Pope Francis will be arriving soon here at the APEC Haus in Downtown Port Moresby city for his engagement with the leaders both local and regional. Pacific Islands heads of state are also present this morning, including the Vanuatu Prime Minister. Local leaders in the likes of MP Pomio Elias Kapavore, MP Kandep Don Pole and Central Governor Rufina Peter are among others leaders here this morning.

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church is now in country after touching down in Port Moresby city at around 7:20pm this evening at the Jackson International Airport to start his three days visit, which will include a trip to Vanimo in West Sepik province on Sunday. The Pope arrived on board the Garuda Indonesia airline, travelling in from Indonesia from his visit there. There to receive him was Deputy Prime Minister (PM), John Rosso in place of PM James Marape who is observing his sabbath and unable to receive the Pope himself. Although his Holiness was on a wheelchair, that didn’t stop him from attending the guard of honour ceremony for him provided by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force at the APEC Terminal. The Pope later met the Papua New Guinea (PNG) dignitaries that were there to receive him, including Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Powes Parkop, and the Bishops and Cardinal John Ribat. The Pope then retired for the evening and departed for the Apostolic Nunciature. Tomorrow, the Pope will commence his day with a visitation to the Government House in Konedobu to meet with Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae and then head over to the APEC Haus where he will have a meet and greet with the Heads of Government of the Pacific Island countries, who have also arrived in country during the day. Meantime earlier in the afternoon, Catholic faithfuls gathered as early as 4pm, lined up along the route that the Pope will take on his way to his place of residence. Outside the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby, many waited for his Holiness Pope Francis to arrive. The group consisted of the various parishes in the city and from the dioceses from the provinces who travelled in to see the Pope arrive and attend the service on Sunday. Groups from Madang, Wewak, Bereina in Central province and even Jiwaka where out to welcome the Pope. One thing that was clear from all the people waiting; is that his visit to PNG will bring about peace, love and unity, especially at time when the country is currently facing economic and social problems.

The current cost of living challenges experienced by people is mostly driven by imported inflation. According to the ongoing Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) nationwide price surveillance exercise, it is evident that the current depreciation of Kina against major trading currencies like the US and Australia dollars are putting pressure on food process because most of the basic goods on shop shelves are imported. The ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paulus Ain said some major importers of food products and other basic goods have also raised similar concerns about the Kina depreciation especially its impact on cost of external financing of food imports. To relief some of these burdens, the government has provided some household assistance, and it is continuing to provide these assistances to cushion massive price shock increases. “The ICCC is mindful of the need to ensure the business houses continue to recover their increased costs to ensure we have ongoing supply of these basic goods like rice, frozen goods, canned food, flour and sugar in the country,” Mr. Ain reiterated. “While we are mindful of the need to ensure businesses recover their legitimate costs, the ICCC is vigilant to prevent price gouging in the country.” The ICCC further clarified that it is not responsible for the overall management of inflation in the country, but Bank of Papua New Guinea does. The ICCC is only mandated to regulate the prices of certain goods and services only to prevent price gouging in PNG. In so doing, the ICCC will continue to inspect wholesale and retail shops nationwide to implement the Price Control Measures (Measure No. 4: Price Control), which was issued by the Controller of the National Pandemic Office in 2023. Measure No. 4 simply ensures that most of the listed goods on the ICCC watch list, which are essential basic goods, remain within the 10% range. These goods include rice, flour cooking oil, sugar, baby formula, tinned fish, tinned meat, frozen chicken products, frozen meat products, and soap (hard bar and liquid). However, Mr. Ain urges business houses who would like to increase prices of the declared goods and services above 10% to seek prior approval from ICCC first. Failure to do so will result in penalties imposed, including a hefty fine of K10, 000.

Parliament sitting resumed this morning only to adjourn for a week to allow time for the VONC motion to go through its process as required by the constitution. Leader of Government Business and Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Jnr said the motion of a VONC is now active having been entered on the parliament notice paper. The Leader of Government Business then moved a motion to adjourn parliament to Thursday 12th September, at 10am

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape remains steadfast in remaining in power even though there could be a new prime minister by next week now that the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion is in play. In a press conference held right after parliament set yesterday, Marape said he has the strong support of his coalition party members from United Resource Party, Social Democratic Party, People’s First Party and the National Alliance Party, boasting a Pangu Pati led coalition government strength of 77 members. The prime minister and Pangu Pati leader said he accepts the VONC motion, which was approved by Private Members Committee on Wednesday and placed on the notice paper, saying he will face the vote next week to test the numbers on the floor of parliament. “If the government maintains absolute number, this is above 58 members, then government is still in office. If the number is lost, then there will be a new government,” explained Prime Minister Marape. Prime Minister Marape also welcomed Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita as the Opposition’s nominee for the role of Prime Minister in the upcoming VONC scheduled for Thursday, September 12th. “I offer my congratulations on Paita becoming the Opposition’s nominee and appreciate the Opposition for getting the forms filled correctly as required by Section 145 of our Constitution and Section 130 of the Standing Orders.” “Tomorrow morning (today), the name will be placed on Parliament notice and by operation of law, Parliament will adjourn to next Thursday when the motion is voted upon. Meantime, the prime minister is urging the people to remain calm and peaceful and allow the parliamentary leaders to carry out their constitutional duties. He also reminded the people that Pope Francis will be arriving in country tomorrow, Friday 6th September for his three days visit to Papua New Guinea. He said it's a time for people to also reflect on our lives and come to God. He also said with the Pope’s visit, it is a time to take a break from all the politics for a while and focus on love, peace and unity, especially with the 49th Independence coming up.

