The National Government has committed K700 million towards the resettlement of the Special Mining Lease (SML 13) landowners affected by the Porgera Mining Project. The funds, allocated through the Infrastructure Development Grant (IDG), will support infrastructure development for the resettlement process. Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Jerry Garry assured that relocating the SML landowners is a top priority for the Government, when addressing stakeholders and landowners during ongoing Community Development Agreement (CDA) negotiations held in Port Moresby this week. Porgera Valley in the Enga Province is under a State of Emergency, with an imposed curfew and deployed police security personnel to maintain law and order and assist with peace mediation following at least five days of escalating unrest in the area. New Porgera Limited (NPL) is responsible for implementing the resettlement, and the company is currently preparing a resettlement action plan to ensure the smooth relocation of affected communities. Garry assured the landowners that the Government is fully committed to the process. "We won’t waste time," he said, noting that consultations between the MRA, the Department of Lands & Physical Planning, the Enga Provincial Government, and the Porgera District Administration have already begun. Potential resettlement sites have been identified, with further planning to commence after the CDA negotiations are finalized. The CDA is crucial for ensuring a fair distribution of benefits from the Porgera project, with Garry urging all parties to approach the talks with an open mind. "I appeal to all parties to negotiate in the true spirit of sharing, fairness, and equitable distribution of benefits." The CDA involves key players including SML landowners, Porgera Rural Local Level Government, Enga Provincial Government, NPL, and the National Government, with non-SML landowners serving as witnesses

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to benefit significantly from the newly launched Australia-PNG Development Partnership Plan (DPP) 2024-2029, which will provide much-needed support for the country’s security, governance, and economic development. The plan, announced by Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, emphasizes Australia's commitment to helping PNG achieve stability and prosperity. PNG is Australia’s largest development partner, with an estimated $637.4 million in Official Development Assistance funding in 2024-25 and over $2.5 billion in budget support loans since 2019. The Development Partnership Plan puts into action the new direction of Australia’s International Development Policy, which focuses on locally led development. At the core of the plan is a $200 million Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) designed to address critical internal security challenges - PNG’s police force will receive a boost in capabilities, with enhanced training, infrastructure, and leadership programs aimed at tackling law and order issues, including gender-based violence and emerging threats such as cybercrime. By 2026-27, Australia’s law, justice, and policing support for PNG will increase from $60 million to $110 million annually, a clear indicator of Australia’s commitment to PNG’s security needs. Minister Conroy emphasized the importance of addressing PNG’s own priorities, stating, “Our approach is to be guided by your priorities, your needs, your ambitions.” This approach highlights Australia’s recognition of PNG’s specific challenges and the importance of aligning the partnership with PNG's Medium-Term Development (MTD) Plan to foster real change. "We've heard your calls for a focus on core areas like infrastructure, education, employment and skills, and other critical areas like health." "This has shaped the DPP we are launching tonight, and listening to your priorities, I cannot overstate it, it is the key part of the DPP, listening and acting on your priorities and driving investment along that path," Minister Conroy said at the launching, accompanied by Minister for Planning, and Rigo MP, Sir Ano Pala. "The new DPP outlines the framework, the rationale and roadmap for how we are working together with international partners right now, and as we have for all of the 49 years so far since independence, Australia is backing PNG's economic development and ambition for its people," he said. According to the 40-page DPP, education will also see major improvements, with $100 million set aside to enhance the education sector, with PNG students to gain more access to quality schooling, better preparing them for the workforce and addressing high dropout rates, particularly among girls. Australia’s support for high-performing secondary schools and stronger links between PNG and Australia’s education systems are expected to have long-term positive effects on PNG’s economic and social development. As a nation with a youthful population, improved education will play a vital role in unlocking PNG’s potential, and by creating more skilled workers, PNG can strengthen its workforce, attract investment, and build a sustainable economy. The Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership is another key area where PNG will benefit, as the plan will bolster PNG’s law enforcement capabilities, providing safe houses for women escaping violence and improving community-level justice systems. Australia will work closely with civil society to strengthen public demand for transparency and accountability, with this partnership aiming to ensure that PNG can address internal corruption and promote fairness and justice for all citizens. Climate change resilience is also high on the agenda, with Australia's Climate FIRST Initiative providing essential support to help PNG develop climate adaptation strategies and access international climate finance, and with the impacts of climate change threatening both livelihoods and infrastructure, this initiative will help PNG prepare for and mitigate future environmental disasters. Australia’s investments will not only focus on security and education but also on supporting gender equality and disability-inclusive development, both critical areas for PNG's growth. The PNG Women Lead program will empower women, creating opportunities for leadership and economic advancement. Minister Conroy summed up the partnership’s purpose: “We’ve heard how important continued economic growth, security, and investment in Papua New Guineans is to Papua New Guinea, how this is central to your Medium-Term Development Plan, and we have a plan to deliver.” "We thank all those involved for their sage advice and contribution to the DPP, including of course the PNG government, as well as civil society organisations and our believing partners." Find out more about the DPP: https://lnkd.in/gmkb8bqV

