Papua New Guinea Today

The SP Papua New Guinea Hunters defeated Souths Logan Magpies with a nail-biting 12-8 win in round 14 of the Intrust Super Cup match played in front of 7,483 spectators at the National Football Stadium this afternoon.

In the opening exchanges of the game, both teams were balanced in attack and in defence. The Hunters were first to score through winger Bland Abavu after a good ball movements from Eliab and hooker Wartavo who set up the winger for the opening try. Captain Boas found the uprights and the Hunters were in front with 6 - 0 lead .

The Magpies replied with a try from Luke Archer and trailed 6 - 4 into half-time after an unsuccessful conversion.

The second half was riddled with scrappy plays from both teams, which made points hard to come by.

In-form fullback Stargroth Amean set up Israel Eliab for the Hunters second try. Boas added the extras and took the lead to 12 - 4.

The Magpies regrouped and continued to attack the Hunters line. A try was scored by fullback Jamayne Isaako. His attempt to convert his own try to narrow the deficit was again unsuccessful, leaving the score at 12-8, at full time. The man of the match was awarded to Amean. The win saw the Hunters still maintain the top spot on the competition ladder after round 14.

Landowners in the Central Province are set to close down the PNG LNG site on today over unpaid compensations demands since 2014.

They held a meeting with representatives from operator ExxonMobil, Department of Petroleum and Energy, PNG Ports and Police yesterday.
The meeting was to stop the people, comprising four beneficiary villages of Papa, Lealea, Boera and Porebada from staging their protest.

However, landowner spokesman and Association Secretary, Robert Kauga said, their minds are made up and they won't back down on their decision to carry out the protest until the government pays them their outstanding royalties and equities.

Mr. Kauga said the people are already fed up with the
continuous lies and promises of payment by the government.
“They are admonishing us not to stage the protest but we cannot back down now, we have already prepared everything,”he said.
NBC News / PNG Today

Statement
The Deputy Leader of the People’s National Congress Party, Hon. Mao Zeming MP, said the policy void in the opposition is alarming, and is a demonstration of the disorganisation of these members and their internal conflict.
"Opposition members are already fighting over who should be their leader, and this has turned very bitter,” Minister Zeming said.
“They all want to be the alternate Prime Minister, but they cannot even develop a coherent policy amongst them, let alone elect a leader.
"Don Polye has the title of opposition leader, but the others will not back him.
"There is also infighting within some opposition parties looking to remove their leaders so they can work with the Government.
"The choice for individual opposition members and candidates is that they can be part of negativity and talking down the Nation, or they can step up and embrace the change that is taking place and work for the benefit of our people.
“This opposition doesn’t have clear polices, all they have are media statements.
“To manage a country of more than eight million people, you need policies that are planned and are viable for implementation.
“The Opposition is clueless in this regard."
The Minister said the claim by Sir Mekere Morauta that he represents independent candidates is laughable
"He is not the leader of independents, that is the whole point of being independent, you are independent.
"If he was a committed leader he would run under his party name, but he is not doing this because he is a deserter.
“He deserted his PNG party, he deserted PDM after they had brought him to power, and he will desert any independent who supports him. That is his track record for deserting people who had supported him.
“These opposition leaders should focus on policy instead of fighting over which of them can try to come to the top.
"You need to do more than meet in a cafe for a photo shoot if you want to properly represent the issues of the people in our Nation.
“These tired and failed leaders have had their day and they let the country down.
“A new generation is taking their place who are not tarnished by the failures of the past, but want to see our country continue to develop."

