The Prime Minister James Marape announced that the Ship Rider Agreement signed with the United States will address some of the challenges faced in the security of our land and Maritime borders. Marape said this before parliament this week stating the Country for quite some time has been facing challenges in terms of the policing of our borders, which has caused significant damage to the economic aspirations the country would like to achieve. “We must deal with illegal and unreported fishing.” “We have transnational trading of illicit substances, including drug trafficking that compromises our borders.” PM Marape added that the Ship Rider agreement will help curb these crimes, given that current security forces of the nation lack the capacity and resources to do so. He said he believes that once the agreement is ratified by the Parliament, it will give effect to operationalize the Ship Rider. Marape further said the agreement, which was distributed to the parliament, was negotiated for Papua New Guineans, by Papua New Guineans. Since 2016, wider consultations were held by different agencies of government, particularly the Department of Justice and Attorney General, office of the state solicitor, PNG Customs, CASA PNG, NAC, Department of Defence, the PNG Defence Force, Transport and Foreign Affairs Department.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that the Medium Term Development Plan No.4 and a full census will be conducted next year. This is following questions raised by Alotau MP, Ricky Morris on clarification of the 4th Medium Term Development plan and the when the census would commence. The Prime Minister announced that they have budgeted K50million for the census to start for which he urged the whole country should participate in. PM Marape commended both the Minister and Vice Minister for National Planning on their efforts in putting together the MTDP #4. “They worked to ensure that this plan is a document that is real, achievable and workable for all of us who will have a stake in this to make better delivery of services to the people.” He stated that having said this, it does not hinder the districts or provinces to tailor their plans for 2023 or activity plans for 2023 whilst awaiting MTDP #4 to be mounted. The Prime Minister further outlined 5 key aspects of development that they would like to better. This includes; 1. Developing better infrastructure 2. Developing the Health Sector 3. Education 4. Economic Growth 5. Law & Order Marape said these core focuses will receive the utmost attention of the National Government, but reiterated that the National plans will have the element of flexibility, meaning they can be localized to suit local situations across the country. “The Final Plan of MTDP #4 will be launched on the 7th of July." "All of you will be invited to participate in the launch that enables the framework that intends to pursue all the National Governments focusses for the next 4-5 years.” The Government is currently undergoing a review of what has transpired over the last three MTDP’s in which a parliamentary leadership team will be established to look into. Marape also invited members of the opposition to take part in this undertaking. "This is to jointly review how the country has fared so far in the Development aspirations of this government and the previous governments by looking into the Human Development Index."

 “The signing of PNG-US Defence Cooperation Agreement document can be seen as a win for the people of PNG and in the interest of the nation.” Prime Minister James Marape declared that this week before National Parliament. PM Marape tabled the much-anticipated DCA whilst acknowledging the interest of the country, following much concern raised regarding the document and any possibility of infringement of the Constitution. The Prime Minister stated that the United States has always been a strategic development partner of the choice in all aspects of bilateral ties, as they share similar interests with the country. “We share significant commonality in our outlook and sense of equity and involvement of our people in our political and legislative landscape.” “We are increasingly becoming aware that the traditional security allegiance is inadequate to cover the current global, regional, and national security challenges.” He added that the DCA and the Ship Rider Agreement are meant to capture some dynamics of a robust and fast changing global security environment to facilitate cooperation in fundamental areas. “Areas such as defence policy coordination, research, development, joint military exercise, education and training, arms procurement, and facilitation of sophisticated military tech.” “This in turn will look to enhance the country’s own defence force.” Pm Marape added his belief that in pursuance, the country needs to connect for peace and prosperity in a globalizing world. He gave reassurance that by signing this agreement, this in no way compromises the country’s bi-lateral relations with any other sovereignty.

