When is the by-election for Western Highlands Province (WHP)?

I have a great deal of respect for our judiciary systems in Papua New Guinea. However, the continues court battle between the former governor and two-time prime minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Paias Wingti and the current embattled governor Mr. Tom Olga leaves me in doldrums. The prolonging of election related cases by our judiciary systems is beyond my comprehension.

Controversial WHP governor, Tom Olga leaves the Waigani court house after one of his court hearings in Port Moresby.

I know there are people who are suppose to do their homework to make sure that these cases go through hearings without any delay but apparently a lot of cases take years just because affidavits are not completed or there are political interferences just because the person who won the election seems to be from the collation government.

The latter takes precedence over the former because as far as politics in Papua New Guinea is concerned those in governments manipulate our judiciary system to suit their hidden agendas. Does that ring a bell? Evidently; most Papua New Guineans believe that, there are people out there who are directly or indirectly directing the court hearings behind the scenes.

Our judiciary system should not be manipulated by any Tom, Dick, and Harry. It should be independent from the government, leaders, or certain individuals. When there is gross manipulation in our judiciary system, those who are implicated with corrupt practices just make a mockery out of our own system.

Now back to the governorship of Western Highlands Province, Mr. Tom Olga is a member of the ruling National Alliance Party headed by the current prime minister Michael Thomas Somare. Conversely, Mr. Wingti is a People’s Democratic Movement Party Leader. If he had won the 2007 National Elections, he would have teamed up with Sir Mekere Morauta and Bart Philemon to form the government. Who is in government today? Somare and his National Alliance Party are at the helm now.

So, how soon is the by-election for Western Highlands Provincial seat be held? Not too soon. For those who are having high hopes for a by-election will not eventuate. Wait for 2012 to choose a new leader to run Western Highlands Province. Western Highlanders are apprehensive of Olga’s leadership and question whether or not our judiciary systems will play on a level playing field.

Former two-time prime minster and governor,Paias Wingti looking relaxed with his son after a campaign tour outside the popular Highlander Hotel in the heart of Mount Hagen City, WHP.

I am neither a supporter of Wingti or Olga. Nevertheless, I am concerned about the leadership scrimmage between these great leaders. While that is on going, I am also concerned for service delivery and a clear mandated leader who executes his duties fairly to serve the more than six hundred thousand inhabitants of Western Highlands Province. The longer we wait earnestly for a duly elected leader to be decided by the courts, the people of Western Highlands Province will surely miss out on vital government services and developmental projects in the province.

Therefore, if the by-elections for Western Highlands Province were not conducted immediately like the one for Kandep Open in Southern Highlands Province, I would declare that I will have no reservations or whatsoever in our judiciary system.

When is the by-election for Western Highlands Province (WHP)?

I have a great deal of respect for our judiciary systems in Papua New Guinea. However, the continues court battle between the former governor and two-time prime minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Paias Wingti and the current embattled governor Mr. Tom Olga leaves me in doldrums. The prolonging of election related cases by our judiciary systems is beyond my comprehension.

Controversial WHP governor, Tom Olga leaves the Waigani court house after one of his court hearings in Port Moresby.

I know there are people who are suppose to do their homework to make sure that these cases go through hearings without any delay but apparently a lot of cases take years just because affidavits are not completed or there are political interferences just because the person who won the election seems to be from the collation government.

The latter takes precedence over the former because as far as politics in Papua New Guinea is concerned those in governments manipulate our judiciary system to suit their hidden agendas. Does that ring a bell? Evidently; most Papua New Guineans believe that, there are people out there who are directly or indirectly directing the court hearings behind the scenes.

Our judiciary system should not be manipulated by any Tom, Dick, and Harry. It should be independent from the government, leaders, or certain individuals. When there is gross manipulation in our judiciary system, those who are implicated with corrupt practices just make a mockery out of our own system.

Now back to the governorship of Western Highlands Province, Mr. Tom Olga is a member of the ruling National Alliance Party headed by the current prime minister Michael Thomas Somare. Conversely, Mr. Wingti is a People’s Democratic Movement Party Leader. If he had won the 2007 National Elections, he would have teamed up with Sir Mekere Morauta and Bart Philemon to form the government. Who is in government today? Somare and his National Alliance Party are at the helm now.

