TAKE BACK PNG

13/06/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧: 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨-𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗘-𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗢 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗨𝗣 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗕𝗬

MEDIA COMMENTARY!
Date: 12 June 2025
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

In a significant step toward addressing Papua New Guinea’s long-standing power reliability issues, Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCHL) has officially presented two brand-new power transformers to PNG Power Limited, earmarked for the Bomana and Kanudi substations in Port Moresby.

The presentation, made yesterday by KCHL Managing Director, Professor David Kavanamur, is part of KCHL’s ongoing efforts to stabilise and modernise the nation’s power infrastructure. This move is a direct response to years of chronic electricity blackouts in the capital city, and it reflects the Marape-Rosso Government’s determination to find real solutions—not excuses.

This latest development is a testament to the leadership of the Pangu-led Government, which is finally confronting the power crisis head-on after years of neglect and mismanagement by previous administrations.

Let’s not forget the shameful legacy of the former PNC-led O’Neill Government, which saw K52 million wasted on two outdated, non-functional gensets from Israel. These units—now rusting away in Lae and Port Moresby—have never delivered a single kilowatt of reliable power to the people they were meant to serve.

Today, instead of empty promises and failed investments, we are seeing tangible action. The Marape-Rosso Government has shown political will, technical focus, and most importantly, a genuine commitment to fixing the issues that matter to ordinary Papua New Guineans.

With the installation of these transformers, residents and businesses in Port Moresby can begin to expect improved reliability in their power supply—a critical step in boosting investor confidence, economic growth, and public trust in the government.

Real leadership makes hard decisions. And today, we see the results of that leadership.

Powering Papua New Guinea forward — finally.



Source: Marape - Rosso Government 2022-2027 page

13/06/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

PORT MORESBY – Friday, 13 June 2025

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has returned to Papua New Guinea after an official overseas engagement, receiving a warm welcome at Jacksons International Airport from senior government leaders and Members of Parliament.

Welcoming the Prime Minister upon his arrival from New Zealand and France were:

● Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso

● Minister for Health Hon. Elias Kapavore

● Member for Mendi-Munihu Hon. Raphael Tonpi, who also serves as Vice Minister for State-Owned Enterprises

● Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth Hon. Jason Peter

● Member for Menyamya Hon. Solen Loifa

The delegation expressed strong support and appreciation for the Prime Minister’s leadership on the international stage, especially in advancing Papua New Guinea’s interests in areas of climate diplomacy, economic cooperation, and regional partnerships during his engagements abroad.

Prime Minister Marape’s visit included high-level discussions in New Zealand focused on trade, labour mobility, and regional security, followed by his participation in multilateral dialogues and development forums in France, where he advocated for greater global support for Pacific nations in climate resilience and economic development.

The Prime Minister thanked his Cabinet and the people of Papua New Guinea for their continued support during his overseas travel and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to national unity and service delivery.

“We are working to position Papua New Guinea not only as a strong regional partner but as a country that can benefit meaningfully from international cooperation and economic transformation,” PM Marape said upon arrival.

The welcoming event also reflected solidarity within the Government amidst recent political tensions within the Opposition, underscoring the ruling coalition’s ongoing focus on governance, stability, and the upcoming 2027 National General Elections.

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13/06/2025

Call for Unity: A Strong and United Opposition Is What Papua New Guinea Needs Now

By Samson Komati | 13 June 2025

As Papua New Guinea edges closer to the 2027 National General Elections, there is a growing call from citizens across the country for a strong, united, and focused Opposition.

It is clear that a united Opposition is a far more feared and effective force than a divided and fragmented one. Right now, the people of PNG are frustrated and confused by the many voices coming from within the Opposition—each pulling in different directions, each claiming legitimacy, and each fighting for leadership.

What the nation urgently needs is one voice, one direction, and one purpose in the fight to hold the Government accountable.

Currently, the Opposition does not have the numbers to bring down the Government via a vote of no confidence. That reality should prompt humility, internal discipline, and unity. Opposition leaders must resolve their in-house matters amicably and swiftly, for the sake of the people they represent.

