The PNG Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) representing its members and collectively 228,000 members of Nambawan Super Limited has appealed to squatters illegally occupying portions of land at 9-Mile in Port Moresby also known as ‘Bush Wara’ to respect the Court’s decision and vacate the area.
Vice President of PNGTUC, Lowa Tambua said the 120 days grace period is enough time for the people to voluntarily move out of the area. The grace period ends on July 10, 2024 and eviction commences on July 11, 2024.
On June 27th, 2024 the Supreme Court dismissed three Review Applications filed by illegal settlers on portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 and ruled in favour of Nambawan Super Limited.
A statement released by the Superannuation company, said it followed all legal requirements to lawfully secure the land titles.
It said the court’s decision now allows the Sheriff’s office and the police to proceed with executing the eviction.
NSL strongly urged all illegal squatters to immediately dismantle their personal property and voluntarily vacate before July 11,2024.
Daniel Mollen another member of the PNGTUC called on citizens to do due diligent checks before purchasing land to avoid future evictions.
Illegal settlers occupied the 200 hectare land which was acquired by Nambawan Super Limited in 1990 and since then, NSL has been defending its title in court until 2019 when it was granted full titles.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Generative AI was the hot topic as journalists all over the world gathered in Manila, Philippines for the 2024 International Media Conference.
With the theme “ The Future of Facts”, discussions started off with how artificial intelligence has taken information creation and sharing to a whole new level.
Panelists discussed how AI can be used as a tool in the newsroom and the challenges that come with it.
The panelists were:
Khalil Cassimally, Head of Audience Insights, The Conversation,
Don Kevin Hapal, Head of Data and Innovation, Rappler
Irene Jay Liu, Regional Director for Asia & Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media and
Howie Severino, Editor at Large, GMA News Online
Khalil Cassimally shared how the conversation was able to repurpose information to the younger audience using AI and how it proved to be very effective.
Don Hapal from the Philippines Rappler said the AI tool Chatgpt, was very helpful in profiling candidates in the Philippines General Elections.
While a lot of skeptical questions rose from the audience regarding factual information generated by AI, Irene Jay Liu, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media, said it is important that newsrooms must be responsible for fact-checking all information they want to disseminate.
She also added that traditional newsrooms must accept the fact that the audience is ahead of us and already using AI.
The panel, involving journalists and Online specialists called for newsroom collaboration to remain relevant and act quickly by helping to formulate policies that regulate the use of AI so it is not abused.
A businessman from Western Highlands Province is a free man despite the Court finding him guilty of being in possession of explosives.
McQueenie Waia, 54 was found guilty by the Mt Hagen Summary Offences Court and sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor.
However, further orders of the Court will see Waia serving a suspended sentence with conditions.
Waia’s sentencing comes nearly a year after his arrest in a joint police and military operation aimed at cracking down on alleged illegal arms trafficking in the upper Highlands provinces.
According to police reports, Waia was arrested and charged along with two other men last July in a sweep that saw police seize three guns and hundreds of rounds of bullets including military grade ammunition from his Mt Hagen residence.
Waia was, however, prosecuted for the possession of one hand grenade that was seized in the raid.
Presiding Magistrate Baptist Fehi ordered that the whole term of imprisonment is suspended on the following conditions;
The Defendant is to enter into recognizance to be of good behavior for two years with his K10,000 National Court bail converted to his surety and he is required to appear for conviction and sentence when called on at any time during such period
With the two years, he is prohibited to have in his possession any forms of firearms and ammunitions, with all his firearm and ammunition licenses suspended for that period.
For the two years, Waia was ordered by the Court to surrender all his licenses, firearms and ammunitions to the Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander for safe keeping.
Waia refrained from involving himself in any firearm or ammunition related activities or allegations during the two years period.
Six InsidePNG staff are in Manila to participate in the bi-annual International Media Conference hosted by the East-West Center (EWC) in Manila, Philippines.
Inside PNG is part of the Pacific Island contingent, supported by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
The prestigious global event brings media professionals from around the world to discuss current trends and challenges faced by the media industry.
The InsidePNG team, comprising journalists and experienced editors, is looking forward to gaining valuable insights, networking with their international counterparts, and sharing their experiences in covering stories that matter to the people of Papua New Guinea.
