Monday, January 30, 2012
Mutineers to be pardoned
Just got news from my military contacts that PNG Defence Force soldiers who took part in the mutiny are granted amnesty and pardon.
Documents regarding this will be signed at 2pm today.
All arms have been handed in.
"Once it is signed everythng is put to rest once and for all," my source says.
"No arrest,no court case as assured by deputy prime minister and prime minister."
Documents regarding this will be signed at 2pm today.
All arms have been handed in.
"Once it is signed everythng is put to rest once and for all," my source says.
"No arrest,no court case as assured by deputy prime minister and prime minister."
Amet says Somare faction will not support early elections
Sir Michael Somare's "Attorney General" Sir Arnold Amet says the Somare faction is unlikely to attend Parliament and vote for early elections, NBC news reports on its 12pm bulletin.
O'Neill seeks court order restraining army from making appointments
The Peter O'Neill faction is seeking a court order restraining the PNG Defence Force from making appointments, NBC reports on its 12pm bulletin.
Somare vows to continue fight
GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare, who maintains he is the legitimate
prime minister of Papua New Guinea, said yesterday he will continue to
uphold the Constitution, The National reports.
Sir Michael, whose claim to lead the government is backed by a Supreme Court ruling delivered last December, said in a statement: “If this is to be my last and biggest battle, I will fight for the Constitution, the underlying law that holds the very fabric of our democracy and democratic institutions together.
“Yes, I could call it quits and allow elected leaders that continuously sidestep our laws to take us to the brink of our democracy.
“But I am still the representative of my people and will continue to stand for what I believe is in their best interest.
“Parliament does not have absolute power and yet we are allowing this dangerous trend of violations and breaches to be legitimised by the one argument of majority rule,” Sir Michael, who was ousted last August after Peter O’Neill and his deputy, Belden Namah, garnered superior numbers in parliament, said.
“All past prime ministers respected the orders of the courts; from Sir Julius Chan, Paias Wingti, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, the late Sir William Skate and even Sir Mekere Morauta.”
He said O’Neill, with the support of the Speaker of Parliament (Jeffrey Nape) was the only illegitimate self-proclaimed prime minister who considered himself above the law and would not comply with court orders.
“This impasse is not about Michael Somare or Peter O’Neill. If we continue to trample on our laws to stay in power we are condoning illegitimacy. What law will we turn to in order to argue our rights?” he said.
“I do not want a country that is under the barrel of arms. I do not want a country where our security forces will compromise on the laws of this land for personalities.
“I stress that this impasse is about the law. Therefore, to suggest that I encouraged a coup is shameful in its simplicity.
“I want to set the record straight by saying, my government appointed Fred Yakasa and the matter is before the court. We also appointed Gabriel Yer as treasury secretary and the matter is also before the court.
“In the same way, we last week dismissed Commander Francis Agwi and replaced him with Col Yaura Sasa.
“If O’Neill is aggrieved he must take the matter to the same courts. He must not manipulate agents of the law in the manner that we have seen since he inappropriately took office on 2 August 2011.
“I appeal to the people of Papua New Guinea to look at the law and not at personalities. This issue is bigger than me and O’Neill.”
Lae-based Sasa, who is 60, led a short-lived mutiny involving about 30 other soldiers last Thursday when he placed Agwi under house arrest at the defence headquarters at Murray barracks.
However, the mutiny folded after 12 hours for lack of support from senior officers around the country.
Sir Michael, whose claim to lead the government is backed by a Supreme Court ruling delivered last December, said in a statement: “If this is to be my last and biggest battle, I will fight for the Constitution, the underlying law that holds the very fabric of our democracy and democratic institutions together.
“Yes, I could call it quits and allow elected leaders that continuously sidestep our laws to take us to the brink of our democracy.
“But I am still the representative of my people and will continue to stand for what I believe is in their best interest.
“Parliament does not have absolute power and yet we are allowing this dangerous trend of violations and breaches to be legitimised by the one argument of majority rule,” Sir Michael, who was ousted last August after Peter O’Neill and his deputy, Belden Namah, garnered superior numbers in parliament, said.
“All past prime ministers respected the orders of the courts; from Sir Julius Chan, Paias Wingti, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, the late Sir William Skate and even Sir Mekere Morauta.”
He said O’Neill, with the support of the Speaker of Parliament (Jeffrey Nape) was the only illegitimate self-proclaimed prime minister who considered himself above the law and would not comply with court orders.
