APEC Meeting in PNG

Due to this meeting, the National Capital District is undergoing major developments especially in Roads and Infrastructure. Much has been said about these happenings through social media and from my readings of these comments from Papua New Guineans, most I can say are negative. But nonetheless tangible change is happening for the good of this very young nation in a short space of time. Stay tuned for more to come....

Developments on the PNG front

Since my last post, what has happened in Papua New Guinea:

1. 5^th Melanesian Festival of Arts.
An event that drew pacific island countries together to showcase their arts and craft as well as traditional dances and more.


2. Peter O'Neil asked to step down.
This is still ongoing and revolves around the Paraka Lawyers case whereby documents suggest that the payments to the law firm were illegal and authorised by Mr. O'Neil as Prime Minister, but all these are yet to be proven true by the courts of PNG.


3. Outcomes of Point 2.
• The Task Force Sweep Team was disbanded by the Prime Minister. Reasons being the team has been compromised and influenced by external sources.
• Attorney General Leo Dion removed from office and replaced by Ano Pala.
• A commission of Inquiry was established by Mr. O'Neil to look into the whole matter and is to be headed by Justice Warwick Andrews.


4. Police Commissioner Saga.
Mr. Tom Kulunga who was the Police Commissioner was found guilty by the courts for his failure to carry out a court order to reinstate Geoffery Vaki and therefore stood down. In his place the National Executive Council appointed Geoffery Vaki as the new Police Commissioner.


5. Major Infrastructure developments.
These include major road upgrades including a fly-over pass from the airport to Independence Drive in Waigani. Freeway construction in various areas of Port Moresby and the reconstruction of the Highlands highway. Pacific games venues are under construction for the 2015 Pacific Games. The swimming complex has just been completed in Taurama recently. PRL stadium in Boroko and the Sir Kilage stadium down at Konidobu are progressing well.

PNG Updates

Much has happened since my last post. Let me just briefly highlight a few;

• Opposition numbers have reduced to now only 3 members.
• PNG Defence Force have assaulted UPNG students taking Medicine at their medical campus due to an assault on a soldier behaving disorderly whilst drunk at the hospital ATM.
• Election for Ward councillors and LLG Presidents is almost complete with quite a few females voted as councillors and presidents.
• Much emphasis is put on the country's SME sector to be developed to bring about much change in the country's economy and lower its unemployment rates.
• Port Moresby is experiencing a building boom, everywhere you go in the city, you will notice new high rises popping up everywhere.
• Former Police Minister, Nixon Duban has lost his court battle on an election petition against him and the seat will re-contested shortly. Mean time, the Prime Minister is looking after the Police Minister Portfolio.

These are some of the developments that have come about since my last post. Hope to keep you informed in a much more regular basis.

Updates in PNG affairs

Much has happened since my last post, some I will mention next.

• PNG University of Technology Saga

Unitech students went on strike demanding among other things the return of Albert Schram who was their Vice Chancellor before being removed by the university council. The government has stepped into the situation and set up an inquiry into the issue. Former judge Mark Sevua has been tasked to conduct the inquiry and come up with findings and recommendations for the government. The inquiry is still on as of the writing of this post.

• Overhaul of the Police Force

The Police Force has been ridiculed alot by the public and as such, the government has made changes to the force. One of the change include the rotation of Provincial Police Commanders (PPC) to different provinces so as to avoid complacency. They have also put a stop to reservists from working as part of the force.

• Election Petitions over

Only one so far I know that has resulted in success and that was for Mr. Aimo's petition against Isikel Anisi which the court ruled in favor of Mr. Aimo and was made Member for Ambunti-Drekikir Electorate replacing Mr. Anisi. All other election petitions have been dismissed and a few have sought a higher court ruling.

• State Entities with new Boards

The government has put in new people as board members to all its state owned entities, including, Telikom PNG, PNG Power, Post PNG, to name a few. This was done to promote effective service delivery.

• Drive to combat corruption

This is one of the governments major pillar to minimize corruption in all levels of government. A task force sweep team was set up and headed by Sam Koim to investigate corruption and fraud in the government systems. Quite a few arrests have so far been done and there are more still to come. Mr. Koim has found a big hole in the procurement process of the finance department where laws need to be changed to close these holes.

