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PNG Hunters beat Mackay Cutters 26 -24

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The Papua New Guinea SP Hunters have held off gallant Mackay Cutters outfit with a 26 - 24 win at the Kalabond oval this afternoon.

It wasn’t a performance Hunters expect but they were lucky to escape a fast finish Cutters side.

Hunters coming from a two game losing streak were looking to restore some pride.

They were the first to score and by half time they led 20-6.

Into the second half,  Hunters captain Eliab powered his way over for another Hunters try. Zeming stepped  up to split the uprights as the Hunters took a commanding 26-6 lead with 11 minutes into the second half.

Cutters fullback Sam Clune dived over for the visitors’ second try and Taylor sent the ball through as they trailed 12-26 with 19 minutes on the clock in the second half.

Cutters’ Josh Chudleigh rolled over for another try to the visitors to cut the margin to 8 points. Hunters lead 26-18.

Cutters added another try to their list to narrow the margin by 2 points with 7 minutes to go.

The Hunters won 26 - 24 at full time .

Papua New Guinea in talks to raise billions to fund oil, gas plans

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SYDNEY,  (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea's National Petroleum Company (NPCP) said it is looking to raise billions of dollars to help fund new oil and gas projects, as the South Pacific country battles a sharp slump in forecast revenue from a plunge in prices for the commodities.

NPCP holds a 16.6-percent stake in the PNG LNG project, which operator ExxonMobil Corp wants to expand, and has rights to take up to a 20-percent stake in the Elk-Antelope fields, the country's largest undeveloped gas resource.

While prospects for new liquefied natural gas developments globally have been hammered by the fallout from a 50-percent drop in oil prices since last June, projects in Papua New Guinea are seen as vital to the country's economy.

"We are getting a financial adviser on board to work out the structure," Robert Acevski, chief financial officer at NPCP, told Reuters by telephone on Monday.

"Eventually, we'll go to the market to raise debt on top of our equity to participate in new projects."

The projects, which have yet to be finalised, involve multinational firms such as Total SA, Exxon Mobil, Santos and Oil Search. Total operates the Elk-Antelope fields.

Funding an expansion of PNG LNG and any Elk-Antelope development will require NPCP to contribute billions of dollars in the next three years, so it makes sense for it to raise debt well before it needs the money, two industry executives said.

"There was a big increase in revenue that was on the cards only nine months ago, all predicated on the LNG revenue, which is of course drastically reduced. It's an issue facing the whole country," said Greg Anderson, executive director of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.

An adviser is expected to be appointed within weeks, with the fund raising to kick off later this year or in 2016, Acevski said.

The financing would include "plain" U.S.-denominated debt. The official said it was too early to give an exact amount, but said it would be in billions of dollars.

Papua New Guinea has a debt rating of B-plus from Standard and Poor's and B1 from Moody's. Its economy expanded by 8.4 percent last year, making it one of the fastest growing in the world.

Reuters

No traffic for PMBL mobile banking

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CLIENTS of the People’s Micro Bank Ltd (PMBL) have been assured of no traffic congestion when using its recently launched mobile banking product.
The micro finance bank was the first in PNG to introduce a product where customers can conveniently check their balances, transfer funds and get mini statements on their mobile phones.
“Our architecture is much different from the other banks, with commercial banks their system is running off Digicel’s main system,” PMBL said in a statement.
“We (PMBL) have our own USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) server so you do not have the risks of congestion; we host our own server at our data centre so you have the convenience of just passing messages.
“We have actually gone through number of tests on the product and sought approval from BPNG and we have covered all risks to ensure that this product cannot be abused. There are no risks.”
Bank of PNG assistant governor, financial system stability group, Ellison Pidik added: “Mobile phone banking is surely making its mark in PNG.  BPNG’s approach towards addressing inclusive economic growth in PNG is in ensuring an enabling regulatory environment that is necessary for financial and technological innovations and advocate for development of banking products, services and delivery channels. 
“Online and mobile banking channels are growing rapidly in many emerging markets and PNG is no exception. 
“Mobile phones offer numerous benefits in emerging markets; security of money, make payments more convenient and promote other business opportunities for local entrepreneurs. 
“All financial service providers need to be innovative to utiliser smarter technology, banking products and delivery channels, MIS, systems and processes that are essential to deliver services and manage risks.” 

PNG Aircraft engineers start job training overseas

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TEN Air Niugini cadet engineers, including two women, started their on-the-job-training with Hawker Pacific in Cairns, Australia, last week.
This follows the completion of their two-year training with Air New Zealand’s Aviation Institute in Christchurch, New Zealand, last month.
The cadets were in Port Moresby for their break before leaving for Cairns. 
Their training includes nine months of aeronautics, covering 10 basic modules divided into avionics and mechanics, which are two trades in aircraft engineering.
On behalf of the group, cadet engineer Solomon Kawage said the two years training in New Zealand was challenging and at the same time exciting for them.
“We were exposed to bigger aircraft and had the chance to work alongside people from other nationalities,” Kawage said. 
“We were exposed to new weather, although it was difficult in the first few months, we got used to it as the days and months went by.” 
Another cadet, Linda Eremas said they were grateful for the opportunity provided them by Air Niugini.
 “We know, we owe Air Niugini with the two years in New Zealand and now the training in Australia. We cannot wait to come back and give back the service to our own people.”  
Her advice to the up and coming cadets is: “It’s not a game, it’s tough. You must have the right attitude and always be on top of your game.”
Air Niugini invests heavily in the training of its staff, including cadet engineers and pilots, every year. 
The cost of training a cadet engineer over a four year period is K600,000. 

