Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the passage of the Fire and Rescue Service Bill 2025, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s fire and emergency response capabilities. The Bill, introduced by Defence Minister Billy Joseph, was successfully passed in Parliament, repealing the outdated Fire Service Act (Chapter 64) and replacing it with a modern legislative framework to address the country’s growing urban landscape and evolving emergency response needs. PM Marape commended Minister Joseph for championing this crucial legislation, stating that the reforms would significantly enhance the National Fire Service’s capacity to protect lives and properties…
Author: Maxine KAMUS
The Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), through the National Executive Council (NEC), has awarded a landmark contract for the implementation of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) fiscal monitoring system to Virtual Flex Limited, in collaboration with the international firm, Data Tech International (DTI). The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) stated that the contract, officially signed by the Governor General yesterday at the Government House, marks the beginning of this transformative initiative designed to modernize tax administration and enhance GST compliance nationwide. “The system known, as TaxCore produced by DTI, will be called Goods and Services Monitoring System (GMS) in…
During Question without Notice in Parliament, Member for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu raised a series of questions in regard to the Connect PNG Program and directed it to the Prime Minister James Marape. Mr. Iduhu stated that the Government’s CONNECT PNG program, established under the Connect PNG (Implementation and Funding Arrangements) Act 2021, commits 5.6% of the annual national budget to infrastructure development, equating to over K1.1 billion annually from 2022 to 2027. He said in 2024 alone, the transport sector, including CONNECT PNG, received K2.059 billion, representing 21% of the total Capital Investment Budget. “Meanwhile, the health sector was allocated…
The Papua New Guinea Institute of Directors (PNGID) and the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) partnered to host a business breakfast on Monday 17th of March,2025 in Lae, Morobe Province. The event was sponsored by the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) to launch the PNGID’s Director Development Program in Lae. PNGID said that this is the first time the director development program has been officially conducted in Lae. “Present at the event were representatives from the Lae business community, Phil Franklin Deputy Chairman of IPA Board, John Byrne, President of LCCI, Graham Ainui, IPA Board member, IPA Managing Director…
Prime Minister James Marape has commended Parliament for its overwhelming support in passing the Income Tax Bill 2025 with a resounding vote of 79-0, describing it as a monumental step towards eradicating outdated colonial laws and establishing a fairer, more equitable taxation system for Papua New Guinea. Speaking during the parliamentary debate, PM Marape acknowledged the bill as a critical component of his government’s ‘Take Back PNG’ agenda. Mr. Marape praised the bipartisan support received for the bill, which he described as an essential aspect of revisiting and modernizing the fundamental architecture that holds the country together. “For 66 years,…
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has committed K50,000 towards the 51st Hiri Moale Festival on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Motu Koita Assembly boardroom in Port Moresby. TPA said the festival is set to take place from April 3rd to 6th. The Hiri Moale Festival is one of Papua New Guinea’s most celebrated cultural events, honouring the historic Hiri trading voyages between the Motuans and Gulf people. “This year’s festival is expected to attract more than 15,000 attendees, drawing cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Beyond the financial sponsorship, PNGTPA will collaborate with the…
The National Contributors Savings and Loan Society conducted an employee awareness session in Oro Province recently. Under the leafy oil palm trees of Serembe village, NCSL Popondetta Team conducted a savings and loan awareness session to make known the importance of savings and borrowing wisely to employees at Higaturu Oil Palms Ltd. NCSL stated that the session educated Higaturu Oil Palms Limited employees about saving for the future. “During the awareness, new members showed appreciation for the clear explanations, and for existing members, the opportunity allowed assistance with savings and loan account queries they had. NCSL Savings and Loan is…
Governor for Central Province Rufina Peter has acknowledged the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) for the establishment of Family Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) and the tremendous work on the national response towards ending violence against women since 2000. Before delivering her official speech at the parliament session Governor Peter briefly mentioned the important role that CIMC has played through the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) when the desk was established in 2000 under the previous Government. “I would like to acknowledge CIMC in championing FSVAC in the early 2000, and with the establishment of GBV strategy…
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability and resource efficiency, CPL Foundation Inc. has launched the Water Harvest Project, an innovative initiative aimed at optimizing water conservation and enhancing supply chain resilience. The Water Harvest Project is a pioneering sustainability initiative spear headed by Sir Mahesh Patel, OBE through the CPL Foundation, designed to collect, store, and utilize atmospheric water harvesting for operational needs within the company’s supply chain. CPL stated that the project aims to reduce dependency on municipal water sources, cut operational costs, and promote responsible water management. “The project was officially launched yesterday at a special media launch…
The luxury cruise ship, Regatta, arrived at Motukea Port bringing excited tourists to Port Moresby yesterday (Wednesday 19, February). PNG Ports Limited stated that the cruise ship was brought alongside their Marine Pilots who boarded the vessel at 8:20am and berthed at 9:30am. “The arrival of the vessel, operated by Oceania Cruises, is a boost for the cruise tourism industry in Port Moresby. Planned excursions for the tourist’s included visits to the National Museum and Art Gallery, Port Moresby Nature Park, the War Memorials, and various sites. A group of them visited the Bomana War Cemetery, to pay homage to…