Toksave PNG

29/08/2024

East New Britain’s Member for Pomio Open, Elias Kapavore, has made the decision to return to the government side, following requests by the Local Level Government (LLG) presidents of Pomio District.

The MP had defected to the Opposition side three months ago, after joining the ruling coalition mid last year.

However, the continuous support from the Marape-Rosso led government has seen development taking shape in all the seven LLGs of Pomio District and this has prompted the concerned LLG presidents to plead with their political head to reconsider his decision.

Making the announcement last night (Aug 28), Kapavore said he agreed with the sentiments raised by the presidents for Sinivit and Melkoi LLGs on the fact that, of the number of districts that the Prime Minister has supported, Pomio is a major recipient of projects.

“After joining PANGU Pati, we have seen a lot of support especially with the connection of the missing link along the south coast corridor, which has been overlooked by previous governments

06/06/2024

3 women and 1 man were arrested by 6 Mile police at Hideaway Hotel after a tip-off for consuming m**hamphetamine. M**h apparatus and a s*xual device (rubber d***o) were confiscated as evidence.

M**hamphetamine, commonly known as m**h, is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Its use can lead to a range of severe health issues, including heart problems, brain damage, and an increased risk of stroke. M**h significantly increases dopamine levels in the brain, leading to intense euphoria. However, this surge depletes natural dopamine levels, causing severe depression and an inability to experience pleasure without the drug. Long-term use can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional disturbances.

The dangers of m**h extend beyond physical health. It is often associated with risky behaviors, including unprotected s*x and sharing needles, increasing the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. M**h addiction can lead to severe psychological issues, including paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior. The social impact is also profound, as addiction can lead to job loss, financial ruin, broken relationships, and criminal activity. Overall, m**hamphetamine poses a significant threat to both individual well-being and public health.

Let us all help safeguard or communities and families by reporting any activities relating to this drug.

—Source: NCD Crime Alert WhatsApp Group—

05/06/2024

PM MARAPE WELCOMES SPEAKER’S DECISION TO SEEK COURT’S INTEPRETATION OF FILING OF VONC MOTION

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed Speaker Hon. Job Pomat’s decision to ask the Courts for clarification on the process of bringing to Parliament the Motion of Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister as per Section 145 of the Constitution.

PM Marape was speaking this afternoon in light of the decision by the Parliamentary Private Business Committee to reject the latest motion filed by the Opposition on the basis that certain sections of the application had not been filled in properly as per the requirements of parliamentary standing orders.

This is the fifth attempt by the Opposition to lodge the motion which has been found to be erroneous in some way, PM Marape said, and questioned why the Opposition was continuously making these basic mistakes.

“The proposal to change Government is no lightweight matter. It is a Constitutional matter of attempting to change a government mandated through elections.

“It has become apparent that for the fifth time in a row, the Opposition has made mistakes in filling a basic form according to the requirements of law and parliamentary standing order.

“I am happy that the Speaker is going to the Courts to clarify himself. Only the Courts will clear whether the Private Business Committee is right or wrong,” he said.

PM Marape said Papua New Guineans must start questioning why the Opposition keeps failing to properly bring to Parliament the VONC motion.

He said the Opposition had been amply notified of the length of this session of Parliament and kept making mistakes, adding that it also failed to stop the adjournment as its final opportunity to pursue the motion because it lacked in numbers.

“You don’t go fishing for numbers. You produce your numbers, stop the adjournment and change the course of the Parliament sitting.

Unfortunately, they did not have the numbers once again. “To our people of Papua New Guinea, do not get caught up by the game being played by the Opposition because they do not have the numbers,” said the Prime Minister.

27/05/2024

PM Marape appreciates majority Pangu and Coalition Parties in URP, SDP, PFP, PP, NA, PMFC, MA and MLF for coming in for Government retreat in the face of movement of a minority leaders. But 6 of the 18 leaders who were in Sanctuary returned to the coalition government as of this afternoon. They are our colleagues and if they want to come back, we will have time and space for them.

Just some updates on numbers; we were a very big collation of 93 MPs, we now have 70 plus MPs. Today they all came in to announce their support for the Pangu Government and expressed that today is not the time for instability but reconstruction under present Government for better delivery to PNG.

And so we will take these two weeks to review our work in all sectors and improve where we need to better for our people and country. Our policies are for our people and good for the country but sometimes delivery has been impeded by many factors including politics.

We taking the next two weeks to not just consolidate Government but review work programs in the face of disasters, economy, census , LLG elections, Bouganville, decentralisation, foreign relations and etc.

In the face of VONC, we welcome this section 145 process where majority Members affirms government. At the moment majority threshold is 56 MPs and Pangu Coalition right now is not threaten with being in the minority.

