PNGBLOGS

Parliament yesterday afternoon passed the 2012 National Budget of 10.5 billion Kina with members showing their support through voices and not a head count . Minister for Finance and Treasury Don Polye when speaking during the budget debate today, says the measure of any government in the world us measured by the well being of the people, and it’s vital that this historical budget be used to ensure opportunities are presented for more than 7 million people in Papua New Guinea in order to better their lives. Mr. Polye says the implementation of the budget is critical adding that the Government will start implementing major priorities in the budget like health, education, and transport infrastructure amongst others, and carrying out this task is the challenge of the O’Neill/Namah Government. When speaking on the Government free education policy next year for elementary right up to grade 10, Mr. Polye says education is the biggest investment thus far that the Governme

Parliament yesterday afternoon passed the 2012 National Budget of 10.5 billion Kina with members showing their support through voices and not a head count . Minister for Finance and Treasury Don Polye when speaking during the budget debate today, says the measure of any government in the world us measured by the well being of the people, and it’s vital that this historical budget be used to ensure opportunities are presented for more than 7 million people in Papua New Guinea in order to better their lives. Mr. Polye says the implementation of the budget is critical adding that the Government will start implementing major priorities in the budget like health, education, and transport infrastructure amongst others, and carrying out this task is the challenge of the O’Neill/Namah Government. When speaking on the Government free education policy next year for elementary right up to grade 10, Mr. Polye says education is the biggest investment thus far that the Gov

FOR the past few days I have been working in Papua New Guinea, a country where I lived for more than a decade, in an earlier era. That past was another country. They did things differently there, as many Papua New Guinean friends from that time have kept reminding me this week. They did some things differently, but not everything of course. So much has changed, so much not. The constants include positives such as the sunny nature and good humour of Papua New Guineans. But that also includes their frustration at the failure of government services, at the astonishing gap between the cost of housing and their wages even many managers and skilled workers have no choice but to live in teeming squatter settlements and at the tales of vast sums of money that seem to flow past, tantalisingly just out of reach. The dominant focus is on the distribution rather than the creation of wealth. The creation is widely assumed to come from the resource game. As the quantums there have stepped u

FOR the past few days I have been working in Papua New Guinea, a country where I lived for more than a decade, in an earlier era. That past was another country. They did things differently there, as many Papua New Guinean friends from that time have kept reminding me this week. They did some things differently, but not everything of course. So much has changed, so much not. The constants include positives such as the sunny nature and good humour of Papua New Guineans. But that also includes their frustration at the failure of government services, at the astonishing gap between the cost of housing and their wages even many managers and skilled workers have no choice but to live in teeming squatter settlements and at the tales of vast sums of money that seem to flow past, tantalisingly just out of reach. The dominant focus is on the distribution rather than the creation of wealth. The creation is widely assumed to come from the resource game. As the quantums there have

Constitution is supreme:Somare MICHAEL Somare's attempts to assert he is Papua New Guinea's lawful prime minister are understandable, but after 43 years in the political rough and tumble he's being disingenuous in seeking to ignore the way the cards have fallen in his confrontation with Peter O'Neill. With parliament solidly behind Mr O'Neill, and Governor-General Michael Ogio reversing his position and formally declaring Mr O'Neill the rightful prime minister, Sir Michael's campaign for reinstatement has clearly run out of steam. The sooner he accepts this, the sooner political stability will return to PNG. Correctly, Mr ONeill has observed parliament is the place where politicians win the right to form governments. Sir Michael argues, however, that he has the force of constitutional law on his side following the Supreme Court's 3-2 decision that he was wrongly removed. But in addition to parliament and the Governor-General, all top public servants as w

Constitution is supreme:Somare MICHAEL Somare's attempts to assert he is Papua New Guinea's lawful prime minister are understandable, but after 43 years in the political rough and tumble he's being disingenuous in seeking to ignore the way the cards have fallen in his confrontation with Peter O'Neill. With parliament solidly behind Mr O'Neill, and Governor-General Michael Ogio reversing his position and formally declaring Mr O'Neill the rightful prime minister, Sir Michael's campaign for reinstatement has clearly run out of steam. The sooner he accepts this, the sooner political stability will return to PNG. Correctly, Mr ONeill has observed parliament is the place where politicians win the right to form governments. Sir Michael argues, however, that he has the force of constitutional law on his side following the Supreme Court's 3-2 decision that he was wrongly removed. But in addition to parliament and the Governor-General, all top public ser

