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MP Justin Tkatchenko steps aside from Ministerial role

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Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justin Tkatchenko, this afternoon announced stepping aside as Foreign Affairs Minister following protests over statements he made in the media.

Both Tkatchenko and his daughter were the subjects of wide public debate on social media after his daughter posted a TikTok.

The video showed his daughter, Savannah Tkatchenko, parading extravagant meals and a shopping spree during the public funded trip for the Coronation of King Charles.

Papua New Guineans criticized Tkatchenko’s daughter for what they perceived as a waste and inappropriate use of the taxpayer monies.

Tkatchenko responded to critics in a radio interview with ABC calling the social media commentors “primitive animals”

Tkatchenko says his comments were directed at internet trolls and cyber bullies who hailed hateful comments toward his daughter adding that his daughter is now traumatized by the comments on social media.

However, his response only seemed to fan the controversy, with many Papua New Guineans taking to social media and the streets to express their anger and frustration with the Foreign Minister’s apparent lack of respect.

Many have called for Tkatchenko to apologize, while some have suggested that he resign from his position as Foreign Minister.

In light of this, Prime Minister James Marape has issued a public statement asking the people of Papua New Guinea to forgive the Foreign Minister for his recent comments.

Marape says Minister Tkatchenko has apologised to the people of Papua New Guinea for the remarks he made on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio interview.

He further added that he too was offended by Tkatchenko’s remarks, labelling social media critics of his daughter as “primitive animals”, but had accepted the minister’s apology and asked all Papua New Guineans to do the same.

Marape’s statement has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some praising his call for forgiveness and reconciliation, while others argue that Tkatchenko should still be held accountable for his actions.

The PNG Trade Union Congress has condemned Tkatchenko’s labelling of Papua New Guineans and demanded that he resign.

President of the Police Association, Lowa Tambua said the Prime Minister should not make an individual decision to forgive Tkatchenko on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea but let the people decide.

The TUC also demanded that Tkatchenko be deported from the country, arguing that his actions have brought disrepute to Papua New Guinea on the international stage.

The Union leaders concerns were centered around Tkatchenko’s lack of representation and poor choice of words as a leader of this country and leader of the people.

Tkatchenko conveyed a second public apology in a press conference this afternoon with an official announcement that he will step down.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape in a statement has made known that he will take charge of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

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All set to host SEZ Summit

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The momentum to host the first ever historical Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Summit has picked up as the country plays host to this very important international summit, which will be opened by Prime Minister James Marape on Sunday.

The summit is hosted by the Marape Government through the Department of International Trade and Investment.

In a media conference on Thursday, International Trade and Investment minister, Richard Maru gave an update of the summit.

“On the first day of the summit on Monday 08 May 2023, we will define and learn about countries who have gone into SEZ and the key factors that have made them to be successful and why many others have not succeeded, so PNG can learn from the experience of the countries who have succeeded,” Minister Maru said.

Maru said, SEZs have been here in PNG for over 30 years.

“Despite the legislation and the establishment of the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA), we still don’t
have a Policy, we don’t have a Master plan and Development plans for SEZA, and this summit now, will help us learn from other countries on how they have made theirs work,” the Minister said.

Maru said the Government has given one SEZ license to Paga Hill SEZ, and they are hoping that more SEZs will be identified and developed after the summit.

“We don’t want this summit to be another talk feast, we want to learn and start working on more and more SEZs as the key driver for economic growth,” the Minister added.

He said PNG has vast potential, and more SEZs are expected to be announced on Tuesday next week, when the summit ends.

“I would like to thank all the sponsors; Platinum sponsors Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) and the Ministry of International Trade and Investment, Gold sponsors; Department of National Planning, IHU SEZ, Kumul Consolidate Holdings, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and National Fisheries Authority, Silver sponsors; PNG Ports, MRDC and Bronze Sponsor, Telikom PNG and Securities Commission,” Minister Maru
said.