The conference, organized by the EWC and partners from various countries, will feature panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on topics such as investigative journalism, press freedom, media ethics, artificial intelligence and the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability.
“We are excited to represent InsidePNG at this prestigious international media conference in Manila,” said Charmaine Yanam, Chief Editor and co-founder of InsidePNG.
“We are grateful to OCCRP for recognizing the importance of an independent newsroom that transmits through it’s continued support in pursuing investigative reporting.
This is the second time for InsidePNG to attend this event, the first was in 2022 where only two representatives attended. This time, six staff are in attendance.
InsidePNG Managing Director, Kila Wani (second from right) and Sincha Dimara (First left) standing with team at airport. This picture was taken in 2022 before Wani and Dimara left for Honolulu where the IMC was hosted in 2022.
“What makes it extra special for InsidePNG is, as an independent media organization, we have been selected along with five other Pacific Island media organizations as recipients of Financial Investigative Reporting Mentoring Project.
InsidePNG staff Charmaine Yanam and Julie Badui Owa are on this project for three years,” said Wani.
“This is a huge achievement for me personally and for Inside PNG, as we envisioned it to be an expert in that niche of journalism in Papua New Guinea.
There has been a lack of Financial Investigative Journalism or in-depth research and reporting on the topic in PNG; hence to have this opportunity and the backing to delve into it is a huge achievement. There are a lot of books that needs looking into; and this mentorship program will greatly assist us understand the financial language and hold those misusing public money accountable,” said Yanam.
Mrs Julie Badui Owa said “Inside PNG, although at its infancy stage, with only two years into operation, plans to be the leader in investigative journalism in the country.
“What we are focused on is influencing the trend of journalism through investigative journalism that has been lacking in PNG over the years.
Badui-Owa attributed her statement to three main reasons:
Lack of resources from media organizations
Security
Lack of training and capacity building.
“As a Lead Investigative Journalist with Inside PNG, I am privileged and blessed to be one of the recipients of the FIRM assistance project through the East West Center.
“With the great assistance and support from EWC through FIRM, I believe my Team and I will help contribute in generating change in Journalism and to effectively report on facts, or tell those stories that affect us and that matters; so everyone can participate in democracy.
“I believe we will make a big difference in bringing positive change through the stories we tell, and bring confidence back to the members of the public to hold those in power accountable for the betterment of our country and the world,” expressed Badui-Owa.
The team’s participation in the conference is expected to not only enhance their professional skills and knowledge but also foster greater collaboration with media professionals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately benefiting the media landscape in Papua New Guinea.
“Our journey embodies resilience within the media realm. As a newly established independent investigative journalism organization, we strive for not only financial sustainability but also the voices of the people amidst adversities and uncertainties, particularly in the face of the pervasive influence of social media and AI.
“Currently, our efforts are driven by volunteerism and partner donors in Organized Crime Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), EWC, and Internews and we continue to seek sustainable funding to fortify our operations for the long haul,” expressed Kila Wani.
She further emphasized the significance of press freedom and investigative journalism in today’s media landscape.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy, and investigative journalism plays a pivotal role in holding power to account and uncovering truths that would otherwise remain hidden.
“We, as journalists, have a duty to uphold these principles and safeguard the public’s right to information.”
The presence of InsidePNG staff at the International Media Conference signifies their commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism, and the pursuit of truth in an era marked by skepticism and misinformation.
**Inside PNG is a member centre of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)**
Nestled in the Tubusereia waters of Central Province, Papua New Guinea, a transformative initiative called Hiri Coral PNG has been doing wonders in the local marine life since 2017. This pioneering environmental service is not just about cultivating coral; it’s about catalyzing change, rejuvenating marine ecosystems, uplifting local communities and sparking a passion for marine conservation among the youth. An idea that stemmed to life from Igo Gari’s thesis during his PHD studies in Bond University, Hiri Coral PNG was awarded runner up amongst nine Pacific Innovative and Social Entrepreneurs in the 2023 Pacific Islands Blue Economy ClimAccelerator Program.