God knows what is best for PNG, all Christians are asked to pray that God’s Will for PNG prevails at all time!

PMJM 27/05/2024
Loloata Island!

14/05/2024

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape Commends Progress on Gurney Airport Project in Alotau

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape lauded the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the Civil
Aviation Development Investment Project (CADIP) for their significant role in constructing the new K76.8 million Gurney Airport in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.

He expressed his commendations during the groundbreaking ceremony held in Alotau, highlighting the initiative as a crucial component of the Government's Connect PNG initiative.

In partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the upgrade of provincial airport
terminals under CADIP represents a strategic element in the nation's infrastructure development aimed at bolstering economic growth and tourism.

Since its initiation in 2010 with CADIP1, the project has facilitated the enhancement of numerous airports across the country, accumulating investments totaling up to K1.6 billion.

The project, expected to complete within 26 months, aims to enhance travel time, cargo and
passenger handling services, and overall facilities for travellers.

This initiative not only supports improved operational efficiencies but also fosters economic growth and tourism development throughout the region.

Prime Minister Marape extended his gratitude to the ADB for their enduring support and
underscored the importance of infrastructure in improving the livelihoods of Papua New
Guineans.

"Upgrading airport terminals, enhancing safety and security, and generating job opportunities are pivotal for the holistic development of the region," stated Prime Minister Marape.

He also remarked on the promising prospects for tourism in Milne Bay and encouraged local
leaders to prioritise this sector.

The collaboration among the National Airports Corporation, various
investors, and the ADB exemplifies a unified commitment to advancing transportation and
connectivity within Papua New Guinea.

Alotau's Gurney Airport proudly stands as the first recipient under the second phase of CADIP,
denoted as CADIP 2.

"The diligent efforts by our investors compel us to rise to the occasion, ensuring we match their
commitment to delivering 21st-century infrastructure," added Prime Minister Marape.

13/05/2024

Good morning all, whilst there are many challenges facing our country , it is good to know the Christian Churches are doing their part with less murmuring .

I want to thank the SDA church for the recently concluded evangelism which saw over 180,000 baptism ( still counting ) into a faith that preaches and practices self reliant, health and hygiene and lawful living . I saw bulk of those baptized were youths. This means youths being moved away from lawlessness, drunkenness, buai chewing /spitting etc .

Over 15,000 youths in Tari/Hela baptized and committed their lives to Jesus which means 15,000 less tribal problems for our police and community in respect to lawlessness. I was advised my Police Minister that it was very quite the last two weeks that coincided with over 2300 sites in PNG doing worship programs.

I want to take this time to thank SDA and all other Christian Churches for their faithfulness and commitment to the betterment of our citizens and our country.

Keep on working. In September this year we will welcome Pope Francis as he visits his Catholic faithfuls and as a Christian country we stand ready to welcome leaders of all Christian faith as we did with President of SDA Elder Ted Wilson and his 600 plus church workers who came with him.

Character of a nation is shaped by the sum of citizenry. So it is fundamental that the Christian messages of love, forgiveness, kindness, care and law abiding takes residence in the hearts of our citizens and especially our youths and children.

And Christian churches can do this more deeper then civic society or Government hence my Government will continue to partner all Christian Churches in their outreaches.

PMJM 13/05/2024

12/05/2024

Agriculture Exports Surge Under Marape Government's Initiatives, Says Dr. Sergie Bang

National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), Bubia, Lae, May 10, 2024 - At the inaugural Agriculture Minister’s Seminar held at the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) in Bubia on May 10, 2024, Dr. Sergie Bang, Secretary of Agriculture, highlighted significant growth in the agriculture sector's export earnings from 2019-2022. This period marks a notable increase under the current Marape Government's intensified focus on agriculture.

Dr. Bang revealed that the average annual export earnings for the years 2019-2022 reached K4.576 billion, compared to K3.379 billion annually from 2015-2018. Detailing the yearly earnings, he noted: 2015 – K2.368 billion, 2016 – K3.340 billion, 2017 – K4.012 billion, 2018 – K3.798 billion, 2019 – K3.409 billion, 2020 – K3.783 billion, 2021 – K5.782 billion, and 2022 – K5.332 billion.

“The emphasis on agriculture by the Marape-Rosso Government, where the policies are right and resources are going to the agriculture sector has yielded increases in our foreign exchange," Secretary Bang stated at the seminar, a key component of the annual NARI Agricultural Innovation Show.

"In the previous four years, from 2015 to 2018, there was a K3.3 billion average annual export, while for the next four years, from 2019 to 2022, we have seen a K4.6 billion average annual export."

