PNGBLOGS

PAPUA New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has rebuffed pressure from Australia to hold elections on time. Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Friday ratcheted up pressure by contacting Mr O'Neill directly, but he yesterday said the timing of polls was PNG's own business. Canberra has repeatedly called on PNG to adhere to the June deadline for elections as set out by its constitution. Ms Gillard's office issued a statement saying the pair "discussed the importance of holding national elections on time" and Ms Gillard had "welcomed Prime Minister O'Neill's statements that he supports the election proceeding on time." But Mr O'Neill shrugged off the pressure yesterday. "We appreciate the support of the Australian government, but it is for us to determine where we go with the elections in the coming months," Mr O'Neill told the ABC. Australia is impoverished PNG's major aid donor and has pledged significant assistance

PAPUA New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has rebuffed pressure from Australia to hold elections on time. Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Friday ratcheted up pressure by contacting Mr O'Neill directly, but he yesterday said the timing of polls was PNG's own business. Canberra has repeatedly called on PNG to adhere to the June deadline for elections as set out by its constitution. Ms Gillard's office issued a statement saying the pair "discussed the importance of holding national elections on time" and Ms Gillard had "welcomed Prime Minister O'Neill's statements that he supports the election proceeding on time." But Mr O'Neill shrugged off the pressure yesterday. "We appreciate the support of the Australian government, but it is for us to determine where we go with the elections in the coming months," Mr O'Neill told the ABC. Australia is impoverished PNG's major aid donor and has pledged significant assist

SIR Michael T Somare’s unbroken nine years in office were the best in terms of economic gains for the country, but flimsy on translation of gains into tangible benefits for the people. At the height of its tenure with K6 billion parked in trust accounts outside of consolidated revenue, all the major highways of the country remained in desperate need of maintenance, health facilities were running out of drugs and schools were shutting their doors to students. So much so that when the O’Neill-Namah regime muscled its way into office in August last year, the PNG public so welcomed the change that it was most willing to forgive the new government its very first and most crucial error – that of violating the Constitution to get into power. Ever since then, this government has never had any opposition except through its own actions. Laws were passed to correct the Aug 2 error and new laws were passed to snuff out the ripple effects of those acts and so on and so forth. One more such act was

SIR Michael T Somare’s unbroken nine years in office were the best in terms of economic gains for the country, but flimsy on translation of gains into tangible benefits for the people. At the height of its tenure with K6 billion parked in trust accounts outside of consolidated revenue, all the major highways of the country remained in desperate need of maintenance, health facilities were running out of drugs and schools were shutting their doors to students. So much so that when the O’Neill-Namah regime muscled its way into office in August last year, the PNG public so welcomed the change that it was most willing to forgive the new government its very first and most crucial error – that of violating the Constitution to get into power. Ever since then, this government has never had any opposition except through its own actions. Laws were passed to correct the Aug 2 error and new laws were passed to snuff out the ripple effects of those acts and so on and so forth. One more such ac

Helen Hugh's does not live in the Pacific. But as a good academic she gathers information from the comfort of her laptop and bunch of Aid Funded friends who regularly travel or traverse the Pacific; and then from these dinner parties and coffee sessions and telephone calls she writes and produces  articles such as this. This is clearly a generalized piece of garbage from someone supposedly of scholarly standing! No wonder Australia never understood the Pacific and will never understand the Pacific, if Canberra keeps taking its Foreign Policy cues from people like her! Helen Hughes enjoyed great patronage from the Howard-Downer Regime for over 11 years. She makes little effort to hide her political biases in Australian politics, but her painting of Downer ( the 2IC of the Deputy Sherriff -Howard) as someone who cared or even understood the Pacific is so far off line, she must be talking about some fictituous disney character. Australia-Pacific relationships were at its lowest ebb w

Helen Hugh's does not live in the Pacific. But as a good academic she gathers information from the comfort of her laptop and bunch of Aid Funded friends who regularly travel or traverse the Pacific; and then from these dinner parties and coffee sessions and telephone calls she writes and produces  articles such as this. This is clearly a generalized piece of garbage from someone supposedly of scholarly standing! No wonder Australia never understood the Pacific and will never understand the Pacific, if Canberra keeps taking its Foreign Policy cues from people like her! Helen Hughes enjoyed great patronage from the Howard-Downer Regime for over 11 years. She makes little effort to hide her political biases in Australian politics, but her painting of Downer ( the 2IC of the Deputy Sherriff -Howard) as someone who cared or even understood the Pacific is so far off line, she must be talking about some fictituous disney character. Australia-Pacific relationships were at its lowe

The Papua New Guinea government is continuing to pass legislation critics say will weaken the nation's judiciary. The government on Wednesday passed a law to restrict the powers of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court (Amendment) Bill stops the Supreme Court issuing stay orders on behalf of people who "cannot prove that their powers, rights and privileges". Critics of the amendment say the government is eating away at the edges of the nation's constitution by stripping powers from the court system. "The Supreme Court has been empowered by the constitution," former chief justice and attorney-general Sir Arnold Amet told reporters in Port Moresby. "It cannot be undermined by legislation, or rules, or motions. "Fundamentally the provisions in these acts are unconstitutional." But Deputy Prime Minister, Belden Namah says the law is necessary because judges have given themselves too much power, and have no right to block parliamentary legislation.

