Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) held its Annual General Meeting yesterday where its 2024 annual report was presented to its members followed by the announcement of its new 2026 Board of Directors. A core part of the AGM business was the election of the Board of Directors and Office Bearers. Mr. Peter Aitsi was re-elected as Chairperson by TIPNG’s financial members. Mr. James Lunge was elected as Board Secretary, and Ms. Michelle Hau’ofa was re-elected as Treasurer. Additionally, eight dedicated individuals were elected to serve on the board: Mary Udu, Richard Kassman, William Koregai, Christopher Elphick, Michael McWalter, Shane…
Author: Emmanuel MAIPE
Prime Minister James Marape and the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), Ishmael Toroama, both signed the Melanesian Agreement on Thursday in Port Moresby city, marking yet again another significant step in the peace process and eventual independence that the people of Bougainville seek. The Melanesian Agreement provides a framework for the two governments to finalize consultations and prepare a report for submission to Parliament. Prime Minister Marape described it as a collaborative and conditional document that continues the journey, rather than ends it. Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the National Government’s total adherence to the constitutional process, stating…
The people of Bougainville through their Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) now own 72 percent (%) of Shares in Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), a momentous step towards their economic independence as the Referendum process continues. This was made a reality when the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government through Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited along with the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), signed the transfer of the Deed to the ABG today at the Government House in Port Moresby city. BCL is a publicly listed company in the Australian Stock Exchange and is the operator of the Panguna Mine, which…
The National Government is expected to sign the Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) Share Transfer Deed this morning at the Government House in Port Moresby city to pave the way for the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to own much of the Share of the Panguna Mine. The transfer of the shares – worth over K140.3 million at current market value – to the ABG will now change the control of BCL, with ABG and the people of Bougainville assuming ownership of 72.9 percent of BCL’s issued capital, in two separate tranches of 19.06 and 17.39 percentages share respectively. Prime Minister Marape…
Consumers nationwide can expect to see authorities responsible for the assessing and monitoring of prices of goods on their toes doing their duty, following the June 1st imposition of the zero- rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) policy on thirteen essential items by the National Government. This is because the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) and the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) are now working together on monitoring and enforcing it after the two state entities recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ‘Information Sharing’. According to the IRC Commissioner General Mr. Sam Koim, from the tax perspective, the…
The launched of the Finance Department’s three new online systems, not only marks a milestone achievement, but it also focuses on addressing certain issues faced by the department and one of those issues is the leakage of confidential and sensitive information out to the public. Speaking at the launching of these new financial online system on Friday 20th June in Port Moresby city was the Department’s Deputy Secretary Operations, Mr. Stephen Nukuitu, who said the introduction of the Document Management System (DMS) aims to prevent document leaks. “With the DMS, we will strengthen accountability and streamline document workflow.” “In the…
The Governor General of Papua New Guinea (PNG) His Excellency (H.E.) Sir Bob Dadae along with the British High Commissioner, H.E. Anne Marco, presented the King’s portraits to various government departments recently. The presentation event, although small, was significant as it marks the significant role and relationship the 15 democratic nations in the Commonwealth realm have with the Crown. The British High Commissioner said the presentation of the portrait of King Charles III is part of the King’s Birthday cerebrations and it is especially more significant given that the King’s connection to PNG goes back when he was just a…
The Department of Finance just recently launched its three new digital systems that will further enhance its service to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as the country marks is 50th Independence Anniversary. The new systems are the official Finance Department Website along with the online Blended Learning System and the Document Management System (DMS). The official website houses these two systems. The DMS enhances a paperless process that is secure and efficient. Its key features are a centralized repository for financial reports, policies and official records, advance research and retrieval for quick access to critical documents, and some…
It is time to get to work to grow the economy of Papua New Guinea to a K200 billion economy through initiatives like the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). That was the stern message from Prime Minister James Marape last night when launching the Special Economic Zone Foundation Policy 2025- 2032 at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city. The launch of this policy will result in the current SEZ Act of 2019 being repealed and a new Act will be enacted to reflect the changes in the foundation policy. The policy defines what SEZs are and the different types of…
Two police officers were among three other individuals busted by police in major drug operation in Port Moresby city yesterday. According to a police statement released today, a senior police officer and a police constable were among three civilians who were arrested in a major drug bust in a hotel room. National Captial District (NCD) Metropolitain Supervenient, Warrick Simatab, confirmed that the senior police officer is Inspector Potol Husein and the junior officer is Constable Emmanuel Somon. The three civilians were Japheth Warus, Rick Posing, and Cathleen Tau. He said they were apprehended in the hotel room where they were…