The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF), an advocacy network of Journalists and Media Practitioners have expressed grave concerns about the new media policy proposed by the office of the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Timothy Masiu.
In a statement, PFF said this policy will put limitations on PNG journalists’ ability to report freely and impact the quality of public information.
A concern raised by current Chairperson, Robert Iroga of the Solomon Islands stated that the public right to information will be affected by restrictions and regulations of the PNG Media Industry.
All eyes of the outside media fraternity are now on PNG as recent news of the policy has sparked the interest of journalists regionally and globally.
“We join the many voices in opposing the policy as it is a red flag in democracies like PNG where the role of the independent media is important for keeping island communities informed,” said Iroga.
PFF is extending their support toward journalists in PNG and the Media Council of Papua New Guinea by calling on the PNG Government to heed the voices of PNG’s journalists’ and seek understanding of the outpouring support against the Government’s proposal.
“Media and elected leaders serve the same people, our communities of the Pacific”
PFF encouraged Prime Minister, James Marape and his cabinet to seek dialogue with members of the PNG Media fraternity and bring forth a solution that upholds the public’s best interest.
“We oppose any efforts to undermine democracies by using the law to curtail the freedom of journalists to report freely in any democracy.
“Efforts such as those aiming to regulate or license journalists must never replace our professional ethics and the freedom to report without fear or favor”
An estimated 106 million Kina (around USD 46 million), and counting, is the cost of damages, from what is being called the evil twin cyclones that hit Vanuatu in less than a week, beginning with tropical cyclone Judy on the 2nd of March, followed by cyclone Kevin on the 4th, coupled with a magnitude 6.5 and 5.4 earthquakes, the following day.
Sources on the ground say, the figure is sure to rise as communications are restored and a more detailed assessment becomes possible.
The extent of devastation by these historical back-to-back category 4 cyclones have extremely affected the peri-urban poor, living in squatter communities in informal housing.
According to sources, several of these communities experienced widespread damage.
Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital is slowly reconnecting its electricity, and sources say it will take at least another week for a total power restoration.
Prime Minister of Vanuatu, in an interview on Vanuatu Broadcasting Television Corporation this morning, said despite the extent of the damages, food security and supply, sufficient drinking water supply and accessibility of necessary medicine is the government’s priority at this time.
The PM anticipates Vanuatu has a couple of weeks before the problem of food security becomes critical.
The International community under the FRANZ agreement including France, Australia and New Zealand are already on the ground in Vanuatu through quick deployment of military assets.
A French coast guard ship is already in Tanna; several planes from the three countries are delivering supplies and conducting aerial assessment operations.
The HMAS Canberra from Australia is due to arrive in Port Vila tomorrow with helicopters, relief supplies and 600 ADF personnel.
Local utility companies have imported teams from overseas to help speed the return of water, power and telecommunications.
While restoration is underway, it is becoming more apparent that Vanuatu’s traditional cultural social safety net is fraying as a result of the disaster.
Many locals who are dependent on the cash economy can no longer rely on family or the land to help them in this current time of need.
Sources say, Vanuatu has always taken pride in being a place without the scarcity of food and shelter.
However, after this double disaster, that is no longer true for some.
The Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Koney Samuel, said the European Union is one of Papua New Guinea’s traditional development partners.
During a bilateral meeting between the European Commission HQ and officers from the National Planning Department recently (Tuesday, February 2) discussions centered around ongoing cooperation with the European Union to identify areas of intervention and investment in development cooperation.
The meeting also discussed how best Department of National Planning and Monitoring can be integrated under the arrangement of the Multi-annual Indicative Program (MIP) 2021 – 2027.
Secretary Samuel thanked the EU for the good number of key sector interventions through the years and recently the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) in particular the STREIT PNG (K365 million, WASH Part 1 (K123m) and WASH Part 2 (K40m).
He said going forward the DNPM would like to work closely with the European Union on biodiversity and climate change to ensure that the program has targeted interventions and that the impact of the program is felt by the people.
The Secretary emphasized that all development partner interventions must align with the Government’s development priorities. This was reiterated by Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director General, she explained the changes made to the EU development cooperation policy adding that both parties have moved from a more donor recipient relationship to real partnership.
Secretary Samuel said going forward, Vision 2050 remains the country’s road map and the goals cannot be achieved without the valuable support of PNG’s Development partners.
Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that one of the four people being held captive in the Highlands has been released.
In a statement released by the Commissioner, Manning confirmed that a female Papua New Guinean has been released.
