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NZ inks new Partnership Agreement with Samoa

February 7, 2019, 9:17 pm
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Bi-lateral talks between the Governments of Samoa and New Zealand in Wellington this week ended yesterday on a high note, says Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
 
In an exclusive interview with the Auckland based Radio Samoa, Tuilaepa says that he and the New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has signed a new Partnership Agreement at the end of the talks.
 
“The Partnership Agreement follows on from the Pacific Reset theme and underpinned by the Treaty of Friendship, New Zealand has with Samoa and the recognition of the seniority of the Samoan Prime Minister in the region, and the progressive and stable Government of Samoa in the Pacific region,” says New Zealand’s Pacific Peoples Minister, Aupito Sua William Sio who attended the talks.
 
Prime Minister Tuilaepa in the meantime told Radio Samoa that the talks covered a range of issues which included revisiting the 1962 Treaty of Friendship between the two countries.
 
Among the issues on the negotiating table includes;
 
• Education
• Health
• Tourism
• Apia Waterfront Project
• New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employees Programme.
 
On Education, the Prime Minister says that Samoa’s request includes a change of policies to criteria’s in the selection of local students eligible for New Zealand funded scholarships.
 
It also covered grant funding from Wellington for Samoa’s Education Sector. And Vaovasamanaia on behalf of his government is receptive to Samoa’s request for reconsideration of some of policies and regulations governing New Zealand’s Funding for Samoa’s Education Sector, says Tuilaepa.
 
For the RSE programme which Samoa has been a recipient for the last 12 consecutive years along with nine other neighbouring Pacific Island countries, Prime Minister Tuilaepa is not giving up on his quest for an increase in the annual quota of 11,000 Pacific Island RSE workers.
 
Overall, says the Prime Minister the exchange has accomplished its goals and he looks forward to beneficial outcome for the country.
 
Tuilaepa at the invitation of the New Zealand Government attended the Waitangi Day festivities in Wellington. It’s the first time that Samoa has been invited to participate.

SOURCE: SAMOA GOVT/PACNEWS
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Australia Pacific Training Coalition welcomes new Country Director for Fiji and Tuvalu

February 7, 2019, 9:19 pm
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The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jovesa Saladoka as the Country Director for Fiji and Tuvalu.

Saladoka took up his new role in late 2018 and comes from an international development background championing social justice, human right principles, and promoting access and equality.

“My new role is absolutely challenging and I’m loving it. There is never a dull moment so far, as one is cascaded with multiple layers of dialogue ranging from student behaviors to brokering a partnership conversation,” he said.

Saladoka, who is APTC’s first Fijian Country Director, has worked in the Pacific for more than 15 years and is passionate about empowering local communities to thrive to their utmost potential.

“I want my team in the Fiji and Tuvalu offices to get a better sense of ownership in this new phase as they all play a very significant part in shaping the approach that will enable the Marys and Johns of the Pacific to not only get a skill or qualification but also to navigate better towards economic independence.“

“The key role for this position is demonstrating the transition of APTC from an Australian technical college to an agent of change imbued with a localised approach to establishing and strengthening coalitions with diverse institutions and stakeholders, including traditional and faith-based actors,” he added.

Saladoka is joined by Emma Rice, the new Vocational Training Manager for Fiji and Tuvalu.

Rice has worked in the social and community sector for the past 22 years, holding leadership and management roles in a variety of community settings including disability, education, child protection and sexual and reproductive health organisations.

The new appointments are part of the new leadership team for APTC’s phase 3. In this phase, APTC will continue to deliver high quality, internationally recognised training that ensures graduates have improved employment outcomes but also focus on supporting greater investment in skills training and higher quality TVET delivery across the Pacific.

APTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Soli Middleby, said APTC is delighted to welcome Saladoka and Rice, and is confident that their skills combined will be a great asset to the country offices in Fiji and Tuvalu.

“The appointments bring new skills, experience and networks to complement and lead our team and take forward the ambitions of APTC in its third stage by contributing to Pacific prosperity through partnerships,” she said.

APTC is Australia’s flagship programme for training excellence, helping Pacific Island citizens gain Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers. Around 13,000 graduates have graduated from APTC since it began operation in 2007.

SOURCE: APTC/PACNEWS
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Prime Minister Peter O’Neill arrives in Usino Bundi

