In light of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, the Opposition has come out to call upon the prime minister, the police minister and the police commissioner to step- up their game and seriously address the situation. The Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa concerned over this matter, especially the incidents up in the Highlands Region, held a press conference on Monday at Parliament House to get his message across to the people on this pressing issue. He said lives of the people are at risk in those hot spot areas in the Highlands where in recent times police officers were attacked and killed, public servants not going to work, businesses not operating and the public reluctant to move around due to fear. To fix this serious matter, Mr. Tomuriesa said it’s time the prime minister considers seeking security assistance from regional partners, something which he said the Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has been advocating on for some time. He also said the huge amounts to funding given to the police must be fully utilized in providing the necessary support needed to enforce law & order, stating as well that officers need to be protected doing their duties. “You cannot continue to send our service men into the Highlands unprotected,” said Tomuriesa, adding that officers cannot be continuously sent up there without enough firepower or manpower. He concluded by stating the obvious, and that is the matter needs a bipartisan approach to fully address. “There must be bipartisan approach to the law-and-order issue in the country. If you cannot handle it, allow others to come in and work with you to sort it out,” he said. The Opposition Leader then made an appeal to the police commissioner, the police minister and the prime minister to seriously look at law and order issues up in the Highlands.

Three new countries have been added by the National Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to the existing list of countries eligible for Visa- on- Arrival (VOA). The Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, today officially announced the addition of the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Singapore. “Passport holders from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore, are now eligible to get visa-on-arrival in Papua New Guinea,” he said. Rosso, who is also responsible for the Immigration and Border Security Ministry, said that effective immediately, passport holders from the UK, Canada, and Singapore, travelling on ordinary and official passports can get visa-on-arrival for short-stays of up to 60 days. The VOA facility is only available at the Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby for all eligible countries. “The VOA will be granted to those who travel for leisure, holiday, tourism, and visiting families and friends for short-stay purposes only. Those who travel for employment and long-stay visas must apply online before they travel,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Passport holders from these three countries are also eligible for a business short-term single-entry visa-on-arrival. All conditions under the short-term business visa apply, including the Migration Service Fee of US$ 190 Dollars. He said the government is reciprocating VOA with countries who offer the same to Papua New Guinea nationals. These arrangements are based on strategic assessments and risks factors. The inclusion of the UK, Canada, and Singapore, now adds to the list of countries who are eligible for VOA in PNG. Other countries include Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, the United States territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands, and the French territories of French Polynesia of Tahiti and Wallis and Futuna. The PNG Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu, said that countries with existing VOA arrangements under bilateral agreements for stays up to 60 days, include Israel for all passport holders, and Japan, China, and Indonesia for official, service, and diplomatic passports. Holders of Indonesian official and diplomatic passports can also enter through the Wutung Border Post under the conditions of the existing bilateral arrangement. “ICSA and the Department of Foreign Affairs are negotiating VOA arrangements with other countries which Papua New Guinea shares common interests with,” Mr. Navasivu said. Rosso said the new VOA arrangements will create more opportunities in tourism, business, and trade.

The National Executive Council (NEC) has appointed Wellington Navasivu as the Chief Migration Officer (CMO) for the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (PNG ICSA). The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), John Rosso, who is also responsible for Immigration and Border Security Ministry, said the NEC made the decision on 18 December 2024, to appoint Mr. Navasivu as CMO for a term of four years. “I congratulate Mr. Navasivu on his appointment and trust he will execute his duties with dedication and diligence,” DPM Rosso said. The Deputy Prime Minister said that PNG ICSA is an important state agency, especially when migration has become a global agenda, and Papua New Guinea is committed to securing its borders and strengthening regional security, while leveraging on increased migration flows to promote tourism and investment in our country. “Mr. Navasivu is a career officer with ICSA, and I expect him to lead the organization as someone who has been with it that long should, with vision, integrity and passion.” “Mr. Navasivu, 46 years old, is from the Milne Bay Province, and was acting CMO since 1ST February 2024.” “He has worked in ICSA for 15 years in policy and operational areas, including as a Deputy Chief Migration Officer.” “He has also served in the PNG embassies in Manila in the Philippines, Beijing in China, and established the ICSA Morobe Regional Office in Lae.” He initially joined the Immigration Division which was part of the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2006 and worked with other public servants to transform the division into a self-accounting statutory authority in 2010 and reformed the service delivery and operational capacity to its current state.

