What's good Kina boy?

 Sometimes you gotta love the delays. As they say patience is a virtue.

So in this piece I share how I love My Kina and Kina Bank. Ooops sounds mouthful but it sound right.

Line 

PNG resource week exhibition and seminar

 Registration for the PNG Resources week organised by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy gets underway in Port Moresby today.

The event described to be a prestigious one will be held at the University of Papua New Guinea.

It will feature, career fair, local landowner companies engaged in the resources sector showcasing their week and a resources summit where experts and expected to discuss the PNG resources sector.

The Prime Minister James Marape is expected to be at the event.

Bryan Kramer allowed by Supreme Court to review his dismissal as MP

 A three man bench of the Supreme Court has allowed dismissed Madang Open MP Bryan Kramer to appeal his dismissal from office.

The leadership tribunal dismissed Mr Kramer on.

High court rules Douglas Tomuriesa has standing

 The PNG Supreme Court comprising five judges have unanimously ruled that the Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has standing to bring a Supreme Court Reference under sec 18 (1) to court. 

Despite opposition from interveners the Speaker and the Attorney General,

The uncontrolled street vending

 Will the country not face any challenges in regulating street vending in future.

You see they are sprouting every where as the vendors please.

This is quite a concern. 

Supreme Court to rule on standing of Douglas Tomuriesa

 A five man Supreme Court will rule this morning whether Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has standing to bring a supreme court reference to the high court.

The reference essentially seeks the high courts opinion on the happenings in Parliament on June 5, 2024.

A motion of no confidence was declined by the Private Business Committee to have it put on notice paper the following day.

Lawyers for the Speaker and the Oppostion argue that Mr Tomuriesa has no standing and the questions raised were not important constitutional matters and parliament processes were not exhausted yet before coming to court.

If the high court rules that Mr Tomuriesa does not have standing, the case comes to an end.

If they rule he has standing, lawyer for the attorney General will raise issues of objection to competency of the supreme court reference.

Mr Tomuriesa has appealed to everyone for peace and respect the processes of the court as they endeavour to hold the government accountable.

Yesterday the five man bench was supposed to convene and hear the application on standing by Mr Tomuriesa.

But at 1.30pm on Wednesday, June 26, Mr Sheppard received an objection to competency application from the Attorney General. 

Mr Sheppard was responding to it when he was interjected by Justice Les Gavara-Nanu that the court was not there yet.

As he tried to explain further, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika intervened and stressed the court is not covering to hear an application on objection on competency but on the standing of Mr Tomuriesa. 

The Attorney General and the Speaker has argued Mr Tomuriesa did not have standing , there were no serious constitutional issues raised.

Waigani court commits suspects policemen involved in alleged murder

 The Waigani District court this morning committed six police men and one civilian to trial at the national court for alleged killing of Kimoly Dagoba.

The deceased is the son of the Provincial Administrator of Hela province, Marago Dagoba.

The Hela Provincial Administrator and relatives of the deceased welcomed the court decision this morning.

The seven accused appeared before Magistrate Albert Daniels at the Waigani district court.

The suspects comprising of three regular police personnel and four civilians of who are alleged impersonators were jointly charged with the alleged murder of Kimoly under section 300 subsection 1A of the Criminal Code.

Magistrate Daniels made the decision this morning after police file was ready and the lawyer representing the seven accused was not present in court to defend the suspects.

Father of the deceased told the media outside the court house this morning that he’s relieved that justice has taken its course and the suspects allegedly involved in the death of his son will now stand trial at the national court.

He further called on the police commissioner and police hierarchy to be vigilant and screen members of the force properly to ensure there are no impersonators.

According to police reports in court, the body of the deceased was discovered on the 28th of November 2023 and the seven suspects linked to the alleged murder were apprehended and locked up in the same week.

The seven defendants committed are all between the ages of 23 to 33.

Magistrate Daniel informed them of their rights, including re-emphasizing to them their innocence until proven guilty by the courts.

The matter has been adjourned to the district court registry for the suspects to prepare their response to the court’s decision.

PNG Sports Foundation wants a national sports plan developed

 In a very significant and moving ceremony this week, the new PNG Sports Foundation CEO Micah James offered an olive leaf to the National Federations that represented various sports in the country.

