The illegal squatters residing on the three portions of land belonging to superfund Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) at Bush Wara in 9 Mile in Port Moresby city, can expect some support from the government with their relocation. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape in a recent statement said his government is working on solutions for the people at 9 Mile who have been ordered to move out of the portions of land after a court order was issued for their eviction taken by Nambawan Super. PM Marape said that he has already met with the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Lands Minister John Rosso, National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, and Member for Moresby North-East John Kaupa and discussed ways to address this issue. He said the government is looking at two main options, whether to fence off that land and develop it in line with the NCDC’s settlement-to-suburb upgrade program or look at alternate land to move the affected people to so NSL can move in to develop its land. Marape asked NSL for its understanding as government seeks to find a permanent solution to the issue. “Firstly, let me say, I sympathize with our people who have settled on the land at 9 Mile and are being forced out. Many of these people have built good, permanent houses,” said PM Marape. “I thank all partners and our government agencies led by the DPM John Rosso for sitting down with us and trying to find an amicable solution for these people, without the devaluing the value of Nambawan Super land.” The prime minister said it was government policy to unbundle land for Papua New Guineans to build their homes and apologized for government’s slowness in achieving this policy. Meanwhile, the Illegal squatters residing at Bush Wara land portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 have less than 3 days to go before eviction starts. Police have been urging the people through awareness exercises carried out since the court order was issued to vacate the land or be forced to move out on eviction day, which will be this Thursday 11th July. So far, several squatters have pulled down their structures and moved out. Tomorrow, Wednesday July 10th, the 120- Day grace period issued by NSL to vacate the lands will lapse with eviction to commence the next day.

The Consultative Workshop for the Amendment of the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) Act 2014 is heading to the New Guinea Islands (NGI) region next after a successful workshop held for the Highlands region in Jiwaka province. According to the NYDA, the NGI leg of the Consultative Workshop will be held in the New Ireland province from the 15th of July to the 19th of July at the Kavieng Niu Lodge, Kavieng Town. All District Development Authorities (DDAs), provincial governments, and stakeholders and partners in the NGI region are advised to send in their teams to participate in the Workshop. Each respective DDAs and Provincial Administrations are requested to send two nominees each to attend the workshop. Nominees may include Community Development Officers (CDDs), Legal Officers, Youth Coordinators or Youth Representatives. The Workshop is an opportunity not to be missed because strengthening the work of youths at sub- national levels is crucial for youth empowerment and building stakeholder confidence in youth programs, and a such requires the contribution of the participants. Meanwhile, with the NGI region to host its Consultative Workshop next week, the last region remaining now is the Southern region. The Highlands region held its workshop in June while the Momase region was the first to host theirs late last year. Thereafter, all views, opinions, and submissions collected from all the Regional Consultative Workshops, will culminate in the final amendment to be presented to the National Parliament at the end of this year.

Fuel consumers will see a slight increase in fuel prices for the month of July right across the country starting today, Monday 8th July 2024. The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) announce that the Indicative Retail Prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene will increase on average throughout Papua New Guinea (PNG) due to cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), increasing demand in the United States, and the ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The domestic retail fuel prices for this month are inclusive of the Import Parity Prices (IPPs) or the imported costs for each petroleum product, domestic sea and road freight rates for the third quarter of 2024, and Goods and Services Tax (GST), including the applicable exercise duties, among other parameters. As a result of adding all the various cost components, the maximum retail price movement for fuel in Port Moresby will see petrol increase by 1 toea from K4.50 per liter in June to K4.51 per liter in July, diesel increase by 15 toea from K4.20 per liter in June to K4.35 per liter in July, while Kerosene increase by 15 toea as well from K3.90 per liter in June to K4.05 per liter in July. Meanwhile, the fuel retail price in all other designated centers will change according to their quarterly approved domestic freight rates for the third quarter of 2024, and their respective annual retail margins for this year. The ICCC also states that as part of its enforcement and compliance of fuel prices, its Investigative Officers will conduct inspections to all service stations to ensure prices of declared petroleum products comply with the allowable maximum prices in the country. The ICCC officers will conduct compliance inspections in Lae, Mt. Hagen, Kokopo and Port Moresby cities. Inspection Administrators in other provinces will be supported by ICCC Agents and respective Provincial Administration in those provinces.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has joined the rest of the world leaders today to congratulate the new British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer on his election victory. "On behalf of the Government and People of Papua New Guinea, I congratulate Prime Minister-elect, Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, on his election as Prime Minister, as I congratulate Labour Party on its victory. PM Marape said Papua New Guinea remains a loyal friend of Britain and a committed member of the Commonwealth of Nations and looks forward to continuing this long partnership between the two nations with Prime Minister Starmer into the future. "I also take the time to thank former Prime Minister, Hon. Rishi Sunak for his leadership and wish him well in his future endeavours, " said Prime Minister Marape Meanwhile, Starmer's Labour Party handed a brutal defeat to the Conservatives following his victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule in Britain. In his victory speech, the new British PM, a former prosecutor and a centrist who supports NATO and Ukraine, promised to govern for every single person in his country.

