Marape appoints 3 opposition MPs to new PNG ministry

Bryan Kramer (centre) waits for the announcement of his new portfolio this morning

By KEITH JACKSON - PNG Attitude

BRISBANE - Prime Minister James Marape has ‘reached across the aisle’ to appoint three leading figures in Papua New Guinea's opposition to key posts in his new ministry.

And former deputy prime minister and treasurer Charles Abel has been demoted and lost his senior position to Steven Davis, the member for Esa'ala of Milne Bay Province.

The outspoken Madang MP, Bryan Kramer, has been appointed to the tricky portfolio of Police, central to addressing PNG's chronic law and order problems and a post which will demand all his skills.

A huge cheer went up when his appointment, which had been widely anticipated, was announced.  

Kerenga Kua, the Simbu MP who did not vote for Marape in the leadership ballot, has been appointed to the key economic ministry of Petroleum, and Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom receives the Fisheries and Marine Resources portfolio.

The appointments show that Marape was prepared to both to reach out to political opponents and use merit as a key selection criterion in his ministry.

Meanwhile long-serving foreign affairs minister Rimbink Pato, a strong O'Neill supporter, has been dropped from the ministry altogether and Sam Basil has been appointed in the lower reaches of the ministry as responsible for the treasury.

The full cabinet sworn in at Government Haus in Port Moresby a short time ago is:

1. James Marape - Prime Minister
2. Steven Davis - Deputy Prime Minister and Justice and Attorney General
3. Joseph Yopyyopy - Education
4. Lekwa Gure - Civil Aviation
5. Wera Mori - Commerce and Industry
6. Renbo Paita - Communication and Energy
7. Wake Goi - Community Development, Youth and Religion
8. Chris Nangoi - Correctional Services
9. Saki Soloma - Defence
10. Soroi Eoe - Foreign Affairs and Trade
11. Jeffery Kama - Environment, Conservation and Climate Change
12. Dr Lino Tom - Fisheries and Marine Resources
13. Sir Puka Temu - Bougainville Affairs
14. Elias Kapavore - Health and HIV/AIDS
15. Nick Kuman - Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
16. Justin Tkatchenko - Housing and Urban Development
17. Petrus Thomas - Immigration and Border Security
18. Pila Niningi - Inter-Government Relations
19. Alfred Manase - Labour and Industrial Relations
20. John Simon - Agriculture and Livestock
21. John Rosso - Lands and Physical Planning
22. Kerenga Kua - Petroleum
23. Bryan Kramer - Police
24. Sasindran Muthuvel - State Enterprises
25. Westly Nukundj - Public Service
26. Emil Tammur - Tourism, Arts and Culture
27. William Samb - Transport and Infrastructure
28. Michael Nali - Works and Implementation
29. Solan Mirisim - Forest
30. Sam Basil - Treasury
31. Richard Maru - National Planning and Monitoring
32. Charles Abel - Finance and Rural Development
33. Johnson Tuke - Mining

Go to this link for more: https://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2019/06/marape-appoints-3-opposition-mps-to-new-png-ministry.html

On campaigning, strategy & social media in PNG politics

By KEITH JACKSON - PNG Attitude

PORT MORESBY – During the recent Australian election campaign, the Labor Party twirled haplessly around the issue of north Queensland coal mining, convincing nobody about where it actually stood on the issue.

And it went on to lose an election it was meant to win, a win which the tropical constituency might have provided had only Labor adopted a more strategic and coherent position.

It might have had a winning election strategy if it had understood the precept that, if you take something away from people without giving them something back, you’re going to end up in deep doo-doo. As Labor did.

In Australia’s deep north, in people’s minds what being taken away was jobs and the strategic reciprocal really should have been a big, job-creating renewables project. But, like Labor, this ended up nowhere to be seen.

Not for the first time was I reminded that Australia’s politicians too often lose the clarity of good strategy amongst the smoke, rubble and acrimony of election campaigns.

I remark on this because it’s not a deficiency I’ve observed so far in Papua New Guinea’s new leader, James Marape.

In fact, the opening rhetorical gambits of his recently acquired prime ministership have been most impressive.

In three major declarations – one on Facebook (‘richest black Christian nation’), one in a national broadcast (‘the reconstruction of Team PNG’) and another in a statement to public servants (‘tell me how you can lead your organisation’) – he spelled out the key strategic goals he intends to pursue as prime minister.

