Inside PNG

There’s notable development made in the ongoing discussions between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in relation to the Judicial Review Dialogue.

This includes the appointment of five Bougainvillean directors to reflect it’s local representatation.

“I am pleased to advise that good progress has been made in our ongoing discussions with Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) aimed at amicably ending long-running Judicial Review proceedings in the National Court of PNG, “said Toroama.

In January 2018, the Bougainville Government refused an extension of BCL’s exploration licence (ELO1).

In April 2018, the Court granted a leave to BCL for a judicial review of the decision.

Toroama said much has happened since then, including the historic referendum that’s paving Bougainville’s path to independence.

“BCL has also continued its transition as a local company, and the ABG currently has 36.45% shareholding in BCL. Through this, the process of transferring another 36.45% presently held by the National Government started,” said Toroama.

In total, the ABG and people of Bougainville are set to have a 72.9% ownership stake in BCL.

As a result, the ABG and BCL have agreed on terms for a deed of settlement that would result in BCL ending the judicial review proceedings once the parties have delivered on a series of undertakings.

These include BCL contributing funds to assist Panguna reburials and reactivating the Bougainville Copper Foundation education scholarships program.

For its part, the ABG has agreed, consistent with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, to reconsider BCL’s EL01 extension application with a view to extending the exploration licence for five years.

“It must be stressed that this would NOT be a mining licence; the issuance of which is subject to a separate process. BCL has agreed to file a notice with the court for the discontinuance of the Judicial Review,” said Toroama.

An extension of EL01 will allow BCL to continue its program of community support and work cooperatively with the ABG, landowners and the broader community to achieve mutual goals.

An abandoned bridge near the once busy mining area of Panguna.

Any future redevelopment of Panguna under a mining licence will inevitably require the involvement of many project partners. The ABG will continue to progress dialogue with landowners and important stakeholders in preparation for the eventual granting of a mining licence in the near future.

In the meantime, required feasibility related activities must be progressed under an exploration licence; these activities will take years to complete before the project sees actual mining development stage.

“Panguna is also a Bougainville-wide agenda given its relationship with the Bougainville Crisis. This fact, coupled with evidence of strong backing across Bougainville from prior consultative forums undertaken by the ABG in North, Central and South Bougainville supports my decision to pursue this path as President,” President Toroama said.

News

PNG Closes Embassy

Papua New Guinea has announced a temporary closure of its embassy in Israel due to on-going attacks between Israel and Hamas.

PNG Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu released a statement dated 26th October 2023 and explained the stand PNG government has taken to temporarily close the embassy as of 17th October.

Wohengu said the two foreign affairs officers assigned to set up the embassy were recalled back because of the security concerns.

The PNG government is also aware that 18 PNG citizens departed Israel through the assistance of Australia’s repatriation exercise that was extended to Pacific Island countries at the start of the conflict.

PNG opened it’s embassy in Jerusalem in September, months before Hamas launched it’s suprise attack.

During the initial attack, Prime Minster Marape had cautioned Israel on how it should respond to the Hamas attack.

However the attacks have escalated since and the death toll is now in the thousands.

PNG Closes Embassy — PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Officiating the opening of the PNG Embassy in Jerusalem, early September this year.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Officiating the opening of the PNG Embassy in Jerusalem, early September this year.

News

The Reality

The Papua New Guinean Government has been attending several high level meetings on a world stage but it’s people are struggling with high cost of living and high unemployment rate.

The prices of basic goods like rice, sugar and cooking oil have doubled even tripled within months but the PNG government doesn’t acknowledge the hardship.

Prime Minster, James Marape said PNG will make it’s first appearance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland, next January.

“The invitation from the World Economic Forum serves as a clear indicator that Papua New Guinea is gaining significant recognition on the global stage. Our outreach to numerous world leaders since my assumption of office in May 2019 has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” said Marape.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape (2nd from left)

However the PNG economy doesn’t reflect the government’s claims. It’s’s costly running a business in the capital City of Port Moresby and the costs are even higher at outer centers.

The invitation follows comments from Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Professor Klaus Schwab who extended the invite to PNG at the opening of the World Indigenous Business Forum.

Marape said the significance of this invitation notably stands as a testament to Papua New Guinea’s increasing prominence on the global stage.

“Papua New Guinea occupies a pivotal role on both regional and global fronts, blessed with vast rainforest biodiversity and serving as a vital energy supplier to Asia and Japan. Our strategic location bridging the East and the West adds to our significance. Following the principles of ‘friends to all and enemies to none,’ as outlined in our foundational foreign policy in 1975 during the Pangu Pati-led Government of Sir Michael Somare, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this approach,” Marape said.

While it’s true that most natural resources are being exported overseas, the outcome of energy benefits doesn’t serve the interest of business owners.

