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Connect PNG Unveiled: A Tale of Ambition, Scandal, and the Quest for Accountability

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  By M.J Passingan In the heart of Papua New Guinea (PNG), a storm brews over the ambitious Connect PNG initiative, a program that ostensibly aims to revolutionize the nation's infrastructure landscape. What was launched with the promise of connecting remote communities and fostering economic growth has spiraled into a scandal of monumental proportions, exposing the underbelly of political maneuvering and alleged financial misconduct at the highest levels of government. The controversy came to light when a brave whistleblower leaked Department of Finance records, revealing a staggering K350 million payment to certain Connect PNG contractors on the same day as the Port Moresby riots. This revelation sent shockwaves through the nation, drawing sharp criticism from notable figures, including former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. Known for his outspoken nature, O’Neill condemned the exploitation of a noble initiative for what he described as the largest and most sophisticated money laun

Support for Hon. Belden Namah as a Prime Ministerial Candidate

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by: Retivi John Alo I am writing to express my unwavering support for Hon. Belden Namah as a potential candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming Vote of No Confidence, should he choose to run. Namah has proven himself to be an outstanding leader with a deep commitment to the welfare of Papua New Guinea's citizens. Namah's leadership is characterized by his insightful understanding of our nation's economic and social issues, demonstrating a remarkable ability to foresee and tackle challenges before they become critical. His strategic and proactive stance on governance, combined with his experience and bravery demonstrated during his military service and involvement in the Bougainville Crisis, highlight his capability to lead with courage and a forward-thinking approach. What truly distinguishes Namah is his compelling personal journey of overcoming hardships, including his educational challenges and the compassion he received from the Moses couple. These experiences have

Why government is trying to send away the jobless

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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

To create vagrancy law in poor country is a bad choice indeed. It's criminal in nature.

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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,

Marape's Connect PNG is a conduit for money laundering

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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,

CROOK COP IS NEW STATE OF EMERGENCY CONTROLLER

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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

As Port Moresby Burns, blame the bush kanaka Treasurer

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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

Assessing the IQ Level of one of PNG's Dumbest Ministers

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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

James Marape's Missteps Openly Exposed at Australian Forum

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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