East Sepik Governor Allan Bird expressed deep gratitude following Pope Francis’ recent visit to Papua New Guinea. His message comes as the East Sepik province investigates and deals with its recent violence, and Enga Province recovers from ongoing tribal conflicts. Following the Pope’s departure, Governor Bird acknowledged the impact of the visit, and in a social media post wrote: “Thank you Pope Franciscus. You brought a ray of hope, a breath of fresh air to our country these past few days. The feeling was in the air. Our country is so wracked with pain, violence, corruption, and negativity.” Pope Francis,…
Author: Joshua ARLO
As the Papua New Guinea Parliament prepares to resume on Thursday, September 12, the nation braces for an active Vote of No Confidence (VONC) against Prime Minister James Marape. The Opposition, led by Kiriwina Goodenough MP Douglas Tomureisa, has officially nominated Finschaffen MP and former Finance Minister Rainbo Paita, as its Alternate Prime Minister, aiming to form a new government, a few days before the country celebrates its 49th Independence. The Opposition currently claims 35 Members of Parliament, and political horse-trading is expected as both sides vie for the numbers needed to secure victory. The VONC is a crucial moment…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, on behalf of the country, has shared his sadness, over the death of businessman James Edward Seeto, who passed away on September 6, 2024. The Prime Minister says this is a profound loss of another great business leader in the country, which comes so soon after the death of Sir Soekandar Tjandra, the found of the Papindo Group of Companies in August this year. When extending his deepest condolences to the family the pioneer PNG-Chinese businessman, James Seeto, the Prime Minister described him as the visionary founder of the Seeto Kui Group of Companies, who…
The Gulf Provincial Police Command (GPPC) is under intense scrutiny following a stern warning issued by National and Supreme Court judge, Justice Nicholas Miviri. Addressing a large turnout at Malalaua Police Station this week, the judge summoned the Police Commander Southern and Gulf Provincial Police Commander to answer for rising complaints of police misconduct. Judge Miviri’s message was unequivocal: any illegal behaviour by police officers must lead to immediate charges and suspension. He stressed that the command must uphold the Constitution and maintain the highest standards of integrity in their service. His comments followed numerous reports from local communities alleging…
Lufa District has taken a significant step in addressing rural infrastructure needs, thanks to the purchase of 17 portable Lucas Mills. The initiative, funded at under K500,000 by Lufa MP and Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Simo Kilepa, aims to build schools, churches, health centers, and other essential services in remote areas. “This specific support is going to our rural people to help build up infrastructure because accessibility is commonly by air transport, and the cost-of-service delivery is very much expensive,” said District Development Authority (DDA) CEO Demo Imara. The investment covers both the sawmills and training for…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has outlined the progress made by his government since taking office in 2019, expressing confidence in its ability to lead Papua New Guinea (PNG) through the upcoming Vote of No Confidence (VONC) and beyond. Marape acknowledged the challenges faced by the country, including a recession, COVID-19, and global inflation, but emphasized that his administration had taken significant steps to assist the people during difficult times. “We tried our best to assist our people in these trying times, whether it be in tax relief, school fees, training of police, betterment of judicial services, ensuring that no…
East New Britain’s south coast area of Sinivit Local Level Government (LLG) in the Pomio District is full of economic potential, but it needs more help in training and technical support for farmers and fisherfolk. The region, known for cocoa and rice farming, has opportunities to grow, but people in the area need more assistance to develop these industries. Rural Development Officer (RDO) Elwin Kaival said that local farmers are showing more interest in cocoa farming due to the recent rise in prices. “With the rise in the price of cocoa, farmers have shown interest, and we have been setting…
Police Commissioner David Manning has this morning condemned the actions of officers involved in a violent incident at Gerehu General Hospital in Port Moresby. Manning labelled the behaviour inexcusable, promising swift disciplinary action. “We need to identify those involved and ensure they are suspended,” he said, adding that the officers’ actions, reportedly fuelled by alcohol, were “animalistic” and unacceptable. Manning stressed that police officers must maintain professionalism, both on and off duty, and assured hospital staff that the matter is being investigated by Internal Affairs. He emphasized that such misconduct will not be tolerated under his leadership. He is now…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape issued a statement on Thursday evening , expressing his gratitude to the 48 Pangu Pati Members of Parliament (MPs) for their strong support ahead of the Vote of No Confidence (VONC), scheduled for 12 September 2024. The MPs reaffirmed their loyalty to Marape following a Parliament session, showing unity as the government prepares for the upcoming vote. “All 48 MPs, including myself, pledged loyalty to Pangu to honour the Section 63 invitation given by the Head of State to form Government after the 2022 National General Election,” Marape said. He assured the nation that Pangu…
Bulolo MP and Shadow Minister for Transport, Civil Aviation, and Correctional Services, Sam Basil Jr has shared his plan to improve Papua New Guinea’s transport and civil aviation sector. The plan was announced on Wednesday September 4th in a statement ahead of the Vote of No Confidence, expected this September proceedings. “There have been many calls for Alternative Government Policies, and I have made it clear that in the absence of any new Government or Ministerial Policy Statement, we cannot provide an Alternative Policy.” He added that the country already has many big plans like Vision 2050, Strategic Development Plan…