Now we’ve yet to see Marape perform (as that most skeptical of assemblages, the ex-kiaps, have already reminded me), but given that it’s best to know where you want to go before you start, Marape has quickly offered an intelligent and inspirational roadmap.

So far as I could determine, not a single key area requiring his attention was overlooked and it didn’t take him an excessive number of words for his vision to be enunciated – and this included his expectations of himself.

One aspect noticed and much commented upon by many Papua New Guineans was his commitment to use social media to maintain regular contact with the people.

There are about a million social media users in PNG, which, while accounting for only about 12% of the population, is an important million.

That’s because social media – which in PNG usually signifies Facebook which has 800,000 users, 10% of the population – unlike mainstream media is largely generated by the people themselves around the things they want to talk about in the way they want to talk about them.

This may not be pretty but it’s a pretty effective because it interfaces directly with the best system of communication humans ever devised – word of mouth.

We saw social media come into its own in PNG with the overthrow of Peter O’Neill. Now success is said to have a thousand fathers but in this case one man can claim greater paternity than others in O’Neill’s demise.

That is the member for Madang in PNG's parliament, Bryan Kramer.

Kramer has a Facebook site, Kramer Report, with nearly 120,000 followers and he is big time into using it for political comment, discussion and often dramatic revelation.

If ever there was short, sharp route into the public mind in PNG, it is Bryan Kramer’s Facebook site.

Week after week, month after month, he took on the O’Neill government and its shamelessness.

Single stories often attracted as many as 10,000 likes and 1,000 comments and who knows how many more through republication (‘shares’).

And what was O’Neill’s reaction – well, just a few months ago he was threatening to ban Facebook in PNG altogether.

Now, with Kramer’s  verbal grenades and the huge public response they triggered feeding directly into a national word of mouth conversation, it is no surprise the new PM, far from wanting to ban Facebook, has decided he’ll jump on to the platform instead.

As I remarked to a group of journalists at a media workshop here on Tuesday, the 2022 general election looks like shaping up as a social media election and heaven help any politician who’s not on board.

The truth is that social media, for all its flaws, has become a huge force for public participation, debate and democracy in PNG.

It doesn’t replace strategy (which Marape seems on top of) and it doesn’t replace stamping out corruption (which Marape promises to do) but, in communication terms, it’s a game changer.

You can link to the Kramer Report here and to James Marape's Facebook page here

Go to this link for more: https://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2019/06/on-campaigning-strategy-social-media-in-png-politics.html

Police commissioner calls Madang MP a "mix race bastard"

Police Commissioner Gary Baki & Madang MP Bryan Kramer - Baki has a reputation for being hot-tempered; not the best attribute for making good decisions

By BRYAN KRAMER MP - PNG Attitude

MADANG - Yesterday afternoon at 6pm I was at Biliau village on Manam Island when I noticed my phone registered five missed calls from of police commissioner Gary Baki.

I was on the Island to carry out an assessment of the extent of damage and plight of the Manam people following a massive volcanic eruption on Saturday morning but I was also aware that Bailiau was the same village where journalists were attacked on Sunday.

I was in the middle of speaking to villagers when commissioner Baki called. I also received a text message from him.

The message read - "Mr Kramer, it’s the police commissioner, can you answer your phone."

I replied ‘sorry I'm on Manam Island in a meeting with the villagers, will call you back in 30 min’.

Baki replied - "You better".

At this point it became clear Baki was calling me in relation to my recent article about filing a complaint and proceedings against him over his decision to close the file against prime minister Peter O'Neill relating to the Paraka scandal.

So I responded - "With due respect I plan to return your call, I don't see any reason why I wouldn't, or would have to if I choose not to."

At exactly 6:37pm I returned Baki's call. What followed was a heated conversation that lasted four minutes and 54 seconds.

The commissioner started the conversation with - "Who do you think you are?” and , while many other things were said, the more notable statements by the commissioner included the following:

“You are nobody....“

“You are not even a lawyer....”

“You are mix race bastard....”

“Nau tasol papa karim you bilong bol bilong em…."

“I am coming to parliament to face you….”

“You hurry up and file the court case against me and make sure you personally come to my office and serve it on me….”

“You filed a case against electoral commissioner and I will make sure you bring the evidence to my office….”

My response was – “It appears the good commissioner is confused between the powers he has over the force versus that over any other citizen let alone a member of parliament.”