PNC Sea of Red - Thousands of Supporters at Rally in Kandep
Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill CMG MP, was greeted by a sea of PNC red as thousands of supporters attended a campaign rally in Kandep wearing PNC shirts and caps.
Speaking to supporters in the Opposition Leader’s district, PM O’Neill vowed not to be deterred by opposition mud-slinging, and committed to build on the Government’s core policy achievements of free education, universal healthcare, building critical national infrastructure and improving law and order.
“When we were elected five years ago, we did not promise big, but we built on our simple policies to improve our economy and the lives of our people.
“You are here today because you appreciate what we are doing and want us to continue building our Nation.
"We did our best in the last five years to fulfil the promises past government had made but failed to deliver.
"Our Government stands firm by its policies and over the past five years that have delivered much needed services into rural areas.
"Our policies in education and health have relieved burdens from many of you here today who are subsistence farmers or have small business.
“Too many promises were made by past Governments and left our people with nothing to show for it when they were voted out of office.
"I am determined to build this nation and will prove crictics wrong.
"Give our Government another five years and you will see even more change and tengible development in your communities.”
The Prime Minister was in Kandep to rally support for PNC Party Candidate, Alfred Manase, who is contesting the Kandep seat.
“You need change in Kandep, you need a Member who will stand up for your rights and will deliver infrastructure and services in Kandep.
“Look around you and ask what happened to the 40 million Kina that was given two the Kandep District through the District Services Improvement Program.
“Where did that money go? This was not spent on roads or education or healthcare, that was all National Government money spent on these projects.
“The DSIP money that was given to Kandep has not been wisely used, we wonder where it went. If you vote for Alfred Manase to be your Member of Parliament, he will be here in this district working for you every day.
“He will be here working hard for you.
“We have a Government that has delivered stability over the past five years, and with Alfred Manase, and our PNC and Coalition Party Members, we will continue to deliver stability and growth for our people.”
The Prime Minister was accompanied at the PNC rally in Kandep by Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas, and Imbonggu Open Member and Minister for Works and Implementation, Hon. Francis Awesa.
PNC Media

The Prime Minister has confirmed for the people of Kundiawa-Gembogl in Chimbu Province, that they will have an international standard highway in their district through partnership with the Asian Development Bank.
Speaking to a crowd of more than 10,000 people at a campaign rally for Hon. Tobias Kulang MP, the Member for Kundiawa-Gembogl Open, PM O’Neill said the Government’s commitment is clear.
“No Government builds roads and highways like a PNC-Led Government,” the Prime Minister said at the launching of the Gewa to Gembogl road.

“We launched the project today, the upgrading and sealing of the road as the second phase from Gewa to Gembogl, and then we go beyond that again.
“We are rebuilding the Highlands Highway and other important roads as a National priority.
“For decades governments have said they would fix the Highlands highway, but they could never find the funds.
“Government-after-Government has been spending money on repairs, but never really attending to the structural issues of the highway.
“We are the only Government that has been able to secure the funding that is needed to fix the Highlands Highway properly.

“We have negotiated with the ADB over the past three years for us to secure the funding.
“Now the ADB and the Government have signed off on this and we will be able to roll this project out.
“As part of this we are not only rebuilding the Highlands Highway, but we will then maintain it to an and international level highway for our people.
"The Asian Development Bank funding of three billion Kina is going to fix the Highlands Highway up to a truly international standard.
“We know that there are opposition parties falsely campaigning saying that they will fix the Highlands Highway overnight by these themselves.
“This is highly misleading because over the past 41 years, no government has been able to tackle this challenge on their own. We simply do not have enough money through our budget to build this road.
“The partnership with the ADB is the only way that we can truly address the long-term needs of this highway for our people and our children.
“The PNC-led Government, over the past five years, can be truly proud of the roads and the bridges that we have delivered.
“No longer will there be a piecemeal approach and band-aid solutions that we have seen in the past.”
The Prime Minister said he has great confidence that Tobias Kulang will be elected by his people.
“Tobias Kulang is an asset to the nation, and he is an asset to the people of Kundiawa-Gembogl.
"Over the past five years there has been great development brought into his district following many earlier years of neglect.

“This is the DSIP at work, and they have been able to build district offices and treasury offices, as well as rebuild the hospital and the staff houses for district public servants.
“The roads are being rebuilt and other infrastructure developed largely because of the DSIP that the Government has been able to allocate to the district.
“The changes that are taking place are having a direct and positive impact on the people of Kundiawa-Gembogl.”
The Prime Minister was accompanied to Kundiawa-Gembogl, and then Kerowagi in Kundiawa, by Kundiawa-Gembogl Open Member and Tourism Minister, Hon. Tobiua K Kulang; Imbonggu Open Member and Minister for Works and Implementation, Hon. Francis Awesa; and, Gumine Open Member and Education Minister, Hon. Nick Kuman.

The Solomon Islands Commissioner of Police, Mathew Varley has announced the closure of the 2017 Firearms Amnesty last night at midnight (9th June 2017).

A total of 18 firearms and more than 2800 round of ammunitions have been surrendered to police.

