Former Hela Governor and Komo-Magarima MP, Francis Potape says Hela needs better leadership to see essential government services reach minority communities.

Potape said there a multiple reason and service delivery indicators pushing him to contest the Hela Regional seat. He said the current leadership by incumbent Governor Philip Undialu has deteriorated in the past 5 years.

“In many communities in Hela, people have fled to the bushes and are left to fend for themselves. He said people have suffered because of poor leadership. Potape expressed that elected leaders have not proven real leadership on the ground to move the Province forward like other Provinces in the country.

The former Governor said many have been killed with no real justice enforced by government authorities. “At one stage almost 20 people were killed. No one has been arrested and charged for these crimes, “said Potape.

“I have nominated to return and bring normalcy with better leadership to bring peace to communities and push people to be partners of development, said Potape.

Potape said his second reason to contest was to fight the ongoing corruption practiced by those in the Provincial Administration. He said many funds were misused and remain unaccounted for. “Huge amount of development funding have remained unheard of. Where has the money gone to?

Corruption within the Provincial Administration has left the people to suffer. “I want to stop all these misuse and abuse by those in power, he added. Infrastructure grants including IDG, PSIP and other funding add to millions but there is no tangible development in Hela. He said the financial books of the Province must be checked.

He said the projects like NDB, airport and roads are all high impact projects initiated by the National Government. “Undialu has done nothing for Hela people,” Potape added.

Speaking on policies, Potape said while Health services are progressing while other essential services are degrading. He said education services continue to deteriorate with few students entering higher learning institutions.

“I want to get the basics correct. Extend the terminal area, improve road network, impart business knowledge to grow SME, build public service housing, proper town planning and other essential services will be reviewed to allow people access services at their doorstep, said Potape.

“There is no provincial market for Hela. People are selling their produce on the ground. Leaders have not empowered the small people.

Potape said he is also prepared to work with stakeholders in the PNG LNG Project to improve relationships and address differences between the landowners, Hela Provincial Government and other stakeholders.

The former Hela Governor also urged Hela’s voting population not to accept bribes, or favors by those contesting. He said people should assess the current leaders and vote for a better leadership.

He said there is no leadership provided by elected leaders. “It is the duty of leaders to put peoples interest first. People have suffered. He said people have the freedom and power of choice and now is the time to elect honest leaders, said Potape.

The former Hela Governor said if Hela is to see better and improved services, change in leadership is key. “Do not be blind folded by money and other benefits, but vote for a leader who will bring change and lasting benefit for a better Hela.

“Hela people need a transparent provincial government, now is the time, vote for Francis Potape Box 19 for the Hela Provincial Seat, he added.

A massive gathering of people from Daulo district recently gathered to show their support toward their Member and incumbent Minister for Environment Conservation and Climate Change, Pogio Ghate.

A convoy of more than sixty vehicles loaded with supporters travelled from Daulo to Goroka town.

Speaking to his supporters, Ghate said despite limited funding from DSIP funds, he has gone out of his way to secure funding to ensure Basic Infrastructures & Social services are delivered to the people.

“Despite serving the people of Daulo for the limited time of two years, I must say that I am proud of what I have done so far.” Ghate said.

“I have no regrets for the three years that have gone into election petition case I am happy and determined to contest for this general election.”

He added that Daulo district is fortunate to have many developments in the last two years compared to other districts in the Province.

He also challenged the people to choose good leaders, who are focused on effective service delivery.

“Elect a God fearing person so that he or she will remain focussed on service delivery.” Ghate said.

The National Election Security Operations in West New Britain has been launched.

New Guinea Islands Assistant Commander of Police Perou N’dranou was in Kimbe to official declare the commencement of the operation yesterday.

Speaking there the Divisional Commander said the operation is critical to ensure there is a free and safe election national election in 2022. “We now are election ready to execute this operational order by the Police hierarchy,” said N’dranou.

N’dranou said police in WNB must now begin the NATEL Operation. He said security plays a crucial role in elections. N’dranou said Commanders will be given specific commands and guidelines to assist police carryout their duty.

The NGI Divisional Commander said police are at the frontline and must lead the way for a safe society. He also expressed the need for police officers to be presentable during duty hours. “You shouldn’t be chewing betel-nut while on duty, how can you face a victim or complainant? Commander N’dranou said this attitude has to change.

N’dranou said frontline policing is not functional and this are basic policing that has become dysfunctional in the past 10 years. “Not only in WNB but this is also visible in New Ireland and Manus.

The NGI Divisional Commander said the Police Department has spent millions to resource police commands in the country and officers must be honest while on duty. He said some operations do not necessarily require funding.

“Foot patrol is an effective policing method and directly engages police with members of the community,”. If police actively carryout this, there will be less trouble caused, said Commander N’dranou.

N’dranou said all PPC’s in the New Guinea Islands have been directed to address police deficiency and address discipline in their commands.

Commander N’dranou made these remarks while addressing a parade in front of the Kimbe Police Station. The parade also included Correctional Service officers. This is also his first official visit to West New Britain following his appointment as NGI Assistant Commander.

Meanwhile WNB Police Commander Cheif Inspector John Iara has called on candidates and supporters not to overload their vehicles when moving around. He said this was tolerated during the nomination and police will keep an eye out during campaign, polling and counting.

PPC Iara also appealed to the mass population to work with police during the Election period.

Provincial Returning Officer for West New Britain Emily Kelton has applauded the successful completion of the nomination period.

Speaking at the Sir Bernard Vogae Oval in Kimbe, the WNB PRO said it was challenging for her Team to ensure the first part of the Election process is carried out with no obstacles. She said the final part was the order of draw for candidates to be given their candidate numbers.

“I thank all the intending candidates and supporters to show maturity during the nomination period. From Thursday 19th May to Thursday 26th May 4pm was the 7-day period of accepting nomination. There was peace and harmony and I salute you all for displaying maturity during this time, “said PRO Kelton.

Kelton also thanked the contribution of Team Leader and officers of the WNB Media Team, Director of NBC WNB, Chairman and Senior Officers of the WNB Administration, security personnel, Electoral Support Staff, Assistant Returning Officers and the general public.

“For candidates who intend to put their Party leader photo in their poster must submit these at the Electoral Office as soon as possible,” said Kelton. She appealed to candidates to sort this out for formalities to complete.

The WNB PRO said the next process is polling and counting. She said this is a mammoth task which her Team is gearing to carryout in the Province. Kelton said the three ARO’s will work together with other Electoral Staff to see this complete.

PRO Kelton also announced that the WNB Electoral Team will publish polling schedules through the Assistant Returning Officers of Talasea, Nakanai and Kandrian Gloucester. Kelton said ARO’s will also put out Electoral Roll which has been planned for the Province.

She urged the voting population to check the electoral roll to confirm their status before polling begins.

According to PRO Kelton 93 candidates have nominated to contest the four seats in the West New Britain.

That is Kandrian Gloucester 22 candidates, Talasea 32, Nakanai 18 and the WNB Regional Seat 21 candidates. By the close of nomination only 2 females will be contesting in the 2022 National General Elections.

Sitting Gazelle MP, Jelta Wong wants to continue delivering development plans initiated under his leadership in the last term of Parliament.

He expressed this while speaking during his first campaign rally in Keravat earlier this week. The rally began with a convoy of over 300 vehicles packed with supporters.

“We have planted the seeds and we will have to look after it in the next 5 years, so our youths and children can have a future in Gazelle district,” said Wong.

Wong is adamant on Gazelle taking the lead in the province on development over the next decade.

He said the announcement of the Special Economic Zone for Gazelle District including other projects is the drive to defend his leadership in the electorate.

Wong also said, Gazelle District is the first district in East New Britain to incubate chicken eggs into hatchings, which was distributed amongst SMEs in Gazelle.

Wong encouraged partnerships in the district as a way forward to deliver essential services to communities.

As an advocate for Gender Based Violence Wong said Gazelle must lead the way in East New Britain and the country.

He also paid tribute to mothers and challenged men on the importance of Gender Based violence.

“I am telling you men that anyone of you that participate in wife beating, please do not vote for me,” he said.

Wong also urged his supporters not to stir any violence but conduct their support following PNG election laws.

Wong is contesting the Gazelle Open Seat under United Resource Party.

Also present during the rally were former MP for Gazelle, Sinai Brown, LLG Presidents, Changol Manaui, Deputy Governor for East New Britain Cosmos Bauk and Chief Executive Officer for East New Britain Development Corporation, Michael Batia.

The last sitting MP for Kairuku Hiri Electorate Peter Isoaimo is contesting the new Kairuku Open Seat.

Isoaimo made this known following his nomination at Bereina station last Friday.

“Today I have made my decision to contest the Kairuku open seat, one of the seats created in the split of the electorate.

‘’I am thankful to the Marape led coalition government in supporting my fight for the split,’’ said Isoaimo.

Isoaimo said his push to see the creation of the split was because of the huge landmass and high population given the limited funding to deliver essential services to communities.

“I struggled over the last 8 years as Member but I have tried my best in getting the KHDDA to fund and implement service delivery policies across the huge electorate, ” said Isoaimo.

Isoaimo was in full traditional attire during his nomination.

Over 50 convoy of vehicles filled with his supporters escorted him from Veimauri Bridge along the Hiritano Highway to Bereina Station for his nomination.

He also launched his campaigned rally infront of a packed crowd of over 3,000 supporters.

Isoaimo thanked the people of Hiri for their support in the last term as their mandated leader in the 10th Parliament.

I remain the last sitting MP for Kairuku Hiri as I nominate he added.

He will be contesting under National Alliance Party in the 2022 National General Elections.