“This is a 35 per cent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) generated by the agriculture sector which we can attribute to the positive support of the Marape-Rosso government’s support in terms of both policy and funding,” he added.

Secretary Bang also detailed the sector's contribution to GDP from 2016 to 2021, which averaged 28.1% annually. Specific contributions by year were: 2016 – 30.5%, 2017 – 30.4%, 2018 – 25.9%, 2019 – 20.5%, 2020 – 24.1%, and 2021 – 37.1%.

In addition, he announced the agriculture export figures for 2023, with palm oil leading at 673,000 tonnes, earning K2.495 billion, followed by coffee at 60,171 tonnes earning K803.5 million, cocoa at 40,090 tonnes earning K418 million, rubber at one tonne earning K3.5 million, spices at 300 tonnes earning K591.6 million, and coconut at 39,019 tonnes earning K84.3 million. The total tonnage of agricultural exports in 2023 was 812,581 tonnes, which generated K4.396 billion for Papua New Guinea.

12/05/2024

PNG IS NOT PRINTING MONEY - OPPOSITION NEEDS TO CHECK FACTS.

“Once again, the Opposition is trying to mislead the people of PNG. A number of their recent statements claim that PNG is printing money to fund the budget deficit. This is just wrong.The IMF verifies this is wrong. It is a condition in the IMF program that PNG does not print money to finance the deficit. When we pass an IMF review, as we have just done again with the recent IMF mission, this means we have not printed money. This is not an imposed condition from outside – it is a condition that the Marape-Rosso Government believes in. And once this claim of printing money is proven to be false, then the rest of their arguments collapse with no credibility” stated the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Treasury Matters, Ian Ling-Stuckey

“Of course, the new Opposition may be remembering the disastrous budget management of their old Opposition friends. PNG did print money – known as the “slack” arrangement during 2014 to 2016. This was at a time when economic mismanagement had led to a massive blowout in budget deficits – from a planned budget surplus in 2012 to a budget deficit of K3,278m or 10.4% of GDP in 2013, K3,579m or 9.5% of GDP in 2014, K2,785m or 7.0% of GDP in 2015 and K3,087m in 2016. No budget repair going on through those years! The only trick in 2017 was to revalue the size of GDP by 50% - just made their budget deficit to GDP figures look just a little bit better.

“These high deficits and rapidly growing debt, which was 2.5 times larger in just 4 years, meant the O’Neill government was struggling to finance such huge deficits. Domestic interest costs had risen to over 12% for government bonds, there was no credible budget repair program in place to attract low-cost international financing, Treasury Bond auctions kept failing. Reports suggest the Government at the time forced BPNG to start printing money, even though it was probably illegal for them to do so.

“In contrast to the above desperate situation, the budget is now in a much better position. Domestic interest costs on government bonds have dropped from 12% to 6%. There is a credible and performing 13 Year Budget Repair Plan that has reduced the debt to GDP ratio from 8.9% of GDP in 2020 during COVID, down to 4.3% in 2023 and on track for a surplus by 2027. Treasury Bond financing was regularly oversubscribed during 2023 despite offering lower interest rates, and we are well ahead of pro-rata raisings in 2024. The Marape Government introduced changes to the Central Banking Act which made very clear that printing money in times such as 2014 to 2016 is illegal. Absolute limits on the size of BPNG holdings of government securities have been introduced and put into the new CBA laws. These are being monitored by the independent IMF.

“The Marape-Rosso Government worked hard to fix the errors of the previous government. The performance over the last five years is so much better. The Opposition claims we should exercise fiscal restraint. We are. We are cutting the budget deficit by a billion Kina a year. PNG’s rate of budget repair is ranked in the top 10% of all countries in the world. This is the right balance between repairing the budget, and not causing unnecessary hardship to our families by cutting even harder. The Marape-Rosso Government understands the budget problem, and has demonstrated the courage to deal with it” stated the Minister.

Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, CMG. MP
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Treasury Matters

09/05/2024

Bougainville President H.E Ishmael Toroama addresses the opening of the Bougainville Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) Meeting at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

President Toroama, alongside Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, addressed crucial issues concerning the ratification and aftermath of the Bougainville referendum at the one-day JSB meeting.

The meeting concluded successfully with several significant agreements.

Bougainville President H.E Ishmael Toroama addresses the opening of the Bougainville Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) Meeting at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on Wed...

07/05/2024

GOVERNMENT MONITORING DEPRECIATING KINA AND WILL MAKE MORE INTERVENTIONS IF NEEDED, SAYS PM MARAPE

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has said today the Department of Treasury and Central Bank are
closely monitoring the depreciating Kina to ensure it does not trigger extraordinary inflation, with Government standing by to intervene in an emergency.