• Upgrade of Major Roads

This is another one of the governments major pillar is to increase infrastructure development in the country and the country's major roads are taking up most of its budget. The highlands highway, Lae - Madang highway and new highways connecting Madang - Mt. Hagen, and Kerema and Western Highlands have been prioritised to be worked on immediately.

2013 Budget - Rural Focused

The Government has just announced that the 2013 Budget will be Rural Focused as most of it will go directly to the District levels via the Provincial Governments and their LLGs for themselves to administer. This is to relieve the mass misuse of funds when it all sits in Waigani, Port Moresby. This concept will also relieve the national government in administering the full budget but focus mainly now on major national infrastructures and the public service. The provincial governments will in turn administer its own roads, bridges, schools, health and provincial assets. So, should the province not see any benefits or improvements then they themselves will be held accountable. The budget will also assist farmers in subsidizing the short fall in prices for their cash crops hence empowering the small-holder farmers to keep on producing thus the agriculture sector as a whole will improve. Basically the whole aim of the government with this budget is to see provinces be financial independent.

Service Delivery Mechanisms Reviewed

It is good to read and see the news of members of parliament expressing concern and taking action to review the service delivery mechanism for our country. The Public Service institutions of our country has too many complacent workers occupying these positions for a very long time and have lacked the initiative and drive to carry out their duties to serve the people of this nation quickly and on time. The Prime Minister is angry that his recent initiative to provide free education for all grades up to grade 10 isn't being delivered well, as the second and final payment of the school fees have yet to be paid to the schools because the people responsible in the education department are not actively doing their jobs. As a result, the chief secretary Mr. Zurenuoc has expressed his disappointment over this issue and will be disciplining those responsible for their slackness. This is one of the many examples that clearly show that the public service machinery needs to be reviewed and overhauled so as to bring out the much needed change that it requires. With this sort of mindset that our members have and backed by our Prime Minister, PNG is definitely set to see some major changes in the next 5 years. Let us the people of this good nation assist our elected leaders where we can to bring about this change for the good of our nation.

2012 PNG Government Formed

The elections are now over and government has just been formed, Peter O'Neil has been unanimously voted in as the Prime Minister for Papua New Guinea's 9th Parliament. Last night he allocated the 33 ministries to his government members and they are as follows:

Prime Minister - Peter O’Neill.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Inter-Government Relations - Leo Dion.
Minister for Treasury - Don Polye.
Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investment - Ben Micah.
Minister for Forest and Climate Change - Patrick Pruaitch.
Minister for Transport - Ano Pala.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock - Tommy Tomscoll.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration - Rimbink Pato.
Minister for Public Service - Sir Puka Temu.
Minister for Religion, Youth and Community Development - Loujaya Toni.
Minister for Environment and Conservation - John Pundari.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and technology - David Arore.
Minister for Justice and Attorney General - Kerenga Kua.
Minister for Defence - Fabian Pok.
Minister for Education - Paru Aihi.
Minister for Finance - James Marape.
Minister for Petroleum and Energy - William Duma.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development - Paul Isikiel.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture - Boka Kondra.
Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry - Richard Maru.
Minister for Sports and Pacific Games - Justin Tkatchenko.
Minister for Labor and Industrial Relations - Mark Maipakai.
Minister for Health and HIV-AIDS - Michael Malabag.
Minister for Police - Nixon Duban.
Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources - Mao Zeming.
Minister for Correctional Services - Jim Simatab.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology - Jimmy Miringtoro.
Minister for Mining - Byron Chan.
Minister for Works and Implementation - Francis Awesa.
Minister for Autonomous Regions - Steven Kama.
Minister for Lands and Physical Planning - Benny Allan.
Minister for National Planning - Charles Abel.
Minister for Civil Aviation - Davies Steven.

There are quite a number of new members taking up ministries as well as Loujaya Toni, a female to be given a portfolio. We shall wait and see how these Ministers manage their respective portfolios before we can make our personal judgements on their performances.

