WHAT LAND SOLUTIONS FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA CAPITAL CITY?

Thursday 18 July 2024 – Member for Hiri-Koiari Hon. Keith Iduhu has cautioned the Government not to give false hope to the evicted illegal settlers of the 9- mile bushwara.

Mr Iduhu said this in light of Prime Minister James Marape announcing that he has given instructions to the Minister for Lands and the Member for Moresby Northeast to look for solutions for the settlers. Mr Iduhu said: “The grand proclamation and promise by the PM is counterproductive and purely political point scoring. 

Although I have been suggesting and advocating for proper land formalisation policy, it appears that ad hoc promises take precedence over long-term solutions.

“Hiri-Koiari and Central Province continues to be subjected to the encroachment and expansion of Port Moresby and the spill over of illegal settlers.

“I concur with the sentiments of Central Governor Hon. Rufina Peter who has urged commonsense and a zero tolerance stance against illegal settlers.

“While we sympathise with the hardship being faced by those evicted, we must also

be responsible with our statements and responses to this situation. The onus is now on the government to apply proper land and housing policy to this situation and not dish out promises.

“The government must provide proper housing for its citizens. We must PLAN and not PROMISE. We experience so many issues with living standards because we are letting our people become city planners, electricians, water suppliers and road constructors.

“The people of bushwara have been given promises thus far. 

And the promise land

for illegal settlers always seems to be Central Province and Hiri-Koiari. It is time the lands of provinces and districts be respected and not be subjected to state sanctioned land grabbing.”

Mr Iduhu also urged the people of Koiari not to cheaply and illegally give away land in the hopes for quick money.

“We have seen the damage caused in both long and short term due to the illegal sale of land. The social issues that come with urban drift, the increase in crime and social disorder, and the lack of services because of overpopulation.

“I urge our people of Koiari not to give in to land deals that will only cause more problems down the line. Let’s develop the land, invest in the future and see a return on these investments,” Mr Iduhu said.

ENDS

Approved for Release:

HON. KEITH IDUHU, LLB, MP

Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Justice | Trade and Commerce | Administrative Services

Member for Hiri-Koiari

All independence day stalls sold out

All 100 stalls for the main Independence Day celebration in Port Vila have been sold out shortly after the prices were announced.

A total of 70 food stalls were sold at VT40,000 each, and 30 kava stalls sold at VT50,000 each. They were all sold out as of yesterday. The stalls are yet to be set up, and some buyers have indicated they will install their own tents.

Residents in Port Vila will come together in a Victory Parade three weeks from today to begin celebrations at the main venue, Independence Park.

The annual celebration of nationhood reminds the citizens of the strength, courage and unity that makes Vanuatu great. It is a time to reflect on the origin of the struggle for independence and the people who played significant roles.

Town Clerk of the Port Vila City Council (PVCC) and Secretary of the Organising Committee, David Hopa, said the sold out of the stalls indicate major public interest.

The five-day celebration is not intended for fundraising as some people might think rather, the stalls will serve to provide food for attendees throughout the event, he said.

Hopa said despite the nation’s challenges and diverse political views, customs, and geographical divisions across islands, the celebration of independence is a key moment for all citizens to unite in driving the nation forward.

The Town Clerk emphasised that its not just a moment to mark the country’s 44th anniversary from colonial rule, also to celebrate achievements such as the country’s first successful Referendum, the country’s second-time ranking at the top of the Happy Index among 150 nations worldwide, and its leadership on environment issues at the global stage.

He said the committee discourages separate celebrations in the wards, and urged everyone to convene at Independence Park where the Head of the Government will be addressing the nation from.

“As one people, we build a better Vanuatu” is the theme for this year’s 44th Independence anniversary.

