The last man standing and founding father Sir Julius Chan has expressed sadness about the current government violating the constitution. Sir Julius emphasized that he has no choice but to uphold the country's constitution, which has been in place for the past 48 years. “I leave all the technical stuff to you, the Opposition Leader, your Deputy, and the alternate PM Allan Bird to handle them, because for the last 48 years the House of Parliament has been without any disturbance.” “The leaders who were in the house always followed the Constitution.” “In the last 6 months I have realized that I have never experienced so many amendments to the Constitution.” Sir J stated that the Constitution is vital for our nation's stability and has kept peace for a long time, but expressed concern that now whenever there's a threat, leaders simply change the government. “It is sad to see young leaders of today are power hungry.” The veteran politician went on to describe the time he took over from Grand Chief Somare, saying it was “a very calm transition of government”, done in-line with the Constitution they both had a hand in establishing. Sir J further said: “Once the people ask for change, we cannot continue because this is the people’s house, and we can’t sit idle.” “We must respond to the Nations call and not allow the government to continue to suffer the people with all kinds of policies that they do not deserve”. He urges everyone to respect, obey and preserve the rules set by the nation’s founding fathers, and follow the examples set to protect the Constitution. He said changing the Constitution multiple times must not be allowed. Initially, the country had around 24 Ministers, but now there are over 30, which could lead to more Ministers than available jobs soon. “We need to set precedence so that the future generation should not worry when their time comes and they put a wrong person in and make wrong laws, they will know that they have the power to change it.” “We must compare PNG with our former administration - the Australian Government - who are not afraid to change their Prime Minister any time - and let’s not have the mentality that because we are a nation with different tribes (that) we are different. “Change needs to come when the Constitution is not upheld.”

2024’s first Parliament sitting ended on a disappointing note for PNG’s Opposition when Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan announced that their notice of motion of No Confidence in the Prime Minister would not be placed on the notice paper. The Opposition labelled it as a hijack of parliament procedures, but the Prime Minister James Marape said they failed to meet the requirements and to try again next time round. The rather abrupt decision roused criticism from the Opposition side who demanded an explanation. The Opposition’s outburst at this unwelcome news was overlooked by the acting Speaker, who proceeded to accept the move by Leader of Government Business, Rainbo Paita, to adjourn parliament to Tuesday 20th May, 2024 at 2pm. Immediately, the opposition flagged down media at parliament and expressed their outrage at this turn of events. Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah said the motion the acting Speaker referred to was dead; as a live one afoot was filed on 20th February. The Acting Speaker addressed the Motion of No Confidence in Prime Minister James Marape – Tari-Pori MP - delivered on February 14th, and was discussed by the Private Business Committee on February 21st at 12:30 pm by the Private Business Committee in the Speakers lounge. Whilst the Acting Speaker emphasized the importance of the motion and its constitutional process, acknowledging it as a matter of national significance, he disclosed the Committee’s decision not to place the motion on the notice paper. He said the mover of the notice would informed soon of that decision, but the Prime Minister last evening said the reason was due to the special committee concerned over signatures submitted on the notice. The Prime Minister went on to publicly accuse the Opposition of ‘forging’ signatures and said those involved will be referred for investigations. But the vocal Opposition strong-man Namah outside Parliament called on the Prime Minister to stop interfering with the parliament process. “What we witnessed is the hijacking of the parliament procedures and the constitution of the country.” “Prime Minister should never interfere with the process of the parliament!” Namah said the Acting Speaker did not present the motion on VoNC from the 20th February on the floor of Parliament. The Vanimo-Green MP explained that the motion of February 14th had a defect. It was a simple error which the special committee recommended to the Opposition to correct, which they did. A fresh motion was resubmitted on February 20th at 9:20am to the Acting Speaker, who accepted and stamped it, witnessed by the Clark of Parliament and the Deputy Clark. Opposition was assured they met the process in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, but Namah said the events at the end of Parliament’s session on Thursday 22nd February showed a clear hijacking of the parliamentary process and procedures, and PNG’s Constitution. “We might not have the numbers on the floor of parliament but the number we bring to the floor of Parliament is all the people of PNG standing with us on the Vote of No Confidence.” Meantime, Prime Minister Marape called on the Opposition to do “their homework” right, and follow the process correctly. He said the Opposition had 17 days to ensure their motion of No Confidence in the Prime Minister was to be heard this sitting. However, he said the Opposition still had the May sittings to still have their VoNC motion dealt with, and that in the meantime, the government will go about its normal business, delivering services and projects in the country – today (Friday 23rd February) he visits re-opened Pogera mine in Enga Province.

