The New Year just started and already there are a lot of reports coming out about violent crimes being committed including killings, something which the prime minister has come out to strongly condemn. Prime Minister James Marape in a statement strongly condemns these recent reports of violence and killings, particularly the tragic incidents in the Goilala District of Central province. The Prime Minister is calling on all Papua New Guineans to reject violence and adhere to lawful and peaceful ways of resolving disputes, emphasizing that taking another person’s life is never a solution to grievances. “As a Christian nation, we are guided by Christian principles, and one of the fundamental teachings is that life is sacred. Taking another person’s life to resolve a grievance or dispute is not only illegal but also morally wrong,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We saw in the Book of Genesis, when Cain killed Abel, God did not strike him down. Instead, God imposed a punishment and warned that greater punishment would fall on anyone who tried to harm Cain. This teaches us that taking matters into your own hands through violence is never justified.” Prime Minister Marape says communities must refrain from resorting to violence, especially tribal conflicts that result in loss of lives. He stressed the importance of following legal processes and reporting grievances to the police rather than taking the law into one's own hands. “The recent images from Goilala are deeply concerning. We must not allow tribal conflicts and violent retaliation to become the norm. If you feel you’ve been wronged, take the matter to the nearest police station,” he said. “If the nearest police station lacks the capacity to respond, it must escalate the matter to a higher authority within the police hierarchy that can provide the necessary support.” The Prime Minister also acknowledges that police response times can sometimes be slow due to capacity issues, but he reassures citizens that all reported matters will eventually be addressed. "Even if it takes time, police will eventually get around to dealing with those who commit offences in our society. Do not lose faith in the system. Report your grievances to the police, and let the law take its course,” he said. Prime Minister Marape highlighted that taking the law into one’s own hands only leads to more violence and prolonged disputes, which further destabilize communities. As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary, Prime Minister Marape calls on all citizens to reflect on the values of peace, respect, and unity that have held the nation together for five decades. “Our nation is preparing to celebrate 50 years of independence. Let us not taint this milestone with violence and bloodshed. Let us recommit to building a more peaceful and united Papua New Guinea,” he said. “Violence will not build our country. Unity, respect for the law, and a commitment to peace will.” The Prime Minister concluded by reminding citizens that life is precious and sacred, and every effort must be made to protect it. “We must reject violence in all its forms. Let us follow the teachings of our Christian faith and the laws of our country. Report crimes to the police, trust the process, and know that justice will come in time. Life is a gift from God—no one has the right to take it away,” he said.

In an effort to reduce the cost of goods sold on shop shelves throughout the country, the country’s consumer watchdog will embark on a pricing review of stevedoring and handling services this year. According to the Minister for Rural and Economic Development, Joseph Lelang, this price review exercise will be carried out by the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) in early 2025. “This should lead to a significant reduction in the rates and charges imposed by the stevedoring and handling businesses at declared ports throughout the country,” said the minister. “This is important, and we expect that through this review, it should lead to a reduction in the high-cost structure in our country that often find their way into the final prices of goods sold in our shops, causing inflation.” Stevedoring and handling services involve the cargo operations, which is the loading and unloading of cargoes on ships. It also includes the other various dockside functions that carries its own costs, which are usually then passed on to the consumers in the mark up costs in shops. The good minister said the ICCC was allocated K3 million in the 2025 National Budget and will use this massive funding allocation to carry out this exercise plus other tasks that the ICCC will be undertaking this year.