The 2024 Moni Plus Port Moresby AFL women’s competition is finally at its end with the grand final set for tomorrow, Saturday 06th July. Port Moresby AFL Association (POM AFL) President, Mr. Douglas Lai said the grand final tomorrow will be between the West Eagles and the Gerehu Magpies women’s team. Reflecting on the 2024 women’s AFL season, the president said things went on quite well and his was pleased with the way the women played out their matches on the weekends leading up to the grand final. “We had a great season of women’s competition and in the finals, we went into the final four format, and after that both teams made it to the grand final,” said the POM AFL President. He said for the Magpies, the girls had to beat defending champions the Lamana Dockers in the preliminary finals to make it into the grand final, so this is a special moment for the girls from Gerehu. The grand final match will take place at the home of Port Moresby AFL, the Colts Oval. The match will kick off at 3pm in the afternoon and fans can expect some hard and fast game from both teams.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape sends his congratulations the United States of America (USA) on its 248th independence anniversary celebrations on the 04th of July. He sends his well wishes to President Joe Biden and his Government and the People of United States on behalf of the Government and People of Papua New Guinea. “I convey my hearty congratulations to the United States of America and its people, and President Joe Biden and his Government on this auspicious occasion, and for your country’s long history of a strong and vibrant democracy,” said Marape. “Papua New Guinea has enjoyed a good relationship with USA dating back to World War II and continues this collaboration to this day. “We thank the United States for this partnership and its support to us, especially its elevated support in the last five years. Marape said Papua New Guinea remains as a friend of the United States and will continue to work together for the greater good of the pacific region and the world. “Congratulations on achieving another year as ‘The Land of the Free’,” said PM Marape.

PNG Power Limited (PPL) is currently carrying out its mass disconnection exercise throughout the country on its credit meter customers for unpaid electricity bills in an effort to recoup the revenue lost from it. According to PNG Power, the mass disconnection exercise is targeting only business houses and in the city of Port Moresby, several shops have had their credit meters disconnected this week with more to go. It is understood that over 10, 000 business houses in the country are on the list of disconnection for unpaid bills. Initially PNG Power sent out a warning to all credit meter customers across the country about the impending mass disconnection of power supply, alerting those with outstanding bills to pay up; however, with not much response from most of the business houses, PNG Power commenced the mass disconnection on Monday 01st July 2024. PNG Power Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Nehemaiah Naris, stated that these customers have been repeatedly informed and urged to settle their outstanding payments, but have failed to do so. "Our credit meter customers are regularly billed and advised of their overdue balances, yet we can no longer afford to wait any longer,” he said when revealing that some of these customers have unpaid bills dating back several months. "You must pay up your outstanding bills now, or face the consequences, which will be the disconnection of power supply to your property," he emphasized. Meanwhile, PNG Power will only reconnect these credit meter customers upon the full settlement of their outstanding bills.

