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2022 Joint Annual Work Plan of the United Nations in Papua New Guinea

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by Delly Waigeno

The signing ceremony for the 2022 Joint Annual Work Plan (JAWP) for the United Nations (UN) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was held yesterday in Port Moresby.

The signing took place between Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator and Koney Samuel, Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring on behalf of the Government of PNG.

Secretary Samuel acknowledged the UN as one of PNG’s important development partners and conveyed the Government’s gratitude to the UN System for its commitment to country throughout the years since Independence.

“Our partnership with the UN has been very strong and we are happy with the progress made on a number of programmes, especially the ones critical to government. These include the post-referendum economic development project in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Joint Programme in Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces,” Mr Samuel said.

Mr Wagener said the UN System and its agencies were delivering their programs across a wide range of different interventions and sectors covering the whole country.

Mr Wagener mentioned highlights of 2021 including the Spotlight Initiative and capacity building of the National GBV Secretariat in NCD; STREIT project in East Sepik Province; the Bougainville post-referendum economic development project and the joint peace programme in Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces.

“For 2022 now, we are planning to deliver more than $130 million worth of projects in-country and it is evidence of a very strong collaboration between us and the Government of Papua New Guinea and also with our development partners. We want to work and we want to deliver results where they matter the most”, Mr Wagener said.

Mr Wagener said the lead theme of the UN System in the country was “leave no one behind” with the aspiration to make a difference in PNG for the people of PNG.

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Uncategorized

Yore Villagers Back Pangu

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While many have criticized the Pangu Pati led government, 19 ward councilors in lower Mendi in Southern Highlands came out supporting the reigning government.

The 19 ward councilors from Yore village say they will continue to support Pangu Pati because of current developments in their community.

These development include the establishment of

– Yore School of Excellence,

– Menda General Hospital,

– Tund Health Centre and

– PNG Games Facility in Oiyarep.

Local Businessman and Community leader, Sape Molumi said he saw new business opportunities since Pangu Pati took power.

“Before Pangu, local Businessman like myself and fellow Papua New Guineans business owners have been overlooked and foreign owned businesses were given the opportunity to flourish. Many of these foreign contractors send money out of the country, which has affected the cash flow,” said Mr. Molumi.

Governor William Powi who entered Parliament as a PNC Party Man and later joined Pangu Pati said in the short term, Pangu managed to correct many wrongs made by past governments.

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News

Kimbe Cutters Record 3rd Win for 2022 Season

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Digicel Cup franchise Kimbe Cutters have recorded their 3rd straight win for the 2022 season. 

Cutters beat the Bintagor Goroka Lahanis 24 – 20 in front of a packed home crowd at the Kimbe Rugby League Oval on Saturday (June 18). 

A jubilant Cutter’s Coach Lucas Samak told Inside PNG news, continues reshuffle in the halves has been a factor in their game plan. ” I believe we have found the right player combination and that has proven since winning our first game in Round 6,” said Samak.

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Coach Samak said the Cutter’s line defense improved alot in the past two weeks holding off their opponents and denying tries. He said training will continue to grind players especially forwards. 

“Our forward pack has more to work on to be the best defensive team. We will work on this to prepare for our next game. Our boys have more to offer and our hype for the game has moved a notch up with three wins in a row, ” said Coach Samak. 

Samak said the team hopes to record another win before the two weeks break as players and officials in all the franchise clubs prepare to head to the polls to cast their votes for the 2022 National General Elections.

“We will take one game at a time. I want to see the Team elevated to be a premiership contender if we stick to our game plans and preparation”, said Coach Samak. 

Cutters win over visitors Goroka Lahanis is the third straight win after Jiwaka Provincial Government sponsored Waghi Tumbe and PRK Gulf Isou. 

Kimbe Cutters Fullback Elijah Rotinga was named Player of the Match after scoring a try and was instrumental in assisting the other 3 tries. 

Coach Samak is optimistic the same lineup will be maintained however the win over Lahanis comes at a cost with two players likely to face discipline charges. 

