PNGBLOGS

by NELSON WANDI  Why government is trying to send jobless or unemployed people back to their village, as a substitute of creating job opportunity for them. And why government is trying to create criminal law to hurt vulnerable people in the city? Jobless majorities refers to doable participants of a public unable to get the paid jobs. The thought of jobless or unemployed people may fluctuate depending on amount of education levels attained, some left with work experience, and most of school drop outs unable to continue education due to financial constraints, some discontinue education with bad educational performance. Jobless majorities are out in the streets and are staying back in the rural community because of these factors, but governments failed to address such issue arises.However, it is important to note that not all jobless individuals end up on the streets.  Many actively seek employment opportunities and strive to improve their situation. It is often a complex combination of

by NELSON WANDI Creating vagrancy laws in a poor country can indeed be a complex issue with both potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, proponents argue that such laws can address concerns related to public safety, reduce crime rates, and maintain social order. By enforcing regulations on loitering, begging, or sleeping in public spaces, authorities may aim to discourage criminal activities and protect citizens from potential harm. However, there are significant criticisms of vagrancy laws as well. Critics argue that these laws disproportionately target vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or mental health issues. Such laws may further marginalize already disadvantaged groups, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Moreover, implementing vagrancy laws could divert resources away from addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty. Instead of criminalizing individuals, efforts should focus on providing social support,

A whistle-blower has exposed Connect PNG as a conduit for money laundering within the government. In response to leaked Department of Finance records revealing payments of K350 million to select Connect PNG contractors on the day of the Port Moresby riots, former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu Pangia, Honourable Peter O’Neill, expressed deep concern and outrage over the substantial sums of money being channeled through Connect PNG to benefit government associates. While expressing his admiration for the initiative's goal of building high-quality infrastructure, Peter O’Neill also conveyed his strong support for Prime Minister James Marape's efforts to develop the nation and connect its people. However, he found it profoundly disturbing to witness the systematic and extensive flow of taxpayer funds and donor contributions through Connect PNG, branding it as the largest and most prolific money laundering scheme in the country's history. In a somewhat ironic observation,

by MARK STENNA The recent appointment of Donald Yamasombi as the Controller of the National State of Emergency, as reported by the Post Courier, adds another dimension to the controversies surrounding him. Given the complex backdrop of allegations against him, his new role as the emergency controller raises several concerns. Yamasombi's appointment as the emergency controller places him in a highly authoritative position, especially during a national crisis. His role involves making critical decisions and ensuring public order, which demands a high level of public trust and integrity. However, the backdrop of allegations regarding his connections to criminal networks and political ties casts doubt on his suitability for such a pivotal role. Yamasombi's alleged ties with Chinese Triad gangs, drug smugglers, and political figures could potentially affect his impartiality and effectiveness as an emergency controller. The position requires unbiased enforcement of laws and regulatio

by MICHAEL J. PASSINGAN As Port Moresby reels from the recent riots and the crippling aftermath that has left major supermarkets in ashes, it's crucial to delve deeper into the underlying causes of this economic turmoil. Central to this discourse is the role of PNG's Minister for Treasury, Mr. Ian Ling-Stuckey, whose recent budgetary decisions and overall economic management are now under intense scrutiny. This article aims to explore how Ling-Stuckey's policies have contributed to the current crisis and what this means for the residents of Port Moresby. The Crux of the Crisis: The week that should have marked a triumph for any Treasurer, showcasing a year’s efforts and outlining future prospects, turned into a debacle for Ling-Stuckey. His performance not only raised questions about his competence but also cast a shadow on the Marape Government’s economic credentials. The failure to table critical budget documents, the introduction of new, substantial taxes without adequat

by MICHAEL J PASSINGAN In the realm of Papua New Guinea's aviation industry, a significant development has transpired with the appointment of Dominic Kaumu as the new Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the National Airports Corporation (NAC). This appointment, effective from December 13, 2023, has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny, particularly concerning the decision-making process employed by the Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Schnaubelt. The situation becomes even more contentious when considering the backdrop of the recent resignation of the former acting MD/CEO Joseph Kintau, alongside the legal ruling that invalidated the gazette notice that had both appointed Kintau and terminated his predecessor Kiponge. Dominic Kaumu's appointment as NAC's acting MD/CEO is not just a routine administrative change but raises profound questions about the criteria and merit used by Minister Schnaubelt in his selection process. According to

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

  6 Constitutional Sins of Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai: An Analysis of 2022 PNG Elections By A Concerned Papua New Guinean The 2022 Papua New Guinea elections were marred by violence and ill-preparation, casting a shadow over the constitutional integrity of the electoral process. The role of the Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai, has come under scrutiny, with allegations of significant constitutional breaches. This analysis aims to unravel the complexities and implications of these purported missteps. 1. Late Appointment of Electoral Officials Sinai's decision to appoint Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) at the last minute proved detrimental. ROs, responsible for tasks such as validating and updating common rolls, were appointed too late, receiving training only on the eve of voting. This delay likely compromised their ability to manage the elections effectively. 2. Mismanagement of Opening of Writs The extension of the Opening of Writs, foll