Diplomat Dusava to contest

EAST Sepik has lost its way of genuine pasin (character), trust and leadership, diplomat Gabriel Dusava says.
“In the last 10 years, we have seen a total disintegration of respect, dignity and non-inclusion of our people in decisions that affect their land and its use.
“I want to restore the engaging spirit of Yangoru-Saussia,” he said after submitting his nomination papers to contest in the district in teh 2022 general election.
“Yangoru-Saussia society has always been deeply rooted in tradition and customs, respect and integrity of leadership which are openly discussed and recognised in the Rambu/man’s house or expressed at the Kumainge, the playground by recognised ‘bigmen’ (tribal or clan leaders).
“The decisions in the community are, therefore, based on consultation and consensus.
“This process must be respected and adopted in the modern 21st Century leadership here.
“This tokples (district language) or other custom or traditional ways of communications and dialogue, including songs in the tokples and expressions of Yangoru-Saussia arts, such as in the making of Wurus/bilum must be retained and taught in specific cultural centres in the district.
“None of such centre has been established in the last 10 years, despite calls for such centres to be funded and built.
“I am determined to restore true Yangoru-Saussia leadership and set up a fund for the promotion of Yangoru-Saussia arts and culture centres.”

Police HQ ready for elections

THE Ralum police headquarters is now operation as New Guinea Islands (NGI) prepare for the general election polling and counting from July 2 to July 29.
NGI commander Assistant Commissioner Perou N’dranou said at the opening of the headquarters on Wednesday that the command centre would cover East New Britain’s Kokopo, West New Britain, Manus and New Ireland.
“We want to make ensure the election is free from violence and other election- related offences,” he added.
N’dranou also said the provincial commanders would submit their updated election reports to the headquarters’ command centre.
West New Britain commander Chief Inspector John Allan Tara said the establishment of the command centre was a good start for all and “we are looking forward to start submitting our reports starting Wednesday”.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 security personnel will be deployed in NGI for GE22.
Mobile squad 17 and 18 from Tomaringa barracks will be deployed to West New Britain, New Ireland and Manus.

Journalist ventures into politics to bring change to Gulf

Lino left speechless … People from all corners of Enga flocked to Wabag yesterday to show their support for incumbent Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom. Tom was speechless as he stood on the stage seeing them singing, dancing and chanting in the sun. He told the people that the future of Wabag depended on quality education and better health services, which he stood for. Lino added that the country would prosper when leaders were honest in leading the very people who gave them the mandate.

JOURNALIST and sports administrator Martin Liri has been nominated to contest the Gulf provincial seat as an Independent.
From Lese Kavora, the 56-year-old former secondary school teacher called on Papua New Guineans to exercise great care when casting their ballots from July 2 to 22.
Liri filed his nomination papers in Kerema on Wednesday, supported by relatives and others who want change in Gulf.
Liri got closer to the workings of politics when he served as the executive officer to Kagua-Erave MP Wesley Raminai, who was Sports vice-minister.
When Raminai was promoted to Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology & Sports Minister, Liri was elevated to second secretary and networking with Government agencies was his primary task.
“It is quite a daunting task trying to enter politics if one does not have political party support which is critical, especially for funding purposes in an environment where it is quite expensive,” he said.
“But I am grateful for funding from friends and hopeful of further support as we enter the campaign period.
“One of the pillars of journalism, is among others, to advocate for improvements in the lives of our people through our writing, our commentaries, our involvement with groups advocating for similar objectives.
“Our aim (as journalists) is to highlight issues and call on relevant Government and private agencies to take serious efforts to correct things.
“In most cases than not, the political leadership becomes the go-to source to get relevant interventions moving.
“However it gets to a stage where if the advocacy is ineffective, other options become available, like venturing into politics to get into the leadership space.
“Should we demand a lot more effectiveness in how Government allocated funds available for development purposes are being expanded, and mostly importantly if other developmental initiatives funded through other foreign agencies are being sourced to support an already fully-stretched budget.”