Peter O’Neill

He said working with good investors will be a priority for the government in order to gain the most from our natural resources.

 “We must continue to diversify our economic base and must also keep investing in our people.

“Today, more and more Papua New Guineans are in senior professional and technical positions, and this will continue to expand.

“We will continue to improve education, and to train our people in technical colleges and universities. We will continue to strengthen healthcare in our country so that we have a healthy workforce.”

Speaking during the flag raising ceremony on the Independence Day O’Neill said our nation will be on display as we host the APEC Summit.

He said by the time of the APEC Leaders’ Summit next year, more than 15,000 APEC delegates will have visited our country.

“We will welcome the Presidents and Prime Ministers of the other 20 APEC countries, representing more than half of global trade.

“This presents unique opportunity for our country.

“We must promote our country to a global audience and the global investment community.

Opposition Leader, Patrick Pruaitch in a statement said Basil’s decision surprised leaders within the Alliance although the public received early warning through media reports that a crossover was about to happen.

“A formal announcement was delayed allowing for negotiations on the ‘30 pieces of silver’ needed to entice 12 Pangu Pati members across to Government, rather than the initial nine or 10 MPs,” he said.

Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, currently has 73 MPs in the ruling coalition, giving him the ability to dominate Parliament and to bulldoze through any legislation.

The matter was set down for the end of October by the Supreme Court today.

The two separate appeals were joined after parties in the case agreed that they had similar grounds, as both emanate from the same National Court decision which dismissed the review case, challenging the legality of the arrest warrant that was taken out against the Prime Minister in June 2014.

Justice Stephen Kassman last month issued an order putting the case on the fast track list.

Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill in declaring the 53^rd Medical Symposium open this morning in Port Moresby, said for the symposium to continue in order to advance the delivery of healthcare in our country.

O’Neill said improving access to universal healthcare is a top priority of the Government and that the government is committed to reforming healthcare services in the country.

“There are 111 parliamentarians but shockingly all of them are men! There are no women. Our House of Parliament is a ‘Hausman’ (house of men)!” said Fr Victor Roche.

He is calling on all members of parliament including the opposition to vote for the proposal.

There are only 6 nations in the world where there are no women representatives in the parliament. PNG is one of them.

Roche questioned why women were undermined even though 48.9% of PNG’s population are female.

The two seperate appeals were joined after parties in the case agreed, that they had similar grounds, as both appeals arise from the same National Court decision, which dismissed the review case, challenging the legality of the arrest warrant that was taken out against the Prime Minister in June 2014.

This reference was filed on July 10 by Runner-up in the Ialibu-Pangia seat, Stanley Liria, questioning the legality of polling that was conducted on Sunday in the electorate.

The reference returned for directions hearing today before Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia. This case is now posted on the fast track list of Supreme Court cases.

Mal Varitimos who is assisted by Tiffany Twivey-Nongor for the Prime Minister, indicated they will be filing an application that will ask the court to dismiss the case.

PM O’Neill made the comment as the agenda is being prepared for the next Parliamentary sitting, and the Government prepares to deliver APEC Papua New Guinea 2018.

“The Tenth Parliament is a fresh start, an opportunity to deliver legislation that will further advance our Nation,” he said.

“If they ever want to be taken seriously, the Opposition will need to debate issues properly.

Baki to invite PM in for questioning

The police commissioner is set on inviting Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in for questioning.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/baki-invite-pm-questioning-64614

Baki urged to enforce warrant

Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah has called on Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, to enforce the warrant of arrest on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.