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PNC Endorses Candidates for Maprik and Sohe By-elections

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Red and Gold PNC Logo on a black background with PNC in red color

THE Peoples National Congress Party or PNC has endorsed two candidates for the Maprik and Sohe By-Elections.

Hildeanne Wefin, a former banking finance executive and founder of WomenLink PNG will contest the Maprik Open seat in East Sepik province. 

Ms Wefin holds two Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Applied Finance. 

Party Leader, Peter O’Neill said Hildanne Wefin’s dedication to gender equality and her impressive educational background and extensive professional experience make her the right choice.

The seat was left vacant following the death of then MP and PNC man, Gabriel Kapris who passed on in August 2023. 

Meanwhile, the Sohe Open seat in the Northen province was left vacant after a Supreme Court Ruling in November last year that upheld a National Court decision declaring the election of Pangu Party’s Henry Amuli null and void due to bribery. 

Amuli is recontesting this seat under the Pangu banner.

Sixteen candidates are contesting the Sohe Open seat including only female candidate Delilah Gore, the petitioner in the Court of Disputed Returns. 

In the 2022 National General Elections, she contested under the PNC banner, however, in this by-election, the former MP (2012 -2017) has been endorsed by Social Democratic Party while PNC has endorsed Paulinias Uhena, the runner up in 2022. 

Uhena is a former senior public servant who served as Manager Finance with the Oro Provincial Administration for 35 years. 

The Maprik and Sohe by-elections will be held simultaneously with polling scheduled to start 25th May and end 29th May 2024.

Writs will be returned from 14th June to 18th June 2024.

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Glitch in Pangu Ranks

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Glitch in Pangu Ranks

There is a glitch in Pangu ranks following recent turn of events following the “technical glitch” in government payroll system according to authorities which resulted in a strike by law enforcement agencies led to mass looting in the capital city.

Young fire-brand politician James Nomane in a viral video released today openly called for Prime Minister James Marape to step down.

“I’m now putting out this call to action to all members of parliament, to save our country and demand the Prime Minister to resign,” Mr. Nomane said.

Further adding, “Yesterday’s crisis must compel all members of parliament from all 22 provinces to stand together, condemned the crisis and change this government”.

Mr. Nomane said the situation that happened yesterday with adequate government action.

“What has happened is an indictment of Prime Minister James Marape, no more blame game, no more excuses, the buck stops with the Prime Minister!

Millions of Kina worth of properties were destroyed by citizens including public servants, looting, and vandalizing private property following pay cuts which the tax office says was a payroll error and not a tax increase in the capital.

According to Port Moresby General Hospital Mortuary Doctor in Charge, nine deaths were reported yesterday because of shop owner – looter exchanges.

Already reports have been received of same elsewhere in the country with bystanders looting in the country’s second largest city of Lae.

The first term Pangu MP also openly resigned from the ruling party.

“Yesterday’s crisis marks a loss of confidence in the government from police force defense force, public servants, business houses and from the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

Another Pangu man – East Sepik Governor Allan Bird condemn the violence and rudely behavior, hinting the dissatisfaction with the current leadership.

“We are all frustrated with how our country is run. I am too. I argue with those in power almost daily,” Governor Bird said.
He continues, “Those in power, who make decisions for all of us will not be there forever, fresh leadership will come, if not now, then in 2027, or 2029. Time is not going to end tomorrow”.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/murray-barracks-soldiers-protect-taurama-foodland-shopping-centre/

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MPs resign from Government

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Six MPs' resign from Marape-Rosso Government

FOUR more members of parliament from the Southern Region are the latest to resign from Government following yesterday’s destruction and looting of shops in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby.

Member for Abau and ODP Leader, Sir Puka Temu; Member for North Fly District and PFP Leader, James Donald; Member for Ijivitari, David Arore; and Member for Middle Fly, Maso Hewabi in a joint statement expressed their disappointment in the way senior Government leaders sat by, while shops and property were looted and set alight in Port Moresby.

