Former Deputy Secretary of Finance, Jacob Yafai, has launched an appeal against his conviction and 22-year prison sentence handed down by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika earlier this month.
Yafai was found guilty of unlawfully approving K41.8 million in payments to Paul Paraka Lawyers without verifying the legitimacy of the claims between 2011 and 2012. He was convicted on four counts of misappropriation and one count of abuse of office.
According to the appeal filed by Yafai’s lawyer, Edward Sasingian of Sasingian Lawyers, it argues that the trial judge erred in both law and fact, and that Yafai was not personally responsible for the controversial K41.8 million payment.
“The main contention is that Mr. Yafai did not authorize or process the payments to Paul Paraka Lawyers. He was not the officer directed to verify those claims,” Mr Sasingian said.
During trial, the National Court found that Yafai acted dishonestly by failing to verify the Paraka payment when directed by the then Finance Secretary, the late Steven Gibson. However, in his appeal, Yafai will argue that no such direction was ever issued to him and that the verification responsibility fell under a different deputy secretary — Strategic Management, not his own portfolio as Deputy Secretary for Operations.
According to recent Post-Courier report, the appeal argues that in all the evidence before the court, Yafai was never directed by the Secretary for Finance to verify the claim by Paraka Lawyers.
It is also argued that the trial Judge erred in mixed fact and law when he did not make a definitive finding of dishonesty against the appellant in accordance with the subjective and objective test and the established legal principles of dishonesty.
Further, it is argued that the primary judge erred in mixed facts and law when he excluded vital evidence in his decision, and there was apprehension of bias in accepting the evidence of the then Financen Minister and current Prime Minister, James Marape.
These and other crucial grounds would be put before the Higher Court for it’s deliberation.
A Sri Lankan judge has officially joined the judiciary of Papua New Guinea, taking his oath as a judge of the Supreme and National Courts during a ceremony held at Government House in Konedobu this afternoon.
The swearing-in was officiated by the Acting Governor-General and Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Sir Gibbs Salika.
In a solemn ceremony steeped in judicial tradition, the new judge took his oath of office and allegiance before Sir Gibbs Salika, pledging to serve with integrity, impartiality, and dedication to upholding the Constitution and laws of Papua New Guinea.
The new judge joins a distinguished panel of justices serving both the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea — the country’s highest institutions for interpreting the law and safeguarding justice.
He is expected to commence his duties immediately, presiding over cases in both the appellate and trial jurisdictions of the courts.
This latest appointment underscores the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to maintain efficiency, integrity, and credibility in the administration of justice across the nation.
Chuave MP and Opposition strongman James Nomane was allowed to challenge the Opposition Leadership.
A full five-men Supreme Court bench unanimously granted Mr Nomane standing in his Section 18 Application to become the Opposition Leader.
Nomane challenged the leadership of the Opposition under Douglas Tomuriesa, who was recognised by the Speaker as the Leader of the Opposition.
Nomane claimed that he had the support of 10 out of the 18 Opposition MPs, which he argued was sufficient under the applicable law (namely, Section 64(2) of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC)) to be recognised as Leader of the Opposition.
Separately, he also challenged constitutional and parliamentary decisions regarding the motion of no confidence and amendments to Section 145 of the Constitution (relating to no-confidence motions) via the courts.
Mr Parua displaying his certificate and medal that was presented to him by Xing Qu, the Deputy Director General of UNESCO at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, French.
In a world where obstacles often appear insurmountable, the journey of one Papua New Guinean continues to illuminate the power of resilience, education, and service. For Mr Robert Parua, the path from a small village in Western Highlands to the grand halls of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris has been a long and inspiring one — marked by passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Last week, in a ceremony held on 18 October at the premises of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, Mr Parua was honoured with a medal and Certificate of Service Recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for his 30 years of distinguished service. UNESCO a specialized and technical agency of the United Nations.
The gold medal awarded to Mr Parua.
The recognition symbolized more than personal achievement — it was a proud moment for Papua New Guinea and a testament to what commitment, dedication and belief in education can accomplish. Mr. Parus’s lifetime story offers a humanizing glimpse into Mr. Parua’s personal journey highlighting the balance between traditional expectations and the unconventional paths that redefine modern achievement. Mr. Parua was groomed and educated during the colonial era and he was shaped through the various stages of development and modernization in Papua New Guinea. Mr, Parua’s success is a reminder that humility, family and Christian values remain important to him despite the immense exposure and wealth of international experience and skills acquired over the 30 year career. Mr. Parua was breed of a home grown University of Papua New Guinea that was able to meet the demands of competitive globalized world.
