The Prime Minister reported significant economic growth, noting an increase from K79 billion in 2019 to a projected K122 billion by the end of this year. He expects the economy to reach K130 billion next year and K150 billion by 2027. “I assure those who choose to invest in PNG that you are coming into a growing economy, not one that is stagnant,” he stated, emphasizing that investors can expect a quicker return on investment in Papua New Guinea compared to larger economies. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape announced this positive outlook on Friday, October 11, 2024, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Satellite Casino in Port Moresby city. He emphasized how Port Moresby will drive the country's economic transformation. This ambitious project includes the development of hotel rooms and is supported by an international developer, with plans to finish it in six months. Marape specified that the casino will be exclusively for overseas guests, tourists, and high-earning Papua New Guineans. It will not be open to the general public. Peter Barge, Chairman of the Paga Hill Development Company (PHDC), confirmed that the project aims to attract tourists and expatriates. He assured that strict entry requirements will make the casino comparable to those in Singapore. “In modern PNG, you need facilities, you need entertainment, all manner of amenities for both citizens and visitors to enjoy living in our country,” said Prime Minister Marape. He believes there is no better place to start this new growth than in Port Moresby, which has been a hub of government and trade for the last 100 years. Reflecting on the city’s rich history, Marape highlighted its strong ties to the Motu-Koita people, particularly the Hanuabada villagers, acknowledging the area as the birthplace of modern Papua New Guinea. In sharing his vision for the future, Marape recalled his recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where he emphasized Papua New Guinea's commitment to producing finished goods instead of just exporting raw materials. Marape further addressed the government’s dedication to solving issues related to law and order, improving education, and enhancing healthcare as part of a comprehensive plan for a modern Papua New Guinea. He expressed optimism about attracting tourists from key regions, including China, Australia, and Southeast Asia, who will enjoy what the Paga Hill Precinct has to offer. He encouraged investors to prioritize local employment, especially for the Motu-Koita community. “Our vision for Port Moresby includes transforming the area from Koki to Konebada into a modern center for business and commerce, and establishing the Waigani Precinct as the governmental heart of the city,” explained Prime Minister Marape. “These two hubs will become symbols of PNG’s ambition to rise and progress on the global stage, developed at the very earliest.” Looking ahead, he recognized the success of Vision City Mega Mall as a shining example of what Port Moresby can achieve, serving as inspiration for future developments. “I offer my congratulations and commendations and look forward to every step forward. May PNG prosper in this development,” he concluded, sharing a vision of unity and hope for the future of the nation.

The Enga Enda Anda Women’s Association is a strong force for peace in communities affected by tribal conflicts. This group includes 36 registered women’s groups from Enga Province, helping women lead recovery and peace efforts. They met with His Excellency (H.E.), Jacques Fradin, the European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, to showcase their organic and cultural products. These include spices, strawberry jam, honey, bilum wear, and seed bank nurseries that supply vegetable seedlings to farmers. H.E. Fradin congratulated the Engan women for their resilience, commitment, and innovation. Ms. Deborah Sungi, Acting Managing Director for Climate Change Development Authority, said, “Partnership and coordination effectiveness is important and having Enga province implementing this project with beautiful stories at the national government level." "I would like to see this successful project being replicated throughout the country.” With support from the European Union, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has helped Enga communities by improving land management, food security, and climate change adaptation. Some products were recently displayed at the PNG Protected Areas Forum. The Conservation Environment Protection Authority wants to show these products at the upcoming 16th Conference of Parties on the Convention of Biological Diversity in Colombia as a best practice nature-based solution that promotes local livelihoods while protecting biodiversity and the environment.

