East New Britain Provincial Member Michael Marum on behalf of his people of East New Britain, pay tribute and homage to Grand Chief, the late Sir Julius Chan GCL GCMG KBE, the last of the founding fathers of this great nation, Papua New Guinea. Mr. Marum in a statement stated that Papua New Guinea has again lost a great and visionary leader who served his country and his people for over his 50 years. “Known as the father of Kina and Toea, he launched the currency on April 19, 1975, as the Finance Minister and can boast the creation of the Central Bank of PNG, as one of his many national achievements and part of his endearing legacy. The task of uniting a thousand tribes, scattered throughout the most linguistically and geographically diverse places on earth, was one that we can imagine was not an easy one. We are indebted to his determination and vision alongside our other great forefathers, to establishing our independent nation and for the lessons we have learnt since then,” Mr. Marum said. He added that his family, his people, his government and its administration, convey their love, prayers and deepest condolences to his beloved wife Lady Stella Chan, and children Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea, their families and the extended families, the people of Huris, Namatanai, New Ireland, and the rest of Papua New Guinea who are mourning this great loss. “His handprint is embedded in the history of this nation, and as we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and contributions, all blessings on our journey of nationhood. May Eternal Rest Be Granted Unto Him Oh Lord, and May He Rest In Peace,” Mr. Marum expressed. Meanwhile, the body of the Late Sir Julius Chan is expected to be laid to rest tomorrow at his home in Huris, Namatanai district.

The National Capital District (NCD) Governor, Powes Parkop, hosted a Haus Krai (mourning place) on Sunday at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, providing an opportunity for Members of Parliament, senior bureaucrats, and the public to pay their final respects to the last founding father of Papua New Guinea, Sir Julius Chan, who passed away last Thursday. The solemn gathering saw Governor Parkop, Prime Minister James Marape, Members of Parliament and government officials share heartfelt tributes, recognizing former prime minister and New Ireland Governor, late Sir Julius' immense contributions to the nation. Governor Parkop described Sir Julius as a man of small stature but a giant in political and business leadership. He reflected on Sir Julius' political journey from 1939 to January 30, 2025—nearly 50 years in politics—and how his decisions, though at times controversial, shaped the nation. "Words alone are not enough to honor his achievements. He now joins the ranks of our former Prime Ministers—Sir Michael Somare, Sir Mekere Morauta, and Sir Rabbie Namaliu. I deeply regret not visiting him last year or paying tribute while he was still alive. I had hoped to do so in Parliament this year, but it is too late. His passing reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating those still with us,” he said. Governor Parkop also expressed hope that Sir Julius' successor would continue pursuing key initiatives such as the Malagan Accord and provincial autonomy, which were dear to him. Central Governor Rufina Peter described Sir Julius as a true giant, stating that his steady leadership guided the country from the dawn of independence. She praised his commitment to unity, economic prosperity, and provincial autonomy, particularly advocating for resource owners' rights. Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa acknowledged the people of New Ireland for returning Sir Julius to Parliament for almost 50 years. He honored Sir Julius as a defender of the Constitution who had a deep commitment to PNG's progress. "Sadly, he closes the chapter of our nation's founders' history on the 50th anniversary of our independence. He dedicated his life to nation-building and was a key figure in strengthening our economy," he said. Representing the judiciary, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika described him as one of the founding fathers who gave us the best gift, that is the Constitution of PNG and urged everyone to abide by it and respect this great document at the utmost level. Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill praised Sir Julius as a shining example of leadership, saying: "He was not just about doing good but ensuring that things were done right." Prime Minister James Marape concluded the tributes by expressing gratitude to Sir Julius’ family and the people of New Ireland. He acknowledged the legacy of Sir Julius and his fellow founding fathers, including the late Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, for their role in bringing Papua New Guinea to where it is today. On behalf of the Chan family, Byron Chan, son of the late Sir Julius, extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Marape, Governor Parkop, and all those who gathered to honor his father’s life and contributions.

The Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat (NGBVS), an office under the Department of Community Development and Religion (DCDR), to build a Meri Seif Haus in Yangoru-Saussia District, East Sepik Province. The Yangoru-Saussia DDA will provide a parcel of land within Yangoru Station for the Meri Seif Haus facility and will also be responsible for the sustainability and the upkeep of the facility. The NGBVS/ DCDR will partner with Yangoru-Saussia DDA to build the Meri Seif Haus and will work with the DDA to find a suitable partner to manage the facility. NGBVS/ DCDR will also collaborate with the DDA to carry our GBV programs and activities within the district. The Minister for International Trade and Investment & Yangoru-Saussia Richard Maru said: “This is a well overdue initiative, and we want to thank the NGBVS/ DCDR for partnering us to make it happen. This project will support us well in our efforts to address and combat the escalating law-and-order issues in the district. Domestic violence is a daily occurrence within the district and throughout the country on a daily basis. This places many women in a very vulnerable and helpless position where such a facility will provide a safe place to seek refuge and shelter whilst the other avenues to legal redress and justice is sought.” Mr. Maru said the Meri Seif Haus, including the Counsellor’s house will be built right next to the police station. “We want to send a message to all men involved in domestic violence that if your wife reports to the Seif Haus you will have to answer to the police as to why she escaped, and you will be charged accordingly. You will not escape. We want to minimize and actually stop domestic violence. Right now, they (men) are doing it (involving in domestic violence) because they get away with it. Our mothers and girls have suffered enough, and we have had enough of domestic violence in the district. The Meri Seif Haus initiative is part of the efforts by the DDA to get rid of crimes and criminals in Yangoru-Saussia District under the operation "Ston Brukim Ston" that will be launched this month,” added Mr. Maru. He said that the new Police Headquarter in Yangoru will also have a sexual crime unit that will be responsible for sexual crime and domestic violence with a female officer to be in charge of this section, and a separate cell block for women. Also present at the signing of the MOA was the Minister for Community Development and Religion, Jason Peter. Mr. Peter said: “This is a very significant occasion for the country as we are entering into the first partnership to build a Meri Seif Haus as per the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan IV to build 80 Meri Seif Houses by 2027 to minimize and end violence against women in the country.” “Meri Saif Houses around the country are currently being established and run by Non-Government Organizations and Civil Society Organizations- the Government has never established one. We are now stepping into a new arena of building Meri Seif Houses in the country as a Government and Yangoru-Saussia District is the first district that we are partnering,” he added.

The State of Papua New Guinea has officially handed the body of the late Sir Julius Chan over to the New Ireland Provincial Government at the New Ireland Provincial Assembly in New Ireland province on Monday 3rd, February 2025. The State delegation led by the Speaker of National Parliament Hon. Job Pomat followed by Prime Minister James Marape, State Ministers and Members of Parliament arrived in New Ireland Province to say their last goodbye and hand late Sir Julius over to the New Ireland Provincial Government. Speaker of National Parliament Job Pomat said that the three arms of government are in New Ireland Province now to pay their last respects and leave Sir Julius at his home. “Prime Minister James Marape who has led the second arm of government with the cabinet ministers, a representative from the Chief Justice office representing the third arm is here, and I am here as speaker of parliament representing the first hand of government. We are here in New Ireland to officially leave and hand over the body of the late Sir Julius Chan whom we all know as the 'Last man standing'. As a young man in 1968 he decided to enter politics and serve his people of Namatanai and New Ireland as a member of parliament. I always have a question that I did not get an answer for it and that is why and for what reason did this man (late Sir J) chose to give up his life to be a member of Parliament and I never got a chance to ask him to get an answer. He Showed many of us young leaders that if you want to serve the country, serve it to the fullest of your life,” Mr. Pomat said. He said that this phrase 'a man may give up his life for his country', we have witness it today and that is the late Sir Julius. “We must be sad, and we must be happy that we are here celebrating the life of Sir Julius Chan. On behalf of all the sitting members of parliament and former members of Parliament all who are here, I just want to say that we can be mourn and we must also celebrate. Our condolence to the immediate family of late Sir J. His wife Lady Stella, his children, grandchildren, his people of Huris, Namatanai, New Ireland and PNG. From the State I now officially hand over the body of late Sir Julius back to the New Ireland Provincial government and the people of New Ireland, Namatanai and Huris and we want to say a very big thank you to you all for giving us a one-of-a-kind man like late Sir Julius to become a leader of our country,” Mr. Pomat said. He added that Sir J is one of the Kwila of this country who has helped to bring PNG to where it is today. The Speaker of the National Parliament handed the body of one of the founding fathers and former Prime Minister the late Sir Julius Chan GCMG, GCL, KBE, PC, to the New Ireland Provincial Government, witnessed the by Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation and more than 900 people of New Ireland.

