Statement by Police Minister Bryan Kramer- Police to get better salaries, housing and medical insurance

 

On Thursday I will travel to Lae with Commissioner for Police David Manning and Assistant Commissioner for Police Anthony Wagambie Jnr.

During the trip, we will announce the Marape Government's plan to comprehensively re-fleet the Police Force. This is an important part of our reform program, which also includes improved command and control and increased discipline. We are also improving police welfare by improving the wages, housing and medical insurance of its 7,300 members.

Two weeks ago, we launched the country's first Station of Excellence in Port Moresby. The project involved the renovation and fit out of the Waigani Police Station, complete with modern facilities, CCTV cameras, improved ICT and five brand new vehicles as part of sector patrol. I will discuss this further in a forthcoming post.

The re-fleet program commenced with the Station of Excellence. We purchased five Nissan Patrol vehicles fully kitted out with the latest Motorola communications, GPS tracking and dash cam (video) systems. The dash cams provide real time monitoring and tracking as well as video streaming both inside and outside the vehicle - where footage is uploaded and stored onto the Station's computer server.

The second phase includes the delivery of twelve new Nissan Patrols to Madang District. 

 

 

These were purchased in partnership with the Madang District Development Authority and the RPNGC in a kina-for-kina program. The total cost of the twelve vehicles was K2.04 million, with the Madang DDA contributing K1 million.

The decision to purchase Nissan Patrols instead of the traditional Toyota Landcruiser was cost – we were able to purchase twelve vehicles instead of ten. The additional two vehicles will make a significant impact on policing operations.

The second issue was safety. The Patrols have a wider base and are built lower to the ground, reducing the risk of rolling.

The twelve vehicles for Madang District will be deployed in both rural and urban Madang, and will be operational 24/7.

Four vehicles will be tasked to patrol Transgogol Rural LLG; two to South Ambenob rural LLG; two to North Ambenob Rural LLG; and four vehicles will patrol Madang Urban.

Their first assignment will be to replace the twelve vehicles currently on hire in Madang District. This will give us considerable cost savings that can be put towards improving our members welfare.

Operation Make Madang Safe Again is in the first week of its third month. We have made major improvements in law and order in the tourist town that was recently branded the “murder capital of PNG.”

Police have overseen the surrender of 500 suspects involved in homebrew and drugs, 30 of which were directly involved in recent cult killings including the beheading of teacher in 2018.

The last of the phase of the operation will move through Madang Urban, sweeping through settlements to flush out known criminals before effecting a number of court ordered evictions.

Picture of twelve new police vehicles parked outside the Lae Metro Police Station waiting to be mobilized to Madang by road

You can make more than K1,500 a fortnight selling watermelon at Gordon's Market

I have loved marketing at Gordon's Market since the renovations.

My favourite food to look out for a ripe bananas, cucumber and water melon.

Something that has also amazed me as well is the massive money that is in agriculture or farming.

Look at this beautiful watermelons and their prices.

On a daily basis this farmer is making K200 and more a day, that is more than K1,500 a fortnight.

Below are some general pictures of the market. If you are in Port Moresby make sure you visit and get yourself some fresh organic food.

Remember to eat healthy to stay healthy and to live long.

We got these food here.

West Sepik people "call out for action"

 

People of West Sepik based in Port Moresby have delivered a petition as a “call out for action” to Governor Tony Wouwou in Port Moresby last Friday.

Civil Engineer from Yankok LLG Benedict Talis took the mandate and was direct to Wouwou presenting the nine points.

 

The call out points were about justice, compensation, law and order and economic and development issues.

On October 5^th, a hold up took place near the border of East and West Sepik at Wamarau and Monandin villages which resulted in the death of two young men, Gideon Yuni and Jasah Wani who are from Yankok LLG.

They were described to be victims of a felonious assault of armed robbery by 16 members of a gang.

The unknown assailants shot both men at point blank on the head and other passengers were held up and all their valuables which include money, mobile phones, bank cards and cash crops were taken.

Such was never experienced before.

Early this year, a young man from Aitape, late Junior Miroi was shot dead at Magopin area along the Wewak west coast.

Mr Talis has expressed concern that there is liklihood of increase in crime as business activities pick up due to the European Union’s STREIT Program developing cocoa-people and the government must be prepared.

Supported by former Aitape Lumi MP’s Paul Mambei, Eddie Saweni, former public servant Benjamin Metio and many others- West Sepik leaders have been challenged to unite and address law and order and infrastructure development issues that people believe would alleviate unprecedented crime incidents.

 

Radio Maria Catholic Priest from Nuku, Fr Martin We’en has called for leaders in the province to unite and deliver services to people.

