PNG Haus Bung

Prime Minister James Marape has thanked staff of the Health Department and all stakeholders in the Inter-Agency Taskforce for their work in managing the spread of COVID-19 in the country upon receiving the 2020 COVID-19 Response Preliminary Report. The preliminary report was presented to PM Marape by the Secretary for Health Dr. Osbourne Liko during a briefing with the Inter-agency Taskforce of the National Control Centre (NCC) today.   The full report will be presented to Cabinet for endorsement and presented to Parliament when it resumes in April.   PM Marape told them that the Grace of God had kept the country safe thus far, but Government and the team at the NCC needed to step up with testing and prepare for any eventualities, especially with the mutated strain of the virus spreading across some countries.   Prime Minister urged the team to work together with the West New Britain Provincial Government and the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority to arrest the spread of the virus in the province.   He said the learnings from the response in West New Britain could then be used to prepare other provinces, not only to combat COVID-19, but also other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future.     Prime Minister Marape also urged the team to be wary of complacency, especially in the face of people not following the 'New Normal' guidelines.   Current statistics for PNG are 811 confirmed cases and nine deaths.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has denied claims by Opposition Leader Belden Namah that he controls the National Honours and Awards Council. He said this today in response to a statement by Namah that the Government is “attempting to rort awards for political gain” in the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours. “Namah claims former Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari and myself removed and replaced the entire National Honours and Awards Council in August last year,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Namah even has the audacity to lie to the nation that the list was politicised with illegitimate awards for many politicians, including myself,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is simply not true. We have assembled a new panel for the National Honours and Awards Council, headed by the Chairman of the PNG Council of Churches, to select worthy people. Contrary to the Opposition Leader’s continual disruptive politics, which the nation is already fed up with, we are here to clean up deficiencies in our system – one of which is national awards." “It is also a figment of Belden Namah’s imagination that I have included myself on the list. Those who know me well, of which he is not one, will affirm that I have always said that I will not be conferred any unearned awards." “Let me tell Belden Namah that my name is not on the list.” Prime Minister Marape said the Government was cleaning up the mess that Namah had created in the past when in Government, including the awards system, and illegal logging. “It is quite ironic that in the past, major loggers and business associates whom Namah is familiar with, have been given awards,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, MP, has demanded that independence and respect be restored to the National Honours and Awards Council which the Marape government is now being exposed, attempting to rort awards for political gain. “The Prime Minister has been forced to admit publicly that the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list has been put on hold indefinitely.  This is after the list was politicised with illegitimate awards for many politicians allegedly including himself,” the Leader of the Opposition said. “The truth is that the Papua New Guinea Honours and Awards system has been torn apart by James Marape and Isaac Lupari for the sole purpose of giving out awards as prizes and favours to political cronies. “The Marape government removed and replaced the entire National Honours and Awards Council in August last year and has moved the awards process directly under the control of James Marape and Isaac Lupari, who still remains in the Prime Minister’s Office. “These changes go against the spirit of the specified provisions of the Constitution and the designated Regulation of The Orders of Papua New Guinea, and are an abuse of political power. “Our Nation’s Honours and Awards System was established at Independence to process awards under the Imperial Honours System and expanded by Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare to include our own Honours system, The Orders of Papua New Guinea, on 3rd August 2005. “This system was established between the Government and Her Majesty the Queen, so that in Papua New Guinea we can have both our truly unique National honours, alongside the established Imperial Awards. “It was agreed between our Government and the Palace that all of these honours and awards would be professionally administered and free of political and bureaucratic interference.” Mr. Namah said the Papua New Guinea Honours System is in place to recognise the men and women who make outstanding contributions and achievements to our people and the country and this system is not to be abused by political corruption. “In order for our Honours system to remain neutral, its secretariat must be accommodated at Government House, not under the control of Marape and Lupari. “When the government sacked the entire Honours Council in contravention of the specified provisions of the Regulation of The Orders of Papua New Guinea, this government removed the decades of experience that is essential for properly vetting award nominations. “This continuity of leadership and administration in the National Honours and Awards Council is essential to ensure the system continues to evolve, and that our awards are both recognised and respected in PNG and around the world. “The illegal list that Marape had tried to force through on the 01st of January this year would have no legal standing in PNG or around the world. It would have been a rebuke to every proud and hardworking Papua New Guinean who had legitimately received honours and awards in the past. “Marape is attempting a smoke screen blaming the problem on the Council for not meeting as required to consider the List, but the real problem is his own political opportunism which is to control the process by undermining the independent role of the Council. “There are other rules that Marape and Lupari do not understand. Rules such as; the incumbent Prime Minister cannot be awarded in any Honours List whilst in office.” “GOD SAVE OUR COUNTRY”

