NEW MEMBERS OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION SWORN IN

Three new members of the Public Service Commission were sworn in today.

The appointees are Olandina Caeiro, a women’s activist, Eugenio Pires, a poet and former civil servant, and Pedro Braga, an engineer and the current Director of UNTAET’s Post and Telecommunications Service.

"Your task is extremely important for the future of democracy," Deputy SRSG Jean-Christian Cady said to the members of the Commission. "It is going to be a heavy task because in a short period of time we shall recruit a great number of civil servants."

The Public Service Commission consists of seven members – two internationals and five Timorese – and is tasked with setting up the framework of the East Timorese Civil Service, including selecting suitable employees, defining salary scales, establishing public holidays etc.

The other members of the Commission are Etelvina Lebre, Duarte Nunes, Father Aureo Gusmão and Cecilio Adorna.

The three new members are replacing Andrew Whitley, Mariano Lopes and Guilhermina Saldanha.