The PNG Times

04/07/2025

WAME BLOOD SET TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE ON July 11

By JOEL K. ANDREW (Sunday Bulletin News)

Renowned local music group Wame Blood, hailing from Lake Kutubu in the Southern Highlands Province, is set to release its highly anticipated new single next Friday.

The upcoming track, titled “PUKI”, will premiere on all major digital music streaming platforms on July 11.

The announcement was made by lead singer Johnny Yawari via Wame Blood’s official social media platforms.

While some fans had expressed concerns over delays in the release, the band has assured listeners that the song is now ready and scheduled for launch.

Wilson Pulu and Mavin LKLD are featured artists on the single, bringing a modern and electrifying flair to the track.

Details about the official music video are yet to be confirmed, with Sunday Bulletin News remaining in contact with the band for updates.

As excitement builds, Wame Blood has already shared pre-save links across all streaming platforms.

“We encourage all our fans and supporters across Papua New Guinea to follow us on social media, pre-save the song, and subscribe to our channel to be among the first to hear it,” the band stated.

With just days to go, the countdown to the release of “PUKI” is well underway.

Approved for Release & Publication

20/06/2025

Justin Olam, Bland Abavu, Welington Alberth, Mcsteve Polly, Enos Kalo and Joel Kuta Andrew having time out at the Time Square building in Port Moresby during...

03/06/2025

PDL2 LO’s CASE AGAINST DEPT OF PETROLEUM CONTINUES
Media Release, Tuesday 03rd June, 2025

Following media outbursts earlier this year, concerned landowners of the Petroleum Development Liscense area (PDL2) in Kutubu are challenging validity of the 2022 Ministerial Determination done by then Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua in in court.

This ministerial determination has affected the benefit sharing agreement structure for landowners, and has caused inconveniences amongst stakeholders and beneficiaries from the affected vicinities in Kutubu.

The landowners argued that the decision by Kerenga Kua was made unilaterally, without their consent, knowledge, or authorization. As such, they claim the determination is unlawful and unconstitutional and should not go unchallenged.

Represented by their political body, Foe Association Inc., the landowners initiated proceedings in the National Court to contest the ministerial determination. They also sought a court order to stay the enforcement of the decision. However, their application for stay was refused by the National Court.

Dissatisfied with the refusal, the landowners filed an appeal with the Supreme Court. While the appeal is still pending, they have lodged a further application with the Supreme Court seeking to stay the National Court’s decision.

This application was brought before Justice Allan David today in the Supreme Court, where the matter was heard, and witnessed by all association representatives.

Foe Association Chairman Mr. Johnny Yawari has assured all stakeholders and recipients that their fight for justice continues until all matters with the state and Department of Petroleum is settled.

“We remain steadfast in the fight for underprivileged and less fortunate people. The Department of Petroleum must be held accountable for daylight corruption,” said Yawari.

However, the judge has reserved his ruling after the court hearing today, and has scheduled it to be delivered on Monday, 9th June 2025 at 3:00 PM.

Picture Caption: Foe Association Chairman Johnny Yawari and Foe Association lawyer Solomon Tongela leaving the Waigani Court House after their hearing today in Port Moresby. Picture by Rex, Akell Photography

23/05/2025

POLITICAL INTERFERENCE CAUSING MEDIA SUPPRESSION MUST STOP

"Has justice been served to these two media personals who were terminated for doing their job?"

(The PNG Times - Friday 22nd May - 2025)

Politics has taken role of the PNG Media Council, by dictating, manipulating and controlling the media fraternity of Papua New Guinea through Telikom PNG and Media New Guinea Limited.

Instead of operating as an independent body in the country, the media is now believed to have been compromised by politicians, instructing suspension notices and direct termination to journalists, news reporters, and media personals in the print, broadcast and digital media.

FM100 Government Relations Manager and Talk Back Show Host Culligan Tanda, who was given a three weeks suspension without pay after interviewing East Sepik Governor Allan Bird was subsequently served a termination letter on Wednesday 14th May, 2025 by the Kalang Advertising Limited Management while returning to work.

