Businesses are ‘suffering big time’ by Rowan Callick
Business groups have begun lobbying the Australian government to relax its restrictive visa rules which, they say, are robbing Queensland of spill-over revenues from the mining boom in neighbouring Papua New Guinea. They have urged the Australian government to set up a special processing zone for workers transiting through Cairns as they head to the PNG boom. Cairns businesses have also complained to the government that newly wealthy PNG corporations have shifted conferences from Australia, including recently holding a A$100,000 meeting in Singapore because of the difficulty in gaining visas for their directors and other staff. Thousands of third-country workers from all over the world are being hired by Australian and other resource companies to help explore for and operate mines and oil and gas fields in PNG. Australia has almost dried up as a source of such skills, due to the demands of its own mining boom. But the Australia PNG Business Council and the Business Council of PNG say that because companies find it so difficult to obtain transit visas for their workers recruited for instance in South America or South Africa, they are forced to route them to PNG via Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila or other ports where they do not encounter such barriers. The president of the APNGBC, Peter Taylor, who is executive chairman of Bougainville Copper Ltd, said Canada hosts such processing zones at its airports for people wishing to go through to the United States. He said: “The main thrust is that people would be processed in Cairns, with the involvement of PNG migration and customs staff, so that workers could effectively enter PNG on a domestic flight, and head straight to their ultimate destination.” The councils’ submission said such a move would “reduce the pressure on inadequate airport terminal and primary line facilities at Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby.” Taylor, who presented the proposal to Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, Finance Minister Penny Wong and others attending recent joint ministerial forum talks with PNG ministers in Canberra, said such a zone could also include shipping, “so that equipment does not get held up on the wharves in PNG”, which have limited capacity. He said the Cairns zone could provide a pilot for a process centre that could be considered for broader application in Australia, for transiting people and cargoes. Frank Yourn, the Brisbane-based director of the council, said that bringing workers in to PNG via other countries “comes at a cost to business —which is mostly Australian business—and deprives the Cairns economy of revenue, especially frustrating as it’s doing it tough.” It also, he said, shifts passengers from Australian carriers, especially Qantas, to other airlines. An Australian Immigration spokeswoman said “the department is not aware of any difficulties in transiting through Cairns. We have had discussions with one particular company” about problems encountered on arrival in Port Moresby, and the department has forwarded those to the PNG government. The councils also told the government that “there is probably no other country in which Australian visa policy and processing receives so much critical comment within the business and social community, because of the very close connections between the two countries. “The visa processes not only cause costs to business, but also cause angst within the community.” The “intrusive nature” of the application process, the business groups said, “includes requiring intensive evidence of financial capacity or support, including for businesspeople with a record over many years of regular visits to Australia.” Martin Keating, managing director of Cairns Business and Leisure Travel, said: “We have a lot of PNG clients, for whom it is often very difficult to come to Australia. “Businesses are suffering big-time in Cairns right now, and we should be able to encourage people to come here. You can get electronic visas from Britain or the US easily enough, but it’s nothing like so easy for people from PNG, our closest neighbours. As a result, Australia loses out yet again.” He said recently his company was asked to organise a venue for a board meeting and conference for a large listed PNG company, to which spouses were also invited. An island resort off Cairns was booked. But delays in arranging visas required Keating to find an alternative—so he organised a hotel in Singapore instead, where there was no visa issue. This single move, he said, cost Cairns $A100,000. Simon Merton, an Australian long-term resident of PNG, who works as a manager with a construction company and is married to a Papua New Guinean with whom he has six children, has recently created a facebook page dedicated to such visa problems—which has attracted massive public attention and support. He said: “It’s an absolute disgrace” how visa applicants are treated. “I met a couple in the Australian High Commission car park a few weeks ago in the morning. The wife was in tears, They had applied for visas for themselves and their child to fly down to Brisbane for a couple of weeks and visit the husband’s sick grandmother who is in hospital there, “It cost them 300 kina each for their visa applications, which were rejected. The reason? Apparently, the wife’s sister had previously overstayed her visa by a few days due to a mix-up in airline bookings. “So she is automatically considered an overstay risk and her application rejected. They are now blacklisting people based on who their relatives are.” He said Samoans, Tongans and Cook Islanders can freely travel between their homes and their “former colonial master,” New Zealand. Yet ours has put up an impassable barrier. Why?” The Australian immigration department spokeswoman said: “We are committed to improving our service delivery to PNG.” Two new visa processing centres have been opened in Port Moresby and one in Lae, she said, “to give clients more convenient access.” Staff working there, she said, consider applications according to “specific pre-conditions. We are not racist. They are our rules. We take a risk-based approach to granting visas. Each application is considered on an individual basis.” She would not state whether Papua New Guineans are perceived as more or less of a risk, for overstaying in Australia, than people from other countries.
14.12.2011
Sir Michael Somare
Game over soon ?
by Axel G. Sturm
The political turmoil in PNG might come to a sudden end soon. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill made the highly needed constitutional and legal steps to avoid minority candidate Sir Michael Somare and his gang of rogues to take over the power in PNG. Somare, the stubborn old man who created major instability within the last weeks, damaged PNG's lasting image in the world. Prime Minister O'Neill would be well advised to improve his government's fight against corruption now. He should intensively investigate all financial transactions of the former Somare regime. This is the only way to bring back confidence into the political governance of PNG. The people of Papua New Guinea have the right to know who made all these millions of Kina vanish in the past. All those who were responsible have to be brought to justice without hesitation - even if it is Sir Michael Somare himself. The "Grand Chief" stated two days ago, that he feels like a man of 40. Therefore there should be no reason not to put him into jail if he should be convicted for embezzlement of public funds. A fair and public lawsuit could help PNG to overcome this period of mistrust and uncertainty. It could also help to stabilize its young democracy. Unfortunately Somare's greedy and selfish character did not allow him to enter in PNG's history as a great leader. Hopefully he will finally accept that nobody wants him to rule PNG anymore. This could help to avoid violent clashes.
14.12.2011 10:05 UTC +01:00 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG Governor-General "removed" by O’Neill grouping in political standoff
The position of Governor-General is the latest to lapse into confusion in the ongoing political standoff in Papua New Guinea with two men claiming to be Prime Minister.
One of the two, Sir Michael Somare, was reinstated by the Governor-General this morning, after five days of tense political deadlock.
But later in the day at parliament, Peter O’Neill, who replaced Sir Michael while he was overseas for heart treatment, was sitting in the government benches, refusing to step down as Prime Minister despite Monday’s Supreme Court ruling that he had taken power in August illegally.
Mr O’Neill’s grouping then removed the Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio, installing speaker Jeffrey Nape as the acting Governor-General.
Mr Nape subsequently swore-in Mr O’Neill as Prime Minister.
Earlier, a spokesman for Sir Michael Ogio says he sought legal advice and decided to uphold the Supreme Court ruling and therefore moved to swear in Sir Michael Somare’s Cabinet.
But Mr O’Neill rejects the court ruling, saying he was elected by parliament and is therefore the legitimate prime minister.
Parliament, with only O’Neill backers in attendance, passed a motion to ban Sir Michael Somare and his cabinet from declaring themselves as the nation’s government.
14.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
No breakthrough in PNG constitutional power play
The swearing in of Sir Michael Somare and his 19 member cabinet by the Governor General, Michael Ogio has only worsened the PNG constitutional crisis.
There are reports now Papua New Guinea has two Governors General to go with the two prime ministers, two cabinets, two governments and two police commissioners.
Presenter:Bruce Hill Speaker:Firmin Nanol, Radio Australia PNG reporter
14.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
NGOs trying to broker a peace deal in PNG crisis
Constitutional specialist, Dr Tony Regan from the Australian National University is again closely watching events unfold in Port Moresby where he spent years at the University of PNG and the National Research Institute.
Presenter:Bruce Hill Speaker:Dr Tony Regan, Australian National University
14.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
PNG army won't take sides says former commander
A former commander of Papua New Guinea's Defence Force says the current commander is doing the right thing by refusing to take sides in the country's constitutional crisis.
Defence Force chief Brigadier General Francis Agwi says the PNGDF has no political position and takes no political sides.
One of his predecessors, General Jerry Singirok, says the disciplined forces will protect law and order, but won't be drawn into the political clash.
Presenter:Bruce Hill Speaker:General Jerry Singirok, former commander, PNG Defence Force
The Governor general of Papua New Guinea is now suspended by the National Executive Council and Parliament of Papua New Guinea that appointed him under Section 93 of PNG Constitution.
The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Jeffrey Nape MP according to the Constitution will now act as the Governor General of PNG.
14.11.2011 08:48 UTC+0100 Source: Radio Australia News
Somare ministry keen to take control
Watch here Liam Fox's report:
Early on Wednesday Governor-General Michael Ogio obeyed a Supreme Court order and reinstated Sir Michael Somare as the country's legitimate leader.
PNG's newly sworn in Attorney General, Sir Arnold Amet, said Sir Michael's government is now assuming executive control.
He said it's a disgrace that Peter O'Neill and his supporters continue occupy to the government benches in Parliament House.
"Parliament should not any longer be in session and O'Neill should not any longer be holding themselves out as government," he said.
"The legitimate government restored by the Supreme Court has now been sworn in and we are in total executive control".
Ministers sworn in
Papua New Guinea's Governor-General has sworn in 19 ministers to form a cabinet for former prime minister Sir Michael Somare.
His supporters believe Sir Michael does not have to be sworn in because the Supreme Court revoked his removal from the top office in August.
But Peter O'Neill and his supporters continue to occupy the government benches in Parliament House and have passed a motion requiring the Governor-General to come to parliament to swear in Mr O'Neill as prime minister.
14.12.2011 06:32 UTC +01:00 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG police commissioner not taking sides in crisis, calls for officers to be neutral
One of Papua New Guinea’s two police commissioners has appealed to his officers not to pick sides, amid the ongoing political crisis.
Police commissioner Tom Kulunga has also called on the public and leaders to keep level heads.
The commissioner has called on his officers to remain neutral, uphold the rule of law and remain focused on protecting and serving the people of PNG.
He says senior officers as well as the force’s rank and file are intact and committed to protecting and serving the people of PNG.
Mr Kulunga says the police will ensure that there is peace, law and order.
On Monday, Sir Michael Somare announced Fred Yakasa would be acting police commissioner after the Supreme Court ruled 3-2 to return the veteran political leader to the office of Prime Minister.
It also sparked a political crisis, with the majority of the nation’s 109 MPs refusing to drop their support for incumbent prime minister Peter O’Neill.
Mr O’Neill and his supporters had ousted Sir Michael on August the 2nd following a parliamentary vote of 70 to 24, but the court ruled that vote illegal.
There had been reports that the court decision had split police into factions but the Somare grouping Attorney General, Sir Arnold Amet, says they expect to complete the appointment of Mr Yakasa today.
14.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia News
Just in time ?
Quake strikes off PNG coast
A 7.3 magnitiude major earthquake has struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea.
The US geological survey said the quake's epicentre was 87 kilometres southwest of Lae Province at a depth of 115 kilometres.
So far, there've been no reports of any damage of casualties, and no tsunami warning has been issued.
14.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
In PNG Somare Cabinet sworn in but no back down by rival camp
One of the two men claiming to be Papua New Guinea’s prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, was reinstated by the governor-general this morning, after five days of tense political deadlock.
But at parliament, Peter O’Neill, who toppled Sir Michael while he was overseas for heart treatment, was sitting in the government benches, refusing to step down despite Monday’s Supreme Court ruling that he had taken power illegally.
Heavily armed police are protecting Government House, the Supreme Court and Parliament, but elsewhere in the city life is going on as usual.
The governor-general’s press officer says Sir Michael Ogio had sought advice from the government lawyer and decided to uphold the Supreme Court ruling.
But Mr O’Neill rejects the ruling, saying he was elected by parliament and is therefore the legitimate prime minister.
There are reports he is trying to have Sir Michael Ogio removed as governor general.
Parliament, with only O’Neill backers in attendance, today passed a motion demanding the governor-general come to parliament to swear in Mr O’Neill as prime minister.
Mr O’Neill’s leader of government business, Moses Maladina, also introduced a bill requiring police commissioner Tom Kulunga to assist the governor-general in getting to parliament.
The Somare government has said it’s replacing Mr Kulunga with Fred Yakasa.
The O’Neill MPs also passed a motion to ban Sir Michael Somare and his cabinet from declaring themselves as the nation’s government.
_______
But PNG’s newly sworn in Justice Minister and Attorney General, Sir Arnold Amet, says Sir Michael Somare’s government is now assuming executive control.
He says today’s reported attempt by the rival Peter O’Neill group to remove the governor general through a parliamentary vote should not be happening.
“What needs to be understood is that Parliament should no longer be in session and O’Neill’s faction should not any longer be holding themselves out as government. The legitimate government, restored by the Supreme Court has now been sworn in and we are now in total executive control. The house, business, is at the advice of the executive which we intend to do this afternoon.”
14.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
O’Neill is still PM: Nape By GORETHY KENNETH
SPEAKER Jeffery Nape yesterday re-affirmed in Parliament that he still officially recognises Peter O’Neill as the legitimate Prime Minister. He also told Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea that the O’Neill –Namah Government is legitimate and should continue to govern up to the next elections. Parliament met as early as 7am yesterday with 72 MPs from the O’Neill–Namah regime alleged to have camped at the House overnight. Speaker Nape, before attending to the Order of the Day, made an official speech citing Parliament’s December 9 decision to re-affirm Peter O’Neill as the legitimate prime minister after a vote of confidence 64-0, and which was later signed by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio last Friday night. He also cited the Prime Minister and NEC Act section 143, amended on Monday this week to ensure Sir Michael Somare was no longer eligible as prime minister. The changes include formally recognising a vacancy existed on August 2, 2011, is valid and effective and shall be treated by virtue of sections 3 and 4 of this Act as having been validly elected from the time the new prime minister Peter O’Neill was elected. The amendments relate to the appointment of an acting prime minister, giving Prime Minister three months to return to the country or face automatic suspension from the office. “These actions effectively remove Sir Michael Somare as a Member of Parliament, so by that removal there leaves a vacancy in office,” Speaker Nape said.
14.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Step aside: Sir Julius tells Sir Michael By GORETHY KENNETH
NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan yesterday called on his “honourable friend”, the Supreme Court reinstated Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to step aside. He said it was time to allow for young vibrant leaders to take on the task of running the country. Before debating the 2011 National Budget, Sir Julius also asked the O’Neill-Namah regime that met since 7am yesterday to allow for Sir Michael to be reinstated as the East Sepik Governor but not as prime minister. He also appealed and called on the ultimate decision maker — the Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio to sign the instruments further affirming Mr O’Neill as the prime minister. He spoke of the 1997 crisis where Sir Michael Somare then stood up and amended the motion for Sir Julius to resign. “I am now asking him to resign. The country is ready to move especially with these young vibrant leaders. I ask my honourable friend, please simply step aside,” Sir Julius said in Parliament. “The time has come for us to give and take. The time has come for him (Sir Michael) to recognise the Acts of Parliament. “The Judiciary must respect the Legislature so the executive must also respect the legislature. “I call on all leaders to respect the laws we make here. “This is the ultimate forum that makes laws…we don’t rule this country. We can err, we can make mistakes. The legislature can make amendments at any one time so the ultimate voice now is the Governor General. So I ask him (GG) to sign O’Neill as the Prime Minister, make it quick, make it swift.”
14.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Singing to raise funds for hospital By ALEX MUNME
THREE New Zealanders on Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) in Bougainville are currently spearheading a fundraising drive to raise money for the opening of the Buka General Hospital’s new family support centre which is scheduled for opening in New Year, 2012 They are Donna Llewell legal adviser attached to the Division of Lands and Physical Planning in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Joan Rowan who is with the division of education and Miss Beryl Riley. The three are combined with Youth from the Tasman Island and Electoral Commission returning officer, Reitama Taravaru. The fundraising singing group so far performed twice at the Buka market and raised a total of K433.00. The group sang and dramatised in the New Zealand language and culture with the youth from Tasman as they in many ways are related. Group leader, Donna said the idea is also to help encourage the youth and women to build confidence that they are worthwhile and can contribute actively and effectively and strengthen peace in the community through a good course. The group is not getting assistance from anyone but doing it to help and next week will be singing and performing at various ABGs Christmas parties before the official opening of the centre in January next year.
14.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
In Papua New Guinea the Somare camp reports its Cabinet line up sworn in
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, says his cabinet has today been sworn in at Government House by Governor General Sir Michael Ogio.
In a statement Sir Michael says that despite the events of the last couple of days he’s confident that commonsense will prevail.
He says in compliance with the Supreme Court order a gazettal is in place recognising him as the legitimate Prime Minister.
Sir Michael says it is important that PNG has another 36 years, and more, of stability by recognising and respecting the different arms of government; the judiciary, the legislature and the executive.
He says the country will be facing elections soon and the people of PNG can then play their role in electing MPs to once again represent their interests in Parliament.
Sir Michael says for now his government will ensure that good decisions taken in the absence of a legitimate government are carried forward and other changes that need to take place are implemented before we move in to the election period.
14.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
Moves to dump PNG Governor General ahead of PM choice
Peter O’Neill is believed to have scheduled a vote to dump Papua New Guinea’s governor-general before he declares whether Mr O’Neill or Sir Michael Somare is the nation’s prime minister.
The governor-general, Sir Michael Ogio, was meeting with Sir Michael Somare today, after which the head of state was expected to issue a declaration on who is prime minister.
The governor-general’s declaration was due to break a three-day political impasse sparked by a Supreme Court ruling that Mr O’Neill’s August election was unconstitutional and Sir Michael Somare should be reinstated as prime minister.
At the same time as the meeting, Mr O’Neill has convened parliament and AAP understands he and about 60 MPs have scheduled a vote to dump the governor-general.
A spokeswoman for Sir Michael says the O’Neill camp is desperate.
A heavily-armed contingent of guards were blocking the street leading up to Government House on Wednesday morning.
14.12.2011
Source: PNG Constitution
See section 93 of Constitution below:
93. Dismissal and removal from office
( 1 )
The Governor-General may be dismissed from office by the Head of State, acting with, and in accordance with, the advice of the National Executive Council given in accordance with either –,
(a) a decision of the National Executive Council; or, (b) a decision made by an absolute majority of the Parliament.
ESBC: If Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio, should decide against the will of the majority of the PNG Parliament he risks to be dismissed from office immediately !
14.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG’s governor general meeting with Sir Michael Somare as crisis enters 3rd day
Sir Michael Somare has begun a meeting with Papua New Guinea’s governor-general, after which the head of state is expected to issue a declaration on who is prime minister.
As the political crisis in PNG enters its third day, the other man with a claim on the top job, Peter O’Neill, has convened parliament to sit for this morning.
Meanwhile, the nation’s defence force has dismissed rumours of a military coup resulting from the political impasse.
The Post Courier newspaper quotes the head of the Defence Force, Brigadier General Francis Agwi saying the Defence Force neither seeks, nor would accept, any part to play in the politics of PNG.
Mr O’Neill was elected prime minister after he and 73 other MPs voted to dump Sir Michael’s government in August, but the Supreme Court declared the move unconstitutional this week and ordered Sir Michael returned to office.
Mr O’Neill, who has refused to recognise the court’s decision, met with governor-general, Sir Michael Ogio, on Tuesday, after he and about 60 MPs loyal to him stormed past a police barricade to the gates of Government House.
After the short meeting, Mr O’Neill told reporters the governor-general said he would meet with Sir Michael on Wednesday before deciding who is prime minister.