“This impasse is not about Michael Somare or Peter O’Neill. If we continue to trample on our laws to stay in power we are condoning illegitimacy. What law will we turn to in order to argue our rights?” he said.
“I do not want a country that is under the barrel of arms. I do not want a country where our security forces will compromise on the laws of this land for personalities.
“I stress that this impasse is about the law. Therefore, to suggest that I encouraged a coup is shameful in its simplicity.
“I want to set the record straight by saying, my government appointed Fred Yakasa and the matter is before the court. We also appointed Gabriel Yer as treasury secretary and the matter is also before the court.
“In the same way, we last week dismissed Commander Francis Agwi and replaced him with Col Yaura Sasa.
“If O’Neill is aggrieved he must take the matter to the same courts. He must not manipulate agents of the law in the manner that we have seen since he inappropriately took office on 2 August 2011.
“I appeal to the people of Papua New Guinea to look at the law and not at personalities. This issue is bigger than me and O’Neill.”
Lae-based Sasa, who is 60, led a short-lived mutiny involving about 30 other soldiers last Thursday when he placed Agwi under house arrest at the defence headquarters at Murray barracks.
However, the mutiny folded after 12 hours for lack of support from senior officers around the country.
How PNG’s latest political crisis unfolded
- Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare appoints a 60-year-old retrenched army colonel, Yaura Sasa, as commander of the country’s Defence Force.
- In the early hours of last Thursday, Lae-based Sasa, a former military attaché to Indonesia, leads a small group of 30 soldiers to Taurama barracks in Port Moresby which houses the 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment where the mutineers detain their own commander, Lt-Col Francis Kari, under ``house arrest”. The group comprised members of the sea element, air transport squadron and recruits from the Goldie River training depot.
- The group heads to Murray Barracks, home to the Defence Force headquarters about 17km south-east in hired vehicles where they take PNGDF commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi by surprise in his residence and also placed him under” house arrest”.
- Sasa installs himself in Agwi’s office and calls a media conference at Murray barracks at 11am where he announces he has been appointed by Sir Michael as head of the Defence Force.
- Sasa denies it is a military coup, that it is the ``normal process’’ of replacement of a commander by the government. He gives rival prime ministers Sir Michael and Peter O’Neill seven days to implement the Supreme Court’s orders re-instating Sir Michael as prime minister or he will be forced to take actions to uphold the Constitution.
- Air Niugini announces it has suspended flights to centres with military camps – Wewak in East Sepik, Lae (Morobe), Vanimo (West Sepik) and Kiunga (Western). Australian prime minister calls on the PNG military to stay out of politics. “Australia needed a politically stable and economically successful neighbour so it was critical the situation be resolved as soon as possible with the PNG Defence Force chain of command,” Julia Gillard said.
- Senior military commanders and officers snub a summons by Sasa to attend a briefing and their lack of support signals the end of Sasa’s grab for power.
- At about 2pm, shots are fired at military police personnel who retaliated and arrested 15 men belonging to Sasa’s group.
- After negotiations, PNG Defence Force chief of staff Col Tom Ur takes control of the barracks and disbands Sasa’s group allowing Agwi to resume command. The mutiny is over after about 12 hours.
- A small group of Sasa’s men remain at Taurama barracks where they have been demanding a full pardon for their actions.
- Sasa is arrested on Saturday and appeared in court yesterday on mutiny charges, police say. Sasa was spotted by chance at a lodge away from the Taurama barracks, where his supporters have been holed up with weapons since the failed mutiny. He will be held at Bomana prison outside Port Moresby pending his court appearance next month.
All quiet on army front
By JEFFREY ELAPA
ALL is quiet in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force throughout the country as the man who led the failed mutiny is held in custody, The National reports.
At around 2am last Thursday, Yaura Sasa, a retrenched colonel in his early 60s, led a group of 30 armed soldiers and placed the commanding officer of the Taurama Barracks, Lt-Col Francis Kari under house arrest.
At around 5am, the group drove to the Defence Force headquarters at Murray Barracks in hired vehicles and took control of the gates as Sasa claimed to have taken over as the commanding officer of the force.
The rebel soldiers placed the commander, Brig-Gen Francis Agwi, and other senior military officers under house arrest. Among them was Col Walter Enuma.
However, the situation was stabilised when the group was disbanded and Agwi resumed control and command.
It had been alleged that several members of parliament funded the operation while Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare has admitted appointing Sasa as commander of the Defence Force.
