PNGBLOGS

Diari Vele Secretary of Treasury is wanted by Members of Task Force Sweep and National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate to effect his arrest and lay formal charges of official corruption, misappropriation and fraud. Sources at the District Court confirmed warrant of arrest was issued on Wednesday 22nd July 2015. It's alleged Vele has gone into hiding after being tipped about his planned arrest. The charges against him relate to allegations he facilitated a secret transaction of K50 million through Bank of PNG to an Israeli Company LR Group for the purchase of two power generators on 19th of December 2013. It's alleged Vele acted on the written directions of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to secure K50 million from the 2013 Budget and transfer the funds to Bank of PNG to facilitate the transaction. In doing so breached the proper processes under the Public Finance (Management) Act rendering the payment unlawful. Thus amounting to Official Corruption,

SPROX WALKER I was one of the many people who attended the lea­dership tribunal of Prime Mi­nister Sir Michael So­mare in court room 1 at the Waigani National Court premises recently. As a layman, I understand the different functions of the office of public prosecutor and the Om­budsman Commission. I also understand what the tribunal is and the purpose for its set-up and its conduct of the proceedings. During the course of the tribunal, three issues surfaced and I am troubled by them. First, the composition of the tribunal. Whilst I have no doubt about the academic and professional experiences of the members, I am disturbed by the quality of questions raised during the proceedings. These questions would not have risen if we had our own judges presiding. For the tribunal to understand the crux of the matter before them, they need to have a fair understanding of the constitutional planning committee report (CPC), the Constitution, relevant Organic Laws and enabling legislations. The coun

SPROX WALKER I was one of the many people who attended the lea­dership tribunal of Prime Mi­nister Sir Michael So­mare in court room 1 at the Waigani National Court premises recently. As a layman, I understand the different functions of the office of public prosecutor and the Om­budsman Commission. I also understand what the tribunal is and the purpose for its set-up and its conduct of the proceedings. During the course of the tribunal, three issues surfaced and I am troubled by them. First, the composition of the tribunal. Whilst I have no doubt about the academic and professional experiences of the members, I am disturbed by the quality of questions raised during the proceedings. These questions would not have risen if we had our own judges presiding. For the tribunal to understand the crux of the matter before them, they need to have a fair understanding of the constitutional planning committee report (CPC), the Constitution, relevant Organic Laws and enabling legislations. The

OP/ED A community leader from Mt Hagen rang this newspaper last night to confirm what he heard on the radio - was it really true that a leadership tribunal had been set up to hear allegations of misconduct in office against the Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare? The call from this leader in the mountains might just have been another curious member of the public but more significantly, it shows the interest with which ordinary Papua New Guineans have in this particular case. The Prime Minister’s referral has been in the public domain for such a long time it has often been used as a political weapon against the Prime Minister by his opponents, for which there are many, because he has vigorously fought it legally. This remote community leader, far flung from the corridors of powers of Waigani, shows how Papua New Guineans country-wide have watched and waited for an outcome such as announced yesterday afternoon by the Chief Justice after a long time – a Leadership Tribunal to h

OP/ED A community leader from Mt Hagen rang this newspaper last night to confirm what he heard on the radio - was it really true that a leadership tribunal had been set up to hear allegations of misconduct in office against the Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare? The call from this leader in the mountains might just have been another curious member of the public but more significantly, it shows the interest with which ordinary Papua New Guineans have in this particular case. The Prime Minister’s referral has been in the public domain for such a long time it has often been used as a political weapon against the Prime Minister by his opponents, for which there are many, because he has vigorously fought it legally. This remote community leader, far flung from the corridors of powers of Waigani, shows how Papua New Guineans country-wide have watched and waited for an outcome such as announced yesterday afternoon by the Chief Justice after a long time – a Leadership Tribunal t

MORATA SWAMP Somare is still in control regardless of the changes, both PM's and DPM's endowed authority resides within him as the political event unfolds to this present times.This leaves me to say that Somare (Jnr) has finally completed his next heir to the thrown strategy by destroying Polye-yet not so powerful but is seen as the next PM. Somare did successfully by demoting first Dr. Marrat and Maladina outside of NA party lines and did likewise within NA party lines to first Bart Philemon, Dr.Puka, first as minister and then as DPM, Pruaitch and Teinsten. Polye was the final blow not so to say at an expense of Somare (Senior) long pending referrals, but Polye is now seen as the sacrificial lamb which neither Polye offers for it nor deserves it that way. Polye was strong but remained loyal to Somare whilst in the event failed and or ignored to stand up for his capability when the chances were there. He missed two important political events crosses before him.First, he should