International Trade and Investment Ministry aims to deliver six (6) Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in 2025. Minister Richard Maru on Friday stated that for the International Trade and Investment Ministry the key target is to deliver six Special Economic Zones in 2025. Mr. Maru said this is a level of targeting that this country has never seen and SEZs are going to be the future of this country, and his ministry will make sure that all departments and all agencies involved must cooperate to deliver the six SEZs. “At this stage apart from the Paga Hill SEZ which is the licensed SEZ, which is under construction right now, we are looking at the Sea Park down at waterfront next to APEC House, we are looking at a SEZ to recover the old wharf area in Port Moresby, we are looking at the Central Industrial Park, we are looking at the Sepik Plains SEZ, we are looking for the Finschhafen SEZ, we are looking at the Rai Coast SEZ, we are looking for the Madang Intergraded SEZ and we are looking at a chicken and grain SEZ in Western Highlands,” Mr. Maru said. He added that they will focus their efforts on these SEZs plus a battery recharging plant in Port Moresby. Mr. Maru said that his ministry is working between six to eight Special Economic Zones, but their target is six SEZs and they are hoping to get eight SEZs in 2025.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FOA) has Boosts Vanilla Farmers’ Association in Papua New Guinea, propelling Future Growth Through Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Exchange. FAO, under the EU-STREIT Program in PNG, partnered with local agribusiness Mongs AgTrade Services Limited to bring together nearly 100 vanilla farmers, agripreneurs, and stakeholders from 40 farmer groups and agribusinesses across 10 districts in East and West Sepik Provinces for a farmer-to-farmer exchange in Mandi Village, East Sepik Province. Held in January 2025, the event aimed to strengthen knowledge-sharing and sustainability measures for the vanilla value chain actors, empowered by the FAO, beyond the EU-STREIT PNG Program’s lifespan, facilitating the exploration of collaboration strategies for vanilla industry development in the Sepik. During the event, Mongs AgTrade—an agri-enterprise in Mandi Village supported by the EU-STREIT PNG Program—showcased its success in exporting premium vanilla beans to overseas markets, illustrating how digital tools and services can broaden market access and highlighting achievements such as young women and men leveraging IT training from the Program to secure buyers in Canada and Australia. Mongs AgTrade’s Chariman also explained how the group’s 200 farmers pool their harvests with neighbouring villages to meet export requirements, receiving payments directly into individual bank accounts for transparency. Engaging discussions covered best practices in vanilla cultivation, processing techniques (including curing and drying), pest and disease control, and climate adaptation. A field tour of Mongs’ vanilla plots offered firsthand demonstrations on vine management for higher yields. Participants observed how strategic planting and collaborative pest-control measures bolster resilience against climate impacts, underscoring the potential for sustainable vanilla production in Papua New Guinea’s Sepik region. Despite varying levels of progress among farmer groups, there was broad agreement among participants on the need for an umbrella association to coordinate efforts. Attendees identified several critical agendas: Collaborative Production (partnering to meet export demand while maintaining uniform, high-quality vanilla), Market Competition (encouraging MSMEs to counter monopolies and improve local buying prices), Accessible Infrastructure (establishing buying points for remote communities, especially along the Sepik River), Peer-Led Training (continuing farmer-to-farmer extension services under a unified network), and Disease Management (distributing treated vines via a regional association to tackle fungal diseases).

