A crowd has already built up at the Independence Hill in Port Moresby to receive the body of late Sir Mekere Morauta today. This is the final stage of his 8 day State Funeral where late Sir Mekere will be laid to rest beside Sir William Skate on Independence Hill.

Commander of NCD/CENTRAL Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Junior said a policeman involved in the Waigani Boulevard fatal crash this morning, was immediately arrested and detained by members of the Mobile Squad who were close by and responded to the scene of accident. Mr Wagambie said the policeman was believed to be under the influence of liquor and was driving a ten seater land cruiser allocated to Gordon Police Public Safety Unit, when he rammed into the PMV bus at intersection of the Waigani Boulevard. The Commander said the policeman will be suspended from official duties for criminal and disciplinary charges to be laid immediately immediately. It is now confirmed that one young lady who was on the 25 seater bus has passed away while five others are with serious injuries. OIC Four Mile Traffic, Senior Inspector Joseph Salle who was at the scene of accident to ensure that attendance to the scene and compilation of information is done adequately, stated that preliminary findings are that the Policeman was under the influence of alcohol, speeding and rammed into the PMV bus after the bus had already crossed the interception. This intersection along the Waigani Boulavard, has caused many accidents as the Traffic lights are not working. It is important that drivers slow down, and observe before crossing. Inspector Joseph Salle also confirmed that a previous Police Accident where a CID vehicle was overturned by a drunk policeman has been dealt with. The Policeman has been arrested and charged for various offences and is now before the Court. ACP Wagambie assures the public that this will not go without being punished. ACP Wagambie has directed that the Policeman be kept in Police cell, until he is arrested and charged with suspension served on him. "We have been picking up in performance in the last 12 months, with increased Police response to incidents and trying to bridge the gap between community and Police." "However there are a few who continue to be ill disciplined." "These few like this one will not be given any leniency." "He will be dealt with harshly to ensure that others like him know that they won't get away with it." "Simple, straight forward discipline if followed will ensure nothing goes wrong." "I will make sure that the Discipline process is swift with no delays." A Commissioned Officer who had crashed a vehicle belonging to Waigani Police last year has been terminated from the Constabulary after criminal and discipline process. It is now confirmed that casualties from the accident are : One young female deceased, three adult females critically injured and two children aged about 5 years old and a nine month old baby also in critical condition. Senior Inspector Salle OIC Traffic NCD with accident vehicle on Police Tow Truck . Traffic Police getting details of witnesses

Farewell to a great leader in the brief history of PNG; Many who were familiar with his work and history in politics, described the late Sir Mekere Morauta as a reformist whose intelligence in the work he did will be missed. We spoke to some very close supporters and followers who admired Sir Mek’s leadership and contribution during his active political career. Public Vox of tributes to late Sir Mekere

Minister for Police, Hon. William Gogl Onglo, has condemned the damage to a brand new Police Vehicle donated by the Australian Federal Police overturned on New Year’s Eve, (31st December 2020,) at the Bomana Police College in the National Capital District. The Police Minister said this is the second incident involving an AFP donated vehicle. Minister Onglo expressed frustration over the lack of ownership shown by the members of Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in looking after assets belonging to the Police Force. He said for two brand new AFP donated vehicles to be damaged within a span of six months, is totally unacceptable. “I am furious that we have two brand new AFP donated vehicles damaged by members of the Constabulary.” “These are vital assets that the RPNGC needs to effectively carry out its duties in maintaining law and order in our country.” “The vehicles were presented to us by our Australian counterparts and to have them damaged due to the recklessness of a few police officers, only tarnishes our image and takes us a step back in the Government’s efforts to modernise the Constabulary. “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of the Police officers who have damaged the two vehicles, and categorically state that their actions do not represent the values, ethics and discipline that the RPNGC believes in and abide by.” The Police Minister is urging the rank and file of the Constabulary to be responsible, and take ownership of assets, especially vehicles, that belong to the RPNGC. “We need to ‘STEP UP,” said the Minister. “We need to take full responsibility and ownership of every asset that we own or else we will continue to see more destruction to RPNGC properties and vehicles." "Not only will this negatively impact the work of the RPNGC, but the cost involved in repairing or replacing those assets. The opportunity cost to this is the investment in other urgent and vital requirements of the Constabulary.” Minister Onglo commended the decision of NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Perou N’Dranou, to suspend the officer involved in the incident for 21 days. “I commend the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent for making the touch decision to suspend the police officer involved in the incident. If investigations prove that the officer was under the influence of alcohol, as empty beer bottles were found in the vehicle, the officer must be terminated from the Constabulary.” “I urge the senior police hierarchy including the Provincial Police Commanders, Divisional Commanders, Assistant Commissioners, and the Commissioner of Police, to take this hard-line approach to deter further damage to police vehicles and other assets.” The first accident involving an AFP donated vehicle occurred on August 9th, 2020. The Officer involved in that accident has been terminated.