Additionally, a young broadcast journalist from EMTV, Mr. James Guken was terminated correspondingly for being the author of an online article about Hon. Allan Bird challenging the amendment of section 145 of the constitution in court.

In both cases, Culligan Tanda and James Giken were advised that orders came from the top level management, leaving them no choice but suspension and subsequent termination.

These actions by state owned media organisations has sparked dispute in the media society, prompting suppression while dictating freedom of press by directly violating the media code of ethics in Papua New Guinea.

President for Media Council of PNG Neville Choi has called upon Prime Minister James Marape to look into the continuous trend of media suppression by State Owned Media Organisations since 2018, and reinstate media freedom.

“A free robust and independent media is an essential pillar of democracy. It is the cornerstone of allowing freedom of speech and freedom of expression,” said Choi.

“Media is the last avenue democrats resort to, but the uncalled actions in recent turn of events has spoken otherwise.”

The mainstream media of Papua New Guinea and PNG Media Council now calls for the government and higher authorities to immediately and permanently stop the suppression of media in Papua New Guinea.

15/05/2025

NEWS RELEASE
Thursday, 15th May 2025

Chan Family Grants Final Approval for Late Sir Julius Chan’s Image to Feature on K100 Banknote

Port Moresby – The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has received the final blessing from the family of the late Sir Julius Chan to feature his image on the country’s K100 banknote.

In a recent visit to the Chan residence in Port Moresby, BPNG staff completed the formal approval process with the family. Pictured during the meeting is Lady Stella Chan signing the official documentation, while her sons, Toea and Byron Chan, looked on in support—marking a significant moment of national and personal pride.

This follows the announcement made by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on April 28, 2025, during the launch of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary commemorative notes. The inclusion of Sir Julius Chan, a founding father and former Prime Minister, on the K100 note serves as a national tribute to his immense contributions to the country's political and economic foundations.

The gesture has been warmly received by many Papua New Guineans, as a long-overdue recognition of Sir Julius’s legacy.
The Chan family expressed their appreciation to the Government and acknowledged the importance of this symbolic honor.

Special thanks are extended to Prime Minister James Marape and the Pangu-led Government for their leadership and commitment in preserving the legacy of one of Papua New Guinea’s great statesmen.

03/05/2025

IS THERE FREEDOM IN PNG PRESS?

As Papua New Guinea Media Fraternity celebrates the World Press Freedom Day today, and the PNG Media Awards tonight, May 03rd, there's still uncertainties about the actual freedom of functionality in the press.

It was shocking to learn about a three weeks suspension of FM100 Talk Back Show Host Culligan Tanda.

Inside sources have reported that Mr. Tanda was suspended after interviewing Governor for East Sepik Hon. Allan Bird . This conversation has sparked attention on WhatsApp Forums and is soon expected to outburst on Facebook.

While the truth lies with responsible Authorities of the Company, the transparency and independent functions of the Media in Papua New Guinea is now been put on notice.

Picture Courtesy of Tom Kotupi / Kalakai Photography

19/04/2025

Sir. Peter Ipatas is the longest serving Governor for Enga Province and a senior politician in Papua New Guinea.

He elevated his ranks into a parliamentarian from a Local Level Government Village Councillor.

Sir. Peter was recently appointed as the alternative Prime Minister nominee by the Opposition in the recent Vote of No Confidence motion against current Prime Minister James Marape.

He served as a member of Parliament for 29 years and still has the support for his people to pursue another decade of his political leadership.

Sir. Peter initiated the free education policy during his tenure and his province currently have a robust educated human resource in the country.

19/04/2025

Governor for East Sepik Hon. Allan Bird captured by Kange Media while leaving parliament after the recent sitting on Tuesday 15th April 2025.

Allan Bird is the successor to the late Grand Chief Sir. Michael Thomas Somare, the founding father of Papua New Guinea.

