12/03/2014

Text of the Original SRC Petition and Media Statement of 5 March 2014

For those of you who never sighted the Media Statement released on the 5th of this month:

The Papua New Guinea University of Technology
Student Representative Council

MEDIA STATEMENT

THE RETURN OF DR. ALBERT SCHRAM, VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

By virtue of the powers granted to Student Representative Council of The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UOT SRC), as stipulated within the PNG UOT SRC Constitution, the PNG UOT SRC - in its Special Full Council Meeting held at 9:00am on Monday the 3rd Day of March 2014 at the SRC Complex Taraka Main Campus - has unanimously resolved to petition the Office of the Prime Minister & the National Executive Council to honor the recommendations of the Sevua Investigation which was sanctioned by the Prime Minister in January 2013, by carrying out the functions and responsibilities within the framework of plans, provisions and recommendations necessary in ensuring the successful resumption of Dr. Albert Schram as the legitimate Vice Chancellor of the University.


In exercise of the powers pursuant to Chapter II, Article 4 (f) & (h) of the PNG UOT SRC Constitution declaring the Powers of the Council, and subject to the conditions laid down in the PNG University of Technology Act (of 1986) and Statues, we hereby declare our position with respect to the return of Dr. Albert Schram, Vice Chancellor of the PNG University of Technology.

On the 14th of January 2013, Honorable Prime Minister Peter O'Neil intervened due to ongoing conflict between the former Council of Phillip Stagg and Dr. Albert Schram by sidelining both parties and calling an investigation into all allegations documented against Dr. Albert Schram. The calling of an investigation team by the Prime Minister resulted in sanctioning of the Commission of Inquiry headed by retired judge, Judge Mark Sevua. The result of the Sevua Investigation were tabulated in the Sevua Report and presented to Government in March 2013 clearing Dr. Schram of all accusations and allegations leveled against him.

On the 12th of December 2013 recommendations within the Sevua Report were acknowledged by the University Council, this led to the legal appointment of Dr. Albert Schram as the legitimate vice Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Chancellor, Sir Nagora Bogan, KBE by powers granted to him under the 1985 Papua New Guinea University of Technology University Act and all members of the University Council unanimously resolved to allow Vice Chancellor Albert Schram to resume duties on campus as soon as possible. The Council's decision was conveyed to Dr. Schram on the 13th of January 2014.

While the University Senior Executive Management has conveyed the Council's decision to appropriate immigration authorities to process his employment visa and all other necessary preparations for his return, there is no evidence of progressive developments to date. Taking into consideration the fact that upon Dr. Schram's failure to resume duties as the legitimate Vice Chancellor before 31st March 2014, the council will move to terminate Dr Schram’s employment contract as per their decision, we collectively hereunder, demand the Papua New Guinea Government through the Office of the Prime Minister & the National Executive Council to:

1- immediately lift the ban on Dr. Albert Schram entering Papua New Guinea through the processing of his employment visa, work permit, passport and all other necessary immigration documents required for his resumption as Vice Chancellor of the PNG University of Technology.

2- guarantee his safety by granting him the right of safe passage from his port of departure to his final destination – PNG University of Technology, Taraka Main Campus, Lae City

We the PNG UOT SRC urge the Office of the Prime Minister & The National Executive Council to take necessary actions in fulfilling our demands within 48 hours as of receiving this petition.

The University Staff & Students therefore stand our grounds and now resolve that our petition is non-negotiable. We have sufficient evidence which gives meaning to our petition; we will not compromise under any circumstances otherwise until and unless we receive positive response from the government. Within our hearts we know and are convicted that we are pursuing a good cause; a cause that defines us in this moment and years to come.


AUTHORIZED BY THE 2014 PNG UOT SRC PRESIDENT MR EDDIE NAGUAL

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