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It is difficult to separate Sir Peter Barter from tourism, PNG Politics, and Madang, amongst many other things.  As tributes flooded social media after Papua New Guinean’s learned of his passing, many referred to Late Sir Peter Barter as the ‘Lighthouse’.

Many wrote about the nature of his character – a humble giant of a man whose contributions to Papua New Guinea stretched beyond the confines of the province he made home.

A young Peter Leslie Charles Barter came to Papua New Guinea in the late 1950’s as a volunteer pilot with the Franciscan Mission in Aitape.  This was his first job after completing his pilot training at the Newington College from 1952 to 1955. 

He moved on to becoming a commercial pilot with Territory Airlines, which later became TALAIR. While working with the airline, he established Talco – the company’s tourist division.

His passion for PNG tourism even before independence was evident.  Sir Peter made a mark by attracting major international tour operators, who brought their clients to Papua New Guinea.  This was the birth of PNG’s tourism industry.

Just after independence started the Melanesian Tourist Services PTY LTD by purchasing Talco’s assets and later on acquired the old Hotel Madang which developed over 40 years – now known as the Madang Resort. 

His contributions to the tourism industry, through the MTS were immense. Over the years, countless number of tourists visited the country to experience PNG aboard the Melanesian Discover and the Kalibobo Express.  

In the 1980’s he established the Melanesian foundation, which created an avenue for passengers to donate funds to various projects in the rural villages they visited. These funds were used to build rural clinics, school desks, and the maintenance of Catholic and Lutheran church run health centers.

His support for the industry extended to the Divine Word University, where he contributed towards the development of the Tourism program. Many of the students gained practical experience through Sir Peter’s assistance. 

Sir Peter Barter seated next to Dame Carol Kidu in Parliament House

Sir Peter moved into the political limelight in 1992 when he was elected as the regional member for Madang.  He started off in the opposition and was later appointed Health Minister. 

After the reform in 1995, he took up the Madang Governor’s post and was later asked by then Prime Minister Julius Chan, to take up the Provincial Affairs and Local Level Ministry.

He returned to doing business in 1997, and was re-elected into parliament in 2002 as the Madang Governor. Sir Peter, who by now had been knighted, was appointed Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs.

As the Bougainville Affairs Minister, he was faced with the mammoth task of building trust and relationships between the government, as well as the ex-combatants who were in different factions of the civil war, and overall to bring peace and secure resources to provide essential services to the island.

In a condolence message given by the Autonomous Region of Bougainville’s President Ishmael Toroama, he described Sir Peter as a peacemaker who helped secure peace on the island during the most riotous years in the 1990’s.

“He contributed tirelessly to the peace process and played a leading role in laying the very first foundations of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. Prior to the formation of the ABG on June 15, 2005 he was in Bougainville to assist with the elections and to ensure there was a smooth transition to autonomy.”

Even after retiring from politics, Sir Peter kept a close watch on Bougainville’s progress and maintained relations with the former President Dr John Momis and Bougainville leaders.

In 2002, while ushering peace on Bougainville, problems were brewing in the Southern Highlands.  As the Inter-government Relations Minister, Sir Peter had to deal failed elections in the province. 

There was an inflation of electoral rolls, controlled voting, and counting of votes by force or threat was seen in much of the province during the general election. As a result, no provincial governor was elected and Sir Peter was given overall authority of the Southern Highlands Province.

His task was to coordinate with the Electoral Commission, the provincial administration, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to prepare and run supplementary elections.

With an interim administration, Sir Peter rallied support from key community groups which led to the successful disarmament process in the province.

In a piece published by the Masalai Blog in 2014, Sir Peter Barter reflected on these events saying, his responsibilities involved rebuilding trust, which is basic to peace, democracy, and good governance.

In his term in parliament, he also Acted as the Minister for Finance, as well as the Acting Governor General at one point. 

Sir Peter was a close acquaintance of the Late Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare – a friendship forged over 50 years long before Sir Peter entered politics. 

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Sir Peter Barter with Lady Veronica Somare (Wife of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare)
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With a political career spanning 10 years, Sir Peter Barter opted to retire from politics due to an ongoing battle with cancer, and did not contest the 2007 National General Elections.

As a businessman and senior citizen, he continued to be vocal on issues affecting the Madang province as well as the country.

He was a big supporter of journalism and media development, giving opportunities to generations of Divine Word University Students who sought to put their learning into practice.  His efforts went as far as giving them access to remote areas through the use of his chopper, and the Melanesian Explorer. He was also and avid photographer and cameraman. 

Sir Peter who is known to have spent most of his life in Papua New Guinea, travelled to Australia to sought medical attention.

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Yesterday, his son Andrew announced to staff at the Madang Resort, that his father passed on at the Cairns hospital.

According to Andrew, he had developed a rare terminal heart condition that could not be treated.

Sir Peter Barter will forever be remembered for his contributions to the country, as a businessman, politician, and philanthropist.

Pangu Party Leader and Prime Minister, James Marape has thrown his utmost support behind incumbent Daulo MP, Pogio Ghate.

