Today I was so proud to be a member of the Opposition, I hold my team with the highest regard and could not be happier to serve among such distinguished leaders, says Member for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu after the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) yesterday. Mr. Iduhu said in regard to the VONC there should have been a debate yesterday as it was explicitly stated in the Supreme Court’s orders. “Even if the speaker felt otherwise, by normal parliamentary standards we always debate important decisions and legislation. So why doesn’t something important like voting to install a new PM have the opportunity for debate? Shouldn’t this be the prime opportunity for the nation to hear why we believe as individual MPs why James Marape should be removed? In the same vein, the Government MPs have the duty to explain why they believe Marape should be given more time,” he said. Mr. Iduhu said that though the Prime Minister remains, the principles of their conviction were on display for the country to witness and he is sure Papua New Guinea saw their (Opposition) commitment to the people. “I remain with the people's team so long as this country requires honest and true leadership to hold the government accountable. My calls for better leadership, equitable access to education, healthcare and our resources will always be something I’m vocal about. Today’s result does not discourage me or my colleagues from being vocal about issues. In fact, it drives our resolve even more. We are at the crossroads of our country’s future, and we will not stand by and let the few destroy the chances for the many. PNG deserves so much more than what it's currently getting. I remain steadfast in fighting for my people, country and the future. 50 years from now, I would like to be remembered for making hard decisions that were necessary, not easy ones that were unnecessary,” Mr. Iduhu stated.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kumulsoft Limited, to allow government agencies to use Kumulsoft’s Fixed Assets Management System as a shared digital service. The system will enable government agencies to maintain better records of their assets, including land, equipment, buildings, and machinery—addressing long-standing issues in public asset management. DICT Secretary Mr. Steven Matainaho said the partnership supports the implementation of the Digital Government Act 2022, which calls for a whole-of-government approach to digitalization. “Since the passing of the Digital Government Act in 2022, it has promoted a whole-of-government approach to digitalization,” Secretary Matainaho said. He added that this collaboration is especially significant as it marks the department’s first partnership with a home-grown ICT company. “As highlighted in the Digital Transformation Policy, we are not only seeking effective technology but also looking at cost-effective ways to drive digital transformation. “We are exploring how the government can use technology to reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, and contribute to economic growth. It’s encouraging to see companies like Kumulsoft stepping up to help deliver on these objectives,” he added. Secretary Matainaho also noted that DICT will now begin piloting the Fixed Assets Management System as a shared service across government agencies. Kumulsoft Co-Founder Mr. Paul Muingnepe said the system tracks assets throughout their lifecycle—from procurement to disposal—ensuring greater transparency and accountability. “We have a solution here that we are ready to deploy across all government agencies. Reporting on government assets has long been an issue. “With our system, no asset is left unaccounted for. It captures the full fixed asset lifecycle and ensures nothing is lost in the process. Often, you’ll find items listed in records that no longer exist—this system helps eliminate that”, Mr. Muingnepe said.

Sir Brian Bell Foundation in partnership with Meddent donated essential mobility equipment to Cheshire Homes to support individuals living with disabilities. Included in the donation were two wheelchairs, two walking trolleys, and two stair climbers which will be utilized by members of the community. In a special presentation last Friday, the items were officially presented by Meddent General Manager Todd McKenzie and Operations Manager Jessinta Wagambie, on behalf of both organizations. Accepting the donation was Cheshire Homes Disability Services General Manager, Gerald Bengesser. Cheshire Homes Disability Services General Manager, Gerald Bengesser said wheelchairs are much needed as people are always knocking on their doors asking if they have them. “Just yesterday, we gave a wheelchair to a 15-year-old boy who had walked all the way from 5 Mile. The standing chairs are incredibly useful too, especially for a few of our residents who rely on them for mobility,” he said. He also added there is a great need for this kind of equipment, and there simply isn’t enough of it available. “That’s why we’re incredibly thankful to Meddent and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation for their generosity and continued support,” he said. Sir Brian Bell Foundation and Meddent are delighted to be able to offer this support to Cheshire Homes. This donation highlights the ongoing efforts of both organizations to improve access to life-changing medical equipment and uplift vulnerable communities across Papua New Guinea.

The Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, on Monday opened the Consultation Workshop organized by the Department of International Trade and Investment and the National Trade Office on the total review of the full impact of the new U.S tariff increases. Minister Maru told the participants from both Government and the private sector to provide input on this assessment of the full impact of the new U.S Tarriff increases to major trading partners including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and many others. “We must also assess the impact on industries that depend on U.S imports like Air Niugini who mainly import aircraft parts from the U.S. While coffee is one of our major exports to the U.S, can we not replace the U.S market with new markets like Japan and New Zealand instead of depending on the U.S Market? PNG does not impose tariff on services from the U.S and this is one area we need to look at. We also need to look at the Fisheries Access we give to the U.S fishing companies who fish and catch tune in our EEZ under our Bilateral Agreement. This is a good opportunity to look at the totality of our overall trade and investment relationship with the U.S. No stones should be left unturned. “The U.S President Donald Trump claims this action is necessary to make U.S great again. There is so much speculation like the U.S President is doing this as a short-term measure to get the stock market to crash so a lot of his fans and supporters can buy stocks at a very cheap price. Nobody really knows the true intentions behind this U.S decision. Only time will tell whether this is a long-term measure to grow the U.S economy and make the U.S great again or it is a short-term measure to achieve some personal agenda, " Mr. Maru said. Minister Maru further stated that the actions of the U.S has totally undermined the rules-based multilateral system administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which PNG is a member of. He said the U.S is now bringing in protection not seen and experienced by the world in over 10 years and the world has to decide whether to have US in the WTO family or throw the U.S out while the rest of the world carries on with the rules-based multilateral system. Minister Maru also told the participants at the workshop to review PNG’s tariff structure and consider what support the Government should be giving especially the manufacturing industry. He requested a full report of the review including recommendations to be presented to the NEC for the Government to consider. “I want the review completed before the end of this month,” said Minister Maru.

Governor for Enga Sir Peter Ipatas has thanked the opposition and the people of Papua New Guinea for their supporting in trusting him to be the alternate Prime Minister in the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) against Prime Minister James Marape. Although the VONC was unsuccessful in 89 votes in favor of PM Marape and 16 in favor of Sir Ipatas, he still thanked everyone who supported him during this time. “Thank you for your support and confidence that after serving Enga Province for a long-time people still supported me to be the alternate PM Nominee. I want to take this opportunity to inform Parliament that I would have not accepted the nomination if honorable members of this house did not express their dissatisfaction with the performance of the Prime Minister. I also want to ask our leaders to be leaders, and we must not be like ladies who gossip a lot. I heard the cry and the dissatisfaction from our leaders and accepted the nomination. I also realize that we have problems and people of this country were crying for some sort of change,” Sir Ipatas said. He said it was not easy for him to accept the nomination, but he had to do it for Papua New Guinea. “I have no regrets of accepting the nomination, I still support Prime Minister James Marape and I congratulate him for continuing his role as PM. As PM Marape rightfully stated, his putting his time and efforts trying to make this country great and it's about time ministers and leaders of coalition government stop the gossiping but be open and talk to the Prime Minister about the issues we have in the country for our people,” Sir Ipatas said. Sir Ipatas said this country belongs to all of us and our people and it was hard, but he accepted the nomination. “We have a lot of issues in the country; hence, I accepted the nomination, but I still support Prime Minister Jame Marape,” he added.

Motu Koita Assembly (MKA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PNG Electoral Commission and NCDC for the 2025 Motu Koita Elections, effective today Tuesday, April 15, 2025. In light of the recent announcement of Election dates by the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government and the PNG Electoral Commission, MKA is prepared to offer support and coordination within the Motu Koita communities throughout the election period. MKA will also regularly share important election information with the Motu Koita public. “The current MoU, which is active from April 15 to December 31, 2025, includes an allocation of K500,000 from NCDC to support the PNG Electoral Commission in its election preparations and for the elections themselves,” MKA stated. The Manager of MKA expressed gratitude to the National Government and the PNG Electoral Commission for providing funding and guidance to conduct the elections, which had been delayed since 2023. He noted that this is the third MoU for the elections since 2023, and he hopes that the elections will proceed as planned with the Issue of Writs on April 24, 2025. He also thanked the NCD Governor, his Board, and the City Manager and his Management for their additional support of K500,000 towards the long-awaited MKA Elections. “The Motu Koita public is encouraged to prepare for the Elections as we work with PNGEC and NCDC to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process,” he added.

Prime Minister James Marape has overcome another vote of no confidence (VONC) in a landslide of 89 votes in his favor on the floor of parliament this morning in Port Moresby city. Alternate Prime Minister Nominee Sir Peter Ipatas received only 16 votes. The VONC motion was moved by Member for Abau Sir Puka Temu and second by member for Wagab Dr. Lino Tom. Before the vote took place, concerns were raised through a number of point of orders by Member for Madang Bryan Krama, Member Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu, Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane on the need for debate but it was not entertained. In his remakes PM Marape after defeating the VONC, thanked the Speaker of National Parliament Job Pomat for allowing the process to take place after the Supreme Court issued its order. Mr. Marape said today’s Parliament showed to the people of Papua New Guinea and everyone in Parliament that the Supreme court is the leader and authority of law in the country. “I want to congratulate you Mr. Speaker for following the order to allow this process to complete. The VONC is not new in our country, the Section 145 process of our constitution is detailed and has been exercised in the past. I want to thank both sides of the house for your participation today and sincerely thank you to the 89 who stood up to vote and as your chief servant I will try my absolute best to continue on leaving no place and no one behind as the ultimate aim of this government and should be for any government going forward into the future,” Mr. Marape said. He also highlighted his government’s commitment to carrying on their work as government to improving development in the country. Prime Minister James Marape will now remain Prime Minister for the next 18 months before the 2027 National General Elections.

