Sir Michael Somare

In his final speech to NA on Friday in Port Moresby, Sir Michael also advised the party and its members to work together for the common good of the country.

“Spirit bilong fait i mas stap wantaim yupela National Alliance,” said the Grand Chief. (National Alliance must have a fighting spirit).

He added: “Don’t let your country down.”

Sir Michael also highlighted the August 2011 incident where he was removed as Prime Minister while receiving medical treatment in Singapore.

He said while many thought him to be gone, he said it was not his time.

The East Sepik Governor will retire from politics after close to four decades representing his people.  

National Events and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed to Loop PNG that Tuesday’s Parliament sitting is dedicated to Sir Michael.

Tkatchenko said when parliament sits; Sir Michael will make his farewell speech as a Member of Parliament before Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and Speaker make their reply.

The East Sepik Governor’s Parliament farewell will be on April 4, when the house will stand in unity to commemorate the political life of the longest serving MP in the Commonwealth of Nations.

A public program for Port Moresby residents will happen on April 6 at the Constitution Park.

The East Sepik Provincial Government has a separate program to farewell their Grand Chief.

Sir Michael will turn 81 years of age on Sunday April 9.

This week will be the last sitting for the 9^th parliament before the country goes to the polls in June. 

Counting down to his retirement as the East Sepik Provincial MP after close to 50 years, the country’s longest serving politician will take the podium on April 10 in a special presentation that will feature a limited number of journalists and be broadcast on NBC radio and television.

First elected to the House of Assembly in 1968 representing the East Sepik regional seat, Sir Michael championed the push to self-government and independence as the parliamentary leader of Pangu Pati and became the country’s founding PM upon independence from Australia on September 16, 1975.

Retired Brig Gen Ted Diro vying for GG’s post

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/retired-brig-gen-ted-diro-vying-gg%E2%80%99s-post-50464

At the age of 73, retired Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander Brigadier General Ted Diro is putting his hand up for the Governor General’s seat.

Magistrate: Make submissions this Friday

“The Singapore authorities have a policy of zero tolerance for corruption and money laundering” says Campaign Coordinator Eddie Tanago, “but Australia allows numerous PNG politicians and senior public servants to spend well beyond their means in Australia while seemingly turning a blind eye”.

Last week, an American and Singaporean couple were sentenced to six years jail in Singapore for a US$3.6 million fraud involving Papua New Guinea government funds intended for a community college program.

When responding to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s questions on the provincial quarterly grants, Pruaitch said the Government will still give the funding to the provinces.

Pruaitch said given the cash flow problem the country is facing, the revenue coming into the Government coffers are a concern.

“Therefore, we have taken measures to control the spending and the release of funds to the provinces,” he said.

“The Government is working to ensure that the commitments made in 2016 Budget will be fully funded before the end of December.”

That was the guarantee from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when speaking to the people of East Sepik who converged to Yangoru Station to witness launching of the Sepik Chicken, Grain and Cocoa projects on Wednesday.

Sir Michael who is the longest serving parliamentarian in the Commonwealth had already announced that this will be his last term serving the people of East Sepik.      

O’Neill landed in Wewak yesterday, accompanied by Finance Minister James Marape, Agriculture Minister Tommy Tomscoll, Tourism Minister Tobias Kulang, Health Minister Michael Malabag, Attorney General Ano Pala and Higher Education Minister Francis Marus. They were there to officiate at the launching of the K55 million Sepik Chicken, Grain and Cocoa project in Yangoru-Saussia district.

Former prime minister and Governor of New Ireland Sir Julius Chan made this call yesterday when he moved to join the Opposition camp in Port Moresby.

Sir Julius along with the founding father Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir Mekere Morauta called for unity among the Members of Parliament and to lead the country in a democratic way.

“Do not cast aside all those across the aisle on the other side, instead declare the formation of a government of national unity,” Sir Julius told the Opposition members.