Over 400 delegates all over the country including international speakers have paid their registration to attend.

Provincial governments and districts have shown immense support to participate and have also paid the registration for their representatives to participate in the summit.

“We are pleased to inform you that we have confirmed 7 international speakers from India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Bangladesh and International Finance Corporation (IFC) who will be arriving on
Saturday 06 May 2023.”

“Local participating delegates from provinces and districts throughout Papua New Guinea will start arriving today (Friday),” Minister Maru said.

The delegates will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the SEZ Policy, the Master Plan, the Legal Framework and also listen to speeches not only from international speakers but also on potential SEZs in Papua New Guinea and important local SEZ development partners.

The Minister said booths for the summit sponsors will be setup inside the Stanley Hotel on the second floor, on Saturday
for the sponsors to showcase their brands and merchandises and it will also serve as information booths for participating delegates during the course of the summit.

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Maru Announces Trade Commission Service

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The Government has made a decision to establish for the first time, The National Trade Commission Service in eight countries this year.

International Trade and Investment minister Richard Maru, made this announcement recently.

Minister Maru said PNG’s Trade Missions will be equivalent to Austrade of Australia, New Zealand Trade Enterprise or Canadian Trade Commission Service, where trade representatives will have their own establishments either in foreign Missions or stand alone offices, or through the appointment of Trade commissioners throughout the world starting with eight countries.

Maru said the primary responsibility of Trade commissioners, is to look for Markets for PNG goods, and to promote Trade investment opportunities in PNG.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and is very timely as we prepare for the historic SEZ summit, which will be opened by the Prime Minister this Sunday,” Minister Maru said.

The first 8 Trade Commissions to be established are: Shanghai – China, Brisbane – Australia, Bangkok – Thailand, Jakarta – Indonesia, Brussels – European Union, Dubai – United Arab Emirates, Manila – Philippines and Singapore.

“The Ministry is extremely grateful that a number of SOEs have expressed interest to fund a number of Trade Commissions,” Maru added.

Maru said, in terms of priority, the first Trade Commission will be established in Shanghai, China, as China is offering to buy PNG’s LNG gas and other mining and petroleum products, including fish, logs and other goods.

“I finally want to commend the Prime Minister for his bold decision as a government to introduce for the first time the Trade Commission Service, as a key strategy to find new Markets for PNG and bring in more foreign direct investment, which is critical to build a more robust  inclusive and sustainable economy,” Minister Maru said.

The Department of International Trade and Investment will be advertising for applicants to fill the positions of Trade Commissioners in the first 8 Trade Missions.

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Fire Destroys Tumini Guest House

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Fire Fighters responding to a fire that destroyed Tumini Guest House in Port Moresby’s Gerehu Suburb say that is a wake up call to property owners to install a fire hydrant in their premises.

Superintendent Cedrick Luwai from the Waigani Fire station said they were not able to contain the fire because there was no fire hydrate in that area.

Fire destorys Tumini lodge at Gerehu

“We cannot contain the fire because there was no fire hydrant in this area. While looking for a fire hydrant the fire became bigger, there was fencing on the side and the building doesn’t have a firebreak so the fire spread within the building quickly. We cannot do much,” said Superintendent Luwai.

Superintendent Luwai added that the cause of the fire will be subjected to an investigation.

Eye witnesses at the scene said the fire started at 4pm yesterday and continued until 6pm. By this morning, much of what was a Guest House was burnt to the ground.

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We were Shocked

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The news of police senior sergeant, Ludwig Dondo’s passing came as a shock to his wife, Miriam Dondo and daughter, Ludwina.

Wife, Miriam Dondo who is employed with the Department of Justice and Attorney General, said she was on lunch break when she learned that her husband was shot.

She rushed to the hospital only to be told that her husband had died.

Meanwhile, three men are now in police custody, in relation to the killing.

But police say the prime suspect who launched the bow and arrow that killed Dondo is still on the run.