James said for too long, sporting entities like PNG Olympic Committee, the National Federations and the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation have been working in isolation despite working in the same industry.

Under his tenure, he wants everyone to work together and form one National Sports Work plan for the development of sports in the country.

As is customary to the Melanesian culture, Mr. James offered a pig to symbolize the reinvigorated relationship with the National Federations and PNGOC and pledged to work together for the betterment of Sports in Papua New Guinea.

Stringent requirements to open a Kina Bank account

 It's not a walk in the park yo open a Kina Bank account in Papua New Guinea.

Yes you have to comply with all requirements, even if it means providing duplicate information like your date of birth.

This information contained in your valid drivers licence is not sufficient.

I stress its not sufficient.

This information has yo be captured in your letter of confirmation of employment and identification from your employer as well.

I went through this and I am sharing with you.

I got everything alright with my digital identification, but they declined my application because the date of birth was not stated in the confirmation letter.

The good staff at the downtown branch though vouched for my application to be considered because information about my DOB is clearly stated in my valid drivers licence, it was declined.

So essentially, my point here is ensure you have all details and ID prepared before you turn up at the bank or you face a run around before you open an account with Kina.

National Housing and Population Census 2024 and its hiccups

 Today Papua New Guinea started on its important national event that happens every ten years.

It's the enumeration of every household and human beings referenced to June 16, 2024.

Essentially what this means is where were you sleeping that evening.

The government is said to have released K153 million for thos event but with cumbersome financial processes or appears funds were disbursed to provinces only few days before the start today.

The plan was that enumerators would use tablets or IPADS and collect data which will be electronically send to the data centre in Port Moresby with live updates on a desktop. 

Sadly though this did not happen.

Enumerators were using notes and stationery they purchased on their own.

Supreme Court grants leave to Speaker and Attorney General to be interveners

 The Supreme Court in Waigani,Port Moresby this morning granted leave to the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General to be interveners in the reference filed by the opposition.

This reference seeks the high courts opinion regarding the conduct of parliament and the private business committee recently, refusing to entertain a motion of vote of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape.

Lawyers for the opposition say the Supreme Court will convene next Thursday, June 27 to hear an application whether opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa has standing to file a Supreme Court reference under Section 18.

If leave is granted further proceedings to prepare for hearing will be done and lawyers for the opposition say if leave is denied, they will explore other legal means to seek opinion from the high court on Constitutional matters.

Public servants directed to be engaged in census

 Public Services Minister Joe Singh has issued a "direction" that all public servants through out the country should support the 2024 Census without requesting allowances.

He said Secretary Taes Sansan would have already issued a circular on this.

Mr Sungi  was with Prime Minister James Marape and the Administrative Services Minister Richard Masere.

The Prime Minister has stressed everyone should ensure they are counted, no one should be left behind.

The census starts on June 17 and ends on June 30.

Pacific Engagement Visa to deepen cultural connections, boost business and educational ties between PNG and Australia

Papua New Guinea nationals can now register for Australia's new

Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), providing new opportunities to live,

work and study in Australia.

The PEV, which officially launched in PNG on Wednesday 12 June,

will enable up to 1,350 PNG citizens to migrate to Australia as

permanent residents each year.

The PEV program will grow Australia's PNG diaspora community,

deepen cultural connections, boost business, and educational ties

between Australia and PNG and support broader economic

development in the region.

The PEV program works by randomly selecting successful

applicants, who can then apply for the visa, providing an

equitable, streamlined, and transparent system.

Applicants must secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia and

meet health and character requirements, before being granted a

visa.

The PEV responds directly to requests for greater regional mobility,

delivering education, skills and economic and development

dividends for the region, and linking us more closely together.

PNG nationals participating in the program will have access to a

range of supports, including migrant settlement services, English

language programs, public schools and healthcare, and financial

supports to encourage participation in study and training.

-Press Release

Tuberculosis disease surge in suburban Port Moresby

 Concerns about increase in the spread of the air borne Tuberculosis disease has reached heightened level.

Not just in Port Moresby but in the Southern Highlands and West New Britain.

The country's public broadcaster embarks on digital radio and TV transformation after 50 years

 The National Broadcasting Corporation, a state owned media that transitioned from the ABC Australia prior to indpedence in 1973 celebrated its 50 years of service in 2023.

