The PNG Government through Prime Minister, James Marape on Tuesday signed a covenant known as the “Era Kone Covenant” with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government through President, Ismael Toroama.

The Covenant sets the pathway for the results of the Bougainville Referendum and Joint Post Referendum Consultations to be brought to the National Parliament to deliberate on.

The ABG and the National Government resolved at the 3rd Post-referendum consultations held at the APEC Haus on the 9th of December 2021 to sign a covenant.

Following the signing, ABG President, Ishmael Toroama thanked the Marape lead Government and the Technical Team from both parties for their commitment to effect section 342 of the Constitution which commits both Governments to consult on the Referendum Results.

Toroama said key events such as his Government’s tenure ending in 2025 and the 11th PNG Parliament concluding it’s term in 2027 should be borne in mind so that the constitutional obligation is completed in a timely manner.

“I therefore foresee the tabling of the Referendum Results and the Consultative Outcomes in 2023 to the National Parliament by the Minister responsible as prescribed in section 342 of the National Constitution and as agreed to in the Wabag Roadmap,” Toroama said.

The Toroama lead ABG Government believes that in order for both parties to meet the timeline, the following must be done:

• The covenant be the main agenda at the 4th Joint Supervisory Body meeting next week

• The Technical Teams in both Governments immediately begin drafting the constitutional regulation for endorsement by respective Executive Councils and Gazetted before the General Elections

• The referendum results and the Consultative Outcomes be brought to the Papua New Guinea Parliament by the Minister for Bougainville in 2023 in compliance with section 342 of the National Constitution.

Prime Minister James Marape also acknowledged the patience displayed by the people of Bougainville to see the process through.

“I just want to appreciate the patience and understanding of our people in Bougainville.

“You’ve come a long way since 2001. It’s not easy. The road has been tough,” he said.

Marape assured the ABG President, Ismael Toroama that the next parliament following the election will take carriage of the agreements and see it through.

“Mr President I just want to assure you that the intention we’ve covered in as far as our consultation meetings, follows from my acceptance of the result in Arawa, my consultations with your team in Kokopo, and our clarity of the road map going forward was established in Wabag, as well as the meeting at APEC Haus, culminates in this Era Kone Covenant.

“That is an assurance that we will stick to timeframe that we focused.

“National Parliament will have a handle of this in 2023 and of course going forward,” Marape said.

Vice Minister for Bougainville Affairs Peter Tsiamalili described the covenant signing as a significant step for both Governments towards the process that will go into the 11th house.

“The signing of this important document now streamlines the referendum results and also the consultation and guards the process towards entering the parliament,” he said.

United Nations, who has played a pivotal role in facilitating the consultations and the peace process facilitated the covenant signing and assured their commitment for the process as well.

After years of shutdown the Namatanai Airstrip in New Ireland has been re-opened following an upgrade of the airport facilities.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey represented Prime Minister James Marape to commission the airport and its facilities last Friday.

“I stand in awe to see these services ready to serve people in this part of the country.

“Please do not politicize these projects but respect and use them to benefit,” said Ling-Stuckey.

The Namatanai Airport upgrade cost K2million with most funding from monthly Lihir Mining Royalty payments by Newcrest Mining Limited.

Meanwhile Minister for Civil Aviation and Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt said despite stiff political opposition to prevent the opening, it was a success after all these years.

Schnaubelt said there is no time for politics but to start deliver and ensure people benefit from funding earmark for development.

“We are focused on delivering services to the doorstep”, said Schnaubelt.

“It’s not about me but the people”, he added.

Other projects announced and commissioned include K3.7million for heavy equipment, K5.5million for a 1Megawats Biomass Power Generation project, K2million for Namatanai Fire Station, K2million Flight Training Centre, K4million Hydrogen Solar Power Project for Namatanai Hospital.

Other projects include Housing Scheme, Transmitter for NBC and a counter funding for Namatanai District Court Housing.

The occasion was also attended by Minister for Lands John Rosso, Minister for Health Jelta Wong and Minister for Fisheries Dr Lino Tom.

The people of Namatanai concluded the day with dancers from different LLGs and live entertainments from music legends Sir George Telek and King of Pacific Music Pati Pots Doi with choir groups from Tavui and Matupit in East New Britain.