The four MPs’ in a joint statement said the turmoil, destruction and civil unrest in Port Moresby led them to lose confidence in the Government, and the leadership of Prime Minister, James Marape.

Earlier this morning, two other MPs’ resigned from the Marape led government; Pangu man, James Nomane and major coalition partner in government from United Resource Party, Keith Iduhu. 

While Chimbu MP Nomane’s video went viral of his decision to quit government ranks, Hiri MP, Iduhu penned friend Marape of his decision to leave, labelling his leadership as being incapable.

“With all due respect, yesterday’s events have demonstrated to me that your leadership and the leadership of senior ministers and officials are incapable of fulfilling the sovereign duty of maintaining the rule of law and welfare of our people,” Mr. Iduhu said.

He added, “The core issue surrounding the grievances raised by the disciplinary forces was completely avoidable had it not been for bureaucratic negligence. And the ensuing events even after the Government was made aware of the situation displayed a lack of care for the potential for the situation to spiral out of control.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister who was schedule to visit East New Britain today, cancelled his trip as the situation throughout the country remained tense following riots in several parts of country.

NCD Governor, Powes Parkop on Talkback radio expressed disappointment at his city residents’ behaviour yesterday despite investing millions of Kina into the healthy mind and body yoga programs.

He was seen in a viral TikTok video with fellow Governor, Allan Bird driving around to show physical presence at Hotspots to curb any lawless behaviors from the public.

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

ABG Cabinet Reshuffle

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Cabinet Reshuffle

A cabinet reshuffle in the Bougainville Government is aimed at redirecting development focus for Finance and Mining ministries.

The new changes include Robin Wilson, member for Terra constituency, assuming the role as Minister for Finance and Treasury in the Bougainville Executive Government.

A role previously held by outgoing minster, Mathias Salas who had delivered three budgets for the Autonomous Government and oversight the permanent appointment of Department Secretary, Johnny Auna.

In assuming the role, President Toroama charged Minister Wilson with reforming administrative functions within the department and expanding its responsibilities to include financial analysis, tax management, risk management, and investment management, as some of the immediate tasks.

“Minister Wilson, your first task in getting the Ministry and Department in order is to take control of the administrative functions of department. You will have the full support of the Presidency and the Bougainville Executive Council to introduce the changes that will ensure the department functions efficiently and in accordance with the vision of my government,” Toroama said .

President Toroama also emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the Bougainville Tax Office, pushing for a policy change to keep tax collections within Bougainville rather than remitting them to the Internal Revenue Commission in Port Moresby.

Another change in the cabinet reshuffle would be President Toroama assuming the portfolio of the Minister for the Department of Mineral Energy Resources, previously held by Minister Wilson.

Toroama stressed that changes in cabinet are driven by the need to institute outcomes consistent with his government’s development and independence policies.

“These changes are vital to ensure consistency in my vision for Bougainville’s development and our independence readiness mission,” said Toroama.

Taking on the role as Minister for Mineral Energy Resources, President Toroama outlined his priorities, which include redeveloping the extractive industry and expanding the energy sector.

Toroama highlighted the establishment of the Bougainville Energy Office and the potential for renewable energy sources such as hydro and wind energy.

“It is time we look at alternative sources of renewable and clean energy to address the perennial energy crisis that we are facing today. We have the potential for hydro and wind energy generation. I will be looking at the possibility of reviving the hydro stations at Togarau and Ramazon and getting them online as soon as possible,” he said.

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Siara-Korepovi Road Maintenance

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At least 20,000 people living in the West Coast of Bougainville will see spin off benefits from the maintenance of the Siara-Korepovi Road.

The construction and sealing of the long-neglected West Coast road is desired to create economic opportunities.

Funded by the Office of the Regional Member through the Bougainville Government, the improved road service gives an opportunity for subcontractors to do minor road works.

ABG‘s Minister for Technical Services, Joseph Mona said the Bougainville Government has plans to build a whalf and set up communication towers to facilitate communication services.

ABG’s Minister for Technical Services, Joseph Mona.

