The Autonomous Bougainville Government has sworn-in ten new Secretaries to head its government departments in the Bougainville Public Service.
This follows the Toroama-Nisira Government’s recruitment exercise for the senior positions in the Bougainville Administration that commenced with the departmental heads.
The Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee which carries out the selection process, is chaired by Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, completed its appointments in April following a grueling selection process.
Amongst the ten departmental heads sworn in today was Chief Secretary to the ABG Shadrach Himata who has been in an acting capacity for almost two years.
The Tumbawinlam Haus or Nimamar Council Chamber in Lihir was officially opened by incumbent New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan on Wednesday mid this week.
The event marks an end to a milestone achievement for the people of New Ireland and personally for Governor Sir Julius Chan who fulfilled his mission of establishing 10 Council Chambers across 10 LLG’s in a space of 12 months.
The bright orange colored Council Chamber is perched magnificently up on the Potzlaka Government station hill, making its presence known to all who travel into the Lihir Township.
Unlike the other Council Chambers the Tumbawinlam Haus was built in partnership with the Nimamar Council with counterpart funding of K1.2 million.
The name Tumbawinlam represents the six main clans on the Island.
First council sitting in the new building
The first Council sitting was chaired by President of Nimamar LLG, Stanely Tunut, with all 15 ward members present.
Sir J was invited to deliver his official address to the LLG Council.
“Today we witness a new birth and new dawn of Nimamar Council Chamber. The begining of a modern establishment of your local Government by the People, of the People and for the People. This chamber is not for show. It is a legacy project. It will remain beyond our time,” said Sir Julius.
Incumbent Governor, Sir Julius Chan standing infront of the new building with Ward members.
Sir Julius also urged Lihir mine developer Newcrest to give more back to the island communities. He reminded the executives that were present of the need for a ring road to be built around Lihir.
The next project I want to open when I return to Lihir is the ring road,” said Sir Julius.
“I’m not happy because the company is not a small company and it’s a big company. Every year I push for the same thing. If I get back into Government we will review the MOA and push for the ring road to be completed once and for all.
Festivities continued on into the late afternoon with food sharing and traditional song presentations.
Most Papua New Guineans are critical about the national rugby league team, the PNG LNG Kumuls, and there has been a lot of talk about the current lineup of the Kumuls, but Coach Stanley Tepend is sticking to his side.
“Papua New Guineans can be very critical but I guess that’s because we are passionate and love the game. They have every right to voice out there thoughts. But I believe we have picked the right team for this test,” Tepend said.
PNG LNG Kumuls Coach, Stanley Tepend.
Tepend in a correspondence with Inside PNG says there is no doubting the player’s loyalty to Papua New Guinea, representative football is a different ball game and the team is ready to put on the Kumuls jumper, even despite a slump in form for the SP PNG Hunters, Tepend says all the players chosen for the squad earned their spot.
“The players picked love the Kumuls and PNG and I am sure they won’t disappoint. We know what it means to us and the boys believe in them themselves. It’s been tough for the Hunters but I believe the players picked have performed well to earn their call up,” Tepend said.
The Fiji Bati side look good on paper and are favorites heading into the test match on Saturday, but the Kumuls have a prolific backline, enter Justin Olam, the “human brick” has been the talk of the NRL with superb defense and attacking attributes, making him a prolific center, Alex Johnston is by far the best finisher of the NRL in recent years, he has the all time try scoring record for the Rabbithos, he is a two time leading try scorer in the NRL over the past two seasons and David Mead at full back, expect him to launch into the Fijian defense after a kick return, the key is with the spine of Russel, Lam, Puara and Mead, experienced campaigners, they should make it an easy finish for Juzzy and Johno to finish across the white line.
Coach Tepend believes the blend of players in the team can cause an upset against Melanesian rivals Fiji Bati.
“It’s the best team we picked with who is available for us. Kyle Laybutt, Justin Olam, Lacklan Lam, Dan Russel and Nixon Putt have all played before. Alex Johnson & David Mead who is Captain both have played at high levels their whole careers so there is a good balance of experience in this team,” Tepend said.
At age 33 Captain David Mead is set to retire from representative footy, and is arguably the most capped player in the squad and perhaps the oldest in the team, his main reason for retirement is to make way for the young crop of players inline for the Kumuls jumper, the youngest squad member is Robert Darby at age 20.
For Tepend this is his moment, a standout Coach at National level and working under Michael Marum, Tepend knows what it takes to win at international level, a short week for the team but the Coaching staff behind Tepend have been the backbone of the Kumuls hard work behind the scenes.
“It’s more an opportunity for me to coach at this level and manage the week so players are ready to perform to their best come Saturday. I have a good staff around the team which is always important and is the key in any team environment,” Tepend said
Kina Bank and SNS Tech have partnered to deliver market leading results for SMEs in Papua New Guinea looking to turn digital.
SNS Tech is a Papua New Guinean owned tech firm who develop best in class digital solutions for their clients so they can thrive in the digital economy.
As a business, Kina Bank have long been committed to directing the digital future of PNG and identified e-commerce as a crucial aspect to the long-term success of the country.
With a joint vision in bettering digital experiences in PNG, Kina Bank and SNS Tech have joined forces to set local catering company Tapioca Delight up for digital success. Using Kina Bank’s Internet Payment Gateway (IPG), Tapioca Delight can continue to build out their thriving online business.
The partnership saw SNS Tech assist in integrating Kina’s IPG on behalf of Tapioca Delight. This meant that Tapioca Delight’s owner, Ginia Sialis, could concentrate on looking after her business whilst SNS Tech took care of the set-up phase.
Kina Bank’s Chief Transformation Officer, Ivan Vidovich said, “As the leading digital bank in PNG, we’re always looking for the right partners to work with to ensure we’re supporting local SMEs and helping them become digitally focused. We’ve seen great results already partnering with SNS Tech, Tapioca Delight is just one example of many.”
Kina Bank’s IPG platform is the first in PNG to accept local bank cards from, BSP, MiBank and ANZ, meaning customers have the freedom to browse and order what they want all whilst using a standard local bank issued card of their choice.
“We feel a sense of accomplishment here at Kina Bank, having taken our Internet Payment Gateway out to commercial customers and having it adopted by PNG born companies like Tapioca Delight. We take tremendous pride in supporting online businesses and we’re confident that providing a secure digital payments platform will help drive PNG’s digital innovation”, said Ivan Vidovich.
Tapioca Delight has seen a flurry of new orders come through their website, the first one coming from a customer in New Zealand ordering a cake for her best friend in Port Moresby. Ginia Sialis said, “I couldn’t be happier with the set up and integration to Kina Bank’s IPG. Both SNS Tech and Kina have been great partners and have really helped us in the growth phase of our business. Being a SME in PNG, it is important that I can rely partners like SNS Tech and Kina Bank.”
Kina Bank’s Internet Payment Gateway is a tool available to all SMEs looking to turn digital.
It is with great sadness that Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League received news of the death of Kumul #120 Philip Boge.
Boge 55, passed on at his home in Hanuabada village on Tuesday.
PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League to late Boge’s family.
In a statement, Tsaka said late Boge was one of the greatest players ever produced by the country. He said late Boge also devoted his time as a Game Development Officer and an administrator.
Chairman Tsaka said PNGRFL will pay respect to the late Kumul legend, as well as the PNG LNG Kumuls during the Pacific Test this Saturday.
“All Digicel Cup matches around the country this Saturday and Sunday will observe a minute’s silence in memory of the late Kumul,” said Tsaka.
Late Philip Dou Boge was born on August 19th 1966 at the Port Moresby General Hospital. He was the younger brother of the late pioneer Kumul #20 Dikana Boge.
Boge debuted for the Kumuls in 1990 and has represented the country in 13 matches.
Late Philip Boge played at fullback and centre, and went on to captain the side in 1994.
Late Philip Boge is from Poreporena Hanuabada Village.
He completed his grades 1 to 6 at Hagara Community School then went on to Poreporena Ahutuna High School.
