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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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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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Politics

Sawang Misses Out

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Kessy Sawang, Rai Coast MP

One of only two women members of Parliament, Kessy Sawang narrowly missed out on a ministry as the new cabinet was made known today.

Prime Minister, James Marape said, she could have been considered if her party numbers permitted and provincial number allowed.

“She’s (Kessy Sawang) in the mix. I’ve consulted her and she was gracious with her words,”

“She said whether Minister or not I’m here to offer services,” PM Marape said when he contacted the MP.

All provinces who have representatives in the Pangu led coalition where given two ministries each.

The two continuing ministers from Madang where returned their jobs with Madang MP and single member of the Allegiance party in the coalition, Bryan Kramer as Minister for Labor and Immigration while Pangu man, Jimmy Uguro was re-awarded the Education portfolio.

“This was not an accidental pick or for political rearrangement. The leaders are placed to the structures we have in place now to secure our country and improve the economy,” Marape added.

Two provinces missed out in the ministry distributions including the two-seat Manus province as well as the Prime Minister’s beloved Hela province.

Mr Marape added, citizens should move away from the Western view of women representation in parliament.

“I want to encourage our Papua New Guineans to think away from the gender issue.”

“The Ministers here represent our people and we represent the women as well,” Marape said.

The 9th parliament saw women MPs hold office of minister. In 2017 no women were elected into Parliament, now there are two.

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Politics

Agriculture Reform Centre

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Major changes in the agriculture sector herald an economic drive by government as it laid out its ministries and office bearers this afternoon.

Prime Minister, James Marape announced the new ministries which includes:

*Livestock,
*Oil palm,
*Coffee and,
*Agriculture.

Mr Marape says this will help streamline the job of the ministers concerned into specifics, so that the country’s produce can be enough to supply locally and meet global export demands.

The new look cabinet will also have a minister responsible for International Trade and Investment.

Other key changes in the cabinet make-up include reforms to police and correctional services which will now come under one ministry which is International Security.

All other ministries remain the same with little or no changes in the 33 ministry National Executive Council.

With 32 already occupied, the only other ministry yet to be filled is Bougainville Affairs.

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Politics

President Toroama Congratulates PM Marape

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Toroama-Marape

PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Regional of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama has extended a word congratulations to Member for Tari-Pori, James Marape on his election into Prime Ministership.

In the same fashion, the Bougainville President also congratulated Member for Manus, Job Pomat for being re-elected as Speaker of the Papua New Guinea House of Parliament.

In a statement, Toroama said the 11th National Parliament will play a pivotal role in determining Bougainville’s ultimate political future when it ratifies the 2019 Bougainville Independence Referendum Results.

In 2019, 97.7 per cent of Bougainvilleans voted for political independence from Papua New Guinea.

Since Toroama’s inauguration as President of Bougainville in 2020, both he and Prime Minister Marape built a rapport based on trust and respect despite differing opinions on Bougainville’s political future.

Toroama stated that the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement has been clear on how both the ABG and Government of PNG must implement its provisions on Bougainville’s political future.

Adding that there are no short cuts and that the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement must be done according to the existing legislative frameworks on peacebuilding on Bougainville.

The Bougainville President stated that he looks forward to implanting the BPA with Prime Minister, James Marape the National Government.

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Politics

O’Neill Did Not Vote

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PM Marape

PNC Party Leader and former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill walked off the floor of Parliament moments before the election of the Prime Minister.

Earlier in the day, a three man Supreme Court bench refused an application by Mr. O’Neill to stay the Parliament Sitting.

Just before 4pm, Tari Pori MP, James Marape was elected Prime Minister for the 11th Government of Papua New Guinea unopposed with 97 votes to Nil.

Marape’s election as Prime Minister comes after Manus Open member-elect, Job Pomat was voted in as Speaker unopposed.

Marape was escorted down to the Government House at Konedobu and sworn in as Prime Minister.

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Politics

Pomat Voted Unopposed as Speaker of 11th Parliament

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Member for Manus, Job Pomat has not only been re-elected as the Member for Manus but also as the Speaker for the 11th Parliament.  

Pomat was nominated by Gulf Governor, Chris Haiveta.

With no other nominations, Member elect for Madang Open Brian Kramer called for the close of nominations.  The Clark of Parliament Mr Kala Aufa then declared Mr Pomat the Speaker of the 11th Parliament unopposed.  

As is tradition, a man dressed in traditional attire stands beside the Speaker’s Chair and beats the drum as part of the announcement.  

Pomat was then escorted by a jolly Chris Haiveta and Governor for Hela, Philip Undialu to the Speaker’s Chair.  

“Honorable Members, mi laik kisim displa taim, tok bikpla hamamas tru, long thankim parliament givim mi displa bikpla honor, olsem Speaker blong displa 11th Parliament”.  

[Translation: “Honorable members, I would like to take this time, to thank the parliament for giving me the greatest honor of being the Speaker of the 11th Parliament.“]

Following a short speech, the Clerk of Parliament then announced that the Mase which has been placed under the table has been raised to the top of the table following the election of the Speaker and the beating of the kundu drum.  

“Honorable Members, the mace which has been placed under the table has been raised to the top after the beating of the garamut, signifies that the Parliament is in session with the Speaker elect presiding.” 

A Mace is a symble of authority that is placed on the table in Parliament when the Speaker is in Chair.  Pomat then adjourned the parliament for a few minutes to allow for his official swearing in  at the Office of the Governor General. 

