The Prime Minister is expected to make an announcement at noon today on the official funeral program of the Late Sir Julius Chan. The Prime Minister, James Marape and the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat will be making this announcement in a press conference at the National Parliament. The Late Sir Julius Chan, who was also the sitting Governor for New Ireland province, peacefully passed away at 12:30pm on Thursday afternoon at his home at Manmantinut, Huris. He was 85 years old. Last evening at the official launching of the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo and Theme, the prime minister announced a week of mourning the Late Sir Julius. “It will be a State Funeral. He is no ordinary man; he is the second Prime Minister of our country. So, there will be a week of mourning, it will be announced at the parliament precinct.” Meantime, the body of the Late Governor of New Ireland is expected to arrive in Port Moresby city by this afternoon at around 1pm.

The 50th Independence Anniversary Logo along with the Theme was officially launched this evening, marking the start of preparations for the big celebration coming up in September. Prime Minister James Marape who officiated at the launch said it is a time to also remember the forefathers who sacrificed so much to ensure Papua New Guinea (PNG) eventually gain independence in 1975, one of whom just passed away earlier during the day- the Late Sir Julius Chan. The PM used the occasion to pay tribute to the man dubbed “The Last Man Standing”, saying it was through the efforts of such inspiring and charismatic leaders that the country is now marking its 50 years of being and free and independent state. “Today, we gather at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. As we stand on the threshold of our 50th Independence Anniversary, we are reminded of the remarkable journey that has brought us to where we are today. “We celebrate our independence, won on September 16, 1975, after years of struggle and determination. We honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers and mothers, who fought tirelessly for our nation's sovereignty.” Marape, reflecting on the tremendous contributions of the Late Sir Julius, said he would have been so proud of what he and his fellow visionary leaders had done 50 years ago. The PM said the family of the Late Sir Julius informed him to go ahead with the official launching this evening despite his passing, stating that it was something their father would have wanted to see happen. Meantime, the launching took place at the National Parliament witnessed by the Members of Parliament and invited guests and delegates, including foreign missions and military personnel. The theme, “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future” along with the 50th Anniversary Logo, was launched with a spectacular display of fireworks and digital light show at the doorsteps of the National Parliament in Port Moresby city.

The official launching of the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo and Theme this evening at the National Parliament in Port Moresby city will instead be now focused on paying tribute to the Late Sir Julius Chan. New Ireland Governor Sir Julius passed away this afternoon at his home in his province. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape made the announcement this afternoon of his passing and sent condolences to the immediate family of Late Sir Julius, his people of Namatanai, the Leaders and the people of New Ireland province. There will be no fireworks, and no music as initially planned for the launching event this evening said the PM. Instead, there will be a video presentation reflecting on the Late Sir Julius Chan and the Late Sir Michael Somare as well, making the launching event a somber occasion. “We sit down, announce his passing. We mark the week of house cry,” declared Prime Minister Marape. “It will be a State Funeral. He is no ordinary man; he is the second Prime Minister of our country. He assisted Somare birthing our country. So, there will be a week of mourning, it will be announced today at the parliament precinct.” The PM also called on Members of Parliament who are currently in Port Moresby to come to the National Parliament at 6pm this evening to join him and the rest to pay tribute to a great leader, dubbed "The Last Man Standing". “Let’s all show respect to Sir Julius, make him the center piece of our program this evening.” “May his soul rest in eternal peace. He is gone but he will not be forgotten,” concluded the PM.

The new CreditBank PNG has partnered with Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) to fight corruption, reaffirming its commitment with a generous funding support of K20, 000 for the cause. This partnership is a testament to CreditBank PNG’s continued efforts to support initiatives that foster integrity, accountability, and good governance in the country. The sponsorship will directly contribute to TIPNG’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for anticorruption measures across Papua New Guinea (PNG). Through programs such as the Anti-Corruption Help Desk, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement, TIPNG works relentlessly to encourage transparency and accountability within both the public and private sectors. Danny Robinson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CreditBank PNG highlighted the pivotal role that the private sector plays in promoting ethical business practices. “Companies within the private sector have a clear responsibility in ensuring that business is conducted in an ethical manner, and CreditBank PNG takes this responsibility very seriously,” said Robinson. “As a corporate entity, we understand the importance of supporting organizations like Transparency International PNG that are working tirelessly to bring about positive change in the fight against corruption.” Arianne Kassman, TIPNG CEO expressed gratitude for the donation, saying, “We thank CreditBank PNG for its continued support in the fight against corruption. This sponsorship will assist us in advancing our programs and initiatives that aim to make a meaningful difference in the fight for a corruption-free Papua New Guinea. Partnerships like these are essential to creating lasting change and promoting a culture of transparency in the country.” The sponsorship from CreditBank PNG is part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on addressing key societal challenges and contributing to positive social impact. CreditBank PNG remains committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in its operations and continues to support various initiatives that aim to make a positive difference in the lives of Papua New Guineans.

