The Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, while acknowledging the significant role of the media in national development, urges media houses to continue to uphold ethics and standards in their reporting of news stories. The prime minister, when meeting with senior journalists and reporters on Monday 23rd December in Port Moresby city, said he wanted to see this legacy protected, maintained and passed on to following generations as the country faces 50 years of nationhood. However, the Prime Minister also called on the media to be more accountable, balanced and accurate in its dissemination of information. “We all have a role to play and the media, in as far as democracy is concerned, has a very important role in maintaining and preserving our democracy, and shedding light into spaces that light needs to be shed on,’’ said Prime Minister Marape. “As we face the 50th anniversary, let me place on record the government’s appreciation to all our news outlets and journalists who have served in our country’s media profession up till today. “No right-thinking government leader in a democratic nation will enter in the space of sabotaging freedom of media. Freedom of media must be maintained. “We live in a world that is now fast changing from what it was 10 years ago. Today, for instance, social media runs ahead of you. Social media is not a good reference point. You have to put your finger on real news that is released by our news outlets that has greater accountability.” Prime Minister Marape noted the challenges facing the media outlets in light of social media, highlighting his government willingness to work with the media next year on these areas and encouraged the Media Council of PNG to work with his government on these areas of concern. He also highlighted the need for the PNG media to work with Government more collaboratively in addressing issues affecting the country. He said as the Government continues to work at putting in reforms in the country’s democratic institutions, such as the police, higher courts and magisterial services, he wants to see more supporting role from the country’s media to strengthen these reforms. The Prime Minister said the responsibility before this generation of Papua New Guineans in all institutions and sectors to carry forward the work begun by Sir Michael Somare and his fellow leaders, is great.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Manolos Aviation, which led the Search & Rescue efforts into the crashed North Coast Aviation (NCA) aircraft, has confirmed that there are no survivors. In short statement posted on the Manolos Aviation social media page, the CEO Mr. Jurgen Ruh confirmed that their medical doctor onboard a PNGDF helicopter who was inserted into the terrain confirmed that no one survived the plane crash. The CEO also sends his condolences to the families of the deceased. Meantime, the first body retrieved from crash site of the North Coast Aviation aircraft in the jungles of Morobe province, has been transported to ANGAU Hospital mortuary in Lae city. The aircraft, believed to have been carrying the First Assistant Secretary of the Housing Ministry and other officials, was en route from Tewai Siassi district to Lae but failed to arrive as scheduled on Saturday 21st December. The North Coast Aviation aircraft was expected to arrive in Lae city at 10 a.m. Saturday morning but failed to do so, following a thunderstorm on Friday night.

The twenty-six members of the Tongan Legislative Assembly will choose the country's new Prime Minister, through secret ballot, in a special sitting in Nuku'alofa on Christmas Eve. The Speaker Lord Fakafanua confirmed that the names of two contenders were received by the Clerk's office when the nomination deadline closed at 4.30pm on Monday, December 23. He said parliament will sit at 10am on Christmas Eve, when the sealed nomination envelopes will be opened and the nomination procedures takes place, before the actual vote is taken. The 17 Peoples' Representatives and nine Nobles Representatives will then vote in a new Prime Minister, to replace Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned on December 9. The two nominees are reported to be Dr 'Aisake Eke and Dr Viliame Latu. Dr Eke, who filed a motion of no confidence against Hu'akavameiliku late last month, is believed to have the backing of 14 MPs, including three Nobles. His nomination was handed in by Tongatapu 2 representative, Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi last Friday. Dr Latu, a current Cabinet Minister, has been nominated by the current government. His name was registered by Vava'u 14 MP, Mo'ale 'Otunuku. To become the new prime minister one of the nominees must win at least 14 votes. Interim Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu was asked by RNZ Pacific, if he and other government ministers supported Dr Latu, to which he replied, "everything will be known on Tuesday". There were earlier claims that all 26 MPs had agreed to back Dr Eke. It is something Lord Fakafanua said would have been ideal but that depended on whether the 17 Peoples' representatives could unite. He said the constitution allows for a government of national unity. Lord Fakafanua said if no one is elected as Prime Minister on December 24, Parliament will have to sit again on Friday, to hold a second round of votes. Speaking to Tonga TV in Nuku'alofa at the weekend, Lord Fakafanua said the Nobles traditionally voted together as a block and it would be easier if the 17 Peoples' representatives stood together as a united group. "It is common knowledge that the Nobles representatives work together as a block," Lord Fakafanua said. "The ambition is for the 17 Peoples' Representatives to also work together with the nine Nobles," he said. The MPs will vote by secret ballot, with his Majesty King Tupou VI expected to confirm the new Prime Minister later Tuesday. The new prime minister will lead Tonga into the next general elections. scheduled for November 2025.

