Posts

Douglas Tomuriesa, Pope Francis and James Marape

-
Image
  Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa said he is disappointed and embarrassed over the way His Holiness Pope Francis was treated by Prime Minister James Marape over the last three-days during the Papal visit, and the lack of courtesy and respect shown by the Prime Minister. He said the Prime Minister continuously declares PNG as a ‘Christian country’ and prides himself on being a religious individual but he was surprised when the Pope was continuously snubbed by the PM over the weekend since the Pope’s arrival on Friday. “The Pope is the head of the Catholic church, the largest Christian church in the world and he is also a head of state. “PNG not only being a Christian country, but a country that prides itself as a ‘friend to all, enemy to none’, the PM should be according the Pope with the highest level of respect,” Tomuriesa said. The Opposition Leader pointed out that on Friday, the Prime Minister did not welcome the Pope at the airport, a tradition he had accorded to many othe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Douglas Tomuriesa, Pope Francis and James Marape

-
Image
  Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa said he is disappointed and embarrassed over the way His Holiness Pope Francis was treated by Prime Minister James Marape over the last three-days during the Papal visit, and the lack of courtesy and respect shown by the Prime Minister. He said the Prime Minister continuously declares PNG as a ‘Christian country’ and prides himself on being a religious individual but he was surprised when the Pope was continuously snubbed by the PM over the weekend since the Pope’s arrival on Friday. “The Pope is the head of the Catholic church, the largest Christian church in the world and he is also a head of state. “PNG not only being a Christian country, but a country that prides itself as a ‘friend to all, enemy to none’, the PM should be according the Pope with the highest level of respect,” Tomuriesa said. The Opposition Leader pointed out that on Friday, the Prime Minister did not welcome the Pope at the airport, a tradition he had accorded to many othe...
Post a Comment
Read more

MARAPE: INCORRECT WORDING ON WARRANT

-
Image
 MARAPE: INCORRECT WORDING ON WARRANT Post Courier  24th July 2024  PRIME Minister James Marape has assured the Gulf people that no funds meant for them including the Papua LNG project, have been diverted elsewhere. And Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey on Friday also announced that Gulf funds were intact and the earlier warrants were withdrawn and that the issue has been rectified due to an incorrect wording. But yesterday an irate Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta said his position still stands – that he will file the court proceedings today and allow the courts to correct the system and get to the bottom of this. This is over the K60 million IDG and Business Development Grants of which K20 million is supposedly for Gulf Province that Sir Chris is now taking to court. Marape said the Pangu-led government is committed to allocating development funds to all resource areas, including Ramu and Lihir, and will uphold fairness in all resource projects. This comes after an incorrect wo...
Post a Comment
Read more

OPPOSITION MPs UNITED FROM THE ISLANDS TO THE HIGHLANDS

-
Image
 *OPPOSITION MPs UNITED FROM THE ISLANDS TO THE HIGHLANDS*  15 July 2024    Contrary to the intoxicated ‘contamination’ nonsense, the 33-strong Opposition MPs are united and moving across the country as one.  Last week, 15 Opposition MPs including Fmr PM Peter O’Neill, alternative PM Rainbo Paita, deputy opposition leader James Nomane, were listeners not talkers for their 4 day tour.  Down by the coast, the leader of the opposition Douglas Tomuriesa was joined by Alotau MP Ricky Morris, North Fly MP James Donald, and Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley, the Opposition have demonstrated their ability to bond and support each other outside of Waigani.  Unlike the usual rhetoric of government MPs promising and pledging, the leaders brought a simple message: Hope and Courage.  Hope for our people, and courage to instigate change. Hon Paita told the crowd, “Sapos life blo Yu orait na Yu sa kaikai gut, stap gud, pikinini go lo skul, wantok gat wok, na six...
Post a Comment
Read more

O’Neill: Marape must Stop Making and Breaking Promises to our Children and Young People*

-
Image
  13th July 2024 Approved for Immediate Release *O’Neill: Marape must Stop Making and Breaking Promises to our Children and Young People* “In five years Marape has made it a habit to break the hearts of our children and youth,” said member for Ialibu-Pangia and former Prime Minister, Honourable Peter O’Neill. “It sounded admirable when in 2019 Marape said he would leave “no child behind” in his Take Back PNG manifesto.” “Sadly, just as quickly as the words came out of his mouth, he repealed the Tuition Fee Free policy leaving thousands of children without access to classrooms, many of them mid-way through their last year of school.” “Abandoned and shocked our kids were the losers of this most heartless decisions of the new Marape regime.” Let us remember that on the morning of Wednesday January 10th, the same day as the Port Moresby riots, Marape said: “I want your names. In late January and early February, we will be mobilising you. If you are age 15 to 30, if you don’t have a job...
Post a Comment
Read more