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National Elections

NGE 2022 – Distribution of Ballot Papers

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TWELVE million ballot papers are now ready for distribution to the 22 provinces in PNG in preparation for polling on the 4th of July. Six million will be distribution for open seats while another six million will be distributed for the Provincial seats. The Election materials arrived from Australia on Saturday (June 18) afternoon. 

PNG Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai visited the Air Transport Wing in Port Moresby on Saturday 18th June 2022 to witness the final packaging of all Election items for distribution. He thanked the Australian Government for assisting in the delivery of the election materials. 

The first ballot papers left for Daru in Western province signifying the start of the ballot paper distribution. The operation is being supported by the Australian Defence Force in consultation with PNG’s joint security forces. 

The Electoral Commissioner appealed for cooperation from all sectors in the country reiterating that the Commission is doing its best under trying circumstances to bring the elections to the people. He said there are 5.7 million registered voters according to the enrolments conducted in the electorates.

In a statement issued recently, Mr Sinai said polling will be conducted in 6396 wards covering 346 local level government council areas across the country.

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More than 47,000 temporary election workers (TEWs) will be engaged to work with the 5963 polling teams to conduct polling throughout the country. The Commissioner said the number of polling teams have been increased to ensure polling is conducted in all scheduled polling places and results delivered within the required time.

One day polling will be mainly conduced in the Highlands and in National Capital District while there will be one day polling in parts of West Sepik, Madang, Morobe, New Ireland, West New Britain, Bougainvlle, Western, Central and Milne Bay. 

For the first time the Electoral Commission will have gender split polling booths where separate voting lines will be created for men and women to ensure everyone gets the chance to cast their votes. Arrangements have also been made for People with disabilities to cast their votes.

Around 11,022 polling booths will be open on Monday 4th of July starting at 8am in 9625 different polling locations around the country.

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National Elections

Tuke Condemns Violence in Kainantu

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Incumbent Kainantu MP, Johnson Tuke has condemned the recent violence in Kainantu.

Tuke said supporters of a rival candidate instigated the violence resulting in an exchange of stone throws and burning of two vehicles belonging to his campaign team. 

In a news conference in Port Moresby, Tuke urged his supporters in Kainantu not to take any further action but allow police investigation to take its course. 

“I condemn the action of my rival and his supporters, but I will not allow retaliation. I am a leader and I will allow the rule of law to take course, ” said Tuke. 

According to Tuke he has laid a complaint with the police. He said further violence will disrupt services in Kainantu and disturb the travelling public using the Highlands Highway. 

“I do not wish for the PNG Electoral Commission to declare a fail election for Kainantu. Opting to violence is not the solution, grievances must be challenged through the ballot box during polling. 

I was given the mandate by the Kainantu people for two terms, now I am defending the Open Seat. It’s only the people who will decide and not through violence,” Tuke said.

Mr Tuke urged all candidates contesting the Kainantu Open Seat to work together and also control their supporters when moving around during campaign. 

The violence in Kainantu Town last week saw schools and other businesses close their doors including the temporary closure of the Okuk Highway. 

Mr Tuke also apologized to those who got injured during the violence including vehicle owners. 

According to Mr Tuke nearly 50 of his supporters are nursing their injuries at his Goroka home while some are admitted at the Goroka General Hospital. 

Meanwhile additional police have been dispatched to Kainantu to restore order and normalcy.

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News

Lakolam Villagers In Wabag Celebrate Projects

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More than 500 villagers at Lakolam and neighboring villages in Wabag and Kompiam-Ambum Districts in Enga Province have joined in a three day celebration, to commemorate the opening of Mr Jacob (Mukere) Luke’s home and the Concerdia Lutheran School.

Jacob Luke, who is the owner of the Mapai Trucking Company initiated these projects under the Jacob Luke Foundation.

 

 

 

Lakolam was once a tribal war zone and war torn village.

Since the establishment of the Jacob Luke foundation, Mr Luke has been working closely with the villagers to bring unity and to restore peace in the area.

These efforts were based on the foundation’s theme, ‘Building the foundation, to fixing the future generation’.

