People in the Momase and Highlands regions don't have to travel far to Port Moresby city to get a passport or renew it, now that the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) has a new passport printing service center in Lae city. The ICSA has officially opened a new passport printing service center in its Lae Regional Office on Monday 23rd December 2024, signifying a transfer of services from Port Moresby to Lae. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Immigration, John Rosso, officially opened the new passport printing facility located inside the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority’s Lae Regional Office situated inside the Nambawan Super House at Top Town. Minister Rosso said Lae is the second largest city and has road links to other Momase provinces and the Highlands region and is an ideal location for people to easy apply and get their passport printed. He said this is a significant milestone achievement for ICSA and a perfect Christmas Gift to the people of Morobe and the neighboring Madang and Highlands provinces. Minister Rosso took the opportunity to print the first standard passport inside the new printing facility to signify the launch of this new facility. Following the opening, people who want to apply for a standard passport can lodge applications at the Immigration Lae Regional Office and the application will be processed and passport printed and issued to them. The Passport printing facility is an extension of the establishment in Port Moresby and the same standard operational procedures are followed. The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the requirements for obtaining a standard passport, emphasizing that people must correctly fill out the passport application form, attach two passport size identification photos, copy of your birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry Office and the receipt of the fee of K100. Mr. Rosso said people who need an urgent passport can pay the express fee of K300 to get their passport within 48 hours. “There is no need for you to travel to Port Moresby anymore. You can lodge your application here in Lae and get your passport printed here and released to you,” Minister Rosso said. The migration services offered at the Lae Regional Office will serve Lae residents as well as people in Momase, Highlands and New Guinea Islands.

The public can expect no further increases or decreases in Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) buses and taxi fares for next year right across the country. The country’s consumer watchdog, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) in a public notice issued recently, informed PMV and taxi operators and the public that the maximum fares will remain the same in 2025. The ICCC’s notice also comes with a stern warning, warning all PMV and taxi operators operating in all licensed routes to comply with the maximum fares (with applicable concessions) that were applied in 2024, in 2025. The Commission further informed that the public could access to see copies of the National Gazette on the maximum fares for public transportation, which can be obtained from the Government Printing Office, the ICCC regional offices, the ICCC website at www.iccc.gov.pg or the ICCC official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/icccpng.

A man in Port Moresby city was shot by police on the leg on Christmas Day after he attempted to stab a police officer and tried to flee. According to police reports, the incident took place at Morata 2 when a police dog unit call-sign ‘Delta 112’ conducted motorized patrol and came across a group of drunkards consuming liquor in public at around 1pm. During the encounter the drunkards were dispersed, and it was during that time the suspect namely Jimmy Jamis from Southern Highlands province, swung a screwdriver towards one of the Police Dog Unit members to immediately stab him and get away. The suspect ran away soon after the attempt on the police officer’s life, however, members of the police unit quickly reacted and chased the suspect down towards Kennedy Estate on foot, where he was finally surrounded and was asked to surrender. The suspect refused to surrender and tried to run away again, and it was then that he was shot. According to police, the general behavior of the suspect was perceived to be an immediate threat to the officers, resulting in him being shot on his limb on reasonable grounds considering the situation and the threat at the time. The suspect was then taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital Emergency to be treated under police guard. Meantime, police also reported that the suspect is a known criminal. He has a record for harassment, threats and intimidation in public places. One incident committed by him was back in March this year when he attempted to rob a young female at the Gordons market area, he was apprehended and arrested for the crime then.

The Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, while acknowledging the significant role of the media in national development, urges media houses to continue to uphold ethics and standards in their reporting of news stories. The prime minister, when meeting with senior journalists and reporters on Monday 23rd December in Port Moresby city, said he wanted to see this legacy protected, maintained and passed on to following generations as the country faces 50 years of nationhood. However, the Prime Minister also called on the media to be more accountable, balanced and accurate in its dissemination of information. “We all have a role to play and the media, in as far as democracy is concerned, has a very important role in maintaining and preserving our democracy, and shedding light into spaces that light needs to be shed on,’’ said Prime Minister Marape. “As we face the 50th anniversary, let me place on record the government’s appreciation to all our news outlets and journalists who have served in our country’s media profession up till today. “No right-thinking government leader in a democratic nation will enter in the space of sabotaging freedom of media. Freedom of media must be maintained. “We live in a world that is now fast changing from what it was 10 years ago. Today, for instance, social media runs ahead of you. Social media is not a good reference point. You have to put your finger on real news that is released by our news outlets that has greater accountability.” Prime Minister Marape noted the challenges facing the media outlets in light of social media, highlighting his government willingness to work with the media next year on these areas and encouraged the Media Council of PNG to work with his government on these areas of concern. He also highlighted the need for the PNG media to work with Government more collaboratively in addressing issues affecting the country. He said as the Government continues to work at putting in reforms in the country’s democratic institutions, such as the police, higher courts and magisterial services, he wants to see more supporting role from the country’s media to strengthen these reforms. The Prime Minister said the responsibility before this generation of Papua New Guineans in all institutions and sectors to carry forward the work begun by Sir Michael Somare and his fellow leaders, is great.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Manolos Aviation, which led the Search & Rescue efforts into the crashed North Coast Aviation (NCA) aircraft, has confirmed that there are no survivors. In short statement posted on the Manolos Aviation social media page, the CEO Mr. Jurgen Ruh confirmed that their medical doctor onboard a PNGDF helicopter who was inserted into the terrain confirmed that no one survived the plane crash. The CEO also sends his condolences to the families of the deceased. Meantime, the first body retrieved from crash site of the North Coast Aviation aircraft in the jungles of Morobe province, has been transported to ANGAU Hospital mortuary in Lae city. The aircraft, believed to have been carrying the First Assistant Secretary of the Housing Ministry and other officials, was en route from Tewai Siassi district to Lae but failed to arrive as scheduled on Saturday 21st December. The North Coast Aviation aircraft was expected to arrive in Lae city at 10 a.m. Saturday morning but failed to do so, following a thunderstorm on Friday night.

The twenty-six members of the Tongan Legislative Assembly will choose the country's new Prime Minister, through secret ballot, in a special sitting in Nuku'alofa on Christmas Eve. The Speaker Lord Fakafanua confirmed that the names of two contenders were received by the Clerk's office when the nomination deadline closed at 4.30pm on Monday, December 23. He said parliament will sit at 10am on Christmas Eve, when the sealed nomination envelopes will be opened and the nomination procedures takes place, before the actual vote is taken. The 17 Peoples' Representatives and nine Nobles Representatives will then vote in a new Prime Minister, to replace Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned on December 9. The two nominees are reported to be Dr 'Aisake Eke and Dr Viliame Latu. Dr Eke, who filed a motion of no confidence against Hu'akavameiliku late last month, is believed to have the backing of 14 MPs, including three Nobles. His nomination was handed in by Tongatapu 2 representative, Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi last Friday. Dr Latu, a current Cabinet Minister, has been nominated by the current government. His name was registered by Vava'u 14 MP, Mo'ale 'Otunuku. To become the new prime minister one of the nominees must win at least 14 votes. Interim Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu was asked by RNZ Pacific, if he and other government ministers supported Dr Latu, to which he replied, "everything will be known on Tuesday". There were earlier claims that all 26 MPs had agreed to back Dr Eke. It is something Lord Fakafanua said would have been ideal but that depended on whether the 17 Peoples' representatives could unite. He said the constitution allows for a government of national unity. Lord Fakafanua said if no one is elected as Prime Minister on December 24, Parliament will have to sit again on Friday, to hold a second round of votes. Speaking to Tonga TV in Nuku'alofa at the weekend, Lord Fakafanua said the Nobles traditionally voted together as a block and it would be easier if the 17 Peoples' representatives stood together as a united group. "It is common knowledge that the Nobles representatives work together as a block," Lord Fakafanua said. "The ambition is for the 17 Peoples' Representatives to also work together with the nine Nobles," he said. The MPs will vote by secret ballot, with his Majesty King Tupou VI expected to confirm the new Prime Minister later Tuesday. The new prime minister will lead Tonga into the next general elections. scheduled for November 2025.