February 8, 2019, 4:14 pm
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Prime Minister O’Neill has arrived at Usino Station in Madang Province to launch the Usino Bundi Five Year Development Plan and to launch a range of projects.
Greeted by the Governor of Madang, Peter Yama, and Member for Usino Bundi, Jimmy Uguro, the Prime Minister’s delegation was greeted by around 7,000 people who braved the rain to be a part of the opening of these significant projects.
Member Uguro thanked the Prime Minister for coming to Usino.
“You are only the second Prime Minister to ever come to our district in the history of the Nation.
“You made sure you got here today, even though the first time you tried this morning rain and clouds meant the helicopter could not make it through.
“Usino Bundi thanks you for the support you have given to us so we can do projects that are important and that includes the Usino Bundi Five Year Development Plan.”
Governor Yama welcomed the Prime Minister to Madang Province.
“I have talked with Prime Minister for many years bout the development of resource projects, even many years before he was the Prime Minister.
“Too many times in the past national government came to Madang with promises and signed many MOUs.
“But these MOUs never went anywhere or led to anything, but we know with Peter O’Neill the things he promises he delivers.
“This Prime Minister delivered APEC to Papua New Guinea. He brought the world leaders of the biggest countries to Papua New Guinea.
“From APEC we have many benefits including the big electrification project that will give electricity to people in my province.”
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PNG Ambassador to EU appointed Chairman of Committee of Ambassadors of ACP Group

February 8, 2019, 11:01 pm
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PNG has again made history as the country’s Ambassador to Belgium and EU with Joshua Kalinoe being appointed Chairman of Committee of Ambassadors of the 79-member ACP Group.

And by extension, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Rimbink Pato will assume the Chairmanship of the Council of Ministers at a period where the Post Cotonou ACP-EU partnership Agreement that is being negotiated now and will be reviewed and approved for signing. The review and final approval is likely to happen in the douncil’s meeting in December this year under Pato’s chairmanship.

Kalinoe was appointed to the top post to chair three high powered ACP decision making organs, and in preparation to assume the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ambassadors (COA) in August 2019.

In an interview Kalinoe told the Post-Courier that from August 2019 to January 2020, PNG will head the Committee of Ambassadors and the council of ministers as well as the leader’s summit which is expected to change hands towards the end of this year. The committee of ambassadors is the third highest decision-making body in the ACP, behind the Council of Ministers and the Leader’s Summit.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is the current sitting chairman of the summit. He will hand over the chairmanship to another head of state and government when the summit meets later this year.

PNG has been playing an active role in the decision-making process of the ACP Group and the EU-ACP relationship since the hoisting of the leader’s summit in Port Moresby in 2016 under the chairmanship of PM O’Neill.

The Port Moresby Declaration and the Waigani Communique that transpired from the Port Moresby Leader’s Summit, among other policy outcomes, provided the basis for the ACP Group’s negotiation with EU and to reshape the ACP as an important player on international affairs, including at the United Nations, WTO and other international organisations.

PNG is one of the three lead negotiators of the ACP negotiation team in both the ministerial and ambassadorial central negotiation group (CNG), represented by Richard Maru and Ambassador Joshua Kalinoe, in the current Post Cotonou negotiations.

They are also lead negotiators for the Pacific Regional negotiations, representing the Pacific region, together with Ministerial and Ambassadorial representatives from Samoa.

Both the EU and ACP have agreed to enter into a new cooperation agreement when the current Ambassador Joshua Kalinoe was endorsed for appointment as the incoming chair of the COA by the Pacific ACP Ambassadors in Brussels, based on seniority and rotation. Eligible Ambassadors from member countries of the six ACP regions are appointed to the post after a six-year rotation cycle to their respective regions.

Ambassador Kalinoe said PNG may have made history by being accorded the responsibility of chairmanship in the three highest organs of the ACP decision making process in a given period.

“At least in the past five years, there was no country, in my recollection, that have been accorded the privilege to chair these three important organs of the ACP Group, in the same rotation period,” Ambassador Kalinoe said.

He said he is happy that the efforts by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the PNG Embassy in Brussels to create visibility and participation in respect of meeting Papua New Guinea’s international obligations consistent with the broader European engagement strategy and work programme that he has put in place since 2014 with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs is being successfully implemented.

“Visibility, success and active participation in meeting Papua New Guinea’s international obligations and national interests in trade, investment and bilateral relations with the EU and ACP member states and UN implementation agencies based in Europe is being done despite the financial and human resource constraints facing the Department of Foreign Affairs and its implementation organs, including the PNG Embassy in Brussels,” Ambassador Kalinoe said.

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Kenilorea: Solomon Islands MPs must pay tax

February 8, 2019, 11:02 pm
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All Solomon Islands Members of Parliament (MP) will pay their taxes should United Party (UP) leads the next government after April’s general election.

This was publicly declared by the Party’s President Peter Kenilorea Jr Thursday at the Party’s campaign launch and commissioning of UP’s candidates outside the national auditorium in Honiara.

The current bad weather failed to dampen the spirit of many who have came out in numbers to listen and witness the launch programme.

He added his Party won’t be camping in any hotels after the elections.

“My colleagues and I look forward to paying our taxes from our salary like you all do and United Party (UP) will not be camping in any hotels after the elections,” he said.

A packed crowd were present to listen when he delivered his speech.

“We will breathe new life back into our national motto: To Lead is to Serve,” he said.

He said the noble sentiments behind the motto have been tarnished by the selfish actions of so called leaders.

“Leaders who have lost touch with the people they are sworn to serve and leaders whose standing and integrity are continually being questioned.

