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Court Declares Jason Peter Huon Gulf MP

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The Waigani National Court today declared Jason Peter as sitting MP. He was declared as the Member elected for Huon Gulf District. This follows a Election Petition filed by former MP, Ross Seymour. Jason Peter will continue his role as the Minister for Community Development, Youths, and Religion.

Huon Gulf MP, Jason Peter said, “I thank God our heavenly father for this victory. God himself have plans for me before I was chosen as your MP.”
He further said, “I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my Hausman boys of West Taraka and Salamaua LLG “Ol Yapmarn” Morobe LLG and Wampar LLG Rural and Urban with each and every one of you who believed in me and supported me throughout this challenging process. Your unwavering support and trust in my abilities have been pivotal to achieving this victory. Thank you for your constant encouragement and for placing your faith in me to represent your interests.”

The MP also extended his appreciation to his legal team who worked tirelessly to present their case convincingly. “Your dedication, expertise, and attention to detail played a crucial role in the success of this election petition.”

The Minister further acknowledged his opponent, Former MP Brian Ross Seymour. “While we may have had differing views and campaigned on different platforms, I appreciate his participation in this democratic process. I believe that healthy competition fosters robust discourse and ultimately benefits our community.”
Jason Peter said the District will now focus on serving the people of Huon Gulf. “I am fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead, and I wholeheartedly accept the responsibilities that come with being your elected representative and Minister. I pledge to continue advocating for your needs and aspirations, working towards creating a better future for all.”

The MP urged everyone in their community to unite and work together, irrespective of political affiliations, to ensure the district’s progress and redevelopment. “Let us put aside our differences and unite in pursuing common goals, fostering harmony, and uplifting the lives of our fellow citizens.”

Related: https://insidepng.com/tag/salamaua-high-school/

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Kapris Passes on

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People’s National Congress Party Leader, Peter O’Neill has formally announced the passing of Gabriel Kapris, the member for Maprik.

Kapris a member of the PNC Party died over the weekend in Port Moresby. He was re-elected into parliament in 2022 and served until his passing on 12th August 2023.

He first entered poltics in 2002 and reamined a popular leader for his district taking on several port folios as minister for Commerce and Industry and Works and Implementation.

The news of Kapris’ passing comes at a time, the people of East Sepik are gearing up to vote for a new member fo Wewak Open.

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Bagana Assistance

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More relief assistance is reaching villages on Bougainville island affected by the Mt. Bagana eruption on 7th July 2023.

Yesterday the US Army airlifted the first load of relief supplies into Torokina District, three weeks after the eruption.

Through the US Agency for International Development (US AID), $ 200, 000 was injected into the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support the humanitarian response.

IOM is leading the camp management at the declared care centers at Piva and Wakunai. Two new care centers were also declared for locals in Panguna and Kunua Districts.

With most of the water source considered unsafe for drinking, the Australian Government through the Australian Defense Force had supplied water purifying tablets.

An ADF aircraft landed in Buka on 10th August 2023, carrying with it shelter and hygiene kits.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp who who flew in with Australian Defense Advisor, Colonel Travis Gordon on at the ADF aircraft C-27 handed over the supplies to Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama.

“This support demonstrates the strength of our commitment to cooperation and friendship particularly in times of need,” said Commissioner Philp.

The New Zealand Government is assisting in this humanitarian response through collecting and testing of water samples for drinking.

Last Wednesday, a Papua New Guinea Defense Force Naval Vessel sailed into Bougainville for the first time after 23 years.

All these responses by the National Government and international partners come after a request by the Autonomous Bougainville Government to assist more than a 1000 people displaced by the eruption.

Mt. Bagana is an active volcano located on South-west of Bougainville.

While no deaths were reported, the ash fall and lava that flowed into river systems and food gardens have affected several other villages in Central Bougainville.