The newly launched Paga Hill casino project in the city, launched on Friday, October 11 in Port Moresby by Prime Minister James Marape, has drawn serious criticism regarding its license validity. Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has raised concerns, pointing to a letter from the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) as evidence of potential issues with the project. PNG HAUSBUNG has sighted this letter, which was hand-delivered on October 3rd, 2024, from NGCB Chief Executive Officer Imelda Agon to the NCD Building Board, raising concerns about the approval of the casino's building permit. Agon stated that Paga Hill Development Company (PHDC) submitted outdated and incorrect information, which the board may have relied upon when issuing the permit. The letter explained that the provisional casino license issued to PHDC in 2021 had expired because the company failed to meet the strict conditions required. Regulations issued on September 19th reiterated the casino's invalid status. Agon urged the Building Board to review its decision to approve the project and refrain from issuing any further permits until a valid license is confirmed by NGCB. The Opposition Leader also used this letter to claim that the casino project was operating without a valid license and should not proceed, questioning why the Prime Minister had endorsed the project. He further called it a poor investment for the country, point out the lack of basic services such as water, electricity, and security (law and order) in Port Moresby, urging the goverment to focus improving these areas rather than promoting gambling. Supporting this criticism, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel raised moral and economic concerns, stating that the new casino contradicts the country's Christian values and warned that gambling could deepen poverty in an already vulnerable population. Muthuvel also expressed concerns about the potential for money laundering, noting that casinos are often linked to such activities, further questioning the government’s support for a project that will operate tax-free in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), while small businesses continue to struggle under heavy tax burdens. However, Prime Minister James Marape made it quite clear during Friday's launch, that casino is meant for international tourists and expatriates, not local citizens. “We’re targeting tourists and residents with high incomes who will boost the economy through their spending,” Marape said, further highlighting the job opportunities that the project would create, particularly for the Motu Koita people, and the potential for the casino to stimulate economic growth." PHDC Chairman Peter Barge, at the launch, had also praised the casino’s potential to boost Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry, describing tourism as the country’s most underutilized asset, and noted that the casino is part of a broader plan to develop Port Moresby into a major destination. The casino will feature luxury hotels, gaming tables, and high-end facilities, with strict entry rules to ensure that only wealthy tourists and expatriates have access. The Paga Hill SEZ Satellite Casino is expected to be completed within six months, promising to bring jobs and economic benefits to the region. However, the concerns raised about its license and the broader criticism from political leaders suggest that the project could face significant challenges before it becomes fully operational.

The Leader of the Opposition, Douglas Tomuriesa, has raised serious concerns about the government's support for the new Paga Hill Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Satellite Casino, launched on Friday, October 11th, in Port Moresby city. Mr. Tomuriesa echoed fellow Opposition MP Sasindran Muthuvel’s objections, focusing on the legality of the project, which he says does not have a valid license to operate. “Firstly, this narrative and current promotion of a casino as a ‘much-needed investment’ is laughable, especially in the poor economic climate we are currently facing," said the Opposition Leader. "A casino in Port Moresby is the last project the government should be supporting when the city’s residents have inadequate water and power supply, unsafe streets, and schools and hospitals lack the capacity to cater for the growing population.” According to documents reviewed by the Opposition, the casino project lacks a legal license for both construction and operation, with the discovery now raising concerns about why the project received endorsement from Prime Minister James Marape. Tomuriesa shared more details from a letter written by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) CEO, Imelda Agon, to the Chairman of the NCDC Building Board. In the letter, dated October 3rd, and sighted by PNG HAUSBUNG, Ms. Agon stated that the gaming license held by Paga Hill Development Company is both invalid and outdated. She noted that the provisional license, which had been granted in 2021, had since been voided after the company failed to meet the necessary conditions. Tomuriesa added: “What is also mentioned and concerns me is that it appears that the company knowingly submitted the outdated and invalid license to the building board, even though NGCB advised the company on numerous occasions of its invalid license status.” He expressed his alarm at the kind of projects the government is supporting and its close ties with foreign business owners. He questioned why Prime Minister James Marape launched and endorsed the project, saying: “Anything James Marape launches or endorses also carries the endorsement of the Office of the Prime Minister and the State. To see Mr. Marape launch this casino project and proclaim how it is such a good investment for the country is concerning to say the least." Tomuriesa criticized the Prime Minister’s tendency to support projects that claim to bring large investments, even when there is little evidence of their viability. He advised Marape to “maintain the integrity of the office he occupies” and questioned what the Prime Minister has done for tourism in the last five years to justify backing a casino. He compared the situation with his home province, Milne Bay, which is a premier tourist destination due to its culture, environmental beauty, and safety, not because of gambling. “Cruise ships, adventure seekers, scuba divers, and other forms of tourists come to Milne Bay because of the cultural and natural allure – not to gamble their money.” He emphasized that improving tourism in Milne Bay requires the government to develop essential infrastructure like airports and wharves, ensure reliable commercial flights, provide training for the hospitality industry, ensure affordable fuel for businesses, fund police support, and improve maritime safety. "Not a casino," he added. He also pointed to other important tourist sites in Papua New Guinea that lack proper government support. He mentioned the Kokoda Track, which was closed due to landowner issues, and the National Museum and Art Gallery, which has faced funding problems despite its importance as a cultural treasure. “A genuine tourist goldmine like the Kokoda Track was closed down recently because of landowner issues, yet the Prime Minister didn’t attend to their grievances even after much fanfare when he walked the track with the Australian Prime Minister early this year.” “Another culturally and historically significant tourist attraction, to both domestic and international tourists, is the National Museum and Art Gallery right next to Parliament House. The museum houses some of PNG’s most important treasures, yet very little support has been given to the museum, and it has recently faced funding issues.” He also questioned the government’s support for the Wutung border post, which could attract tourists from Indonesia but has been neglected over the years. “Customs and Immigration services are hardly operating due to lack of government support, and as a result, we lose tourists from Indonesia/Jayapura who want to visit Vanimo and onwards,” he added. Mr. Tomuriesa ended by saying that instead of focusing on gambling and money, the government should improve Papua New Guinea’s international image and work on showcasing the best the country has to offer to visitors.