“So Solomon Islands get ready because change is coming and change is the only constant. It is inevitable.

“Those who fight change always end up on the wrong side of history. Instead, let us embrace change.

“Change for the better. Positive change can lead to a resurgence of hope,”  Kenilorea Jnr boldly stated.

He added that today many of the youths’ dreams die young a sense of hopelessness is already gripping locals.

“I see that in the eyes of young scholars realizing that their goals will not be a reality despite their enthusiasm to still continue their academic pursuits,” Kenilorea Jnr said.

He added many of women folk continue to bear the burden of raising their children on their own and struggling to make ends meet.

“Reports of increases in sexual abuse and violence point to a nation struggling with a breakdown of our moral compass,”  Kenilorea Jnr said.

He added that positive change will bring hope to this gloom. Not blind hope, but hope that is based on tangible outcomes for the betterment of this nation.

“Outcomes that touch the lives of ordinary folks on the street and in the villages,” the UP boss said.

“United Party’s policies are based on practical outcomes. We are a pragmatic Party,” he added.

He said the outcomes make an impact on everyday people.

The seven pillars that hold up the Party’s platform for the 2019 NGE have outcomes and deliverables that are measurable.

The pillars are: 1. UP core beliefs 2 peace and security 3. Sustainable development 4. Infrastructure 5. Rethinking RCDF 6. Good Governance 7 International cooperation.

“We believe these pillars will serve the nation well over the next four years and beyond. They will anchor Solomon Islands on a solid footing going forward with confidence.

“In 2024 Solomon Islands will be graduating from the group of least developed countries,” he said.

Mr Kenilorea said Solomon Islands will be the last large pacific Islands country to graduate.

“Our vision is to guide Solomon Islands towards this graduation with confidence so we can truly celebrate the step up in our development status.

“We believe that our 7 pillars will make the graduation and transition of our development status as smooth as possible,” he said

He added that this coming election will be a crucial one for the nation. It is the first election since RAMSI’s exit.

“The world is watching. We are at the crossroads. Should we continue down this spiraling path?

“The United Party is ready and willing to lead us on a path towards prosperity,” Mr Kenilorea Jnr affirmed at the end of his profound speech yesterday.

Kenilorea Jr will be running against his rival former East AreAre MP Andrew Manepora'a.

Many who have witnessed the launch personally met and congratulated intending candidates contesting under the UP’s banner in this coming election.

SOURCE: SOLOMON STAR/PACNEWS

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Move to postpone Bougainville referendum

February 8, 2019, 11:03 pm
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The Bougainville referendum date set for June this year is likely to be moved to October, the Post-Courier has been reliably informed.

It is understood that the recently established Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC) intends to write to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and ABG President John Momis requesting an extension of the date.

The BRC is chaired by former Ireland Prime Minister Bertie Ahern with membership including former chief secretary to government Robert Igara and Dr Thomas Webster intends to write to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and ABG President John Momis.

It is understood this is based on the BRC’s non-existent structure and financial capacity to truly set its house in order and complete its official report to the respective shareholders on the way forward.

The commission believes given the proposed deferred time frame, they would be able to deal with all the critical issues required to implement the referendum as legally required.

It is understood so far the BRC has not been properly or adequately resourced to undertake its legal mandate as required by law.

As such Prime Minister O’Neill and President Momis will be formally sought to give credence to and sanction their proposed deferral, but which will still fall within the official legal time frame set to conduct the referendum.

The matter is also likely to take priority at the coming Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting between the State and the ABG in two weeks time.

However, a definite date for the JSB meeting has not yet been confirmed or announced. The requirements for the conduct of the referendum are contained in the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Constitution.

They provide that the referendum shall be held on a date agreed to by the two governments, no earlier than 10 years and no later than 15 years after the establishment of the ABG.

As the ABG was established on June 15, 2005, the referendum must be held within a five-year window between June 2015 and June 2020.

It is understood the required level of awareness on the two questions of greater autonomy and independence, which will be voted on, have not yet been fully explained and properly understood. It was explained to the Post-Courier that the credibility of the results from the referendum rests critically on it being administered well.

This includes the people of Bougainville being provided all the information and the opportunity to make their own choices without fear or favour.

These requirements moreover are consistent with internationally agreed principles that PNG is signatory to, for the conduct of a free, fair and transparent voting process.

SOURCE: POST COURIER/PACNEWS
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New UN treaty poses significant challenge for Pacific Island states

February 8, 2019, 11:05 pm
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By James T. Movick

Remarks made by the Pacific Forum’s secretary general Dame Meg Taylor at a recent conference on high seas biodiversity are perfectly timed and signal a considerable challenge for small island developing states (SIDS) in the Pacific. 

In addressing a meeting of Pacific SIDS in Fiji, Dame Meg expressed the view that Pacific nations have a vital role in ensuring the biodiversity treaty being negotiated at the United Nations does not forget people and communities dependent upon ocean resources for their livelihoods, culture, and economy. 