Two Members of Parliament (MP) from the Morobe province have been bestowed with Ministerial Portfolios as the Marape- Rosso Government moves to make more new ministerial appointments. Prime Minister James Marape on Tuesday afternoon announced the appointment of Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Menyamya MP Solen Loifa as Vice Minister Assisting the Prime Minister. The announcement follows their swearing-in by Governor-General H.E. Sir Bob Dadae at Government House in Port Moresby city. Minister Paita's appointment brings the number of Cabinet ministers to 39, marking a pivotal moment for the government's stability and unity following his departure last year. Paita left the government in 2024 as part of a coalition aligned with an unsuccessful vote-of-no-confidence attempt. “It is now 39 out of 39, and we welcome his experience back into Cabinet,” said Prime Minister Marape. The Prime Minister emphasized that Minister Paita’s return underscores the enduring strength of the coalition government. “The Honorable Rainbo Paita is the leader of Our Party, and I extend my congratulations to the leaders who have come together to form what is now Our Party. Their efforts bring significant strength to the coalition government, contributing 14 members—a substantial bloc in terms of numbers.” Prime Minister Marape noted that Paita’s decision to rejoin the government reflects a shared commitment to advancing national priorities. “Our Party members have shown unwavering loyalty and dedication to the country’s progress. When they rejoined government in November 2024, they did not hesitate to deploy their numbers to assist the government in passing key constitutional laws. This is the kind of loyalty and focus we need to deliver meaningful reforms,” said the Prime Minister. The government, which took office in 2019, is entering a crucial phase as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Prime Minister Marape highlighted the importance of the government’s legislative and policy agenda, including major reforms in resource laws, decentralization, and governance structures. “This year is no ordinary year. Since 2019, we have worked relentlessly to redirect the course of this country, particularly on economic benefits and national entitlements tied to our resources. These reforms are critical for restructuring our governance systems and improving service delivery,” he said. Prime Minister Marape also outlined plans for a government-wide performance review in the coming weeks. “Over the next two weeks, I will meet with all ministers and departmental heads to set clear expectations for their performance. Key performance indicators have already been issued, and we expect tangible outcomes. This government is not here to pass time; we are here to deliver results for our people,” he said. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed Paita and Loifa back into leadership roles, noting their importance in the government’s continued efforts to deliver better outcomes for Papua New Guineans. “With this, I warmly welcome the Minister and Vice Minister. They will have specific project responsibilities to address gaps in performance and ensure progress in key areas. Congratulations to the leader of Our Party, the Vice Minister, and the new Minister. Let us continue working together to advance our nation’s progress.”