If he is taking issue with the fact I'm mix race, last time I checked so is the prime minister Peter O'Neill, who appointed him, deputy prime minister Charles Abel, Member for Lae Open John Rosso, Member for Ijiviatri Richard Masere, Member for Bogia Robert Naguri, Member for Huon Gulf Ross Semor, Member for Kavieng Open, Member for Namatanai Open, Oro Governor Gary Juffa, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird

Add to that his own assistant commissioner David Manning and several thousand Papua New Guineans around the country and abroad.

I would be lying if I said I was shocked by Baki's outburst, he does have a reputation for losing his cool.

On the issue of my complaint against the electoral commissioner, it is interesting he has taken a direct interest in it but I wasn't aware it was criminal investigation procedure for the commissioner to summon witnesses to testify to the evidence. Last time I checked that jurisdiction belonged to the courts.

Mr Baki needs to come to terms with the fact that his threats or intimidation are of little concern to me. What I am concerned about is high-level corruption that is the cause behind why the majority of Papua New Guineans live in poverty.

The only means to stopping me will be a bullet to my head and nothing less. While some may say that can be arranged, what they need to understand is that it’s exactly what I'm banking on as the shortest pathway to unite a country and bring down those behind PNG's corrupt system of government.

Some free advice to the commissioner. Perhaps next time put in some thought before calling a member of parliament who has a reputation for being prolific on social media and followed by 100,000 people.

In anticipation that Mr Baki may claim I'm lying and threaten to have me arrested or take the matter to court, he needs to remember I was in the company of an entire village when he called so I don't expect to have a problem calling witnesses, and he can add to that the records on my phone.

Go to this link for more: https://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2018/09/police-commissioner-calls-madang-mp-mix-race-bastard.html?fbclid=IwAR2eIjM1g6gyTeFjdnp-1Pmy4j5hnp-7bVQSs0HZq3GWALW54Jxc1ylfa70

MARABE–DAVIS GOVERNMENT FULL CABINET PORTFOLIOS

Prime Minister James Marape new cabinets outline at Government house today. These are the Marape-Davis Government full carbinet portfolies;

1)      Hon. James Marape – Prime Minister

2)      Hon. Steven Davis - Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Justice & Attorney General

3)      Hon. Sam Basil – Minister for Treasury

4)      Hon. Richard Maru – Minister for National Planning & Monitoring

5)      Hon. Charles Abel – Minister for Finance & Rural Development

6)      Hon. Sir Puka Temu – Minister for Bougainville Affairs

7)      Hon. Kerenga Kua – Minister for Petroleum

8)      Hon. Johnson Tuke – Minister for Mining

9)      Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel – Minister for State Enterprises

10)   Hon. Michael Nali – Minister for Works & Implementation

11)   Hon. Wera Mori – Minister for Commerce & Industry

12)   Hon. William Samb – Minister for Transport & Infrastructure (Air Nuigini Ltd)

13)   Hon. Lekwa Gure – Minister for Civil Aviation

14)   Hon. Renbo Paita – Minister for Communications & Energy (Telikom Limited, PNG Power Ltd)

15)   Hon. Soroi Eoe – Minister for Foreign Affairs & International Trade

16)   Hon. Saki Soloma – Minister for Defence (National Fire Service, National Volunteer Service, National Disaster

17)   Hon. Wake Goi – Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion

18)   Hon. Chris Yer Nangoi – Minister for Correctional Services

19)   Hon. Jeffery Kama – Minister for Environment, Conservation & Climate Change

20)   Hon. Lino Tom – Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources

21)   Hon. Solan Mirism – Minister for Forest

22)   Hon. Elias Kapavore – Minister for Health & HIV/Aids

23)   Hon. Nick Kuman – Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology

24)   Hon. Justin Tkatchenko – Minister for Housing & Urban Development

25)   Hon. Petrus Thomas – Minister for Immigration & Border Security

26)   Hon. Pila Niningi – Minister for Inter-Government Relation

27)   Hon. Alfred Manase – Minister for Labour & Industrial Relations

28)   Hon. John Simon – Minister for Agriculture & Livestock

29)   Hon. John Rosso – Minister for Lands and Physical Planning

30)   Hon. Bryan Kramer – Minister for Police

31)   Hon. Westly Nukundj – Minister for Public Service

32)   Hon. Emil Tamur – Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture

33)   Hon. Joseph Yopyop – Minister for Education

73,000-plus students sit for Written Expression exam

Posted on The National

MORE than 73,000 grade 10 students around the country sat for the Written Expression national examination yesterday.
It included more than 6500 from Morobe, the biggest province.
Provincial examinations supervisor Christopher Raymond said while there was a shortage of exam papers at two schools, everything else went smoothly.
“The head masters (indicated that) all exams proceeded well,” he said.
“Many started a bit late due to the rain. Otherwise, they met the required duration of two hours.”
He said there was a shortage of exam papers at Lae Secondary and Rangiampum High School in Markham district.
“The external invigilators were advised to make copies.”
The province has 15 high schools and 12 secondary schools.
At the Jubilee Secondary School in Port Moresby, 294 students sat for the exam.
Deputy Principal academic Barbara Miles said all students turned up on time.
“I am sure that the students have been well prepared by their teachers,” Miles said.
In their preparation, she said teachers had allowed students to go through old exam papers.
“There are five grade 10 classes this year but we gave them an additional three classrooms that makes it eight classrooms for the exam. “That was to meet the requirement of the measurement services unit divisions that students must have enough space during the exam, at least 40 students per classroom.”
In East New Britain, 3367 students sat for the exam.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/73000-plus-students-sit-for-written-expression-exam/

PM tells citizens: Work with us

Posted on The National

PRIME Minister James Marape says he is motivated by leaders who refused to accept money to see change and good governance.
“They were offered money, they were offered jobs but they sticked to their commitment for the good of the people and country,” Marape added.
“I appeal to Papua New Guineans, the least you can do is to respect your children, the girls and women amongst us.
“You respect society by living peacefully, respecting each other despite our ethnic differences, our political differences, our religious differences.”
He delivered his maiden address as prime minister to the nation on Wednesday. He plans to address the nation again on the state of the economy later.
“You will realise where we are. We need greater incursion into how we harvest our natural resources.
“Many of our corporate citizens will feel a little bit doubtful, will feel a little bit intimidated, a little bit insecure. But you must not feel that way.
“When PNG is safe, when PNG is secured economically, when PNG is robust and growing, businesses will flourish and reap deserved rewards.
“You need PNG to be strong, stable, prosperous and wealthy. And that is why I am in the business of making huge decisions in as far as resource laws are concerned.
“We will do it very slowly. I’m looking at 2025 in which we will migrate to a new legislative framework.
“Whatever changes we intend to do in the next one or two years will be prospective.”
Marape appealed to Papua New Guineans to respect and uphold the laws so that the country could prosper harmoniously.
“Every extra money spent on maintaining law and order could otherwise be (saved and) spent on schools, education, health and infrastructure,” he said.
“I appeal to everyone nationwide, especially my people of Hela and the region, to help transform communities into peaceful and law-abiding citizens who can contribute to nation-building unabated.”

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/pm-tells-citizens-work-with-us/

Close watch on ministers

Posted on The National

THE performance of Cabinet ministers will be assessed every six months to ensure transparency and conformity to Government plans and goals, says Prime Minister James Marape.
Marape will today name his full Cabinet line-up who will be sworn in by Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
“I will put in place a performance-based system for ministers to be assessed every six months so that the intent of Government is achieved going forward,” he said in a statement.
He warned that some “capable and qualified” MPs on the Government benches will find themselves missing from the Cabinet list today “but they need to know that their opportunity will arise”.
He had named eight serving ministers in the caretaker cabinet announced after his election last week.
All including himself had served in Cabinet under his predecessor Peter O’Neill.
He said the new Cabinet would likely be divided into two streams with him leading one and the deputy prime minister the other.
The same performance-based system for ministers will apply to heads of departments to ensure “transparency and confidence”, he said.
“Every MP and department head is a public servant. Citizens have every right to expect us to perform at our best and to meet required standards,” he said.
Marape said the composition of Cabinet was a “serious matter with significant implications for the economy and the country”.
“I have had the benefit of working with our senior MPs over many years,” Marape said.
“This has given me the opportunity to assess their strengths and policy talents that have been built over their many years of parliamentary service and other experience. We have in our Government a range of MPs with extraordinary experience in the private sector and in public service.
“Our Government will harness this experience that will be of great benefit to deliberations in the National Executive Council and in the delivery of Government services.
“A further important consideration in the appointment of the new Cabinet is to ensure there is balance in regional representation. Our country is vast with many different cultural groups and communities where specific challenges they face are varied.
“It is extremely important that our Cabinet carries with it the views and the aspirations from all parts of our nation. This is essential for us to continue to restore our country, take back our economy and point us in the right direction going forward.”

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/close-watch-on-ministers/