Taboi Awi Yoto

Governor condemns provincial split statement

He said he was not aware of the information and said it did not originate from his office.

He said he was only aware of a petition from community leaders on the agenda of the creation of the new province in 2017.

Unfortunately, he said the separation of the Province may not be feasible during his term but they can start the process, which may eventually get there sometimes in the future.

Juffa on MPs switch

He said all MPs crossing the bench, had done so because of funding constraints impeding service delivery in their districts.

In a phone interview with this newsroom today, Governor Juffa challenged the recently defected Opposition members of parliament, to ensure service delivery is priority for their people.

He claimed that the Government is using DSIP and PSIP funds to lure MPs to join them.

However, when welcoming the three MPs, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the MPs move to the Government was at their own accord and nothing to do with DSIP and PSIP funds.

Western Governor switches to Government

Welcoming the Governor and the other two MPs, Maprik MP, John Simon and Usino-Bundi MP, Jimmy Uguro, Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, said their move to the government shows that the Government is intact and stable.

In a small ceremony this afternoon at the Sir Manasupe Haus in Port Moresby,  the Prime Ministersaid the MPs move shows that PNC led government is intact and confident to remain in power for the remaining parliament terms.

Western Province leaders call for recognition

Following the recent Western Province Development Forum in Kiunga, the Western Province Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto, and his Open members called for the government to facilitate for a loan to be given to the province.

The loan will specifically facilitate for the development of agendas identified in the forum.

The Governor spoke directly about the combined stable provincial leadership being showcased by him and his members.

Electoral Boundaries Commission to be announced

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said this in parliament today.

He said the Electoral Boundaries Commission will look at dividing electorates that have big land masses, making it difficult for some District Development Authorities (DDAs) to cover.

The Prime Minister made the announcement when asked by Western Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto.

Governor Yoto said his province is the largest in the country and will need to be considered by the Commission for new boundaries.

Western awaiting dividend

He made the call as they are still awaiting their share of dividends declared by Ok Tedi Limited.

The dividend can only be paid once the share certificate has been issued to the Western Provincial Government.

Governor Taboi said he initially raised the issue with the Prime Minister in Parliament last year and had received assurances that the share certificate would be issued once they pay the stamp duty fee that is still outstanding.

The Governor said they are ready to pay however they are still awaiting a response from the IRC.

Govt urged for immediate support to Western

The Governor said initial help through the help of Ok Tedi Limited through assessment and minor relief support has been the only assistance to date.

The Governor said six recommendations have been presented to the National Disaster Coordinating Office.

Governor Yoto said since the earthquake only assessments were done while local support was gathered to assist affected communities, while four health centres were set up.

He said since the announcement of numerous contributions to relief efforts, Western has yet to receive anything official.

Ok Tedi shares yet to be fully transferred: O’Neill

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill revealed this when asked by Governor for Western, Taboi Awi Yoto, over their share of the 2017 dividends from Ok Tedi Mine.

The Governor said since the announcement of the share transfer and subsequent dividend announcement since production resumed, they have yet to receive a toea.

Governor Yoto asked the Prime Minister yesterday in Parliament over the status of the shares and dividend payment.

Western MPs join PNG Party

In a conference this morning, Western Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto and member for North Fly, James Donald signed their acceptence letter to formally join PNG party.

The members were formally contesting under separate parties, Taboi Awi Yoto under United Resource Party and James Donald under Peoples Progress Party.

Both parties are part of the current government.

This been one of the main reasons they had pulled out of their running parties to join PNG party.