In remarks celebrating World Press Freedom Day, Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG), has reiterated its support to media in Papua New Guinea in their shared role to hold those who are in power accountable. At the Inaugural Media Freedom Day Breakfast hosted on Tuesday 3rd May, at the Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby, TIPNG Board Chair Mr Peter Aitsi said, “In democratic countries, often the media becomes a tool for accountability, to keep other institutions such as legislature, executive and judiciary in check. In countries such as Papua New Guinea where governance is weak or lacking, the work of an independent and effective media becomes even more crucial." "Your work as media professionals can have significant positive impact as it can shape community attitudes, influence societal mindsets and inform changes in government policies.” “Transparency International PNG, is very much committed to seeing a professional, capable and independent media industry." "As part of our support we have partnered with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea to host several training workshops and several industry events aimed at reigniting media practitioners." "In 2021, with the support of the European Union we launched the Investigative Journalism Award, aimed at encouraging and rewarding excellence in investigative reporting,” said Mr. Aitsi. TIPNG’s Investigative Journalism Awards are a part of its Promoting Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategies (PAIS) Project funded with support from the European Union. These Awards are targeted at recognizing mainstream media journalists who have successfully adapted investigative approaches to their practice. Entries are open to all PNG journalists in Print and Broadcast Media and the deadline for submissions is 15th July 2022. There are three categories for TIPNG’s Investigative Journalism awards; Investigation into Statutory Appointments and Use of Public Money, Investigation into Separation of Powers, and an Open Category. The Open Category is for entries on; Malpractice Within Law Enforcement Agencies, Political Influence on the Electoral Process, Bribery Cases in the Elections, Governance of Political Parties, Transnational Crimes and Sub-National Level Governance. For more information on how to apply visit the TIPNG website. The Inaugural Media Freedom Day Breakfast was held as a fundraising drive by former Communication Arts students of Divine Word University.

Prime Minister James Marape has called on the Electoral Commissioner to pick Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers from within the Public Service and the Church. He said this while appealing to all PNG Electoral Commission workers to uphold the integrity of the Commission during their processing of the elections. The Prime Minister was speaking today in light of the news of a returning officer’s sentencing by Justice Theresa Berrigan to seven years in jail for “corruptly receiving K184,300 to influence the outcome of the elections for NCD seat in the 2017 general election” as reported in today’s The National. PM Marape said all returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers, counting officials and security personnel must at all times do their jobs and conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity, dignity and decorum from the start to the finish of the National General Elections 2022. “I appeal to them to take their tasks very seriously. This is not about allowances that you are receiving or the possibility of bribery that you might be offered. These is about country first. This is about the important task that you have in protecting the sanctity of the electoral process that the people are given once in every five years, which is their Constitutional right,” said the Prime Minister. “Today’s headline is a reminder that election offence is punishable. We see one former returning officer being jailed for seven years. “Under my watch, I intend to support and promote the integrity of the elections and their processes. My Government is making the money available to support a free and fair elections. We want the 2022 NGE to be safe and fair. “We have invited Transparency International and observers into the steering committee for the election planning and so everyone is aware of the prevailing circumstances in which the election is held right around the country. “I am recommending strongly to the Electoral Commissioner to pick good people for the positions of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers to be public servants and church workers. “Church workers are accountable to God and the public servants are accountable to the Government.” The Prime Minister said many election-related petitions do end up in the Court of Disputed Returns and so those engaging in unscrupulous activities do stand a higher chance of getting caught and punished. “It is time we eliminate this from the system and allow our people to cast their vote for the leader of their choice. It is their Constitutional right and it is the Electoral Commission’s duty to ensure that this right is translated into a vote. “Hold yourself in good standing as we support the Electoral Commissioner deliver a safe and fair elections for 2022,” said the Prime Minister.

An elderly woman who was tortured over sorcery related allegations last month at Ramalmal village on the North Coast Road of East New Britain Province was released from Nonga Base General Hospital yesterday after being admitted there last month. East New Britain Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Tabali told PNGHausbung that the woman sustained severe burns to her right leg and other parts of her body after she was interrogated by villagers. “The woman was taken back to the village by police and is under the care of her relatives at this time,” Mr Tabali said. “She is under shock and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) officers have given her time to recover before she can be interviewed.” “Police have been assured of her safety by the villagers and will pursue investigations to have the perpetrators arrested by next week.” Mr Tabali said this type of attack in the province is rare and the perpetrators involved with be dealt with by the law.

With over 300 special needs students, the Mt Sion Center for the Blind appreciates all the assistance it can get. Located outside Goroka along the Okuk Highway, the centre which comes under the Network of Callan Services is a recently added donation partner of Trukai Industries Limited. The company has over the last year come on board to assist the organization with 100kg of rice to help facilitate the feeding needs of its students as well as the teachers and the community based rehabilitation officers. Principal for Mt Sion, Justin Wagame expressed his thanks to Trukai and mentioned that the rice donation was also used during their outreach programs which catered to an excess of 700 people living with disabilities (PLWDs). “The rice donation caters to all members of the centre but it comes in handy when the community based rehabilitation officers visit our site for their weekly briefing sessions,” he said. Trukai’s CEO, Alan Preston, outlined that the centre was an example of the type of organization they supported through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program under the TruCare brand. “Trukai is all about community based initiatives that caters to marginalized groups of people, Mt Sion Centre for the Blind with its holistic and educational based projects is a shining example of this,” he said. Trukai also supports the Cheshire Home in Port Moresby that caters to People living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and has been doing so for more than fifteen years. With over a tonne of rice donated to date, Mr Preston added that the company is excited to continue this support to such an organization that represents PLWDs in the community.

Deputy Commissioner Operations Anton Billie last week launched the Gulf province’s pre-election security operations. Present at the launch were the Acting Provincial Administrator Emmanuel Xaviel, Provincial Manager Gulf Election Manager Poevare Tore, Members of the Provincial Election Steering Committee; Members of the Gulf Provincial Government, Acting Southern Divisional Commander CIP Patrick Billy, Gulf Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Jeffrey Lemb; and members of the Kerema Town Business Community and people. Mr Billie said the Pre-Election Operation launching parade is usually held to signify the Police show of strength and its readiness to deliver the security overlay for the National General Election. Mr Billie said the people of Gulf and PNG will go into the 2022 National General Election polls this year to vote for leaders for the 11th National Parliament. He said every Papua New Guinean of voting age is expected to make a vote that will determine their future. He told the Gulf people to vote wisely and elect their leaders without expecting any personal benefits or rewards in return. “For far too long greed and corruption has taken precedence over the people and the adverse effects are faced by you and I daily. We cannot blame anyone; leaders are only chosen by the people and we are partly to be blamed. “The 2022 National General Election presents us the opportunity to decide where we will be in the next five years. We just came out from the COVID-19 pandemic and are experiencing the rising cost of living. I’m urging every citizen of the Gulf Province to take ownership of this election and work with the police to deliver a free, fair and safe 2022 National General Election in a few months’ time. “I call upon every member of the security forces in Gulf Province to do your job with honesty and sincerity. Do not take bribes. Do not allow illegal activities to take place. You have a duty first to your people to do the right thing,” Mr Billie said. Mr Billie said all Commanders and the rank and file of the Constabulary are directed to take note of the following Commissioner’s instructions for the 2022 National General Election and include: · All Police personals engaged in various Government Ministers and MP’s providing close protection duties are to cease once the writs are issued; · There should not be any more police attachment to companies, business houses or private escorts, etc.; · Very Important Point – There should not be any police affiliations to MPs, intending candidates or political parties; · Anyone seen doing escorts or providing security for intending candidates or political parties will be dealt with seriously; and: · All Commanders are required or advised to take lead and show your leadership capabilities by encouraging clean campaigning and discouraging all illegal activities. Mr Billie said the Gulf province is a resource rich province with the potential for cash crops such as copra, cocoa, and coffee in the hinterlands, sago and betelnut. Roads, bridges, jetties and wharfs need to be built to connect these fertile lands. “Now is the time to take the lead in nation building. Gulf should proudly take its place as a leader among leaders and show the country what it has to offer in the country’s development and progress. Gulf people led the country in nation building in the colonial and formative years of our young country PNG. The Gulf province provided the educated elites, trade specialists and labour in the country to set the foundation in the history of PNG. “I am urging all stakeholders in Gulf Province including business houses and the Provincial Government Authorities to assist the Police and the Electoral Commission to deliver a free, fair and safe election 2022.” Deputy Commissioner Billie concluded that law and order and the success of this election 2022 should be everyone’s concern and that all should contribute towards keeping peace before, during and after the election.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) repatriated to Western Province 34 students studying in East New Britain on Thursday April 28, after clashes erupted between students at the Kokopo Business College and Ulagunan settlers earlier in the week. The students were caught in the middle of a war zone and forced to seek refuge at the Takubar Isolation Centre before being repatriated. The 34 students are from Tabubil, Kiunga, and Daru in Western Province, and Oksapmin and Telefomin in the Sandaun Province. Hannah Hagoba, a first-year Business Studies student said it was a frightening experience for them as they were forced out of the school for their own safety. “As we boarded the OTML Charter, I felt a sense of relief knowing we were okay now,’ she said. OTML came to the rescue of the students after it received a request from the students’ parents to assist repatriate the students, who were living outside the school premises since Monday April 25. Speaking on behalf of the parents, outgoing Deputy Principal-Administration of the Tabubil Secondary School, Ronald Samek, who is a parent of one of the students attending the college thanked OTML for its assistance. “I am very grateful that OTML responded positively and swiftly,” said Mr Samek. OTML Deputy CEO and General Manager Community and Operations Support, Kedi Ilimbit, said, “OTML responded immediately to repatriate the students given the dire situation they were in of being forced to leave the school out of fear. It is also a parent’s worst nightmare not knowing if your child is safe during a tense and volatile situation. “The students are the next generation of human resources for Western Province and the country and we are happy to contribute in one way or another to ensuring their safe return back to their homes.” The clash between students and Ulagunan villagers erupted following the murder of a Western Highlands man in Kokopo last week allegedly by youths from Ulagunan. According to media reports, opportunists took advantage of the tense situation, entered the college armed with homemade guns, knives and other weapons and robbed students. A clash ensued which resulted in two of the opportunists killed and four students sustaining serious injuries.

Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby reopened its doors to guests on the 1st of May, 2022. The perfect base to get business done while in Port Moresby or start a PNG adventure, the hotel closed operations on April 16, 2020 following the first travel border closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the hotel remained closed for sale from 2020, a number of rooms were utilised as overflow from the Holiday Inn & Suites, in 2021. Two years on and this smart hotel choice for the business and leisure traveller reopens offering all the essentials of a great hotel at exceptional value. “A Holiday Inn Express guest is a savvy traveller that expects value, we extend free breakfast and free Wi-Fi with our rates,” says Mauro Leone, Area General Manager, IHG PNG. ”Considering the high cost of connectivity in Papua New Guinea, this sets the brand apart from the competition,” he continues. Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby offers a choice of modern queen and twin rooms and 2 wheelchair accessible rooms, as well as free on-site undercover parking and a complimentary shuttle bus to the city’s Jacksons International Airport only 6 minutes away. Located within a secure green oasis in the heart of central Waigani, Holiday Inn Express shares vicinity with Holiday Inn & Suites. Between the two hotels within the precinct they offer a variety of modern facilities, including a fully equipped gym with two squash courts, external basketball court and a walking track for guests. In celebration of this reopening, the hotel offers an unbeatable room rate to the domestic tourism market, of K399 +GST inclusive of free Wi-Fi, breakfast for two adults in Kopi Haus Restaurant and accommodation in a standard room for the month of May. Experience Holiday Inn Express Port Moresby again and book now, on reservations.holidayinn&suites@ihg.com or +675 303-2000.

A candidate contesting the NCD Governors seat in the 2017 National General Elections has expressed frustrations over a front page story article published today by a daily newspaper stating him of allegedly being directly involved in an election bribery case. The article by The National on the sentencing of former NCD Elections Manager Terence Hetinu to seven years in jail by the National Court stated Michael Kandiu corruptly giving Mr Hetinu K184, 300 to secure his election. The matter went through a lengthy court process before the sentencing last Friday. Mr Kandiu said in the court judgement copy, there was not a mention of Hetinu receiving the money from him nor him giving the money to Hetinu. “I was not arrested or charged with any offense and I was a State witness in the very case,” Mr Kandiu said. “What the judgement indicated was that the Election Manager received money to secure my elections.” He said he had sought legal advice from his lawyers and will sue The National for tarnishing his reputation on the eve of a National General Election period. He, however said he had written to newspaper’s editorial to run an apology article tomorrow on the alleged misinterpretation of the story and for the damages this has caused on his reputation.

Remote workers feel isolated from the main workforce and have weak relationship with fellow colleagues who work in-house. To fill this gap in trust and inclusion, the National Capital District Commission’s Human Resource Division has initiated a team building activity with its remote employees (who work on sites outside the City Hall). Last Friday (April 29th, 2022) HR Manager, Jim Bailey led his team to the Baruni Landfill. They shared relevant information on the personal benefits and had meaningful interactions with the dump attendants. Mr Bailey said the initiative was the first of its kind, adding similar sessions will be conducted with remote workers serving the Vector Control, Cemetery, Works, Parks and Gardens. “The main motive behind organizing such event is team building and most importantly, to feel the working environment and make them feel included in all other benefits others enjoy,” Bailey said. He said some of the toughest environment needs a different way of thinking, training and innovative problem-solving. “Therefore, our Human Resource Division has come up with this idea to at least share ideas and explain how to go about accessing basic benefits like leave entitlements, insurance covers, retirements and risk allowance. “Such official but informal gathering brings everybody together as peers working together for the Commission, that’s important. We all need to bond, know each other personally, and connect at a different level. Payroll Coordinator, Malaga Aria, who was also part of the team, shared key information on how to raise their queries on the payroll system and non-payment of allowances.

PNG Police Commissioner David Manning has called on fellow Papua New Guineans as the country prepares to go to the polls to treat the delayed National General Elections in June this year as a very important period to vote national leaders who will represent us in the 11th National Parliament. "This is a very important period for the 11 million-plus people of PNG as the power, which is held in trust by our leaders for five years, is given back to us again. We are given the opportunity to decide who we give the power to lead us for the next five years." He said every Papua New Guinean of voting age is expected to make a vote that will determine their future. He challenged voters to vote wisely and elect leaders without expecting any personal benefits or rewards in return. "To those who are contesting and your supporters, please refrain from violence. Do not bribe your voters. Do not threaten them. Your leadership qualities start now during the campaign and polling period. It does not start when you are elected into office." "The police force and our sister security forces stand between right and wrong. We are duty-bound to provide the environment where our people can exercise their rights, responsibly, wisely and without fear or favour, threats and intimidation." Commissioner Manning said we can only do so much because of our limitations. He has appealed to the people of PNG to come together and stand united with us as one; to take ownership of this election. Help us deliver a free, fair and safe national general election. "Every member of the security forces, whether police, Defence, or Correctional Services, have a very huge responsibility to do their job honestly and without fear or favour. Do not take bribes. Do not allow illegal activities to take place. You have a duty first to your people to do the right thing." He reiterated the that Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. He said you are not just good men and women, you are much more. HE told members of the security forces that they have been given all the powers of the land and blessed by our almighty God to protect and serve our people. "The future of PNG is in your hands. Give our people the confidence, safety and security they deserve so that they can confidently and without fear or favour vote in the leaders of their choice. When good leaders are in office the nation will rejoice and be blessed." "Our challenges for the 2022 National General Elections are not only the people. We will be challenged by the weather as well as the terrain as we have experienced in previous elections. Conducting security operations in PNG has always been a major challenge but we have always managed to deliver peaceful, free, fair and safe national general elections over the years." "I am confident that this election will be no different."

Incumbent president of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Anthony Smaré retained his position as President at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting. Mr Smaré was re-elected unopposed in the Chambers 34th Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 28th of April at the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby. Mr Smaré in 2021 had become the Mining, Oil and Gas industry’s first non-affiliated president, and independent of all the member companies that make up the Chamber’s membership. Mr Richard Kassman of TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited retained his position as Senior Vice President, with Mr Philip Samar of K92 Mining Limited joins the Council as Vice President. Council members for the year 2022 include John Lewins (K92), Albert Kaupa Tobe (Ramu-Nico, MCC), Kepas Wali (Harmony Gold), Stanley Komunt (Newcrest Limited), Hitesh Lal (ExxonMobil PNG), Tim Richards (GeoPacific Resource), Mark McMonagle (Sun Engineering), Andrew Harris (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu). At the AGM, which was attended by representative of member companies in person and via video conference from all of the world, Mr Smaré recounted the work that the chamber and industry had done over the past 12 months, highlighting in particular the significant work that the industry did in managing the covid pandemic so that it did not disrupt important resource operations that the economy required, but also in supporting covid responses in their remote communities and providing invaluable assistance to the national government’s covid management and resourcing activities. Mr Smaré also acknowledged the work that the chamber and industry had done in continuing positive engagement with the National Government and stakeholders on policy reform and implementation. Mr Smaré also thanked the outgoing councillor’s Mr John Chambers (Santos), Mr Johannes Van Heerdan (Harmony) and Mr Craig Jones (Newcrest) for their contributions as councilors. He also thanked outgoing Senior Vice President Mr Leon Buskens for his stellar service and leadership, but reiterated that he hopes to see Mr Buskens, as a senior Papua New Guinean leader in the industry, take up another leadership position in the Council later this year.

Students from Madang Province attending the Kokopo Business College in East New Britain Province are calling on the Madang Provincial Government to help assist in their repatriation out of the province. Madang Student Association President Mr Solomon Garimuk said they have sent out request to the provincial administration in Madang mid last week but are still waiting for a positive response. He said a total of 27 students consisting of 18 males and 9 females are now taking refuge at the new Covid-19 Isolation Centre with other students from the other provinces who are stranded as well. “It’s a sad sight to see other provincial administrations helping out with the repatriation of their fellow students from those provinces while our cries are still not attended to,” Mr Garimuk said. Meanwhile the office of the Madang Provincial Administrator advised this newsroom that they have received the request from the students and are working on the plan to assist in the repatriation. The office has said the acting Provincial Administrator Clement Tare and his Executive Officer are out of the province at this time but will arrive today to finalize the repatriation plan.