“LUTHERAN SOLD OUT” – Bethanie Harriman
Suspended Workers of the Lutheran Shipping Company met with Morobe Executive Council members today after a tussle with liquidators. It is understood that a deal has been signed to release the company’s wharf area at Lae’s Voco point to East New Britain Port Services. The workers are against it and the Morobe Provincial government backs them.
“MAJOR WALIA TOMOLA STEPS DOWN” – Bernadette Efi
Defence Force soldiers from Delta Company Two R-P-I-R in Wewak have a new commanding officer relieving Major Walia Tomola. Major Walia Tomola from East New Britain served in the Defence force for over 24 years.
Major Tomola accompanied his troops to Porgera a month ago and was recalled back to Wewak Moem barracks to oversee security arrangements for the South Pacific Festival of Arts and the Japanese Ambassador’s visit to East Sepik Province.
He has commended his soldiers for performing up to expectations and, mostly, for maintaining conduct during the call out Operation in Porgera.
“KULUNGA’S FATE” – Mickey Kavera
Police Commissioner Toami Kulunga will still appear before the National Court this Friday to find out his fate on contempt charges. His lawyers tried unsuccessfully this morning to appeal the conviction in the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Salamo Injia says the decision is in the best interests of the Judiciary. The contempt ruling was made by Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika, who will hand down his decision this Friday.
Mr. Kulunga’s contempt charges relate to the failure to install Geoffrey Vaki as assistant commissioner as ordered by the courts.
“OFFICERS TO BE CHARGED” – Michelle Amba
The two police officers in NCD, who were implicated for illegally using and damaging an impounded vehicle, are yet to be charged. More than 2 weeks after the incident, attempts by the owner of the vehicle to get these officers charged have been unsuccessful; nothing has been done.
Owner of the vehicle, Steven Punagi, told EMTV today that it has been frustrating trying to ensure that those responsible face the consequence of their actions.
Mr. Punagi said he won’t remove his damaged vehicle from Gordons Police Station until those implicated are formally charged.
It is understood that acting NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Perou N’Dranou has received a report and is aware of the issue.