Celebrations outside the Port Vila municipality on Efate are hosted by each Area Councils and the SHEFA Provincial Council

EXPOSED: The Opposition team through their Lawyers have filed a Special Supreme Court Application

As of yesterday, ( 10-06-2024) the Opposition team through their Lawyers have filed a Special Supreme Court Application at the Waigani Court House to have the Parliament recall to deal with the Vote of No confidence Motion which is still active..

During the Parliament sitting last week , The Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk of Parliament conspire with Prime Minister James Marape to deliberately reject the VONC motion due to technical errors as they claimed..

James Marape forcefully adjourned the Parliament to September (03-10-2024)..

As required by the constitution, The VONC is a democracy process and must be administered by the PBC & the Speaker of Parliament every 18 months time..

PM Marape and the speaker of Parliament have undermine our constitution by Hijacking the VONC and adjoun the Parliament.

After James Marape undermine the Constitution of our country and conspire with the speaker and Clerk of Parliament to reject the VONC motion on the floor of Parliament , The Opposite team have decided to take this VONC Matter to the highest Court..

Now that the VONC matter is before the Supreme Court , The Prime Minister and his Attorney General are looking for loopholes to once again delay / Prolong or have that matter thrown out of the Court also..

PNG Democracy is under attack from Warlords who doesn't have respect for our Constitution..

After Hijacking the Parliamentary Process , Now the Prime Minister is trying to hijack the court system also..

James Marape must know that not everyone is for sale.. Money can't buy everything that you need..

Politicans are for sale but not some Judges..

PNG is watching your moves

🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬✊✊✊🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬

Opposition Files Supreme Court Case Questioning Connect PNG Program

Wednesday 25 June 2024

For Immediate Release – As the Leader of the Opposition, I have filed a Section 18 Supreme

Court Reference seeking the Court’s interpretation over certain issues with the Connect PNG

Program.

We have filed a case in the Supreme Court to review how the government is handling the funds for this program. 

As the Opposition, it is our job to make sure the government is following the laws of Papua New Guinea, especially when it comes to spending public money.

The main concern we have is whether the government has been properly allocating and using the funds for the Connect PNG Program. 

We believe that the money, which is a significant amount, has not been transferred or used according to the legal requirements. The funds in question include K257 million in 2021, K628 million in 2022, K785 million in 2023, and

K261 million in January 2024.

We want to make sure that every kina of public money is spent legally and transparently.

This is important not just for the current project but also for maintaining public trust in how the government handles finances.

Our application seeks clarity from the Supreme Court on several constitutional sections that deal with the management of public funds. These sections are essential for ensuring that the government uses public money responsibly and is held accountable.

By filing this case, we aim to protect the interests of the people of Papua New Guinea. We want to make sure that all government spending is done correctly and benefits everyone in the country.

The Opposition is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper use of

public funds. We believe that this case will help clarify how public money should be managed and ensure it is used for the right purposes.

I look forward to the case’s progression with its next hearing scheduled for July 2, 2024.

Authorised by the Leader of the Opposition, Port Moresby

HON. DOUGLAS TOMURIESA, MP

MILLIONS USED: CENSUS PROGRAM FACES BLACKLASH

By Wasita Royal

AS the 2024 Census program is winding down, controversy and debate have risen to the forefront of public discourse in Papua New Guinea. A spokesperson from East New Britain (ENB) Mr Warvakai Ainui, has voiced critical concerns over the spending linked to the national census.

"Every wards in PNG should have had a population database by now.

“The Ward Recorder and Ward Member should just present the population data and request funding for the ward.

"The millions spent on conducting a national census could have a significant impact if invested in healthcare and educational infrastructure.

"Our priorities should lie in ensuring our people have access to quality health services and educational opportunities," he continued.

He told FM100 that; though the census, is a nationwide exercise aimed at collecting population data and is is critical for government planning and allocation of resources; the logistical and financial burdens of conducting it have many grassroots leaders urging a reassessment of funding priorities.

Census enumerators not having form of identification on them except for the questionnaire folders and small green stickers; is inappropriate for they  should have appropriate attire as they are out in the field collecting datas.