So, how soon is the by-election for Western Highlands Provincial seat be held? Not too soon. For those who are having high hopes for a by-election will not eventuate. Wait for 2012 to choose a new leader to run Western Highlands Province. Western Highlanders are apprehensive of Olga’s leadership and question whether or not our judiciary systems will play on a level playing field.

Former two-time prime minster and governor,Paias Wingti looking relaxed with his son after a campaign tour outside the popular Highlander Hotel in the heart of Mount Hagen City, WHP.

I am neither a supporter of Wingti or Olga. Nevertheless, I am concerned about the leadership scrimmage between these great leaders. While that is on going, I am also concerned for service delivery and a clear mandated leader who executes his duties fairly to serve the more than six hundred thousand inhabitants of Western Highlands Province. The longer we wait earnestly for a duly elected leader to be decided by the courts, the people of Western Highlands Province will surely miss out on vital government services and developmental projects in the province.

Therefore, if the by-elections for Western Highlands Province were not conducted immediately like the one for Kandep Open in Southern Highlands Province, I would declare that I will have no reservations or whatsoever in our judiciary system.

When is the by-election for Western Highlands Province (WHP)?

I have a great deal of respect for our judiciary systems in Papua New Guinea. However, the continues court battle between the former governor and two-time prime minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Paias Wingti and the current embattled governor Mr. Tom Olga leaves me in doldrums. The prolonging of election related cases by our judiciary systems is beyond my comprehension.

Controversial WHP governor, Tom Olga leaves the Waigani court house after one of his court hearings in Port Moresby.

I know there are people who are suppose to do their homework to make sure that these cases go through hearings without any delay but apparently a lot of cases take years just because affidavits are not completed or there are political interferences just because the person who won the election seems to be from the collation government.

The latter takes precedence over the former because as far as politics in Papua New Guinea is concerned those in governments manipulate our judiciary system to suit their hidden agendas. Does that ring a bell? Evidently; most Papua New Guineans believe that, there are people out there who are directly or indirectly directing the court hearings behind the scenes.

Our judiciary system should not be manipulated by any Tom, Dick, and Harry. It should be independent from the government, leaders, or certain individuals. When there is gross manipulation in our judiciary system, those who are implicated with corrupt practices just make a mockery out of our own system.

Now back to the governorship of Western Highlands Province, Mr. Tom Olga is a member of the ruling National Alliance Party headed by the current prime minister Michael Thomas Somare. Conversely, Mr. Wingti is a People’s Democratic Movement Party Leader. If he had won the 2007 National Elections, he would have teamed up with Sir Mekere Morauta and Bart Philemon to form the government. Who is in government today? Somare and his National Alliance Party are at the helm now.

So, how soon is the by-election for Western Highlands Provincial seat be held? Not too soon. For those who are having high hopes for a by-election will not eventuate. Wait for 2012 to choose a new leader to run Western Highlands Province. Western Highlanders are apprehensive of Olga’s leadership and question whether or not our judiciary systems will play on a level playing field.

Former two-time prime minster and governor,Paias Wingti looking relaxed with his son after a campaign tour outside the popular Highlander Hotel in the heart of Mount Hagen City, WHP.

I am neither a supporter of Wingti or Olga. Nevertheless, I am concerned about the leadership scrimmage between these great leaders. While that is on going, I am also concerned for service delivery and a clear mandated leader who executes his duties fairly to serve the more than six hundred thousand inhabitants of Western Highlands Province. The longer we wait earnestly for a duly elected leader to be decided by the courts, the people of Western Highlands Province will surely miss out on vital government services and developmental projects in the province.

Therefore, if the by-elections for Western Highlands Province were not conducted immediately like the one for Kandep Open in Southern Highlands Province, I would declare that I will have no reservations or whatsoever in our judiciary system.

Papua New Guinea's Provinces and People - East Sepik Province

Map of Papua New Guinea showing East Sepik Province

Flag of East Sepik Province

East Sepik is a province in Papua New Guinea. Its capital is Wewak. East Sepik has an estimated population of 343,180 people (2000 census) and is roughly 42,800 km square in size.

Wewak, the provincial capital, is located on the coast of East Sepik. There are a scattering of islands off shore, and coastal ranges dominate the landscape just inland of the coast.

