By Cathy Tukne

On the eve of the national State of Emergency (SOE) shut down, little did informal vendors know how this sudden decision would snap their daily livelihoods.  While the SOE was a crucial measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the restrictions imposed had a devastating impact on the majority of urban people whose livelihoods are strongly linked to informal economic activities.

The battle against the ‘environmental terrorists’ destroying Papua New Guinea 

Source: Independent

The proposed Independent Commission Against Corruption will not be free from possible political interference under the terms of the draft Bill currently before Parliament.

The Prime Minister will Chair and the Leader of the Opposition will be a member of the committee that appoints both the Commissioners and the members of the Oversight Committee that will constantly review the operations, functions and powers of the ICAC.

Date: 2 July 2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic still expanding across the globe, ACT NOW is urging the PNG government to drop its plans to put customary land into the hands of commercial banks.

The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated once again that customary land is a vital and irreplaceable resource for our families and communities.

Source: The Guardian, 18 June 2020

'Locals say the Sepik river region must be protected from ‘exploitation and destruction from outsiders’'

Locals protest against mine at PNG’s Sepik river region. Photograph: Project Sepik

Chiefs from 28 haus tambarans – “spirit houses” – representing 78,000 people along Papua New Guinea’s remote Sepik river have formally declared they want a proposal for the country’s largest ever mine halted.

Source: Scott Waide / My Land My Country

We have to get this right if we are to thrive in this country: The quality of transport infrastructure – especially roads and bridges – determines the price of food.  Apart from consumption, this single factor influences the rate of supply and demand to a large extent.

Ten months after taking power the government of James Marape has completely failed to deliver on its promises to tackle Papua New Guinea’s chronic corruption.

James Marape was elected as Prime Minister on the back of a growing wave of discontent over political corruption and the misuse of public funds and the initial signs from the new government were promising.

Noted commentator Martyn Namorong shares his ideas on why and how we need to reform our education system in order to fulfil our dream of being an independent and prosperous nation.

"I believe we are a species with amnesia. I think we have forgotten our roots and our origins. I think we are quite lost in many ways." 

- Graham Hancock.

Cook Islands support for farmers and home gardeners could provide an excellent model for Papua New Guinea

Source: Ministry of Agriculture Cook Islands - 6 April 2020