Western Highlands Province

Probationary Constable Jonathan Kara, 27, of Kelua 2, Western Highlands Province, was sentenced on July 3 by Justice Nicholas Miviri at the Waigani National Court in Port Moresby.

Kara was found guilty under section 87 (1) and 138 (a) of the PNG Criminal Code respectively. In Feb 2017, Moses Andia, 30, of Tambul Western Highlands Province was arrested and detained at the Gordon police cells for insulting a person.

Acting Provincial Administration Stanley Maip said this is the new approach the Provincial Government Team is taking now that the country is going through cash flow issues.

“Complaining and waiting is a waste of time”.

At least that’s what the Western Highlands Provincial Administration believes when it comes to delivering services.

The National Government hasn’t come good with the promised Services Improvement Program Funds and Provincial Support Grants, but this province is not complaining.

This is to promote its cultural product on the world market to attract more tourists to visit the site. 

Since 2014, 155 international tourists had visited the site.

This was revealed by Jacinta Tai, coordinator of culture from the Division of Commerce,Tourism and Culture – WHPA recently when accompanying 6 tourists from France to the site. 

The cultural centre was formed in 2015 however, due to its unique cultural performances and scenic sites, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority has decided to market the centre to the world.

The family’s eldest 10-year-old son tragically lost his life while 5 of the remaining family members received severe injuries; only the youngest, a two-year-old, escaped unscathed.

Ps Stanley Ebi and wife Nancy said at the Warakalap check point, the driver of their PMV bus was speeding along a sharp turn when all of a sudden, they found themselves rolling four or five times down a cliff.

The parents are students of Pabarabuk Pacific Bible College and they were involved in the accident just a few kilometers shy of the college.

A week ago, a group of young men pushed a bush knife through the window of a staff house at midnight while the family was asleep.

Staff say this was the fourth incident recorded since last year.

Officer-in-charge Sai Haguai says the lives of his staff are at risk and the facility will remain closed until an amicable understanding is reached between the locals, the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority and the SDA Health Services to protect the welfare of the staff and the facilities as well.

Counting officials are currently in session.

Provincial Election Manager, Philip Telape, says they will still count even though officials raised concerns on their allowances.

He adds that counting should have started yesterday but the issue of allowance made them defer it to today.

More updates to come…

Provincial Election Manager, Philip Telape, confirmed with Loop PNG this morning.

He said they were supposed to start on Wednesday but due to problems regarding the payment of polling officials, it was deferred to today.

Telape said they are still waiting for their payment.

More updates to come…

(Loop file pic)

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Martin Lakari, says the fight was caused by supporters of two candidates after polling on Saturday (July 8).

The supporters were not happy with ballot papers and set up roadblocks. Fortunately, the fight was contained due to quick response from security personnel.

However, he said apart from that, no major incident had been reported.

Despite the incident, Lakari said polling has been conducted peacefully and they are ready to go for counting.

More on TVWAN News tonight.

Polling was delayed on Tuesday, July 4, because of issues with the electoral roll.

Pre-counting of ballot papers was done on Tuesday and Wednesday before polling can commence.

Provincial election manager, Philip Telape, told Loop PNG that polling materials and officials moved into the districts today to prepare for polling.

WHP consists of four districts: Dei, Mul-Baiyer, Hagen and Tambul-Nebilyer, with 305 wards and 432 polling teams.

Polling was scheduled to take place today however, due to issues with the electoral roll, it has been postponed.

Provincial election manager, Anton Iamau, said sorting and pre-counting of ballot papers took place in Wabag Town due to electoral roll issues.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato confirmed that Western Highlands Province (WHP) also has the same issue with the electoral roll and will commence polling on Thursday.

Polling officials spent the day also sorting and pre-counting.