Mr. Parua, who currently serves as Education Programme Advisor at the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt, flew from Cairo to Paris to receive his medal and certificate in person from the Deputy -Director -General of UNESCO. Standing in the same building where he began his UN journey three decades ago, he described the moment as both humbling and emotional — a full-circle reflection of service to humanity that began in 1994 when he was first appointed as a young professional at the Education Sector at UNESCO headquarters.
UNESCO Young Professionals recruitment in 1994. Parua is among them.
A Global Journey Rooted in Humble Beginnings
Born in March 1965, in Urunga Village, Kotna LLG, Dei District, Western Highlands Province, Robert Parua’s story is one deeply connected to Papua New Guinea’s post-independence aspirations. He grew up during a time of change and nation-building, witnessing first-hand his father, Parua Kuri, serve as the pioneer leader and three-term Member of Parliament (1972–1987) for Dei Electorate.
Despite his father’s prominence, Robert’s upbringing was modest and grounded in strong christian and cultural values. He attributes much of his discipline and character to the German and Australian Lutheran missionaries under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG who established Kotna Lutheran Primary School, Kotna Rural Health Cente and later Kitip Lutheran Secondary School, where he was among the pioneer students when it opened in 1979. “I owe much of my character to the moral foundation laid by the missionaries,” he often reflects. “They instilled faith, integrity, discipline and a belief that service to others defines true success.”
After completing high school, he pursued a Diploma in Secondary Teaching at Goroka Teachers College (then under the University of Papua New Guinea). Graduating in 1985, he began teaching at Malabunga High School in East New Britain in 1986 — far from home, but full of purpose. After three years, he transferred to Kombolopa High School in 1989, then to his alma mater Kitip High School in 1990. His passion for education was unmistakable; he saw teaching not just as a career but as a calling. Many of his former students hold senior positions in public and private sector in PNG.
In 1991, the Education Department selected him to pursue a Bachelor of Education (In-Service) degree at the University of Papua New Guinea. Upon completing it in 1992, he joined the International Branch of the National Department of Education (NDOE) — coordinating Papua New Guinea’s engagement with UNESCO and matters related to Commonwealth Secretariat. Mr.Parua holds the Commonwealth Executive master’s degree in development planning and administration from the University College of the Caribbean. A post graduate programme designed by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) based in Canada.
It was this appointment that opened the door to a career to the outside world that would take him far beyond PNG’s borders to the four corners of the world.
A young Robert Parua.
Breaking Barriers — Joining UNESCO
In 1994, Robert Parua became the first Papua New Guinean ever appointed as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris — a historic achievement since PNG joined UNESCO after Independence in 1975 no PNG national has worked at the UNESCO Headquarters. He joined under UNESCO’s Young Professionals Programme, which recruits promising young talents under 30 years of age from under-represented member states who have less staff in the organization’s bureaucracy.
His appointment was strongly supported by then Secretary for Education, Mr. Jerry Tetaga, in 1994 whose endorsement helped pave the way. At UNESCO Headquarters, Parua began his work in the Education Sector, focusing on teacher education, policy development, higher education programmes fostering, and international cooperation. He played a key role in facilitating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Papua New Guinea and UNESCO, covering collaboration in education, science, and culture — an agreement that still guides bilateral cooperation today. During his tenure at UNESCO Headquarters, Mr. Parua pushed for the ratification of World Heritage Convention by PNG that eventually led to the nomination and approval of Kuk as the first world heritage site for PNG. He also facilitated the education planning initiative that trained PNG education Planners at UNESCO.
A young Robert Parua serving the UNESCO in 1995.
A Career of Global Service
Over the past three decades, Mr. Parua has served in multiple UNESCO Regional Offices around the world:
1998 – Apia, Samoa: Regional Office for the Pacific region
2000 – Amman, Jordan: National Office for Jordan and Iraq)
2009 – Kingston, Jamaica: Regional Office for the Caribbean region.
2016 – Beijing, China: Regional Office for East Asia
2024 – Cairo, Egypt: Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan (current posting)
In the UN system each UN agency has a specific mandate and UNESCO has the global mandate in Education, Sciences and Culture since it was established in 1946. UNESCO turning 80 years old in 2025. Under the mandate of UNESCO in education Mr. Parua was assigned to work closely with Ministries of Education, UN agencies, and development partners to provide education policy advice, facilitated capacity building, promoted knowledge sharing of best practices, enhanced standards, and facilitated international cooperation among countries in education and used UNESCO’s global mandate in education to strengthen education systems, promote inclusive education policies, planning and support Member Countries achieve key targets of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) — which aims to ensure quality education for all by 2030.
His expertise spans diverse fields such education sector policy, teacher education, planning, TVET and skills development, higher education, ICT in education, education for sustainable development, Literacy and adult education and education for sustainable development. He has also in the many regional offices had contributed significantly to the expansion of UNESCO’s education knowledge networks, including ASPnet (Associated Schools Network), UNESCO Chairs, Community Learning Centres (CLCs), University networking, and TVET network (UNEVOC) promoting international best practices and international cooperation.
While based in UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia in Beijing for eight years,(2016-2024) apart from implementing UNESCO programmes in East Asia region, Mr. Parua also played a pivotal role in building academic bridges between Papua New Guinea and China institutions. He facilitated partnerships between the University of Goroka and several leading Chinese institutions such as the Open University of China, Beijing Normal University, Shanghai Normal University, Shenzhen Polytechnic, and Shenzhen Open University. He also strengthened ties with UNESCO Category II Centres in China — focusing on rural education, higher education, distance education and teacher education — laying a solid foundation for future collaboration and enhancing students and staff exchange programs.
At the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Honoured in Paris — A Moment of Reflection
Receiving his medal and Certificate of Service Recognition at the premises of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris marked an emotional homecoming for Mr. Parua. The ceremony was attended by the Director-General of UNESCO, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO colleagues and senior officials from UNESCO and the Education Sector — many of whom had worked with him at different stages of his long career.
“It felt like coming full circle,” he shared. “Thirty years ago, I walked into this building as a young professional from Papua New Guinea 30 years ago, unsure of what the future would hold. Standing here again, receiving this recognition, is indeed a great honor and reminds me of the value of persistence, faith, and humility.”
He also reflected on the challenges of representing a small island developing nation within the UN system, emphasizing that “commitment and competence always speak louder than background or nationality.”
His father viewed his appointment at a UN Agency as the culmination of years of hard work excellence, commitment and professional dedication and self-discipline. The 30 years of service to the United Nations and the world symbolized a traditional milestone of success and validation of his commitment to his profession. Despite Mr. Parua’s 30 years of service and success he admitted that his family’s initial pride was rooted in his determination and will to succeed despite all odds.
Mr Parua in Paris recently for his award.
Championing the UN and the Next Generation
Mr. Parua remains deeply committed to encouraging young Papua New Guineans to pursue international careers at the various UN Agencies and development agencies. He is among only a handful of Papua New Guineans currently serving across UN agencies worldwide — in Port Moresby, Geneva, Suva, Rome, and New York.
“There are many job opportunities in the UN system — from junior professional to senior expert and consultant levels,” he said. “Any PNG citizen with a postgraduate degree can apply. Our country is underrepresented in the bureaucracies of many UN Agencies, so I encourage young professionals to be bold, apply, and serve on the world stage.”
His message is clear and inspiring: “The sky is the limit for PNG youth. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and one day you too can work for the United Nations.”
Advice to Government and Legacy Ahead
With over three decades in international service, Mr. Parua believes the PNG Government can better utilize the technical expertise of UN agencies. He emphasized that the UN Sustainable development Cooperation framework (UNSDCF) in each country is very important for UN agencies to work closely with the Government to achieve the key target of the 17 SDGs by 2030. The next five years is an opportunity and critical for PNG to work closely with the UN to achieve the key social, economic, and environmental targets by 2030. The Government should partner with UN to design a comprehensive technical and vocational skills training Programme that could empower our unemployed youth to be productive in society.
He urges national leaders to strengthen collaboration and enhance the engagement with the UN system to improve policy formulation, institutional capacity, and governance frameworks — aligning national development goals with UN standards and protocols. Countries that have followed the UN advice and standards have brought prosperity to their people. During his 30 years Career, Mr. Parua in his capacity had contributed in the several field offices in achieving the education goals during the MDGs and now the SDGs period.
“As 2030 approaches, PNG must accelerate its partnership with UN agencies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he advises. “The UN’s technical expertise must be utilized to the fullest extent to ensure that PNG achieves the key targets of the 17 SDGs by 2030 to elevate PNG Middle Income Country. The PNG Government can rely on the UN as a source of inspiration and source of knowledge, innovation for socio-economic development” so no one is left behind.
Looking ahead to his eventual retirement, Mr. Parua hopes to return home to Western Highlands and dedicate his time to community-based education and skills empowerment programmes, particularly targeting rural children, youth and women. He envisions establishing local initiatives that integrate skills training, sustainable livelihoods, and lifelong learning — continuing his lifelong mission of using education as a tool for empowerment and development.
