The PNG Times

14/02/2025

NAMO’APORO LANDOWNERS SUPPORTS 14 DAY ULTIMATUM AND CALLS FOR GOVT’S RESPONSE

The Namo’Aporo Landowners has supported call by two prominent leaders of Kutubu in Southern Highlands Province, Johnny Yawari and John Kapi Natto.

Executive Officer of the Namo’Aporo Landowner’s Association Inc Alexander Narobe has rebutted statements made by two alternate leaders in the locality, Mark Sakai and Norman Barbi.

He said both men were part of the Kutubu revised MOA Agreement signing in 1992, serving under then two association chairmen, so their support to the state is unsubstantiated.

“We are voicing out complaints now with an ultimatum after years of court battle since 2022 with the Department of Petroleum as rightfully affected landowners.”

An ultimatum notice was given to the state on Monday 10th February to revoke former Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua’s ministerial determination to split shares with the state.

Mr. Narobe has called on the state to respond to this 14-Day Ultimatum and reinstate the previous status quo of the beneficiary sharing agreement for PDL TWO (2) landowners as per the initial agreement.

“We want the Government, through the Petroleum Minister to make intervention according to section 169, sub-section 10.”

Alex Nairobe concluded that the rightful affected landowners of Kutubu in Southern Highlands Province are now waiting the government’s response to this matter and will take further actions after the 14 day ultimatum.

11/02/2025

Exciting News here to share with you all

We Are One Week Away From The Rigo Rice Cup Leg Two (2) Grand Final 😅😎

LEG TWO PRICE MONEY
1: K10,000
2: 5,000
3: 3,000

Vadatau Brothers will be playing the SS Dolphins while Buria Reds takes on Talai Spartans this week Saturday.

The two winners advances to Grand Final while the loosers will play curtain raiser match on Grand Fianl Day to secure a third spot in the K300,000 play-offs.

07/02/2025

FOE ASSOCIATION MAKES PAYMENT OF K304,245 FOR DOUBLE CLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION IN KUTUBU

Managing Director of Wame Blood Group of Companies and FOE Association Inc. Chairman, Johnny Yawari presented a K304,245 cheque to Atlas Steel PNG on Tuesday 04th February for the construction of a four in one (4 in 1) double classroom at Tanuga Primary School in Lake Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province.

The presented Cheque was for the total cost of fabrication of material for the structure of the building and its interior fit out. The payment is exclusive of the cost of labour, security, transportation, and freighting, which was expected to inflate the total cost of the project to a K1 Million.

In presenting the cheque, Mr Yawari said he was focused on developing the education sector of Kutubu LLG in accordance with the association’s long-term development plans as education plays a vital role in the development of a society.

These substantial investments, marks another milestone achievement for Foe Association’s unrelenting efforts towards empowerment of human resource and infrastructure development in Kutubu Local Level Government.

Mr Yawari stressed that for Kutubu to realise any meaningful change and transformation, there must be collective efforts by all including the Provincial Government and the Districts in creating such educational pathways the for the betterment of its people, all stakeholders must heavily invest in human resource capacity building as this is the catalyst for change period.

Chairman Johnny Yawari also confirmed to fund the construction of Staff Houses for Tanuga Primary School, Gesege Primary School, one double classroom for Kikori High School, a low set dublex for K-Point Community School, and a low set double classroom for Kantobo.
Mr. Yawari highlighted that Foe Association’s consistent partnership with Atlas Steel over the past years, has resulted in the successful accomplishment of two similar school building projects, stating this as the third project so far.

Atlas steel PNG will be supplying bulk quantities of building and construction materials to assigned Contractor Foe Investment Corporation Limited, throughout the extent of this building project in Kutubu.
This educational infrastructure development scheme will be serving over 7,000 young students throughout this specific local level government who attends primary education (grades 3 – 8) at Tanuga Primary School.

