Talasea MP

Talasea MP eyes transformation

Maneke said the satellite towns have been factored into the 5-year District Development Plan and will be implemented.

“The emphasis on the plan is to empower communities and oil palm growers and citizens in the province as a whole to be able to start their own Small and Medium Enterprises.”

He said for so long, the district has been a spectator in the development of services and it’s about time the district partakes in the economic benefits of agriculture, especially oil palm.

Minor reshuffle, a slap in face: Talasea

The reshuffle saw Talasea MP, Francis Maneke stripped off the portfolio of Communications and Information Technology Minister and given to Pangu Pati leader and Bulolo MP Sam Basil, who recently moved from the Opposition to join Government.

Chairman of the Nakanai Association Inc Patrick Loku expressed in a statement that Maneke hasn’t been given ample time to prove himself in the portfolio.

He described the reshuffle as a slap in the face for the 300,000 people of Talasea district and West New Britain.

​K5,000 for UPNG WNB students

The funds will help students organise the WNB Day tomorrow in Port Moresby.

Maneke said culture and tradition is the backbone of every society and supporting the students is a good gesture.

He encouraged the students to not forget their origins and make it their priority to pass it on to the next generation.

"Strengthening our culture and traditional rituals are very important in our lives.

"Without our culture, we wouldn't know our existence,” Maneke stated.

WNB leaders encouraged to work together

Kandrian Gloucester MP Joseph Lelang was not present to be sworn in with the two leaders.

Making their declarations of loyalty to serve the people of West New Britain, the leaders have committed to serve the people wholeheartedly and bring services to them.

Governor Muthuvel said team work is needed by the leaders in order for the people to get the basic services.

He called on other provincial leaders to put away their differences and move the province forward.

WNB leaders welcomed home

The Nakanai tribe along with other tribes were dressed in their traditional outfits to welcome the two members as they stepped out of the plane.

Hoskins airport was filled to capacity as the people gathered to welcome the two leaders.

Maneke had been sworn - in as a Minister of state on Wednesday by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at the Government House in Port Moresby.

He was the first MP from the province to be elected and to be given a ministry straight after the elections.