MORATA SWAMP Somare is still in control regardless of the changes, both PM's and DPM's endowed authority resides within him as the political event unfolds to this present times.This leaves me to say that Somare (Jnr) has finally completed his next heir to the thrown strategy by destroying Polye-yet not so powerful but is seen as the next PM. Somare did successfully by demoting first Dr. Marrat and Maladina outside of NA party lines and did likewise within NA party lines to first Bart Philemon, Dr.Puka, first as minister and then as DPM, Pruaitch and Teinsten. Polye was the final blow not so to say at an expense of Somare (Senior) long pending referrals, but Polye is now seen as the sacrificial lamb which neither Polye offers for it nor deserves it that way. Polye was strong but remained loyal to Somare whilst in the event failed and or ignored to stand up for his capability when the chances were there. He missed two important political events crosses before him.First, he sh

OP/ED   Is Somare leading PNG to a Totalitarian State? On the 24 November, the Speaker of Parliament, Jeffery Nape wrote to Bart Philemon, the Deputy Opposition leader and MP for Lae. The subject of the letter was the notice of the No-confidence motion in the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. “The Private Business Committee met today and considered the notice of Motion of No-Confidence submitted. Following its deliberations, the Committee decided that the notice of Motion of No-Confidence was not in order,” the letter stated. Mr Nape went on to explain that even though the procedural requirements under the Standing Orders and Constitution were met, the subsequent withdrawal of four supporting members to the Motion means the requirements under Section 145 (1) (b) of the Constitution were not met. The MPs that withdrew their support were Charles Abel, Powes Parkop, Paru Aihi and Fr John Garia. Mr Philemon gave the notice on the Motion of No-Confidence to the PM on 20 July 2010, in acco

OP/ED   Is Somare leading PNG to a Totalitarian State? On the 24 November, the Speaker of Parliament, Jeffery Nape wrote to Bart Philemon, the Deputy Opposition leader and MP for Lae. The subject of the letter was the notice of the No-confidence motion in the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. “The Private Business Committee met today and considered the notice of Motion of No-Confidence submitted. Following its deliberations, the Committee decided that the notice of Motion of No-Confidence was not in order,” the letter stated. Mr Nape went on to explain that even though the procedural requirements under the Standing Orders and Constitution were met, the subsequent withdrawal of four supporting members to the Motion means the requirements under Section 145 (1) (b) of the Constitution were not met. The MPs that withdrew their support were Charles Abel, Powes Parkop, Paru Aihi and Fr John Garia. Mr Philemon gave the notice on the Motion of No-Confidence to the PM on 20 July 2010

OP/ED The allegations are of a plot it is alleged, by Sir Michael for police to arrest Government critic and Opposition MP Belden Namah. Mr Namah is a former minister in Sir Michael’s Cabinet who left the Government because he was part of an Opposition attempt to move a vote of no confidence in the Government. In a statement last night, Mr Namah (Vanimo/Green River MP) said the order for his arrest was over his criticisms of the government’s handling of high-profile controversies involving senior parliamentarians. Mr Namah said he was “informed” at the weekend of the highly confidential directive for his arrest. He then went on to accuse Sir Michael of using State institutions to silence leaders and citizens who dare to openly criticise the Government. Mr Namah’s allegation is very serious indeed. His allegation follows hot on the heels of activist Noel Anjo’s allegations of the Prime Minister ordering his forceful pick up by police and subsequent alleged assault by the Chief and his w

OP/ED The allegations are of a plot it is alleged, by Sir Michael for police to arrest Government critic and Opposition MP Belden Namah. Mr Namah is a former minister in Sir Michael’s Cabinet who left the Government because he was part of an Opposition attempt to move a vote of no confidence in the Government. In a statement last night, Mr Namah (Vanimo/Green River MP) said the order for his arrest was over his criticisms of the government’s handling of high-profile controversies involving senior parliamentarians. Mr Namah said he was “informed” at the weekend of the highly confidential directive for his arrest. He then went on to accuse Sir Michael of using State institutions to silence leaders and citizens who dare to openly criticise the Government. Mr Namah’s allegation is very serious indeed. His allegation follows hot on the heels of activist Noel Anjo’s allegations of the Prime Minister ordering his forceful pick up by police and subsequent alleged assault by the Chief and h