Parliament sitting resumed this afternoon at 2pm with the Speaker of Parliament announcing that the Private Members Committee's deliberation on the notice for a Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) against the sitting Prime Minister, have come to the consensus that the notice is in order, meaning the VONC is now in motion. The VONC motion notice was issued by the Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa in a show of No Confidence in Prime Minister James Marape and nominates Rainbo Paita as the Alternative Prime Minister. The motion of a VONC is now on the notice paper and the Clerk of Parliament will make a formal announcement tomorrow in parliament. The process will take seven days after registering on the notice paper and the actual VONC will now take place next week. The VONC motion notice was issued this morning by the Opposition team to the Speaker of Parliament before 10am. More details to follow shortly on this story... Keep following PNG HAUSBUNG and listen in to the news on NAU FM, Yumi FM and Legend FM at 5 and 6pm. You sent

The Minister for Administrative Affair has stated that he expects the 2024 National Census to fully wrap by the end of September 2024, stating also that the census has not failed. The Minister said this during question time in parliament this morning when responding to questions by the MP for Pomio Elias Kapavoe, on its status when referring to the Census being prolonged and affecting the Local Level Government (LLG) Elections, now further deferring it to 2025. Minister Richard Masere said despite delays to its commencement, it has progressed well in over two months with 6 LLGs in tier three training, 31 LLGs undergoing enumeration, 172 LLGs synchronizing data and quality checks and 146 LLGs almost completing synchronizing and awaiting final numbers. That's out of the total of 355 LLGs in Papua New Guinea. The Minister added that the only region that fully completed the Census is the New Guinea Islands region. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the New Guinea Island because they worked tirelessly to complete theirs,” said the minister. “Manus completed their census, New Ireland have completed their census, East New Britain have completed their census, West New Britain and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have completed their census.” Minister Masere also said that the Central province has also completed their census. “I’d like to congratulate those provinces simply because there is leadership on ground.” He clarified that due to the remoteness of most parts of the country, logistical issues have also brought about the delay, but he is looking to complete the National Census by end of this month. The minster also said he will soon present a full report on the 2024 National Census on the floor of parliament.

The Opposition is expected to submit the notice for the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) this morning at 10am when parliament resumes sitting in Port Moresby today. The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Job Pomat, on Tuesday afternoon urged the Opposition to present the notice today, stating that it is important that this goes through the process with no more delays because parliament will sit for only two weeks. The Speaker also said the previous matters relating to the VONC from the previous parliament session have been settled in court and now it's time to move on as the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are waiting for this to be over with. “The country is now watching us; the country wants us to process this. So, it must go through for the Private Members Committee to deal with by 12pm (Today), and if all is good, it goes on the notice paper on Thursday and after seven days, we come back and process it,” said the Speaker of Parliament. “I believe the country wants this to happen, so I call upon the Opposition to bring the notice paper, if it is ready.” Meantime, Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta will continue to remain as a member of the Private Members Committee, this time representing the Opposition on the Committee. “Therefore, I believe, judging from the previous issues, this time everything should be alright,” Mr. Pomat commented.

Parliament's September sitting started this afternoon not with the normal opening session, but with the Lie- In- State ceremony of the late MP for Central Bougainville as a mark of respect for a leader who strived for his people and for peace. The casket of late Fr. Simon Dumarinu was taken in by pole bearers comprising of Correctional Services officers, onto the parliament chamber floor where the casket was placed for the ceremony. Opening the tributes was Prime Minister James Marape who described late Fr Dumarinu as a truly committed leader, who wants what is best for his people, the people of Bougainville and the future of Bougainville. "He wanted us to find a lasting solution to Bougainville," said the prime minister. The late MP during the Bougainville crisis when practicing as a Catholic priest, facilitated dialogue between the parties in the crisis. He was also instrumental in the progressing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and continued to work to see Bougainville gain its independence when he passed on. Prime Minister Marape said his legacy expands fare as a politician. "He inspired other politicians to excel and put people first." The leader of the Opposition, Douglas Tomuriesa also paid his respects and tribute, describing the late MP as a man of the people who only wanted peace and harmony amongst his people, Bougainville and Papua New Guinea. "He was destined to become a leader and for that reason, he was chosen by his people twice to lead," said the Opposition leader. It was this passion and drive that saw the late MP two months ago launched a Five-year Development Plan for his Central Bougainville electorate before his passing. Meantime, his Social Democratic Party leader, Powes Parkop, said the Party has lost a great leader and they are still coming to terms with his passing. "He was an extraordinary leader. He was truly a servant of God and of his people." Late Fr Simon Dumarinu's dedication to his work for his people stemmed from his struggles, and having shared the struggles of his people, he was committed to peace and development. Other MPs also paid their tributes together describing him as a man of good character, a man of peace and a peace maker. The ceremony then closed with parliament adjourned to tomorrow, Wednesday 4th September at 10am.