The Papua New Guinea government is continuing to pass legislation critics say will weaken the nation's judiciary. The government on Wednesday passed a law to restrict the powers of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court (Amendment) Bill stops the Supreme Court issuing stay orders on behalf of people who "cannot prove that their powers, rights and privileges". Critics of the amendment say the government is eating away at the edges of the nation's constitution by stripping powers from the court system. "The Supreme Court has been empowered by the constitution," former chief justice and attorney-general Sir Arnold Amet told reporters in Port Moresby. "It cannot be undermined by legislation, or rules, or motions. "Fundamentally the provisions in these acts are unconstitutional." But Deputy Prime Minister, Belden Namah says the law is necessary because judges have given themselves too much power, and have no right to block parliament

Intel on money laundering and PNG parliamentary hijack: Treasurers for districts in Vanimo-Green are in Singapore on a joy ride courtesy of DPM - smokescreen/decoy for what is about to take place.  DPM Belden Namah scheduled to arrive in Singapore tomorrow - clue: watch those who travel with him if he boards tomorrow's flight.  K5 million offered to a certain political party (name withheld) to dissolve party and join PNG party.  Foreign backers in Singapore - watch who flies into Singapore from the 2PM PX flight leaving POM.  

Intel on money laundering and PNG parliamentary hijack: Treasurers for districts in Vanimo-Green are in Singapore on a joy ride courtesy of DPM - smokescreen/decoy for what is about to take place.  DPM Belden Namah scheduled to arrive in Singapore tomorrow - clue: watch those who travel with him if he boards tomorrow's flight.  K5 million offered to a certain political party (name withheld) to dissolve party and join PNG party.  Foreign backers in Singapore - watch who flies into Singapore from the 2PM PX flight leaving POM.  

Papua New Guinea's Police Commissioner says politicians are splitting the force for their own ends, after policemen were attacked by colleagues in Port Moresby. Commander Tom Kulunga made the comments on Tuesday after spending most of the day in crisis talks with officers in Port Moresby. The day before six members of the Central Highway patrol were reportedly attacked by as many as 70 other police officers in a seemingly politically motivated attack. "Let me voice my deepest concerns about the direct involvement of politicians in dividing the (Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary) RPNGC for their own ends," Mr Kulunga said, without naming names. "It is no secret that certain politicians are providing funding and hire vehicles for certain elements of the RPNGC who are operating outside of my command and control." The attacking officers were allegedly members of four police divisions flown from Mount Hagen to Port Moresby during the recent failed coup attempt in J

Papua New Guinea's Police Commissioner says politicians are splitting the force for their own ends, after policemen were attacked by colleagues in Port Moresby. Commander Tom Kulunga made the comments on Tuesday after spending most of the day in crisis talks with officers in Port Moresby. The day before six members of the Central Highway patrol were reportedly attacked by as many as 70 other police officers in a seemingly politically motivated attack. "Let me voice my deepest concerns about the direct involvement of politicians in dividing the (Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary) RPNGC for their own ends," Mr Kulunga said, without naming names. "It is no secret that certain politicians are providing funding and hire vehicles for certain elements of the RPNGC who are operating outside of my command and control." The attacking officers were allegedly members of four police divisions flown from Mount Hagen to Port Moresby during the recent failed coup

VOTE THESE CROOKS OUT IN 2012 Papua New Guinea's Parliament today tweaked the Judicial Conduct Act giving itself the power to jail judges. Under the amendment, judges face a maximum of 7 years in prison and the loss of all their retirement benefits. This follows a long parliament verses judiciary battle which began after the removal of Michael Somare as Prime Minister. In the same breath, Parliament also introduced the Supreme Court (Amendment) Bill 2012 which will render null and void the order that Sir Michael Somare be reinstated as PM. Notice was given in parliament on Tuesday of the introduction of an amendment to the government's controversial Judicial Conduct Act. The act effectively gives the government the power to suspend judges it deems to be biased. The amendment, if passed, will create a criminal offence for a judge who ignores a suspension. If convicted they can face a prison term of up to seven years and the loss of all retirement benefits. Halted The amendment c

VOTE THESE CROOKS OUT IN 2012 Papua New Guinea's Parliament today tweaked the Judicial Conduct Act giving itself the power to jail judges. Under the amendment, judges face a maximum of 7 years in prison and the loss of all their retirement benefits. This follows a long parliament verses judiciary battle which began after the removal of Michael Somare as Prime Minister. In the same breath, Parliament also introduced the Supreme Court (Amendment) Bill 2012 which will render null and void the order that Sir Michael Somare be reinstated as PM. Notice was given in parliament on Tuesday of the introduction of an amendment to the government's controversial Judicial Conduct Act. The act effectively gives the government the power to suspend judges it deems to be biased. The amendment, if passed, will create a criminal offence for a judge who ignores a suspension. If convicted they can face a prison term of up to seven years and the loss of all retirement benefits. Halted The

