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Polewara Asks for Cooperation

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Board of Inquiry

Branch Heads and Directors within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force have been called before the General Board of Inquiry (GBOI) into the shooting death of two soldiers, the wounding of another soldier and a civilian.

Acting PNGDF Commander, Commodore Philp Polewara said Commanding Officers are to assist the Inquiry when their members who participated in the final Corporal Qualifying Course are called before the GBOI.

The inquiry intends to identify issues and gaps in the system and make appropriate recommendations for the improvements in PNGDF to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again,” said acting Commodore Polewara.

When the inquiry was launched on 18th August 2023, Prime Minister James Marape announced the sidelining of then PNGDF Commander, Major General, Mark Goina.

Marape had said Goina’s suspension does not imply any wrong doing on his part and the decision to have Goina suspended was to protect the independence and integrity of the GBOI.

“To affirm the integrity of PNGDF and also the integrity of the Commander (Goina)NEC took a decision to suspend Commander (Goina) under Section 6 (3) B of the Defence Act 1974 for three months, or until such a time when the General Board of Inquiry delivers its findings.

But internal PNGDF investigations revealed that Leading Seaman, Eric Gwale and Corporal Watata Kutegen were killed by high velocity ammunitions fired from within 40 meters.

Three soldiers were identified, and one has confused to firing the live ammunitions because he had it in his possession.

While the inquiry continues, the family of late Eric Gwale have laid him to rest in his home province in New Ireland. Gwale is survived by his wife and three sons.

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Project Visits

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Evaluation and Monitoring officers from the Autonomous Bougainville Government have been visiting development projects in the region to ensure smooth delivering of Bougainville projects.

Acting Deputy Chief Secretary for Strategic Planning and Policy, Stephanie Elizah, said such visits are important to see how resourced are effectively channelled towards the sustainable development projects.

Bougainville Projects

“The primary objective of these monitoring visits is to conduct comprehensive assessments of all Bougainville Development Projects at the district level, closely examining their progress and ensuring strict adherence to established guidelines,” she Elizah.

These visits coordinated through the ABG’s Office of the Chief Secretary is desired to maintain
transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources in the pursuit of Bougainville’s development objectives.

The team had visited 21 project sites including building and construction sites and economic development projects in several districts. The monitoring visits are part of the ABG’s annual performance review and reporting process.

This initiative is incorporated in the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027, which was launched recently in Awara.

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News

It’s Time for Change

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Calls for a cabinet reshuffle has been made to Prime Minister James Marape to bring the best MPs from both sides of the house together.

Chuave MP James Nomane, made this remark when reflecting on how the government is addressing the socio-economic challenges in the country on the eve of PNG’s 48th Independence.

“In the last 12 months, the country’s socio-economic indicators have regressed. We just need to look at the lack of jobs, no medicine in hospitals, and the unprecedented crime wave. This is a reality check and an indictment on our ability to manage the nation’s affairs as its elected leaders,” said Nomane.

He said the government is yet to mitigate the PNG’s Youth Bulge Pandemic, create safer
communities, leverage its geopolitical strengths for rapid growth, create mass employment
through foreign direct investment and promote sustainable resource management that gives.
immediate benefits to landowners.

“How can we expect our people to be more and do more when we have failed to create a conducive environment for them to grow, inspire, and succeed,” Nomane said.

He said the government cannot continue to pass the buck and must demonstrate total ownership of the multiple crises affecting the people; Economic stagflation, health system collapse, high attrition rates in the education sector, a weak electoral process, and an upsurge in violent crimes that threatens to spiral into anarchy.

“This Independence Day I call on the Prime Minister to put the country first and do a
complete Cabinet reshuffle that brings the best of both government and opposition MPs
together”, said Nomane.

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News

Flights Resumed to Tokua Airport

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PNG Air flights into Tokua airport resumed today after the airline suspended its flights for the whole of yesterday.

The temporally suspension was put in place after the Tokua Airport Terminal Building was broken into by armed criminals who attacked security guards.

Police reported the break and enter and robbery incident involving 25 criminals who entered the terminal building and destroyed computers, check-in counters and scanning machines between 2am to 3am on Wednesday morning.

East New Britain Police Commander Januarius Vosivai said while police know the identity of six men allegedly involved, the incident paints a bad image for the province.
“The suspects are believed to be from two plantations from within the vicinity of the airport area,” said PPC Vosivai.

Police believed the armed criminals entered the terminal building airside and made their way to the other side of the terminal.