Bougainville Regional Member and National Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili Junior said that road construction is the way to raise economic independence

“We have a lot of Economic liberation in the west coast, and I appeal to all stakeholders – people of West Coast, Mahari and Teua, the Technical Services, Contractors, business men and women of Mahari and Teua to stand together and let us work together with the developments happening within the west coast and change the West Coast,” he said.

Minister Tsiamalili encouraged local businesses to prepare for sub-contracting opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend to the community. He also called on the contractor RAIBRO Ltd to work diligently, respect the customs and cultures of the people of West Coast and ensure that the project is delivered according to standard.

“Business men and women of Mahari and Teua, if you have a truck, bulldozer or whatever company that Raibro can benefit from or you can benefit from Raibro, please register your companies and ensure your papers are in order so that you can access the opportunity to obtain sub contracts,” he said.

“I guarantee you will have sealed roads so I urge you all, young men and women, people of West Coast to work on the land and see that hard earned money that you want.”

Siara Korepovi Road
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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Toroama Speaks on PNG’s Independence

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Ishmael Toroama

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama said Bougainville’s stand for an independent nation will never be compromised and his people have stood on the forefront of the battlefield to protect their people from oppressors, and they have stood yet again on the forefront to make peace.

“Our aspiration for independence is not merely based on figures on paper but it is based on the human struggle of people and our history. We recognize that the Bougainville Process is an ongoing process that remains to be settled by the legal framework that governs it.” said president Toroama.

Toroama’s reflection on Bougainville’s Independence comes on the eve of Papua New Guinea’s 48th year of Independence.

As Bougainville continues to endeavor on it’s own path to self-determination, Toroama acknowledged that they are still a part of Papua New Guinea.

“It is within these sentiments that I wish the Government and people of PNG happy celebrations on the eve of the 48th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s Independence. By the grace of God, Papua New Guinea and Bougainville can mutually coexist as brothers defined only by an international border in the near future,” he said.

Toroama said the Late Great Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare had always described Bougainville as an integral part of Papua New Guinea and that statement could not be any truer.

“During the formative years of this country, Bougainville and our political leaders played a vital role in securing and guaranteeing PNG’s independence on September 16, 1975,” said Toroama.

But as president of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama went on to say that was from a historical standpoint, it is undeniable that Bougainville was an integral part of Papua New Guinea.

“Our resources gave the economic guarantee for independence and the founding leaders supported Sir Michael through the establishment of governance systems that formed the basis of Papua New Guinea’s democracy,” said Toroama.

But Toroama said that was before Bougainville had an unjust war waged on them by the very institution sworn to protect their rights and civil liberties.

“It was sponsored by a regime so disillusioned by greed and plundering our rich resources it did not hesitate to wage a genocidal war against people who were only defending ourselves, our lands and our constitutional right to exist and express ourselves,” said Toroama.

He said while the Bougainville Civil War will forever remain a very dark period in Papua New Guinea’s history it serves as a powerful reminder to Bougainville that any government sworn to protect its people should never raise its hand against them in an act of war.

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Project Visits

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Evaluation and Monitoring officers from the Autonomous Bougainville Government have been visiting development projects in the region to ensure smooth delivering of Bougainville projects.

Acting Deputy Chief Secretary for Strategic Planning and Policy, Stephanie Elizah, said such visits are important to see how resourced are effectively channelled towards the sustainable development projects.

Bougainville Projects

“The primary objective of these monitoring visits is to conduct comprehensive assessments of all Bougainville Development Projects at the district level, closely examining their progress and ensuring strict adherence to established guidelines,” she Elizah.

These visits coordinated through the ABG’s Office of the Chief Secretary is desired to maintain
transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources in the pursuit of Bougainville’s development objectives.

The team had visited 21 project sites including building and construction sites and economic development projects in several districts. The monitoring visits are part of the ABG’s annual performance review and reporting process.

This initiative is incorporated in the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027, which was launched recently in Awara.