Police in Port Moresby continue to receive support from business houses this festive season as they continue the good work in keeping the city safe, this time receiving support from the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The NGCB in partnership with its stakeholders, the gaming site owners, generously donated food items to all police stations in the city to support police officers celebrate Christmas. This Christmas initiative is designed to support the hardworking and dedicated police officers as they prepare for their Christmas celebrations and to express the Board and its stakeholders’ heartfelt appreciation for their commitment throughout the year, ensuring communities are safe. The holiday season is a time for giving, gratitude, and community spirit. The police officers work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our communities and neighborhoods, and on many occasions, sacrificing time with their own families. NGCB Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Imelda Agon said the NGCB aims to bring a sense of joy and festivity, allowing the law enforcement officers to come together and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. “We recognize the invaluable service that our police officers provide every day, and this donation is a small token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe, often put their lives on the line for our safety,” Ms. Agon said. Police Station Commanders (PSCs) from other police stations also shared the same sentiments echoing their appreciation for receiving such donation from NGCB. “As for Waigani Police Station, this is the first time we have received a huge donation of food items, and I take my hat off to the NGCB CEO Ms. Imelda Agon and the Management for their thoughtfulness and generous heart,” Waigani PSC Bill Werike said. All PSCs upon receiving the donations, assured the public that all police officers will ensure the communities celebrate the festivity in the true spirit of Christmas, and urged the public to work closely with the police in upholding law and maintaining peace and order in the capital city.

The people of Gulf province stand to benefit more from the recent signing of contract for the Pasca A Project between the National Government, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and developer Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited. Speaking at the signing ceremony which took place at the Government House in Port Moresby city on Thursday 19th December, Prime Minister James Marape announced that once Twinza decides on its Financial Investment Decision (FID), which is a critical stage in energy projects where funding is approved, and execution begins, the operator will set up base and operating out of Kerema town, meaning spin off benefits for local business houses, for the landowner companies involved in the project and for the people of the province. “We will use this project to make sure that Gulf province rises up to where it supposed to be as an oil and gas resource province,” said the prime minster. This first offshore project will produce out of Gulf province and with the 5% of the product allocated for domestic market use, it will create an industry out of the province as well. Prime Minister Marape said Gulf province carries the PNG LNG project through the pipelines, and while the Papua LNG project is still in progress, the Pasca A Project is set to transform the province in a few years' time. Therefore, by way of preparing the province to cater for this massive oil and gas project, the government has committed to dishing out some big amounts in Business Development Grants of K60 million and K150 million in Infrastructure Development Grants (IDG) for a three-year running. These promised fundings should see the province start improving or creating new infrastructures to enable the ease of running operations once the project comes into its construction and later production phase.