He played for the Hanuabada Hawks Rugby League Club in the Junior League and followed through playing for the club in the Premier League in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition.
Former Kumuls Head Coach Michael Marum was shocked and sympathetic.
“It’s a sad day for PNG Rugby League…he was my brother playing together for the Vipers and the Kumuls…I’m sorry…,” Marum said.
Tributes are being shared all across the country by his former teammates and fans, upon hearing the news of his passing.
Late Philip Boge is survived by his three sons Boge Philip Boge, Dikana Boge and Philip Boge Junior, and his daughter Gaudi Boge.
A two day training for Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers is currently underway at Hotel Genesis in Kimbe.
Over 15 election officials for the three open seats are participating.
West New Britain Provincial Returning Officer Emily Kelton said the two day training is very important before polling commences on the 4th of July.
“These are sensitive areas to consider during elections. I believe we have experienced officers being appointed as Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers. The outcome of the election in the province will be determined if these officers conduct their duty according to election laws”, said PRO Kelton.
The first day of training focused on polling. Day two training will begin with polling and then counting. This will also include mock exercises on handling ballot boxes, recording of information and other election related businesses.
According to PRO Kelton, all election appointed officers must know their roles and responsibilities. She said issues always rise when officials including scrutineers avoid or tend to say or do wrong things.
Kelton also further stated that the ARO’s and RO’s will return to their constituents and conduct training for polling officials.
She said despite the limited time frame, election officials are geared towards conducting a fair and transparent election in West New Britain.
“I plan to also conduct another training for scrutineers and candidates next Monday. They too have to understand the integral process of election especially during polling and counting,” said Kelton.
The participants of the two day training were also warned by the Chairman of the Provincial Election Steering Committee Robert Dau.
Chairman Dau told the ROs and PROs to distant them from candidates and supporters.
“Do not engage yourself or show allegiance to any intending candidate or their supporters. You play a sensitive role in the election process and must conduct yourself in a transparent and honest matter. Be accountable for any word or action you take, “said Dau.
Dau highlighted the essence of better communication among AROs, PROs and AROs. He said there are no new laws of the election process. Dau said their experience in the past election must guide them to improve in this election.
Meanwhile PRO Emily Kelton said a few of the election materials for West New Britain have arrived and are kept under police surveillance. She hopes to receive additional materials next week.
“These include voting compartments, stationaries, plastic seals and ballot boxes. All these will be kept under joint security forces until polling when it will be unpacked and distributed to polling teams,” said PRO Kelton.
According to Kelton there are 116 polling teams for Talasea, Nakanai and Kandrian Gloucester.
Kelton expressed that generally there are no major issues being raised during nomination up to the campaign period.
She is confident her team are on schedule to conduct the next crucial part of the national election which is the polling and counting.
Social Democratic Party Leader, Powes Parkop, says Papua New Guinea has failed in all areas of development because of poor leadership.
Parkop says in his 15 years of experience in politics, PNG needs honest, smart, innovative and creative leaders who can enhance the potential the country has.
The party leader and incumbent Governor of NCD, Powes Parkop, told the people of ward ten, Karkar LLG, in Sumkar District of Madang, its time people vote leaders who have the potential to drive change.
Parkop said the actions of leaders depict their leadership qualities.
He added that while the past cannot be changed, people have the power to change the future and now is the time to make the change.
He is encouraging voters to vote their leaders wisely and not to gamble their votes away.
He further emphasized to the people of Karkar LLG that both men and women need to work together at all levels of the society in order to bring about positive change.
“We can discuss our party policies and platforms but if you don’t have the leadership quality to build from the potential we have, how can we create a platform or plan to create income and develop our country, “said Parkop.
The Social Democratic Party leader told the people of Karkar though his party is small and new, it is a party the people of Sumkar can trust based on its proven track record, adding that Social Democratic Party has delivered projects and made an impact, urging the people of Sumkar to vote wisely.
“Social Democratic Party believes it can contribute to the development of this country,” said Parkop.
