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Polye saddened by the death of former Chief Secretary Zeurenuoc

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Opposition leader and Kandep MP, Don Pomb Polye has passed his condolences to the family of former Chief Secretary to government, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc.
This follows the news of the death of former Chief Secretary.

Mr. Polye said the loss of one of Morobe’s elite sons is a loss for Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Polye acknowledged former Chief Secretary’s contribution to the development of this nation, further describing him as “honest, hard-working and someone who maintained transparency and accountability during his colorful career as a top public servant.
“Late Sir Manasupe was a very professional Chief Secretary who guided all Department Heads to serve the interest of the country,” said Mr. Polye.

“I admired the work of late Sir Manasupe and one that speaks volumes is how he managed to hold together the public servants and Department Heads during the political impasse where we had two people claiming to be Prime Ministers and two police commissioners which sparked confusion among the working population,” said Mr. Polye.
Mr. Polye said late Sir Manasupe managed to hold together the government machinery until the impasse was resolved.
Mr. Polye when saying that acknowledged the work of late Sir Manasupe.
“We in the Opposition, my family and the people of Kandep who mandated me stand together in prayer with family of late Sir Manasupe at this time.
“I pray that they will find strength and solace in God at this time of sorrow,” said Mr. Polye.
“For God intended that this life shall return to its Maker one day and when that day comes, one will have to move on, leaving behind memories that we all cherish. At this darkest time, let us not only mourn his death but celebrate the colourful life of this great man,” said Mr. Polye.

PNG ,US Alumni to link their alumni

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THE USA international Exchange Alumni website registration was been announced by the US Government recently.

The International Exchange Alumni is a dynamic and interactive networking website for all past and current participants of government-sponsored exchange programs.

Upon registration, members who have been on exchange programs to the US can build on their exchange experience and explore all the resources available to you as a member of the site.

This allows persons who have studied abroad to engage in mutually beneficial exchanges with like minded scholars from the US and or around the world.

The International Exchange Alumni Website is a key resource for alumni who wish to advance their efforts for themselves, their communities and the world as a whole.

The site gives individuals a global platform for innovation.

Membership to this exclusive online community grants access to:


  • $33 billion worth of grant opportunities;
  • Job listings posted by and for alumni;
  • Exclusive video web chats with VIPs; and
  • 20,000 online magazines and newspapers.

Members can also network with fellow alumni around the world; Recruit fellow alumni for projects and competitions; Find the latest research in your field; Develop plans for your alumni association, or find an association to join; Share your experience with a global audience; and Read alumni success stories, perspectives, and ideas.

Registered participants can find the Link: www.alumni.state.gov for further information.

Members can also network with fellow alumni around the world; recruit fellow alumni for projects and competitions; find the latest research in your field; develop plans for your alumni association, or find an association to join; share your experience with a global audience; and read alumni success stories, perspectives, and ideas.

Australian Awards alumni to strengthen PNG’s workforce

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Seventy-three Papua New Guineans have successfully completed their Australia Awards Scholarships, returning to Papua New Guinea with a range of qualifications in business, health, education, governance, agriculture, transport and infrastructure.

The graduates attended a full day intensive workshop and networking event at the Stanley Hotel, hosted by the Australia Awards in Papua New Guinea. The workshop and networking event were designed to help prepare graduates for reintegration into their respective workplaces and communities upon returning from Australia.

Australian High Commission Counsellor Education, Suzanne Edgecombe, was present to give a welcoming address to the returning awardees and invited guests. She congratulated the returning cohort on their achievements and encouraged them to build professional networks by maintaining strong professional and personal links with each other.

“Having strong professional networks is critical in achieving success in business. These networks will nurture an atmosphere of mutual success and assist you in making a positive contribution in whichever field of work you decide to enter,” she said.

The Australia Awards in PNG assist the public and private sector, as well as civil organisations and non-governmental organisations, to support the skills development of working professionals in Papua New Guinea’s priority sectors.

