News

Community leaders in Taskul Station in New Ireland are calling on State agencies to intervene and arrest suspects involved in the killing of two teenagers over the weekend.

A police officer based in Taskul said they remain helpless due to the limited number of police personnel.

Senior Sergeant, Andrew Koma said Taskul needs urgent manpower as law and order issues spiral out of control.

“About two of us are working and it’s very difficult to address such cases. We can’t do much and we remain helpless,” said Sergeant Koma.

According to a local source, the killing is a retaliation of a double murder case that happened last month and was not addressed by the rural police command.

One of the deceased, a fifth grade student at Taskul Primary School had his arms chopped off at the elbows and his stomach gruesomely slashed.

The barbaric killing took place at 7am on Sunday (June 12) at the Taskul Government Station in front of helpless public servants, a regular police officer and families of Government workers based there.

Lavongai LLG Manager, Renson Warakurai said countless ethnic clashes continue to cause unnecessary deaths in this part of New Ireland. He said people are now living in fear. As an eye witness to the killings, Warakurai appealed to levels of Government to work with locals to fix the problem urgently.

“Our leaders including police must take drastic action to enforce law and order and bring peace to communities,” said the LLG Manager.

He also urged New Ireland Police to engage more police personal to Taskul Station since it’s a Government established area.

“The islanders are living in fear following the rise in clashes,” said Warakurai.

The Lavongai LLG Manager said many villagers remain wounded following ethnic clashes; and there is fear of more acts of retaliation among the islanders to come.

“I call on Sir Julius Chan, Ian Ling-Stuckey, the Provincial Administrator and Police to intervene urgently and do something.”

He said this may also affect communities as polling nears.

Taskul Ward 1 Councillor, Julie Kuama appealed for swift intervention by sending additional police to make arrest and monitor the situation. She said a number of customary obligation have not been helpful as a resolve to address clashes.

“We need police to walk this island and if need be use force to apprehend suspects and maintain order in the Community, said Kuama.

New Ireland PPC, Felix Nebanat

Meanwhile New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Senior Inspector Felix Nebanat has issued a 7 day ultimatum to over 40 accomplices involved in the killing of the two youth.

PPC Nebanat said if no one surrenders, police will launch an operation into the Taskul area. He warned those involved to voluntarily surrender to authorities.

Nebanat assured islanders in Taskul that police will re-organize with the limited resources and make an insertion into Taskul to address the issue.

The New Ireland PPC said a meeting will be held later this week with the Provincial Law and Order Committee to purposely work out a plan to address this matter going forward.

News

Black Orchids Embraced Upon Arrival in Buka

The victorious performance of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville’s Black Orchids Rugby Sevens team at the 2022 Sports Tok 7s’ Tournament in Port Moresby has given hope to sporting elites of AROB taking part in international sporting events.

This message was echoed when the Black Orchids Team were welcomed by AROB President Ishmael Toroama upon their arrival in Buka Town Tuesday (June 14).

President Toroama said their victory has paved the way for the region to start taking part in international sporting events such as the Pacific Games.

“Our young men have taken on the very best in the country and came out victorious as the champions of the tournament,” President Toroama said.

“As we prepare for statehood we must also develop our people through sporting codes such as Rugby Union,” added President Toroama.

“Our next biggest task is getting Team AROB prepared for the Pacific Games. It is an agenda we will pursue and make it a reality,” President Toroama said.

President Toroama also expressed his gratitude to Sitting Bougaiville Regional member, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr for his hard work in developing the code of Rugby Union in Bougainville communities.

The Black Orchids’ victorious homecoming was on the eve of the 17th Anniversary of the formation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

The Team also participated in the recent KPHL Super 7’s held at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium last month.

News

Toroama: 2022 NGE Critical for AROB’s Wish for Independence

President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama says the 2022 Papua New Guinea National General Election will be the final election that Bougainville will take part in as the Island Region prepares for the final political settlement (not before 2025 and no later than 2027) in the quest for political independence.

President Toroama said the 2022 National Election is very crucial for the future of Bougainville as people elect their representatives in the 11th National Parliament.

“These leaders will determine our future based on their loyalty to Bougainville and commitment to serving our wish for independence that was expressed in 2019 Bougainville Referendum,” said Toroama.

The AROB President urged every Bougainvillean to look beyond campaign promises of monetary gain and delusions of grandeur that is evident during any election.

“We must vote for a person who will represent Bougainville and be the voice of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in Parliament.

President Toroama urged the voting population to vote for a leader who will not compromise the political resolve for Bougainville and one who is not afraid to stand within the halls of the National Parliament and fight for Bougainville’s Independence as a sovereign nation,” added President Toroama.

