Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has reportedly acknowledged the government’s failure to meet its obligations, admitting a shortfall that has stalled Papua New Guinea’s development and economic progress. Speaking at the recent PNG Update forum on August 21st, Marape highlighted the frequent changes in leadership and lack of effective policies as key reasons for the nation’s poor economic state. “For the past 27 years, every two years, we’ve been forming and changing governments,” Marape explained, pointing to political instability as a major factor hindering consistent growth. He noted that by 2002, the country’s GDP had not surpassed K20 billion, with…
Author: Joshua ARLO
Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook has sparked a heated debate, with Prime Minister James Marape announcing positive developments, only to be met with fierce criticism from Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane, who paints a much darker picture. On August 16th, Prime Minister Marape confidently declared in a statement that Papua New Guinea’s economy is on a positive trajectory. He cited stronger growth, low inflation, and an easing of foreign exchange (FX) shortages as evidence of the government’s success. “The PNG economy is on a positive trajectory, with inflation persistently remaining below the historical average of 5.5 percent,” Marape stated, highlighting…
Francesca Semoso, the Member for North Bougainville, has declared she will stay in the Opposition, despite rumors and pressures suggesting she should return to the Government benches. In response to a social media poster claiming the people of North Bougainville want her back in the Government, Semoso firmly stated, “I will not move back to Pangu Party and the Government.” Semoso addressed concerns about being on the same side as Sir Julius Chan and Sir Chris Haiveta, who were involved in the 1997 Sandline Crisis. She made it clear that she is focused on the future of Bougainville, saying, “Sir…
In a significant legal victory, Bryan Kramer will return to his role as Member for Madang Open following today’s (Thursday, August 22nd) National Court ruling in Waigani. The court decision reinstates Kramer, who had been suspended and dismissed from office over the past two years, just as Parliament gears up for a potential and another crucial vote of no confidence in early September. “Today, Thursday August 22, the National Court in Waigani ruled in favour of my application to stay the suspension and dismissal from office, effectively reinstating me as the Member for Madang Open Electorate until the judicial review…
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has confirmed that 33 individuals involved in the gruesome murders in Kanda, Angoram District, have surrendered to police. Of these, 25 suspects turned themselves in on Wednesday, August 21st, while 8 had previously been arrested and charged. Governor Bird provided an update on his official social media platform, stating that police, with the assistance of local leaders, are continuing their investigations. Despite the recent surrenders, approximately 40 suspects remain at large. The Governor expressed his confidence in the ongoing efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice. In a separate incident, 15 people from Lowon village,…
The Deputy Opposition Leader has issued a statement highlighting Papua New Guinea’s economic crisis. Mr. James Nomane says this is evident because the kina has dropped to an all-time low, now worth only 0.19 US Dollars. He says the impact of these economic challenges is felt across the nation, as K100 no longer buys the same amount of food it did in 2019, and the cost of living has worsened, and citizens are facing increasing hardship. Mr. Nomane was responding to a statement by the Prime Minister James Marape on Monday, August 19th, claiming that the “economy looks good.” The…
The Asia Pacific Mediation Forum (APMF) launched its annual conference in Port Moresby, this week concentrating on using mediation to address environmental and climate change-related disputes. Held under the theme “Regional Challenges, Regional Solutions, Global Outcomes: Using Mediation to Resolve Environment and Climate Change Disputes,” the event has attracted legal experts, judges, and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The conference opened with a grand reception hosted by the Papua New Guinea Judiciary at the iconic APEC Haus on Sunday, August 18. The cultural and ceremonial opening on Monday, August 19, further emphasized the diversity and richness of the Pacific…
Minister for Justice and Attorney General Pila Niningi highlighted the importance of the 10th Asia Pacific Mediation Forum (APMF) Conference, emphasizing that dispute resolution is rooted in Papua New Guinea’s tradition. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG today, he explained that mediation is being strengthened through legislation, aiming to reduce court cases by encouraging alternative dispute resolution. “As you know, PNG, in tradition, we have a dispute in negotiations and discussions take place where we resolve problems.” “So, now we incorporate it into an Act of Parliament, so we are strengthening it.” “In other countries, maybe it’s foreign, but to us, PNG,…
The Police Traffic Division has received ten brand new motorbikes, as part of an ongoing fleet replacement program by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). Police Transport Director Chris Smith confirmed in a statement issued today, Monday August 19th, that the initiative aims to phase out aging vehicles and eliminate the need for hired ones. “Our main focus is on the special divisions of the Constabulary and for this case, the Police Traffic Division,” said Smith. “We have given priority to the Police Traffic Division with the purchase of this first batch of ten bikes as part of our…
Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has praised Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta for his decision to leave Prime Minister James Marape’s government and join the Opposition. Tomuriesa commended the move, acknowledging the deep ties Sir Chris has with the ruling PANGU Pati but noting that political loyalty should not come at the cost of the nation’s wellbeing. “On behalf of the Opposition, I officially welcome Sir Chris to the Opposition and acknowledge his steadfast commitment in supporting a greater cause to collectively save this country,” said Tomuriesa. “Sir Chris brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and capability to the Opposition, and…