Dede Sophie

 LEADERS of the political parties in the last Pangu-led coalition remain firm on their resolve to form government on Tuesday, 9 August 2022, to once more work together for Papua New Guinea for the next five years.  Prime Minister James Marape announced this today (070822) in anticipation of his Pangu Pati being invited by the Governor-General to form the next government in the 11th Parliament of PNG consistent with requirements of Section 63 of the Organic Law of Political Parties and Candidates. He said: “All leaders of coalition parties who are here with me have signed the MOA for a new coalition. With the inclusion of New Generation Party, this brings our coalition to 17 parties. United Resources Party stands as the second biggest with 11 Members. “We are also embracing some parties that are now coming into the fold as well as more Independent candidates. We are an inclusive government, presently, cultivating what we will do together for our people. “At the moment, in the physical h

The substantial increase in electric energy costs over the past few months has changed the economy dynamic between electric and internal combustion engine power, writes Brian Byrne. Especially if you depend on public charging facilities for your electric car. At this time of writing, internal combustion engines — for which fuel costs have been coming down since the scary heights reached at the start of the Ukraine invasion — can have an economy edge over similar electric models. Since electric vehicles have become a realistic part of the cars mix, the emphasis has been on range rather than consumption. But that’s not the correct way to think about it. It’s really — as it always has been with ICE engines regardless of their fuels — about consumption. With ESB stations now charging 68c per kWh, following two major increases in the last year, travelling 100km in a Peugeot e-208 will cost €10.20 if you depend on public chargers. The same journey in an equivalent Toyota Yaris Hybrid will co