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AUGUSTINE MANO PNG'S PREMIER CORPORATE CROOK

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by  MICHAEL J. PASSINGAN In a significant setback for Mineral Resources Development Corporation (MRDC), the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has dismissed the company's appeal to stop criminal investigations into its dealings with landowner funds held in the Pacific Balance Fund (PBF). The court ruled that MRDC's appeal was an "abuse of process" and ordered the company to pay costs of the proceedings. MRDC, a unit holder in PBF, had taken legal action against the National Court's decision to dismiss its case, arguing that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the matter. However, the Supreme Court disagreed and held that MRDC's appeal was nothing more than an attempt to interfere with the police's criminal investigative process. The court found that MRDC had no authority to conducted its own investigation into the activities of the Melanesian Trustee Services Limited (MTSL), the fund manager of PBF, and that its actions were in violation of the Trust Deed

A Call for Local Ownership and Fairness

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by JUSTIN PARKER In recent discussions surrounding the establishment of a gold refinery in Papua New Guinea (PNG), concerns have been raised regarding various aspects of the proposed project. Spearheaded by foreign investors, the initiative has sparked debates over ownership, exclusivity, tax concessions, underwriting, management rights, control over currency, legal protections, and historical failures. These concerns, if unaddressed, could potentially undermine the interests of PNG and its people, particularly the hardworking alluvial miners who form the backbone of the nation's mining sector. At the heart of the issue lies the question of ownership. The proposed ownership structure, favoring foreign investors with a substantial 70% stake, raises eyebrows, especially considering PNG's past experiences with failed ventures like seabed mining. Instead of ceding majority control to foreign entities, many argue that PNG should assert full ownership over the refinery. With the coun

HIGHLANDS FRAUD F*CKS RUNNING GOVERNMENT AGENCY,,,

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A Fraudster and unqualified person has been shortlisted for NEC submission for the position of CEPA Managing Director. The candidate in question is Jude Tukulyia. His academic credentials are subject to scrutiny. Further investigation is required to verify the authenticity and legitimacy of his qualifications, particularly the reported diploma in accounting, Bachelor of Laws, MBA from Divine Word and UPNG respectively. It is very suspicious and unprofessional  when the Minister for Environment Conservation and Climate Change, Hon Simo Kilepa, wrote to UPNG Vice Chancellor asking to confirm Jude’s questioned education qualifications. This very due diligence work is the core responsibility of the Public Service Commission and Department of Personnel Management. What authority does the portfolio minister have to write to the Universities? Dumbfounding indeed if one asks. Ulterior motives written all over the letter. This amounts to  Questionable Academic Qualifications of Mr Tukulyia.    

James Marape: A Complex Political Trajectory

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Early Years and Education James Marape was born on April 24, 1971, in Tari, Hela Province (formerly part of Southern Highlands Province), Papua New Guinea. His educational journey took him through Minj Primary School and Kabiufa Adventist Secondary School in the PNG highlands. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Papua New Guinea in 1993 and obtained a postgraduate Honours Degree in Environmental Science in 2000 ¹. Ministerial Roles Marape's political career has been marked by significant ministerial roles: 1. Minister of Education (2008–2011):  During this period, he contributed to shaping education policies and programs in Papua New Guinea.  His tenure focused on improving access to quality education for all citizens. 2. Minister of Finance (2012–2019):    - Marape's time as Finance Minister was notable for its duration.    - However, it became infamous when he resigned, alleging corruption within the O'Neill government.    - His resign

Connect PNG Unveiled: A Tale of Ambition, Scandal, and the Quest for Accountability

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  By M.J Passingan In the heart of Papua New Guinea (PNG), a storm brews over the ambitious Connect PNG initiative, a program that ostensibly aims to revolutionize the nation's infrastructure landscape. What was launched with the promise of connecting remote communities and fostering economic growth has spiraled into a scandal of monumental proportions, exposing the underbelly of political maneuvering and alleged financial misconduct at the highest levels of government. The controversy came to light when a brave whistleblower leaked Department of Finance records, revealing a staggering K350 million payment to certain Connect PNG contractors on the same day as the Port Moresby riots. This revelation sent shockwaves through the nation, drawing sharp criticism from notable figures, including former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. Known for his outspoken nature, O’Neill condemned the exploitation of a noble initiative for what he described as the largest and most sophisticated money laun

Support for Hon. Belden Namah as a Prime Ministerial Candidate

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by: Retivi John Alo I am writing to express my unwavering support for Hon. Belden Namah as a potential candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming Vote of No Confidence, should he choose to run. Namah has proven himself to be an outstanding leader with a deep commitment to the welfare of Papua New Guinea's citizens. Namah's leadership is characterized by his insightful understanding of our nation's economic and social issues, demonstrating a remarkable ability to foresee and tackle challenges before they become critical. His strategic and proactive stance on governance, combined with his experience and bravery demonstrated during his military service and involvement in the Bougainville Crisis, highlight his capability to lead with courage and a forward-thinking approach. What truly distinguishes Namah is his compelling personal journey of overcoming hardships, including his educational challenges and the compassion he received from the Moses couple. These experiences have

Why government is trying to send away the jobless

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by NELSON WANDI  Why government is trying to send jobless or unemployed people back to their village, as a substitute of creating job opportunity for them. And why government is trying to create criminal law to hurt vulnerable people in the city? Jobless majorities refers to doable participants of a public unable to get the paid jobs. The thought of jobless or unemployed people may fluctuate depending on amount of education levels attained, some left with work experience, and most of school drop outs unable to continue education due to financial constraints, some discontinue education with bad educational performance. Jobless majorities are out in the streets and are staying back in the rural community because of these factors, but governments failed to address such issue arises.However, it is important to note that not all jobless individuals end up on the streets.  Many actively seek employment opportunities and strive to improve their situation. It is often a complex combination of

To create vagrancy law in poor country is a bad choice indeed. It's criminal in nature.

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by NELSON WANDI Creating vagrancy laws in a poor country can indeed be a complex issue with both potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, proponents argue that such laws can address concerns related to public safety, reduce crime rates, and maintain social order. By enforcing regulations on loitering, begging, or sleeping in public spaces, authorities may aim to discourage criminal activities and protect citizens from potential harm. However, there are significant criticisms of vagrancy laws as well. Critics argue that these laws disproportionately target vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or mental health issues. Such laws may further marginalize already disadvantaged groups, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Moreover, implementing vagrancy laws could divert resources away from addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty. Instead of criminalizing individuals, efforts should focus on providing social support,

Marape's Connect PNG is a conduit for money laundering

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A whistle-blower has exposed Connect PNG as a conduit for money laundering within the government. In response to leaked Department of Finance records revealing payments of K350 million to select Connect PNG contractors on the day of the Port Moresby riots, former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu Pangia, Honourable Peter O’Neill, expressed deep concern and outrage over the substantial sums of money being channeled through Connect PNG to benefit government associates. While expressing his admiration for the initiative's goal of building high-quality infrastructure, Peter O’Neill also conveyed his strong support for Prime Minister James Marape's efforts to develop the nation and connect its people. However, he found it profoundly disturbing to witness the systematic and extensive flow of taxpayer funds and donor contributions through Connect PNG, branding it as the largest and most prolific money laundering scheme in the country's history. In a somewhat ironic observation,