TAKE BACK PNG

30/06/2025

WHY HAS PETER O’NEILL NOT BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE?

Forensic Evidence Confirms Signature in Controversial K41 Million Paraka Payment, Yet Legal Action Stalls

Port Moresby | 30 June 2025 –

Despite clear forensic evidence and findings from the now-defunct Task Force Sweep, former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill continues to walk free—raising serious questions about the independence of Papua New Guinea’s judicial system and the role of political interference in undermining justice.

At the centre of the controversy lies a letter bearing O’Neill’s signature, authorising the K41 million payment to Paul Paraka Lawyers, a transaction widely condemned as improper and potentially fraudulent.

Verified Signature, Unanswered Questions

An Australian forensic investigation conclusively verified the signature on the letter as belonging to Mr O’Neill, then serving as Prime Minister. The letter directed the Finance Department to make the controversial payment to Paraka’s law firm—an action that triggered national outcry and multiple corruption probes.

Despite this damning evidence, Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court and judicial leadership have not moved to prosecute. The silence and inaction have only deepened suspicions of elite protectionism.

Collapse of Task Force Sweep and Erosion of Accountability

The now-disbanded Task Force Sweep, once tasked with tackling high-level corruption, had compiled compelling evidence implicating O’Neill and several senior officials. But instead of supporting its findings, successive government actions undermined the task force's mandate and credibility—leading to its eventual dismantling.

Many Papua New Guineans view the breakdown of these accountability mechanisms as a deliberate effort to shield powerful individuals from justice.

Judiciary Under Scrutiny

The reluctance of the judiciary—including the Chief Justice and Supreme Court bench—to pursue legal action, even with forensic confirmation of the letter, has prompted questions about judicial independence.

Why has the court not proceeded with charges against a former Prime Minister when hard evidence exists?

Observers argue that legal decisions are becoming increasingly politicised, eroding public confidence in the nation’s institutions.

Political Interference and the Culture of Impunity

Critics contend that O’Neill’s enduring political influence and network of loyalists across public institutions have effectively insulated him from accountability. His avoidance of arrest and prosecution—despite multiple calls for action—fuels perceptions of political interference in legal processes.

Such interference is not new in PNG, but the O’Neill case is particularly striking in its transparency and the strength of the evidence involved.

Growing Public Disillusionment

The public remains frustrated, with many citizens expressing anger over the failure to hold elites accountable. The belief that the rule of law does not apply to the powerful has become a dangerous and deeply ingrained narrative, weakening democratic trust.

“It’s not just about Peter O’Neill anymore,” said one Port Moresby civil rights advocate. “It’s about whether justice in Papua New Guinea still exists for the people or if it’s been permanently hijacked by the few at the top.”

Conclusion: A Test of Integrity

The Peter O’Neill–Paul Paraka payment saga is no longer just a political scandal—it is a test of institutional integrity. While forensic experts have done their part, the inaction of the courts and governing institutions is a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing the country’s governance.

Until accountability is enforced—no matter how high the position of those implicated—Papua New Guinea’s fight against corruption will remain a hollow promise.

30/06/2025

In Defense of Genuine Content Creators – Celebrating Cultural Diplomacy, Not Petty Propaganda

Port Moresby – June 30, 2025

In an age where social media has the power to educate, connect, and uplift, it is unfortunate that certain individuals are misusing digital platforms to spread misinformation, divisive rhetoric, and petty jealousy under the guise of “content creation.”

Recent attempts by individuals like "Big Lee" and others—who have built their followings not through substance but through political spin and personal vendettas—to discredit a positive cultural engagement between Prime Minister James Marape and visiting Kenyan content creator Diana Daisy Gau are not only baseless but also shameful.

Diana Daisy Gau, a respected and independent digital creator from Kenya, has been using her platform to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s unique culture, people, and way of life. Without expectation of payment or political favor, she has highlighted PNG’s beauty to the world—offering a genuine and much-needed counter-narrative to the negativity that often clouds international perceptions of our nation.

This is what true content creation looks like: promoting culture, inspiring travel, and building people-to-people connections across borders.

In contrast, the loudest critics—including names like Alfred Andapanga, Cabbage Kanagae, and Big Lee—have repeatedly demonstrated a preference for clickbait over credibility, misinformation over meaning, and mockery over media ethics. Their recent comments attacking the Prime Minister’s meeting with Diana Gau at Air Ways restaurant are rooted in nothing more than jealousy and a warped sense of relevance.

Let it be made clear: the presence of content creators like Diana Gau in Papua New Guinea is a testament to our nation’s growing global cultural footprint. Her work deserves recognition—not ridicule.

Instead of attacking those who are genuinely trying to promote PNG, the so-called “influencers” should reflect on the substance of their own contributions. Content creation is not about peddling lies or stirring controversy—it’s about informing, inspiring, and impacting positively.

Papua New Guineans are smart enough to know the difference between clowns performing for clicks and creators building something meaningful.

29/06/2025

🇵🇬 𝟳𝟴 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼 — 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗡𝗚 @ 𝟱𝟬: 𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 & 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱

Port Moresby, Sunday, 29th June 2025

In just 78 days, Papua New Guinea will proudly commemorate 50 years of Independence — a defining milestone that invites all citizens to reflect on our journey as a nation: where we’ve come from, who led us, and the path that lies ahead.

It was the Pangu Pati Government, under the visionary leadership of our Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, that delivered a free and independent Papua New Guinea on September 16th, 1975. With wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment, Sir Michael led a young, diverse nation into self-governance — a moment that forever transformed our destiny. 🇵🇬✨

Today, as we approach our Golden Jubilee, history finds a fitting echo. It is once again under a Pangu Pati-led Government, now guided by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, that we prepare to celebrate this historic occasion.