TISA has announced that Mr John Simango has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the TISA Foundation, reporting to the Group CEO for TISA. Mr Simango has joined TISA from his previous post as Executive Director for Grow PNG which is a non-profit organisation that supports and progresses inclusive and sustainable agricultural programs for rural communities in Markham, Morobe Province. He has over 16 years of extensive experience in building and leading development programs with emphasis on sustainability, community empowerment and strong community partnerships. Mr Simango has held senior roles working across multiple sectors with various development partners in PNG and the region. Mr Simango stated that he is honoured to be join TISA and he is excited about the opportunity to work closely with the TISA Board to nurture, lead and grow the Foundation. Group CEO for TISA, Michael Koisen said he was thrilled to welcome someone of Mr Simango’s experience and calibre to the TISA Foundation. “We are confident that John will be a great leader for the Foundation, he has a proven track record of success in his past work and is passionate about our mission.” “We know he will raise the bar for our programs when we roll them out.” “Since becoming a member of the Global Alliance for Value-Based Banking (GABV), it is our overarching commitment to continue making a positive impact for our people, our communities, and our planet, “said Mr Koisen. Koisen further added that TISA share a belief with their customers that money can be used to create a world where our people, communities and the planet thrive and that is why the Foundation. “It demonstrates our commitment to achieve the best possible outcomes for our customers and at the same time, remain true to our purpose.” The Foundation is a new entity setup by TISA Group to drive its social responsibility commitments and initiatives around leadership programs for Papua New Guinean leaders and financial literacy trainings for our communities.

With the ongoing issue faced by Puma Energy and its latest notice to reduce the size of its operations and fuel supply proportionate in the country, Exxon Mobil affiliates has put its hand up and has shown commitment to supply fuel to the country. For the past 102 years an ExxonMobil affiliate, Mobil Oil New Guinea Limited, has reliably supplied quality fuels and lubricants to Papua New Guinea. Chairperson and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG, Tera Shandro said its current fuel supply operations are normal as they primarily come from ExxonMobil’s world class refinery in Singapore. “Today, ExxonMobil and its affiliate companies’ commitment to Papua New Guinea remain firm.” “We are actively collaborating with the PNG Government to increase our imports of fuel products into the country and look forward to working with our customers on their fuel needs.”

Puma Energy is taking a step to reduce the size of its operations and fuel supply proportionate to the capacity of its remaining banking channels. As part of this process, Puma Energy has begun to issue termination notices to customers and will aim to negotiate contract with new terms for lower volumes. In the meantime, remaining fuel stock in PNG will be allocated to emergency services and critical infrastructure as a priority until a long term, viable solution can be put in place to return the business to its full scale. Puma Energy’s decision to reduce its business in PNG comes after careful consideration and extensive engagement with various government stakeholders, including the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) to find a long-term and sustainable banking solution. Puma has exhausted all currently available avenues to maintain the full scale of their operations, and they also need to suspend their previously planned US$159M growth investment program. Given the imminent fuel shortage that will inevitably result from the reduction of their operations, Puma once again urges the government to form a task force with the utmost urgency to ensure the country can continue to be supplied with fuel and to minimize the impact on communities and the economy. Despite Puma Energy ‘s reduced business, they remain committed to PNG and will continue to work with various government entities to find both long- term and short- term solutions. Since year 2024, Puma Energy has been a committed partner in PNG, investing significantly in its operations to improve energy security, affordability, and access across the country. During this period Puma employed over 500 direct skills workers and created over 2,500 indirect jobs in PNG through its supply chain. The Puma Energy group works with over 50 banks around the world to support its operations across more than 30 countries worldwide, and these banks include some of the most stringent and globally recognized financial institutions.

Former Prime Minister, and Member for Ialibu Pangia, Peter O’Neill, highlighted the series of questions he asked Prime Minister today on the floor of parliament relating to the Connect PNG Project. This was said during a brief conference today held by the Opposition. O’Neill said he tabled the Integrated Financial Management System payments totalling to almost K1.96 billion of contracts and payments made to various companies and institutions and asked PM Marape to disclose his relationship with the company owners.  O’Neill expressed disappointment that PM James Marape in his usual manner had tried to deflect and avoid the question on the floor of parliament, trying to make it seem as if it is irrelevant to the nation’s well being. “I am sure the company records I mentioned today will reveal that these people are known to the Prime Minister and to the Minister for Works and they are very close to them,” O’Neill said. “We are talking about hundreds of millions of Kina, amounts unheard of in PNG.” O’Neill added that Marape has confirmed that his government did issue up to K7 billion under the Connect PNG Program, but he failed to answer O’Neil’s questions regarding the Connect PNG Project contractors. He further added that the Opposition is not afraid to indicate the names and if the contractors feel upset about it then they can go to court for this. “But the records will speak for itself on what we tabled today, and we will publish all this reports in the public forum for public consumption.”  O’Neill further stated that this Connect PNG Project is a scam, and it is not going to go away. “This is a scam; therefore, we will continue to highlight the irregularities of the approval of contracts and the approval of payments that the government is making.”  “Skilfully the government is making payments to contracts under K10million to avoid scrutineer.”  O’Neill expressed concern that if other members of the parliament think this is a joke, then, these members are in the wrong place and are not protecting the interest of the people of this country. “Prime Minister must be honest, truthful and be factual because the K1.93 billion is almost 10% of the country’s actual budget.”