14.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia - 24H dans le Pacifique
La Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée et ses deux Premiers ministres
Deux Premiers ministres, deux gouvernements, et deux grands patrons de la police. C’est le chaos depuis lundi en Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée. La Cour Suprême a en effet réinstallé Michael Somare dans ses fonctions de Premier ministre. Elle a jugé inconstitutionnelle l’élection de Peter O’Neill, l’actuel Premier minister, en août dernier, alors que Michael Somare, Premier minister d’alors, se faisait opérer du Coeur à Singapour. Le Parlement avait sauté sur l’occasion pour declarer la vacance du pouvoir et élire Peter O’Neill. Pour la Cour Suprême, il n’y avait pas vacance du pouvoir. A Port-Moresby, la confusion est donc à son comble, avec un large majorité du Parlement qui soutient Peter O’Neill, et de l’autre côté, la Cour Suprême qui soutient le clan Somare. Et pour Tony Reagan, spécialiste de la Constitution papoue, c’est Clairement Peter O’Neill qui a la plus grande légitimité: «Le Premier minister Michael Somare a été démis en août alors qu’il était à l’hôpital à Singapour par un vote du Parlement, vote invalidé lundi par la Cour Suprême. Mais en parallèle, toujours lundi, le Parlement a vote en urgence un amendement aux lois concernant le Premier minister et le gouvernement. Amendement retrospectif qui stipule que la decision prise en août d’évincer Michael Somare est parfaitement légale. Il faut savoir que la Constitution papoue autorise le Parlement à voter des lois retrospectives, en d’autres termes, à voter une loi qui rend legal quelque chose qui ne l’était pas il y a quelques mois. Or en Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée, c’est le Parlement qui a le dernier mot, du moment qu’il respecte la Constitution. Donc à moins qu’un tribunal n’invalide la loi retrospective votée lundi, c’est bien Peter O’Neill qui a la plus grande légitimité légale.» Tony Reagan, chercheur à l’Université Nationale Australienne, au micro de Bruce Hill sur Radio Australie. Mardi soir, les Papous ont assisté à une scène inédite: Peter O’Neill, accompagné de 6 députés, a du briser un cordon policier pour s’approcher de la residence du gouverneur-général, créant ainsi une forte bousculade. Peter O’Neill a crié: «Nous ne sommes pas armés, et nous sommes le gouvernement légitime». D’après le quotidien papou “Post Courier”, Peter O’Neill et ses homes ont fait le pied de grue devant la residence du gouverneur-général jusqu’à 23h, sans succès. Peter O’Neill entendait prêter à nouveau serment au gouverneur-général en tant que Premier ministre. Mais le gouverneur-général ne l’a pas reçu. En tant que chef de l’Etat et représentant de la Reine Elisabeth II dans ce pays du Commonwealth, Michael Ogio refuse de prendre parti. Il a également refuse de suivre la decision de la Cour Suprême en nommant officiellement Michael Somare Premier ministre. L’Australie, par la voix de son Ministre des Affaires étrangères, Kevin Rudd, reste attentiste et ne reconnaît pour l’instant aucun des deux gouvernements. Elle attend la decision du gouverneur-général. C.L.
14.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
PNG political standoff continues
There appears to be no sign of a breakthrough in Papua New Guinea's political deadlock.
The Supreme Court has ordered Sir Michael Somare be reinstated as Prime Minister. But Peter O'Neill, the man who replaced him, maintains he's the legitimate leader.
Presenter: ABC Papua New Guinea correspondent Liam Fox. PNG's current Prime Minister Peter O'Neill
PNG’s political crisis enters its third critical day
LIVE BLOG
WITH TWO POLICE COMMISSIONERS and the threat of members of the RPNGC taking sides in this dispute, Papua New Guinea’s constitutional and political crisis yesterday entered a new and dangerous phase. It now appears the Governor-General may be ready to intervene at some point today after initially showing a reluctance to do so.
PNG Attitude’s live blog resumes to track events as they unfold in the O'Neill v Somara saga. We welcome information and observations from readers. Post them in the Comments section below or email them directly to me here.
4:45AM Fairfax’s Ilya Gridneff and Jo Chandler have some interesting quotes from observers of the crisis. Sir Barry Holloway, a former Speaker of PNG's Parliament, told The Age the court had been constitutionally correct in invalidating the election of Mr O'Neill. But ''while it points the country in the right direction, it does not give a way forward''. He said it had to be accepted that Mr O'Neill had popular support within and possibly outside Parliament ''although people in the villages really don't care because there is no government - just poverty and deprivation of services''.
''Both sides of Parliament are beginning to posture in a very dangerous way,'' Sir Barry said. ''The PNG-style resolution for this - and the constitution suggests it - is for Sir Michael Somare to resign, and then for him or his camp to put him up again for re-election. ''Peter O'Neill and his camp then should put up a candidate for re-election, and there should be a vote within the Parliament.'' Sir Barry was last night trying to facilitate mediation between the camps.
Paul Barker, director of the think tank the Office of National Affairs, said ''ordinary citizens seem to be trying to get on with business as usual in Port Moresby today, though there's quite a bit of nervousness''.
Henry Okole, a political expert with Australian National University, said PNG was enduring ''confusing and dangerous times'' as the judiciary and Parliament were embroiled in a crisis of legitimacy.
12:05AM Sir Michael Somare is headquartered at Ela Beach Hotel in Port Moresby, according to The Australian’s Rowan Callick. Here he has set up a cabinet made up mostly of ministers from his previous government. Earlier yesterday, Sir Michael's daughter Betha told news agency Agence-France Presse that her father had made it to Government House and been sworn in, although this was incorrect. Betha also said: "What's happening at the gates of Government House is that the government, or the rogues that were ousted, have blocked off the Government House gates," she said. "So the people that are supposed to be sworn in cannot be sworn in."
12:00 AM The most serious development of the day was certainly the division in the police force between Mr O'Neill's commissioner, Mr Kulunga, and Sir Michael's new appointment, Mr Yakasa. These officers are playing a key role in choosing which group can gain access to key institutions of state and, most importantly, to the Governor-General. The ABC reports the armed police outside the Governor-General's residence are loyal to Sir Michael.
9:00PM Peter Kranz passes on an update from Port Moresby where things are generally quiet although there are police cordons around the Haus Tambaran, Government House and the Supreme Court and mobile squads driving along main roads. Some demonstrations have been reported at the University of PNG but no serious confrontations. “Most people are sick and tired of it all,” says Peter, “and are just going to bed.”
7:45PM The ABC is reporting that “tensions are high on the streets of Port Moresby as Papua New Guinea's governor-general refuses to take sides in the country's political deadlock.” Here’s a summary of recent developments:
•This afternoon Peter O’Neill and 60 other MPs broke through a police barricade at government house and demanded to see Sir Michael Ogio, shouting "We're unarmed and we're the legitimate government".
•Sir Michael's secretary told them the head of state was confused by the court's order and said no-one would be sworn in as prime minister. Through his secretary, the governor-general urged the parties to sort out the issue among themselves.
•Mr O'Neill claims he is still the legitimate prime minister and says he is not backing down. He was granted a short audience with the governor-general before he and his group left government house.
•Despite Monday's supreme court ruling, parliament resumed this morning with Mr O'Neill and his supporters occupying the government side of the chamber. Speaker Jeffrey Nape made a brief statement reiterating that retrospective laws passed yesterday meant Sir Michael Somare was not the prime minister and no longer an MP. He said Sir Michael was now an ordinary person and Mr O'Neill was PNG's legitimate leader.
•Sir Michael (76) says he is now fit enough to resume his old job. "My doctors in Singapore, they've vowed that my health is as good as any. I'm old enough to be a 40-year-old again."
•There were reports this afternoon that Sir Michael was on his way to government house to be sworn in as prime minister but he did not appear.
•Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd says Australia is closely monitoring the situation. "Our immediate concern is simply to wait for the deliberations of the governor-general," he said.
13.12.2011
Source: ESBC
The ESBC are absolutely not amused to see that former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare tries to snatch the power - against the will of the PNG Parliament's majority. It is also not tolerable that he is supported by some police officers and - quite obviously - even by the PNG Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia. The last explains the mild verdict earlier this year when Somare had been condemned to stay for two weeks out from office for misconduct. In the past Sir Michael repeatedly was under suspicion to be corrupt. Today he behaves like a child who was taken away its beloved toy. The ESBC suppose that there will be a lot of work to do to clean up all the mess left behind by this self-appointed "Grand Chief", his son and their faithful followers - one day. Somare takes highly the risk to conclude his life in jail instead of travelling in "his" Falcon jet. This would be a bad end of 43 years of political leadership.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG Governor-General to have talks with both camps in political stand-off
Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General is reported to have arranged talks with the two main parties in the country’s unprecedented political stand-off.
The Peter O’Neill government is continuing to defy a Supreme Court ruling that has restored Sir Michael Somare to the prime ministership.
The Court ruled on Monday that the parliamentary election of Mr O’Neill on August the 2nd, after the Speaker had declared the prime ministership vacant, was unconstitutional.
The Governor-General was due to speak separately to Mr O’Neill and Sir Michael tonight.
Both the Somare and O’Neill groups have so far been refused entry into government house to have a swearing-in ceremony.
Peter O’Neill and around sixty MPs who support him managed to barge through armed police at the gates of Government house in their bid to be sworn in again but were not allowed to get into the building.
A spokesperson for Sir Michael, Betha Somare, says she doesn’t understand the reason for the blockade at government house:
“We’re waiting for these guys, for reason to prevail, something... commonsense so that our ministers can go up to Government House and get sworn in because the Governor-General will have to act on what the court has ordered.” Betha Somare says the police force is divided in their loyalties between Sir Michael Somare and Peter O’Neill.
Meanwhile, despite the confusion surrounding the government, the Somare camp has appointed a new police commissioner.
NBC reports that the new acting commissioner, Fred Yakasa, replaces Tom Kulunga, who was appointed only weeks ago by the O’Neill government.
The attorney general in Sir Michael’s government, Sir Arnold Amet, announced the appointment, saying Mr Kulunga had gone past the retirement age.
He also says Mr Kulunga had failed to ensure that the Governor General was fully protected in relation to the issues before the court.
Find out here how people on Bougainville comment the political turmoil in Port Moresby :
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PEOPLE ON THE GOVERNMENT.
PEOPLE in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have received with much anxiety the news of the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as the legal prime minister of PNG.
Following the events of the national parliament in the last few days leading to Monday’s news of the decision by the Supreme Court, many residents expressed fear, frustration and confusion at the turn of events.
Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) minister for Local Level Government, Traditional Authority and Communication Joseph Nopei said he supports and believe in the O’Neil/ Namah government.
He said this is because the O’Neil/Namah government had in a short time delivered a lot and had set the foundation for good governance and transparency.
“Also because they are pro-active, they have really worked hard and were not complacent. The good thing about the turn of events is that the O’Neil/ Namah government still have the numbers to pass any decision in parliament,” said Nopei.
“I encourage them to hold on,” he added.
Speaking of the Somare/Abal government, Nopei urged that they do not make many changes to what the O’Neil/Namah government had initiated.
“They have a very short time remaining before the national elections so they should just carry on with all that has already been established like the implementation of the 2012 national budget,” said Nopei.
Telecommunication engineer Carrolus said he hoped the Somare/Abal government continue to make impact decisions like the O’Neil/Namah government had.
He added that he is frustrated with the ‘tug-of-war’ happening in parliament because it indicated the lack of concern the leaders had for its people.
“All these fighting among themselves goes to show that our leaders are not in parliament to serve us but serve themselves,” said Carrolus.
Sales and Marketing officer Veronica Kukute said she preferred the O’Neil/Namah government describing them as the ‘action’ government.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DAY DANCING BRINGS FAMILY VIOLENCE
A youth from Pororan Island in North Bougainville is calling on the traditional chiefs in the region to control dance events held during the day or ‘Pitanlan’ which enables communities to raise funds.
Vincentcia Nima said the incidences of family violence, rape, drug and alcohol abuse has increased dramatically in rural communities since the introduction of Pitanlan last year.
Pitanlan or dancing during the day was an alternate solution reached by the local chiefs in North Bougainville to address the same issues that plagued their people when social dances were held at nights on the weekend.
Nima said she had been very concerned about the increased incidences of family violence in her community but was not confident to tell her leaders until Care International PNG introduced her to the use of photography to communicate her concerns.
The non government organization through its Komunity Tingim Aids (KTA) program involved Nima as part of its target group of peer educators involved in conducting awareness on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The awareness also identified related social issues like drugs and alcohol and encouraged the peer educators to build advocacy against these issues through the use of photos.
After undergoing four months of training on basic photography along with 20 plus youths from Tinputz and Buka in North Bougainville, Nima finally had the chance to voice her concern.
“When we were asked to identify an issue that has a negative impact on our community, I knew this was my chance to tell my chiefs about the impact of Pitanlan on our people by taking a picture of the after effect of Pitanlan,” said Nima.
The picture Nima took which was displayed at a Photo-voice exhibition held in Buka on Monday was of an aluminum cooking pot that had dents to it from having being used by a drunkard as a weapon to hit his wife after returning from Pitanlan.
“Please, our chiefs have to either stop all Pitanlan or be strict on monitoring what is happening at these dances. Right now, when you go to these dances, you see young men smoking marijuana or are consuming homebrew and it is not safe for the women and children,” said Nima.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PNG POWER LIGHTS UP ARAWA
BUSINESS and household users at Arawa, Central Bougainville will soon be enjoying uninterrupted supply of electricity when PNG Power commissions runs its generators on Thursday in Arawa.
The re-establishment of supplied power to more than a thousand residents in the former mining township would be a big relief financially for the residents who have spent thousands of kina in fuel for the personal generators they relied on for power.
Residents in Arawa had been supplying their own power since normalcy returned to the conflict torn township which once had its electricity supplied by Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and managed by the then Elcom now PNG Power.
The Arawa PNG Power project is an Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) impact project that involved contracting PNG Power as the primary operator and manager of electricity to Arawa and surrounding areas of Central Bougainville.
The project included the installation of three diesel generators, re-construction of infrastructure for the project and re-establishment of the PNG power operating system.
Autonomous Bougainville administration project personnel Ephraim Eminoni added that easy pay meters have been installed in a number of houses with more houses and businesses yet to complete.
“Commissioning of the project is set for Dec 15 in Arawa with power supplied to the users in the main sections of Arawa town that already have easy pay meters installed,” said Eminoni.
He added that the formal launch of the project is planned for mid January.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
YOUTHS SAY IT WITH PICTURES
YOUNG people in eight communities who had been working in partnership with Care International PNG will be showcasing in pictures, social issues important to them tonight at Kuri Resort, Buka.
The pictures from more than 20 youths of Buka and Tinputz in North Bougainville depict issues of drugs, brewing of alcohol and pornography which pose a risk to their sexual health.
The Photovoice exhibition is a result of four months of practical training in photography as a medium of communication to identify issues and build support and dialogue in addressing these issues.
Care International Bougainville program Communication officer Maureen Santana says the project is part of Care International’s Komuniti Tingim Aids (KTA) program which are a number of communities in Buka and Tinputz are involved in.
She said KTA works with school leavers and unemployed youths to conduct awareness on issues of drugs, alcohol, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Preparations are also underway to host a similar exhibition at Bougainville House of Representatives next week which will coincide with the last sitting of the Bougainville parliament for this year.
13.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
Governor General refuses to see either PNG prime minister
Papua New Guinea's political upheaval has developed into a full blown constitutional crisis.
There are two prime ministers, two cabinets and two police commissioners.
The parliament controlled by embattled prime minister, Peter O'Neill is ignoring a Full Bench ruling of the Surpeme Court which yesterday ordered the re-instatement of Sir Michael Somare as prime minister.
The latest word from Port Moresby that in incredible scenes Mr O'Neill and members of his cabinet have barged through a cordon of armed police at Government House and are waiting at the locked gate demanding to see Governor General Michael Ogio.
Presenter:Bruce Hill Speaker:Firmin Nanol, Radio Australia PNG reporter
13.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
PNG public looking for quick solution to crisis
The last week should have set aside months of political instability in PNG but it is continuing with the dispute between parliament and the courts.
Paul Barker, the Director of the Institute of National Affairs has been keeping a watch on what the uncertainty is doing the the econnomy and the country.
Presenter:Bruce Hill Speaker:Paul Barker, director, PNG Institute of National Affairs
MPs protest at gates as Somare to be sworn in as PM BY KEITH JACKSON
THE LAW OF UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES looms over Papua New Guinea this afternoon as Sir Michael Somare is set to return as prime minister in dramatic circumstances. With the swearing in due at any time, at least 40 members of the former O'Neill government, including Peter O'Neill himself, stage a sit-in outside Government House, and the first anti-Somare unrest outside Port Moresby has broken out in Goroka. PNG appears to stand on the brink of serious civil unrest.
I am updating this live blog as information comes to hand. Wherever you are in PNG, or beyond if you receive pertinent news, send in your reports and remarks through the Comments section below….
4:10PM Reader Terry Shelley has reported the first unrest outside Port Moresby with a large protest in Goroka voicing strong dissaproval at Michael Somare's return. All Asian businesses have been locked down in fear of looting.
4:00PM The Australian (courtesy of AAP/AFP) is reporting that Sir Michael Somare is set to be sworn as PM after armed police ordered MPs to leave Government House this afternoon. Mr O'Neill and dozens of his MPs stormed the area outside Government House shortly before 2pm and were ordered to leave by police brandishing guns. The group of about 40 MPs remain seated outside the gate, guarded by 25-30 police, while bystanders look on. Journalist Belinda Kora said the situation in the capital Port Moresby is tense. "A lot of people are confused, they don't know what's happened, who's the prime minister," Ms Kora said.
3:30PM Two members of the former O'Neill government have faced the Supreme Court on contempt charges, but Peter O’Neill has avoided expected charges. The court today extended the bail of deputy prime minister Belden Namah and attorney general Allan Marat until next year, but failed to lay any charges against Mr O'Neill, whose government was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court yesterday.
Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia had indicated that contempt charges would be laid against Mr O'Neill and his lawyer following a last-ditch application on Friday to remove Sir Salamo before he had handed down his judgment on Mr O'Neill's August 2 election. Mr Namah and Mr Marat were arrested in November over a separate attempt to have the chief justice suspended. Today, Sir Salamo ordered the court adjourned until February 13, extending bail.
3:22PM AAP - Mr O’Neill and dozens of his MPs stormed the area outside Government House shortly before 2pm and were ordered to leave by police brandishing guns. Treasurer Don Polye, who was among the MPs, called on the group to stage a peaceful sit-in outside the gate. ‘‘We are not criminals here. There is no need for guns,’’ he said. The group of MPs remained seated outside the gate, guarded by 25-30 police, while groups of locals watched on. Mr O’Neill claimed 72 members of parliament were at the gate, but AAP counted about 40. It was not known whether Sir Michael had arrived at Government House.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio NewZealand International
Reports O’Neill government will continue to defy PNG Supreme Court ruling
Reports from Papua New Guinea say the Peter O’Neill government is ignoring a Supreme Court ruling that has restored Sir Michael Somare to the prime ministership.
The Court ruled yesterday that the parliamentary election of Mr O’Neill on August the 2nd, after the Speaker had declared the prime ministership vacant, was unconstitutional.
Sir Michael was toppled while receiving medical treatment in Singapore
Mr O’Neill refused to step down and had parliament again elect him prime minister late on Monday, but heavily armed police prevented him from reaching government house to be sworn in.
Our correspondent, Jonathan Tannos, says the O’Neill grouping is asserting the primacy of parliament and will continue to defy the Supreme Court.
“The O’Neill Government is insisting on continuing in Parliament claiming that because of amendments to the Prime Ministers’ and National Executive Council Act yesterday [Monday] plus last Friday’s vote of confidence in him he remained Prime Minister, and he had the numbers and they were carrying on Parliament as normal.” Meanwhile Sir Arnold Amet, who has been reconfirmed as Justice Minister and Attorney General in Sir Michael Somare’s government, says his grouping is absolutely delighted with the Supreme Court ruling.
He says the Court determined that the Speaker had no right to declare the prime ministership vacant - that only the National Court had such authority.
“The effect of all that in totality is to render all of those decisions and subsequent decisions, including last Friday’s attempt to legitimise a new, declared vacancy and then a purported decision yesterday evening, after learning of the Supreme Court ruling, to appoint Peter O’Neill again as Prime Minister, as absolutely contemptuous.” Papua New Guinea’s Attorney-General and Justice Minister Sir Arnold Amet.
A spokesperson for PNG police says there have been no major incidents since the ruling was announced.
A strong police presence has been maintained in Port Moresby since late last week as the country’s politicians grapple with the constitutional crisis but Superintendent Dominic Kakas says it’s generally calm.
