUM IN PARLIAMENT

After the short progress of parliament last week to move the dissolution notice of the President His Excellency Sprent Dabwido, the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma adjourned the house after two members left the chamber, leaving the house with a less number to convene a quorum.

Today the Speaker has to adjourn Parliament again, due to no quorum, as the number required to quorum parliament is one half of the total members of parliament to attend which is nine out of eighteen.

Those turning up for the meeting today include the Acting President Roland Kun, Hon Frederick Pitcher, Hon. Landon Deireragea, Hon. Dr Kieren Keke and Hon. Dominic Tabuna, total five. 

The President His Excellency Sprent Dabwido and one of his Cabinet Ministers the Hon. Riddell Akua are both off island on official government business. 

Thus the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma begin parliament with a word of prayer and then announced that there was no quorum, so he adjourned the House til Thursday, 23 May 20131, at 2.00pm.

GROUNDBREAKING IN NAURU POLITICS

After a long political saga in Nauru Politics, some groundbreaking move finally took place yesterday where the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma has been able to convene a quorum in parliament to officially announce the beginning of the seven days count down for the dissolution of the 20th Parliament.

Members attending parliament includes: the Acting President the Hon. Roland Kun, Hon. Ludwig Scotty, Hon. Mathew Batsiua, Hon. Landon Deireragea, Hon. David Adeang, Hon. Valdon Dowiyogo, Hon. Kieren Keke, Hon. Dominic Tabuna and Hon. Frederick Pitcher. The meeting was convened in the absence of His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido and the Honourable Minister for Transport Riddell Akua. Both Cabinet members are overseas on official Government business.

The Speaker first opened up the meeting with a word of prayer and then immediately proceeds on with the tabling of the President’s dissolution advice in accordance with Article 41, to allow members to pass a resolution under Article 24 to remove the president and his cabinet from office. The Speaker after referring the advice of the President to Parliament opens the floor for debate.

The member for Ubenide Hon. Frederick Pitcher then rise on a point of clarification asking the Speaker if whether the President’s advice is debatable, since there is no question put. The Speaker said yes, the President’s dissolution notice is open for debate.

The member for Yaren Hon. Keiren Keke, then rise on a point of order, advising the Speaker that he is in agreement with his colleague Mr. Pitcher, seeking guidance from the Chair to clarify if whether there is a question to be put forward by the Chair to allow members to debate the motion.

The Speaker then informed the house that if there is no debate, the house should proceed on with its normal business, while at the same time the seven days period for dissolution countdown has begun.

The member for Ubenide the Hon. Frederick Pitcher then sought leave to move a motion of no confidence in the president and his cabinet under Article 24.

The Speaker put the question, and leave is not granted.

The member then moved another motion to suspend relevant Standing Orders to allow the motion under Article 24 to proceed. A division was called on the question to suspend relevant standing orders and a ballot took place.  

The results were, five members voted in favour to suspending relevant standing orders and four against.

The Speaker then declared that the motion is carried, then the member for Ubenide the Hon. David Adeang then rise on a point of order and advised the Speaker to give example of any precedent that allows a nominal number in parliament to carry forward such motion.

The Speaker then accepted the advice of the member for Ubenide and then shortly, the House lost quorum, with the members of Ubenide the Hon. David Adeang and the Hon. Valdon Dowiyogo left the Chamber.

The Speaker Hon. Godfrey Thoma, before adjourning the house till Tuesday 21st of May 2013, confirmed that the House will be dissolved after seven days. 

Nauru Parliament Continues To Play Hide & Seek

Earlier on today at 11:00am parliament resumes and still no quorum, thus the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma has adjourned the house till Thursday 16, May 2013 at 10:00am. 

The Speaker Hon. Godfrey Thoma urges members to attend parliament

The Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma announced on Nauru Bulletin and NTV News that after the last parliamentary sitting, there were not enough members attending the sitting to convene a quorum so the house has been adjourned till 3:00pm in the afternoon, which unfortunately, still no members turned up.

Thus the Speaker said that he has taken note that some members had informed him of their intended absence due to illness, while many others have not. Therefore, the Speaker said that the Constitution of Nauru is very clear under Article 32(1), (d) that:

“A member of parliament vacates his seat if he is absent without leave of parliament on every day on which a meeting of parliament is held during a period of two months.”

Therefore, the Speaker said, since his appointment as the Speaker of Parliament on Thursday 25, April 2013, following the resignation of former Speaker the Hon. Ludwig Scotty on 18 April. Article 32 of the Constitution deals with the various ways a Member of Parliament vacates their seat.

According to the Speaker he said that, all the members were present on the 25, April 2013 and hence the continuing absence of some still falls within this two month period. However, the two-month deadline will not be reached because the parliament will automatically dissolve on the 21, June 2013 the date which marks the end of its three-year term.

In conclusion the Speaker inform the public that he will continue to call parliament and hope that members end the current impasse by attending and ensuring a quorum to enable debate on the President’s advice to dissolve parliament to proceed as required by Article 41 of the Constitution. 

OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN MR. BATSIUA SPOKE TO NAURU MEDIA

The Hon. Matthew Batsiua was interviewed during the weekend by Nauru media on NTV News and Mr. Batsiua said; the most credible way to resolve the current parliamentary impasse is for His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido to refer the matter to the Supreme Court.

According to Mr. Batsiua he believed that what their party is doing is right and that is to reconvene parliament to debate the President’s dissolution notice issued to the Speaker of Parliament on Thursday 18, of April 2013, in compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court.