De la Salle Secondary School improves image

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DE La Salle Secondary School in Port Moresby is improving on its behaviour and academic marks, school principal Samuel Ume says.
“Much has been said by the public that the school was chaotic and had a negative reputation,” Ume said.
“These negative reputation had shadowed the good things about the school. 
“I am going to take you through the brief history of De La Salle School in Port Moresby and you will realise the goodness of the school.
“History reveals that the school started on Feb 25, 1946 (just after WWII ended) by the De La Salle Brothers (for Catholic Church) as a primary school with 83 male students.”
For years the school has been building up and is the first school in Papua New Guinea to offer education to male students only from the beginning until the present time. 
Eighteen years later the school was upgraded to a secondary school level on the site of the original primary school in Bomana. 
The first principal for De La Salle Secondary School (or high school then) in Feb 12, 1964 was Br Patrick Howard and among the first school staff was Br Peter Keaga, the first PNG De La Salle brother. 
The number of students increased gradually from enrolment below 100 in the 1990s to thousands in the present time.
In 1970 the school had 200 boarding students and a staff of six Brothers and three lay teachers.
This year (2015) the school has 1039 students. 
All the De La Salle Brothers had gone and the school is currently run by the national teachers. 
The school has been surviving for years with the motto “For God and Country. Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve”. 
The mission for the school is to “Provide a stimulating and peaceful environment that enables all students to excel in their studies and deepen their Christian faith”. The school has produced a lot many men who became great leaders in the country. 
Some former De La Salle Secondary School students are (only to name a few): former PNG Prime Minister the late Sir William (Bill) Skate; Kandrian-Gloucester MP Joseph Lelang; country leader at General Electric PNG Peter Loko; and Enga provincial police commander George Kakas. 
Ume told The National that the school was improving and great changes had been happening in the school.
“The school is improving and the boys’ behaviour has improved. Boys are serious about their academic work and have respect for each other,” Ume said. 
Ume said the school representative council (SRC) was more effective and had taken a move to reject antisocial activities in the school. 
Last month the school, through its SRC, organised a Vanuatu appeal where students and parents donated clothes, food and money to the Vanuatu disaster. 
The students donated 36 bags of clothes, 25 bags of 10kg Trukai rice and more than K1000 to the Vanuatu disaster. 
Teachers at the school are qualified and are dedicated to their duty.                                                        
Ume said De La Salle was heading to a brighter future.
The school is experiencing positive turnout in the academic results from the students and that is a good reputation for the school,” he said. PNG Today /The National

Local support for West Papua gaining momentum

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HONIARA, 20 APRIL 2015 (SOLOMON STAR) --- A West Papua independence leader was in Solomon Islands last week to rally support for their inclusion in the Melanesia Spearhead Group (MSG).

Octovianus Mote, an exiled West Papuan who now lives in the United States, is the general secretary of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).

The movement has lodged its membership application to the MSG, which will be discussed when MSG Leaders meet during their summit in Honiara in July this year.

In Honiara, Mote met civil society groups, West Papua sympathisers, and prominent leaders.

Mote told the Sunday Star every single person in Solomon Islands is needed to support West Papua’s application to the MSG and their fight for freedom.

West Papua, whose people are Melanesians, was being ruled by Indonesia for the last 53 years.

“Of course, there are many ways to support West Papua’s freedom, especially our application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group, which is the main focus and objective for now,” Mote said.

“Solomon Islands citizens you are our wantok, your support in whatever form in the social media or whatever platform to mobilise information,” he added.

Mote said for the last 53 years, West Papuans have suffered under the brutal occupation of their land by the Indonesian government.

“What you can do is simply rally behind us as Melanesians; we want to be part of that MSG as brothers and sister with Melanesian heritage.

“It’s no use proclaiming your support if you did not cast papers into supporting West Papua’s application for MSG membership.”

He said other regional organisations have pledged their support for the West Papuan cause.

Mote also met West Makira MP Derick Manu’ari, a staunch advocator for the West Papuan independence cause.

Manu’ari said like most groups or movements supporting West Papua, “we all want West Papua to be granted MSG full membership status”.

“It is important to take note of upcoming events and make sure the rally and support we give our brothers and sisters are effective,” the West Makira MP said.

“Solidarity amongst such movements regionally is important, especially amongst the Melanesian countries,” he added.  

Manu’ari said he’s intending to move a motion on the floor of parliament seeking support for the West Papuan cause from national leaders.

SOURCE: SOLOMON STAR

Oil Search Pacific Games Relay Highlights – Week 3

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Week 3 and the Oil Search Pacific Games Relay arrived in the Highlands for the first time on the 100 day journey across Papua New Guinea. Here are the highlights captured by relay team member madNESS Photography.
Sunday was the Relay’s last day in Madang and the north coast put on a great show down at Malala, the Tufira surf club and at the Cocoa and Coconut Institute.
Monday morning we flew in by charter to Goroka to be met by the Asaro mudmen at the airport.  The town Relay started up at Massy Hill to a colourful and excited welcome. The track was decorated from top to bottom with glorious highlands flowers and the community dressed in their provincial colours.
The Relay crossed all Goroka town and included a trip on the town fire engine. It finished at the Unicef Just Play day at the NSI oval.
Tuesday and the Relay drove to Yonki for a day with Games sponsor PNG Power. The baton crossed the dam and the causeway and got to go underground 230metres to the Yonki generation room.
From there the Baton travelled to Kundiawa, crossing the Daulo Pass where the team picked up circlets of flowers from the roadside kids.
In Kundiawa former Kumul players Nere Luauna and new Governor Kool started the Relay. The Relay went around town and then headed out to Kegsuglo and Mt Wilhelm.
Teams of young runners carried the Baton from Kundiawa to the base of Mt Wilhelm, climbing over a thousand metres. Some even ran the entire way.
The next two days saw the Baton make the climb to the top of Papua New Guinea – the Mt Wilhelm summit at 4,500 metres, being the second highest peak in the southern hemisphere.
The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay has now travelled 13,500 kilometres across Papua New Guinea and over 165,000 people have experienced the Relay.
If you would like to share your favourite Relay moment visit raunimPNG 2015 on Facebook or Twitter and upload your best photo today with hashtag OSL Games relay.
The relay team today embark on their journey to the Western province. Daily update to follow later today.