The shooting and killing of two illegal miners by security in Porgera over the weekend has ignited fresh violence in the mining township in Enga province with properties destroyed and police on the hunt for other perpetrators. Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed the deaths in a statement released by his office on Sunday, stating that the two illegal miners were shot after an attempted incursion upon restricted areas of infrastructure in Porgera. The incident occurred despite repeated warnings and community engagement that there would be no tolerance for illegally threatening critical infrastructure. This is made mush worse when illegal miners threaten personnel and security forces with firearms or other forms of weapons. “During an attempted incursion into a restricted area of the Porgera facility, armed illegal miners discharged firearms at security personnel. “Security forces responded as they are expected, in defence of critical infrastructure and personnel. Two illegal miners were shot and killed during the incident. “Security forces have been clear that we will not tolerate the illegal carriage of weapons or any interference in critical infrastructure or communities by criminal elements. “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of the local communities and the protection of vital infrastructure that supports the livelihood of many.” “The deaths of any person, be it of a criminal or otherwise is regrettable, but these criminals have been held accountable for their actions.” Commissioner Manning confirmed police operations in connection with the incident remains ongoing, with security forces currently undertaking searches of surrounding communities for co- offenders. “My message is clear, that any attempts to disrupt the peace and safety of the community or to damage vital infrastructure will be met with decisive and robust action. “The safety of innocent people, the integrity of critical infrastructure, and the protection of surrounding communities remain our paramount priority.” Additional information on the progress of the ongoing operation will be released as it becomes available.

The national flag carrier- Air Niugini has made things more convenient for its customers in the Highlands Region with the recent opening of a second retail sales office in the city of Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province. This new retail sales office is located at the Tininga Dobel Retail Center. This latest opening demonstrates the airline’s ongoing commitment to expanding services, enhancing customer offerings and convenience. The office was jointly opened by Minister for State Owned Enterprises and Member for Hagen Open, William Duma and Air Niugini Chairman, Mr. Karl Yalo, witnessed by Western Highlands Governor, Wai Rapa, Air Niugini Board of Directors and management. Minister Duma said considering the demand for service and the local population, establishing a second airline sales office in Mt. Hagen is a commendable and sensible initiative. He said, “While the occasion may seem small, the impact of establishing an additional office is significant as it not only caters to the needs of the people in Western Highlands but also serves a broader community of the other Highlands provinces.” “The days of standing in long queues are over, we must lift our game and by providing services in a central location, Air Niugini is fostering accessibility and convenience for many, improving their overall experience. I commend the Air Niugini Board and Management for this great initiative,” Minister Duma said. Air Niugini Board Chairman, Mr. Yalo emphasized that the expansion of the sales office is a strategic move that is aligned with Air Niugini's re-fleeting program. “In September, we will welcome the first of our new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. This fleet is not just about modernizing our operations, it is about ensuring that we can continue to serve the people of Papua New Guinea for generations to come. It is about connecting families, supporting businesses, and enabling economic growth. It is about making air travel safer, more comfortable, affordable and more accessible for everyone.” “As we open this new sales office, we are reminded of the importance of staying connected – not just through our flights, but also through our people. The sales office is a gateway to the world, a place where dreams take a flight and where customers can experience a first step of their airline journey,” Mr. Yalo said. The Chairman also clarified the recent airfare adjustment, highlighting the rising costs of fuel and spare parts. He assured the traveling public that the introduction of new aircraft with increased flying hours, is expected to lead to a reduction in airfares. This strategic move aims to enhance operational efficiency and ultimately benefit passengers with lower travel costs. Governor for Western Highlands, Wai Rapa is optimistic about the growing business opportunities in Mt. Hagen and the surrounding province. He expressed enthusiasm about the developments that are taking shape, signaling a promising future for the province while local leaders, including Councilor John Pok and landowner Paul Rumints from the Yamka Pepka/Anda Kelkang tribes, share in this excitement. They called for a collective effort from their people to create a thriving local economy where businesses can flourish, and residents can benefit from the goods and services being provided.  The locals have been reminded to look after the facilities. The new Air Niugini sales office at Dobel, provides a convenient location for travelers and locals. Positioned between the Kagamuga airport and Mt. Hagen city, it is easily accessible for those needing Air Niugini services.