Prime Minister Marape was responding to a report by ANZ Bank foreign exchange insight researchers, economists Kishti Sen and Tom Kenny, published in the media today on the depreciation of the Kina since May 2023.

PM Marape said, “The Kina was artificially pegged in 2014, probably with good intentions to maintain its value. But over time, it became a demotivation for importers to bring back their export earnings as the Kina became more expensive and not on its fair market value.

“We have now unpegged it, and Treasury and Central Bank are observing closely to ensure the depreciation of the Kina does not trigger extraordinary inflation over our 2024 inflation focus.

“If it does, we will intervene.” The Prime Minister said Independent Consumer & Competition Commission (ICCC) and Central Bank are continuously assessing the impact of the depreciating Kina, while Government was working with all exporters in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry as well as mining and petroleum companies to return their export earnings to the country.

“Last year, we made well over K60 billion in exports but the return to our economy was much less. If all our exporters brought back to PNG a major portion of earnings, if not all, then the Kina will appreciate.

“We are working on tidying this, and Central Bank has been asked to look at ease of investors holding US Dollar accounts and for ease of them accessing their own funds.

“On that note, I want to appreciate Barrick Gold – our partners in New Porgera – for their commitment to remit a minimum of 51 percent of
earnings from Porgera,” said PM Marape.

The Prime Minister said Government has been working with investors to bring in capital from Foreign Direct Investment in both exploration and construction, while work is continuing to get the next mining and gas projects up and running.

“ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies and Santos each have over $100 mil-lion exploration programs running this year; they will also maintain spending in pre-Papua LNG FID.

“We progressing the small Pasca condensate project that would be 50 percent owned by MRDC for Gulf and 50 percent owned by investors.
By this year SML for Wafi-Golpu should be issued to kickstart construction.

“All these FDI are for this year and next year, as we head to meet the big construction of Papua LNG, and later P’nyang LNG and Wafi Golpu mine,” he said, adding that PNG’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports
have been steadily improving which would assist boost the Kina.

He said if any urgent needs arose out of this current situation, Government would make interventions to families, businesses and investors, as it has continuously done over the last couple of years.

“Our government is on record for giving the biggest relief assistance to support the economy and our people’s livelihoods in re-moving taxes
for certain work bracket and paying more in school fees. We will continue to intervene.”

The Prime Minister said for the long-term address of Forex and oth-er structural issues in the PNG economy, allowing the Kina to float on its own strength was bound to happen.

“I want to assure everyone that we are conscious of the domestic impact of a depreciated Kina, especially its effects on our small, import dependent economy.

" I do not want the burden of this to be passed onto store shelves to affect our people further, so we are keeping a very close watch,” said Prime Minister Marape.

06/05/2024

PAITA PROPOSAL ON STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON GOLD REFINERY AND MINT BILL IS WAY TO GO

Hon. Sam Basil Jnr has supported the position by Minister Rainbo Paita to refer the proposed Bill on Gold Refinery and Mint for more stakeholder consultation and engagement with the community.

Whilst I appreciate Minister Paita for coming out to intervene, it is not justified why concerned Ministry and Agencies such as Mining, Attorney General and Justice, Commerce and Industry, State Solicitor and First Legislative Counsel and even the Chief Secretary coming out to simplify and address issues that has been identified and put out.

The public concerns from the community, peak industry body such as Chamber of Resources and Energy, PNG Law Society, community groups as well as calls from number of MPs in Government and Opposition must be respected.

The silence or lack of information and clarification from the responsible Ministry and Agencies’ shows that they are confused as many of us are or just not aware of what is going on including the origin and drafting of the Bill. The Ministry of Mining and its agencies have not provided any clarification and its silence raises more questions on the proposed Bill. Whilst the government is focused on Taking Back PNG, the Mining Act has not been amended to increase the production levy or royalty to 10 percent and to include refinery ownership and operations and to leverage the citizens benefits in resource projects.

I am amassed as to why the Ministry of Mining has gone out of its way to bring the proposed Bill covering over 500 pages, much longer than the Constitution and the Mining Act and any laws in place.

Whilst we commend Minister Paita for conceding that the Bill needs assessment and analysis for debate in Parliament, we also the expect Ministers for Mining, Attorney General and Justice, and Commerce and Industry to explain why PNG cannot amend the Mining Act and associated legislations that could provide more benefits to the landowners, surrounding communities and the government than jumping onto a bigger dream than just a PNG owned refinery.

​I will support an amendment to the Mining Act, Environment Act or Water Resources Act as we have issues in the benefits and protection for our people and even the Gold Bullion Bill if the refinery and mint is owned and operated by nationals.

Approved for Release

Hon. Sam H. Basil Jnr, MP
Shadow Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation and Correctional Services