The recent decision by the United States (US) President to withdraw from climate efforts, has been viewed as an irresponsible act by Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minister Marape who spoke at the recent World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on Thursday at Davos in Switzerland, asked that President Donald Trump reconsider his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement and current global climate efforts. Prime Minister Marape said he was greatly concerned for Papua New Guinea and the smaller Pacific Island countries who have been unjustly subjected to the effects of Climate Change in rising sea levels and severe weather pattern changes that continue to have devastating impact on their fragile economies. He said it was within the President’s right to think of his country, but for the President to withdraw the second biggest emitter of carbon dioxide from the Paris Agreement without announcing the shut-down of coal power plants is “totally irresponsible”. “I am speaking from the PNG perspective as the big forest and ocean nation and a leader of the Pacific region. I ask President Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw USA from the Paris Agreement,” said PM Marape. “The United States is the second biggest holder of carbon footprint, only after China. The United States is not shutting down any of its coal power plants yet, decides to withdraw from current climate efforts. This is totally irresponsible. “President Trump has his rights in his Put America First agenda, but he needs to tell us how he will respond to the matter of climate change because the Science is not lying to us about the planet heating up. “It is morally wrong for him not to be sensitive to the global climate change issues. As the Leader of the Free World, Trump and the United States have the moral responsibility to ensure that our planet remains safe to sustain all of us. “Good global leaders are also responsible world statesmen. They take responsibility not just for their own countries, but also for our planet,” said the Prime Minister. PM Marape has urged the President to reconsider his decision and find another solution if he feels the US is unfairly being expected to carry the bigger load of responsibility of the climate issue. PM Marape said he would take the matter up at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to have PIF make a combined statement on Trump’s withdrawal of USA from the climate talks. “The United States has recently revitalized its relations with the Pacific, and it is very discouraging to see it backing down from climate talks which have direct impact on climate change mitigation for us in the Pacific. We continue to be subjected to rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns that impacts lives and economies. “Big nations like the United Sates can afford to withstand the impact of typhoons, wildfires and tornadoes. But for small nations like us, we cannot,” said Prime Minister Marape.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has achieved another outstanding year of performance, achieving excellent results for the 2024 financial year. OTML announced this is a statement saying that it achieved outstanding strong, safe and reliable production results, surpassing set targets for copper, gold, and silver. The company actually produced 103,246 tonnes of Copper metal, 265,830 ounces of Gold and 993,274 ounces of Silver, showing and reinforcing its turnaround of the business in the last 18 months. Despite some operational challenges, this success is attributed to the dedication of OTML workforce, optimized operational efficiency from the pit to the port, and a seamless execution of the major processing plant shutdown earlier in the year. OTML delivered robust unaudited financial results, reflecting increased metal prices, efficient cost management, and consistent production levels. The company reported a revenue of K5.7 billion (US$1.5 Billion) contributing significantly to Papua New Guinea’s economy through royalties of K106M, taxes K346M, compensation K119M, training K30M, Tax Credit Scheme K285M, and a total of K450M in dividends for the year 2024. The company also celebrated 40 years of production since 1984, highlighting its significant contribution to PNG’s economy over the years. The year 2024 also brought its share of challenges; among the hurdles faced were shipping constraints, such as fuel, concentrate and cargo shipment issues and evolving operational demands. In addressing the fuel crisis, OTML not only ensured operational continuity but also supported the nation by supplying JET A1 fuel to commercial airlines. Furthermore, as a responsible corporate entity, the company made significant contributions through key donations at both local and national levels, reinforcing its commitment to the community. Looking ahead, OTML remains steadfast in pursuing its Growth 2050 Strategy, which focuses on long-term sustainability, operational excellence, and community partnerships. Key initiatives include: · Environmental Stewardship & Sustainable Growth Projects · Engineered Waste Rock Dump 1 & 2 · Electrical Haul Truck Drive · Process Asset Renewal (PAR) · Pyrite Concentrate (PCon) Pit 4 Construction · Tailings Storage Facility · Copper Mark Certification · Electrification & Energy Transition Strategy · Accessibility to Diesel & Jet A1 Storage & Supply Facilities in the country OTML’s Managing Director and CEO, Kedi Ilimbit, stated that 2024 has been an extraordinary year of resilience, collaboration, and achievement for Ok Tedi. “These results reaffirm our commitment to creating value for all stakeholders, while upholding our responsibilities to the people of Papua New Guinea and future generations.” He said their focus on sustainable growth under the Growth 2050 framework ensures that OTML is well-positioned for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “Our unwavering commitment to responsible mining practices and sustainable development has delivered outstanding outcomes for stakeholders, employees, and the communities in which we operate,” said Mr. Ilimbit.

In light of the high cost of living experienced by Papua New Guineans, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) has come out to call on the government to do something about it now. The consumer watchdog is concerned about this rising cost of living and is calling for concerted efforts from all relevant government agencies to work together to mitigate this issue. The ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Paulus Ain, said the increase is felt all over the world including PNG as a result of global supply disruptions caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic and aggravated by other geopolitical events, including the Russia- Ukraine conflict and the ongoing conflict along the Suez Canal that is forcing the global sea freight index to increase, which then increases the cost of imports- dependent countries like PNG. He said other factor that also directly influence the cost of imports is the depreciation of the Kina against the US Dollar, as the main international trading currency. But Mr. Ain is adamant that in the long- term, the imbalance in the foreign exchange market will self- correct, leading to price stability. Mr. Ain also acknowledged the government’s efforts to lessen the high costs, especially the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption on the prices of 13 selected basic goods/ items that will come into effect in July 2025; however, he says more needs to be done. He stressed that a collaborative effort is needed from all relevant government agencies to mitigate the high cost of living in the country. These include policy measures to reduce inflation, appropriate tax policies, structure adjustments policies, investment of programs and activities to address infrastructure challenges such as poor roads, unreliable electricity, and security challenges, and the creation of income generation avenues can surely assist in alleviating the cost-of-living pressures on the domestic economy.