Ok Tedi Mine Limited (OTML) for over 40 years continues to ensure Papua New Guinea’s next generation of mining engineers and administrators get the necessary training to further develop the country’s mining sector. Currently, nine (9) undergraduate students from the University of Technology and two (2) from the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) are undergoing their Industrial Training Program with Ok Tedi Mining Limited as part of the Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (USS). General Manager Strategic Business Development & Optimization, Alan Bong officially welcomed the undergraduates at the Dr. Weiss Training Centre in Tabubil on the 24th of November 2024. “We are committed to developing PNG’s human resource and have an excellent training program and while we are glad to be a part of your training, it will require your 100% input as well. If you contribute 100% of your efforts, commitment and discipline and ensure that you learn as much as you can, you will fulfil your purpose of being here,” Mr. Bong said. Of the 11 students, two (2) are from the disciplines of Mining Engineering, three (3) from Civil Engineering, 1 from Mineral Processing, 1 from Applied Physics & Electronics, 1 from Electrical & Communication, 1 from Surveying, 1 from Chemistry and 1 from Environmental Science. The students will spend 3 months of Industrial Training attached with various OTML departments for a unique opportunity to combine their academic studies with hands-on industry experience, ensuring they develop both the technical and leadership skills necessary to thrive in the global mining sector. The Undergraduate Scholarship Award Scheme is an initiative of OTML to help support high performing students attending tertiary institutions in PNG that offer disciplines relevant to OTML work areas. The Program aims to assist students with work exposures while ensuring OTML maintains an industry-institution relationship with respective universities that provide graduates into its training programs and career. The USS commenced in 2007 and reintroduced in 2023 following a hiatus after 2014, OTML has invested over K830, 000 in the USS program, sponsoring 60 undergraduate students so far. OTML is a 100% PNG owned mine and is committed to developing PNG’s human resource and further improving its industry-institution relations to ensure market-ready graduates are produced to enter the workforce across the country or globally.

The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) has several tasks to carryout in 2025 from monitoring to reviewing, and one of these reviews that it will be undertaking is that of public transport fares review. The Minister for Rural and Economic Development and Member for Kandrian Gloucester Open, Joseph Lelang, said this will be done in the first part of the New Year. “ICCC will proceed to undertake further review of PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) and taxi fares in the cities and around the country in 2025 due to overwhelming concerns raised by the general public about the fares charged,” said Minister Lelang. In addition to this, the ICCC will also undertake an actual review of the Motor Vehicle Insurance Compulsory Third Party Regulatory Contract, which is now up for review in 2025. “This review will relook at MVIL (Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited) Capital Expenditure Plans for the regulatory period to determine whether the premiums that MVIL charges is consistent with its price path that was determined in the review of 2023,” he said. The ICCC was allocated K3 million in the 2025 National Budget and Minister Lelang said this allocation will enable the Commission to carry out as well the price reviewing of stevedoring and handling services, a market study of the oil palm industry and the marketing sector, and price surveillance to name some of them.

Farmers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) stand to significantly benefit from China after its government recently granted access for them to its vast agricultural market, a significant milestone achievement for the country into the New Year. This milestone, facilitated through the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), is set to unlock significant economic opportunities for PNG producers. Prime Minister James Marape praised the progress made in recent years, particularly the successful collaboration between NAQIA and China to meet the required phytosanitary and agricultural standards. “Our government has worked very hard over the last five years to secure this historic agreement, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government for facilitating this process. Their recognition of PNG’s agricultural potential is a testament to the strength of our bilateral relationship,” said Prime Minister Marape. With a population of 1.4 billion people and a rapidly expanding middle class, China represents one of the largest and fastest-growing coffee markets in the world. Coffee consumption in China has been rising at a rate of approximately 15% annually, far outpacing global averages. While the market demand for coffee is substantial, PNG’s current production levels are insufficient to meet its potential export volumes. “China alone needs a substantial amount of coffee every month. The market is there, but unfortunately, we are not yet producing enough to supply this demand,” said the Prime Minister. “This untapped opportunity pains me because we could be earning significant foreign exchange revenue in U.S. dollars through exports to China. Our farmers and producers must seize this opportunity and scale up production to meet market demands.” Prime Minister Marape highlighted the government’s achievements in opening new markets for PNG’s agricultural produce. “In addition to China, we’ve worked tirelessly to secure access to India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and our traditional partners in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the U.S. Asia, being our closest neighbour, offers immense opportunities for growth, and China, as the largest market, stands at the forefront,” he said. The Prime Minister called on PNG citizens to take advantage of these expanded market opportunities by increasing agricultural production. “While the government continues to open doors for our exports, the responsibility now lies with us as a nation. Our people need to work harder on the land to grow and produce more. Coffee is just one example—our agricultural potential spans far wider. Let us step up and take ownership of these opportunities,” he urged. To further enhance PNG’s ability to capitalize on these markets, the government is considering the establishment of a National Export Agency. This agency would coordinate the export of PNG’s agricultural and food produce, ensuring that farmers and producers have direct access to international markets. “This initiative will support producers by reducing barriers to export and streamlining processes to get our goods to market quickly and efficiently,” said the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Marape emphasized that these advancements in trade are part of a broader effort to strengthen PNG’s relationships with its neighbours. “The healthy bilateral relationships we have fostered with China and other nations are not just political achievements—they are economic lifelines. These partnerships will ensure PNG has access to global markets, boosting our economy and creating opportunities for our people,” he said. “I thank the Chinese government for opening its doors to our agricultural products, and I call on our people to rise to the challenge. Together, we can transform PNG into a leading exporter of coffee and other agricultural goods, creating wealth and opportunities for all.”