From analog radio to digital, then it introduced Television in 2008, website in 2024 and soon a newspaper.

It's embarked on a serious A2D project, just a fancy but simplified way of saying analogue to digital.

What's happening is that it will have its own digital television in high definition and a playbox

King Charles III Honours List 2024

 KNIGHT BACHELOR

Arthur Llewellyn JONES, OBE

For service to Business and to the Community

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

(CIVIL DIVISION)

K.B.E

To be an Ordinary Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

John BANGKOK, BEM

For services to Business and to the Community

C.B.E

To be Ordinary Commanders of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Andrew Charles ABEL

For services to the Surfing Industries 

Ahmed Bin ISMAIL

For services to Business and to the Community.

Ian Alan TARUTIA, O.B.E.

For services to Business and to the Public and Private Sectors

O.B.E.

To be Ordinary Officers of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Victor GABI

For services to the Public

Vaghi GAIROWAGGA

For Public Service

Williamson HOSEA

For Public Service

Beatrice MAHURU

For services to the Private Sector

Sosepe Kerowa MAMINTI

For services to the Private Sector

Captain Philip Leonard MARSHALL

For services to the Aviation Industries

Joe Kenken MOK

For services to the Real Estate Industry

M.B.E

To be Ordinary Members of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Aria ASI

For services to the Public

Philip ALU

For services to Education

Steven Enomb KILANDA

For Public Service

Molly O’ROURKE

For services to the Community

Bogi RAGA

For services to the Electoral Commission

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL

(CIVIL DIVISION)

B.E.M.

Terence ALUNA

For services to Central Government and to the Community

Tobby BOBBY

For services to the Community 

Captain David FAITHFUL

For services to Lutheran Shipping in Lae, Morobe Province

Mairi HOMOSI

For services to the Community

Michael KELENA

For services to the Public

Sharon MAMANGI

For services to the Community and to Education

George NOBLE

For Public Service

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

(MILITARY DVISION)

C.B.E.

To be an Ordinary Commander of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Commodore Philip POLEWARA, MBE 

Papua New Guinea Defence Force

O.B.E.

To be an Ordinary Officer of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Colonel Dominic BULUNGOL, M.B.E.

Papua New Guinea Defence Force

M.B.E.

To be an Ordinary Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Colonel Tony ASEAVU

Papua New Guinea Defence Force

Colonel Dickers ESSO

Papua New Guinea Defence Force

Colonel Tony OAWA

Papua New Guinea Defence Force

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL

(MILITARY DIVISION)

B.E.M.

Warrant Officer Joseph DALID

         Chief Warrant Officer Eddie FOIAP

Chief Warrant Officer Silas HUAZIEMBE

        Chief Warrant Officer Jacob YAKEA

Authorised by: 

________________

Bill Toraso

a/Official Secretary

Government House

Inflation has hit PNG big time

 It's not rocket science to work this out.

Prices of food items have gone up. It changed immensely within a month or less.

Below is an adertìsement or promotion for TST that's more than 20 years ago.

Don't you wish we could go back to these prices?

I was at a quick shop at the Boroko Drive Mobil Service station this morning.

A man went to buy chicken and one kilogram packet of Roots Rice.

As a regular at that shop, he knew the price to be K4.60 but to his surprise it has gone up to K6.00.

The cashiers apologised to him that prices have changed much lately.

The Post Courier will now be selling at all regional centres for K5.00 per cover except Port Moresby and Lae which should maintain the K2.00 cover price.

It's General Manager Frank Genaia says the distribution cost for air freight have gone up.

For alcohol consumers a six pack of SP Lager in bottle and can have gone up at most retail outlets.

It used to be K42.00, it is now K45.00

A K100.00 note is worth about K30.00 these days.

Salaries of many public servants would be quite a challenge to amend and increase due to cumbersome processes. 

Private companies may also need to dig deeper to compensate its employees and remain in business.

Times are indeed tough and yes most average employees are struggling to pay K400.00 a fortnight rent for a room.

God help Papua New Guinea.

Air Niugini recruits new cadet pilots after eight years

 Air Niugini cadet pilots all set to commence their 18 months cadet training.

They are pictured here with the airline’s Acting Chief Executive Officer and the Flight Operations management team.

The last recruitment was 8 years ago.