Prime Minister James Marape arrived in Jakarta on Sunday morning ahead of the Third Annual Leaders Dialogue

-
Image
Prime Minister James Marape arrived in Jakarta on Sunday morning ahead of the Third Annual Leaders Dialogue, with President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. The Third Annual Leaders Dialogue 2024 will look to progress key Papua New Guinea and Republic of Indonesia arrangements initiated and agreed to at the last Dialogue in 2023. Following yesterday's conversations at the 2ND Indonesia-PNG Business Forum, both leaders will meet in a one-on-one meeting today, and then at Bilaterals, where our ministerial delegation will also accompany Prime Minister. At the forefront of conversations at the 2024 Leaders Dialogue are Health, Education and Transport arrangements, where MOU is expected to be signed. Prime Minister Marape will also meet with President Elect Pabrowo Subianto today.  
Post a Comment
Read more

Prime Minister, James Marape has this afternoon announced the decision by Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina to step aside from his position while a complaint against him is being heard in court in Australia.

-
Image
Prime Minister Marape said: "I want to inform everyone that Minister Maladina has offered to step aside from his ministerial office as he attends to the complaint as it is being heard in court in Australia. "I thank Minister Maladina for taking responsibility to uphold his name and the integrity of the public office he holds in a professional manner in respecting the judicial process to run its course. "I had my discussion with the Minister, and as a responsible government that respects the Rule of Law, we uphold high standards. Minister Maladina stepping aside is appreciated,” said PM Marape. The Prime Minister urged the public to refrain from spreading speculations as this matter is now before a competent prosecutorial process. “The Police and Courts in Australia will do their job so we await and see the outcome. "I will appoint an acting Minister to carry on the good work Minister Maladina has been doing.” PM Marape said.
1 comment
Read more

Minister for Petroleum and Member for Esa'ala, Jimmy Maladina has been charged with domestic assault in Australia.

-
Image
 Maladina was charged for allegedly assaulting a 31-year-old woman on July 6th in Bondi, Sydney. The woman is believed to be known by the Minister. Maladina was on official duty at the time of the incident. He has been granted bail and will appear at the Waverly Local Court on Thursday, July 11, 2024. In response to the alleged assault, Maladina in a statement says he is fully cooperating with Australian authorities to address this matter. “I understand the gravity of this situation and the concerns it raises. As a public servant, I hold myself to high standards of conduct, both personally and professionally. “I want to make it clear that violence in any form is unacceptable, and I am committed to handling this situation with integrity and transparency,” Maladina said. #JimmyMaladina #DomesticAbuse #PapuaNewGuinea #PNG #TVWANOnline #TVWANNews
Post a Comment
Read more

Nomane: Ling-Stuckey needs to discuss real economic issues.

-
Image
 MEMBER for Chuave and Deputy Opposition Leader, Hon. James Nomane (pictured), says Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey needs to discuss real economic issues facing the country, rather than waffling on about his mastery in borrowing.   Nomane, who is also the Shadow Minister for Treasury, Finance, Economy and Rural Development, reminded the Treasurer to stop deflecting and talk about issues affecting daily lives of the people.   “Ling-Stuckey accused the opposition of lying about the economy and went on waffling on about his mastery in borrowing trying to make a big issue about the difference between “flow” and “stock”, albeit superfluous, as an inference to his economic wizardry,” he said.  Mr Nomane said without playing the blame game or being esoteric, the Treasurer needs to tell the country how he will reduce the inflation. “What is the Treasurer going to do about the cost-of-living crisis caused by inflation and this persistent rise in prices affecting every Papua N...
Post a Comment
Read more

Provincial MP for West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel has called on the government to commit to the people of Papua New Guinea that it will prioritise Papua New Guineans in the sale of Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited’s (MVIL) shares in BSP Financial Group.