Mr. Batsiua said; it is an honorary thing to do if parliamentarians have any arisen questions under the constitution, to get the Supreme Court’s interpretation. In conclusion, Mr. Batsiua said; their party is willing to accept any Supreme Court decision to 

Naoero Public Health Centre Public Notice: Diarrhoea cases

The Naoero Public Health Centre has issued a public notice through Nauru Media, Nauru Television news and Government Information office that there is a concern over the increasing of diarrhoea cases being received at RON hospital. Therefore the Naoero Public Health Centre has advises the public that if a child has diarrhoea, they must immediately refer the child to the hospital. 

The Naoero Public Health has also issued a checklist for the communities to identify the symptoms of diarrhoea: 

1.   Sunken eyes

2.   Not drinking or eating well

3.   Skin pinch – skin goes back slowly

4.   Irritable and crying for no reason.

Along with that, the Naoero Public Health has raise awareness on how to prevent diarrhoea from becoming worse: 

1.   Wash your hands with soap before eating and after toilet

2.   Cover food with a food cover and keep it away from flies

3.   Boil all drinking water and store in clean holding containers

4.   Check and cleanse your water tank regularly.

RHD VISITING TEAM

The Ministry of Health has appointed a medical team with overseas experts to visit the schools to check-up the children’s hearts for signs of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease.The proposed school based screening process for Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease is schedule to take place on the 10th of May 2013 till the 15th of May 2013.

Given the significant level of rheumatic heart disease and its complications in Nauru, the Ministry desires to prioritize the vaccination program on those at the age of 3, 6, and 9.The Ministry urged Parents and Guardians to bring their children to the schools during the screening at the times allocated for their schools.

NAURU PARLIAMENT CONTINUING DEADLOCK

Parliament meets again twice today at 10:00am and at 3:00pm and still not enough members attending the sittings to obtain quorum. Thus still Nauru continuation of parliamentary business notably the second dissolution advice made by President Sprent Dabwido on 15^th April 2013. 

Therefore the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma uses the opportunity to advise the public that all statements made by his office would be made available to the public through the Clerk of Parliament. He also welcomes anyone with questions and enquiries regarding the current parliamentary situation to request an appointment with him in writing to the Clerk of Parliament.

The Speaker also read the letter he had written to President Dabwido on Friday 3, May 2013 which states:

“The current impasse can be very easily remedied, simply by you [the President] and your Cabinet colleagues attending the next sitting of Parliament,... thereby ensuring that there is a quorum and that debate can proceed”.

In the Speaker’s letter to His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido, he clearly outline that all members are keen to dissolved parliament and call for a general election. But unless there is a quorum in Parliament and members are given the opportunity to debate the dissolution advice.

The Speaker also gave a summary of the sittings since the president’s second letter to dissolve parliament on Monday 15, April 2013 and reminding the House of the lack of progress made by members to date.

Mr Thoma said that if the President or Cabinet took the matter to the Supreme Court, he would abide by any ruling or opinion from the Supreme Court. 

Speaker Thoma then adjourned the House until Thursday 9 May at 10.00am. 

THE SPEAKER'S ADDRESS TO PARLIAMENT

Earlier on today Parliament met twice at 10.00am and at 3.00pm but still no quorum.

Thus the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Godfrey Thoma informed the house that while parliament is not progressing, His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido has made a statement on Nauru media that the matter of dissolution will be again referred to the Supreme Court as early as next week.

Therefore the Speaker Hon. Godfrey Thoma said, he wondered why the referral was not made this week.

Thus Speaker said; he will continue to abide by the ruling of the Supreme Court in the interpretation of the Constitution under Article 41 (1) that the House cannot dissolve until members are allowed to debate on the dissolution notice.

                                                                          

The Speaker further state that while members are very eager to go to the poll, first the dissolution process must be done appropriately and lawfully. But taking into count the current situation, it is not possible for the dissolution of parliament to kick in, given the failure of members to attend.

Therefore the Speaker, reminded members that parliament cannot deviate from the Supreme Court ruling and must follow it accordingly. 

H.E SPRENT DABWIDO INTERVIEW WITH NAURU MEDIA

His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido was interviewed by Nauru Media yesterday on the current political situation and the President said; the opportunity has been placed before the opposition on three separate occasions to move Article 24 and yet they failed. He said; these occasions include Thursday 18, April 2013, Tuesday 23, April 2013 and again on Thursday 25, April 2013, where parliament was convened with all members attending.     

Therefore the President said; before Mr. Scotty resigned from office as Speaker of Parliament on April 18, 2013, he had referred the dissolution advice to parliament as stated under Article 41 (4) of the Constitution of Nauru which states:

“Where the Speaker has, under clause (2.) of this Article, referred the advice of the President to Parliament, and no resolution for the removal from office of the President and Ministers under Article 24 is approved after the date on which the advice was so referred, he shall dissolve Parliament on the seventh day after that date.”

Thus, the President said; this process is done. The Speaker has referred the dissolution notice to parliament and within the seven days period, parliament is unable to adopt a resolution under article 24, to remove the government.

Therefore, from the date of which the dissolution notice is referred to parliament, till the parliamentary sitting on Thursday 2, May 2013, the whole day till midnight, which is the last day of the seven day period, parliament fails to adopt a resolution. Thus, now the whole political drama is over and whatsoever is happening in parliament this week will be unconstitutional. 

In conclusion the President said; the Speaker of Parliament is given till next week to issue the dissolution writ, or else will be challenged in the Supreme Court for the breaching of the Constitution.