The Police Minister Hon. William Gogl Onglo has expressed remorse after several passengers of a PMV were critically injured in NCD today (08th January 2021) following an accident involving a hire vehicle allegedly occupied by a Police officer. This was expressed today in a statement from the Police Minister’s Office. The statement said it is claimed the officer was under the influence of alcohol. Minister Onglo said the Acting NCD/Central Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, are currently searching for the officer allegedly involved. He said the officer will face the full brunt of the law if they are found to have caused the accident. “I would like to make it clear that only a few rogue cops are tarnishing the good name and image of the Royal PNG Constabulary.”

Today at 09:16, St John received a 111 phone call for a MVC at Somare Circuit, Waigani. A 25-seater had collided with a 10-seater vehicle with multiple people injured. St John sent a total of six ambulances, two Specialist Paramedics and three Operational Commanders to the incident scene. St John treated and transported 11 injured patients to PMGH, at least 8 of these in serious or critical condition. Some of the injuries amongst patients included serious head injuries, pelvic fractures, spinal and limb fractures. At least one patient had an arterial tourniquet applied by ambulance officers at the scene to stop catastrophic bleeding from his injured arm. An infant was taken to PMGH prior to ambulance arrival and another patient refused transport or assessment. St John Ambulance further commended the security officer who immediately placed an unconscious person into the recovery position (rolling them on their side). This positioning most likely saved the person by keeping their airway open. To the police, security and public who kept the scene safe and stood back – ST John Ambulance extended thanks for giving our ambulance officers space to savim laif. Their message today to the community: “If your PMV has a seatbelt, wear it — it may save your life.” “If your PMV doesn’t have a seatbelt, if possible get on one that does.”

The State Funeral of late Sir Mekere Morauta is expected to begin at 10am this morning at the Sioni Kami Memorial Church in Port Moresby. The funeral will go for 2 hours and is open to members of the public who wish to pay your last respects. The Casket is now prepared to leave Funeral Home for the Sioni Kami Memorial Church. After the funeral concludes at midday, late Sir Mekere will be laid to rest on the Independence Hill. A separate program for the burial ceremony at the Independence Hill will be staged before the casket of late Sir Mekere is laid to rest in the tomb.

Prime Minister James Marape has thanked staff of the Health Department and all stakeholders in the Inter-Agency Taskforce for their work in managing the spread of COVID-19 in the country upon receiving the 2020 COVID-19 Response Preliminary Report. The preliminary report was presented to PM Marape by the Secretary for Health Dr. Osbourne Liko during a briefing with the Inter-agency Taskforce of the National Control Centre (NCC) today.   The full report will be presented to Cabinet for endorsement and presented to Parliament when it resumes in April.   PM Marape told them that the Grace of God had kept the country safe thus far, but Government and the team at the NCC needed to step up with testing and prepare for any eventualities, especially with the mutated strain of the virus spreading across some countries.   Prime Minister urged the team to work together with the West New Britain Provincial Government and the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority to arrest the spread of the virus in the province.   He said the learnings from the response in West New Britain could then be used to prepare other provinces, not only to combat COVID-19, but also other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future.     Prime Minister Marape also urged the team to be wary of complacency, especially in the face of people not following the 'New Normal' guidelines.   Current statistics for PNG are 811 confirmed cases and nine deaths.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has denied claims by Opposition Leader Belden Namah that he controls the National Honours and Awards Council. He said this today in response to a statement by Namah that the Government is “attempting to rort awards for political gain” in the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours. “Namah claims former Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari and myself removed and replaced the entire National Honours and Awards Council in August last year,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Namah even has the audacity to lie to the nation that the list was politicised with illegitimate awards for many politicians, including myself,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is simply not true. We have assembled a new panel for the National Honours and Awards Council, headed by the Chairman of the PNG Council of Churches, to select worthy people. Contrary to the Opposition Leader’s continual disruptive politics, which the nation is already fed up with, we are here to clean up deficiencies in our system – one of which is national awards." “It is also a figment of Belden Namah’s imagination that I have included myself on the list. Those who know me well, of which he is not one, will affirm that I have always said that I will not be conferred any unearned awards." “Let me tell Belden Namah that my name is not on the list.” Prime Minister Marape said the Government was cleaning up the mess that Namah had created in the past when in Government, including the awards system, and illegal logging. “It is quite ironic that in the past, major loggers and business associates whom Namah is familiar with, have been given awards,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, MP, has demanded that independence and respect be restored to the National Honours and Awards Council which the Marape government is now being exposed, attempting to rort awards for political gain. “The Prime Minister has been forced to admit publicly that the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list has been put on hold indefinitely.  This is after the list was politicised with illegitimate awards for many politicians allegedly including himself,” the Leader of the Opposition said. “The truth is that the Papua New Guinea Honours and Awards system has been torn apart by James Marape and Isaac Lupari for the sole purpose of giving out awards as prizes and favours to political cronies. “The Marape government removed and replaced the entire National Honours and Awards Council in August last year and has moved the awards process directly under the control of James Marape and Isaac Lupari, who still remains in the Prime Minister’s Office. “These changes go against the spirit of the specified provisions of the Constitution and the designated Regulation of The Orders of Papua New Guinea, and are an abuse of political power. “Our Nation’s Honours and Awards System was established at Independence to process awards under the Imperial Honours System and expanded by Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare to include our own Honours system, The Orders of Papua New Guinea, on 3rd August 2005. “This system was established between the Government and Her Majesty the Queen, so that in Papua New Guinea we can have both our truly unique National honours, alongside the established Imperial Awards. “It was agreed between our Government and the Palace that all of these honours and awards would be professionally administered and free of political and bureaucratic interference.” Mr. Namah said the Papua New Guinea Honours System is in place to recognise the men and women who make outstanding contributions and achievements to our people and the country and this system is not to be abused by political corruption. “In order for our Honours system to remain neutral, its secretariat must be accommodated at Government House, not under the control of Marape and Lupari. “When the government sacked the entire Honours Council in contravention of the specified provisions of the Regulation of The Orders of Papua New Guinea, this government removed the decades of experience that is essential for properly vetting award nominations. “This continuity of leadership and administration in the National Honours and Awards Council is essential to ensure the system continues to evolve, and that our awards are both recognised and respected in PNG and around the world. “The illegal list that Marape had tried to force through on the 01st of January this year would have no legal standing in PNG or around the world. It would have been a rebuke to every proud and hardworking Papua New Guinean who had legitimately received honours and awards in the past. “Marape is attempting a smoke screen blaming the problem on the Council for not meeting as required to consider the List, but the real problem is his own political opportunism which is to control the process by undermining the independent role of the Council. “There are other rules that Marape and Lupari do not understand. Rules such as; the incumbent Prime Minister cannot be awarded in any Honours List whilst in office.” “GOD SAVE OUR COUNTRY”