It’s a refreshing sentiment in a world where campaigns about protecting the ocean environment are all too often devoid of the role of people; where oceans protection is promoted in terms of “no take” and “absolute protection”.  For those of us who live and work in the Pacific, and have done for generations, such a viewpoint is far removed from the reality of life, where the sea provides food security, resources and income in the absence of land-based industries.

The new UN biodiversity treaty concerns valuable resources from the high seas – owned by no-one but open to all. How are those resources to be managed and shared in the future?  There are agreements for fishing, mining and shipping on the high seas, but the international community is looking to further enhance those rules as more pressure comes on biodiversity as a result of a changing climate, among other concerns. 

The treaty is important to all nations, but particularly so for the Pacific because of the size of the Pacific Ocean itself and the tracts of international waters within it, which are vast and have untapped potential.  That is why it is of major importance for Pacific nations to take an active approach to the negotiations at the UN: to achieve an outcome that reflects the Pacific identity, culture, and geography for our ongoing sustainable development, and gives effect to the agreed Blue Pacific policy: where people remain at the centre. 

Over the last few years, there has been unprecedented focus on the health and life of the oceans. That concern is much welcomed; however it is the proposed measures to support that good health and life of the ocean that need to be more considered and nuanced, particularly with regard to the impact on local dependent communities. 

We have seen the move to implement large-scale marine protected areas, many over 100,000sq kms.  In fact, the Pacific is over represented in this drive for large-scale MPAs – with 64 percent of established MPAs and MPA networks by area. It also contains 74 percent of proposed future MPAs, according to a recent report by international oceans consultancy Opes Oceani. (www.opesoceani.com)

The report concludes that ocean MPAs are initiated and promoted generally by large international Non-Government Organisations, and seldom by governments, in order to meet NGO numerical targets rather than as a sound contribution to goals related to biological diversity. The campaign for 10 percent of the world’s oceans to be classified no-take protected areas is superseded only by the drive to increase that to 30 percent.

The Pacific Ocean remains vulnerable to the establishment of further large-scale MPAs by distant Northern Hemisphere nations as well as international NGOs, with negative implications for the sustainable management of the Pacific’s fisheries and other oceanic resources.

Be that as it may, in the Pacific context, large-scale MPAs that include no-take bans have little or no fisheries management rationale for highly migratory species, a major earner of foreign income for Pacific nations. While they are certainly easier to administer than more complex ocean management schemes, and have become a publicity tool, their usefulness in the context of Pacific development is debateable. 

More appropriate and traditionally familiar tools are marine management areas, where particular activities are targeted with appropriate temporal, spatial and species-specific management measures to achieve desired outcomes for marine biodiversity, such as fish-stock replenishment. MMAs are used more commonly in the Pacific to mitigate over-fishing of reef resources and inshore fisheries, for example.  Furthermore, development of deep-sea resources and technology has advanced considerably in the last decade and locking off large areas of the ocean will limit sustainable development opportunities for Pacific nations. 

The Blue Pacific is the policy on which Pacific nations are moving forward at the UN, and gives effect to the Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG14 related to sustainable use of oceans and fisheries. Blue Pacific aims to refocus the collective potential of the region’s stewardship of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a direction based on acknowledgment of shared ocean identity, ocean geography and ocean resources. 

Pacific nations’ respect for the ocean and the resources it provides stretches back many centuries to when the great migrations occurred. Sustainability and management are always challenging and there is no doubt that increased capability and resources would help achieve better management outcomes. Pacific SIDS have a vested interest in conservation and sustainable utilisation of the High Seas because of their dependence on the ocean and the paramount resources from which we derive desperately needed foreign exchange. 

Balancing twin imperatives of conservation and utilisation is inherent to Pacific Ocean management frameworks. Sustainable use of ocean resources is a vital component of any final text that emerges from this far-reaching UN biodiversity treaty if Pacific nations are to benefit and improve economic and social outcomes.

James Movick is the former Director General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, based in Honiara, Solomon Islands, which works to ensure sustainable use and management of fisheries resources for Pacific nations. He is a long-time participant in national and regional fisheries management in the Pacific Islands and presently resides in the Federated States of Micronesia.
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First group of Solomon Islands Police new recruits for 2019 start training

February 9, 2019, 3:26 am
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The first group of new recruits into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for 2019 will start their training at the Police Academy at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara on 11 February 2019.

The Officer In-charge (OIC) of Police Recruitment in the RSIPF Learning and Development Department-Police Academy, Inspector Clive Talo says, “The first group of about 70 recruits will start their 22 weeks training at the Police Academy at the Rove Police Headquarters next week. There are 42 male and 28 female recruits in this group.”

The program for the recruits include an orientation on 9 February, on 10 February all the recruits should be at the RSIPF Academy in Rove to start the intensive 22 weeks training program on 11 February 2019.

RSIPF Media

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Solomon Islands Police arrest man for allegedly attacking wife in Malaita

February 10, 2019, 8:01 pm
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A 37-year-old man in Malaita Province  Solomon Islands is facing a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm when he appeared in the Auki Magistrates Court on 7 February 2019.