Police in Port Moresby continue to receive support from business houses this festive season as they continue the good work in keeping the city safe, this time receiving support from the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The NGCB in partnership with its stakeholders, the gaming site owners, generously donated food items to all police stations in the city to support police officers celebrate Christmas. This Christmas initiative is designed to support the hardworking and dedicated police officers as they prepare for their Christmas celebrations and to express the Board and its stakeholders’ heartfelt appreciation for their commitment throughout the year, ensuring communities are safe. The holiday season is a time for giving, gratitude, and community spirit. The police officers work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our communities and neighborhoods, and on many occasions, sacrificing time with their own families. NGCB Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Imelda Agon said the NGCB aims to bring a sense of joy and festivity, allowing the law enforcement officers to come together and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. “We recognize the invaluable service that our police officers provide every day, and this donation is a small token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe, often put their lives on the line for our safety,” Ms. Agon said. Police Station Commanders (PSCs) from other police stations also shared the same sentiments echoing their appreciation for receiving such donation from NGCB. “As for Waigani Police Station, this is the first time we have received a huge donation of food items, and I take my hat off to the NGCB CEO Ms. Imelda Agon and the Management for their thoughtfulness and generous heart,” Waigani PSC Bill Werike said. All PSCs upon receiving the donations, assured the public that all police officers will ensure the communities celebrate the festivity in the true spirit of Christmas, and urged the public to work closely with the police in upholding law and maintaining peace and order in the capital city.

The people of Gulf province stand to benefit more from the recent signing of contract for the Pasca A Project between the National Government, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and developer Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited. Speaking at the signing ceremony which took place at the Government House in Port Moresby city on Thursday 19th December, Prime Minister James Marape announced that once Twinza decides on its Financial Investment Decision (FID), which is a critical stage in energy projects where funding is approved, and execution begins, the operator will set up base and operating out of Kerema town, meaning spin off benefits for local business houses, for the landowner companies involved in the project and for the people of the province. “We will use this project to make sure that Gulf province rises up to where it supposed to be as an oil and gas resource province,” said the prime minster. This first offshore project will produce out of Gulf province and with the 5% of the product allocated for domestic market use, it will create an industry out of the province as well. Prime Minister Marape said Gulf province carries the PNG LNG project through the pipelines, and while the Papua LNG project is still in progress, the Pasca A Project is set to transform the province in a few years' time. Therefore, by way of preparing the province to cater for this massive oil and gas project, the government has committed to dishing out some big amounts in Business Development Grants of K60 million and K150 million in Infrastructure Development Grants (IDG) for a three-year running. These promised fundings should see the province start improving or creating new infrastructures to enable the ease of running operations once the project comes into its construction and later production phase.

