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Refugee Files Court Proceeding to Summon Immigration Boss

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Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu Arrested

A refugee who has been battling with the Office of the Immigrations and Citizenship Authority has filed another court proceeding to summon the Acting Chief Migration Officer (ACMO), Wellington Navasivu to appear in Court for the recent charges laid against him.

Masum Mozumder, a refugee who had laid formal complaints against Navasivu, says he did not drop the charges against the accused.

He said he was shocked to learn from one of the daily newspapers that the Police Commissioner dropped all the charges and cited reasons that the matter is before the court.

Lawyer representing Mozumder, Solomon Wanis said the case before the court between Immigrations and his client was an appeal filed against the Court’s decision to grant his client Refugee status.

He said that appeal, was however withdrawn by the state on Monday (22nd July 2024).

Following the Court’s decision in December 2023 to grant full refugee status to Mozumder, he initiated the process to have the Acting Chief Migration Officer arrested for deprivation of liberty.

On the 9th of July, Navasivu was arrested and charged at the Boroko Police Station for;

– Unlawful Detention

– Attempt to pervert the course of justice and

– Abuse of Office.

He was later released on his “own recognizance” by NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Commander, Silva Sika.

“Own recognizance” is a legal term referring to a type of release that does not require the defendant to post bail and is based on a written promise by the defendant to appear in court when summoned.

It is alleged that Navasivu, as the Deputy Chief Migration Officer in charge of Compliance and Enforcement Division with PNG Immigrations and Citizenship Authority signed a detention notice dated 15th August 2023, for Mozumder, a Bangladeshi refugee to be detained and deported.

His actions allegedly defied court orders that were on foot pending the determination of the December decision.

Following this arrest, Navasivu’s office released a brief explaining that “he signed the approval to detain the Bangladeshi man in compliance with the Migration Act and ICA’s duty to protect our community from non-citizens who can cause harm to our community”. 

Since the arrest of Navasivu, the matter is yet to appear before the committal court in Waigani for arraignment.

Wanis said it seems police have shelved the case, therefore they are asking the court to intervene.

On behalf of his client, he is seeking the court’s orders to compel the Police Commissioner and the Arresting Officer, Mr Philip Otto who are both named as the 2nd and 3rd Defendants respectively, to bring Navasivu (1st Defendant) to face the charges against him.

Mr Wanis pointed out that section 37 (3) of the Constitution states “A person charged with an offence shall, unless the charge is withdrawn, be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time, by an independent and impartial court.

He also pointed out Section 55 of the District Court Act, where it states “A person taken into custody for an offence shall be brought before a Court or a Magistrate as soon as practicable after he is taken into custody.

Files were served to all the defendants on Wednesday (25th July, 2024).

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2nd DBTI Stakeholders Conference

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2nd DBTI Stakeholders Conference

The 2nd Don Bosco Technological Institute or DBTI Stakeholders Conference was held at the Emmaus Conference Centre from the 11th – 13th July. The conference consisted of a 3-day convention with discussions focused on the theme “Dreaming together for DBTI to be a University”.

Invited guests and speakers who were present at the conference were stakeholders from the education, government and industrial sectors, members of the clergy and from among the Salesians, DBTI Alumni, and fellow DBTI staff that contributed towards the conversations and discussions surrounding the likelihood of the institution transitioning into an advanced higher educational institution.

After a traditional welcome by DBTI students from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville with dance and wind-pipe music, Fr. Greg Bicomong, PGS Provincial and Chairman of the DBTI Governing Board, welcomed all participants, emphasizing the vision, determination, and commitment of the PGS Vice Province through different Provincial Chapters to pursue a university status for DBTI.

The conference was graced by the presence of the keynote speaker, a prominent figure within the education sphere, Professor Kenneth Sumbuk who was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea and is currently a member of the Oxford University Convocation.

Professor Sumbuk is an avid supporter of the vision of DBTI to transition into a university as he congratulates the Salesians for the milestones it achieved in “filling the gap in the educational needs of the country.” Professor Sumbuk believes that DBTI has already ticked many of the requirements for being a university, but that DBTI would need to assure and maintain quality standards as it responds to the educational crisis that threatens the country.

DBTI Stakeholders Conference.