He later returned to Parliament to chair the nominations for the Prime Minister’s seat among others.  Job Pomat was first elected to the 8th Parliament in 2007 under People’s National Congress Party.

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National Elections

Ghate Bows out of NGE 2022 Race with Gratitude

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Incumbent Member for Daulo and caretaker Minister for Environment Conservation and Climate Change, Pogio Ghate has thanked the people of Daulo, Eastern Highlands Province for the mandate accorded to him in the last five years.

The Pangu candidate made this remark following his exclusion in the 2022 National General Election.

“Its the people’s choice to elect new leader, it’s not my birthright or anyone else to claim the seat, I respect the other fifty-six contestants of Daulo and wish them good luck,” said Ghate.

Ghate thanked the Incumbent, James Marape for three things:

1) Visiting the Daulo district,

2) According him a portfolio to oversee in spite of the short time frame and,

3) Having confidence in his leadership.

“As the out going MP for Daulo, I take this time to congratulate my successor.

“I did what I can to the best of my ability in service delivery despite the covid-19 pandemic in the country. I have no regrets and I am now a happy free man moving on,” Ghate expressed.

I also congratulate those who retain their seats and newcomers as well. Wishing them good luck to form government,” Ghate said.

“I delivered more services to my people than other district did in two years when Pangu took the government in 2019 and I and have no regrets at any cost despite three years wasted in court battle,” he said.

Under Ghate’s leadership, the Daulo DDA created the Daulo Civil Works and Daulo Fresh Produce.

“Two companies for the people of Daulo to benefit from and some projects that I left due to the my limited timing are now in your power,” he said.

Wishing you all the best and good luck, Ghate said.

The Pangu candidate acknowledged Finschhafen MP elect, Rainbo Paita for assistance while being a Minister for National Planning.

Ghate also expressed his concern about the election in Daulo District.

“Most of the candidate and their supporters accused us of foul play, with properties destroyed, and two innocent supporters kidnapped,” said Ghate.

But the outgoing MP forgave those who accused him stating he is looking forward to helping the new MP and completing ongoing development projects initiated under his leadership.

“As I bow out, I would like to thank all the Pangu team for the support especially incumbent Prime Minister and Tari Pori MP elect, James Marape.

He thanked his supporters for maintaining peace and order despite false accusation, critics and violence in Daulo electorate.

Ghate was eliminated on the 6th position. A new MP for Daulo is expected to be declared as counting and exclusions continues.

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National Elections

O’Neill Extends PNC’s Support to Alternate PM

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Former Prime Minister and PNC leader, Peter O’Neill says he is ready to support any leader as an alternate Prime Minister.

“I am quite happy to spend my time focused on Ialibu Pangia and home Province of Southern
Highlands,” Mr O’Neill said in a statement.

He continued, “This creates space for young, dynamic leaders from within our People’s National
Congress Party and all parties to step up and form Government”.

He said he gives his party’s full support.

“You will have my 100% support and I ask nothing special in return,” the member-elect for Ialibu Pangia said.

The PNC leader said the formation of government is not about only him and Pangu Pati leader, James Marape.

“I encourage leaders who have been elected properly and who are genuinely interested in rescuing PNG from the economic and social chaos Marape has plunged the country into the past three years, to consider putting their hand up for the top job,” he said.

With a day left till the Return of Writs and declarations wind down the 2022 National Parliament election, PNC and Pangu are clearly the front-runners to dictate who forms the next government.

Many parties have given their support to the ruling party while none have openly expressed support to PNC.

“Genuine leaders do not want another five years like the last three,” Mr O’Neill added.

While the camps muscle up before a show of numbers on the floor of parliament, the political affair between O’Neill and Marape were not always about blame and accusations.

In 2017 around this time, Marape was part of the PNC camp in Alotau that delivered the Prime Ministership on the floor, a seat he later reclaimed following a Vote of No Confidence.

Pangu, with its current numbers and coalition partners look set to form Government, however, the true outcome will be revealed on the floor of Parliament.

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National Elections

Marape: “Marat A Dignified Leader”

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Tari Pori MP and leader of Pangu Party, James Marape has described ousted Rabaul MP, Dr Allan Marat as a dignified leader. He said Dr Marat showed true leadership by accepting defeat and commending his successor, Graham Piniau Rumat.

“He lost by three votes and did not ask for a recount. Dr Marat showed maturity and I praise his style of leadership,” said Marape.

The Pangu Party leader said the action taken by Dr Marat is a living example to our young generation of leaders. Marape said accepting defeat is not easy for many of us.

“The Office we hold is not our birthright. The people of Rabaul have spoken and Dr Marat as a leader has applauded this,” said Marape.

It’s a good reflection and testimony to all of us. We all must learn from this and be inspired because Dr Marat is one political character you will hardly find, said Mr Marape.

Marape added that leaders are mandated by people.

“Public office is not anyone’s birthright or inheritance, it’s a public space appointed by people”, said PM Marape.

The Pangu leader further mentioned that in every election there is always a giant slayer.

“It just happened to be the case for the Rabaul Open Seat; the Member elect, Graham Piniau Rumat is one in Papua New Guinea’s political arena,” said Marape.

The Pangu leader said Rumat has been chosen by the people of Rabaul and deserves the respect of a leader.

Mr Marape said the new member for Rabaul is expected to be in Port Moresby and will be joining the other Pangu declared leaders before heading over to Wewak for camp.

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