Another massive oils and gas project is ready to get off the ground following a historic signing of contracts today at the Government House at Konedobu in Port Moresby city this morning. That project is the Pasca A Project, which will be the county's first offshore gas project just off the coast of the Gulf province. The gas project was agreed to recently in a signing between PNG Government and developer Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited with the signing of the agreements. Today's signing seals the contract with work to progress towards its development stage. According to Prime Minister James Marape, his government secured the project in a manner that will benefit all parties involved, from the project developer, the National Government, the Guld Provincial Government, the landowners and the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Prime Minister Marape thanked Twinza for investing in this project, stating that they have come a long way to get to this stage. “I want to appreciate Twinza, who have given us an unprecedented total stake at 70% of the project,” said Marape. “That includes a better-defined royalty at 2%, we secured production levy at 3%, we secured development levy at 2%, we secure a fiscal stability tax at 15% subject to oil price hitting at 80 dollars, anything above 80 dollars, the country will make 15%. So, all in all, 70% take for us.” The Prime Minister also announced that the project development will be setting up camp and will be operating out of the Gulf province, meaning more in development terms for the province and its people. Pasca A Project is a 135 million barrels of oil project harvest to be done in two phases. “In gas terms, it’s 0.4Tcf or 400 trillion cubic feet of gas to be harvested in two phases. Phase one is oil harvest and phase two, is gas harvest.” The signing took place between the developer, the government, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and the State Negotiation Team (SNT) led by Mr. Dairi Vele and witnessed by the Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has extended condolences to the people of Vanuatu following the massive earthquake that struck the fellow Melanesian country on Tuesday 17th December. The magnitude 7.3 earthquake, which occurred approximately 30 kilometers west of the capital Port Vila at a depth of 57 kilometers, caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and left many communities in distress. “On behalf of the government and people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), I offer my deepest sympathies to our Melanesian brothers and sisters in Vanuatu. This is a deeply challenging time, and our prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. Papua New Guinea stands ready to provide whatever support is necessary to assist with recovery efforts,” the PM stated. PNG and Vanuatu share a strong bond, forged through history, culture, and regional solidarity. Last year, PNG extended similar support to Vanuatu following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin. The earthquake is a reminder of the shared vulnerabilities Pacific nations face in the wake of natural disasters. Prime Minister Marape has instructed the National Disaster Centre (NDC) to coordinate closely with Vanuatu’s authorities to assess immediate needs and determine the best ways PNG can assist in relief and recovery efforts. “Our region is strongest when we stand together. Papua New Guinea will remain steadfast in its support for Vanuatu as it begins the process of rebuilding and recovery,” Prime Minister Marape affirmed. Further updates regarding PNG’s assistance will be provided as the situation develops. Meanwhile, the death toll from Vanuatu's 7.3 earthquake is expected to rise because concrete buildings have collapsed with people inside in the capital Port Vila. The Vanuatu government has reported 14 confirmed fatalities and 200 people were treated for injuries at the main hospital in the capital city. Rescue efforts to retrieve people trapped by fallen buildings and rubble continued overnight till this morning.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has hailed the recent 2024 Investment Week in Australia a success, culminating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) officially entering the NRL, and the significant signing of a major gas project agreement. The Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), under the leadership of Prime Minister Marape, initialled a landmark Gas Agreement with Twinza Oil Ltd, the operator of the Pasca offshore gas project, paving the way for the development of PNG’s first offshore petroleum project, located off the coast of Gulf Province This agreement will be submitted to the National Executive Council (NEC) for approval before being presented to Government House for formal endorsement by the Governor-General and signing. ” This Gas Agreement is a testament to our commitment to securing the best outcomes for Papua New Guinea. With an unprecedented 70% state take, we are ensuring that the benefits of this resource are channelled directly to our people. This is not just a project—it’s a step toward economic sovereignty and a brighter future for all Papua New Guineans,” said the PM. Discovered in the 1960s, the Pasca field has undergone decades of extensive appraisal and preparation. Its development is projected to deliver over K500 million annually in revenues and create approximately 500 permanent jobs, with significant local benefits for Gulf Province. “The Pasca A Gas Project symbolises what Papua New Guinea can achieve when we prioritise unity and sustainability. As we approach our 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, this project reflects our nation’s resilience and potential. It is an example of how we can leverage our natural resources responsibly to uplift our people.” The 70% state take achieved in this agreement -inclusive of taxes, royalties and equity participation - is a testament to the leadership of Prime Minister Marape and the tireless efforts of the State Negotiating Team (SNT) to secure the best possible outcomes for the nation. “In May 2024, the Mineral Resources Development Company Limited (MRDC) and Twinza formalised a partnership agreement regarding the Pasca A Gas Project. This collaboration allows MRDC to acquire up to a 50% participating interest in the project, while Twinza retains its role as the project operator. This partnership ensures greater local participation and guarantees that benefits flow directly to the people of Papua New Guinea.” The Pasca A Gas Project represents a significant step forward in PNG’s energy ambitions, laying the foundation for future offshore resource developments. The project will initially produce natural gas liquids, including condensate and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), while also establishing the groundwork for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. ” As the nation prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee, the Pasca A Gas Project stands as a beacon of progress, unity, and sustainability. It is a symbol of what Papua New Guinea can achieve through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to national development,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs ended yet another successful year with a Christmas Luncheon held on Monday 16th December, where two milestone achievements were also announced and launched. These two milestone achievements were the department’s new Housing Policy and the new website. Officiating at the event was the Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, who hailed the new housing policy and website as a significant achievement for the department that would greatly benefit its staff and with it, improve the operations of the Foreign Affairs Department. The Minister said the department has already funded residential blocks with subdivisions, and fencing for the first 60 staff, who will be selected under a criterion by the Department of Foreign Affairs. These first 60 will then apply for loans to start building their dream homes. This is all about change in the department as well where the minister highlighted that by having proper homes for staff members and their families, the staff will perform better in the department. “I’m very happy that it has come to a reality, and I thank our government for the support,” said the minister. The housing policy has been produced to guide the Department of Foreign Affairs provide affordable, adequate and quality housing for tis staff. In a nutshell, the objective of the policy is to enhance the performance and productivity of the personnel of the department, leading to overall effectiveness of the organization. Housing has been a critical issue affecting welfare, security and ability of staff to live a quality life. Through this policy, the department will deliver a housing program to ensure staff have access to adequate, affordable and quality housing. Meantime, the new website is a one- stop- shop for the public and even foreign missions to access information on Papua New Guinea (PNG) and information on the department and what it’s doing. “We have to be up to date with technology and up to date with news and information,” Minister Tkatchenko said, stressing the need for the Department of Foreign Affairs to be a robust organization going forward. Tkatchenko officially launched the policy and the website with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city, witnessed by the department's staff, senior officers and the Department Secretary, Mr. Elias Wohengu.