Meanwhile, PNG Air flights into Wapenamanda remains suspended due to on-going tribal violence in the Enga Province.

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News

PNG Power Proposes No Blackout

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No Blackout

PNG Power says it will strive to ensure there will be no power disruption throughout the country as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 48 years of national sovereignty.

The national electricity service provider has come under scrutiny by Papua New Guineans who complained about frequent power outages in main centres like Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen.

However, Chief Executive Officer of PNG Power, Obed Batia said he want to personally commit to ensuring PNG celebrates Independence free from any planned maintenance or shutdowns.

“All scheduled maintenance plans that will downtime on power supply have been postponed to ensure everyone enjoys their Independence Celebrations”, said Batia.

He added that there are some provinces are experiencing load shedding of electricity but by end of today (Thursday 13th September 2023) there will be no planned power outage.

Batia has asked the general public to be vigilant during the celebration to avoid instances to damages caused to the power poles and lines which can lead to unexpected loss of power supply.

Papua New Guinea will observe 48 years of Independence on 15th September (tomorrow) because Independence day falls on Saturday.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/tag/edevu-hydropower-dam/

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Climate Change

Grants for Research Work

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Climate Research Grants

The Australian Government has announced it will support research work towards Papua New Guinea’s Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Policy.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp said this will be through the form of grants offered to the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA)

These funding support will is aimed at emerging cohort of climate researchers from PNG to deliver evidence-based research in support of PNG’s climate goals.

The grants will support eligible Master’s and Doctoral students in a one year program of research and the findings during the study which will be presented at the Third National Climate Change Summit next year.

It will be delivered in partnership with CCDA, the National Research Institute (NRI), and the PNG Science and Technology Secretariat.

This joint initiative between PNG and Australia is one component of Australia’s dedication to support PNG implement the climate national adaptation and mitigation goals.

Part of this partnership included the facilitating of a team of international experts from the Australian National University to attend the National Climate Change Summit in Port Moresby.

Presentations made by climate change specialists from Australia included topics on climate challenges faced by communities in the Pacific Region and how to identify solutions.

The topics covered blended finance options for climate adaptation, climate justice and social inclusion, and new research to trial carbon trading through coffee farming.

Meanwhile the application information for the climate research grant opportunities will be available on the Climate Change and Development Authority website following the conclusion of the Summit.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/new-climate-change-regulation-to-improve-carbon-trading/

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Crime

Criminals Vandalized Tokua Airport

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Tokua Airport

PNG Air has temporarily suspended its flights into Tokua airport after the terminal building was ransacked by more that 25 criminals who broke into the terminal this morning.

The airline released a statement at 10am today saying the suspension remains indefinite until the airline can determine safe operation back into the province.

East New Britain Police Commander, Januarius Vosivai said the criminals entered the airport terminal from the airside and vandalized both PNG Air and Air Niugini Officers inside the terminal building.

“Until the NAC (National Airport Corporation) gives a report, we can know the extent of damage. But the incident that happened paints a bad picture for the province,” said PPC Vosivai

Police say the criminals entered the airport premises with bush knives and attacked a security guard in the process.

The ransacking incident occurred in the early hours of this morning and properties destroyed include computers, scanning machines and check-in counters.

In December 2020, police reported a similar attack where 20 armed criminals from a nearby settlement, attacked and robbed students from the University of Natural Resources and Environment who were at the Tokua airport waiting to check-in.

The security breached in 2020 had forced authorities to close Tokua airport but was reopened shortly. In this incident, the extent of damages on airport properties is estimated to be more and may take longer for flights to be resumed.

Police say they have identified six suspects involved in the raid and are working on arresting them.

Meanwhile national flag carrier, Air Niugini has offloaded a number of its passengers who purchased tickets to fly out of Tokua since last Saturday 9th September 2023.

With the airport now vandalized those passengers offloaded may be spending Independence away from their families.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/continuous-flight-delays-cause-frustration-among-passengers/

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Rugby League

PM’s XIII 2023 to Include Junior Matches

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The infamous Prime Minister’s XIII rugby match between PNG Kumuls and Australian Kangeroos is expected to see Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids taking on Australian school boys and girls in the two days of the rugby tournament.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced twelve teams will participate when the games are held in Port Moresby later this month.

PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, said the PNGRFL were delighted to see the game back in PNG after 5 years, and fans will be treated to a massive weekend of rugby league come the 23rd and 24th of September.