Toroama said AROB need leaders who will not succumb to the pressures of party politics and comprise. The President said AROB needs leaders who can proudly say the word Independence without looking over their shoulder.

“We must honor the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the memory of the twenty thousand lives lost during the Bougainville Civil War by electing leaders who will work with the ABG and truly drive forward the aspirations of our people,” said Toroama.

The AROB President also reminded people to maintain civility during the election period and to respect the electoral process as campaign is underway while polling and counting nears.

Toroama concluded by wishing all the candidates the best in their campaigning.

News

ABG Develops Long Term Development Plan

The Autonomous Bougainville Government is formulating a development plan that will look at improving development in the governance, infrastructure, economic and social sectors.

The Bougainville Vision and Strategic Development Plan 2052 is made up of Bougainville’s development objectives, strategies and financing plans to improve the region’s key development priorities.

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama said his government’s vision is for a prosperous, educated, healthy and sovereign Bougainville by 2052.

“The BVSDP 2052 will look at improving human development and capacity and focus on education and human resource development,’’ President Toroama said.

‘’It will emphasize on the provision of basic services to address the human needs on food security, shelter, health and security. Moreover, it will look at an overarching long term economic development plan for Bougainville,’’ added Toroama.

The Bougainville Vision and Strategic Development Plan 2052 is part and parcel of President Toroama’s Six Point Strategy under Point 5: Long Term Vision and Planning.

Its creation will be derived from the alignment of each of the ABG’s departments sector plans and will be integrated into the Bougainville Vision and Strategic Development Plan 2052.

The thirty-year plan is focused on independence readiness as well as the post-independence period where a future independent Bougainville government will work towards setting the foundations of all sectors of government for Bougainville.

‘’I want to encourage our Ministers and Departmental Heads to continue work to hard. We are at a transitionary phase from autonomy to independence where we are creating a new chapter for Bougainville,’’ said President Toroama.

‘’This requires us to be innovative and absolute in our commitment to Bougainville as we introduce new ideas, new ways of doing things and a new mindset that is focused on political independence that is complemented by socioeconomic growth,’’ President Toroama said.

‘’We all share a co-dependency in our existence as a people and government so we must work hard and collaborate at all sectors of development to ensure it is tangible and far reaching as possible,’’ President Toroama said.

News

Tigak Suspects Surrender

By Inside PNG 13/06/2022

Two more suspects have surrendered to police following an operation on the group of islands in Tigak New Ireland Province.

This brings the number up to 13 while one is still on the run as police maintain close presence on the island.

This follows a two week joint operation by Kavieng Police and a Mobile Squad Unit from East New Britain following damning reports of an organized criminal gang terrorizing islanders for the past 3 years.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat said the gang is responsible for a string of crimes including rape, arson, unlawful wounding, robberies, barbaric killings and cultivation and sale of marijuana.

PPC Nebanat said the gang ruled the Tigak Islands and caused crimes without any remorse leaving islanders in fear. Other islands like Ungan, Kavin, Salampiu and Nonovaul were also affected as different crimes soared in the past 36 months.

According to police in Kavieng, the gang members surrendered following the death of their ring leader who was shot during a raid by police after failing to voluntarily surrender after a 7-day ultimatum was issued.

A boat also used by the gang has been confiscated and currently impounded at the Kavieng Police Station as investigation continues.

PPC Nebanat said the police operation wouldn’t be successful if communities and local leaders were not helpful. He said the high crime rate created by the gang has been a concern by men, women and children in all the islands in Tigak.

He also thanked business houses for the various support towards the police reinforcement from Tomariga who are in New Ireland for Election Operations as well.

While the police operation continues, PPC Nebanat has urged more collaboration by all stakeholders to bring normalcy and reduce the level of crime in all the island communities in Tigak.

He said police alone will not address lawlessness in this part of New Ireland but will require partnership.

National Elections

Women Taking on the Challenge in 2022

By Inside PNG 11/06/2022

Women are making the change in Papua New Guinea with a surge of female candidates contesting the 2022 National General Elections, either as Independent candidates or endorsed by political parties.

Papua New Guinea goes to the polls in July to begin its constitutional process towards electing representatives for its 11th Parliament and among the hundreds of male candidates are 142 female candidates vying for the top office posts as well.

In the 2017 National General Election, a total candidacy of 3340, saw only five percent of women listed.

While more than a hundred women contested the 111 seats in 2017, none were elected to Parliament.

2022 has however, seen a surge of political parties endorsing more women candidates than in previous years.

Women candidates with UN Representatives at Parliament attending Mock Parliament Session
This is partly due to more awareness and support by organizations such as the United Nations that has been actively promoting gender equality and women in leadership roles.

Through the ‘Women Make The Change Project’, UNDP in Papua New Guinea is helping to build capacity and vision.

This year, 120 women leaders participated in a series of regional mentoring workshops and trainings delivered in partnership with stakeholders.

The women also were part of a mock Parliament Session in March in preparation for the Election.

On the political race, one party is endorsing all female candidates to contest the 4 seats in the Nation’s capital.

L-R: Sylvia Pascoe – NCD Regional, Tania Bale – Moresby North East, Michelle Hau’ofa – Moresby South and Anna Bais – Moresby North West.
The People’s Party under Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas has endorsed Sylvia Pasco for the NCD Regional seat, Tania Bale – Moresby North East, Anna Kavana Bais – Moresby North West and Michelle Hau’ofa, Moresby South.

United Labor Party has also endorsed a female candidate, Dianne Unagi Koiam, contesting the Moresby North East seat.

Other parties include Peoples National Congress party endorsing Delilah Gore for Sohe Open in Northern Province and Rufina Peter for the Central Regional seat.

Other notable women are Jennifer Baing (People’s Movement for Change Party) , Jean Parkop (Independent), and Dulciana Somare Brash (Independent).

Baing is contesting the Morobe Regional seat, Parkop for Northern Province Regional and Somare-Brash for Angoram Open in East Sepik Province.

News

New Vanimo Airport Opens

Vanimo has a new airport terminal.

Officially opened yesterday (6th of June) by National Airports Corporation (NAC) Chairman Rowland Abaijah and CEO Rex Kiponge – the new terminal and extended runway now stands ready to serve the travelling public in and out of Vanimo.

Construction began in April, 2019 with the extension of the airport runway. A sum of K41.3million was used to extend the runway from 1,660 meters to 1,960 meters. Following the extension, K28.8million was put into the construction of the state of the art airport terminal facility. The overall cost of the project was K70.1million.

The airport upgrade is part of the Civil Aviation Development Initiative Program (CADIP) of 2009 by the then Somare led Government. It is a partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) where a 12-year program was agreed. A total of K1.67billion has been invested in the CADIP program.

For Vanimo, the extended runway and new airport facility are steps towards achieving a bigger goal of transforming Vanimo into the gateway to Asia. NAC Managing Director and CEO Rex Kiponge spoke of this vision and highlighted the positive impacts it will have on Vanimo and West Sepik.

“West Sepik Province being PNG’s closest gateway into Asia and sharing a geographical land border with Indonesia, Vanimo Airport anticipates hosting international flights in the future. The airport has the potential to increase the volume of socio-economic activities in the province, the country and the Asia-Pacific Region,” Kiponge said.

Similar words were shared by NAC Chairman Rowland Abaijah.

“You have beautiful beaches and surfing spots here in West Sepik, you have trade activities happening at the border at Batas, you have vanilla farmers coming in from East Sepik via road to sell their vanilla to the Indonesians. This new modern airport that we have delivered here in Vanimo now supports you in taking those opportunities further,” he said.

The Vanimo Airport Upgrade Project includes the upgrade of the aircraft pavement to accommodate unrestricted operations of Fokker 100 or similar types of aircrafts. It can cater for two Fokker 100 aircrafts on the ground at any one time. The terminal is fitted with the state of the art screening machines and baggage conveyor belts for departure and arrival. The departure hall can cater to over 100 passengers and is fully air-conditioned with toilet facilities including disability access areas. The terminal also has a kiosk and an ATM with a VIP lounge.

“The improved airport facilities will enhance passenger comfort,” Kiponge added.

Vanimo is the 2nd Terminal and Runway upgrade under the tranche 3 series of projects implemented under CADIP. Momote in Manus was the 1st airport. Wewak and Madang will follow soon after.

News

New Ireland Police Ready for NATEL Operations

Police in New Ireland are ready to provide security for the 2022 National General Elections.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Felix Nebanat said police men and women including PNG Defense Force, Correctional Service and Mobile Squad are ready to be deployed to parts of the Province.

“I am ready to freely, fairly and securely execute security for the elections but that has to be done in partnership with the people. I appeal to all New Irelanders to be security conscious during the election period and restrain from provoking election related violence or offence, said PPC Nebanat.

The NIP PPC said voting is a democratic choice, because it determines the quality of life. PPC Nebanat urged people to vote wisely. “Our paramount responsibility is to make sure that you(voters) are safe and secure.

PPC Nebanat also warned the general public and candidates in New Ireland not to derail or rig elections and refrain from doing things that will disturb the 2022 National General Elections.