At around 6pm last Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and acting Defence Minister Belden Namah, accompanied by six ministers and politicians, visited the barracks and met with top military officials.
As soon as the mutiny was quashed, police started looking for Sasa.
Sasa was arrested at 8pm on Saturday and questioned yesterday Sunday morning. He was charged with one count of incitement to mutiny.
He appeared before a special court and had been remanded in custody at the Bomana jail.
Military establishments in the city, including Taurama and Murray barracks, were quiet while security was beefed up with armed guards at the gates to the barracks.
A visit to other establishments such as the Defence Force air wing and the maritime base also showed the situation was quiet and under control.
Reports received from other military barracks at Igam, Moem, Kiunga, Vanimo and Kerowil, in the Western
Highlands, indicated everything was under the control of Agwi, who resumed office 11 hours after the mutiny started.
ALL is quiet in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force throughout the country as the man who led the failed mutiny is held in custody, The National reports.
At around 2am last Thursday, Yaura Sasa, a retrenched colonel in his early 60s, led a group of 30 armed soldiers and placed the commanding officer of the Taurama Barracks, Lt-Col Francis Kari under house arrest.
At around 5am, the group drove to the Defence Force headquarters at Murray Barracks in hired vehicles and took control of the gates as Sasa claimed to have taken over as the commanding officer of the force.
The rebel soldiers placed the commander, Brig-Gen Francis Agwi, and other senior military officers under house arrest. Among them was Col Walter Enuma.
However, the situation was stabilised when the group was disbanded and Agwi resumed control and command.
It had been alleged that several members of parliament funded the operation while Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare has admitted appointing Sasa as commander of the Defence Force.
At around 6pm last Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and acting Defence Minister Belden Namah, accompanied by six ministers and politicians, visited the barracks and met with top military officials.
As soon as the mutiny was quashed, police started looking for Sasa.
Sasa was arrested at 8pm on Saturday and questioned yesterday Sunday morning. He was charged with one count of incitement to mutiny.
He appeared before a special court and had been remanded in custody at the Bomana jail.
Military establishments in the city, including Taurama and Murray barracks, were quiet while security was beefed up with armed guards at the gates to the barracks.
A visit to other establishments such as the Defence Force air wing and the maritime base also showed the situation was quiet and under control.
Reports received from other military barracks at Igam, Moem, Kiunga, Vanimo and Kerowil, in the Western
Highlands, indicated everything was under the control of Agwi, who resumed office 11 hours after the mutiny started.
O’Neill: Hunt on for plotters
THOSE who incited last Thursday’s mutiny at Port Moresby’s Murray
barracks, or played a part in encouraging it, will face the full force
of the law, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said last night, The National reports.
O’Neill’s warning came after police arrested retrenched army colonel Yaura Sasa in Port Moresby last Saturday night and charged him with inciting mutiny.
Sasa, who led a group of 40 soldiers, placed PNG Defence Force commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi and other senior military officers under house arrest in an attempt to take control of the military.
The move was short-lived with Agwi restored to his position later that day.
So far, two members of parliament aligned to Sir Michael Somare – Andew Kumbakor and John Pundari – had admitted that their camp was responsible for getting Sasa to stage the mutinous act, O’Neill said.
He said Sir Michael issued a statement which suggested he had endorsed Sasa’s actions.
“Let me make this clear – no one is above the law,” O’Neill said.
“If there is evidence of politicians having a direct hand in this mutinous act, they will be subjected to the full force of the law,” O’Neill said.
“Retrenched colonel Sasa has been arrested, appeared in court and is in custody for his part in the drama last Thursday. He is being subjected to the law and others will follow as police gather more evidence in their investigations which are ongoing.”
O’Neill said it was “irresponsible and unbecoming for politicians to make public statements” urging the disciplined forces to break the law.
“It is shocking to see and hear politicians in the Somare camp make statements like this. It shows they have very little regard for the disciplined forces and the rule of law.”
He urged Sir Michael to stop holding himself out as an MP and prime minister.
“Sir Michael is not the prime minister and he is no longer a member of parliament and must move on in life,” he said.
O’Neill said since the Dec 12 ruling by the Supreme Court, a number of court proceedings had been in both the national and supreme courts which were yet to be determined.
“As law abiding citizens, we should wait for the courts to address these issues rather than get desperate and use the disciplined forces to break the law.
“It is becoming clear who is trampling on the law here. And I urge Somare to stop making public remarks aimed at inciting individuals and institutions to break the law.
