PNG News & Current Affairs

29/04/2025

13/03/2025

The Marape-Rosso Government has successfully passed a significant constitutional amendment, reinstating an 18-month grace period following a failed vote of no confidence (VONC) against the sitting Prime Minister and his government.

Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of the amendment, with 81 MPs supporting the bill and only 4 opposing it.

The constitutional change required a two-thirds absolute majority, surpassing the threshold of 79 votes.

■Ensuring Stability in Governance

Following the parliamentary session, Prime Minister James Marape yesterday addressed a press conference, commending MPs for supporting the amendment.

He emphasized the importance of political stability in ensuring effective governance and uninterrupted public service operations.

“Our MPs voted in big numbers today, demonstrating their support for a balanced approach,” Marape said in a media statement.

“This law ensures that a vote of no confidence can still be moved, but if unsuccessful, a grace period applies to prevent repeated disruptions to government operations.”

Marape clarified that the amendment strikes a middle ground—preserving the VONC provision as a crucial check on government power while preventing unnecessary political instability.

“I believe in keeping the vote of no confidence mechanism as intended by our constitutional fathers. It is an important tool for accountability,” he said.

“However, this amendment will discourage destabilizing attempts by those who lack the necessary support to change government.”

■A Response to Frequent VONC Attempts

Marape revealed that he had faced seven vote of no confidence attempts within a year, highlighting the need for the amendment.

He argued that repeated VONC motions hinder government work and disrupt public service efficiency.

“The MPs who voted for this law understand its significance. They have experienced firsthand how political instability affects their work and the functioning of the public service,” he said.

■Equal Application to Future Governments

The Prime Minister stressed that the grace period rule applies equally to both the government and the opposition.

“If the opposition successfully takes over government, their 18-month grace period begins. But if their attempt fails, the sitting government receives a fresh 18-month protection from further VONC motions,” Marape explained.

■Government Chooses Reform Over Complete Removal

Marape noted that his government had the numbers to completely remove the vote of no confidence provision, but chose not to in the interest of democratic accountability.

“We could have removed the VONC provision entirely, but as a responsible government, we acknowledge that Section 145 exists for a reason—to maintain checks and balances,” he stated.

■Opposition’s Right to Challenge the Amendment

In closing, Marape acknowledged that the opposition had the legal right to challenge the amendment in court if they wished.

The passing of this amendment marks a major shift in Papua New Guinea’s political landscape, aiming to stabilize governance while maintaining accountability mechanisms.

18/02/2025

Why and How ,Enga PPC and Provincial Government, are too silence, about this 2 above late Police man, ol base lo Enga na mekim dirty wok blo Enga, 24hrs a day yer.....

17/02/2025

The recent attack on a Filipino woman in Kokopo is not just another crime, it is a wake-up call for Papua New Guinea. It is a reflection of a growing wave of lawlessness that threatens not only foreign visitors but also our own citizens, businesses, and communities.

This should never have happened.
Kokopo, once known for its peace and order, should not become a haven for criminals. Rabaul, a historical and economic cornerstone of PNG, should not be overshadowed by fear. Yet, here we are, witnessing daily attacks, robberies, and rising insecurity. This is not the PNG we should accept.

WHY HAS THIS HAPPENED?

Crime does not happen in isolation. Lawlessness is a symptom of deeper issues, including:

1. Weak law enforcement – Our police force is critically understaffed. With only 6,000 officers for 17 million people, criminals operate without fear.

2. Lack of economic opportunities – Many young men turn to crime because they see no future. Unemployment and poverty are fueling desperation.

3. Breakdown of values and discipline – Respect for community, elders, and the rule of law is fading. Our traditions of respect and unity are being replaced by selfish, opportunistic behavior.

4. Corruption and government inaction – Our leaders speak but do not act. They must prioritize security, not just for the elite, but for every Papua New Guinean.

WHAT MUST BE DONE?

Talking about crime is not enough. We need real action, and it starts now:

a. A stronger, well-equipped police force is needed. More funding for recruitment, training, and mobility must be a priority.

b. We must return to the days when police worked hand-in-hand with local communities to prevent crime before it happens

c. Criminals must know that there are real consequences. No more easy bail or weak sentences.

d. The government and private sector must invest in skills training, business opportunities, and employment programs to give young men a reason to stay away from crime.

e. Leaders who misuse funds meant for security and development must be held accountable. If our leaders fail to protect the people, they are failing their duty to serve.

We cannot wait for others to fix this problem. Security is everyone’s responsibility. Communities must take charge by reporting criminals, protecting each other, and restoring respect for law and order. Our government must act with urgency. We cannot afford to lose PNG to lawlessness.

We do not want to live in fear. We do not want to accept crime as "normal." We want a safer, stronger Papua New Guinea for our children and future generations.

Enough is enough. The time for action is NOW.

05/02/2025

Wednesday, February 05th, 2025

POLICE AND WARDENS MAINTAIN PRESENCE AT GORDONS, BOROKO, AND OTHER CENTRES.

Bag snatching and some other illegal activities at some of the crime hot-spot areas in the city had gone down since the introduction of the City Wardens Initiative by Governor Parkop and the police Commander for NCD and Central Provinces Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi in November.

According to police records, there are few report of bag snatching reported daily but are managed by the wardens at their respective areas of operations. Police officers who had been engaged to assist the wardens plus other police units had been very supportive to the wardens thay had seen crime rate at the main bus stops decreasing.

According to Operation Commander Obert Jerry, the main problem now that the wardens and the police are facing is the street vending at the bus stops, which is a major concern that they are currently trying to find a better solutions to it.

He said arrest had been made to some, and they will continue to do arrest when the vendors do not listen to awareness given to them.

He said it's very hard to deal with the people, especially those living at the settlements, because they do not have a proper residential address if they are caught once but are doing the same thing second time. He said those who have proper residential addresses are easy for police to approach them and warn them, but for those who are residing at the drains sides or settlements. They escape when police arrive and come back and do the same the next day when the police are not around.
He said the wardens are Woking closely to monitor those regular vendors who disobey orders and will be dealt with accordingly.
He said so far the wardens around the city are doing a tremendous job,which the police management in NCD/Central Command are pleased with.

He said the public need to supoort thay for the good of us all to keep everyone safe.

End..

05/01/2025

5mile Maramuni City Warden boys were already in their location, gearing up for today's operation. Team Willie Joe.