Related: https://insidepng.com/bougainville-to-produce-first-draft-of-an-autochthonous-constitution/

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ROTARIANS CREATE HOPE IN THE WORLD

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Rotary International is an international organization founded on principles of truth, fairness, goodwill and better friendships and operates around the world for its humanitarian courses. The organization has been in Papua New Guinea since 1967 through various rotary clubs.

One of these clubs is the Boroko Rotary Club. The organization recently elected president Stanley Arua [2023/24] who takes over from Joselito Tubon. The position of the President is a one-year tenure and Stanley says this is a big shoe to fill following on from his predecessor.

Stanley Arua works in the Prime Minister’s Department as Director Works & Infrastructure in charge of Connect PNG Policy while his services with Boroko Rotary Club is voluntary, helping to better the lives of ordinary Papua New Guineans. Mr Arua, 51, is a entrepreneur, teacher, diplomat and a career public servant.

Stanley Arua President Elect of Rotary Club Boroko

Recently (July 29th 2023) the Boroko Rotary Club held a dinner to hand over the reign from Joselito Tubon to Stanley Arua. Held at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby it was also a night to showcase what the Club has done and is doing to honor community obligations, present financial report and as always a fun night of fund raising.

Handover takeover of Rotary Club Boroko Presidency by Joselito Tubon (Left) to Stanley Arua (Right)

Funds are raised through various donations from business houses which are then channeled through to charitable causes. The club has helped communities and individuals in need of basic necessities in health, and education. From wheelchairs to hospital beds, birth kits, reading glasses and books, these donations bring a sense of gratitude and happiness to recipients. Major projects include donation of school desks to a number of schools in Port Moresby and Central provinces, Sogeri Community Water project and the Yule Island Water project where villagers have been supported with four 10,000 liter tanks to help them access clean water. Another initiative, the Teacher in a Box Project server is specifically designed to function without internet connectivity instead provides a Local Area Network (LAN). This facility is beneficial to rural villages and 3 primary schools in Central Province have been identified as recipients.

Reflecting on the achievements of the club, Past President Joselito Tubon thanked the executive members of his team that made significant achievements in community service while the new President has vowed to continue the good work and also to combat climate change within the coastal communities through seawall projects.
He also echoed the words of Rotary International President Gordon McInally urging members to promote peace in troubled nations.

Related: https://insidepng.com/news-march22-rotary-club-of-port-moresby-supports-st-john-ambulance/

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EU funded program trains farmers in Digital Literacy

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The European Union-funded STREIT Programme in Papua New Guinea is spearheading a program in order to build the capacity of farmers at digital literacy, e-agriculture, and agri-meteorology services in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea.

The program is primarily focused on empowering farmers by introducing them to important digital tools and knowledge to transform the agri-food business practices; and enhance farmers’ resilience to climate change.

The Sepik region is known for its fertile lands and vibrant farming communities, however, there is a lack of access to digital resources and skills there.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recognised this challenged and has in part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is bridging the digital divide by building the capacity of lead farmers in various aspects of digital literacy.

Some of which include the effective use of smartphones and mobile applications, and other digital resources to enhance agricultural practices, market access, and decision-making capabilities.

Recently, ITU organized two intensive workshops in Vanimo, West Sepik Province and Maprik in East Sepik Province, pulling together 74 lead farmers and agri-food business actors.

The training program, conducted in collaboration with local partners, provided lead farmers with hands-on experiences in various digital applications tailored to the agricultural context.

Farmers were taught basic computing skills, including Word Documents, Spreadsheets and Presentations, Communication processes using Computers and Smartphones; and the use of social media tools in content creation, information sharing, e-marketing, and mobile payment.

The training also improved their understanding of agri-meteorological tools and services and their capabilities.

William Ripai is the Chairman of KISE Cooperative Society in the Aipate Lumi District, who participated in the training held in Vanimo.

He said, he is fortunate to participate in this training program.

“I’m fortunate to learn basic internet and computer skills that will support my group to market our produce to potential buyers.” Ripai said.

Angela Passingan, a former teacher and Chair Lady of BAMA Women’s Group of Ulau Village in Aitape-Lumi District, also assisted in training the Farmers.