Whilst the country awaits the passing of the 2012 Budget, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, says he will not support a budget which he has indicated contains loopholes in allocations of funding for districts. PNGFM news understands that Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his cabinet will not enter Parliament without the Speaker recognizing Sir Michael as the Prime Minister and arranging his correct sitting area on the floor of Parliament.  That’s the word from Madang’s Regional Governor and Somare Cabinet Spokesperson, Sir Arnold Amet. Also The O’Neil/Namah Government has been accused of holding Members of Parliament in captivity just for the sake of power. When supporting the stance of the Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, SHP Governor, Anderson Aiguru emphasized to the Press that Sir Michael did not have to go through a lot of hassles to impress Members to align with him, it was simple common sense. Madang’s Regional Member and Spokesperson of the Somare Cabinet, Sir Arnold Amet has des

Whilst the country awaits the passing of the 2012 Budget, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, says he will not support a budget which he has indicated contains loopholes in allocations of funding for districts. PNGFM news understands that Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his cabinet will not enter Parliament without the Speaker recognizing Sir Michael as the Prime Minister and arranging his correct sitting area on the floor of Parliament.  That’s the word from Madang’s Regional Governor and Somare Cabinet Spokesperson, Sir Arnold Amet. Also The O’Neil/Namah Government has been accused of holding Members of Parliament in captivity just for the sake of power. When supporting the stance of the Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, SHP Governor, Anderson Aiguru emphasized to the Press that Sir Michael did not have to go through a lot of hassles to impress Members to align with him, it was simple common sense. Madang’s Regional Member and Spokesperson of the Somare Cabinet, Sir Arnold Amet

Rallying support: O'Neill and Namah this afternoon Credit: IDPNG PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he intends to introduce legislative changes forcing PMs to retire at 72. The political crisis appears to have eased with Mr O'Neill securing the support of the governor-general, most MPs, the public service, the police and the defence force. However, his rival 75-year-old Sir Michael Somare said he's determined to be returned as prime minister. Mr O'Neill has told Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill that won't be possible when the legislative changes are in place. Late this afternoon Prime Minister O'Neill and Namah came out to meet supports again at the Parliament roundabout. Activist Noel Anjo who rallied the crowd said this was to allow O'Neill to address and update Papua New Guineans and at the same time was presented with three petitions. 1 . To name the open space at the back of National Archives "Constitutional & Parliamentary Grou

Rallying support: O'Neill and Namah this afternoon Credit: IDPNG PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he intends to introduce legislative changes forcing PMs to retire at 72. The political crisis appears to have eased with Mr O'Neill securing the support of the governor-general, most MPs, the public service, the police and the defence force. However, his rival 75-year-old Sir Michael Somare said he's determined to be returned as prime minister. Mr O'Neill has told Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill that won't be possible when the legislative changes are in place. Late this afternoon Prime Minister O'Neill and Namah came out to meet supports again at the Parliament roundabout. Activist Noel Anjo who rallied the crowd said this was to allow O'Neill to address and update Papua New Guineans and at the same time was presented with three petitions. 1 . To name the open space at the back of National Archives "Constitutional & Parli

Somare:Losing grip with reality In Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare is refusing to relinquish a claim to the Prime Ministership despite the seeming unassaible position of his rival. PNG's governor-general has met Peter O'Neill and his supporters, prompting speculation the leadership crisis is closer to being resolved. In Parliament, Mr O'Neill announced that last week's suspension of Governor-General, Sir Michael Ogio had been lifted. The speaker, Geoffrey Nape said Sir Michael Ogio had written a letter apologising for swearing at ministers loyal to the former prime minister, Sir Michael Somare last week. Mr O'Neill and his supporters travelled to Government House on Monday afternoon to meet with the head of state. A box of champagne was also taken inside. Mr O'Neill said the meeting was a courtesy call to reconcile with the governor-general. Observers say Mr O'Neill has the support of a large number of the public, as well as the parliament. But Si

Somare:Losing grip with reality In Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare is refusing to relinquish a claim to the Prime Ministership despite the seeming unassaible position of his rival. PNG's governor-general has met Peter O'Neill and his supporters, prompting speculation the leadership crisis is closer to being resolved. In Parliament, Mr O'Neill announced that last week's suspension of Governor-General, Sir Michael Ogio had been lifted. The speaker, Geoffrey Nape said Sir Michael Ogio had written a letter apologising for swearing at ministers loyal to the former prime minister, Sir Michael Somare last week. Mr O'Neill and his supporters travelled to Government House on Monday afternoon to meet with the head of state. A box of champagne was also taken inside. Mr O'Neill said the meeting was a courtesy call to reconcile with the governor-general. Observers say Mr O'Neill has the support of a large number of the public, as well as the parliament.