-
Image
 Provincial MP for West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel has called on the government to commit to the people of Papua New Guinea that it will prioritise Papua New Guineans in the sale of Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited’s (MVIL) shares in BSP Financial Group.  Governor Muthuvel said that given the National Executive Council has approved this decision and is now a foregone conclusion, the next best step is to ensure Papua New Guineans do not lose shareholding in such an important commercial entity.  Mr Muthuvel said: “I understand the government has indicated unofficially that its intention is to sell these shares to Papua New Guineans, but they must put this commitment on paper to properly assure the nation.  “Contradictory to these remarks, the NEC decision that gave effect to the selling of shares has no explicit directive to ensure these shares are  exclusively sold to Papua New Guineans.  “Majority ownership of BSP shares are one of the biggest assets ou...
Post a Comment
Read more

PAITA CORRECTS MARAPE’S WRONG CLAIMS

-
Image
 PRESS STATEMENT Tuesday 11 June 2024 For Immediate Release – Finschhafen MP and Alternative Prime Minister nominee Hon. Rainbo Paita has expressed his disappointment in Prime Minister James Marape over what he described as “blatant misstatements” and a “poor choice of words” by Mr Marape in reference to the recent PANGU Pati caucus meeting. In response to Mr Marape’s media statement on Sunday June 9, 2024, Mr Paita corrected the Prime Minister on several misleading points expressed in the statement, and again defended the decision of the 12 MPs, which includes him, to leave not PANGU Pati, but the Party Leader Marape.  Mr Paita said: “Mr Marape proudly stated that the party unanimously voted to maintain his position as party leader, and maintain the position of the deputy party leader, but I place on record that we, the PANGU MPs who have challenged Marape’s leadership, were NOT given an opportunity to vote on this matter. “At the time of the meeting, we were still PANGU Pati...
Post a Comment
Read more

REMNANT AJ Group Limited donated a new vehicle to NHC

-
Image
  REMNANT AJ Group Limited, one of the contactor who was engaged by the National Housing Corporation to connect the sewage system at the NHC’s new Durand Project site donated a new vehicle to NHC on Friday, 7th June, 2024. The key of the new vehicle that costed the company close to K150, 000 was presented to the NHC’s project management division who will be using the vehicle to do inspection on the Durand project site on a daily basis. NHC Acting Managing Director Abel Tol while thanking the Company Managing Director Andy Minok, he said purchasing a vehicle by the contractor and donating it to NHC was one of the requirement written on the Contract signed. Tol said this company, Remnant AJ Group Limited was awarded a K3. 2 Million worth Project and that was to fix and connect the sewage system from the MacGregor Police Barracks all the way to the main Sewer. This contract was awarded to this named company in July last year and this is one of the few contractors who were engaged by N...
21 comments
Read more

Incident Report: Hit and Run Accident

-
Image
  **Date of Incident:** 09 June 2024   **Location:** Vadavada, Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea   **Time of Incident:** Morning (exact time not specified)   **Reported by:** Siera-411 Bravo members   **Position:** Bravo members **Incident Description:**   This morning, a hit and run accident occurred at Vadavada involving a black Toyota Harrier with the license plate number BGI 711. The vehicle was later located by Siera-411 Bravo members at Morata 2 following a complaint and subsequent lead-up operation. The vehicle has been transported, accompanied by the complainant, to the Boroko Traffic Office for further handling. The driver of the vehicle is currently absconding, but their identity is known to the authorities. **Actions Taken:**   1. The vehicle involved in the incident was identified and located by Siera-411 Bravo members. 2. The vehicle was moved to the Boroko Traffic Office for investigat...
Post a Comment
Read more

NHC to start construction of 500 houses as part of Duran Farm project

-
Image
  The National Housing Corporation (NHC) in Papua New Guinea is set to begin the first phase of construction on its Duran Farm project, which involves the building of 500 houses. Acting managing director, Abel Tol, said that they were waiting for the completion of the sewerage system, which is expected by the end of the month. Following this, tenders will be put out for the construction of the houses. Tol added that the titles have been registered and construction will begin as soon as housing designs are approved by authorities. #NHC #Leafsplash
Post a Comment
Read more

Speaker's Decision Sparks Controversy in Parliament

-
Image
The parliament’s speaker Job Pomat’s decision on Wednesday has ignited a fierce debate among members, highlighting the complexities and challenges of parliamentary procedures.  In a phone interview yesterday afternoon with Kalang News, Douglas Tomuriesa, the Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, and the Opposition Leader expressed the oppositions concerns regarding the Speaker's ruling, which they argue undermines the decorum and impartiality expected of the chair. Tomuriesa emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and dignity in the House, asserting that the Speaker must embody impartiality. "The decorum of the House depends on the chair, and the respect, the dignity of the chair must always be maintained. In this case, impartiality is very important," he stated. He criticized the Speaker's approach, questioning the decision to seek court clarification after making a ruling. "It's like putting the cart before the horse. How can you make your ruling and lat...
Post a Comment
Read more