Returning awardee, Stephanie Alopea, who graduated with a Masters in Mining and Energy Laws from the University of Western Australia, said: “It’s time to get to work, my fellow Awardees, to build a better PNG.

“With our degrees, we have the power to affect lives in ways we cannot possibly imagine, make decisions and drive change – not only in the physical and tangible sense, but in the minds and attitude of our people.”

Australia Awards demonstrate the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting the Papua New Guinean Government’s continued investment in the education and capacity building of Papua New Guineans.

Samoa University employs blind lecturer

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Samoa's National University has employed a fulltime lecturer with a disability for the first time.

Faaolo Utumapu was born blind and graduated with a Masters in Communications and Media studies from Monash University in Australia.

Ms Utumapu has worked as a broadcast journalist and editor in the past before working for the Nuanua o le Alofa organisation for the development of the people with disabilities in Samoa.

RNZ reports she was also awarded Disability Champion in 2015 at the local human rights awards.

The National University of Samoa's Vice Chancellor Professor Fui Dr Lau Asofou So'o said they were happy to have Ms Utumapu join the faculty.

"The university welcomes Faaolo on board and looks forward to her contribution to the teaching of the programme and also so the university is true to its commitment for inclusive education."

Ms Utumapu will be working in the Media and Journalism department.

Photo: Faaolo Utumapu
Source: Radio New Zealand

Samoa delegation to learn from Fiji Commerce Commission

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A delegation from Samoa is in Fiji to carry out a study on the functions of the Fiji Commerce Commission.

There are plans to establish a similar model in Samoa which is expected to strengthen ties between the two Pacific island nations in areas such as trade and private sector development.

FBC reports the Samoan delegation is learning how to minimize the challenges on competition and consumer affairs.

Fiji’s Ministry of Industry and Trade Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali says this will not only benefit the country but will also enable a fair market price.

“It will lead to deeper regional integration. In this regard we see this scoping mission by Samoa as an important step to increased regional co-operation in the area of competition policy,” Ali said.

A fully fledged Samoa Commerce Commission is expected to start its operation by the second quarter of this year

     Source: FBC

Tongan PM not worried about cabinet inexperience

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Tonga's Prime Minister says he believes his re-jigged Cabinet has the expertise to govern the country effectively.

Over the weekend 'Akilisi Pohiva asked his finance minister 'Aisake Eke to resign because he abstained from last week's no-confidence vote.

Mr Pohiva ended up defeating the vote 14-10.

RNZ reports Dr Eke held the finance portfolio in two consecutive governments and served as Secretary of Finance for a number of years prior to his cabinet appointment.

Revenue Minister, and first time MP, Tevita Lavemaau will replace Dr Eke while Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa swaps his Police portfolio for Mr Lavemaau's former ministry.

Tongatapu, and another first-time MP, Mateni Tapueluelu, who is the son-in-law of Mr Pohiva, enters cabinet as the new Police Minister.

The Prime Minister said he has confidence in his cabinet line-up, but admitted the loss of Dr Eke's experience and nous would be a blow to the government.

"Of course yes, but at the same time we have quite a number of well-qualified people to replace him. Of course it is a loss for government but the question is do we have enough qualified senior servants to do the same job? The answer is yes."

Finance Minister 'had to go'

Mr Pohiva said Dr Eke needed to leave because they weren't seeing eye to eye.

"Because he is an Independent [MP] he argued that he has every right to do whatever he wants to do as an Independent, but as a member of Cabinet I think he has to comply with all Cabinet collective decisions."

The Prime Minister said Dr Eke told him there were two reasons why he abstained from last week's vote.

"He said I ignored or undermined law pertaining to certain actions I have done, but he did not specifically mention what laws."

Dr Eke also disagreed with the Prime Minister's handling and ongoing battles with the 2019 Pacific Games Organising Committee, Mr Pohiva said.

Last year the Supreme Court reinstated the CEO of the Committee, Lord Sevele, after Mr Pohiva had earlier moved to sack him.