Over 20 new intakes of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) under its Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) Program for 2024 have been urged to make the most of the opportunity given to them under this program. The cohort consisting of 29 intakes, were welcomed by the OTML Executive Leadership Team in Tabubil led by Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kedi Ilimbit. As a product of the GDS program, Mr. Ilimbit said to the intakes that the program will set them on a successful career path if they make the most of the opportunity. “Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone in your professional journey. We welcome you to our team, where you’ll play a crucial role in this dynamic and evolving organisation. “I want to emphasize how vital it is to make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow. The mining industry is not just about extracting resources; it is about innovation, safety, and making a positive impact in our families, community, and country. “Embrace every learning moment, leverage from the expertise that is around you, have a growth mindset, prioritize safety and responsibility, and build strong professional relationships. Do that and your time here will be a journey of professional growth, personal development, and achievement. We are excited to see the contributions you will make to OTML’s future success.” The 2024 cohort includes 10 females and 19 males. They represent disciplines in Accounting, Applied Physics, Business Studies, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Communications Arts, Computer Science, Electrical & Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Health Management, Human Resources, Mineral Processing Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Surveying. Since 1988 OTML has enrolled 635 Graduates under its GDS program. With the OTML Board’s decision in-principle to extend the mine life to 2050, this will create more training and development opportunities for the Preferred Areas, Western Province, and Papua New Guinea.

Parliament resumes today for the September session with much to attend to on the agenda including another Vote of No Confidence motion; however, before all that can take place, the body of the late Member (MP) for Central Bougainville will Lie- In- State at the Parliament House. The body of the late MP, Fr. Simon Dumarinu will Lie- In- State this afternoon at parliament in Port Moresby from 2pm to 3pm for his Member colleges and dignitaries to pay their final respects to the leader. As per the program for today, the body of the late MP will arrive at the National Parliament 2pm from the Funeral Home at Erima, where before that, the funeral service held at the St Joseph Catholic Church in East Boroko. The Lie- In- State ceremony will be for an hour where the Speaker of Parliament will take the lead in the ceremony at the National Parliament. The late MP was first elected to the 10th National Parliament in the 2017 National General Elections. He served as Minister for Bougainville Affairs following the formation of the then O’Neill- Abel Government in August 2017 until 2018 where he was replaced by Mr. Sam Akoitai following a recount of votes that was ordered by Court of Disputed Returns. He was re- elected to the 11th National Parliament for the Central Bougainville Open Electorate in 2022 General Election. He served as committee member for various Parliamentary Committees including Communication, Constitutional Laws, Acts and Subordinate Legislations, and Privileges and Health following the formation of the Marape- Rosso Government on the 9th of September 2023. The late MP also served as a member of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Customary Land and Reforms in Papua New Guinea. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party.

Paradise Boutique is the newest addition of the Har Hurum Group of Companies that was just opened in Port Moresby city, marking yet another milestone achievement for a Papua New Guinean business. Speaking at the small but significant opening ceremony on the evening of Saturday 31st August, the Group General Manager Mr. Joseph Tupiri said the opening of the boutique is a significant milestone in the journey of a small PNG success story. Giving a brief history of the Group, Mr. Tupiri said the company started fifteen years ago when the Founder, Mr. Firman Joseph left his job as a Workshop Manager with Ela Motors and started his own construction company called Kemele Construction. From there, he ventured into other areas, including opening coffee shops, a tailoring company and a gym, and now a new boutique. “We are proud to present to you this one shop at the sea front,” said Mr. Tupiri. He added that this also goes to show the Group's commitment in creating jobs in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector. “It’s not just about fashion, its about faith in the future as you can already start to see the small story of this PNG SME.” “Its about faith in the future in our people, and in our capacity to create special things for Papua New Guineans to experience. Meantime, the Paradise Boutique is not selling any specific brand name of clothing or accessories yet at this time, just generic garments. But going forward, the shop should be able to find a brand name to sell and add other products. Paradise Boutique is part of the Har Hurum Group of Companies, which owns Tribes Coffee Club, Tribes Fitness Center, Paradise Tailoring and Kemele Construction. The Paradise Boutique Shopfront is located at the foot of Lawes Road at Ela Beach just five minutes from Downtown Port Moresby.