New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan

Solomon Pela made the declaration in Ungat Village in the Lavongai LLG during a ground breaking ceremony for the 50-kilometre road.

The event was attended by New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Provincial Executive members, Contractor PNGSJC and special guest Central Province Governor Robert Agarobe.

The Kavieng MP and Finance and Treasury Shadow Minister, Ian Ling-Stuckey, was nowhere to be seen when a delegation of Government ministers, including New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, were received with much fanfare on Friday (March 16).

When contacted, Ling-Stuckey told this newsroom that he did not accept his invitation in protest of the wrongful priorities of the governor.

“The provincial government under Chan has completely lost touch with grassroots’ needs and confused its priorities,” stated the local MP.

Micah apologised for his behaviour and statements made against the PM, Sir Julius, former Namatanai MP Byron Chan and Works Minister Michael Nali.

"It has been 2 years since we last spoke," Micah told Sir Julius.

He further asked PM O'Neill to include his number in his contact list.

"Because I heard that you removed my number," Micah said amidst polite laughter from the crowd.

Pandanus mats, large pigs and mis (traditional shell money) were presented by Micah to show his remorse.

His comments came after the province’s Government Situation Group meeting last Tuesday (Jan 3) with the Provincial Administrator and all divisional heads, including the Provincial Police Commander and New Ireland Works.

The event focused on work schedules for the province.

This was Governor Sir Julius Chan’s message during Tuesday’s New Year briefing.

He said: “Full focus and attention will be devoted to areas growing marijuana and drug related behaviour, like Matalai LLG areas.

“Those caught will be charged and forcibly evicted and sent home.

“They will be further blacklisted and disqualified from all the Government Subsidy Policy benefits.

In a recent press conference, the former prime minister said: “We all know that the government is going through very tough times.

“The current economic and financial situation did not happen yesterday or last year. It started building up a long time ago.”

Sir Julius said when PNG was going through a reasonably balanced budget, the government opted for a deficit budget.

“You and I know that the time to paint the roof is when the sun is shining. The sun was shining very bright about four or five years ago.

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan questioned the government’s proposal to increase the nomination fee, from K1000 to K10,000, during a media conference on Friday.

“What is the average income of Papua New Guinea? Is it K10,000?

“If you say that the average income is K4000 or K5000 then we are wiping out these people completely.

“When the masses are below an average income, and if you put it too high, then you are robbing them of an opportunity,” says Sir J.

The definition of wealth, he says, is when people are rich, self-reliant and have improved living standards.

However, the Government keeps on borrowing money to repay loans while funding projects at the same time, claims the former prime minister.

He says we need good leaders who can lead during these difficult times and into the future.

Sir Julius made these remarks on Tuesday, during the launching of Kavieng district’s ward trucks, tractors and cooking ovens at the Kopkop showground.

New Ireland Governor and former prime minister, Sir Julius Chan, issued the call following the latest Health Department report.

According to the report, New Ireland is leading with a 4.5 percent population growth rate; the highest in Papua New Guinea.

Sir Julius revealed this to locals who had gathered to witness the launching of ward trucks and tractors yesterday at the Kopkop showground, Kavieng town.

He is one of Israel’s foremost political figures and peacemakers, two-time former Prime Minister and President, the late Shimon Peres.

“He was a man of peace and almost the Father of Israel. He commanded trust and respect across borders, serving with high distinctions.”

The Governor said the late Peres’ mastery of historical heritage and political leadership to advocate peace between warring neighbours, and his country, ultimately won him the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The late Shimon Peres was Foreign Minister when I met him,” said Sir J.