PM O’Neill launches Divine Word University online programmes

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has launched the Divine Word University's online programmes as well as officially opening a new academic building and the Alessandro Clinic at the Madang campus on Saturday.
The Prime Minister congratulated DWU for its online programme initiative, which he said would contribute and further enhance the delivery of education in Papua New Guinea.
"Education must be at the forefront of embracing technology and this is what Diving Word University is doing.
"Online programs will open up new opportunities for more students to study.
"Through education we can change the country and Divine Word is leading the charge."
In his address to students, faculty and people from Madang, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of education as a top priority for the government since coming to office.
"Each year our government spends more than 3 billion Kina on education alone.
"This is the most substantial investment in education in our history.
"Free education is not a new concept, it has been there since independence but no government has made a serious attempt in delivering the program for our children.
"It is the right for every child in this country to be educated and the only way is to make means available."
"If school fee is a problem then the government must take the problem away so we can get children into school."
The Prime Minister further highlighted the introduction of the 'tuition loan program' for students at tertiary institutions that comes into effect in 2016 academic year.
"Already K200 million has been made available for the tuition loan program to ease the burden of many parents who have difficulties in sending their children to university.
"Similar programs are well established in Australia and many developed nations and have proven to be a success."
"This programme provides the opportunity to ensure you have funding and access to better education opportunities."
The programme works by students taking a loan to complete their tertiary education, then over their working life repay the loan gradually without interest.
PM O'Neill reiterated that education is the key in building human resources in Papua New Guinea and a way forward for the country to achieve its millennium goals.
Accompanied by the Minister for Finance, James Marape and the Minister for Higher Education, Malakai Tarbar, the Prime Minister opened the new academic building, Alessandro Clinic and new staff houses at the campus.

PM O’Neill thanks public for welcoming APEC delegations

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has thanked members of the public for welcoming delegates from around the Asia-Pacific who attended the series of APEC meetings that took place in Port Moresby over the past week.  The Prime Minister further highlighted the relevance of APEC's work at the local level in Papua New Guinea.
As Papua New Guinea prepares to host the broader APEC process in 2018, PM O'Neill said the lead-in meetings provide the opportunity for the public to gain greater insight to APEC and for officials to refine logistics processes.
"The early APEC meetings give the public an opportunity for many people to get a better understanding of unique processes involved in hosting APEC meetings," the Prime Minister said at the conclusion of this week's meetings.
"There was also a great deal of interaction between delegates with business owners and the public, particularly relating to the meetings on women and the economy.
"Business relationships have been formed this week that will continue and stimulate further economic interaction.
"Through these meetings we also have the chance to refine logistical processes and enhance the capacity of officials who will interact with thousands of delegates before the end of 2018.
"Support to APEC meetings will continue to evolve and extensive training undertaken as we build the significant logistical and security operation that will be in place for 2018."
The Prime Minister said the benefits to the nation of hosting APEC are gained at a local level and this was demonstrated during the meetings in Port Moresby last week.
"While most media the attention is focused on the high level APEC events such as the Leaders' Summit, APEC is very much a working level process that gives our country access to knowledge, skills and technical expertise from around the Asia-Pacific.
"In a broad range of areas that includes agriculture, tourism, telecommunications and forestry, engaging through APEC gives Papua New Guinea direct access to information on practices that have worked in other countries. 
"We can then apply that adapt and apply that knowledge in our economy.
"Papua New Guinea has been stepping up policy and technical engagement in APEC over the past few years and is now playing a more active role in the APEC process than ever before."
The two meetings that were held in Port Moresby over the past week were the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy followed by the APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Human Capacity Building.
The next round of APEC meetings will take place in the Philippines when senior officials meet ahead of the meeting of Trade Ministers on 23-24 May.

Post PNG pays first dividend in 26 years

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill  has called for Post PNG to continue to do their best to ensure Papua New Guineans in remote locations continue to have ongoing access to quality postal services.
Speaking to workers and management at the Konedobu Post PNG facility yesterday, the Prime Minister officially launched three new Post PNG products and witnessed the first dividend cheque being paid by Post PNG in more than 26 years.
PM O'Neill said postal services around the world are facing pressure as people turn to the Internet for sending correspondence, however, in Papua New Guinea the traditional letters and parcel service remains of vital importance and must be maintained.
"As people now tend to send their mail through email and online services, the first business to suffer is the postal services," the Prime Minister said.
"We all know the challenges that Post PNG has been going through, both in terms of restructuring itself, and trying to establish its business under these challenging circumstances.  It has not been easy.
"As government, we have support PNG Post adapting into this new business environment.
"This is why we placed additional capital into PNG Post, and as a result, can see that postal services and related businesses are starting to deliver better outcomes.
"It is pleasing to note that Post PNG is turning the corner and improving the quality of services that it provides to the people of Papua New Guinea."
The Prime Minister further asked Post PNG employees present at the ceremony to continue to work together in strengthening the level of service they provide to the people.
"We are very proud of what you do. 
"I know it is not easy being in a business that is facing such challenges, but thanks to your efforts, all of you working together as a team, you are delivering new results for PNG Post."
While at the Konedobu compound, the Prime Minister launched the business E-Commerce project, the 2014 Annual Stamp Album, opened an airfreighted bonded warehouse for storage of goods, and witnessed the presentation of the K300,000 dividend payment to the Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC).

PM O’Neill highlights the success of PNG LNG on anniversary

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill  has expressed his satisfaction at the ongoing success of the PNG LNG project on the anniversary of the beginning of LNG production in Papua New Guinea one year ago last week.
He said the PNG LNG project is testament to the strong working relationships between key stakeholders that saw the project delivered on budget and ahead of time.
"The PNG LNG Project has faced many challenges since its inception, but through determination and partnership the construction phase was completed and production began one year ago," O'Neill said.
"We congratulate our partners, particularly ExxonMobil PNG Limited, for their tireless support for this project, and landowners in affected areas for actively engaging in this process and reaching agreement.
"The production of LNG in Papua New Guinea is one of the most important developments in our history and the benefits will be felt for decades.
"During the production phase more than 10,000 Papua New Guineans were employed and they expanded their own skills and capacity.
"This project is also an example of the investment and business opportunity in Papua New Guinea today.
"A number of other substantial projects are being developed around the nation, and as I stated yesterday during my visit to the Antelope Wellhead 5, we offer the same commitment and better as we engage with our stakeholders."
The Prime Minister said that the first full year of production was an important milestone in the ongoing development of the nation.
"2015 is a defining year for Papua New Guinea as our country moves on from the problems of the past to a future that is bright.
"In our 40th year of independence we are seeing change and improvement in the delivery of services for our people.
"We are building new classrooms and more children are going to school, we are making healthcare truly universal, improving law and order and building the infrastructure we need for a stable economy.
"These key areas or economic activity have been made possible because of the approach our country now takes to economic management and business development.
"The PNG LNG project is a very important part of the Papua New Guinea business success story."

Prime Minister welcomes 10th Successor of Don Bosco

Prime Minister's Media

Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has welcomed the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, Rector Major, Fr Angel Fernandez Artime, SDB, and his delegation from Rome, to Papua New Guinea on Thursday.
At a reception dinner held at the Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby on Thursday, PM O'Neill said on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, "I warmly welcome Fr Angel Fernandez Artime and his delegation from Rome.
"I would like to express our appreciation of the good work Don Bosco Technological Institute continues to do in our country," the Prime Minister said.
"What the Churches are or have been doing for many years, illustrates the importance in guiding our men and women to improve their lives and careers."
He acknowledged that Don Bosco had been at the forefront in providing skills and education to many of our citizens for many years.
"Recently our government announced the Church-partnership program, which is providing many good opportunities in our communities.
"Our government has also embarked on an education programme through free education, adding an additional one million children into schools throughout the country.
"However, that would not have been achieved without the support of our church-funded institutions like Don Bosco, and we appreciate the support and the work that they continue to do."
The Prime Minister said ongoing economic growth, the nation needed a more skilled workforce into the future that could ensure that growth continued.
"Don Bosco's contribution to training our workforce and improving the capacity of our youth is immensely valued.
"This is a partnership that we critically value – a partnership we want to continue to strengthen.
"Therefore, I am giving you my absolute assurance and commitment, that this government will continue to support the good work that Don Bosco is doing under the Catholic denomination and further support other churches as well.
The Rector Major and his delegation will be visiting Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands from April 30 to May 5, to commemorate the Bicentenary (1815-2015) of Fr Don Bosco's birth.

PM O’Neill sounds warning to people involved with illegal drugs

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has called on individuals who might be tempted to be involved in drug crime to think twice or ruin the rest of their lives.

O'Neill made the comments in response to media requests following recent drug crime stories in the national media.
"In relation to recent arrests in Indonesia of Papua New Guineans on charges of drug possession, it would not be appropriate to comment as these matters are due to appear before the courts," the Prime Minister said.
"Papua New Guinea is providing consular support to those who have been arrested and we will continue to monitor the situation."
"In relation to the broader issue of drug smuggling, be this is Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Australia or any other country, I have a simple message.  Anyone considering transporting illegal drugs must be prepared for the consequences, and these consequences are serious.  
"In the ASEAN region in particular the penalties for drug smuggling are very strong, and everyone travelling to these countries knows what a serious crime it is to have or carry drugs.  
"The signs are posted at immigration entry points and information is read out on arriving flights.  Travellers are warned that these countries have very strict drug laws, and drug trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty and this is also applied to foreigners.
"Improvements in law enforcement around the region means that there is a much greater chance now that drug smugglers will be caught.
"People who get involved in this illegal activity can expect to be arrested, convicted and given a serious sentence."
The Prime Minister called for vigilance and awareness in families and communities to work together and with the Government to deal with drug problems.
"Drug abuse is a dark cloud over society all around the world and every day countless numbers of people die and families are broken.
"The Government is working through law enforcement agencies and with community organisations including our churches to deal with these issues
"It takes a community effort from everyone to work together to try to prevent people from taking drugs, while at the same time finding and arresting those who are involved with drug crime."

A growing Lae City must have its own government

MEDIA RELEASE

Fisheries Minister Hon Mao Zeming says Lae is a growing city that must have an authority take charge of maintaining infrastructure and delivering its municipal services.
Zeming attended the special Tutumang session in Lae on Thursday, and his prepared remarks were incorporated into Tutumang's  Hansard.
The Tewai-Siasssi MP said Lae's strategic location was importance to the nation and its economic growth.
"It is Papua New Guinea's manufacturing centre. It hosts the nation's largest sea port facility.
"It is the gateway to the nation's multi-billion kina mineral and hydro-carbon projects located in our own province and the highlands region, like Harmony Gold in Morobe and the PNG LNG Project in the Hela province."
But he said before the National Government's intervention in 2012, Lae's roads were deteriorating, gabbage collection was non-existent, street lights destroyed, and businesses struggling to cope.
The city's parks and recreational areas were no longer there.
"All these was happening under the nose of the Morobe Provincial Government, the Lae Urban LLG, and some of the leaders who are spreading misinformation about the proposed city authority," Zeming said.
He said in 2012, the O'Neill/Dion Government acted quickly to restore Lae city.
"The government has allocated over K200 million to upgrade and seal Lae city roads. Many of you can see the result as you drive around the city.
"The government is spending about K300 million to upgrade the Lae-Nadzab road and make turn it into a four-lane highway. Work has already begun on stage one of this project
"Phase 1 of the Lae Tidal Basin Development project has been completed. And Phase 2 is now underway. This K700 million project will transform our port service and ensure business efficiency not only in Lae but everywhere else.
"Over K35 million is being spent to redevelop Angau Hospital. Go to the hospital and see how we have changed the outpatient and the children's ward.
"For the future, the new Angau Hospital will be built for close to K1.6 billion in partnership with the Australian Government.
"The National Airport Corporation is completing a feasibility study to upgrade the Nabzab Airport so it is accorded international airport status.
"This will give us an opportunity to create a township near or around this facility, creating a business hub and providing opportunities for locals there.
"All these development are for the good of Lae city, its residents, Morobe and the rest of PNG. But it cannot happen in a vacuum.
"Lae city needs an authority to oversee these development, to maintain an efficient and effective municipal service in partnership with the Lae Urban LLG and the Ahi LLG, and the Morobe Provincial Government.
"The authority will not undermine or overtake the responsibilities of these entities."
Mr Zeming said he was pleased the Tutumang has agreed to review the proposed Act, and where possible, amendments will be considered.
"What I can assure you is the Lae City Authority is not being created as a power base for anyone."