O’Neill’s warning came after police arrested retrenched army colonel Yaura Sasa in Port Moresby last Saturday night and charged him with inciting mutiny.
Sasa, who led a group of 40 soldiers, placed PNG Defence Force commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi and other senior military officers under house arrest in an attempt to take control of the military.
The move was short-lived with Agwi restored to his position later that day.
So far, two members of parliament aligned to Sir Michael Somare – Andew Kumbakor and John Pundari – had admitted that their camp was responsible for getting Sasa to stage the mutinous act, O’Neill said.
He said Sir Michael issued a statement which suggested he had endorsed Sasa’s actions.
“Let me make this clear – no one is above the law,” O’Neill said.
“If there is evidence of politicians having a direct hand in this mutinous act, they will be subjected to the full force of the law,” O’Neill said.
“Retrenched colonel Sasa has been arrested, appeared in court and is in custody for his part in the drama last Thursday. He is being subjected to the law and others will follow as police gather more evidence in their investigations which are ongoing.”
O’Neill said it was “irresponsible and unbecoming for politicians to make public statements” urging the disciplined forces to break the law.
“It is shocking to see and hear politicians in the Somare camp make statements like this. It shows they have very little regard for the disciplined forces and the rule of law.”
He urged Sir Michael to stop holding himself out as an MP and prime minister.
“Sir Michael is not the prime minister and he is no longer a member of parliament and must move on in life,” he said.
O’Neill said since the Dec 12 ruling by the Supreme Court, a number of court proceedings had been in both the national and supreme courts which were yet to be determined.
“As law abiding citizens, we should wait for the courts to address these issues rather than get desperate and use the disciplined forces to break the law.
“It is becoming clear who is trampling on the law here. And I urge Somare to stop making public remarks aimed at inciting individuals and institutions to break the law.
Sasa charged with mutiny
By JUNIOR UKAHA
YAURA Sasa, the man who led rebel soldiers in a failed bid to take over the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, was yesterday charged with inciting mutiny, The National reports.
National Capital District police chief Peter Guinness said the charge centred on Sasa putting senior members of the Defence Force, including commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi, under house arrest and occupying the commander’s office forcefully and illegally last Thursday.
Guinness said police were also seeking legal advice on laying charges of “false imprisonment” and “deprivation of liberty” against Sasa.
“Police are treating the matter very seriously.
“Investigations are continuing and we will arrest those soldiers involved in the mutiny and the civilians who funded their operations,” Guinness said.
If tried and found guilty, Sasa could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Appearing before a “special court” yesterday at the Waigani committal hearing, a calm Sasa said he did not regret his actions as they were carried out “to uphold the Constitution”.
Sasa, almost 60, from Morobe, who led the eight-hour mutiny, had earlier said he was commander of the Defence Force and his immediate task was to restore “the integrity and respect for the judiciary and Constitution”.
Sasa was picked up by members of the police mobile squad at 8pm on Saturday from the Peai Lodge on Mirigini Avenue in Boroko, NCD.
Guinness said Sasa was taken to police headquarters that same night, interviewed until the next morning and charged.
Guinness said because of the sensitivity, urgency and importance of the case, a special court had to be convened to deal with Sasa immediately.
Heavily-armed elite police officers escorted Sasa to court at around 2pm before he was taken to the Bomana prison.
“He has the right to bail and a lawyer. However, given the seriousness of his case, he must apply through the National Court to have his bail granted,” Guinness said.
Sasa will reappear in court on Feb 29
YAURA Sasa, the man who led rebel soldiers in a failed bid to take over the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, was yesterday charged with inciting mutiny, The National reports.
National Capital District police chief Peter Guinness said the charge centred on Sasa putting senior members of the Defence Force, including commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi, under house arrest and occupying the commander’s office forcefully and illegally last Thursday.
Guinness said police were also seeking legal advice on laying charges of “false imprisonment” and “deprivation of liberty” against Sasa.
“Police are treating the matter very seriously.
“Investigations are continuing and we will arrest those soldiers involved in the mutiny and the civilians who funded their operations,” Guinness said.
If tried and found guilty, Sasa could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Appearing before a “special court” yesterday at the Waigani committal hearing, a calm Sasa said he did not regret his actions as they were carried out “to uphold the Constitution”.
Sasa, almost 60, from Morobe, who led the eight-hour mutiny, had earlier said he was commander of the Defence Force and his immediate task was to restore “the integrity and respect for the judiciary and Constitution”.
