PNG Haus Bung

Nestled in the National Capital District (NCD), yet minutes’ drive off the City of  Port Moresby is a primary school, Bomana Primary School. You can see hoary infrastructure, but nothing was going to stop the enthusiasm of happy children and teachers who were keen to launch their newly established double classroom funded by Bank South Pacific (BSP) through the bank’s annual community project initiative, which was delivered by BSP Gordons Premium Branch. The school that serves the surrounding community of Bomana and 9-mile was abuzz for the momentous occasion that occurred after a long time. That is no small feat when you consider the challenges the school faces every day.  Over the recent years, the school experienced several challenges in terms of the conditions of existing classroom infrastructures. There has always been an increase in the number of students enrolled each year, resulting in overcrowding in classrooms, which makes learning and teaching ineffective. “We currently have close to 2,000 students with a few classes having up to 70 to 80 students in a class. We tried to build two more classrooms to accommodate, especially for our grade 3 students but we were unable to complete the double classroom that stood idle since 2017,” said Bomana Primary School Head Teacher Maryanne Ari. “With this newly refurbished double classroom, we really appreciate the assistance from BSP as we anticipate a good start for us next year in 2021. The new classroom facilities will definitely ease the problem of overcrowding and will provide conducive learning environment for our children,” Ms Ari added. BSP Gordons Premium Branch Manager Antonia Dru overwhelmed by the warm welcome from teachers and students during the handover said, “My team and I had planned and decided to deliver our community project for this year to another community. However, at the selection level, this school was chosen for my team to assist. I am thankful we have assisted this school instead, at the look of  the completed classroom and the smiles on the children’s faces show how much this assistance is appreciated.”  “I believe that this project will promote quality education for this community, and on behalf of the bank, I would like to take this opportunity to say that we are pleased to contribute to the development of our communities and of our young elites, ” said Ms Dru. “Now the classroom building is yours. Please remember that from now on, it is your responsibility to take good care of it. I hope it will be maintained so that the project will benefit a large number of students for many years to come,” she added. This year, the bank is conveying Digital Inclusion and refurbishing of specialised classrooms to schools and institutions.  Since 2009, BSP has delivered over 500 Community Projects in PNG and in countries that we operate in to the value of over K11m. The bank continues to do so this year equipping our communities with Hand Wash Stations - Installation Hand Wash Stations, medical equipment for hospitals and equipment schools with Computers and accessories. Each of our Community Project is worth K30, 000 and this year, we are delivering 46 projects in PNG plus over 100 wash stations to respective communities in response to Covid-19. From the 46 proposed community projects, 25 have been completed and handed over to the respective communities whilst 21 are yet to be handed over.

The Port Moresby Nature Park in partnership with major sponsor, Moni Plus Limited is hosting its inaugural Moni Plus Christmas in the Park program at the park grounds in Port Moresby. As part of its Christmas program, the Port Moresby Nature Park hosted its first weekend of activities on the 6th and 7th of December. The Christmas activities will continue to run though this weekend and end on the 20th of December. “It’s a fun filled day where families can come and celebrate Christmas in the park,” said Godwin Eki, Communications Coordinator of Port Moresby Nature Park. “You’ll see some set up areas like Santa’s meet and greet pop up house.” “We’ve also got candy shops and a few other areas where people can hang out and have fun.” “While you’re in the park, you’ll have access to watching the birds and other animals as well.” There will also be dance groups and acrobatic performances by Active City Development Program organized by NCDC who are major sponsors of the Port Moresby Nature Park. “We’re just encouraging the public to come along and enjoy the Christmas in the Park.” “Come visit our Christmas Wonderland. There’s so many fun filled activities to enjoy.”