Malaita Provincial Police Criminal Investigating Officer (PCIO), Inspector James Teilo says, “The case of the 37-year-old man was adjourned for 14 days by the Auki Magistrates Court.”

“Police is alleging that the defendant attacked his 35-year-old wife on 3 February 2019, during an argument at Namokiki Village in the Maoro area of Central Kwara’ae in Malaita Province. Police at Auki arrested the defendant the next day,” says PCIO Teilo.

He says, “Our investigation revealed that the victim (wife) had allegedly sustained severe injuries to her nose as a result of the defendant’s attack but her condition was alleged to be stable according to medical staff. And I would like to urge couples not to take laws into their own hands by resorting to violence but instead resolve their differences in a peaceful manner.”

Inspector Teilo appeals to community leaders to help police prevent crime from happening by stepping in when they see quarrels by members of their communities instead of leaving it until it has got worse and someone is injured.

Police Media

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Rift between Governor Numu and O'Neill Govt showing

February 11, 2019, 1:50 am
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A rift between the Governor of Eastern Highlands Province from the government is showing markedly.

Governor Numu sits on the middle benches, but has been supportive of the government, until his surprise public defection on the floor of Parliament to the Opposition last month.

The breakaway was evident last Thursday, when Mr Numu was not at the Goroka Airport to welcome Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and his delegation comprising the ambassadors of the United States and Japan, and the high commissioners of Australia and New Zealand, who traveled to Okapa District to launch the K3bn PNG Partnership Electrification Project for the country.

NBC News learnt that Governor Numu was invited to witness the occasion however, did not show up.

Mr Numu and his administration are also reported to have removed an ambulance from the Henagaru aid post in Okapa District, surprising the local MP, Saki Soloma, who is a member of the prime minister's People's National Congress Party.

The governor's office had purchased and donated the vehicle at Tarabo last year.

Eastern Highlands Province has a strong support base for Mr O'Neill's government.

It has three MP's in the ruling party - Unggai-Bena's Benny Allan, who is also Lands Minister, Henganofi's Robert Atiyafa and Okapa's Saki Soloma.

The government's second biggest coalition partner, PANGU, has a representation in Lufa, in Moriape Kavori, the United Resources Party has Obura-Wonenara's Merra Mine Kipefa, who's also the Labour and Industrial Relations Minister, the People's Progress Party has Mining Minister Johnson Tuke in Kainantu, Daulo district has the Social Democratic Party with Pogio Gahate, and the Country Party has Goroka's Henry Ame.

All 8 MP's of the province showed support for the prime minister to remain in power, after traveling together with him to Okapa.

Minister Tuke had told thousands of people who had gathered there that they will ensure Peter O'Neill continue as prime minister so the province can continue to benefit.

Meantime, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says a leadership appointed by God cannot be easily removed.

Mr O'Neill was hinting on his own leadership of the country, when he was speaking in Okapa last Thursday.

He was referring to a lot of public disaffection and not to mention the proposed Vote of No Confidence, which the Opposition plans to move against him as the prime minister.

Mr O'Neill says the government has many enemies, but they can not move him from the government when God has appointed him.

The prime minister also took a swipe at Mr Numu, at what he claims as lies fed by him, in relation to the Coffee Derivation Grants for the province.

This is among reasons Mr Numu had highlighted among his decision to move to join the Opposition last month.

But Mr O'Neill told thousands of people which gathered at the Okapa District Station, that his government was not responsible for the grant, and that it was stopped by former governments, whom Mr Numu should blame.

The other major project for Eastern Highlands is the Korofegu Agriculture Park, which Mr O'Neill says is taking time because the government wants to know what the Chinese developer is contributing to the multi-million Kina project before it can announce its own contribution.

NBC News
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UPNG Registrar suspended

February 11, 2019, 1:55 am
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The Registrar of the University of Papua New Guinea, Dr. Peter Petsul has been suspended for fourteen days with full pay starting today, February 11.

The decision was reached by the office of the Chancellor, Jeffery Kennedy.

Dr. Petsul’s suspension follows alleged failure on his part to implement various decisions by the Council including the decision not to increase the tuition and boarding fees for students in 2019.

The UPNG Council says it acted swiftly to bring order in the management by suspending the Registrar.

It says Dr. Petsul has 14 days to show cause for his actions.

Meanwhile, the acting Vice Chancellor will appoint an acting Registrar to lead the institution for the next two weeks.

NBC News / PNG Today
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Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is new Speaker of Fijian Parliament

February 11, 2019, 3:09 am
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Fiji’s former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has been appointed the Speaker of Parliament.

In a secret ballot today Ratu Epeli’s appointment was confirmed with 30 votes in his favor.

Opposition Nominee Tayna Waqanika was defeated with 21 votes.

Assistant Minister for Women, Veena Bhatnagar maintains her role as the deputy speaker of Parliament.

Meanwhile, Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was a standout choice as Speaker of Parliament.

