Hela Province

Community groups based in the province have now come together to see how best they can cater to these vulnerable group of people.

The Hela Council of Churches, Hela Meri’s Never Give Up, Tari Family Sexual Violence Unit, Young Ambassadors of Peace and Peace and Good Order Committee are working very hard to get the provincial authorities to address this issue.

Among their efforts they have also started the Hela Relief Appeal in partnership with Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network Inc.

Thomas Warepa was convicted today and is now in custody at Bomana awaiting his sentence.

Justice Martin Ipang found he caused grievous bodily harm by pulling off Kelo Kewaki’s testicles in the family home at Erima, Port Moresby, on June 25 last year.

But the court noted that he had reasons behind his action. He was assaulted by Kewaki after he was found sleeping in a room of the house he wasn't supposed to.

He is shy and does not talk or play much. But when called upon to read to his peers and the public at the Kuluanda Literacy Library last week, he trudged up, in bare feet and tons of confidence, silencing the crowd with his clear voice and new-found literacy skill.

Elizah’s thrilling reading act was one of the highlights of August 11, the final day of a week-long event organised at the literacy library to mark the annual National Book Week. The children put up role plays and activities in front of emotional parents and the general public to show what they have learnt.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato clarified that the invalid ballot papers were burnt by presiding officers and witnessed by scrutinizers, candidates and security officials.

He explained that the ballot papers were invalid because they contained the name of the Koroba-Kopiago electorate and were to be used at Tari Pori.

This came after a government decision to split the 26 wards of the Avi-Pori local area in Tari-Pori electorate.

Provincial Police Commander Michael Welly said although they were ready to commence deployment of polling teams, a few candidates were not happy with some of the individuals selected as presiding officers. 

Candidates claimed that some of the presiding officers were seen publicly campaigning for the candidates they support, therefore compromising their position.

So instead of polling, this morning was spent addressing this issue with the Provincial Election Manager and Police.

PPC Welly said by lunch time, they were able to resolve the issue.

Hela Provincial Administrator, William Bando, said since the deployment of the security forces in Hela, the election process has been progressive with less violence.

Bando said despite public perception, Hela is still a young and developing province with a lot of potential.

However, he said security is still a concern, considering the recent Hela call-out.

Bando will be having a word with the heads of the security forces to discuss the possibilities of looking into suspected areas where raids can be conducted to secure illegal weapons in the province.

After speaking with the Hela Provincial Police Commander, Luke Wally, Gari Baki said: "I am indeed very satisfied with the outcome of this election period and I hope this continues throughout the polling period as well.”

Commissioner Baki said despite public perception, Hela has been relatively quiet, apart from the one or two incidents in recent weeks.

The elections needed to be taken seriously, stated the commissioner.

“Everyone must make sure that it is delivered successfully in their respective regions.”

Earlier this week, OSF handed over 11 vaccine fridges, 22 vaccine cool boxes, 44 vaccine carriers and 11 solar generators with panels to HPHA Chief Executive, Dr Gunzee Gawin and his staff at the Hela Provincial Hospital.

HGB chairman Damien Arabagali thanked the country’s first prime minister and wished him good health in his retirement from politics.      

Arabagali in a media conference this morning also paid tribute to Lady Veronica and the people of East Sepik for supporting Sir Michael in his 49 years in politics.  

He said the National Alliance Party headed by Sir Michael who was then prime minister kept the parties commitment gaining new provinces for Hela and Jiwaka.

Operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, handed over the improved basketball court in February to Juni Primary School.

In partnership with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG), ExxonMobil PNG initiated a youth empowerment program that incorporates both life-skills training and Olympic values awareness, using basketball as the medium.