Deputy Speaker Hon Koni Iguan has welcomed the five-bench Supreme Court decision affirming all his rulings in Parliament on Friday, 13th of November 2020. "I want to thank people of PNG for their prayers. And I am looking forward to work with the Speaker to do as the Supreme Court has ruled," said Mr Iguan. 'I want to appeal to leaders on both sides of Parliament to respect the rule of law and meet on 14th of December 2020 to sort out all these matters and set a way forward for our people and our country," a relieved Mr Iguan said. "I shed tears of joy today when I received the judgement because my rulings as Acting Speaker were done first with advice from the Clerk of Parliament and his team; and without fear or favour. "I was very much aware that the chair I was on as acting Speaker was that of the Supreme Democratic institution of Papua New Guinea," said Mr Iguan, Markham MP. "It is my motivation to serve my people of Markham and any State and Constitutional Office in our country with distinction and integrity - leaving a positive and enduring legacy for future generations of our beloved country. "I had to stay above and out-of-reach of my own party politics and even coalition partnership politics on the floor against the Government-of-the-dayin making rulings as the chair had to be impartial and its integrity protected," said Deputy Speaker Iguan. "As I said, even after session on Friday, 13th November, I double-checked with Clerk of Parliament that my rulings as acting Chair were in order. I was assured they were. "I also briefed Speaker Hon Job Pomat upon his return from Manus that afternoon on what had transpired on the floor and my rulings as acting Chair. "I was surprised by his decision to recall Parliament. But all that is now history as the Supreme Court has ruled - affirming my own rulings as acting Speaker in that day." The Supreme Court on 9th December 2020 ruled that:1. The sitting of parliament on 13 November 2020, chaired by acting Speaker Iguan, is constitutional.2. Speaker Job Pomat's decision of 16th November 2020 to unilaterally recall parliament is unconstitutional.3. Parliament's sitting of 17th November 2020 chaired by Speaker Pomat is unconstitutional.4. Budget passed on 17th November 2020 with the Appropriation Bills chaired by Speaker Pomat are declared void and of no effect hence unconstitutional.5. Adjournment of Parliament from 17th November 2020 to 20th April 2021 chaired by Speaker Pomat is unconstitutional6. Removal of private business committee on 17th November 2020 is illegal, void and unconstitutional implying the changes and composition effected on Friday, 13th November 2020 by 56 MPs stands; and7. Speaker is to call Parliament to convene on 14 Dec 2020 at 10am.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on all Papua New Guineans to accept today’s Supreme Court ruling in favor of Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill. He also asserted that there was no vacancy for the position of Prime Minister he was holding. Prime Minister Marape said this immediately after today’s Supreme Court ruling. “Today, our Supreme Court made its ruling on the matter Hon. Peter  O’Neill filed,” he said. “I appeal to our citizens to respect the ruling of the High Court of our country in favor of Hon. O’Neill’s Supreme Court reference. “Our country’s judiciary is the better arm of government - a fair place where any aggrieved person or parties can seek redress.   “Let us protect our judiciary and refrain from unnecessarily making our own interpretations and inferences on our judiciary. “Let us all continue to protect and respect our judiciary.” Prime Minister Marape said every leader and political party had the right to bid for prime ministership “and this play in parliament is nothing but a bid for someone to be PM”. “In fact, over the last 18 months,  I have been managing politics and the associated court cases that were running until this political upheaval,” he said. “Despite the unsettling political climate, there is no vacancy in the Office of Prime Minister. “The Executive Government is in place doing its work until proper parliamentary processes affirm or denounce my Prime Ministership.” Prime Minister Marape appealed to all citizens, public servants and business houses not to get caught up in the current political fiasco. “ Let politicians manage politics,” he said. “To my colleagues in Opposition: I appreciate your right to be in Government and when the time is set, we will test the numbers on the floor of Parliament. “I am not going to resign just because one or two Opposition politicians have called on me to do so. “There are no grounds for that. “You (Opposition) claim you have the majority, please produce that majority on the floor of Parliament where it matters most and not in locked-up hotels. “In the meantime, I am blessed in my life to have 55 Members of Parliament who continue to give me their personal and people’s support. “These 55 MPs and other leaders I know, are leaders whose souls cannot be bought or sold “I am proud to associate myself with this class of leaders. “So bring your vote-of-no -confidence motion on, name our country’s alternate PM and let’s go on dealing with this matter, so our people can see who is our alternative PM. “At least the country deserves to know who is the alternate PM. “Why keep it a secret,  even from your own 55 Members of Parliament.” Prime Minister Marape appealed to all Papua New Guineans to refrain from personal attacks on politicians. “To our people, please refrain from personalising politics of politicians,” he said. “Let’s maintain calm and peace right around our country. “Prime Ministership is not my birthright, we will go through the correct process. “In the meantime, let’s allow our courts and Parliament to do their functions and you citizens) can do yours in 2022 when the country goes to general elections.