The case of prominent lawyer Paul Paraka, slapped with a 20-year prison sentence by the National Court for misappropriating K162million of State monies, has been labelled as “biggest scandal in Papua New Guinea”. Former Attorney-General Kerenga Kua, who recently held the portfolio of Petroleum Minister in the Marape-Rosso Government, stated this in an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG. Paraka was sentenced on October 2023, and transported immediately to Bomana Correctional prison just after his sentence. He is the owner of one of the oldest Papua New Guinea (PNG) law firms, which at one time was the biggest and most prestige in the country. Kua, who resigned from Marape’s government side, stated that it is unfortunate that the court had no power to make orders for restitution of the huge sum of State monies misappropriated. Kua said he first initiated the investigation into the Paraka case when he was Attorney-General. Consequently he was fired as the Attorney General for the actions he took in relation to Paraka. Kua said the case then came to a standstill, with no progress on the case until recently, which Paraka being sentenced. Kua further stated it is a scandal that Paraka was paid as an outside legal contractor in which the payment process was implemented through people in the government at the political level for leadership and at the bureaucratic level. Kua also said that it was disappointing that those who facilitated and colluded to ensure Paraka received the huge sum of monies have not been arrested yet, except for Mr. Jacob Yafai, then Deputy Secretary of the Finance Department. Yafai was responsible for the payments made to Paul Paraka law firm. He faced four misappropriation charges; four charges of conspiracy and fraud; four charges of corruption; and four charges of abuse of office. “Yafai represented the administration level, but what about the political heads who were involved?” Kua asked. “What about the people who issued the orders and why have they not been arrested yet?” Kua also queried why political facilitators and ministers involved have not been arrested, including the current Prime Minister (PM), James Marape. He claimed that Marape had written a letter directing these payments. Kua further queried why the Police Commissioner, David Manning, who was appointed in 2019, did not conduct a full investigation into all parties involved. “Why has he suppressed this for 5 years and counting?” “The police Commissioner has got a lot to answer to the people of this country regarding the Paraka Scandal.” “If I am wrong, the Police Commissioner has to prove me wrong openly, otherwise Manning better start doing what he has to do.” Kua added that the conviction and sentencing of Paraka was evidence enough to do a proper investigation. He went on to highlight three (3) components to the Paraka scandal: Facilitators- Administrators and Political leaders who were involved this is Paraka scandal; Recipient- Paul Paraka (The middle person); and Beneficiaries – Big group of people who benefitted from the proceeds of this K162million. He said the question still remains in doubt as to who these beneficiaries are; the investigation is still incomplete. He stressed that Paraka, whilst in prison already, needs to answer who he invested the money in because there is no investment under Paul Paraka’s name, so clearly some people have benefitted from these money and the names need to be put out. “The beneficiaries – (politicians and or administrators) need to be named, arrests need to be made and all these beneficiaries from it must all go to trial.” “The country needs to know who got the money (K162 Million belonging to the State) and benefitted from it because it is the people’s money.” "That is a big incomplete story that needs to be completed.” Kua added that Mr. Manning needs to be an independent Police Commissioner and do his job, and complete this investigation.  

