In the aftermath of unprecedented violence, Papua New Guinea’s retail giant, CPL Group, has been left reeling. Founder Sir Mahesh Patel, who dedicated nearly four decades to building this business, now confronts a grim reality as multiple outlets lay in ruins…
InsidePNG sat down with Sir Mahesh Patel as he shared on what he called “one of the darkest days” in the history of Papua New Guinea’s Capital City, Port Moresby…
Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea (PNG) yesterday extended an official welcome to Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold company, marking its acquisition of all Newcrest operations in PNG.
In a joint press conference with Mr. Peter Toth, Chief Development Officer of Newmont, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the significance of this corporate transaction. Which now places the world’s top two gold companies, Newmont and Barrick, in PNG.
“It adds value to Papua New Guinea’s global branding as an investment destination,” said Marape. “What this country effectively has now is the world’s No. 1 gold company.”
The Prime Minister also revealed that Newmont has agreed to establish its headquarters in PNG and will conduct an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange, enabling PNG residents to buy shares to the value of K100 million.
In the same conference, Prime Minister Marape provided an update on the Wafi-Golpu Mine project in Morobe. Indicating that the government expects to make a major announcement regarding the project at the upcoming PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference in Sydney, Australia, next month.
“We’re now at the stage where the principle of what constitutes the Mine Development Contract (MDC) and Special Mining Lease (SML) is waiting to be agreed upon,” said Marape. “We want to have these two key documents ready at the same time, and we’re hoping that at the December Mining and Petroleum Conference, we will make an announcement to the market.”
The Wafi-Golpu project, now controlled by Newmont, has a 36-month timeline to reach a Final Investment Decision. Marape expressed his confidence in the process, pointing to the successful collaboration between stakeholders in establishing an MDC and SML for the Porgera Mine in Enga.
Marape thanked Wafi-Golpu partners Harmony, Newmont, and Kumul Mineral Holdings for their commitment to the project and emphasized the importance of adhering to the agreed timeline. He also called for increased local employment and content, with preference for nationals over expatriates, and encouraged the procurement of goods and services within PNG to stimulate the local economy.
Earlier: https://insidepng.com/marape-welcomes-ramu-nickel-expansion-plans/
Calls by Koiari Landowners for the reinstatement of Obed Batia has been echoed by the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC).
The Trade Union Congress made the call to reinstate Obed Batia as CEO for PNG Power Limited (PPL).
The demand comes amidst mounting controversies around PPL’s management and the alleged government interference.
Anton Sekum, Acting General Secretary of PNGTUC said in a statement that the National Executive Council’s (NEC) decision to align PPL’s employment contracts with the provisions of the Essential Services Act, without declaring a state of emergency, points to “ulterior motives”. Sekum questioned why the policy specifically targets PPL employees, while other essential service providers are unaffected.
Sekum also criticized the replacement of experienced PPL staff with less experienced personnel. Claiming that the subsequent termination of employment, intimidation, and reduction of employee benefits are demotivating factors that could lead to decreased productivity.
The forced resignation of Obed Batia, along with the signing of new employment contracts prohibiting union affiliation, has received particular attention. The PNGTUC has called for Batia’s reinstatement, arguing that these actions will not help turn PPL around.
Furthermore, Sekum highlighted that the frequent power blackouts have worsened. Since the NEC-backed intervention program began at the start of the year.
Speculation continues over a K1 billion loan from a syndicate of lenders, funded in December 2022. Which will reportedly be appropriated in the 2024 budget to rehabilitate PPL. Sekum questioned why the proceeds from this loan was not included in the 2023 budget. Suggesting that parking public funds with Limited Companies could allow for disbursement outside the oversight of government apparatus.
In a call to action, Sekum urged the government to reinstate Batia, dismiss the current PPL board and its chairman, and adopt a fresh approach to resolving PPL‘s issues.
This situation continues to evolve, with the stakeholders eagerly waiting for the government’s response.
Further investigation into the fatal car accident on Magi Highway has revealed that the individual associated with the police jacket found at the scene is an officer attached to the media unit of the Police Headquarters.
Central Police Commander, Laimo Asi has established contact with the officer, who has agreed to surrender to the Central Police Commander’s office tomorrow morning (2nd, October).
The revelation of the officer’s involvement has added a new dimension to the ongoing investigation. It raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the accident and the responsibility of the officer in question.
