Oro

Apart from community cohesion by working under the chief and following instruction for a peaceful living, there were other activities of unlawful behaviour that have also come under the microscope of the chieftaincy.

Governor Gary Juffa who visited Ambene Village last week accompanied by Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Welly and Administrator Trevor Magei, said he was happy to see the surrendering of murder suspects to the law - skilfully organized by the village chiefs.

CPL Group also runs the Stop n Shop chain of supermarkets in Port Moresby and one of the biggest buyers of local fresh produce for their shelves.

Upon a formal discussion and invitation by Oro Governor Gary Juffa on the possibility of Oro supplying its fresh produce, CPL Group General Manager Ajay Patel met with Oro farmers with the display of some local produce.

Mr Patel said he was impressed with the display of produce and made a commitment to buy from the locals. He said CPL Group would buy on a weekly basis provided quality and consistency were maintained.

Governor Gary Juffa was flanked by Vice Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and Member for Sohe, Henry Amuli, Ijivitari MP Richard Masere, Provincial Administrator Trevor Magei and staff from the Provincial and District administration as the Oro Provincial Budget was handed over to the Treasurer for vetting and approval.

A pleasantly surprised Treasurer expressed his delight at the show of unity amongst Oro’s Provincial and Administrative leaders in presenting the money plan for the people of Oro.

The museum will be built and managed by the local community to provide a dedicated space to display World War II artefacts collected from the Alola area.

The whole community will share the financial benefits.

Attached to the museum will be an open-air trade haus for community members, particularly women, to sell souvenirs and refreshments to the estimated 3,500 Kokoda trekkers who pass through the village each year.

It will act as a focal point for visitors and is expected to become a busy hub during the trekking season.

The suspension was effective as of June 22, 2018.

Vegogo, who was arrested and charged by police on Nov 6, 2017, was sidelined and asked to take paid leave of absence by Department of Personnel Management (DPM) whilst going through Court to defend the charges.

The charges against Vegogo arose when he authorised K168,785 of non-discretionary funds from the Provincial Support Grants (PSG), without the Resolution of the Joint Provincial Planning and Budget Priority Committee (JPP & BPC) to pay for hire car bills.

“We don’t look at situation as mistakes or tragedies but look at them as educational moments and try to extract the positive out of those situations.”

He said even the most negative situation can become educational and positive.

Juffa made these remarks when speaking to his people in Popondetta town before the swearing in of the three Northern MPs.

He made reference to the past leaders where the two open MPs did not work alongside him to bring tangible services to the people of Oro.

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector, Lincoln Gerari said many problems in the province are Homebrew related and yeast is the main ingredient that makes that illegal alcohol.

Gerari said he had been given support by the three MPs in the province and is anticipated to start enforcing the ban shortly.

"I will be visiting schools and communities about the ban.

"There is an increase in lawlessness due to the increase in the production of homebrew," he said.

Masere said he will be trying his very best to change the image of Oro.

"I want to assure my people that my win is for them and I will serve them to the best of my ability.

"Oro has been referred to as a cowboy province but that will change."

He said Oro will be changing in years to come.

Meantime Oro Governor Garry Juffa also shared the same sentiments and thanked the people for the support given to them by mandating them as MPs.

Juffa also thanked his two colleague for choosing to work with him to drive Oro forward in terms of overall development.

In this first term, the Northern Governor has been one of the few voices on good governance in Parliament.

 Juffa confirmed in a media conference today, his People’s Movement for Change Party support for the PANGU Party led, Goroka Camp.

 “I will consider any organization that will form (a government) not a disorganization like what we have endured for the last 5 years.

“The National Alliance (Party) has been seen to be accumulating the numbers, so as PANGU,” Juffa said.