The late officer, was struck with an arrow while attending to a drug smuggling case at ATS settlement.

NCD and Central Divisional Commander, Anthony Wagambie said three suspects were brought in by Central police after community leaders at ATS gathered them at 7am this morning.

“I condemn those responsible for the death of my policeman and I am calling on the community at ATS to stand up together and find the prime suspect responsible for this heinous crime.

“You must give him to me, so he can face the law,” said Wagambie.

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Usino Bundi: Building a Solid Financial Foundation

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Jimmy Uguro, the Member of Parliament for Usino Bundi, has urged his community to become productive members of the district by prioritizing agriculture.

In a recent financial literacy training held in Bill Gara village, nearly 500 men and women graduated with certificates after successfully completing the program.

The training was facilitated by Bank of South Pacific/BSP and helped to capture the district’s goals and visions.

Uguro recognized the significant development that the district has experienced in recent years, such as the establishment of new schools and a sports precinct.

However, he emphasized that now is the time for further progress and community involvement.

Mary Koi, the Madang Branch Manageress of BSP, expressed BSP’s interest in partnering with the local district to set up a cash agent. She also encouraged small- to medium-sized entrepreneurs to register their businesses to receive the necessary support from BSP.

Brenda Igusam, the Officer in Charge of BSP sub branch in Walium, explained that the financial literacy training aims to educate individuals about how they can save and budget their money wisely.

The training covered various topics, including saving terminology, effective saving strategies, spending wisely, and the advantages and disadvantages of saving.

This financial literacy training fills a concerning knowledge gap within Papua New Guinea.

K1 Million was presented to the cocoa program for its continuous roll out in the district and a further k100,000 was committed for BSP to continue rolling out its financial literacy training in the district. Two trucks were also committed to the SME Group. BSP is committed to promoting financial literacy and partnering with local communities to provide the necessary support to help them achieve their economic goals.

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Policeman Sergeant Killed

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A police senior sergeant died from injuries he sustained from a bow and arrow attack in Port Moresby.

54-year-old, Ludwig Dondo a member of the NCD Dog Unit died at the Port Moresby General Hospital as a result of his injuries.

The father of five from Talasia in the West New Britain Province, and his colleagues were responding to reports of a drug trade and sales when he was hit by a stray arrow at ATS Block.

Divisional Commander for NCD and Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr in a statement called on the public to identify the killers.

“I strongly condemn this barbaric killing, and I am now urging the residents of ATS settlement to surrender the suspects to police immediately,” ACP Wagambie said.

The Commander said NCD Metropolitan police will work around the clock to find and arrest the suspects involved in this ruthless murder.

The arrow penetrated the Sergeant’s left rib and he was rushed to Hospital. He passed away at 2.30pm.

Members of Dog Unit retaliated by torching several houses at the ATS Block, Eight Mile.

Senior Sergeant Dodo passed out from Bomana Police College in 1985 and worked with other sections within the Constabulary before transferring to the NCD Dog unit until his untimely passing this afternoon.

The body of the late Sergeant was taken to his family home at Bomana and later taken to the Funeral Home.

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SEZ SUMMIT TO COMMENCE NEXT WEEK

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The first ever Special Economic Zone summit is set to commence in Port Moresby next week, with more sponsors coming on board to support the event.

Last Friday the Ihu Special Economic Zone and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring came on board as Gold Sponsors, with cheques of K100 000 each, presented to the Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru.

Vice minister for National Planning James Nomane said the Special Economic zone concept has been here for over 50 years, and it has proved to be a success in many countries.

The Ihu Special Economic Zone was established in 2017, in Kikori, Gulf Province.

Kikori MP Soroi Eoe said the discussions in this summit is vitally important as we can learn from the experience of others who have gone down this path.

Receiving the Cheques, Minister Maru thanked the government and sponsors for the overwhelming support given at a cost of K1.5 million to host the SEZ summit.