The Port Moresby Racquets Club is thrilled to announce that hard work truly pays off, as proven by Papua New Guinea (PNG) Squash Champion Feanor Siaguru. As a Level 1 certified coach by the World Squash Federation, Feanor is dedicated to empowering the next generation of squash athletes in Papua New Guinea. He is inviting young players to join his dynamic group sessions designed to elevate their game and nurture their skills. Feanor's impressive credentials include being a competitor at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, holding a Professional Squash Association (PSA) Highest World Ranking (HWR) Ranked 419, and being a Level 1 Certified Coach. Parents looking to boost their child’s squash journey can check out the Port Moresby Racquets Club official social media pages for more information. A flyer posted up says group coaching takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with a maximum of 10 participants at just K12 per hour. For those seeking personalized attention, private coaching is available for K60 an hour.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Border Divisional Command, Perou N’dranou, has urged police officers in East Sepik Province to use the Fortnightly Performance Assessment (FPA) system to provide proof of their work. This reporting system helps assess individual performances daily, and the FPA allows officers to track and assess their daily work, ensuring that their efforts are recognized by supervisors. During his recent visit, ACP N’dranou addressed the frustration of officers who felt overlooked by the recent police promotions; many officers expressed disappointment, feeling that their hard work, especially in rural areas, had gone unrecognized. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Christopher Tamari, acknowledged the challenges his team faces, particularly given the tough geographical conditions. Despite this, the police officers remain dedicated to serving not only East Sepik but also parts of West Sepik Province. PPC Tamari encouraged his members to accept what has been decided in the police promotions and continue to serve the people of East Sepik. “Remember that everything happens for a reason and your time will come. Do not be discouraged but keep working." ACP N’dranou emphasized that documenting their work through reports is the key to proving their dedication and performance, stressing the importance of sending daily Situational Reports (Sitreps) for the compilation of Major Incident Briefs (MIB). “How can your supervisors know you’re working? You can work as hard as you can and still be unrecognized or receive no credit from your supervisors because there is no proof,” said ACP N’dranou. He said that these reports are crucial for decision-making by the executive management at Police Headquarters, explaining that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has a system where each province is required to send through a Situational Report every 24 hours to the Police Headquarters in Port Moresby. The Situation Report consists of each incident that was reported at the Police Stations, the Police actions taken on each incident and the status of the case. He further explained that these reports from all provinces are then sent to the Police Headquarters where it’s compiled to produce the daily crime briefs for the executive management to make appropriate decisions. He encouraged the police to use the FPA system to improve their work and to keep track of their progress to demonstrate their commitment to policing in East Sepik Province. “This system is in place to help you report what you have done in the last 24 hours, I encourage you to make use of this reporting system to prove that the police of East Sepik are working. “Your job to deter and combat crime is equally important as your job to compile reports. They both work side by side to promote your good work as well as inform the executive management. “I encourage you all to take the Fortnightly Performance Assessment as a step towards better reporting and keeping track of your good work and to make self-improvements where necessary. The only way we can improve policing services to our people is getting the basic policing foundation right through the applications of Fortnightly Performance Assessments,” says N’dranou.