(l to r): General Manager Flight Operations Captain Samiu Taufa (back), Manager Organisation Development Ms Bernadine Winkuaru (front), pilot cadets Stehen Nialir (back), Wari Willie (front), Edward Bare, Shirley Ambang, Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Gary Seddon, pilot cadets Thaddeus Kobal, Emmanuel Kukyuwa, Chief Operating Officer Captain Granger Narara and pilot cadet Vincent Yandawai

What is a Section 18 Supreme Court Reference

 It appears the Opposition has taken a step forward and filed an application in the Supreme Court as a reference under Section 18 (1) of the Constitution.

This provision allows any ordinary citizen who is aggrieved by Constitutional matters can file.

But why has the Opposition taken this course?

Plainly, it's a strategy to ensure they are not recognised by the court as having legal standing.

They will correct their mistakes and come back for a second bite at the same apple through Sect 19 (1).

This section is used by Constitutional office holders and the leader of the Opposition is one.

NCDC funds census work in Port Moresby

 The National Capital District Commission and the National Statistical Office have partnered in terms of financing to conduct census in the nation's capital.

Four days away before the two weeks of counting people start, NCDC has signed a memorandum of agreement to fund the the census work with K600,000.

These monies should go to training of enumeraters and other associate programs before and during census.

City Manager Ravu Frank said they are ready to assist to ensure the census was successful in Port Moresby.

A total of 1,300 enumeraters would count people across three electorates or districts nd they include the Motu Koita people in NCD.

Three chief executive officers from each electorate ( Moresby South, North East and North West), were present during the signing of the agreement.

For the Motu Koita Assembly its executive officer attended. 

National Statistician John Igitoi was frank saying the census was an important national event. Currently the government is using outdated or obsolete data to make decisions and it needs latest up to date data for reaslitics planning and implementation of services. 

He highlighted education and health sectors as among key ones that the government has to plan well.

There will be a reference night on Sunday evening before enumeration starts next Monday and Mr Igitoi says they are working on using a tight K153 million budget to successfully deliver the census.

While this money may sound big, he has hinted contingency needs for funding were not considered.

Opposition files Supreme Court Reference under Section 18 to query conduct of Speaker among others

 The Opposition has filed a Section 18 Supreme Court Reference to review the process involved in disputing the recent unsuccessful vote of no confidence motion in Parliament. 

The case was filed on Monday this week by Young and Williams Law firm representing the Opposition Leader. 

They are seeking further orders to have,  parliament recalled immediately to deal with the Vote of No Confidence Motion as they alleged the process was not followed.

A copy of the sealed application obtained  indicated, the Opposition is seeking interpretations of Sections 11, 111, 135, 145 and 155 sub-section 4 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders. 

It relates to the V-O-N-C process and the role and the conduct of the Private Business Committee, which is made up of mostly members of the ruling Pangu Pati. 

The Opposition is also questioning the conduct of the Parliament Clerk,  the Speaker and  Parliament. They will argue among others, that the Notice of Motion of NO confidence in the Prime Minister is special and should not be treated as an ordinary notice of motion in the way it happened on Wednesday 5th of June. 

They are also questioning the role of the PBC and what it should do in clearing the motion quickly to go before the Clerk for vetting. 

The opposition also claimed that Parliament had breached its duties by not permitting or not facilitating the applicant (Opposition leader) to introduce the Motion of No Confidence in the Prime Minister into Parliament. 

A date for hearing is yet to be set. The court as usual is expected to deal with the issue of standing of the Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa first before dealing with questions raised for its interpretation.

This could be the reason why they have opted to file a Section 18 Reference. If the Supreme Court finds the Opposition Leader does not have standing or there are irregularoties, they may come back to court and file under Section 19.

 If they are successful they've asked the Supreme Court to order parliament to reconvene immediately to deal with the VONC motion. 

Kundiawa Gembogl seat goes for recount

 A Supreme Court decision which dismissed an application for leave to review a National Court decision that nullified the election win by Muguwa Dilu after the 2022 National Elections.

He was declared MP for Kundiawa Gembogl, Simbu Province.

Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi upheld the petition and considered a recount from exclusions 19 to 22.

Muguwa Dilu's Supreme Court dismissal can be read here.

As per the organic law on elections "a decision of the National Court is final and conclusive and without appeal, and shall not be questioned in anyway."