Residents in Port Moresby city will see the construction of the new Chinatown commence in March and is set to be a project like no other. PNG HAUSBUNG recently sat down with Ms. Lois Lin, the General Manager of Baosen International Holdings Limited, the developer of the new Baosen Chinatown, who revealed a massive project that Port Moresby city has never seen the likes of before. Ms. Lin revealed that the new Chinatown project consists of three phases, with phase one set to commence just next month. She said phase one will cover an area of 90, 000 square meters about three times the size of Vision City. She said phase one of this massive project is purely focused on the commercial portion of the Chinatown. Phase two will focus on residential and phase three on the building of hotels, restaurants and office spaces. When asked as to why such as massive undertaking, her answer was simple, it’s to give something back. “This kind of project is normal in China, but Port Moresby has never seen such a project here before, so that’s what we want to do. We want to build a landmark in Port Moresby, and to also attract people outside PNG to come visit or even live here. This will help bring employment and also development to PNG,” said Ms. Lin. Work on phase one will start next month and will consist of local contractors and Chinese contractors working together on this project. “We need a lot of people here, so we are hiring now.” The project covers a land area of 110, 000 square meters and has a total floor area of 270, 000 square meters. It consists of three large shopping mall groups, residence and boutique hotels. The project contains a fresh food supermarket, an electrical appliance supermarket, a home lifestyle store, a boutique commercial street, a large children’s playland, various dining restaurants, and a 5-star hotel. This massive undertaking was supposed to commence five years ago in 2019, but the COVID- 19 pandemic put a halt to it. Ms. Lim said an initial K150million was invested into the project then, but COVID stopped the work. Following the pandemic, things slowly picked up, hence the delay. Nevertheless, this year will see it get off ground. Ms. Lim said phase one will cost around K300million and will take about two years to complete. Currently, they are awaiting the materials to arrive from China and also for the Chinese contractors to return from spending their Chinese New Year holiday.

The price of fuel has increased further this month since the start of 2025 with fuel consumers now having to dig deeper into their pocket to pay for fuel. According to the country’s consumer watchdog, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), this increase was due to outside factors, having a more significant impact. The is due to the increase in average crude oil price caused by reduced supply from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the fresh sanctions imposed by the United States on Russia’s supply to Asia. This then led to the Indicative Retail Prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene increase on average throughout the country. As a result of adding all the various cost components, the maximum retail price movements for petrol, diesel and kerosene in Port Moresby will increase as follows: · Petrol K4.41 per litre from K4.30 per litre in January; a 11 toea increase. · Diesel K4.27 per litre from K4.07 per litre in January; a 20 toea increase. · Kerosene K3.94 per litre from K3.76 per litre in January; an 18 toea increase. For all other centres, the maximum retail prices for each regulated petroleum product have all increase on average consistent with the increases observed in Port Moresby city. The changes are according to their quarterly approved domestic freight rates for the first quarter of 2025, and their respective annual retail margins for this year. The ICCC also states that as part of its enforcement and compliance of fuel prices, its Investigative Officers will conduct inspections to all service stations to ensure prices of declared petroleum products comply with the allowable maximum prices in the country. The ICCC officers will also conduct compliance inspections in Lae, Mt. Hagen, Kokopo and Port Moresby cities. Inspection Administrators in other provinces will be supported by ICCC Agents and respective Provincial Administration in those provinces.

Local exporters in the agriculture sector can expect some good prices for their cash crops with Papua New Guinea (PNG) expecting another strong year, especially with global coffee prices hitting a 50-year high just two months ago. This is according to the Kina Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director Mr. Ivan Vidovich when sharing this positive outlook at the recent 2025 Back to Business Breakfast in Port Moresby city on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. “While agriculture is expected to perform well, international hot spots like the Middle East and Ukraine will continue to disrupt global supply chains. These challenges highlight the fragility of global supply networks, and PNG is affected by this,” Mr. Vidovich said. He added that PNG can be protected from such external risks with sensible policies and close collaboration between the Government and the private sector. “We enter 2025 with uncertainty in the global economy and in the geopolitical landscape,” Mr. Vidovich said. “The global economy continues to navigate uncertainties, with a second Trump Presidential term, China’s slowing growth, and geopolitical hot spots potentially sparking commodity price volatility.” He added that the PNG Kina-US Dollar inter-bank rate will continue to adjust downwards through the Bank of PNG’s instituted ‘crawling peg’ regime. “In 2024, the BPNG provided intervention into the market on a regular basis which helped authorized foreign exchange dealers to clear import orders in a timely manner. We observed that through the second half of 2024, delays for import orders reduced on average from months to weeks,” said the CEO.emm He added that as a result of the continued re-adjustment of the PNG Kina, PNG’s agriculture exporters can expect another strong year. “Global Coffee prices hit a 50-year high just two months ago. 2024 was a strong year for cocoa growers in PNG. Price increases are projected to be double digits in the coming year.” Mr. Vidovich emphasized that Kina Bank is committed to working with key stakeholders to boost activity in the agriculture sector and bring these benefits to PNG. Meantime, he said gold prices are also set for another solid year trading above US$2,000 an ounce, as geopolitical tensions and uncertainty continue to keep gold prices elevated.

