Leaders in crisis mode, says judge

National, Normal
Source:

By JULIA DAIA BORE

NATIONAL Court judge Justice Ambeng Kandakasi says PNG is currently in chaos because it is being managed by leaders in a “crisis mode” and who are also not dealing with issues with good management.
Justice Kandakasi said this when a motion was brought before him yesterday by Minerals Resources Development Company (MRDC) Ltd challenging the validity or competency of the action brought against it (MRDC) by Petroleum and Energy Minister William Duma.
Mr Duma made a substantive claim of K1.19 million against MRDC in 2004 but MRDC was never served the documents until recently.
“Leaders, now, are creating chaos and not promoting good leadership for the country and its people,” Justice Kandakasi told a courtroom of lawyers and clients.
The judge also questioned the lawyers for both parties why the matter of seven years ago was being raised now and not resolved then.
Peter Allan of Lowing Lawyers for MRDC, told the court that the matter only came to their notice in 2008 and only recently they were instructed by their client to act on their behalf to file this motion last month.
The substantive matter involved a claim in which Mr Duma is seeking K1.19 million in damages for consultancy services allegedly rendered to the respondents in acquiring equity in the Porgera gold mine in Enga, operated by the Porgera Joint Venture.
The parties in the proceedings are plaintiff Mr Duma versus first respondent Mineral Resources Enga Ltd and Kupiane Yuu Anduane Company, second respondent Enga provincial government, third respondent MRDC and fourth respondent Arthur Somare in his capacity State Enterprises Minister.
The judge told the plaintiff and respondents: “I am not persuaded to seek the indulgence of the court in this matter to force a hearing.”
Justice Kandakasi then told the lawyers to meet and reach some form of compromise before returning to court next month.
He adjourned hearing to May 25.