“The release of one female Papua New Guinean is a positive outcome, and negotiations continue for the safe release of the remaining two female Papua New Guineans and the male New Zealand citizen,” Manning said.
“From the information that we have received, the remaining three captives are in reasonable health, though are being held in difficult terrain,” he said.
Meanwhile, Manning has issued a strong warning to every citizen to stop spreading fake news on Social Media.
“The circulation of fake news can complicate security operations leading to tragic outcomes and I call on people using social media and administrators to not post information that has not been verified by official sources,” Manning said.
The Communications Minister, Timothy Masiu, has proposed a new policy that, if implemented, will affect the constitutional rights of freedom of speech through the media.
The draft policy named The National Media Development Policy 2023 (we perceive as the Media Control Policy) proposes changes which include the licensing of journalists and the re-establishment of the PNG Media Council as a government regulation agency.
In the media utopia proposed through the Masiu Policy, perceived as the Media Control Policy, and also known as The Media Development Policy 2023; the media will be transformed into a propaganda machine that serves a government development agenda.
Section 46 of the National Constitution under Part III stating the freedom of Expression.
The implementation of the proposed policy, will allow for Government to create laws that go against Section 46(1) subsections (a), (b) and (c) and Section 46(2) under Part III of the constitution which relate to the freedom of the press.
We at InsidePNG are not opposed to supporting a positive development agenda PROVIDED the government does its job! That means, making sure students are educated; making sure funding goes to where it is meant to go; making sure theft of public money is stopped; and that there is honesty in the manner in which the country is governed.
The absence of which requires the media to be the watchdog. It requires us to speak out and report on that which is wrong in society and wrong in the decisions that are being made.
In this government proposed utopia, journalists are licensed by the media council and any person not fulfilling the development agenda is penalized by having their licenses removed.
Yes. Maybe, this government won’t do it. But what if, in Sir Mekere’s words, “We have a rogue government? Or a rogue Prime Minister in future?” And he/she chooses to use this policy to impose total suppression?
One question to Minister Masiu pops up: Is the government going to license all the PNG content producers on Facebook, YouTube, Tiktok and other social media platforms? Journalists ARE content producers. Or should we all just call ourselves content producers to avoid paying for a journalist license?
The Media Control Policy, as it should be called, states that it is designed to strengthen media freedom. We at InsidePNG think otherwise.
We, 24 journalists and content producers, previously worked at a GOVERNMENT OWNED television station called EMTV. We were sacked because we protested against political influence in the newsroom.
We do not believe an additional layer of control will guarantee our freedom of speech. We believe licensing will be expensive for a start up like ours; and that government control of the media council will not serve our interests in upholding an essential and crucial pillar of democracy.
There is a reason why our founding fathers insisted on having a free media. It is to hold those in power accountable on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea.
We ask that Timothy Masiu step back and take a look at the real reasons behind pushing for a policy that promotes media control.
Be the government that promotes media freedom. Be the government that promotes debate in public forums instead of a government that creates an environment that suppresses freedom of expression.
Invest in the education of journalists and media practitioners if you are serious about improving the media. Invest policies that lower internet costs. Provide scholarships for media practitioners.
In short, be the minister who promotes constitutional freedoms.
Hides 4 PDL7 landowners in Hela Province have launched a subsidiary business arm, Kroton Laitepo Equities Limited and the Hides 4 Landowners Umbrella Association Inc.
Executive Chairman, Andy Hamaga says these entities will represent the interest of the landowners while managing benefits and initiating impact projects in the PDL7 area.
Chairman Hamaga described the occasion as a new chapter and direction for the Hides 4 landowner communities.
“You all have given the mandate to the six Directors to ensure your benefits are put to good use,” said Hamaga.
He told hundreds that gathered at the HGDC Para Camp who came to witness the occasion. Hamaga said these establishments represent the 277 clans within the PDL7 area of the PNG LNG Project.
The Hides 4 PDL7 leaders were one of the first signatories of the UBSA and LBSA agreement of the PNG LNG Project. As signatories, an equity of K22million was paid for 2017 to 2021.
The Executive Chairman says 10% which is about K2.2million by law will go to churches within PDL7 area as agreed and signed in 2009.
“We agreed to pay 10% as tithe to God. We have now fullfilled our promise to God by giving back this one-tenth to God and all our churches in our communities will receive these funding, said Hamaga.
Also included in the program, was the announcement of impact projects. These include Hides water supply project, electricity, Andira hospital and roads for Kabote, Yarima, Tombete and Well-pad A and a ring road in and around the Hides area.
