Results from the investigation of two University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) staff accused of taking payments from students to give grades is not yet completed, according to local media. In July last year, the paper reported on allegations against two UPNG staff of the ICT Division accused of taking money and giving grades to students upon requests. Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology acting secretary Fr Jan Czuba advised that the investigation was still underway. This is the eighth month since the start of the investigation. Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has officially declared his departure from Facebook and issued a cautionary message to users regarding fraudulent accounts bearing his name and likeness. Marape disclosed that he has deactivated his personal Facebook account, emphasizing that any profiles purportedly associated with him are illegitimate. Despite his withdrawal from the platform, he expressed concern over the proliferation of fake accounts circulating under his name, often misleading unsuspecting users. Reports have surfaced regarding fraudulent profiles utilizing Marape's image, with some falsely claiming his intention to donate to individuals in need. The Prime Minister condemned these deceptive practices, highlighting the potential harm inflicted upon those who fall victim to such schemes. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan arrangement with Papua New Guinea has come under scrutiny, with IMF country representative Sohrab Rafiq emphasizing its importance for the government’s economic reform efforts. Rafiq spoke to The National, asserting that the loan is a prudent step taken by the government to support its economic reform policy. Rafiq commended the government for its prudent borrowing practices, stating that IMF financing is a sensible option for undertaking necessary reforms. He highlighted the alternative scenario, where borrowing from private banks or international capital markets would entail significantly higher interest rates, posing a risk to the country’s debt sustainability. In a gesture of hospitality and reverence, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jiwaka, Papua New Guinea, has provided Pastor Ted Wilson, the global leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with a specially constructed residence during his visit. Wilson, known as the church’s general conference president, is staying in a K1.2 million house named the "White House," built by devoted church members.
Pastor John Kundapen, the Jiwaka area supervisor, expressed pride in the two-bedroom, self-contained house, explaining that it was named after the country of origin of the church's leader, the United States. Wilson’s visit is part of the PNG for Christ programme, during which he will be preaching in Minj for two weeks. PNG Treasury Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Billions in IMF Loans, Former PM Warns of Economic Control26/4/2024
Former Prime Minister and Ialibu-Pangia MP, Peter O’Neill, has voiced sharp criticism against the current administration's handling of Papua New Guinea's finances, particularly its escalating borrowing from international institutions. In a statement released yesterday, O’Neill highlighted concerns regarding the significant influx of loans welcomed by Ian Ling-Stuckey, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Treasury Matters, over the past three years. O’Neill claimed that Ling-Stuckey had overseen the welcoming of billions of Kina worth of loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.. Continuing their robust partnership, China has once again extended a helping hand to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the aftermath of recent natural disasters. This morning, a Chinese military aircraft touched down in Port Moresby, laden with much-needed humanitarian and disaster relief supplies.
The generous donation, provided by the People's Republic of China, underscores the deepening ties between the two nations and reaffirms China's commitment to supporting PNG across political, economic, and social spheres. The relief supplies, aimed at assisting those affected by the devastating floods and other disasters in February and March, were warmly received by officials including Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Zeng Fanhua, and PNG's Defense Minister, Dr. Billy Joseph, who also oversees the national disaster center. In a remarkable display of canine prowess, Port Moresby's finest police dog, "Ash," emerged as the hero of the hour, successfully tracking down an armed suspect involved in the theft of a motor vehicle in Papua New Guinea's capital.
The incident unfolded when four armed suspects abandoned a stolen motor vehicle in Port Moresby and attempted to flee the scene. Acting swiftly, Ash's handler directed the skilled K-9 to track down the perpetrators. With precision and agility, Ash followed the trail from the DCA compound at Koni to a nearby drain, where one of the suspects was hiding. The United States (US) Embassy in Port Moresby has reaffirmed the US government's respect for the people and culture of Papua New Guinea (PNG) while expressing commitment to fostering respectful relations with PNG. This statement comes in response to comments made by US President Joe Biden during an election campaign last week, suggesting the possibility that his uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Ambrose Finnegan, may have been consumed by cannibals in New Guinea during World War Two (WW2).
The embassy's statement emphasized President Biden's intention in sharing his uncle's story as part of advocating for honoring the commitment to equip those sent to war. It highlighted the shared sacrifices of WW2 and commended the people of PNG for their resilience, courage, and commitment to democratic ideals, positioning PNG as a regional leader with diverse cultures. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is gearing up to bolster its ranks with an increase in state service personnel, including civilian manpower, in the upcoming months.
Assistant Commissioner of Police – Crimes Hodges Ette confirmed that discussions regarding recruitment have been ongoing without specifying an exact timeline for the major recruitment drive. However, he assured that the process would commence shortly. Mr. Ette emphasized that the augmentation of police officers and support staff has been a focal point of discussions for several years but has yet to be implemented. The Police Force has recently formalized and acknowledged the civilian branch as a legitimate division within the force. Budget allocations have also been made to accommodate this expansion, aimed at enhancing the force's capacity to achieve its mission and goals alongside constables, reservists, auxiliaries, and regular officers. PNG's Foreign Affairs Minister Condemns Biden's Allegations of PNG Cannibalism During WWII23/4/2024
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Papua New Guinea, Justin Tkatchenko, has strongly rebuked recent comments made by US President Joe Biden, alleging cannibalism in PNG during World War II. Minister Tkatchenko termed the remarks as unsubstantiated and unacceptable at the international level.
Expressing regret over President Biden's assertion that his uncle may have been eaten by cannibals in Papua New Guinea during the war, Minister Tkatchenko emphasized the lack of evidence to support such claims. "It's rather unfortunate that President Biden's remarks are not supported by official documents held within the US military and the State Department," remarked Foreign Minister Tkatchenko, highlighting the absence of credible evidence to validate the allegations. |
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