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Will LNG, Vision 2050 deliver for PNG?

Mathias Kin The LNG project has generated much expectation on the benefits it will bring to the people of PNG. These expectations are to a great extent exaggerated by the government of the day. I have spent some time studying this Somare government. This government is cunning in its tactic as it attempts every day to portray a sovereign pretence that it is in control of the destiny of this country to the people of PNG and governments and organizations world wide. The recent much hyped Vision 2050 after the other national plans like the MTDS are evidence to this mood of this government. MTDS did not deliver and was deemed a failure. The Prime Minister has even boldly declared that by 2030, this country will be a prosperous nation and the people’s standard of living will be equal to other nations of the world. That is a big statement! When we go back in history, Michael Somare said these very words at independence in 1975? Since then, after 35 years, all the billions

MPs acting on impulse, not judgment

Nationalist ONE minister fell victim this week, not to the will and power of the people, but to his own ill-timed public utterances on matters of government policy. Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat has paid the ultimate price so, the less said on his case, the better. One issue relating to Marat’s sacking and, indeed, the whole furor over the so-called proposed Maladina bill did warrant amplification, if not for anything then to point out to our leaders that they were performing like so many rats to the piper’s tune and blindly heading towards goodness knows where. In the case of Marat as principal legal adviser to government, he alone, of all ministers, had the opportunity and the band of legal advisers at his beck to call on and take a closer look at every contract entered into by the state with any company. That would include the LNG project, the Ramu nickel-cobalt mine and the deep sea mining proposal by Nautilus. He would have been the first one to advise gover

MPs acting on impulse, not judgment

Nationalist ONE minister fell victim this week, not to the will and power of the people, but to his own ill-timed public utterances on matters of government policy. Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat has paid the ultimate price so, the less said on his case, the better. One issue relating to Marat’s sacking and, indeed, the whole furor over the so-called proposed Maladina bill did warrant amplification, if not for anything then to point out to our leaders that they were performing like so many rats to the piper’s tune and blindly heading towards goodness knows where. In the case of Marat as principal legal adviser to government, he alone, of all ministers, had the opportunity and the band of legal advisers at his beck to call on and take a closer look at every contract entered into by the state with any company. That would include the LNG project, the Ramu nickel-cobalt mine and the deep sea mining proposal by Nautilus. He would have been the first one to advise gover

Judiciary Showing Signs of Weakness

Sam Vulum Sunday Chronicles When other arms of government disintegrate, the judiciary always prevails, holding Papua New Guinea together in its growth and development. The country’s constitution and its political system have on several occasions been put to the test by major challenges, some of them taking the country to the brink. But it has always been the solid and vibrant judiciary that averts the worse. However, this once irrefutable judiciary is now showing signs of weakening in its unyielding independence with accusations of conflict of interest among judges, wear and tear in its administration, undue delays in the delivery of judgements and other issues being rife in its system. The legal system is further threatened when scare tactics are reportedly used against lawyers in ongoing high profile cases. That carries significant implications for the safety of lawyers and the judiciary. One such example is the Australian law firm Gadens Lawyers, which was representin

Judiciary Showing Signs of Weakness

Sam Vulum Sunday Chronicles When other arms of government disintegrate, the judiciary always prevails, holding Papua New Guinea together in its growth and development. The country’s constitution and its political system have on several occasions been put to the test by major challenges, some of them taking the country to the brink. But it has always been the solid and vibrant judiciary that averts the worse. However, this once irrefutable judiciary is now showing signs of weakening in its unyielding independence with accusations of conflict of interest among judges, wear and tear in its administration, undue delays in the delivery of judgements and other issues being rife in its system. The legal system is further threatened when scare tactics are reportedly used against lawyers in ongoing high profile cases. That carries significant implications for the safety of lawyers and the judiciary. One such example is the Australian law firm Gadens Lawyers, which was representin

Marat Quits, Pruaitch, Aimo and Marus 2 Ministers and Deputy Speaker implicated in BSP Robbery still in NEC.

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JUSTICE Minister and Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat said yesterday he was quitting after he was bluntly told to leave the government caucus meeting in Parliament and resign as a minister. Marat confirmed in an interview yesterday that the prime minister “was not happy” with him and “asked” him to leave the meeting and to “resign by tonight”. What about Francis Marus Deputy Speaker, Patrick Pruaitch Finance Minister and Tony Aimo CIS Minister who stole K300,000.00 from BSP after supporting high profile criminal William Kapris. We have a very stubborn Prime Minister who turns a blind eye on people from his own area, his own MPs and Ministers in Government and goes out to attack a honest open MP who is not afraid to fight against graft and illegal practices in the high places. The government caucus meeting took place in the B-3 conference room in Parliament at about 1pm, just before Parliament sat at 2pm. The caucus meeting was to discuss the morning’s protest march against the Ma

Marat Quits, Pruaitch, Aimo and Marus 2 Ministers and Deputy Speaker implicated in BSP Robbery still in NEC.

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JUSTICE Minister and Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat said yesterday he was quitting after he was bluntly told to leave the government caucus meeting in Parliament and resign as a minister. Marat confirmed in an interview yesterday that the prime minister “was not happy” with him and “asked” him to leave the meeting and to “resign by tonight”. What about Francis Marus Deputy Speaker, Patrick Pruaitch Finance Minister and Tony Aimo CIS Minister who stole K300,000.00 from BSP after supporting high profile criminal William Kapris. We have a very stubborn Prime Minister who turns a blind eye on people from his own area, his own MPs and Ministers in Government and goes out to attack a honest open MP who is not afraid to fight against graft and illegal practices in the high places. The government caucus meeting took place in the B-3 conference room in Parliament at about 1pm, just before Parliament sat at 2pm. The caucus meeting was to discuss the morning’s protest march against the Ma

PNG LAWYERS ROCKED BY COMPO SCAM

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

Focus on Self Help

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

Focus on Self Help

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

PNG the next Fiji? Constitutional crisis looms

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

PNG the next Fiji? Constitutional crisis looms

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

$300 million pillaged in PNG graft

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

The Papua New Guinea Parliament stands shamed.

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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

The Papua New Guinea Parliament stands shamed.

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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

Marat: PNG will get only crumbs

General Dr Allan Marat yesterday said PNG will gain very little from the K40 billion to be spent during the construction phase of the LNG project. Dr Marat, whose public comments had often raised eyebrows in Government, said all major contract and sub-contract works in the project were going to foreigners, and Papua New Guineans would be left with the crumbs. He said he was forced to go public with his views after reading about foreigners picking up contracts in the project areas. He said the Government had itself to blame for this, especially past governments, for failing to prepare its citizens for the development of its natural resources. “My concern arose from the fact that past governments knew this country was blessed with resources, mineral and energy resources but, armed with this knowledge, nothing was really done to prepare our citizens for the exploitation of these resources,” he told reporters at a press conference yesterday. “We have wasted the last 33 years; we have