The remainder of the province's geography is dominated by the Sepik River, which is one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of water flow and is known for flooding -- the river's level can alter by as much as five metres in the course of the year as it rises and falls. The southern areas of the province are taken up by the Hunstein Range and other mountain ranges which form the central cordillera and feed the Sepik River.

The districts of East Sepik Province and their current members of parliament are shown below.

East Sepik Provincial - Sir Michael Somare

Ambunti-Dreikikir District - Tonny Aimo Waterupu

Angoram District - Arthur Somare

Maprik District - Gabriel Lenny Kapris

Wewak District - Jim Simatab

Wosera-Gawi District - Ronald Asik

Yangoru-Saussia District - Peter Wanaru Waranaka (Governor)

Although East Sepik has a long coastline, Wewak is the only town on the coast. Most of the province’s population is in villages and towns inland along the Sepik River.

Most tourists entering the East Sepik province do so on board Sepik River cruises out of Madang. Wewak town only experiences a small number of bona fide tourist arrivals. From Wewak, visitors can travel by PMV to Maprik, Yangoru, and the river towns of Angoram, Timbunke, and Pagwi. Light aircraft fly out to April River, Ambunti and numerous other small grass airfields.

Previous independent travellers visiting the Sepik recommend that you don’t try to “see it all”. The Sepik area is hot, humid, and from December to June is often thick with mosquitoes (June to November are the best months to visit). Moving around - especially on foot - can be tiring and uncomfortable.

It is said to be better to stay put in one or two destinations for a few days at a time, experiencing the people, culture and art of the district, than to try to accumulate a kaleidoscope of experiences on a punishing schedule of visits to multiple villages.

Wewak itself is a quietly pleasant little town. There is a busy main market where handicrafts are sold, but mainly baskets and shells, not many carvings. Surprisingly, it is actually quite difficult to find carvings and artifacts to buy in Wewak town.

There is a roadside stall on the main road selling Chambri Lakes handcrafts and the Alois Shop opposite the Airlink terminal has a range of artifacts although not cheap. The shopping centre has a couple of small supermarkets and several Chinese general stores. The Christian Bookshop near the market has local maps and guidebooks.

There is a good airport with a sealed runway about 10 minutes drive from the town centre. There is one motel on the beach opposite the airport (Airport Lodge), and the largest hotel, the Windjammer Beach Resort, is right on the beach halfway into town. The other places are right in the town centre area.

There is an excellent walking beach between the Windjammer and the town shops, a distance of about 3 kilometres. Wewak is a safe town where you can take a stroll along the street or beach without looking over your shoulder.

Papua New Guinea's Provinces and People - East Sepik Province

Map of Papua New Guinea showing East Sepik Province

Flag of East Sepik Province

East Sepik is a province in Papua New Guinea. Its capital is Wewak. East Sepik has an estimated population of 343,180 people (2000 census) and is roughly 42,800 km square in size.

Wewak, the provincial capital, is located on the coast of East Sepik. There are a scattering of islands off shore, and coastal ranges dominate the landscape just inland of the coast.

The remainder of the province's geography is dominated by the Sepik River, which is one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of water flow and is known for flooding -- the river's level can alter by as much as five metres in the course of the year as it rises and falls. The southern areas of the province are taken up by the Hunstein Range and other mountain ranges which form the central cordillera and feed the Sepik River.

The districts of East Sepik Province and their current members of parliament are shown below.

East Sepik Provincial - Sir Michael Somare

Ambunti-Dreikikir District - Tonny Aimo Waterupu

Angoram District - Arthur Somare

Maprik District - Gabriel Lenny Kapris

Wewak District - Jim Simatab

Wosera-Gawi District - Ronald Asik

Yangoru-Saussia District - Peter Wanaru Waranaka (Governor)

Although East Sepik has a long coastline, Wewak is the only town on the coast. Most of the province’s population is in villages and towns inland along the Sepik River.

Most tourists entering the East Sepik province do so on board Sepik River cruises out of Madang. Wewak town only experiences a small number of bona fide tourist arrivals. From Wewak, visitors can travel by PMV to Maprik, Yangoru, and the river towns of Angoram, Timbunke, and Pagwi. Light aircraft fly out to April River, Ambunti and numerous other small grass airfields.

