Abau district

It has been reported that the former statesman passed away today. Details into his death are still sketchy.

Sir Puka Temu, on behalf of the people of Abau district, said Sir Reuben’s passing is a great loss for the country and Abau.

The late Sir Reuben was one of Papua New Guinea’s first medical doctors and was also the first Health Minister in Michael Somare's and PNG's first ministry.

Sir Puka said the country owes it to pioneers like the late Sir Reuben who contributed immensely to the development of health and politics in the early days.

 Kala filed the petition against third-time MP, Sir Puka Temu.

The case went for directions before Justice Collin Makail, of the Waigani National Court, where two weeks were given to parties to sort their witness statements in preparation for trial.

Sir Puka will also be calling seven witnesses during trial.

Kala is alleging five instances of bribery against sitting MP, Sir Puka.

The Electoral Commission has been given till Oct 4 to produce form 66 A and form 66B, including the electoral roll to lawyers for the petitioner.

Progressive results:  

Aroma Coast and Cloudy Bay LLGs completed polling on the weekend while one polling team for Amazon Bay LLG finished off today to complete polling for Abau.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato says that for Rigo Open, Rigo coast and central have completed polling while Rigo inland will be done by Wednesday, July 5.

All three LLGs in the Goilala electorate, Guari, Woitape and Tapini are expected to complete polling on July 6^th.

For Kairuku-Hiri Open, Hiri and Mekeo LLGs polling ends today.

Supreme Court: OC has power to investigate PM

The Ombudsman Commission has the jurisdiction to investigate Prime Minister Peter O’Neill under the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission and make comments involving interpretation and application of constitutional laws.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/supreme-court-oc-has-power-investigate-pm-55611

 25 people from the district participated in the project, led by a three member team of researchers from Deakin University in Australia and Divine Word University in PNG.

The project started in April and finished last month.

They undertook a range of research projects around the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) theme.

The villagers learnt about the importance of keeping girls in school, to improve women’s health, to create business opportunities for women, and also to improve women’s literacy and to tackle domestic violence.