“It’s business as usual. Most people have expressed that it is really up to the Supreme Court and then parliament to decide on the outcome of this case.” Superintendent Dominic Kakas of the PNG police
13.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia News
Australia concerned about situation in PNG
Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has ordered the reinstatement of the former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, declaring the election of Peter O'Neil unconsitutional.
Sir Michael, 75, was removed from office while overseas recovering from a series of heart operations.
Last night, gunshots were heard near Government House which is the residence of the Governor-General, although tensions now appear to have eased.
The Australian government says it's deeply concerned about the situation.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says Australia is watching developments closely and he's urging calm on both sides.
Presenter: Naomi Woodley Speaker: Kevin Rudd, Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister
RUDD: We are deeply concerned about the situation. Obviously there are heightened political intentions within Port Moresby with two, as it were, alternative prime ministers. This is unknown terrain in Papua New Guinea.
But we of course have been urging calm on the part of all parties. The Papua New Guinean Defence Force has been directed to remain within barracks. We do have some concerns however about the appointment of a second police commissioner in Port Moresby so we are watching developments very closely on the ground.
Kevin Rudd
WOODLEY: At what point though do we have to admit Papua New Guinea is on the way to being a failed state, if it's not there already?
RUDD: Well the overall economic development of Papua New Guinea has been strong. The resource projects which are being developed are destined to deliver significant revenue to the government of Papua New Guinea.
What we have had is a very, very protracted political dispute between a number of politicians in Port Moresby. We therefore have a responsibility to support a peaceful resolution to this dispute - violence would help nobody - and that's what we intend to do while at the same time fully respecting Papua New Guinea's sovereignty.
We therefore will be watching these developments very closely and using quiet diplomacy with all parties.
WOODLEY: But when does the Australian Government consider stronger intervention and what are our responsibilities here?
RUDD: Well it's I think unhelpful to speculate on those sorts of possibilities. Our immediate concern is simply to await the deliberations of the governor-general. We'll take this step by step. We are in indirect contact with all the various parties. We are urging calm on the part of all parties. And as we have had reported this morning from our high commissioner, the situation on the streets is calm.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia News
PNG speaker ignores Somare court order by Liam Fox
The speaker of Papua New Guinea's parliament is ignoring a Supreme Court order to reinstate Sir Michael Somare as the country's prime minister.
Parliament resumed with Peter O'Neill and his supporters occupying the government side of the chamber.
The speaker, Jeffrey Nape, made a brief statement reiterating that retrospective laws passed on Monday mean Sir Michael is not the prime minister and no longer an MP.
He says Sir Michael is now an ordinary person and Peter O'Neill is PNG's legitimate leader.
The speaker's statement stands in stark contrast to the Supreme Court's ruling that Sir Michael's removal from office in August was unlawful.
ABC's Liam Fox reports from Port Moresby :
13.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Tanis receives award
James Tanis (picture), the former President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, was recently awarded the inaugural Australian High Commissioner’s Education Award, funded by AusAID. He will start his study next year, undertaking a Master’s Degree in International Affairs at the Australian National University.
The Australian High Commissioner’s Education Award is intended to provide a select number of Papua New Guinean leaders, or emerging leaders, an opportunity to further their education in Australia. Awardees will return to PNG after completing their university studies better equipped to contribute to PNG’s development. In 2012, a further two awards will be granted for study in 2013. Australian High Commissioner, Ian Kemish, said he was proud to have nominated Tanis for the award.
“James knows that education is the key to development. He will take what he learns in Australia and use it to build a more stable and prosperous Bougainville and PNG. He is a talented peace builder,” Mr Kemish said. Tanis — as he is affectionately known — first entered the domain of peace building in the early 1990s. When the mine at Panguna closed in 1989, he joined the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) as a fighter. But Tanis quickly become disillusioned with the way the BRA was operating and resigned from ‘active service’. He returned to his village, married and started a family.
The following year, he started working with local village chiefs, who respected him as an educated young man.Tanis has a university diploma in accounting which he gained on a scholarship from Bougainville Copper Limited. The chiefs sought his advice and support on peace keeping in the village and neighbouring villages.
After a period at home, and after much discussion with the chiefs, Tanis decided to re-join the BRA; this time not as a fighter but as a peace builder. It was an opportune time. The Bougainville Interim Government (BIG) had just been established, with the late Francis Ona as president and the late Joseph Kabui as vice president. Tanis became its Minister for Peace.
13.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Parliament moves to firm up O’Neill as PM By JONATHAN TANNOS
PETER O’Neill yesterday evening quickly put himself “back into office’’ in a 69-0 vote on the floor of Parliament just before the Supreme Court nullified his August 2, 2011 election as Prime Minister. And this was pivoted through a prior surprise and unchallenged amendment to the Prime Minister and National Executive Council Act Section 143 just after 11am. The changes include formally recognising a vacancy existed on August 2, 2011 when Mr O’Neill was elected into office “by virtue of Sections 3 and 4 of this Act as having been lawfully and validly declared effective from the time it was declared”. “The election by Parliament of a new Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on August 2, 2011 is valid and effective and shall be treated by virtue of Sections 3 and 4 of this Act as having been validly elected from the time the new Prime Minister Peter O’Neill was elected.” Again the Speaker, Jeffery Nape, was directing traffic to allow Health Minister, Jamie Maxtone-Graham, to nominate Mr O’Neill as Prime Minister seconded by National Planning Minister, Sam Basil. The amendments also relate to appointment of an Acting Prime Minister, giving the Prime Minister three months to return to the country or face automatic suspension from the office. In that instance, the Speaker will inform Parliament of the vacancy and a new Prime Minister is appointed. The changes also include medical practitioners to provide a joint report and certification of the Prime Minister’s health without conducting any physical examination based on their professional opinions and on reports of those who had treated the prime minister. Effects of the amendments are also deemed to have taken effect from January 1, 2011. The vote seemed to have just been a formality in anticipation of the Supreme Court ruling. Absent during the vote were Deputy Prime Minister, Belden Namah, Attorney-General, Dr Alan Marat, and New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan. Both were appearing before the Supreme Court over contempt charges while Sir Julius was not in the chamber. The re-election came after a prolonged debate on the 2012 budget where most MPs were allowed to have their say, mainly in the affirmative, on the structure and increased allocations for major projects in the K10.5 billion expenditure bill. Those that voted were the only ones in the chamber at that time and with the exception of members of the Somare government who were awaiting the Supreme Court reference ruling.
13.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Governor General under siege By STAFF REPORTERS
Heavily armed policemen – believed to be members of the newly formed armed robbery squad - laid siege to the historical Government House, located in Konedobu, Port Moresby, last night. This was the anti-climax to the drama that unfolded separately yesterday in Parliament and the Waigani Court House, where the Supreme Court nullified the August 2 election of Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister, only for Mr O’Neill to use his Government’s numerical strength to get re-elected as PM on the floor of Parliament. The police blockage of Government House was led by former deputy police Commissioner Fred Yakasa. While there was no clear motive for Mr Yakasa and his band of renegades, it appeared the police were there to stop either men – Mr O’Neill or court reinstated Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare – from going to Government House to get sworn in. A standoff ensued from 7pm when Mr O’Neill and a group of Ministers arrived at Konedobu where they found their way blocked by the Yakasa group. The policemen, armed with AR15 rifles stopped Mr ONeill and his party, including Ministers Bart Philemon, Don Polye, William Duma, Charles Abel, Theo Zurecnuoc, Lucas Dekena, Job Pomat, Sali Subam, Waka Goi and their motorcade. The standoff continued for more than two hours. During that time, the Governor- General Sir Michael Ogio tried to broker a deal between the two parties but it did not work. At 10.30pm, Mr O’Neill called all his ministers together and told them that they were walking through. With him and Mr Philemon at the lead, the ministers walked through the police blockade and where he was challenged by Mr Yakasa. In the process, Mr Yakasa laid his hands on Mr O’Neill, sparking off an angry exchange between the policemen escorting Mr O’Neill and those with Yakasa. As soon as Mr O’Neill and Mr Philemon broke through, everyone ran for the State House. About 10 minutes from the first gate, all hell broke loose, and police fired several rounds from their AR 15 rifles. The shooting forced the ministers and their staff to take the hill to the State House at a run and by the time they reached the top, all of them were clearly sweating and out of breath. Once at the State House, the ministers settled down on the chairs to get their breath back and waited for the Governor-General. After an hour, word reached the team that the GG wanted to see the instruments of the re-election of Mr O’Neill. Mr O’Neill’s Chief of Staff, Ben Micah, went to see the GG but he was prevented by fully armed policemen. The stand off continued until Mr O’Neill and some of his ministers went over to gain entry with Mr Micah. Mr O’Neill was stopped by the armed policemen at the door and the standoff continued until the GG sent word that the swearing in will take place today. By 11.30pm, Mr O’Neill and his team left to take up the fight another day. It is expected that Mr O’Neill and his team will go back but what transpired last night will go down in history as this is the first time, the State House was seized by armed members of the police force. Meanwhile, the Australian deputy high commissioner, who was at the scene of the standoff, was harassed by police who threatened him. The Australian managed to get in his DC marked car and was driven to safety by his PNG driver.
13.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Sir Michael to lead government
REINSTATED Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. say he stands ready to lead his restored Government over the next few months until the writs are issued for the 2012 National elections. And he has announced his caretaker Cabinet which include old hands and his former deputy, Sam Abal, back to the position. “The judiciary has once again upheld our Constitution and maintained the independence between the three arms of Government, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary,” Sir Michael said. He said this when responding to the Supreme Court decision nullifying the August 2, 2011 declaration of his position vacant and election of Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister. He said his Cabinet members excluding those that defected had been restored and the full Cabinet line up would be announced in the next few days. He said ministers that had defected had now been decommissioned. Sir Michael has been working behind the scenes to restore his Government since his August 2, 2011 and his disqualification from Parliament as Member for East Sepik regional on September 6, 2011 by Speaker of Parliament, Jeffery Nape. Sir Michael called on the public to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands. “My Government followed process and waited for the appropriate authority, the judiciary to make its judgment,” he said.
13.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Contempt charges ordered for O’Neill By GORETHY KENNETH
OUSTED Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has been cited for contempt for his application to seek the removal of the Chief Justice from presiding as Chairman of the Five-men Bench hearing the Special Reference, challenging the August formation of Government. Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia yesterday ordered the Court Registrar to prepare the contempt charges against Mr O’Neill and his lawyer Philip Ame, including the three deponents Nick Lapa of Wambi village, Pangia, Nathan Agipe of Napena village, Southern Highlands Province and Stanely Bovaro of Beha village, Lufa District. Sir Salamo dismissed the application and advised it would be investigated before the contempt charges against those concerned were handed down. “In relation to the application that we received last Friday, according to practice, decided by the Judge the application brought by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, the application is made and having considered the submission, the application is without merit and ought to be dismissed,” Sir Salamo said in court yesterday. “In relation to the affidavit there is complexity. “I did categorically deny the allegation is false. “I should say this.. that perhaps the witness has mistaken us and the meeting with Somare is absolutely not true.” Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika also said that it was regrettable that this application was brought in to disqualify the chief Justice from the bench. “It is regrettable that such an application was made at the 11th hour. It must be supported with credible evidence. “Allegations were not true. We cannot speak for the CJ. “It is regrettable that such allegations transpired, which will also affect the bench one way or another,” he said. Justice Nicholas Kirriwom, on the other hand said: “I endorse the position that the Chief Justice took. We as a court will make our decision tomorrow (today).”
13.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia News - TV
PNG court restores Somare as PM
Sir Michael Somare will head to Government House on Tuesday to be sworn in by the governor-general.
VIDEO from Australia Network News Liam Fox reports from Port Moresby
Tension appears to have eased in Papua New Guinea's capital after the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of former prime minister Sir Michael Somare.
Sir Michael will be sworn in by the governor-general on Tuesday.
On Monday night, gunshots were heard near Government House, the residence of the governor-general.
Dozens of heavily-armed police blockaded the area after the Supreme Court ordered Sir Michael be restored as prime minister because his removal from office in August was unlawful.
The prime minister's seat was declared vacant while Sir Michael was out of the country receiving medical treatment.
But his supporters went to court, arguing there was never a vacancy and he is the country's legitimate leader.
The police prevented Peter O'Neill, the man who replaced him, from reaching the governor-general in an attempt to confirm he was the legitimate leader.
The ABC was told to leave the area and not to film. One resident later reported hearing gunshots around Government House.
The capital had been bracing for demonstrations and possible riots in reaction to the decision.
Along with extra police, some businesses prepared to close, while others stepped up their security as concerns mounted.
Mr O'Neill's government made a last-ditch attempt to delay the court decision by applying to have the chief justice disqualified from the case.
Quiet diplomacy
Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Kevin Rudd, says he is deeply concerned about the political developments in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Rudd says Australia is watching developments closely, and pursuing quiet diplomacy with all sides of the dispute.
"We are deeply concerned about the situation. Obviously there are heightened political tensions within Port Morsby with two, as it were, alternative prime ministers," he said.
"This is unknown terrain in Papua New Guinea."
Elevated
Mr O'Neill, once a finance minister in Sir Michael's government, was elevated to the top job by a majority vote of MPs who ruled the prime ministership vacant.
Sir Michael, 75, has been in politics for almost 50 years and became his country's first prime minister when it became independent in 1975.
He was sidelined by illness earlier this year, travelling to Singapore for heart surgery.
His family announced his resignation in June without consulting Sir Michael, who they said was in intensive care and too ill to discuss his future.
But Sir Michael has maintained he was still the country's leader and there had "never been any vacancy in the position of prime minister".
He says he is fit and ready to return to his job.
"My doctors in Singapore they've vowed that my health is as good as any. I'm old enough to be a 40-year-old again," Sir Michael said.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG Parliament sits amid turmoil following court ruling
In Papua New Guinea the government of Peter O’Neill has convened parliament less than 90 minutes before Sir Michael Somare is due to visit the Governor-General’s office to be sworn in as the country’s new prime minister.
The tense political standoff comes after the Supreme Court ruled in a 3-2 decision yesterday to overturn Mr O’Neill’s August the 2nd elevation to the top job.
AAP reports that the Speaker, Jeffery Nape, who switched sides in August to support Mr O’Neill, is expected to make a statement to parliament shortly.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Sir Michael said the 76-year-old was heading to Government House to be sworn in on Tuesday morning.
Government House became the scene of a standoff late yesterday after parliament elected to reinstate Mr O’Neill in the minutes after the Supreme Court decision to unseat him was passed.
There were reports of brawls and a burst of automatic gunfire was heard on a nearby street, but there were no reports of injuries.
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
Prediction PNG’s restored Somare government will be stalled by Budget failure
The Peter O’Neill faction in the Papua New Guinea parliament says passing a budget will be the critical test for the restored Sir Michael Somare government.
The Supreme Court yesterday ruled that Mr O Neill’s parliamentary election on August the 2nd was unconstitutional and it restored Sir Michael to the prime ministership.
A member of Mr O’Neill’s former cabinet, Bart Philemon, says they remain confident of their numbers compared with Sir Michael, who he says, has the backing of less than 20 of the 109 MPs.
He says he expects one of the first actions of the Somare government will be to try and pass a budget and they won’t have the numbers.
“He needs the numbers therefore to pursue the passing, the passage and passing of that Budget. And we could lock the Budget, forcing the country into a Supply Bill for 3 months and then after the end of 3 months then we could, if we still had the numbers, we could dictate as to whether he has the numbers to govern for the next few months before the election or not.”
13.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia 24H dans le Pacifique
Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée: Kevin Rudd appelle au calme
Lundi la Cour Suprême a annulé l’élection de Peter O’Neill et réinstallé son prédécesseur, Michael Somare, au poste de Premier ministre. Il prêtera serment aujourd’hui mardi au Gouverneur général, représentant de la Reine Elisabeth II dans ce pays du Commonwealth. C’est la fin d’un imbroglio politico-judiciaire de plus de quatre mois, d’une guerre des tranchées opposant le clan de Peter O’Neill à la Cour Suprême, elle-même visiblement plus en faveur du clan Somare, puisqu’elle a finalement tranché: l’élection de Peter O’Neill début août était inconstitutionnelle. Peter O’Neill a en effet été élu, alors que Michael Somare était à l’hôpital à Singapour pour une opération du cœur. Le Parlement avait alors déclaré la vacance du pouvoir, or pour la Cour Suprême, il n’y avait pas vacance du pouvoir. Lundi soir, la police a empêché Peter O’Neill d’accéder à la résidence du Gouverneur général et un riverain a entendu des coups de feu. Les autorités ont demandé à nos correspondants de l’ABC de quitter la zone et de ne pas filmer. Des troubles sont toujours à craindre à Port-Moresby. Les effectifs de police ont été renforcés, certains commerçants ont baissé le rideau par peur des pillages/émeutes. En Australie, l’ancien colon de la Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée, le Ministre des Affaires étrangères Kevin Rudd se dit «profondément préoccupé» par la situation et appelle au calme. Mais l’Australie n’interviendra pas autrement que par la diplomatie douce.
13.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
Sir Michael Somare back as PNG's PM
Tension eased in Papua New Guinea's capital overnight after a court ordered the reinstatement of the country's former Prime Minister.
PNG's Supreme Court has ruled Sir Michael Somara can return to office and that he be re-instated, because his removal from office in August was unlawful. He lost his job while overseas recovering from three heart operations. But the 75-year-old says he's fit enough to resume his role today.
Presenter: Geraldine Coutts Papua New Guinea Correspondent Liam Fox
PNG’s progress hindered by corruption, says O’Neill
PAPUA New Guinea is not becoming an economic powerhouse because of corruption, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says. He said the country was rich in natural resources, “but it is not economically independent”. O’Neill told the people at Kiripia in the Tambul-Nebilyer electorate of Western Highlands, who had gathered to witness the official opening of a double classroom building funded by AusAID at the St Peter and Paul Primary School in Kiripia, that even if there were too many resources and minerals being found in this country, “leaders are not using them properly, that is why the nation is not becoming economically independent”. He said the kina had picked up but nothing was changing because of poor management by the previous government. He said the nation was not getting to the bottom of weeding out corruption, which was a poison to the nation’s development. O’Neill said it was shame because leaders were robbing the nation and the people. He said his new government would do a lot of work to weed out corruption and try to make the country become an economically independent nation. O’Neill said he had some good, young and vibrant leaders in his government and their aim was to make Papua New Guinea economically independent. “If we say that we are rich then why are people’s pockets not packed with money? This is because we have not become economically independent yet,” O’Neill said. O’Neill said with the 2012 national election coming up people had the power to elect good leaders. He said if people did not vote in good leaders they would suffer. He said a good leader would always make a difference in their lives. He said the decision people made in voting next year would determine their future.
13.12.2011 Source: The National
Parliament ‘sabotage’ leads to stand-off at Government House
PARLIAMENT’s coup to re-elect Peter O’Neill minutes after his government was ousted by the Supreme Court nearly ended in bloodshed as police officers prevented him from being sworn in at Government House last night. Speaker Jeffery Nape was regularly informed of the court proceedings when leader of government business Moses Maladina brought forward government agenda for debate on the budget. As soon as the court ruling of 3-2 was communicated to the speaker, he briefly left the chair and was believed to confer with O’Neill, Chris Haiveta, and chief of staff Ben Micah before executing the next move. Nape then entered the chamber interrupting Lae MP Bart Philemon who was making his budget statement. The speaker informed parliament that the Supreme Court had ruled that there was no vacancy. But Nape said a vacancy did occur by the decision of parliament last Friday to rescind leave of absence granted to Sir Michael which was duly signed into effect by the governor-general and gazetted to remove him as the East Sepik MP. Nape also said parliament, again, yesterday morning made amendments to the Prime Minister and NEC Amendment Bill, effectively removing Sir Michael as prime minister. This was carried by a 71-0 vote and certified. Given these facts, Nape said there was a vacancy in the office of the prime minister and called for nominations. Member for Anglimp-South Waghi Jamie Maxtone-Graham nominated O’Neill, seconded by Hagen MP William Duma.