A National Court bail of K10, 000 was granted by the Court in Port Moresby for Moresby North-West MP, Lohia Boe Samuel, following essential changes in circumstances on the co-accused Fabian Hera’s police statement.

In the first application, Justice Teresa Berrigan refused bail because the only material presented in court was the statement of alleged facts. “I refused bail on the last occasion because the alleged offence involved a serious assault and the use of an offensive weapon. The alleged facts pointed to a deliberate if unplanned shooting by the applicant using his own weapon,” said Justice Berrigan.

On the second bail application, the court heard that co-accused Fabian Hera has since changed lawyers and swore on an affidavit deposing that it was him who had unintentionally shot the deceased who was holding the weapon at that time.

Without going into the details of the alleged offence, bail was granted on grounds that the Constitution allows for bail if the change in circumstances is relevant to the ground of refusal on the initial bail application.

Mr. Samuel is represented by private lawyer Edward Sassingian.

West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel says people need fair representation on the floor of Parliament.

He made these remarks days after the passing of the Electoral Boundary Commission Report by Parliament earlier this week. Governor Muthuvel said for years people of Talasea suffered because of huge land mass, high population and limited funding.

“Talasea District has a population of 270,000 and is six times more than most of the districts in the country”, said Muthuvel. He echoed that this has seen leaders and public servants struggle to serve the people.

Muthuvel told Inside PNG, the separation of Talasea District will now make way for efficient service delivery especially to the Nakanai and Bialla areas, adding that, Bialla will now be the Headquarter for Nakanai District while Kimbe remain as Provincial capital and District Headquarter for Talasea District.

“The town of Bialla is prepared, there is electricity supply, water and with an additional K5million allocated by the Talasea District to build the new office”, said Governor Muthuvel.

The WNB Governor urged people of Talasea to be thankful that this is historical for the Province and is timely for a fair distribution of resources to help deliver services to communities. Muthuvel said shifting to Bialla will see more investment and economic growth outside of Kimbe town.

“There are always challenges in creating anything new, rather than focusing on difficulties”, Muthuvel explained.

He said while Talasea District has seen the split, the Nakanai area still boast a population of over 200,000 people which deserves additional separation.

Governor Muthuvel thanked leaders of Parliament and the Marape Basil Government for endorsing the EBC Report.

The Marape Government by way of responding to the country’s need for housing passed the Strata Title Management Bill on the floor of Parliament in last Wednesday’s (March 23rd) sitting.

Coupled with the high cost of living especially in the Nation’s capital, Port Moresby, among other things, housing in PNG remains a major concern for many Papua New Guineans and every year the need for more affordable housing increases.

According to Prime Minister James Marape, as there is shortage in land and given the high rise in the population, the Strata Title Management Bill allows for people to buy units and apartments in high rise buildings.

“This law was first talked about 20 years ago,” PM Marape said.

“It may seem just like any ordinary Act of Parliament that we’re passing today, however, far that.

“This has a direct value on the economy.

“If one person owns a piece of real estate in an urban area and decides to build a 20-floor building, in which you can find over 60-70 units, these can be individually titled out.

“You don’t need to own a piece of land to have title to an apartment that you can call as home.”

The PM reiterated that the passing of this law aims to modernize some of the legacy issues that the country has carried throughout the years and commended Lands and Physical Planning Minister, John Rosso as well as thanked both sides of Parliament for enabling this new law.

Prime Minister James Marape along with other members of parliament paid their respects to the late member for Goilala, William Samb whose body lay in state at Parliament House today (Thursday 24th March).

Late Goilala MP and former Commerce and Industry Minister, William Samb becomes the second MP whose casket laid in State at the Parliament House, just three months into the year 2022.

When paying tribute to the late Member of Parliament, Prime Minister James Marape said Samb was a person who put others ahead of himself.

This was exemplified when Samb unselfishly gave heavy machinery to North Bougainville on behalf of the people of Goilala recently, the Prime Minster said.

“He handed over K2million worth of machinery to our lovely people of North Bougainville and he made a profound statement: “Benefits, North Bougainville people you will get, but blessings Goilala will receive”.

“Samb belonged to the new generation of leaders who emerged to put the interest of our country first, he said.