This consisted of:

Two (2) SR88 rifles, likely to be former police weapons stolen in the Tension era;
One (1) pump action shot gun
Several .22 calibre bolt action rifles
Several home made or modified weapons
Two (2) handguns, including one pistol and one WW II revolver
Two machine gun frames and barrels from WWII.
A portion of the rounds of ammunition are old and likely to be from the WWII era, however hundreds of rounds of live and workable ammunition were also surrendered.

These items are all now safely stored in the custody of the RSIPF.

Commissioner Varley thanked those who handed in their weapons and the stakeholders who worked alongside police to encourage others to do the same.

Commissioner Varley said, “Our RSIPF officers and SIPPCRA members have conducted dozens of engagement talks and visits to communities and villages right across Solomon Islands. We are grateful for the courage and honesty shown by community groups and leaders who worked with us to progress this Amnesty. We thank those who turned in the guns. Each gun and bullet handed in has made Solomon Islands a safer place.”

Commissioner Varley reminds Solomon Islanders, “This is the Government’s final amnesty there will be no leniency for persons found with illegal firearms after 9 June. Anyone found now with firearms will be arrested and charged for illegal possession of firearms.”

The Government and RSIPF will announce details about the destruction of the firearms soon.

Ends//

PARTICIPATION Operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, has contributed K331, 000 to The Voice Inc. to continue its support of its Centers for Leadership. This brings ExxonMobil PNG’s contribution to K774, 000 to the Voice Inc. in the last three years. The funds will help the Centre to carry on its citizenship and leadership programs for students from its partner institutions at the University of Goroka, The PNG University of Technology and The University of Papua New Guinea. ExxonMobil PNG Managing Director, Andrew Barry made the presentation to TVI management in front of students and stakeholders at The Voice Inc. headquarters saying, “ExxonMobil recognises the critical role leadership plays in the development of any society. This unique partnership with The Voice Inc. enables us to continue to invest and contribute to the development of future young Papua New Guinean leaders”. Exxon Mobil PNG has been instrumental in supporting The Voice Inc’s Centers for Leadership for the past three years and continues its commitment to nation building and youth participation. Apart from monetary support, it has also been investing time through its people by engaging with young leaders through mentoring, speaking engagements and opportunities to connect with other amazing organizations and people who are leading change in the country and globally. Executive Director, Barbara Thomas, expressed her gratitude saying, “We are extremely grateful for the generous support ExxonMobil PNG continues to provide by investing in Papua New Guinea’s next generation of leaders. Their support over the past three years has enabled our organization to grow and provide more opportunities for youth engagement and participation.” The Voice Inc. is a youth development that works towards building a sense of purpose in the lives of young people, increase their confidence and create avenues for them to contribute to their communities. The Voice Inc. believes in the importance of providing conducive environments for young people to engage, participate and contribute meaningfully in their schools, local communities and nation. Media Release. Photo supplied

The New South Wales Blues have named an unchanged side for State of Origin II as they aim to secure a series win in next Wednesday's clash in Sydney.

Matt Moylan, Jack de Belin and Tom Trbojevic have been added to an extended bench but the selectors have otherwise stood firm with the team that won the series opener two weeks ago.

"It's great to be able to name the same 17 guys again, obviously they did such a great job in Game One," NSW coach Laurie Daley said.

"The key for us is to try and repeat that performance.

"[Naming the same side] allows you to have a smoother preparations in terms of the week, guys coming back in, they know the structure and the systems.

"It's about improving on what we've done. By having the same team, it allows you the luxury of having those guys, being more comfortable in the structure that we have."

NSW Blues
1. James Tedesco
2. Brett Morris
3. Josh Dugan
4. Jarryd Hayne
5. Blake Ferguson
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Aaron Woods
9. Nathan Peats
10. Andrew Fifita
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Josh Jackson
13. Tyson Frizell

Interchange:
14. David Klemmer
15. Wade Graham
16. Jake Trbojevic
17. Jack Bird
18. Matt Moylan
19. Jack de Belin
20. Tom Trbojevic

Source: NRL.COM, NRL Photo

The Queensland Maroons have activated 'Plan B' in their quest to keep the 2017 State of Origin series alive, making seven changes to the side that was thrashed 28-4 in Game One.

The injured Anthony Milford is out of the side, while Queensland veterans Aidan Guerra, Jacob Lillyman, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles have all been axed from the forward pack.

But that isn't where the changes end, with a new-look backline set to run out onto the field on June 21 following the omission of both Corey Oates and Justin O'Neill.