This is more than a symbolic coincidence — it is a powerful reminder of Pangu Pati’s pivotal role in shaping the story of our nation:

● 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟵𝟳𝟱,

● 𝗧𝗼 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

As we look back on five decades of challenges overcome, milestones achieved, and unity upheld, we also honour all those who have contributed to our nation-building journey — from our founding fathers to community leaders, public servants, everyday citizens, and countless unsung heroes.

🇵🇬 Looking Ahead:

● 𝗔𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗸:

● 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝟱𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲?

● 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲?

Let this anniversary be more than just a celebration of flags, songs, and speeches. Let it be a renewed national commitment to the enduring values that brought us this far:

Nationhood. Respect. Responsibility. And Unity in Diversity. 🇵🇬💛🖤❤️

With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, we say:
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝟱𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗮!
𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. 🙏🇵🇬

29/06/2025

Oh, the horror! The Prime Minister met with a Kenyan woman who actually loves Papua New Guinea, paid her own way here, travelled around the country respectfully, and produced high-quality, positive content about us for the world to see. How could he?

Poor Big Lee, Alfred Andapanga, and Cabbage Gang must be fuming behind their keyboards. After all, they’ve spent years trying to build PNG’s image by livestreaming endless rants, blurry car rides, half-baked conspiracy theories, and the occasional betelnut-fuelled monologue about “government corruption” — with absolutely no evidence, of course.

Meanwhile, Diana Daisy Gau is out there doing actual work — capturing PNG’s breathtaking beauty, our warm-hearted people, our culture — and posting it with zero negativity. She’s done more for PNG’s global image in a few weeks than our so-called “local content creators” have done in a decade of shouting into their phones.

And now they’re jealous? Because the PM chose to meet someone who promotes PNG with love, not bitterness? Imagine that.

Let’s be honest:
• Big Lee has spent more time attacking leaders than uplifting people.
• Alfred Andapanga is more concerned with stirring outrage than sharing solutions.
• Cabbage Gang seems to think angry Facebook Lives = journalism.

Maybe if they spent less time crying about not getting invited and more time actually producing content that celebrates PNG instead of tearing it down, they might also be worthy of a handshake from the Prime Minister.

Until then, let’s give credit where it’s due: Diana Daisy Gau is a guest who made us proud. She didn’t come here to fight political battles. She came to tell our story to the world — and she’s done it better than most of our own influencers.

The rest? They can keep livestreaming their jealousy from the sidelines.

24/06/2025

As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced the board of the country’s inaugural National Rugby League (NRL) team — laying the foundation for PNG’s entry into the world’s premier rugby league competition by 2028.

At a landmark press conference at Santos National Football Stadium, PM Marape called the NRL bid “a national unification project,” and launched a nationwide competition to name the team and compose its anthem.

📋 Full PNG NRL Team Board:

Mr Ray Dib – Chairman, former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Chair and respected NRL administrator

Ms Lorna McPherson – Veteran rugby league official and community advocate

Mr Stan Joyce – Former SP Brewery Managing Director and major rugby league supporter

Mr Richard Pegum – Chairman of Mayur Resources and financial strategist

Mr Ian Tarutia – Prominent private sector leader and superannuation expert

Mr Wapu Sonk – Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum and PNG NRL Bid Team Chair

Mr Marcus Bai – Former PNG Kumuls captain and legendary rugby league icon

🎤 “The team name must reflect our past, present and future—it must unite our people and resonate across the Pacific,” said PM Marape.

💼 The NRL initiative is expected to create over 5,000 jobs, boost tourism, strengthen PNG-Australia relations, and inject national pride into communities through professional sports development.

🇦🇺 Minister for the Pacific Hon. Pat Conroy confirmed Australia’s commitment of over $600 million in support—describing the project as “economic development, job creation, and a shared legacy.”

📣 Be part of history. Watch the full announcement and help name the team that will represent PNG on the world stage.

🇵🇬 One Team. One People. One Nation.

As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced the board of the country’s inaugural National Rugby League...

23/06/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 23rd June 2025

Prime Minister Marape Reaffirms PNG’s Commitment to Regional Dialogue on New Caledonia and West Papua

Port Vila, Vanuatu – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s strong support for inclusive and respectful regional dialogue on sensitive matters, including New Caledonia’s right to self-determination and the ongoing human rights concerns in West Papua.

Speaking during the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Meeting, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the importance of collective engagement among Melanesian leaders in navigating complex geopolitical issues. He commended Fiji Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka for his mature and open leadership as Chair of the MSG, which has enabled constructive conversations on long-standing regional concerns.

“Papua New Guinea stands ready to continue engaging in peaceful and inclusive dialogue with our Melanesian brothers and sisters,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Under Prime Minister Rabuka’s chairmanship, we have seen a spirit of understanding and unity that strengthens our shared Melanesian identity.”

Prime Minister Marape emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in addressing aspirations for self-determination and human rights, particularly in New Caledonia and West Papua, while respecting international law and regional protocols.

He reiterated Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the MSG as a platform for cooperation, peace, and mutual respect — core values that underpin the Pangu-led Marape-Rosso Government’s foreign policy approach.

“We believe that Melanesian solutions must be found for Melanesian issues,” he added. “Papua New Guinea will continue to advocate for meaningful dialogue and peaceful outcomes for all parties involved.”

The MSG Leaders’ Meeting continues to be a vital forum for promoting Melanesian solidarity and advancing the shared political, economic, and cultural interests of the region.

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