The late MP was also acknowledged for his support in passing the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Act and the Whistleblowers’ Act in 2020.

Who would have thought that a brother from Goilala would have assisted a brother from Tari?, PM Marape said as he remembered the good nature of the late Willliam Samb whose selflessness will be remembered by those who knew him.

The late MP Samb passed away on Thursday (March 3rd) at the age of 48 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates whilst on duty travel.

He was first elected into the 9th term of Parliament in year 2015 through a by-election for Goilala Open Electorate following the passing of then MP Daniel Mona and was re-elected into the 10th Parliament during the 2017 National General Election and served the people of Goilala until his untimely passing.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

He becomes the seventh Member of parliament to have passed on during this 10th Parliament.

*Pictures: Courtesy of Parliament Media Team

Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, has expressed sadness at the passing of Minister of State and Member for Goilala late, William Samb and former Member for Kavieng, Ben Micah.

The GG described late Mr. Samb as a “man for the people” who carried out his duties with quiet dignity and a determination to do well for his people.

“The late William Samb was a man for the people he represented on the floor of Parliament. With quiet dignity and determination, his quest was to deliver services for his people of Goilala. As a Minister of State, he had held various ministerial portfolios and was recently made Minister for Commerce and Industry. He first entered Parliament after successfully contesting the 2015 Goilala Open seat by-election. The people of Goilala have lost a great leader in the late Mr. Samb. Lady Emeline joins me in extending to Mrs. Samb, children and immediate and extended families of the late Hon. Samb our deepest sympathies and condolences. May God’s grace comfort you all during this difficult time,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

Meantime, Grand Chief Sir Bob has also conveyed his condolences to the family and people of Kavieng on the passing of former Member for Kavieng Ben Micah.

The late Mr. Micah passed away in Port Moresby yesterday.

Grand Chief Sir Bob has described Mr. Micah as a political stalwart whose presence and influence has had a significant impact in the country’s political landscape well before he became a politician.

“The late Mr. Micah demonstrated a natural talent for politics and was not afraid to lead student protests to express opposition to political decisions that he deemed detrimental and inapt for the nation. Political negotiation was his forte and his influence was instrumental in turning the tide of politics that contributed to major political events in our nation’s short history. Lady Dadae joins me in conveying to the immediate family and extended families and the people of Kavieng our deepest sympathies and condolences. May God’s grace comfort and keep you during this difficult time,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

As Months turn into weeks before the Issuing of Writs for the 2022 National General Elections, sitting Kairuku-Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo, continues to question if there will be a split in his electorate.

In addressing locals at Boera village, Isoaimo said though reports were completed by the Electoral Boundaries Commission, it was not debated on the floor of Parliament in the last sitting.

The report which includes the electorate’s census and boundaries of Kairuku-Hiri reached the National Executive Council (NEC) and the Government, however, due to unclear markings of the district’s boundaries, it was sent back to the EBC for a review.

“In the next session of Parliament which resumes on the 22nd of March, I will raise the issue. For Kairuku-Hiri it is ready to split, just like using a scissors to cut a ribbon”, stated MP Isoaimo.

He said the electorate has already established two separate Administrations including plans for infrastructural developments.

“I am not sure of the other electorates that have campaigned in the report as well, like Alotau in Milne Bay, Talasea in West New Britain, Tambul-Nabilyer in Western Highlands and Laiagap-porgera in Enga as there are financial and administrative implications”.

The Kairuku-Hiri MP further stated that the reports have to be debated and adopted on the floor of parliament in the next session so that the Department of Personnel Management can begin work on establishing new administrations for the new district(s) with support from Finance and Treasury Departments to work on the budgetary process and create DSIP funding when additional seats are created in parliament.

As for Kairuku-Hiri, the split needs to happen as it is a burden for an MP to deliver services to two separate districts that have the highest population in Central Province. The last census conducted in 2011 showed that the electorate had a population of about 121,584 which is twice the population of all the other districts in Central Province and has not been updated since.

MP Isoaimo reiterated that it was a difficult journey, but he is grateful for the support given by Government departments, stakeholders and international agencies to deliver infrastructural projects.

The MP hopes that the decision be made final on the floor of Parliament before the writs are issued on the 28th of April.