Elementary school teacher Rose Katu is very thankful for the construction of a new footbridge near Poma village in the Nasioi Constituency, CentralBougainville. Crossing the Torobau River nearly claimed her life, as well as her sister’s.“We were already in the river making our way slowly to the other side when we arrived mid-stream,” Rose said. “The rapid rise in the flood washed us downstream.” “My sister and I were holding hands so when we were washed downstream,she fortuitously grabbed hold of a bamboo branch growing at the edge of the river, which saved our lives.” The footbridge at Poma is one of a series of new footbridges in Bougainville’s Kieta District that will improve the lives of more than 4,000 people who can now safely reach health facilities, schools, markets and work. The K110,000 project was initiated by the people of Poma village, which isover an hour from Arawa, including a drive and hike through steep terrain. The local community raised more than K8,000, which was then supplemented with support from an Australian Government communitygrant. Women, men and school children from the local ward and inlandcommunities of Darutuei, Kongara and Sipuru regularly access thefootbridges along the “bush highway”. The footbridge project has led to other positive changes in the area. Localcommunities were united behind the project, setting aside past differencesto work together to ensure the project came to fruition. Paramount Chief John Katu said that the project also engaged local youthsin construction and gave them valuable skills and knowledge – includingwelding and carpentry – which will continue to benefit nearby communities. “We are happy that this project has produced young skilled men who areable to apply the skills and knowledge learnt through their involvement with the construction of the footbridges,” he said. The Poma footbridge project crosses over the Torobau and Ku’unang rivers,and its construction was supported by the Australian Government under the Bougainville Partnership Program. There have been more than 60 community projects supported by theAustralia Government through the PNG Aus Partnership to improve thelivelihoods of Bougainvilleans through high-quality infrastructure, economic participation and improved health and wellbeing. Rose Katu survived a flood that nearly took her and her sister.

The Department of Justice & Attorney General this week held a dedication gathering where the staff and management of the Department stood in unity to dedicate the year (2021) to God. While addressing the staff, Attorney General and DJAG Secretary, Dr Eric Kwa, PhD strongly condemned any form of corruption within the Department. “The key to overcoming corruption is knowing, walking and living with God first. When one walks with God then corruption becomes irrelevant and redundant to him or her.” “God’s value is about justice fairness and doing the right things and we as His children must always uphold his principles in our lives,” he said. Dr Kwa said the Department will continue to actively fight against corruption. “Corruption is literally eating into our societies and families and if we don’t do anything to fight this malpractice then the country and the community as a whole suffers,” he said. Also present at the gathering was Reverend Dr Julian Robert Kivori, Snr Resident Pastor of Boroko Baptist Church who was invited to share from God’s Word and do the prayer of dedication for the Staff and Management. Dr Kivori also told the staff that their success this year will be defined by their relationship with God, whether they relate with wickedness or with Godliness. “In everything we do from our personal lives to our professional work; let us all do it for the glory of God because everything we do is for the worship to God himself.” “So may the Lord grant wisdom, grace and the passion to do what is right in your respective offices as you chose to honor that relationship with the Lord and others throughout this year,” he said. Attorney General and Secretary, Dr Eric Kwa, PhD (second from left, seated) andReverend Dr Julian Robert Kivori (third from left, seated) with some of DJAG staff andmanagement who attended the gathering.