The eastern parts of New Ireland Province were recently hit hard by high surges of King tides around mid January this year and has caused massive destructions to villages along the coastline. New Ireland Provincial Disaster Manager Mr Terence Taisa confirmed this, stating that this is the 3rd biggest disaster to hit New Ireland Province in recent years. Mr Taisa said due to Climate change effects, Island provinces have been the most affected and New Ireland province was hit with drought, typhoon and now king tides and it is very sad because there is basically no disaster plan in place for New Ireland to deal with such natural disasters. Locals have lost their homes, gardens, classrooms, roads and almost everything is under water, and this is a very difficult time for the people of East Coast, especially Namatanai and Kavieng Districts because everyone was not prepared for this disaster. Mr Taisa told PNG HAUSBUNG that a Disaster Committee was appointed to carry out assessment on the destruction and to provide report to the Provincial Administrator (PA) this week, however a meeting with the PA this week did not eventuate because the PA was caught up in other business and did not sit down with the Disaster Committee. “Based on the summary of the reports the members got on ground we can assess and deliberate on what actions to take however this could not take place because our PA was busy with other provincial affairs.” “If the meeting with the PA eventuated, I was looking at bringing up Development budget for disaster including the structure and disaster plan but sadly it turned out to be otherwise.” Taisa added that since independence New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office has never had a Disaster emergency plan in place that works online with the National Disaster Risk Framework so basically there is no direction when disaster strikes. He further stated that the Provincial Government has not step in to help with the cover for relief supplies and disaster assessment work and as left all the work to the District Level to help in this matter. As per the media report from the New Ireland Government News, New Ireland Governor Julius Chan stated that the Provincial Government is not in a financially capable position after it’s Provincial Budget was cut by the former treasurer by K40 million. Governor Chan added that with New Ireland having two senior Ministers they should be the first point of call when these types of disasters strike, because They know very well his government has been stripped off of K40 Million that would have helped to assist in times like this. Since 2021 a total of K124 million in royalties has been paid directly to the District Development Authorities of the two Districts and that is K49 million each and with no major impact projects on the ground including no financial reports sent to the Provincial Executive Council from the DDA’s two districts. With the royalties the two MP’s have access to, they need to have proper development policies in place to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of all New Irelanders. Right now, the Kavieng Redcross Branch Volunteers including other local volunteers are donating relief items to people affected by the king tides, like canvases, cooking and eating utensils, water containers, towels, blankets, ropes and spades and other basic necessities to help them get back on their feet.

Prime Minister and Treasurer James Marape had revealed that the National Treasury has approved K519.8 million budgets for East New Britain Province this week. Governor Marum and his administrators submitted the budget last Friday, 02nd February 2024 and the budget was approved on Monday 05 February 2024, by Prime Minister Marape as Minister for Treasury, pursuant to Section 141 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government. The budget totals K519, 816,185 with the highest allocation to Infrastructure development at nearly 38 percent of the budget. The general break-up into areas is as follows: Infrastructure – K196.8 million (37.8%), Education – K152.9 million (29.4%), Economic – K52.7 million (10.1%), Administration – K51.9 million (9.9%), Health – K33.5 million (K6.4%), and Social and Law & Order – K33.8 million (6.1%). Out of these, the provincial government will work with K274 million, District Development Authority will handle K206.8 million, and Local Level Governments, K38.8 million. National Government grants total K196,832,600 broken into Operational – K146.8 million and the Capital –of K50 million with the rolled over from the previous years is K12.3 million. Internal Revenue stands at K65 million. Prime Minister Marape commended the provincial government for raising its internal revenue and for maintaining its standard in service delivery. “I commend Governor Michael Marum and his provincial administration for submitting their budget, for working hard to raise their internal revenue and for maintaining East New Britain’s standard in service delivery.” “The National Government looks forward to working with them to expand more development throughout the province.” Marape also highlighted that the government will develop Tokua airport precinct and include a four-lane road to Kokopo, upgrade Kokopo-Rabaul highway and rename it Namaliu Highway in honor of late former prime minister. “We will also upgrade Pomio road, complete the east-west New Britain highway, upgrade the provincial hospital, and develop the East New Britain Special Economic Zone,” said PM Marape.

The Kokopo Omorong Fisheries Project in East New Britain has successfully progressed into the next phase of development, focusing on the detailed design of onshore facilities and infrastructures. With the successful progress, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) signed a Project Consultancy Agreement with Amidal Management Limited on Monday this week (Jan 29). This agreement marks a crucial step forward in the implementation of the Kokopo Omorong Fisheries. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Provincial Administrator for Districts and LLGs, Mr Nicholas Larme, Chairman of the NFA Board, Mr Laurie William, other board members and senior officers from both NFA and East New Britain Provincial Administration. Mr David Amos, Managing Director and Consultant of Amidal Management Limited, presented a comprehensive work plan. During the event the NFA Managing Director Mr Justin Ilakani in his remarks emphasized the importance of the province taking ownership of the project and providing counter-funding support. He highlighted the need for collaboration between the NFA and ENBPA to ensure the successful implementation of projects outlined in the ENBPG/NFA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Deputy PA Mr Larme responded by affirming the commitment of the ENB Provincial Government to support the fisheries impact projects under the MOA. “This milestone signifies a significant step towards the realization of ENB’s vision for sustainable fisheries development.” Mr Larme also stated these projects are integral to the province’s long term development plan, as outlined in the ENB Sustainable Development Plan 2023 – 20233. “To demonstrate this commitment, the ENBPG through ENBPA will allocate funds as counter-funding support under the Development Grant.” Mr Larme further expressed his enthusiasm for the progress made in the project, stating it is a crucial initiative for ENB as it is not only promoting sustainable fisheries development but also provides opportunities for economic growth and job creation for the people. “The development of onshore facilities and infrastructure will enhance the province’s ability to process and market fisheries products, opening up new opportunities for local businesses and contributing to the economic growth of East New Britain.”

