PM O’Neill: Government is Empowering Grassroots to Advance the Nation

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, said the Government is changing Papua New Guinea for the better by empowering grassroots men, women and children of the nation. 
He made these remarks when launching the Nipa/Kutubu District Five Year Development Plan 2013-2017 at the Nipa Government Station in Southern Highlands Province yesterday.
PM O’Neill said the right policies from the most effective Government in the history of the nation was enabling people to improve their lives. 
“This government is investing in districts, provinces and ward councils, which is taking service delivery to the people of our rural areas. Grassroots people know what is needed in their areas and they must be included in decision-making processes.
“Now councilors, village magistrates and court officers are funded by the Government, and this consistency facilitates leadership and decision-making at the local level.
“We will continue to strengthen the public service from the districts up to the national level.”
The Prime Minister said the government is building new public servants’ houses, cleaning up problems in the law and order system, and providing opportunities for children to be educated and families to have access to healthcare.
“Provinces are now receiving almost three billion kina each year for key impact projects. This is the first time in history of this country,” PM O’Neill said.
“For 40 years governments looked around for money as if we were one of the poorest countries in the world. Papua New Guinea had to beg for money from the International Monetary Fund, the Word Bank and countries like Australia.
“Now we have enough revenue, and we have proper management of how we spend this revenue for our people.
“Previously governments also put billions of Kina into trust accounts – but where has all this money gone? This must have been either stolen or mismanaged on so many bogus projects. These bogus projects were never delivered but were still needed in the country.
“Now you can look around and see the new projects being rolled out before your eyes.”
The launch was a memorable day for the people of Nipa/Kutubu, who gathered in thousands to witness the long-awaited occasion despite ongoing wet weather.
The Nipa/Kutubu District Five Year Development Plan 2013-2017 enables the local level government to follow a roadmap, aligned with Papua New Guinea Vision 2050, that is aimed at enhancing ongoing development in the district.
Accompanying the Prime Minister, were senior ministers including Works Minister, Hon. Francis Awesa MP, and Finance Minister, Hon. James Marape MP. 

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (front) accompanied by Francis Awesa MP, and Finance Minister, Hon. James Marape MP

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill inspecting a guard of honor of the Royal PNG Constabulary in Nipa/Kutubu, Southern Highlands province

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill addressing people in the Nipa/Kutubu,
Southern Highlands province

District Development Authority is home grown

The District Development Authority is very much home grown.

Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc made this statement in his opening remarks at the District Development Authority Workshop held on March 2nd in Lae.
The workshop was for Provincial Administrators, District Administrators and Local Level Government Presidents for Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Madang Provinces.
Sir Manasupe said the DDA is home grown based on experiences of 40 years of service delivery.
“It is based on the experiences of Prime Minister Hon Peter O’Neill while growing up in Pangia,” Sir Manasupe said.
Secretary for Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Mr. Munare Uyassi said the districts already have the powers to bring services down to the district level.

   Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc

He said the District Development Authority Act now gives them the statutory power they need to make things work. 
Mr. Uyassi said DDA is not a new thing; it is what people have been asking for.
“It is about localized, accessible service delivery at short turnaround time.”
“We need political and bureaucratic will and the Act requires them to work together.”
Secretary for Department of Personal Management Mr. John Kali said DDA is the vehicle for public servants to use to deliver services that they are normally unable to deliver on.
He said it is through leadership and ownership that services can be delivered.
“Services are not delivered to where it is needed due to no leadership,” Mr. Kali said.
“Public servants need to take ownership and lead in service delivery.”
Sir Manasupe said the District Development Authority is the best possible opportunity to build our villagers and deliver services.
He also acknowledged the District Administrators of Morobe and the Provincial Administrator of East New Britain Province for their contributions to the development of the legislation that enables the DDA.

Powerful women speak out on violence

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, and First Lady Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neill have launched  a book – Powerful Voices – and film -Harim Mi - featuring women speaking out on violence against women and girls in Papua New Guinea.

Produced by FHI 360 with Australia’s support, the book and film contain stories of 49 women from 10 communities in Western Highlands and Sandaun provinces. 

FHI360, in collaboration with other community based organisations, provided cameras and trained women to use digital photography to document their lives and speak out. Ms Stokes said the book and film present different community and services perspectives on stopping violence.

“They show how community action to end violence against women and girls can be taken when men and women stand together. They also illustrate the need for community actions to reduce violence against women and girls to be  supported by    effective action by the police and courts, as well as by the delivery of education and health services,” Ms Stokes said at the launch on Wednesday 18 February.

Ms Deborah Stokes, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, and First Lady Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neill

 

Ms Babao-O’Neill said the film and book demonstrate the confidence and self-worth of empowered women.

