Author: Joshua ARLO

Twelve new officers of the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) were sworn into the public service during a ceremony in Port Moresby on Friday, September 27th, according to DPLGA Secretary, Philip Leo. These officers completed a week-long training program at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG). DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo, who had addressed the new officers during the graduation ceremony, encouraging them to be “agents of change in the Department.” “You have to commit yourself to the oath you recited to be agents of change. You have to nurture good habits like arriving early…

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A new format called “Fortnightly Performance Assessment” (FPA) has been introduced in the Border Command to evaluate the daily performances and conduct of police officers. Assistant Commissioner Border Command, Perou N’Dranou, stated that this approach aims to ensure the foundational aspects of policing are addressed, allowing for better assessment of what officers are doing, when they report to work, and their expectations in their operational areas. Previously implemented in the New Guinea Islands (NGI), Mr. N’Dranou found the approach effective and is now applying it within the Border Command. During his first official parade in the North Fly Police Command…

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Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Border Command, Perou N’Dranou, has called on stakeholders in the North Fly Command of Western Province to stop misusing the police force for personal interests. During his first parade in Kiunga on Tuesday, October 1st, ACP Perou emphasized that police officers are not security guards and should not be deployed without proper authorization from the Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs). “You police officers cannot be used as security guards anymore. I hear a lot of unauthorized deployments for self-interest, and such must cease immediately because I am enforcing the Fortnight Performance Assessments on your daily deployments,” he…

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The Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA) recognizes that climate change and development projects have significantly contributed to increased internal displacements in Papua New Guinea. Due to the rise in natural disasters and tribal conflicts, a well-structured and humane response is also crucial for ensuring protection and assistance for affected individuals and communities. With that purpose, on Thursday October 3rd, DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo led a one-day validation workshop in Port Moresby, aimed at finalizing the draft National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy. This policy is essential in providing guidance and solutions for the challenges faced by displaced…

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Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and President for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, today announced the appointment of a mediator for the Bougainville peace process towards its independence aspirations. Sir Jerry Mateparae, former Governor-General of New Zealand, has been appointed as an independent moderator to help mediate the Bougainville peace process. His role is critical as Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Bougainville continue to work through complex issues following the 2019 referendum, in which 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voted for independence. Both President Toroama and Prime Minister Marape expressed confidence in Sir Jerry’s impartiality and expertise. Prime Minister Marape…

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Prime Minister James Marape is making law and order a top priority for Papua New Guinea (PNG). After returning from the United Nations General Assembly, he shared his plans to improve security in the country. Marape highlighted the need for peace to begin within communities, with all citizens playing their part. “For us, PNG in the local context is internal security that is really important, number one,” Marape said. He linked law and order to human rights, explaining that these are crucial to maintaining peace in PNG. The Prime Minister stressed that fixing security issues is a long-term task. “We…

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The National Government is working with the Government of India to improve Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) electoral systems, as country makes preparations ahead of the General Elections in 2027. Richard Masere, the Minister of Administrative Services, shared details about this collaboration in a statement released on Tuesday September 1st. According to the Minister, discussions are ongoing between PNG and India to explore areas of cooperation, focusing on important changes in the electoral process, technology use, and building skills for the Electoral Commission. He said these talks aim to create a stronger and more efficient electoral system in PNG. In a…

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Prime Minister James Marape returned from the United Nations General Assembly, where he highlighted Papua New Guinea’s unparalleled cultural, linguistic, and biodiversity. In a media briefing upon his return this morning in Port Moresby, he said when he spoke to world leaders, he emphasized that PNG’s rich heritage and natural resources are globally unmatched, standing as a symbol of diversity and resilience. “Papua New Guinea remains a beacon of cultural and ecological wealth,” Marape stated, reinforcing the significance of the country’s 49 years of democratic stability. He also stressed the critical role that the UN played in PNG’s peace process,…

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Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling law and order issues, emphasizing that domestic security is critical for Papua New Guinea’s development. Speaking upon his return from New York, Marape said, “Law and order is the number one task for us, and everything else we rank with law and order.” He highlighted the persistent security challenges within PNG, noting that while the country promotes tourism and modernization, internal security remains a significant obstacle. “For us, PNG in the local context, internal security is really important, number one,” he added. Marape stressed that addressing law and order…

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Prime Minister (PM) James Marape returned to Papua New Guinea (PNG) this morning from the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, where he delivered a strong message on the country’s global standing and its future aspirations. Marape was welcomed back by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, who acted as Prime Minister during his absence, along with cabinet ministers including Health Minister Elias Kapavore and Finance Minister, Mikki Kaeok. During a brief at the VIP Lounge of Jacksons International Airport, Marape expressed gratitude for the support shown while he was away, stating, “Thank you, Deputy Prime Minister and a…

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