APRIL 5 2022
Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) Commission-of-Inquiry (COI) Commissioner Margaret White says the Constitution has been a “guiding light” to the work of the COI.
She said this when giving her remarks during presentation of the 15-volume UBS COI report to Prime Minister Hon. James Marape by COI Chairman and Chief Commissioner Sir Salamo Injia in Port Moresby today (April 5 2022).
“Getting to delve into the Constitution of Papua New Guinea has been a high point,” Commissioner White said.
“It is scarcely believable that a country with so many disparate peoples was able to agree, and so quickly, about the kind of way that they wanted to be governed.
“The manifestation of that agreement in the Constitution of the Independent State has been a guiding light for the work of the commission.
“The intellectual rigor of its form is rivalled only by the loftiness of its sentiments, yet, it never loses sight of its practical purposes – a documentary Bird of Paradise, perhaps.”
Commissioner White said the COI was privileged to have heard from several of the founding fathers of PNG, and to learn from them, of “the mighty aspirations for the nascent country”.
“The detail has, of course, changed, as it was anticipated that it would but the principles have not,” she said.
“When those principles are overlooked, the trust of the people naturally wavers.
“We hope that we have produced some recommendations which might assist in encouraging something of a reset of those Constitutional Goals.”
Commissioner White commended the work of Sir Salamo in leading the UBS COI.
“It is important for me to acknowledge the tremendous energy and dedication with which the Chief Commission (Sir Salamo) has managed this commission-of-inquiry,” she said.
“The vicissitudes have been many, but his determination has been their equal.
“He has led the widespread team with good humor and hard work.
“His immense understanding of the law, and the people of this country, has underpinned all that the commission has done and achieved.”
Commissioner White also commended all who had worked at APEC Haus during the duration of the COI, as well as those who provided assistance from overseas, and local lawyers who assisted.
She thanked all witnesses who appeared before the COI and “throw light onto the event” into which ir was inquiring (UBS loan).
“I wish the people of Papua New Guinea all the benefits that their Constitution promises, and the prosperity that the natural resources of the country can give them,” Commissioner White said.
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