Briefs
PM happy with Sir Mekere
PRIME Minister James Marape says his Government is similar to the 1999 Sir Mekere Morauta-led regime’s which had economic policies that rescued the national economy. “We are very glad to have Sir Mekere in our Government,” he said. “Some of the financial reforms that he had put in place from 1999 to 2002 is benefitting the nation now.”
Minister receives petition
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven received a petition from women who staged a peaceful protest march to Parliament and said gender-based violence was an epidemic and pandemic in PNG. Steven said it was alarming as PNG had the highest rate of gender-based violence in the Pacific region.
Injury sends three to court
THREE MEN appeared in the Waigani Committal Court on Sept 3 after they allegedly injured two people outside a retail shop in Port Moresby. Sammy Robin, 25, from Kaul village, Sumkar, Madang; Michael Masem, 28, from Langlang village, Sumkar, Madang; and Leana Tau, 25, from Hula village, Rigo, Central, allegedly committed the offence on July 26 at Taurama Valley, Buda-Makana Street, Port Moresby. The case has been adjourned to Oct 4 for mention.
Tribe launch association
THREE major clans in Denglagu area at the foot of Mt Wilhelm in Chimbu launched their first community development association on Aug 30. The clan – Kokomie, Pokodame and Tombogl – from the Mauglauk tribe of Mitnande local level government. The tribe formed Kopoto Community Development Association to solicit external financial and material support to carry out community development and self-help projects to improve their standard of living.
Governor calls for unity
CHIMBU Governor Michael Dua has urged the 20 council presidents in the province to work in unity with the district and provincial governments to effect change and bring development to their respective local level governments. Dua welcomed the 19 presidents during their swearing in as members of the Simbu provincial assembly in Kundiawa last week.
MP contemplates split
ALOTAU is the only district in the country that has seven local level governments, says Alotau MP Charles Abel. Abel, who is also the Finance Minister, said the Boundaries Commission authorities were appointed but work had yet to start. He said the district based on population and land mass should qualify for a new electorate.
Beaten over break-and-enter
A MAN nearly died from the beating he got after he was caught breaking into Apin An Trading, Taurama Foodland in Port Moresby on Aug 27. The man, from Eastern Highlands, entered the shop through the roof and stole boxes of cigarettes totalling K10,579.30. He is to appear in court on Oct 2.
Man charged over damages
A MAN from Western Highlands was arrested after he allegedly led a mob to ransack and destroy a property on disputed land. Kelly Peng, 37, from Kelua Two village, Hagen Central in Western Highlands, appeared in the Waigani Committal Court on Sept 5, charged with unlawful damage of property. Peng will appear in court on Oct 8.