No-Confidence Motion Against PNG Prime Minister Marape Denied: Opposition Expresses Outrage22/2/2024
In a surprising turn of events, the Standing Committee on Private Business in Papua New Guinea dismissed the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape. The decision was announced by Acting Speaker Koni Iguan, leading to Parliament's adjournment until May 28. This marked the third attempt by the Opposition to bring forward the motion, with the latest submission filed on Feb 20. The Opposition, visibly displeased, expressed their frustration when Iguan stated that the motion would not be listed on the notice paper without providing a specific reason.
Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister James Marape outlined the government's ambitious goal of implementing a formal identification system through a biometric process before the next National General Election. The announcement came in response to queries from the Member for Talasea regarding improvements to the electoral process.
Prime Minister Marape explained that the initial step involves completing the National Census this year. Following the census, an updated common roll will be established. Subsequently, the government plans to utilize the data gathered for proper identification through the National Identification (NID) program. The United Nations (UN) has condemned the recent mass killing of 53 individuals in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG), highlighting the concerning trend of increased use of modern weapons exacerbating tribal conflicts. Richard Howard, UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence and emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He stated, "The increasing use of modern weapons exacerbates the tribal fights and their impact on human lives. The mass killing of 53 persons in Enga on Sunday, by far the deadliest in recent years, is a case in point." In a heated session on the floor of parliament this morning, Belden Namah, the Member for Vanimo-Green in Papua New Guinea, voiced serious concerns about the country's security forces' readiness in the face of ongoing law and order challenges. Namah specifically referenced the recent February 18th Massacre as a stark example of the breakdown in law and order. Namah recalled a bold statement he made before the current Prime Minister assumed office, where he had called for the roundup of individuals responsible for heinous crimes. Expressing disappointment, Namah noted that this commitment has yet to materialize. One of Namah's primary concerns was the state of operational readiness, morale, and discipline within the Papua New Guinea Defense Force and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. He asserted that if the morale and discipline of these entities are compromised, it could significantly impact the combat readiness and effectiveness of the armed forces. Highlighting the critical nature of such assessments, Namah stressed that they provide insight into how well the country's armed forces can function when called upon.
Furthermore, Namah raised questions about the capabilities of the National Intelligence Agencies, expressing doubt about their ability to identify the movement of illegal armaments into volatile areas of the country. He also expressed worry about the apparent inactivity of the intelligence agencies over the past decade. In response to Namah's probing questions, the Prime Minister carefully navigated the concerns, emphasizing that the government has increased support for the security forces in the last two years. He mentioned a financial injection of over K400 million to enhance the country's capabilities in addressing law and order issues. The Prime Minister also acknowledged challenges within the Police force, citing leadership struggles as a contributing factor hindering the development of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Douglas Tomuriesa has expressed his shock and horror after seeing gruesome images being circulated on social media of dead bodies being piled up on the back of a police truck in Wapendamanda, Enga Province yesterday. "As news of the increasing death toll is being recorded, this has to be one of the darkest instances of violence in our country’s modern history. It is just shocking, deplorable, and absolutely disgusting to think this level of violence exists in the country,” Mr. Tomuriesa said. The Opposition Leader added: “The writing has been on the wall since Prime Minister James Marape came into office in 2019. One of his big announcements that never became reality was his proclamation that he would come for Hela warlords in 2019, and ironically the instances and deadliness of tribal violence has increased significantly ever since. "James Marape should hang his head in shame for not taking tribal violence in the Highlands seriously, and the country’s general law and order situation as a trivial matter. Any leader in the democratic world would resign if over 50 people were slaughtered with illegal firearms, but to James Marape, it is simply another day in office. "Why does the Police Minister think this is normal? Why does the Police Commissioner think this is normal? And most importantly, why does the Prime Minister think this is normal? "If these three men, and leaders in our Government are unbothered by yesterday and today’s developments, then they must be removed immediately before their incompetence results in greater death tolls. "This animalistic behaviour should NOT be regarded as normal. Piling dead bodies on top of each other should NOT be regarded as normal. And seeing a Prime Minister not handle this situation seriously should NOT BE REGARDED AS NORMAL!” Also read