13.12.2011 Source: The National
House re-elects O’Neill PM
DESPITE the Supreme Court declaring the change in government on Aug 2 unconstitutional, parliament yesterday went ahead to re-elect Peter O’Neill as prime minister. Soon after Speaker Jeffery Nape was informed of the court decision at around 6.05pm, he declared a vacancy in the prime minister’s office based on the Prime Minister and National Executive Council (Amendment) Bill 2011 (see separate story). “I have been informed of the Supreme Court ruling that the former prime minister and sacked member for East Sepik Regional is being reinstated,” he said. He said a vacancy existed after Sir Michael Somare was disqualified and that the passing of the amendments to the Prime Minister and the National Executive Council Act 2011 created a vacancy. He therefore declared a vacancy in the prime minister’s office and asked for nominations. Health Minister Jamie Maxton-Graham nominated Peter O’Neill which was seconded by Minister for National Planning Sam Basil and the nomination closed by Minister for Petroleum and Energy William Duma. Parliament voted in O’Neill 69-0. However about six seats on the government benches were vacant including those of Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah, Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat, who were in court, and Sir Julius Chan who seems to have avoided taking the vote. Meanwhile earlier in the morning, three bus-loads of government members came to parliament. When parliament resumed at around 11am, the government with its numerical strength of 71 votes tabled the Prime Minister and NEC Amendment Bill 2011. It passed it before adjourning parliament to 2pm, the same time of the Supreme Court ruling. Parliament resumed at 2pm and debated on the 2012 national budget until 6pm when the news of the court decision reached them. Parliament voted in O’Neill as the prime Minister.
13.12.2011 Source: The National
PM’s post vacant, say two judges
THREE out of the five judges of the Supreme Court have ruled that there was no vacancy in the Prime Minister’s office when Peter O’Neill was elected to that post in August. The five judges handed down their individual decisions on the constitutional validity of the formation of the O’Neill government,. Two judges ruled that the prime minister’s post was vacant. Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika and Justice Bernard Sakora were of the view that the motion on Aug 2 to declare the prime minister’s post vacant in order to appoint O’Neill as prime minister was legitimate. “I do not see anything wrong with the motion,” Salika said. Salika said Sir Michael had been critically ill for five months and unable to perform the duties of the prime minister and vacancy of the post had existed, only to be formally declared. Salika said such activity in parliament was non-justiciable – meaning the judiciary could not interfere with it. “The court should stay clear from parliament’s arena,” Salika said. He also said there was nothing in the Constitution requiring an explanation for the motion to declare the prime minister’s post vacant and that the process was legitimate in a democracy. Salika also pointed out that the events of Aug 2 took place because the National Executive Council during the Somare government was frustrating and irresponsible by its inaction to present the report on Sir Michael’s health status in parliament. He said the NEC had failed to comply with certain provisions of the Prime Minister and NEC Act. It had sat on the parliament’s right to receive two medical statements regarding Sir Michael’s health resulting in the Aug 2 event which came about as a result of anxiety and uncertainty in the future of the country’s leadership. In relation to the alleged three consecutive absences in parliament by Sir Michael, Salika said he found that there were only two consecutive absences. Sakora also said the “NEC defaulted very badly” by keeping the nation in suspense for a prolonged period in relation to Sir Michael’s health. Sakora also pointed out that the authority of the National Alliance Inc that took sides with the referrer needed clarification for its involvement given that its members sat at both sides of the parliament benches. Sakora also said given the events of Aug 2 nothing had changed much. He said it was “state necessity” that needed consideration and priority. Given the fact that the O’Neill government was voted 70-24 in, Sakora queried how politically stable a 24 member government would be. “How can 24 people run the country?” Sakora said. However, the court ruled 3:2 in favor of Sir Michael’s government as being the legitimate one to rule.
13.12.2011 Source: The National
Grand Chief announces interim cabinet
SIR Michael Somare last night announced a restored cabinet which excluded the ministers who defected on Aug 2. The new cabinet is:
Sam Abal: Deputy Prime Minister and Immigration; Patrick Pruaitch: Treasury and Finance, and State-Owned Enterprises; Sir Arnold Amet: Justice and Attorney General, and Public Service; Sasa Zibe: Health, and Inter Government Relations; Timothy Bonga: Forestry, and Internal Security; James Marape: Education, and National Planning and District Development; Benjamin Poponowa: Transport and Civil Aviation; Philip Kikala: Agriculture and Livestock; Paru Ahi: Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs and Trade; Fidelis Semoso: Bougainville Affairs; Patrick Tammur: Communication and Information; Francis Potape: Petroleum and Energy; Ben Semri: Fisheries, and Commerce and Industry; Tony Aimo: Correctional Services, and Lands and Physical Planning; Andrew Kumbakor: Housing and Urban Development; Philemon Embel: Sports and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister; Bob Dadae: Defence; Sani Rambi: Labour and Industrial Relations; Dame Carol Kidu: Community Development; John Pundari: Mining; Anderson Agiru: Works, and Conservation and Environment.
ESBC: We are missing "Baby Grand Chief" Arthur Somare, Sir Michael's ambitious son. Why didn't he become minister again?
Sir Michael said he had appointed the governor of resource-rich Southern Highlands province as a new minister in his cabinet and was pleased to welcome him in his new role. He said he stood ready to lead his restored government over the next few months until the writs were issued for the 2012 election. “The judiciary has again upheld our Constitution and maintained the independence between the three arms of government – the legislature, executive and judiciary”. Sir Michael said the full cabinet would be announced in the next few days. “The ministers who had defected have been decommissioned,” he added. He called on the members of the public to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands. “My government followed processes and waited for the appropriate authority – the judiciary to make its judgment.”
13.12.2011 Source: The National
House amends act to disqualify G’Chief
PARLIAMENT yesterday amended the Prime Minister & NEC Act to ensure Sir Michael Somare was no longer eligible as prime minister. The changes to the law meant that in the event a prime minister absented himself from office for a period of three months or longer, there will automatically be a vacancy in the office. Three months was the period Sir Michael spent overseas seeking medical treatment in Singapore. The relevant change read: “After the appointment of a minister to be acting prime minister is made... when the prime minister is absent from the country in the event that the prime minister does not return to the country and resume office within three months of the appointment of an acting prime minister, the appointment shall cease and the office of the prime minister shall be deemed vacant.” It added that the speaker of parliament shall inform parliament of the vacancy, and a new prime minister appointed. The amendments also included the provision that medical practitioners may provide a joint report and certification of a prime minister’s medical condition to the head of state without conducting a physical examination. The amendments included a validation of the election of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. It declared that the declaration of a vacancy in the office of the prime minister was not unlawful and that the decision of parliament on Aug 2 was valid and that the election of the prime minister was also valid. This section will lapse at the return of the writs during the 2012 general election. The amendments were later used to validate the election of O’Neill following the Supreme Court decision.
13.12.2011 Source: The National
Somare is back
CONFUSION reigned last night when it appeared the country had two prime ministers – Sir Michael Somare and Peter O’Neill. Sir Michael was reinstated as prime minister by a 3-2 Supreme Court decision yesterday which declared the election of Peter O’Neill on Aug 2 as null and void. The court also voided his Sir Michael’s ouster as member for East Sepik. A few minutes after the court decision, parliament voted 79-0 to retain O’Neill as prime minister. But he was denied access to Government House to be officially sworn in by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio. Speaker Jeffery Nape said O’Neill’s election stemmed from two recent parliament decisions. The first decision last Friday rescinded the leave of absence granted to Sir Michael in May. This had the effect that he had now missed three consecutive sittings of parliament and would, therefore, stand dismissed as the member for East Sepik. The second referred to yesterday’s amendment to the Prime Minister & NEC Act which, among others, contended that should a prime minister absent himself from the country for three months, which Sir Michael did while on medical leave, a vacancy would arise in the office of the prime minister. Declaring that these actions created a new vacancy regardless of the court decision, parliament on a nomination from Anglimp-South Waghi MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham elected O’Neill unopposed by 69 votes to nil. While the court decision stated that all subsequent decisions by the O’Neill government stands voided, it is uncertain whether parliament was included as this would have an important bearing on its actions last Friday and yesterday, which led to the re-election of O’Neill yesterday. This confusion unfolded later in a tense drama outside Government House last night when a police contingent, headed by senior police officers Fred Yakasa and Joseph Tondop, held off the O’Neill convoy from entering the Government House for the swearing-in ceremony. Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga was dispatched to the Government House soon after that but, in the end at 8.30pm, the governor-general’s official secretary informed police at the gate that Sir Michael Ogio had retired for the day and will not perform any official duty until today. A policeman said a court order was delivered earlier in the afternoon to Government House not to entertain any swearing-in ceremony which led to the police move to prevent any ceremony taking place last night. Police manning the blockade said there was confusion as there were no proper instructions from government lawyers as to what the real situation was last night or who really was in charge. The stand-off was still maintained at 9.30 last night. The remnants of the Somare regime last night met and announced a caretaker cabinet.
13.12.2011 Source: PNG Attitude
Port Moresby tense but calm after night of turmoil BY KEITH JACKSON
THE SITUATION IN PORT MORESBY remains tense and confused but calm, with Sir Michael Somare expecting to be sworn in as prime minister in a few hours.
We will augment this live blog as more information comes to hand. Reports from readers are welcome in the Comments section below….
6.15am The ABC's AM program says Papua New Guineans awake this morning unclear about who will be their prime minister. Port Moresby correspondent Liam Fox reports that police loyal to Sir Michael Somare would not let Peter O'Neill see the Governor-General last night. The situation at Government House has calmed down, however, and it is currently guarded by only a small detachment of police.
Fox says that it is understood an ailing Sir Michael will go to Government House later this morning seeking to be sworn as prime minister in whereupon he will try to form a minority government, hoping that enough MPs will defect from the O'Neill camp to enable him to continue in office.
13.12.2011 Source: ESBC Research
Confusion and Confrontation!
The situation in Port Moresby becomes the more and more unclear! Local sources say that the greedy Somare family will not throw the towel as they do not intend to leave their multi-million Kina gold mine called PNG without resistance! The ESBC will keep you updated!
13.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
Confusion reigns in PNG after Supreme Court ruling on PM
Uncertainty surrounds Papua new Guinea’s government after a Supreme Court ruling that the election of Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister was unconstitutional.
The court found that August’s parliamentary declaration of a vacancy in the office of Prime Minister, followed by a parliamentary vote that saw Mr O’Neill elected, was illegal.
The ruling paves the way for the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, but Peter O’Neill’s government also passed amendments in parliament to legalise his election and have him sworn in again.
Our correspondent Jonathan Tannos says PNG now effectively has two Prime Ministers.
“One being sworn in now and one being reinstated by the Supreme Court. It’s a power play I think between the... parliament has perhaps virtually shown itself to have inherent powers, regardless of what the judiciary rules. It’s quite confusing, yes.”
O'Neill & Somare vie for control: gunshots at Govt House BY KEITH JACKSON
THE SITUATION IN PORT MORESBY remains confused.
We will augment this live blog as more information comes to hand….
11.00pm The Dreamzmedia blog confirms shots have been fired near Government House and goes on to convey a report from Graham Robinson, who is believed to live nearby…. “At exactly 9:17pm tonight Hon Peter O’Neill and contingent walked straight up to Fred Yakasa and his fully armed men and kindly asked them to step aside.
“Fred Yakasa was adamant in not allowing them; however a little push from the back with people asking Fred Yakasa and his men to step aside: “Oi step aside PM ya”. I was standing with a Post Courier cameraman and a female reporter where I recognisd the armed robbery police vehicles (Fred Yakasa’s unit).
“I then cautioned the two media personnel to step back. The push from the back of the pack had a momentous effect on the PM, eventually persuading Fred Yakasa to step aside and the Hon Peter O’Neill walked straight up to Government House.
"Immediately followed disgruntled policemen I suppose, those supporting Fred Yakasa started shouting, “We are here to defend the constitution and you don’t respect it then yumi lusim na go….gun shots followed suit and everyone of us not in police uniform scrambled for cover….
“Whilst gun shots were fired, Hon Peter O’Neill was well on his way up to government house… The entire ordeal ended about 9:35 pm when the first of the armed robbery vehicles drove out followed by others…”
10.24pm AAP reports ‘Somare urges calm amid confusion in PNG’. “Sir Michael Somare has urged calm amid confusion following the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court decision that has returned him to power. There is currently a stand-off between supporters of Somare and supporters of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill at government house. Armed guards have surrounded the building and have refused to let anyone in or out.
“It is understood Governor General Sir Michael Oglio has refused to sign any documents appointing either government on Monday night. At a press conference on Monday night, Sir Michael Somare called on the public to remain calm. "The judiciary has once again upheld our constitution," he said. "My government followed process and waited for the appropriate authority, the judiciary, to make its judgment."
“At the conference, 76-year-old Sir Michael announced his cabinet line-up which included some new faces. He has reinstated former treasurer Patrick Pruaitch, attorney general Sir Arnold Amet and deputy prime minister Sam Abal.”
9.30pm The ABC’s Liam Fox says unrest has been reported in Port Moresby and that a resident living near Government House says multiple gunshots were heard a short time ago. Heavily armed police have blocked off Government House and told the media to leave. Another witness said current prime minister Peter O'Neill attempted to get through the blockade but was stopped.
7.14pm The Malum Nalu website reports that Peter O'Neill has been re-elected as Prime Minister. “Immediately after the court ruling, ousted Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was rushed to Parliament and re-elected as Prime Minister 69-0. He was then rushed to Government House to be sworn in as Prime Minister.”
6.37pm The Supreme Court ruled 3-2 that O'Neill was wrongly elected as Prime Minister on August 2 as there never was a vacancy in the office at that time. Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, and judges Nicholas Kiriwom and Les Gavara Nanu ruled in favour of Sir Michael while Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika and judge Bernard Sakora went for O'Neill. The court further ordered that Sir Michael be restored forthwith back into office and that Parliament sit to right its wrong.
In a separate judgement related to an attempt to remove the chief justice, the court ruled that contempt charges be brought against Mr O'Neill and his lawyer Philip Ame.
O'Neill back as PM as parliament defies court BY KEITH JACKSON
IT’S BEEN A BUSY EVENING in the Land of the Unexpected.
First, the PNG Supreme Court ousted Peter O’Neill from the prime ministership in a narrow 3-2 ruling.
Immediately thereafter, the Malum Nalu website reports, Mr O'Neill rushed to parliament where his coalition was assembled, to be re-elected prime minister 69-0 - the opposition spurning proceedings.
Mr O'Neill then went to Government House to be sworn in as prime minister.
Earlier the PNG Supreme Court had reinstated Sir Michael Somare as Papua prime minister, ordering that he be sworn back into office immediately.
The court found that there was no vacancy in the office of prime minister on 2 August when Mr O'Neill elected, and it rendered the decision illegal.
"Sir Michael Somare is to be restored to the office of prime minister forthwith," the court said.
In a separate judgement related to an earlier attempt to remove the chief justice, the court ruled that contempt charges will be brought against Mr O'Neill and his lawyer Philip Ame.
While the O'Neill government has shown a capacity to move swiftly to re-assert authority, today's proceedings have left a large number of residual constitutional, legal and political problems that will leave a bitter residue and test the government's capacity to the fullest.
Breaking news: Peter O'Neill re-elected as Prime Minister
Immediately after the court ruling, ousted Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was rushed to Parliament and re-elected as Prime Minister 69-0. He was then rushed to Government House to be sworn in as Prime Minister
12.12.2011 Source: PNG Attitude
What next? Supreme Court restores Somare as PM BY KEITH JACKSON
THE PNG Supreme Court has reinstated Sir Michael Somare as Papua New Guinea's prime minister.
Sir Michael was removed from office in August while he was out of the country receiving medical treatment.
In a narrow 3-2 decision, the court ordered that Sir Michael be sworn back into office immediately.
The court found that there was no vacancy in the office of prime minister on 2 August following a parliamentary vote of 70 to 24 that saw Mr O'Neill elected, rendering the decision illegal.
"Sir Michael Somare is to be restored to the office of prime minister forthwith," the court said.
At the outset, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia said contempt charges will be brought against Mr O'Neill and his lawyer Philip Ame.
Mr Ame filed a last minute attempt to dismiss Sir Salamo on Friday, citing three affidavits by men who claim to have seen the Chief Justice during a late night rendezvous with former minister Arthur Somare.
The court's decision represents a serious setback to the O'Neill administration - now judicially discredited - even though it commands a comfortable majority in parliament.
Sir Michael's resumption of office may last no longer than the next time parliament sits, presumably tomorrow morning, when a vote of no confidence is likely to be moved - which he would almost certainly lose.
12.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia News
Gunshots heard as court orders reinstatement of Somare as PNG PM
A resident living near Government House, the Governor-General's residence, says multiple gunshots were heard a short time ago.
Earlier tonight, dozens of heavily armed police blocked off the area and told the media to leave.
Another witness said the current prime minister Peter O'Neill attempted to get through the blockade but was stopped.
The tense scene followed orders by the Supreme Court to reinstate Sir Michael as prime minister because his removal from office in August was unlawful.
His supporters say he'll head to Government House tonight to be sworn in as the prime minister.
12.12.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia News - TV
12.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia News
Security beefed up over PNG court ruling
PNG police attending a protest in November this year. Security presence has increased since the Supreme Court's ruling government on Monday. [AAP]
Heavily armed PNG policemen fend of trouble at the Governer General's house.
PNG Correspondent, Liam Fox reports from Port Moresby:
Heavily armed police have blocked off Papua New Guinea's government house in the country's capital ahead of the reinstatement of Sir Michael Somare as Prime Minister.
The Supreme court ruled on Monday evening that Sir Michael Somare was unlawfully removed from the Prime Minister's office back in August.
It also ruled that Peter O'Neil was not lawfully appointed as his successor and ordered Sir Michael be restored as Prime Minister immediately.
Straight after the court's ruling, dozens of heavily armed police blocked accessed to government house, the Governor General's residence.
The ABC was told to leave the area and warned not to film.
A spokeswoman for Sir Michael's National Alliance party says he's expected to go to government house to be sworn in as Prime Minister.
Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia indicated contempt charges will be brought against O'Neill and his lawyer Philip Ame.
Mr Ame had filed a last-minute attempt to dismiss Injia on Friday, citing three affidavits by men who claim to have seen the Chief Justice during a late night rendezvous with Somare's son.
Earlier Monday, the government had rushed through laws to legalise its dumping of Somare and his government.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia News
Leadership restored to PNG's Sir Michael Somare
Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has reinstated Sir Michael Somare as the country's Prime Minister.
Sir Michael was removed from office in August while he was out of the country receiving medical treatment.
His supporters went to court to demand that his successor Peter O'Neill be removed.
The court then ordered on Monday that Sir Michael be sworn back into office immediately.
Radio Australai's PNG correspondent Liam Fox says this ruling raises further questions.
"Sir Michael is now a very frail man, he is the shadow of the man he was before he went overseas for his heart operation," he said.
"Not only that, his party, the National Alliance Party, is effectively split, half of them defected to the opp when they voted Sir M out of office. Does he even have the numbers to maintain a government?
"These and other questions remain unanswered."
Events unfold
Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed a Government application to have the Chief Justice disqualified from hearing the challenge to the government's legitimacy.
On that day, the Government also passed retrospective laws legalising the removal of Sir Michael back in August.
12.12.2011
Source: ESBC Research
The Verdict.
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12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG Supreme Court rules O’Neill government illegal, orders Somare reinstatement
Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court has ruled that the election of Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister in August was unconstitutional, and that Sir Michael Somare be restored as Prime Minister immediately.
The court found that the parliamentary declaration of a vacancy in the office of Prime Minister on August 2, followed by a parliamentary vote of 70 to 24 that saw Mr O’Neill elected, was illegal.
Earlier today, Peter O’Neill’s government passed a series of amendments in parliament to legalise his elevation to the top job.
A new law has made the dumping of Sir Michael legal.
It specifies that a Prime Minister can be dismissed if absent from the nation for more than three months.
Before he was dumped, Sir Michael had been absent for five months while he was in Singapore recovering from heart surgery.