Sasa was picked up by members of the police mobile squad at 8pm on Saturday from the Peai Lodge on Mirigini Avenue in Boroko, NCD.
Guinness said Sasa was taken to police headquarters that same night, interviewed until the next morning and charged.
Guinness said because of the sensitivity, urgency and importance of the case, a special court had to be convened to deal with Sasa immediately.
Heavily-armed elite police officers escorted Sasa to court at around 2pm before he was taken to the Bomana prison.
“He has the right to bail and a lawyer. However, given the seriousness of his case, he must apply through the National Court to have his bail granted,” Guinness said.
Sasa will reappear in court on Feb 29
Sunday, January 29, 2012
End of an era in Lae
By REIMUND STRAUSS
Dear Mr Nalu, as we’ve gone finish“ 1998, it takes its time until news from PNG reach
us.
But
they still do!
Today I read your article “End of an era in Lae”, about the late
Paul Menzel, published in The National on Friday, November 25, 2011.
The sad news touches me very much, because during my three-and-a-half years
in Lae my wife and I had a special relationship to Paul.
Did you even know that
Paul wasn’t his Christian Name, but, as far as I recall, Winfried!
Many lunch
breaks I enjoyed at his coffee shop.
In Decembers he offered Dresdner
Christstollen to us, a very special and famous German Christmas cake from the
town of Dresden.
His mother,
living there, sent it to Paul for Xmas all
the way from Germany.
His Coffee Shop was the place to meet for the
Germans living in and coming to Lae.
Our friends Michael Schneider and his wife
Phyllis, at that time living in Bulolo, married at Paul’s Coffee Shop in 1997.
The Morobe Administrator held the Wedding Ceremony there!
When returning to Germany, Paul gave us a beautiful carved tablet
as a present at one of our last days in his Coffee Shop.
He then even wrapped it
as protection for its shipment with our goods.
Months later, when our goods had
arrived in Germany, we cautiously unpacked the present, but something fell to
the floor.
It was a tin of Solomon Tuna, because his tuna sandwich had been my
favourite dish at the
Coffee Shop!
That’s Paul!
We kept the tin for a very special occasion –
it is still there after almost 14 years, as all the good memories of a
wonderful time in PNG.
By the way: Winfried is an old German name and means “friend of peace”.
This name fits for Paul, and we are sure that he finally found his peace.
Reimund Strauss
Freising - Germany
Col Yaura Sasa refused bail
Colonel Yaura Sasa has been refused bail by the Waigani committal court and will spend tonight behind bars.
However, "Defence Minister" in the Somare regime, Andrew Kumbakor, told a news conference that Sasa was entitled to bail and he would push for that tonight.
Kumbakor claimed that soldiers at Taurama Barracks were behind Sasa and the Somare regime.
However, "Defence Minister" in the Somare regime, Andrew Kumbakor, told a news conference that Sasa was entitled to bail and he would push for that tonight.
Kumbakor claimed that soldiers at Taurama Barracks were behind Sasa and the Somare regime.
Glory days of Goroka
By WILL MUSKENS
Dear Malum,
An acquaintance who does missionary work in PNG recently sent me your article published in The National on August 5, 2011 about your reminiscenses of Goroka in the old days.
An acquaintance who does missionary work in PNG recently sent me your article published in The National on August 5, 2011 about your reminiscenses of Goroka in the old days.
As an educational textbook seller I had given her some boxes
of learning guides that she felt could be put to good use at a mission school
in Wabag.
Your article brought back a flood of memories of my own time in Goroka.
Your article brought back a flood of memories of my own time in Goroka.
From
1971 to 1975 I was posted to Goroka, first as Assistant District Commissioner,
followed by two years as the last "white" Council Clerk of Goroka
Local Government Council, handing over to my understudy Himony Lapiso in August
1975 - after which I resigned to start my own small business in Queensland.
The 17 years I spent as a kiap (1958-1975) in PNG were the best years of my life.
The 17 years I spent as a kiap (1958-1975) in PNG were the best years of my life.
In a sense I grew up there because only a few months after completing
high school in 1957 and at just 18 years of age I found myself on a DC-4 flying
from Brisbane to Port Moresby - to a job I knew very little about!
A few short
months later I was sent to Bundi Patrol Post (in a shaky old canvas Dragon
bi-plane!) to caretake while the permanent Patrol Officer took a month's break
in Madang.
My experiences were certainly not unique - in the late 50's there
was a shortage of experienced field staff, and the only way was to expose young
blokes to the challenges of isolation and responsibilities of day-to-day
outstation management.