She was exited to see local farmers learn about computer and internet for the first time.

“A male farmer was not confident to touch the computer mouse, but I felt really happy when he did on the second day.”

As part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, 10 resource centres equipped with PCs and VSAT internet connections are being established across the Sepik region.

This will provide farming communities with reliable access to the internet, capacity-building digital skills trainings, and digital services, including e-marketing.

The ITU-STREIT  Project Officer, Kanagat Alyshbaev, emphasised the transformative power of digital skills in agriculture.

“By building the capacity of lead farmers in digital skills, we are unlocking the potential for innovation and growth in the agricultural sector, including agribusiness activities. This initiative represents a crucial step toward achieving sustainable and inclusive development in the Sepik region.”

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Soldier confesses to shooting live ammunition during Kupiano training

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A PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) soldier has confessed to firing live ammunitions that allegedly killed leading seaman Eric Gwale and Corporal Watata Kutegen in Kupiano.

PNGDF Commander, Mark Goina said a month-long investigation by PNGDF identified three suspects.

“There were three main suspects identified, one has owned up to firing the live ammunitions because he had the live ammunition on him during the activity,” said Goina.

The investigations also revealed that the deceased members were hit by high velocity ammunitions fired within 40 meters.

“Results of the post-mortems are consisted with the manner and how they sustained those fatal injuries resulting in instant death. Basically, those late members were being hit with high velocity round or bullets fired in close range less that 40 metres during the activity,” said Goina.

Late members Gwale and Kutegen were part of 43 participants in the final exercise for the Corporal Qualifying Course. They were killed on 4th July 2023.

“The tragic incident occurred during the assault phase of the attack; the deceased members were found dead during the reorganization phase which is after the assault was completed” said Goina.

The investigations showed that military processes were not followed right from the start and did not establish the allegation that some soldiers were drunk at the time of the incident.

“The personnel entrusted to perform their duties and responsibilities in relation to the conduct and control of Corporal Qualifying Course to some extent have failed to do their job or responsibilities effectively,” said Goina.

The three soldiers identified will be prosecuted both through the Military Code of Disciple and the Civil Criminal Court. Others have been suspended since 31st of July pending the outcome of the investigations.

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Education

Gerehu Primary in Dire Straits

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Gerehu Primary Grade 8 Students and Teachers

The lack of maintenance and construction of new infrastructure in public schools in Port Moresby is starting to take its toll. Gerehu Primary School is one of the oldest schools in the country and is seemingly in dire straits and falling apart.

The dry arid atmosphere does not help with the outlook of the school. It is made even worse with the graffiti and slow deterioration of infrastructure evident of a struggling Government run school in the nations capital. A scene all too familiar for most public primary schools in the city of Port Moresby.

Gerehu primary has about 3,000 plus students, and 55 teachers but limited teaching resources and office equipment for printing and photocopying.

The school is basically in a slow downward spiral, and some parents have had enough of the situation and are going out of their way to become the solution. The Parents and Citizens (P&C Representatives) are leading the way to help improve the schools academic status and are rallying support to improve the overall outlook of the school.

The school has been struggling to maintain a higher level of teaching and learning especially with the grade 8 students of the school. According to results from last year only 30 percent of the total number of grade eight students from the school made it into grade nine.

On Saturday last week grade 8 students, their teachers, including a handful of parents participated in a walkathon to raise money for the school. They look to make K20,000 from the sponsor sheet papers given to students and parents. The money raised will be for the purchase of office equipment and also to aid with remedial and extra classes for the grade 8 students.

Smith Yamanavan is a parent and former student of Gerehu Primary. He and two other parents, Rodney Wasman and Decosta Dindillo, took lead of the walkathon and have formed a core group to effect some change to the schools status quo.

The three parents that are leading the Parents and Citizens (P&C) Rodney Wasman, Decosta Dindillo, Smith Yamanavan,

Its appalling graffiti lining the walls of the classrooms, rubbish piling up and close to nothing in terms of toilet and wash facilities, there is only one functioning toilet that wreaks and all the walls are dirty, even the sinks and bowls. It’s disgusting to say the least and students are forced to drink water from these very unhygienic facilities. Boys sometimes run to the open field to relieve themselves.

