20/05/2025
Our sister brand Coco Loco Smoothies stocks the JS Coffee Limited through JS Coffee Beans sourced and exported by the former Minister of Agriculture, and Agriculture Commodity Exporter Mr. John Simon.
The True Story Behind the K340 Million EU Cocoa Aid to East Sepik – As Told by Former Minister for Agriculture, Hon. John Simon
The real story of how the K340 million European Union (EU) Cocoa Development Aid reached East Sepik dates back to 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape. At that time, I was serving as Minister for Agriculture, and Hon. Richard Maru was the Minister for National Planning. This is the account from inside Cabinet deliberations.
When the EU offered this substantial funding package specifically aimed at transforming the cocoa industry in East Sepik, Minister Richard Maru objected. He argued that the national development budget, which he oversaw, was already sufficient and that introducing this aid would cause imbalance in budget distribution across regions. He believed the development budget should benefit all provinces and not be skewed towards Sepik alone.
I strongly disagreed. I reminded Cabinet that East Sepik had not been receiving its fair share of development funding and that this EU aid was a rare and targeted opportunity that must not be lost. I insisted that the aid was not part of the national budget—it was an external grant and should go directly to East Sepik.
Tensions rose, and I openly confronted Minister Maru in Cabinet. I told him that if he refused to sign the necessary documents to activate the funding, then he should consider resigning from his post. That moment marked the beginning of a long-standing rift between us.
The power to approve and execute such aid rested solely with the Minister for National Planning. Neither the Prime Minister nor any other Minister could legally endorse the funding without Maru’s approval. Despite pressure from the Prime Minister and myself, Maru remained firm in his refusal.
As weeks went by, the EU notified me that the funding would be withdrawn if the formal approval was not granted. I went back to Prime Minister Marape and reminded him of the commitments he made—not only to the people of Sepik, but also the legacy of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. I also reminded him of my early support when he was ascending to the role of Prime Minister. I urged him to act decisively.
The matter had now become one of principle: whether political loyalty would take precedence over national interest. Eventually, Prime Minister Marape made the difficult decision to suspend Richard Maru from his role and assume the position of Acting Minister for National Planning. He then signed the documents, officially securing the EU funding for East Sepik.
Thanks to this bold leadership, the people of East Sepik now enjoy the benefits of the cocoa revitalization project. The transformation we are witnessing in the cocoa sector today is a direct result of that crucial decision.
It is important that we give credit where it is due. Prime Minister Marape showed great courage by setting aside personal relationships for the greater good. I also acknowledge the contribution of Governor Allan Bird, who made his own efforts to advocate for the funding during this time.
On behalf of the people of East Sepik, I extend heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister James Marape and the European Union for making this development possible. The K340 million Cocoa Improvement Program has planted seeds of progress across Sepik, and this is a legacy we must all protect and grow.
Hon. John Simon
Former Member for Maprik and Minister for Agriculture
From Sepik What'sApp Group