Learning to speak fluent pidgin was crucial but occurred
rapidly - after all, more often than not and especially when on patrol, there
were only the police constables and medical orderlies accompanying the patrols,
and of course the village people, to talk with.
Before being transferred to
Goroka I had been based for varying terms in Saidor, Madang, Kalalo (Wasu),
Imonda, Green River, Kokopo, Rabaul, Pomio, and Aitape.
Like you, I developed a great affection for Goroka - it was always considered a "plum" posting for government officers, for reasons that you described in your article.
Like you, I developed a great affection for Goroka - it was always considered a "plum" posting for government officers, for reasons that you described in your article.
A literal paradise - cool climate, spectacular
scenery, fertile and bountiful land, and a population that was industrious and
keen to learn and improve their quality of life.
Goroka Council was always regarded as a model for local government in PNG - it pioneered combining urban and rural local government and was extremely successful in serving the diverse demands of both communities.
Goroka Council was always regarded as a model for local government in PNG - it pioneered combining urban and rural local government and was extremely successful in serving the diverse demands of both communities.
We had some
really outstanding councillors back then - Atau Waikave, Akepa Miakwe, Iyape Norikave
(?) and a wonderful gregarious character called Cr Bulmakau! Rural councillors
far outnumbered the handful from the town, but they were able to strike a
perfect balance between urban and rural development and the standard of
services to both constituencies were of a very high standard.
In 1988, after an absence of 13 years, I took up an offer by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government to come back to Goroka to set up a new urban authority - the standard or urban services and amenities had deteriorated, for one rreason or another. They decided that the best way to get Goroka working again would be to separate the town and the rural districts into 2 separate local government entities because the single council was no longer capable of handling the demands of both interests productively.
For me it was in many ways a "homecoming" - how ironic that the Premier of EHP was Walter Nombe, who in the time I was ADC in the 70's, had been my sub-distrcit office clerk!
My appointment was as Town Manager of the Eastern Highlands Capital Authority, with a board of 10 local leaders headed by Silas Atopare. It was an extremely challenging time, especially in the first year as we struggled to find sufficient funds to get the Authority off the ground, and with some understandable resistance from the Goroka Council who were not very pleased to have the town, and inherent revenue (land rates etc) taken away from them.
My excitement to be back in Goroka was tempered by the sorry state of the town - garbage piled up along the streets, roads in disrepair, town water barely a trickle if at all, and domestic pigs roaming freely at night and totally destroying the once beautiful parks and gardens for which Goroka was renowned.
The magnitude of the task ahead was immense, and apart from anything else, I was very conscious that here I was, a lone white man, in a way "recycled", with thousands of eyes watching my every move and ready to swoop if I put a foot wrong!
The three years that I spent as Town Manager in Goroka until 1992 surpassed my previous experiences in PNG and included some really remarkable episodes, not least the close working relationship between Silas Atopare and myself, but I won't bore you further with my ramblings.
In 1988, after an absence of 13 years, I took up an offer by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government to come back to Goroka to set up a new urban authority - the standard or urban services and amenities had deteriorated, for one rreason or another. They decided that the best way to get Goroka working again would be to separate the town and the rural districts into 2 separate local government entities because the single council was no longer capable of handling the demands of both interests productively.
For me it was in many ways a "homecoming" - how ironic that the Premier of EHP was Walter Nombe, who in the time I was ADC in the 70's, had been my sub-distrcit office clerk!
My appointment was as Town Manager of the Eastern Highlands Capital Authority, with a board of 10 local leaders headed by Silas Atopare. It was an extremely challenging time, especially in the first year as we struggled to find sufficient funds to get the Authority off the ground, and with some understandable resistance from the Goroka Council who were not very pleased to have the town, and inherent revenue (land rates etc) taken away from them.
My excitement to be back in Goroka was tempered by the sorry state of the town - garbage piled up along the streets, roads in disrepair, town water barely a trickle if at all, and domestic pigs roaming freely at night and totally destroying the once beautiful parks and gardens for which Goroka was renowned.
The magnitude of the task ahead was immense, and apart from anything else, I was very conscious that here I was, a lone white man, in a way "recycled", with thousands of eyes watching my every move and ready to swoop if I put a foot wrong!
The three years that I spent as Town Manager in Goroka until 1992 surpassed my previous experiences in PNG and included some really remarkable episodes, not least the close working relationship between Silas Atopare and myself, but I won't bore you further with my ramblings.