Pomio MP and Health Minister Elias Kapavore and East New Britain Governor Michael Marum have pledged support for the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Mission run Kambubu Secondary School in the Pomio District of East New Britain, emphasizing the government's partnership with churches in the education sector. Minister Kapavore pledged K600,000 from the Pomio District Development Authority (DDA) for the new boys' dormitory at Kambubu Secondary School. Additionally, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum committed to co-funding the construction of a new girls' dormitory, though the specific amount for this commitment was not mentioned. His support is part of the broader effort by the government to uplift education in the province by improving both academic opportunities and facilities for students. Both Governor Marum and Minister Kapavore had attended the school’s graduation ceremony on Sunday, October 13th, alongside Prime Minister James Marape. Governor Marum praised the government’s collaboration with church-run schools, like Kambubu, and highlighted the importance of this partnership in improving educational services. “In East New Britain, we are also privileged to have churches partner with the education sector in the province." "The government supports church agency-run institutions, and also supports infrastructure for the host communities, such as the roadworks underway in the Local Level Government (LLG), and the Merai Bridge, which is still coming," Marum said. This was Prime Minister Marape’s eighth visit to East New Britain, and Governor Marum took the opportunity to thank him for his continued attention to the province. Governor Marum also commended the recent appointment of Pomio MP Elias Kapavore as the Health Minister, recognizing the positive impact it has had on the island region.

During the graduation ceremony at Kambubu Secondary School, Pomio MP and Minister for Health, Elias Kapavore, addressed close to 200 graduating Grade 10s, 12s and 26 Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) students and praised their achievements. He encouraged them to focus on their studies and improve the school's Minimum Rating Index (MRI) in national exams. "Why can't Kambubu Secondary School be among the top in the country? Nothing is impossible. I urge you students to be nation builders, by committing to your studies and your faith in God," Minister Kapavore said. He challenged the school to use its land and natural resources to become more self-reliant, helping fund its own needs. Kambubu Secondary school is a long-time Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Mission run school, located in the Sinivit LLG of Pomio District in East New Britain province. The school has a huge land mass. Also in attendance were Prime Minister James Marape, and East New Britain Governor Michael Marum

Prime Minister James Marape attended the graduation of nearly 200 students at Kambubu Secondary School in the Sinivit LLG of Pomio District in East New Britain Province on Sunday, October 13. Addressing the 100 grade 10s, 60 grade 12s and 26 Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) graduating students, he encouraged the Seventh-Day Adventist Mission to create new pathways for students, including expanding Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) services to help students improve their marks. "I want Kambubu to pilot a school system that is unique and different.” “You cannot only remain a high school provider, you must be a college that is serving our community," Prime Minister Marape said. He proposed that Kambubu transform into an agro-based community college where students who complete Grade 12, but cannot pursue further education, could gain life skills. The Prime Minister also suggested that Sonoma Adventist College in the region be elevated to university status, complementing Kambubu’s proposed new role as a community college. His vision aims to provide more educational and life opportunities to the youths of East New Britain and Papua New Guinea. Kambubu Secondary School's large land area and resources, according to Prime Minister Marape, could be key assets in building a successful rural-based college that serves the local community and helps students gain valuable skills. He stressed the need for such innovative approaches in education to ensure students have multiple opportunities for success.