A True Son of Papua New Guinea
At 59 years old, with a distinguished record of global service, Mr. Parua remains as passionate about education as he was when he began teaching at Malabunga High School in East New Britian nearly forty years ago. His journey — from the classrooms of Kitip to the corridors of UNESCO — stands as a beacon of what Papua New Guineans can achieve through dedication, faith, and hard work.
As he walked through the UNESCO Headquarters premises in Paris after receiving his recognition, he paused to look at the familiar marble corridors and said quietly,
“This medal and certificate of recognition is not just for me — it is for my country, my family, my teachers, and every Papua New Guinean who believes that education is key and hope that can change lives.”
Indeed, Robert Parua’s name now stands among those who have dedicated their lives to building a better, contributing to humanity, more educated world — and his voice for education, equality, and opportunity will continue to echo long after his service ends.
The National Court has just sentenced Jacob Yafai to 22 years imprisonment. The sentence was handed down by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika at the Waigani National Court. Jacob Yafai is the former deputy Secretary of the department of Finance and hails from Karapia village in Yangoru-Saussia district, East Sepik Province. He was charged with multiple counts relating to misuse of public funds: four counts of misappropriation and one count of abuse of office. The misappropriation relates to payments totalling K41.8 million made via the Finance Department to the law firm Paul Paraka Lawyers, during the years 2012-2013. The court noted that Yafai had failed to comply with instructions for him to verify the claims before settling. The Chief Justice therefore sentenced him 20 years for all the misappropriation changes and 2 years for abuse of office. The court made those four sentences concurrent so Yafai will serve a total of 22 years in prison.
The National Court has just sentenced Jacob Yafai to 22 years imprisonment. The sentence was handed down by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika at the Waigani National Court. Jacob Yafai is the former deputy Secretary of the department of Finance and hails from Karapia village in Yangoru-Saussia district, East Sepik Province. He was charged with multiple counts relating to misuse of public funds: four counts of misappropriation and one count of abuse of office. The misappropriation relates to payments totalling K41.8 million made via the Finance Department to the law firm Paul Paraka Lawyers, during the years 2012-2013. The court noted that Yafai had failed to comply with instructions for him to verify the claims before settling. The Chief Justice therefore sentenced him 20 years for all the misappropriation changes and 2 years for abuse of office. The court made those four sentences concurrent so Yafai will serve a total of 22 years in prison.
The Supreme Court has allowed a landowner group of Napanapa in the Central province to challenge a decision of the National Court that removed them as recognized landowners.
Chief Justice Sir Gibb’s Salika, sitting as a single Supreme Court judge, granted leave to Pastor Hanua Gadiki and his Rokurokuna sub-tribe of Koita to challenge the 2012 decision of the National Court that removed them as the landowners of the customary land described as DA5 – a land where the Napanapa PNG LNG refinery is situated.
Pastor Gadiki and his Rokurokuna tribe of Koita were initially recognized as the legitimate landowners of the DA5 land by the Provincial Land Court in 2010.
However, the opposing party- the Kuriu Incorporated Land Group- led by a Daure Gabe Pundi, applied to the National Court to review the decision of the Provincial Land Court.
The National Court on July 18, 2012, ruled upheld the review Pundi and the Kuriu Incorporated Land Group and declared them as the principal traditional landowners of the DA5 Napanapa Land, replacing Pastor Hanua and his Rokurokuna sub-tribe of Kotia who were the initial principal traditional landowners of the subject land.
The National Court during the ruling, did not refer the matter back to the Provincial Land Court or the Local Land Court to rehear and redetermine the traditional land dispute.
This prompted Pastor Hanua to apply for leave in the Supreme Court to review the decision of the National Court.
He argued that the National Court had erred in law and breached Section 3 and 26 of the Land Dispute Settlement Act in determining or declaring the ownership of the traditional land in dispute when it has no jurisdiction to do so.
Pastor Hanua through his lawyer submitted during the leave application that there were case laws that supports the contention and that leave should be granted for the full Supreme Court to hear and determine the substantive issue.
The questions posed to the court include;
Whether the National Court has jurisdiction to determine ownership of traditional land or determine who the principal landowner is?
And whether it is fair and just to allow the decision of the National Court to stand, contrary to Section 3(1) and 26 of the Land Dispute Act and the Supreme Court decision in Louis Lucian Siu vs Wasime Land Group Incoporated, and Simon Ekanda vs Hon Pila Niningi, Attorney General of Papua New Guinea.
The Chief Justice after assessing the submissions, was satisfied with the grounds raised by the applicant (Pastor Hanua), noting that the application raised arguable grounds and therefore granted the leave sought.