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has announced the commencement of training for the second batch of police recruits on September 24, 2024. This follows a successful first batch, where 217 recruits graduated from the Bomana Police College on May 24, 2024, and have since taken up positions in various provinces. Of the 256 candidates initially shortlisted for this second batch, 14 have declined their offers, resulting in 242 confirmed recruits set to undergo a rigorous nine-month training program at Bomana Training College. Among these recruits, 32 are females, underscoring the Constabulary's commitment to promoting gender equality within law enforcement. The first lot of recruits arrived this morning at Port Moresby from West Sepik, Madang, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands, East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, Oro, and Milne Bay provinces. Detailed joining instructions, including necessary preparations for the training program, have been sent to all recruits. The RPNGC HR Recruitment Team is in communication with Provincial Training Officers to coordinate travel arrangements for the incoming recruits. The Constabulary is dedicated to enhancing its recruitment process, ensuring future drives are more inclusive and that competent candidates are recruited. There will be a particular focus on achieving fair representation of women in upcoming recruitment efforts. Notably, 481 applicants had met the eligibility criteria during the recent recruitment drive. However, due to the limited capacity at Bomana Training College, the recruits were divided into two batches. The successful completion of the first batch's training has paved the way for the second group to proceed. As the RPNGC aims to grow the number of police personnel and build its capacity, the upcoming recruitment drive for 2024-2025 is set to commence in October 2024. In a statement, RPNGC advises that those interested in joining are encouraged to prepare their documents and stay informed by regularly checking the RPNGC’s official website and local newspapers for recruitment announcements. The Constabulary's focus on improving gender equality and inclusivity reflects its commitment to a more diverse and capable police force.

The Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (NEC), along with the Prime Minister’s Office, has officially relocated to Somare Haus in Waigani. This move marks a major step in the government’s long-term strategy to centralize key government offices within the Waigani Precinct, aiming to enhance coordination and reduce operational costs. Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, in a statement, says the consolidating of offices into Waigani is expected to generate significant savings by reducing rental costs. These savings will be used to cover the costs of constructing Somare Haus over the next 10 to 15 years. "Consolidating government offices into Morauta Haus and Sir Manasupe Haus will generate savings from reduced rental costs, which would be used to fund the costs of construction of Somare Haus over a 10 to 15-year period," Chief Secretary Pomaleu explains. The move is part of a broader government plan to improve the efficiency and collaboration between the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature. By centralizing these key arms of government in one area, the government hopes to streamline operations and foster closer communication between departments. “This move of offices from Sir Manasupe Haus is a key part of our strategy to streamline Government operations and foster closer coordination between the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature," Chief Secretary Pomaleu stated. He further emphasized that centralizing government offices is crucial to improving the functionality and productivity of national departments. The relocation also focuses on improving security within Waigani. The close proximity of the three arms of government—Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature—will strengthen security measures around critical national landmarks such as Independence Hill, the National Museum, National Library, and the National and Supreme Courts. Surveillance cameras will be installed, and strict rules against loitering, littering, and betel nut chewing will be enforced to maintain the integrity of the area. “With all these critical national institutions in one location, we will significantly enhance security with surveillance cameras, enforce strict rules against loitering, littering, betel nut chewing, and spitting, and undertake landscaping projects that reflect the stature of our nation's capital. These efforts are part of repositioning Waigani as the central hub of Papua New Guinea, looking beyond 50 years of independence." Pomaleu also referenced past incidents where the security of key government offices was compromised. He cited the 1997 Sandline Crisis, the 2011 political standoff, and the 2018 attack on Parliament as examples where the proximity of government institutions could have strengthened security measures. Most recently, he mentioned the January 2024 attack on Sir Manasupe Haus. “The proximity of the three arms of government not only enhances our security measures but also ensures that future prime ministers recognize they are not above the judiciary or Parliament." "All three arms must work in harmony to serve our nation." However, the relocation to Somare Haus will also see consultations taking place for the official renaming of Melanesian Haus to Somare Haus. Chief Secretary Pomaleu emphasized that discussions will be held with the Somare family before the renaming, which is planned to coincide with the anniversary of Sir Michael Somare’s passing. “The late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, the father of our nation, currently has no major office building named in his honor. I believe it is fitting that the Office of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council (NEC) should carry his name as a lasting tribute to his legacy." This relocation and renaming initiative are key parts of the government’s vision to build a more integrated and cohesive administration within the Waigani precinct, making it a central hub of the nation's administration, looking ahead to a unified and efficient future for Papua New Guinea.

