The National newspaper, owned by Malaysian logging giant Rimbunan Hijau, and partisan supporter of the Ramu nickel mine and foreign owned resource operations in general, has taken a swipe at the SABL land grab Commission of Inquiry and just about everything else the government is trying to do to protect the interests of ordinary Papua New Guinean's. When your read your daily newspaper it is good to remember whose interests it is representing and protecting....

By Eva Kuson* - Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Today’s hearing carried on from yesterday proceedings in identifying the files brought before the inquiry. Council assisting Simon Ketan made a brief formal opening on the preliminary findings and addressing also the legal issuance of the SABLs. He outlined the statement of case on which the Commission of Inquiry was ordered into the SABL and all matters relating to it.

VERY few things happen in isolation in today’s world of globalising business and commerce.

Rising cost of living throughout PNG is not just the price we pay for bad go­vernance but the net effects of a world gone crazy.

There is hyperinflation in the months ahead. The evidence is everywhere.

Papua New Guineans have another important campaign sucess to celebrate.

New Health Minister, Jamie Maxton-Graham, has announced the government will not be proceeding with plans to build a private 'super hospital' in Port Moresby.

By Eva Kuson - Monday 15th August 2011

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) has yet again, been postponed to Tuesday 16^th of August 2011, due to unavailability of all information ordered to be presented before the CoI. Last Wednesday, the Commissioners were advised by the Council Assisting, Mr Ketan, that all information will be collected by today (Monday 15^th August 2011) but this has not been forthcoming resulting in the postponement.

By Martyn Namorong

The phrase “landowner issues” is a misnomer and gives the wrong impression that Papua New Guineas traditional land owners are somehow a deterrent to progress. Next week I travel to the Lower Ramu region to see for myself the land of a rainforest tribe of New Guinea being taken from them without proper consent.

From the Peter O'Neill fanclub of POM

This is a very real and genuine feeling by a group of PNG middle class sporters concerning the new PM. Yes the wording is harsh in places but our politicians have been treated too delicately for much to long. Its time we catch up with the rest of the world and start really holding our pollies accountable. 

By Luana Paniu

Three key people involved in procedures to issue the controversial Special Purpose Agriculture and Business Leases (SPABL) are the first to appear before the Commission of Inquiry.

Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) Acting Secretary Romlly Kila Pat, Acting Deputy Secretary, Customary Lands Adrian Abby and the Registrar of Titles Henry Wasa will appear before the CoI next Monday.

By Evah Kuson*

Following on from the preliminary hearing on the Monday 8, August  Simon Ketan has now taken over duties from Davis Stevens as the new Council Assisting for the Commission of Inquiry. Chief Commissioner in his welcoming address thanked Ketan for his willingness to take this role.