The Chairman further clarified that the funds presented to Atlas Steel PNG was not from donor agencies or government institutions.

“This money was acquired from “Artists For A Cause” fundraising concert hosted at Hilton Hotel on the 10th November 2023, which featured thrilling performances from various local Papua New Guinea music artists in collaboration with Wame Blood band,” said Yawari.

In addition to the presentation, Mr. Yawari has confirmed that two staff-house for Kutubu Secondary School will be simultaneously constructed by Foe Investment Corporation, with counter funding support from Nipa Kutubu District Development Authority (NKDDA).

“I’d like to extend my appreciation to the Minister for Defence Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph for the appropriate intervention in supporting Foe Association and the people of Lake Kutubu through this timely support.”

Yawari is confident that Foe Investment Corporation will deliver for its people and aspires to witness Kutubu’s transformation into a developed vicinity in the next decade.

“Foe association thankfully recognizes the support given by every individual who turned up at the fundraising concert to purchase a table and support a worthy cause.”
Chairman Johnny Yawari concluded by relaying heartfelt acknowledgement to their development partners who were consistently supportive over the years towards Foe Association’s development aspirations.

“I’d like to appreciate our continued partnership with Santos PNG Leon Baskens, MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano, CEO for NGCB Ms. Emelda Agon, KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk, Member for Nipa Kutubu and Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, Governor for Hela Province Hon. Philip Undialu, Minister for Bouganville Affairs Hon. Manasseh Makiba, and Hilton Hotel Port Moresby for giving the venue free.”

20/01/2025

RIGO RICE CUP - LEG ONE - GRAND FINAL
Sunday 19th January, 2025

Congratulations to Mono Mutrus Brothers of Hohola for successfully winning the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Leg One Grand Final after their victory today over a strong D8 Mosquitos side.

16/01/2025

IDUHU WELCOMES ACTION ON KONEBADA PETROLEUM PARK
Approved for Release

16 January 2025 – Hon. Keith Iduhu, MP for Hiri-Koiari, has applauded Minister Richard Maru’s recent statement regarding the Konebada Petroleum Park Authority (KPPA). Mr Iduhu has long called for transparency and accountability in KPPA’s operations, particularly as it is located within his electorate.

Referring to Minister Maru’s update on the governance issues within Petroleum Park Holdings Limited (PPHL), Mr Iduhu commended the Minister’s resolve to investigate the matter and take legal action to recover KPPA’s subsidiary.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Mr Iduhu said.

“For years, the customary landowners of the land within the vicinity of the Park have been in the dark and seen no tangible benefits. I welcome Minister Maru’s leadership in ensuring this issue is thoroughly investigated and sorted out once and for all.”

Mr Iduhu previously raised concerns in Parliament, as far back as October 2022, about reports labelling Konebada Petroleum Park as an “enormous scam.”

He questioned the lack of development and transparency since KPPA’s establishment in 2008.

“The people of Hiri-Koiari have waited far too long for clarity and justice regarding Konebada Petroleum Park,” Mr Iduhu said.

“We must hold those responsible for any mismanagement or illegal activities accountable. This is not just about recovering land or assets; it’s about restoring the integrity of KPPA and ensuring it operates in the best interests of our communities.”

Mr Iduhu also highlighted the need to prioritise local community benefits in future developments within the park.

“The original intent of the Konebada Petroleum Park was to drive economic growth and provide opportunities for our people. That vision has been derailed, but it’s not too late to set it right,” he said.

Minister Maru’s announcement that KPPA will recover illegally acquired land and audit its operations has received Mr Iduhu’s full backing.

“I welcome the call by Minister Maru and the new KPPA Board, under Chairman Martin Kombri, in their efforts to restore the mandate of KPPA and the assets of the people of Hiri West and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Iduhu stated.

He urged the government to act swiftly, emphasising: “This investigation must be done promptly and with full transparency.