Sir Julius Chan condemns continuous fakes news about him dying

 Sir Julius Chan, one of the country’s oldest and longest serving politicians has called for the Department of Information and Communications Technology to investigate and prosecute those who are behind fake social media accounts and spreading fake news that he has died.

Dispelling the fake news spread may be 100 times as the New Ireland Provincial Government releases a statement this weekend, they say Sir Julius is alive and well.

Sir Julius described that continuous spreading of fake news as the work of the wicked who have no rest and it appears he has been resurrected a 100^th time.

He further says it appears someone is hell bent to send him off to the pearly gates of heaven and he is still holding onto the golden keys to heaven.

Sir Julius is adamant those spreading fake news will be caught by police soon.

South Pacific Nurses forum

 It's been 34 years since Papua New Guinea hosted the South Pacific Nurses forum.

The country took the honour this year hosting the 21 Nurses Forum.

Members from Pacific Island countries and Australia and New Zealand attended.

In Australia, the Aboringal and Torres Strait Islanders health and nurses program representatives also attended.

The theme was "our nurses our future ".

Private organisations like Santos who has a massive health program for its staff also attended.

A highlight for the three days summit was the launch of a nursing program by Papua New Guinea's National Department of Health.

At the conclusion and a farewell gala dinner, gifts were exchanged and friendship forged in a true Pacific ways.

A nurse originally from Niue but now based in New Zealand opened the dinner with a prayer.

The opposition can file a vote of no confidence motion in September

 Prime Minister James Marape's government is not safe from any vote of no confidence yet after controversially adjourning  Parliament using its numerical strength of 69 members.

Former Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet says after 18 months of a grace period, a motion to  vote against a Prime Minister can be moved anytime when Parliament meets.

Mr Amet also clarified that any member in the opposition can be a nominee to be Prime Minister.

The opposition says it has engaged lawyers to go through Hansard Records and file a case in the  Supreme Court for interpretation.

They will be asking the court for a recall of Parliament immediately.

Speaker Job Pomat has said he would also go to court and ask the court to interpret whether a decision by the Private Business Committee finding the motion of no confidence defective because names of endorsers were written incorrectly. 

The interesting thing with the move by the Speaker is that courts might say it is a waste of courts time when anyone makes a decision and runs to court to seek justification or validation.

A common practice is the affected person  or party does that.

So it would be a very interesting approach taken by the Speaker of Parliament.

Opposition members walked out of Parliament in protest when Speaker opted for a vote to overrule the decision by the Private Business Committee and asking Parliament to vote whether a motion to change the Prime Minister should be put on notice paper the following day.

Parliament voted 69 votes to nil against putting the motion on notice paper.

They adjourned parliament to September as well.

Pacific nurses conclude regional forum

 A three days meeting of the Pacfic nurses concluded on a high note in Port Moresby.

The highlight was a nursing curriculum launched by the presidents. 

Gifts were presented to participants from Pacific Island countries nurses and doctors who came from as far as Tonga and Samoa.

The Tongan group put up a dance written and originally sang by their Queen Salute.

In their culture, when that song is performed the audience contributes or pays money to the queen.

The Tongan team said they have been gifted alot and did not need any money but the PNG audience blessed their performance with some cash.

A Samoan nurse and deputy president for their nurses association was discouraged from coming by her family because of the news about the January 10 civil unrest in Port Moresby.

She despised their discouragement and arrived in Port Moresby and the news of the landslide in Mulitaka,  Enga Province, people buried by landslide and died, drove her into tears.

MRDC says no risks with its venture in offshore gas project

Former Minister for Petroleum and Energy Kerenga Kua has come under criticism from the Mineral Resource Development Company.

The company who manages landowner funds from mining and petroleum resource projects has accused Kua as a former minister who withheld the licence for the offshore Pasca A gas project for reasons only known to himself.

Mr Kua has alleged that the  joint 50-50 gas participating interest in Twinza’s Pasca A project has risks and landowners could lose huge sums of money.

The agreement further binds MRDC and Twinza to work together, acquire and develop future oil and gas opportunities in Papua New Guinea.

MRDC will need USD$160 million to be partners with Twinza and in kina would be around K617 million.

Mr Kua has said MRDC holds monies for land owners in trust funds and the recent venture with Twinza many be risky alleging Twinza has not received a petroleum development licence yet since lodging its application in 2008.

