The day after independence, Prime Minister James Marape flew into his electorate to inspect sections of the Ambua road linking Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.
This section of the Highlands Highway is part of the national government’s Connect PNG road campaign in the country.
Marape said the road will leads to Hides Gas and wa used to carry the construction phase of the Liquified Natural Gas project.
“This road cannot be understated because of the fact that last year, this project delivered K7 billion in all, said Marape.
He said the road remains and important linking for more than 400,000 people in Hela but connects people in Western and West Sepik on one end and Hela and Southern Highlands on the other.
Marape was accompanied by Works Secretary, David Wereh.
Prime Minister James Marape visits road works between Hiri-Lai connecting Hela and Southern Highlands provinces. He was accompanied by Works Departmental Head David Wereh.
The first joint maritime patrol between Papua New Guinea and United States concluded after a 10 day surveillance within PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
It included members of the PNGDF’s Maritime Element, National Fisheries Authority, PNG Customs and US Coast Guards on board USCGC Myrtle Hazard.
Captain of the USCGC, Myrtle Hazard, Lieutenant Jalle Merritt after completing the first leg said they were very excited to establish firm connections with state agencies.
“During the most recent patrol we embarked on, two customs officers were Abel to get to work right away and it’s been really great and we are excited about the future partnerships,” said Lt. Merritt.
The first joint maritime patrol follows the Ship Rider’s Agreement between the two countries signed in June and aims at strengthening regional security and resource management in PNG’s EEZ.
Mathew Bunt from the US Embassy said through the Ship Rider’s Agreement, PNG maritime law enforcement officers will be using US Coast Guard vessels to patrol PNG’s water.
“The US Coast Guard is providing the vessel, crew and other resources to help Papua New Guinea enforce it’s maritime borders and defend it’s sovereignty, said Mr. Bunt.
From this maritime patrol, the law enforcement officers boarded four foreign fishing vessels targeting tuna and confirmed no violation.
With intensive planning sessions, it led to the enhanced use of maritime domain awareness tools and the development of strategies. A subject matter exchange on law enforcement took place aboard USCGC Myrtle Hazard, involving multiple PNG partner agencies. Cultural exchanges, including sharing customs, traditions, and histories.
First Secretary for Maritime Security, Sylvester Adema who met with the crew of USCGC Myrtle Hazard said it took a while to arrive at this agreement before it was operationalized.
“We had our two ship riders who embarked with the US Coast Guards and did the first mission. I guess it was an eyeopener and a successful mission and they came back with some positive information from that mission,” said Secretary Adema.
The operations, led by Papua New Guinea and supported by the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Coast Guard upon invitation from the PNG Government, reinforced the importance of the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Prime Minister James Marape said reflecting on the nationwide festivities, the 48th Independence Anniversary was well celebrated throughout the country.
The Independence Celebration throughout the country was observed starting on Friday, 15th September.
In Port Moresby, hundreds gathered at the Independence Hill to watch the traditional flag raising ceremony.
Marape explained that, out of respect for the Sabbath, he chose not to address the Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence Hill.
“Yesterday, I placed God first on behalf of our country. Instead of being at Independence Hill, I dedicated my time to meditation and prayer as a Sabbath keeper, honoring God as our creator. My devotion to my country remains unwavering. I stand firm in my convictions to both God and the people of Papua New Guinea,” said Marape.
He said from reports they received, the Independence Day celebrations were excellent in every corner of our beautiful country.
“I want to commend every Papua New Guinean for their unwavering support over the last 48 years. We have encountered numerous challenges, but the future holds great promise. Yesterday, we stood united as one people, one nation, and one country, from Bougainville to the Western regions. I express my sincere gratitude to every citizen for their incredible turnout, their zeal, patience, and profound love for our nation,” said Marape
He added, “As PNG approached the 49th anniversary next year and look ahead to our 50th anniversary in 2025, let us continue to stand united for the betterment of our nation. Together, we can bring about positive change”.
A cop shop established in Hanuabada will provide reservist police working in the big village an office space to address law and order related issues.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silver Sika said the initiative is the brainchild of the Motu Koitabu Local Level Government and supported by the NCD & Central Divisional Command.
