PNGBLOGS

Named and shamed Lawyers recommended for criminal prosecution: Dawa Agu Klewaki, Paul Paraka (over three cases), Kumuro Sino, John Goava, Peter Pena (over two cases), Simon Norum, Guguna Garo, Eric Kiso, Francis Damem (over two cases), Francis Kuvi, Mundua Kua, Zacchary Gelu, Joseph B. Nanei, and Paul Paraka's legal clerk Billy Bonner. The above are recommended for referral to the Lawyers' Statutory Committee, as are also: Nicholas Tame, Danny Gonol, Bob Marley Nani, Gaure Odu, Daniel Kop, Jeffrey Abone, Meville Devete and Laias Paul Kandi. A judicial commission of inquiry into corruption in Papua New Guinea's core public offices has revealed that a disturbingly large section of the country's legal profession has for years been plotting and reaping massive cash rewards from scam compensation claims against the government. The commission's report recommends that 14 prominent lawyers be subject to criminal prosecution, and that they and a further eight lawyers be refe

PAUL BARKER It may have come as a surprise to many hearing of the Prime Minister talking in New Zealand about PNG becoming an aid donor. Sounds good perhaps before an international audience, but most within the country and many internationally realise how hollow it sounds, or out of touch with current realities of PNG, suffering the lowest social indicators in the Pacific region, the highest maternal mortality rates and only about 50% school intake. Notions such as independence or becoming a donor have emotional appeal, but practicalities like access to basic health services, schools, jobs and income earning opportunities, and not being threatened by lawlessness are of greater practical importance to most people. Bougainville has autonomy, with some seeking independence, but in reality (despite social and environmental problems) they are now far more dependent than before the crisis, with its former vibrant economy, sound health, educational and income-earning o

PAUL BARKER It may have come as a surprise to many hearing of the Prime Minister talking in New Zealand about PNG becoming an aid donor. Sounds good perhaps before an international audience, but most within the country and many internationally realise how hollow it sounds, or out of touch with current realities of PNG, suffering the lowest social indicators in the Pacific region, the highest maternal mortality rates and only about 50% school intake. Notions such as independence or becoming a donor have emotional appeal, but practicalities like access to basic health services, schools, jobs and income earning opportunities, and not being threatened by lawlessness are of greater practical importance to most people. Bougainville has autonomy, with some seeking independence, but in reality (despite social and environmental problems) they are now far more dependent than before the crisis, with its former vibrant economy, sound health, educational and income-earning o

BY ILYA GRIDNEFF AAP - PNG FACES a constitutional crisis and possible civil incursions over a $16 billion gas project, while the government struggles to pass vital legislation before the 2012 national elections. Commentators are troubled that PNG's government appears to exhibit uncomfortable parallels with Fiji, as constitutional amendments mount up with time running out before the general elections. There are concerns disgruntled Highland villagers surrounding the ExxonMobil liquefied natural gas (LNG) project could take up arms against the government if it fails to create two promised provinces. A report by Dr Jim McPherson, a senior PNG public servant of over 20 years, highlights the litany of constitutional amendments needed before elections and the potential for violence. "Shortage of time could lead to corrupt manipulation of electoral rolls and increased political tensions, even unrest in provinces," Dr McPherson said. "PNG could quite possibl

BY ILYA GRIDNEFF AAP - PNG FACES a constitutional crisis and possible civil incursions over a $16 billion gas project, while the government struggles to pass vital legislation before the 2012 national elections. Commentators are troubled that PNG's government appears to exhibit uncomfortable parallels with Fiji, as constitutional amendments mount up with time running out before the general elections. There are concerns disgruntled Highland villagers surrounding the ExxonMobil liquefied natural gas (LNG) project could take up arms against the government if it fails to create two promised provinces. A report by Dr Jim McPherson, a senior PNG public servant of over 20 years, highlights the litany of constitutional amendments needed before elections and the potential for violence. "Shortage of time could lead to corrupt manipulation of electoral rolls and increased political tensions, even unrest in provinces," Dr McPherson said. "PNG could quite possibl

Rowan Callick - The Australian A CABAL of top public servants and lawyers have hijacked Papua New Guinea’s government chequebook, plundering more than $300 million through sham compensation claims. The rorts include Finance Secretary Gabriel Yer initiating a spurious claim of $700,000 for himself and 225 people from his home village. He delivered the money to a dozen of them whom he had flown to Port Moresby, in a case containing 50-kina notes. A devastating judicial report detailing the conspiracy, commissioned and tabled in parliament by Prime Minister Michael Somare last month, shows the collapse of PNG’s control over its finances. This is despite the Australian government spending more than $160m in the past decade on programs to "strengthen governance" in PNG, through highly paid Australian advisers. When Sir Michael finally managed to table the report after three years and numerous legal battles, lawyer Paul Paraka and former solicitor-general Zacchary Gelu

PRUAITCH, AIMO and MARUS .... Named in the Kapris Interview as MPs who profitted from the Madang and Kerema BSP Robbery Three of the PNG Parliaments members have been named as collaborators in plotting the controversial escape as well as financing the robbery of the BSP Banks in Kerema and Madang of high profile prisoner William Nanua Kapris. They are Mr. Patrick Pruaitch member for Aitape Lumi and Minister for Finance and Treasury who as confessed by William Kapris on video interview was paid K300,000.00 , Mr. Tony Aimo, Member for Ambunti –Drekikir and Minister for Corrections another K300,000.00 and the Mr. Francis Marus Deputy Speaker of the Papua New Guinea Parliament K300,000.00. This is so socking. Before Parliament rose in the last session, Arthur Somare gave notice that he will call The National newspaper before the privileges committee to name the MPs. Well guess what, thanks to the Internet and leakages floating everywhere and on YOUTUBE we now know who these culprits ar