Third Female Member of the 9th Parliament of PNG

Julie Soso has just been declared as the member for Eastern Highlands Province defeating Sir Barry Holloway by eight thousand votes to pass the absolute majority. This now brings to three the number of female members of parliament which in itself is history in the making as being the most number of female members in a term of parliament. The other two female members are Dellilah Gore for Sohe Open and Lojaya Toni for Lae Open. Don Polye's THE party has now its second female member besides Dellilah Gore boosting its total by one and placing it as the party with the second largest number of declared members after Peter O'Neil's People's National Congress (PNC) Party. We congratulate the women of this country on their strive to be heard as equals in the running of this country.

PNG Parliament appoints Theo Zurenuoc as Speaker for the 9th Parliament

After the courts this morning dismissed the case to stop parliament for having its first sitting today the 3^rd of August, 2012. Parliament was convened at 10am today to appoint the speaker of the 9^th parliament. Nominees for the Speakers chair were, Francis Marus for Mr. Namah's team and Theo Zurenuoc for Mr O'Neil's team. Theo Zurenuoc was appointed with the majority as the Speaker for the Parliament. Having decided the speaker, the parliament has adjourned for next week to appoint the Prime Minister of the country.

Sir Michael Somare and Peter O'Neil Reconcile

What a glorious day it is for Papua New Guinea. To see two leaders humble themselves, push aside their differences and come together as one to form the next government of Papua New Guinea is one truly and unique Melanesian spirit of our people. Nowhere in the world will you see such a feat, this goes to show that we Papua New Guineans are very unique in our way of life, culture and tradition. I salute Sir Michael Somare for humbling himself and come to make peace with Peter O'Neil as it truly shows that our leaders care more about their people's needs and interest before their own. 

Left-Right: Pais Wingti (PDM), Sir Michael Somare (NA), Peter O'Neil (PNC) & Sir Julius Chan (PPP)

Parties aligning with Peter O'Neil's People's National Congress Party (PNC) include, Sir Michael's National Alliance Party (NA), Pais Wingti's People's Democratic Movement Party (PDM), Sir Julius Chan's People's Progress Party (PPP) and other smaller parties like that of Powes Parkop's Social Democratic Party (SDP). Due to this reconciliation and teaming up of past Prime Ministers, other elected members are moving in to join up with them to form the next government of Papua New Guinea. We will have to wait and see what unfolds in the next couple of weeks.

Will Papua New Guinea come under anarchy in the future?

Before we go into answering this question, let us first define anarchy. What is Anarchy? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anarchy), Anarchy is A: absence of government. B: a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of government authority. 

Now on to our answer on this matter; Will Papua New Guinea be without government rule in the future? I'll let my elder sibling, Slaggie, answer this question for us.

Whilst our current political environment has displayed indicators of a potential anarchy, I personally think we as a people will steer our government away from leading us into this potential chaos.

My reason for this is because:

• 90% of our country's population live a subsistence lifestyle, fending for oneself.  This same 90% has custodian of the 90% of land in this country. They have been living their daily life with very little or no help from the government. Hence, should there be an anarchy it will have no trickling effect to this 90% of the population.  Their lives will continue as usual because they have their own societal order well before outside government influence.

• In recent times, the age of technology (internet) has given our educated elites and the silent majority a voice/forum to express ourselves.  Those forums have allowed the once government fearing individuals to be able to voice their concern, criticise our politicians and bring people together to protest against issues of anarchy.  Hence, our politicians and government of today and tomorrow will be more careful in how they run our country because they now know that their political career will be thoroughly scrutinized by the public as compared to their predecessors.

• Our past governments have been voted into parliament along ethnic lines with very little consideration on the policy platform which they stood for in the first place. Candidates were voted in not based on their skill set or knowledge and experience but based on clans/tribes status and allegiance. Hence, we have been experiencing what we are currently experiencing as indicators of an anarchy . Having said that and with the influence of technology, the majority of our population are now becoming more educated in the type of people they should be voting and in addition our working class population are now participating more in the voting process.  Hence, you will have noticed that our people are no longer voting along clan lines but voting a candidate which they believe will deliver to them.  With such calibre of people we have in parliament, the more debate will we have in the house.  Thus, the chances of an anarchy is slim in the near future.

