Mr. Justin Tkatchenko is originally from Melbourne Victoria (Australia) and recruited in early 1990’s by the then Member of North East late David Unagi to take charge of UPNG Botanical Gardens that was taken over by NCD in 1993. He did not complete year 12 and according to public information provided to Parliament (bio-data), he completed year 11 certificate at Banyule High School, Melbourne in 1988. Banyule High School has since merged with another nearby high school and formed the Viewbank College in 1994.
Who is Justin Tkatchenko - MP for Moresby South & the then Minister for APEC!
Mr. Tkatchenko is originally from Melbourne Victoria (Australia) and recruited in early 1990's by the then Member of North East late David Unagi to take charge of UPNG Botanical Gardens that was taken over by NCD in 1993.
He did not complete year 12 and according to public information provided to Parliament (bio-data), he completed year 11 certificate at Banyule High School, Melbourne in 1988. Banyule High School has since merged with another nearby high school and formed the Viewbank College in 1994
In 1989 he enrolled in at Homesglen College of TAFE completing a Certificate in Horticulture - gardening & landscaping!
In his early 20's with very little to zero experience and Certificate Qualification he arrived in PNG. He was appointed the Curator of NCD botanical gardens by the then NCD Governor the late Bill Skate.
In July 1997, Bill Skate was elected Prime Minister and Tkatchenko was promoted to Deputy Administrator of NCD giving him control and influence in how millions of Kina of NCD funds was spent.
In July 1999 Bill Skate resigned as Prime Minister on the eve of being voted out, he was succeeded by Sir Mekere Morauta.
In January 1999, Tkatchenko was charged with two counts of indecent and unlawful assault, and two counts of carnal knowledge against the order of nature, commonly referred to as sodomy. (extract from National Court May 2000 ruling).
In April 1999, the District Court committed Mr. Tkatchenko to stand trial in the National Court after finding sufficient evidence to support the charges against him.
Tkatchenko filed an appeal in the National Court against the decision attacking the credibility and validity of the complainant’s statement and evidence. His lawyer also argued he wasn't afforded the right to respond to the evidence during the committal hearing, a requirement under Section 96 of District Court Act.
By law once a Magistrate makes a finding there is sufficient evidence to commit a person to stand trial in the National Court he/she must then ask the Accused if they wish to say anything or respond to the evidence presented against them. The Magistrate will also state that if they wish to respond then anything they say or submit may be used against them in the trial. It is typical for criminal lawyers to advise their client not to say anything and let the matter go to trial.
On May 2000, the National Court upheld Tkatchenko's appeal finding there was a procedural error and ordered the matter return back to District Court to follow the proper procedure.
In September 1999, the Mekere Government suspended Bill Skate Administration of NCD on allegations of mismanagement.
One of the allegations raised included that landscaping work was planned and executed under the direction of Mr Justin Tkatchenko at the residence of former Governor and Prime Minister Skate at Pari Village at a cost to the National Capital District Commission of more than K200,000.00, without tenders being called.
In November 1999, Tkatchenko acquired a shelf company Kitoro No.33 Ltd. in his wife's Catherine's name listing himself as a Director.
In February 2000, the company commenced operations providing gardening services and sale of flowers with just 7 employees. The net value of the company was only K1,100.00.
In January 2006, Bill Skate passed away triggering a by-election for the NCD Seat. Wari Vele and Powes Parkop contested the By-Election and Vele was elected the winner in August 2006.
Between 2006 and 2007 the Tkatchenko's company assets went from K280,000 to K2 million.
In 2006, Tkatchenko applied for and was granted PNG citizenship so he could contest the 2007 elections for the Moresby South Seat. He finished runner up to Dame Carol Kidu.
In early 2007, on the eve of 2007 National General Elections, NCD awards Tkatcheno's company with K10 million contract to clean up and beautify Port Moresby..
In July 2007, Parkop was elected. In November 2007 Parkop announces the K10 million contract initially awarded under Vele was reduced to K7 million.
At this point Tkatchenko went from a gardener to a millionaire. The source of million Kina funding??? Well NCD tax payers funds.
Thanks to Powes Parkop, Justin Tkatchenko, who came to PNG in his 20's, with a grade 11 certificate and Tafe diploma has become a multi-millionaire.
It is not the first time Parkop has made a foreigner a millionaire overnight, in 2017 he awarded his Malaysian girlfriend a K3 million, K250,000 month Yoga contract.
Thanks to PNG tax payers, Mr. Tkatchenko won the lottery!
[[{Edited version of Bryan Kramer's commentary]]]