The United States and Papua New Guinea are proud to announce the commencement of Tamiok Strike 2025. A joint military exercise aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and interoperability of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) and the United States military. This exercise will take place from April 14 to April 25, 2025, at various locations across Papua New Guinea including Port Moresby, Lae, and Wewak. The exercise will see participation from over 200 personnel, including members of the U.S. Army, the Wisconsin National Guard, and the PNGDF with observers from the Australian Defense Force, New Zealand Defense Force, and German Bundeswehr (Army). The focus will be on enhancing joint operational readiness, improving tactical skills, and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between armed forces. Major General Gardner at the opening ceremony on April 14, 2025, said this exercise is about partnership and the Partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United States. “It’s a commitment from us to you to be here forth for the good times and the bad through our training and partnerships, we know we can build trust and confidence, and we can handle any crisis together and keep the regional stability,” he said. "We are excited to participate in Tamiok Strike 2025 and continue our strong partnership with the PNGDF," said 1st Lt. Morgan Schwittay, of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He said this exercise not only enhances their military capabilities but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. “It is made even more special for me as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard, continuing to build personal relationships with our shared history and values,” he said. Key Highlights of Tamiok Strike 2025: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills: These drills will prepare both forces to respond effectively to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, ensuring rapid and coordinated assistance to affected communities. Medical and Engineering Civic Action Programs: These programs will provide medical and engineering support to local communities, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to the well-being of the people of Papua New Guinea. Field Training Exercises: These exercises will simulate real-world combat scenarios to improve the tactical proficiency and coordination of both forces. Staff Exercise Exercises: These exercises will focus on enhancing command and control capabilities, decision-making processes, and communication between the two militaries. Bunkhouse Construction: U.S. and PNGDF Soldiers are building a bunkhouse in Lae to increase future troop capacity for routine training events. The joint construction project also provides opportunities for Soldiers to improve their engineering skills and knowledge base. The United States is committed to engaging Papua New Guinea and its Pacific neighbors to preserve a free and open, secure, connected, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which entered into force in 2023, is the cornerstone of the growing security partnership. The United States is committed to deepening and expanding its bilateral relationship with Papua New Guinea. The bilateral relationship contributes to America’s safety, demonstrates strength, and provides opportunities for prosperity.

The Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) celebrated the successful completion of four weeks of intensive training in advanced medical skills and small unit tactics (SUT) with a graduation ceremony held Friday, April 11. The training, conducted by the U.S. Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO), emphasized leadership, self-sufficiency, and operational readiness. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the PNGDF, the U.S. Embassy, and SATMO, as well as the graduating students. "This training is a testament to the strong partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea. Our shared commitment to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region is reflected in the hard work and achievements of these graduates," said Colonel Isaac Baskins, U.S. Defense Attache. “The PNGDF completed 4 weeks of rigorous training in both advanced medical skills and small unit tactics with a heavy emphasis on leadership. While the training was difficult, strenuous, challenging and highly realistic it was also very rewarding,” said Master Sergeant Hans Moeller, SATMO Team Sergeant. “These trainings are designed to create leaders. I encourage you to look at yourself as leaders and continue to push forward and pass on this knowledge and training to your fellow soldiers so that we can continue to help make the PNGDF better and better every year.” “All of this training is geared to getting our basics correct and then preparing for the next national event that PNGDF will undoubtedly be asked to support.” said LtCol Donald Aisuk, Director of Land. He added that these past four weeks have been hard, but this is how resilience is built, and they need to be physically and mentally fit. The training included a series of practical exercises designed to simulate real-world scenarios. The medical team applied their didactic knowledge in a field environment, conducting mass casualty response training and establishing medical aid stations. The SUT training culminated in a Final Training Exercise that focused on React to Contact, Ambush, and Leadership procedures. The United States is committed to engaging Papua New Guinea and its Pacific neighbors to preserve a free and open, secure, connected, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. "Our bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which entered into force in 2023, is the cornerstone of our growing security partnership."

The 2025 Local Level Government Elections, Parliamentary By-Election and the Motu-Koita Assembly Elections are set to go next week, says Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai. Mr. Sinai gave the confirmed dates for the Local Level Government (LLG) Elections, Five (5) By-Elections and the Motu-Koita Assembly Elections. Issue of Writs and Nomination opens on Thursday 24th April 2025 at 4pm Nominations will close on Thursday May 1, 2025, at 4pm Polling starts on Saturday July 12, 2025 Polling ends Friday August 1, 2025 Return of Writ on/Before Friday August 22, 2025 Nomination period 7 days (24/04/25-01/05/25 Campaign Period 80 days/11weeks (24/04/25-11/07/25) Polling period 21 days (12/07/25-01/08/24) Counting period 21 days (02/08/25-22/08/25) “The LLG Elections, Five By-Elections and the Motu-Koita Assembly Elections will simultaneously be conducted on 24 of April 2025, when writs are open. The five By-Elections will be for Central Bougainville, Aitape-Lumi, Usino-Bundi, Kabwum in Morobe, Porgera-Paiela and Die in Western Highlands. Voters for LLG Elections, By-Elections and Motu-Koita Assembly Election will vote using the Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) System. The candidate nomination fee for both the LLG President and Ward Councilor seats is K200. The Candidate nomination fee for the five National By-Elections open electorate seats is K1000. Candidate nomination fees for Motu-Koita Assembly Elections is K1000 for all three (3) seats, Chairman, Ward councilor and the Women representative seats (East/West),” Mr. Sinai said. He said the voters in Morobe, Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga, Western Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands Provinces will all vote for the Ward Councilors only. “The ward councilors, whom the people have voted will then elect their presidents in the LLG Chamber. Madang, East Sepik, West Sepik, Manus, New Ireland, East New Britain, West New Britain, Northern, Milne Bay, Central, Gulf and Western Province electors will vote for both the LLG Presidents and the Ward Councilors,” he added.

The Central Provincial Government just recently signed a K2.5 million Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the National Volunteer Service (NVS) of Papua New Guinea to have Volunteers to be placed in sixteen (16) Local Level Governments in Central Province. Central Governor Rufina Peter said this MoA is very important for Central Province and she looks forward to this partnership. The MoA was signed by Governor Rufina Peter, Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph and Chairman and Acting Executive Director of National Volunteer Services of PNG. Governor Peter said this partnership with the National Volunteer Service of Papua New Guinea (NVS) is an important milestone. The NVS will now fill a certain gap where the Central Provincial government comes and stops. “Where our partnership with other agencies like CIC workers, Cocoa Board workers on ground comes and stops, NVS can step in and connect directly with the people. This is a 40/60 partnership where the Central Provincial government will contribute 60 percent and the NVS will contribute 40 per cent,” Governor Peter said. She also thanked the Marape Government for its commitment in ensuring the provincial government receives its Provincial Improvement Program Funds (PSIP) to carry out their jobs to improve the province. Governor Peter said despite being in the opposite side of the house she is grateful that the government has made it their business in ensuring that Central Province received 99 % of its PSIP. Defense Minister Dr. Billy Joseph said that the NVS is not an employer but a volunteer service and it's for the people who have the skills and the heart to give back to the people. He said NVS was established to promote the spirit of sacrifice and service, and he believes through this partnership with Central Provincial Government the NVS will do a good job in regard to what is written in the MoA. The MoA between Central Provincial Government and the National Volunteer Service of Papua New Guinea is a two-year contract.

A United States (US) Government Delegation from the Bureau of Energy Resources are currently in Papua New Guinea on an officially visit. Leading the delegation is Kimberly D. Harrington Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Energy Resources. The delegation arrived this week and will be meeting with government officials and mining industry heads. US Ambassador to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Republic of Vanuatu Ann Marie Yastishock said PNG poses huge mineral potential that can drive significant economic growth and community benefit included. Ambassador Yastishock said the U.S communities are actively involved in mining projects contributing to the aspiration and development of the country’s rich mineral resources including gold, copper and nickel. “This not only supports the economic growth of PNG but also helps US work with critical industries including Energy. Our relationship with PNG is built on mutual respect and shared interest that dates back even before independence. Investing in PNG’s mining sector, we are not only contributing to America’s energy security and energy growth prosperity but also supporting PNG’s development goals. This partnership is a testament of how far foreign investment can create a safer, stronger and more prosperous future for our Nations,” Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock said. She added that over the past few days, they had the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with PNG through various engagements. “We visited Caution Bay, the LNG Facilities, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and we met with representatives from ExxonMobil, Newmont, PNG CORE, PNG Government and the Coral Seas American Chamber of Commerce. These discussions have underscored the importance of mining and critical minerals in our bilateral relationship. The investment by U.S Companies in PNG’s mining sector is a clear indication of the significant U.S commercial interest in this area,” she said. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock said the U.S is committed to working with PNG to unlock the full potential of its mineral resources by fostering a strong and mutual Benefiel partnership.