Despite having zero funding from Government, the Opposition’s greatest weapon remains its united voice—a voice that can still bring pressure to bear on all critical national issues, including the struggling economy, systemic corruption, and law and order breakdowns. A disunited Opposition only benefits the ruling regime.

There is some reorganization happening within the Opposition. Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa has joined and now leads the People’s Progress Party (PPP). Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress (PNC) has gained momentum with the return of Hon. James Nomane and Hon. Richard Iduhu, giving it the highest number of MPs in the Opposition bloc.

Ultimately, it is just a matter of a formal vote that will determine who should lead the Opposition—whether that means maintaining the current leader or appointing a new one. What matters most is the process is conducted with integrity, maturity, and respect.

Papua New Guineans are watching. The 2027 National General Election is less than two years away, and the people demand accountable leadership and responsible opposition.

Meanwhile, the country continues to suffer under ongoing economic hardship, political uncertainty, and government mismanagement. The stakes are too high for personal ambition and internal politics to take precedence over national interest.

We hope and urge the Opposition to rise above internal divisions and present a united front that can speak, act, and lead on behalf of the people.

[ENDS]

13/06/2025

PNG at 50: A Tale of Two Covers — One Party Builds, One Party Breaks

Port Moresby, 13 June 2025 — Today’s front pages tell two starkly different stories of leadership and legacy as Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence.

On one front page, the ruling Pangu Pati celebrates 58 years since its founding — with an image that speaks volumes: the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare pictured beside his political succeser, Prime Minister James Marape. It's more than a photo — it's the symbolic baton pass from the nation’s founding father to the leader he once campaigned for in Tari, appointed as Education Minister in 2008, and later endorsed as Pangu leader in 2019. It’s a vision that lives on, bridging generations of leadership with national purpose.

On the opposite page? A very different headline: the Opposition in disarray. Leadership contests, internal rifts, and dueling press statements reveal a team more focused on undermining each other than presenting a cohesive alternative. Peter O’Neill’s bloc now appears split — not just in their campaign against the government, but within their own ranks.

The contrast couldn’t be sharper. One party marks milestones in nation-building. The other battles for political survival.

It’s the kind of day that belongs in a museum — with one wing titled "Statesmen", and the other, "Spectacle."

03/06/2025

03/06/2025

Cocoa Boom in East Sepik: A Vision Realised Under the Marape-Rosso Government

The remarkable rise of cocoa farming in East Sepik Province is not just a local success story — it’s a national milestone in agricultural transformation, rural empowerment, and long-term vision, led by the Marape-Rosso Government.

The foundation of this success was laid in 2019, when Prime Minister Hon. James Marape approved the EU EDF11 funding, paving the way for large-scale cocoa development in the Sepik region. At the time, Governor Allan Bird acknowledged the breakthrough, declaring: “Sepik, your prayers are answered.”

Today, East Sepik is experiencing a cocoa rush like never before, with rural families earning thousands of kina from their first harvests. These are not just crops — they represent jobs, income, and dignity for Papua New Guinean families.

Prime Minister Marape's vision was clear from the beginning: create real, sustainable jobs not just in offices or urban centers, but in the informal economy — in agriculture, markets, and small businesses. While others hesitated, the Marape-Rosso Government believed in the untapped potential of rural PNG.

Through initiatives such as the K200 million SME funding, the Connect PNG infrastructure program, and bold reforms in resource laws, the government has shown a consistent commitment to empowering ordinary citizens and building long-term economic independence.

The New Porgera agreement and greater revenue shares from national resources are proof that Marape’s leadership goes beyond agriculture — it extends to national wealth retention and equitable distribution.

As Prime Minister Marape once said: “Put money into the pockets of rural people.” Today, that promise is becoming reality. The cocoa boom is a living example that visionary leadership, when backed by policy and persistence, delivers lasting results.

Let us celebrate the success of the cocoa farmers. But let us also remember who made it possible — a government that dared to think differently, act boldly, and invest where others overlooked.

Credit must be given where it is due.

28/05/2025

Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane – Stop Wasting Time and Resources, the People Have Spoken

Date: 28 May 2025,
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The recent Supreme Court dismissal of Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane’s application seeking interpretation of the amended Section 145 of the Constitution is yet another clear reminder: the people of Papua New Guinea have already spoken through the ballot box.

In the 2022 National General Election, the citizens of this country decisively returned Hon. James Marape and the Pangu Pati to continue leading the nation. That victory was not rooted in petty politics, but in trust – trust in a government committed to people-first development, national unity, and spiritual direction.

This ongoing campaign by the opposition – marked by repeated motions of no confidence and failed court challenges – is nothing short of political desperation. These are not the actions of visionary leadership, but of individuals consumed by jealousy, misinformation, and blind ambition.

To the people of Chuave: Is this how your DSIP funds should be used – on court battles that waste time and taxpayer money, instead of delivering services like classrooms, clinics, roads, and clean water?

Papua New Guinea deserves better than endless political games and instability. The opposition’s repeated attempts to destabilize the government only serve to delay progress. What our people need are solutions – not courtroom drama, recycled tactics, and manufactured crises.

Let us not forget: the Pangu-led government was not only chosen by the people; it was ordained by God. Since 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, this government has weathered challenges, stood firm, and remained focused on nation-building.

To the opposition, we say this: if you have something meaningful to contribute, then bring forward real ideas. Present policies. Offer alternatives. Engage in constructive debate. But do not derail development through constant disruption and political greed. That path has failed before, and it will continue to fail.

Prime Minister Marape and Pangu Pati enjoy the mandate of the people – and their confidence remains strong. Let the government continue its work. Progress may be slow, but it is steady, and in time, even the skeptics and critics will see the results for themselves.

Let us unite for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Papua New Guinea.

God bless our nation.

01/05/2025

K200 Million Investment, a Result of Strong Leadership and Tax Discipline — IRC Commissioner General.

MT HAGEN, Western Highlands – April 25, 2025 —
The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) has commended Tininga Group and Steamships Trading Company for setting a high benchmark in corporate responsibility and tax compliance, as the two companies launched the K200 million Dobel Central Project in Mt Hagen.

Delivering a statement at the launch, the IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim described the milestone as more than just a commercial venture—it is a clear example of how good governance, policy certainty, and tax discipline attract genuine private investment.

“Tininga and Steamships stand apart,” said Mr. Koim. “They are growing their businesses while remaining fully compliant taxpayers. That is the kind of corporate integrity we want to see—businesses that succeed without evading their obligations.”

He contrasted their example with other businesses operating in the country that, despite visible market expansion, continue to underreport income and avoid full tax compliance.

“Some businesses are expanding aggressively, yet their tax filings and payments do not reflect that growth,” Mr. Koim said. “They carry weight in the market but claim to be ‘on a diet’ in their tax declarations to the tax office.”

Importantly , the K200 million Dobel Central investment was made without any tax holiday or special incentive. Mr. Koim said this sends a strong message that the fundamentals—such as law and order, functioning infrastructure, and a stable policy environment—are more critical to attracting investors than tax reliefs.

“This investment was made without a tax holiday. That is significant,” he said. “It proves that investors respond more to good governance, infrastructure, law and order, and policy certainty than to tax giveaways.”

Mr. Koim used the occasion to reaffirm the importance of the social contract—the principle that taxpayers contribute in good faith, expecting the government to use their tax kina wisely to build infrastructure and improve services.

“What we are witnessing in the Western Highlands is proof of this—effective, multi-level leadership delivering results and earning the trust of business,” he said.

He credited the province’s positive investment climate to the stable and collaborative leadership of Governor Wai Rapa, Minister William Duma, and the Mt Hagen City Authority, supported by national road infrastructure investments under Prime Minister James Marape.

As the Dobel Central project takes shape, Mr. Koim reaffirmed IRC’s commitment to recognising and supporting compliant businesses that contribute meaningfully to national growth.

“We commend Tininga and Steamships for their example,” he said. “May their investment be successful and may it inspire others to do business the right way.”

Authorised for Release

Mr. Sam Koim, OBE
Commissioner General
Internal Revenue Commission

01/05/2025

The Pain for Doing Good: Concerns Raised Over Court Ruling in Laigap Bribery Case

The recent court decision to unseat Hon. Amos Akem, the MP-elect for Laigap, on allegations of bribery has stirred significant public debate, with critics questioning the fairness and legal soundness of the ruling. The case, which was prominently featured on national front pages on May 1st, has brought into focus the challenges of interpreting legal responsibility within Papua New Guinea's unique socio-cultural and political context.

According to the court, Akem was found liable due to actions taken by Hon. Reinbo Paita, Member for Finschhafen and current Minister for Mining, who gifted items to his relatives in Laigap following the 2022 National Elections. While the court saw this as an act that potentially influenced voter behavior, many in the public view Paita’s actions as a customary gesture of appreciation — rooted deeply in Melanesian culture.

The concept of vicarious liability, often used to assign responsibility from one individual to another, was cited as a key basis for the decision. However, legal experts and observers have expressed doubt about its application in this case, particularly given the timing and context. The Laigap Supplementary Election took place a year later, between September and October 2023 — well after Paita’s post-election thanksgiving.

“Hon. Paita, though representing Finschhafen in Morobe Province, has family roots in Laigap and simply extended a hand of thanks to his kin and supporters,” said a concerned commentator. “To equate that to political bribery seems to ignore the cultural practices that bind our communities.”

There is also concern about the legal defense offered during the proceedings, with suggestions that Akem’s legal representation failed to adequately challenge the connection made between the two leaders or highlight the timeline discrepancy.

“This verdict feels like a punishment for cultural expression rather than a clear-cut case of electoral misconduct,” one observer noted.

Critics warn that such rulings risk criminalizing common acts of goodwill — such as moka, brideprice, or school fee contributions — which are widely practiced by leaders and citizens alike.

While the rule of law must be upheld, many are calling for a deeper understanding and balance between modern legal frameworks and Melanesian traditions, especially when applying complex legal concepts in culturally sensitive contexts.

“Injustice stings most when one feels punished for doing what is good and right,” said one local leader. “Both Hon. Akem and Hon. Paita deserve a fair hearing — not just in the courtroom, but in the court of public understanding.”

The public is encouraged to reflect on the broader implications of this case for leadership, culture, and justice in Papua New Guinea.

26/04/2025

Dusty, Mouldy and Wasted: K120 Million Generators Rot While PNG Faces Power Blackouts

Port Moresby / Lae – April 25, 2025

Two K120 million generators purchased during the reign of former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill are now collecting dust and mould in Lae and Port Moresby—unused, malfunctioning, and a clear symbol of wasteful expenditure.

Papua New Guineans deserve answers: Where did the K120 million go? The people are still waiting for accountability from former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and former Treasury Secretary Dairi Vele—who both know the truth behind the scandalous deal.

The public calls on Mr. O’Neill to come clean in his next Facebook live session and explain how taxpayer money was used to purchase two old, faulty generators from Israel—without National Executive Council (NEC) approval. This was not an NEC decision. This was one man’s reckless move, risking national resources under the guise of reducing power blackouts in major cities.

Now, one of those very generators lies abandoned in Lae, covered in dust. Not one of them is operational. The so-called solution to power outages has turned into a K120 million disgrace. Imagine if that money had been invested in critical services—like the cancer treatment facilities now being championed by the Marape Government.

The recent court decision to free Peter O’Neill of responsibility, despite mounting evidence, is a deep betrayal of justice. When a former Prime Minister testifies in court, it raises serious questions. To clear him without accountability is not justice—it is jungle justice. Justice has been denied to the people of PNG.

Let us be clear: Peter O’Neill is not the father of infrastructure. His infrastructure was limited to inflated contracts in Port Moresby, designed to boost his own image ahead of APEC. These projects largely benefitted cronies and political allies—not the average Papua New Guinean battling cancer, blackouts, or poverty.

In stark contrast, Prime Minister James Marape’s government is delivering real change. From negotiating better mining and gas agreements with Barrick, ExxonMobil, and Total, to building a world-class cancer facility in Port Moresby—this government is prioritising the people’s interest above all else.

This is what it means to “Take Back PNG.” It’s not about empty slogans. It’s about real, step-by-step progress.

The people of PNG see the difference.