*Dilu Out, Recount Ordered.*

-
Image
  Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandaksi, the primary judge who took carriage of Kundiawa Gembogl election petition, today handed down the verdict 6 months after the trial was completed in Goroka. The election petition is the first of its kind to have used CCTV footages recording illegal activities portrayed in the Kundiawa Gembogl Counting Center from CCTV installed by Electoral Commission for purposes of transparency and accountability of the counting process. Evidence as provided by the CCTV footage proved beyond reasonable doubt the Kundiawa Gembogl election results that led to the declaration of Muguwal Dilu as member-elect was rigged with fraudulent and illegal activities in the counting center. DCJ Kandakasi's decision today declared the return of Muguwa Dilu as member-elect on 6th August 2022 null and void and ordered a recount of the ballot papers in 3 weeks time. Well done Emmanuel Issac, the counsel representing plaintiff William Gogl Onglo. 
Post a Comment
Read more

MARAPE’S DECISION DEFICIENCY

-
Image
MARAPE’S DECISION DEFICIENCY* Wednesday 5 June 2024 Approved for release – Recently some political commentators who blindly endorse Hon James Marape as the Prime Minister, decried the Opposition’s push for a VONC, arguing that “a change in the Prime Minister will not fix the problems the country has.” This is where they are wrong. Decisions have the power to affect people and the decisions, or indecision, of a Prime Minister, affect the nation. This is the most important leadership quality that evades Marape – the innate ability to make decisions that are in the country’s best interests.  If Marape was serious about the country, he would make the following decisions to save PNG:  1) Review the national budget and cut spending, stop borrowing, and reduce taxes.  2) Give the Central Bank their independence back.  3) Stop printing money at the Central Bank.  4) Stop Connect PNG and other pork-barrel programs.  5) Give each province Block Grants and greater aut...
Post a Comment
Read more

GOVERNMENT GIVES K250 000 AS RELIEF ASSISTANCE TO MULITAKA LANDSLIDE VICTIMS

-
Image
  WITH over 2000 people are believed to have perished due to the landslide that occurred on May 24th in Mulitaka LLG of Pogera-Paiela District, Enga Province. This morning in Parliament whilst conveying his condolence the Prime Minister James Marape announced that K250,000 was given has relief assistance to the people of Mulitaka LLG. Marape says the National Budget will be reviewed to include funds to be set aside for Disaster Prepardness. He says nothing much can be done in the face of disasters with extraordinary weather patterns experienced has saw the country witnessing in the past months. He adds that relief assistance from donors’ agencies and PNG's bilateral partners have been coming in to assist the government. Meanwhile Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has also conveyed his condolence to the victims of the landslide. However, Mr.Tomuriesa told the Prime Minister that the K250,000 is insufficient for the amount of damage that has seen over 2000 people vanished in just o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Anthony Wagambie Jnr as Deputy Chief of Police in the Bougainville not recognize in AROB

-
Image
  Statement by President H.E Ishmael Toroama, MHR on the Appointment of APC Anthony Wagambie Jnr as Deputy Chief of the Bougainville Police Service  The Autonomous Bougainville Government does not recognize the appointment of Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie Jnr as Deputy Chief of Police in the Bougainville Police Service. This appointment will not be recognized by the Autonomous Bougainville Government as it is unconstitutional and breaches the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Section 26 of the Organic Law on Peace Building on Bougainville and Section 237 of the Bougainville Peace Agreement clearly stipulate that the appointment of the hierarchical officers in the Bougainville Police Service by the Commissioner of Police is based on the direct nomination of a suitable candidate by the ABG through the Bougainville Executive Council. The National Government through the Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary ignored my government in this decision, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

O’Neill: Our People the Losers in the 2024 Record Taxing Budget

-
Image
  I made a statement late this afternoon about the 2024 Budget presented by the Treasurer to Parliament today. O’Neill: Our People the Losers in the 2024 Record Taxing Budget I am shocked that the cries of our people and even members of the ruling Government have been ignored in the 2024 Budget. The 2024 Budget is more of the same of last year where the Treasurer promised the record spending would make our people’s lives better and our country safer. In 2023, despite the record taxes, spending and debt, we have endured one of the worst years in our history with people now experiencing outright poverty and violence on the increase. We are being told by the Treasurer and PM all is well and to be excited about more of the same in 2024. The 2024 Budget seems to have been carefully crafted by foreign advisors and a Treasurer who is out of touch as it is devoid of understanding that the economic mismanagement and wastage this past five years is denying our people the basics of life. The...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why the need to take overseas trips whether it is state funded or free?