Another massive oils and gas project is ready to get off the ground following a historic signing of contracts today at the Government House at Konedobu in Port Moresby city this morning. That project is the Pasca A Project, which will be the county's first offshore gas project just off the coast of the Gulf province. The gas project was agreed to recently in a signing between PNG Government and developer Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited with the signing of the agreements. Today's signing seals the contract with work to progress towards its development stage. According to Prime Minister James Marape, his government secured the project in a manner that will benefit all parties involved, from the project developer, the National Government, the Guld Provincial Government, the landowners and the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Prime Minister Marape thanked Twinza for investing in this project, stating that they have come a long way to get to this stage. “I want to appreciate Twinza, who have given us an unprecedented total stake at 70% of the project,” said Marape. “That includes a better-defined royalty at 2%, we secured production levy at 3%, we secured development levy at 2%, we secure a fiscal stability tax at 15% subject to oil price hitting at 80 dollars, anything above 80 dollars, the country will make 15%. So, all in all, 70% take for us.” The Prime Minister also announced that the project development will be setting up camp and will be operating out of the Gulf province, meaning more in development terms for the province and its people. Pasca A Project is a 135 million barrels of oil project harvest to be done in two phases. “In gas terms, it’s 0.4Tcf or 400 trillion cubic feet of gas to be harvested in two phases. Phase one is oil harvest and phase two, is gas harvest.” The signing took place between the developer, the government, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and the State Negotiation Team (SNT) led by Mr. Dairi Vele and witnessed by the Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has extended condolences to the people of Vanuatu following the massive earthquake that struck the fellow Melanesian country on Tuesday 17th December. The magnitude 7.3 earthquake, which occurred approximately 30 kilometers west of the capital Port Vila at a depth of 57 kilometers, caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and left many communities in distress. “On behalf of the government and people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), I offer my deepest sympathies to our Melanesian brothers and sisters in Vanuatu. This is a deeply challenging time, and our prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. Papua New Guinea stands ready to provide whatever support is necessary to assist with recovery efforts,” the PM stated. PNG and Vanuatu share a strong bond, forged through history, culture, and regional solidarity. Last year, PNG extended similar support to Vanuatu following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin. The earthquake is a reminder of the shared vulnerabilities Pacific nations face in the wake of natural disasters. Prime Minister Marape has instructed the National Disaster Centre (NDC) to coordinate closely with Vanuatu’s authorities to assess immediate needs and determine the best ways PNG can assist in relief and recovery efforts. “Our region is strongest when we stand together. Papua New Guinea will remain steadfast in its support for Vanuatu as it begins the process of rebuilding and recovery,” Prime Minister Marape affirmed. Further updates regarding PNG’s assistance will be provided as the situation develops. Meanwhile, the death toll from Vanuatu's 7.3 earthquake is expected to rise because concrete buildings have collapsed with people inside in the capital Port Vila. The Vanuatu government has reported 14 confirmed fatalities and 200 people were treated for injuries at the main hospital in the capital city. Rescue efforts to retrieve people trapped by fallen buildings and rubble continued overnight till this morning.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has hailed the recent 2024 Investment Week in Australia a success, culminating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) officially entering the NRL, and the significant signing of a major gas project agreement. The Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), under the leadership of Prime Minister Marape, initialled a landmark Gas Agreement with Twinza Oil Ltd, the operator of the Pasca offshore gas project, paving the way for the development of PNG’s first offshore petroleum project, located off the coast of Gulf Province This agreement will be submitted to the National Executive Council (NEC) for approval before being presented to Government House for formal endorsement by the Governor-General and signing. ” This Gas Agreement is a testament to our commitment to securing the best outcomes for Papua New Guinea. With an unprecedented 70% state take, we are ensuring that the benefits of this resource are channelled directly to our people. This is not just a project—it’s a step toward economic sovereignty and a brighter future for all Papua New Guineans,” said the PM. Discovered in the 1960s, the Pasca field has undergone decades of extensive appraisal and preparation. Its development is projected to deliver over K500 million annually in revenues and create approximately 500 permanent jobs, with significant local benefits for Gulf Province. “The Pasca A Gas Project symbolises what Papua New Guinea can achieve when we prioritise unity and sustainability. As we approach our 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, this project reflects our nation’s resilience and potential. It is an example of how we can leverage our natural resources responsibly to uplift our people.” The 70% state take achieved in this agreement -inclusive of taxes, royalties and equity participation - is a testament to the leadership of Prime Minister Marape and the tireless efforts of the State Negotiating Team (SNT) to secure the best possible outcomes for the nation. “In May 2024, the Mineral Resources Development Company Limited (MRDC) and Twinza formalised a partnership agreement regarding the Pasca A Gas Project. This collaboration allows MRDC to acquire up to a 50% participating interest in the project, while Twinza retains its role as the project operator. This partnership ensures greater local participation and guarantees that benefits flow directly to the people of Papua New Guinea.” The Pasca A Gas Project represents a significant step forward in PNG’s energy ambitions, laying the foundation for future offshore resource developments. The project will initially produce natural gas liquids, including condensate and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), while also establishing the groundwork for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. ” As the nation prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee, the Pasca A Gas Project stands as a beacon of progress, unity, and