Juffa wants resource laws reviewed

NORTHERN Governor Gary Juffa wants new Prime Minister James Marape to review the resource laws to protect PNG’s land and resources.
“The current laws are colonial laws made to benefit others. Only those owning the economy design the future and right now we don’t own the economy,” he said.
“Foreigners own our economy and are designing our future. We must own fish canneries, timber mills and gas-processing facilities so that we can claim them to be our own.”
Congratulating Marape yesterday, Juffa said the tax regime had to be reviewed.
“Our people are overtaxed. We pay the highest tax in the region, 35 per cent on incomes. That is too much. I would propose at this instance that we remove taxes on retrenchment and retirement benefits from our people and our local workers. They don’t have to pay these taxes”Juffa said.
“Meanwhile, we are giving too much tax exemptions and tax holidays to all criminal cartels and pirates. They are here to enrich themselves at our cost. Our nation’s security is another issue. Our gates are wide open for criminal cartels and transnational criminal organisations are now in this country.
“They have taken over our resources and they are benefitting and they are structuring our future. And it is a very dark future for you and I. But it is a bright future for them as they build empires offshore.”
Juffa urged Marape to utilise all the MPs who would not be allocated ministries.
“Allocate them roles in the parliamentary committee and revisit these committees. Fund these committees so that they can do what they are supposed to do. Don’t forget your governors. One of the reasons why we are here (voting for a new prime minister) is because the governors are not happy and are being forgotten. Provinces can contribute to the economy of this country if they are allowed to collect revenues and taxes and manage their affairs without running to the ministers in Port Moresby and having to wait like little boys. “They would be satisfied and will support you. If you don’t pay attention to them, there will be problems.
“You must respect your ministers. Allow them to make decisions to run their ministries. They must not be undermined and manipulated by outside force. We have to table commission of inquiry reports as they cost us a lot of money.