Asia must lift productivity to improve growth and well being

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 20 April 2015—Asia and the Pacific needs to focus on increasing the overall productivity from its investments in physical, human, and natural capital, said a new annual review from Independent Evaluation at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“A part of boosting productivity is making the most of human resources which therefore is also good for greater inclusion,” says Vinod Thomas, director general of Independent Evaluation. “Another part is relying on more high yielding public investments which is good for environmental sustainability and climate friendliness as well.”

The Annual Evaluation Review 2015 notes that in recent years in Asia and elsewhere, growth in overall productivity has slowed, particularly since the 2008 global financial crisis. As a result there is need for both countries and ADB to be more strategic in getting the most from their investments.

“An improvement in productivity of physical investments by just two-tenths of one percent in Asia is like adding $10 billion to those investments,” says Mr. Thomas.

The report notes that expansion in one area of overall productivity—output per worker—has slowed in recent years in Asia, including in the three largest economies: the People’s Republic of China (PRC), India, and Indonesia and this could have a negative spillover effect elsewhere in the region. As the PRC rebalances its economy in favor of consumption over investment, productivity needs to become a bigger driver of growth.

“Stronger results have to be wrung from investments in physical, human, and natural resources through efficiency and sustainability gains,” said the study’s principal author Walter Kolkma. “Human development is critical for raising productivity and this means aggressive commitments to education, training and healthcare.”

The report further notes that ADB has seen improvements in development returns from its operations, with the success rate of completed ADB-supported projects during 2012–2014 rising to 72%. At the same time, continued attention to project design, sound safeguards, due diligence, and supervision, will help improve outcomes.

Multilateral development banks can help strengthen the pace and quality of growth. Infrastructure finance would get a boost from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank of BRICS nations. The challenge is to link infrastructure investment to inclusive growth objectives and climate change. The latter has become an urgent priority given the acute vulnerability to the rise in extreme weather events in Asia and the Pacific. This change is illustrated most recently by the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, and earlier by super typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines in 2013, the 2011 floods in Australia and Thailand and recurring ones in China and India.

The report notes that ADB is in an excellent position to help countries put in place infrastructure incorporating both climate change resilience and inclusion of lower income strata in the growth process. Such an agenda would dovetail with the planned combination of its concessional Asian Development Fund lending operations and ordinary capital resources balance sheet. This will allow ADB to increase its annual financing commitments to countries to up to $20 billion, and if leveraged one to one with cofinancing, up to $40 billion.

Says Thomas: “ADB is uniquely placed to scale up its program in Asia. In part, it can raise the returns to the projects it finances with continued improvements in their design and delivery. The far bigger shift would be that ADB’s infrastructure strategy, along with the region’s, targets the growing income inequality and the reality of runaway climate change.


To read the evaluation report, visit http://www.adb.org/documents/2015-annual-evaluation-review and download the main report.

About Independent Evaluation at the Asian Development Bank Asian Development Bank's Independent Evaluation, reporting to the Board of Directors through the Development Effectiveness Committee, contributes to development effectiveness by providing feedback on ADB's policies, strategies, operations, and special concerns in Asia and the Pacific.

Media Inquiries:
Hans van Rijn
Independent Evaluation Department
Telephone: +63 2 632 5642
Email: hvanrijn@adb.org

Ward Strip Primary School faces short fall of funds

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It is confirmed that some schools did receive the remaining Tuition Fee Free Funds, which was released by the government last week.
Ward strip Primary School in the Nation’s Capital is one of the schools that received their funds last Friday but the head mistress; Mrs Emily Ricky says the funds given are not enough to cater for 3000 students of Ward Strip Primary plus administrative expenses.
“The fee for each student is K279 and I have over 3000 students in my school which is why Ward Strip Primary should receive over K600, 000 to cater for this much student and also to pay the ancillary staff”
“We only received about K150, 000 for the first batch payment and we are shortfall of about K400, 000 and that is some big outstanding payment right there, which I have to look for some ways to make up for that” said Mrs Ricky.
She said, a lot of schools are facing the same issue with shortfall of funds and it’s a burden to the schools.
“The government shouldn’t look at the level of school but look at the number of students in each school and allocate funds according to that” said Mrs Emily Ricky. PNGFM

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2015 Yumi FM PNG Music Awards

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The Yumi FM PNG Music Awards keeps getting bigger and better every year as it showed on Saturday at the 11th Yumi FM PNG Music Awards with 18 awards given away and 10 performing artist for the night.
Lamana Gold Club was so packed with fans coming to catch their favourite artist live in performance and as well as receiving awards.
The show was spectacular with Anslom and Daniel Bilip topping the list of awards with 3 awards respectively.
Daniel Bilip’s Pambkowe song was recognized for chart consistency and his album Pogera Baby awarded as the album of the year and he also took out the rookie of the year. Anslom took out the male artist of the year and listener’s choice artist of the year and his song can’t lie was recognized as the song of the year.
The longest Charting song was awarded to Ricky Kali for his Meri Manus song, Best Duet of the year was awarded to Uralom Kania and Patti Potts Doi, Best Collaboration of the year was presented to Sibela band, South Pacific Artist of the year was awarded to Jagarizza & Yung Yanny, Stagajah took out the Newest Group of the year and listeners choice group of the year.
Sharon Geli being the only female artist hitting air waves in 2014 was awarded the Female Artist of the year, Choke Band got the group of the year and the Song of the year went to Jokema for their Jix Ambe song.
As being the founder for the Yumi FM PNG Music Awards back in 2004, late Justin Kili or JK as known by many was also remembered during the night with a 1 minute silence given to him remembering him for his work in the music industry.
Late Justin Kili’s wife was there to present the Justin Kili’s Tribute Awards.
Late Justin Kili’s Hall of Fame award was awarded to Patti Potts Doi and Justin Kili’s Life Time Achievement award was given to Legendry singer Tom Lari.
Tom Lari when receiving the award said he was very honoured to have received an award after 20 years and grateful to be awarded in honour of his favourite announcer.
“I’ve never met the late Justin Kili but I’m very familiar with his voice and he has always been one of my favourite announcers and I’m very proud of his work in the music industry, without late JK, I don’t think I’ll be standing here receiving this award”
“I thank PNG FM the mother company for Yumi FM for recognising us and for promoting our music”
Tom Lari said, alot has changed in the music industry and he’s proud to see alot of young talents coming up.
“To the young musicians that are performing tonight, I’m passing the baton to you and I want you to take music in PNG to a new level and make it better as time goes on” said Tom Lari.

