PNGBLOGS

SYLVESTER YAKAI Friends, people of PNG, some or a smart SELFISH mogul is well behind all these events that have been unfolding over the last couple of months. It is no coincidence. The way they are happening demonstrates existence of a drawn up strategy that guides the execution of all these activities to reach a certain goal/objective. Let me give you this, it is my personal perspective to qualify my claim above 1. The Maladina Bill Initially we had the Maladina bill, seeking to not only amend the OC act but also to do some repealing and additions. These came about after many parliamentarians were investigated or summoned over the last two years, almost at every turn to declare their business involvements, assets or other business activities as required by the leadership code. Most are government boys. To top it off, the OC grabbed the Chiefs collar for non-submission of acquittals. 2. The Environmental Act. This came about when the PM and NEC was trying to bulldoze operations at th

SYLVESTER YAKAI Friends, people of PNG, some or a smart SELFISH mogul is well behind all these events that have been unfolding over the last couple of months. It is no coincidence. The way they are happening demonstrates existence of a drawn up strategy that guides the execution of all these activities to reach a certain goal/objective. Let me give you this, it is my personal perspective to qualify my claim above 1. The Maladina Bill Initially we had the Maladina bill, seeking to not only amend the OC act but also to do some repealing and additions. These came about after many parliamentarians were investigated or summoned over the last two years, almost at every turn to declare their business involvements, assets or other business activities as required by the leadership code. Most are government boys. To top it off, the OC grabbed the Chiefs collar for non-submission of acquittals. 2. The Environmental Act. This came about when the PM and NEC was trying to bulldoze operations a

National Reports THE national government will ensure all development taking place in the country will take into account mitigation opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, at the same time, ensure adaptation issues are addressed. Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said climate change was cross-sectoral and would require and “attract significant budgetary and planning implications” that would involve central agencies like Treasury and National Planning”. Sir Michael was addressing chief secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc and members of the national climate change committee at their first meeting last week. “In our effort to institutionalise climate change in PNG, there are varying views and understanding of this issue; which can and is causing significant negative impacts in our provinces and across the world. “It is also an issue that holds great potential and opportunity for a country like PNG to diversify its development options, particularly in the renewable energy sector and

National Reports THE national government will ensure all development taking place in the country will take into account mitigation opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, at the same time, ensure adaptation issues are addressed. Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said climate change was cross-sectoral and would require and “attract significant budgetary and planning implications” that would involve central agencies like Treasury and National Planning”. Sir Michael was addressing chief secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc and members of the national climate change committee at their first meeting last week. “In our effort to institutionalise climate change in PNG, there are varying views and understanding of this issue; which can and is causing significant negative impacts in our provinces and across the world. “It is also an issue that holds great potential and opportunity for a country like PNG to diversify its development options, particularly in the renewable energy secto

By: SAM BASIL MP The government of the day representing the people of Papua New Guinea has gone on the defense against increasing concerns from the public regarding the infamous Environment Act amendment, and sadly has not come out clearly to explain some of its actions. It seems this National Alliance-led coalition government has not learnt its lesson from the unpopular rushed decision making, which saw the nation stood up in peaceful democratic fashion to denounce the Maladina bill amendment a couple of months ago. There is increasing public pressure, especially from different groups of resource owners around the nation, through the media regarding the recent amendment to the Environment Act which was voted for by 73 MPs and against 10 MPs on May 28th in the last parliament sitting. According to the initial explanation by Environment and Conservation Minister Benny Allan, these changes to the nation’s laws regarding its vast natural environment outlaws third party lawsuits against re

By: SAM BASIL MP The government of the day representing the people of Papua New Guinea has gone on the defense against increasing concerns from the public regarding the infamous Environment Act amendment, and sadly has not come out clearly to explain some of its actions. It seems this National Alliance-led coalition government has not learnt its lesson from the unpopular rushed decision making, which saw the nation stood up in peaceful democratic fashion to denounce the Maladina bill amendment a couple of months ago. There is increasing public pressure, especially from different groups of resource owners around the nation, through the media regarding the recent amendment to the Environment Act which was voted for by 73 MPs and against 10 MPs on May 28th in the last parliament sitting. According to the initial explanation by Environment and Conservation Minister Benny Allan, these changes to the nation’s laws regarding its vast natural environment outlaws third party lawsuits against re

SIMON CULLEN Community leaders in far north Queensland say the Australian Government should be prepared to risk a diplomatic standoff with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to fix problems with a regional treaty. A Senate inquiry is examining the Torres Strait treaty which gives PNG residents from the Western Province traditional visiting rights to Australia. But the hearing has been told large groups of PNG residents are bringing with them drugs and alcohol as well as knives and machetes. The Mayor of the Torres Strait Island council, Frank Gela, says the large number of Papua New Guinean visitors is also putting pressure on local health services. "We get the feeling that PNG does not care about the people of the Western Province because Australia is taking care of them via the treaty," he said. "The Australian Government needs to be tougher on the PNG Government dictating where the foreign aid goes so it can be directed to the Western Province as this area is completely neglected