-
Image
  by  DAVID LEPI In the realm of political discourse, especially on social media platforms, the travel habits of Prime Minister James Marape have sparked a fiery debate. His latest expedition, a journey to San Francisco for the APEC Economic Leaders meeting from November 11-17, 2023, is no exception. This trip, like others, involves an extended entourage, raising questions about the necessity and implications of such frequent overseas engagements. The role of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in forums like APEC cannot be understated, especially considering the country's dire need for foreign direct investment amidst looming budget constraints and the impending vote of no confidence. Full representation in these international forums seems imperative. However, this brings us to the question of the Prime Minister's travel prerogatives. Indeed, as the leader of the nation, travel is part and parcel of the job, with a designated budget for such engagements. Yet, the issue transcends mere bud...
Post a Comment
Read more

Popular posts from this blog

Covid funding report submitted

-
Image
  May 2, 2022 Main Stories NATIONAL Pandemic Response controller David Manning says he has forwarded the independent report on the funding of Papua New Guinea’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) emergency response to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee for further investigation. Manning, who is also the Police Commissioner, said the report cites minimal accountability for expenditure by some international partners, with this failure being further compromised by these partners refusing to align their activities with directions from the Government. “I requested this independent report to be conducted in order to provide greater transparency on the funds being expended as part of the Covid-19 emergency response, particularly as this relates to the National Control Centre (NCC),” Manning said in a statement yesterday. “Contributions to the Covid-19 emergency response have come from a range of sources, and have subsequently been spent by a number of Government and foreign organisations. “T...
Read more

Alert on child prostitution

-
Image
  April 8, 2022 Main Stories By REBECCA KUKU CHILD prostitution is on the rise in Papua New Guinea and the situation is likely to worsen with a free flow of cash in 2022 General Election, an official says. Child and Family Services Office executive director Simon Yanis said: “Parents, communities and churches must step up their vigilance and work closely with us to address the issue. “When there is a lot of cash flowing in the economy (during the election), girls aged 14 and above are often sexually exploited. There are paedophiles everywhere, and we must all work together to protect our children.” Yanis said in preparation for the general election, “we have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and the Solomon Islands to implement the Lukautim Pikinini Act through the church’s nationwide network. We now have officers in all the provinces right down to the district level and we want to be there for our children. “If you are a young woman...
Read more

Apo to join Bradford Bulls

-
Image
  Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of Papua New Guinea star Keven Appo on a one-year deal with the option of a second year but the move is subject to international clearance. The 23-year-old played a starring role as the Kumuls reached the quarter finals of the Rugby League World Cup, before exiting at the hands of Shaun Wane’s England. Appo, who was born in the Eastern Highlands Province, has applied his trade for PNG Hunters in Australia’s second tier. Head coach Mark Dunning, has spoken of his delight at securing the signature of a long-term target – insisting the forward will bring intensity with and without the ball in 2023. “I am really, really pleased we have managed to get the deal done – this started prior to the World Cup we identified him as someone we wanted then after which the World Cup has only shown us and everyone how good he is.” “He is a big robust human being – everything he does he does with energy, he carries hard and dents defenses. He has a real des...
Read more

Another cop charged

-
Image
  March 16, 2022 Main Stories By MIRIAM ZARRIGA A FOURTH policeman was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of a senior constable’s son, Police Commissioner David Manning says. “The policeman, a member of the Police Band at Moresby South’s Kila Barracks, was picked up today (yesterday),” he added. And in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday, Magistrate Paul Nii ordered police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Iga to inform the three (Fox Unit) cops charged with the attempted murder of Samuel Naraboi, 21, on Feb 27 to attend court. The trio had been released on K1,000 court bail each but have been suspended from duty. They failed to be present in court for mention yesterday. Manning said: “Our investigations will continue until all the policemen involved in this atrocious assault on a defenceless youth are all arrested (and charged).” The four cops allegedly bashed Samuel into a coma and he was placed on life-support in Port Moresby Hospital until he regained consciousness on Mar...
Read more