Maroons greats Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston are back, and Gavin Cooper will return to the second row after making his Origin debut in 2016.

Four Queenslanders will debut for the Maroons in Game Two, with Coen Hess, Tim Glasby, Jarrod Wallace and Valentine Holmes all set to pull on the famous jersey for the first time.

It's a changing of the guard for Queensland and coach Kevin Walters said although it was hard to overlook some of the state's most loyal servants, it needed to be done.

"It was tough, especially for the players who have been here for a long period," Walters said.

"Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Jacob Lillyman and Aidan Guerra have all been long-term players for Queensland. But with our recent results we felt there was a need for change.

"We picked a team in Game One that won last year's series and the majority of those players were afforded the luxury to perform in Game One.

"We didn't get the result that Queensland needed to have so Gene [Miles], Darren [Lockyer] and myself went to Plan B. That was always going to be in our plans.

"We needed to bring some new players into the team that haven't played Origin.

"I think the transition period for Queensland is right now so we feel the time is right to introduce that some new players that will benefit Queensland rugby league and State of Origin."

Perhaps the unluckiest Maroon to be overlooked is Brisbane Broncos winger Oates who has not put a foot wrong in his four-game Origin career.

Queensland's only try-scorer in Game One, Oates ran for 158 metres and made seven tackle breaks in one of the better individual performances in a well-beaten side.

But it wasn't enough, with Walters deciding to go with the speed of Holmes instead of the metre-eating abilities of Oates.

"It was hard leave him out of the side," Walters said of Oates.

"He's had four very good games for Queensland, but we felt the time was right for Valentine Holmes.

"Valentine's the current Australian winger so leaving him on the sidelines was not the right option for us for Game Two.

"Corey will get his opportunity again at this level.

"Corey is a bigger body but Valentine is a genuine winger. Corey has been a winger that has been manufactured over time.

"With his size and the way he plays the game he's probably more suited to the forwards, but he's made a fist of it on the wing.

"We just think Valentine is a genuine speedster who deserves an opportunity at the next level."

Another who will be given this same opportunity is Tim Glasby.

Glasby is the definition of an Origin bolter, with his selection seemingly coming out of nowhere.

His no-frills style of play has seen him picked over Origin hopefuls Ethan Lowe, Korbin Sims, Felise Kaufusi and Scott Bolton, with his hard-working demeanour exactly what Queensland need in the front row for Game Two.

The Melbourne prop has benefited immensely from working under Craig Bellamy at the Storm, and Walters, who was an assistant coach at the Storm from 2011 to 2013, said the reputation of the Storm helped aid Glasby's Origin selection.

"Tim is in a good system at the Storm. He's been working really hard and his club form has been exceptional," Walters said.

"He played in the grand final at ANZ Stadium last year so he's no stranger to a big game.

"It adds a good balance to our bench and is a much-improved bench compared to Game One.

"Tim is in the best defensive system in the country at the Melbourne Storm. They've proven that over the last 10 years.

"We feel that we were lacking in that area in Game One and Tim will bring a lot of that and then some in Game Two."

Source: nrl.com : NRL Photo

Kokopo Police in East New Britain have intercepted three PNG Soldiers who were smuggling unauthorized election materials. They are are being held in police custody in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, allegedly hired by a candidate in New Ireland Province.

The three non-commissioned soldiers await the arrival of their superiors from Port Moresby to further interrogate them for their involvement with a candidate from Namatanai.

A warrant officer and two corporals were with 19 men and a woman who were on Air Niugini’s PX 204 from Port Moresby to Kavieng via Kokopo about 9.30am on Sunday.

East New Britain police response unit acted on intelligence from Port Moresby about suspicious passengers and cargoes aboard the flight.

The response unit waited for the flight at Tokua and took in the men and the woman, who all claimed to be ex-military personnel.

No military weapons were found on them after preliminary checks.

A thorough check was carried out at Kokopo police station, and posters belonging to the Namatanai candidate, Walter Schnaubelt, were found in their possession, as well as the Namatanai common rolls and some tally sheets.

The provincial electoral manager, Joap Voivoi, was called to identify and verify if the items in their possession were illegally being transported around this time.

Mr Voivoi said the rolls are not supposed to be taken around before the National Election and should not be in the possession of non-Electoral Commission officers.

He has referred the matter back to the Electoral Commission in Port Moresby to liaise with police.