• My last point, we are a very unique group of people in the world.  We are called Melanesian. Our style of governing is very unique and vibrant at the same time. The way in which we manage this country has brought us to situations which according to the outside world "we are at the brink of an anarchy". At the end of the day our Melanesian side of life kicks in, we all come together in a houseman spirit, or clans gathering approach and express our apology over some bettlenut and pigs, shake hands and we forget the past.  We are a truly unique group of people in this world.

In all, Papua New Guinea will not likely go into anarchy.

2 Female Candidates elected - PNG 2012 Elections

What great news it is for the womenfolk of Papua New Guinea and the many others who support women in parliament. The first female to be declared was Delilah Gore for Sohe Open electorate with affiliation to Don Polye's THE Party. The other was Loujaya Toni, a singer and journalist who unseated his grandfather, Bart Philemon to win the Lae Open seat. Both have received praises from other elected members also and are now in camps with other parties to try and form goverment in the eight parliament of Papua New Guinea.

PNG 2012 Election Updates - Party standing as at 16:07, 18th July

The Status of all Parties in the 2012 National Election

Below is the party status showing the number of candidates endorsed, how many members have been elected and how many are currently leading in their respective electorates. Many elected thus far have been returned by their people, but unfortunately for some, the people have decided against, some of which include:

Job Pomat for Manus Open, Michael Sapau for Manus Provincial, Tony Aimo for Ambunti-Dreikikir Open, Arthur Somare for Angoram Open, Gabriel Kapris for Maprik Open, Koni Iguan for Markham Open, Martin Aini for Kavieng Open and Andrew Kumbakor for Nuku Open to name a few. We wish them well in their future endeavours and hope that they continue their desire, in their own little ways in helping improve the livelihood of their people.

Party	Endorsed	Declared	Leading
People’s National Congress Party	89	5	20
People’s Progress Party	40	4	1
Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party	72	3	11
PNG Party	90	2	7
National Alliance Party	75	2	5
Independent	2195	1	14
United Resources Party	48	1	6
People's Party	49	1	4
People's United Assembly Party	29	1	1
Melanesian Liberal Party	5	1	0
PANGU Pati	60	1	0
New Generation Party	27	1	0
Social Democratic Party	40	0	4
People’s Democratic Movement Party	19	0	3
Our Development Party	22	0	2
Coalition for Reform Party	15	0	2
PNG Country Party	46	0	1
People's First Party	1	0	1
People's Movement for Change Party	51	0	1
PNG Constitutional Democratic Party	39	0	1
PNG Labour Party	35	0	1
New Dawn Transformation Party	29	0	0
Mapai Levites Party	8	0	0
United Party	20	0	0
Mama Papa Graun Pati	20	0	0
League for Democracy Party	35	0	0
Kingdom First Party	5	0	0
Indigenous People's Party	44	0	0
Melanesian Alliance Party	37	0	0
Papua New Guinea National Party	43	0	0
People’s Freedom Pati	26	0	0
People’s Heritage Party	10	0	0
People’s Resources Awareness Party	10	0	0
Christian Democratic Party	26	0	0
People's Republlican Party	5	0	0
PNG Conservative Party	4	0	0
PNG Destiny Party	4	0	0
PNG Greens Party	6	0	0
PNG New Vision Party	12	0	0
Rural Development Party	2	0	0
Stars Alliance Party	22	0	0
Transform PNG Party	3	0	0
People’s Labour Party	24	0	0

2012 PNG National Elections - 2 more Candidates declared

Manus Province has completed its counting yesterday with a further 2 more declared MPs for the eight House of parliament which brings the total thus far of declared candidates to 3 including Peter O'Neil for the Ialibu-Pangia seat. The two MP's are Ronnie Knight for Manus Open defeating Job Pomat, the former seating MP, and Charlie Benjamin for Manus Provincial ousting Michael Sapau. With the 3 declared, the Party with the leading number of MPs so far is the People's National Congress Party with 2, Peter O'Neil and Charlie Benjamin, and second is the New Generation Party with 1.