It’s not clear what impact the court decision will have on the amendments.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia indicated contempt charges will be brought against Mr O’Neill and his lawyer Philip Ame.
Mr Ame filed a last minute attempt to dismiss Sir Salamo on Friday.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia News
Supreme Court blocks PNG government application
Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has dismissed the Government's application to have the Chief Justice disqualified from hearing a challenge to the government's legitimacy.
Supporters of former prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, had launched a legal application against the current government after he was replaced in August by Peter O'Neill.
But on Friday, Mr O'Neill's lawyers applied to have the judge hearing the case dismissed, accusing him of being seen in public with Sir Michael's son.
Radio Australia's PNG correspondent, Liam Fox says application has been denied.
Earlier on Monday, the government passed retrospective laws legalising the removal of Sir Michael back in August.
Neighbouring support
Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Affairs, Richard Marles says PNG should be treated with respect despite the country's continuing political turmoil.
Mr Marles says PNG is a vibrant democracy which will enable the controversy to be settled.
"I don't think there is any concern about the future of democracy in PNG," he said.
"They are obviously going through a difficult issue at the moment with their government arrangement and constitution."
Mr Marles added that Australia should respect PNG's justice system and let these "issues" play out in accordance with the island nation's law, which is "the attitude to that the Australian government has towards what is occurring today."
12.12.2011 Source: Sydney Morning Herald
PNG MPs legalise election ahead of verdict
The Papua New Guinean government has passed a series of amendments in parliament to legalise the prime minister's elevation to the top job.
Monday's move comes before the Supreme Court hands down its decision on whether Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was constitutionally elected when MPs voted to dump Sir Michael Somare and replace him with Mr O'Neill on August 2.
That decision was due to be handed down at a hearing which began at 1500 AEDT, after being put back from 1000 AEDT.
Advertisement: Story continues below The laws were passed at 1230 AEDT.
The Prime Minister and National Executive and National Executive Council (Amendment) Act 2011 makes the dumping of Sir Michael legal.
It also specifies that the prime minister can be dismissed if absent from the nation for more than three months.
Sir Michael, before he was dumped on August 2, was absent for five months while he was in Singapore recovering from heart surgery.
The Act passed two readings of PNG's parliament by a vote of 71 to zero, as opposition ministers refused to show up ahead of the court decision.
It is unclear at this stage what the passing of the amendments will mean for the court's decision.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG Government passes legislation to make dumping of Sir Michael Somare legal
The Papua New Guinea government has passed a series of amendments in parliament to legalise the prime minister’s elevation to the top job.
It has come ahead of a Supreme Court ruling on whether Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, was constitutionally elected when MPs voted to dump Sir Michael Somare and replace him with Mr O’Neill on August the 2nd.
That decision was delayed from this morning after also being put off on Friday.
AAP reports that the new law will make the dumping of Sir Michael legal.
It also specifies that the prime minister can be dismissed if absent from the nation for more than three months.
Sir Michael, before he was dumped, had been absent for five months while he was in Singapore recovering from heart surgery.
The Act passed two readings in parliament by a vote of 71 to zero, as opposition ministers refused to show up ahead of the court decision.
It is not clear what impact the court decision will have on the amendments.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia 24H dans le Pacifique
Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée: duel au sommet de l’Etat sur fond de sentiment anti-Chinois
En Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée, le Premier ministre Peter O’Neill a gagné un week-end de sursis. Vendredi, la Cour Suprême a du ajourner sa décision, prévue ce lundi. Michael Somare, le Premier ministre évincé par Peter O’Neill en août dernier, a en effet déposé un recours en inconstitutionnalité de l’élection.
Peter O’Neill a en effet été élu de manière inédite, alors que Michael Somare était à l’hôpital à Singapour. Le Parlement avait alors déclaré la vacance du pouvoir et élu le nouveau Premier ministre. C’est cette décision qui est l’objet de toutes les controverses. Peter O’Neill joue la montre.
Il a déposé un recours pour désaisir le Président de la Cour Suprême, Salamo Injia. Peter O’Neill l’accuse d’avoir secrètement rencontré le fils de Michael Somare, Arthur, en novembre. Accusation niée par les deux intéressés.
Peter O’Neill est largement soutenu par les habitants des Hauts-Plateaux, tandis que Michael Somare a le soutien de la large population du bassin du grand fleuve Sepik.
Ce duel des clans O’Neill et Somare agite la population. La semaine dernière, des SMS ont été largement diffusés sur les portables des Papous, appelant à «expulser de force» les Chinois du pays si Michael Somare revient au pouvoir.
Sur d’autres textos, les Papous ont pu lire: «Le régime Somare fonctionnait sur les fonds des mafias asiatiques. Les Papous seront les esclaves de la famille Somare et des Asiatiques. Déclarez la guerre à l’afflux des Asiatiques.»
Selon un rapport de James Chin, chercheur à l’Université australienne de Monash, des milliers de Chinois sont arrivés en Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée au cours de la dernière décennie, avec des permis de travail obtenus illégalement.
En octobre il y a eu de nouveaux pillages de magasins chinois à Lae, la deuxième ville du pays.
Et selon Martyn Namorong, blogueur et observateur des réseaux sociaux à Port Moresby, le sentiment anti-Chinois est à son comble:
«Ici les gens considèrent Michael Somare comme celui qui a ouvert les portes du pays aux Chinois, particulièrement à cause de la mine de Ramu. Les Papous ne sont pas stupides, ils sont au courant de la géopolitique de la région, et des accords politiques entre leurs dirigeants et d’autres pays.»
C’est en effet un groupe chinois, MCC, qui exploite la mine de nickel de Ramu. Le précédent gouvernement de Michael Somare est accusé d’avoir soutenu MCC contrer les propriétaires traditionnels, entre autres pour son projet de stockage des déchets miniers dans le fond de la baie adjacente, jugé très dangereux par les défenseurs de l’environnement.
Le cas de la mine de Ramu a considérablement nourri le sentiment anti-Chinois. Et l’on parle bien de sentiment, et non de réalité statistique. Martyn Namorong:
«Non, je n’ai pas de statistiques, donc je ne peux rien dire là-dessus, mais pour une majorité de la population le problème n’est pas tant qu’il y ait beaucoup de Chinois, que ce qu’ils font en Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée. Particulièrement parce que les Chinois tiennent désormais une grande majorité des commerces, commerces que les Papous veulent voir demeurer exclusivement papous. Je vois des conversations quasiment tous les jours sur ce sujet dans les réseaux sociaux. Donc le sentiment anti-Chinois ne grandit pas, il est déjà omniprésent. Une étincelle suffirait pour déclencher la violence.»
Martyn Namorong, blogueur papou et observateur des réseaux sociaux, répondait aux questions de Brian Abbott sur Radio Australie.
Au moins six Chinois ont été tués dans des agressions racistes au cours de la dernière décennie en Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée.
12.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
K67 million excessively used
National Planning Minister Sam Basil revealed in Parliament on Friday that much of the funds budgeted under the Public Investment Program (PIP) between 2007 – 2011, did not serve its intended purposes. Mr Basil told Parliament that from 2009 to 2011, a total K67 million released under the rural market program, only 47 districts received the money, leaving out 40 districts during the life of the program. He said the main purpose is to fund clean, well-serviced market facilities to benefit small entrepreneurs and the rural people. “Of those districts that benefitted, most received K1 million. There is evidence of excessive over-funding in some districts,” Mr Basil said. The Minister revealed that Nipa Kutubu District received K7 million, Kompiam Ambum (K1.8 m), two including Central Bougainville received K1.6m while Wapenamanda, Komo Margarima and Injivitari received K1.5m each. Mr Basil said in 2011 alone, Nipa-Kutubu received K7m from district market funds, more than three times that received by any other district in the life of the program but sadly the people of Nipa-Kutubu have yet to see the full benefit of this money. “There is little evidence of any construction of a district market in districts that received funding. A total of K886,000 was paid to Kagua-Erave District including K600,000 in March, 2010. There is as yet nothing to show for it,” he said. Mr Basil told Parliament that in other districts the value for money is questionable — for example the district of Kompiam Ambum was funded with K900,000 in 2009 and again with the same amount in 2011, work has just commenced. The Minister also said in 2010, K40 million was expended in the rural roads programme but surprisingly, K8 million was expended on unbudgeted projects – not related to rural roads. Mr Basil said these projects include an agriculture project in the Komo Margarima district and rural electrification project in the Aitape-Lumi District. He said the remaining K42 million was allocated correctly to fund rural roads. Southern Highlands received about K24.9 million or about 62.3 per cent of the total rural roads funding were money was released to build and rehabilitate feeder roads, roads and bridges in the province. From the K79 million budgeted under the rural electrification program in 2010 - 2011, some 26 percent from this allocated to PNG Power Limited had no indication of where this money was to be used. Mr Basil said to date, only 12 districts received funding under this program and of these, two districts – Angoram and Pomio – received K10 million each while the 10 other districts mostly received below K2 million each. He said the evidence of implementation in these 12 districts and by PNG Power is now being collated by the Department. “Under the rural communication programme 2011, only K8.4m was released and from this, K5.4m was released to North Bougainville District Treasury and K2 million to PNG Telikom Ltd to implement a wireless communication project in North Bougainville,” the Minister said. Mr Basil said it is with interest that, K1 million under this program was released to fund Ambukuna Cocoa Project – completely un-related to the rural communication. He said funding for this agriculture project should have been considered under National Agriculture Development Programme.
12.12.2011 Source: The National
Temu defends Mining Act
LANDOWNER mismanagement, fraud and corruption are to blame for the debate over resource ownership in PNG, the PNG mining and petroleum seminar was told recently in Port Moresby. PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum president Dr Ila Temu told participants at the Gateway Hotel that the issue had gone so far as to influence Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Mining Minister Byron Chan to look at amending the Mining Act. “In our view, as the chamber, as an industry, we feel this is wrong and ill-conceived,” he said. “It is inconsistent with the constitutional provision that calls for resource development for the benefit of all citizens. “We believe it will give rise to an unworkable resource framework with no security of tenure and it will drive investment out. “We think it is too big a risk to take.” Temu said the argument was that landowners received only a minimal benefit from the development of their resources. “In my view, under current law, landowners’ rights are fully recognised through appropriate compensation, royalties, equities, preferential treatment in employment and business development opportunities. “This has been raised more because of the mismanagement, fraud and corruption of landowners’ benefit management … it is not an ownership question. “Changing the laws will not address this problem. “In our view, it will make it worse.” Temu spoke passionately about an industry he believed was capable of providing the financial impetus to enable the country to grow. The mining industry was currently responsible for approximately 80% of PNG’s export income and about one-third of government revenue as well as other taxes, royalties, duties, dividends, tax credits, employment and community development infrastructure. – Industry News “I am of the view that PNG must use its natural resources to fund its development,” Temu said. “There is strong global competition for the exploration investment dollar.” Temu said the challenge for the mining industry in PNG was still the same – it needed to generate benefits and provide tangible improvements to the citizens of PNG in terms of better health, education, community development and general infrastructure. “It can be done. It’s not impossible,” he concluded. “What is needed is a fundamental shift in the way government and landowner leaders manage, utilise and distribute resource benefits. “We need effective and transparent management of resources revenue so that the country and the people are better off from the use of their natural resources.”- Industry News
12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG police prepare for reaction to key Supreme Court ruling
Papua New Guinea police have again increased their presence in Port Moresby ahead of today’s expected Supreme Court ruling on the legitimacy of the government.
The five-man bench is considering whether Prime Minister Peter O’Neill was constitutionally elected by an August parliamentary vote to replace Sir Michael Somare, whose seat was declared vacant due to prolonged absense.
JB reports
“The ruling had been scheduled for Friday but was deferred until today after the prime minister’s lawyer filed a late attempt to force the Chief Justice to step aside. It remains unclear whether a successful challenge against Mr O’Neill’s election would mean the re-installation of the Somare administration. With so much riding on the decision, extra police have been deployed to key locations in the capital. Police say they expect some sort of public reaction over the decision, particularly amid simmering anti-Asian sentiment. Widely circulated text messages are calling for people to forcefully evict Chinese from the country if Sir Michael, who has strong links to China, returns to power.”
12.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Semoso warns
BOUGAINVILLE Regional MP Fidelis Semoso has warned that Papua New Guinean leaders should be careful when handling the current issues at hand or they may face the barrel of a gun in the future. Mr Semoso was speaking at a press conference in Port Moresby, warning that precedence had been set and leaders must now becareful of what may happen in any next Government. “Basically, this is my fear, and the fact that we are now legitimising the overthrow of the Government …we are already setting a precedent and the next time around at the floor of Parliament, anyone will declare a vacancy and overthrow the Government and if they don’t succeed they will resort to the barrel of a gun,” Mr Semoso said. This is unbecoming and we must be very mindful. That’s my only fear…that leaders or the people will resort to a gun if and when they do not succeed.” Mr stressed that he was only thinking ahead and was mindful of the fact that this was getting out of hand. He said that changing Governments through illegal and unconstitutional means was setting a dangerous precedence which the leadership and people of this country may live to regret later. He said that any elected leader or a grouping of leaders could exercise their rights to assume leadership and change Government as long as that was done legally and within the constitution of this country, saying that the constitution actually provided for opportunities where leadership could exercise their rights to change leadership.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
Ruling on legitimacy of PNG govt expected today
The Papua New Guinea Supreme Court will decide on Monday whether Prime Minister Peter O’Neill legally took over from Sir Michael Somare in August.
This comes after a last ditch attempt by Mr O’Neill to have the Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, recuse himself from the case.
That action caused a deferral in the Court’s decision on Friday.
Additional police were flown in from across PNG to provide extra security for the expected constitutional decision, which could see a return of Sir Michael to the prime ministership.
There were no reports of violence after the surprise adjournment.
Mr O’Neill’s lawyer, Philip Ame, presented an application to have Sir Salamo disqualified from delivering the verdict.
Mr Ame presented affidavits from three Port Moresby men, claiming Sir Salamo had met with Sir Michael’s son, former cabinet minister Arthur Somare.
The five-man bench announced its decision on whether the Chief Justice will recuse himself, as well as the verdict on Mr O’Neill’s election, will be delivered on Monday morning.
Friday’s court session marks the third attempt by the O’Neill government to disqualify the chief justice since the constitutional hearings began in late August.
Supporters of Sir Michael launched the constitutional challenge immediately after Mr O’Neill’s August the 2nd election, when MPs votes 70 to 24 to dump Sir Michael and replace him with Mr O’Neill.
Sir Michael’s supporters argue there was no vacancy in the prime ministership despite a four-month absence by the 76-year-old political veteran, who had been recovering from heart surgery in Singapore.
As the drama unfolded in the courts on Friday, the Speaker of PNG’s parliament, Jeffery Nape, led a vote to ensure Sir Michael remains dumped from his East Sepik seat.
Sir Michael lost his seat in September for missing three sessions of parliament while he was in Singapore, but that has also been challenged in the courts by Sir Michael’s supporters, who say he only missed two sessions without leave and was granted permission to miss a May session.
That challenge has been rolled into the main constitutional case.
However, parliament voted on Friday to rescind the May leave order on the grounds Sir Michael did not fully disclose the nature of his illness.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MAN LOSES ARM IN CRASH, JOURNOS INJURED
A man from Lonahan in North Bougainville is recovering from having had his right arm amputated at the Buka General Hospital after his arm was crushed in a fatal car accident at Teariki in Tinputz district last Tuesday.
Donald Kisu, 30, was returning to Buka from Tinputz in a PMV when the vehicle he was on crashed into a hired vehicle that was on its way to Arawa from Buka with journalists on board.
Eye witnesses at the accident scene said the vehicle the journalists were on had taken the lane of the oncoming vehicle at a sharp turn which is notorious for many vehicle accidents at Teariki.
Apart from Kisu, the other two casualties were a broadcast journalist who sustained two broken fingers and a newspaper reporter who had a bruised back from the impact of the crash on the side of the vehicle she was in.
The journalists from Radio Bougainville, New Dawn FM, The National and a camera man from Kundu 2 along with two board of directors of National Broadcasting Corporation were on their way to Arawa for the launch of Kundu 2 and Wantok Radio Light when the accident occurred.
The accident prompted calls by Bougainville Police Service (BPS) and community leaders at Tinputz for drivers to observe all traffic rules when driving along the Buka to Arawa trunk road.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
POWER OUTAGE HITS BUKA
BUKA town in North Bougainville is going through load shedding of its electricity supply as electricians from PNG Power continue to address issues with the three main generators that supply power to the town. The generators are in their various stages of maintenance with one awaiting parts to be flown in from overseas and the other is in the process of commissioning after being serviced. The third generator will take a while in maintaining after it was burnt due to a technical fault experienced within its first month of operation. But frustration from corporate and household clients is mounting despite PNG Power Buka putting out notices informing clients of the load shedding schedule. Business houses are claiming thousands of kina loss of business due to the load shedding which they claim is inconsistent and has been ongoing since Nov 17. PNG Power Buka branch has urged users with their own generators to continue to supply their own power until the town power supply is fully restored.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CHRISTAIN RADIO REACHES RURAL LISTERNERS
THE word of Christ is being received throughout Central Bougainville through the broadcast of Wantok Radio Light after it successfully installed a 300 watt transmitter at Arawa last week. The station, which features prayers, family focused programs and gospel music was applauded for its contribution to peace building in Bougainville by Minister for Communication Jimmy Miringtoro. In launching both Wantok Radio Light and government television Kundu 2 last week, Miringtoro said communication was vital to the ongoing peace process in Bougainville. He said the inception of Wantok Radio Light programs into the communities would enhance the spiritual growth of rural listeners in Bougainville. He added that the O’Neil/Namah government as part of its commitment to ensuring information and communication services reach the bulk of the population in the rural areas had committed K4 million to assisting Wantok Radio Light roll-out its network to districts in PNG. He urged the people of Bougainville and especially the landowners in Arawa to take care of infrastructures like communication towers which bring communication services to Bougainville. He said in bringing such services, there are a lot of barriers needed overcoming.These include financial and natural barriers like people. He explained that people, can be barriers to development too when issues of land ownership is being raised and infrastructure is destroyed. Managing Directors of NBC and Wantok Radio Light Memafu Kafera and Andrew Ogil both pledged to work in partnership in extending their respective media services to South Bougainville.
12.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LEADERS CONDEMN ATTACK ON TOWER
DIGICEL network to Central and South Bougainville has been restored after mobile services to more than 2000 people was disrupted following the burning of Digicel’s relay tower at Mabiri. The tower was burnt allegedly by Mabiri landowners disgruntled at claims of Digicel not paying its land rental bills. Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) communication minister Joseph Nopei and Minister for Communication Jimmy Miringtoro both condemned the landowner’s action. Nopei urged that landowners look after infrastructure services that is on their land. “The region is in need for communication and information services and when infrastructures like communication towers is on your land, please appreciate it and look after it,” said Nopei. Miringtoro added that communication towers give people the advantage of improved communication services like mobile network and people must help by taking care of these. “We are willing to help Bougainville, to bring important services to you, but please, support us by looking after the facilities we build. “To build a communication tower, it costs over K250,000 of people’s money, in Bougainville, to build such infrastructure, the price doubles or triples, for one reason or another. “Please elders, inform your young man and women to protect the services we provide,” urged Miringtoro.
11.12.2012 Source: BusinessSpectator
Somare willing to serve again
Sir Michael Somare is willing to serve as prime minister of Papua New Guinea again, but he says he's unsure if he'll run for his East Sepik electorate at the 2012 election.
Sir Michael's comments on Sunday came as the government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill obtained the signature of Governor-General Sir Michael Oglio on a document dismissing the political veteran from the seat he has held for 43 years.
"I am willing - I am willing to serve as prime minister again," the 76-year-old Sir Michael told AAP.
"Although I do not know if I will run for East Sepik again. There is a lot to consider."
Sir Michael said he would not comment on the Supreme Court decision, due on Monday, that could return him to office if the five-man bench rules that Mr O'Neill was not constitutionally elected.
The government on Sunday obtained the signature of the governor-general rescinding leave granted to Sir Michael to miss parliament in May while he was in Singapore undergoing heart surgery.