The provincial police commander has been instructed by the Defence Force commander in Port Moresby not to release the three current serving members until senior officers arrive in Kokopo.

The 19 men were confirmed to be ex-servicemen on their way to Namatanai to be scrutineers, while the woman has been identified as a security personnel with the named candidate’s security firm SOS.

Police are still continuing their investigations. Post Courier/ PNG Today

TARI PORI MP and Finance Minister James Marape has condemned Opposition Leader Don Polye of inciting violence in his election campaign in Hela Province.

Mr Marape said the Opposition Leader arrived in Tari town last week inciting violence and arguments instead of peace and offering alternate government policies.

Mr Marape said while he was hosting a few candidates for Hela Governor, including Philip Undialu, the opposition leader crept into a side stand hosted by a rival candidate to his official THE Party candidate.

“Among his usual debates on politics, he went very low in Tari to invite thuggery and violence by asking people to remove, tear and burn all PNC red shirts and caps.”

Mr Polye arrived with his entourage from outside as Mr Marape was leaving for Koroba for another program. But when informed about Mr Polye’s incitement of the crowd for violence, Mr Marape appealed to his people for peace and calm.

“We in Hela have started the election period well, unlike some areas of PNG that are experiencing election-related violence, and for a national leader in the long serving minister and now opposition leader to demand violence and destruction from innocent people demeans Polye’s standing as a leader of mature alternate policy,” Mr Marape said from Tari.

“You can come into my town and talk about what you can do to help my people, but you can’t force people to be violent. Take your violence to your electorate please,” Mr Marape said.

“We have a fragile society in Hela, and we are trying to promote peace despite our own differences in Hela, yet Polye, who says he has concern for Hela, stirs trouble. What kind of leadership is this?

“I ask Polye, a honest question as an equally mandated leader of my Huli people; you have been the long serving minister for works, transport and civil aviation, you have been foreign minister, higher education minister and treasury and Finance Ministers in 13 years since 2002. What have you started in Hela that you want to complete?” Mr Marape asked.

Mr Marape has taken to his Tari Pori Development Forum to rebut much of Polye’s arguments in Tari last Friday. Pictures of PNC shirts being burnt under Polye’s instruction are being circulated on various Hela facebook sites. He is appealing for Hela to rise above petty politics and allow peace to prevail, and asks Hela people to choose leaders without asking for money or voting for a tribal candidate.
Photo credit: Samuel Angai

PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has called on people to think of their families when they vote and not listen to negativity and lies from people who have failed the Nation in the past.

Speaking at a PNC Campaign rally in Goroka for Eastern Highlands Governor, Julie Soso the Prime Minister also condemned an attempt to cause disruption by supporters of other candidates, that was resolved peacefully.

PM O’Neill also cleared the air on some of the negative and misleading claims by former leaders who are now part of one-and-two-man parties, who he said have no real policy platforms, just misinformation and disruption.
“These political has-beens should clearly state their vision and policies for the country, but instead they continue to play in the mud,” PM O’Neill said.
"All they are doing is getting themselves dirty as they attempt to tarnish the names of other leaders and candidates.
"It is time to stand up to dirty politics, it is time to stand up to intimidation and it is time to stand up for your children and your families.
“Vote for the party with real plans for our country and our families.
“Our policies have delivered over the past five years and changed lives, and we will deliver again for our families in the next five years of Government.
“When it comes to the economy, we are in a stronger position than we were five years ago, and our economy is still growing.
"We have some of the smartest people in the country advising us on the economy, and we are recovering from depressed global conditions and the damage caused by drought.
“We borrow to build infrastructure, all countries have to, how else could we re-build the Highlands Highway, new Hospitals, schools and university campuses?
"This vital infrastructure cannot be funded from the annual budget.
"We borrow at concessional rates and we pay the loans back on time.
"The Opposition want to stop all this, so if they ever get into office, the Highlands Highway will fall apart again, and we will not see any more hospitals, schools or university campuses built, just like it was in the Morauta and Somare years where nothing happened.
"Banks only lend when they know a country can pay the loan back, and Papua New Guinea has never defaulted on a loan.
"So don’t listen to lies and people who have proven that they are all talk and no action.
"The debt level of our country currently stands at around 22 billion Kina and this is well below 35 per cent of our GDP.
"By global standards we amongst the lowest debt to GDP ratio countries in the world. Many similar size economies are three and four times that ratio.
“So don’t listen to desperate politicians who continue to mislead our people and have no policies of their own.”
The Prime Minister also said the rally in Goroka saw a terrible display of dirty politics and unacceptable behaviour by supporters representing other candidates.
"Thousands and thousands of supporters of PNC party flocked into Goroka Town to welcome our delegation.
“But there was an attempted interruption by a few supporters of other candidates trying to disrupt the campaign rally.
"These few individuals were brought under control by the 'sea of red' asking them to leave and the disrupters quickly left the area.
“Our country has moved on from these tactics, and I hope other candidates will take note of this and take part in the elections in the right spirit."