“NCD Metropolitan police units will provide assistance to members of the MK Reserve unit as and when required at all times,” said Met Sup Sika.
NCD Central Commander, Anthony Wagambie Junior said the event as a gift for the Motuan people on the eve of the country’s 48th Independence anniversary.
Members of the MK Reserve unit had underwent some basic police training at the Bomana Police College and will be expected to serve the Motuan community well in their capacity as law enforcement officers.
“The MKRU will clamp down on all forms of illicit activities affecting the community in this part of the city, mainly, production and sale of home brewed alcohol, drugs, armed hold ups, and so forth,” said Wagambie
Wagambie also urged the Motuan people to work closely with the MKRU and the Constabulary as a whole in maintaining law and order in their community.
The establisment of the Cop shop comes years after police were banned from entering Hanuabada village due to the killing of two men from Hanuabada allegedly by Port Moresby police since 2015.
At least 20,000 people living in the West Coast of Bougainville will see spin off benefits from the maintenance of the Siara-Korepovi Road.
The construction and sealing of the long-neglected West Coast road is desired to create economic opportunities.
Funded by the Office of the Regional Member through the Bougainville Government, the improved road service gives an opportunity for subcontractors to do minor road works.
ABG‘s Minister for Technical Services, Joseph Mona said the Bougainville Government has plans to build a whalf and set up communication towers to facilitate communication services.
ABG’s Minister for Technical Services, Joseph Mona.
Bougainville Regional Member and National Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili Junior said that road construction is the way to raise economic independence
“We have a lot of Economic liberation in the west coast, and I appeal to all stakeholders – people of West Coast, Mahari and Teua, the Technical Services, Contractors, business men and women of Mahari and Teua to stand together and let us work together with the developments happening within the west coast and change the West Coast,” he said.
Minister Tsiamalili encouraged local businesses to prepare for sub-contracting opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend to the community. He also called on the contractor RAIBRO Ltd to work diligently, respect the customs and cultures of the people of West Coast and ensure that the project is delivered according to standard.
“Business men and women of Mahari and Teua, if you have a truck, bulldozer or whatever company that Raibro can benefit from or you can benefit from Raibro, please register your companies and ensure your papers are in order so that you can access the opportunity to obtain sub contracts,” he said.
“I guarantee you will have sealed roads so I urge you all, young men and women, people of West Coast to work on the land and see that hard earned money that you want.”
Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama said Bougainville’s stand for an independent nation will never be compromised and his people have stood on the forefront of the battlefield to protect their people from oppressors, and they have stood yet again on the forefront to make peace.
“Our aspiration for independence is not merely based on figures on paper but it is based on the human struggle of people and our history. We recognize that the Bougainville Process is an ongoing process that remains to be settled by the legal framework that governs it.” said president Toroama.
Toroama’s reflection on Bougainville’s Independence comes on the eve of Papua New Guinea’s 48th year of Independence.
As Bougainville continues to endeavor on it’s own path to self-determination, Toroama acknowledged that they are still a part of Papua New Guinea.
“It is within these sentiments that I wish the Government and people of PNG happy celebrations on the eve of the 48th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s Independence. By the grace of God, Papua New Guinea and Bougainville can mutually coexist as brothers defined only by an international border in the near future,” he said.
Toroama said the Late Great Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare had always described Bougainville as an integral part of Papua New Guinea and that statement could not be any truer.
“During the formative years of this country, Bougainville and our political leaders played a vital role in securing and guaranteeing PNG’s independence on September 16, 1975,” said Toroama.
But as president of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama went on to say that was from a historical standpoint, it is undeniable that Bougainville was an integral part of Papua New Guinea.
“Our resources gave the economic guarantee for independence and the founding leaders supported Sir Michael through the establishment of governance systems that formed the basis of Papua New Guinea’s democracy,” said Toroama.
But Toroama said that was before Bougainville had an unjust war waged on them by the very institution sworn to protect their rights and civil liberties.
“It was sponsored by a regime so disillusioned by greed and plundering our rich resources it did not hesitate to wage a genocidal war against people who were only defending ourselves, our lands and our constitutional right to exist and express ourselves,” said Toroama.