The document also says that, as a consequence, Sir Michael is no longer a sitting MP.
"I cannot believe they have done this to me, after 43 years - 44 next year," Sir Michael said.
At the press conference Sir Michael said little other than to urge the nation to remain calm in the lead-up to Monday's court decision.
The three heart operations that kept him absent from PNG for five months have left the usually stocky but fit-looking man thinner and frail.
However, he was extremely alert at the press conference, laughing at jokes directed at the O'Neill side and checking messages on his mobile phone.
His son, suspended MP Arthur Somare, said he would file a legal challenge against speaker Jeffery Nape for ruling his father was dismissed from parliament.
Sir Michael was PNG's first prime minister when it gained independence from Australia in 1975.
He went on to serve as foreign minister and opposition leader, before becoming prime minister again at the 2002 elections and again in 2007, making him PNG's longest-serving leader.
09.12.2011
Source: ESBC Research
Australian Dollar (AUD) to flirt 5 years high to Euro (EUR)
09.12.2011 Source: Radio Australia News
PNG court delays decision on prime minister
Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has deferred a decision on who the country's legitimate prime minister is.
Supporters of the former prime minister ,Sir Michael Somare , have launched a legal challenge after he was replaced in August while overseas for medical treatment.
But lawyers for the current Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, made a last-minute application to have the judge disqualified, claiming he'd been seen in public with Mr Somare's son.
The court is expected to rule on both matters on Monday.
09.12.2011 Source: Islands Business / NBC News
New twist delays ruling on PNG’s leadership court challenge
Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court will hear an application by Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, seeking to remove the Chief Justice from presiding as Chairman of the five men bench hearing the Special Reference, challenging the August formation of Government.
PORT MORESBY, PNG (NBC NEWS) ---- Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court will hear an application by Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, seeking to remove the Chief Justice from presiding as Chairman of the five men bench hearing the Special Reference, challenging the August formation of Government. The application to disqualify the Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, was filed yesterday (Thursday) by O'Neill’s lawyer and was set to be heard tomorrow morning. This new twist in the case may delay the much anticipated ruling of the matter before the court. The high court was to make a ruling on the Reference today. The much anticipated ruling of the High Court on the Special Reference will be stalled following this new application. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has alleged an apprehension of bias on Chairman of the bench Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, claiming he was seen meeting with former State Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare at a Port Moresby hotel last month. O'Neill claimed this new evidence now taints a fear of bias on the bench. Today’s court sitting was to answer the 37 Constitutional questions raised in the Special Reference, from the vacancy in the office of the Prime Minister to suspension of a Member of Parliament. The ruling will determine whether the current Government came into power according to law, when it ousted Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. The August formation of the O'Neil-Namah Government has been described as a coup by Sir Michael's lawyers during hearing in October. Queens Council Marshall Cook representing Sir Michael said there was never a vacancy, and that Parliament's election of O'Neil was against the law. QC Cook also submitted that section 142 of the Constitution, which prescribes ways in which a Prime Minister may be removed from office to create a vacancy was also not properly followed by Parliament. He said in any case, the Head of State, which is the Governor General, has the ultimate power to remove a Prime Minister and not Parliament. He told the court, that because of this, Sir Michael and his Government should be reinstated. But lawyers representing Prime Minister Peter O'Neil, his deputy Belden Namah, Attorney General Doctor Allan Marat and Speaker Jeffery Nape argue Parliament's August action was lawful. They've submitted among others that because Sir Michael Somare was absent for a long time without proper information concerning his health reaching Parliament and the people, the action taken by Parliament was legal. They say the long absence of five months from Parliament, only gives Parliament the opportunity and occasion to employ section 142 of the Constitution to declare a vacancy in the Office of the Prime Minister, and subsequently elected O'Neil as Prime Minister. Lawyer Manuel Varitimos acting for PM O'Neill and his Deputy Belden Namah, had submitted that an earlier Supreme Court ruling on evidence by Justice David Cannings must also be revisited, while maintaining that evidence from that hearing has shown that Grand Chief was of an unsound mind for much of the period from March up to August. These opposing parties also argue that the courts do have the authority to scrutinize the actions of Parliament, saying it is non-justiciable. Meanwhile police in the capital city say, they will be looking out that the anticipated ruling of the court does not spark protests. Police say all available resources including recruits and extra officers flown in from Lae will be used.
09.12.2011 Source: The Age
PNG on brink of ruin as government hangs in the balance by Allan Patience
Opinion
Australia must intervene to stop its neighbour becoming a basket case.
Today the Papua New Guinea High Court will hand down a judgment determining the constitutional validity of the PNG government led by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill. If a negative decision is handed down - as many experts expect - the government of PNG could become unworkable. This would be especially unfortunate because the O'Neill government has shown signs of addressing serious governance failures that have plagued the country for more than 30 years.
These failures have led some observers to think that PNG may be becoming a failed state.
Advertisement: Story continues below The omens are all there: escalating crime rates (including murder, drunken violence, illicit drugs, prostitution, burglary, carjacking); horrific violence directed at women (rapes, bashings, torture, killings); some of the worst maternal and infant mortality rates in the world; plunging literacy rates; collapsed health and education systems; endemic tribal warfare in the Highlands; land grabs by foreigners; unsustainable exploitation of natural resources; decaying infrastructure; massive administrative incompetence; and the breakdown of public institutions such as the police and the civil service.
Each year the United Nations Human Development Index highlights that PNG is one of the most miserably governed states in the Third World. Equally worrying is Transparency International's annual reporting that levels of corruption among PNG's politicians, public officials and managers are among the world's worst.
That means PNG should be placed in a special category of ''ruined states''. Ruined states are the victims of corrupt ruling elites that cannibalise their states' resources for themselves, their families and their tribal cronies. Glaring examples of ruined states include Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe and Kim Jong-il's North Korea. Leaders of such countries deserve to be labelled the ''new cannibals''.
The new cannibalism in PNG is systematically undermining the country's economy, its society and politics. At least half the population is below the poverty line. Women and children are the worst victims of the governance disasters that are the everyday reality.
The Responsibility to Protect report endorsed by the UN in 2005, argues that where states are unwilling to protect their citizens, or if they are incapable of doing so, the international community should step in. This may involve aid for development projects, loans and investments, debt forgiveness, sanctions, sending corrupt leaders to the International Criminal Court, or direct military intervention.
The new cannibalism that is threatening PNG today could become grounds for invoking intervention. If so, does Australia have a responsibility for preparing an intervention strategy? As the former colonial power, and the biggest aid donor to PNG (nearly $20 billion over the three decades or so since independence), Australia has a moral obligation to help halt PNG's slide.
There are also strategic issues for Australia to take on board. PNG is already a base for illegal immigrants wanting to come to Australia. International criminal gangs (drug smugglers, people smugglers, sex traffickers, money launderers) are almost certainly operating there. It could easily become a base for terrorists bent on attacking Australia. And if government collapses in PNG (which may happen after today), Australia can expect a flood of refugees.
Planning a practical intervention strategy for PNG will be no easy task. Australia cannot hope to achieve a successful strategy on its own. A multilateral approach is essential. Other major aid donor countries to PNG should be involved. Japan is an obvious potential partner, as is the European Union. There would need to be consultations with, and involvement of, Pacific Islands Forum states. It could be helpful to also have ASEAN involvement in an intervention-planning consortium. But Australia and Japan should jointly take the lead.
Many PNG citizens would welcome an international intervention in their country's public administration. They are heartily sick of the incompetent, mendacious, self-serving political class that practises the new cannibalism so clumsily and with such dire consequences for almost all Papua New Guineans.
Professor Allan Patience teaches at Sophia University, Tokyo. He is a visiting scholar at the Asia Institute, Melbourne University.
09.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SHOPS RUNNING LOW TTOVI
Consumers in Buka this week are feeling the pinch of the shortage of highly consumed foods. Many of the shops in Buka town have run out of foods such as chicken, sugar salt and alcohol. The shortage which is not a new thing to Buka has come about because of the ship schedules into Bougainville. Retail Manager for Jomik Limited Austin Aupara says that the ship which was expected on Monday has been delayed due to bad weather in Rabaul. He says though it may not come on time the ships always make it in time for Christmas. He has ensured their customers that their stocks will be up again as soon as consort ships dock into the Buka wharf.
09.12.2011 Source: ABC 24H dans le Pacifique
Brèves de Pacifique
Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée: 4 mois après son élection, le Premier ministre Peter O’Neill n’est toujours pas confirmé dans son fauteuil- La légitimité de son élection est contestée devant la Cour Suprême par ses opposants, dont la garde rapprochée de l’ancien Premier ministre évincé, Michael Somare. Peter O’Neill a été élu de manière inédite, alors que Michael Somare était à l’hôpital à Singapour. Le Parlement avait alors déclaré la vacance du pouvoir et convoqué de nouvelles élections. C’est cette décision qui est l’objet de toutes les controverses. Alors pour repousser la décision de la Cour Suprême, Peter O’Neill essaie de gagner du temps. Mercredi il a déposé un recours pour déclarer l’incompétence du Président de la Cour Suprême, Salamo Injia. La Cour Suprême réunie au grand complet rendra sa décision ce vendredi. Le gouvernement de Peter O’Neill a déjà essayé de d’écarter Salamo Injia en novembre. Il l’a suspendu, l’accusant de détournement de fonds publics. Mais le gouvernement a du le réintégrer dans ses fonctions bien vite car la Cour Suprême a riposté en mettant en examen deux ministres.
09.12.2011 Source: Australia Network News
PNG court to decide who has right to govern
There are fears in Papua New Guinea that a court decision on the government's legitimacy could spark civil unrest.
The Supreme Court expected to decide who was the country's legitimate Prime Minister is on Friday morning.
Supporters of the previous PM Sir Michael Somare had argued he was removed from office illegally back in August and replaced by Peter O'Neill.
Police feared there could be protests and even riots and said they'd be out in force around the courthouse.
Randel West from private security company The Corps had advised clients to take extra precautions.
"We've had several different sources talking about the possibility of riots," Mr West said.
"There's obviously a fair bit of passion on both sides of the argument".
A number of businesses and schools were expected to stay closed on Friday.
Watch here Liam Fox's report:
09.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
ABG has funds for services By ADRIANA SCHMIDT
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government yearly budget funds cater for Government institutions, the delivery of services and the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. However, the ABG does not have money bags where members of the Bougainville House of Representatives can distribute to individuals and groups within the region like the National Parliament does each year. Vice president of the ABG Patrick Nisira said this at the Taiof Island in Buka last week during the celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Albert, the island’s patron saint. The people of Taiof Island had raised more than K30,000 to complete their only church building which they started building in 2005. He said individuals and Bougainville groups, who wished to seek financial help had to apply to Members of the National Parliament, who were allocated more than K10 million annually in their District Services Improvement Programs (DSIP) to support impact development projects in their respective districts and electorates. Mr Nisira gave a personal donation of K500 cash and 20 sheets of hardy flanks, while Regional Member for Bougainville Fidelis Semoso, who also attended the Feast Day gave K5000 from his Buka Management Company. Mr Semoso further promised an additional K8000 from his electoral funds, 40 pieces of hardy planks and K1000 cash from his pay packet which he willingly gave to support the people’s efforts. “I have placed a lot of my small electoral funds to help the various church denominations in the region because I believe it is the church that can make the difference in changing the attitudes of the people of Bougainville,” Mr Semoso told more than 1000 people, who had come to celebrate the island community to complete their six-year-old church building. Member for North Bougainville Lauta Atoi also pledged to support the Taiof Island community with a donation of K5000, and also announced the delivery of television equipment for the Taiof Primary School before the end of this year. Mr Nisira said that whilst Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, including the President Chief John Momis and himself, wanted very much to personally support the church with their respective infrastructure programs, the ABG just did not have the required funds to do so. “The only leaders in Bougainville and PNG who have the money that is meant for impact projects and to create economic and social development in the villages, and the people and all the 40 Council of Elders should work closely with these National members of Parliament if they wanted to benefit from their allocated funds,” Mr Nisira said. He also said that Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives should also cooperate with Members of the National Parliament, particularly in implementing the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Meanwhile in other developments, police officers and women in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will now be able to conduct investigation professionally and competently. This would be possible after graduating from an intensive nine weeks course on investigation. AusAID funded the course while Australian and New Zealand police officers conducted the training. When addressing the graduates, Senior Provincial Magistrate Peter Toliken told them that Bougainville had a very young police service and they must aim for the very top.
09.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Forum reviews courts By MELANIE TOLIKEN
THE people of Bougainville want their future system of village or community courts to be part of the formal courts of Bougainville where village chiefs and women will play a leading role. This was revealed at the end of the Village Court Forum in Arawa last week. The forum, attended by about 190 village court officials and district village court officers was held to discuss the findings of a comprehensive review of the village courts in the region by a committee set up by the Bougainville Administration. In November 2010, the Bougainville Law and Justice Working Group decided to review the operations of the Village Courts. A steering committee was formed comprising of the Senior Provincial Magistrate Peter Toliken (Chairman), the Provincial Village Courts officer Daniel Timpa, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Local Level Governments Herbert Kimai,the Assistant Commissioner of Police Thomas Eluh and a legal Officer of the office of the principal officer Kenton Simpson. AusAID provided advisory and financial support. The review commenced in August this year and ran for 12 weeks. The review team travelled the breath and length of Bougainville and visited 91 out of 96 Village Courts in the region to gauze the views of village court officials, district village court officers and councils of elders. The review found, among other things, that the people wanted their village courts to be part of the formal Bougainville courts; that priority should be given to chiefs when appointing village magistrates; that there be more women magistrates to reflect their special status in Bougainville society; that the courts be adequately staffed and resourced and for officials and officers to be appropriately remunerated by the Autonomous Bougainville Government. The people also want the village courts to be administered by the Division of Law and Justice and not by the Division of Local Level Government as currently is the case. It was also found that all 96 village courts in the region have not been legally established nor have the 960 officials been legally appointed. Some of the main preliminary recommendations of the forum were that: - All the existing village courts must be legally established as a matter of urgency; - A Bougainville Village Court Act must be enacted as a matter of urgency in accordance with the contents and recommendations of the review; - The administration and management of the proposed Bougainville village court no longer be the responsibility of the local level government department; - The administration and management of the proposed Bougainville Village Court be ultimately the responsibility of the ‘head of other Bougainville courts’ but until the Bougainville Courts are established and the ‘Head of other Bougainville courts’ is appointed the administrative oversight of the proposed Bougainville Village Court should be vested in the secretary, law and justice department; - That chiefs and more women be appointed as village magistrates; The final report of the review is expected to be completed and handed over to the Autonomous Bougainville Government in June 2012.
09.12.2011 Source: The National
Court quashes Yakasa’s appeal By SAMUEL RAITANO
THE National Court has dismissed an application by senior police officer Fred Yakasa to stop his removal as acting deputy police commissioner. Yakasa had sought a stay order and a judicial review on the National Executive Council’s decision to remove him from the more senior position of acting deputy police commissioner operations. Yakasa was recently transferred to Bougainville as the assistant police commissioner. He claimed that the National Executive Council had removed him from the more senior post without offering any good reason. Yakasa’s application was dismissed by Justice George Manuhu at the Waigani National Court yesterday. The court said Yakasa had failed to produce the relevant laws and acts that warranted his revocation to be an issue. It was also found that allegations he had made against the NEC were “speculative”. The court said he had been in an “acting” position which meant that either his removal or confirmation were the next steps to be taken as seen appropriate by the authorities.
09.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
Security tight ahead of PNG court decision
There is a heavy police presence on the streets of Port Moresby ahead of a Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of the government.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill was elected by a parliamentary vote of 70 to 24 in August, dumping long-time leader Sir Michael Somare.
Sir Michael’s supporters immediately brought the matter before the courts, arguing there was no vacancy in the prime ministership despite a four-month absence by the 76-year-old political veteran, who had been recovering from heart surgery in Singapore.
Police roadblocks have been set up along Port Moresby’s main highway, Champion Highway, at Jackson’s airport and around the nation’s courts and parliament.
The police commissioner Tom Kulunga says the heavy police presence is there in case there is a violent reaction to the decision by the five man bench.
Mr O’Neill yesterday applied to have Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia dismissed from overseeing the case, the government’s third attempt to do so.
If Mr O’Neill is found to have been in breach of the constitution, it could break his fragile coalition and lead to the formation of a new government.
09.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CLOSE ESCAPE Tapo Tovilu
A team of journalists traveling to Arawa for the launch of Kundu Two are lucky to be alive after their vehicle collided at Tearoki on Tuesday. In the vehicle was Board Chairman for the National Broadcasting Cooperation, a camera man from Kundu Two and journalists from Radio Bougainville, The National and New Dawn FM. The Toyota Land cruiser on its way to Arawa veered into the opposite lane and was hit on the side by an oncoming vehicle at a sharp turn. A passenger from the other vehicle was badly injured losing his right arm in the collision. A journalist from the team was hospitalized after two of her fingers were broken on impact. There were no deaths with passengers from both vehicles ending up with minor cuts and bruises.
09.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
KUNDU TWO LAUNCHED Tapo Tovilu
The Kundu two service provided by the National Broadcasting Cooperation of Papua New Guinea has been launched in Arawa. The launching which was held at the central park in Arawa also included the launch of the Christian Radio Light broadcast service. The launching was attended by representatives of Kundu two and Radio Light including a government delegation consisting of Minister for Media and Communication David Mirintoro and Minister for Local Level and Traditional Affairs Joseph Nopei. The two services which are available in Buka and now in Arawa are being broadcasted by the NBC service. Minister Mirintoro while officiating the launch told the people of Arawa that the services that were being provided were for their benefit and was to be looked after. He says that Bougainville is growing and more services and infrastructure was to be given to the people. The minister also revealed that NBC and Radio Light will be expending their broadcasts to cover the whole of Bougainville by 2015.
09.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MINISTER CALLS TO COMMUNITIE Tapo Tovilu
Minister for local level government and traditional authority Joseph Nopei has called on communities in Arawa to look after infrastructure in their communities. He says the region is in need for communication and its infrastructure which is given to the communities should be looked after. Minister Nopei says that the launching was another step in Bougainville’s development and that the people should appreciate this. He thanked the Minister for Communication and infrastructure for the initiative and commended him for the work he was doing. He says the region currently has not enough funds to fully develop and thanked the minister for funding the launch. Minister Nopei called on the local community of Arawa to look after the services that were provided to them. He said these comments at the launching of Kundu 2 and Radio Light in Arawa yesterday.
09.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
GRADUATES CELEBRATE TTOVI
Graduates from Hutjena Secondary School on Friday graduated more 200 grade 10 and 12 students. The event for Hutjena was a historical even as it marked the 20th grade 10 graduates to pass out from Hutjena Secondary. Family and friends of graduates and fellow students turned out to witness the occasion as the grade 10 and 12 students graduated. The grade 10 dux for 2011 was Nigel Omirong while Solomon Puniha taking out the Hutjena Secondary School Grade 12 dux. This is the first lot of grade 12 students to graduate under the new Outcome Based Education system.
09.12.2011 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUKA GENERAL HOSPITAL RE-OPENS DISPENSARY TTOVI
Buka General Hospital after a week of being short on drugs has reopened its dispensary to the public. It was closed last weekend due to the shortage of drugs which Buka General Hospital says was caused by shortage in Port Moresby and Rabaul. Director of Medical Services Dr Banabas Matanu says that the outpatient is also in full swing now and will be taking in its normal capacity. Last week, under his directions the outpatient staffs were directed to take in a certain number of patients. Dr Matanu says that the supply is back to normal and operations in the hospital are in full swing.
09.12.2011 Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Angry text messages target Chinese in PNG by Doug Hendrie, Port Moresby
ANTI-CHINESE sentiment is flaring in Papua New Guinea during a week of political turmoil, with widely circulated text messages calling for the public to ''forcefully evict'' Chinese from the country if former leader Sir Michael Somare returns to power.
''The Somare regime existed through Asian mafia's fundings … PNGians will be slaves of Somare family and Asians. Declare war against Asian influx,'' the messages read in part. They are spreading virally ahead of today's Supreme Court decision on whether the current government, led by Peter O'Neill, took power legitimately after 75-year-old Sir Michael stood aside while undergoing medical treatment in June.