[[Photo: Hiri Coral PNG/Facebook]]
Through a blend of modern sustainable farming and traditional knowledge, Hiri Coral PNG is breathing new life into ailing coral reefs. As Igo Gari, the founder of Hiri Coral PNG, expresses, “Our coral farming efforts are not just about growing coral; they are about restoring balance to our oceans and ensuring a sustainable future for all.”
By involving local fishermen, traditional custodians in coral farming activities, the initiative not only supports the recovery of marine biodiversity but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities deeply reliant on the sea.
Attaching coral fragments to a metal spider frame. [[Photo: Hiri Coral PNG/Facebook]]
At the core of Hiri Coral PNG’s mission is the establishment of coral nurseries that serve as havens for a myriad of marine species. Igo Gari emphasizes, “Each coral nursery we nurture is a beacon of hope for the future of our oceans, a sanctuary where marine life can thrive and ecosystems can flourish.”
“We have to date, planted 17, 000 coral plants, this is equivalent to the size of 6 rugby fields altogether”, says Gari. “Much of the work is done by the local fishermen, who are the traditional custodians, and I give them full credit as it is a laborous venture and through their efforts, we have managed to restore the marine diversity in the local reefs’ “, he added.
[[Photo: Hiri Coral PNG/Facebook]]Coral beds. [[Photo: Hiri Coral PNG/Facebook]][[Photo: Hiri Coral PNG/Facebook]]
Beyond conservation efforts, Hiri Coral PNG is nurturing a sense of environmental stewardship among the youth. “Our goal is not just to conserve marine ecosystems, but to raise awareness amongst our young people about the importance of sustainable coral farming for a healthier future”, says Igo Gari.
Despite its noble goals, Hiri Coral PNG faces challenges on the path to sustainability. “Marine Conservation has its challenges, but it is our shared responsibility to overcome them for the sake of our oceans,” reflects Igo Gari. From coral bleaching events triggered by climate change to pressures from overfishing and pollution, the initiative grapples with threats that undermine its mission of marine restoration. Limited funding and evolving socio-economic dynamics further test its resilience and long-term viability.
Healthy coral growth on a reef star coral frame. [[Photo: Hiri Coral PNG/Facebook]]
Amidst these challenges, there are positive impacts that stand out since Hiri Coral PNG’s establishment. “Rejuvenation of marine life, bringing financial opportunities to traditional custodians and building awareness amongst young people for a better future, are amongst many positive impacts”, Igo stressed.
Igo Gari’s vision and leadership have made Hiri Coral PNG to be a beacon of marine conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea. While Mr. Gari ventures to another area in life in terms of career pathways, his unwavering commitment to restoring coral reefs, empowering local communities, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists serves as a guiding light in the quest to protect our oceans.
As Igo Gari eloquently puts it, “Our work at Hiri Coral PNG is not just about saving coral; it’s about safeguarding a way of life, a connection to the sea that sustains us all. Together, we can create a legacy of conservation, resilience, and hope for the future.”
The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has issued an order staying the National Executive Council’s decision to promote and appoint Commodore Philip Polewara as Chief of Papua New Guinea Defence Force and Colonel Opa Lari Opa as Deputy Commander of the PNGDF, pending the outcome of Major-General Mark Goina’s court case.
In August of 2023, the Prime Minister James Marape suspended Defense Commander Major-General Goina for three months to allow the General Board of Inquiry (GBOI) to investigate a fatal shooting incident involving two servicemen, one soldier and a civilian during a training exercise in Kupiano, Central Province.
The shooting incident happened on July 4th, 2023.
Presiding Judge, Justice David Cannings, issued the court’s orders, under sections 19 and 5(1)(b) of the Supreme Court Act, effectively putting on hold the National Court’s earlier decision from May 14, 2024, in case OS(JR) 177 of 2021, and the associated proceedings.
Key elements of today’s Supreme Court’s ruling include:
1. Stay on NEC Decisions: The court stayed the NEC’s decisions published in National Gazette No. G386 on May 24, 2024. This includes the revocation of Major-General Goina’s appointment as Commander and Chief of the PNGDF and his discharge from the rank of Brigadier-General. Additionally, the promotions of Commodore Philip Polewara to Rear-Admiral and Colonel Opa Lari Opa to Brigadier-General, along with their new appointments as Commander and Chief, and Deputy Chief of the PNGDF respectively, are also stayed.