The Catholic educational institutions were amply represented in the Conference. Bishop Peter Baquero, Bishop of Kerema, and the bishop in-charge of education, reminded the assembly that Don Bosco was invited in Papua New Guinea (PNG) not by government and business entities, but by the Catholic bishops in order to educate and evangelize PNG youths through Don Bosco’s brand of education, especially in the field of technical education.

The bishop challenged DBTI to be faithful to the Salesian charism and the Preventive System of education by caring for the less privileged and by discerning the future of DBTI not in answer to a need but in response to God’s call.

Supporting comments were made by Dr. Alfred Tivinarlik, a Christian Brother and Principal of the St. Peter Chanel Catholic College, who emphasized the role of the Catholic Church in providing qualified teachers in PNG, as he recognized that much more had to be done to match the educational needs in the country.

Fr. Ronilo Javines represented the IUS, the worldwide association of Salesian higher education institutions. Proposing that DBTI be a benchmark for academic excellence and program diversity as well as for integral ecology, the IUS East Asia Oceania (EAO) Coordinator envisioned DBTI as the cornerstone of educational excellence and innovation among the IUS-EAO institutions.

Dr. Gerardo Largoza from De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila represented the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), of which DBTI is also a member.

As Executive Director of Strategic Management and Quality Assurance at DLSU, he shared what DLSU has learned in its 25th year anniversary as a university that can benefit DBTI. As President of Divine Word University in Madang, Fr. Philip Gibbs SVD, shared practical insights on how to transition to a university status with the help of seven areas of strategic planning. Likewise, optimistic sentiments were shared and presented by the President of DBTI, Fr. Ariel Macatangay, on the dream to transition DBTI into an Entrepreneurial University, while explaining that such dreams are attainable by a vision for socio-economic sustainability, transformational leadership, and effective collaboration and research to ensure such plans reach fruition.

Government and civil society officers were also present through the messages of Kevin Kalis, Assistant Director at the National Training Council, Samson Wangihomie, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, and John Tul of the PNG Education Advocacy Network, as well as the participation of Dr. Kilala Devete-Chee from the National Research Institute.

Some successful DBTI alumni shared their insights in the persons of Dr. Jerome Oko, Administrator at the Divine Word University, Port Moresby campus, Omar Palaming, Founder and CEO of PhilIT System in the Philippines, Godfrey Morisa, Owner and Executive Director of GMT Automation and Mr. Leslie Brown, representing the Corporate Bosco, the federation of alumni in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

A unique feature in this conference was the involvement of three educational leaders from other parts of the world, who made their presentations via Zoom online platform. The following presented various roadmaps from their respective institutions for DBTI to learn from: Br. Mario Olmos, Rector at Don Bosco University in Salvador, Fr. Stephen Mavely, Founder and former Vice-Chancellor of Assam Don Bosco University in India, and Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration at the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Samarai-Murua partners with Bank for School Fee Payments

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Samarai-Murua District partners with Mama bank for school fee payments

The Samarai-Murua District Development Authority is the 3rd DDA to sign an agreement with Mama Bank to facilitate all payments of its tertiary assistance program.

The arrangement is to ensure tertiary fees for students sponsored by the districts are paid on time so it does not affect their studies.

Samarai-Murua District this year has allocated K1.7 million for school fee assistance.

MP Isi Henry Leonard said while waiting for the DSIP funding to be processed, the bank will assist to pay for all Samarai-Murua students attending tertiary institutions throughout the country and abroad.

Once the DSIP component of that funding is made available, the DDA will release it directly to the bank to reimburse the funds.

Both the bank and the DDA clarified that this is not a loan.

This arrangement is part of plans to establish a Mama Bank branch in the district.

Two other DDA’s that have signed similar agreements with the Mama

bank are Kerowagi District in the Simbu Province and Rigo District in Central.

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Panguna Mine Issues Take Centre Stage

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Open cut Panguna Mine

Panguna Mine issues took center stage at the recent CANCONEX Resource week hosted by the Papua New Guinea Camber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE).

Despite being closed for more than 30 years the mine is in the stages to re-open but legacy issues that have been left by Bougainville Copper Limited’s operations until its closure need to be addressed.

The President and his cabinet of the Bougainville Executive council granted an extension of the exploration license, EL_01 to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) on the 28th of January, 2024.

President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama speaking during CANCONEX about Panguna Mine Issues.
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama speaking during CANCONEX. [[Photo: PNG Media]]

The Panguna Project is already licensed under an Exploration License for a term of five years.