In a tragic incident described as the deadliest tribal conflict to date, at least 49 individuals, believed to be hired gunmen, were brutally massacred in Akom village, Papua New Guinea's Enga Province, on Sunday, as confirmed by authorities. The harrowing scenes have prompted calls for a state of emergency (SoE) and increased gun control measures. The country's Police Commissioner David Manning announced yesterday that reinforcements had been dispatched to Wapenamanda, armed with specific instructions to utilize all available force when engaging with offenders. The massacre unfolded amidst ongoing tribal conflicts, with Chief Inspector George Kakas, Enga police commander, confirming the bloodshed resulted from clashes between the combined Sikin and Kaekin tribes against the Ambulin tribe. Former Patient's Gratitude Inspires Generous Wheelchair Donation to Enga Provincial Hospital19/2/2024
Enga Provincial Hospital witnessed a heartwarming display of gratitude and generosity as Mrs. Jennifer Kamen Kandenge, a former patient, returned to donate six wheelchairs. The presentation ceremony, attended by Deputy Director Medical Services, Dr. Kandarua Pondros, and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vincent Pyakalyia, celebrated Mrs. Kandenge's successful surgery and her desire to contribute to the hospital. Expressing her deep appreciation for the care received, Mrs. Kandenge stated, "The staff of this hospital, in collaboration with the almighty, played a crucial role in my healing and that of many other patients. Having witnessed the need for wheelchairs, especially post-surgery, I felt compelled to enhance the care, comfort, and mobility of future patients." Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea– Sam Koim, OBE, Commissioner General of the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), and Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive Officer of BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP), jointly announce the successful resolution of the Supreme Court judicial review regarding the PNG Government's imposition of the Additional Company Tax. Following the announcement in December 2022, where BSP deposited PGK190 million into an escrow account with the Bank of PNG pending the judicial review outcome, both parties have agreed to the terms of settlement. In a parliamentary session, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister and Treasurer, Hon. James Marape, clarified that the chaos on 'Black Wednesday' was a result of police pay disputes and not military involvement. He responded to impromptu questions from Member for Moresby North East, John Kaupa, regarding the unrest that occurred on January 10.
Marape asserted that the incident was not a glitch but rather a case of non-configuration, where public servant salary updates failed, leading to unintended deductions and subsequent protests by police officers who stepped down from work due to pay cuts. Dispelling rumors of military engagement, Marape stated, "Although some members were present, their leadership was not involved, and the Correctional Service members were also not involved." In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister for Higher Education and Sports in Papua New Guinea, Hon. Don Polye, expressed the government's dedication to finding effective solutions to support families dealing with the financial challenges of tertiary education.
During the session, Minister Polye responded to impromptu questions from Manus Governor Hon. Charlie Benjamin, who inquired about the 75 percent tuition fees expected from parents of students residing in rural areas. The focus was on how the Department of Higher Education plans to assist students facing financial constraints. East Sepik Governor Allan Bird Emerges as New Prime Minister Nominee Amid Opposition Reshuffle12/2/2024
In a significant political development, the leadership of the Parliamentary Opposition in Papua New Guinea has undergone official changes, marking a new era for the alternate government.
The reshuffling of ranks and files within the opposition became a reality following the resignation of the former Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang, who opted to align himself with the ruling government earlier this week. This unexpected shift prompted a reconfiguration of the opposition's structure. Former Deputy Opposition Leader, Kiriwina-Goodenough MP Douglas Tomuriesa, has now assumed the position of the country's Opposition Leader, solidifying his role at the forefront of the opposition forces. Chuave MP James Nomane has been appointed as his Deputy, enhancing the leadership duo. |
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