Member for Gazelle

Stay Positive Towards Future: Wong

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.

Women in Gazelle urged to take advantage of funding

He highlighted this during Monday’s presentation of an initial seed capital of K200,000 to East New Britain Savings and Loans Society (ENBSL) to empower local women’s SMEs.

Minister Wong presented the cheque payment to ENBSL’s member services and branch support officer, Shirley Kabavas.

Minister Wong said this funding will be parked at ENBSL and established women’s associations in the district’s five rural Local Level Governments can access this funding as loans with a loan repayment interest rate of only one percent (1%).

Fire Dance Festival for Gazelle district

“The Fire Dance Festival is the first for the people of the Gazelle District geared toward attracting tourist to our district,” the Gazelle MP said.

“The Gazelle district administration is working tirelessly to deliver this event and we are proud to announce we will be hosting the event on October the 18th and 19th 2019.”

The theme for this event is ‘Promoting Responsible Tourism and Agri-tourism’ which will see over 1,000 individual performers taking part in over 55 different and unique cultural performance groups.

LLG leaders reminded

Speaking at the declarations of the Central Gazelle, Inland Baining and Lassul Baining LLGs at Kerevat on July 26th, he reminded the elected Ward Members to refrain from playing politics and fix up the wards first so people can realise delivery of services from the district.

While congratulating the elected Ward Members, he said it will not be an easy run.

He said Ward Members will be voting in their new presidents at the LLG chambers in a few days and further discouraged them from joining camps and promoting corruption.

MP concerned over gambling outlets

Wong, in a statement, said Asian expatriates operating supermarkets at Kerevat have obtained gaming licences from the National Gaming Control Board and have decided to open up business at Kerevat town.

The Gazelle MP together with the Gazelle District Administration were not aware of this arrangement.

He said this destructive industry of pokies or gambling houses have social implications and it is detrimental to the progress of the Gazelle district and East New Britain as a whole.

Wong asks for K3m for Gazelle’s rural roads

“Three million kina was budgeted for rural roads in Gazelle has not been received. I asked the district’s finance manager and he said it hasn’t come yet. Can the Minister please investigate?” Wong asked Minister for Transport & Infrastructure, William Samb.

Minister Samb said in the 2019 budget, K100 million was allocated for district roads.

“K40 million has been spent. Of this, a warrant of K19 million was transferred to Transport Department but was withdrawn, and K40 million was transferred to Works Department to be spent.”

MP disgusted with exploitation of Tubuans

“What I have seen and what has been shown all over social media is wrong and should never have happened,” said the local MP and Police Minister, Jelta Wong.

“There are no two ways about it, no excuses and no concessions you can allow for this.

“It is immoral, disrespectful and WRONG!

“I would also like to preface everything with a message to our ENB people – please do not take this opportunity to try and degrade the National Mask Festival as an event. This festival is a very important event on our tourism calendar.

New ATM to reduce travels

The Bank South Pacific (BSP) officially launched the new ATM at its Kerevat sub-branch recently adding to its existing growing services in the Province.

The event was attended by Police Minister and Member for Gazelle, Jelta Wong, as well as the District Development Authority (DDA) CEO, Rosemary Murure, and Board Members.

Minister Wong expressed his gratitude towards BSP for providing this vital service to his people and the District.