Some observers are tipping the return of the former government, dominated by the wily leader from the Sepik River region, which could trigger a backlash from Highlanders who support the new Highlander-led regime under Mr O'Neill.
Advertisement: Story continues below The anti-Chinese messages are the latest in a series of flash protests triggered by widespread uptake of mobile phones in PNG, ranging from ethnic clashes to street marches against corruption.
Police have brought in extra officers from across the nation and set up roadblocks near Parliament and the courts.
''We will be out in full force. We expect something will happen in anything to do with politics,'' said a police spokesman.
A series of anti-Chinese riots have taken place across PNG since 1999, driven by resentment of new migrants. At least six Chinese migrants have been killed in the last decade.
Chinese-owned stores were looted across the country in May 2009, sparked by an anti-Chinese march led by activist Noel Anjo.
Mr Anjo denied involvement in the text messages and said he now condemned anti-Chinese violence.
''Our people have seen Asians flooding into the country over the last 10 years without proper documentation,'' he said. ''But looting Asian shops is the work of opportunists and won't solve the problem.''
Thousands of poor mainland Chinese have obtained work permits illegally over the past decade, according to a 2008 report by Monash University's Professor James Chin.
Outspoken Port Moresby blogger Martyn Namorong says PNG has become a tinderbox, with the proceeds of the current resource boom failing to reach people on the ground. ''The kids just need to strike the match,'' Mr Namorong said.
08.12.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia TV News
Acts PNG Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia independently or is he the spearhead of the former probable corrupt Somare regime?
PNG Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia
Watch here Liam Fox's report:
08.12.2011 Source: The National
Siwais to hold arms summit By STEPHANIE ELIZAH
FOLLOWING the recent signing of a ceasefire agreement between five warring factions in Konnou constituency, community representatives at Siwai, South Bougainville, have planned for an arms summit to be held in Siwai district. The proposed Siwai district arms summit is being planned for January. The Siwai District Peace and Security Committee (SDPSC) last Friday agreed to prioritise preparation for the arms summit, which will be a first for the autonomous region. The arms summit will allow youths, women, churches, veterans, chiefs and other stakeholders to discuss weapons disposal in the district and Bougainville. Committee deputy team leader Michael Komoiki said a survey by the Veterans Association had shown that there was a ‘serious’ arms build-up in the region. “It is clear in the number of unauthorised entry of foreign vessels into our waters via Loloho port. Arms are now in the hands of ex-combatants, business houses, criminals and registered arms under the government,” Komoiki said. Chief of Kaparo village Ignatius Morou said the number of guns in South Bougainville had doubled compared to when the Bougainville crisis was on and he urged that the arms summit be supported. “These guns are not ours. We do not have a factory here yet we have so many guns coming into the region.”
08.12.2011 Source: The National
Decision due on Yakasa’s removal
THE National Court is expected today to rule on an application by Assistant Police Commissioner (Bougainville) Fred Yakasa to stop his removal as deputy police commissioner operations. The removal was ordered by the National Executive Council. Yakasa, through his lawyer, had argued in court that the NEC did not tell him why he was removed, demoted and sent to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. But the court cautioned Yakasa that what he was pursuing could put his job at risk given that it was normal police practice to obey official orders from superiors. Yakasa argued that he was being demoted without cause, which contravened section 49 of the Police Act. He said under the act, “a person in the deputy commissioner’s post could be removed if he was sick, on leave or become incompetent”. Yakasa argued that his removal did not fall into any one of these categories. In the hearings on Monday and yesterday, state lawyers did not appear. A ruling on the stay application and review is expected today.
07.12.2011 Source: PNG Industry News
Another round of Bougainville negotiations
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has reportedly set up a team to renegotiate the encompassing Bougainville Copper Agreement – a key requirement for possibly re-opening the once mighty Panguna copper-gold mine this decade.
According to The National, Bougainville President John Momis said the decision to renegotiate the BCA as opposed to renew it was because the agreement was “drawn up by parties which were no longer present at the negotiation table”.
Momis reportedly thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for his decision not to exercise his government’s power over mining-related issues on Bougainville Island, and for not approving the renewal of the Panguna special mining lease to Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper.
Panguna was the world’s fourth largest copper mine before it was closed in 1989.
There were around 600 landowners or landowner representatives of the 1980 compensation agreement for the mine – providing plenty of scope for differences of opinion.
If there is sufficient community approval for the mine to be reopened, this task will still be considered a large project even though access roads and port infrastructure remain.
07.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG government accused of interference
A former Papua New Guinea police commissioner is taking legal action against the revocation of his position and says politicians are interfering too much in police appointments.
The former acting deputy commissioner of police operations, Fred Yakasa, suddenly had his position revoked last week, and has been offered a transfer to Bouganville.
Mr Yakasa says it was a government decision and he was given no reason for it.
“There’s unecessary interference in the organisation by politicians. I’m not taking the case to court because I am being dropped as acting deputy. I am basically trying to help lawmakers or otherwise to put some sort of precedent in place where politicians should not be actually kicking us around there must be reasons for revocations.” Fred Yakasa says when there are changes in government, it is often followed by changes in senior police appointments, which is not good for the stability of the organisation.
Fred Yakasa
07.12.2011 Source: The National
2012 National Budget breakdown
Departments – how they fared against the 2011 budget.
* National Parliament – K114,542,200 (K108,058,700)
* Office of the Governor-General – K4,728,600 (K4,825,100)
* Department of Prime Minister and NEC – K70,051,400 (K63,195,800)
* National Statistical Office – K5,807,900 (K4,933,900)
* Office of Bougainville Affairs – K2,448,200 (K2,369,800)
* Department of Finance – K24,165,500 (K22,424,400)
* Treasury and Finance Miscellaneous – K1,271,548,200 (K1,688,550,600)
* Registrar for Political Parties – K6,772,600 (K5,978,300)
* Independent Consumer and Competition Commission – K9,303,800 (K2,012,700)
07.12.2011 Source: The National
Yakasa challenges posting to Bougainville By SAMUEL RAITANO
ASSISTANT police commissioner (Bougainville) Fred Yakasa wants to challenge the National Executive Council’s decision to revoke his appointment as acting deputy police commissioner operations and transfer him to Bougainville. Yakasa’s lawyer yesterday argued that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his cabinet, including Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga, gave no reason for Yakasa’s transfer and demotion from the rank of chief superintendent to the post in Bougainville, which he dubbed as being of an “unattached officer”. Yakasa’s lawyer yesterday sought to have the Waigani National Court grant him leave for a judicial review of the decision by cabinet and to stay the transfer to Bougainville. However, the court told Yakasa to show in court the process surrounding the revocation of such appointments under the Police Act. Justice George Manuhu told Yakasa’s lawyer that the process of removal of the deputy commissioner with the reasons for a revocation would be clearly set out in the Police Act. Manuhu said it should shed light on whether the relevant provisions applied to someone in an “acting” role as deputy commissioner. “It appears to me that you are unable to ascertain the procedure, it would undermine your basis in having an arguable case ... we need to see what the law says. “I am certain there is a procedure for the removal of a deputy commissioner,” Manuhu said.
07.12.2011 Source: The National
Bougainville plans for disaster By STEPHANIE ELIZAH
KEY partners in the Bougainville disaster and emergency network successfully completed two days of training towards drafting of a contingency plan for the disaster-prone Bougainville atolls and Buka Island. The planning workshop was co-facilitated by UNHCR country representative Walpurga Englbrecht and Department of Mining, Policy and Geohazard Management (DMPGM) officer Mathew Moihoi. Englbrecht said the workshop, themed “Planning is everything” aimed to create greater understanding of what contingency planning meant and to build the participants’ confidence to contribute to the drafting of Bougainville’s contingency plan. It is hoped the workshop will strengthen co-operation and improve humanitarian action in preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters particularly related to the atolls and Buka islanders. Welcoming the participants, Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) minister for communication Joseph Nopei said with the various potential disaster activities in Bougainville, contingency planning ensured a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach as was usually the case. “I am happy to say now that the knowledge and skills gained from this exercise are of very crucial value to the region in terms of reducing the impact of disaster activities and importantly mitigating these scenarios,” Nopei said. ABG deputy administrator policy and research Raymond Masono said experience had shown that co-ordination was essential to ensure effective response, address gaps and avoid confusion and overlap. “It is vital that information management and communication systems are well reflected in the evolution of this important document.”
07.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
TB patients on rise in Bougainville By Joseph Morokana
Seven people have died in the last 12 months in the Peit Constituency of Buka as a result of tuberculosis (TB). The victims were from the Solos area of Buka which has a population of about 12,000 people.These deaths were reported by health officers from Gagan Health Centre. Five of the deaths were adults under the ages of 30 while the other was a 40 year-old woman from Gagan village. “There is an unprecedented increase in the last 12 months and the population is facing high risk in contracting TB,” said Sr Stella Toahei, health officer at Gagan Health Centre. Sr Toahei has also said that health authorities in Bougainville had shown a lack of concern for the TB efforts in the autonomous region. “We have faced difficulties in lack of sputum follow-ups, low case detection, patients defaulting and lack of mobility funds for awareness,” Sr Toahei said. She said that 60 patients were now on the TB DOT program and they have an additional 23 new cases in 2011. “The most affected age group are the young mothers from 18 to 24, while children from 1 to 5 years of age, then 24 years to 35 years and the least is 45 years and above.” She said that Peit constituency has a population of 12000 with the village affected most was Gagan with 23 cases, Kohiso 18 cases, Hapan 12 cases, Bekut 8 cases, Bei and Koheno 7, and Sapani, Barikua, Noupan with 6 cases. She said that the recent rise in tuberculosis in the Solos area had given a rise to the TB Prevalence rate to 0.003. She said this was the highest comparing with other constituencies in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The officer in charge of TB at the Buka Hospital has also admitted an increase in the TB patient refers from Solos into Buka Hospital in the last 12 months. “We get around 30 every month in the TB ward,” said Sr Melba Dising, a TB Nurse at the Buka Hospital. She had admitted that Peit Constituency had the highest TB referral on Buka Attempts to get related report on the rise in TB from the Regional TB co-ordinator Mr Alois Pukunei was unsuccessful. However, an officer at the Regional Health Office in Sohano said that it was important for the authorities to step in and combat the upsurge before it was too late.
07.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Chiefs want court role by MELANIE TOLIKEN
Bougainvilleans want their future system of village or community courts to be part of the formal courts of Bougainville where chiefs and women will play a leading role. This was revealed during the recently concluded Village Court Forum in Arawa last week. The forum, attended by about 190 village court officials and district village court officers was held to discuss the findings of a comprehensive review of the village courts in the region by a committee set up by the Bougainville Administration. In November 2010, the Bougainville law and justice working group decided to review the operations of the village courts. A steering committee was formed comprising of the senior provincial magistrate Peter Toliken (chairman), the provincial village courts officer Daniel Timpa, the acting chief executive officer of local level governments Herbert Kimai, the assistant commissioner of police Thomas Eluh and a legal officer of the office of the principal officer Kenton Simpson. AusAID provided advisery and financial support. The review commenced in August 2011 and ran for total of 12 weeks. The review team travelled throughout Bougainville and visited 91 out of 96 village courts in the region to gauge the views of village court officials, district village court officers and Councils of Elders. The review found, among other things, that the people wanted their village courts to be part of the formal Bougainville courts, that priority should be given to chiefs when appointing village magistrates, that there be more women magistrates to reflect their special status in Bougainville society. It also found that the people wanted the courts to be adequately staffed and resourced and for officials and officers to be appropriately remunerated by the Autonomous Bougainville Government. The people also want the village courts to be administered by the dDivision of law and justice and not by the division of local level government as currently is the case. It was also found that all 96 village courts in the region have not been legally established nor have the 960 officials been legally appointed.
07.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Police brush up on skills by Melanie Toliken
Police officers and women in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will now be able to conduct investigations professionally and competently. A first of its kind, police officers graduated from an intensive nine weeks course on investigation. AusAid funded the course while Australian and New Zealand police officers conducted the training. When addressing the graduates senior provincial magistrate Peter Toliken told them that Bougainville had a very young police service and they must aim for excellence in executing their daily duties as police officers. “Do not be content with mediocrity, strive for the best because Bougainville needs you,” he said. He said the courts and the police service would work together because they serve only one purpose and that is to administer justice. Mr Toliken thanked the government of Australia and New Zealand for their continuous support in providing services to the people of Bougainville. The dux of the graduating class was Sheena Cook.
06.12.2011 Source: The National
Bougainville copper deal to be reviewed By STEPHANIE ELIZAH
THE Bougainville government has set up a team to re-negotiate the Bougainville Copper Agreement which covers all operations of the mining activities at the Panguna mine. Bougainville President John Momis said after meetings with the Panguna management consultative committee, both parties had agreed to re-negotiate the BCA with the Bougainville Copper Ltd, the national government and any other interested developer. The decision to re-negotiate the BCA was reached on the consensus that mining would be allowed at Panguna and the BCA must not be reviewed but re-negotiated because the agreement was drawn up by parties which were no longer present at the negotiation table. He said the Autonomous Bougainville Government had undertaken considerable work in consultation with landowners and the national government in preparation for the BCA re-negotiation. Momis commended Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on his decision not to approve the renewal of the Panguna Special Mining Lease (SML) held by the Bougainville Copper Ltd for the past 42 years. “My understanding of this undertaking is that the national government will not exercise powers in relation to any mining related issues, including powers and functions that relate to the BCA and obviously the re-negotiation of this agreement,” Momis said.
06.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Foreign firms must obey rules -Momis By JOYCE TOHUI
BOUGAINVILLE president John Momis said that Bougainville will allow foreigners to do business on their terms — there will be no stand alone businesses. Mr Momis said that is why his government had emphasised strongly on joint venture business and discourages stand alone businesses by foreigners. ‘’Since the crisis Bougainville businesses were buying goods from wholesalers in Papua New Guinea and these companies have made a lot of money but they have never shared any equity to benefit the people,’’ said Mr Momis. He said that is why the Autonomous Bougainville government encouraged the people of Bougainville to go into joint venture businesses and benefit from these activities. ‘’I strongly urged the people of Bougainville not to harshly chase foreign businesses operating in Bougainville but follow procedures already established to address these activities,’’ added Chief Momis. He appealed to the people of Bougainville to accept investor s to invest on Bougainville so that Bougainville can be self reliant economically. Mr Mommis also warned foreign businesses entering Bougainville to adhere to Bougainville’s investment policy. The National Government recently poured in money to help the ABG.
06.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Stick to oil palm: Suako By Fabian Gatana
MEMBER for Torokina Steven Suako has called on the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to actively monitor the Torokina Oil Palm Project to ensure that the project is not being used as a stepping stone for other interests in Torokina’s untapped resources. Mr Suako made the call amidst threats by his people to remove Hakau Investment, the company contracted to do a feasibility study on the project, from Torokina. “Let us be clear from the beginning. I have evidence to prove that it is not only the Oil Palm Project and land acquisition, there are other interests coming into Torokina not for oil palm development but for oil and gas exploration.” “I will ensure that legal clarifications are obtained on current activities associated with the Torokina Oil Palm Project Feasibility study,” he said. He said that in September, he questioned the Bougainville House of Representatives on the four methods of land acquisition being recommended for the Torokina Oil Palm Project which included the Special Agriculture and Business Purpose Lease Act, the Lease – Lease Back Act, the Incorporated Lands Groups Act and the Voluntary Land Registration Act. The member said that there was also a need for ongoing awareness to be conducted by the Bougainville administration and Hakau Investment to educate the people of Torokina on the scope of the study and the purpose of signing documents. “I also call on the Lands Department to play an active role to educate the landowners regarding the types of documents being signed or given to them to sign by Hakau Investment and other interested parties,” he said. Mr Suako said ABG needed to work quickly on its land resource ownership policy and law.
06.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Security to be tight as December 9 decision looms
PAPUA New Guinea’s biggest internal security operation has already begun with the use of highly trained troops strategically positioned around Port Moresby to prevent unexpected trouble this week. This is in anticipation of the decision on the Supreme Court reference on the legitimacy or otherwise of the O’Neill-Namah government which will be handed down this Friday. The National Security Council last week finalised details of both the plans and legal requirements to engage all disciplined forces in the security operation which will also cover strategic locations around the country as well. This was confirmed to the Post-Courier by senior officials over possible political conflicts and contingency plans by the State to contain them. One possibility put to them was possible interference by rogue elements of the disciplined forces with the support of unruly public groupings that were supporters of the current government. A senior official said while the people’s rights of expression were guaranteed by the Constitution but that did not give them the right to infringe on the rights of others and the normal administration of law and order or the business of Parliament and the Courts. So far the most critical responsibility for Parliament will be today’s handing down of the 2012 Budget followed by Friday’s handing down of the Supreme Court reference ruling. Two days later on Monday December 12, is the returnable date for the contempt of the Supreme Court charges against Deputy Prime Minister, Belden Namah, and Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Dr Alan Marat.
06.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Historic K10 billion budget
FINANCE and Treasury Minister, Don Polye, will this afternoon create history by handing down unopposed PNG’s twice postponed but record K10 billion 2012 Budget. This is because the historical bill will pass without scrutiny as expected by Parliamentary convention due to there being no officially recognised Opposition. Parliament tradition and Standing Orders have it that the Opposition is given the right of reply seven days after presentation to critic. The current situation is that no such determination exists. Members of the former Government have simply refused to sit in the Opposition benches pending the decision of the Supreme Court on the reference filed by the East Sepik provincial executive on the legitimacy or otherwise of the O’Neill-Namah government. But they have expressed support for the 2012 expenditure bill as “the people’s budget” adding there was no reason why they should oppose it in view of the pending year end and the need for a legal money supply. They made allowances though saying they would debate certain allocations based on merits but would not oppose its actual or final passage. Mr Polye last week confirmed he was ready to hand down the expenditure bill which he said centred mainly on being balanced in terms of development, infrastructure, administration and recurrent spending on goods and services. Indications from the government yesterday were that they would honor their commitment to the people of PNG with passage of the budget despite uncertainty or unpredictability relating to the pending legal action. Parliament is expected to pass related budget legislation including the crucial sovereign wealth fund (SWF) and bills relevant to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) taxation arrangements and its administration and implementation mechanisms. The same is expected of the free education policy which is a major government driven bill plus increases in especially the health budget as pledged by the government. Equally critical is the needed Organic Law relating to the Equity and Participation Bill passed during the last session of Parliament regarding the 22 provincial women’s seats. All other expenditure estimates and development strategies expected to be contained in the budget are a continuation and in compliance with the current medium term development plan (MTDP). This has been the basis of the design of the past nine budgets. A media budget lock-up is scheduled for 10 am prior to handing down.
05.12.2011 Source: ESBC Research
Last Minute: JSB meeting postponed!
The Joint Supervisory Board meeting (JSB) scheduled for today in Buka has been postponed at last minute and will be rescheduled in 2012. There are two good reasons for this: First, the delayed PNG 2012 budget will be presented to the PNG parliament in Port Moresby only tomorrow. Second: On Friday 9th, the PNG High Court will publish its decision whether the election of the O’Neill government was constitutional or not. It is difficult to understand for outsiders that a government elected by 75 percent of members of parliament might not be constitutional. Should this be the case, the Somare administration, responsible for many of the financial scandals in the past could possibly come back into power.
The JSB meeting might now be rescheduled to take place in January together with the NEC (National Executive Council) in Arawa or otherwise later in February in Buka.
05.12.2011 Source: Asia Sentinel
Beyond the Valley of Tears by Catherine Wilson
Customary landowners mobilize for mining discussions on Bougainville Island
Nestled in a remote valley in the forested mountains of Panguna in Central Bougainville, an autonomous island region in Papua New Guinea (PNG), is what was the world’s largest open cut copper mine. However, a local tribe called the Nasioi in the 1980s became the world’s first such people to shut down an international mining operation in a dispute over environmental destruction, exclusion from consultations and exploitative benefit distribution.
