The Ministerial Economic Committee recently met for three days and will continue meetings for another two days this week, as they work towards finalizing various budget submissions. Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey said these submissions will cover the operating budget and the capital budget and includes submissions covering key sectors that can help drive growth and jobs through various sectors like Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Tourism, Labour and Employment, Oil Palm, Forestry, Live Stock, Coffee, Communications and SOEs. Following the first MEC meetings, Ling-Stuckey said the 2024 Budget, guided by the Circular requirements of Prime Minister Marape dated 27 October 2023, they…
Author: Nigel-Francis MADO
The Office of the Prime Minister has released a statement strongly refuting claims of censorship by one of the country’s daily newspapers. This is following the mass circulation of the front-page article titled “PM Stops Media Freedom,” stating that this misrepresents an internal circular distributed to all First Secretaries of State Ministers, copying various officials for coordinated information dissemination. This is according to the Chief of Staff to the Office of the Prime Minister, Andy Hetra. Mr Hetra said Media, as the fourth estate, plays a vital role in scrutinizing public officials and political institutions for the public interest. “While…
As the country moves to be on the verge of positioning itself as a leader in the global resources and energy market, the industry peak body representing the mineral, resources and energy sectors today officially announced its new name, and new logo. The former Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (“The Chamber”) formally transitioned to its new name, the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (“PNG CORE”). This followed the approval of this change by its membership at a recent Special General Meeting. According to PNG CORE Chief Operating Officer, Pansy Taueni-Sialis. This change is timely,…
The NRL today released the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership schedule, featuring 204 regular season matches over 27 rounds, played across 28 venues and the first ever schedule to feature premiership matches across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership kicks off on March 2 at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, for the exciting Rugby League in Las Vegas double header featuring Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos in the most anticipated Premiership opener in the game’s history. Round One will continue the following week with the Australian opener being…
Transport & Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt is calling on Air Niugini to completely settle debts owed to the National Airports Corporation following the recent accumulation of over K120million in monies owed to the NAC. He said through this year alone the balance of legacy debts and the current charges has accumulated to a significant amount and currently the NAC is in dialogue with ANL management to resolve the outstanding debts. “As Minister and one of the major trustee shareholders, I express my concern on the continuous delayed payments of these charges that are necessary and critical to maintain safe…
Police have reported positive changes to the regarding the removal of prohibited alcoholic substances in Hanuabada village since Monday, with no signs of people selling it openly on the streets as before. According to Motu Koita Reservists and NCD police officers patrolling and carrying out foot patrols in areas where homebrew is sold, it was reported that they did not see anyone selling it. Meanwhile, motorized patrols have also been conducted along the main roads leading to and from the village. National Capital District Metropolitan Superintended Silva Sika expressed satisfaction with the results provided by the police and commended the…
Another MP has succumbed to his battle against illness. Porgera-Paialla MP, Maso Karipe has been confired to have succumb to his long term battle against stomach cancer while receiving treatment in Brisbane. This information was relayed to PNG HAUSBUNG by the MP’s First Secretary, Standford Tokoya. Tokoya advised that Karipe, who was in Brisbane for treatment, passed on at around 9pm last night. The late member is believed to have succumb to a long battle with Stomach Cancer. Tokoya stated that Karipe has been in and out of the country since October last year for treatment for his condition. At…
The Government is set to make a major announcement concerning the Wafi-Golpu Mine project in Morobe. This eagerly awaited announcement is set to take place during the forthcoming PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference scheduled for next month in Sydney, Australia. The Prime Minister, James Marape revealed this during a press conference recently where he officially extended a warm welcome to Newmont Corporation, into Papua New Guinea. Newmont Corporation has assumed control over all Newcrest operations in Papua New Guinea, including the Wafi-Golpu project. “We’re now at the stage where the principle of what constitutes the Mine Development Contract (MDC) and…
A new player in the mining industry has been introduced to the country. Prime Minister James Marape welcomed Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold company, into Papua New Guinea. He made the welcome, during a joint press conference with Peter Toth, Chief Development Officer of Newmont, marking the company’s acquisition of all Newcrest operations in PNG. Prime Minister Marape said the significance of this corporate transaction, as Newmont assumes control of all Newcrest operations in Papua New Guinea, including the Lihir mine in New Ireland and the Wafi-Golpu project in Morobe. “It adds value to Papua New Guinea’s global branding…
Although the Fiji Bati may have fallen short of the silverware in the inaugural Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge, the team can hold their heads high for the stunning performance they have given rugby league fans over the past 3 weeks here in Papua New Guinea. Fiji Bati coach, Wise Kativerata post match, hailed his boys for their outstanding performance, given the number of debutants that were fielded in this year’s international Rugby League Calendar. “We got a lot of young kids in the dressing room, and I said to them you gotta put your heads up. It’s a building block…