The petroleum resources advisory body has not approved the application for a petroleum development licence yet for Twinza and Kua argues, if they rejected it, the landwoners may lose huge sums of money.

Mr Kua alleges MRDC does not have reputable fund manager.

But MRDC in a statement says it does not bear any financial risk (no payments required) until a Gas Agreement is established and it has conducted two independent valuations by two international reputable firms, both confirming the project's quality, feasibility, and profitability.

The company has accused Hon. Kerenga Kua as the longest-serving minister, yet he neglected to implement policy and legislative reforms aimed at enhancing and reshaping the landscape of landowners' and provincial governments direct and indirect equity participation.

It says the Twinza acquisition of  (50%) by the group on commercial terms signifies a shift from the existing status quo.

It further says Gulf Province stands to benefit immensely from its significant role in the Pasca Project.

The Gulf Provincial Government has secured a 10% carried interest in Heheve Ltd, the company that is participating in the Joint Venture.

The Gulf Provincial Government and its beneficiaries also hold indirect interests through its involvement with Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) Gas Resource Pipeline Limited, and Petroleum Resources Gobe (PRG) all shareholders of Heheve.

MRDC says the additional benefits Gulf Provincial Government will derive include royalties and development levies. 

These benefits will pave the way for sustained economic development within the province.

The Pasca A offshore gas project will create 500 permanent jobs and bring in about K30 billion  and K15 billion as revenue during its lifespan.

It’s now into its FEED stage, or Front End Engineering and Design.

It's located 90 kilometres south from the most southern tip of Gulf Province.

Eating out in Port Moresby

 This is noodles and duck at the Ang Restaurant in Port Moresby. 

You find  this place opposite the Brian Bell Plaza at Gordons in Port Moresby and right from the hardware. 

PNG opposition unsuccessful to oust Prime Minister James Marape

 Papua New Guinea Parliament went into a fiery heated debate between the opposition and Speaker Job Pomat after his annoucement of defects in the filing of a notice to move a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape.

It took a 75 minutes of heated exchange, a point of order after a point of order, when opposition members described the decision by the private business committee chaired by the Speaker as biased and reasons for declining the motion to be put on notice paper as "parochial". 

The speaker appeared to be contradicting himself saying it was a matter of national importance but yet attempted every instance  to vigorously defend it.

After sometime, he finally made up his mind to override the private business committee's decision and allow the motion to be put on notice paper and moved in Parliament the next day (Thursday).

 

James Marape appoints acting ministers

 Prime Minister James Marape, has announced the acting appointments of five ministers, in place of those who were removed after they joined the Opposition.

They include, Labour and Employment Minister, Kessy Sawang for Housing, Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina as Energy Minister, Ian Ling-Stuckey, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, for Finance, Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Minister, Soroi Eoe, for Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as Education Minister, Lucas Dekena, as Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports.

Mr Marape says, the acting appointments are to watch over the respective Ministries and keep the departments running, while Cabinet decides on the fixed appointments.

He adds, the opportunity given by this Vote of No Confidence helps him, the coalition party leaders and Pangu Pati, to look again at the Cabinet line-up.

The Dirty Kitchen water

Yes, don't you feel a bit hesitant to have this water from the Dirt Kitchen?

It's business though.

Dirty Kitchen has several joints across Port Moresby and their main attraction is their burger. So yummy and tasty.

But I incline to share here is the water and their water.

We no longer have monopoly in this water business.

There are many brands now and tell you what, because of competition, prices have dropped to as low as K1.00 in major shops and in street canteens.

Renbo Paita eligible to challenge Prime Minister James Marape in a VONC

 Registrar of Political Parties and Candidates Emmanuel Pok has dispelled fake social media posts that the nomination of Finschaffen MP Renbo Paita to challenge Prime Minister James Marape in a vote of no confidence was wrong.

The fake news claims they are from the same party and thus Paita was ineligible.

Mr Pok says his office does not interfere with affairs of political parties and he further clarified the 2010 Supreme Courts ruling that nullified 12 provisions in the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) now allows members to move as they wish from government to opposition or vice versa.

He told the media Mr Paita being a citizen of Papua New Guinea and a Member of Parliament has every right to contest and be elected as Prime Minister. 