PNGEXPOSED The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank, has recently published an information sheet about its support for the development of Special Economic Zones in Papua New Guinea. The information sheet concludes with remarks about the proposed Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang. “Is IFC involved with the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone? No” says the information sheet Then, to make it quite clear, it reiterates “IFC has not been involved with any of the arrangements for the PMIZ.” This is a far cry from the information the  IFC was putting out in June 2009 when it confidently declared its SEZ strategy for PNG… will also address the government’s plan to establish the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone promoting investment in onshore processing of regionally caught tuna.  The project made an important step forward yesterday when the PMIZ project’s National Management Committee and Technical Working Group, along with IFC representatives and members of t

PNGEXPOSED The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank, has recently published an information sheet about its support for the development of Special Economic Zones in Papua New Guinea. The information sheet concludes with remarks about the proposed Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang. “Is IFC involved with the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone? No” says the information sheet Then, to make it quite clear, it reiterates “IFC has not been involved with any of the arrangements for the PMIZ.” This is a far cry from the information the  IFC was putting out in June 2009 when it confidently declared its SEZ strategy for PNG… will also address the government’s plan to establish the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone promoting investment in onshore processing of regionally caught tuna.  The project made an important step forward yesterday when the PMIZ project’s National Management Committee and Technical Working Group, along with IFC representatives and members of

PNGEXPOSED British High Commissioner David Dunn  hands over anti-corruption funds in front of NPF fraudster Peter O'Neill The British High Commission in Papua New Guinea has undermined the fight against corruption in the Pacific island nation by sharing an anti-corruption stage with National Provident Fund fraudster Peter O’Neill. British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, David Dunn, said the UK government was pleased to be able to share the stage with Finance Minister O’Neill and endorse his efforts to steal from the people of PNG. Peter O’Neill was implicated in major fraud by the Commission of Inquiry into the National Provident Fund and recommended for prosecution. He now provides concrete advice, best practice and support to more than 100 like minded leaders who have decided to profit from corruption. “Ensuring that the PNG government is un-transparent, unfair and an unequal playing field is critical for the future development of corruption,” said David Dunn. Supporting k

PNGEXPOSED British High Commissioner David Dunn  hands over anti-corruption funds in front of NPF fraudster Peter O'Neill The British High Commission in Papua New Guinea has undermined the fight against corruption in the Pacific island nation by sharing an anti-corruption stage with National Provident Fund fraudster Peter O’Neill. British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, David Dunn, said the UK government was pleased to be able to share the stage with Finance Minister O’Neill and endorse his efforts to steal from the people of PNG. Peter O’Neill was implicated in major fraud by the Commission of Inquiry into the National Provident Fund and recommended for prosecution. He now provides concrete advice, best practice and support to more than 100 like minded leaders who have decided to profit from corruption. “Ensuring that the PNG government is un-transparent, unfair and an unequal playing field is critical for the future development of corruption,” said David Dunn. Sup

PNGExposed Blog While the activities of unscrupulous ‘carbon cowboys’ have attracted much attention in Papua New Guinea over recent years, a confidential proposal shows that the PNG government is itself hoping to carry off the biggest scam of all. The Papua New Guinea government has submitted a proposal to the Norwegians that would see up to US$ 1 billion flow into the corruption riddled Pacific island country. The Somare government came into power in 2002 promising to immediately fast-track 10 large-scale logging projects and soon after threw a World Bank funded forest conservation project out of the country. Since then it has also sanctioned more than 2.5 million hectares of forest clearance for spurious ‘agriculture projects’. But now it is claiming it will change its ways and will bring this forest rape under control – if the Norwegians will just deposit anything between $750 million and $1 billion in its coffers. As we reveal here, the PNG government’s proposal to the Norwegians

PNGExposed Blog While the activities of unscrupulous ‘carbon cowboys’ have attracted much attention in Papua New Guinea over recent years, a confidential proposal shows that the PNG government is itself hoping to carry off the biggest scam of all. The Papua New Guinea government has submitted a proposal to the Norwegians that would see up to US$ 1 billion flow into the corruption riddled Pacific island country. The Somare government came into power in 2002 promising to immediately fast-track 10 large-scale logging projects and soon after threw a World Bank funded forest conservation project out of the country. Since then it has also sanctioned more than 2.5 million hectares of forest clearance for spurious ‘agriculture projects’. But now it is claiming it will change its ways and will bring this forest rape under control – if the Norwegians will just deposit anything between $750 million and $1 billion in its coffers. As we reveal here, the PNG government’s proposal to the Norwegians