The residents of Port Moresby welcomed in the New Year 2025 with the festivities at their respective residential areas and entertainment spots around the capital city. At the usual spot at the Lamana Hotel, there was yet again another big welcome and a farewell to the old year, done in true Lamana fashion with the annual massive display of the fireworks. Party goers inside the venue were not the only ones counting down to the New Year, the people outside who were there to catch the fireworks show, joined in to count down the seconds to midnight and brining in 2025. Once the first lot of fireworks went up, nothing can keep the crowd from expressing their joy and excitement. From parents and their children loaded in vehicles to the young people, all joined in with cheers. For some, it was a mixed feeling welcoming in the New Year. 2024 was a good year for them, but 2025 is filled with unknowns and questions. Nevertheless, many said goodbye to the old and welcomed in the New Year. Meantime, the parking spaces outside the Lamana were filled with some vehicles having to just park along the roads because of no more spaces available. Some vehicles were also parked along the main Waigani Drive, with the people just wanting to see and join in the celebrations to welcome in 2025.

Prime Minister James Marape is urging the residents of Port Moresby to take ownership of their city and work alongside the city authority to ensure positive developments benefiting everyone going forward. Prime Minister Marape said this tonight at the 2024 New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Ela beach where many of the city’s resident flocked to witness. He said 2025 onwards would see many changes taking place, one being the PNG NRL team, which he said will be based in Port Moresby and is expected to bring in a lot of positive changes to the city. “It is bigger than just rugby league, we will use that opportunity to modernize our city, our nation’s capital into being a safe city, a better city, a developed city, a city that is truly modernized reflecting our diversity, yet our blend of unity as a country going forward,” said the Prime Minister. He said in 2025, the process to put in a PNG NRL team will be launched in Port Moresby city, leading up to 2028 when a PNG team will be inserted into the NRL. “The national rugby league team that we will have in the NRL, will be a catalyst for change in Port Moresby and also to change our country, not just in imaging, but in reality, our lifestyle in Port Moresby as well as in our country.” “We have just three years to truly modernize Port Moresby, a safer Port Moresby, are cleaner Port Moresby.” Marape also took the time to thank National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop for his 20-year term in office and for the wonderful work he has done to develop Port Moresby city into an iconic city. The 2024 New Year’s Eve Fireworks event was attended by Governor Parkop, City Manager Mr. Ravu Frank and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) management team with the prime minister as special guest. The event topped off with an extremely beautiful display of fireworks at the Ela Beach at 9pm enjoyed by all, parents, children and the youths.