18/04/2025

EASTER: A TIME OF REFLECTION, RENEWAL, AND HOPE - WIN BAKRI DAKI

As we celebrate the sacred season of Easter, let us embrace the profound meaning of this occasion. Easter is more than a commemoration; it is a call to reflect on the triumph of love over hate, hope over despair, and life over death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ serves as a testament that, in the face of challenges, light will always conquer darkness.

In this season of renewal, let us come together as one community, united in faith and compassion. Let us embody the principles of forgiveness, kindness, and service, extending a helping hand to those in need and uplifting one another.

This Easter, may we renew our commitment to build a stronger, more harmonious Papua New Guinea, where every individual can thrive in peace and prosperity.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the families across our beloved nation. May your homes be filled with love, your hearts with joy, and your spirits with hope.

Let us remember, as Jesus Christ rose for us, we too can rise together stronger, united, and inspired by the infinite grace of God.

Happy Easter, and may God bless Papua New Guinea abundantly.

Hon. Win Bakri Daki
Member for Tambul Nebilyer and Minister for Trade & Commerce

17/04/2025

PM MARAPE: AGRICULTURE REMAINS OUR GOVERNMENT’S KEY FOCUS

Friday 11th April 2025

Lae, Papua New Guinea – In a decisive address at the National Agricultural Industry Public-Private Sector Partnership Conference today, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to prioritizing agriculture as a cornerstone of national development.

This pivotal gathering underscored the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity as a means of sustaining economic growth and improving the livelihoods of Papua New Guineans.

Prime Minister Marape highlighted the significance of the agriculture sector, which has been strategically divided into four vital components: the main Agriculture Department, Coffee, Cocoa, and Oil Palm.

This restructuring aims to refine focus and boost the productivity of these subsets, integral to the nation’s economic framework.

“For four consecutive years, we have witnessed a growth of four percent in the non-resource sector,” PM Marape stated.

“This growth is a testament to the effective harnessing of economic activity and productivity that sustains our people.”

The Prime Minister also addressed graduates in attendance, urging them to leverage their education and communal resources to foster agribusiness initiatives.

“With your wealth of knowledge gained from learning institutions, you can utilize your lands and collaborate with your tribal clansmen to drive business success. This is your opportunity to make a profound impact,” he said.

PM Marape committed to taking the insights and outputs from the conference back to his office to form actionable strategies to further advance the agricultural sector.

He referred to the Government’s price support program launched in 2020, and emphasized the critical need for an established policy mechanism, particularly in light of six years without a robust agricultural structure from the Agriculture Department.

“How can we progress without an established policy mechanism?” he challenged.
Despite the visible improvements in infrastructure, PM Marape expressed concern over lagging productivity levels.

Encouraging the agricultural community, he implored stakeholders to take full advantage of recent legislative changes, including the new income tax act, which offers reductions in taxes and enhanced incentives and tariff measures.

“The government is also establishing access to Asian markets, particularly China, and we are actively working with bilateral partners to enhance food security,” Marape added, highlighting the Administration’s efforts to integrate Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector into the global market.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister reiterated his belief in agriculture as a vital driver for the nation’s economic future and a key element in enhancing food security and community well-being.

The government remains committed to supporting the agriculture sector and its stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring sustainable growth for generations to come.

17/04/2025

Easter Message from Prime Minister Hon. James Marape

| Port Moresby | Easter 2025

Fellow Papua New Guineans,

As we commemorate Easter in this 49th year since our country’s independence, I ask each and every one of us to pause and reflect on the life, sacrifice, and message of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Easter is a sacred reminder of the road to Calvary—a journey Christ took not for Himself, but for the salvation of all mankind. Though He was the Creator and King of the universe, He chose to be born in humility, live a simple life, and walk a lonely road to the Cross for the redemption of our sins. His life and death embody the true heart of leadership: selflessness, love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Today, in a time when our nation stands at a crossroads—divided too often by political toxicity, personal differences, and economic challenges—we must return to those same Christian principles. Christ’s example teaches us to be tolerant, forgiving, loving, and inclusive. These values are not outdated; they are timeless. They are what make us truly human and truly Papua New Guinean.