This has ignited a wave of debate across the nation, with many questions where the funds allocated for the census should rather be for crucial sectors such as health and education.

He joined a growing number of voices expressing frustration over what they see as unnecessary government expenditures in the face of pressing societal needs.

Residents and local leaders argue that existing ward databases could be utilized for population data, potentially saving the government millions. This, in turn, could alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities and under-resourced schools.

As the debate rages on, the government faces mounting pressure to justify the census expenditure amid calls for transparently addressing the educational and healthcare needs of the population.

The 2024 Census program’s controversy stands as a story to tell to the ongoing struggle between bureaucratic processes and grassroots demands, leaving citizens to ponder the true costs and benefits of this nationwide stir.

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu sign Trivau Agreement to boost cross-border relations

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, left, and Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas shaking hands after the signing of the ‘Tirvau’ agreement. Photo: Solomon Islands / Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade

The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have signed a border agreement to further strengthen the "cultural and historical ties" between the two Melanesian nations.

The Tirvau Agreement was signed by the prime ministers of the two countries in Honiara on 21 June.

The agreement is expected to boost cross-border relations between Solomon Islands' Temotu and Vanuatu's Torba provinces.

Temotu is the easternmost province of Solomon Islands, located closer to Vanuatu than Honiara, while Torba - comprised of Torres and Banks island groups - is the northernmost and least populous province of Vanuatu.

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) said in a press release Tirvau is the feather money used by the people of Temotu.

"It signifies the diversity that exists in our countries and the value placed on our relations.

"The Tirvau basic border Agreement is the overarching framework that will govern and regulate the joint border arrangements and movements between the maritime border of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu."

The agreement is an extension of the Motalava Treaty between the two nations signed in October 2016, MFAET said.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai said the areement is a testament that "we are one people, custodians of one solwara and that Melanesia is a reality".

"Tirvau has been a powerful trading system for our ancestors over thousands of years between the people from Temotu Province in the Solomon Islands and people from Torba Province in Vanuatu.

"Tirvau connects our two people and Tirvau brought peace and harmony between our two people.

"It is my hope and believe that the Agreement we sign today will continue to strengthen and bridge between our two people and to bring peace and harmony to our people."

His counterpart, Jeremiah Manele, said the agreement is about promoting peaceful relations, facilitating economic activities, and ensuring the effective governance of borders and cooperation on sectoral and humanitarian issues of mutual concern.

The agreement cements and binds current relations with a umi tugeda spirit, two wantok countries further formalising and recognising the traditional and cultural connections as Melanesians, Manele said, according to the MFAET release.

The border agreement will also allow for more visibility and transaction between the two countries for stronger connectivity, trading and economic growth.

While the two governments did not provide a date on when the framework comes into effect, Manele called on implementing authorities to be diligent in activating and operationalising the border agreement.

Meanwhile, Salwai said "embedded in the Tirvau Agreement is the spirit of the Melanesian way" and the signing of the agreement with Solomon Islands could set the platform for future border arrangement framework with other Melanesian countries.

"Vanuatu will seek to establish similar border arrangements with the government of New Caledonia (Kanaks) and the government of Fiji.

"We Melanesians must maintain our relationships in the Melanesian way."

𝘼𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 are not Malays

𝘼𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 are not Malays, Malays are only a small part of the Austronesian. The area where the Austronesian language is spread is not the "Alam Melayu"🌏

The Austronesian people are a large group of people in Taiwan, Maritime Southeast Asia, Micronesia, coastal New Guinea, Island Melanesia, Polynesia, and Madagascar. They also include indigenous ethnic minorities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Hainan, the Comoros, and the Torres Strait Islands.

Javanese still the Biggest Austronesian People population about 100 million. And countries with significant population are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Madagascar, Guam, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Hawaii, Marshall Island, Palau etc.

And Indonesia country with the most Austronesian People.

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