Kandep Open candidate, Alfred Manase is carrying all the momentum heading into the final days of campaigning. Having travelled to every corner of Kandep meeting with the people and understanding their issues he is posed for a very successful election.

Manase’s efforts in meeting with everyday Papua New Guineans is very different to the invisible campaign being run by incumbent Don Polye. To date Polye has still failed to meet with his people and face up to his failures.
On Thursday Manase was honoured to be joined by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and veteran in Enga politics Sir Peter Ipatas. In front of thousands of people they spoke of their plan to deliver to the people of Kandep the services they had been denied under Don Polye’s leadership.
Polye has made it clear that he is aware that he does not have the same level of support he has had in the past. The man once called “Kandep’s favourite son” is now afraid of being seen in his home electorate.
Alfred Manase and his party the People’s National Congress are calling on the Electoral Commission that Kandep gets the chance to hold a free and fair election. Don Polye has a proven history of cheating in elections and the people deserve to know every effort is being made to stop this happening again.
“It has been humbling to meet with so many people during this election campaign. They face many hardships due to the incompetence of Don Polye but remain optimistic about their future.”
“Don continues to hide from the mess he has created here in Kandep offering weak excuses to the media for his absence. The people on the ground know the real reason he is afraid to come face his people though.”
“On Thursday Kandep got the first taste of what to expect with the new leadership a PNC government and I hope to bring them. Two veterans of PNG politics, Peter O’Neill and Sir Peter Ipatas, came together to see and understand the people of Kandep.”
“This visit was the nail in the coffin for Don Polye. Kandep got a taste of what real leaders look like and they won’t want to return to the lip service and failures of Polye after that.”
“Based on what we are seeing on the ground Don has no support left, even his most fierce supporters are leaving him. Every day it seems more likely that the only way he can win will be through the corruption, like he has in the past.”
“If Kandep is allowed to hold a free and fair election Don has no chance of winning.”

Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye has denied inciting any form of violence in Hela province last Friday.
Mr Polye's denial surfaced, following Finance Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape, who alleged that the former incited it.
"I do not incite violence. Had I done so, why would our people of Eastern Highlands have distrupted a PNC party-sponsored rally in Goroka town?
"How come they did that. There has been an outright public resentment across the country. As such, our people of Hela have rejected Marape and PNC. If they burnt down red shirts and caps issued by PNC party, that is it. People have spoken," he said.
Commenting on Marape's claim that their relationship has been affected, Polye said otherwise that their personal friendship remained.
"I must remind Marape that I have not destroyed our relationship. What I have destroyed is his relationship with corruption. He has to make a choice whether to join me or not.
"He has to apologise to the people for supporting corruption," he said.
Rubbishing Marape's claim that Polye delivered nothing in Hela, he also denied that.
He stated that on record he played an influencial role to give provincial status to Hela and Jiwaka.
He added when he was the Treasury and Finance Minister in 2011, he gave more than K100 millon to LNG landowners in Hela.
Meanwhile, Polye cautioned PM O'Neill and his Finance Minister not to mislead the people on getting more overseas loans to build infrastructure in the country.
Loans, he said, are secured to develop areas which make meaningful contribution to the national purse and not Port Moresby alone to suit business interests of those are loyal of PNC party.
Brushing aside O'Neill's claim that PNG's debt level was K22 billion, Mr Polye said the debt level was at over K42 billion when considering hidden debt figures in the books of State-Owned Entities.
"Their statement is misleading and irresponsible because massive debts destroy economies around the world.
"It has been practically proven again and again. For instance, Venezuela is nkw in a debt crisis. Euro Zone is also suffering a massive debt over many years. Wall Street Melt Down in the United States resulted in Public sector managing unsustaible crisis. Asian region also suffered debt crisis in 1980.
"Even now experts have warned China to stop further borrowing even if it has the capacity to repay.
"Singapore taken as an example for debt level, is uneducated and lame.
"It has a very tough and draconian rule of law coupled with a manageable debt.
Unlike, Breach of rule of law has been common in PNG under PNC-led government. Therefore, in the gobal context I caution them not to mislead decent people of PNG," he said.

