Dr Roughan handpicked for the Secretary to PM and Cabinet

Firm critic on government policies, Dr. John Roughan has been offered a top job in the new Sogavare administration.

The founder and advisor of the country's biggest NGO, Solomon Islands Development Trust, SIDT has been handpicked by the government for the Secretary to Prime Minister and Cabinet post.

Dr. Roughan will be responsible for all government ministries, and ensure government policies are implemented.

He will also coordinate all permanent secretaries and their respective departments, according to a source familiar with the government system.

A strong advocator of rural development, Dr. Roughan told Solomon Star that his acceptance of the job offer is "[in his] believe in the government's rural development focus."

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in launching his government's policy framework recently said rural development is where the country's potential is, and his government "will bring major economic development to where the people are".

Dr. Roughan told Solomon Star that he was glad the government had finally realised the country's future lies in rural areas.

He will take up his new job on June 25.

source: PF Net (http://www.peoplefirst.net.sb/NEWS/News.asp?IDnews=6596)