Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to a nuclear-free and peaceful Pacific region during the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The CTBT aims to ban all nuclear explosions worldwide, enhancing global security and promoting disarmament. In a powerful address, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts towards global peace. He expressed gratitude to the Friends of the CTBT for including Papua New Guinea in the initiative, stating, “I take this opportunity to thank the Friends of the CTBT for extending the invitation to Papua New Guinea…
Author: Joshua ARLO
PNG’s Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa, has called on Members of Parliament, particularly the Prime Minister and Ministers, to exercise caution before filing cybercrime complaints with the Police. This reminder follows a notable rise in cybercrime cases stemming from complaints made by the Prime Minister and other politicians regarding social media commentary. “It has become a worrying trend to see individuals expressing any form of criticism or comments against the Prime Minister or other government leaders getting arrested by police and having to defend themselves in court with minimal resources,” said Tomuriesa, adding that while unsubstantiated criticism can be frustrating, it…
Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara and its autonomy plan, recognizing it as the sole viable solution to the long-standing regional dispute. This conflict dates back to the mid-20th century when Morocco claimed sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory that has seen significant tension and differing views on self-determination. Tkatchenko made these statements during a meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 70th United Nations General Assembly currently being held in New York city. Both…
West New Britain (WNB) Governor Sasindran Muthuvel has raised concerns over significant delays in the release of essential funds, which are hindering the province’s development. Speaking after presenting a K200, 000 PSIP grant to the WNB School of Nursing, Muthuvel noted that the school had not received any operational funding from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) in 2024. Principal Mrs. Molly Marava had highlighted the troubling situation, confirming that the Nursing college has not received any operational funds from DHERST since the start of 2024. For all of this year, the WNB School of Nursing…
Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Managing Director, Jerry Garry, has encouraged Papua New Guinea’s alluvial gold miners to diversify, reinvest, and manage their earnings better to reach their full financial potential. Speaking at the 6th Alluvial Mining Convention & Trade Show 2024 in Goroka, Garry said miners have the opportunity to become billionaires if they broaden their business ventures beyond gold mining. Garry shared the inspiring story of Placer Dome, a company that began in PNG’s Wau-Bulolo gold fields in 1926. Two expatriates, an Australian and a New Zealander, recognized the abundance of gold in the area and formed Placer Development…
Police Commissioner David Manning has welcomed news of jail time for a syndicate after a drug bust. The penalties recently handed down to these drug smugglers, including a foreigner sentenced to 19 years in a PNG jail, sends a clear message to drug smugglers attempting to use PNG for contraband that they will be caught and face long sentences, says the Police Commissioner. “Gone are the days where foreign criminals can trash our sovereignty and think they can just walk free. Today they will be caught and learn what hard justice is all about,” Manning stated. “The National Court has…
Police personnel from the Major Crimes Unit are being transferred to the Criminal Investigations Directorate in Boroko amidst allegations of improper influence by organized criminal groups. This sweeping move, announced in a statement by Police Commissioner David Manning, follows reports of significant integrity breaches within the unit. Commissioner Manning explained that internal investigations have revealed “a systemic breakdown in integrity and command by some elements within the Major Crimes Unit.” The influence of criminal organizations over key investigations has led to the decision to reassign all personnel, with ongoing cases being transferred for independent review. “I am particularly concerned by…
Oro (Northern) Governor Garry Juffa has strongly condemned the recent violent attack on health workers in Popondetta earlier this month, September, highlighting the urgent need for protection for those serving in the community. In a recent statement, Juffa expressed his outrage at the brutal assault on Marina Kambakle, a dedicated nursing sister at Popondetta General Hospital, who has been serving since 2016. On the same day, pharmacist Presley Aku and Health Extension Officer (HEO) Rose Kona were also held at gunpoint by unidentified assailants outside the town. “This animalistic act of terror towards our health workers is not only an…
In a decisive move to combat escalating violence in Enga Province, the Governor-General has declared, through a National Executive Council decision, a National Emergency in the electorates of Porgera-Paiela, Kompiam-Ambum, and Wapenamanda. The declaration follows a series of violent confrontations between illegal settlers and local communities, prompting urgent action from the government. Minister for Police, Peter Tsiamalili, Jnr, confirms the emergency declaration, emphasizing its necessity in addressing the violence that has plagued the province. “The situation between the people involved, that is generational conflict in nature, has deteriorated again, and the heavy hand of the law must again intervene to…
Oro Police will crack down on cybercrime, especially targeting those spreading false information on social media. Oro Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Ewai Segi, today warned that offenders using online platforms to cause unrest or defame progress will face the full force of the law under the Cyber Crimes Act. “I am all for freedom of speech, but those spreading defamatory and disaffection statements must stop or be prosecuted,” PPC Segi stated. He explained that misleading content creates tension and affects essential services like power, water, health, and education. “The dissemination of misleading content can sow discord and create unnecessary tension…