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It’s Time for Change

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Calls for a cabinet reshuffle has been made to Prime Minister James Marape to bring the best MPs from both sides of the house together.

Chuave MP James Nomane, made this remark when reflecting on how the government is addressing the socio-economic challenges in the country on the eve of PNG’s 48th Independence.

“In the last 12 months, the country’s socio-economic indicators have regressed. We just need to look at the lack of jobs, no medicine in hospitals, and the unprecedented crime wave. This is a reality check and an indictment on our ability to manage the nation’s affairs as its elected leaders,” said Nomane.

He said the government is yet to mitigate the PNG’s Youth Bulge Pandemic, create safer
communities, leverage its geopolitical strengths for rapid growth, create mass employment
through foreign direct investment and promote sustainable resource management that gives.
immediate benefits to landowners.

“How can we expect our people to be more and do more when we have failed to create a conducive environment for them to grow, inspire, and succeed,” Nomane said.

He said the government cannot continue to pass the buck and must demonstrate total ownership of the multiple crises affecting the people; Economic stagflation, health system collapse, high attrition rates in the education sector, a weak electoral process, and an upsurge in violent crimes that threatens to spiral into anarchy.

“This Independence Day I call on the Prime Minister to put the country first and do a
complete Cabinet reshuffle that brings the best of both government and opposition MPs
together”, said Nomane.

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Key Bougainville Plans

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The Bougainville Vision 2052 launched in Arawa comprises of eight pillars aimed at strengthening sectors within the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

The vision states that by 2052, Bougainville will be a high income, educated, healthy and peaceful sovereign nation.

ABG President, Ishmael Toroama, said the ABG already started the process for national building through several economic and development programs initiated through his government.

“This is the question that I had in mind when I stated, under the six-point strategy, a desire for the ABG to get into the practice of long-term visioning and planning so that we can start laying the foundations of a future Bougainville society,” Toroama said.

The Bougainville Vision is the long term plan that will be implemented through six seperate five year development plans starting the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023 – 2027

ABG President Ishmael Toroama launching the Bouginville Vision 2052

“I am very proud of the efforts by our government to create the Bougainville Vision 2052 and the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023 – 2027 because for us in Bougainville it is essential to have a strategic plan to build our human resource capacity, improve and develop our revenue streams, build infrastructure, and enable a stable economy on Bougainville,” said Toroama.

The eight pillars listed in Bougainville Vision 2052 include Bougainville Ways; Integral Human Development; Sustainable Economic Growth; Peace Justice & Security; Infrastructure & Technology; International Relations; and Environment & Natural, Resources and Climate Change.

Related: https://insidepng.com/bagana-assistance/

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Namah Commends Government

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Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah has commended the Marape-Rosso Government for delivering on its commitments made to the people of West Sepik Province.

Namah made these comments last week when a government delegation led by Ministers Rainbo Paita and Solan Mirisim were in Vanimo to launch the Sepik Coastal Highway Project and deliver funding for other projects in the province.

“I have helped formed governments when I was in the opposition, and in the last 12 years I have not seen any deliver on their commitments,” Namah said.

Funding of K53million was paid to the Provincial and District Treasuries for road projects and two hospital projects.

Out of the K53million, Nuku and Telefomin received a K10million each to construct two level 4 district hospitals. The remaining K33million will be put to improve road links between Aitape, Nuku, and Vanimo.

Namah added these investments will lead to more prospects for the province as it aims to fully utilize the PNG-Indonesian Border for more opportunities.

“For provinces to prosper, there must be government enablers, and this major investment is the right way to achieve this. I am with this government for taking development seriously,” Namah said.

The MP also announced that scoping for a Vanimo Hydro, Water, and Sanitation project has already started, and funding to deliver this project will be captured in next year’s national budget.

This also includes the Vanimo International Wharf project and the long-debated Vanimo Special Economic Zone Concept.

West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou, Finance and Planning Minister Rainbo Paita, Works and Highways Minister Solan Mirisim, and Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah during the launch of the Sepik Coastal Highway Project in Vanimo.
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