Sooner or later, NID'S will become mandatory for job seekers. Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr said this following queries about why Job seekers around the country have been ask to present a NIDs as a valid form of identification. Member for Maprik, Gabriel Kapris raised this concern, referencing reports from the recent police recruitment drive of many youth being turned away due to having no form of NID Identification. Kapris mentioned that the NID cards that the young people were asked to provide, especially in the rural areas are very hard to come by given the lengthy processing time once applications are put through. “Is it a law, passed by Parliament to allow every citizen to provide ID cards [NID] in order to have employment? I’d like the minister to explain to the people of PNG through the Floor, what criteria will the youth follow, should they not be able to provide NID?” Kapris said. In his response, Minister Tsiamalili Jnr stated that for the Police recruitment exclusively, the standard in which the police force is going through is to ensure that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary sets a benchmark for those that they look to recruit. “Everyone has been given ample time to be able to ensure that they’ve got those requirements in place.” “It is not by Law, some of these requirements, but it is a standard the police are applying.” The Minister further advised Parliament that very soon, all government institutions and the private sector will be conforming to using NID as a prerequisite for recruitment of staff. This will be in line with the Internal Security White Paper that will soon be presented to the floor. “NID is the basis for what we would deem to be the genesis for development but is also a part of our country a greater part of our intelligence.” The Minister stated that although it is not legislation, this is to set a standard for future reference.

Now that the National Airports Corporation (NAC) has fallen under the leadership of Acting Managing Director, Joseph Kintau, Minister for Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt said that the NAC is looking to address the financial woes they face. Minister Schnaubelt stated that following the dismissal of Mr. Kiponge from the NAC it was discovered that the NAC was left with only K200, 000 in their accounts. “When we removed Mr. Kiponge and appointed Mr. Kintau, it was discovered that the financial status of the NAC had only K200, 000 in the accounts.” Schanubelt added the change of guard in the NAC that has occurred is not only clinical but also advantageous for the organization. “Unfortunately due the financial disadvantage of the organization we have not been able to continue with the proposed rehabilitation work on airports around the country.” However, he mentioned that later this week, the NAC will make an official announcement on the acquisition of some monies that will go towards the undertaking of their proposed plans. “Since Mr. Kintau has been appointed, we’re working very closely to try to improve the financial capacity of the NAC.” The Minister further said that this will now build the financial capacity of the NAC and they will look to prioritize the Buka, Tokua, Wewak and other Airports that need attention. This was background that the Minister gave before answering the question posed by the Ijivitari MP, David Arore, on his concerns of the current deteriorating status of the Buka Airport. Meanwhile, Arore prior to his question, apologized to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government contingent in the public gallery for his outburst whilst attending an official visit to the region.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru visited the proposed Huon Special Economic Zone (SEZ) site in Lae on Monday where about 190 hectares of land next to the new Lae Wharf is being developed by the PNG Ports. Whilst acknowledging that the work had started, Minister Maru said that there was a lot of work that needed to be done before PNG Ports could apply for an SEZ license and even get tenants into the SEZ. The Minister said there is a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of backfilling of the land, roads, bringing in water and electricity supply, sewerage systems and communications. None of these basic essential utilities are in place at the Huon SEZ site so PNG Ports has a lot to do before they can apply for an SEZ license and attract clients to take up space within the proposed SEZ. “There are already investors who are interested to invest in this proposed SEZ, so I want to encourage PNG Ports to speed up the work.” “We cannot do everything at once so I suggest that PNG Ports concentrate on developing 40 hectares first- put up fencing, bring in water and electricity supply, sewerage system and communications so we can get a license and start marketing the zone.” The Minister said he was pleased by the operation at the wharf, which has certain specifications, including a ship to shore crane with the capability of maximized load and unload timing, making the Lae wharf the only one in the country to have such capabilities. “This has made the port very efficient, resulting in very significant reduction in turnaround time for ships and has also reduced the cost in unloading, which is good for businesses as we need to reduce the cost of doing business in our country.” Minister Maru further added that the freight and handling cost for movement in the country are one of the highest in the world so such equipment and using of latest global technology will help PNG to be much more efficient and will also help to reduce the overall cost of doing business.

Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Manaseh Makiba has called on Parliament to be mindful of the Bougainville peace agreement and the subsequent constitutional amendments contained in part 14 of the constitution of when looking to address the final phase of the Bougainville Peace Process. Minister Makiba made this statement in parliament on Tuesday, stressing that the thought of independence and self-determination of the people of Bougainville pre-existed the country’s independence. “Parliament must give thought of the fact that independence was stressed as one of the choices for the referendum in the BPA for reasons.” “Parliament must be mindful that the Bougainville people’s aspiration for self-determination pre-existed PNG’s independence as well.” He stated that the Bougainville Peace agreement has already achieved by their 3 pillars, Autonomy, Weapons disposal, and Referendum and as they approach the final stages of the Peace process, urged everyone to abide by the due process of law and uphold the final decision of the National Parliament. Minister Makiba noted that at this stage whatever decision the parliament made on the referendum result will still influence the constitution of the country to give practical effect to the decision whether in favour of the independence or to retain the current system. “Should the parliament pass a resolution accepting the results of the referendum, the constitution will need to be amended to allow part of the country to be independent.” He added that should the Parliament refuse to endorse or accept the results of the referendum the constitution will need to be reviewed to maintain the current autonomous government structure or replace it with another.

Ialibu-Pangia MP, Peter O’Neill was today arrested and officially charged by police following allegations of perjury in an official enquiry into the UBS Commission of Inquiry. He was charged with 3 counts of giving false information. Subsequently, three charges were laid on Mr O’Neill today are as follows: • Mr. O'Neill did appear as a witness on the 17th of June 2021 before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Processes and Procedures Followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea into Obtaining the Off-Shore Loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and Related Transactions and given false evidence on oath, that he had “no knowledge whatsoever” of what Oil Search Ltd intended to do with the money paid by the State for the purchase of Oil Search shares in 2014, and that Oil Search Ltd intended to use the money paid by the State for shares in Oil Search Ltd to purchase an interest in PRL-15 Elk Antelope, before the Royal Commission of Inquiry; • Did appear as a witness on the 9th of August 2021 before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Processes and Procedures Followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea into Obtaining the Off-Shore Loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and Related Transactions give false evidence that, “there was never any discussion” about Oil Search Ltd using the money paid by the State for the purchase of shares in Oil Search Ltd to buy an interest in PRL-15 Elk Antelope and “this information did not come to the government’s notice or particularly at the leadership level” before the said Royal Commission of Inquiry; • Did appear as a witness on the 17th of February 202 before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Processes and Procedures Followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea into Obtaining the Off-Shore Loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and Related Transactions give false evidence on oath that “there was never any discussion” about Oil Search Ltd using the money paid by the State for the purchase of shares in Oil Search Limited to buy an interest in PRL-15 Elk Antelope and “this information did not come to government’s notice or in particularly the leadership level” before the said Royal Commission of Inquiry. Police Commissioner, David Manning told PNG HAUSBUNG that this morning, Mr. O’Neill was kind enough to make himself available for questioning by police at the Police Headquarters [PHQ]. “He came in at 10am and the investigators interviewed him, and he complied with all the due process and was cautioned and advised of his rights before his arrest.” “O’Neill was then taken under escort to the Boroko Police station where he was processed and released on bail.” Late last week, the office of the Commissioner circulated a release, summoning the MP to report to PHQ for questioning. This was following investigations into the UBS Commission of Inquiry report where the Police Commissioner stated that police were certain that O’Neill gave false evidence whilst under oath. Meanwhile, Manning further said that as anticipated, a large crowd had also gathered around PHQ this morning, in support of the MP and remained outside for the duration of the time the MP spent in the interview and to Boroko.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary have confirmed the release of the 17 students being held hostage at the Mt. Bosavi area along the Border of both the Hela and Southern Highlands Province. Police Commissioner, David Manning told PNG HAUSBUNG that all students have been released and being medically evacuated out of the Mt. Bosavi area to receive medical treatment at Moro. “We are in the process of extracting them and providing medical attention for them.” “We’ve communicated with those at the PHA and they will be treated at the medical facilities at Moro.” The Commissioner did not specify as to the extent of the injuries sustained by the 17 girls but did mention that now their primary concern is for the welfare of the students’ health and mental welfare and assistance in dealing with the experience that they have gone through. He added that this by no means lessens the RPNGC’s objective in seeking out the kidnappers, stating that they will continue to pursue them to deter any similar situations in the future. “Right now, Police are doing their best to ascertain facts surrounding events that led to the kidnapping.” There are allegations of a ransom being paid to release the hostages, but police have men on the ground conducting the investigations into this to establish the truth behind this.