The PNG Cancer Foundation is partnering with Exxon Mobil to conduct cancer awareness programs to all schools across the country.
The partnership was shown with a cheque presentation of 165 thousand kina.
The funding will go towards the Foundation's Healthy Teens School's Program.
PNG Cancer foundation Chief Executive Officer Dadi Toka Junior said they are pleased to continue the partnership with Exxon Mobil which will see the program being rolled out to many schools across Papua New Guinea.

They include Papa Lea lea, Boera, Tatana, Hanuabada, Porebada, N.C.D., Hides and Moro in the Southern Highlands province.
The H.T.S. Program is aimed at educating Primary school students on how to make healthy lifestyle choices as a way of reducing the risk of developing cancer.
Since the inception of the program in 2016,about three thousand students in Milne Bay, , West New Britain,Port Moresby and Morobe,have benefited from the progam.
NBC News / PNG Today

The Catholic Bishops Conference is questioning the Government, if it supports the people and churches, or are serving the interest of multi national companies or profit interest organizations.
President of the C B C of PNG and Solomon Islands, Bishop Rochus Tatamai said churches have a lot of volunteers and missionary workers, who partner with them to deliver services to the rural population.
Bishop Tatamai made the call today following the deportation of Archdiocese Administrator for Rabaul and lay missionary, Doug Tennent on Monday to New Zealand.
Mr Tennent, a Law Lecturer at UPNG for many years, had been assisting landowners on sensitive issues in Kokopo, including the Sigite Mikus Oil Palm project in West Pomio, since 2014.
Rochus Tatamai said the sudden deportation of Mr.Tennent is an abuse of the legal process where every body has a case to always be represented and presented.
NBC News/ PNG Today

Papua New Guinea Defence Force Soldiers are now being deployed to the Highlands region in preparation for election polling that starts on Tuesday.

The deployment will be completed by the weekend, when about 100 Defence Force soldiers from Moem Barracks in East Sepik fly in through Kagamuga for the election in Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga Provinces.

Election Security Operations commander Western End Kaiglo Ambane, said six Police Mobile Squad Units outside of the provinces started moving into Hela, Enga and Southern Highlands, and the deployment would be completed when the soldiers fly in from Wewak.

A total of 300 – 200 police mobile squad members from Mt Hagen, Wabag and Port Moresby with the 100 soldiers – will make up the response unit during polling in the three provinces.

Due to the recent major breakouts around the country, only a few correctional officers will help at the polling booths.

Assistant Commissioner Ambane said 735 local police personnel from the three provinces will provide security for the polling sites, while the 300 foreign troops will be on hand to respond to any emergencies.

The local personnel will move from Hela to Southern Highlands onto Enga as polling takes place from June 26 (Hela), June 30 (SHP), and July 04 (Enga).

The Police Mobile Squad units in the response unit consist of 5, 6 and 7 from Mt Hagen, 11 from Wabag and 1 and 2 from Port Moresby.

Due to lack of funding, the response unit’s deployment was delayed from the first week of May up to last week.

Commander Ambane appealed to all people and candidates in the three provinces to help the security personnel and electoral officials to help them conduct a safe, peaceful and transparent election.

ACP Ambane said this was the right time to test candidates to see if their intention to become national leaders were true.

“Candidates have put their hands up to become national leaders. Now is the time for them to control their people and ensure there is no violence, double voting, threatening and conduct the election properly. Their potential of becoming national leaders will only be shown after the election,” the commander said.
Post Courier/ PNG Today/Pacnews

A largest crowd on Manus Island welcomed Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to the province as he campaigned with Manus Governor, Charlie Benjamin, and Manus Open Candidate, Job Pomat.

Leading the PNC campaign rally, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said Manus has great potential from its marine resources, particularly in areas such as fisheries and tourism.

As the campaign draws to the end of eight weeks of campaigning, PM O’Neill said now is the time for candidates who have not demonstrated any policy platforms to reveal if they have any policies.
"Now is the time to talk about your policies, to talk about your vision and reveal if you have anything to offer,” the Prime Minister said.