Commander Asi expressed his commitment to resolving the matter diligently and ensuring a transparent investigation.
The surrender of the officer will allow for further questioning and necessary legal procedures to take place.
A tragic car accident occurred last night, near March Girls Resort, Gaire Village, along the Magi Highway in Central Province. The incident happened between 10-11pm, claiming the lives of a young couple in their early 30s and leaving another injured.
According to sources on the ground, the young couple were hit by the vehicle while walking along the roadside, killing the woman upon impact. Sources say the man died while being rushed to Port Moresby General Hospital.
The vehicle allegedly responsible for the accident is a private vehicle.
Eyewitnesses allege that the driver and passengers of the private vehicle, who fled the scene, were potentially police personnel. A claim based on the recovery of a police jacket from the vehicle. The jacket is currently in the custody of village elders. Villagers are demanding the presence of authorities and leaders to address the situation.
In response, villagers have set up a roadblock at the accident site and are demanding compensation for the tragic event.
The Central Provincial Police Commander, Laimo Asi, has been contacted by InsidePNG for a statement regarding the incident.
Commander Asi is aware of the accident and confirmed that an investigation is already underway.
Commander Asi clarified that the vehicle involved in the accident is not a police vehicle. The discovery of the police jacket within the vehicle is seen as a significant point of controversy and is subject to further investigation.
Commander Asi called on the local community not to take the law into their own hands. He urged them to trust the police to conduct their investigation thoroughly, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement.
“We understand the frustration and the pain,” said Asi. “However, it’s crucial that we trust the process and allow the investigation to take its course.”
In the meantime, the road block has been cleared after police addressed locals around 2:35pm.
LINDY Suharupa was quietly laid to rest in Tomarata village in the Sohe District of Northern Province, Papua New Guinea on the 10th of September 2023.
The burial was witnessed by her family, her village and close friends.
“Lindy Suharupa” was a name synonymous to the nightly 6pm news on the self acclaimed “number one to watch” television station, EMTV.
Like many journalists before her, she proudly walked into that newsroom five days a week and most often clocked out, way after 4:06pm.
Her husband, Micheal Naiye said she was simply married to her job.
Her level of dedication saw her rise to the position of Executive Producer, a year after joining the renowned television station.
She sadly passed away on the 26th of August 2023, following a severe asthma attack.
According to her family, it took the state owned company 10-days to get in touch with them.
The husband was asked to meet with the EMTV board, who gave K3000 cash from staff contributions.
The company said it could not help with repatriation. According to the management, Lindy had passed away over the weekend and not on official hours.
Lindy was also contributing to an insurance company fortnightly, however, the family was unable to claim these benefits. According to EMTV management, this is because she did not declare her condition when she started employment.
The grieving family held a press conference expressing their dismay over the company’s lack of remorse.
Suharupa’s husband explained that the family decided to go public in order to highlight EMTV’s lack of compassion and duty of care towards a member of its staff.
The management did not turn up at the “haus krai”.
“We want to raise awareness that the duty of care and compassionate response in the face of loss from EMTV is lacking, especially been a premier broadcaster in the country and a semi government owned company.
“From our experience with the late Lindy, we hope that this does not happen to journalists or other media practitioners in the media industry who lose their lives while serving and being a voice for the people.”
Lindy leaves behind her husband and two children.
Inside PNG’s efforts to get a response from EMTV concerning this matter, were denied.
Prime Minister James Marape lauded international schools (IEA Schools), for their remarkable contribution to the education sector in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Marape said these institutions have diligently served the nation’s citizens for 48 years, since independence, providing quality education that meets global standards.
He was speaking at the 48th Independence Anniversary celebration at Koroboro International School in Port Moresby.
PM Marape acknowledged the significant role international schools played in the country’s development. The event, themed: “Our Country; Many Cultures, Embrace Diversity”, epitomized the unity within PNG’s rich cultural diversity.
“Koroboro International School is an exemplar of the many educational institutions that have set a high bar for delivering quality education based on moral principles and values to our children,” PM Marape said.
The school, a proud member of the International Education Agency (IEA), has made significant strides in servicing the children of PNG.
Marape recognized the sacrifices made by parents who invest their resources to facilitate their children’s education at schools like Koroboro International. He hinted at a potential tax relief initiative for parents sending their children to IEA schools, reflecting the government’s commitment to the ‘No Child Left Behind’ policy.
