The Student Representative Council president (SRC) from the University of Papua New Guinea has made it clear that the notice (toksave) for the Prime Minister to meet with the University that was circulated on social media is false.
SRC president Luther Kising said, whatever that was mentioned in the notice regarding the Prime Minister James Marape’s visit to the school is false and was not aware of the arrangements.
He said, PM Marape is currently in Morobe province discussing matters regarding the opening of the Wafi Golpu Mine.
“I would like to tell you guys that, that information is unverified and false. I did not receive any letter from the PM letting me know that he will come to UPNG, now, the PM and other members are in Morobe.”
“We are not sure when he will come back to address the students, but for now let’s be content with the SRC and focus on our studies.”
Despite this, Kising presented and read the response to the students following their two petitions addressed to the government.
The first petition was about the rescheduling of the exams which was approved by the university and the second petition was addressed to the government regarding the US-PNG Security Pact.
Kising said, the Department of Defense responded to the second petition that consisted of 10 points which includes:
1. Sovereignty Concerns
2. Regional Dynamics
3. Environmental Impact
4. Unequal Partnerships
5. Cultural and Social Consideration
6. Resource Allocation
7. Political Dynamics
8. Transparency & Accountability
9. Long-Term Commitments &
10. Economic Opportunities
The response to the petition was that the negotiation commenced back in 2020 and concluded this year 2023 with the signing of the DCA agreement.
The signing of this agreement stirred up a lot of worries concerning our sovereignty which was the first point addressed with the response, “there will be no invasions by the United States. “PNG has its own laws, governed by its sovereignty and it’s guided by its own laws.”
With regards to point number 4, the response was, “PNG is legislating its equal status as a sovereign nation to the established Melanesians with its partners (partners for this case, US) top safeguard the very foundation of PNG sovereignty.”
“We make the article and other aspects part at the equal standing negotiating issues of our national interest.”
The response also stated that a review will also take place after they operationalize this agreement.
He Dept of Defense have also assured the student through the response that, the government is seeking opportunities to maximize their potential and open doors or create career pathways for every citizen through education, employment, science, and sports.
The DCA will also allow every citizen to gain knowledge from the US experts to develop our own national Security of science experts.
Meanwhile, SRC President Kissing has made it clear that, school has returned to its normal activities and students caught in any protest acts will be dealt with accordingly by the school administration.