Governor General

During the flag lowering ceremony in Port Moresby yesterday, Governor General Bob Dadae said for the first time ever, the spirit of unity and oneness dismissed all doubts and fears of succeeding as a new nation.

“The passion to now be identified as a Papua New Guinean was demonstrated in many areas – in politics, education and academic attainment and sports. The shared determination to excel was driven by the strong passion to stand tall and to be counted as a proud Papua New Guinean,” said the GG.

The two members are:

1. Ms. Theresa Jaintong, OBE representing the National Council of Women, and,
2. Rev. Roger Joseph representing PNG Council of Churches.

Their appointment as members representing their respective organisations to the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission is in accordance with the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates.

These positions became vacant due to the passing of the Churches Representative and the resignation of the Women’s Representative in the Commission.

The Queen celebrates two birthdays a year. Her actual birthday is on 21^st April and her official birthday is usually on the second Saturday in June.

The Queen is 92 years old this year.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Papua New Guinea, I take this time to convey my warm congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on her 92^nd birthday.

“Throughout her life, the Queen has exemplified exceptional service and dedication spanning 66 years as reigning monarch and head of the Commonwealth.

Ms. Kiap was nominated by her peers for outstanding service as a diplomat promoting the interests of both PNG and the United Kingdom and in her role and capacity in other organisations based in London.

“Papua New Guinea is indeed proud of your achievement having won the 2018 Diplomat of the Year award,” Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae said.

“Your achievement is well noted and with a very distinguished career behind you, this award is well deserved.

PNG will join the rest of the world to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day tomorrow.

Grand Chief Sir Bob said TB, whilst fatal, is curable therefore it is vital that every step is taken to prevent and halt the spread of the disease.

“It is important that TB patients adhere to their medications and complete their dosage as directed by health practitioners as failure to do so has seen an increase in high incidences of drug resistant strains of TB,” stated Sir Bob.

Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, said this during a courtesy call by PNG diplomats to Government House on Thursday, a first such visit.

The Governor General also expressed his well wishes to the heads of state of the countries represented by our foreign diplomats, for their continued health and well-being and for prosperity and closer ties between our countries.

“I want to thank you all for the important role you all play in representing our country overseas.

Grand Chief Sir Bob remarked that police personnel play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of the public and international visitors alike; however, in order for them to carry out their duties, it is imperative that their living conditions are improved and the services of retired servicemen recognized.

The Governor General made these remarks to the Member for Gazelle and Minister for Police, Jelta Wong who paid a courtesy call on the Governor General at Government House on Thursday morning.

When officially opening the 10th Parliament session today, the Sir Bob Dadae said these include relevant amendments to legislation in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism.

He said the Government must also enable more national or landowner participation.

“There must be necessary reforms aimed at creating inclusivity and a level playing field that provides a conducive environment for small and medium-sized businesses to be established, operate and grow the economy.”

This was the first time for the Governor General to visit the Bomana prison hence his visit was well received by the Correctional Service hierarchy and inmates serving time at Bomana prison.

A Correctional Service guard of honour parade was held for the Governor General during which the Governor General acknowledged the work of the Correctional Service staff and officers urging them to continue the positive work they do to remand prisoners in their care.

The extension was officially made on Friday 21^st by Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae.

Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, announced today that the extension is to allow for counting in other parts of the country to be completed.

Gamato previously announced that an extension was well within the required number of days for polling and counting.

He said by law 21 days was allowed but they had only requested to the Govenor General 16 days, leaving a five day buffer, which they will now use.

Today, Gamato received writs from the following seats: