Mark Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Bank South Pacific has expressed his enthusiasm for the economic potential of Papua New Guinea over the next decade. During a meeting held recently with the Prime Minister and Treasurer, James Marape, Robinson conveyed his confidence in the country’s trajectory. Marape highlighted the nation’s readiness for significant growth over the next ten years, commencing in 2024, driven by the development of six major resource projects. Emphasizing his expectations for a substantial economic surge, he foresees PNG achieving a noteworthy milestone, reaching a K200 billion economy by the year 2030. “These pivotal projects include the reopening of the Porgera mine, the progression of the Wafi-Golpu mine, and the strategic development of Papua LNG, P’nyang LNG, Pasca LNG, along with the promising new Wildbeest gas discovery by ExxonMobil in the Eastern Papuan Fold Belt.” “We want you to grow higher over the next 10 exciting years coming up,” Prime Minister Marape conveyed to Mr. Robinson. In response, Mr. Robinson expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m very excited, and there is a lot more we can do to serve the country and the region, and be more efficient.” “The people of PNG from our income as shareholders.” “About 85% of the bank is owned by PNG. We’ve also got 10% ownership from Pacific countries.” Meanwhile the Prime Minister’s meeting with Robinson covered various important issues related to the PNG Economy. The shared optimism and commitment to growth underscore the collaborative efforts to harness the economic opportunities that lie ahead.

Pangu Pati Elder, Tony Ila, CMG has urged unity and solidarity within the party as it faces a likely Vote of No Confidence in Prime Minister James Marape.  Ila, a former Parliamentarian and State Minister, says he is confident the Pangu-led Coalition Government will survive the challenge and continue to serve its five-year term. The former four-term Lae MP said: “As the last surviving Pangu Elder, I want to see the current Pangu-led Coalition Government serve its full term of office.” “Pangu was mandated by our people to form government after the 2022 National General Elections and must continue to govern without hindrance by the Opposition.” He added that he was disheartened to note that Prime Minister James Marape was likely facing a Vote of No Confidence only 18 months after the elections. “A VoNC can only happen if the Government has performed badly or if the Opposition is hell-bent on changing government for no good reasons.” “I would like to think the latter is the reason, but something tells me otherwise.” Furthermore, he mentioned that he heard rumours of dissent among the Pangu MPs and speculation of a rift within the party. “As our Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso rightly stated, these rumours are being spread by Opposition factions to destabilize Pangu and the Government.” “I urge the Pangu leadership and caucus to maintain unity and solidarity in the face of this challenge.” “United we stand, divided we fall.” “Let me reiterate that Pangu is a national icon that belongs to Papua New Guinea.” “Unlike other political parties, Pangu does not belong to any individual leader.” “Hence, I urge all our members to serve the party loyally and diligently for the benefit of Pangu and PNG.” Meanwhile he urged all Pangu MPs and coalition members to give their undivided support to Marape to defeat this VoNC. “So that our mandated Government will continue to serve its full five-year term.” “God bless Pangu and PNG.”

The farmers that supply Stop & Shop Outlooks with fresh produce, are now left without a market and a steady income. This after the devastation of Black Wednesday 10th of January 2024, in Port Moresby where there was widespread civil unrest and the looting and destruction of a number of CPL’s shopping outlets. This is the present state of affairs, as relayed by CPL’s Project Manager Mr. Pierre Dobunaba, during an open forum that was jointly hosted by the Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council (CIMC), Institute of National Affairs (INA) and the Department of Agriculture Livestock (DAL) at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby, to discuss means and ways to safeguard the food supply chain. Mr. Pierre Dobunaba said Black Wednesday saw immense destruction and damage to 4 of their shopping outlets, including North Waigani, Rainbow, Badili and Harbour City SnS, which is one of their biggest outlets in the city. This now means the fresh food supply chain to these outlets has been disrupted and local farmers, who are the main suppliers, left high and dry. The Project Manager went onto explain that since they are obviously a business, SnS can only take on so much of the total fresh produce that is brought in by the farmers. “These farmers have been planting for months in advance and now that the fresh food supply chain has been disrupted, they are uncertain where they will go to sell their produce now.” Mr. Dobunaba also revealed that this current situation has also set CPL back in all the work they have been doing in the agriculture space. “We have been on the scene for some time now, working in agriculture development and we face a lot of challenges…including challenges of logistics, and providing farming machinery and tools.” He indicated that they at CPL sees it necessary to address these challenges to safeguard the fresh food supply chain in the future. “We have been working with the farmers with minimal support from the government and that is why these kinds of meetings are crucial, so we can all get together, share views and identify pathways to cooperate and address some of these common issues and ensure we build a more economical and sustainable agriculture sector.” Freight subsidy, according to Mr. Dobunaba, is one such measure where the government has been working with the private sector, to benefit all concerned with the private sector, to benefit all the parties involved in the supply chain. Despite the shortcomings of the government, CPL through their SnS outlets, are committed to continue their work in the space of agriculture. “We have continued to work with farmers, and we have seen them go from backyard food producers to established business entities, where they are now employing other people to run their businesses.” “This is where we realized that we are impacting the lives of rural farmers.” “One of the proudest things that CPL can say for itself is that, before we got into agriculture and developing the farmers, we were selling 80% imports and 20% local produce. Today, we are selling 80% local produce and 20% imported.” Mr. Dobunaba capped off his remarks with an invitation from CPL, for improved partnerships, not just with the government, but all other relevant stakeholders, to cooperate and collaborate in safeguarding the food supply chain in the country.

“There are no short cuts, and nothing is ever free. If you want something, you have to break your back for it.” These were the words of 19-year-old Bianca Tuckayo, an awardee of the US Global UGrad Program facilitated by the U.S. Embassy, who is currently in the United States. Bianca comes from a mixed parentage of Morobe and West Papua and grew up in Lae where she completed both her primary and secondary education before her successful admission into the UPNG School of Law in 2023. The Global Undergraduate Program gives her the opportunity to be on a one-semester fully funded exchange program studying pre-law at the Kansas State University as she is a second-year law student at the University of Papua New Guinea. “I’m studying pre-law at Kansas State University then after my scholarship is done, I will come back and continue to do my third year of law school at the University of Papua New Guinea.” Bianca stated that she first heard about the scholarship through a senior law student who was a pioneer awardee of the scholarship.  “I was in first year of Law School when my senior Jeanelle Ewande, who was one of the first awardees of this program, had just returned from Kentucky.” “I was so proud and over the top listening to all her stories of her time in the U.S.” “I was so proud and over the top listening to all her stories of her time in the US.” She did not think that her application would be successful, but she is grateful for this opportunity and says that she is impressed with herself for this particular achievement. “I applied for fun. I didn’t think I could get in.” “Honestly, I was pretty impressed with myself.” When asked what she hoped to learn and achieve while on this scholarship she said that she wants to meet a lot of people and make connections that she is hoping will last.  “To learn from everyone I meet, one way or the other, to show people here a little part of PNG.” She added she is motivated by her paternal grandparents who had left West Papua and moved to PNG in the 60s with nothing and built a life out of it.  “They had nothing, and my dad and his siblings had to work hard in school because they knew that if they didn’t, they would have nothing.” “So they worked hard to give us the life we have now.” Bianca also plays basketball and has represented Morobe in the 7th PNG Games in Kimbe in 2017 and was also part of the PNG Basketball squad who took part in FIBA U15 Oceania Championships in 2018. Meanwhile Bianca has managed to make her family proud and said she is happy with this achievement and that she has made not just her Grandparents but also her whole family proud. “The responsibility now rests on me and my cousins to continue the effort so that our ggrandparent’s effort to give their children and grandchildren a better life would not go to waste.”

Pay 2, 2024 will correct any deduction of Pay 1, 2024, that was caused by the non-configuration of the income tax threshold of K20 000. This from the Chief Secretary to the Government, Mr. Ivan Pomaleu. “In Pay 2, officers affected by the now permanent income tax threshold of K20, 000 should expect to see a correction of the deduction from Pay 1.” “You should also see the correct tax application in Pay 2. Your total net pay will therefore be slightly higher.” “However, it will go back to the normal pay level in Pay 3.” “That means that the normal pay and the normal tax, per the permanent tax threshold, will apply going forward.” “This is, therefore, a courtesy advice that in Pay 3, the normal pay will run, and it should reflect the correct tax levels.” “It should, therefore, not cause any anxiety when the take-home pay reverts back to the correct level in Pay 3.” “Other case by case HR adjustments that apply to individual pays should appear in the normal way.” An income tax threshold is the level of salary where zero tax applies. Any residual amounts over and above the income tax threshold, in this case, K20, 000, will be taxed at an appropriate level. Ambassador Pomaleu also confirmed that the Dependent Tax Rebate should not be implemented, as the appropriate Act has not been certified by the Acting Speaker of Parliament after it was passed in the 2024 National Budget. “I would like to advise that until the Act is certified, the Dependent Tax Rebate should not be implemented by any employer. “We apologize if any employer has already implemented this rebate.” “The Government has advised that the Dependent Rebate is being recommended for withdrawal as the overall intention of Budget 2024 was to help our workers and people.” All officers of the government are encouraged to seek clarifications with the Human Resources Branch or Division in the first instance should they see any pay discrepancies in their pay slips.

Household barbeque name Abus Na Kumu is preparing to open their very first restaurant soon, at the Waigani Steamships Compound in National Capital District in the coming months. Speaking at the launching of the groundworks, founder and head chef, Mr. Richard Mark said for them to reach this stage, where they will be launching their outlet soon, is a milestone achievement. “Äbus na Kumu started off, cooking on the roadside. And through a lot of hard work, dedication, and commitment, were able to build up a brand that is now a household name.” “Today I represent all our families, all our friends and all our supporters and all our stakeholders that have been involved in growing our business.” “This is a show of commitment and a call to other Papua New Guineans, to get involved in small businesses, to help each other and to help our communities to be better.” Mr. Mark said Abus na Kumu has seen a tremendous last couple of years, since starting out and the launching of their shop is a keystone pillar for future growth. “I would like to say thank you to everyone, our family, friends our supporters and especially our stakeholders for having the confidence in us to deliver this project.” Present at the launching of the groundwork for the Abus na Kumu outlet were all the stakeholders also were heavily involved in bringing the AnK outlet to fruition and included Seladi Artitects, and representatives from Business Link Pacific, Pacific Palms Property and the BSP Financial Group Ltd.

The catastrophic incident of Black Wednesday and ensuing incidences here in the Nation’s Capital Port Moresby and throughout the country, laid bare the critical food supply chain, resulting in both food producers and consumers being affected. This prompted a quick response from the Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council (CIMC), to hold an open forum at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby that was hosted in partnership with the Institute of National Affairs (INA) and the Department of Agriculture Livestock (DAL). Opening remarks by the head of the INA, Mr. Paul Barker, spelt out an urgent need for public private partnerships, to safeguard this supply chain, especially in times of crises. In the brief history that he provided of the food supply chain in the country, Mr. Barker said in the past and owing to little government interventions, supermarkets were selling a lot more imported produce than local. “This is where I have to give credit to Stop & Shop (SnS) and the CPL Group of Companies.” “They were the ones that really committed to local producers and built up a value chain and other supermarket chains and food production and catering companies followed suit.” He said a lot of investments in this space have been done by the private sector and that the government needs to play more of an active role, by reducing risks so more businesses can invest in the food market industry, thereby safeguarding the food supply chain. “Everyone needs ready access to food supply and people’s livelihoods depend on being able to produce and market constantly.” “If you interrupt that flow… you have a real calamitous situation where people are not going to get their food supplies.” “We want to make sure that the government’s contribution is being able to develop the whole food market industry, not just in the production and trade stage, but also through training, research, disease control, and all these activities.” Mr. Barker reaffirmed the purpose of the CIMC Open Forum, saying it was an avenue to bring together all the players in the food market industry, to come up with the right mechanisms; one that is sustainable and where the government and private roles do not overlap that they can implement immediately to safeguard the food supply chain.

The notorious Wapenamanda District tribal fight erupted again on Monday in Enga province. The crime scene left one individual in critical condition following a shootout from his rival. The Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Mr. George Kakas in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG said that the incident is news to police after almost a year of peace, and they now plan to minimize the dangers before it can escalate even worse. “We have police units patrolling the fighting area to ensure security to the innocent locals.” “We also have police units in Wapenamanda High School, Hela Opene Polytech institute and Unda Health Centre to protect and allow services to maintain operation.” Kakas stressed that there are responsible warlords still in the midst that need to be apprehended and put behind bars. According PPC Kakas the tribes have been quarrelling over land for many years and have been absentminded of the destruction done to the local land and its people. “We have units attending investigations to find the root cause of the incident and who is responsible.” Furthermore, PPC stressed the locals who refuse to contact authority in times of danger. “I appeal to the people to be more accountable and responsible and contact the authorities when danger is present.” “Stop protecting these culprits or you might not be so lucky next time you sense danger.” Police units have been tasked to patrol the area to provide security at this time to maintain law and order.

Papua New Guinea tour operators say the continuing and unreliable airlines services are affecting the tourism industry. Bougainville Experience Tours (BET), based out of Arawa in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), say the sky high airfares, sees less domestic tourists taking up their products. Owner and operator of BET, Mr. Zhon Bosco Miriona, said even though he would love to have more Papua New Guinean tourist, his visitors are mainly international tourists. “Return tickets to AROB are usually in the range of +K2000." " For an everyday Papua New Guinean, this is a lot and that is just for the airline ticket alone.” Mr. Miriona explained that even though he got a lot of positive feedback for his products, from Papua New Guineans, it is the international tourists that are more able to afford his products, including that of the expensive airfares. He said BET hopes to look into other options to get tourists into AROB, including direct flights from Cairns or even from other Melanesian countries, like Vanuatu or Fiji. “It would be good to see our airlines partner with the PNG Tourism Authority (PNGTPA), to tailor packages that are suited more to the domestic market… We will talk to them and see how this goes. Despite this setback, BET have a fully booked calendar of events, particularly with the international cruise ships that will be calling to port this year, something that Mr. Miriona is looking forward to. Another local tour operator, in Ms. Alice Alu of Karanas Comfort Tours, based out of Kavieng in the New Ireland Province, said she has had to cancel on some tourist, because their flights got delayed. “We had almost 8 people that cancelled their trip with us, because of this issue." "This included 3 international tourists and 5 domestic tourists.” Ms. Alice explained that some of her guests were also stranded at their transit points as well, which was added was quite unfortunate, as it meant they had to fork out extra from their travelling budget, to pay for the layover. Karanas Comfort Tours is will carrying out in house training and tourism awareness as well; something that the local tour operator carries out on a quarterly basis. “This are just refresher courses that we carry out for our workers, to make sure they continue to observe the best practices and safeguard themselves and our guests in the business of tourism.” Both local tour operators maintain that the Government could be doing more to encourage the growth of tourism in the country.  

The PM marked the comprehensive review of the key issues affecting the country by the Prime Minister Hon James Marape as he officially assumed the role of Treasurer following the reshuffled cabinet announced on Thursday, succeeding Ian Ling-Stuckey. Prime Minister Marape expressed he will not take anything from Ian Lin-Stuckey during his term as he has elevated his position over four challenging years. He will assist in a thorough review on the relationship between Treasurer, National Planning and Monitoring, Finance, and Central Bank. And, to uncover amicable solutions in Foreign Exchange, National Fuel Security, the work of fiscal and monetary policy can work in tandem and many others. The Prime Minister stressed to look forward to a three to four weeks plan to reposition Treasury through a comprehensive review that aligns with the government's commitment to economic stability and the well-being of the people. Additionally, he emphasised the need to evaluate events ending 2023 financial year to prepare the 2023 Final Budget for Parliament by March 31, in accordance with legal requirement. He further asserted the need to examine best tax modalities through engaging the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) including personal and corporate income tax, good and services tax and other associated taxes. “Exemplified as first in our country, the K20, 000 tax thresholds under the Pangu-Pati’s centred approach under tax review to aid the population of low-income employment.” “The tax review will not compromise Hon. Ling-Stuckey’s Fiscal Plan.” “It will encompass the earnings from the key projects such as the Papua LNG Project, P’nyang LNG Project, Pasca LNG, the Wildebeest LNG Project, Wafi-Golpu Mine, and the New Porgera Mine.” Prime Minister Mapape concluded his personal stance and stressed the need for subscribing to the notion of lesser tax for our people as long as we protect the economy. “Ensuring efficient tax collection, we have increased funding to the IRC in the past and this year.” “The past four years have displayed increasing funding for capacity-building for Capacity-Building within the IRC has improved efficiency and a substantial increase in revenue collection.” “This enhances operational efficiency not through a direct tax hike but through doubling tax collection by IRC.” “After these efficiency measures are successfully put into place, I will introduce a new tax system for Papua New Guinea.” “This Project will take effect in the 50th Anniversary of our independence, which will be a significant turning point in our fiscal strategy.”

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has underscored the government's commitment to delivering development for the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), emphasizing the responsibility of the six newly-appointed ministers and those reshuffled. The PM made the six new ministerial appointments and reshuffled Cabinet on Thursday, 18th January. “My government is now into its second year in office, and I want to remind the new ministers and those reshuffled that our job is to deliver development to our people,” PM Marape reiterated. He further highlighted in a statement that the strategic placement of ministers to ensure specific sectors are revitalized and operating at full capacity. "Those appointed are expected to step up and deliver in their respective roles," he asserted. Marape emphasized the equal importance of all ministries, stating that there is no big minister or small ministry; all ministers are the same. "In a house of equals, some were picked ahead of others, considering regional and political party balances in our government coalition. I also considered young leaders, taking into account that they are the future.” The newly appointed ministers are as follows: • Koroba-Kopiago MP William Bando (United Resources Party) as Coffee Minister. • Nipa-Kutubu MP Dr. Billy Joseph (Social Democratic Party) as Defence Minister. • Popondetta MP Richard Masere (Greens Party) as Key Constitutional Offices Minister. • Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Muguwa Dilu (Pangu Pati) as Mining Minister. • Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina (Pangu Pati) as Petroleum Minister. • Obura-Wonenara MP John Boito (Pangu Pati) as Agriculture Minister. Notable changes include, Defence Minister Win Daki (Pangu Pati) who was reassigned to Commerce and Industry, filling the vacancy left by the court ousting of former minister Henry Amuli as well as Coffee Minister Joe Kuli (United Resources Party), who has been moved to Correctional Services. Additionally, the Internal Security portfolio, encompassing Police and Correctional Services, has been divided, with Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr (Pangu Pati) focusing exclusively on Police. Meanwhile, the PM disclosed adjustments to major portfolios: • Prime Minister Marape assumes the role of Treasury Minister, with Ian Ling-Stuckey providing support. • Mining Minister Ano Pala (Pangu Pati) becomes Minister for National Planning, leading to the division of the Finance and National Planning portfolio. Rainbo Paita (Pangu Pati) remains as Minister for Finance. • Moresby-South MP Justin Tkatchenko (Social Democratic Party) resumes the role of Foreign Affairs Minister. • The Petroleum and Energy portfolio is split, with Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina (Pangu Pati) becoming Petroleum Minister, while Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua (PNG National Party) continues as Energy Minister.

Papua New Guinea Minister for Health and Dr. Lino Tom was pleased to reiterate the organizations undying pledge to fight cancer cases in the country, as articulated in the National Health Plan 2021-2030. With cancer having a profound impact on the individuals and their families and communities, placing a heavy burden on our health system. Papua New Guinea Ministry of Health still remains affirmed and committed at the highest level of reducing cancer mobility and mortality, Significant steps have been taken towards achieving our vision of having PNG’s First comprehension cancer centre in operation by 2025 as cancer is a priority for the Marape-Rosso Government. Dr. Tom expressed his gratitude with thanks and announced the government’s commitment to the upgrading project for facility and equipment, delivering a total of K105 million to the PNG National Cancer Center (PNGNCC) since 2022. The bill will be distributed to focus on essential aspects of the project as follows. • K50 million for critical phase in the third period of construction. • K38 million for cancer equipment. • K17 million for the brachytherapy (International radiation treatment) Once all funding is in place, in the second quarter of 2025 the national cancer centre anticipates that it will be ready to receive its first patient. In alignment with the global institution the National Department of Health and the Port Moresby General Hospital are building national health force capacity to deliver specialist cancer services. The Marape-Rosso Government will continue to be proactive to cancer awareness as a priority health issue, through support for complementary initiatives to deliver high quality, affordable cancer service for Papua New Guinean to strengthen prevention, screening, and early detection of cancer.