There was disappointment expressed that during the meet open MP’s were absent though they were invited.

Mr Talis has also expressed concern the public services administration in Vanimo needs a shake up if people in Sandaun were to realise good road network and proper wharves in Aitape and Vanimo among many other development aspirations.

Governor Wouwou has acknowledged the points and said he was already discussing with Prime Minister James Marape and he would also discuss with police minister about law and order issues.

He assured the people that a shake up of the provincial administration was imminent.

Old Aged and Disabled Pensioners receive pensions in New Ireland

 Old Aged and Disabled Pensioners from the Nimamar LLG on Lihir Island became the second lot of Old Aged and Disabled Pensioners to receive their K500 pensions electronically after the Kavieng LLG. The official launching took place on the Friday  16^th October at the Londovit Town oval.

Although the sun was blazing hot there was a huge turn out by the locals and public who wanted to hear and witness the proceedings of the day which was also colored by the beautiful choirs from children and  churches, traditional sing-sings and dances.

Dignitaries included New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Provincial Administrator Lamiller Pawut, CEO and Directors from the New Ireland administration, Provincial Executive Council Reps, Lihir Bank South Pacific branch manager Johnson Tetaga, Representatives of landowner Company Anitua, the Local Level Government and local community leaders.

A total of 407 Pensioners received direct deposits into their accounts on Friday , while payments for the remaining 760 will be done manually starting Saturday onwards due to the unavailability of bank accounts.

In total K583,500 will have been disbursed once all Pensioners receive their dues.

Lihir Bank South Pacific Manager Tetaga urged the Pensioners to ensure their bank accounts remained active by making at least two to three  or as many transactions as possible.

Ward Development Grants to the tune of K1,185,000 was also allocated for the Nimamar LLG along with other Government subsidy policies including school food rations, Beautification Awards, roof over heads, lighting New Ireland, Bicycle and Wheelbarrow subsidies. In total K2,564,193 has been invested back into the LLG.

6 major clan rep and executive Director of the Anitua Group of companies Patrick Lambongis urged the Provincial Government to partner with them where contracts at the ward level where concerned, “ Anitua can do the job for you at a very competitive price, public monies will not have to be used up on administrative costs as has been the case in the past because we will save you that cost,” said Director Patrick  Labongis.

Governor Sir Julius Chan conveyed a forward looking message to the Lihirians, that although they were endowed with the riches of the Lihir Gold Mine there would come a day when all of it would be no more and they would need the help of other parts of  New Ireland. “ This is why while my Government advocates on being Autonomous and standing on our own two feet we must also share our wealth with other Provinces because one day we will need them too. We are also aggressively pushing at the National level to amend the mining act so the Landowners, LLG's, Provincial  Government’s and National Government can have greater benefit sharing from the minerals that rightfully  belong to us,” said Sir J.

Sir J while thanking the people of Lihir for their contribution to the Province said what they give is returned just like  boomerang aid because of the Provincial Government’s subsidy programs and policies.

After the event Sir J did not rest, he spent time in private meetings with the people of Lihir listening to their concerns whilst advising and consoling them as any great leader with the heart for the people would. A group of young  Athletes from the Lihir Athletics Club also caught Sir J amidst his busy schedule asking for a photo opportunity after they had scooped 7 medals during the recent NGI regional Athletics Competition in August. While congratulating them Sir J imparted a very important life principle to the youth, “ Nothing comes from Nothing, if you want to make it in life you  must work hard,” a piece of advice taken to heart by the Athletes as they left Sir J to  continue his meetings.

Sir J and his delegation left Lihir on Saturday while the rest of the delegation heads back to Kavieng Sir J will continue to his home at Huris, in the Matalai LLG of the Namatanai District.

-Press Release

 

 

Kwikila market: Where your kina buys more

 If there is a market place I think you can fill up your car with K100 spending, it would be Kwikila market.

Along the Magi Highway, and about two hours slow drive east from Port Moresby, I highly recommend anyone in Port Moresby who can drive over to do so may be fortnightly to stock up organic vegetables for your family for a fortnight.

Unbelieve to me it was.

If you buy a bunch of banana at Gordons Market for K5, you can buy similar one at Kwikila for K1 or others K0.50.

A whole banana can cost K5.

Aibika costs 0.50toea, huge pile of kaukau at K5.00, the same for yam and many other vegetables.

Fruits like cucumber, pineapple and water melon are in abundance and sell at a very low price.

So take a drive there and stock up.

Aside from the market shopping, you enjoy a scenic drive through the sealed Magi Highway and appreciate Central Province's country side and it's serenity.