Namah and O'Neill sworn in as Legitimate Government Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio has recognised Peter O'Neill as the legitimate Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. In a surprising twist of events today, Sir Michael wrote a letter to O'Neill, which was read to Parlaiment today, saying how apologetic he was.  He said both sides must reconcile as soon as possible for the good of the country. Following that, the O'Neill Cabinet quickly lifted its suspension of Sir Michael as Governor-General.  O'Neill and his Cabinet are now at Government House meeting with Sir Michael. Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc says he recognises Peter O'Neill as the legitimate prime minister of Papua New Guinea and not Sir Michael Somare.  Zurenuoc, who has met both O'Neill and Sir Michael, said while the Supreme Court has restored Sir Michael as prime minister, he did not have the numbers to rule. "We accept the fact that the Supreme Court has restored Sir Michael Soma

Namah and O'Neill sworn in as Legitimate Government Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio has recognised Peter O'Neill as the legitimate Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. In a surprising twist of events today, Sir Michael wrote a letter to O'Neill, which was read to Parlaiment today, saying how apologetic he was.  He said both sides must reconcile as soon as possible for the good of the country. Following that, the O'Neill Cabinet quickly lifted its suspension of Sir Michael as Governor-General.  O'Neill and his Cabinet are now at Government House meeting with Sir Michael. Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc says he recognises Peter O'Neill as the legitimate prime minister of Papua New Guinea and not Sir Michael Somare.  Zurenuoc, who has met both O'Neill and Sir Michael, said while the Supreme Court has restored Sir Michael as prime minister, he did not have the numbers to rule. "We accept the fact that the Supreme Court has restored Sir

SWORN IN; PETER O'NEILL AS PM Ogio has been reinstated as GG by the O’Neill led Government. He is now swearing in the O’Neil-Namah Cabinet. It’s all wine pouring and smiles at Government House.  Earlier, Yumi FM reports that Michael Ogio has written a letter to Parliament apologizing for swearing in the Somare faction. Parliament has responded by lifting his suspension In other developments the Armed Robbery Response Unit (ARRU) set up by Fred Yakasa had surrendered arms and submitted to Toeam Kulunga on Firday. This was the police unit which responded and carried our orders from Fred Yakasa.  These policemen stood guard on all State properties in the city of Port Moresby including the Government House where there was a stand-off between politicians and the police. When ARRU surrendered to Kulunga, Fred Yakasa saw it coming that he will be arrested soon and charged with the offence of Mutiny and for issuing illegal orders.   Hence, he had no way to go to so

SWORN IN; PETER O'NEILL AS PM Ogio has been reinstated as GG by the O’Neill led Government. He is now swearing in the O’Neil-Namah Cabinet. It’s all wine pouring and smiles at Government House.  Earlier, Yumi FM reports that Michael Ogio has written a letter to Parliament apologizing for swearing in the Somare faction. Parliament has responded by lifting his suspension In other developments the Armed Robbery Response Unit (ARRU) set up by Fred Yakasa had surrendered arms and submitted to Toeam Kulunga on Firday. This was the police unit which responded and carried our orders from Fred Yakasa.  These policemen stood guard on all State properties in the city of Port Moresby including the Government House where there was a stand-off between politicians and the police. When ARRU surrendered to Kulunga, Fred Yakasa saw it coming that he will be arrested soon and charged with the offence of Mutiny and for issuing illegal orders.   Hence, he had no wa

Stamping authority- Peter O'Neill Parliament’s re-elected Prime Minister Peter O’Neil’s cabinet on Sunday revoked all decisions made in the last few days by the proposed minority regime of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Mr. O’Neil says Sir Michael and his deposed Government had no authority to be holding illegal cabinet decisions. The O’Neil-Namah Government revoked and declared illegal any direction from the deposed former Somare cabinet. The decision instructs all heads of departments State Enterprises, Provincial Administrators, and all Public servants to respond to that their directions were illegal. Mr. O’Neil says they have also revoked the illegal call out of the PNG Defense Force by the Somare regime,, to assist police maintain law and order. FM 100 News understands that the call out would cost about 10 million kina, with police operations to also cost K10 million and Correctional Services 5 million and another 5 million kina for lawyers. Mr. O’Neil says the Grand C

Stamping authority- Peter O'Neill Parliament’s re-elected Prime Minister Peter O’Neil’s cabinet on Sunday revoked all decisions made in the last few days by the proposed minority regime of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Mr. O’Neil says Sir Michael and his deposed Government had no authority to be holding illegal cabinet decisions. The O’Neil-Namah Government revoked and declared illegal any direction from the deposed former Somare cabinet. The decision instructs all heads of departments State Enterprises, Provincial Administrators, and all Public servants to respond to that their directions were illegal. Mr. O’Neil says they have also revoked the illegal call out of the PNG Defense Force by the Somare regime,, to assist police maintain law and order. FM 100 News understands that the call out would cost about 10 million kina, with police operations to also cost K10 million and Correctional Services 5 million and another 5 million kina for lawyers. Mr. O’Neil says t