   
Source: Radio New Zealand

PM O'Neill pays his respects to a media giant

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The Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill  has expressed sadness and extended condolences to the family of Roger Hau'ofa following the passing of the renowned radio presenter over the weekend.

Roger Hau’ofa graced the airways with his unique style for more than 50 years and became one of the most prominent voices in our country due to his dedication to the art of radio and love for Papua New Guinea.

"Mr Hau’ofa was a giant of media in our nation, and a true gentleman in his nature,” the Prime Minister said.

“Roger was tough in his interview style, fair in his questions and he always had the latest information on the topics that he was discussing.

“For nearly fifty years we have heard Roger’s distinctive voice as he has interviewed Prime Ministers and Ministers, community leaders and the grassroots people of our nation.

“His presence will be terribly missed by radio listeners around the country.”

The Prime Minister said Roger Hau’ofa’s courage was evident right to the end. “Roger’s insistence that he return to his village of Iare, in Central, to see out his last days is testament to his bravery and fortitude.

“We will miss Roger Hau’ofa from our radio airways, and we will miss him as a truly great Papua New Guinean."

K2 milion Manumanu land deal inquiry set to begin

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The government has finally instituted the long delayed inquiry into the alleged Manumanu illegal land transaction today in a cabinet decision at the cost of K2 million.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced that the inquiry will begin as early as tomorrow after NEC appointed John Griffin, Queens Council of the Queensland Bar to head investigations.

“Because of an ongoing legal battle in the High Court of PNG questioning the legality of the establishment of Commissions of Inquiry, NEC has opted to have an inquiry that is administrative in nature,” said Mr. O’Neill.

PM O’Neill said the appointment of the inquiry, however won’t prevent on-going investigations that are now before the Police Fraud Squad, Ombudsman Commission and Department of Personnel Management.

Mr. O’Neill has assured the nation that he will make sure the recommendations of the inquiry are tabled in parliament and appealed to the citizens and all parties to have respect for the rule of law.
The inquiry will take 4 weeks to be completed starting tomorrow.

PNG's Lae City dwellers in competition mode

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Papua New Guinea's Lae City Dwellers are in competition mode after ending two friendly matches on high in Fiji .

Their first match last Friday saw the NSL giants bag a confidence boosting 3-2 win over Suva FC and went ahead to defeat the Fijian National team 4-3 on Monday in their second friendly.
They left for New Zealand yesterday with high spirits in the camp after the two wins and coach Peter Gunemba was all delighted to have pencilled in the matches that steered them into competition mode ahead of their OFC Champions League campaign.

“It’s important to have games against high-level players and teams leading up to any tournament,” he says. “To play against competitive teams such as Fiji national team and Suva FC can only help boost our preparations.”

Gunemba feels confident his charges are capable of causing upsets in the OFC campaign.
“Taking that further step to a new level is the objective for Lae City Dwellers, with that the boys have shown so much positive tranformation and many improvements. I have faith in my boys and I believe they will deliver and make PNG proud.” says Gunemba.

Dwellers are in group C with Malampa Revivors of Vanuatu, Western United of Solomon Island and Auckland City of New Zealand.
Dwellers will face Malampa Revivors on Saturday, March 11. PNGFM/PNG Today

World Surfing Championships in PNG to be televised worldwide

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The Kumul World Long board Surfing Championships will be broadcast live out of Tupira village, Bogia in Madang Province next week, with the potential of reaching more than 120 million viewers around the globe.

The live stream would be made possible with Telikom PNG’s VSAT technology and support worth K107,000, providing an uplink for the world event.
PNG's own Titima Mange in the men’s and Marion Longa in the women’s division will be among the list of more than 50 professional surfers.
The event will be from the 18th to the 25th of March.
NBC News / PNG Today

Intending PNG Women Candidates urged to understand constitution and procedures

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Papua New Guinea Women who wish to enter Parliament MUST first understand the national Constitution and Parliamentary procedures in their totality.


This is to ensure one makes a good parliamentarian, by effectively participating in policy making for the country and debating issues on the floor of Parliament.