Police in the National Captial District (NCD) are out in force this New Year's Eve both on motorized patrols and setting up roadblocks and check points. A look around Port Moresby city saw most of police check points set up later on in the evening, but for the 6- Mile police station, the officers there started theirs early at around 6pm. According to the action Police Station Commander (PSC) Senior Sergeant Gordon Wetty, his officers set up early because they have multiple locations within 6- Mile to set up further checkpoints. "At the roadblocks, we check for drink driving, offensive weapons and or any suspicious activities," said the action PSC. He explained that with the drunk drivers, they just detain them for the night and release them in the morning with a warning, however, if the drunks tend to resist or behave inappropriately, then they will be charged. Meantime, the main Erima check point, and roadblock saw a number of police officers doing vehicle checks where several cars were pulled over for drink driving. There were similar scenes at the Poreporena Freeway and Downtown Port Moresby and Ela Beach. Most of the police roadblocks will wrap up at 11pm with police officers to conduct motorized patrols into the streets and on the main roads to keep an eye on things and the city safe as everyone welcome in the New Year at 12midnight.

The people of Milne Bay province can expect work on their Gurney Airport runway to commence in January 2025, to start the New Year. According to the National Airports Corporation (NAC), the work on the airside of the Gurney Airport is part of the NAC airport upgrade works under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II). According to NAC acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Dominic Kaumu, this transformative project includes the resurfacing of the existing runway with hot- mixed asphalt and the upgrading of associated facilities to meet international safety and operational standards. “This work is expected to commence in January 2025 and run through to July 2025, subject to weather and or any unforeseen event that may affect the commencement and progress.” The traveling public have been informed as well that during this period of work on the airside, travelers may experience some disruptions, including the temporary reduction in aircraft sizes servicing Gurney Airport. NAC acknowledges that these adjustments may pose inconveniences, but they are necessary to ensure the timely and successful delivery of a safer and more efficient airport for the region. Nevertheless, the NAC stated that works will be undertaken in such as manner and timing where Regular Passenger Transport services into and out of Gurney Airport are not affected too much. The benefits of these upgrades, this including the initial work in 2024 with staff housing, terminal building works and fencing, will be felt for years to come, enabling Gurney Airport to serve as a critical gateway for economic growth, tourism, and improved connectivity for the people of Milne Bay province.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop meet with the Gerehu community recently where he addressed pressing issues and how the Catholic Church can work with the people to addressing them. On Saturday 28th December, Governor Parkop met with residents, Catholic Church sisters, youths and community leaders from Gerehu Stage 6 including representatives of other stages, to address those pressing concerns regarding infrastructure, law and order, unemployment, dilapidated school facilities, and a lack of essential government services. The meeting highlighted the significant contributions of the Catholic Church in Gerehu, which has been providing vital support to the community in areas such as healthcare and education, filling a gap where government services have been lacking. Community members expressed their gratitude for the Church's assistance but emphasized the urgent need for increased government intervention. Key concerns raised included: ● Deteriorating infrastructure, impacting daily life and safety. ● Insufficient law enforcement presence, leading to increased crime rates against the community and church workers. ● High unemployment rates among youth and adults. ● Poor condition of school facilities, hindering educational opportunities. ● Limited access to essential government services, including basic water supply and the need to light up dark corners of the city. Governor Parkop acknowledged the community's concerns and expressed appreciation for the Catholic Church and other religious organizations that have stepped in to provide crucial support where government presence has been insufficient. Governor Parkop told the community he will be taking all their concerns to heart and address them accordingly in the New Year 2025, going forward. The governor is committed to working with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to address some of the community's most pressing issues in 2025. Specific plans and timelines will be developed in consultation with the NCDC and his office working in partnership with the Gerehu community and the church for better development and positive changes. He told them, as a former resident of Gerehu, who has lived there for many years, he understands their concerns well and will do his best address them. This meeting underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government, community organizations, and religious institutions to address the challenges faced by underserved communities. The Governor's commitment to action signals a positive step towards improving the quality of life for residents of Gerehu. He also committed K40, 000 towards organizing committee as a token of appreciation to the community to use that money to organize a small Christmas and New Year’s program to end the year. Director of Directorate for Community and Social Development, Janet Haua and her managers were also present at the meeting and pledged their full support to work with the Governor. “We’re ready to work with you and deliver services to our people in 2025,” said Ms Haua.