Suffice to say that in a relatively
short period the wonderfully dedicated personnel of the Town Authority, from
board member to humble street sweeper, managed to restore Goroka to its former
glory, drawing praise from the broad community, and envy from other urban
communities.
We demonstrated that it did not require the re-invention of the wheel to bring a town back to normal operations - all we had to do was to manage meagre finances carefully, apply all the revenues to providing urban utility and public services, implement and enforce local laws dealing with littering and animal husbandry, and inspire civic pride.
We demonstrated that it did not require the re-invention of the wheel to bring a town back to normal operations - all we had to do was to manage meagre finances carefully, apply all the revenues to providing urban utility and public services, implement and enforce local laws dealing with littering and animal husbandry, and inspire civic pride.
It is amazing what a community will
do to rise to the occasion when you provide good governance - Goroka in those
years even banned betel nut selling and spitting in all public areas, with
outstanding effect!
I still have enormous affection for Goroka (and PNG of course) and wish I could still be there.
Thank you for writing about "my town" - I now follow your blog and really enjoy your comments and observations on contemporary life in PNG.
Kind regards,
Will Muskens
465 Simpsons Road
BARDON Qld 4065
(61) 419 658 494
I still have enormous affection for Goroka (and PNG of course) and wish I could still be there.
Thank you for writing about "my town" - I now follow your blog and really enjoy your comments and observations on contemporary life in PNG.
Kind regards,
Will Muskens
465 Simpsons Road
BARDON Qld 4065
(61) 419 658 494
Prime Minister for early election
By ISAAC NICHOLAS
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill, shaken by last Thursday's mutiny by rebel troops, will move to dissolve parliament next month and go to early polls to end the current political impasse, The National reported last Friday.
He said he would seek his government’s blessing to bring forward the scheduled June general election.
O’Neill said this after announcing that the day-long mutiny by the 30 rebels, led by retrenched colonel Yaura Sasa, at Murray Barracks headquarters, was over.
Fifteen of the soldiers have been arrested and Sasa was being “dealt with” but O’Neill declined to clarify what this meant .
O’Neill said he would ask his government during the February session of parliament whether they should pursue the option of an early election.
“We are looking at going for early election as quickly as possible to end this political impasse and we hope the Electoral Commission is ready for early elections,” he said.
O’Neill said this last Thursday when he accused the Somare camp of inciting mutiny at the Murray Barracks and trying to illegally take over the Papua New Guinea defence force
“The dramatic situation at the Murray barracks yesterday morning demonstrates the desperate length Somare can go to wrestle government,’’ O’Neill said.
“Somare tried to cleverly manipulate an internal issue in the force to his advantage, to use the military to take government by force.”
O’Neill late last Thursday commended senior military officers for restoring control at Murray Barracks and thanked the public for showing restraint despite the drama.
O’Neill said issues relating to the soldiers’ grievances would be addressed - including ending the political uncertainty by dissolving parliament.
In a dramatic turn of events at Murray barracks last Thursday, a group of soldiers led by retrenched PNGDF Col Yaura Sasa detained Commander Francis Agwi at his residence.
“Yesterday (Thursday)morning, a group of soldiers illegally and unlawfully placed PNGDF Commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi under house arrest and tried to take control of the country’s defence force,” O’Neill said.
“Without any lawful authority, retrenched Sasa declared himself the commander, held a press conference and made political statements he had no authority to make.”
O’Neill said retrenched Sasa was not appointed by the government to replace Agwi.
“He has no legal and valid instrument to back his claim that he is the commander. He is a civilian who was misled by the Somare camp to carry out an illegal and unlawful act.
“The action by Sasa has no support of the rank and file of the PNG Defence Force. His attempt to take over the force has now been neutralised, and normalcy has been restored at Murray barracks.
“By his public statement, it is clear Sasa was used to stage this illegal act to call for the implementation of the Supreme Court decision. He has no authority to make this statement, He is a civilian who is not supposed to be at the barracks at all.
“As we are all aware, the Supreme Court handed down its decision on Dec 12.”
He said parliament took note of the decision and disposed of it by making a number of legislative changes and decisions, one of which was to reaffirm him as prime minister.
O’Neill said the Supreme Court decision, and the decision of parliament, were now the subject of various court proceedings before the National and Supreme Court.
He said the proceedings were initiated by both sides and awaiting the outcome of these proceedings.
“But what we have witnessed is a desperate attempt by Somare to trample on proper and legal processes to get into government,” he said.