Small to medium enterprises business owners say the electricity supply is unreliable and just the cost of operating a business often exceeds the income.

This forces them to charge a higher price on basic goods in the effort of making profits.

The burden of this all falls on the customers, mostly the average to low income earners.

The Marape government needs to support the SME owners to lower the cost of services like electricity and water.

“The present leadership of Papua New Guinea is resolute in maintaining this policy discourse, demonstrated by our engagements with numerous world leaders since 2019, culminating in this prestigious invitation to the 2024 World Economic Forum,” said Marape.

The WEF Annual Meeting serves as a global assembly of leaders from government, business, and civil society, fostering discussions on the current state of the world and setting priorities for the year ahead. This year’s event assumes heightened significance as it unfolds amidst a “polycrisis,” denoting the convergence of multiple critical issues, including climate and biodiversity crises, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and concerns surrounding the cost of living.

But when such high level business meeting end in Port Moresby, SME owners will still be facing the high cost of services and slow profits.

The World Economic Forum 2023, held in Davos, Switzerland. (Picture by World Economic Forum)

Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Semoso Elected

The Autonomous Bougainville Region has voted in their first woman representative into the National Parliament.

Pangu candidate, Francesca Semoso, has been declared member elect for the North Bougainville Open seat after passing the absolute majority.

Semoso collected 14,851 votes after the 15th exclusion round passing the absolute majority of 14,164 votes.

Bougainville President Ismael Toroama was among the first leaders to congratulate Semoso. He highlighted that Semoso is not new to tthe political environment in Bougainville.

“The Hon. Francesca Semoso is a strong advocate of social issues, and progressive development. And an even stauncher advocate of Bougainville’s desire for political independence from Papua New Guinea. She will champion Bougainville’s Independence aspirations on the floor of the National Parliament to the best of her ability,” said Toroama.

The North- Bougainville Open seat was left vacant following the death of former member, William Nakin last July.

Toroama said for more than a year the people of North Bougainville were deprived of the right of representation in the National Parliament.

“I am glad that the people of North Bougainville finally have a National Member of Parliament, who will represent North Bougainville in the 11th National Parliament of Papua New Guinea,” Toroama said.

Semoso was one of the four female candidates who contested the seat. She becomes the third women elected into the 11th Parliament.

Autonomous Region of Bougainville

North Bougainville By-Elections

By Inside PNG 24/10/2023

Counting for the North Bougainville by-election is into the quality checks now after the completion of primary counts.

This follows a temporary suspension after concerns that transparent counting was not done right.

Results after progressive count number eight are as follows for the top five candidates,

Lauta Atoi -477
Francesca Semoso – 320
Noel Sarei -113
Jeffrey Magum- 67
Martin Takali -17

Counting is down in Buka. At least four women are in this race.

The by-election of the North Bougainville Seat follows the passing of former member William Nakin in July 2022.

Since the formation of the 11th National Parliament, the people of North Bougainville has been without a representative on the floor of National Parliament.

Courtesy: NBC Buka

News

President Novak to Visit

Hungarian President, Katalin Novak is scheduled to fly into Port Moresby on 25th October, and travel to Putiliu Island in Manus province.

She will be welcomed by a 21-gun salute upon her arrival at 5pm this Wednesday and she will be received by PNG Prime Minister, James Marape.

“We look forward to President Novak’s visit, and will do our utmost best to ensure that she is given a warm welcome. We will give Her Excellency the full treatment as we have given to every Head of State and Head of Government who has visited PNG,” said Marape.

Novak and 25 of her delegate will travel to Manus province to pay tribute to the martyred Hungarian missionary, Maria Molnar.

Molnar had served and lived among the people of Pitulu island prior to World War II.

The state visit of the Hungarian President follows the announcement of Hungarian High Commissioner to PNG, Zsolt Csenger-Zalan who met with Governor General, Grand Chief, Sir Bob Dadae in September.

Marape says the visit by president Novak’s visit consolidates PNG’s consolidates the new and engaging relationship forged between the PNG and Hungary.

“Hungary is an established country in Europe, within the European Union, and President Novak’s visit consolidates our relationship with Hungary.

President Novak will be visiting Papua New Guinea with 25 members of her delegation.

She will depart PNG this Friday.

Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Identifying Marine Boundaries

Teams conducting the Coastal Water Survey in Bougainville have been deployed to all three districts in the Region.

The survey is vital as it will allow the transfer of fisheries powers from the National Fisheries Department, to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and will be carried out within three nautical miles in Bougainville.

This move is considered a significant progress towards Bougainville’s political aspirations, especially in defining territorial sovereignty and rights through the reference coordinates for baseline, internal waters and coastal waters.