Leadership Code versus Criminal Code

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Commentary By Bryan  Kramer
Part 2 - Criminal Code

So what is the Criminal Code?
Criminal Code also referred to as Criminal Code Act are criminal laws or prohibited offences "enacted" by Parliament (hence the term "Act") to preserve peace and good order in PNG. The code defines each criminal offence and imposed penalty for breaking them. The code is arranged in nine main parts which are further categorised into divisions and sections also referred to as provisions. There are over 628 different sections that make up the Criminal Code.
PNG Criminal Code originated from Queensland when PNG was still a territory of Australia. Following PNG's independence the Code was formally adopted by Parliament using its powers under the Constitution.
In accordance with Section 37(2) of Constitution nobody may be convicted of an offence that is not defined by, and the penalty for which is not prescribed by, a written law, except for contempt of court. Hence the need for the Criminal Code to define each criminal offence and their prescribed penalty. There are some 500 different criminal offences under the Code which are categorised in three main classes.
(1) simple offences
(2) misdemeanour's less serious criminal offices
(3) crimes (serious)
Simple offences - also referred to as summary offences are minor where the penalty is usually between 3-6 months but less than 12 months imprisonment or a fine. Simple offences are dealt with by District Court (lower court).
Misdemeanour offences - are considered more serious where the penalty is between 12 months to 3 years.
Crimes offences - are serious criminal offences, where the penalty exceeds three years and anywhere from 7 to 50 years, life or death depending on the nature of the crime and specific penalty prescribed by the code for that particular offence.
Misdemeanour and crimes are indictable offences and they must be prosecuted and tried or dealt with by the National Court. An indictable offence is considered serious where a person is liable to serve more than 1 year imprisonment so they must be tried in a higher court.
An example of a "crimes" offence defined under the code is as follows:
"Section 299. WILFUL MURDER."
"(1) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this Code , a person who unlawfully kills another person, intending to cause his death or that of some other person, is guilty of wilful murder."
"(2) A person who commits wilful murder shall be liable to be sentenced to death."
The provision (section) clearly defines the meaning of the offence followed by the penalty. The definition of a crime is also referred to as elements of the offence.
What are elements of an Offence?
Elements are key parts that define a criminal offence. In the example of Wilful Murder the key elements are:
(1) a person
(2) unlawfully kills
(3) another person
(4) intending to cause death
To find a person guilty of a particular offence the evidence must prove every element of the crime. Failing to prove just one element would result in the prosecution failing to prove the person is guilty.
Example, if a person is charged for wilful murder under section 299 of Criminal Code but during the trial the evidence confirmed it was actually accidental then the charge against him would fail because element (4) states it must be intentional, in that he intended to cause death. Thus he is actually guilty of manslaughter (accidental murder) and not wilful murder and should have been charged for Manslaughter under Section 302 of Criminal Code and not Wilful Murder under Section 299.
In this case the Court would acquit him (pronounce him not guilty) of the charge of wilful murder. Police would then have to charge him with "Manslaughter" starting the process all over again. This is an example where the technicalities of law come into play. Hence why Police must first ensure they charge the Accused for the correct offence. They must also ensure they produce evidence that supports each and every element of the offence.
An example of a Misdemeanour offence is:
"Section 74. CHALLENGE TO FIGHT A DUEL"
"A person who–
(a) challenges another; or
(b) attempts to provoke another; or
(c) attempts to provoke any person to challenge another,"
"to fight a duel, is guilty of a misdemeanour. Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years."
Why does the penalty state imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years?
This is the same as stating the penalty maybe any amount but shall not exceed 3 years. Penalties are prescribed by law taking into consideration the nature of the crime, the principle being the more serious the crime the higher the penalty. Courts do not have the power to decide on a penalty that is not prescribed by law. Parliament passes or amends legislation determining the appropriate penalties. The Courts only have the power on imposing it whether at the maximum or a reduced term allowed.
The reason behind why the law does not state a specific imprisonment term but rather states it must not exceed a prescribed term is because not every case is the same. In some cases the person although guilty had justified reasons or different circumstances why he committed the offence therefore although he is guilty it would be unjust to sentence him at the maximum penalty allowed. In other cases a person may be completely at fault without any excuse or remorse (regret) and therefore it would be just for the Judge to sentence him to the maximum term. Thus the Judge has the discretion to decide on the penalty provided it does not exceed the imposed term in the example above being 3 years. When imposing a penalty or prison term the Judge must always take into consideration the circumstances of each case.
In the example Paul Tiensten, Francis Potape and Havilo Kavo all three Members of Parliament were found guilty of Misappropriation, a serious crime. The penalty for which is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years. Tiensten was sentenced to 9 years just short of the maximum while Potape and Kavo were sentenced to prison for 2.5 and 1.5 years respectively. Deputy Chief Justice Sir Salika when sentencing Tiensten took into account the the amount of funds misapplied (K10m) and his high position of trust he held as elected Member of Parliament . The Judge pointed out that previous cases of Members of Parliament who were charged and convicted of misappropriation the amounts were less than K150,000 and they received a prison term upto 5 year. So it would be unjust to sentence Tiensten to a equal term when he was found guilty of misappropriating K10m. Potapte and Kavo were found guilty of misappropriating K330,000 and K131,338 respectively. Their original sentence was 5 and 3 years but after they repaid the funds their sentence was reduced by half.
In 2013 Parliament made amendments to the Criminal Code where if a person is found guilty of misappropriating between K1 million and K10m will now be sentenced to 50 years without parole. Where the amount is more than K10m the penalty will be life imprisonment without parole. The new penalties only apply to any person who misappropriates K1 million after the new amendments came into effect and not before. Hence although Tiensten was convicted in 2014 he misapplied the funds in 2009.
So who does the Criminal Code apply to?
The criminal code applies to any and every person who commits or is suspected of committing a criminal offence under the Code, from the Prime Minister. Governor General, down to the villager including non-citizens (foreigners). This even includes those who are in charge of enforcing the law, Judges, Police Public Prosecutor and Chief Ombudsman.