What the Land owners and the people directly affected by the mine want, is to get some closure to the legacy issues, which include the environmental destruction caused by the mine.

Present at CANCONEX was President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, who gave an overall report on the legacy issues of the mine including the way forward to reopening Panguna.

Theonila Roka Matbob, member for the Ioro Constituency in Central Bougainville, is a Panguna mine landowner and she is very vocal about the legacy issues left by the mine.

Old Trucks at the Panguna Mine.

She is the Minister for Community Government and also a long time activist on Panguna issues, she said during CANCONEX that they want to close the old chapter of Panguna as they move on to the new chapter.

She mentioned that there is a report; the PANGUNA MINE LEGACY IMPACT ASSESSMENT, which is set to be complete by August.

The report will help the People of Panguna understand the extent of the mine legacy issues.

The Panguna issue remains sensitive but parties in the efforts to re-open the mine are working closely together.

Panguna Mine. [[Photo//Llane Munau]]
Panguna Mine. [[Photo//Llane Munau]]

Bougainville Copper Limited Chairman, Sir Mel Togolo was also part of the discussions at CANCONEX, he said BCL had a more community oriented approach and there is widespread acceptance for the mine’s reopening in the Panguna Area.

President Toroama who is also Minister for Minerals & Energy says all the discussions and dialogue between the Land Owners and the ABG, carefully considered support for local content and Resource Owners, he said this was paramount because it is the Land owners that own the Resource.

Theonila Roka stressed that what is important is a plan to see a more viable future for resource owners considering their attachment to the land and its resources, and they can be more sustainable after the project ends.

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CANCONEX Allows for Informative Conversations

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CANCONEX

President of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy or PNG CORE, Anthony Smare says the Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo or CANCONEX is a safe space for uncomfortable courageous conversations.

Smare made the comment during the conclusion of the 2024 National Community Affairs & National Content Conference & Expo. CANCONEX, the conference and Expo started on the 1st and ended on the 3rd of July, and was hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea.

There were presentations by companies and stakeholders in the Mining, Petroleum and Energy sectors, and afterwards panel discussions, creating interaction between Resource Landowners, activists and Major Companies in the extractive and Energy industries.

With the focus on Community Affairs and Local Content, discussions on challenges and innovations in improving and addressing issues of national interest, that affect resource landowners and companies alike, were presented to over a thousand attendees over the three days.

One of the highlights of the CANCONEX was a continuation of last years inaugural CANCONEX in Lae, which featured the Issues of Bougainville; this years edition also welcomed the resource landowners from Bougainville and key partners which included the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), the Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and the Panguna Land Owners.

Sensitive discussions on the legacy issues of the Panguna mine and the progress of reopening the mine took center stage, with the audience very much in tune.

The President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), Ishmael Toroama, was present, he gave a speech and later the president was part of a panel discussion with BCL, and representatives of the Landowners, which included Theonila Roka Matbob, member for the Ioro Constituency in Central Bougainville, which is part of the Panguna mine area.

President of the PNG CORE, Anthony Smare on stage during CANCONEX 2024

President of PNG CORE, Anthony Smare was invested in the conversations and facilitated the panel discussion, on Bougainville issues, he stressed during the closing of CANCONEX that the discussions were informative and very diverse.

“We need safe spaces for uncomfortable courageous conversations, we saw this in the session, the ABG President was here and Bougainville Copper Limited was here, BCL was not welcome back to Bougainville for 20 years, But I was surprised to hear them say that, mining was essential to grow their economy, as the President had said.

“But they were doing it in a way that they knew they had legacy issues and through processes such as remediation in which the people and the ABG are involved in, and that illustrates the importance of having safe spaces where extremely diverse views can be heard where people don’t take it personally but they realize its important to build a future where people feel included and they own that future,” Smare added.

With the convergence of resource owners and companies together not all views are agreed to, but like the President of PNG CORE alluded to in his closing remarks, the convention attendees are always expected to keep an open mind when observing discussions.

“I salute the companies that support this and that sponsor this, because they know that the people that are most uncomfortable with these conversations are the companies themselves, when they hear being mentioned.

“CANCONEX is successful because of what we want people to commit to when they come in, which is to open your mind to opinions which you don’t agree with, with people you don’t necessarily agree with or that you think you have nothing in common with, someone you have never met before, and this event only works because of the commitment the attendees make, you attend all the sessions and you talk to the interns the CEOs, Resource Landowners and community activists you have a whole spectrum that come here,” Smare added.