“I am delighted to see the level of confidence and the courageous step these women have taken to share their stories and of the communities that are supporting and embracing this change. In Papua New Guinea, and indeed in many countries in the world, it is often difficult for a woman to talk about personal struggles and challenges. It is my hope that women across our country will gain strength and courage from the Powerful Voices in this book and the film. I thank the Australian Government, FHI360 and all those who have made this possible,” Ms Babao-O’Neill said.

The book and film are part of the Komuniti Lukautim Ol Meri initiative, involving 200,000 people in Sandaun and Western Highlands, which works to prevent and respond to violence through mobilizing communities, education, improving access to services and empowering women and girls. Australia has provided AU$2.8 million to this program through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen program. 

Ms Stokes announced Australia would provide a further AU$2.5 million over three years for FHI360 to continue this work.

“Gender equality and women’s empowerment is a key priority in Australia’s engagement with Papua New Guinea. We recognise that one of the best ways to achieve stronger communities, societies and economies is to empower women and girls,” Ms Stokes said.

Australia will spend up to AU$55 million in PNG, through the Pacific Women Program, to enhance women’s voice in decision making and leadership; increase their economic opportunities; reduce family and sexual violence, and increase access to support services to women and girls and families can be strengthened.

Story and pictures courtesy of Australian Aid

(L-R) Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neil being welcomed by a women involved in the program

(L_R)  Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neill, two women from the program and Ms Deborah Stokes, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, 

People Around the Nation to Benefit from National Identity Project - Launched by the Prime Minister in Mendi

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill,   in officially launching the Papua New Guinea National Identity (PNGNID) project,  said it will be of great assistance in planning and delivering Government services.

The program was launched when PM O’Neill opened the Southern Highlands Provincial Registry Office in Mendi yesterday, and then the Prime Minister’s details were entered into the PNGNID system.

In launching the PNGNID project, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the program across the country from the largest cities to the most remote villages.

“The PNG National Identity Project will make it possible for the government to know where people are living and where they greater government services are needed.

“Government requires this information if we are to get better services to the people.

“If a village is growing we will need more roads, more police and more teachers for that area.

“This program will make it easier for us to plan government services because we will know when villages and towns are growing.”

PM O’Neill gave the example of the government’s plan to introduce a pension for people living with disabilities and elderly people over 65 years of age.

“We have to know how many older people are living in an area and we need to know where people with disabilities are living so that we can deliver pensions.”

The Prime Minister said further benefits to come from the program including the use of an identification card that will be used when opening a bank account, accessing free education and health services and being able to vote.

“You must go and register to be able to vote and candidates must encourage people to go and register.

“People can get ID’s and the country can have a good election process.”

PM O’Neill further extended his appreciation to churches and other stakeholders for endorsing the program as it is rolled out around the nation.

The registry office in Mendi is the first to be opened in a province with many more coming online in the months ahead as part of the National Identification Program.  This will bring the services of the civil registry office to the provincial level.

Madang rural roads get major upgrading after 30 years

Madang’s rural roads are finally receiving the major upgrading needed, to make way for economic growth and development. Nixon Duban, member for Madang, Petroleum and Energy Minister is investing in more roads development to boost the provinces economic growth. “I see road as an economic link and without this, infrastructures such as health and education will not be viable and our people would continue to suffer from these basic services,” said Mr Duban. Recent road works on the Mist-Kamba roads, have been funded through Mr Duban’s District Support Improvement Program (DSIP) which is nearing completion. Minister Duban was in the area to inspect the progress and stated that the government funding was extensively used for road clearning. He thanked the O’Neill/Dion government for their continuous support in building vital infrastructures in the country such as road, as it is the link for rural people to have easy access to government services. “Once there is a better road, people will be happy and the flow of goods and services will reach everyone,” said Mr Duban. Again, he performed another ground-breaking ceremony yesterday afternoon in the South Ambenob LLG in the Madang district for the Medo to Laga road and presented a cheque of K1Million to the same contractor for the work to start immediately. People in that area work for hours and miles to reach the main road. Mothers have died from pregnancy and government workers have also left the area because of improper government help. Yesterday they danced and wept as for the first time in 30 years they would see tangible development and their cries have been heard. A mother spoke in tears and said she usually wakes up at 3am in the morning to walk to the nearest main road to catch PMV to town and with Duban’s initiative, it is a big relief for them. Minister Duban in addressing the people said the challenge is now on them to make this road worthy by producing more cash crops and become self reliant. He urged them to form Corporative Societies and seek funds he has made available for them in the NDB rather than relying on government handouts. He said he would continue to build and upgrade remaining roads in the district and he believes that by 2017, all rural areas in his district would have better road links. Nixon Duban having a brief discussion with the contractors on the progress of the Mist-Kamba road in Madang. Nixon Duban at the wheel of the earth-moving equipment during a ground breaking ceremony for the upgrade of Laga road in the South Ambenob LLG, (Madang)

Leah needs more than a hand

Leah Silas who is from Obura-Wanerara in the remote area of Kainantu has been living without arms for 30 years now.