Gerehu Primary was established in the 1960’s Under the Australian Government as an international community school which provided education for many Australian Children, this was before it was handed over to the PNG Government.

It probably looked decent back then but these days it is a worrying site for students and parents seeing the state of the school. Even the Deputy Headmaster of the school, Mr Stanley Tonny, says they cannot afford the extra money needed to fix the school.

He added that they fully support the Parents and Citizens (P&C). The Tuition fee free (TFF) subsidies which the school gets is not enough to do major maintenance work for the school. Despite efforts to seek partners to improve the school by the administration their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

Whilst teaching and learning is paramount, the socioeconomic factors of income and housing is deeply affecting the teachers. Some of the old buildings and classrooms are being used as accommodation by some teachers. While students learn during the day the teachers tuck in for the night in the classrooms.

The Parents have taken up the cause to make it their business to know why the administration of the school is incompetent in improving the schools appalling status.

Related: https://insidepng.com/gerehu-secondary-school-alumni-partner-with-school-for-future-projects/

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International

FRANCE PRESIDENT VISIT

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Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and France President Emmanuel Macron

The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron arrived in PNG on his official state visit, last Thursday. In his visit, France President Macron engaged in various high-level discussions with government officials and Prime Minister James Marape.

The dialogues focused on the areas of Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Economic Co-operation, among others.

Following the Bilateral meetings, several agreements aimed at strengthening partnership and cooperation between the two nations were signed.

The first document signed between the two nations was a declaration of intent to upgrade of PNG Ports Infrastructure.

The agreement will ensure the PNG Ports infrastructures are upgraded with respect to climate change.

The second document signed will foster cooperation with respect to greening financial systems in PNG ensuring resilience to climate related risks as well as channelling finance for conservation and adaptation to climate change.

The agreement was signed between the French Development Agency, The Bank of PNG and Global Green growth Institute.

“That is clearly a demonstration of the French government and people and their continuous support to the Pacific, and more importantly to Papua New Guinea, a country that hosts the third biggest rainforest on planet Earth,” Prime Minister James Marape said.

The third document was a financing agreement between the two nations to mobilize French funding and expertise on energy transition to support renewable energy integration in PNG Power electric systems.

The Partnership amounts to over K3 million.

The fourth agreement was signed between the European Union Delegation to PNG and Expertise France for the implementation of European Union’s Forestry, Climate Change and Biodiversity nexus support program for PNG.

France President Macron concluded his engagements, by showing his support for the Managalas Project.

The Managalas Conservation Project covers over 360,000 hectares of Virgin rainforest.

The project is an initiative of the Managalas People to preserve their natural environment.

“It is a reflection of France and European Union commitment to biodiversity in our country,” Marape said.

The France President in his visit further thanked the European Union for their contribution to the Managalas Project.

He also spoke of the importance of preserving the world’s biodiversity, saying it is an equal partnership.

“I speak in my interest as well, and the interest of French people. Because if you kill your forests, then we will kill everything, so it is my issue as well.”

Related: https://insidepng.com/environment-conservation-and-land-management/ https://insidepng.com/capacity-building-for-environment-conservation/

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Agriculture

Helping Hand Honey in Goroka

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Kelly Inae dispaying his beloved bees.

Helping Hand Honey Producers is the name of the establishment founded by Kelly Inae in 2006. The location is always buzzing with life and Kelly prides himself with sharing the knowledge of bee keeping and honey production.

Located at Fimito Kafana Road in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, is the site of a bee farmers training area where honey is produced and packaged.

Plant life is important in the honey making process and for Kelly, he has amassed some hectares of land for a habitat that provides the bees with the pollen they need for honey production.

Kelly is a conservationist at heart and his habitat is a testament to that. He ensures the habitat is well looked after for trainees to see the different plants that aid in honey production.