What Now? For a Losing candidate...

Being in Government is not the only way to help your people. You in your own capacity can do little things to alleviate the everyday troubles of your people. Seek funds from business houses, government grants, Donor groups or outside the country to help implement your plans for improving the lives of your people. For those that have surplus finance or some remaining from your campaign in the elections, you can use it to start your plans to help your people. Help finance a new classroom or teachers house for the children; Build a bridge or repair/improve the road conditions in your area so that your people can get their produce to the market; Pay the school fee for all the children in your community that cannot go to school as a result. Create an avenue where youths can venture into like sports, create a tournament and sponsor it, identify talents and nurture them. These are some of the many things that you can do by not being in the Government and still carry out your desire to help your people, after all it is this desire that caused you to contest the elections, IS IT NOT?

PNG 2012 National Election Update

Almost all provinces have finished voting and are now into counting of votes. Only one electorate has completed its counting and declared a winner, that is the Ialibu-Pangia Electorate with the declared winner as  Peter O'Neil. Other electorates within the Southern Highlands region are almost complete as well. Sir Michael Somare is currently leading in the East Sepik Provincial electorate. Other current sitting members currently leading in their respective electorates include, Powes Pakop in N.C.D Provincial, Andrew Mald in Moresby North-East, Gabriel Kapris in Maprik Open, Job Pomat in Manus Open, Sir Julius Chan in New Ireland Provincial, Byron Chan in Namatanai Open, James Marape in Tari Open, Don Polye in Kandep Open and Samuel Abal in Wabag Open, to name a few. Similar to previous elections, anomalies are encountered during the counting but otherwise all is going well.

2012 PNG National Election Candidate Listing

Greetings Friends, find in link below, the list of candidates contesting the 2012 P.N.G National General Elections. As we go to the polls to cast our votes, let us ask our good Lord to guide us and be with us as we choose the right leaders who have the people at heart and are willing to serve others needs before their own.

2012 PNG National Elections Candidate Listing

EMTV's Election Focus Program

The Election Focus program aired on EMTV every Sunday is one really good pragram that EMTV has come up with. Mr. Eggins, the host of the show interviews people, so far, current members of parliament in the likes of Mr. O'Neill, Mr. Namah and Mr. Polye about their actions and future endeavours as leaders of the country. I congratulate EMTV for coming up with this program, as it puts our leaders on the spot, it asks them to justify their actions as well as seek their opinions on current issues, and we the citizens of this country can really see for ourselves what they are really like. I encourage the PNG media society to do more of this type of programs and interviews.

Something for the voting public to think about

I'd like to make a point here for all eligible voters to take note of when listening to candidates' campaigns to lure your vote. Listen carefully to what they are saying, if they preach about bringing water, electricity, etc... to your area, they must explain how they are going to do it. Do not be fooled by their talks, they must tell you how they plan to achieve what they want to do for you. Anybody can say what they want but only the ones who have the skills to attract investors, seek and obtain funds for their projects are the real leaders you want to vote for. These leaders will actually deliver their promises to you. So be aware when you listen to candidates preachings and pick out the ones that know how to deliver or have set plans on how to deliver their promises to you.

Listen carefully now and vote the right leader who will deliver for you.

Papua New Guinea 2012 National Elections

It's the time of the year again, where the nation goes to the polls to elect the best person to represent them in the house of parliament for the next five years. The Electoral Commission as well as serveral intending candidates have been making awareness for all to choose carefully who they want to represent them, as the next five years will see alot of revenue coming into the country mostly through the LNG Project. The right leader will ensure all these funds will go to the right areas whereas a crook leader will misuse these funds, hence awareness is made to the public to choose good leaders. Here in the nations capital, campaigning is full on with cars installed with loud hailers promoting their candidates throughout the day and posters and banners of candidates almost everywhere you look. It is said there are about 3400 people contesting for the 111 seats of parliament and about 45 different political parties vieing for the Prime Ministers seat. June 23rd is said to be the start of voting, so little time is left for candidates to convince the people to vote for them by getting their policies and messages across to the people.