The Sponsors of the event include, Platinum sponsors: Special Economic Zone Authority and Ministry of International Trade and Investment.

Gold Sponsors: Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Ihu SEZ, Kumul Consolidate Holdings, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and National Fisheries Authority.

Silver Sponsors: PNG Ports, Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), and Bronze Sponsor: Telikom PNG.

The Minister said over 400 delegates have already registered to attend this summit.

“We are pleased to inform you that we have confirmed 7 international speakers from India. China, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Bangladesh and International Finance Corporation who will be coming the share their country’s experience, and how SEZs have transformed their countries,” Maru said.

Maru said the delegates will also have the opportunity to contribute to the SEZ policy, The Master Plan, and Legal framework and listen to international speakers and potential SEZ’s in the country.

The potential Special Economic Zone in the country include the Central Processing Zone being developed, Kumul Manufacturing Holdings Limited, Rigo Rice SEZ, Ihu SEZ and Paga Hill SEZ.

“It will be an exiting summit and we are very grateful to all the sponsors without which we wouldn’t be able to host the summit,” Maru said.

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Geekala Makes History

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A mother of three has created history for herself by becoming the first and only specialized female operator of Air Niugini’s Main Deck Loader. A machine used to load and unload larger containerized cargo from the main deck of large aircrafts. 36-year-old Michelle Geekala who hails from East Sepik and Gulf provinces and has worked with Air Niugini Cargo Department’s operations section since 2021.
Michelle said her journey has not been easy.
“It comes with its own challenges but you have to believe in yourself, even when no one does, you have to be your own supporter and critique, challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday, said Geekala.
Her recent task was unloading heavy mining equipment from the main deck of a Boeing 747-400 series freighter at the Jacksons airport in Port Moresby.

Geekala had previously operated the Lower Deck Loader (LDL) for both the B747 and B737 freighters, but the recent task was her first on the Main Deck Loader.
Air Niugini’s Manager for Cargo Operations, Trevor Elly said the airline’s cargo department has always maintained a healthy level of female presence in its business and in particular its operational areas both within Port Moresby and the domestic network.
“We are proud of Michelle’s progress, breaking into an area where you find only men working there. She is currently the only female in the Port Moresby Operations unit who operates the MDL equipment and joins a legacy of other female Cargo Operations Staff including our current Cargo Business Development Manager.” said Elly.

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Bougainville to Produce First Draft of an Autochthonous Constitution

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Consultations for a constitution for Bougainville towards independence has stated and is nearing its end with the Southern region final chapter for the consultations.
Vice President Patrick Nisira part of the envoy made it clear that the process towards independence for Bougainville has been laid out and there is no room for doubts, as the ABG has the main goal of independence for Bougainville.
“We are not second guessing we are working with the PNG Government to get Independence for Bougainville, we are merely implementing the wishes of the people of Bougainville expressed through the Bougainville Referendum conducted under PNG Laws, to be an Independent country.
“The people of Bougainville made a choice, we try to bring justification for the 97.7 percent why did people of Bougainville vote? Let’s not dwell on that it was a free and fair vote.
“We have been across the country in all four regions and we are doing Political lobbying for the final process of ratification in Parliament we want to gain support of the members of parliament in PNG,” Nisira added
The Bougainville Referendum vote in 2019 had an overwhelming support of 97.7 percent that voted for independence, it was from two options made available, the first being greater Autonomy and the second option Independence. The majority of Bougainvillean’s opted for Independence.