"The Investigation into the Oil Palm industry by an independent investigation team has been completed," says Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru. Mr. Maru said the field visits by the team to East and West New Britain Province were completed on Thursday 30, January 2025. He said the team will be given three (3) weeks to finalize the investigation report for the National Executive Council (NEC) in Parliament. “It is my intention that before the end of February the investigation report will be tabled in cabinet and if the cabinet accepts the report, I will be requesting cabinet to approve the report to be presented in Parliament. Why is that important? This is the first investigation into the oil palm industry in the country in over 50 years. This investigation will form the basis of the policies that we will put together and the legislation to govern the operations of the oil palm industry into the future,” Mr. Maru said. He said that currently there is CIC which is the legislation that covers the coffee industry and there is legislation that covers cocoa. “Over the last 50 years we have not had legislation for oil palm, we only have the Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) which is the extension arm of the oil palm industry, but we do not have an overall oil palm industry regulation and industry structure. Right now, who decides the prices of oil palm when the world market prices are at K800-K900 or K1000, our farmers are still not getting that benefit. Do you know that we do not have a national price formular for oil palms in the country and we never had one. Where is the law that gives rights to a national price formular and if the oil palm companies do not pay the right price, who is the watchdog that watches over that and who should the growers go and complain to, no one,” Mr. Maru said. He explained that the reason we do not have such in place is because previous governments have failed to formulate and provide legislation for the oil palm industry. Mr. Maru said the gap in not having a regulatory framework around the oil palm industry has led to so much abuse and robbing of local oil palm farmers. “Based on the report and its recommendations the government will now be able to hold the oil palm industry to put in the policies, the regulations and the little structure around how we can manage the industry,” he added.

As National Parliament says its last goodbye to one of the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea the late Sir Julius Chan, his son Mark Chan told Parliament that it was an honorable task for them to bury their father. Mark with his siblings Vanessa, Byron and Toea said their father has given them an honorable task to bury him and they will honor his wishes. He said the family is very honored that so many people turned up to pay their respects and celebrate the life of their father the late Sir Julius Chan. “I only ask now that all our leaders in Parliament remember our father in essence that you all see to his wish and given him the ultimate honor. We are still on Sir J’s time and on behalf of my siblings and family we are deeply honored by the kindness and support in this time of our father’s passing,” he said. Prime Minister James Marape said the late Sir Julius was a pillar of strength for PNG and there is no greater honor than celebrating his life. Mr. Marape said Sir Julius belonged to a certain group of people that believed in nationhood and nation building. “I want to thank his wife, children, grandchildren, family and the people of New Ireland for sharing Sir Julius Chan with Papua New Guinea. We will honor his wish to take him home to Kavieng, right down the Bolumiski highway pass Namatanai right to Huris where he will be laid to rest in front of his house,” Mr. Marape and added.

Member for Yangoru-Saussia and Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru announced today that applications for all Yangoru-Saussia students who want to benefit from the district School Fee Subsidy Scheme will must apply now as the scheme will close on February 15, 2025. Mr. Maru said all qualified applicants must ensure all their forms are filled out and signed by their respective LLG Presidents and delivered to his district office by February 15, 2025. “This applies to students who are accepted to tertiary institutions in Papua New Guinea and to India.” “For India, we are paying the full school fees for the students who are accepted into Indian Universities.” He said the Yangoru-Saussia District development Authority is expected to invest up to K1 million to support their students with the school fee subsidy in the 2025 Academic year. Mr Maru added that the school fee subsidy scheme will continue this year, and each student must not use ghost names but their true names because we will only assist those that apply on time and meet all requirements. “You must provide your academic acceptance letter, and all other requirements must be met for your application to be checked and if we are satisfied, we will pay straight to the universities and colleges where you as a student are going too.”