PM Marape said Pangu has gained trust and confidence in Ghate’s leadership therefore he was appointed as the Environment and Climate Change Minister.

“We want to work with MP Ghate and steer Daulo District and Papua New Guinea to a whole new level where small communities will access good roads, electricity, education and build a robust economy, said PM Marape.

The Prime Minister said Ghate is not wrong to join Pangu. He said he pulled out of the PNC led Government because of corrupt practices and bad decisions.

“I was with PNC for 8 years, a left because things were not done the right way according to our laws. After 57 days I was chosen as the Prime Minister, ” said Marape.

He said that is the reason why he has held hands with Pangu leaders until today.

“Let him carry on his leadership, a new Member of Parliament will not be part of the Pangu led Government. Ghate is your candidate and Pangu is your Party.

It is upon you the voters to either vote Ghate back into power or vote someone else to be your leader in the next 5 years”, said PM Marape.

Marape said Pangu is prepared to work with Pogio Ghate and raise the level of service delivery come the next term of Parliament.

“We will continue to fight for more resource sharing, better coffee price, improved roads and provide better access to health and education services for our children,” said PM Marape.

He said Pangu is confident to form the next Government and lead the country.

Meanwhile incumbent Daulo MP Pogio Ghate thanked the Pangu led Government to assist Daulo District build services in the past two years.

Ghate said PNG is changing because of the kind of leadership provided by mandated leaders.

“The Daulo District Development Authority has prioritized basic services to improve lives of people. Electricity and road are leading infrastructures being built and some projects are continuing into the election, said Ghate.

He said this shows that people are at the heart of the current Government. The Daulo MP said though DSIP funding is limited, the District has pulled all resources to serve communities.

“I want to see these changes continue. I want to see my visions and dreams achieved by extending the current level of service delivery into rural areas,” Ghate added.

Ghate maintained that it is critical for him to be part of Pangu. He said despite working for only two years, he has put significant effort to change the District.

“I carry the burden of more than seventy thousand people. If you vote me back, I will ensure development plans are delivered, ” said Ghate.

The incumbent Daulo MP was backed by Prime Minister James Marape and sitting Goroka MP Aiye Tambua last week Friday during a rally in Daulo.

This is the third visit to Daulo District by the Prime Minister.

Member for Taunita Tinputz Hon. Morris Opeti has been sworn in as the Minister for Community Development in the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

Mr Opeti was sworn in today by Magistrate Michael Pepi at the Bougainville Administration Complex and was witnessed by Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama as well as several members of his cabinet and the ABG Chief Secretary Shadrach Himata.

Mr Opeti thanked his predecessor Thompson Gitovea for his services to the Ministry and Department of Community Development and vowed to continue to continue working to progress the department.

Opeti signing documents

President Toroama said that in any government, change will always be required to foster solidarity, stability and maintaining the integrity of the government. 

“As Bougainville prepares for its independence, my government, moreover the Bougainville Executive Council is not immune from change that must be instituted to strengthen our position for Bougainville to become an independent nation,” President Toroama said.

“At a time when Bougainville is concentrating on nation building we must also focus on building our human capacity through integral human development programs and improving the social welfare of our people,” Toroama added.

The ABG President said Bougainville can achieve this through its social institutions in music, sports and religion. The activities from these institutions will encourage our people to become more responsible members of society who can contribute meaningfully to our communities.

He told Mr Opeti that the focus of the department should be on the ABG’s Independence Readiness initiative.

This would require the department to completion of Drawdown of remaining 290 Powers and Functions of Civil Registry and Lukautim Pikinini Act (Family Protection Act)

Progression and completion of Community Development sectoral policies and possible legislations (public/private partnership policy, youth policy, gender policy, sports policy, arts and culture policy and family and protection legislation and policy).

For the ABG there has to be a committed political will to drive these outstanding priorities and have them implemented and completed.

“We must now look at creating policies and legislations to empower the Department of Community Development,” President Toroama said.

(Pictures supplied by ABG Media)

Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has accepted an invitation to attend the Pacific Test that will be played in Campbell town, New South Wales, Australia.

PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina visited the Governor General yesterday and presented the official invitation at the Government House.

The Governor General will watch the match between PNG Kumuls captained by David Mead (Brisbane Broncons) and Fiji Batis.

The match between Kumuls and Batis will be played this Saturday, 25th June 2022 after the game between Samoa and Cook Island.

The Kumuls Team includes Melbourne Storm’s Justin Olam, Sydney Rooster’s Lachlan Lam and over 10 players from SP Hunters.

The Governor General has also accepted an invite to attend the match between PNG Kumuls and Fiji Batis in the World Cup in October.

MORESBY North-East intending candidate, Anton Polaiap says many residents in the electorate do not have a steady job and do not own a house. 

Campaigning in front of the Foodland chain of stores in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby, he reiterated this among his talking points. He said if he is given the opportunity by the people, he will push for the implementation of providing employment opportunities and also give workers a sustainable home scheme.