“It’s good, its, we are very honoured to have him as a Speaker and we all know that he’s going to do a good job,” said Bainimarama.

It was also somewhat a bipartisan choice with the National Federation Party throwing their votes behind Ratu Epeli’s nomination.

National Federation Party (NFP) leader, Professor Biman Prasad says they were simply using their prerogative.

“As you know the National Federation Party is a party in Opposition. We make our own decisions and on this issue, the party made a decision to support Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as the Speaker of Parliament.”

Ratu Epeli has previously served in the Speaker role from 2001 to 2005, a spur of the moment appointment then, after accompanying his wife Adi Koila Mara to be sworn in as a senator.

“So I want to emphasise that, that I am here as the servant of this house and I look forward to working with you all,” said Ratu Epeli.

SOURCE: FBC NEWS/PACNEWS
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PNG PM re-affirms government’s commitment to conduct the Bougainville referendum

February 11, 2019, 3:11 am
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Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has re-affirmed the National Government’s commitment to conduct the Bougainville Referendum as he urged caution in relation to speculation on the date for the Bougainville Referendum.

Responding to media reports and an editorial in the Post-Courier, the Prime Minister noted that both the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government would be discussing referendum preparations at the upcoming meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body in Port Moresby on the 1st of March 2019.

“It is premature to speculate on the final date for the referendum at this time,” the Prime Minister said.

“I have made it clear that our Government remains committed to the Bougainville peace process, and we will honour our obligations to hold a referendum on Bougainville’s long-term political future.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged that there have been challenges in establishing the Bougainville Referendum Commission, but expressed confidence that under the leadership of Commission Chair, Bertie Ahern, preparations for the referendum would now proceed with greater pace.

“I look forward to meeting with Commission Chair Ahern when he is in Port Moresby later this month, and discussing the technical challenges related to preparations for the referendum.

“Together with President Momis we can then determine what more needs to be done and at that time agree on the final date for the referendum.”

Under the terms of the Bougainville Peace Agreement a referendum on Bougainville’s long-term political status must be held by 15 June 2020.

Whilst the both the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government have agreed to 15 June 2019 as the referendum target date, this will be guided by technical advice and other considerations.

“I reiterate my commitment to ensure that the referendum is held within the window of time prescribed by the Bougainville Peace Agreement, and will do everything within my power to ensure that it is a free and fair referendum”, the Prime Minister said.

SOURCE: POST COURIER/PACNEWS/PNG Today

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PM O'Neill arrives in Madang to Launch New Projects

February 11, 2019, 9:44 pm
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Prime Minister O’Neill, CMG and senior State Ministers have been received by Madang Province Governor Peter Yama as they landed in Madang Town this morning.
The Prime MInister’s delegation is visiting Madang to launch a number of initiatives and projects that will boost infrastructure and economic growth in the province.

These include the groundbreaking for the Madang Airport upgrade, the reopening of the Banab Bridge in Sumkar, the launching of the Madang Town 4 lane road and the official hand-over of the PMIZ to the Madang Provincial Government.
“Madang has enormous potential to increase jobs and expand business,” the Prime Minister said.
“We will keep strengthening infrastructure and working in partnership with the Provincial Government and business to grow the local economy.
“Our Government is committed to the progress we are delivering in Madang and this will continue for our people of Madang Province."
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Trio caught for impersonating police and extortion

February 12, 2019, 1:23 am
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THREE suspects were arrested by Police from the Central Public Safety for allegedly impersonating police officers and extorting cash from a mid-aged woman and her son today at Jackson’s Airport.
The three suspects were identified as; Joel Jackson, 30, Kingston Kenny, 30, both from West Sepik Province and Armstrong Ralda, 21, from Western Highlands Province. The suspects were wearing Police uniform shirts and were driving a White Toyota double cabin vehicle bearing registration number CAY 689.
Police reported today that the woman (named) and her son from the New Ireland Province were leaving the Jackson’s Domestic Terminal for the bus stop when the three suspects stopped them and checked the boxes they were carrying. The suspects allegedly told the woman and her son to get on the car when they discovered that two of their boxes were filled with mustard.
The suspects allegedly demanded K2,000 from the lady as they were driving around the city. The woman gave them K500 cash and explained that it was all she had, however, the suspects allegedly refused to let her go unless she paid them the remaining K1,500. The woman than used one of the suspect’s phone to communicate with her husband to transfer the balance of K1,500.
The woman’s family in New Ireland transferred another K800 into the account of the suspects who insisted on the remaining K700 before they would release the woman. The woman then texted her sister who alerted police.
First Constables Abraham Jerrifia and Ian Gunawi were at the Police Headquarters when they were alerted by the sister of the victim.
“The message was not clear as the woman was in fear and texted only the car plate number and the last location. We tracked them and finally saw them at Rita Flynn where we intervened and stopped them,” First Constable Gunawi said.
The three suspects were stripped off the Police uniforms and charged.
(Ends)

(Photograph and caption below)

(Left) The three suspects and the uniforms they wore. They were arrested and charged by the Central Police Public Safety Unit.
(Right) The vehicle used by the alleged impersonators.

