“More gun control action is needed to address the growing issue of national gun-related violence in the country.” This has been highlighted by Prime Minister James Marape and conveyed by Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko at the recent opening of the National Workshop on Coordination Mechanisms and Comprehensive National Strategy on Small Arms Control in Port Moresby. The Minister said there is great need for outcomes and action on National Gun Violence issues, when affirming political will to do so from the government as a result of assertions of instances of political sponsorship of weapons. “It is the big issue…
Author: Joshua ARLO
Police have been ordered by the Prime Minister to look into threats against Opposition Member and Member for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu following an official complaint Mr Iduhu laid with the office of the Commissioner of Police. The MP is reported to have received threats via his personal phone number, directed at his family. Prime Minister James Marape, has strongly condemned this, further denouncing any threats on Members of Parliament. “I have directed the police to thoroughly investigate these allegations and to prosecute the offender accordingly.” “My leadership has encountered challenges from Opposition leaders since June 2019, but prior to 2024,…
The National Court in Waigani dismissed an attempt by Ambunti-Drekikir MP Johnson Wapupai to have the Commissioner of Police served with contempt charges, deeming it an abuse of process. Justice John Carey not only dismissed the application on Saturday morning but also recommended Mr. Wapupai’s lawyer, David Dotaona, be referred to the PNG Law Society for unprofessional conduct. This follows the National Court orders for the Police Commissioner and the State through the office of the Solicitor General to join the proceeding which contained ‘very serious’ allegations against Mr. Manning. The urgent application by Mr. Wapupai and a non-commissioned officer,…
Former Acting Managing Director of the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), William Lakain, received commendation for achieving significant milestones during his tenure, including the development of crucial national plans and guidelines. Minister for Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change, Simo Kilepa, praised Lakain’s efforts, conveyed by his First Secretary Motsy David during Friday’s handover event to newly appointed acting MD, Debra Sungi. Ms. Sungi will serve in this role for three months while the position is advertised to be filled with a permanent appointment. The small, but significant leadership transition handover ceremony was also witnessed by CCDA management. Mr. David,…
The agriculture sector is expected to yield a critical target of a K30 billion growth in the country’s economy by 2027, which will see the creation of a million jobs in the sector alone. This ambitious goal was announced by Prime Minister James Marape during the closing ceremony of a two-day Department of Agriculture and Sub-sector Agencies Meeting in Port Moresby. Key figures in attendance included Agriculture Minister John Boito, Oil Palm Minister Francis Maneke, and Agriculture Secretary Dr. Sergie Bang, alongside leaders from various agricultural commodity boards. Prime Minister Marape told them that this anticipated milestone achievement is in…
Former policeman, 35-year-old Komeng Gubag, guilty of a double murder in Port Moresby, is now behind bars serving his 60 years jail term after his sentence was handed down yesterday in court. Two years ago, drunk, and off-duty, and armed with a firearm, he gunned down 50 year old Ivan Nelson and 25 year old Laki Yamo, at 6pm on 23rd of October 2021 at the Ensisi settlement. Nelson was walking down a slope when Gubag shot him in the chest while Yamo who was at the scene was shot in the head and killed. Following this tragic incident, police…
Papua New Guinea is looking forward to hosting a 2nd bilateral policy consultation meeting with the Philippines in 2026. This follows the successful inaugural PNG-Philippines Bilateral Policy Consultation and Meeting in Manila, Philippines on April 4 between PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko and the Republic of Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique A Manalo. Minister Justin Tkatchenko said he is satisfied with current cooperation agreements negotiated with the Philippines so far and looks forward to expanding and diversifying their mutual interests. The inaugural policy consultation followed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reached on the margins of the 2023 APEC…
Police Commissioner David Manning will serve another four years in his current role. His reappointment, in a gazetted National Executive Decision, was affected on Tuesday following Governor General Sir Bob Dadae signing Mr Manning’s employment contract at Government House, Konedobu, NCD. Manning has made leaps in boosting upskilling of police personnel, resource police infrastructure, and improving senior police commands in the country to build up policing capacity, amongst other achievements since taking office. The signing was witnessed by Taies Sansan, Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management. Other senior public servants whose employment contracts were also signed and witnessed as…
PNG’s Defense Secretary Hari John Akipe has thanked Australia for the provision of a 100-men accommodation facility at Moem Barracks, East Sepik, built by the Australian government through funding under the Australia-PNG Defence Cooperation Program. The facility, handed over to the PNG Defence Force recently represents a significant long-term investment in strengthening the PNGDF, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations. Speaking on behalf of Secretary Akipe, and the PNG Defence organization at the handover ceremony, Deputy Defense Secretary Simon Tunapai said this gesture marks another chapter in the historic partnership between PNG and Australia, exemplifying ongoing support in…
PNG is still deliberating on China’s offer to provide security aid. China offered in January to assist PNG’s police force with training, equipment, and surveillance technology following the riots that beset the nation’s capital. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says PNG is still holding initial talks on China’s proposal. He maintained that PNG views China a friend, and its biggest trading and economic partner, but highlighted PNG’s sovereignty in keeping balanced relations with international partners. The minister pointed this out in Manila where he recently had bilateral talks with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, where both nations…