O’Neill said Sir Michael had been looked after by the country for 45 years and he owed it to the seven million people of PNG.
“Sir Michael as the founding father of this nation should not be creating uncertainty,” he said.
O’Neill said those responsible for the drama at Murray barracks would be dealt with - including Sir Michael and those supporting him.
Yaura Sasa arrested
Yaura Sasa, the retrenched military officer who was brought back to Murray Barrcks to lead last Thursday's mutiny has been arrested, the Sunday Chronicle reports today.
National Capital District police commander Peter Guiness confirmed the arrest last night.
Sasa was apprehended at about 8pm at the Peai Lodge at Mirigini Avenue, Boroko, by members of the police mobile squad under the command of Allan Manning after a tip-off.
"Sasa is a free man like you and me until he is formally charged," Guiness said.
As of 10pm last night, Sasa was still being interviewed by police at Boroka Police Station before he could be formally charged.
National Capital District police commander Peter Guiness confirmed the arrest last night.
Sasa was apprehended at about 8pm at the Peai Lodge at Mirigini Avenue, Boroko, by members of the police mobile squad under the command of Allan Manning after a tip-off.
"Sasa is a free man like you and me until he is formally charged," Guiness said.
As of 10pm last night, Sasa was still being interviewed by police at Boroka Police Station before he could be formally charged.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Will the 2012 General Election breach the Constitution?
|
By Barry Holloway and James Macpherson
|
The
Danger
The next Parliament risks
unconstitutional membership. Elections
for provincial and open electorates could breach the Constitution.
Such a breach would undercut a
national strength: our Parliament.
This Parliament needs to make
informed decisions quickly so that elections to the next Parliament are
constitutional.
Achievements
of this Parliament
Parliament has enacted the first
changes to its electorates since Independence.
Provision for Jiwaka and Hela
provincial electorates is the first change to boundaries of any electorate
since before Independence.
Amendment of the Constitution to
provide for women’s electorates shows willingness to consider radical changes
by the overwhelmingly male majority.
These achievements can form a
foundation for a stronger Parliament.
Unconstitutional
Elections for Provincial Electorates
Elections to provincial electorates
will breach the Constitution. Section 126 of the Constitution requires
electoral procedures defined by an Organic Law.
Parliament has repealed provisions in the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections for
electoral procedures for Provincial MPs.
Election of Provincial MPs could be challenged in Court.
Will Parliament amend
the Organic Law on National and
Local-level Government Elections to provide for election of Provincial
MPs?
Or
Will Parliament go
into the next General Election in breach of Constitutional requirements for
elections to provincial electorates?
Unconstitutional
Number of Open Electorates
The number of open electorates in
the present Parliament and for the next Parliament breaches the Constitution. The Organic
Law on National and Local-level Government Elections requires between 110
and 120 open electorates. There are 89 open
electorates.
It is too late for a Boundaries
Commission during this Parliament to recommend new electorates for the 2012
General Election. To prevent
constitutional crisis the Organic Law should be amended to provide a range of
Open Electorates which includes 89 open electorates.
Will Parliament amend the Organic
Law on National and Local-level Government Elections to make constitutional
the number of Open Electorates?
Or
Will Parliament go
into the 2012 General Election in breach of Constitutional requirements for the
number of Open Electorates?
Women’s
Electorates
Parliament has enacted amendments to
the Constitution to provide for women’s reserved electorates.
The gap in legislation parallels
that for provincial and open electorates.
The Organic Law on National and
Local-level Government Elections should be amended to provide for
definition of the electorates and elections to them.
Will Parliament use the gap in the Organic
Law on National and Local-level Government Elections to prevent elections
for women’s reserved electorates in 2012?
Will Parliament use parallel gaps in the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections for
elections to provincial electorates and number of open electorates to prevent
elections to provincial and open electorates in 2012?
Timelines and the 2012 General Election
Constitutional laws require one
month notice and two months opportunity for debate. Parliament’s Constitutional Laws and Acts
Committee must recommend on legislation before the first opportunity for
debate. Amendments to the Organic Law on National and Local-level
Government Elections require a three quarters absolute majority.
The Legislative Working Group,
appointed by NEC, has drafted amendments to the Organic Law required to make constitutional:
- Elections to provincial electorates;
- The number of open electorates; and
- Elections to women’s reserved electorates.
If these amendments are not enacted,
the next Parliament will be unconstitutional.
The legislative program to create a
constitutional Parliament must start now.
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