A family from Kainantu came to Madang to raise funds for a pair of artificial arms for their daughter.Leah Silas who is from Obura-Wanerara in the remote area of Kainantu has been living without arms for 30 years now. ASpokesperson for the family Niki said she needs arms so that she can learn to be independent and start to do work at home to ease her family’s burden. He said that they had come to Madang Province to ask for assistance in cash especially, so that they can take the money and add it with the money they had already raised to present to put towards fundraising efforts which began in their home provinve. The Eastern Highlands Provincial governmen promised that they would help the family in terms of financial aid, but have not made any committments to do date. The girls father said that the Eastern Highlands Provincial government were willing to assist Leah to get medical attention and be treated for artificial arms, but they have left the family to raise their own funds. This was the first time for Leah to come out of her home after 30 years which she believed was a challenge for her. Leah said that she needed arms so that she can help her mother in the garden because that is their only way of survival. She added that at the moment her legs were the only body parts that gave her strength to move from one location to another. The family is still appealing to the general public to assist by donating cash so that Leah can receive medical treatment.

Papua New Guinea Women to conduct a Protest Nationwide

Tomorrow will mark a significant occassion where women in Papua New Guinea have decided to stop work, house chores, school and other daily activities that fill out their days to conduct a nationwide protest against the violent crimes against women and females of all ages. The Nationwide protest is scheduled to take place tomorrow where women will march to parliament to hand in a petition to the country's Prime Minister, Peter O'Niel in Port Moresby. The Women are demanding for more tougher laws on criminals for their violent acts against women. In Madang Women will gather ahead of tomorrow's march to conduct a forum with the relevant law enforcing authorities to discuss possible solutions to battle rampant crime in the province. Madang women will also conduct their march from Laiwaden and complete it at the Bates Oval where they are to meet with provincial government officials. The nationwide protest action has been prompted by a serious of violent crimes against women and children in the country's main centres of Port Moresby, Hagen, Lae and Madang. The spate of crimes, with the most recent one being in Port Moresby a month ago, involved a 12 year old girl who was shot dead as Police open fire on a family vehicle. The family vehicle stopped short in their travels along Wagaini drive only to find their young daughter was killed by a bullet released from a policeman's weapon. The policemen not far behind them, pulled up to the family and ordered them out of the vehicle further assulting the girls mother and father. The case is still before the courts and investigations underway into the actions of the policemen. Prior to this incident, an Australian couple were murded in Hagen, the young female been raped prior to being killed. In Madang the tragic news of the young American female scientist who was sexually assulted on Karkar has outraged women even further, demanding the National Government to take tougher measures on offenders. A group, Women Arise is calling on all women in the country to wear black as a symbol of mourning for all the crimes against women and children in the country. The Women have termed the nationwide protest in the local creole or Tok Pisin 'Haus Krai', in english which simply means mourning. Below is a program of the activities which will take place in Madang. Dear Friends, Family, Workmates and the Community of Madang. UPDATE OF THE MADANG HAUS KRAI TEAM There's going to be a final meeting at Madang PAC Office at this afternoon 4;00pm to 5:00pm Tuesday 14th MAY 2013 Panel Discussion at DWU Auditorium. Panel will be Magistral Service, CSO forum, CDB, Provincial Counsel of Churches Womens rep, Public Solicitor etc, starts at 2:00pm - 3:30pm open to the public to go and give views or ask questions. Topic of discussion How do we approach the root causes of crime rates Is Death Panelty the solution for violent crimes,how do we make our communities become responsible citizens. Evening Program Comnbined CHURCH Service hosted by Madang United Churches at 6:00pm -10:00pm Time to come together in prayer and worship submitting our Petition to the Lord asking him for his divine peace;knowlege,wisdom & understanding to us all and the decision makers who will address the petition Provincial/National Government. Wednesday 15th MAY 2013 Everyone gathered at Laiwadan Oval to prepare for a peace ful walk to Bates Oval Program at Bates Rep from Women, Men & Youths to address everyone on the issue of INCREASING Crime Rates and our call for action. Time of Prayer of Repentance for Women espacially and men & youths. End of the Program its going to be a half day program dress code Tuesday 14th BE IN BLACK Wednesday 15 Dress in any colour that is bright; Purple Royal Priest hood/ Prosperity, Blue: Healing, White; Purity Red: Cleansing and the Blood of Jesus ETC..

ITS A TIME TO LOOK FORWARD TO ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE & HAVE THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE OWNERSHIP AND STAND TOGETHER, TO NOT IGNORE AND TO ACT UPON CREATING A SAFER COMMUNITY FOR OUR FAMILIES!!!!