Sure on the way you can enjoy some fresh coconut juice, or buy some wild fowl eggs costing K5.00 each.

Let's help our local subsistence farmers in Rigo, drop by at Kwiks Market if you have a wheels to get by.

See you there. 

Department of Education tranfers GTFS functions to East Sepik government

 The East Sepik Province has become the sixth province to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Education to manage the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy Policy.

“This is yet another achievement for the Department of Education as we continue to make the system and processes work in harmony with the provinces.”

The MoA is a government decision directing the Department of Education to decentralize the management of GTFS which comprises of the Cash, Infrastructure, and the Teaching & Learning components. Under that decision: five (5) provinces have already signed the MoA and are now managing their components starting in 2019.

The MoA signing today officially begins the process of decentralization to East Sepik Province. Other provinces are Enga, New Ireland, Morobe, East New Britain and Milne Bay.

 

All responsibilities on the implementation of the policy, monitoring of and ensuring compliance to standards and guidelines as specified in the GTFS Policy and its Implementation Guide rests with the Provincial Administration.

When the Marape/Steven Government came into Office on 30^th of May 2019, it reconsidered the last Government’s TFF Policy, reviewed it, and made the education of our children a shared responsibility between the government, parents, churches, NGOs and the local communities.

A shift from free education to shared responsibility was to compel parents and communities to plough the soil and work hard.

“In order to take back PNG, we must do away with creating a ‘handout culture’ of the previous government when over the last 6 years our people were made lazy, disconnected parents from schools and systematically removed their interest in schools. We want to disengage and cut out the dependency syndrome that was systematically allowed into our PNG culture over the last six (6) years.

“I thank the East Sepik Provincial Government for taking on the challenge to manage the GTFS Policy by signing the MoA today”.

 

Gaire's black beach: Your weekend getaway destination

 I have not been to the black beach at Gaire, east of Port Moresby until this weekend.

Just a 30 minutes slow drive.

What a surprise for me.

It's a soft tourism initiative that has actually become famous for city residents outings.

A swim at the black beach, a BBQ on the waterfront and under the shady coconut palm trees and enjoy care free drinks.

Fresh coconuts are also on sale and they are absolutely juicy going for K1.00 and larger ones K2.00.

When I was there, there were several cars and families having an outing.

Well each car that drives in pays K20.

Not a bad cost I'd say.

May be the owners can just set up a good men and women's rest room.

But for alcohol consumers, rest assured the Black Beach Tavern will serve you well.

Indeed the operator, says they have the cheapest price on alcohols.

An SP Green Can goes at K6.50 and a Kundu Can goes at K5.50.

Prices are below Port Moresby's tucker shops or black markets.

Sooner there will be bungalows and nice set up for the Black Beach Tavern so do check it out.

But take your family out there and unwind with a BBQ , swim and chats.

Sogeri pineapple festival launched

BY GAILE KIVALI

A festival to preserve, safeguard  and promote  the culture of Koiari People in Kairuku-Hiri District of Central province was launched on Friday.

The Pineapple Festival was launched under the Destination Sogeri Tourism Association Incorporated by Central Province Governor Robert Agarobe, National Cultural Commission (NCC) Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda and Kairuku-Hiri Member Peter Isoaimo.

Governor Agarobe presented K86,300, Isoaimo supported with a K20, 000 and NCC with a K10, 000.

The associations Erigere Singin says the festival is a motivational event to generate income for development in Koiari.

"The association was formed 12 months ago. We register it just recently. But the show of support in such short notice is incredibly humbling and motivating at the same time," she said.

Governor Agarobe said this was in line with the provincial development plan pillars three pillars for economic growth.

"We have Agriculture, Tourism, and Sports as the three pillars to change the province," Agarobe.

He said tourism is a mechanism that will motivate locals such as the Koiari people to change their mindsets, which in turn will bring change in their way of life, which will be a positive factor to drive development.  

The festival  will be held on the 21st to the 22 of November. There will be kayaking at the Sirinomu Dam, Cycling and Running. 

NCC's Steven Enomb Kilanda has  urged the locals to preserve, safeguard and promote their cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, the association consists of less then 10 members, a mixture of males and females.

Australian High Commission Second Secretary (Political) Yasmine Davis was also there to witness the launching. 

"Everywhere, most jobs are male nominated. Here I can see that women are also been included and is such a great sight," Davis said.

 

PNG to get around 65% economic benefit from Pasca Gas project

Prime Minister James Marape, yesterday, announced the outcome of negotiations for the development of Papua New Guinea’s first offshore development project, the PASCA Offshore Petroleum Project. 

 

“Following intensive negotiations between the State Negotiation Team (SNT) and Twinza Oil Limited, in principle agreement has been reached to move forward with developing a new offshore processing site in the Gulf of Papua,” he said. 

The agreed terms are consistent with the Government’s negotiation parameters and will lead to significant long-term economic benefits for the nation. 

 
“The terms agreed reflect the substantial technical work carried out by the Department of Petroleum and Energy, Twinza Oil Limited and the State Negotiating Team, leading to the best possible deal for the people of our nation,” Mr Marape said. 

Under the terms agreed, the State will achieve between 61 and 65 per cent of economic benefits, early revenue, provincial and direct economic benefits through a two per cent Development Levy and royalties of 2 per cent of gross revenue, access to LPG discounted by 30 per cent for national consumption at five per cent, guaranteed, and a commitment to develop a detailed National Content Plan within six to 12 months of the signing of the gas agreement. 

“This is a significant outcome for Papua New Guinea.  It reflects the Marape-Steven Government’s commitment to deliver a better and fairer share for the people of our country.  
“The project will deliver immediate economic benefits on production, downstream processing capability and domestic market access, and real local content to benefit and empower local Papua New Guinean workers,” he said. 

Key features of the negotiated terms also include fixed revenue to the State through agreed taxation arrangements, back-in-rights at 25 per cent at the time the fixed investment decision (FID) is made, or earlier if agreed, third party access as required by law to facilitate future discoveries, aggregation by the operator if new fields are discovered, which will enjoy the same fiscal terms under the terms of the Gas Agreement, and incentives for the operator to conduct more drilling within the licenced Pasca A area.  

“This outcome demonstrates the value of firm negotiations and partnership in seeking to deliver the best deal for both the State and the operator,” Mr Marape said. 

Source: Post Courier

Prime Minister James Marape delivers his second Independence address

 

BY ELIAS NANAU

Patriotic Papua New Guineans defied the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and turned up in hordes at the Independence Hill this morning in Port Moresby witnessing the 45^th occasion of the flag raising ceremony commemorating Independence.

 

Prime Minister James Marape in his second Independence address wore a similar kind of knitted woolen pullover his shirt and tie like he did last year.

The pullover is in PNG signature colours- designs of the southern cross stars and bird of paradise were gallantly stood out in the early morning ceremony.

His 20 minutes address was about challenging citizens to do better for the country collaboratively, and he promised children of Papua New Guinea that his government would do better as far as development is concerned and that they live happily.

“That is why as Prime Minister I have commenced the work of restoring good governance, empowering our people, and shifting the balance back to national interest, rather than the interest of a small few,” he said.

Marape has acknowledged the first Prime Minister Michael Somare and his colleague politicians Sir Julius Chan who are both today celebrating Independence in Kavieng.

“We have the hindsight of the last 45 years to guide us into the next 45 years and I am confident the future is bright,” Marape said.

 

He was four years old in 1975 when he witnessed the flag being raised at remote Nomad, Western Province when his dad was a Seventh Day Adventist pastor there.

In a space of time, he was elected as the eight Prime Minister and privileged to be delivering a speech at Independence Hill.

He said nothing was impossible and appreciating that, people must be inspired to achieve things acknowledging God as the centre of delivering change.

“In our country, our God Yahweh has blessed us with agriculture, fisheries, forestry, water, cultures, biodiversity, minerals, oil and gas. This is why we can become the richest black Christian nation on earth, where no one person is left behind,” Marape said.

He reflected that this was the vision in 1975.

“But to get to our destination of a well developed nation, each of us must play a role.”

“All of us must commit to building a Papua New Guinea that future Papua New Guineans will be proud of,” he said.

 

He has appealed to young children like his daughter was dressed in the Huli attire and attended the ceremony  that they can contribute to the country’s future by being law abiding students who support their parents, maintaining faith on God and study hard so that they can make a difference to the future of Papua New Guinea.

 

Papua New Guinea family paints Melbourne Storm in front of their canteen

 

The NRL games are played thousands of miles down under but for the mad Papua New Guinea fanatics, it’s religious. They are glued to their TV week in week out watching their teams compete.

 A family who owns this tucker shop at Garden Hills in Port Moresby has gone out their way, bought paints and beautified their shop with the Melbourne Storm colours. They are creating a Storm. Jack Talai says the whole family is Melbourne Storm when it comes to watching and barracking an NRL team and they decided to paint the canteen “Storm”. Well for two things, they are confident the Storm are winning the grand final and this is marketing when all Storm fans around the suburb will flock to their J Motz canteen. Hang out here when the Melbourne Storm are playing, rolling on tries or when Justin Olam is in action and the cheer goes off the roof. Good luck in 2020