Baby Formula, Rice, Flour, and Sugar are amongst the 26 goods and services identified by the National Government where there will be some control over their retail prices.

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) as the Government Agency responsible for Price Control Measures says the new price measures is to prevent price gouging in light of inflation due to increase in fuel prices.

ICCC Commissioner, Paulus Ain said this is pursuant to the National Pandemic Act 2020 with the current price measures expiring on the 16 April 2022.

“The ICCC including provincial Business Development Officers will be inspecting shops throughout the country to ensure these measures are followed,” said Mr. Ain.

Meanwhile CEO of PNG Manufacturer’s Council, Chey Scovell has described the call by the national government on the removal of Goods and Services Tax on selected essential goods as a rushed decision.

But ICCC on the other hand says if a business breaches these measures, it will be fined close to K10,000.

A three-man Supreme Court bench today heard a substantive appeal filed by Autonomous Bougainville Government acting chief secretary Shadrach Himata.

The appeal filed by Himata, through lawyer Simon Dewe, seeks to challenge a National Court decision from August 11, 2021, in Buka that ordered the reinstatement of director, strategic planning and policy coordination Nancy Warkia, to the Bougainville Public Service, with all her entitlements be reimbursed.

The appeal that was heard by judges Thomas Anis, Iova Geita, and Teresa Berrigan was filed on grounds that the trial judge erred in law when he granted orders to stay the decision of Mr. Himata that dismissed Ms. Warkia from office, pending the determination of her appeal to the public service commission.

This was on grounds that there was no substantive proceeding heard prior to the court making those orders, when it also had the matter adjourned to the registry.

Mr. Dewe told the court that the refusal of leave, effectively disposed the judicial review proceeding, and also the rights of the plaintiff to apply for a judicial review.

He said the court’s intervention in issuing those interim orders, were outside the currency of a pending proceeding, and without judicial basis.

Ms. Warkia, through lawyer, Desmond Aigilo, submitted in response that although leave was refused, the court still had the power under section 155(4) of the constitution and Order 12, Rule 1 of the National Court Rules, hence given the circumstances prevailing at the time, the court had exercised its inherent powers to make those orders where it did on August 11, 2021.

Mr. Dewe, in response to Mr. Aigilo’s submission argued that the courts inherent powers under s.155(4) could not be relied on, as it could protect the primary right of a party, when being invoked.

“In this case, the primary right of the respondent, to apply for judicial review, was disposed of when leave for judicial review was not granted.

Also in response to the application of Order 12, Rule 1, Mr. Dewe, submitted that Order 16 Rule 3(8), specifically restricts the court from granting any interim relief’s prior to a grant of leave.

The court is expected to hand down a decision later this week.

Nambawan Savings and Loans Society (NSLS) has created two new products aimed at encouraging more Papua New Guineans to own a house and save for tertiary education.

The products launched on Friday are the “Housing Saver” and “Tertiary Education Saver”.

The Housing Saver is a special purpose savings account designed to encourage members to save to cater for their minimum bank financing equity requirement or where they have land and require finance to build on.

The minimum fortnightly contribution is K300.

Members who save under this saver account, will only access the funds after 36 months or three (3) years.

The Tertiary Education Saver on the other hand is designed to meet financial needs of existing and potential members that wish to save for themselves or their families tertiary expenses.

The minimum fortnightly contribution is K100.

The funds are accessible after two years.

Both products will see a 5% annual interest on savings.

Members who wish to utilize these two new accounts to save can visit any NSLS branch or Nambawan Super branches nationwide.

NSLS CEO John Solok said with the tagline “Savim Moni, Stretim Sindaun”, their products and services focuses on contributing to the improvement of their members and their immediate families quality of life.

“We are trying to encourage more young people to join savings and loans.

“Such products we’re launching is really geared towards young people to make their life easier,” Solok said.

One-Hundred and Fifty-five Police Reservists concluded an intensive six-week training with a passing out parade at the Bomana Training College in Port Moresby.

The recruits underwent training on the history of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Community Policing, and basic investigation and prosecution as part of their training to assist the regular police force maintain law and order.

The Reservists in their distinctive uniform, long blue pants and grey collar shirts are set to take part in their first major task; providing security during the National General Elections that are set to begin with the Issue of Writs on the 28th Of April 2022.

Police Commissioner, David Manning made a decision to bring back the reserve branch of the Constabulary but with proper coordination and control to assist deliver a free, fair and safe 2022 Election. He said this during the launch of the 10-year RPNGC Corporate Plan last year.

Australia has also assisted through the PNG-Australia partnership by providing among others, administrative and technical support to the Reservists program.

Families of the Reservists were at Bomana today to witness the passing out of their family members who have joined the reservist program.

Among the new recruits is PNG Weightlifter and Commonwealth Gold Medalist, Dika Toua. She believes this is a pathway to becoming a regular police officer after her sporting career.

To mark National Women’s Day on Papua New Guinea’s national calendar, NCD Council of Women invited aspiring women leaders for a dialogue at the National Museum and Arts Centre in Port Moresby.

NCD Council of Women is part of the National Council of Women adopted on the 24th of March 1979, through an Act of Parliament led by the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.

The small yet significant event saw five (5) aspiring women leaders come together to talk on issues affecting women in the country.

These women have made their mark in their own respects, particularly in the areas of Governance in both public and private sectors, the business space, and the media industry.

Lucielle Paru, in the space of business and a human rights activist, Sylvia Pascoe, a businesswoman with management background, Michelle Hauofa with background in the private sector in the area of governance, Tania Bale, renowned media personnel both in domestic and international television broadcast and Anna Bais, in the space of governance, former secretary of the Department of Community Development.

The dialogue looked at three main areas, security, services and opportunities.

With the National Women’s Day theme being “Recognizing Women’s Voices in Decision Making” the dialogue pointed out one main point of discussion, the lack of women in politics.

“In every other area, we have progressed and are progressing, but in the area of women in politics, we have regressed,” said Anna Bais.

Pictures: Courtesy of Creative Capture

Since their departure from home several weeks ago, there have been doubts on the wage by families and friends of those who went to Australia.

Michael Navuru who is part of the team said it’s a normal process.

He said it is due to the upfront payment that was made available for the workers to settle in.

These includes international airfare, 403 Visa Application, four weeks bond and first two weeks rent, Q Fever, Drug test, mobile phones ($120) plus Cash Advance ($280).

The amount of money deducted differs depending on the cost at the time of purchase.

MKA Consultant Elsie Joseph, facilitating the MK Labour Mobility Program also confirmed this.

“Yes, its part of the contract they sign.

“The deductions are shown clearly and is

over a period of time, thus deductions are minimal.”

Despite several criticisms, the workers have settled in well and are following due processes until all reimbursements are settled.

Michael and his colleagues are calling on families and friends back home not to be misled by social media.

“Honestly, we are fed up with all the speculation that is going on in social media.”

“We are facing the situation, and we will tell you how it is like here, so you guys should ask us,” Michael said.