This means the substantive issue will go before a full Supreme Court bench to be heard and determined.
The Marape government’s much-celebrated 2025 national budget has come under heavy fire, with strong criticism describing it as a “spectacular failure” marred by poor implementation, excessive borrowing, and inequitable distribution of funds.
Member for Chuave James Nomane launched this scathing attack on the government, branding the 2025 K28.357 billion “game-changer” budget as nothing more than another slogan-driven promise that has failed to deliver tangible outcomes for ordinary Papua New Guineans.
“In Parliament, I have said repeatedly that this 11th Parliament is overwhelmed with pleasantries, platitudes, and pollyanna,” the MP said. “Leadership has become superficial. Vanity, pride, and ego have replaced substance.”
He accused the Marape-led administration of starving districts and provinces of their rightful funds while promoting political favoritism and selective warranting. “Chuave has not received its K20 million DSIP, DIP, or Kina-for-Kina funds. The Simbu Provincial Government is still waiting for its K34 million functional grants. Why should we beg for money that rightfully belongs to our people?” he questioned.
Nomane said the 2025 budget failed because it was built on “unsustainable spending, unrealistic revenue projections, and weak fiscal management,” with political interference worsening the problem. “We must judge the Prime Minister and his Treasurer by results. If sectors, provinces, and districts miss out through selective warranting, then something is seriously wrong,” he said.
After six years of what he called “a pathetic Pangu-led government,” the Chuave MP declared the time had come to end “petty politics, cronyism, and favoritism.” He said the Prime Minister’s promises of one million jobs, agricultural revival, and foreign investment have not materialized.
“Where is the fiscal discipline? Where is the vision for youth, for rural development, for sovereign dignity?” he asked. “We are stuck with astronomical loans and inflation while government elites globetrot and perform for the cameras.”
Nomane announced he will seek Supreme Court enforcement of the Appropriations Act, citing inequities in the distribution of budget funds and the government’s failure to recognize the people of Chuave and Simbu.
“The people’s money is being plundered by a small kitchen cabinet. Effective budget implementation defines competent leadership — and this government has failed that test miserably,” he said. “Our national debt now stands at K65 billion, and we have no significant investment to show for it. Who will stop this madness?” Nomane asked.
In a significant move to bolster the welfare and operational support of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, yesterday formally executed a K126.5 million catering and hospitality contract on behalf of the State.
The three-year contract, valued at K126,530,593.94 (GST inclusive), was awarded by the National Executive Council (NEC) to NKW Catering Limited, a leading national service provider in the hospitality sector. The deal covers all PNGDF units operating within the Southern Region.
The signing ceremony took place at Government House, witnessed by Secretary for Defence John Hari Akipe, alongside NKW Chairman Nathan Kupa and Chief Executive Officer Peter Findlay**, who both signed on behalf of the company.
Fully funded by the National Government through the Department of Defence, the contract underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that Defence Force personnel receive consistent, high-quality catering and hospitality services as part of broader efforts to improve military living standards and morale.
Speaking after the execution, officials from both parties acknowledged the importance of the agreement in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting troops serving across the region.
The PNGDF has in recent years placed emphasis on professionalising its logistical and welfare support systems, with this latest contract marking a key milestone in that initiative.
NKW Catering Limited, which has established a strong presence in the resource and defence sectors, is expected to deliver comprehensive catering solutions including meal preparation, facility management, and related hospitality services across multiple military bases.
This partnership signals a strengthened collaboration between the private sector and the government in supporting national security operations through improved service delivery and infrastructure support.
Fiji Bati captain and Melbourne Storm powerhouse Tui Kamikamica has put aside the sting of last week’s NRL Grand Final loss, turning his full attention to leading his nation in the 2025 Pacific Bowl Championship in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Kamikamica, who played a key role in Melbourne’s campaign this season, said the disappointment of falling short in the Grand Final has only strengthened his hunger to deliver for Fiji.
“That’s behind me now. My focus is on the Bati jersey and representing my country with pride,” Kamikamica said. “Playing in Port Moresby is always tough. The crowd, the energy, the heat, but that’s what makes it special.”
The Pacific Bowl, part of the Pacific Rugby League Test Series, brings together powerhouse island nations including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, in a fierce display of regional pride and passion.
With stars like Jarryd Hayne, Maika Sivo, and Apisai Koroisau expected to feature, the Bati are eyeing redemption after a narrow semi-final exit in last year’s tournament. Kamikamica’s leadership and experience will be crucial as Fiji aim to assert their dominance on Pacific soil.
