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Stanley Ove Jnr

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Missionaries of Peace and Love

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Pope Francis in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea.

Vanimo, West Sepik – As Pope Francis boarded the Australian Air Force C130 for Port Moresby yesterday evening, his last message to the people of Vanimo was – be missionaries of peace and love wherever you are.

In his three hour visit to Vanimo, the Pope highlighted the importance of being instruments of peace and love. He said Vanimo town is blessed with its natural beauty and the people must see this as a sign of harmony.

“The Lord entrusts this richness to you, so that you too may live united in harmony with him, and with your brothers and sisters, respecting our common home and looking after one another.

“Looking around us, we see the ‘sweetness’ of nature. Yet when we look to ourselves, we realize that there is an even more beautiful sight: that which grows in us when we love one another,” the Pope said.

Be missionaries of peace and Love wherever you are.
Faithfuls in Vanimo, waved the PNG flag as Pope Francis passed by.

The Pope further encouraged everyone to be missionaries of peace and love, saying that love can break barriers and end all despair.

“Jesus taught us this when he said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” Mt 22:35-40.

“In this way, we will increasingly form a great orchestra, able with its notes to recompose rivalries, to overcome divisions – personal, family and tribal, to drive out fear, superstition and magic from our hearts, to put an end to destructive behaviors such as violence, infidelity, exploitation, alcohol and drug abuse, evils which imprison and take away the happiness of so many of our brothers and sisters,” he said.

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Namah Commends Government

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Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah has commended the Marape-Rosso Government for delivering on its commitments made to the people of West Sepik Province.

Namah made these comments last week when a government delegation led by Ministers Rainbo Paita and Solan Mirisim were in Vanimo to launch the Sepik Coastal Highway Project and deliver funding for other projects in the province.

“I have helped formed governments when I was in the opposition, and in the last 12 years I have not seen any deliver on their commitments,” Namah said.

Funding of K53million was paid to the Provincial and District Treasuries for road projects and two hospital projects.

Out of the K53million, Nuku and Telefomin received a K10million each to construct two level 4 district hospitals. The remaining K33million will be put to improve road links between Aitape, Nuku, and Vanimo.

Namah added these investments will lead to more prospects for the province as it aims to fully utilize the PNG-Indonesian Border for more opportunities.

“For provinces to prosper, there must be government enablers, and this major investment is the right way to achieve this. I am with this government for taking development seriously,” Namah said.

The MP also announced that scoping for a Vanimo Hydro, Water, and Sanitation project has already started, and funding to deliver this project will be captured in next year’s national budget.

This also includes the Vanimo International Wharf project and the long-debated Vanimo Special Economic Zone Concept.

West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou, Finance and Planning Minister Rainbo Paita, Works and Highways Minister Solan Mirisim, and Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah during the launch of the Sepik Coastal Highway Project in Vanimo.
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Funds For Major Projects in West Sepik Province

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Finance and Planning Minister Rainbo Paita announced yesterday in Vanimo that the National Government is committed to delivering major projects in West Sepik Province.

Officiating the launch of the Sepik Coastal Highway, Minister Paita announced funding of key projects for the Province.

This includes major road works between Vanimo and Green River Station, the construction of the Vanimo International Wharf, and the upgrade of health facilities in Nuku and Telefomin District.

The Minister also presented funding for these projects;

  • K3million – Bewani to Imbio Road Sealing
  • K2million – Aitape to Lumi Road Sealing
  • K3million – Nuku to Aitape Road Sealing
  • K3million – Telefomin District Road Sealing
  • K3million – West Sepik Provincial Road Projects
  • K10million – Nuku Level 4 Hospital Upgrade
  • K10million – Telefomin Level 4 Hospital Upgrade.

Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah commended the Marape-Rosso Government for recognizing West Sepik in these major projects.

“Many past PMs have made commitments only and not delivered. This is the 1st of its kind for West Sepik and my people of Vanimo,”

“I see this Government is serious about developing PNG, and West Sepik is grateful to receive such investment,” Namah said.

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Connect PNG – Momase Economic Corridor Project Launch

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The National Government has officially launched works on the ‘Momase Economic Corridor’ of the Connect PNG Project.

The launch will see a major road upgrade and sealing of the Sepik Coastal Highway between West Sepik and Madang Province.

The West Sepik side will start from Wutung on the PNG-Indonesia Border to Aitape town. The project will also cover inland roads such as the Vanimo to Green River road, the Bewani to Imbio ring road, and the Lumi to Nuku road.

A government delegation led by Minister Rainbo Paita and Solan Mirisim was in Vanimo yesterday to launch the project with funding presented to contractors.

“This Government is serious about connecting PNG. For too long past governments have made commitments and nothing to show for it. We are here with the funding, work will start,” said Works and Highways Minister Solan Mirisim.

With the Connect PNG now officially legislated, successive Governments will be obliged to see this project complete by 2040.

