protest

The fatal accident that occurred on November 10^th at Yaibos road Highway 14, along the Okuk Highway, had claimed the lives of eight young men.

The villagers, mainly from the Yakuman tribe, reacted this morning after members of the disciplinary forces removed the semitrailer without proper consultation with them and families of the victims.

In a statement, Lupari described the antics of a few opposition members, telling people to boycott the economy, as self-serving.

“I do not want to see any public servants involved in this politics in any way, as this would be in breach of the Public Service Act and their employment conditions.

“This government has been very fair to all public servants making sure that all entitlements and long overdue benefits are addressed adequately and continues to do so.

“This nonsense is not a strike about an industrial issue, but a soapbox for self-serving politicians.

The Minister and Imbonggu MP, Pila Niningi, said: “The Members of the Opposition have an obligation to provide a check and balance to every government decisions but it has to be done on the floor of Parliament, not homes and streets.

“The nationwide stop-work protest planned by the Members of the Opposition can be seen as an irresponsible action.

“This is childish. It’s like a barking dog without teeth.”

A spokesperson informed this newsroom following Komo-Margarima MP, Manasseh Makiba’s recent statement in parliament that the airport was shut down due to claims of outstanding land use compensation.

The spokesperson said ExxonMobil respects the right of individuals to protest but unlawfully preventing access to important infrastructure is not the way to constructively resolve issues. 

“We encourage everyone to work together to resolve this situation promptly and in an amicable manner. 

The villagers claimed that the work site, which is on a piece of disputed land, was still in court and developers should not be there carrying out any activities until the land issue is cleared.

Joseph Baeau, Chairman of the Papa Delegation Committee dealing with controversial land issues, and his committee led a group of people to the work site to demand a stop work from contractor Curtain Brothers.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around midday.

Reports from the ground state the issue stemmed from disgruntled locals from the Wakunai area of Central Bougainville, who were protesting the sale of merchandise with the iconic Upe, which originates from the area.

The Upe is worn by young men as they are initiated into adulthood, and is a respected and taboo symbol in the area.

Women are not allowed to wear the symbol.

Maiha said the reasons they stand for are genuine but the actions to justify their motive is not warranted. 

It has been 3 days since a nationwide strike was announced by the National Weather Service Working Committee.

Maiha stated that while the management understands the urgency to address the 9-year salary issue, holding the public at ransom is uncalled for.

The management of the weather service slammed the actions of the Working Committee as the issue at hand is in the process of being addressed.

They say there are no contingency or emergency plans for temporary weather services during the strike.

This means weather services and information vital for maritime, mining, agriculture and aviation industries and coastal communities will not be available.

“Previously when we went on strike, Transport Department devised a contingency plan where arrangements were done for the Bureau of Meteorology Australia to provide weather forecast for PNG Airports.

President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kemerovo earlier and blamed "criminal negligence" for Sunday's blaze.

Relatives say dozens of people - including children - are still missing.

Investigators say the fire alarm was switched off and exits blocked. Four people have been charged.

Another detained suspect - a guard from a private security firm - will be charged shortly, Russia's Investigative Committee says.

A national day of mourning will be observed on Wednesday.

Sapolu joined a vocal group of supporters of the Free West Papua Movement in a peaceful protest this morning outside Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel in Apia, which is the venue of the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit.

“We have to stand up because if we don’t, no one will. Let us talk about the freedom for the indigenous people of West Papua, of all Pacific islands, Unasa told journalists.