Mr Pok described recent moves as "things are in order".

Administratively through, when MPs move they sort out their membership with their party and the officer of the registrar of parties and candidates.

Mr Pok says any MPs defection would be considered subject to the party's constitution and his office does not interfere with party councils decisions.

You can listen to Registrar Emmanuel Pok's statement here (audio )

What's the time what's the time: It's Big Rooster time

 Don't you miss the old thriving Big Rooster and the television advertisement- What's the time, What's the time. It's big rooster time.

The taste of the yummy chicken, hot chips and tasty filings is a craving for a lot of us.

The sad realisation though is that most of the Big Rooster shops are shutting and most taken over by other similar fast food outlets.

An example is the for Big Rooster set up at Hohola, before you turn left and head to the Hohola Police Station.

This post does does delve into the business situation and future plans of the Big Rooster chain but rather an appreciation of its service and remembering the brand.

Well I can recall the price and taste of a hot and tasty Big Rooster snack pack at K14.00 ten years ago.

Today the price has gone up. Thanks to inflation but sadly the business is not as thriving as before. 

Like I said before.

But in this business sector, and as PNG transforms in many aspects, there is indeed huge competition from new market players.

Kenmaity, DFC, Hot Rooster and Buffalo Burger  to name but a few.

As we transform and if Big Rooster fades into oblivion, we can just mourn its glory days and tell our children about how tasty, salivating and yummy it was.

Thank you Big Rooster.

The Internal Revenue Commission's year in review for 2023

 Well done to Sam Koim and the team for their accountability and transparency in reporting about what they have done in the last 12 months.

Since 2020, tax revenue collections have surged, doubling from K8 billion to just about K16 billion in 2023, withing a span of three years.

This achievement is notable considering factors such as the K280 million foregone due to Salary Wages Tax tax free threshold increase to K20,000 and the closure of the Porgera Gold Mine during the same period.

Commissioner General Sam Koim said that last years performance was remarkable given that there was a substantial drop of around 30% in oil prices (from a high of US$123 to US$ 85 per barrel) compared to 2022.

Boarding Qantas from Port Moresby

 Here are some basic but important information you should know when boarding a Qantas flight.

They are now back in Port Moresby and doing routes to Sydney.

Any carry-on baggage exceeding the allowable weights will have to be checked in.

Please consider the sizes of carry on baggage as well.

Education department to review contract of a company

 The Education Department will review a contract awarded to a company whose owner and director was charged by the Australian Federal Police for  smuggling 71.5 kg of methamphetamine from PNG to Australia last year.

The ABC ran a story in February, revealing 41-year old Mei Lin, who is the owner  of the  contracting company-KC2 charged by the Australian Federal Police in Brisbane.

Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra says the department will review the contract for school supplies given to the person, allegedly involved in drug dealing.

He says when the contract was given, there was no such record at that time.

Dika Toua wins an award

 Dika Toua, Papua New Guinea's weight lifting sensation from Hanuabada in Port Moresby won yet again the Female Athlete of the Year award during the SP Sports Award last night.

The country's Golden Girl won the first 3 Gold Medals for Team PNG at the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands last year and she lifted a Games record in the 76 kg Snatch category.

She is ranked first in Oceania, 4th in the Commonwealth and 26th in the World.

 

Ms Toua won a sliver medal at the 2023 Eleiko International Email Tournament in the 55kg category and placing 26th at the 2023 IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Her husband Willie Mavara Tamasi and son Paul Arua Gavera received the award on behalf of Dika.

PNG has a new Court of Appeal

 Following a successful amendment to law in Parliament, Papua New Guinea will now have a third higher court system.

This Court of Appeals will exist between the National and Supreme Courts and the Court Restructure Law 2023 allows this.

Both the government and the opposition supported this law and passed the bill through voting during the final reading last Wednesday. 

Justice Minister and Attorney General Pila Niningi successfully brought the bill to Parliament.

He said judges of the higher courts will sit in one higher court only.

This means judges will be appointed to sit in the national, court of appeals or supreme court's. 

A judge cannot sit in two or more courts as was the practice.

Mr Niningi said with the new court restructure law in place, judges appointment for each court will be done  separately.

Team NBC sports wins another award from SP Brewery

 Papua New Guinea's popular Sports Awards sponsored by SP Brewery was hailed another  success last night.