“Candidates need to discuss issues of national importance with a clear set of polices and vision for the nation.
“Instead many, particularly some former leaders, are dropping down to attacking personalities and spreading rumours.

“Our country deserves strong policy platforms from those aspiring to form Government, not hollow statements and foolish claims.
“The candidates who are now part of one-and-two-man parties have to start being realistic.
"You have Mekere saying he will be PM, and so is Don Polye, and Sam Basil, and all the others, but one-and-two is a long way from 56."
The Prime Minister said he has no intention of debating any aspirant PM if they cannot demonstrate that they have the support of enough opposition members.
"I am not go to waste my time debating someone who does not have the support to potentially lead a parliamentary majority.
"If one of these opposition leaders gets the backing of their counterparts to be the opposition’s candidate for Prime Minister, they will get their debate.
"If Ben Micah, Patrick Pruaitch, and Belden Name, and all the other leaders come out and say publicly they are supporting Don Polye or another Leader, they will get their debate.
"But while they are a loose gaggle of dividend group of rivals, this will not happen.”
The Prime Minister said the mistake some commentators make is to look at our election through western eyes.
"In Australia, historically Opposition Leaders are often just a few seats away from forming Government.
"In Papua New Guinea, the Opposition Leader is more than 50 seats away from forming Government.
"The same goes for Mekere, he is just one of the 3,000 plus candidates in this election.
"He has no party support, he is yesterday’s man who abandoned his own party that he founded. He has no principles or loyalty, so why would any of the opposition leaders want to follow him?”
The Prime Minister thanked Manus for the hospitality they extended to the PNC delegation and promised them that Charlie Benjamin and Job Pomat will work hard for Manus and further improve lives.
"Manus huge potential in tourism and fisheries, and has the potential to keep advancing.
“A lot has changed in Manus over the past five years, and communities are economically stronger than in decades past.
“We must keep changing Manus, we must keep staying strong and deliver an even stronger economy for our nation and for provinces like Manus.”

Prime Minister Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, will host the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Bill English, during a three-day visit to the Kingdom from today.

Prime Minister English is leading a delegation to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tonga on its 2017 Pacific Mission. Choosing Tonga a part of this year’s Pacific Mission reflects the close ties that New Zealand places on its relationship with Tonga.

The last Head of Government visit was made by then Prime Minister John Key in 2014.

English’s visit as New Zealand’s new Prime Minister will bolster diplomatic ties between the two countries. The two leaders will discuss Tonga’s strategic directions and priorities, identifying areas where New Zealand can add value in, to improve cooperation and partnerships with Tonga.

Furthermore, the two Prime Ministers will have an opportunity to interact with key players in the energy, law and justice, defence and sports sector which are priorities for the Tongan Government and is supported by the New Zealand Aid Program.

A delegation of 70 members will accompany PM English on this mission, including cross party MPs, Pacific leaders, and representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations. LoopTonga

The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) has laid a total of 22 charges against an Auckland woman of Tongan nationality for illegally providing New Zealand immigration advice.

Maria ‘Ilaisaane Valu-Pome’e appeared in the Waitakere District Court yesterday following a thorough investigation by the IAA into her history of providing New Zealand immigration advice without holding a licence or exempt status.

A statement said she has been remanded on bail until 6 July.

Registrar of the IAA Catherine Albiston says the charges include four charges of providing immigration advice without a licence or exempt status while knowing she was required to be licensed, four charges of advertising herself as legally able to provide immigration advice, and four charges of receiving fees for the provision of immigration advice. In addition to charges under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, Valu-Pome’e also faces 10 charges under the Crimes Act 1961.

“This case serves as a strong reminder the IAA will not tolerate those who provide unlawful New Zealand immigration advice,” warns Albiston.

“The IAA ran a campaign earlier this year to raise awareness amongst Pacific communities in New Zealand, as well as in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, that unlawful immigration advice can cause significant stress and problems for visa applicants.

“Anyone seeking New Zealand immigration advice should use a licensed immigration adviser or someone who is exempt. A public register of all licensed advisers can be found on our website.”

The IAA investigates all complaints made by the public about poor or unlicensed immigration advice. Individuals found breaking the law can face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to NZD$100,000.

“Anyone can talk to the IAA about their experience without their immigration status being affected,” adds Albiston.LoopTonga

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