It is being facilitated through the ABG Department of Primary Industries & Marine Resources, the National Fisheries Authority, the National Department of Justice and Attorney General, the National Maritime Safety Authority and the Geoscience Energy & Maritime (GEM) Division of Pacific Community (SPC).

The findings of this survey will help Bougainville in mapping its coastal hazards or disasters such as tsunamis in coastal communities.

The Coastal Waters Survey is aligned with the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for formalizing maritime boundaries. By aligning with UNCLOS, this enhances Bougainville’s standing on the international stage.

Being a martime region, the ABG believes this survey will enhance maritime services, regulate shipping, and boost economic development

An additial bonus the survey gives the maritime benefits, is that the Coastal Water Survey adds value for future land demarcation, paving way for development, including road infrastructure projects

Coastal Water Survey | Identifying Marine Boundaries | Inside PNG News

Business

World Indigenous Business Forum

Port Moresby will host the World Indigenous Business Forum from 24th October to 26th October, for the first time. Attracting more than 500 delegates from across the globe.

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has planned a grand opening ceremony. It will be staged from 5pm to 9pm tonight at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to mark the launching.

The World Indigenous Business Forum presents a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange and economic collaboration. Offering the chance to tap into the vibrant and diverse market landscape of Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape, while extended a warm welcome to 150 international delegates from 14 countries. He encouraged Papua New Guinean businesses to attend and meet with international businesses, showcase their produce and be part of the indigenous business owners network.

Marape also extended a warm welcome to executives of the World Indigenous Business Forum. He also thanked them for having confidence in Papua New Guinea to host the 2023 event.

“We extend a warm invitation to indigenous business delegates from around the world to explore the opportunities and partnerships available in Papua New Guinea.” Marape said.

This gathering of indigenous business owners is organised by the PNG Government. Under the leadership of Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru. In collaboration with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).

“We are blessed with an unparalleled marine biodiversity. Serving as the world’s foremost breeding ground for tuna, supplying 60 percent of the global market.

Marape, while extending his warm welcome to the international delegates, also extended an invitation for them to consider investing in Papua New Guinea.

“I welcome you all to the most diverse indigenous country in the world. A place that combines the rich cultural tapestry of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian traditions. With a vibrant embrace of Christianity,” said Marape.

Marape said PNG stand as the Pacific’s gateway to the flourishing Asian markets.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/farewell-cook-islanders/

Rugby League

Farewell Cook Islanders

It’s a rare sight to see rugby teams of Pacific countries coming together to share a meal off of the rugby field.

But that was what happened in Port Moresby yesterday when PNG Prime Minister, James Marape hosted a warm and culturally enriched dinner for PNG Kumuls, Fiji Batis, and Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams.

The dinner served as a farewell kaikai for the Cook Islands’ men’s and women’s teams. Who spent two memorable weeks in Port Moresby participating in the Pacific Championship Bowl tournament.

Marape thanked and acknowledged the Cook Islands and Fiji Rugby League Teams for their participation and stay in Port Moresby.

“The contacts that you make today are the ones you will keep forever. We appreciate that you have spent two weeks with us. Take the memories of Papua New Guinea with you as you return home. And consider visiting us again in the future,” Marape told the players.

The Fijian side will still be in country to prepare for their match against PNG this coming weekend.

Marape, while speaking to the players emphasized the potential collaboration between PNG and the Pacific Islands. Asserting that if PNG succeeds in securing its bid for the 18th Australian NRL team, Pacific players will be an integral part of the team, based out of PNG.

“As Cook Islands leave, we thank you, on behalf of the entire 800 plus tribes of Papua New Guinea, including the Motu-Koita people on whose land we stay today,” Marape added.

Speaking as the big brother nation, Marape emphasised the sense of unity among Pacific Island countries.

“We regard the visiting teams as family, and all of us are part of one Pacific,” Marape remarked.

Marape believes the long-lasting friendships and contacts forged during this tournament will be treasured by the players.

” To the young players, he offered words of encouragement, highlighting their promising future in rugby league,” Marape concluded.

Farewell Cook Islanders — PNG Prime Minister James Marape with the Cook Islands Womens team.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/more-matches-for-pacific-islanders/

News

China to Give K50 Million

China will make available a K50 million in grant following Prime Minister, James Marape’s attendance at the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Marape said the funding will go straight into the construction of business and technical facilities in selected secondary schools in the country.

“This will complement the government’s drive to have secondary school students learn business and trade skills,” said Marape

The government says this will place school leavers at an advantage when they leave school, they will be able to start their own small businesses from the knowledge and skills they have received, whether in agriculture, tourism, cookery, bakery, carpentry, auto mechanic or whatever technical skills they have picked up.

“I thank the Chinese Government for this grant as this is one of results that has arrived at the back of this visit,” Marape said.