The Supreme Court has ordered that parliament must reconvene its November sitting next Monday 14th December 2020 and has declared all proceedings of the November 17 sitting unconstitutional and invalid. These includes the passage of the 2021 budget by government MP’s and the adjournment of parliament until April 20, 2021. The high court’s decision was unanimously in favour of the Opposition challenging the legal standing in the November 17 sitting of parliament which was recalled by the Speaker Job Pomat overruling an earlier decision by Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan to adjourn parliament to December 01. The court also declared that the parliament sitting of 13th November and the decisions made in the sitting to adjourn parliament to December 01 are constitutional, valid and effective.   The decision for parliament to reconvene next Monday has signalled more uncertainty in the political crisis with more lobbying in both the Loloata and Crown Hotel camps ahead of the Monday sitting for a possible motion of No Confidence in the leadership of PM James Marape. Outside of the Waigani courthouse, Opposition leader Belden Namah told reporters his camp was ready and looking forward to the sitting on Monday. “We welcome the decision today by the Supreme Court. We are ready for 14th December to go into parliament.” Mr Namah called on Speaker Job Pomat to “do the right thing” and recall parliament. He said decision of the court was clear and the orders were given accordingly that parliament be recalled at 10am on Monday. “As far as team Vanimo camped at the Crown Hotel is concerned, we are ready to deliver the government to the people of Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Namah. Heavy police presence manning entry points to the National Court premises

The Supreme Court today unanimously declared the 2021 budget unconstitutional, invalid and therefore ineffective. The court was in favor of applicant Peter O'Neill's application to declare the November 17th recall of parliament and other business. Thus have ordered Parliament to reconvene on Monday 14th December to continue the November sitting. Details on the Legend FM/ Yumi FM and Nau FM News at 12pm and 1pm today. For more on this story, log onto our website pnghausbung.com and follow our Facebook page.

Mt Hagen, WHP; Wednesday 9th December; Building of safer toilets with tippy taps is vital for rural communities to be healthy and safe from harmful sicknesses. A community leader John Dupi from Pupral in Western Highlands Province emphasized this when referring to his newly built toilet with a tippy tap that was built with help through the European Union-UNICEF PNG Government WASH Project. “In the past, we didn’t know to build safer and proper toilets even-though we had all the necessary bush materials to build toilets, we thought defecating in the bushes was better,” “even handwashing was not a concern for us, we did not know that this was contributing to our sicknesses through the flies that sit on the feces and contaminate our food resulting in sickness,” Dupi stressed. Dupi said, however, through the EU_UNICEF PNG Government WASH Project and it’s implementing partners continues awareness in our community, we learn t about the impacts of our actions. “Now my son knows the importance of hand wash, sickness does not affect my wife and we don’t have to travel distance for medical assistance constantly’, he said. “I thank the European Union and UNICEF for this vital project that is changing communities and lives. I also encourage other communities in the province to build proper toilets and safer toilets like what my community has done, “ he added. Dupi’s community, Pupral was recently certified as self-declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the WASH project implementing partners Care International PNG. Dupi’s household is among over 30 households with 169 community members that each have a safer toilet and tippy taps. Pupral is one of the communities among 200 others in the Hagen Central district to be certified as self-declared ODF.

Prop forward Thomas Flegler has committed to the Brisbane Broncos for another two seasons. The 21-year-old from Innisfail has extended his current deal with Brisbane to the end of the 2023 season, turning down interest from other NRL clubs. A Tully Tiger as a junior, Flegler has played 36 NRL games since making his debut in Round 1, 2019 against the Melbourne Storm. He made 13 appearances last season before a season-ending shoulder injury against Canberra in Round 14, which required Laterjet surgery. Flegler said: “I’ve been really happy at the Broncos and I like Brisbane so it was a pretty easy decision. “It’s been really good to be back around the boys, with all new staff and it being a fresh start, getting back into things has been great. “I think what we went through last year, we are excited to play and start winning games and get back into that rhythm again – we have started on a fresh note and the feeling around the club is really good. “With my shoulder, it’s been a bit over three months now, so it’s a progression thing and I’m doing a heap of running now to get the body back into shape. “I’ll definitely be back for Round 1 but it’s just a matter of taking things step by step at the moment.” Source: NRL.com