The only persons who are exempt from criminal code are those who have diplomatic immunity (foreign government officials) who are protected under Diplomatic & Consular Privileges and Immunities Act or International Organisation (Privileges and Immunities ) Act. It is part of international law that protects foreign diplomats from being subject to a country's domestic laws. PNG diplomats share the same privileges in other countries.
Who is in charge of enforcing the Criminal Code?
Criminal Code is enforced or supervised by PNG Royal Constabulary (PNGRC) or Police Force. Members of the Force are responsible to investigate any complaint filed by any person or initiate their own investigation into any alleged breach of the laws under the Criminal Code. They have constitutional powers to lay, prosecute or withdraw charges against any person in respect of criminal offences and are not subject to direction or control by any person outside the Force.
Supreme Court recently ruled the Commissioner of Police has authority to issue directions to other members of the Police Force regarding the conduct of criminal investigations, including applying for arrest and search warrants, laying charges, and presenting information before the Court.
PNGRC is part of the Law and Justice Sector of the Government. Its headquarters is in Port Moresby and the total members of Police Force nationwide is around 6,000+
The head of Constabulary is Commissioner of Police followed by two Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Operations and Administration. All three positions are appointed by Government (NEC) chaired by Prime Minister.
Under DCP Operations there are six Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP). Four in charge of the four regions, Momase, Highlands, Southern, New Guinea Islands, fifth in charge of NCD & Central and six ACP Operations. Under ACP Operations there are 7 Directorates or Directors responsible for:
(1) Special Services Division - (SSD) mobile squads, Air Bourne Unit.
(2) Communications
(3) Crimes (Crimes Investigation Division)
(4) Traffic,
(5) Dogs Unit
(6) Police Prosecutions
(7) Auxiliary (Reservist) Police.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) is responsible for finance and administrative support functions of the Police Force.
So how are criminal investigations carried out by Police?
A complaint is reported to Police at any Police Station. An officer on duty will register it in the Occurrence Book (OB). Every complaint made is registered and assigned a specific OB number. The officer will write a brief paragraph of the nature of the complaint, the alleged offence, location, time, who was involved or a witness to it. Police will then interview the person who filed the complaint referred to as "Complainant" to establish whether his/her complaint is genuine. Depending on the nature of the offence the officer may refer the case to a specific Crimes Division. Example Serious Crimes, Sexual Violence Unit, and Fraud or General Duties.
The Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Crime Division or Crimes Investigation Division (CID) will be briefed of the complaint and will assign an officer to carry-out investigations, interview witnesses, collect evidence to establish probable cause to justify making an arrest. The alleged offender or Accused is then tracked down, arrested and brought to the Police Station to be interviewed before being formally charged. Every person arrested or detained by Police has Constitutional rights.
So what are the Constitutional Rights of a person Arrested by Police?
Section 42(2) of Constitution states that a person who is arrested or detained–
(a) shall be informed promptly, in a language that he understands, of the reasons for his arrest or detention and of any charge against him; and
(b) shall be permitted whenever practicable to communicate without delay and in private with a member of his family or a personal friend, and with a lawyer of his choice (including the Public Solicitor if he is entitled to legal aid); and
(c) shall be given adequate opportunity to give instructions to a lawyer of his choice in the place in which he is detained, and shall be informed immediately on his arrest or detention of his rights under this subsection.
If you are ever arrested by Police you have a constitutional right to make a phone call in private to contact a family member, friend or your lawyer to inform them of your arrest. If Police were to arrest and charge you without informing you or denying you your rights then your arrest and charges against you may be deemed illegal and thrown out by the Courts.
It is advisable you contact a person to go down to the Police Station to witness your formal interview by Police. Having a person act as a witness ensures that if your rights are breached, or you were intimidated, forced or inducted to answer questions then you have a witness to support your side of the story. The Investigating Officer will also ensure he/she has a fellow officer or colleague to act as a witness to protect him against false allegations that he didn't follow the proper process.
The purpose of formal interview is for Police to give you the opportunity to give your side of the story before formally charging you of the alleged crime. It is similar to right to be heard by Ombudsman Commission (OC).
It's important to understand just like the OC if you are called in for an interview to answer to the allegations against you it usually means they have already collected sufficient evidence to believe you are guilty of the crime.
Before conducting a formal interview Police will first ask if you speak English. If you don't they must arrange for an interpreter to ensure you are aware of the reasons of your arrest and understand the questions being asked of you, required by Section 42(2)(a) of Constitution.
Officer will commence the interview recording the time it started before asking specific questions, your name, age, marital status, birth place, residential address, occupation, employer etc. He will then ask you specific questions in relation to allegations against you. Where were you at the time of alleged offence? What were you doing there? etc.
If you know you are innocent of the allegations then you will be inclined to co-operate by answering the questions. However it is always advisable to exercise your constitutional right not to answer or say anything. You may answer the questions by stating you wish to say nothing reserving your right to remain silent.
Not answering questions doesn't make you guilty it just makes you smart and safe from someone using your words against you. It's important to understand the investigating officer's objective is to charge you for the alleged offence and based on the findings of his investigation secure your conviction in a court of law, while your objective is to prove your innocence. If you are innocent answering questions during your interview will not determine it but rather only the evidence produced in Court.
Once the Officer has completed asking you questions in relation to the allegations he will then place his hand over your right hand to formally charge you stating the criminal offence and section under the Criminal Code you have been charged with and ask you to confirm you understand.
He will then type up all the questions asked during the interview including your response. A copy will be provided to you to read through, you will be asked if you wish to make any changes or corrections. Once completed everybody involved in the interview will sign it. The officer will then prepare charge sheet and statement of facts before locking you up in the Police Cells.
Part 3 will cover Bail, Arraignment and Committal Hearing before District Court.

Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in Tabubil, Western Province

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The Oil Search Pacific Games Relay arrived in Western Province and after a detour to Kiunga due to heavy cloud the team took a pair of helicopters, in convoy, back up the hill to Tabubil, home of Platinum Pacific Games sponsor OTML.

The Relay’s first stop was to Finalbin primary School, situated just below the rich copper and gold mine of OTML.

The 400 students sang the national anthem as they raised the flag and then passed the baton around to every child.

From there the Baton travelled around Tabubil on a town Relay organised with military precision and ending up with the usual chaotic enthusiasm that follows the Baton wherever it goes.

The Relay was started by new OTML chairman, Sir Moi Avei who passed the Baton on to representatives from across the community and the schools here in Tabubil.

Special guest runners of the Baton included the Team Papua New Guinea boxing squad who are in Tabubil doing high altitude training at the OTML gymnasium facilities for the next week.

They have become regular guests of the Games sponsor, OTML and hope this training leads to great success at the Pacific Games.

In what is now a regular occurrence, people lined the streets with banners of support for Team Papua New Guinea.

Banners read “You are not alone, You are, We are, PNG” and “These are the moments to remember and think about our athletes, heroes are born, legends will rise, this is our time, these are our games, go PNG”.

The relay heads up to Oksapmin and Nomad tomorrow and then back to Tabubil to visit the Ok tedi mine.

Photo credit: madNess Photography

Fijian PM queries Aust, NZ policies on Climate Change

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Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has questioned the commitment of Australia and New Zealand on climate change.

“These two neighbours of ours (Australia and New Zealand), they are leading the PIF (Pacific Islands Forum) but the most important thing right now to PIF is climate change,” he told the Fiji Sun news paper

Bainimarama was responding an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald where China and other big green house emitters have challenged Australia over its climate change policies.

In the article China accused Australia of doing less to cut emissions than it is demanding of other developed  countries and asked it to why this was fair.

“All the nations, all the countries in the Pacific worry about climate change than about anything else.

“But their (Australia and New Zealand policies are totally at extreme ends to the policies of the Pacific island nations. Then how can they represent us? Bainimarama asked.

Beijing also questioned whether the Abbott government's emissions reduction fund – the centrepiece of its direct action policy, under which the government will pay some emitters to make cuts – would be enough to make up for the axed carbon price and meet Australia's commitment of a minimum 5 per cent emissions cut below 2000 levels by 2020.

The questions have been lodged with the United Nations for Australia to answer in the lead-up to the December climate summit in Paris, where the world is supposed to sign a global deal to combat climate change.

It comes as Australia is facing questions in diplomatic circles for not sending a minister or its chief climate change negotiator to a meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate in Washington DC, starting on Sunday.

To be opened by US Secretary of State John Kerry, the forum is meant to bring together ministerial representatives from 17 major countries in a bid to accelerate work on a climate deal. Australia is being represented by environment department head Gordon de Brouwer.

In other questions posed to Australia through the UN:

*The US asked whether the emissions reduction fund was the main replacement for carbon pricing, or whether Australia planned to introduce other policies.

*Brazil accused Australia of having a "low level of ambition", and asked whether it would boost its target to cut emissions more quickly. It also said Australia had effectively reduced the pace at which it cut industrial emissions by expanding the number of agricultural programs included in its greenhouse accounting, summarising: "This kind of action seems to make the level of ambition lower, not higher."
 
*Both China and Brazil noted Australia's industrial emissions increased by more than 30 per cent between 1990 and this decade, and it was relying on accounting rules that reflected changes in emissions from the land to give it a chance to meet its targets.

* The European Union questioned whether the emissions reduction fund could deliver a 15 or 25 per cent cut by 2020 – targets Australia has said it would embrace if other countries did the equivalent.

Erwin Jackson, deputy chief executive of the Climate Institute and a long-time observer of climate negotiations, said the questions showed the international community saw Australia's commitments as “woefully inadequate” for it to do its fair share in meeting the agreed global target of keeping warming to within 2 degrees.

“This is the first salvo. If the government doesn't come forward with a credible post-2020 target these kind of criticism will continue and only increase as other countries accelerate and deepen their own action,” he said.

Australia has signalled it will announce its new climate target for beyond 2020 about the time of the Bonn meeting.

The Abbott government does not have a climate policy beyond 2020, and several local analysts have found it is unlikely to reach its 5 per cent target by 2020 as the direct action policy stands.

Bidding for the first round of funding to pay for emissions cuts from the $2.55 billion (US$1.99 billion) emissions reduction fund were held last week, with the results to be revealed in the coming days.

The questions are part of increased scrutiny over climate change commitments. Each developed country under goes multilateral questioning, with the expectation this will expand to all countries after the Paris summit.

Compared with most developed nations, the questions directed at Australia are notably and repeatedly forceful in challenging its emissions targets and the credibility of its domestic policy. Australia now emits more than every European country except Germany.

Australia is expected to submit written answers before its performance is assessed at a UN climate meeting in Germany in June.

The international scrutiny comes as the government is increasingly facing claims at home that it is not serious about climate change. A white paper on energy policy released earlier this month was heavily criticised by groups including the Energy Supply Association of Australia, representing power station owners, for almost completely ignoring the issue.

China, now the world's biggest emitter and with per capita emissions that have surpassed those in Europe, has also faced criticism that it is not doing enough to reduce its emissions while demanding more of others, and has been challenged over whether it should still be considered a developing economy.

Its commitment, announced last year, is to stop its emissions rising by 2030 at the latest, though it is yet to quantify this.