“We will have you arrested and charged according to the provisions of law. It could be electoral, criminal, summary offence or traffic law”, said PPC Nebanat.

The head of police in New Ireland also called on his men and women to maintain integrity during the elections. He said police must ensure serving the people with honesty and transparency and not to compromise with any.

Police in New Ireland were also presented to new vehicles to support logistical capacity. PPC Nebanat thanked Police Commissioner David Manning for his intervention to donate the police vehicles.

PPC Nebanat made these statement while launching the NATEL Operation in New Ireland including the Security Operation Centre. New Ireland Police also farewell three of their long serving staff.

A parade was also held by joint forces and witnessed by residents of Kavieng town, including Provincial Administration, Assistant Commissioner for CS, Director of Law and Order, Chamber of Commerce, businesses houses and other stakeholders.

News

Ghate: Better Roads and Housing for Communities

Incumbent Daulo MP Pogio Ghate said the whole purpose to contest for Office is to improve the living condition for rural communities.

He said in the past 2 years, the Daulo District Development Authority has prioritized roads and housing. Ghate said people must access electricity supply, be sheltered under a semi-permanent house and access other services through better connected roads.

“There are two milling machines moving around the District to help Communities in Daulo to build better houses. I want to see lives of Daulo people be changed. It’s the DDA’s plan to impact life of people for a better living”, said Ghate.

The sitting Daulo MP said Kofena, Ward 8 and 9 and Upper Asaro are priority areas. But he says Ward 1 in Upper Asaro including Hanega, Watabum and Kasena will soon receive theirs. He added that Lower Asaro will also receive one and will be based at Asaro school.

Ghate said this housing program will continue for people to build better houses. He said with campaign and polling soon, Community leaders must take lead and drive this housing project forward.

“It is my dream and vision for rural communities to live in a home like those in urban areas,” said Ghate.

Recently the incumbent Daulo MP also opened the upgraded Samatoka Road. He said the road was built by locals but was never upgraded by levels of Government. Ghate said this road is among other roads currently being built by Daulo Civil Works Limited.

“RTK, Kasena, Nurumbe, Asaro Kongi, Kofena road, Wando, Korepa, and other feeder roads are slowly opening up the District and linking people and services. Appreciate this roads being built in less than two years. Once these roads are completed, other services will be looked at down at the Community level, “said Ghate.

“I am at peace, and happy that I have done my best to deliver services to Daulo Communities, said Ghate.

Meanwhile the Pangu candidate welcome all candidates contesting for the Daulo Open seat in Eastern Highlands Province.

Ghate told those gathered at Koromeka Village that he is happy to defend his leadership but echoed to voters to screen all candidates during campaign and vote a leader who can deliver tangible services to people in Daulo.

News

PRP Aims to Cut Income Tax by 50%

People’s Reform Party (PRP) is committed to cut Personal Income Tax by 50%, lower Goods and Service Tax (GST) including Value Added Tax (VAT).

PRP leader, James Donald said this will make it conducive for people to afford a day’s living and conveniently make life easy during this drastic economic times. Donald said Papua New Guinea must see and realize the economic independence to enable citizens having the capacity of a greater purchasing power.

“The Government made amendments in March 2022 on cutting the GST on certain consumables items as a measure to reduce inflation burden faced by many citizens is not permanent but temporary, said Donald.

“I will also further propose that we also cut Personal Income Tax by 50% and give our people the purchasing power, added Donald. He said his party (Peoples Reform Party) stands committed to see tax cuts by half of what it is today. It requires a bold decision, said Donald.

Donald said PRP’s policies are workable and appropriate for a developing country like Papua New Guinea.

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Make Constitutional amendments to allow the people to directly vote for the Prime Minister.

Landowners and Resource Owners must have bargain power to negotiate terms and conditions with developers

Lower Personal Income Tax and Value Added Tax to give people the purchasing power (Review of Corporate Tax)

Resources obtained from land and sea must by locally processed and exported to overseas markets

SME’s and MSMEs will be regulated strictly and reserved for locals to meaningfully participate to grow and support the economy

Donald said the 5 key policies will be pushed into Parliament by members of PRP. He said people have the power of choice and people must vote wisely come the polling period.

The PRP leader urged voters to support the Party by electing PRP candidates in North Fly, Delta Fly, South Fly and Middle Fly in Western Province. He also made similar appeals for PRP candidates in Gulf, Oro, Central, Simbu, West Sepik and NCD.

The incumbent North Fly Open MP is prepared to defend his seat. He said Box 22 is locked in for the 2022 National General Elections. According to Electoral records, 20 candidates have filed their nominations to challenge Donald.