The bodies of the four plane crash victims in Morobe province have been finally retrieved from the crash site, marked and put in body bags ready to be transported to Lae city tomorrow. This was revealed in a press conference hosted by Morobe provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr. Charlie Masange this afternoon. Mr. Masange said the forensics team have identified and marked the bodies. He said the families of the four are awaiting this news and will finally have them back tomorrow. The bodies will be taken to the Angau memorial hospital and a press conference is expected tomorrow from authorities on the retrieval.

The Papua New Defence Force (PNGDF) continues to be involved in the now recovery efforts of the North Coast Aviation BN-2 Islander that crashed into the Sarawaget mountain range on Sunday, 22nd December 2024. PNGDF dispatched a helicopter on Monday, 23rd December 2024 at 0900hrs to join other first responders including Manalos Aviation. Earlier that morning, a Manalos Aviation helicopter sighted the wreckage. The PNGDF crew flew to the site and tried to winch the crew down to the crash site. However, the weather closed in preventing this attempt. On Tuesday, 24th December 2024 a team from the PNGDF Special Forces were inserted into Sapmanga Airstrip a few miles from the crash site. The team tracked several hours to the crash site whilst also identifying a suitable Landing Zone approximately 1.5 km south-east of the crash site. Also, on Tuesday, 24th December 2024, a successful second attempt was made to winch down a PNGDF personnel and a medic from Manalos Aviation. They both confirmed that there were no survivors. The rescue operation had now turned into a recovery operation. At that point, only the pilot’s body was recovered. The weather closed in again preventing further recovery of the remaining bodies. On Wednesday, 25th December and Thursday, 26th December 2024, no aircraft was able to fly to the crash site as the weather prevented any flights over the Sarawaget Ranges. Finally, on Friday, 27th December 2024, the PNGDF helicopter with crew were able to bring equipment to the crash site and winch down 6 rescuers including 3 Long Range Reconnaissance members. Supplies and equipment were also brought to the Landing Zone. On Saturday, 28th December 2024, the weather cleared allowing for continued recovery operations. The PNGDF personnel, RPNGC Forensics and AIC investigators are on site; with others at the Landing Zone, with a small team back at Sapmanga Airstrip. The aim is for full recovery of all passengers from the crash site. PNGDF recovery operations will end when this is achieved. Be assured that the PNGDF has deployed considerable assets and personnel since Monday, 23rd December 2024. Deployed to Lae are helicopters and crew from the PNGDF Air Transport Wing; members of Long-Range Reconnaissance; support personnel from the Engineering Battalion which includes a doctor and a medic, and senior planners from HQPNGDF to assist Morobe Disaster center in this recovery effort. The PNGDF also activated its Force operation Centre at HQPNGDF who are providing support to those deployed. The efforts of the PNGDF and other agencies will be sustained despite the unfavorable weather conditions and the difficult terrain. There is no doubt the remaining bodies will be retrieved. “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and its agencies, I would like to give my assurance to the families, friends and colleagues of those lost in the tragic plane crash that PNGDF and other agencies will remain on the ground and will continue its support to the cause until the bodies of their loved ones are retrieved and the crash site is secured for our counterparts to carry out further investigation. I thank the PNGDF members who are in Morobe Province; other agencies and our local people on site for their efforts and service,” Minister for Defence Dr. Billy Joseph said. “During this time of bereavement, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those lost, may our God Almighty comfort them at this time.”