The Remington Group, comprising Remington Technology, BizPrint, FX Business Centre, and OFC, held its first-ever Kick-Off 2025 event at the APEC Haus on Saturday 18th January at Port Moresby city. Theme "One Team, One Vision, One Tribe," the event marked the beginning of an exciting year, bringing together staff and business units nationwide to align with the company’s renewed vision, mission, and strategy for 2025. It provided a platform to inspire unity, strengthen shared objectives, and energize the workforce for the year ahead. A key highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding employees who exceeded their 2024 targets, alongside long-serving staff who were honoured for their loyalty and dedication. These celebrations emphasized the Group’s commitment to acknowledging excellence and fostering a unified, motivated team. Reflecting on the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Navin Raju said, “This is not just about starting a new year; it’s about uniting as one team with a shared vision and purpose. Together, we are stronger and better equipped to achieve better results in 2025.” Through this landmark event, the Remington Group reaffirmed its dedication to aligning all business units toward shared goals, ensuring that 2025 begins with clarity, collaboration, and a collective drive for success.

The Kairuku district in Central province aims to become a top tourism destination in the country, and with a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, it could just help them achieve that. That MoU signing was between the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) and the Kairuku District Development Authority (DDA) on Friday 17th January in Port Moresby city, all to strengthen the district’s tourism potential through sustainable development, cultural preservation, and strategic marketing initiatives. Member (MP) for Kairuku, Peter Isoaimo, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, calling it a significant step toward positioning Kairuku as a key tourism destination in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The partnership will focus on activities like the PNG Flag Festival, the development of the Owsenwke Cultural Centre, and the hosting of game fishing competitions. Capacity-building programs, including tour guide and guest management training, are also planned to equip locals with the skills to support and sustain tourism development. “Our district is blessed with diverse cultural and natural attractions, from Yule Island’s historical significance to our festivals and pristine coastlines. This MOU paves the way for these assets to be showcased to the world, bringing long-term benefits to our communities,” said Isoaimo. He reaffirmed the DDA’s commitment to working closely with TPA to ensure the success of the initiatives outlined in the MOU, noting that tourism can drive positive change by creating jobs, empowering communities, and strengthening cultural pride. TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “This MOU is a milestone for both TPA and Kairuku DDA. Together, we will develop a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector that celebrates the district’s rich cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities for local communities,” said Uvovo. He highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach in achieving national tourism goals outlined in Vision 2050 and the Tourism Sector Development Plan (2022-2026). The MOU sets a clear framework for governance, accountability, and collaborative action. It includes the establishment of a Joint Milestones Matrix (JMM) to track progress and ensure that the development initiatives remain aligned with national and district goals. “This partnership reflects our shared vision for a sustainable tourism industry that empowers local communities while protecting our cultural and natural heritage,” said Uvovo. Uvovo also said that, with a roadmap in place and the joint commitment of TPA and Kairuku DDA, the district will become a thriving hub for cultural and eco-tourism, bringing PNG one step closer to realizing its tourism potential.

It is the start of the year and things are starting to roll for the country to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary come September, with much to be expected in the lead up. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape indicated this upon his return from Palau on Friday 17th January, when he said there are planned activities that will be rolled out very soon as lead up to September 16th, 2025. He said the official announcement and launching of the 50th Anniversary program would take place towards the end of this month. “On the 30th of this month, Minister Tkatchenko, myself, Governor Parkop and all other governors at the parliament, will launch our 50th anniversary program for this year,” said the PM. He said there is much to be expected, including the government’s plans for implementation of services and developments going forward, 2025 and beyond. “It was this time 50 years ago that the fathers and mothers prepared this country for independence." “This month 50 years ago it was January 1975, the nation was gearing towards independence; therefore, I want our country to prepare ourselves for the 50th,” said the PM

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is attending the exclusive World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Switzerland which starts tomorrow. Prime Minister Marape announced this following his return from Palau on Friday 17th January, saying that this is another trip with a strategic intent behind it. The WEF is a non-government global organization that brings together leaders from business, politics, academia, and civil society to address global issues, with the objective of improving the world by shaping global agendas and finding solutions to challenges. Opportunities to attend the meeting are given strictly by invitation only, directly from the Founder of WEF, Professor Klaus Schwab, which PM Marape revealed that this is the second invitation from Professor Schwab to him to address the Forum after missing his first opportunity last year because of the unfortunate situation that occurred on January 10th, 2024. “These meetings are relevant to our economy, to our country’s benefit,” said the PM. “There is strategic intent behind why we pitch those visits. My pattern of visits has strategic economic rationale behind the choice of visits.” Prime Minister Marape has already left the country for Switzerland, leaving the Deputy PM in charge as acting PM for at least four days during his absence. The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place from 20-24 January in Davos. The meeting brings together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, and 350 governmental leaders, including 60 heads of states and governments, from all key regions.