APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko

It has been over two months and the Carr Memorial Adventist Primary School is still waiting for the damage to be settled.

Just 24 hours after the Leaders’ summit concluded on November 18^th, one of the 42-seater buses backed into the Carr Memorial Adventist Primary School fence on a Monday evening.

APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed after the incident, that one of the black buses was unfortunately driven by an intoxicated soldier from Murray Barracks, who had no right to utilise or drive that vehicle.

The purpose-built 42-seater buses donated by the Chinese government for APEC will soon be on the capital city’s roads, following a commitment made by the APEC Authority last month.

“They’re as good as anything in Australia, or New Zealand or around the world, and we’ve already got drivers trained to drive those buses,” stated APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

“We’ve got all the spare parts that came with the buses and we’ve got the mechanics that have also been trained to look after and maintain it as well.”

In a press briefing, the APEC Minister countered concerns that the amended Act violates PNG’s constitution.

Concerns have been raised in the past few weeks over the amended APEC Safety and Security Act 2018.

Members of the Opposition, including church groups, highlighted that the legislation grants foreign security forces immunity from criminal or civil prosecution.

The Sunset Clause in particular has caused apprehension in the country as it allows foreign security forces to use ‘lethal force’ if required.

The Minister labeled the Lamana Gold Club incident a ‘total disgrace’.

He said Macdonald is a rising star who recently signed a three-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Tkatchenko stated that PNG is proud of the 24-year-old, who went out on Saturday with fellow teammates to unwind after their victory against the England Knights but instead, allegedly had a glass smashed on his head.

“The record must be set straight, and these lies put to an end,” said the Minister.

“Firstly, the use of a certain level of vehicle is required for global events such as an APEC Leaders’ Summit.

“Secondly, as with past APEC hosts, these vehicles will be purchased by the private sector at cost.

“Thirdly, the price the Maserati will be sold to the private sector is less than the sale price of a Toyota Land Cruiser VX, while price of Bentleys will be more than the Toyota, but not the ridiculous K2.3 million each claimed by the desperate member of Opposition.”

APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the Government, through the assistance of the Chinese Government, is looking to build a boulevard as well as providing maintenance support to existing routes.

He re-affirmed that the country is APEC ready, particularly with the Prime Minister’s personal approach to APEC, further stating that the right people are in place to lead APEC 2018.