PM Marape also addressed the need for a societal change in how girls and women are treated in the country. He urged male students to respect and protect the dignity of women, emphasizing their role as the bearers of the nation’s future generation.
In his Independence message, PM Marape urged all citizens to foster respect, care, and love for one another, reflecting the government’s commitment to unity and progress.
South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has announced its commitment to supporting the annual Goroka Show.
Aaron Japu, SPB Regional Sales Manager for the Highlands region, expressed the company’s dedication to the Goroka Show, which spans several decades. “SP Brewery has remained a steadfast sponsor of the Goroka Show, and we are honored to continue our support,” said Japu.
“This event is a vital platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea, and we are proud to be part of its journey.”
In line with their commitment to responsible consumption, SP Brewery will set up a dedicated booth at the show.
The booth aims to raise awareness about responsible alcohol consumption and promote safe behaviors among attendees. Showgoers above the legal drinking age of 18 are invited to visit the SP Brewery booth to engage in informative discussions about responsible drinking practices.
Additionally, the SP Lager Coaster Bus promotion will be highlighted at the event.
The Goroka Show, an event of cultural celebrations in Papua New Guinea, will be held from September 15th to 17th at the National Sports Institute in Goroka. Showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region, the event attracts both local residents and visitors from around the world.
Government officers and private contractors in Papua New Guinea have been equipped with enhanced project management skills in a recent comprehensive capacity-building training, as stated from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The training, part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, was designed to improve the quality and efficiency of transport infrastructure project management in the country.
The infrastructure sector is crucial to Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and connectivity.
The capacity-building workshop held in Wewak focused on Project Scheduling and Resource Planning, engaging a diverse group of participants, including key stakeholders, contractors and government officers involved in road construction.
The training aimed to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to use project management software such as Primavera and Microsoft Project, which are pivotal for effective scheduling and project planning in transport infrastructure projects. The workshop covered essential aspects of project management, including project lifecycle, planning, time management, work breakdown structure, resource allocation, project structure, organisation breakdown structure, cost management, risk management, monitoring and control, and reporting.
The capacity-building initiative was attended by 20 participants from government agencies, private contractors, and development partners. One of the participants, Mr Sani Sani, Project Engineer from Sani Construction Limited, praised the training, stating that it was an “eye-opener” and the skills they acquired would be valuable in their work.
Key takeaways from the training included enhanced project efficiency, improved decision-making, timely project delivery, resource optimization, and fostering collaboration. Participants learned to use Primavera and Microsoft Project to optimize resource allocation, streamline workflow processes, and make data-driven decisions.
The ILO, under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of skills and capacities in Papua New Guinea’s transport infrastructure sector.
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. Implemented as a UN Joint Programme with FAO as the leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF, and UNDP as partners, it aims to enhance sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas and improve the efficiency of value chain enablers.
A significant breakthrough has been reached in the long-standing probe into the controversial 2014 state loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is set to issue arrest warrants for a number of individuals implicated in the case, following an exhaustive 18-month investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions, including Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Australia.
The charges are a direct result of the work of the Proceeds of Crime Task Force, a special unit established by the RPNGC to investigate the UBS loan.
“The charges that are about to be laid are covered by the Criminal Code Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act,” said Commissioner of Police, David Manning. The alleged offences are described as “extremely serious”, depriving Papua New Guinea citizens of substantial public funds.
Former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill was arrested following the Inquiry into the UBS loan in June on allegations of giving false information during the inquiry.
InsidePNG has reached out to Peter O’Neill who said he will not comment as the case is before the court.
In a stern warning, Commissioner Manning stated that any attempts to spark social unrest in response to these arrests would be met with swift and resolute action, potentially leading to additional charges. He called on the public to act responsibly and be prepared for potential disturbances.
He also emphasised that those charged would have their day in court, allowing justice to take its course. “Individuals charged will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court as part of due process,” Manning said.
The individuals involved in the UBS loan scandal stand accused of a massive breach of public trust and abuse of government office. “No one is above or beyond the reach of the law,” the Commissioner declared, adding that the police will “fearlessly execute their constitutional duties in the service of our country.”
The Proceeds of Crime Task Force, made up of members of the Fraud Squad, forensic auditors, and other specialist experts, has been instrumental in uncovering the alleged offences.
The upcoming arrests follow the completion of the ‘Royal Commission of Inquiry into processes and procedures followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea in obtaining the offshore loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and related transactions,’ which concluded in March 2022 with a final report.