“These are two important policies I am standing on to contest the Moresby North East Open Seat,” said Polaiap. 

“I respect all the other intending candidates, you also have the right to choose by voting the candidate of your choice. People must know policies of each individual candidate”, said Polaiap. 

He said he will not build new industries to provide employment but push for business reserves for indigenous people. Polaiap stressed that this is by law and is in the country’s constitution. 

“None of you own a retail store your standing and selling things infront of, or do you? The constitution of this country speaks of this, you have the right to participate and own businesses under the reserved business list for Papua New Guinean’s, added Polaiap. 

The North East candidate said the law is impartially implemented and this is a golden opportunity for people. 

“When you vote for Box 73, you already know that my two priority policies of employment and sustain housing will be at work for you to benefit”, said Polaiap. 

He said many are not aware of this law and continue to think that big businesses are for foreigners while they concentrate on selling staff like cigarette and other items on the streets of Port Moresby. 

Polaiap said this must change and elevate the life of the people and give value to the country’s economy. 

Speaking on his second policy, he said employment opportunity is scarce despite a huge number of intellectuals passing out with flying colors from higher learning institutions. 

“Many of you are over qualified with degrees, certificates, double degrees even doctorate and masters. But you are not employed and roam the streets. 

I will push for a policy that will change the working landscape. I believe many of our own people can handle jobs currently held by foreigners”, said Polaiap. 

He said the PNG law remains fragile that is why employment is a real struggle in our towns and cities. 

Polaiap questioned why Papua New Guinea continues to be categorized as a corrupt and unsafe place to work and live yet foreign nationals find it interesting to stay. He said because there are job opportunities available yet locals are not considered. 

“2022 National General Election brings us the opportunity to change employment and housing benefits for us all. You will not make a mistake if you vote for Box 73, I will enter Parliament with these two agendas as key priority policies”, said Polaiap. 

Anton Polaiap is an architect by profession. He is among the 76 candidates contesting the Moresby North East Open Seat.

Six of the candidates are women. 

Polaiap also spoke highly of the women folk, stating that women have all the right to contest for public office. 

Polaiap said these six women are contesting to provide an alternate leadership and equal respect must be given to them.

Election materials including ballot boxes have arrived in Kavieng, New Ireland Province. 

Provincial Election Manager, Benjamin Kliawi said the materials will be kept under police protection until and before polling begins. 

He said from there, the materials will be distributed to polling stations in communities. 

The election materials include 52 ballot boxes, 3 electoral roll boxes and other accessories for the National General Election. 

Kliawai also mentioned that a training for Assistant Returning Officers (AROs’) will be conducted before polling commences on the 4th of July 2022. 

The New Ireland Election Manager also appealed to the Provincial Administration and District Administration to nominate ten public servants to be scrutineers for the 10 Regional Polling Stations. 

“The counting scrutineers for the Kavieng and Namatanai Open are already confirmed,” said Kliawai. 

The election materials were delivered by an Australian C130 aircraft. 

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat said the materials were loaded onto waiting vehicles, then were taken to the Kavieng Police Station under the watchful eyes of security personnel. 

PPC Nebanat said police have been assigned to provide security shifts starting today. 

Nebanat said police from the Special Service Division based in Tomaringa, East New Britain are also in the province to assist local police in guarding the container housing the election materials.

PPC Nebanat said the seals of the election materials will be opened when polling begins. 

POLICE Commissioner, David Manning is sending a warning out to all candidates and supporters who are in possession of illegal firearms and are carrying it around during the 2022 National General Election. 

Manning said police will be carrying out road checks and daily patrols around the country. 

He said firearms have no place during election and those found in possession of any, will be charged under the amended Fire Arms Act of 2022. 

“I can only advise all the candidates that firearms have no place during the election. 

You have to seriously question the integrity and character of those candidates who are carrying around or are in possession of firearms. 

It increases the level of threat or raises some sort of risk during this special period ,” said Manning.

The Police Commissioner said there are laws in the country and all must abide by them as citizens. He said RPNGC will not bow down to any intending candidate or a sitting MP. 

“Police will not take it lightly and will enforce the law, if it either means sitting in jail awaiting bail during the election dates”, said Manning.

Manning made reference to a case of an intending candidate in Eastern Highlands whose supporters were stopped during a road block and found to be in possession of a high powered rifle. 

He said police have completed the particular file report and the candidate and his supporters will be charged accordingly. 

Meanwhile, the head of police force mentioned that police will be out in full strength to ensure the 2022 National General Elections is safe for all. Manning said despite special operations carried out by the force, all police personnel will be on duty to serve the public. 

“Around five thousand police men and women will be engaged in the election exercise. Correctional Service and members of the PNG Defense Force are also collaborating with Police”, said Manning.

“Our aim is to ensure campaigns are conducted within laws and the voting population is provided a safe environment when casting their votes. Our operations will continue until the formation of the next Government, said Manning.

Everyone has the right to choose which leader they believe will represent them in Parliament and deliver services to their communities, said Manning. 

by Delly Waigeno

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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