The people of Hiri-Koiari and Papua New Guinea deserve nothing less than a gift of justice and accountability in its jubilee year since Independence. "

12/01/2025

FOE PEOPLE OF KUTUBU CALL FOR DEFENCE MINISTER’S INTERVENTION ON ROAD BLOCKS IN POROMA, SHP

Representing the multi tribes of Foe locality in Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province (SHP), Foe Association Chairman and Managing Director of WB Group of Companies Mr. Johnny Yawari has called on local MP for Nipa Kutubu and Minister for Defence Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph’s intervention on illegal road blocks conducted by Poroma locals in the electorate.

Mr. Yawari raised his people’s concerns by urging the concerned locals in his electorate to respect rule of law, following multiple threats and cyber bullying issued by a self-vested ethnic group in Poroma Local Level Government.

This announcement was made clear, following consecutive road blocks by few locals along the main Poroma-Kutubu Access Road, as well as attempting to hold people on ransom, following demands of money which the chairman labelled it as falsified claims.

The chairman also clarified that if anyone has any outstanding issues with the people of Kutubu, he urged them to follow formal processes rather then resorting to taking law into their own hands.

Mr Yawari further explained that the consistent road blocks by the perpetrators is unlawful and that all claims made regarding outstanding service providers’ bills are fabricated because all bills were settled on several occasions many years ago.

Yawari further clarified that the Foe people have paid huge sum of money to the same claimants, following persistent complaints pertaining to the outstanding bills, including a legacy issue that has been long standing by his late father.

In 2013, Yawari stated he made an initial payment of K8,000.00 to Joe Reto from Poroma relating to the same unsettled service providers’ bills. In 2016, Yawari stated that a K130,000 was paid to the Poroma people, comprising K100,000.00 for outstanding services bills which was received by local business man late Bamu Ramu and K30,000 for Poroma youth’s moral support, which was received by Douglas Tungi in the stead of the youths. The payments were made eight (8) years ago.

As of today, neither Yawari nor Kutubu people has any debt outstanding with the Poroma people.

The same people who reside along the Poroma Kutubu Access Road are known for multiple unlawful conducts, including the kidnapping of Kutubu’s prominent politician and community leader, Kossy Sosoro, who was held on ransom by the same group in 26th March 2022. Sosoro was held captive against his will for some days until he got released once ransom payment was made to his kidnapers.

On Saturday, 4th January 2025, the people of Foe and their leaders made K120, 000.00 compensation to the family of late Constable Yenuwe Manaki to maintain peace, unison and prevalence of justice.

Despite settling all falsified and inflated claims with huge sums of money, Johnny Yawari and the people of Foe were relentlessly threatened, harassed and cyber bullied by these self-vested people in Poroma through multiple menacing social media posts, false accusations, including a video recorded and circulated over the past week.

In addition, the group has demanded and issued an ultimatum for Mr. Yawari to pay them an unjustifiable sum of money, stating that failure to comply will result in the resumption of road blocks to the people of Kutubu Local Level Government.

However, the Chairman clarified that Foe people’s compliance to forged prerogatives on all instances in the past was purposely intended at upholding peace and stability in the electorate and among tribesmen, mostly emphasizing on unity and oneness.

The continuous claims by this certain group of people who reside along the Poroma Kutubu Access Road is condemned by Johnny Yawari as untruthful and daunting, as it deprives the democratic rights of the people of Kutubu from accessing rightful government goods and services in Mendi and Mount Hagen, WHP.

Therefore, the people of Kutubu request immediate intervention of the Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander and Nipa Kutubu District Development Authority on this matter, so that law and order is maintained at all cost throughout Nipa Kutubu and SHP.

09/01/2025

The KCK Rigo Rice Cup will host it's Semi Finals and Preliminary Finals for Leg One this weekend.

In addition, round one for leg two will also kick off on Saturday 11th January as well.

All Games are scheduled to be happening at the Bava Park in Port Moresby.

Semi Finals for leg one starts on Friday and tye winners advances to challenge two teams that are on bye on Sunday 12th January.

Leg Two round one starts on Saturday 11th January hd ends on Sunday as well in parallel to Leg One finals.

04/01/2025

KCK RIGO RICE CUP FIRST LEG HEADS INTO QUARTER FINALS

The inaugural edition of KCK Rigo Rice Cup heads into quarter finals for the first leg today at Bava Park in Port Moresby.
Top eight teams are currently on a contest to secure their spots in the major semi final for leg one which will be happenning next week.

Tournament Director/CEO Mcsteve Polly told Sunday Bulletin Online today that games are progressing well with well behaved crowd, sponsors and players.

"The games are progressing well and we have another group of teams, preparing to be scheduled for resumption after January 30th for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th leg of the tournament."

Polly further highlighted that losers of the low four will be eliminated, as winners will advance to meet losers of the high four in which the winners will advance to grand final for leg one.

"Semi finals will be happenning next week and we expect a huge crowd to attend, but their security is my technical team's top priority."

The first leg of Rigo Rice Cup ends in two weeks time as other three legs will resume thereafter, with a 12 team play-off for K300,000 Grand prize in March.

03/01/2025

The Contract Termination on one of Papua New Guinea's international, Kevin Apo was immediate as Bredford Bulls are currently in search of a replacement.

Read full story here : https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24830861.bradford-bulls-terminate-keven-appo-deal-rape-charge/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR06zdrJN4aEVG3MYixmkT2qHapI6Hki6i8DhTX903GHh0Wi0SRJuG9xVfM_aem_qfYyCGXtd3zNTb3o7J6NbA

31/12/2024

New Year Greetings from KCK Rigo Rice Cup 💯

11/12/2024

Uncivilized Delegates from Papua New Guinea, displaying their stupidity and degrading PNG's reputation to the region and perhaps the world.

MP for Moresby South Hon. Justin Tkatchenko was partly correct when he labelled us as primitives because most of our educated folks who are following politicians around behave like primitives, I mean pigs.

"If they can chew buai in our own National Parliament, what is Sydney!"

Uncivilized Delegates, displaying their stupidity and degrading PNG's reputation to the region and perhaps the world. Tkatchenko was partly correct when he l...

05/12/2024

Ialibu Pangia MP Hon. Peter O'Neil has referred the Economic recession as 'Bikpla Hul Blo Treasurer in Parliament.

20/11/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Georgia Bellas, Foster Kelene

18/11/2024

Office of the Prime Minister
MEDIA RELEASE

PM JAMES MARAPE AIMS TO STRENGHTEN BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH GERMANY, MAINTAIN UNIQUE HISTORIC BOND

Port Moresby, PAPUA NEW GUINEA: On the morning of Sunday, 17th November, 2024, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape expressed gratitude towards the German Government and people for the continued relations that Germany has with Papua New Guinea, based on historic significance which they share between them.

During a bilateral meeting that was held at the APEC Terminal this morning, Prime Minister Marape’s discussions with Beate Grzeski – Ambassador of Germany to Australia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – were centred on strengthening ties between the two nations.

As part of fostering stronger bilateral relations with Germany going forward, Marape extended a warm invitation for Germany to establish a full-time embassy in Papua New Guinea, in which it can be offered as Special Economic Zone status.

“PNG and Germany we share a unique bond between us historically. Given Papua was colonized by the British, the New Guinea side was looked after by the Germans. Not only that but Germany has countless footprints right across Papua New Guinea, especially in terms of names of places and people.

“My Government wants to enliven that piece of history and strengthen the unique bond between us as we near our 50 years of Independence as a nation next year,” stated Marape.

In saying this, PM Marape also extended an invitation for a representative from Germany to be present at the 50 years anniversary celebrations for PNG next year.

Moreover, the Prime Minister encouraged German business investment in Papua New Guinea, given the backdrop of PNG’s existing significant relations with South East Asia, the main Asian continent and beyond, which he says can be accessible for German and other investors in the country as they engage with PNG.

Ambassador Grzeski acknowledged Prime Minister Marape for the discussions held during the bilateral meeting, agreeing to the unique ties shared between the two nations and for strengthening the relationship.

She highlighted that following Germany’s first establishment by way of a mission office in the South Pacific Region in Suva, Fiji, they are also considering Papua New Guinea as the ideal destination in the Region to make their presence known going forward.

18/11/2024

Rigo Rice Limited Presents the Official Launching of KCK Rigo Rice Cup with the support from Kendekali Lawyers and Construct Oceanic Limited.

Come watch Kronos, Mal Meninga Kuri, Estapacifica and Jnr. Vigi Live on stage during the launching.

Event Details are as follow;
Date: Sunday 24th November
Time: 12pm - 4pm

Free entry to the general public so all is welcomed to be part of this great rugby league movement.

10/11/2024

Esther Vicky Kave performing live at the National Capital District SME Show at the Sir. John Guise Stadium

06/11/2024

Augustine Emil hits YUMI FM following their "Pay-To-Play Scandal".

By Augustine Emil

This is total blesphemy, disgrace, and a total shame to one of our pioneer radio stations in the country (YUMI FM).

Radio Stations and Music corelates in all forms and complements each other in all aspects and fronts of existence to survive. Without music, the radio station may not survive. Without radio stations, musicians can't survive either. Their existence goes in parallel for each other.

Taking bribes and engaging in such illicit activities by announcers reveals unfairness to us the musicians and a complete betrayal to your establishment and employee - PNG FM.

This also earmarks total incompetency and blatant corruption in public eyes as what is revealed here may be the tip of an iceberge within a reputable establishment in the media fraternity.

Radio stations should be promoting genuine musical genres, creativity and artistry that promotes songs of inspirations of peace, love, unity, environment and more educational instead of promoting craps and rubbish that is contrary to the sensorship board and the public ears.

The Annual YUMI FM PNG AWARDS is also seen as anothor herenious and an unscrupulous SCAM to use musician's Music, songs, titles and reputation to lure massive amount of money from Sponsors around the country to host this event.

On behalf of fellow musicians around the country, I wanna make it clear that this Music Awards must now be runned by a reputable Event Company or radio station to maintain consistency in fairness to promote the real PNG Music that is blended with our original diversified culture and tradition.

Music should be judged on its originality with no issues of duplication or copycats that resemble few international genres where the market is out there already.

I want to reiterate here that YUMI FM and other radio stations must appreciate the tireless efforts of all musicians around the country for producing music music and giving it FREE OF CHARGE to you for Air plays, advertisments, commercial jingles etc for you to make money to survive on air.

I don't care if I am coming hard here, but I want YUMI FM to take this as a corrective measure and be honest and fair in what ever you do to us and move ahead with heads high.

For my stand on this, it's all up to you whether to BAN all my music to be braodcasted or being airplayed in your system too.

Thank you.
Augustine Emil

05/11/2024

Tuesday 05th November, 2024

Today, the newly established KCK Rigo Rice Cup Head Office in Port Moresby underwent a mini facelift, with the mounting of our billboards and signages.

This clearly indicates the office location to all our stakeholders, sponsors and participating teams, as well as complementing our vision to be an established tournament in the future.

We would like to commend the hardworking staff members of Advance Signs Limited for their tremendous effort that is now on display.

We just started, but the number of teams that will be participating shows the confidence you all have in us.

Our primary objective is to give back more than getting from the rugby league talents and community in PNG.

In addition, we also aim to expose and export more raw talents, as well as becoming an accountable and prominent rugby league competition/platform in Papua New Guinea going forward.

KCK Rigo Rice Cup
"Our Rice, Our Game"

The Biggest Grassroots Competition in PNG 🇵🇬💯