Jackson said analysts have found that China's actions to date were likely to deliver the biggest policy-driven cut in emissions ever seen.

It is the world's biggest investor in renewable energy, and has announced policies to build a clean energy system the size of the entire US electricity network in 15 years.

“China can do more, but is doing far more than Australia by a country mile at the moment,” he said.

“China is introducing carbon pricing while the Australian government tearing up legislation. China is increasing renewable energy targets while the Australian government is reducing it,” he said.

SOURCE: FIJI SUN

17 year old boy gang raped in Fiji

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A 17-YEAR-OLD boy was allegedly raped and assaulted by four men at the Suva foreshore in Fiji and the  victim is pleading with the police to fasttrack investigation and arrest the men, the Fiji Time reports. 
The young boy has been admitted at the CWM Hospital since March 28. His mother was very emotional when relay the news of the incident to the Fiji Times Newspaper.  The mother gave an account of how the incident happened to the newspaper ;.
"He wakes up from his sleep and screams. He is traumatized by what happened to him," she said.
She said the medical team looking after his son had never explained to her what injuries her son had sustained or if he was getting any better.Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed a report was lodged by the victim and that investigations were underway.
She said they were pursuing some leads."The statement of the victim has also been recorded and investigators are awaiting his discharge to conduct other aspects of the investigation," Ms Naisoro said."Initial action taken after the report was lodged had a team sent to the scene of the alleged incident to conduct the necessary investigations and get statements from any persons who may have witnessed the incident."
Ms Naisoro said considering the isolated location of the alleged crime scene, it was not easy finding people who may have witnessed the alleged incident.
"The victim was admitted in hospital when investigators managed to get his statement.
"However, we had to wait for clearance as to when he would be fit to assist us in other aspects of the investigations outside of the hospital," she said.
The teenager claims he was walking along the seawall when he came across four men who were consuming alcohol.
Questions sent to the Health Ministry spokespersons Sunil Chandra and Evlyn Mani last week remained unanswered. Fiji Times

Global Water use caution

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World leaders have been urged to take stringent measures to protect fresh water sources, because the globe will one day face a water crisis.
This was the message from the World Water Forum held in South Korea recently.
Relevant Government authorities also need to work together in protecting this vital resource.
The United Nations meeting has estimated that 60-percent of water sources in the world have ran dry over the last 200-years, sending out an alarm for the world to take action.
State Enterprises and Investments Minister Ben Micah led a delegation to the gathering.
Meantime, Minister Ben Micah after the visit, says he will be pushing for the Government to take water issues in the country more seriously.
And to begin with, Micah propose, Water companies Eda Ranu and Water PNG, will now work together to provide effective and sustainable water services in the country.
Minister Micah said, water is in abundance in PNG, however it is in alarming supply at the global level.
He said, it is time the Government start taking steps to properly regulate all forms of water.
Micah said, this is in line with the government Water and Sanitation Policy (WASH POLICY) direction on water, which will make water issues a number one priority, in terms of budgetary support.
Micah discuss water issues and way forward with relevant agencies

Bank of South Pacific opens sub-branch at Higaturu

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SP has opened a sub-branch in Higaturu, Northern Province and locals now have reason to smile as they do not have to travel into town.

Governor Gary Juffa Cutting the Ribbon
The bank anticipates that this sub-branch will ease the burden on its main branch in Popondetta as it will have the ability to process loans, cheque deposits, Mobile banking registrations and an ATM on site.  It will also perform traditional functions like deposits, withdrawals and account openings.

Employees of the NBPOL, oil palm growers and the local community will have banking services at their doorstep, saving time, effort and resources.

Those who were present at the launch today applauded the bank for its continued commitment, because a bank provides the platform to boost economic growth, encourages commerce and a savings culture. BSP also has 6 active Agents and over 100 EFTPoS merchants in the province.

Northern Governor Gary Juffa officiated at the launch and also thanked BSP for providing banking services to the Province. Governor Juffa said he would like to have more branches like BSP Higaturu to be opened around the province to serve the people.

"I'm thankful that BSP has remained in Oro Province, despite the difficulties and challenge they have remained. I would like BSP to grow but we need the government to create that conducive environment and it is my effort to create that environment for growth in this challenging environment," he stressed. He added that "If we can ensure that ordinary people can access banking services we would see a savings culture develop".

NBPOL Higaturu Manager Supplies Saroj Sharma conveyed NBPOLs appreciation and said it was a significant development in the community. The sub-branch is located within the NBPOL estate. "We now enjoy the access to ready banking services right at our doorstep, this completely eliminates the need to go to town to access banking services," Mr Sharma said.

BSP's Southern Region Area Manager, Roslyn Hoping said "The banking services provided by BSP throughout the country are in line with the National Goals and Directive Principles outlined in our Constitution, which calls for equal opportunity and participation in the economy and services nationwide."

"BSP is proud to have a new rural Branch in Higaturu, and we are optimistic the banking services will now pave the way for people in this district to participate more meaningfully in economic development and over time opens more opportunities for progress and growth," she added.

Banking is an essential part of nation building as it encourages people to participate in economic development, and due to the rugged terrain, it is sometimes quite expensive to fully operate in some remote areas in PNG, but BSP is proud to be at the heart of it all, providing convenient and safe banking products and services nationwide.

BSP's resolve is for all Papua New Guineans to be able to access banking services, because we want to help our customers grow their savings, grow their business, grow their province and together grow our nation and our future through safe, secure, convenient and cost effective banking.

Tuition Fee Free Funds paid to schools

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The government through the Education Department has paid over  K90 million of Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funding into the accounts of 9,979 eligible schools for the commencement of term two.

Education Minister Nick Kuman   said schools can begin second term because the government has completed payment of the component one payment of K300 million for terms one and two.

Minister for Education, Nick Kuman, in a statement assured school administrators and stakeholders that K97,836,482.70 of Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funding has been released by Treasury to the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) on Wednesday, 15th April, 2015 to schools’ accounts.