“For the first time in the history of the PM’s XIII matches, there will be 12 teams playing 6 games over 2 days, something that’s never been done before and we look forward to welcoming all our fans over the two days.” said Hondina.

The PM’s XIII concept is an initiative of both the PNG and Australian governments and since 2005, the matches were one event most Port Moresby residents look forward to annually.

The drawcard matches are on Saturday 23 September, while on Sunday 24th September, the fans will be treated to the up-and- coming stars of our game going head-to-head, with the Defence Men the final match of the day.

For ticket purchasing the ticket prices are priced accordingly and keeping in mind that the prices are consistent with the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the 2019 Great Britain Lions Tour to PNG.

While the Corporate Boxes have all been allocated to the Game’s major sponsors and dignitaries, there are still opportunities for individuals and companies to be a part of a weekend of world class rugby league.

The schedule for the weekend is as follows;

  • Saturday 23rd September 2023
  • 12pm: Defence Women – PNGDF Vs ADF
  • 2pm: PM’s XIII Women
  • 4pm: PM’s XIII Men
  • Sunday 24th September 2023
  • 12pm: Junior Orchids Vs Australian School -Girls
  • 2pm: Junior Kumuls Vs Australia School Boys
  • 4pm: Defence Men – PNGDF Vs ADF

The ticket prices are as follows;

Saturday 23rd September 2023 Stands;

  • Grandstand K120
  • Western Wings K80
  • Eastern Stand K50
  • North & South K30

And Sunday 24th September 2023 Stands;
Grandstand K40
Western Wings K25
Eastern Stand K15
North & South K10

Tickets are on sale now from 6pm today Online at Tiketmastas.com, or you can buy over-the- counter this Friday at at selective normal outlets including;

  • Brian Bell Boroko
  • J-Mart Erima
  • Cool Stuff Rangeview

All games will be held at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

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News

Search for Pacific Musician

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Pacific Break

The search is on for the next best original musical talent from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The launch of the 2023 Pacific Break is set to kick off in Port Moresby come 21st September and a winner will be announced on 2nd November.

Pacific Break is considered the longest running music competition in the Pacific and was first hosted in 2008.

For this year, a free concert will be held at the Lamana Gold Club and will feature last year’s winner, Danielle and PNG-born Australian artist Ngaiire.

The winner of 2023 Pacific Break will be flown to Australia to attend its largest international music festival WOMADelaide in March 2024.

Pacific Break 2

Throughout this six-week campaign, (September to November) featured artists in the region will have their music and videos featured on ABC Radio-Australia and including ABC Pacific digital and social media forums.

With the entries set to close on 2nd November, a winner will be announced on ABC Radio- Australia’s morning show Nesia Daily on Thursday 9 November.

Judge’s for this year’s talent search will include Ngaiire, DJ Hau Latukefu, Sose Fuamoli, and Rick Howe.

Australia says it is proud to promote the growth of unsigned artists living in the Pacific and Timor-Leste through such career-changing opportunities.

For more information on about Pacific Break visit www.abc.net.au/pacificbreak.

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International

Marape Clears Statement

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West Papua

Prime Minister, James Marape says he wants to set the record straight on his meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo regarding the West Papua Issue.

Marape claims an earlier statement regarding PNG’s position to abstain from supporting West Papua United Liberation Movement (WPULM) for a full fleged membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was released without consent.

In an effort to rectify the misinformation and alleviate concerns raised within the MSG, Marape released another statement to address the inaccuracies.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape

“An earlier statement released without consent wrongfully said that at the recently-concluded MSG Leaders’ Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, I informed leaders of PNG’s abstaining from supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) bid for full membership, plus a notation that human rights issues in West Papua are of no concern to PNG. I wish to clarify these misconstrued assertions.” said Marape.

Marape corrects that, “Papua New Guinea never abstained from West Papua matters at the MSG meeting, but rather, offered solutions that affirmed,” said Marape.

Marape made these comments during the bilateral meeting with President Widodo in Jakarta and stressed the respect PNG government has towards Indonesia’s sovereignty, territorial rights but Human Rights is a different issue.

“When matters concerning ULMWP’s application for membership was raised, I indicated that the presence of Indonesia on MSG as an Associate Member and ULMWP as observer is sufficient for the moment. MSG has placed a moratorium on new membership until the criteria for membership is reviewed,” Marape said

Marape said President Widodo has assured him that all is okay in the two Papuan provinces and invited senior government members to visit it’s Papua Province..”

West Papua
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