Since yesterday, people started flocking in to the area bringing along with them contributions to show their support and appreciation for these new developments.

The projects will officially be launched on Friday, 17th of June.

Invited guests include the Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, Bishop of ELC PNG Reverend Dr Jack Urame, Education Secretary, Dr Uke Kombra, and Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Rainbo Paita.

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Call for OC to Stop Payments

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A former Governor is calling on the Ombudsman Commission not to approve and release any funding submitted for clearance.

Francis Potape an intending candidate contesting the Hela Regional Seat says the watchdog must not entertain any cheques as it is unfair and illegal.

He said this is an act of corruption and the Ombudsman Commission must intervene by freezing all these funds submitted by any Provincial Government or for that matter District Development Authorities.

“This is morally wrong, incumbent leaders are now using that money as their pocket money during the national general elections. It’s visible in Hela Province. Those in power are using this public funds to pay individuals to buy votes or lure support”, said Potape.

Potape told INSIDE PNG News, this corruption must be exposed and OC must freeze any form of payment submitted before them(OC) for approval.

“I call on OC to be proactive and intervene, these are public funds, only accounts that relate to public servants must remain operational. Individual cheques or payments to small organisations must not be entertained,” Potape said.

” It’s happening all around Hela Province and people can see it clearly. The Ombudsman Commission must visit Hela and see what is happening,” said Potape.

Potape said leaders are using public funds in their campaigns. He said this is unfair and illegal.

“Some of us are using our own resources to campaign during the Election while sitting Members of Parliament are accessing public funding to bribe voters,” added Potape.

The former Governor said no one is doing anything about this and it is a concern for us intending candidates. He said millions in the Hela Provincial Government account are not being used to improve and deliver essential services but are now used to fund campaigns and other election related matters.

” I call on OC not to approve or allow any payments submitted by Hela Provincial Government for vetting. This must be stopped”, said Potape.

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News

Financial Autonomy Critical For WNB Says Muthuvel

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Two-time Governor of West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel believes the Province needs financial autonomy.

Muthuvel said service delivery will increase tenfold if the national government disembarks powers like finance, health, police and amend laws that will allow Provincial Governments to generate revenue. He also expressed concerns of the IMFS system used by the Finance Department.

“Many of the key sectors of development rest in Waigani, I believe this is the hindrance to improving the level of service delivery in Provinces. If powers are decentralized to Provinces, it will allow Provincial Governments to make bold decisions and function better, ” said Muthuvel.

“Functions like powers from the Department Roads and Infrastructure or previously Department of Works. Many of our roads have deteriorated because they are national roads and the effort to fix and maintain takes ages. If our Provincial Works is given full power to administratively work, it will function better to ensure our roads are maintained,” said Muthuvel.

 

The incumbent Governor told Inside PNG he will push for financial autonomy for West New Britain if he is re-elected by the people. He said WNB contributes significantly to the National Government and must be recognized.

 

“In order for a province to fully develop, there should be condusive pathways to harness it’s capabilities to grow its economy and support its Provincial Government. We cannot continue to depend on the National Government to make decisions, essential powers must be given to empower service delivery,” said Muthuvel.

The incumbent Governor said WNB has more potential to grow and develop if financial autonomy is given.

Muthuvel is currently on his campaign rally in the Kandrian Gloucester area. He said he respects and has no grudges against his opponents. The sitting Governor urged people to vote for someone who will deliver not just today but for their future generation.

“I am blessed to be the mandated leader in the past 10 years, my intention is genuine therefore I believe in serving the people of West New Britain”, said Muthuvel.

People have the right to choose any leader and that power is exercised through the ballot box during elections.

“I believe I have served the people of WNB,” said a confident Muthuvel.

Governor Muthuvel is defending the West New Britain Regional Seat. He was voted into Parliament in 2012.

In the 2022 National General Elections, Muthuvel is contesting against 21 other intending candidates including a woman.

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Education

Graduate Job Link Provides Job Link Training to Graduates

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A Business Management Lecturer at Goroka Technical College has gone out of his way to provide basic job link training for graduates.