Minister Kuman also said that any remaining balance in the Department of Education’s TFF account will be used to pay schools that have been underpaid in terms one and two or pay schools that have missed out due to not fulfilling the four criteria set in the minimum standards.

Mr Kuman said he is compassionate about the education of children of this country and will ensure that schools meeting the funding criteria get their funds on time.

BPNG then credited the funding to the three commercial banks to deposit the breakups into the accounts of 9,979 eligible schools before the commencement of term two.

Schools that hold accounts with the Bank South Pacific and Westpac Bank may have accessed their payments by the end of last week while those that bank with ANZ should be able to access their payments on Monday.


He said another 3,981 schools’ operational status and other quality check requirements which are being verified with provincial authorities will be completed by the end of this month and funds will be given depending on their status.

Samoan PM Tuilaepa a lapdog of Aust, NZ: Fiji PM Bainimarama

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Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama Tuesday called his Samoan Prime counterpart a lap dog of Australia and New Zealand.

Bainimarama was responding to an unprovoked and deliberately insulating attack on him by Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Tuilaepa had criticised Bainimarama for declining to go to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders summit until the issue of the Australian and New Zealand membership is adressed.

Tuilaepa said: “Bainimarama’s issue is insignificant. Remember all the man did was to play the drums and train,” he said.

Bainimarama said “We've heard this yapping from the Samoan lapdog before. Its means nothing.At least i can play an instrument. All he can do is bark and dances to tunes until they feed him again,” Bainimarama said.

Bainimarama said for the past six years to seven years “no one cared much about Fiji joining PIF.

“Everyone's jumping up and down for nothing. We will stay away until things change in the composition of PIF.

“PIF will continue this year and years to follow with or without Fiji. All we are saying is that Australia and NZ should remain funders but  not be part of PIF because they bring in a lot of influence with their $ when  their agenda is totally against that of the Pacific Island nations.

“The most important of all is climate change. We will continue with PIDF (Pacific Islands Development Forum). That comment by the NZ Prime Minister John Key questioning funding, if they are no longer members, shows how poor they view our relationship.

“Im glad for the first time the inclusion of the private sector and civil societies is mentioned.

“We must be doing something right with PIDF. It will be interesting to see if climate change is going to be in the next PIF agenda,” said Bainimarama.

Tuilaepa's own constant agenda has been to get the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and other regional organisations moved from Suva to the Samoan capital Apia.

He sees this as both lifting his own prestige and helping the struggling Samoan economy.

His latest comments and their deliberately insulting tone, can be seen as just  another attempt to provoke Fiji into doing something that will lead to the Forum Secretariat moving.

SOURCE: FIJI SUN

Team Wellington beat Ba FC 2 - 0

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Team Wellington has come out winners  after stopping the flying Fijian team BA FC  in the Fiji Airways Oceania Champions League.  The New Zealand team scored two identical goals from corner kicks taken from the same side and coincidentally striker Michael Gwyther was on the spot both times to score his brace.

Ba went out of the race to win the $US500,000 ($F1.2m) and a trip to the Club World Cup.

The game started with both teams increasing the tempo and testing each the defence.

In the 9th minute Team Wellington was awarded a penalty kick for a challenge by Remueru Tikiata. Gwyther's kick was stopped by keeper Misiwani Nairube sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Then the corner kick that eventuated from that penalty saw Gwyther head the ball home making up for the missed penalty. Four minutes later, another corner kick was awarded from the same end, and Gwyther repeated his earlier header to double the score.

The goals saw Ba pick up the game and they slowly started dominating possession. Then in the 27th minute, Ba was awarded a penalty kick for an alleged handball which was used to block a shot at goal.

Ba's Keegan Linderboom stepped up to take the shot but placed it to his left and allow goalkeeper Michael O'Keefe to save it.

Linderboom was not at the top of his game as he gave away possession.

Changes were made in the second half and despite immense pressure by Ba they failed to score. Malakai Tiwa and Avinesh Waran Suwamy could not keep their shots on target.

Ba coach Shalen Lal said despite the loss he was happy with the performance of his team.

"We created the chances but could not score and the boys played their hearts out," he said.

Team Wellington coach Matthew Calcott said the match was tough as Ba dominated the game.

"The difference were those two set pieces, we were lucky to have scored from them as Ba did not allow us to play. We would have loved more possession," he said.

Team Wellington will play Auckland City in an all New Zealand final on Sunday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

Core policies will keep development goals within reach - Prime Minister Peter O’Neill

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Papua New Guinea, April 2015: Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be looking to a wave of new resource projects to help the country develop an all-important value-added downstream processing industry, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neill said.

O’Neill told the global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) in a wide-ranging interview that key projects, led by the Total-InterOil joint venture which will see the Elk-Antelope gas field developed, represented an “exciting” follow-on from the “outstanding success” of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) initiative.

“This project is even larger on paper than the first PNG LNG project and could provide the basis for a thriving petrochemical industry in the future as the country diversifies its economic base in the attempt to create new jobs for Papua New Guineans,” he said.

The full interview with O’Neill will appear in The Report: Papua New Guinea 2015, OBG’s forthcoming guide to the country’s economic activity and investment opportunities.

O’Neill acknowledged that independence and being “rapidly catapulted into modernity” had brought challenges for PNG, led by the rising expectations of its people, and, most recently, falling global oil prices, but said the country had “come a long way” in the past four decades.

“Introducing universal education and health care, for example, sends a clear message about the government’s commitment to strengthening the physical and moral foundations of our country, as does rebuilding some of the infrastructures that have been in decline for so many years now,” he told OBG.

PNG was already beginning to benefit from the LNG project, with revenues now trickling into the system, O’Neill added, although poor management in the past meant the country needed “at least five or six years” of focusing on core polices to reach its millennium development goals. “We will have the chance to address some of the most pressing issues for our socio-economic development, including better distribution of wealth,” he said.

The Report: Papua New Guinea 2015 will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments.

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