Dr. Miok Kasek Komolong from Ken village on Karkark Island is one of the contesting candidates of Sumkar District who is running under Social Democratic Party.
It is difficult to separate Sir Peter Barter from tourism, PNG Politics, and Madang, amongst many other things. As tributes flooded social media after Papua New Guinean’s learned of his passing, many referred to Late Sir Peter Barter as the ‘Lighthouse’.
Many wrote about the nature of his character – a humble giant of a man whose contributions to Papua New Guinea stretched beyond the confines of the province he made home.
A young Peter Leslie Charles Barter came to Papua New Guinea in the late 1950’s as a volunteer pilot with the Franciscan Mission in Aitape. This was his first job after completing his pilot training at the Newington College from 1952 to 1955.
He moved on to becoming a commercial pilot with Territory Airlines, which later became TALAIR. While working with the airline, he established Talco – the company’s tourist division.
His passion for PNG tourism even before independence was evident. Sir Peter made a mark by attracting major international tour operators, who brought their clients to Papua New Guinea. This was the birth of PNG’s tourism industry.
Just after independence started the Melanesian Tourist Services PTY LTD by purchasing Talco’s assets and later on acquired the old Hotel Madang which developed over 40 years – now known as the Madang Resort.
His contributions to the tourism industry, through the MTS were immense. Over the years, countless number of tourists visited the country to experience PNG aboard the Melanesian Discover and the Kalibobo Express.
In the 1980’s he established the Melanesian foundation, which created an avenue for passengers to donate funds to various projects in the rural villages they visited. These funds were used to build rural clinics, school desks, and the maintenance of Catholic and Lutheran church run health centers.
His support for the industry extended to the Divine Word University, where he contributed towards the development of the Tourism program. Many of the students gained practical experience through Sir Peter’s assistance.
Sir Peter Barter seated next to Dame Carol Kidu in Parliament House
Sir Peter moved into the political limelight in 1992 when he was elected as the regional member for Madang. He started off in the opposition and was later appointed Health Minister.
After the reform in 1995, he took up the Madang Governor’s post and was later asked by then Prime Minister Julius Chan, to take up the Provincial Affairs and Local Level Ministry.
He returned to doing business in 1997, and was re-elected into parliament in 2002 as the Madang Governor. Sir Peter, who by now had been knighted, was appointed Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs.
As the Bougainville Affairs Minister, he was faced with the mammoth task of building trust and relationships between the government, as well as the ex-combatants who were in different factions of the civil war, and overall to bring peace and secure resources to provide essential services to the island.
In a condolence message given by the Autonomous Region of Bougainville’s President Ishmael Toroama, he described Sir Peter as a peacemaker who helped secure peace on the island during the most riotous years in the 1990’s.
“He contributed tirelessly to the peace process and played a leading role in laying the very first foundations of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. Prior to the formation of the ABG on June 15, 2005 he was in Bougainville to assist with the elections and to ensure there was a smooth transition to autonomy.”
Even after retiring from politics, Sir Peter kept a close watch on Bougainville’s progress and maintained relations with the former President Dr John Momis and Bougainville leaders.
In 2002, while ushering peace on Bougainville, problems were brewing in the Southern Highlands. As the Inter-government Relations Minister, Sir Peter had to deal failed elections in the province.
There was an inflation of electoral rolls, controlled voting, and counting of votes by force or threat was seen in much of the province during the general election. As a result, no provincial governor was elected and Sir Peter was given overall authority of the Southern Highlands Province.
His task was to coordinate with the Electoral Commission, the provincial administration, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to prepare and run supplementary elections.
With an interim administration, Sir Peter rallied support from key community groups which led to the successful disarmament process in the province.
In a piece published by the Masalai Blog in 2014, Sir Peter Barter reflected on these events saying, his responsibilities involved rebuilding trust, which is basic to peace, democracy, and good governance.
In his term in parliament, he also Acted as the Minister for Finance, as well as the Acting Governor General at one point.
Sir Peter was a close acquaintance of the Late Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare – a friendship forged over 50 years long before Sir Peter entered politics.