The Flying Fijians are set to play the All Blacks next year in what would be their first test against the three-time world champions in a decade. Fiji have played New Zealand nine previous occasions, including five tests, the last of which was a 60-14 defeat in the last ever test at Carisbrook in Dunedin in 2011. Fiji Rugby chief executive John O'Connor said they were also in talks to host Ireland during the July test window, when the British and Irish Lions were scheduled to be in South Africa. "I think next year we have the All Blacks so we will look forward to preparing for that and [hosting] Ireland and hopefully we have that vaccine and the test schedule for next year continues as per plan." The Flying Fijians have played four tests against the Irish, including a narrow a 23-20 defeat in Dublin three years ago. "We're also having discussions with some of the Northern Hemisphere teams that will be coming down and are a possibility to fill in the gaps that are available to play them." The 2020 Pacific Nations Cup was scrapped as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with Manu Samoa and the 'Ikale Tahi not having kicked a ball since the the 2019 World Cup in Japan. O'Connor said it remained unclear whether the normally annual event would be able to return next year. "I'm really not sure because of Covid-19. "Usually there is always plans for the Pacific Nations Cup but Tonga and Samoa have not qualified for the World Cup and I'm not sure what the plans are for that qualification." Fiji completed a disrupted Northern Hemisphere tour at the weekend with a 38-24 victory over Georgia, after their first three Autumn Nations Cup tests were cancelled following a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad. Source: RNZ NEWS

Theonila Tantenani Roka Matbob proudly carries the name of her latefather, John Roka, who was lost to her family nearly 30 years ago during theBougainville crisis. Originally from West New Britain, in 1977 John married his Panguna-bornwife Therese in Arawa. They raised their family in Central Bougainville – the only place John truly considered home. John was a man of family, church and community. He understood theimportance of building communities and was an active participant in doingso throughout his life. From left to right: Daniel Nari, Secretary and Technical Specialist; Nathan Matbob, Counsellor and Teacher; and Theonila Matbob, Counsellor & Teacher. As well as her father’s name, Theonila possesses the same community mindedness – a trait she has coupled to great effect with expertise and knowledge gained with a degree in social and religious studies. Theonila – the recently elected member for Ioro and education minister inthe Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) – completed her final yearof studies in Madang in 2013 and commenced initial discussions with herfamily and in-laws to build the early childhood learning centre. The first classroom was constructed and the centre fittingly named JohnRoka Memorial School in honour of her late father. In 2014, Theonila returned home – degree in hand – and joined her sisters Jessica and Dolorose to continue work at the centre. She soon saw the potential to offer a wider range of services to support local people, many of whom – like the Roka family – also suffered loss and trauma because of the crisis. “The tragic death of my father left my family in a traumatic situation,”Theonila said. “Seeing my Mother’s suffering challenged me to use counselling methods I learned during my student days at university.” In 2019, the institution relaunched as the John Roka Memorial School andChild Counselling Centre with an expanded remit that included familycounselling services. In many ways it was materialisation of Theonila’s desire to address the needs of those impacted by the Bougainville crisis – including herself and her family. “If I can achieve the desired outcomes, then I can go beyond my family andcommunity circle as a counsellor and help others as well.” “Help goes beyond just a classroom education. That’s why I had to take thispath to help my people and help them to find opportunities amid the day today issues we face.” A key part of the expansion was construction of a new 3-in-1 communitydevelopment hub – an initiative made possible with a grant worth more than K80,000 combined with an investment of nearly K6,000 by the centre. The grant was supported by the Autonomous Bougainville Government(ABG) and the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia throughthe Bougainville Partnership Program. It was one of 60 grants awarded to empower local associations to improvelivelihoods, community cohesion, and health and wellbeing. The new infrastructure provides a safe space and functional environment for the centre’s additional community development activities. It replaced a thatched-roof structure where 15 students first started attending classes back in 2014. Counselling services are available to children, youths and adults exposed toa range of traumas, including physical and sexual abuse, parental conflictand underage marriage. In addition to counselling and the continuation of early childhood education, the centre now offers adult literacy classes and generates additional funds by hosting meetings and workshops. The centre now has three times as many students in preparatory, level oneand level two (those 5-8 years old or with learning difficulties) as when it began, and staff have noticed that they have shown a greater interest inlearning and improved attendance. This change is starting to yield results and in the 2020 national grade eightexaminations, one of the school’s students scored 135 out of 150 – thehighest in Paguna District. Theonila said she was encouraged by the level of engagement and wants todo more to bring back the spirit of unity, trust and cooperation. “When children go home with confidence it gives hope to the parents thatthe future of the place will one day change positively,” she said. “Training youths and adults who missed out on education and have nowbecome parents is another positive achievement.” This has been made possible in part due to effective and efficientcoordination, which was reinforced through Bougainville Partnership supported training on leadership, governance and financial management. The community has taken ownership of the project and more than 350 localpeople support the centre through the Village Council of Clans, and there isa culture of contribution. A local electrician secured pipes from local shops and houses in exchangefor electrical wiring work, which were used to complete the water supply tothe ablution block and enabled the project to meet its scheduled completiondate. When they’re not teaching or counselling, the centre’s staff grow vegetablesand raise poultry to generate funds to maintain the school, while studentsget involved and learn about livelihood activities. Other local people lend a hand with maintenance and catering forworkshops held at the centre. Teachers reported the overall confidence and morale of the students has grown, and community support has also improved because of the project. Over 100 primary school teachers attended two in-service trainings inphonics and teacher-to-child relations in a post-conflict setting trainings atthe centre. Sustainability is a priority and staffing requirements are being addressedthrough the adult literacy program, with four women currently beingmentored to one day teach at the centre. “They will be trained to be teachers and counsellors so they will work at thecentre in years to come,” Theonila said. “Our primary role is to provide sound foundation education to our youngchildren. In that way we contribute to the development of promising human resources for our community’s future.” The spirit of community is at the foundation of everything the centrepursues and achieves – that is perhaps the ultimate tribute to John Roka. John Roka School and Child Counselling Centre. The new three-in-one John Roka School and Child Counselling Centre

The Lae Biscuit Company sponsored Snax 9s has become a growing annual event in the Papua New Guinea rugby league calendar attracting a massive 28 teams so far for the 2020 challenge. The confirmed teams participating will be announced early next week for the 4-days 2020 Snax 9s challenge set for 17th -20th December 2020 at the Lae Rugby League oval, Morobe province. Since the first tournament in 2014, 2020 marks 7 years in running of the Snax 9s which is the primary selection avenue for the three times Digicel Cup champion and 2020 Runner Up, the Lae Snax Tigers. The growth of the Snax 9s has become a household tournament in PNG thus every year has seen increased participation. Tournament Director Steven Malum said while they try their best to include everyone with the main aim being all about the formation of the Tigers team, maintaining a balance of participation results in better quality of talents showcased. Malum said hosted in Lae being the corridor to the highlands and the Island region as well the rest of PNG the Snax 9s has been able to cater for a larger interest of PNG as a whole. Malum said Snax 9s has grown from a 16 teams inaugural challenge to now reaching 28 teams and climbing. ‘’The participation increased from 16 teams in 2014 then 20, 24 and now 28 thereafter,’’ Malum said. Malum said apart from the core aim that is all about the Tigers make up is the opportunity for other franchises to scout players as well the growing avenue for the upcoming generation of rugby league to showcase. ‘’We want to be fair and give the opportunity to other franchises as well to participate and scout potential players,’’ Malum said. Malum said most importantly as well is the strict adherence to discipline throughout the tournament like previous years. He said on the other hand Covid-19 cancelled local seasons nationwide and the Snax 9s is aware of this thus brought together the rugby community to remain positive looking forward to a new normal lifestyle next year (2021) and years to come. Malum added it’s been a tough year for sports and rugby league in PNG especially dealing with Covid-19 and with the tournament scheduled a week ahead of the Christmas week, he hope the Snax 9s unites everyone at the local frontier heading into the Christmas period to give their best looking forward to next (2021) season. ‘’We keep on hosting the Snax 9s heading into the seventh year as it’s been a successive challenge for us in the Tigers otherwise we wouldn’t have been putting in that much effort and spending so much. The 9s concept has proven to be more reactive and quicker response time as well ticks the mind to think fast and execute better. Players who pose these traits have the upper hand when drafted into the 13 aside team game,’’ Malum said. Registration and consent forms have been sent out to participating teams and a final medical check will be conducted once teams arrive in Lae prior to taking the field. Teams are reminded that a full team consist of 20 men, and at anyone game only three Digicel Cup players can take the field. ‘’You can have 10 Digicel cup players or more in your team but only three will be able to take the field per game,’’ Malum said. Joshua Lau recieves the player of the tournament prize money from Edrish Kumbruwah of Snax Sports Foundation in last years Snax 9s grand final. Lau's Aca Ropens are the defending champions of Snax 9s.

The four (4) Engan MPs representing Lagaip-Porgera, Wapenamanda, Kompiam Ambum and Kandep have today, on behalf of the Enga people, reiterated their joint call for an independent commission of inquiry into proceeds from the Porgera Mine over the last 30 years to Enga Provincial Government. The Engan MPs, all accomplished professionals, raised questions about substantive revenue loss and its impact arising from and closure of Porgera Mine when global gold prices were at their premium. In response to their collective statement of concern, the Governor of Enga Province, Sir Peter Ipatas, responded with derogatory and insulting comments, failing to address the substance of their complaint. “The four of us: Lagaip-Porgera MP Hon Tomait Kapili, Kandep MP Hon Alfred Manase, Kompiam-Ambum MP, Hon Sir John Pundari and Wapenamanda MP Hon Rimbink Pato condemn without reservation Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas’ statement reported in the 30th November edition of The National newspaper” [at page 9]. The Governor had called the Honourable Members ‘small boys’, stating that they should not ‘question his leadership’, essentially wantonly dismissing their legitimate concerns. “This name-calling and demeaning utterance calls into question Governor Ipatas’ leadership as being childish, irresponsible and it likely constitutes defamation” the MPs said. “We are not small boys; we are educated, mandated leaders of four Electorates of Enga Province”. “Sir John Pundari has been in Parliament for 25 years; he’s an experienced businessman, having been in full employment before contesting the elections – also properly qualified as a business manager.” “Hon. Rimbink Pato has been in Parliament for ten years following a highly successful career as an expert constitutional lawyer, as well as other business and management pursuits.” Pato went on to excel as Papua New Guinea’s longest-ever serving Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, a role that since the Prime Ministership of Hon James Marape has been held by three individuals. “Manase and Kapili are first-termers but are all well-educated with relevant qualifications and experience and in possession of the skills necessary to contribute to nation-building in the development of Enga province and PNG”, the leaders said. “We reiterate that we are not young children but experienced professionals in business, finance management and legal practice who have been duly mandated by our respective constituents to represent our districts and people,” the four MPs added. “We are simply seeking the truth for our people; to provide for accountability and transparency of the receipt of all the substantial incomes both in dividends and royalties as well as tax credits received over the 30-year lifetime of mine operations.” “We have a responsibility to our people in throughout Enga Province to ensure they know where the money has gone. If it has been invested properly for the people, they must know through us. Governor Ipatas should have nothing to fear by releasing such information he can prove also to his people that the money has been properly spent. If he is not willing to release the funds, then one must question why.” “Accordingly, a proper and independent inquiry for example a Commission of Inquiry should be instituted by the incoming Government to examine the mine’s operations over the last 30 years and the income generated by it. We know that this is what our people want to see”, the Members said. “Moving forward, based on these findings by a Commission of Inquiry, we want existing structures changed to ensure direct and greater benefits to SML landowners as well as the five (5) districts of Enga Province, which was offered before the Government refused to renew the SML.” The Engan Leaders also added: “We are concerned about the state of the economy where many decisions have been made on an apparently wishy-washy basis. The Marape Government, an Ipatas aligned Government, has made decisions that lack clear understanding of the local situation, and require proper consideration.” The Members’ statement is made in the context of the ongoing worldwide pandemic which has caused extreme economic recession throughout the world. “The closure of the Porgera Mine resulted in the loss of 3500 jobs, loss of revenue including taxes for the National Government, loss of income for contractors and subcontractors, and general impact on livelihood for our people who have no alternatives”, the MPs said. “This unfortunate impasse and closure of the Porgera Gold Mine happened when gold prices were at a premium globally. It does not make economic, political, social or any other sense to close the mine.” “The losses in revenue – not just to the National Government and PNG generally – but direct losses in royalties and dividends directly to the Enga Provincial Government for re-distribution to the peoples of Enga is a big concern for us”, the leaders said. “This is about improving the condition of our people and securing funding for meaningful, quality infrastructure throughout the Province.” “PNG is no longer an isolated land comprised of many discrete tribes”, former Foreign Minister Pato said. “I know from my experience travelling to other nations and in my consultations with other Governments and leaders that there is now a very different view of PNG and her place in the world: we are a mature nation, a united country, and we can do much better.” “It is time that leaders were held accountable to their constituents and this is exactly what we are seeking with the Porgera mine in Enga Province. The Enga Provincial Government must be accountable to the people of Enga” he added.