This Easter, I call on our people to reject division and embrace unity. Our nation needs:
• Unity more than division
• Progress more than regression
• Forgiveness more than hatred
• Hope more than hostility

As we mark this final Easter before our 50th Independence Anniversary, let us come together in a spirit of oneness—caring for each other, carrying one another’s burdens, and collectively carrying the cross of our country. This is not rocket science. This is not impossible. It simply requires a shift in attitude, a return to the heart.

Let me remind us that in Leviticus 25, the Bible declares the 50th year as a Year of Jubilee—a sacred time of reset, restoration, forgiveness, and freedom. According to Scripture, it is a time when debts are forgiven, captives are released, land is returned, and lives are given a fresh start.

Our national 50th year officially begins on 16 September 2025 and ends on 15 September 2026. During this sacred season, the Government will lead a national reset—whether in public service reform, provincial governance, or in our wider effort to take back PNG economically, fight corruption, and restore law and order.

But let me be clear: while government policy can drive institutional reform, the real reset must begin in the heart, mind, and soul of our people.

If all citizens of this country commit to Christian character—being loving, forgiving, hardworking, inclusive, and respectful—we will not just serve ourselves better; we will serve God better, and in doing so, we will build a more united, just, and prosperous Papua New Guinea.

That is the real reset: a reset of our national character—one that embraces Christian values without compromising our diverse cultures and Melanesian identity. By finding unity in our shared Christian foundations, we strengthen the national character that will carry us into the next 49 years with hope and purpose.

Let me also speak from the heart:
If I wasn’t a Christian, I would not be the man I am today.

Christianity has shaped my character to be a forgiving man. It has given me the ability to tolerate differing world views. It has helped me withstand extreme pressures without hate. It has enabled me to look at someone from another cultural group and say: “He or she is my own.”

It is this Christian teaching—deeply embedded in my life—that shapes my leadership and the kind of nation I want all of us to build.

We are all children of God, forgiven by Christ at the Cross of Calvary. And as He forgave us, we too must forgive others, even those who have wronged or offended us. That is how we build peace. That is how we move forward.

When President John F. Kennedy challenged America in 1962 to go to the moon, many doubted it was possible—but they achieved it. When he said in 1961, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he reminded us that nation-building starts with individual action.

So I say to all Papua New Guineans: let us stop waiting for handouts. Let us take responsibility, through our faith, attitudes, and actions, to be part of the reset we want to see.

Going to church every Sunday or Saturday is good—but it is not enough. The true Christian walk must be lived daily, in our relationships, workplaces, politics, and service to others.

That is why the Bible sits in Parliament, and why Christianity is our official national religion—not to divide us, but to unite us around love, humility, and service.

In the wake of recent political events, including the vote of no confidence, I hold no bitterness. To those who opposed me, including those who questioned the presence of the Bible in our nation’s affairs, I say again: You knew not what you were doing, and I forgive you.

As Prime Minister, I lead not only those who support me, but all citizens across every district and province. I respect your views. And in this Easter season, as we prepare for Repentance Month and our Jubilee Year, I urge all of us:

Let us forgive one another, tolerate each other, and live together in peace, unity, and love.

Because that is what the true Lord of our country—Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for all of us—would want each and every one of us to do.

Let this Easter be a time of spiritual renewal and national awakening.And as our nation steps into its 50th year, let it truly be a Year of Jubilee—a year of reset, restoration, and renewed commitment to Christian character and national unity.

God bless you all. God bless Papua New Guinea.

James Marape, MP
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

17/04/2025

Member for Hiri Koiari Hon Keith Iduhu has transitioned into a vocal parliamentary from Southern Region on his first term as an MP in Parliament.

Watch his speech during the last Opposition's Press Conference before Vote of No Confidence on Tuesday April 15th 2025.

Speech by member for Hiri Koiari Hon. Keith Iduhu