Pangu Party Leader and Prime Minister, James Marape has thrown his utmost support behind incumbent Daulo MP, Pogio Ghate.
PM Marape said Pangu has gained trust and confidence in Ghate’s leadership therefore he was appointed as the Environment and Climate Change Minister.
“We want to work with MP Ghate and steer Daulo District and Papua New Guinea to a whole new level where small communities will access good roads, electricity, education and build a robust economy, said PM Marape.
The Prime Minister said Ghate is not wrong to join Pangu. He said he pulled out of the PNC led Government because of corrupt practices and bad decisions.
“I was with PNC for 8 years, a left because things were not done the right way according to our laws. After 57 days I was chosen as the Prime Minister, ” said Marape.
He said that is the reason why he has held hands with Pangu leaders until today.
“Let him carry on his leadership, a new Member of Parliament will not be part of the Pangu led Government. Ghate is your candidate and Pangu is your Party.
It is upon you the voters to either vote Ghate back into power or vote someone else to be your leader in the next 5 years”, said PM Marape.
Marape said Pangu is prepared to work with Pogio Ghate and raise the level of service delivery come the next term of Parliament.
“We will continue to fight for more resource sharing, better coffee price, improved roads and provide better access to health and education services for our children,” said PM Marape.
He said Pangu is confident to form the next Government and lead the country.
Meanwhile incumbent Daulo MP Pogio Ghate thanked the Pangu led Government to assist Daulo District build services in the past two years.
Ghate said PNG is changing because of the kind of leadership provided by mandated leaders.
“The Daulo District Development Authority has prioritized basic services to improve lives of people. Electricity and road are leading infrastructures being built and some projects are continuing into the election, said Ghate.
He said this shows that people are at the heart of the current Government. The Daulo MP said though DSIP funding is limited, the District has pulled all resources to serve communities.
“I want to see these changes continue. I want to see my visions and dreams achieved by extending the current level of service delivery into rural areas,” Ghate added.
Ghate maintained that it is critical for him to be part of Pangu. He said despite working for only two years, he has put significant effort to change the District.
“I carry the burden of more than seventy thousand people. If you vote me back, I will ensure development plans are delivered, ” said Ghate.
The incumbent Daulo MP was backed by Prime Minister James Marape and sitting Goroka MP Aiye Tambua last week Friday during a rally in Daulo.
This is the third visit to Daulo District by the Prime Minister.
Member for Taunita Tinputz Hon. Morris Opeti has been sworn in as the Minister for Community Development in the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Mr Opeti was sworn in today by Magistrate Michael Pepi at the Bougainville Administration Complex and was witnessed by Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama as well as several members of his cabinet and the ABG Chief Secretary Shadrach Himata.
Mr Opeti thanked his predecessor Thompson Gitovea for his services to the Ministry and Department of Community Development and vowed to continue to continue working to progress the department.
Opeti signing documents
President Toroama said that in any government, change will always be required to foster solidarity, stability and maintaining the integrity of the government.
“As Bougainville prepares for its independence, my government, moreover the Bougainville Executive Council is not immune from change that must be instituted to strengthen our position for Bougainville to become an independent nation,” President Toroama said.
“At a time when Bougainville is concentrating on nation building we must also focus on building our human capacity through integral human development programs and improving the social welfare of our people,” Toroama added.
The ABG President said Bougainville can achieve this through its social institutions in music, sports and religion. The activities from these institutions will encourage our people to become more responsible members of society who can contribute meaningfully to our communities.
He told Mr Opeti that the focus of the department should be on the ABG’s Independence Readiness initiative.
This would require the department to completion of Drawdown of remaining 290 Powers and Functions of Civil Registry and Lukautim Pikinini Act (Family Protection Act)
Progression and completion of Community Development sectoral policies and possible legislations (public/private partnership policy, youth policy, gender policy, sports policy, arts and culture policy and family and protection legislation and policy).
For the ABG there has to be a committed political will to drive these outstanding priorities and have them implemented and completed.
“We must now look at creating policies and legislations to empower the Department of Community Development,” President Toroama said.