This is the 32 edition of the SP Sports Awards

The NBC Sports desk received the news team of the year award dedicated to the late senior sports journalist and producer Paul Taumik Jr and late Lisa Pagelio, the executive director news.

In the other categories, sprinter Daniel Baul and veteran weight lifter Dika Toua were crowned as male and female athletes of the year.

Both were recognized for their achievements over the past year.

Other notable recipients of the awards are for Kimbe Pirates -National Performance of the Year Award, PNG Barramundi's as team of the year and Suger Ray Hakena for junior athlete of the year.

The Kimbe Pirates also received the People's Choice Awards.

Vodafone or Telikom

 Each to his or her own choice.  Here I provide my feedback comparing Vodafone and Telikom PNG services in data and calls.

Firstly, both have some great plans for on net and off net calls. But I think Telikom's plans are better than Vodafone.

Telikom has unlimited on net calls while Vodafone has set time for on net calls.

For off net, they both have some good packages but I still like Telikom's. 

Now the next is data.

Both have some good data plans for three one day and more.

But I have found Telikom data to be more reliable to use. Vodafone data access is not as reliable as Telikom.

So I lost my Telikom SIM through robbery and got a Vodafone SIM.

But I have gone back to Telikom and I post this using Telikom data.

There is less downtime than Vodafone. 

Drop your comments below about your experiences and let's influence data pricing and call plans from our the telecommunication companies.

Know your rights and limitations under PNG laws

 Many of us know little about our rights and how to form cases to present to police or assist our lawyers put together a strong court case.

From the outset, you must know that courts rely on facts, evidence and law to make decisions that are impartial.

AI generated image of a PNG police officer 

File photo: Lawyers walking out from Waigani National and Supreme Court

But there  are procedural approaches that you and I must know and appreciate. We need to comply or else we face charges.

In this write up, I focus on perverting the course of justice.

It is a very serious offence under the criminal code act (CCA).

If you lay a police complaint against someone and the process of arrest and prosecution before court have begun, do not negotiate to withdraw the case. I repeat do not withdraw the case, it would be deemed perverting the course of justice and the court and police can charge you for that.

Magistrate Paul Nii at the Waigani Committal Court has warned a complainant who has decided to withdraw a case after some payments were received from the accused that it was wrong and police and courts can charge the complainant for perverting the course of justice. 

The police arresting officer who was also in court told the court the complainant was not helpful to bring evidence and a file can be prepared for prosecution.

Magistrate Nii said police should carefully analyse the intent of complaints before effecting arrests.

Some complainants want to use the system to threaten the accused and receive what ever award they are after.

He said this should not be entertained.

The next scenario, if you have a registered police complaint against you, do not go and file a complaint against the complainant again.

That would be deemed an attempt to pervert the course of justice and you can be arrested and charged. 

Just allow the process to fully complete and then you can file your case.

This is very important.

If you find this information helpful, you can comment below or email pngmediaproduct@gmail.com

I have more paralegal tips for you so subscribe and you will be alerted when I post.

Thank you for reading this tip.

Magazine content development (photography, articles, design and printing)

 If you're after a cost saving approach but high quality output in content design, look no further than a team of experienced media personnel at Frontier Media Productions Limited.

We can assist develop a magazine or newspaper product for you.

We have a team comprising photographers, journalists, layout and design personnel (graphic artists) and printing partners.

Our company is registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) and we have an operating bank account.

Email pngmediaproduct@gmail.com

Missionary Aviation Fellowship adds a fleet to land on water in PNG

 Thank you MAF.

They have added a fleet to their aeroplanes, this plane that can land on water.

The Sepik region certainly needs this service.

The Samaritan Aviation has been the one to go in emergencies, disaster and helping river communities reach your destinations comfortably.

But this one is for Western Province.

MAF says after almost six hours of total flight time from Mareeba, Australia, to PNG via Horn Island and Daru, MAF’s new floatplane P2-WET touched down on Lake Murray at 2pm yesterday.

It was welcomed with great cheers by the onlooking community. After some manoeuvres on the lake, the plane rested overnight at Kiunga.

MAF’s amphibious project has been supported by PNG SDP and we are looking forward to utilise this aircraft together to bring help, hope and healing to many various lake and riverside communities in the near future.