Elementary school teacher Rose Katu is very thankful for the construction of a new footbridge near Poma village in the Nasioi Constituency, CentralBougainville. Crossing the Torobau River nearly claimed her life, as well as her sister’s.“We were already in the river making our way slowly to the other side when we arrived mid-stream,” Rose said. “The rapid rise in the flood washed us downstream.” “My sister and I were holding hands so when we were washed downstream,she fortuitously grabbed hold of a bamboo branch growing at the edge of the river, which saved our lives.” The footbridge at Poma is one of a series of new footbridges in Bougainville’s Kieta District that will improve the lives of more than 4,000 people who can now safely reach health facilities, schools, markets and work. The K110,000 project was initiated by the people of Poma village, which isover an hour from Arawa, including a drive and hike through steep terrain. The local community raised more than K8,000, which was then supplemented with support from an Australian Government communitygrant. Women, men and school children from the local ward and inlandcommunities of Darutuei, Kongara and Sipuru regularly access thefootbridges along the “bush highway”. The footbridge project has led to other positive changes in the area. Localcommunities were united behind the project, setting aside past differencesto work together to ensure the project came to fruition. Paramount Chief John Katu said that the project also engaged local youthsin construction and gave them valuable skills and knowledge – includingwelding and carpentry – which will continue to benefit nearby communities. “We are happy that this project has produced young skilled men who areable to apply the skills and knowledge learnt through their involvement with the construction of the footbridges,” he said. The Poma footbridge project crosses over the Torobau and Ku’unang rivers,and its construction was supported by the Australian Government under the Bougainville Partnership Program. There have been more than 60 community projects supported by theAustralia Government through the PNG Aus Partnership to improve thelivelihoods of Bougainvilleans through high-quality infrastructure, economic participation and improved health and wellbeing. Rose Katu survived a flood that nearly took her and her sister.