With the referendum results clear on the choice for independence began the Post Referendum consultations, with the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meetings paving the way for a foreseeable final political settlement, which upholds the terms and conditions of both the Bougainville Peace Agreement and part XVI of the PNG Constitution on the Bougainville Government and Bougainville Referendum.
After the three Post referendum consultations in Kokopo, Wabag and Port Moresby, the recent signing of the Era Kone Covenant on the finalisation of the Bougainville Referendum on Independence, has set the ball rolling for a final political settlement.
The PNG Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government both agreed in Port Moresby to uphold the commitments made in Kokopo and Wabag for the implementation of arrangements for independence/political settlement no earlier than 2025 and no later than 2027.
With a foreseeable future ahead the formulation of an independent nation is founded on a constitution, thus the ABG has assigned the Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission to conduct a consultation with Bougainvilleans across Papua New Guinea.
Similar to how Papua New Guinea Established their constitution Bougainville will have a wide consultation for a founding constitution.
The commission is concluding its consultations in the southern region and are in Port Moresby and will later move on to Alotau.
The commission was represented by Vice president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Patrick Nisira and Minister for Independence Mission Implementation and the Attorney General Ezekiel Masatt, who is also the commission’s deputy chairperson, the two spoke to the first gathering at the University of Papua New Guinea at the Drill Hall.
The commission said the purpose of the consultation is to take account of the opinions and inputs by Bougainvillea’s living across the country in order to produce the first draft of an autochthonous constitution, meaning a constitution that will be native to Bougainville to be an independent nation.
Attorney General Ezekiel Masatt said the consultation upholds the 2019 referendum that had 97.7 percent of Bougainvillians voting for independence, he gave a patriotic uplifting speech to those that gathered, telling those present that Bougainvillians must take responsibility of their part in this process towards independence.

“If you look at the referendum and a general election, the processes are the same except in the elections where we vote for individuals and they are replaced or retained in a set time.
“No one before or after the referendum will ever go through this process, it is this generation that has voted for generations to come. Voting through the referendum is not enough, the work we are doing to establish a constitution for Bougainville will give meaning to our referendum vote and shape the independent society we talk of.
“If we had voted overwhelmingly for independence 97.7 percent our responsibility did not end at the polling booth it actually started now that the commission is here we must acknowledge the responsibility that I voted for generations to come.
“No one forced me to make the decision of independence over greater autonomy, we owe it to future generations to shape our society and must take part in these consultations to develop our constitution”, Massat said.
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville had decided on the Path to Independence through a vote of referendum under the transitional Government which is the Autonomous Bougainville Government,
Now what is left is the ratification by the 11th parliament in PNG, for a final political settlement.
Whilst the political lobbying is ongoing, Bougainville has to have a strong economy that can support the growth of an independent nation, Vice President Nisira highlighted a few key projects that will bolster economic growth to propel Bougainville towards Independence.
“If we can work together, we can bring forth an economy that can sustain our independence, the political process is on track, but we do recognize the need for a strong economy for independence, we do not deny it, we are going to address it.
“Bougainville Copper bankrolled PNGs independence, and we have the mine, we have the asset, the President and the people of Panguna have agreed to reopen the mine, they want to create a local entity to attract international investors partnering with the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
“Hopefully by August the Government will give the Exploration License ELO1, to start bringing in investors,” Nisira said.

“Hopefully by August the Government will give the Exploration License ELO1, to start bringing in investors,”

Vice President ABG Patrick Nisira

The Vice President also mentioned that there are other projects as well inline to start which includes the
Manitai Limestone project, and the Bougainville National Gold Refinery which Nisira says is 80% Complete.
“We will keep our Gold in Bougainville.
“The investor will hold 60% whilst the Bougainville Government will have 40% share,” Nisira said.
The Vice President also mentioned the Bougainville Economic Plan which he says is in its draft phase.
“With this plan the ABG, Civil Society and business community will have better coordination towards building an efficient plan to improve the economic status of Bougainville,” Nisira added.
The other important projects include the building of enabling infrastructures, through donor partners and the government of PNG. This encompasses the construction of roads bridges and wharfs.
“We are still working on Bougainville Power to solve power issues in the region, we are also looking into green energy, Solar power and the hydro project in Tinputz will be revisited.

Consultations in Port Moresby will continue on Saturday at the UPNG Drill hall.

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