Over 120 law enforcement personnel stationed at the Porgera Valley in the Enga province have been authorized to use lethal force to remove and protect Porgera Valley residents and Infrastructure suffering from attacks from Non-Porgoreans, Illegal miners and settlers. The continuous escalation of violence is caused by illegal miners and illegal settlers who have victimized traditional landowners and using violence to terrorize local communities. Commissioner of Police David Manning emphasized on the use after violence escalated. “I have directed police to consolidate resources and respond with force to resolve the dangerous situation as quickly as possible, protecting life and essential property.” “The 122 security personnel will be on ground including Mobile Squads, Dog Squads, Sector Response Unit and Personnel from the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF).” “Security will use lethal force, if suspects are found in possession of any offensive weapon. Raising a weapon in a public environment or threatening another person will be considered as an imminent threat and you will be shot.” “Security will prioritize the protection of lives and critical life-essential infrastructure which have been attempted to be sabotaged.” “Deputy Commissioner of Police, Samson Kua be in effect on-the-ground command of the state response in Porgera Valley. DCP Kua will be assisted by commander SPZ Acting Assistant Commissioner Tondop, rolled to inspect affected communities and provide real-time situation updates.” Manning furthermore highlighted that the Porgera Station has been declared a no entry zone for all Non-Porgoreans including the ban on sale and supply of liquor across Porgera valley, following a curfew in effect between 6pm to 8pm without exception. “We call on all local traditional leaders bring this situation to a swift peaceful resolution, and to landowners to support the security force operations for the protection of their people and infrastructure.”

More than 200 security personnel successfully coordinated efforts during Pope Francis' visit to Vanimo on September 8. Officers from West Sepik, soldiers from 2RPIR Moem Barracks, the Mobile Squad Division, Traffic and Dog Units, and the PNGDF Navy barge team worked together to ensure a smooth event. The operation was declared a success by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Perou N'dranou, Commander of Border Command. “As the Divisional Commander for Border Police Command, I would like to thank all Security Force personnel involved in the Vanimo leg of the Pope Francis visit operation on Sunday, 8 September 2024,” he said. Security preparations began five days prior to the Pope's arrival and were made possible with the support of the Provincial Administration and national stakeholders. “The positive Provincial Administrations and other national stakeholders supports enable the Security Forces to successfully implement its security operation plan,” N'dranou added. Local residents from West Sepik, West Papua, and other provinces behaved peacefully, making the event incident-free. “There were no incidents reported to police days before, during and after the visit. They all behaved well and made that occasion very memorable for everyone to enjoy,” N'dranou said. The security operation's success was attributed to strong leadership by the Deputy Director SSD, PPC West Sepik, and the OC of the Forward Operating Base. ACP N'dranou praised their leadership and professionalism. Security operations will continue for the 49th Independence celebration to ensure the safety of all visitors.

On the eve of the Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) when Parliament resumes tomorrow, the Social Democratic Party has today called a press conference in Port Moresby to announce their commitment to support the Marape-led Pangu Pati to maintain the incumbent coalition government under Prime Minister James Marape. More details on this story on the Legend FM News at 6PM. Keep following PNG HAUSBUNG for more VONC Updates.