The Department of Justice & Attorney General this week held a dedication gathering where the staff and management of the Department stood in unity to dedicate the year (2021) to God. While addressing the staff, Attorney General and DJAG Secretary, Dr Eric Kwa, PhD strongly condemned any form of corruption within the Department. “The key to overcoming corruption is knowing, walking and living with God first. When one walks with God then corruption becomes irrelevant and redundant to him or her.” “God’s value is about justice fairness and doing the right things and we as His children must always uphold his principles in our lives,” he said. Dr Kwa said the Department will continue to actively fight against corruption. “Corruption is literally eating into our societies and families and if we don’t do anything to fight this malpractice then the country and the community as a whole suffers,” he said. Also present at the gathering was Reverend Dr Julian Robert Kivori, Snr Resident Pastor of Boroko Baptist Church who was invited to share from God’s Word and do the prayer of dedication for the Staff and Management. Dr Kivori also told the staff that their success this year will be defined by their relationship with God, whether they relate with wickedness or with Godliness. “In everything we do from our personal lives to our professional work; let us all do it for the glory of God because everything we do is for the worship to God himself.” “So may the Lord grant wisdom, grace and the passion to do what is right in your respective offices as you chose to honor that relationship with the Lord and others throughout this year,” he said. Attorney General and Secretary, Dr Eric Kwa, PhD (second from left, seated) andReverend Dr Julian Robert Kivori (third from left, seated) with some of DJAG staff andmanagement who attended the gathering.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the people of Goilala in Central Province are “close to my heart”. He said this when visiting the haus krai (mourning house) of 15 people killed in the recent landslide disaster at Saki Village in Goilala. Nine bodies have been recovered so far. Prime Minister Marape said he was very close to the Goilala people because Goilala MP and Transport Minister Hon. William Samb, and Central Governor Hon. Robert Agarobe, had been very instrumental in making him Prime Minister. He urged the people to consider their safety when mining for gold in such areas like Saki and not cut down trees. Prime Minister Marape presented K50,000 contribution from the Tari-Pori community in Port Moresby to the haus krai. He said the Government would donate 100 bags of rice, 50 cartons of tinned fish, 50 cartons of tinned meat, and 100 cartons of fresh meat and chicken for the haus krai. This is on top of what Minister Samb and Governor Agarobe have donated. “Landslides are not confined to Goilala alone,” he said. “A major landslide occurred at Hides Gas (in Hela Province) some years ago which buried 27 people.” Prime Minister Marape said the bodies of nine people, out of 15 buried by the Goilala landslide, had been found and taken to their home villages for burial. He said no one should be blamed for the landslide as it was a natural disaster. PM James Marape, Central Governor Robert Agarobe and Transport Minister & Goilala MP Willam Samb at the Haus Krai of the Saki Village landslide in Goilala. Pic by PM's Media Unit. On a brighter note, Prime Minister Marape urged school leavers in Goilala to take advantage of “second-chance education” offered by the Government. He said the Government was also working with the Australian Government to give opportunities to school leavers to go to Australia for further training and work experience. Prime Minister Marape urged the people of Goilala involved in small business activities like gold mining not to waste their money on alcohol. “The money you spend on alcohol makes the people who produce alcohol become millionaires, while you will remain the same,” he said. “I don’t want you to remain the same. “I want your children to grow up to the next level.” Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s credit facility for small business was open to everyone in Papua New Guinea, including rural areas like Goilala. He said a classic example of a small business success story was Governor Agarobe, who from humble beginnings, became a very-successful PNG businessman. Prime Minister Marape announced that the Government’s freight subsidy scheme would include Goilala so that their rural produce could be taken to urban markets. He appealed to the Goilala people to improve their lives. “I appeal once again to the people of Goilala, especially you young people, that alcohol is not the answer to your problems,” Prime Minister Marape said. “I do not drink alcohol. “Of course, you can drink once in a while, but drink sensibly and do not engage in binge drinking. “Please save this money that you would otherwise spend on alcohol. “I want to see millionaires coming out of Goilala, whether it be in alluvial gold mining, or other activities.” Prime Minister Marape announced that the Government would be setting up a gold refinery to produce gold bars in the country. He also announced that work was progressing on the road to Goilala from Port Moresby, as well as another from Bulolo, but added that this would take time because of the rugged terrain. Prime Minister Marape said the Government was subsidising coffee prices to put money in the pockets of people in rural areas like Goilala. Prime Minister Marape said his Pangu Pati was pushing for “economic independence”. “Whether you find money in gold, timber, tourism, coffee or at markets, Papua New Guineans must be involved in all businesses,” he said. “This is what we want. “Our slogan is ‘Take Back PNG’ despite what our political opponents are saying. “Take back PNG means that we must be in the driver’s seat of business opportunities.”

Its official: The declaration of a nationwide Public Holiday announced yesterday has been gazetted. Acting Governor General and Speaker of the National Parliament Job Pomat has issued the National Gazette appointing Friday 8th January, 2021 to be a Public Holiday throughout Papua New Guinea, in accordance and with the advice of the National Executive Council. The national gazette officially dispels the confusion whether the public holiday is applicable to everyone or specially for public servants following a circular released by the Department of Personal Management allowing for public servants to take time off to witness the state funeral service of the late Sir Mekere Morauta. The announcement of the Public Holiday came from the Chairman of the Organizing Committee responsible for the State Funeral and Housing Minister Justin Tkatchenko on behalf of the Marape/Basil government. Minister TKatchenko said this has been sanctioned by the PM James Marape and it is being gazetted so that the whole country can mourn and pay their last respect wherever they are for Late Sir Mekere Morauta. This is now setting a precedence and a template for State Funerals going forward into the future.  “This is about setting new protocols for us to go by for future events such as this one,” said Minister Tkatchenko.

PNG Air wishes to advise the travelling public that as per Measure No. 13 of the National Pandemic Act 2020, the Controller, David Manning, has advised of a grace period for flights to and from Hoskins, West New Britain Province to pick up stranded passengers. This period is from the 2nd to the 11th of January 2021. Stranded passengers with confirmed bookings who wish to travel in and out of WNB are advised to rebook your flights for travel only between this period, ending Monday 11th, as flights thereafter will be restricted until the lockdown ends on the 22nd of January. Passengers travelling out of the province will need to take a Rapid COVID 19 test at the designated testing health locations – Bialla, Kimbe and Hoskins before your flight. Check-in will not take place unless a negative RAPID Test result is sighted by the PNG Air Check-In Staff. Passenger boarding passes will only be issued upon presenting of a negative test result. For further information, please contact our call center on 7411 2644. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Remember to always wear your face masks, observe all social distancing rules and wash your hands regularly. Together we can manage COVID-19.

The Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika this week announced the appointment of a Leadership Tribunal to enquire into allegations of misconduct in office by the Sir Puka Temu, Member of Parliament for Abau Open. The appointment follows a request made by the Public Solicitor Mr. Pondros Kaluwin, to Chief Justice under Section 27 (2) and 27 (7) (e) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership. The Tribunal is to be chaired by the Honorable Justice Panuel Mogish. The other members of the Tribunal are Senior Magistrates Ms. Josephine Nidue and Mr. Wialu Sakatao. The Tribunal will commence enquiry on a date and time fixed by the Tribunal.

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has requested for K68million for the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) scholarship for this year. Despite this request, the department has only been allocated K37million. This means only a minimum number of high performing students will be able receive a TESAS scholarship. DHERST Secretary Fr Jan Czuba said the awarding of TESAS scholarships are important as this in turn encourages students to perform to their best.

The Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response, Mr David Manning, has expressed concern over the failure by citizens in wearing face masks in public places. Controller Manning says there are people in public places still walking around without masks or face covering. Mr Manning called on all citizens not be ignorant of the dangers of the coronavirus disease. He said wearing of masks or face covering is contained in the measures in the New Normal which the citizens must comply with. Meanwhile, no new cases have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours but contact tracing is continuing in provinces where cases have been reported. The country’s COVID-19 cases now stands at 799 with nine deaths. A total of 39,761 people have been tested for Coronavirus. 755 people have recovered whilst 203 samples are pending at the laboratories. Thirty-five active cases are in isolation. Sixteen provinces including the Autonomous Region Of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases by province is as follows: NCD 361 Western Province 212 West New Britain 140 East New Britain 21 Eastern H/lands 13 New Ireland 13 Western H/lands 10 Central 10 Morobe 6 East Sepik 3 Enga 3 Milne Bay 2 West Sepik 2 Southern H/lands 1 AROB 1 Hela Province 1 TOTAL 799 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 83,910,386, including 583,907 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 1,839,660; of which 7,957 were reported in the last 24 hours.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, welcomed the new Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council, Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu. In his welcome remarks yesterday (4/01/21), Prime Minister Marape said the abolishing of the Chief Secretary to Government’s position and replacing it with a Secretary position was to maintain a flatter Government structure without compromising the integrity of the process of policy making and their implementation for Cabinet to deliberate on. “This does not mean this Department has lost its standing as the premium Department of the Government. “Hence, Secretary of this Department still remains the Chairman of the Central Agency and Coordination Committee. “However, other departmental heads may now be able to report directly to their respective Ministers,” Prime Minister Marape said. He further acknowledged the outgoing and last Chief Secretary to Government, Ambassador Isaac Lupari, for his service to the governments over the years and of our country. The outgoing and last Chief Secretary to Government, Ambassador Isaac Lupari “The outgoing and last Chief Secretary to Government did not apply for this Secretary position, for his own reasons, but this Government expresses our greatest gratitude for his services to our country, not only as the Chief Secretary to Government but as Secretary to various departments in his previous capacities,” Prime Minister Marape said. In thanking Prime Minister Marape and the senior public servants of his Department, for the warm welcome, Secretary Pomaleu said he was humbled for being given the opportunity to head this Department and looked forward to working with and learning from everyone during his tenure. “I also look forward to using the Office of the Secretary to empower our agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sectors throughout our country. “I appreciate the experience all of you bring to the table and I look forward to working with you all throughout my tenure,” Secretary Pomaleu said. In the same sentiment, Secretary Pomaleu also thanked Amb. Lupari as the former Chief Secretary to Government who led this Department and many other departments with high esteem. In conclusion, Prime Minister Marape then thanked the Department staff for their ongoing efforts thus far, since taking Office as the Prime Minister. He encouraged everyone to continue their ongoing efforts in restoring this Department to its place as the premium Department of the Government.