Harold Malken is the founder and head trainer of Graduate Job Link, a volunteer employment agency based in Goroka.

Through his Agency, he has developed a customized Curriculum Vitae (CV) and job application package, which he is offering to new graduates, with an aim to help them secure employment.

“Graduates go through a lot of hurdles in their first job entry. This is because graduates are not prepared during their formal education.” Mr Malken said.

Malken said, tertiary institutions only trained graduates to diploma and degree level and fails to bridge the missing link, and that is to train students on how best they can structure their job application and CV.

“When I first started teaching at Goroka Technical College in 2017, I noticed students trying their best to write good CVs and job application for employment.

“This also reminded me of my days after graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Strategic Management at the University of Papua New Guinea in 2011, and very importantly how hard it was to secure my first employment.” Malken said.

In 2019, he conducted his first session of training at Goroka to up skill graduates to write good CVs for employment and also trialed out his CV samples.

In 2020, he got about 5 positive responses from the first 30 students who attended his first training.

That has motivated him to enhance the CV Package to include 6 features, and that includes:

a. Explanation of CV from the employer perspective

b. Job Dedicated CVs

c. Interview questions, their corresponding reasons and answer guides

d. Interview Preparation Strategies

e. Post Sale Services like editing of letters and CV

f. Doing Mock /Practice Interviews and

g. Providing Practical Job Application Sessions.

Mr Malken has since been conducting trainings for graduates in Goroka, Lae, Madang, and Port Moresby since 2019

Malken said, from over 500 graduates who attended his trainings, more than a quarter has found formal employment in both public and private sector organizations.

One area of focus where Mr Malken is challenged with is ‘Experience’ which is a one of the main requirements for job entry.

“We understand that graduates do not have a lot of paid job experience. When conducting trainings, we provide 7 different strategies to cover for experience.

“There are lot of challenges like wantok system and nepotism, however graduates should know that the probability of their employment also depend on how best they can market themselves in their CV and Cover Letter and constantly applying for jobs.” Mr Malken said.

Apart from his Job Application training package, he has also introduced a SME training for Beginners.

“With an increased unemployment rate in the country, the SME for Beginners Training is developed to provide a self-employment option for graduates, so that they can participate in Government Funded SME Programs through BSP and NDB.” Malken said.

He said he is using his own personal experience as a former Bank South Pacific Pioneer SME Lending Officer from 2012 – 2015 to run the SME training.

Mr Malken further added that his aim is to see graduates to be formally employed or informally through self-employment, and see them be their own boss, drive their own car, and sign their own cheques.

Last weekend Mr. Malken with the assistance of his volunteers conducted a two days training with more than 60 attendees at Goroka.

Graduate Job Link’s July session will cover Goroka, Lae, Kimbe and Port Moresby Moresby.

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News

AROB Celebrates 17th Anniversary

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The Autonomous Region of Bougainville celebrated the 17th Anniversary of the formation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government on Wednesday (June 15).

Celebrations were held in the three regional capitals in North Bougainville (Buka Town), Central Bougainville (Arawa Town) and South Bougainville (Buin Town).

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama was in Arawa for the celebrations where he was the keynote speaker.

President Toroama paid tribute to former Bougainville leaders as well as ex-combatants who fought in the Bougainville Civil War.

He said their sacrifice made possible the existence of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the legal framework that preceded the ABG and allowed its creation.

“In the present my government has finally positioned Bougainville ready to attain independence but doing so through the established legal process,” President Toroama said.

“However, this does not mean our people can suddenly become complacent. We all have a duty to Bougainville and to honor the blood that was spilled on our island to work with our government to achieve political independence,” Toroama said.

“There are a lot of people who are find of asking where the government up to with its development priorities and independence readiness but I turn to you and ask you, Na yu nap where?” Toroama said.

On June 15th 2005 the first Bougainville House of Representatives was sworn in with the Late Joseph Kabui as President and witnessed by then Prime Minister the Late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.

This gave birth to the autonomous arrangements that have since been in place on Bougainville.

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