O'Namah's Private Police Brutality, Post Courier Photo Police Commissioner, Tom Kulunga has been put to task to address a 16 point petition which was drawn up this morning by police officers working within NCD and Central. The Gordon Police Barracks has now returned to normalcy after a chaotic morning of frustration and retaliation by officers who are angered over the attack of some of their own allegedly by officers from the Mt Hagen Squad unit that was flown into Port Moresby last year. The situation was calmed down with assistance of Assistant Commissioner for Police_ Central Commander, Francis Tokura, NCD’s Superintendent for Operations, Andy Bawa and Metropolitian Commander for NCD, Peter Guiness, who assured police men and women present that their grieviencess would be looked into immediately after meeting with the Police Commissioner. 16 POINT PETITION The Police Hierarchy will have address at least 16 issues raised by police officers this morning, some of which includes

O'Namah's Private Police Brutality, Post Courier Photo Police Commissioner, Tom Kulunga has been put to task to address a 16 point petition which was drawn up this morning by police officers working within NCD and Central. The Gordon Police Barracks has now returned to normalcy after a chaotic morning of frustration and retaliation by officers who are angered over the attack of some of their own allegedly by officers from the Mt Hagen Squad unit that was flown into Port Moresby last year. The situation was calmed down with assistance of Assistant Commissioner for Police_ Central Commander, Francis Tokura, NCD’s Superintendent for Operations, Andy Bawa and Metropolitian Commander for NCD, Peter Guiness, who assured police men and women present that their grieviencess would be looked into immediately after meeting with the Police Commissioner. 16 POINT PETITION The Police Hierarchy will have address at least 16 issues raised by police officers this morning, some of whi

Have we all noticed how Don Polye is playing his cards since entering parliament? Well this is one that Don Polye is someone we need to watch carefully as his moves in the recent past are all well planned. Something we can say as clever tactics. He was already a leader before he entered parliament. We are slowly seeing the fruits of his clever moves. He has a registered political party, a move which worked out so well when he gained the favor of most NA members and partners. He was the deputy PM under the Somare regime, but was overlooked for the acting  PM post when Somare was sick. Why did he not make a big issue like what the rest of our representatives and other heads of departments do  - filing a new case in court? Simply, time was not right. He gladly accepts any decisions that the regime he is in makes without making an issue out of it. Why? When the rumor was out that he was to replace Belden Namah as deputy PM, we all have seem his response. "I dont want to create instabi

Have we all noticed how Don Polye is playing his cards since entering parliament? Well this is one that Don Polye is someone we need to watch carefully as his moves in the recent past are all well planned. Something we can say as clever tactics. He was already a leader before he entered parliament. We are slowly seeing the fruits of his clever moves. He has a registered political party, a move which worked out so well when he gained the favor of most NA members and partners. He was the deputy PM under the Somare regime, but was overlooked for the acting  PM post when Somare was sick. Why did he not make a big issue like what the rest of our representatives and other heads of departments do  - filing a new case in court? Simply, time was not right. He gladly accepts any decisions that the regime he is in makes without making an issue out of it. Why? When the rumor was out that he was to replace Belden Namah as deputy PM, we all have seem his response. "I dont want to create ins

By Helen Hughes THE villagers of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, together with those of Fiji's military dictatorship where living standards have been dropping precipitously, make up most of the population of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. They are now among the very poorest people in the world. Women and their babies die in childbirth in the bush. Children are wracked by diarrhoea and chest catarrhs. HIV/AIDS in PNG compares with Mali and Burkina Faso. Illnesses no longer evident in most of the world plague adults. Cholera outbreaks in Madang and Lae threaten Australian travellers. Drug-resistant tuberculosis has crossed to Australia's Sabai and other Torres Strait islands. The gardens worked by women still ensure sufficient food but, because agriculture has not developed, more than a million men hang out without work, bored, dispirited and seething with frustration. Pacific village women are among the most world's most deprived. Economic stagnation has been

By Helen Hughes THE villagers of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, together with those of Fiji's military dictatorship where living standards have been dropping precipitously, make up most of the population of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. They are now among the very poorest people in the world. Women and their babies die in childbirth in the bush. Children are wracked by diarrhoea and chest catarrhs. HIV/AIDS in PNG compares with Mali and Burkina Faso. Illnesses no longer evident in most of the world plague adults. Cholera outbreaks in Madang and Lae threaten Australian travellers. Drug-resistant tuberculosis has crossed to Australia's Sabai and other Torres Strait islands. The gardens worked by women still ensure sufficient food but, because agriculture has not developed, more than a million men hang out without work, bored, dispirited and seething with frustration. Pacific village women are among the most world's most deprived. Economic stagnation has be