Previous independent travellers visiting the Sepik recommend that you don’t try to “see it all”. The Sepik area is hot, humid, and from December to June is often thick with mosquitoes (June to November are the best months to visit). Moving around - especially on foot - can be tiring and uncomfortable.

It is said to be better to stay put in one or two destinations for a few days at a time, experiencing the people, culture and art of the district, than to try to accumulate a kaleidoscope of experiences on a punishing schedule of visits to multiple villages.

Wewak itself is a quietly pleasant little town. There is a busy main market where handicrafts are sold, but mainly baskets and shells, not many carvings. Surprisingly, it is actually quite difficult to find carvings and artifacts to buy in Wewak town.

There is a roadside stall on the main road selling Chambri Lakes handcrafts and the Alois Shop opposite the Airlink terminal has a range of artifacts although not cheap. The shopping centre has a couple of small supermarkets and several Chinese general stores. The Christian Bookshop near the market has local maps and guidebooks.

There is a good airport with a sealed runway about 10 minutes drive from the town centre. There is one motel on the beach opposite the airport (Airport Lodge), and the largest hotel, the Windjammer Beach Resort, is right on the beach halfway into town. The other places are right in the town centre area.

There is an excellent walking beach between the Windjammer and the town shops, a distance of about 3 kilometres. Wewak is a safe town where you can take a stroll along the street or beach without looking over your shoulder.

Papua New Guinea's Provinces and People - East Sepik Province

Map of Papua New Guinea showing East Sepik Province

Flag of East Sepik Province

East Sepik is a province in Papua New Guinea. Its capital is Wewak. East Sepik has an estimated population of 343,180 people (2000 census) and is roughly 42,800 km square in size.

Wewak, the provincial capital, is located on the coast of East Sepik. There are a scattering of islands off shore, and coastal ranges dominate the landscape just inland of the coast.

The remainder of the province's geography is dominated by the Sepik River, which is one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of water flow and is known for flooding -- the river's level can alter by as much as five metres in the course of the year as it rises and falls. The southern areas of the province are taken up by the Hunstein Range and other mountain ranges which form the central cordillera and feed the Sepik River.

The districts of East Sepik Province and their current members of parliament are shown below.

East Sepik Provincial - Sir Michael Somare

Ambunti-Dreikikir District - Tonny Aimo Waterupu

Angoram District - Arthur Somare

Maprik District - Gabriel Lenny Kapris

Wewak District - Jim Simatab

Wosera-Gawi District - Ronald Asik

Yangoru-Saussia District - Peter Wanaru Waranaka (Governor)

Although East Sepik has a long coastline, Wewak is the only town on the coast. Most of the province’s population is in villages and towns inland along the Sepik River.

Most tourists entering the East Sepik province do so on board Sepik River cruises out of Madang. Wewak town only experiences a small number of bona fide tourist arrivals. From Wewak, visitors can travel by PMV to Maprik, Yangoru, and the river towns of Angoram, Timbunke, and Pagwi. Light aircraft fly out to April River, Ambunti and numerous other small grass airfields.

Previous independent travellers visiting the Sepik recommend that you don’t try to “see it all”. The Sepik area is hot, humid, and from December to June is often thick with mosquitoes (June to November are the best months to visit). Moving around - especially on foot - can be tiring and uncomfortable.

It is said to be better to stay put in one or two destinations for a few days at a time, experiencing the people, culture and art of the district, than to try to accumulate a kaleidoscope of experiences on a punishing schedule of visits to multiple villages.

Wewak itself is a quietly pleasant little town. There is a busy main market where handicrafts are sold, but mainly baskets and shells, not many carvings. Surprisingly, it is actually quite difficult to find carvings and artifacts to buy in Wewak town.

There is a roadside stall on the main road selling Chambri Lakes handcrafts and the Alois Shop opposite the Airlink terminal has a range of artifacts although not cheap. The shopping centre has a couple of small supermarkets and several Chinese general stores. The Christian Bookshop near the market has local maps and guidebooks.

There is a good airport with a sealed runway about 10 minutes drive from the town centre. There is one motel on the beach opposite the airport (Airport Lodge), and the largest hotel, the Windjammer Beach Resort, is right on the beach halfway into town. The other places are right in the town centre area.

There is an excellent walking beach between the Windjammer and the town shops, a distance of about 3 kilometres. Wewak is a safe town where you can take a stroll along the street or beach without looking over your shoulder.