Police Media 
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Police Unit established to recoup PNG APEC assets

February 12, 2019, 1:39 am
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A POLICE Unit has been established in the National Capital District to commence the recovery of all states assets including vehicles purchased for the APEC meetings.
The Department of Finance has requested the assistance of Police in the recovery of assets purchased over the last three years leading up to and including the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November 2018.
The state asset recovery exercise will come under the command of Superintendent Dennis Corcoran, Director of Police Transport.
Superintendent Corcoran said, “The establishment of the unit which will be known as the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) is an initiative taken by the Constabulary to assist the Department of Finance address the on-going misuse and abuse of State assets that were bought using the people’s money.’
“All state assets especially vehicles purchased by Government agencies and authorised for certain proposes have been claimed by certain individuals through unlawful means. Any one obtained or is in possession of state asset through illegal means will be arrested and charged.”
The SARU will comprise of members of the Special Services Division and the Policing the Police Task Force Team (PPTFT).
Superintend Corcoran is calling on those who are in possession of state assets to return them immediately. He is also appealing to the general public to come forward with any information that will assist in this recovery exercise.
Meanwhile, members of the PPTFT today arrested a man who police alleged used his position as an officer of the APEC Coordinating Authority to enter the wharf premises in Port Moresby to pry open the fuel caps of the parked APEC vehicles and siphoned fuel from them.
The suspect was apprehended with instruments used for siphoning fuel. He also had two identifications cards, a PNG driver’s licence and an ACA staff employee card with different names.
The suspect has been arrested, charged and in police custody. Police Media
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Australia buys attack submarines to counter Chinese aggression in Pacific

February 12, 2019, 2:53 pm
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Australia has signed a multibillion dollar deal with the French state-backed shipbuilder Naval Group for 12 attack-class submarines aimed at countering China’s militarisation in the Pacific.

The agreement, which will cost AUD$50 billion (US$35 billion), was heralded by Scott Morrison, the prime minister, as “part of Australia’s biggest-ever peacetime investment in defence”.

The first submarine is expected to be operational by the mid-2030s, raising concerns that the French vessels might arrive too late to make a significant contribution to the intense power struggle developing in the South China Sea between China, the United States and regional nations.

The order is not expected to be completed until the 2050s. The timeframe could also require Australia’s ageing diesel-electric Collins-class submarines to remain in service longer than anticipated.

It is both Australia’s largest ever defence procurement project and Naval Group’s largest ever foreign sales deal.

“It takes a lot of confidence for Australia to bet on France and a lot of confidence for France to share with Australia the capability that is so close to the core of our sovereignty,” said French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly at the signing of the deal in Canberra.

The agreement was negotiated and drafted entirely in English, and Parly said that “behind those masses of dark steel, behind those eyeless beasts” that were the submarines, there was friendship and a common attachment to multilateralism and rules-based order.

The firm said the submarines would be delivered and tested beginning in the early 2030s through to the early 2040s, with the last likely to be decommissioned in the early 2080s.

“We are looking at a very, very long-term partnership with Australia,” said Naval Group chairperson Hervé Guillou.

The timeline has drawn some criticism for coming too late, as the United States, China and regional powers are all currently vying for influence in the waters north and east of Australia, including the contested South China Sea.

Australian military analysts hope the subs will allow the country to maintain a credible deterrent.

Guillou expressed hope the deal with Australia would boost the firm’s prospects in other negotiations in Brazil, India, Poland and elsewhere.

“We are bidding in the Netherlands today,” Guillou said. “That is one really important bid because they are looking as well for expeditionary submarines.”.

SOURCE: TIMES/RFI/PACNEWS
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Cook Islands support NZ Pacific reset

February 12, 2019, 2:54 pm
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Cook Islands deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Pacific nation support's New Zealand Government Pacific 'reset'.

Opening the inaugural Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) CEO’s Summit in Auckland Tuesday, Brown says the process to ‘shift the dial’ on New Zealand’s foreign policy direction in the Pacific is a great move.

“My Government committed to engage proactively in the process.

“To be frank, I anticipate that it will not unduly change the way that the Cook Islands works, but it may have an impact on the way New Zealand engages with the Pacific region, depending on the translation of the commitment into the Pacific reset and the shifting the dial. 

“I stress this as it relates to traditional donor-recipient relationships,” he said.

Brown is of the view, a Pacific reset by New Zealand for the Pacific requires a responsive development agenda delivered through national processes and national systems. 

“The Cook Islands wholeheartedly supports the Pacific reset because as the Rt Hon. Winston Peters put it, New Zealand’s principles to steer Pacific diplomacy are ‘understanding’ the Pacific better; demonstrating friendship, including honesty, empathy, trust and respect; mutual benefit; collective ambition with Pacific partners and external actors on a shared understanding of what we are trying to achieve; and finally, importantly sustainability.
 