sustainability. It is a symbol of what Papua New Guinea can achieve through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to national development,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs ended yet another successful year with a Christmas Luncheon held on Monday 16th December, where two milestone achievements were also announced and launched. These two milestone achievements were the department’s new Housing Policy and the new website. Officiating at the event was the Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, who hailed the new housing policy and website as a significant achievement for the department that would greatly benefit its staff and with it, improve the operations of the Foreign Affairs Department. The Minister said the department has already funded residential blocks with subdivisions, and fencing for the first 60 staff, who will be selected under a criterion by the Department of Foreign Affairs. These first 60 will then apply for loans to start building their dream homes. This is all about change in the department as well where the minister highlighted that by having proper homes for staff members and their families, the staff will perform better in the department. “I’m very happy that it has come to a reality, and I thank our government for the support,” said the minister. The housing policy has been produced to guide the Department of Foreign Affairs provide affordable, adequate and quality housing for tis staff. In a nutshell, the objective of the policy is to enhance the performance and productivity of the personnel of the department, leading to overall effectiveness of the organization. Housing has been a critical issue affecting welfare, security and ability of staff to live a quality life. Through this policy, the department will deliver a housing program to ensure staff have access to adequate, affordable and quality housing. Meantime, the new website is a one- stop- shop for the public and even foreign missions to access information on Papua New Guinea (PNG) and information on the department and what it’s doing. “We have to be up to date with technology and up to date with news and information,” Minister Tkatchenko said, stressing the need for the Department of Foreign Affairs to be a robust organization going forward. Tkatchenko officially launched the policy and the website with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city, witnessed by the department's staff, senior officers and the Department Secretary, Mr. Elias Wohengu.

The man in the center of a video that went viral on social media of him chewing betelnut and allegedly spitting in public at Sydney, Australia during the 2024 PNGCORE Investment Week, has come out to deny his involvement in the disgusting act that made PNG look bad in the eyes of the world. In a short-written statement that was later posted in social media, Mr. Chris Payabe claimed that he did nothing wrong and that the video made was used with ill- intent to deliberately attack his reputation. Mr. Payabe is a leader of the Gas Resources Hides 4 (PDL 7), who represented his people and the company at the 2024 PNG Investment Week in Sydney, Australia this week. “The incident in question involved a cup containing betelnut spittle, which was kicked onto the footpath as I was approaching the smoking area. Justin Herepa proceeded to record a video of the incident and used profanity to insinuate I was irresponsible,” Mr. Payabe said in his statement. Mr. Payabe further said that he will be filing a police complaint against Mr. Herepe and have him arrested, saying that this is clearly a smear campaign. “There were two other participants who witnessed this incident and can attest to the malicious intent behind it.” “I have always represented my people and my company at this event for the last 14 years. I am a seasoned participant at this prestigious conference,” he said.

The Prime Ministers of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia this morning in a press conference, officially announced the acceptance and entry of a PNG Rugby League team as the 18th team in the NRL competition by 2028. PM James Marape thanked the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) body for the acceptance and the support of the Australian Government, saying this marks a significant event in the history of PNG and Australia relations. Australia PM Anthony Albanese said this entry of a PNG team into the NRL further strengthens the relationship between PNG and Australia, in addition to strong relations in trade, economic and security. “What this is about isn’t just the elite level. This is about the grassroot level, its about economic development, its about the relationship between our peoples and it provides, as sport often does, an opportunity for people to succeed not just in sport, but in life,” said PM Albanese. He further said this partnership isn’t just about PNG, it’s also about Australia's relationship with the pacific. “The partnership will support young people in the pacific, girls and boys, women and men, to play rugby league with a focus on PNG, but also on Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. It will complement our existing health and education programs in the pacific and create new opportunities for women and girls to get involved too.” “This rugby league partnership and my government support for a PNG team in the NRL, shows we’re serious in working with our pacific family members on the aspirations that we have.” PM Marape echoed Albanese, saying that people to people is another important aspect of the relationship between PNG and Australia whereby rugby league has the potential to amplify going forward. “Today the decision made is a monumental decision that will stand into time as pivotal in the construct of anchoring PNG- Australia relationship and the pacific relationship," said PM Marape. “In the heart of every foreign relation lies people- to- people relations. When we engage people- to- people, it secures the future of our space, our region and our nations,” said Marape. Meantime, PNG Rugby Football League Chief Executive, Stanley Hondina, paid tribute to the incredible amount of work that had gone on behind the scenes to lead to this point. “I would like to firstly thank Prime Minister’s Anthony Albanese and James Marape for working so hard to bring this dream to reality.” “This NRL team to PNG is more than just a football team, it is a powerful tool to not only strengthen the PNG- Australia partnership and history, but also provides other immense opportunities to building our country and its people holistically,” said Mr. Hondina. The new PNG team will also include a women’s team that will progress into the NRLW following 2028. The PNG rugby league Team will go through a process and the men’s game will be introduced in 2028 and then the women’s game, where it will progress through the state leagues then finally into the NRL. The objective is to also include a PNG women’s team in the NRLW. The PNG team will be base in Port Moresby city with NRL matches to be played in PNG as well.