For the next 5 years, the Government aims to connect the Momase and Highlands Regions to the Southern Region. This means, priority will be given to missing road links in rural areas, thus enabling government services to reach these communities.

“I must highlight that the Connect PNG Programme is a National Roads Infrastructure Development Programme implemented in all regions and provinces. In the medium term, the program aims to connect the Momase and Highlands Regions to the Southern Region through the Trans-National Highway by 2025,” Minister Mirisim said.

For the Sepik Coastal Highway, 10% of the total K139.85million project has been given to the contractor Green Hills Limited and China Railway to start works between Vanimo and Wewak town.

“Marape-Rosso Government recognizes the strategic importance of the Momase Economic Corridor road network and its huge potential to affect socio-economic development in the Momase Region and PNG as a whole,” Minister Mirisim said.

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PM Keen on Major Law Reforms by 2025

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The National Government will be working closely with the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) to address critical questions on the Constitution, the Laws and the systems that the country has been using since Independence.

This according to Prime Minister James Marape charts a new course for PNG heading into 50 years of Independence.

The PM made this known when appointing Okapa MP Saki Soloma as the new Chairman of CLRC.

“Our role specifically is to ask those critical questions and to conceptualize them into policies, and CLRC can further promulgate them into Law and hopefully Parliament can pass if it is in the wisdom of Parliament,” Marape said.

The PM highlighted the need for a review of the system of governance in the country and how a Prime Minister should be elected by the people and the Judiciary.

“Any substantial constitutional change we want to do must be with and by the people,” he said.

Another key question is the Autonomy of powers to Provincial Governments. The PM highlighted the experience of the Bougainville Referendum as a key point in history that CLRC can build on for future use.

Moreover, the Prime Minister did not brush aside the foundations set by past leaders. He said these laws have been with the country for 47 years, however, it is up to the current leaders to work on and improve them for future generations.

MP Soloma will work closely with CLRC Secretary Dr Mange Matui who said work has already begun on the development of the underlying law, the colonial laws and a major review of the form of Governance.

PM James Marape is the 1st Prime Minister to visit the office of the CLRC. He is flanked by MP Soloma and Secretary Matui (far-right). Picture by CLRC Media
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Business

Stop Waiting says, Local Business Owner

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As the country celebrated 47 years of independence, Jacob Kaupa, the owner and managing director of one of the country’s most successful companies has called on every citizen to stop waiting for free handouts from the government.

Kaupa runs the Pacific Corporate Security Limited (PCSL), one of the biggest security companies in the country with over a thousand employees in 7 provinces.

The private businessman started his business in 1997 however it took him almost 4 years to grow the company to what it is today.

Speaking during the company’s independence celebration in Port Moresby, Kaupa bluntly asked why many Papua New Guineans are still waiting for politicians for free handouts.

“Can we depend on the government and our elected leaders to solve our problems? We have waited for 47 years and are still waiting. How long can we wait for the government to create an enabling environment for citizens,” Kaupa said.

He shared from his experiences that nothing is free and in order to better ourselves, we have to do things ourselves.

“Use your employment as a transition point into starting your SME. You can do this by developing a savings culture, even if it means saying no and postponing cultural obligations,”

“Diversify your investment, pay off your debt and stop living on borrowed money. Learn how to budget and live within your means,” Kaupa said.

He said the right formula to be successful in these areas is to surround yourself with the right people.

“Spend more time with people who will add value to your life. Spend more time with people who will encourage you to achieve your dreams. I have tried it and it worked and I am sure it will work for you,” Kaupa said.

Mr Kaupa (left) was presented the 2022 Divine Word University Alumni of the Year Award. Picture – PCS Facebook Page
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Business

PNG Opens Seafood Facility in Singapore

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Papua New Guinea has opened its first-ever seafood holding facility in Singapore.

Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Jelta Wong was in Singapore today (15th September) to officially open the facility and described it as a great opportunity for the country to benefit.

“The future looks promising already and I must congratulate NFA for the foresight in putting together and supporting this innovative marketing arrangement,”

“I commend the NFA for finding and creating new and greater market opportunities for our people to access and benefit from,” Minister Wong said.

As PNG looks on to benefit from the growing Asian Market, Minister Wong said the Government is focused on strengthening trade and investment by working closely with foreign missions and development partners in the region.
“What we have done here in Singapore is to look at tapping the massive Chinese seafood market that PNG already has a fisheries market access agreement with,” said the Minister.

The facility will receive and store live mud crabs, lobsters, prawns and other inshore coastal fisheries products before they can be sold or distributed to buyers and retailers in Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian markets.

Local fisheries farms like the recently opened mud crab fattening farm in Abau, Central Province and others are targeted to benefit immensely from this initiative.

“It is pleasing to further note that, once the facility goes into full operation, it will be receiving live mud crab and seafood products from our people at the village or community level – such as the live mud crab fattening project that was recently launched in Gavuone village in Abau District,”

“It will also be receiving prawns caught by our village people within the 3mile zone in the Gulf of Papua, including other areas that are now being targeted by the NFA in promoting coastal fisheries development with more and more of our people participating directly,” Minister Wong said.