Prime Minister James Marape launched the highly anticipated Paga Hill Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Satellite Casino in Port Moresby on Friday, October 11th. This major project, aimed at boosting Papua New Guinea's economy, is expected to attract international tourists and high-income visitors with its world-class facilities. Marape emphasized that the casino will not be for local citizens but specifically for overseas visitors, positioning PNG as a key destination in the region. In his speech, Prime Minister Marape made it clear that the casino is meant for tourists and expatriates, not the general public. "Noken ting casino op na yu laik lusim Erima na kam lo hia, nogat." “We are targeting our international residents in our city, as well as the tourists who will come in, especially for gaming in our country,” said Marape. He stressed that only people with disposable incomes, particularly those earning over K200,000 per year, could access the casino. Membership fees or a foreign passport is required for entry, mirroring the strict rules of Singapore’s casinos, which also restrict entry to their citizens. Marape highlighted the casino’s potential to spur economic growth. He noted, "Papua New Guinea stands ready to harness the growth that is taking place in Asia." He sees this project as part of PNG’s broader ambition to modernize and integrate into the fast-growing economies of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The Paga Hill SEZ Satellite Casino is expected to be a cornerstone of PNG's development, looking to completing this casino project within six months, providing new jobs and boosting the local economy. The project, led by the Paga Hill Development Company (PHDC), includes a luxury hotel, high-end gaming tables, and state-of-the-art gaming machines, and the casino will be built to international standards, with operations modelled after Singapore’s highly successful casino system. Meanwhile, PHDC Chairman Peter Barge stressed the economic benefits, stating, "This project will broaden the appeal of Papua New Guinea." He added tourism is PNG’s most untapped asset, and the casino is set to be a central part of a larger tourism-driven economy. Barge added, “Paga Hill will be a tourism city,” further stating that the casino’s role is to draw in high-end tourists from countries like China and Australia. “The casino is not just a place for entertainment—it is a significant economic engine that is expected to create jobs for locals, especially the Motu Koita people.” Prime Minister Marape emphasized that employment priority would be given to local landowners. He also discussed PNG’s transition from an export-based economy to a manufacturing economy, driven by projects like the casino, which will boost growth and investment. According to Marape, “By 2026, we’ll be a K150 billion economy,” signalling rapid economic growth, as investors in the casino and other development projects stand to benefit from a quicker return on investment compared to other countries. “One of the most critical aspects of the casino’s operation is its strict entry policy - the casino is not open to local citizens unless they are members with high incomes.” The casino will feature 100 of the latest gaming machines, high-roller gaming tables, and invitation-only rooms and it is just one part of a broader development vision for Port Moresby. It will also house restaurants and bars to create a full-service entertainment experience for visitors. Prime Minister Marape outlined the city’s transformation, with plans for modernizing the downtown area and making it a hub for business and tourism. “We want to develop PNG so that our children can proudly live in a modern PNG.” Marape stressed that the casino will be a symbol of the country’s progress, blending modernity with its rich cultural heritage. “We’re working to secure our children’s future by making PNG a place where people want to visit and invest.” The Paga Hill SEZ will also include other developments like hotels and residential buildings. PHDC is working quickly to complete roadworks and other infrastructure to support this growth. The project aims to attract international attention, positioning PNG as a modern nation with world-class facilities within the next six months.

West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel on Sunday, October 13th, has raised serious concerns about the government's support for a new satellite casino in Port Moresby. He believes this move goes against Papua New Guinea's Christian values, often emphasized by Prime Minister James Marape. “I am troubled by the government's backing of a new satellite casino in Port Moresby. Prime Minister Marape, who often declares our nation as Christian, was seen launching this project with foreign business owners." "It’s a blatant contradiction to his so-called values, and it’s dangerous for our country.” Governor Muthuvel, further made reference to a recent report from ABC News which highlights the growing problem of gambling in PNG, where vulnerable citizens are lured into a trap that deepens their poverty. “Now, we’re setting up a casino to further exploit that vulnerability - while the business operates tax-free in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).” Muthuvel questioned how this can be seen as development. “The casino is poised to become a profit machine for foreign interests, while our people will lose their hard-earned money in an already difficult economy." "Worse yet the casino will not pay a single kina in taxes.” "Meanwhile, government is aggressively squeezing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to pay more fees and taxes the backbone of our local economy." "It's an insult to those who are genuinely working to uplift PNG." "Even in developed countries like Australia, where corruption is actively monitored, and forensic investigators are highly skilled it's still difficult to track illicit financial activity within these establishments." “Imagine how it will play out in PNG, where we haven’t given enough training to improve the skills of our investigating agencies.” Governor Muthuvel further urged the government to reconsider the casino project. “If the government truly cares about the well-being of its citizens, it’s time to rethink this casino and focus on the development that will benefit all Papua New Guineans – not just the rich and powerful.”

In an exciting day of action today, Saturday October 12th, K180 Phoenix has made it as the first Premier team to secure a spot in the Big Dance next weekend in the National Capital District Dart Assocation (NCDDA) competitions. They dominated the 2024 Minor Premiers, Weigh Inn Marlins, winning decisively with a score of 6 games to nil. Now, they eagerly await the outcome of the match between Boomchika 1 and the reigning champions, K180 Falcons, to see who they will face in the grand finale. Meanwhile, in Division 1, 2 Degrees showcased their strength by easily defeating Outside Lane with a score of 5 games to 1. They will now look forward to the winner of the match between 51 North and Flying Darts, hoping to continue their winning streak. NCDDA congratulated both K180 Phoenix and 2 Degrees as they advance in the Finals Series 2024.