Operation ‘Ston Brukim Ston’ was officially launched today to clean up Yangoru-Saussia District before the country celebrates 50 years of Independence. Member for Yangoru-Saussia and Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru today launched the operation. Mr Maru said as part of preparing the district for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, they will start with a major clean-up of crime and all criminals in the district. “Operation Ston brukim Ston has three (3) key objectives, and they are to bring all criminals who are on the run and not convicted to justice, prevent more crimes, and create a more conducive environment for business to thrive in our district.” He said that the operation will be fully funded by the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority at the cost of K1 million. Mr Maru explained that the major police operation together with the support of all local leaders and their communities is to ensure all criminals on the run and those not prosecuted and convicted must be brought to justice. “We are beefing our police resources by providing two brand new houses to police in Yangoru for a new prosector and a new CID Officer.” “We will provide these two critical officers with two new vehicles.” “Ela Motors had been a very big letdown for the district as the two vehicles that we bought in 2023 have still not been delivered to our prosecutor and CID Officer.” He added that they are working around the clock to have these two vehicles delivered to support the 7 months crime-clean-up operations. “With the arrival of the first batch of mobile police officers next week to begin possession of the new Yangoru Mobile Barracks, we will have sufficient manpower to commence this police operation.” “To the criminals in Yangoru-Saussia District your days are numbered.” “We will declare war on all murderers, rapists, armed robbers, those who produced and consume homebrew and those engaged in domestic violence.”

Air Niugini’s commitment to safe flight operations has ensured Jet Fuel is available in Western Province. The airline stated that they are continuing to actively work with their partners, OTML and Pacific Energy Aviation Limited (PEAL), to ensure the availability of compliant, sustainable, and appropriate jet fuel solutions in the Western Province. Air Niugini said this collaborative effort is essential for maintaining safe flight operations for their valued customers travelling to and from Kiunga and Tabubil. “We understand that recent fuel availability issues have caused inconvenience for our customers, and we sincerely apologize for any disruptions this may have caused. Our team is dedicated to resolving these challenges as swiftly and efficiently as possible, prioritizing the safety and comfort of our customers. Air Niugini is committed to upholding the highest standards of service and compliance in all our operations. We are confident that, with the support of OTML and PEAL, we will soon be able to implement effective solutions that meet our operational needs and allow us to resume services to Kiunga and Tabubil, while adhering to sustainability principles,” the airline said. Air Niugini added that they appreciate the understanding and patience of their passengers during this time and will continue to provide updates as they progress in their efforts. “For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. Thank you for your continued support,” Air Niugini said.

Nambawan Super wishes to address inaccurate information published recently in the Media that misquoted Mr. Paul Sayer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nambawan Super Limited (NSL). The article in question titled, ‘Super fund to build houses at 9-Mile’, stated, “So, part of the task is that tomorrow there will be 2000 houses out there.”, attributed to the NSL CEO. Nambawan Super stated that this statement does not reflect what was said during CEO’s speech in a recent event hosted by the Teachers Services Commission. “The accurate statement made by Mr. Sayer was: “So, part of the task isn’t that tomorrow there will be 2,000 houses out there. We need to go through planning, we’ve got the land now, we’re putting final touches to the fencing then we’ll move into finalizing the plans and starting to move through. But that came about through patience and the support from our members,” Nambawan Super said. The Super Fund added that the title of the article in question, ‘Super fund to build houses at 9-Mile,’ is also misleading as NSL has released a number of Media Statements and Media Releases alluding that Nambawan Super’s intention is to devise a Master Plan that will deliver a mixed-use development, that include industrial, commercial, retail, housing and institutional components, in order to maximize the financial benefit and return all for its Members nationwide. Nambawan Super remains committed to transparency and open communication with all stakeholders and encourages reporters to contact NSL directly for clarifications or additional information before publishing.