Prime Minister James Marape announced that Papua New Guinea (PNG) is leading a new initiative to domesticate fish processing within the Pacific region. This move aims to create thousands of jobs and boost economic growth in the region. “Our government has always known leaders that stand with me.” “We all are not begging anymore, not borrowing anymore, not seeking grants anymore.” “From our own resources, we want to make sure we are earning money from our own resources,” Marape said. The initiative, which began at a Fisheries Ministers’ meeting in Kokopo, East New Britain, was accepted as a key working…
Author: Joshua ARLO
Prime Minister James Marape highlighted the importance of climate change discussions during the 53th Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Summit in Tonga. He revealed this at a press conference following his return to PNG yesterday, August 29th. He said member nations participated, focusing on the significant impacts of climate change on the region. “As we all know, we are exposed to climate change-related issues, weather patterns change, sea level rise, desalination of arable land, and erosion of land for that matter, ” he said, adding, “And so that conversation remains the single most important issue that all nations in the…
Papua New Guinea is making preparations to receive Pope Francis on September 6, as announced by Prime Minister James Marape on August 29th after returning from Tonga. The Prime Minister revealed the papalvisit will include mass and worship programs, with leaders from the Pacific also invited to attend. “Our nation is preparing to receive him on the 6th of September.” “If he does come after 6 o’clock or sunset, I will not be there at the airport. That’s with respect to my (SDA) Sabbath practice, but the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will be there to receive Pope Francis,” Marape…
The National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program has allocated K250,000 each to Rabaul and Pomio Districts in East New Britain. These funds, supported by the Australian Government, are intended to boost WASH initiatives, with Rabaul recently concluding a 4-day training for data collection. Pomio District Administrator John Liskia expressed gratitude, noting that the funds will aid in developing vital infrastructure, including a new hospital in Pomio. The cheque presentation took place in Kokopo city, facilitated by the National WASH Program team in collaboration with the National Planning Department and Water Aid. These two districts are the first in the…
Australia has pledged strong support for the Pacific Policing Initiative, a new program endorsed by leaders at the recent Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will allocate approximately PGK 1 billion (AUD 400 million) over five years to back this initiative, which aims to strengthen regional peace, security, and cooperation among Pacific police forces. “This policing initiative continues a long history of Pacific police forces working together to strengthen regional peace and security, and to support each other in times of need,” Prime Minister Albanese said. He emphasized that the Pacific Policing Initiative…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has made it clear that Pomio MP Elias Kapavore’s return to the government is both welcomed and well within his rights. In a no-holds-barred address, Marape emphasized that Kapavore’s move aligns with the freedoms enshrined in Papua New Guinea’s Constitution. “He (Kapavore) texted me earlier today (Thursday 29th August) saying that ‘I’m coming back,’ and I said, ‘Welcome back, you are certainly welcome back,’” Marape revealed, highlighting that the return was entirely Kapavore’s decision. “Members of the Internal, Section 45 of our Constitution allows for freedom of movement. Freedom of association, Section 46, if I’m…
Prime Minister James Marape arrived yesterday evening in Port Moresby. A full entourage of most of the Pangu-led government MPs and Cabinet Ministers was on the ground at the APEC Terminal to receive and welcome him. They immediately walked into the conference room at the VIP lounge as local media waited. The Prime Minister returns after travelling to Niue and to Tonga. In Tonga, he spent the last four days attending the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit. He was among 18 Pacific Island nation leaders.
Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom has handed K15 million to the Gulf Provincial Health Authority (GPHA) for major improvements in health facilities, especially Kerema General Hospital. Accompanied by Health Secretary Dr. Osbourne Liko and new GPHA Chairman Augustine Mano, Tom visited Kerema Town to present the funds. In a straightforward ceremony, both Minister Tom and Mano recognized the urgent need for change. “It is now up to the new Board to get to work and offer solutions,” said Minister Tom, emphasizing that there is no time for celebration, only action. Kerema MP and Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Thomas Opa,…
Ahead of the September Parliament sittings which anticipates another Vote of No Confidence from the Opposition’s alternative government side, Pomio MP Elias Kapavore has unofficially decided to return to the government side, responding to calls from LLG Presidents in Pomio District. Kapavore, who joined the opposition three months ago, now acknowledges the ongoing support from the Marape-Rosso government, which has led to significant development in the district. “After joining PANGU Pati, we have seen a lot of support, especially with the connection of the missing link along the south coast corridor, which previous governments overlooked,” Kapavore said in a statement.…
The Waigani Committal Court today, Wednesday August 28th, struck out misappropriation charges against Jordan Imal, the former Acting Managing Director and CEO of NiuSky Pacific Limited. The charges were related to the purchase of a company vehicle, a decision that Imal defended as both necessary and appropriate. “Today, the Waigani Committal Court struck out the misappropriation charges brought against me by Robin Kawat in relation to the purchase of a company vehicle,” Imal stated following the court’s decision. He strongly maintained his innocence, describing the charges as “malicious and entirely unfounded.” Imal clarified that the vehicle in question remained the…