2. Restraints on New Appointees: Commodore Philip Polewara is restrained from occupying the office of Commander and Chief of the PNGDF and performing related duties, except in his capacity as Acting Commander under his previous appointment. Similarly, Colonel Opa Lari Opa is restrained from assuming the office of Deputy Chief of the PNGDF and performing associated duties.
3. Prohibition on Implementation: The order prohibits all officers, servants, and agents of the NEC and the Attorney-General from taking any steps to implement the NEC’s decision, including conducting hand-over takeover ceremonies.
4. Stay on Related Proceedings: The court also stayed National Court proceedings in case OS(JR) 102 of 2023, involving Major-General Goina and Prime Minister James Marape among others, pending further order.
A directions hearing for Goina’s case is scheduled for July 1, 2024, at the Supreme Court before Justice Cannings at 1:30 pm.
Eight men, including two Chinese nationals accused of orchestrating a black flight, trafficking 72kilograms of methamphetamine valued at K42 million from Morobe’s Bulolo District to Australia in March 2023, will face trial.
This follows the ruling made by the National Court in Lae on Wednesday that the eight accused will proceed to trial after the defendants’ Lawyers asked the court to stop the trial following a no case submission.
Lawyers, Greg Sheppard from Young and Williams Lawyers and Sosten Toggo from Sosten Lawyers submitted that there is no case against their clients and that the matter be struck out due to insufficient evidence and that meth wasn’t considered a criminal element according to the Controlled Substance Act.
Senior National and Supreme Court judge, Justice Panuel Mogish presiding in Lae, made the decision after the State Lawyer rebutted through a submission to the two Counsels’ no case submissions on why the Court should reject the credibility of all the accused evidence and why the court should not rely on them.
Following the State Lawyer’s submission, five witnesses were called by the State to give evidence and two hundred and forty-eight (248) exhibits were tendered by consent and received into evidence during the trial.
The eight accused, including the two Chinese Nationals, 64-year-old Ling Hezong from Fuging City, Fuzieng, China; Chun Li, 43 from Chen City, Guang-Dong, China, and PNG nationals Levi Wartovo, Hosea Tarere, Steven Temen, Alfred Sanage, Luke Mede and Joshua Tupana, were charged on two counts.
One on Money Laundering and the other for Stealing.
On the count of Stealing, the Court found that there was no evidence implicating the accused, Ling Hezong, Chun Li, Levi Wartovo, Hosea Tarere, Steven Temen and Alfred Sanage, because their identity hasn’t been established in the commission of the offense.
However, there’s evidence upon which Joshua Tupana and Luke Mede will face trial, according to the Court.
Justice Mogish ruled that trial will proceed for all eight accused who have a case to answer on the charge of Money Laundering, hence they will face trial.
In March 2023, these eight men were arrested by Lae’s NCIU Police in Lae in relation to the ‘Bulolo Black Flight’.
They appeared before the Lae District Court and were kept under the custody of Lae’s Buimo Correctional Services.
Deputy Commissioner of Police-Specialist Operations, Donald Yamasombi confirmed the arrests saying that a local security firm was alleged to be involved in the transportation of 72 kilograms of methamphetamine at a value cost of K42 million out of Lae into Bulolo and assisted in getting the drugs onboard the flight.
Chinese born business woman and owner of KC 2 in Lae, Morobe Province, Mei Lin, 41, was another suspect arrested in the Australian City of Brisbane on 16 January, 2024. Police accused her of facilitating the ‘Black Flight’ last year.
The drug smuggling scheme was foiled on March 21 in a coordinated operation by PNG and Australian police, who swooped in as the light plane stopped to refuel in the rural Australian community of Monto.
Six people were arrested and charged in Australia, including two pilots.
Eight others were charged in PNG, including a police officer and a soldier.
Mei Lin was the ninth suspect arrested in Brisbane, Australia.
Meanwhile, Defense closed its case just before midday on Thursday (May13) at Lae’s National Court. The matter was further adjourned to 1st of July, 2024 for submission on Verdict.
