Jelta Wong

Wong, 44, is the third candidate in East New Britain to be declared Member of Parliament.

Returning Officer, John Wartovo declared Wong at 2.30 pm after the 31^st and final exclusion at midday. Wong’s final tally was 9,348 votes with National Alliance candidate and former Gazelle MP, Malakai Tabar coming in second with 6, 373 votes. The Absolute Majority was 7,861.

He made this statement following questions raised by East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird on the floor of Parliament on the progress of the report on Tuesday.  

“I would like to know if a finding has been made and if so, has that been made available to the family. If not, why not?

“There are others who actually suffer sometimes from treatment at the public hospital and it is not just the case of young Rex.

He urged the people of Lassul Baining Local Level Government to be positive moving forward into the future and not to fear the challenges ahead.

“Yes, we have challenges and obstacles along the way but we have come so far and we will not stop,” Mr Wong told the people.

Speaking during the ground breaking occasion for the Kipka community hall and opening of a market for women last Friday 21 January. He said people must embrace development and work with the government.

Sir Ronald, 88 of Ratavul Village in Rabaul District, passed away on Saturday 25 December, in Port Moresby after battling a long illness.

Minister Wong said ENB has lost another prominent leader who had contributed immensely to developing the province.

“Sir Ronald was among pioneer leaders such as late Sir Paulias Matane, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Martin ToVadek, Vin ToBaining, Oscar Tammur, Damien Kereku, Sir Henry ToRobert and Sir John Kaputin who devotedly worked hard to build the foundation in ENB and we are lucky to be here today,” said Minister Wong.

Five LLG Presidents raised this concern following the unannounced visit by Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Basil to the district recently.

They said such actions was disrespectful to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and that Member for Gazelle, Jelta Wong was not made aware of the DPM's visit.

The leaders said for whichever reason Mr Basil was in the province for, it is only right to inform authorities on the ground so people are able to accord respect to the national leader.

Wong described late Member as a true leader, and a man of peace, a friend to the people of Gazelle and East New Britain people, a dear colleague who will be remembered for his achievements.  

Wong said, late Sam Akoitai was instrumental in building bridges between the opposing sides in Bougainville. He said, late Akoitai demonstrated that, it takes a man of great courage, to extend the olive branch to the foes, and to strive for peace.

He argued that COVID-19 statistics was picked up from 'COVID-19 status in PNG.com’ dated November 4, 2021. Kapavore clarified that PNG registered 30,036 COVID-19 cases with 385 deaths. 

“So looking at these statistics, one can calculate that more than 29,000 recovered or 98 percent recovery rate.

“I am not anti-vaccine, but I am against the' No Jab, No Job Policy' especially when we are seeing increasing number of public institutions also adhering to the same. 

Minister Wong said Member for Pomio, Elias Kapavore and the Opposition are peddling fake news and showing total disregard for the lives and safety of citizens.

“Statement by the former Health Minister about the number of people recovering from COVID-19 is wrong,” he said.

This follows similar claims made my foreign anti-vaccination activists in other countries that have been discredited.

“The death rate for COVID-19 is not one per cent, as the Opposition claims with his misleading figure that one per cent of infected people have recovered.

The Prime Minister was responding to Member for Abau, Sir Puka Temu during Question Time today. Sir Puka told Parliament that most often the people from Central were turned away from Port Moresby and Gerehu General Hospitals.

"Our people are always turned back from seeking medical treatment in the city hospital.

"Why are doctors turning our people away?"

Prime Minister Marape when responding assured the people of Central Province that they have every right to seek medical treatment in all city hospitals.

The Minister also announced that a Medical Registration Bill would be captured through this plan. This bill will allow students graduating from the Divine Ward University to be eligible to work within the country.

The Minister also announced that a 10 year National Health Plan would be launched in the coming months.

Minister Wong made these statements in response to questions posed by Member for Pomio Open, Elias Kapavore regarding the Department’s plans.

Minister Kapavore asked about the: