Tuesday, October 01, 2019

PM Marape stands in support of Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey


Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, will support his Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey, MP, in the delivery of correct economic numbers that has been debated as of lately in preparation for 2019 supplementary budget and 2020 budget.

The Prime Minister made this statement in response to former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s criticism lately of the numbers that Treasurer is now putting out.

Prime Minister Marape said the numbers are based on works that the Government's due diligence team has been working on openly, in collaboration with IMF and whole of treasury, including the World Bank and others.

“The former Prime Minister cannot deny that many of us including me as the then Finance Minister, protested not only on the budget policies but on expenditure priorities of budgets under his Prime Ministership starting 2015, when his priorities shifted away from greater coalition interest," the Prime Minister said.

"The latest was my protest last November when I had no knowledge of budget frameworks, yet I was forced to support that budget," he said.

The Prime Minister said these were some of the issues that contributed to his resignation as the Finance Minister.

"What the present Treasurer is currently doing is to fully ascertain our present economic conditions for us to offer solutions to take our country out of the present conditions," Prime Minister Marape said.

"When I was Finance Minister previously, I  was part of the government that deliberately entered into debt financing so we could do economic projects, but along the way, the areas of investments influenced by the then Prime Minister differed against some of our opinions, and these investments now add up to our present debts.

"Whether it is at K27 billion or above K30 billion the fact is that it is still very high and possibly trends above requirements of Fiscal Responsibility Act.

"Government under my leadership want to establish where the true economic position of our country is and then put forward policies and programs in both 2019 and 2020 that should take us out of this mess.” Prime Minister Marape said.

He said today is not the time to continue the blame game but to accept the status quo the country is faced with and to mitigate to rescue the country.

“Our Government will initiate immediate cost cutting on projects and expenditures of no significance to the economy, invest in economic stimulant projects, and source lower cost loans in the immediate to refinance our debts as well as provide budget support," Prime Minister Marape revealed of the Government's plan of action.

“In the medium term, we will look to gain better from our resources by unbundling resources through resource law changes and policy and regime shifts, including policing better our tax collection systems."

In the meantime, Prime Minister encourages the country to have positive view on our future, and look into how every citizens and every national businesses can venture into businesses to help contribute to the country’s future.

The Prime Minister said the Government will endeavour to make public sector and its state businesses effective and productive, and encourage the private sector to grow in business to support our economy.

Prime Minister James Marape's full Independence Day address

His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, Governor-General of Papua New Guinea,

Speaker of Parliament, Hon Job Pomat and all National Parliament staff,

Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea Sir Gibs Salika and all our Judges, Chief Magistrate, Magistrates and staff of the third and important arm of Government, our Judiciary.

Hon Dr John Momis, President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and our people of Bougainville,

Hon Powes Parkop, Governor of NCD and all Governors of the other 20 provinces and our people honouring our country in provinces and districts,

Ministers of State and Members of Parliament,

High Commissioners and Ambassadors of countries who have been friends of PNG since 1975,

Important dignitaries and invited guests to our 44 years of Independence Flag Raising Ceremony,

Our Chief Secretary and all our public servants,

Commander and Commissioners of our three discipline forces,

Leaders of different faiths including our Christian Church leaders and your church members, People of my country,  Ladies and Gentlemen

Today, 16th of September 2019,  marks 44 years since our Sovereign Flag was hoisted for the first time in 1975.

Since then, seven Prime Ministers stood before me, all of them and leaders who served with them that I remember today.

I now stand here before you all people and friends of Papua New Guinea as your chief servant to rally the country under the rise of our unifying flag once again.

One hundred and ten days ago,  my group leaders were conferred high privilege to serve all parts of our country and not for a selected few.

For we are nation of over a thousand tribes, who speak over 830 different languages, from highlands to lowlands, from mountains to seas, from square kilometres of land blends unity in diversity, we are the most diversed nation on the face of earth.

Despite being so diverse yet, we continue to survive the test  of time as a nation thus far.

Yes, I am the first to admit that we still have our short comings as a young nation and to name a few.

Uneven distribution of resources, lack of quality development, under performance of resource  harvest, squandering of resources through corruption and complacency, non functional systems of government, etc , etc.

But Iam not here to dwell on the past but to learn from past mistakes and improve  for a better future.

Hindsight sets the foresight as they say and my Government’s foresight is set and fixed.

In my mind, the first and foremost is to ensure that we  not only celebrate political independence during September 16s  but full economic independence as well.
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Our nation is endowed with all forms of tropical fisheries and marine resources, all forms of tropical agricultural resources, abundance sunshine and water, mineral and petroleum resources.

We also have talented Human Resources.

We are closer to the Asia Pacific market then most and with our membership to APEC, our association with ASEAN.

Our healthy bilateral relationship with nations like Australia, China, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, India, Great Britain, USA and EU nations.

All of the above gives us good opportunities to do well.

Proper harvest of our natural resources and equitable sharing with our investors plus better redistribution to our land owners and provincial governments will ensure we move towards economic independence.

Economic independence is my government’s first and foremost priority born of Pangu Party’s  dogma of complimenting the political independence Pangu Party led PNG into in 1975.

By 2025, when our nation celebrates 50 years of independence, I want to look back to today in 2019 as the year in which my generation of reformist leaders changed legislative gears for truly better harvest of our God given natural resources.

In this, I envisage economic independence to liberate our citizens off poor health services, low quality of education, poverty lifestyle, dilapidated infrastructures and unsafe lawless society to one of;

Top quality education and health services accessible to all citizens and residents, peace and harmonious society, connectivity of all hamlets villages, towns, cities and provinces through roads, bridges, ports, airports, electricity and digital communications.
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In a nutshell, our people must benefit from resources in their own land, ocean and airspace.

Working to give full economic independence is the reason why I am sure  within 10 years, this country of a thousand  tribes can become the richest black Christian nation where no child is left  behind.

To make this happen we must all pledge in unison that where ever we are placed in PNG, we will rise and shine to do our outmost best for our country.

Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, USA and all nations that have progressed were not built by machines and robots but by human beings like us.

Today on the anniversary of 44 years of independence, I as your eighth Prime Minister pledge to you my firm commitment that I will not be bought or sold to corporate and individual greed but stand resolved  for the greater good of my PNG.

I ask you all, Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, every public servants and all citizens of this country, no magic or dreams with no efforts will get  us out of present poverty into rich and fullness of life.

It starts with each and every citizens living as Christians must live, in harmony with one another, do unto others what you want others to do to you and working productively with your brains and hands.

First thing first, my government will amend laws to give back to you  resource owners and provinces including our Bougainville regional government your fair share of resources revenue but I call on you all to give back to PNG a good law and order environment.



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Let us work together to secure our country’s future by joining hands irrespective of our colors of our provincial flags but under our national flag, let us blend our diversified tribal songs into a united nation anthem,

For our strength and security is in a united future where we are not only politically independent but truly independent economically.

In next year’s budget and onwards we will have some innovative avenues to help tertiary students and PNG business women and men so keep your heads high and assist your nation by being law abiding.

Together we can, divide we fall, united we stand,  as  united tribes of PNG.

As John Kennedy asked of America to not ask what the country can do for them but them doing for their United States of America, JF Kennedy also uttered an impossible dream in 1961 he said in 10 years USA will put men on moon and they did it in 8 years.

We can do it too, whilst we may not put men to moon in years, we can make PNG better in 10 years if we all start now.

May the God of our Ancestors, the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel bless you all citizens and friends of PNG now and forever.

Happy 44 years of my Papua New Guinea, looking forward for the next  44 years in which you will truly be the richest black Christian nation on earth.

Let us start this by taking back PNG in our mind and actions.

God bless Papua New Guinea.  Happy Independence.

Love you all





St John's Lutheran Church Goroka celebrates 50 years

By MALUM NALU

St John’s Lutheran Church in West Goroka, one of the pioneer urban churches in Papua New Guinea, celebrated its 50th anniversary in style on Sunday.
The church had three days of celebrations starting from Friday until Sunday, when it had its 50th anniversary service, which was attended by pioneer pastor Rev Brian Schwarz of Australia and his two sons Nick and Ben, as well as another former Australian pastor Murray Thomas and wife Edith.

Pioneer Pastor Brian Schwarz (centre) with sons Nick and Ben.

Former Pastor Murray Thomas and wife Edith catching up with old friends.

The celebrations included a one-day seminar on Friday, cultural show on Saturday and 50th anniversary service on Sunday.

Dancers from the Siassi Islands of Morobe performing on Sunday.

Goroka MP Henry Ame unveiled the 50th anniversary plaque on Sunday in front of a fullhouse crowd including former congregation members from around the country.

Goroka MP Henry Ame unveils the 50th anniversary plaque at St John’s on Sunday.

A fullhouse crowd at St John’s on Sunday.

“It really was a joyful occasion,” said Schwarz, who came to Goroka in 1969 as a 23-year-old fresh out of seminary and left the country in 1985.
“Today was a wonderful service.
“It was the best service I’ve ever been to at St John’s, better than any of the ones I’ve conducted.
“It was a lovely time, everyone welcomed me and I was very honoured, I’m very thankful to God.”
Schwartz said under the leadership of current pastor, Grahamme Baital of Siassi in Morobe, “St John’s might be able to play and important role in furthering ministry in urban centres, take a leading role to help train pastors, and other leaders in working more effectively in urban centres”.
Murray, who was at St John’s from 1993-2003, said it was heartening to see the church still continuing its work in Goroka.
“It was great to come back and catch up with people we knew as friends, and to see that the church is still going,” he said.
“We have many faithful pastors, and many faithful church members, who are following God’s way and growing.

With guests outside St John's after the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary plaque.From left are Finkewe Zurenuoc, Nick Schwarz, Pastor Grahamme Baital, Ricky Mitio, former Governor Peti Lafanama, former Pastor Murray Thomas, Goroka MP Henry Ame, founding Pastor Brian Schwarz, Church elder, Church elder, Chairman Himony Lapiso and me.

“It was good to see all the people here, the energy in getting all the celebrations and preparations.”

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Government presents K22.5 million to Bougainville

PM's Media

The National Government today presented a total of K22.5million to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG)  for specific programs to be implemented by the ABG.

The cheques were presented by the ministers for Works Michael Nali, Fisheries and Marine Resources Dr Lino Tom and Bougainville Affairs Dr Sir Puka Temu.

Nali presented a cheque of K9.5million to the  ABG Minister for Works, Dr Tom presented K5million whilst Dr Sir Puka presented two cheques totalling K8 million.

The first cheque Sir Puka presented was a one of K6million to help the work of the Bougainville Referendum Commission of which K1.5m will go towards the referendum awareness and related programmes.

Sir Puka said the K1.5 was a commitment the ABG government made to help the Bougainville Referendum Commission but the National Government decided to help.

The remaining K4.5million is for other non electoral related work by the ABG and the BRC for security related processes.

Dr Sir Puka also presented a cheque for K2million towards the Arawa School of Nursing.

The K9.5million cheque presented by Works Minister Nali is to pay two contractors Covec and Dekenai to complete two road programs they are working on in Bougainville.

The K5million cheque by Fisheries Minister Dr Lino Tom was for related commitments as per previous JSB meetings that such funding be made to the ABG.
The presentations were made in the presence of Prime Minister Marape and President Dr John Momis.

PM Marape happy with Bougainville meeting

PM's Media

Prime Minister Hon James Marape says the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting on Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) has reached mutual resolutions from both sides.

He said this following the conclusion of the meeting at the ABG President Dr John Momis' official residence.

 Prime Minister Marape and President Dr John Momis signing the resolutions of the JSB meeting today in Buka.

“Today let me thank the leadership of Bougainville under President Dr John Momis, that the JSB meeting reached mutual and fruitful resolutions from both sides of the house," Marape said.

“One of the best resolutions, and of greater importance in my view,  is to devolve some of the functions and powers of running the affairs of the region and that is to generate their own revenue.

“The National Government mechanism has to support the ABG to ensure that they are self-sufficient in revenue generation.

“We have had political independence but what use it is when our people don’t have money in their pockets.

“People must have money in their pockets and be economically and financially independent.’’

Marape said the just concluded JSB meeting consolidated some of those understanding.

“We have also resolved and had reached a resolution on the issue like the RDG,  or the Bougainville Restoration and Development Grants,  that the n
National government had to pay Bougainville as per  the Bougainville Peace Agreement," he said.

“It is not about the figure of money but is it about trust and understanding in working together.

“We have now reached an understanding on how we have to calculate how much we,  the National Government,  have to pay and the understanding is that we have had a shortfall of some K81 million.

“An independent assessment was made and we have reached a resolution that, both sides affirm the independent assessment that we have to pay K81million since 2001 when the peace agreement was signed.

“That is why when the National Executive Council-NEC met yesterday in Buka,  it resolved that we will have to give a ceiling of K100million funding annually over a 10 year period.

“That is to catch up on lost grounds but more importantly,  to make up for the losses we have incurred and to bridge the divide where after the crisis services came to a stand-still.’’

Marape also assured President Dr Momis that the National Government would help the ABG.

“We are here to help your ABG and this JSB meeting in Buka confirms that we are referendum ready," he said.

“The referendum writs will be issued on Sept 27 and our Cabinet meeting has confirmed that date.

“Voting will take place on Nov 23 and the counting will take place and the results will be made known.

"There will be a period of 40 days for if any there are any disputes to be made.

“But what has really transpired in this JSB is that a greater Melanesian way of consensus was reached.

“That is after the referendum,  both sides will sit again and talk and see the result and this is the way we should go.

“I believe in the Melanesian way of leaders to sit down and talk and reach amicable results.

“The National Government leaders  came to Bougainville not like bosses visiting subordinates, but as equals to talk to equal people here on Bougainville and find an amicable solution.

“This afternoon we have signed a resolution that is amicable to both sides.

“This is one of the quickest JSB meetings.

"Both sides admitted there wasn’t much issue and we arrived at what we see was amicable on both sides."

PM Marape addresses Bougainville meeting

PM's Media

Prime Minister James Marape has addressed the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting between leaders and technical officials from the National Government and Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) on Buka Island this morning.

President Momis and Prime Minister Marape at the meeting


 Marape said the National Government was committed to supporting Bogainville achieve a peaceful outcome from the referendum to be held in November.
He also proposed for a National Reconciliation Ceremony to be led by the Christian churches  from both sides.

Prime Minister James Marape addresses Bougainville House of Representatives

Buka Island
Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Wednesday Sept 11, 2019

Mr Speaker, President Dr John Momis, Ministers, Members of the House of Representatives, people of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister Marape and President Momis in Buka.-Picture courtesy of PM's Media Unit

Thank you for this opportunity to address this Honourable Bougainville House of Representatives.
But firstly let me acknowledge my colleague Members of National Parliament from Bougainville region who all continue to play a very balanced role in ensuring Bougainvillean issues are amplified in the context of national interest.
Our esteemed Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Sir Dr Puka Temu, we acknowledge your work and passion for Bougainville.
I acknowledge few dignitaries with us today,  the United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr Gianluca Rampolla,  and Ambassador of Republic of the Philippines Ambassador B Tehano and others.
I also acknowledge my colleague Cabinet Ministers of our Marape-Steven Government who are present here after our symbolic NEC meeting here in Buka.
My national ministers, with our Deputy Prime Minister Hon Davis Steven,  have shown commitment to Bougainville issues in many Cabinet meetings and our NEC meeting was no exception because we approved a 10-year infrastructure plan for Bougainville.
This infrastructure plan goes very much in line with our new vision to make our country and our region of Bougainville economically independent.
Almost 44 years ago, we claimed to have gain independence from colonial rulers over our land and resources.
 Yet, some legacies and shackles we are trying to get out of today as we speak,  point to us that both PNG and Bougainville are not truly independent from the perspective of economic strength.
Bougainville and the Crisis we had is,  in my simple view, an example of bad and sad legacies that our people in both side of Bismarck Sea had to live with.
This was due to political and economic structures that were not respectful of Melanesian values we inherited before 1975.
Mr Speaker, In my humble view, if our country is still dependent on foreign aid and grants, depends on borrowed money because our economy is not strong, then our claim as politically independent is of no use and utility.
For what use is political independence if our people and our different layers of government cannot translate money from their land in mineral resources, in petroleum and gas, in agriculture, in forestry and marine resources into actual cash to improve our people’s livelihood?
Mr Speaker, Just like in Bougainville where you have many languages, rest of PNG too have over 800 different languages and different cultures.
 The indigenous tribal people’s own land and resources,  yet, adequate transfer
of wealth to our people has not taken place as we do desire yet.
As an example, I speak of my entire Hela tribe spreading from Mul-Baiyer in Western Highlands to Enga, Southern Highlands to fringes of West and East Sepik,  and Western and Gulf provinces.
In these tribal regions of around a million people, who speak two common languages, oil and gas in Kutubu, Gobe, Hides, Moran and gold in Porgera have supported PNG with Ok Tedi since 1990 after Panguna closed.
Our people in those areas have same question to those of Bougainvilleans in the 1980s when resource were pumped out,  yet,  little is on their mother land in terms of goods and services and money.
Mr Speaker, today I come to your House of Representatives to firstly say sorry to you if National Government in Waigani has not fully recognised your ownership of your inherent rights over your resources:  principle in my view can never be compromised if we are to truly remain a country of a thousand tribes but still remaining united in diversity.
Bougainville continues to teach Waigani  how we must respect indigenous rights.
 I come here to hear you fully and moreamd also lend you not one hand of shaking hands but both hands to work.
And more work we must do.
We owe it to fallen past citizens and citizens of now and future of Bougainvill.
We must ensure improved infrastructure to sustain the economy of Bougainville and PNG.
Mr Speaker, We all know that there is much ground to cover in terms of trust and honouring outstanding work.
I am here to rebuild that trust capital by giving you resource support to ensure work is done, within the context of national affordability and Bougainville agreements.
Over the many years of many agreements, due to many factors, much remains unfulfilled.
My Government’s commitment is to fully ascertain that and work towards retiring not past commitments , but developing fully all enabling infrastructures to sustain all facets of modern diversified economy including my personal focus on agriculture and fisheries.
To this end Mr Speaker, I have the pleasure of announcing  our Buka NEC's approval of a K1 billion facility for the next 10 years to be apportioned K100 million every financial year for key economic enablers of the region.
 Economic independence must precede every other conversation, lest we forget rest of PNG and
Pacific neighbours around us who gained political independence but are still struggling economically.
Our National Government will make landmark legislative reforms that will unbundle resources locked in all corners of 462,840 square kilometres our country.
My new generations of national leaders, those who helped me change government, want to transfer resources to our people in provinces and you here in the special region of Bougainville.
In the case of Bougainville, our National Government will transfer full revenue raising powers to the Regional Government.
We will assist monitor your collections in fisheries, forestry, agriculture and other industries that you Bougainvilleans may choose to undertake.
Mr Speaker, today is but a function mark in a long story of Bougainville.
We look forward to continuing interphase more in the future.
Our JSP in Buin should address all relevant issues outstanding as we prepare for the final
leg of our 2001 peace agreement.
In the course of our referendum activities and vote, I encourage for us to rally the Melanesian consensus spirit of conversations that give us  peace and prosperity forever here in Bougainville and PNG.

Our Nation is a nation of many hundreds of tribe, in fact over a thousand tribes,  who each speak different languages.
Unity in diversity is the reason we are still together 44 years on.
In rest of PNG too, sometimes our tribal differences take precedent over our nation’s interests.
 I fear that too for you here in Bougainville.
Mr Speaker,  in such momentous occasions, let’s show the world that Melanesian consensus can provide answers to internal problems and I look forward to working with you all.
May I end with the passage of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:9 in which He says,  "Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called Children of God.
 Let’s make peace.
I am willing to give what belongs to you back to you in the context of national unity.

Thank you Mr Speaker,  for allowing me to address this Honourable house.
 Thank you all who work for peace and prosperity in Bougainville.