He said while the Bougainville Civil War will forever remain a very dark period in Papua New Guinea’s history it serves as a powerful reminder to Bougainville that any government sworn to protect its people should never raise its hand against them in an act of war.
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.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape welcomed with a guard of honor by the students of Koroboro International School on their 48th Anniversary Independence Celebrations on their school grounds.
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.
Students dressed in traditional attire of the Prime Ministers’ own home province, Hela province.
Branch Heads and Directors within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force have been called before the General Board of Inquiry (GBOI) into the shooting death of two soldiers, the wounding of another soldier and a civilian.
Acting PNGDF Commander, Commodore Philp Polewara said Commanding Officers are to assist the Inquiry when their members who participated in the final Corporal Qualifying Course are called before the GBOI.
The inquiry intends to identify issues and gaps in the system and make appropriate recommendations for the improvements in PNGDF to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again,” said acting Commodore Polewara.
When the inquiry was launched on 18th August 2023, Prime Minister James Marape announced the sidelining of then PNGDF Commander, Major General, Mark Goina.
Marape had said Goina’s suspension does not imply any wrong doing on his part and the decision to have Goina suspended was to protect the independence and integrity of the GBOI.
“To affirm the integrity of PNGDF and also the integrity of the Commander (Goina)NEC took a decision to suspend Commander (Goina) under Section 6 (3) B of the Defence Act 1974 for three months, or until such a time when the General Board of Inquiry delivers its findings.
But internal PNGDF investigations revealed that Leading Seaman, Eric Gwale and Corporal Watata Kutegen were killed by high velocity ammunitions fired from within 40 meters.
Three soldiers were identified, and one has confused to firing the live ammunitions because he had it in his possession.
While the inquiry continues, the family of late Eric Gwale have laid him to rest in his home province in New Ireland. Gwale is survived by his wife and three sons.
Evaluation and Monitoring officers from the Autonomous Bougainville Government have been visiting development projects in the region to ensure smooth delivering of Bougainville projects.
Acting Deputy Chief Secretary for Strategic Planning and Policy, Stephanie Elizah, said such visits are important to see how resourced are effectively channelled towards the sustainable development projects.
“The primary objective of these monitoring visits is to conduct comprehensive assessments of all Bougainville Development Projects at the district level, closely examining their progress and ensuring strict adherence to established guidelines,” she Elizah.
These visits coordinated through the ABG’s Office of the Chief Secretary is desired to maintain transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources in the pursuit of Bougainville’s development objectives.
The team had visited 21 project sites including building and construction sites and economic development projects in several districts. The monitoring visits are part of the ABG’s annual performance review and reporting process.
This initiative is incorporated in the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027, which was launched recently in Awara.
Calls for a cabinet reshuffle has been made to Prime Minister James Marape to bring the best MPs from both sides of the house together.
Chuave MP James Nomane, made this remark when reflecting on how the government is addressing the socio-economic challenges in the country on the eve of PNG’s 48th Independence.
“In the last 12 months, the country’s socio-economic indicators have regressed. We just need to look at the lack of jobs, no medicine in hospitals, and the unprecedented crime wave. This is a reality check and an indictment on our ability to manage the nation’s affairs as its elected leaders,” said Nomane.
He said the government is yet to mitigate the PNG’s Youth Bulge Pandemic, create safer communities, leverage its geopolitical strengths for rapid growth, create mass employment through foreign direct investment and promote sustainable resource management that gives. immediate benefits to landowners.
“How can we expect our people to be more and do more when we have failed to create a conducive environment for them to grow, inspire, and succeed,” Nomane said.
He said the government cannot continue to pass the buck and must demonstrate total ownership of the multiple crises affecting the people; Economic stagflation, health system collapse, high attrition rates in the education sector, a weak electoral process, and an upsurge in violent crimes that threatens to spiral into anarchy.
“This Independence Day I call on the Prime Minister to put the country first and do a complete Cabinet reshuffle that brings the best of both government and opposition MPs together”, said Nomane.