Youths from the six wards of Lae, Morobe Province are currently doing enrollment for new eligible voters following the 2024 LLG election that will take place next month (July 2024).
The task was given to the members of the six wards by the Electoral Commission of Morobe Province headed by Mr. Simon Soheke.
The enrolment began on Monday (13th May 2024) and is nearing completion.
This follows an induction workshop by the Electoral Commission Office in Lae for the agents, who then identified team members to work as volunteers in updating the roll.
Lae’s Ward three area has already completed the enrollment process and handed in the forms used to update the roll.
The six teams are being supervised by three Coordinators who oversee two wards respectively.
According to the Electoral Commission of Morobe, especially Lae, the engagement of community in the common roll update is the first approach the office has taken to prepare for the LLG election.
With limited resources, including lack of funding, the EC office and over 200 Electoral Commission Common Roll agents from the six (6) wards of Lae managed to cover all areas in their community including Ahi LLG, which is headed by a woman.
Meanwhile, Ward 6A of East Taraka, which is headed by Team Leader, Gabriel Jamine has completed the update and enrolment process and will hand over the completed forms to the Electoral Commission Office.
The perception that Papua New Guinea’s standard of Journalism is dropping was part of discussions during the three days of Inquiry into the role and impact of Media In Papua New Guinea, the inquiry facilitated by the Parliamentary Committee on Communications unearthed an interesting predicament that faces the Mainstream Media Industry in Papua New Guinea.
The perception that there is a drop in the standard of journalism and the quality of journalists in recent years has been attributed to many factors.
During the inquiry three participants mentioned that the low standards of education at the secondary school level is a contributing factor toward the low output at the university level.
President of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea and seasoned journalist, Neville Choi, said many media houses have to retrain graduates because they are not grasping the basics that lead to a promising career in journalism.
Poor grammar and writing skills have been a clear indication of the drop in the level of journalism, Universities have argued that they are research institutions and are not responsible for basic English and grammar.
Independent Journalist and renowned Papua New Guinean Journalist, Scott Waide called for more funding to be put into the education system to improve the facilities to foster better teaching and learning.
Scott Waide said he had in previous years trained a lot of journalists and cameramen, he also saw that it was easier to recruit those outside of the school of journalism and train them to be journalists.
Professor Cecilia Nembou, Vice Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea concurred with shared statements on the drop in education standards in both the University and the Secondary school system.
Professor Nembou mentioned that as a university, they require the best lecturers, however, that costs money.
She says academic staff of the university should not be viewed as public servants and be limited to a public servants pay ceiling.
She added that Universities, especially Government run institutions should be given the freedom to set their own salary packages to lure qualified lecturers to improve the standards.
She highlighted that salary packages for academics was really poor, and that it was the same at the secondary school level where teachers are being paid poorly as well.
Scott Waide also emphasized the need for education geared towards utilizing recent and trending innovations in Technology, this will in turn help students to be more efficient and innovative to help improve workflow and maximum output.
THE Secretary for the Department of Information Communication and Technology, Steven Matainaho, says his department is on their fourth draft of a Media Development Policy that would improve training and capacity for Media personnel and state-run institutions like universities, that provide courses on journalism.
This was highlighted during the inquiry into the role and impact of mediain Papua New Guinea hosted by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications; a committee made up of members of parliament.
Matainaho added that the Media Development Policy is in its draft phase, and as the name suggests is a Media Development Policy and not a regulatory policy.
Many in the Media fraternity were concerned that the policy was a way to control or regulate the Media, which would infringe on the democratic right of free speech, however, those claims were brushed aside by the Secretary.
To support the policy, the Secretary added that when they did a survey and a public consultation, they found out that there is an immediate need for training and capacity development.
Matainaho added that the Government is not doing enough to provide training incentives for universities.
![InsidePNG Staff pose for a photo on Day 1 of the International Media Conference. [[Picture/Charlie Piringi]]](https://i0.wp.com/insidepng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_0139-scaled.jpg?fit=768%2C512&ssl=1 "Six InsidePNG Staff Attend 2024 International Media Conference")
