Melanesian Ancestors Enjoyed Advanced Way of Life, But Abandoned it and Went Back to Simply Joyful Way of Life and Living

 I have said repeatedly to various parties in the world, in giving my talks on "Melnaesia" and "Melanesian Customs and Beliefs" that 

"Melanesian Ancestors Enjoyed Advanced Way of Life, But Abandoned it and Went Back to Simply Joyful Way of Life and Living"

I have said this not based on books written by modern anthropologists or historians or biologists, but based on our own 

PROFESSIONAL LEADERS NAMED IN VICE-MINISTERIAL ALLOCATIONS

#PNGSUNpolitics: Plans and visions are as good as composition of the executive and legislative arms of the Government.

In order to jump-start the economy, take PNG back fully and implement other development aspirations, right leadership for the right ministerial roles with the right qualifications is pivotal. The concept is also important to restore public confidence in the executive and the legislative arms of the government.

With this in mind, Prime Minister, James Marape today (Tuesday) announced 12 Vice-Ministerial allocations, in line with his Government’s focus on ‘Growing the Economy’ and ‘Strengthening Internal Security’.

He made the announcements before he left for London to attend the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II.

Of the 12 Vice-Ministers, four will be directly assisting PM Marape, in his role as Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning.

The four Vice Ministers assisting PM Marape are:

• Hon. Jimmy Maladina (Office of State Negotiations);

• Hon. Kinoka Feo (Strategic Planning);

• Hon. Muguwa Dilu (Constitutional Matters); and

• Hon. James Nomane (Planning PIP Budgeting)

The other eight Vice-Ministers and their allocations are:

• Hon. Solen Loifa (Treasury);

• Hon. John Boito (Finance and Implementation);

• Hon. Kessy Sawang (International Trade and Investment);

• Hon. Miki Kaeok (Works and Highways);

• Hon. Thomas Opa (Petroleum and Energy);

• Hon. Raphael Tonpi (State Enterprises);

• Hon. Graham Piniau Rumet (Cocoa and Copra); and

• Hon. James Donald (Mining and Border Issues).

“The four Vice-Ministers have been given specific tasks to assist me, likewise, the other eight Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said.

“We are timebound and want to achieve results

“It is not just a ceremonial office they are holding, unlike the past, and they have been given specific tasks just like Ministers.

“We expect the Vice-Ministers to achieve in the tasks that they have been given.”

PM Marape said Ministers’ jobs were so “wide and huge” with Papua New Guinea not being like it was back in 1975, especially population growth.

He said when he returned from his international tour-of-duty, he would sit down with individual Ministers and Vice-Ministers, and tell them what was expected of them.

“All Ministers have already been given Key Result Areas, and when I return, I will sit down with them and the Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said.

“Likewise, when I come back, I will meet all Governors at a Governors’ Forum and engage with them on what they must do.

“We will focus especially on provinces being less dependent on Waigani for finances, with more focus on agriculture, downstream processing of forestry, fisheries, tourism and other businesses.

“I want provinces to step up in these areas and take ownership of businesses instead of just being spectators and waiting for handouts from Waigani.

“This will complement our focus on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in all provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

“This, I believe, will really jumpstart our economy.”

Opposition says Indonesia’s ‘futsal gift’ should not deter our stand for West Papua

OPPOSITION Leader Hon Matthew Wale says the new Futsal Stadium handed over by the Indonesian government should not deter our support for fellow Melanesians in West Papua.

Whilst acknowledging the gift from Indonesia, Hon Wale said Solomon Islands should never allow this to be the 30 pieces of silver to betray our fellow Melanesians in West Papua.

He said the new Futsal Stadium is a dream come true for the futsal code in the country, but it should never change our stand and perspective on West Papua.

The Opposition Leader said it is not right that Solomon Islands voice is silenced by this ‘gift’ from speaking for the voiceless people of West Papua who continue to suffer under the colonial oppression of Indonesia.

Hon Wale said the Prime Minister knows well because he is a strong supporter of West Papua.

“Our current Prime Minister is a strong supporter of West Papua and I urge him to raise the issue of West Papua to the visiting Indonesia delegation during their meetings,” he said.

Hon Wale also issued a call to the visiting Indonesia government delegation to facilitate Solomon Islands earlier calls to enable the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua.

ENDS///

• Opposition Press