The Opposition has made an urgent plea to the Prime Minister to seriously take drastic measures to address the deteriorating law and order situation in the country following the recent murder of a large number of men by their rival tribal group over the weekend in the Enga province. In a press conference held after the parliament sitting, the Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa said that Prime Minister (PM) James Marape must not turn a blind eye to this extremely violent incident and other pressing law and order issues currently experienced in the country. “We today have made a call very…
Author: Emmanuel MAIPE
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape in Parliament this morning assured the house that his government continues to work towards improving law enforcement to address the law and order and tribal fighting situation in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The prime minister in his response to a series of questions from the Member for Vanimo Green Belden Namah, said one of the actions taken was to ensure consistency in the office of the Police Commissioner. He said in the past 8 years there have been 4 police commissioners, stating that there is no consistency in the office, hence police needs to have…
The assurance given by the president of the National Capital District (NCD) PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) Association to work with police to get justice for the bus driver shot by police over the weekend, although appreciated, was met with some resentments from the bus drivers. This is because the PMV drivers claim that their association has not been effective enough in bringing forth their issues and concerns raised over the years to the authorities, like it should have. A PMV drivers’ spokesperson, Mr. Linsten Kera, said matters like the building of newer bus stops to cater for the growing number…
The Governor for Oro province wants the government to take a tougher approach in law enforcement to address what he says is the alarming increase in the activities of manufacturing and distribution of hard drugs in the country. Governor Gary Juffa during grievance debate in parliament last Friday 16th February, told parliament that Papua New Guinea (PNG) used to be a transit point, but today it has become a production point for these illegal hard drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. These he says are very addictive drugs and cheap to sell on streets. “This is frightening, in the past…
The Opposition remains steadfast to move a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion against the incumbent prime minister, despite a show of strength by the government this week with a Vote of Confidence on the floor of parliament, showing support for Prime Minister (PM) James Marape. The Opposition Leader and Member for Kiriwina- Goodenough Open, Douglas Tomuriesa, described the government’s move for a motion for the Vote of Confidence on Thursday 15th February as a gimmick as the Constitution is superior to the parliamentary standing orders. He also went on to say that the motion of a Vote of Confidence…
The prime minister has assured Parliament that a long term solution is being looked at in the form of an alternate fuel supplier, now that the current situation being faced with Puma Energy PNG is about to get worse. However, Prime Minister James Marape said he was disappointed that despite a K2million put into funding a consultation, which included the Bank of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to look into what was the illegality of Puma’s existence in PNG, a final report has not been presented on the findings yet. He said BPNG has yet to come forth with the reasons…
The topic of Christianity was hotly debated in parliament yesterday afternoon after the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Pila Niningi, presented a bill to amend the Constitution to declare Papua New Guinea (PNG) a Christian Country. The Minister said that this proposed amendment to the Constitution should not be a surprise to anyone because the 2011 Censors showed that 96% of Papua New Guineans align themselves to the Christian Faith and therefore, it is imperative that this fact be anchored in the Constitution. It is for this reason that in 2020, the National Executive Council (NEC) in its…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has thanked the Members of Parliament and his coalition for having faith in his leadership and voting in confidence of his leadership today on the floor of Parliament. Marape, when giving his statement after the Vote of Confidence where the majority of Leaders voted for him, said there is much to deliver this year and that every Member needs to focus on this instead of trying to weaken the government through a Vote of No Confidence (VONC). Marape also said that the vote of 84 to 0 shows also the number of the government as…
The Opposition has walked out of the Parliament chambers in protest after the Speaker of Parliament made a ruling to entertain a Vote of Confidence in Prime Minister James Marape. The Opposition argued that the move by Minister for Government Business, Rainbo Paita, to hold a Vote of Confidence was no part of Parliament procedures, but the Speaker said the precedence was already set in previous parliaments and will go through with it. The Speaker allowed the vote to go ahead with the majority of the Members of Parliament voting in favor of Prime Minister James Marape, 84 to 0.…
The prime minister has given assurance to parliament that allegations made about abuse of funds from the Connect PNG program will be fully investigated starting with the Department of Works (DOW). Prime Minister (PM) James Marape when responding to question from Member for Ialibu Pangia Peter O’Neill, said the Finance Department has been called to conduct an independent audit into DOW and anyone found to be involved in corrupt dealings will be dealt with. “We will get a full look into what is happening, a full inquiry into it.” The MP for Ialibu Pangia asked the PM to tell the…