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Charges on Tambua temporarily dropped over police differences

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A division among investigating officers looking into the sexual abuse allegations against the Member for Goroka, Aiye Carter Tambua has forced the Court to temporary withdraw the matter.

The matter was before the Committal Court at Waigani, National Capital District.

Appearing before the Court today, lawyer representing the defendant, Edward Sasingian asked the court to withdraw the matter because of this police blunder.

According to Presiding Magistrate, Paul Puri Nii one of the investigating officers, First Constable Adriana Kamasunga has filed an affidavit claiming that the evidence collected and presented to the court came from some unknown police officers.

She also expressed disappointment that the police Hand Up Brief was prepared and produced by police officers who do not work at the Sexual Offenses Squad.

The officer said she collected evidence including traveling to Goroka with the case officer, Superintendent Charles Winuan and others and she was also part of the arresting team and was present during the record of interview and arrest.

The police officer said they have been under so much pressure dealing with the case and therefore she wanted to see the file completed properly.

Superintendent Winuan explained to the court yesterday that following the complaints, he was tasked by former NCD Central Commander, Anthony Wagambie Jr, to form an investigation team to investigate the matter as it concerned a politician.

He said because of the status of Tambua they had to ensure a thorough investigation process.

He confirmed that Kamasunga was part of the team including another female officer from homicide and a male police officer.

He also told court that Kamasunga is on maternity leave when she filed the affidavit, hence not on active duty.

Winuan mentioned that as Officer in Charge of this investigation, he wasn’t made aware of Kamasunga’s grievances.

Magistrate Nii expressed disappointment saying, a police officer is disputing police evidence and thus this is unhealthy for the police case.

“Police now appear to be divided. I will not accept and assess evidence with questionable nature and evidence collected from policeman and woman with divided interests”.

Among the orders issued by the court include;

  • The allegations against the defendant are temporarily withdrawn and referred back to the office of the police commissioner to properly deal with it.
  • Commissioner of police is requested to seriously address issues affecting the administrative criminal investigative process and deal with officers down the file and rank
  • The Police Commissioner is requested to appoint a neutral criminal investigator within the Sexual Offenses Squad to prepare a proper file and investigate on the allegations based on its merit and charge by charge
  • Matter against the Defendant will be reinvestigated whenever the Commissioner of police is ready to progress the allegations.
  • The Commissioner of police is at liberty to reopen the case and repeat the entire criminal investigative process against the Defendant whenever he sees fit and appropriate.

Bail was also refunded.

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Acting Chief Migration Officer Arrested

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Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu Arrested

The Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu was arrested and charged yesterday at the Boroko Police Station in Port Moresby.

He was charged with one count each of:

  1. Unlawful detention,
  2. Attempt to pervert the course of justice and
  3. Abuse of office.

Just five months since taking office, Mr Navasivu is facing a possible 10-year sentence if he is found guilty by the court.

Speaking to Inside PNG following his bail, Mr Navasivu refused to comment on his arrest, assuring that his office will release a media statement regarding the arrest.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Commander, Silva Sika, through his executive officer said he would release details of the arrest once he is briefed on the matter.

Mr Navasivu was appointed the Acting Chief Migration Officer when the former CMO, Stanis Hulahau resigned on the 30th of January 2024.

Stanis Hulahau resigned soon after Inside PNG and partners (Organized Crime and Corruption Project & ABC Australia) published an article revealing evidence of him receiving money from a Chinese business woman named Mei Lin, to allegedly facilitate passports for her husband to enter PNG.

Lin who allegedly entered PNG illegally, was arrested in Australia in January for smuggling Methamphetamine into the country via PNG.

An Immigrations Ministerial sanctioned investigation was authorized and carried out by KPMG into Hulahau’s involvement with Mei Lin.

John Rosso on Hulahau investigation. This video was first uploaded on March 27th, 2024.

Immigration Minister, John Rosso had announced during a media conference earlier this year that the findings of the investigation would be made public. .

It has been six months since that announcement with no details of the findings.

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Maladina steps aside ahead of domestic assault court hearing

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Headshot of Jimmy Maladina against a white background.

Petroleum Minister and Member for Esa’ala, Jimmy Maladina has stepped aside from his ministerial portfolio to attend to a domestic assault matter before an Australian Court.