The Late Sir Julius Chan has been finally laid to rest at this home in Huris, Manmantinut in Namatanai district, New Ireland province after seven (7) days of mourning as per his will. Today, saw the casket containing the body of the “Last Man Standing” placed into the tomb made just outside his home, ending a weeklong funeral program of one of Papua New Guinea’s founding fathers. The burial today marked the completion of a journey from New Ireland to Port Moresby and back again to Kavieng, where the journey along the famed Boluminski Highway completed at Sir Julius’ home yesterday. There he stayed overnight for the last time at his home before he was laid to rest. A funeral service was conducted today on the premises of the Late New Ireland Governor’s home where Prime Minister James Marape, his wife, cabinet ministers, fellow Members of Parliament, the New Ireland Provincial Government members, plus other delegates and the people attended. There at the funeral service, his son Mark Chan on behalf of his family thanked the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) for honoring his father, for giving him a State Funeral and for finally bringing him home to New Ireland. “Sir Julius, your people loved you,” he said, when reflecting on the reception he received coming back to the province and the many tributes from the rest of PNG. He said his father’s legacy along with that of his friends that brought PNG’s independence, will live on. “Your gift; our sovereignty.” Meanwhile, perhaps the most significant part of his final journey home was the presence of his wife, Lady Stella Chan, who returned to the country from Australia where she was receiving medical treatment. She was at their home waiting for the casket to arrive so she could spend the last time with her beloved husband before he was laid to rest. The Late Sir Julius Chan passed away last week Thursday 30th January in New Ireland province. His body was then flown to Port Moresby city on Friday 31st January where the State Funeral program was accorded to him to allow PNG to mourn and pay its final respects. He was then flown back to New Ireland on Monday 3rd February where the National Government handed over his body to the Provincial Government. For the next two days, his people had their time to mourn and pay their final respects where a traditional haus- cry ceremony was also conducted. Yesterday, his body was transported to his home in Huris where he was finally laid to rest this afternoon.

Before his passing the Grand Chief late Sir Michael Somare commissioned carvers in Angoram in East Sepik Province to carve a gift for the late Sir Julius Chan on the occasion of the country’s 45th Independence and the opening of the New Ireland Provincial Assembly in September 2020. Sir Michael’s long time Press Officer Mr. Rodney Kamus recalled the story behind the carving of late Sir Julius which was Sir Michael’s last gift to Sir Julius that now still stands tall in the New Ireland Provincial Assembly House in New Ireland. He said the 2020 PNG Independence celebrations on September 16th fell on the same date as the opening of the new assembly and the late Sir Michael presented only one carving to Sir J to be kept in the new assembly. “There were three carvings made and only one was presented to the late Sir J and the other two stayed back in Wewak. Five months after that memorable occasion Sir Michael Passed away and that was probably his last gift to Sir J. Today I walked back into the Assembly to pay my final respects to the late Sir J, and I had goose bumps seeing the carving of Sir J still standing as Sir J lay in the Chambers in his home province,” Mr. Kamus said.

Fellow colleagues of the Late Sir Julius Chan paid respect to him today at the National Parliament Grand Hall, a solemn moment for the leaders who have just lost a very senior politician. PM James Marape in his tribute speech acknowledged the massive contribution Late Sir Julius made to the country 50 years ago, saying he served the country with loyalty and distinction. "He served distincfully in his capacity, not just as a Governor, not just as Minister, but rose to chief servant serving the office of the Prime Minister, the second Prime Minister." "Today, he comes into this grand hall of our parliament for the last time." The PM also thanked the people of New Ireland and the family of the Late Sir Julius Chan for allowing him to serve the country and the people. "Sir Julius, your country mourns your passing as you come to stay with us today," the PM concluded. Meantime, the casket of the Late Sir Julius Chan will depart parliament for the APEC VIP Terminal to fly back to his home in New Ireland province.

All schools, businesses, and workplaces across Papua New Guinea are advised to dedicate time to honor and reflect on the legacy of the late Right Honorable Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE, PC, on Monday, February 3, 2025. Prime Minister James Marape says this national tribute will coincide with Sir Julius Chan’s lying in state at the Grand Hall of Parliament, allowing Papua New Guineans a solemn moment to reflect on his life, leadership, and contributions as the country’s second Prime Minister. Prime Minister Marape emphasized that this period of reflection is a sign of deep respect for one of the nation’s founding fathers, who dedicated over 50 years of service to Papua New Guinea’s governance, economy, and development. “I urge all Papua New Guineans to take this time to reflect on the immense contributions of Sir Julius Chan, a statesman who played a vital role in shaping our nation,” said Prime Minister Marape. “From 9am to 12pm, I request that schools and workplaces across the country dedicate this time to honor his memory, reflect on his lasting impact, and acknowledge his contributions to Papua New Guinea.” Prime Minister Marape also reaffirmed that the national flag remains at half-mast for seven days of mourning as the country farewells one of its most influential leaders. “Sir Julius Chan was a pillar of leadership and economic vision for Papua New Guinea. Let us stand together as a nation to honor his life and legacy,” he added. "All citizens, institutions, and organization are encouraged to dedicate time for reflection and respect as a final mark of gratitude to a leader who helped shape Papua New Guinea’s path to independence and beyond.”