PNGBLOGS

by  MICHAEL J. PASSINGAN  In a recent event that highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy and governance, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, James Marape, faced a challenging situation during his appearance at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia. The Lowy Institute, known for its role as an independent think tank focusing on international policy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, provided a platform for a candid assessment of Marape's governance. Following his formal address, Marape engaged in a dialogue with Dr. Michael Fullilove AM, the Executive Director of the Institute. Dr. Fullilove, a respected figure in public and international policy, scrutinized Marape's past promises and statements, contrasting them with the current state of affairs in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The discussion took a critical turn as Dr. Fullilove revisited Marape's 2019 speech at the same venue, where Marape had outlined his vision for PNG in a speech titled “A New Boo

As an officer within the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), I am writing to express my profound concern and opposition to the appointment of Mr. Jude Tukulya as the permanent Managing Director (MD). This stance is not taken lightly but is rooted in substantial evidence that points to Mr. Tukulya's lack of essential qualifications, experience, and skills needed for this critical role. I wish to elaborate on several key issues that underscore my apprehensions: Questionable Academic Credentials: The appointment of Mr. Tukulya as Director, Corporate Services at CEPA is marred by serious allegations of fraudulent qualifications. These concerns were initially raised in a 2022 post on pngblogs.com , casting doubt on his degree from the University of PNG. Subsequent investigations into these allegations, which were both serious and criminal in nature, revealed alarming facts. It was confirmed that Mr. Tukulya indeed presented forged academic documents to secure his p

by DAVID LEPI In a recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York Prime Minister Hon. James Marape said Papua New Guinea can become a food supplier to the world with its abundance of land and sea. Nothing would have been wrong with this statement had only Marape invested in the technology and resources that had remarkably turned the scorched deserts of Isreal's countryside into the world's food bowl or Isreal a global leader in agriculture and water. Marape’s verbal buckshot with no meaning is no different to Idi Amin's idiotic proclamation of himself as Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea, and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General. Verbal diarrhoea, which satirist call it loose-stooled effluent. Marape thinks he is saying or doing the right things and is smiling eagerly in the cameras but his jester of saying things off the cuff, impromptu and without thinking through is becoming legendary and is producing gales of laughter a

by Nelson Wandi The persistent issues in Papua New Guinea's elections are well-known to its citizens. Every election cycle, the same problems recur, deeply rooted in the country's culture and practices. Political observers, local elites, and anti-corruption activists continue to investigate and expose corrupt practices, but the situation remains dire. International organizations, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG), have been actively gathering reports on corruption during elections. TIPNG's reports indicate rampant corruption, with PNG failing to meet the satisfactory levels set by UNCAC. Corruption in PNG is not just a top-level government issue but starts at the grassroots and permeates up through the structure. High-ranking government officials often engage in corrupt practices like the wantok system, bribery, vote buying, and manipulating the election process. This influences those at

In the realm of national politics, there was a time when John Pundari was a prominent figure. During this period, Peter Ipatas emerged as a significant player, leveraging his influence in Enga's political scene. He orchestrated a strategic move against Pundari, particularly notable in 2002. Pundari, serving as the Speaker, found himself at a political crossroads when Ipatas perceived a potential defeat at Pundari's hands.  In a controversial maneuver, Ipatas allegedly influenced certain actions involving Jeffery Balakau's supporters, leading to the destruction of crucial vote-containing containers at the Wabag Police Station. With these efforts, Pundari lost a substantial number of votes from regions like Surinki, Laiagam, Kandep, and Pogera, losing to the cheater Ipatas. Ipatas's political tactics didn't end there; he later collaborated with Peter O'Neill and the PNC to undermine Don Polye's leadership. This partnership was seen as a strategic move to conso

  by  DAVID LEPI In the realm of political discourse, especially on social media platforms, the travel habits of Prime Minister James Marape have sparked a fiery debate. His latest expedition, a journey to San Francisco for the APEC Economic Leaders meeting from November 11-17, 2023, is no exception. This trip, like others, involves an extended entourage, raising questions about the necessity and implications of such frequent overseas engagements. The role of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in forums like APEC cannot be understated, especially considering the country's dire need for foreign direct investment amidst looming budget constraints and the impending vote of no confidence. Full representation in these international forums seems imperative. However, this brings us to the question of the Prime Minister's travel prerogatives. Indeed, as the leader of the nation, travel is part and parcel of the job, with a designated budget for such engagements. Yet, the issue transcends mere budg

by KAPEMA KORU The US-PNG Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is a pivotal arrangement that demands an understanding of the broader geopolitical landscape. Papua New Guinea (PNG), strategically located in a region of growing significance, must navigate through a complex matrix of national security, regional stability, and international relations. The DCA with the United States is a critical piece in this intricate puzzle, reflecting the need to balance diverse and sometimes conflicting interests. Criticism of the DCA often arises from a perceived disregard for public opinion in PNG. However, while public sentiment is vital in a democratic setup, the underpinnings of defence pacts often involve multi-layered considerations. These include addressing security threats, regional alliances, and long-term national interests, which may not always be transparent or understandable to the general public, yet are instrumental in shaping such agreements. Re-evaluating the DCA involves a careful ana