Jimmy Maladina was arrested over the weekend in Sydney following a domestic dispute. He was granted conditional bail and will appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday (July 11).

Maladina, 58, was alleged to have assaulted a 31-year-old woman known to him. Police who attended to the matter saw bruises on the woman’s face.

Papua New Guineans woke up to the story published online by the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday (July 7) morning.

Maladina immediately released a statement saying he does not condone any forms of violence and requests privacy for all parties involved in the matter.

“I understand the gravity of the situation and the concerns it raises. As a public servant I hold myself to high standards of conduct, both personally and professionally.”

Prime Minister, James Marape through the PM’s Media head, Matrom John advised the media in the morning that “The Australian Authority will have to provide a brief to the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs before the Foreign Affairs Minister briefs the Prime Minister on this matter.”

Late in the afternoon, the Prime Minister then announced the Petroleum Minister’s decision to step aside from his position while a complaint against him is being heard in court in Australia.

“I thank Minister Maladina for taking responsibility to uphold his name and the integrity of the public office he holds in a professional manner in respecting the judicial process to run its course.

“I had my discussion with the Minister, and as a responsible government that respects the Rule of Law, we uphold high standards. Minister Maladina stepping aside is appreciated,” said PM Marape.

The Prime Minister urged the public to refrain from spreading speculations as this matter is now before a competent prosecutorial process.

The cabinet will appoint a new Minister to act in the position.

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Sexual Health Awareness for June Valley Community

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A community engagement program by the June Valley youths and Marie Stopes PNG saw the successful treatment of ten (10) Sexually Transmitted Infections and nine (9) Family Planning Treatment.

The visit to the June Valley community was an initiated by the Doma Youths Association, a community advocacy group in Tokarara, Port Moresby.

Chairman of Doma Youths Association, Pia Kak said June Valley is a fast growing community and it was important to bring in family health organizations such as Marie Stopes to address unplanned pregnancies and sexual health through awareness and treatment.

He said a lot of youths who are sexually active do not know where or whom to reach out for sexual health information or treatment.

People gathered at a field for sexual health awareness program.
June Valley community congregate for sexual health awareness program.

“Bringing Marie Stopes here we hope to address the stigma in getting family planning for youths who are sexually active. While we don’t encourage teenage sex, it is important that the community knows these services are available.”

Marie Stops Community Based Mobilizer, Bapi Timothy said these awareness programs are provided free of charge in communities throughout the country. He said it only needs the community leaders to reach out to them.

“Our mother’s, sisters and wives are vulnerable to child birth deaths because there isn’t enough spacing, and not enough awareness on basic family planning methods and also having too many children which makes our mothers sisters and wives face child birth complications.

Youths were also advised to seek medical treatment at the earliest when they experience discomfort or discharge at the genitalia.

Mr Kak further thanked the 19 people that were screened by Marie Stopes medical team and treated.

“It is a milestone achievement for Doma Youths Association for partnering with one of the vital service providers in the country,” said Kak.

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Coca-Cola Partners Paradise Cinema to Rebrand Premium Lounge

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Coca-Cola Partners Paradise Cinemas to rebrand premium lounge

Coca-Cola PNG and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG have joined forces with the Paradise Cinemas to refresh and rebrand the Premium lounge, located at Vision City Megamall in Port Moresby.

Under this partnership, TCCC has unveiled a ‘chill – out zone’ that radiates a relaxed atmosphere, with cozy furnishings and designs synonymous with the brand’s global identity.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing the cinematic experiences for audiences.

The partnership was solidified last Thursday, when Coca-Cola sponsored the private screening of the highly anticipated movie; “Bad Boys Ride or Die.”

Coca-Cola PNG and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG join forces with the Paradise Cinemas to refresh and rebrand the Premium lounge at Vision City Megamall in Port Moresby.

The newly rebranded Coca-Cola Premium Lounge was filled with movie enthusiasts and film – goers, to catch a flick of the long-awaited movie.

When asked about their experience of the new look Premium Lounge, film goer Hananaia Dickson said, it is “Clean, Bright and very Inviting.”

She said she would invite her friends to come experience the new look Coca-Cola Premium Lounge.

She also shared her experience on the Private Screening.

“I have never been to a private screening before, so it was very new to me and very nice. The atmosphere was nice, and everyone was really inviting. The movie was really great,” she said.

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