Samara-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard is calling for a district-driven “revolution” to spark transformative national development, emphasizing the need for bottom-up change through strategic local action.
Speaking at a recent gathering in Port Moresby, MP Leonard emphasized the need for collective action and strategic partnerships to unlock the district’s potential in key sectors such as mining, fisheries, and tourism.
“The country will never change if the districts won’t change,” MP Leonard asserted, highlighting his core belief that national progress hinges on district-level transformation. “The only way forward for the country to change is for the districts to change.”
A key theme in the meeting was political alignment. Leonard introduced the OUR PATI, a new political movement formed by leaders who broke away from the Pangu Party.
He stressed that the party was not about repeating the old cycles, but about driving meaningful reform.
“OUR stands for Our-United-Revolution—a movement that focuses on real change starting at the district level,” he said. “We are crossing 50 years of independence. What do we have to show for our people?”
The party, led by Mining Minister Rainbow Paita, is already gaining traction and backing key development projects, including the designation of Woodlock Island as a national tourism hub, under a recent National Executive Council (NEC) resolution.
MP Leonard announced major strides in fisheries, including the launch of a licensed factory fishing vessel “Kekesi” through a partnership with Thai investors.
This initiative, supported by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and NMSA, aims to build a sustainable export pipeline, especially for frozen whole fish.
“Through proper data collection and strategic partnerships, we now have the foundation for export operations,” Leonard said. “Vietnamese partners are ready to come in for downstream processing—right here in Misima or Port Moresby.”
Mining was another central focus, with Ambassador Joshua Kalinoi introduced as the advisor for Eastern Mineral Resources. Leonard emphasized the importance of reclaiming ownership over the district’s rich mining history, referencing the now-defunct Misima mine.
“Let’s not repeat history. This time, our people must own the mine,” he urged.
To streamline development and attract investors, Leonard unveiled Kubana Investments Ltd, the district’s new investment arm under the DDA (District Development Authority). It will serve as an umbrella company managing multiple subsidiaries across various sectors.
Land mobilization efforts are also underway. District Land Officer Gilbert Misa and marine law expert Patricia Oii are spearheading the legal and technical groundwork to register and lease lands appropriately. This work includes securing customary and state land to support infrastructure, tourism, and industrial development.
MP Leonard identified Jomard Passage, a strategic maritime corridor, as a key national asset that has been neglected by provincial leadership. To unlock its full potential, he proposed linking it with a deep-sea port project, a move that could attract international shipping, trade, and government attention.
“Provincial Government has failed to act. We must take initiative and tie the passage to a deep-sea port to create economic value,” Leonard said.
The district is already tapping into carbon trade and tourism partnerships through international links, especially with investors from Dubai. Young people in the region are currently working on data collection and environmental mapping as part of a climate-focused trade program.
With programs spanning mining, fisheries, tourism, carbon trade, and infrastructure, Leonard’s message was clear: the time for change is now.
“As a mandated leader, I have five years to act. I cannot wait. We have to start something different—something bold—if we are to secure a better future for our district and our people.”