The students and teachers of Holy Rosary Primary School, at 6 Mile, NCD kicked off their 2024 academic year on a very high note on Monday 29th January, which saw the students commencing their classes with access to a refurbished ablution block, thanks to BSP Life PNG Limited. Through BSP’s Community Project, BSP Life PNG – the life insurance arm of the business, refurbished the school’s ablution block while the students were away on 2023 end of year break. Prior to this, all students were accessing the girls’ ablution block which highlights the urgent need for improvement. BSP Life PNG Country Manager, Nilson Singh and his BSP Life PNG team handed back the completed project to the school as they commence their 2024 classes. “It is with immense gratitude and pride that I stand before you today because at BSP Life, we recognize the transformative power of education, we believe that every child deserves access to a safe learning environment, and it is our responsibility as corporate citizens to support initiatives that promote this cause,” Mr Singh said. “This (BSP 2023 Community) project is not only about meeting a critical need but also reflects BSP’s core values.” “Through our partnership with Holy Rosary Primary School, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve,” he added. BSP Community Projects is undertaken annually nationwide by our Branches, Strategic Business Units (SBUs), and Subsidiary Branches, and are a testament to BSP’ commitment to giving back to the community. “Focused on Education, Health, Sports, Environment, and other community initiatives, these projects embody our values of compassion, integrity, and community engagement.” The teachers and students at Holy Rosary Primary School were thankful to BSP Life for the assistance. Headmistress Ms Gethrude Bade in her appreciation speech to BSP stated that the ablution block was one of their critical needs. Ms Bade highlighted that the school was about to bring to the attention of the NCD Education board, the state of their facility but BSP came at a proper time to their assistance. “It’s a huge relief for the school because male students can now have access to their own toilets instead of using the girl’s toilets and Teachers will also have access to their own toilets.” “This facility will go a long way for our 1,700 plus students,” said Ms Bade.

Prime Minister and Treasurer Hon. James Marape on Monday welcomed the positive update from New Porgera Ltd (NPL) regarding the Porgera mine's reopening. He conveyed his satisfaction with the announcement that the restart of Porgera is well underway and on schedule, with the first gold production expected in the first quarter of 2024. Expressing his appreciation for the concerted efforts of all parties involved, Prime Minister Marape stated that he wants to assure Papua New Guinea that Porgera mine is fully operational now, with first gold production underway. “This announcement by NPL not only signifies a pivotal phase in the Porgera mine's reopening but also underscores the government's resolve to ensure fair and substantial returns from natural resources for all stakeholders involved.” He also commended Barrick Niugini Ltd for its exemplary leadership in reinstating the operational status of the mine. “The mine being operational once more is testament to the negotiations between a world super major, Barrick Gold Corporation, and the National Government under the theme of ‘Taking Back More from Our Natural Resources’.” Marape reflected on the past arrangement of the Special Mining Lease (SML) 1, retired in 2020, where Papua New Guinea held a minimal stake and detailed the enhanced terms of the new agreement, stating that under the new arrangement, landowners and the Enga Provincial Government will have 15 per cent equity, 3 per cent royalties, and there will be no tax holidays by the mine. He emphasised the improved distribution of the project's benefits, with Papua New Guinea receiving 53 per cent and investor partners 47 per cent. Highlighting the financial implications of the project, Marape further noted the valuation of NPL and the potential for the State's share to be repaid within a promising timeframe, due to favourable market conditions. He gave emphasis to the strategy for financial contribution and recovery, explaining that the State, through Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd, contributed no cash for equity and will repay through earnings from its share. He reassured landowners of the government's dedication to inclusive and constructive dialogue, as demonstrated by the planned Landowners Consultative Forum in Wabag. Furthermore, Marape emphasised the commitment to addressing stakeholder concerns and equitable benefit distribution. “All position papers that have been received will be packaged and we will come and meet the landowners – either in late February or early March – and we will start negotiations on the split in total benefits for all stakeholders.”