Former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Peter O’Neill has been called upon by the Royal Papua New Guinean Constabulary (RPNGC) to make himself available to police interrogation for the allegations of perjury in an official enquiry into the UBS Commission of Inquiry. Following investigations into the UBS Commission of Inquiry report, Police Commissioner David Manning has advised that police are certain that O’Neill gave false evidence whilst under oath. “I am appealing to Mr O’Neill to cooperate and make himself available by Monday (12th June) morning to Director Crimes, Chief Inspector Joel Simatab, at the National Police Headquarters in Konedobu.” The Commissioner stated that the objective of the Commission of Inquiry was to establish whether there were breaches of PNG laws and constitutional requirements in the negotiation and approval of the loan, whether the country has suffered as a result of the loan and the person involved can be held accountable for their actions. “After a thorough investigation and assessment of the facts, we are satisfied and have sufficient evidence that Mr O’Neill has perjured the inquiry, thereby committing an offence under the Commission of Inquiry Act of giving false evidence under oath.” T he Police Commissioner thanked the Commission of Inquiry for looking into such a matter of national importance.

Wrapping up the inaugural OFC Women’s Champion League here in the capital  Port Moresby on the final match day at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, it was the hosts Hekari who nailed Labasa FC to come second place to AS Academy Feminine. The Last hurrah for the home side, saw them go 2-0 over a struggling Labasa, all thanks to a Marie Kaipu double. Starting off strong, Hekari pressed the Labasa defence all afternoon, Kaipu opening the scoring in the 12th minute and later in the 28th minute from a spot on cross from Michaelyn Butubu. Labasa also had their fair share of chances, with Captain Jotivini Tabua shooting a free-kick just above the crossbar while Unaisi Tuberi coming close in the second half, only to be taken in a goal saving tackle by Hekari Keeper, Fidelma Watpore. Ramona Padio continued to be a handful in mid-field, wreaking havoc for the Labasa defence to be the final player of the match for the Champions League. Hekari Coach, Erickson Komeng applauded his team’s performance over the championship, unfortunately falling short but has promised that they will learn from their mistakes and work towards the next tournament. “We’ll take a lot out of the tournament and hope for a positive start for the national league and hopefully qualify in the next women’s champion’s league. We are gonna take a lot of positives out of the tournament.” He made mention that now with the experience that they have gained from this tournament, he is sure this will make them hungrier to work harder for the next regional event.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is putting together a team to attend to the recent kidnapping of 17 school girls by criminals at the Mt. Bosavi area bordering Southern Highlands and Hela provinces. Commissioner of Police, David Manning advised that the RPNGC is mobilizing officers from the capital to be deployed into the Mt. Bosavi area to assist local officers in rescuing the kidnapped school girls and apprehend the suspects involved. They will also be considering assistance from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF). “Local forces have already been deployed to address the situation, at the same time we are mustering officers here from Port Moresby to be deployed into the area.” Earlier this week a group of men, believed to number around 40, kidnapped 17 female school students and are currently holding them hostage and demanding K40, 000 in ransom for the students. This is the second kidnapping incident that has occurred in recent months in the same area, the previous being that of the foreign national lecturer and university students who were doing research work at Mt. Bosavi. Manning also stated that the follow up activities of the first kidnapping didn’t take place, thus the criminals took advantage of the situation and have gone to commit this next crime of kidnapping the schools girls. However, he has advised that Police will not stop until they apprehend the criminals responsible for the kidnapping and safely extract the girls and return them to their families.