Registrar of Political Parties Alphonse Gelu echoed this to some 50 intending women candidates for 2017, who are undergoing their training in Port Moresby starting today.
Dr Gelu said, a lot of parliamentarians both male and female don't seem to understand fully the PNG Constitutions, basic laws governing leadership and public financial management Acts, as well as simple parliamentary procedures etc.
“From our experiences, individuals who make it into parliament come from different backgrounds.
Many just don’t have any idea how our parliamentary system works, many learn as they progress during their term in parliament due to their lack of knowledge of the operations of parliament.
Many face great difficulties in their roles contributing to them making little impact while as being members of parliament.

Being a representative, there will be many demands placed on you, not only on your electorate, but from other groups in the country.
This is one area that our members of parliament need greater improvement on,” Dr Gelu said.
NBC News/Rose Amos 

Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum underway in Madang

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The annual Papua New Guinea-Australia 25th Ministerial Forum (MINFOR) is  underway in Madang Resort Hotel.

The Forum is an important bilateral meeting between the two countries. 

Australia and PNG have a strong and dynamic relationship based on close historical, economic and geographic ties. 

Two-way trade between our countries is worth $6.8 billion (K16.63 billion) and Australian investment in PNG totals $19 billion (K46.46 billion).

The Forum provides an avenue for on-going dialogue on current or emerging bilateral issue of mutual interests and also to maintain a strong and strategic partnership.

The PNG delegation led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato , accompanied by  the Australian delegation led by the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and her delegation flew to Madang on an Australian Airforce plane. 

Meantime, the 24th MINFOR was held at Parliament House in Canberra on March 3, 2016.

At last year’s meet, the Ministers' discussions reflected the maturity of our relations and the comprehensive strategic and economic partnership shared by Australia and PNG.

Ministers agreed to continue the close partnership on security and strategic issues, trade and investment, strengthening regionalism in the Pacific and signed a new Aid Partnership.

Ministers emphasised the importance of building people-to-people ties, raising awareness among young people of Australia and PNG’s shared history and streamlining travel arrangements. 
Photo: Justin Tkatchenko 

Tongan Woman jailed for six years for robbing elderly woman in her care

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A woman of Tongan origin has been sentenced to six years in prison in California Tuesday for binding an elderly woman in her care and ransacking her house in El Granada last year.

Zoranna Mapapalangi, 39, pleaded no contest last week in the courtroom of Judge Donald Ayoob to robbery, elder abuse and threats in a deal with prosecutors.

San Maeto Daily Journal reports Mapapalangi was sentenced to the six years with 224 days credit for time served.

Mapapalangi was arrested a few days after the woman was robbed.

Prosecutors said she was one of two suspects who entered the 75-year-old woman’s home on the 200 block of Coral Reef Avenue just after midnight on Aug. 14.

The woman was sleeping when someone put a pillowcase on her head and bound her wrists. One of the intruders demanded money, but when she wouldn’t tell them where her money was, they ransacked the house, prosecutors said.

The victim told investigators that she recognized her caretaker’s voice as one of the assailants. Mapapalangi’s husband, was initially arrested and charged with robbery as well, but later released when prosecutors decided they could not prove his involvement.

The second assailant in the case has never been identified and remains at large.

Det. Salvador Zuno of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office had in August last year confirmed to Kaniva News that Mapapalangi and her husband are of Tongan origin.

   
Source:  San Mateo Daily Journal

Solomon Islands Seasonal Workers send millions home

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RNZ reports Solomon Islanders undertaking seasonal work in New Zealand sent home $US2.1 million dollars and up to $US1.2 million from Australia in the last season.

The two work schemes, New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and Australia's Seasonal Workers' Programme, provide short time work in horticulture and viticulture for Pacific Islanders, with the hope the money earned will generate economic benefits in the island countries.

Solomon Islands has not been able to calculate remittances in past years but the government said newly installed data systems now allowed measurement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Manessah Maelanga said some of the people who have returned from previous years have started businesses and others have built substantial houses with the money they earned.

Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
Source:
Radio New Zealand

Samoa agrees to extension of submarine cable connecting Polynesia

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Polynesian leaders and New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, have agreed to the extension of a submarine cable connecting Polynesia.

The French Polynesia government said a meeting in Auckland at the weekend agreed for the existing Honatua cable from Hawaii to Tahiti to be extended onto Samoa, Niue and the Cook Islands.

RNZ reports the meeting included Samoa and Cook Islands Prime Ministers, Tu'ilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi and Henry Puna, along with French Polynesia's Edouard Fritch, while Niue was linked to the discussions by phone.

The cable is to be called 'Manatua' and the French Polynesia Government said the aim was to have it completed by the end of this year..... Read more on >> PNG Technology News

   
Source: Radio New Zealand

Taskforce Sweep Team appeal hearing date set

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THE appeal against the National Court decision which confirmed the disbanding of the Taskforce Sweep Team is set for hearing on April 26.

The parties appeared before the Supreme Court for directions hearing yesterday.

"Appeal is fixed for hearing for one day on April 26 starting 9.30am," Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia said.

In its lead up, Sir Salamo also issued several directions in regards to the preparing of the appeal book and set 9.30am Monday, April 10, as the date for the status conference.

At the root of the matter was the two National Executive Council’s decision to disband the Taskforce Sweep Team and establish the Independent Commission Against Corruption as a replacement.

Mr Koim, as chairman for the Taskforce Sweep Team filed a judicial review of the two decisions.

Last December, Justice Collin Makail dismissed the review saying the two decisions were public policy decisions that fell within NEC’s discretion and that Mr Koim lacked legal standing as his contract with the Solicitor-General, which had enabled him to become the taskforce chairman had expired before he initiated the proceeding.

Mr Koim is appealing against that decision.

Last month, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia granted an interim stay ordering Mr O’Neill, NEC and their agents to refrain from carrying Justice Makail’s orders until final determination of the appeal. Post Courier/ PNG Today

Oil Search Limited ventures into Electricity

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Access to power is one of PNG’s most significant development challenges.

Oil Search’s recent focus on the electricity sector in PNG is a strategic response to this challenge.

With its new power business the company aims to deliver financially sustainable power solutions that will strengthen and build the capacity of providers, promote greater energy reliability for industries and deliver cleaner and affordable electricity.

Speaking at the inaugural PNG Energy and Petroleum Summit 2017, general manager for business development with Oil Search Power Holdings, Michael Uiari said it is logical for the company to offer its in-country project management and operating expertise to help find solutions for the government to improve access to electricity.

Mr Uiari said this is complementary to their export business which helps power Asian countries through the country’s sales of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and it was now venturing into the domestic power sector.

"Oil Search can’t generate top quartile returns for our shareholders with an export business in one hand and ignore the challenges in our backyard and at our doorstep in the other,’’ Mr Uiari said.

"As a PNG Company, it’s the right thing to do, to assist government with providing access to power for the people and the growth of the country’s industry, as well as contributing to our company’s profitability.’’

In PNG, government policy has turned to the private sector for power generation, hence the introduction of independent power producers (IPP), which marks the start of further liberalisation and subsequent privatisation of electricity.

Mr Uiari told the summit that Oil Search’s entry into the business is through proposals for generation and use of domestically sourced fuels through its Highlands and Morobe Province generation projects.

Oil Search is also working with PNG Power to understand the costs and issues associated with trying to connect people in remote locations.

Even for those who currently have access to electricity, Mr Uiari said that access to power in PNG is very expensive.

The high price of electricity results from a blend of fuel prices, combined with a very low user base,high system and logistics costs, and a significant proportion of electricity that does not derive revenue. Photo: Electricity line /Simon Anakapu

PNG Defence Secretary arrested

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The suspended Secretary for Defence has been arrested by police in Port Moresby.
NCD Central Comander, Sylvester Kalaut has provided details of Mr Vali Asi's arrest.
"Mr Asi was charged with five counts under the Summary Offences Act.

"The charges includes assault, abusive words and offensive behaviour," he said.
"The arrest stems from a report from his personal assistant late last year, who reported that Mr Asi had mistreated her," Comander Kalaut said.
Comander Kalaut said Mr Asi has been released on a K1000 bail. NBC News

Local organizations working in Partnership to combat FSV in Hela

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The Oil Search Foundation (the Foundation) and Femili PNG Inc have entered into a partnership to
strengthen existing health and survivor’s referral systems in Hela province to respond to Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The agreement signed on the March 2nd 2017, brings together two local Papua New Guinean organisations and will improve access to response services and health providers including referral where needed for GBV survivors and communities.
GBV including Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) in Hela is a major challenge and the Foundation has been providing support to the Hela Provincial Hospital Family Support Centre (FSC) since March 2016.
“It’s a critical need in Hela. By strengthening existing services, we’re not only reaching and informing communities about the issues, we can also help to make sure survivors get treatment closer to their villages and if needed, referred to the Hela FSC or other support services in a holistic manner.” says Foundation CEO, Kymberley Kepore.
PNG is currently experiencing very high levels of GBV and especially FSV directed against women and children. But the response to survivors is hindered by lack of proper coordination and knowledge to adequately provide help that is needed. Often survivors need medical, psycho social care, emergency shelter, police protection, legal assistance and vocational training services.
Since 2014 Femili PNG has been using an innovative approach in Lae to work with partners and provide critical case management services to help survivors’ access crisis counselling, support and other interventions for protection and justice. It aims to help drive change through training stakeholder partners, case management and research.
CEO of Femili PNG, Daisy Plana said: “We are determined to highlight the issues of FSV in PNG. By partnering with the Oil Search Foundation in Hela we are helping to strengthen the nationwide response and providing improved services to survivors. Our message is clear. Family and Sexual Violence is not acceptable and must be addressed.”
The comprehensive program will include training at all levels of the Hela Provincial Health Authority (PHA); district health workers; community prevention and awareness activities; outreach; communication materials; mentoring and counselling support for the Hela FSC.
“At the Foundation we are committed to a Papua New Guinea where gender equality is realised and women are empowered to live productive lives free of violence and this partnership with Femili PNG Inc. is critical to working towards this vision,” adds Jean Martin, Head of Expansion Programs.
Press release - 8 March 2017 2
The invaluable Femili PNG experience to Hela will be critical to driving forward a response to FSV and GBV and ensure that systems are strengthened to continue to respond into the future.

Secretary Solomon encourages aspiring PNG Women Politician

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“I encourage you all to do not stop what you are doing after the five days training. Make it your business to learn more about how the whole government agencies operate and how the electorate and districts in each province operates.”

These were the words of encouragement from the Secretary of the Department for Community Development and Religion, Ms Anna Solomon to the participants of the Papua New Guinea Practice Parliament for Women.

The practice parliament started yesterday at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby with training for the women participants focused on various agendas, which will end on Saturday 11th March. The actual practice parliament sessions will be conducted on Monday 13th March at the State Function Room.
This weeklong training will be focused on key objectives such as; Participants to understand key parliamentary procedures; Building Understanding of key parliamentary procedures; Develop Policy/analytic skills; Develop Participants understanding of running in elections and Participants understanding of working with the media during elections.

“Many of you have contributed so much to the development of this nation and now you want to put your hands up to speak on our behalf in parliament and that is so encouraging. And I would like to congratulate all of you who are here.”

“You have to feel very privileged to be here, because it was a tough selection. Out of 200 applicants only 50 were selected,” said Secretary Solomon as she acknowledged and welcomed the participants.
The Secretary also commended the organisers, particularly UNDP and other partners for the development of the program, and said it was very fitting for this training because these are areas were not only women but male politicians are still unaware of.
“So if you want to get into parliament, I suggest you start learning now. Don’t leave it till it’s too late. Don’t wait till you get into parliament. And this is a very fitting time with the program excellently shape in a way that will help build your capacity".

Ms Solomon said she will be looking forward to see the results and the outcomes highlighted in this meeting.
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