“LO’s ON PM” – Ruth Rungula
LNG landowners say the nation has deprived them the opportunity to have Prime Minister, Peter O&rsquO’Neill visit them.
They raised this concern yesterday after a planned visit by the Prime Minister to Hela Province last month never eventuated because of the current political crisis.
They say the government owes them much in UBSA and LBSA commitMen’s and their expectations to meet and talk with the Prime Minister have been eroded by what they termed as selfish leaders who are trying to advance their political agendas by disturbing the work of the current Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill.
“MELANESIANS UNITE” – Fabian Hakalits
The 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture has united Melanesians with a display of different cultural and traditional performances. While some are rare, most are commonly performed for different events.
The Festival is not only centered in the Festival Village in Port Moresby, but also outside the capital city, including the other satellite venues of Alotau, Kokopo, Mount Hagen and Wewak. Day twelve of the Festival sees a growing crowd each day as more come to be part of the activities.
Laloki in Central Province hosted contingents for the first time. The New Caledonians were the first to provide entertainment, followed by the West New Britain warrior dancers.
“EHP REMOTE PROJECTS” – Bridgette Komatep
The people of remote Tirokave, Sonofi and Tentegrema in the Kainantu and Henganofi Districts of Eastern Highlands Province will soon open new houses and classrooms for teachers.
Sophia Totona Foundation, an NGO group, partnered with the local communities to build the 6 teachers’ houses and classrooms. They will be launched this Friday.
Director and founder Berldon Timah said it was sad to see a lack of development in these villages. His company T-Rocks Construction supported the Sophia Totona Foundation to build these infrastructures for the community.
Those expected to attend the launch include Education Minister Nick Kuman, Works Minister Francis Awesa, Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso and other Open Members of Eastern Highlands Province.
“UPDATE ON PRIEST MURDERS” – Jack Lapauve Jnr.
Bishop Rochus Tatamai of Bereina Diocese expressed disappointment over the delay of the police report on the killing of Father Jerry Inau in the mountains of Goilala in Central Province.
Bishop Rochus said police had run out of funds and left the area without producing a report to the local Catholic Diocese.
He called on the police to continue the investigations, as it becomes harder for local leaders to stop spiraling retaliation among the people.
It’s been a month since the killing of Fr Inau at Kamulai village.
Goilala MP Daniel Mona is calling on the police hierarchy to seek operation funds and not depend on the district funding.
Meanwhile, Bishop Rochus said the church will continue to provide basic education and health services in the area despite tribal fights, payback killings and high consumption of marijuana by the locals.
“ADRIAN PANG” – Tere Alex
PNG born, Australian-based fighter, Adrian Pang, has officially joined the roster of premier Asian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion, ‘ONE Fighting Championships’.
ONE Fighting Championships has continued to expand its roster, signing seven new fighters including Irina Mazepa and Hiroshige Tanaka.
Pang’s last fight was a vicious first round TKO over high-ranking Jai Bradley, back in June, 2013. The 36-year old lightweight has compiled an MMA record of 20-8-2 fighting across the globe.
Pang is the owner of Integrated MMA and he recently appeared as the striking coach for Team Australia on Ultimate Fighter. Pang has held multiple professional MMA titles which include Warriors Realm Lightweight, Australasian Lightweight, Cage Fighting Championships and World Lightweight, along with being a two-time Asia Pacific Lightweight Champion. Pang said he’s proud of his country of birth, PNG, and once again looks forward to representing PNG on the World Stage.
“HOUSING INITIATIVE” – Ruth Rungula
NEC has approved an integrated housing initiative that will provide affordable housing for Papua New Guineans in both urban and rural areas.
This initiative will see land in urban areas being freed to resettle working Papua New Guineans who cannot afford housing in the city or town.
Prime Minister Peter O&rsquO’Neill announced this today in a statement, saying it will also ensure 40 houses are built in each of the 89 districts in the country by 2017.
The initiative is to be called the National Affordable Land and Housing Initiative and the government is making available K270 million for both this program and the district housing program.
The initiative will integrate the housing program recently announced by Housing Minister Paul Isikiel and will complement the housing project being developed by the government in partnership with Bank South Pacific.
“RAPE SUSPECT” – Bethanie Harriman
Lae Police are searching for a man in his early 20’s, wanted for raping a 6-year-old girl in 2012.
John Kaupa is out on the run after the National Court served a bench warrant for his arrest.
He has been charged by the National Courts for grievous bodily harm and sexual penetration of a minor.
“POLICE APPEAL” – Jack Lapauve Jnr.
Deputy Police Commissioner and NCD Chief of Operations, Jim Andrews, is appealing to the immediate family and friends of a suspect wanted by police for the brutal murder of a senior foreign affairs officer.
Mr Andrews said the person committed a serious crime and should come forward for investigation.
Commander Andrews told EM TV that the suspect is still on the run since committing the crime over the weekend.
Police believe the killing is work-related. The suspect is Billy Pokea from Southern Highlands.