Mr. Hamaga says the six Directors have also decided to invest 30% of the benefits.
“We are looking at investing in commercial banks and many other businesses for our future generations to benefit, ” said Hamaga.
Meanwhile, the General Manager for Kroton Laitepo Equities, Lufai Wari says the subsidiary is guided by operational procedures and financial laws to ensure benefits are managed well for landowners.
He added that the board and management will be operating using a trust deed.
“This will ensure your money is not abused or invested in wrong places, but will be beneficial to all you impacted communities in the Hides 4 PDL 7 area,” Wari said.
King Kakaruk, a popular fast-food outlet in the heart of Boroko, has been closed for an indefinite period of time.
The decision was actioned by local authorities after a joint inspection of the fast food outlet was undertaken by the National Capital District Commission’s compliance officers.
The inspection exposed a number of violations by the fast food place which included several vital provision of the Food Sanitation Regulation 2007 of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and Public Health Act Chapter 226, posing a public health threat on its customers and the public commuting through and around the outlet.
Severe health defects were identified on the building’s structures, kitchen area, plumbing and sanitary facilities during the inspection.
King Kakaruk Kaibar, located opposite the Boroko Police Station.
The entire building is in poor condition with detached ceiling materials, no proper ventilation, lighting, and exposed of electrical wiring, and unsafe top floors prone to collapse.
It was also found that its small congested cooking area had old and hazardous cooking appliances.
Defects were also found in the materials, fittings and fixtures in the buildings residential area on the top floor.
As the municipal authority, NCDC’s Compliance Directorate enforced its laws and served the Indefinite Closure of business notice until the business operators meet the recommendations.
Prior to the closure of King Kakaruk, another favorite fast-food place, Big Rooster at Boroko, was also closed by the team on Tuesday (February 7); BR will remain closed until recommendations in the closure notice are adhered to.
The joint compliance inspection is part of a pilot campaign called “Transforming Boroko Precinct” to rid surrounding business areas of betelnut, crime, pollution and graffiti, and to promote NCDC’s priority goal to modernize and transform Boroko into a clean, safe, healthy and better planned public space.
The inspection team is made up of NCDC-Building, Physical Planning, Engineering, Licensing, Revenue, Urban Safety and Health.
These officers will continue the inspection of all other business houses and building structures, including car parks, drainage, footpaths, bus terminals, beautification, and landscaping.
Boroko residents and business owners are urged to take precaution.
Meanwhile, the public is being encouraged to contact the NCDC team and report business owners who’re in violation of these acts.
Papua New Guinea companies that pay their workers below the standard minimum wage of the K3.50 per hour rate will be penalized.
PNG’s Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Labour and Industrial Relations, John Rosso gave this warning last Friday (10th of February).
“Our main focus is enforcing there is compliance. We know that certain companies are not complying with decent work conditions and paying their workers below the minimum wage. We will be coming down heavily on them,” Minister Rosso said.
He made the remarks at a press conference last Friday to announce the ratification of three international treaties relating to International Labour Standards. The Treaties were the Violence and Harassment Convention no 190, Labour Inspection Convention 81 and Tripartite Consultation (international Labour Standards) Convention No 144.
DPM Rosso commended the Secretary for Labour and Employment George Taunakekei and his labour team for working hard to review and amend labour laws and draft the laws for parliament to ratify.
Mr Rosso said on the 18th of January 2023, the national parliament of Papua New Guinea passed a resolution by an absolute majority for the ratification of the Labour Inspection Convention 1947, (No 41) and the Tripartite (International Labour Standards) Consultation Convention, 1997 (no 144).
“In an evolving world of work, it is essential that the international labour standards cannot be overlooked.
“Labour Inspection is a vital public function. It is at the core of promoting and enforcing decent working conditions and ensures the respect for the fundamental principles of rights at work.
“ON the same note, the tripartite consultation convention is important. It sets forth an enabling platform for employers and workers to have effective consultation with government on matters relating to the application of international labour standards,’’ Mr R0sso said.
However, PNG’s National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) has not held a meeting for more than two years according to the labour laws.
When asked when and why, Secretary of Labour and Employment Mr Taunakekei said the Covid 19 pandemic was the main cause of the delay plus having the members available to convene.
Mr Rosso also condemned all forms of violence and harassment including gender based violence the workplace.
“Violence and Harassment including Gender based Violence (GBV) in the world of work remains pervasive. In recent times reports and statistics on different forms of violence occurring has become alarming as we continue to read and hear about it not to mention the cases that go unreported each day. There should be no room for acts of violence and harassment in our workplaces.