The women of the Wafi Golpu mine project area in the Morobe province now have access to funding for their small businesses all thanks to establishment of credit (loan) support facility. This was made possible recently on Friday November 29th when the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) on behalf of the National Government announced a K500, 000 credit support facility for the women landowner associations of the Wafi Golpu Mining Project. A dummy cheque for this seed capital funding was presented to Mibank, by the Managing Director of the MRA Jerry Garry in Lae city. MiBank will facilitate, manage and process small loans for the women at a minimal interest rate that is suitable, using its loans system. The women’s associations that will benefit from the credit facility are the Yanta Women’s Association, Hengambu Women’s Association, Walemo Babuaf Women’s Association, Wagang Outfall Women’s Association, Butibam Pipeline Women’s Group and Wampar Pipeline Women’s Group. The funding comes under the government’s Micro-Credit Scheme, for women landowners and communities impacted by mining operations. The purpose of this scheme is to enable the women to: 1. Have improved access to financial support which will empower them to establish or expand their income generating options under the bank’s guidance, 2. Ensure a sustainable approach to entrepreneurship, 3. Strengthen the women’s capacity to ensure there are sustainable improvements in their livelihoods, 4. Make independent decisions impacting positive changes in their communities, 5. Strengthen the women’s capacities to ensure there are sustainable improvements in their livelihood, and 6. Make independent decisions impacting positive changes in their communities’ experience. The seed capital funding will be used as equity support of 90% for each loan applicant, using the Mi Bank’s loaning system. The loan products which the equity support can be used against are the: 1. Speed Loan, 2. Personal Loan, and 3. Business Loan product. The eligible lending limits may range from K2, 000 to K10, 000 for Micro Finance loans, while business Loans are limited to K20, 000 only. Income earning options to be considered include street vending, trade stores, bakeries, small scale mining, agribusinesses such as livestock and cash crop farming, public transport and other business activities deemed appropriate by Mi bank and calculated at an interest rate as set by the bank at the time of request. When presenting the cheque, Mr. Garry said women and mothers are special and are the backbones of families. "In spite of any circumstance in a family setting, we could all depend on women to look after business ventures as they are nurturing, caring and protective in nature." Mr. Garry said as the regulator of the mining industry, the MRA had been involved in many developmental and benefits sharing agreements, adding that in many cases, menfolk in landowner groups had been receiving most benefits leaving women with little to no benefits. He said the Micro-Credit Scheme is purposely designed to benefit women and mothers which would in turn benefit families and communities. The presentation of the cheque was witnessed by Senior MRA officers, Wafi Golpu Joint Venture’s David Wissink - Head of External Relations & Sustainable Development, and David Masani - Community Affairs Manager. Mr. Wissink said the company was ready to provide additional support to the women’s associations, especially in the areas of training associated with the scheme. He said in the ongoing Mining Development Contract (MDC) for the Wafi Golpu Project, there is a section called the National Content Plan. He said in the plan, the company has a commitment to support landowner women associations in business developments such as this scheme. The women’s associations collectively expressed gratitude towards the government for the opportunity given to improve their livelihoods.