Northern Province Governor

Northern Province Governor, Gary Juffa, issued this strong statement at New Ireland’s recent Council of Elders.

Juffa was a special guest at the 10^th Council of Elders summit on Tabar Island, New Ireland Province.

Speaking to 180 local men and women leaders from the 142 wards of New Ireland, Juffa reminded them that they are the custodians of their natural environment. Their unique culture, flora and fauna depends on the decisions that they make today.

He made the comment sighting K750 Million under the National Agriculture Development Project that was squandered in 2012 by implementing bodies. 

Whilst Juffa applauded the Government for hosting the first ever Agriculture summit, however he called for guarantee that the same people who squandered K750 Million in Agriculture funds must not be allowed to handle any new monies meant for the sector.

He also called on the Government to look into the Oil Palm Industry Corporation issue, specifically for small holder Oil palm growers in his province.

Juffa revealed this during an opposition media conference on Tuesday.

The tabling of the reports follows on from reports he received as well as investigations conducted by himself into the alleged syndicate operating in PNG, which he claims has proliferated in the province.

Juffa claims that the syndicate has been colluding with the Labour Department to bring in foreigners on illegal work permits when they have not passed an English proficient test, a key criteria before a work permit is issued.