A senior lawyer, Emmanuel Donigi, was sentenced to four years in prison for misappropriating K40, 000 from a client’s trust account. Despite the seriousness of the offense, the National Court suspended the entire sentence, placing him on probation for four years to allow for restitution. Donigi, employed with Ama Wali Lawyers and the Department of Mineral Policy and Geo-Hazards Management, was acting as a lawyer in a land transaction. He was responsible for drafting the contract of sale, which required a 10% deposit of K40, 000 from the purchaser. The funds were to be held in trust until the land transaction was completed. However, the vendor lacked the necessary title to finalize the sale. Despite this, Donigi withdrew the deposit within a week and used the money for personal purposes without the purchaser's consent. The breach of trust led to his conviction. National Court judge, Justice Laura Wawun-Kuvi, emphasized the gravity of Donigi's actions, calling it a serious breach of trust for a senior lawyer to misuse client funds held in a law firm’s trust account. “This was a serious case of dishonesty involving a lawyer and monies held in a law firm’s trust account,” the judge stated on Monday, September 9th at the National Court in Waigani. In her published decision, the judge said though the maximum penalty for such an offense is ten years, the court considered the possibility of rehabilitation and restitution, thus, suspending the four-year sentence under Section 19 of the Criminal Code, and placing the lawyer on a good behaviour bond for 12 months, with K500 surety. The offender has already repaid K10,000 and has promised to make full restitution once the land deal is completed. The court also placed Donigi on probation for four years under the Probation Act 1979, with conditions that include making restitution to the victim. Despite his apology, the court found Donigi’s remorse lacking, stating his apology appeared self-serving as he continued to discuss the land deal rather than genuinely addressing his wrongdoing. Donigi's misappropriation brings his legal career into question, as it not only affects public confidence but also tarnishes the reputation of his law firm. "The offender (Donigi) will of course be disbarred and will find it difficult to practice law again. This is of his own doing because he made the conscious decision to take money from the trust account," the court said. "His actions also bring his profession into disrepute. It affects public confidence as people trust lawyers and expect that they should be law abiding. Lawyers are entrusted with significant amounts of money." "His actions may affect the firm and its reputation. Possible clients may reconsider seeking legal assistance from a law firm that permits misappropriation of client monies held in trust." "Not only is the offence of misappropriation prevalent but this case involves both a high degree of dishonesty and breach of trust. The offender is a senior lawyer who used client monies held in a trust account. He continued to withdraw from it until nothing was left," the court said.

Two band members from the newly established PNG Defence Force Military Brass Band will journey to Tokyo next month for advanced training in music composition. This opportunity highlights the significant progress made through the recent Military Band Cooperation Project, which was successfully completed on September 9, 2024, with substantial support from the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force. The project has been a major success for the PNGDF, involving the training of 37 band members and providing leadership development for five candidates. This initiative, which began in 2014 at the request of former Chief of Defence Force Major General Gilbert Toropo, aimed to form, train, and equip a new military brass band for the PNGDF. Colonel Bruno Malau, standing in for Acting Chief of Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara, conveyed his deep appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Defence, and the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force during the closing ceremony held at Murray Barracks. “The formation of the PNGDF Military Brass Band with the assistance of the Government of Japan and its people is a success story,” said Malau. The newly formed band has already made notable contributions, including performances at high-profile events such as APEC 2018 and the recent visit of His Holiness Pope Francis. This involvement underscores the band's growing importance in representing the PNGDF at prestigious events. Lieutenant Colonel Shinobu Takahashi of the Japanese Ministry of Defence praised the strong people-to-people connection that facilitated the project's success and thanked the PNGDF for their collaboration. Japan’s Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency Nobuyuki Watanabe, who attended the closing ceremony, congratulated the band members and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continuing their support and collaboration with the PNGDF. The project exemplifies the fruitful partnership between PNG and Japan, highlighting the positive impact of international cooperation on enhancing the PNGDF's capabilities and international representation.

The surge in criminal activities over the past two years in the Warangoi area of Sinivit LLG, East New Britain, has triggered local leaders and residents to take action, calling for a united front to address law and order issues. A peaceful march, held in mid-August, in Sunam Ward, home to the LLG headquarters and Warangoi rural township, saw the participation of local stakeholders, residents and school students. The march was followed by a series of speeches from prominent figures, including ENB Governer Michael Marum and Vice Sinivit LLG President James Vevut, who voiced the urgency of tackling crime. The march was organized by LLG Community Development Officers Anthony Midir and Joseph Ngula, who stressed the importance of collective action to curb escalating criminal activity, such as armed robberies and other lawless acts that have disrupted life in the region. “These criminal activities have put our lives at risk, whether you’re a public servant, student, or just part of the general traveling public,” said Acting LLG Manager Pennie Maroro Jr, adding, “They have disrupted services in our community.” Maroro highlighted the importance of the provincial government’s Ward Governance Policy, which emphasizes the role of ward government and the Ward Development Committee (WDC) in addressing such issues. He pointed out that strengthening the ward government through funding and resources could help solve some of these persistent problems. “Sometimes, the very youths we blame for crimes are the ones who need help. We need to understand why they turn to crime and address the root causes.” The call for unity echoed throughout the event. Ward members for Sikut Floodway, Joseph Nolu and Ivon Gore, emphasized that all wards around Warangoi township have been affected by criminal activities. They urged parents and church leaders to discipline their children and collaborate to steer young people away from crime. “Some parents or community members are actually supporting criminals, which is worsening the situation. We need more police manpower and a vehicle for Warangoi rural police post,” Nolu said. Vice LLG President Vevut also requested the renovation of the rundown Sikut police post. In response, Provincial Member Marum assured that a new vehicle would be provided for the Warangoi police post and that he would push for the refurbishment of the Sikut station. “Addressing law and order is everyone’s business,” said Marum. “Parents must take charge of their children. I also welcome partnerships with churches to tackle these issues.”

East New Britain (ENB) leaders are urging immediate action to address the province's declining education standards. Deputy Provincial Administrator for Socio-Economic Services, Marakan Uvano, stressed that every stakeholder must take responsibility to improve education in the province. “Now we know our downs and what we can improve on in our own line of work, to better education standards in the province,” Uvano said during a presentation in August. The call for improvement follows a comprehensive research study conducted by the PNG Education Advocacy Network (PEAN) in collaboration with the ENB provincial government. The study, titled “Challenges of Delivering Quality Education in ENB,” highlighted major challenges contributing to the province’s decline in educational performance. Presenting the findings towards the end of August at Malapau Beach Resort, PEAN Executive Director David Kumie stated that the decline in education in ENB mirrors national trends. “The decline in education in ENB is similar to what is currently experienced in relation to delivering quality education in the entire country,” Kumie said. Key factors identified in the study include insufficient school infrastructure, a drop in the quality of teacher training, poor student engagement, and the high cost of educating children. According to Kumie, these issues have been prevalent for some time, as ENB schools have not ranked among the nation's top ten since 2017. The research was conducted last September and involved 52 primary and secondary school headteachers, 30 secondary school teachers, 208 primary school teachers, and 171 secondary school students across 208 schools. The research findings will be reviewed by the Provincial Education Board for final approval and documentation. Acting Provincial Education Advisor, Wilson Kairat, also acknowledged the concerns raised. “We didn’t have evidence-based statements, so we are thankful that the research has revealed a lot for us, in terms of delivering quality education in the province," Kairat said. Uvano reiterated the importance of adopting new methods to address these challenges and ensure improvements in the education system.

After a 10-year gap, East New Britain (ENB) has revived its commitment to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to strengthen the provincial and nation’s workforce. TVET plays a crucial role in skilling young people who may not pursue formal education, providing them with the technical skills needed for the country’s development. Under the theme, "Transforming the ENB Provincial TVET Sector for Quality Skills Training Implementation," the East New Britain Provincial Administration (ENBPA) successfully hosted a three-day TVET Expo at Takubar Sports Ground, Kokopo, from 3rd to 5th September. The event, last held in 2013, gathered 15 system and private TVET institutions showcasing their courses and skills. Tasman Dau, Regional TVET Coordinator and Chairman of the ENB TVET Expo, emphasized the importance of the event in promoting technical skills training across the province and beyond. “The three-day event showcases courses offered at respective TVET schools and private institutions, including product displays,” Dau said. He also highlighted the collaboration between public and private training providers as crucial to boosting the sector. “ENB TVET has contributed immensely to the development of our province and the country over the years,” he added, stressing TVET’s critical role in shaping skilled workers for various industries. ENB Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, speaking at the closing ceremony, commended the schools for their dedication and was impressed by the students' talents. “You have shown us that there is still hope, and we will continue to support our TVET schools through such initiatives like this,” Mano stated. He urged the youths to remain disciplined and responsible as they hone their skills, knowing that their work is key to the province’s growth. With plans for the Expo to return annually, the future of TVET in ENB looks bright as it continues to empower youth and elevate the nation’s workforce.