Without a doubt, New Zealand has comparative advantage amongst development partners working in the Pacific as a consequence of history and its Pacifika New Zealand resident population. What better way to ‘reset’, than use this advantage to deliver to the Pacific,” Brown said.

He said many in the Pacific will judge the sincerity of the reset on how New Zealand responds to the critical challenges in the region. 

“Climate change, the existential threat to our small islands. How will New Zealand engage in implementing the Boe Declaration signed by Pacific during the 2018 Leaders Forum in Nauru. What do we do together to maintain the health of our ocean?. How do we raise the standard of living across a region that despite its commonalities has starkly differing levels of development? What does success look like for the Cook Islands in addressing these development challenges?. It looks like a genuine commitment to help Pacific Island countries raise their ambitions, including in the international and multilateral arena.

“Stronger climate change ambitions, standing in solidarity with Pacific countries as they fight for their livelihoods on the international stage.  It has been difficult for traditional (Western countries) to understand that climate issues are not separate and distinct from development issues.  They must acknowledge and accept in the Pacific in particular that every development priority has a climate change component – whether it is infrastructural, economic, environmental, social or cultural. Development finance and climate change finance are both sides of the same coin," Brown said.

SOURCE: PACNEWS




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Prime Minister Peter O'Neill arrives in Wewak

February 12, 2019, 7:55 pm
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Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and his delegation of cabinet ministers and department heads are in Wewak today, to continue their Mamose tour of the country.

Mr O'Neill was in Madang yesterday, to launch a number of impact projects from the town roads, new bridges and the expansion of the airport to international standards.

He returned to Port Moresby in the evening and flew off to Wewak this morning.

There, Mr O'Neill will officially launch a new K50m Boram airport terminal and runway expansion project, and will commission the new K15m school of Nursing at the Divine Word University Kaindi campus before traveling to Vanimo.

National Planning Minister Richard Maru and his Inter-Government Relations counterpart, Kevin Isifu were on the ground last week to ensure the stage is set for the visit.

The government had approved and signed the contract for the Wewak airport redevelopment towards the end of last year.

Contractor - China Shen Yang International Corporation or CSYIC is already on the ground and on Tuesday the two Ministers visited the project site and held talks with the National Airports Corporation ground staff headed by manager, John Francis.

In all, East Sepik is receiving projects within the vicinity of half a billion kina which includes K300m for the Boram hospital re-development, K50m for the new Boram airport terminal and runway expansion, K15m for a new Nursing School, another K15m for Wewak town roads sealing, K40 for a new Wewak wharf, K20m for a new Hawain bridge, K1m for three new science laboratories for Passam National High School, and K1.5m for a new bore water supply station at Yawasoro.

Minister Maru had said these sort of projects were well and truly long overdue for East Sepik.

NBC News
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Landowners support Highlands PNG Power 132 kV Transmission Line Project

February 12, 2019, 8:14 pm
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The new 132kV transmission line that will connect three (3) Highlands provinces (Hela, Southern Highlands & Western Highlands) is set to begin after landowners and PNG Power signed two Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) last week to construct substations in Mendi and Tari.

The project will include the construction of four (4) 132/66/22kV substations in Mt Hagen (Keltiga), Pauanda (Kaupena), Mendi (Tindimi) and Tari (Wabia), and 189 kilometers of 132kV transmission lines.

In July 2018, PNG Power signed the first two (2) MOAs with landowners of Kaupena and Keltiga and construction work commenced in August 2018 for these two substations.

Landowners of Kawe-Tombela Village in Tari, and those of Kumin Village near Mendi Town have also agreed to have the other two (2) new substations built on their land, when they signed the MOAs in Tari and Mendi on 07th and 08th February, 2019.

Tari Kawe-Tobela landowner Chairman Ps. Andrew Tumbi said they realised the need for electricity service in the Highlands region, and were happy to give their resources for this power project.

“This project must go ahead and we are ready to work together with PNG Power for the construction of this substation. We will provide the necessary security and resources during the construction,” he said.

General Manager for TeBian Electrical Apparatus Stock Co. Ltd (TBEA), Mr Xiao Zhi said this project signifies the friendship between TBEA, PNG Power, landowners, and the PNG and Chinese governments.

“Without landowners’ help, we would not have come this far and sign these agreements. Our team will begin work and we will need continuous support from landowners. Together with PNG Power, we will deliver this as one of the best hi-tech electricity project,” he said.

This 132kV transmission line will be the second of its kind in the country. It will cover 189km from Mt Hagen to Mendi and Tari.

Project Manager Mr Richard Minala said the landowners of the substation sites have pledged to give their full support to complete the project on time. Following the signing of the two MOAs last week in Tari and Mendi, civil works will commence immediately.

“We will construct 448 transmission towers between Mt Hagen to Mendi and Tari. This project is located in high volatile areas but I urge the landowners to take ownership and responsibility of this project. If there is any issues, there is proper avenues to resolve the matter,” he said.
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