Prime Minister, James Marape, has responded to concerns from DHERST Minister Don Polye over the promised K10million for the damaged University of Goroko 7-storey dormitory from a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in September 2022. The prime minister issued a statement recently to address, what he termed as the ‘center of the latest media scrutiny’, confirming that the Government is well aware of this matter, and pledging full government support to address the issue. “We will support DHERST (Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology) fully in this matter.” His disclosed technical assessments are underway to evaluate its structural safety, confirming…
Author: Joshua ARLO
The acting Directing of PNG’s National Research Institute, Associate Professor Eugene Ezebilo has urged the PNG Government, through the National Statistical Office, to address concerns raised on the recent inflation figures for PNG. “In Papua New Guinea (PNG), inflation has become a great concern because it directly reduces the value of the Kina.” “During high inflation, people buy less goods and services or need more Kina to buy the same amount of goods and services.” “The loss in the value of Kina negatively impacts the cost of living, the welfare of the people, and the cost of doing business.” Professor…
In a seismic shift of leadership, the South Pacific Brewery Media Pool Competition (SPMPC) ushered in a new era during its annual general meeting (AGM) held at the prestigious Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby on Saturday 6th April. With a resounding mandate, Tony Dindilo emerged as the new chairman, flanked by Kametan Sibunakau as deputy chairman and Lee Thomas taking the reins as treasurer. The steadfast Henry Iamo retains his position as secretary, ensuring continuity in the management structure. Representatives from each participating team in the 2023 competition convened to deliberate on crucial matters concerning the pool games and overall…
Papua New Guinean shareholders of New Porgera Mine stand to receive well over K26 billion over the 20-year life of the mine. That’s according to Prime Minster James Marape. In a statement, he highlights that more than K11 billion is expected in the first 10 years. That is only if gold price keeps at its current rate. His stated this following a recent meet with Barrick Gold Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow in Port Moresby. The PM explained that this is the monetary value of the new agreement under Special Mining Lease 13 where Papua New Guineans…
In a momentous ceremony today, PNG Deputy Secretary for Defence, Mr. Simon Tunapai, alongside Australian Department of Defence Assistant Secretary for Pacific Infrastructure, Ms. Laura Darlington, unveiled the cutting-edge Live in Accommodation (LIA) facility at Moem Barracks in Wewak. The LIA, designed to house 100 PNGDF soldiers from 2RPIR, boasts modern amenities including revamped bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as upgraded sleeping and living quarters, complemented by sustainable power solutions through solar panels and battery storage. This collaborative effort underscores the enduring partnership between the PNGDF and ADF, with Australia’s commitment showcased in delivering essential infrastructure to bolster the…
The Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas, riding on the euphoria of last week’s win against Zimbabwe, received crushing news this week – with the devastating loss of team captain Kaia Arua on Thursday afternoon. Cricket fans, family and media were stunned to hear the sad announcement Thursday afternoon from Cricket PNG CEO Richard Done. In his brief statement, Mr Done said: “I’m very sad to announce to you that our current player and most recent Lewas captain, Kaia Arua, passed away at Port Moresby General Hospital at midday today.” “Our sincere condolences and love go to her family, including Coach John…
Police Commissioner David Manning has issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum as of Thursday this week to illegal squatters in Porgera Valley, warning them to vacate or face forced removal. He said the deployment of additional joint security forces over the past days is to enforce the directive. Commissioner Manning emphasized that these squatters have unlawfully occupied land without rightful claim, exploiting the area during the mine closure to commit crimes and disrupt peace. In a statement, he said this is a final chance for squatters and troublemakers to depart voluntarily. “Following consultation with stakeholders, including the Porgera Valley community, provincial…
In a newly released paper, Dr. Tomas Wangi, a Senior Research Fellow at the National Research Institute, has raised significant concerns regarding the reliability of Papua New Guinea’s recent inflation figures. Dr. Wangi’s paper, made public today, delves into whether these figures accurately represent the fluctuations in the prices of goods and services across the country. According to Dr. Wangi, the National Statistical Office (NSO) is tasked with the responsibility of gathering and disseminating official statistics, which includes vital economic indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and Balance of Payments (BOP). Of particular importance,…
Team Black Bass, captained by Norman Vanua will look towards a win in this round of matches in the Men’s ISUZU T20 SMASH at Port Moresby’s Amini cricket grounds in Boroko. Black Bass is last on this Cricket PNG-sanctioned domestic tournament’s standing board, with only 1 point after losing all their three matches in the Group Stage Round 1 which began on Easter Good Friday, March 29th until Monday, April 1st. They take on the Lega Siaka-led Cassowaries, who are on 4 points after winning two out of their three matches. Cassowaries share the top spot with Mudmen, captained by…
Yeipa Karu, a 33-year-old former security guard and unmarried father of six from Awinda, Lake Kopiago, Hela Province, has been sentenced to 18 years in Bomana Correctional Facility for manslaughter. He began serving in March, a reduced term of 14 years and 11 months for fatally stabbing 25-year-old Felix Yope during a fight at a canteen near a bus stop in 6-Mile, Port Moresby, as ruled by Justice Nicolas Miviri at Waigani’s National Court. Both individuals hailed from the same district, with Karu residing in Saraga, Kopiago Block, at the time of the incident. According to the court, the deceased…