More than 20 years later, customary landowners and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) are preparing to decide if the controversial Panguna mine will reopen. The Panguna copper mine opened in 1969 during Australian administration of the island as a UN Trust Territory. Local landowners were excluded from the mining agreement between the Australian government and Conzinc Rio Tinto Australia (CRA), endured forced community evictions and watched as mine tailings contaminated agricultural land and the nearby Jaba and Kararong rivers, killing fish and poisoning water supplies. The operating company, Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL), is predominantly owned by Rio Tinto (53.6%) and the PNG Government (19.1%). According to an Aid Watch report in 1997, “Of the $1700 million profit the mine generated between 1972 and 1989, the PNG Government received 61.4%, private investors received 32.8% with the traditional landowners obtaining only 1.6%.”
In 1989 the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) blew up the mine’s power pylons following BCL’s refusal to pay local landowners 10 billion kina compensation. A ten year civil war followed between the PNG Defence Forces, BRA and other armed groups on the island resulting in the ruination of towns and villages and estimated death toll of 20,000.
Access to the Panguna mine today is via a checkpoint manned by the Mekamui, who comprise former revolutionary fighters, and a winding road to the top of the Crown Prince Range where the stark edge of the mine pit, 6km long, is visible through the dense forest. The road down the other side enters a broad landscape of gutted mine buildings, silent rusting trucks and mine machinery. Lynette Ona, Panguna landowner and niece of Francis Ona, former leader of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, calls it the ‘valley of tears’ in reference to Richard West’s unflattering history of mining company, Rio Tinto, entitled ‘River of Tears.’
While the decade long conflict remains vivid in people’s memories, indigenous landowners are quietly protecting their communities and attempting to regenerate land. Vegetation is encroaching into the mine pit, a reminder that its excavation necessitated the removal of an entire hunting forest which provided surrounding villages with cuscus and wild pig.
Early in the morning, the dawn breaks clear over the valley where, twenty years ago, villagers contracted and, in some cases, died of asthma due to the profuse dust and endured excessive noise during the mine’s round the clock operation. Today the tranquillity is disturbed by the sound of birds, families busy preparing food, cultivating vegetable gardens and carpenters adapting ruined buildings into family dwellings.
The people of Panguna, who already know the human cost of competition over access to land and natural resources, predicted to intensify as the world’s population rapidly increases, are contemplating how much their lives will change again if mining is allowed back on their land. For islanders, priorities include both economic development and preservation of environment and culture.
Since the 2001 Peace Agreement ended hostilities, the island’s reliance on international aid with limited financial assistance from the PNG Government has seen a slow recovery of infrastructure and public services. Long term political and social stability is now dependent on the ABG guiding equitable development on Bougainville where the population has doubled in the past decade, 97% of people reside in rural areas while most services are centred in the northern town of Buka, and approximately 43% of the population is under 15 years.
Weapons disposal and reconciliation between parties to the civil war is ongoing, but David McLachlan-Karr, UN Resident Co-ordinator in PNG, has stated that: “People will not give up their guns unless they are certain of a stable and prosperous future.”
The ABG, which held preliminary discussions this year with BCL Chairman, Peter Taylor, believes substantial revenues from the Panguna mine will build an economic base ahead of a referendum on political independence from PNG by 2020. There is also intense international interest in the mine, especially from rapidly growing countries in the Asia Pacific, such as China, seeking new sources of raw materials. BCL estimates Panguna contains reserves of 3.5 million tonnes of copper and 12.7 million ounces of gold.
On the expiry of BCL’s forty two year licence for the Panguna Special Mine Lease on 24 November, the company submitted an application for a 21 year extension to the PNG Government.
Chris Damana, Interim Chairman of the Panguna Landowners Association (PLA), an umbrella organisation representing landowners from six mine lease associations, said that factors in their consideration of BCL’s application will include the company’s plans to execute an environmental cleanup, ensure no further damage to customary land, respect the location of current communities, the rights of customary landowners as resource owners and agree to an equitable share of the mine’s revenues.
The critical role of the ABG in co-ordinating the landowners input and setting the agenda for discussions will depend on its ability, as a new government set up in 2005, to build the capacity of its mining department to a sufficiently qualified level and implement mining laws and powers in advance of critical decisions. At present, it is developing new land policies based on traditional concepts of land ownership, while new mining laws are being drafted in association with the World Bank. Mining powers and functions will be transferred from PNG to the Bougainville government after new mining laws are established.
Once an independent environmental study of Panguna has been completed, the ABG and PLA will participate in a review of the Bougainville Copper Agreement with BCL and the PNG Government.
According to a PLA briefing document: “A decision needs to be made soon about the future of the mine so environmental damage, site stabilisation and other outstanding issues can be dealt with properly. In addition, for planning purposes, the ABG and landowners need some certainty about whether or not Panguna mine revenues will be available.”
Outstanding issues include compensation for destruction during the mine’s former operations.
“We must look at those issues, like K10 billion [compensation] still stands, and the damage and the killings of the islanders,” said Lynette Ona, “Nobody has paid that compensation. If the landowners say the company can come and dig the mine, then the rebels will say, well, did you already pay my brothers who died for the crisis and there will be another crisis again.”
A core issue for many landowners is the potential loss and degradation of land, which is a major source of livelihoods.
“My concern is that there won’t be enough land,” said Joanne Dateransi, from Guava Village, located near the rim of the mine pit, “Because Bougainville is only a small island. There is a big scar here and we don’t want the same thing to happen again in the future.”
According to Panguna District Chief, Greg Doraa, traditional thinking promotes the importance of conserving mineral resources below the ground for future generations and he believes that economic development through agriculture and tourism must be explored first.
“We can export taros and sweet potatoes, bananas, water, lots of things,” added Dateransi, reflecting the diversity of local opinion about whether large scale copper mining is the right choice for the island, “We can use those things to boost our economy in Bougainville.”
Bougainville was the largest cocoa producer in Papua New Guinea prior to the civil war, and production has recovered impressively with an output of 15,000 tonnes in 2007.
If the Panguna mine reopens, there will be many challenges for the ABG and landowners, including mitigation against Dutch disease, ensuring transparent use of government revenues and their benefit to all islanders, maintaining the healthy competitive state of other local industries and addressing the impact of mining on currently unsustainable levels of deforestation and resource extraction in the region. Over the ten year period, 1990-2010, PNG lost 8.9% of its forest cover due to large-scale logging, mining and the land pressures of a rapidly increasing population. This is a serious challenge for an island state already experiencing impacts of climate change and alarming rates of natural resource depletion.
As the sun set quickly over Panguna and the generator kicked in to bring light to our dining table on the second floor of a ruined mine building, now a home dwelling, Philip Takaung, President of the Panguna-based Mekamui Government, which retains control of the mine, spoke of another possible future. Takaung envisions this beautiful valley as a tourist destination to promote the local history, natural beauty and indigenous communities and cultures of the area to regional and international visitors.
There is no shortage of people on Bougainville with the inspiration to imagine not one, but many possible paths to a prosperous and peaceful future.
05.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Drug issue must be addressed By JOYCE TOHUI
PROVINCIAL Police Commander, Cletus Tsien has called on the people of Bougainville to work with police to tackle the issues of the illicit drug marijuana and homebrew on the island. He said police alone cannot solve problems affecting Bougainville today but the people can. Commander Tsien said the consumption of marijuana and other beverages in Bougainville remain the same because mere arrests will not stop continuos consumption by offenders. He said key issues must be addressed at the community level in ways of counseling and awareness about the disadvantages to the community , especially the users. Mr Tsien said that police are trying their best in carrying out awareness on the effects of the drugs but it is up to the people to decide on what is good for them. He stressed that it is the responsibility of each individual to respect his or her decisions in order to build a good society. Meanwhile, police have issued a warning to the public not to overload travelling vehicles and have put up roadblocks to enforce traffic rules and have also warned offenders could be charged if they break the rules. The operation is a pre-Christmas readiness operation to help avoid accidents that occurred during the excitement of the festive period and an appeal has been made to the public especially drivers to abide with the traffic rules for their own safety and the lives of their passengers.
05.12.2011 Source: The National
Ceasefire in Bougainville by STEPHANIE ELIZAH
FIVE warring factions in the Konnou constituency of South Bougainville have agreed to lay down their firearms and live in peace. To strengthen this pact, a ceasefire agreement was signed last Tuesday at Mogoroi, Buin, by the commanders of the Mekamui Defence Force (MDF), Wisai Liberation Movement (Wilmo), Mongai, Moikui and Nomororai Freedom factions. MDF commander Damien Koike said he would honour the agreement and ensured that peace was maintained with the other factions. “Everything in Konnou will now be all right,” Koike said. Koike, who commands close to 1,000 guerrillas, alleged to be behind the killing of more than 60 civilians, including women and children since 2004. In response, four factions of veteran fighters combined and took up arms against the MDF. Koike, who refused to elaborate, said the local conflict was “not about law and order issues but political”. Wilmo commander Jacob Potoura said his faction was tired of fighting and needed peace and stability to return to their constituency. “We are happy to have looked into the eyes of our former enemies and forgive each other today,” he said. “It is very important to us.” The ceremony was witnessed by Autonomous Bougainville Government ministers, priests and pastors of the Catholic, United and Seventh-Day Adventist churches, village chiefs, women and children from Buin and Siwai villages. Autonomous Region of Bougainville President John Momis said he was pleased with the decision the factions had taken to reconcile and further agree to lay down their weapons for the overall good of the people of Konnou and Bougainville. The ceasefire agreement contained a number of conditions including:
l Each faction to patrol only within their border until such time as total normalcy returns;
l All parties to respect each other’s resource boundaries and not bear arms when entering the other faction’s boundary for funeral or medical reasons;
l All parties continue to meet to further discuss law and order issues;
l Compensation for those who died during the local conflict will be addressed in future meetings; and
l All parties are to conduct themselves in a way that does not instil fear in the people.
03.12.2012 Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Ceasefire in South Bougainville
FIVE warring factions in Konnou constituency of South Bougainville have agreed to lay down their firearms and live in peace with each other. To strengthen this pact, an agreement to cease fire was signed last Tuesday at Mogoroi in Buin, by the commanders of the Me’ekamui Defence Force (MDF), Wisai Liberation Movement (WILMO), Mongai, Moikui and Nomororai Freedom factions. The ceasefire agreement contained a number of conditions including: - each faction to patrol only within their border until such time as total normalcy returns, - all parties to respect each other’s resource boundaries and not bear arms when entering the other faction’s boundary for funeral or medical reasons. - all parties continue to meet to further discuss law and order issues, - Compensation for those who died during the local conflict will be addressed in future meetings and - All parties are to conduct themselves in a way that does not instil fear in the people of their constituency.
MDF commander Damien Koike assured that he would honour his agreement and ensure that peace is maintained with the other factions. Koike, who commands close to a thousand bush soldiers, was the commander alleged to be behind the killing of more than 60 civilians including women and children since 2004. In response, four factions of veteran fighters combined and took up arms against MDF but Koike, who refused to elaborate said the local conflict was “not about law and order issues but political”. WILMO commander Jacob Potoura said his faction was tired of fighting and needed peace and stability to return to their conflict torn constituency. The ceremony was witnessed by Autonomous Bougainville Government ministers, priests and pastors of the Catholic, United and Seventh Day Adventist churches, village chiefs and women and children from around Buin and nearby Siwai villages. Autonomous Region of Bougainville president John Momis said he was pleased with the decision all factions had taken to reconcile and further agree to lay down their weapons for the overall good of the people of Konnou and Bougainville. United Nations Development Program (UNDP) representative in Bougainville Anthony Agyenta said there is still a lot to be done and encouraged each faction to take ownership of the peace pact signed last week.
02.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
John Momis prepares to return to Panguna
Bougainville President John Momis is preparing to return to Panguna since his abduction 21 years ago.
President Momis was abducted by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army led by the late Francis Ona he was released some months later.
Mr Momis has had a long political career, before becoming President he resigned as Ambassador to China to run for the presidency and he has also been a catholic priest.
Presenter:Geraldine Coutts Speaker:John Momis, Bougainville President
02.12.2011 Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG corruption task force has 33 prominent people on watchlist
A Papua New Guinea corruption task force has put 33 prominent citizens - including politicians - on a watch list, telling the national airline to monitor their travel.
The Task Force Sweep chairman, Sam Koim, told AAP he sent a letter to Air Niugini chief executive Wasantha Kumarasiri last week requesting that the movements of 33 bureaucrats and politicians to be monitored.
PNG’s National newspaper reports former planning minister Paul Tiensten is on the list, as well as prominent business figure, Eremas Wartoto, and national planning secretary, Ruby Zarriga.
Mr Koim won’t confirm which names were on the list.
In September, Mr Tiensten fled to Australia after he was approached by the task force for questioning into more than four million US dollars released to Mr Wartoto to set up an airline.
Task Force Sweep, which was set up by the PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, as one of his first acts of office, says the airline doesn’t exist.
Last month on his return to PNG, Mr Tiensten was charged with misappropriation of funds, conspiracy to defraud the state and abuse of office.
02.12.2011 Source: Australia Network News
Bougainville president makes emotional return
The Bougainville president John Momis is preparing for an historic return to Panguna 21 years after being abducted there.
President Momis was held captive by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, led by the late Francis Ona.
He was released almost six months later.
Mr Momis has returned to Panguna only a few times, but this will be his first visit as president of the autonomous region.
He told Radio Australia how his capture ironically helped shape today's Bougainville.
"In the end it was a cordial relationship," he said.
"Frances Ona actually apologised to me for being held captive and asked me to go and represent the people of Bougainville and work for autonomy with the eventual aim of achieving political independence".
01.12.2011 Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
PNG last in global corruption perception list
Several Pacific countries have scored poorly in a new survey ranking the level of corruption in country's across the globe.
The annual Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International ranks countries on a scale on zero to 10 - with 0 representing total corruption.
Papua New Guinea was the worst performer amongst Pacific countries, scoring 2-point-2.
But the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Kirabati were not far behind, all scoring under 4.
New Zealand was considered the least corrupt country in the world, with a score of 9-point-5.
Presenter:Bruce Hill Speaker:Lawrence Stephens, Transparency International PNG
THE National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government are already in communication over the referendum issue for Bougainville. A committee that was set up by both governments has commenced its work and are now constantly monitoring referendum activities in other parts of the world. National co-ordination office of Bougainville Affairs director Ellison ToWallom, in his speech to the leaders of Bougainville meeting in Port Moresby last week, advised that work has commenced to put the issue into perspective. “Referendum was not on the agenda for discussions between the National Government and the ABG until February 2010. During the JSB at the Gateway Hotel, on February 12, 2010, the ABG put on the table that referendum should be discussed then, rather than later,” Mr ToWallom said. “In retrospect, this was seen by the National Government as a wise move from many different perspectives. The immediate one being that comparative regional and global perspectives on referendum needed to be understood to help the preparations for it.” “At the official level, at least committee is now in operation to do just that. The committee comprises the following officials. National Government members are: * Chief Secretary to Government (chairman) * Director of NCOBA * Secretary, Department of Justice & Attorney General * PNG Electoral Commissioner ABG members: * Chief Administrator * Acting Electoral Commissioner, and * Principal Legal Officer “The work of the committee has commenced and both the director’s office of NCOBA and the Chief Secretary’s office are constantly monitoring referendum activities in other parts of the world. For example, the conduct of the recent referendum in South Sudan and shortly the New Caledonia and Scotland referendum as well,” he said.
01.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Momis visits Carterets By JOYCE TOHUI
THE people of Carterets are now relieved that they have finally seen their president. This is according to chairman of the Hapiu Coe on Carterets Island, Bernard Tunim. Mr Tunim was speaking on Han Island when welcoming the Autonomous Bougainville Government president John Momis and his delegation to the islands recently. “For years his people have wanted to see one of their leaders visit them on their island and the delegation’s trip to the Carterets Islands is good for the people. Now the leaders can see for themselves the level of risk they are faced with everyday because of the rising sea levels,” said Mr Tunim. Mr Tunim said that his people wanted to move to the mainland, however, nothing had been done to make the move feasible and even the land at Karola had not been secured. ‘’My people want to contribute to the economic recovery of Bougainville but would like the Government to fast track some projects that they can be able to participate in,’’ he said.
01.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
Kulunga reigns
NEWLY appointed Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga has reminded his rank and file to remain loyal and committed to the discharge of their constitutional duties and responsibilities come December 9. He said this yesterday when addressing senior officers of the RPNGC at the police headquarters in Konedobu following his confirmation as the 16th Commissioner of Police. In his conclusive remarks after thanking the O’Neill — Namah Government on his confirmation he said: “It will be remiss of me not to make mention of recent events on the political front. The Supreme Court is expected to hand down its decision on the Supreme Court reference filed by the East Sepik Provincial Government on December 9. “Whatever the outcome, I call upon each of you commanders, senior officers and rank and file to remain loyal and committed to the discharge of your constitutional duties and responsibilities. “Be responsible and professional and continue to protect and serve your communities wherever you are.” The National Executive Council had on November 25 confirmed Mr Kulunga as Commissioner of Police. Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa’s appointment as Acting Deputy Commissioner Operations was revoked and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Highlands Simon Kauba was appointed acting Deputy Commissioner Operations. Mr Kulunga said: “Following the vacancy created by Mr Kauba’s appointment I had to quickly make a number of immediate changes within the command structure. “ACP Bougainville Thomas Eluh has been transferred to ACP Highlands, while Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa is transferred to ACP Bougainville. “Superintendent Joseph Tondop is transferred to Lae as Metropolitan Commander. “PPC Morobe Chief Superintendent Peter Guinness is transferred to Met Sup NCD, whilst Chief Superintendent Nema Mondiai takes over as PPC Morobe. Mr Allan Kundi replaces ACP Giossi Labi as ACP Momase. “As disciplined, dedicated and loyal career police officers I expect those affected to carry out these transfer directives without fail,” Mr Kulunga said. He added that he believes in a transparent and honest, strong but fair leadership. “I am a team player and whilst I will provide a transparent, honest, firm and fair leadership, I will do so in close consultation, cooperation and dialogue with all you senior officers. “This is our ship let us overhaul it and sail it together into a brighter and better future, not only for the Royal PNG Constabulary, but for the country as well. “You will also know that I have a zero tolerance level for dishonest, corrupt, unethical, non-performing and undisciplined police officers. So under my watch, if you want to remain in this organisation you have to not only shape up but become a team player as well. “I come in embracing former Commissioner Anthony Wagambie’s declaration of 2011 as the Year of Discipline. In fact I will extend that into 2012 as well. “Discipline is what this organisation is all about and I will keep on emphasising this until we all get this right,” Mr Kulunga said.
01.12.2011 Source: Post-Courier
MRA urged to do work
THE country’s regulatory arm of the mining sector, the Mineral Resources Authority has been urged to perform its task in fast tracking mining related agreements or MOAs due to overwhelming growth in the industry. Mining Minister Byron Chan cautioned that if this was left unattended or pursued on an ad hoc basis it could have severe consequences especially on landowners, developers and other stakeholders. Mr Chan was particularly referring to the Simberi and Lihir MOAs that have dragged on for far too long, over five years together with other mining establishments in the country. He said there must be regular consultative meetings with stakeholders and wanted to see relevant agencies take the lead role in addressing the MOAs. “I want the Inter Agency State Team and MRA to be committed and lead these meetings well. The expressed views by landowners and other stakeholders coming to me as Minister for Mining is actually a wake-up call that MRA and other State agencies to take stock of their actions and improve on their commitment and performance in MOA reviews. “This is because the industry is growing and there is so much work to do. So we have to keep up with the growth in the industry or else all is at stake for us,” Mr Chan said. He has also endorsed and directed for the reviews and consultative forums to be held in many mining areas of the country such as Porgera, Ramu, Wafi, Frieda River and others. “This is because through these forums we can understand our fears and uncertainties and identify opportunities we have so that they are captured in the MOAs. “I cannot think of another easy way out except to allow the process for review and consultation to proceed and happen without bias and no matter how long it takes before we all agree to sign the agreements,” the minister said. Meanwhile, he congratulated Simberi and Lihir landowners for standing firm and showing maturity and patience in the lead up to final stages of the respective agreements they signed.
MDF commander Damien Koike assured that he would honour his agreement and ensure that peace is maintained with the other factions.