Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning has provided updates on the comprehensive investigation into payments made by the State to Paul Paraka Lawyers and selected private legal firms between 2007 and 2013. Mr.Manning affirmed that this matter is still under thorough examination, with several accused individuals awaiting full processing through the court system and verdicts on each case. "The scale of this case in terms of the misuse of public funds, as confirmed in the court's judgment against Paraka, is massive, and there is understandably a high level of public outrage," Commissioner Manning stated. He expressed concern over certain individuals attempting to exploit the court process for personal political gain, emphasizing the need to halt such actions to avoid compromising ongoing prosecutions. PNG Prime Minister James Marape unveiled the government's intention to construct vital infrastructure for fuel storage in the country. Marape addressed reporters, highlighting the Cabinet's decision to tackle the persistent issue of fuel shortages.
"In the long term, with Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd and other subsidiaries, we are looking at the possibility of setting up additional infrastructure for fuel storage," he announced. "We are exploring collaboration with the United States (US) under the Defence Cooperation Agreement to potentially establish fuel bunkering in key locations such as Port Moresby, Lae, and Manus. Our goal is to create fuel storage independent of private companies, ensuring the nation's fuel security." The Prime Minister also disclosed ongoing considerations regarding the acquisition of Puma Energy's facilities at Napanapa. "We are evaluating the infrastructure owned by Puma Energy in Napanapa," he explained. "This is part of the comprehensive review concerning the Napanapa project agreement." Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has accused Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) of deliberately misleading the public through media channels, creating dissent surrounding the no-confidence motion. Marape criticized the Opposition's tactics, stating that their engagement with the media on this matter is irresponsible. The Prime Minister declared, "It is very irresponsible of the Opposition MPs or the so-called alternative government to be contesting issues concerning their vote of no confidence motion in the public space, which the Parliament Private Business Committee has deemed to be flawed and does not qualify to be listed on Parliament notice." Redevelopment of National Fisheries College Waterfront Facilities to Boost Fisheries Sector28/2/2024
In a significant move to enhance Papua New Guinea's fisheries sector, the National Fisheries College waterfront facilities in Kavieng are set to undergo redevelopment, as announced by National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Managing Director Justin Ilakini.
The redevelopment initiative is a result of a partnership forged among the NFA, the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). The official signing ceremony, signaling the commencement of the waterfront facilities' redevelopment, took place last week. Highlighting the pivotal role of the National Fisheries College as Papua New Guinea's premier institution for fisheries and marine resources training, Ilakini revealed that the college currently offers courses in coastal fisheries operations, post-harvest techniques, fisheries governance, aquaculture, and fisheries business. Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, James Marape, has called upon the people of Enga to seize the numerous economic opportunities emerging with the reopening of the Porgera gold mine, urging them to abandon conflicts and invest in a brighter future. Marape emphasized that the revival of the Porgera mine transcends mere mining activities. It serves as a catalyst for overall community development, presenting unprecedented prospects in education, infrastructure, and resettlement. "Abandon arms and invest in your future through education, faith, and entrepreneurship," Marape urged the residents, particularly the youth, encouraging them to shift their focus from tribal conflicts to development and prosperity. Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas Urges Action Amidst Escalating Tribal Violence in Papua New Guinea28/2/2024
Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, has expressed alarm over the surge in tribal violence in Wapenamanda. The recent outbreak of conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of more than 50 lives in the last fortnight.
Governor Ipatas revealed that the root cause of the intensified violence lies in the allure of money and the availability of high-powered guns, drawing young individuals into the conflict. While tribal fights have been a longstanding issue in the region, the recent escalation is attributed to increased funding. "Publicity surrounding the use of high-powered guns and the rising death toll has brought this tribal conflict to the forefront. Tribal fights have persisted for a while, but the scale has elevated due to the influx of funding," Governor Ipatas stated. The conflict is concentrated along the Highlands highway, a mere 10-minute drive outside of Wabag. Governor Ipatas expressed hope that the public would not be caught in the crossfire and appealed to the warring tribes to heed the Prime Minister's call for laying down weapons. Successful Rescue Operation in Hela's Mt Sisa: Australian Pilot and Locals Released Unharmed26/2/2024
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has applauded the swift response of the police, defence force, and the local community in the release of an Australian pilot and two local individuals who were abducted yesterday at Mt Sisa in Hela. The pilot, associated with Hevilift, and two locals were taken while conducting routine work at a Digicel tower. The abductors demanded a ransom for their release. However, thanks to the prompt action of law enforcement, defense personnel, and locals, the trio was safely released mere hours after the kidnapping. Marape, also the Tari-Pori MP in Hela, emphasized that lawlessness poses a significant threat to the nation. He stated, "This country does not have any place for law breakers. You can hide and run now, but you cannot hide forever." He further warned wrongdoers, stating, "The special police force unit we are building will be armed to the teeth to deal with any crime anywhere, any place. Just as we did in the first kidnapping and this second attempt, we will not tolerate such crimes in our country." In a candid reflection, Allan Bird, former government official and current Opposition figure, underscored the intrinsic values he upholds, emphasizing that some things in life cannot be bought. Bird addressed several key points in his departure from the government and the principled stance he has taken in the current political landscape. Bird clarified that his decision to accept the nomination for Prime Minister was not driven by personal ambition or a quest for elevation, aligning with the cultural values of the Abelam people. Instead, he stated that he embraced the nomination out of respect for the Opposition Team. Papua New Guinea Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for Chuave, James Nomane, directed pertinent questions to Prime Minister James Marape concerning the pressing issue of the high cost of living in Papua New Guinea. Expressing the hardships faced by citizens in affording basic necessities such as rice and tinned fish, Nomane highlighted the exacerbating impact of the current fuel crisis, contributing to the devaluation of the Kina. Nomane posed a series of insightful questions during the parliamentary session, with a particular emphasis on the government's "target for inflation." Notably, Papua New Guinea is grappling with a 5 percent inflation rate, surpassing the global inflation average. Alternative PM Nominee Allan Bird, the Governor of East Sepik Province, has expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support received from people across the country for the Opposition Team and their nominee amidst the ongoing Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) controversy.
Governor Bird urged the public to remain calm while emphasizing the need for a peaceful and legal resolution to the current situation. He stressed the importance of honoring the intentions of the founding fathers as laid out in the Constitution. "The VoNC provision is the final accountability mechanism built into the Constitution. It is the safety relief valve in our system of government," said Governor Bird. He emphasized the belief that the VoNC should be utilized when other state institutions are slow to act, especially during times of public distress. "We believe that the pain, anger, and frustration of the people should be vented in parliament and not on our streets. This aligns with the intentions of our founding fathers as enshrined in our constitution," added Governor Bird. |
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