Whilst it is a marvel to taste sweet honey straight from the hive, its a bitter sweet tale for the workers of the hive, with bees in the region falling short of a sweet finish. Production has declined in the past two years with climate change being a big challenge for the bees. But Kelly and his colleagues continue to figure out and innovate ways to improve the situation.

Honey from Papua New Guinea is much desired overseas and remains a high priced commodity both locally and globally but honey production is still at a small scale in country.

Kelly is working to export honey to Australia and is certain he will meet requirements before his first export date in November.

Kelly continues to pursue improvements in the industry and has written books and guides about bee keeping and continues to provide valuable statistics to the relevant Government bodies to help in conservation and honey production.

Helping Hand Honey

More info and contact information about Helping Hand Honey can be found at https://www.facebook.com/helpinghandhoney/ and more links to stories about Kelly and Honey production and training can be found there.

Related Story: https://insidepng.com/capacity-building-for-environment-conservation/

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District plans vital for development purposes

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District plans are the developmental tool that will help as a guide for the districts and provinces into achieving its ambitious future goals

PORT MORESBY – Development plan is the tool that will guide the districts and provinces in achieving its ambitious goals such as nurturing economic transformation and human development through infrastructure development.

Strategic planning sets the pace for development within the districts; and provinces basically strive to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the people which is to improve their welfare and effectively deliver much needed basic government services to the people.

District plans are the developmental tool that will help as a guide for the districts and provinces into achieving its ambitious future goals
Office of the Department of Implementation and Rural Development

These were the words highlighted by the Department of Implementation & Rural Development (DIRD) Secretary, Aihi Vaki who spoke on behalf of the government’s departmental heads and agencies at the national level who were not present during the Wau Waria district development forum hosted by the district and the Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Committee (CIMC) in Wau, Morobe province last week.

Mr. Vaki said during his presentation that planning is very important to capture people’s need because the government is frontloading huge development grants of more than K1.2 billion in the form of Service Improvement Program (PSIP & DSIP) to sub-nationals to distribute evenly for effective basic services.

He said development plans are intended to promote and guide our districts and provinces on a path of sustainable economic growth, achieving economic prosperity and a high quality of life for people in the rural areas that would increase the economic base activities starting from the districts.

Mr. Vaki reiterated that the plans should be in line with our national plans such as Vision 2050, PNGDSP 2010 – 2030 and MTDP IV which is going to be launched soon.

“Development priorities for the district, which are supposedly initiated through a bottom up planning approach are captured and reflected in the rolling Five Year Development Plan in consultation with stakeholders, and this forum is the way forward, and I congratulate Wau Waria district for the initiative,” he said.

Mr. Vaki stressed that as DIRD being the mandated government agencies to facilitate, monitor and coordinate SIP programs around the country, have sighted that districts and provinces continue to receive SIP funding despite not reporting on previous years implementation, budget resolutions, meeting minutes and project documents that were not aligned to the province or district plans.

“The district development plan must clearly identify the projects under various sectors and costs involved so that the implementation of the plan be realistic.

“Wau Waria will receive K50 million whilst District Support Grants, a K2.5 million over the five year period. That entirely depends on the cash flow. This alone is not enough to fund the five year district development plan nor development aspirations of the district. District should strategies on using these funds to solicit support from other GoPNG programs, development partners or investors for value added and economic of scale,” Mr. Vaki said.

He told the participants that as far as the national government is concern, the SIP program is here to stay, all we want is sub-national administrations and stable political leadership required to deliver basic services based on five year development plans and good decisions, not contrary.

He also highlighted that violating of the Administrative Guidelines and Financial Instruction by not submitting acquittal reports, development plans and budgets raises serious concerns.

The three days development forum was attended by the Department of National Planning & Monitoring, Department of Treasury, Department of Commerce and Industry, Department of Works, Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, Department of Education, National Youth Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders and development partners.

Wau Waria is a newly created district in Morobe province, and it’s one of the historic district during the pre-independence.

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