ORO
Governor Garry Juffa is imposing strict guidelines for foreign owned and run
businesses in the province.
When the guidelines come into effect, no businesses will be
allowed to operate in Oro province without the approval of the Provincial
Executive Council.
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| Oro Governor, Gary Juffa |
“No business will be allowed to operate in Oro Province
without the consent of the Oro Provincial Cabinet,” Governor Juffa said.
Mr Juffa had declared that Oro will only accommodate
legitimate businesses who had ensured that they were complying with Employment
and Migration laws of the country before they were given the green light to
operate in Oro Province.
“I do not care what permits or licenses Waigani dishes out.
If the company is not compliant with Labor and Employment laws, if they are in
breach of Migration and Customs Laws, if they are not registered for Taxation
purposes and they are not paying any form of tax, they will not be allowed to
do business in Oro Province. It is as simple as that,” he said.
“I will not allow my province to be a haven for those who
flaunt the laws of PNG. All investors and businesses in Oro will have to be
approved by the PEC and my office. Otherwise, they are not welcome.
“This includes fishing companies, logging companies and
exploration and mining companies. Either you get our authorisation or you don’t
enter Oro Province. For too long Waigani bureaucrats have negligently issued
all types of licenses and permits without checking if the companies are
actually compliant.
“No longer is this the case in Oro. You can do business in
NCD or Waigani or elsewhere but if you are disrespectful of our laws and our
people, you are not welcome in Oro. We welcome genuine investors, people who
care and respect us, who pay their taxes and who abide by the laws of the
land,” he said.
Governor Juffa said Oro Province would be establishing an
inspectorate to review all businesses in Oro and determine whether companies
are abiding by the laws.
“If they are not they would be asked to rectify their
status or leave,” he said.
He also struck back at the Chinese Embassy and the China
PNG Friendship Association for complaining about raids conducted by Customs and
Police and said the companies complaining had a lot to answer for, such as
illegal logging and firearms and illegal presence of expatriates who could not
even speak English.
“In China we would respect the laws. In PNG, we expect the
same courtesy. The company can lodge their complaints with my office and
provide evidence. They can also explain their illegal activities in Oro and
explain the firearms and illegal logging and breach of Migration and Labour
laws,” Mr Juffa said.
“I would also like the Labour Department to explain what
they are doing in Oro since there are many foreigners working here illegally.
The message is very simple - you comply or you get out,” he said.
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PC Online
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