The demand for seafood was evident when an order of 500kg live mud crab was secured soon after the opening of the Zavath Seafoods facility.

Minister Wong and NFA delegates inspecting the storage facility. Picture by NFA Media
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Visit Vital For PNG-AUS Trade

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Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong will visit the country this Monday as part of her mission in the region.

The Minister in a statement said her visit is part of the important relationship Australia has with PNG.

“I will meet with Prime Minister the Hon. James Marape following his re-election, as well as my counterpart, the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and other members of PNG’s new cabinet” stated Wong.

Her visit comes at an opportune time when PNG is aiming to review a number of its foreign trade policies with its partner countries, especially Australia. Recently PM Marape stated that Australia must balance its trade with PNG and buy more PNG-Made exports.

“We want to move now into industrialisation by tapping into downstream processing of our natural resources,”

“Australia and PNG businesses have had a relationship for a long time and that is good but we need to reach new heights. With Australia as a place of export for our products, we have a huge trade imbalance where we import more from Australia and export less there,” said PM Marape.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Wong will also have a special audience with Central Governor Rufina Peter and Rai-Coast MP Kessy Sawang – the only two women elected into the 11th Parliament.

“I look forward to hearing views from PNG’s leaders and my priority will be to ensure we are pursuing our shared ambitions on the basis of trust, open communication and mutual support,” said Minister Wong.

The Minister will leave the country on Wednesday for Timo-Leste.  

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Wong Committed to New Ministry

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The member for Gazelle, Jelta Wong has pledged his commitment to serve the people of Papua New Guinea as the new Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources. After the swearing-in on Tuesday, Minister Wong highlighted the importance the Fisheries sector has on the economy, stating the commitment remains to create employment opportunities as well as protecting the fisheries stock from environmental damage.

“The Ministry for Fisheries and Marine Resources has a significant function for our country right now and into the future, as our marine resources must be managed properly and must be harvested in a sustainable way,” Wong added.

PNG has the largest fisheries zone in the South Pacific with a total value market estimated at K400million per year. However, it remains under-developed with no space for downstream processing and tangible support for local markets to survive.

Inspection of the new Sand Fish Hatchery in Kimbe, West New Britain Province. Since 2019, NFA has opened a number of enabling infrastructures to support local markets. Picture By NFA Media

“As Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, it is clear that there is a lot of heavy lifting ahead in the coming weeks, months and years.”

“Over the past three years our Government under Prime Minister Marape has sought to implement long-overdue reforms in the sector, but much of this work was undermined by the interruption of the pandemic,” the Minister said.

With a Fisheries Strategic Plan for 2021-2030 already in place, it provides PNG with the opportunity to adapt to the changing global economy in the fisheries sector. And sustainability is one key area in achieving that goal for the country.”

“Considering the needs of our future generations is also a reason that I intend to lead a crackdown on illegal fishing in our waters. The Prime Minister has indicated his support for the expanded export of sustainably harvested fresh seafood to global markets.”

“We will also work with investors under this plan to value-add in the processing of our tuna and other seafood in our own production facilitates,” said Minister Wong.  

Minister Wong will serve his 2nd term in Parliament and has previously held office as the Police, Health and State-Owned Enterprises Minister.

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

ABG Rejects Nationwide Consultation

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The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has rejected Prime Minister James Marape’s statement calling for a nationwide consultation on Bougainville’s 2019 Referendum for Independence results. The ABG’s response is to Prime Minister James Marape’s inaugural statement delivered when he was elected as Prime Minister on August 9th.

The ABG maintains that ratification of the 2019 Referendum will be done by the National Parliament and does not require the citizens of Papua New Guinea to consult on the matter.

ABG Attorney General and Minister for Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation Ezekiel Masatt clarified that there is no legal basis for the proposed nationwide consultation as Prime Minister Marape alluded to. Masatt highlighted the provisions of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement which called for a referendum and the results to be discussed in Parliament alone.

“Per the requirements of the same laws, the ABG and the National Government are the only two parties that will consult the overwhelming 97.9 per cent outcome of the referendum, there is no mention of a nationwide consultation on the matter,” said Minister Masatt.

Masatt said it has become clear that the National Government lacks the institutional memory to fully understand the intentions of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement and urged the National Government to stick to the agreements reached by both Governments in the joint consultations.

“It has been agreed that independence will be no earlier than 2025 and no later than 2027. Let me make it absolutely clear, that Bougainville will be independent,” Masatt stated.

Prime Minister James Marape during his inaugural speech on August 9th.

Meanwhile Prime Minister James Marape is yet to appoint a Minister for Bougainville Affairs. In the last three and a half years, the office was held by four different MPs including the Prime Minister himself. However, when announcing his 2022 Cabinet yesterday, the Prime Minister said Bougainville needs a full-time Minister who will commit to the cause on Bougainville. Marape added a Minister will be appointed in the coming weeks.  

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