“I take this stand to condemn all forms of violence and harassment and this includes gender based violence,” the concerned Deputy Prime Minister said.
The ILO International Labour Organisation Director for the Pacific Island Countries Matin Karimli who was present said the ILO will support the government on enforcement.
The PNG Trade Union Congress Vice President Mr Raphael Waiyalaka representing PNG workers said they support the review and new laws and will work closely with the government and employers to ensure the new laws are enforced.
The PNG Employers Federation Representative Winston Yuka also said the same.
Member for Lae and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso said Police personnel conducting foot-beat patrols in the city, especially at Eriku, Top Town and the Market area has minimized petty crimes, and street vending, allowing members of the public to move around freely and safely.
Rosso applauded the police efforts in maintaining law and order in Lae.
“I would like to say thank you and appreciate the new reserve police men, approximately a hundred members who are currently doing foot-beat and attending to petty crimes and illegal vending in our city.
They have recently passed out from a comprehensive training program over 3 months. This is a partnership between the Lae City Authority and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary,” said Rosso.
Officer in Charge of Lae Metropolitan Command Reservists, Sargent Wilson Joseph says public support is needed to counter petty crimes and ensure a better, healthier and safer Lae.
“Street vendors threatening to attack our men because we’re depriving them from their illegal activities. It must stop because it won’t deter us from doing our job.”
“Also, people need to get proper licenses from LCA to do their sales. Illegal markets arising everywhere must stop. Some, are health and traffic hazards to the public,” says Sgt Wilson.
Since 2017, the LCA under the leadership of DPM Rosso has delivered up to 20 police vehicles, built three new police stations and provided continuous administration and logistical support to the Lae Metropolitan Police Command including funding the reserve police program.
“It’s comforting to see these men in blue in public places. All of them are volunteers who have raised their hands to fight crimes and keep our city safe and clean,” says Rosso.
Rosso added that LCA will continue supporting and partnering the law and justice sector to keep Lae city safe for its citizens including investors and visitors.
“Furthermore, my thank you to every single police men and women in Lae both regular and reserve.
DPM Rosso also thanked law abiding citizens of Lae for their support towards efforts in making Lae cleaner and safer.
“To the people who practice illegal activities, illegal street vending and harassment of our mothers and law abiding citizens you have no place in Lae as police will step up their efforts in fighting crime in Lae,” says Rosso.
Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent, Chris Kunyanban thanked DPM Rosso and LCA and other stakeholders for the police reservists’ program which has provided extra manpower to the command.
“Since their (LCA Reservists) introduction, they have performed extremely well during the Morobe Show, Christmas and New Year Operations.
“Another demonstration of their timely and worthwhile assistance is the extra personnel maintaining presence at Eriku, Top Town and Main Market bus stops. We have received heaps of praises from the public and well done LCA reservists,” says Chief Inspector Kunyanban.
The Secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Eric Kwa was charged this afternoon at the Boroko Police Station for Dangerous Driving causing Death.
National Capital District’s Metropolitan Commander, Silva Sika said the charges fall under section 328, subsection 2 and subsection 5 of the Criminal Code Act.
DANGEROUS DRIVING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.
(2) A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road or in a public place dangerously is guilty of a misdemeanour.
(5) If the offender causes the death of or grievous bodily harm to another person he is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
Sika explained that this is usual process for arresting a person alleged to have committed a crime.
“He is still innocent until proven guilty. Everything will be determined by the court but it’s just a due process that we have to follow. Every one of us is subject to the law regardless of our status in the community.”
Bail has also been refused for PNG’s top lawyer.
“Because of the severity of the offence he has committed under the Criminal Code Act, bail has been refused.”
Bail will now be determined by the National Court.
In a press conference hosted by the NCD police boss following the arrest, police acknowledged Dr Kwa’s understanding of the legal process.
Dr Kwa will appear at the Waigani Traffic Court for his court hearings.
If found guilty, Section 328, subsection 2 of the Criminal Code Act also states that the penalty will include;
On summary conviction–a fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
On conviction on indictment–a fine not exceeding K1,000.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
On the 17th of October 2022, Dr Kwa and some of his staff were involved in a car accident along the Hiritano Highway.
They were enroute to Bereina Station for official work with Constitutional and Law Reform Commission.
Kwa had alleged that the accident was planned and that they were attacked by another vehicle.
While Dr Kwa and his other officers recovered from their injuries, they lost a female colleague.