Nasfund continues to recognise and reward employers who are continue their commitments towards securing their employees financial stability and future. Last night, this recognition was shown again with the Nasfund 2023 6th Annual Employer Awards hosted at the prestigious APEC Haus in Port Moresby. Nasfund Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Rajeez Sharma, this Awards goes to recognise those employees that lodge in their employees’ savings in time and ensuring that their employees financial future is secured. “These awards are more than just recognitions, they are a testament of the dedication and responsibility that each of you hold towards securing your employees financial future,” said the CEO. “At Nasfund, we believe that superannuation is not merely a statutory requirement but a crucial pilar to ensure a long-term financial stability of our work force.” He went on to praise the employers who prioritize this aspect of their employees’’ wellbeing, saying that they embody a value of care, responsibility and forward thinking that needs to be promoted across all the sectors. “We are thrilled to host this event and provide a platform where excellence in superannuation is acknowledged and celebrated” The 6th Annual Employer Awards on the night featured five main awards with three categories under each. The Awards are, Most Compliant Employer in Mandatory Contributions, Best Employer with Employer Voluntary Contributions, Best Employer with Member Voluntary Contributions, Most Compliant Employer in Account Maintenance, and Best Non- Mandatory Contributions Employer. The winners are as follows, · Most Compliant Employer in Mandatory Contributions - Category A, Goodman Fielders - Category B, Total Energies - Category C, Sesago Health Care Limited · Best Employer with Employer Voluntary Contributions, - Category A, Goodman Fielder - Category B, NCSL - Category C, TST Hohola · Best Employer with Member Voluntary Contributions, - Category A, JV PNG Investment - Category B, Save the Children - Category C, United State Embassy Port Moresby · Most Compliant Employer in Account Maintenance, - Category A, Mark Morton & Associates Ltd - Category B, Total Energies - Category C, Australian High Commission · Best Non- Mandatory Contributions Employer, - This Award went only to PNG Power Staff Savings and Loans Society Ltd Meanwhile the Chairwoman’s Award, which was presented separately form the main five awards, was presented at the end of the main ones. For this award, Category C Award went to Sesago Health Care Limited, Category B Award went to Total Energies, and Category A Award went to Goodman Fielder International PNG Ltd. The Awards night ended with a word of thanks to the employers for their continuous contribution on behalf of their employees and the sponsors that made the event possible. The sponsors are Brian Bell Group, BSP, CPL Group, Lamana Hotel, Loloata Island Resort, NCSL, Theodist Ltd, Puma Energy, SP Brewery, and Hannah’s Beauty Box.

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is stepping up its mission to crack down on tax fraud, including that of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The IRC Commissioner General, Mr. Sam Koim in a statement revealed that they have observed some fraudulent trends in the GST declarations submitted to the IRC. He said they have discovered some of the deeply troubling patterns and will work towards fully dealing with this very serious matter in breach of the county’s tax laws. “At the outset, it is critical to understand that a tax return, whether signed by a taxpayer or a tax agent, is a binding declaration of the accuracy of the provided information. False declarations are not taken lightly and come with severe penalties,” stressed the Commissioner General. “In response to the escalating instances of fraud, we have ramped up our vigilance, especially concerning GST credit returns.” He said the IRC has uncovered multiple instances where related parties are fabricating invoices or supplies to artificially inflate their GST Suppliers' Listings. “For example, Company A claims input credits from related entities B and C. These companies might not realize that we cross-check these input claims against third-party data, including Customs import records and bank transactions,” he went on to explain the process. “Verification extends beyond possessing an invoice—it involves tracking cargo movements, financial transfers, and matching invoices. Furthermore, we ensure that the suppliers, such as Companies B and C, have declared this income in their tax returns.” He went on to say that they have also discovered alarming discrepancies between GST declarations and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) returns. “Certain taxpayers consistently report a credit position annually, which contradicts the nature of their business operations. Others show higher expenditures than earnings in their GST returns without corresponding income declarations in their CIT returns.” “We have also found numerous cases where taxpayers regularly file GST returns but neglect to submit their annual CIT returns. Some individuals declare income solely for GST refund purposes, leading to significant mismatches when CIT returns are not filed.” He further added that because of this, they are now issuing default CIT assessments based on the information provided in GST returns. “We are also witnessing in the GST and CIT returns that most of the cash sales income are not declared. Some of those undeclared income finds its way in the expenditures listing, where taxpayer seems to spend more than the income declared.” Nevertheless, Mr. Koim said the IRC has developed measures to address this matter. “We have developed some matrix, including the launch of a project, to detect and penalise taxpayers for such evasive behaviour,” he said. He said the newly established Tax Crime Division of the IRC is actively investigating several GST-related fraud cases and will soon initiate prosecutions. “Let this serve as a stark warning, we are intensifying our efforts to detect and address fraudulent behaviors. The IRC is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our tax system,” Mr. Koim further stressed, warning those who would attempt tax fraud.

The 2024 Census has been extended for two more weeks following several challenges that were faced by the Census teams throughout the country that hindered the exercise from being efficiently carried out in its first two weeks. The Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere when announcing the extension, said this extension is necessary to address various challenges and ensure a comprehensive and accurate count. “Due to logistical issues, particularly the unavailability of domestic flights caused by fuel shortages affected Air Niugini and other aircraft operators, we experienced delays in the delivery if census materials and the mobilisation of our personnel, the minister stated. However, he said despite these challenges, all census materials and computer tablets have now been successfully delivered to their respective areas. Third- tier training is currently underway in most regions, and they expect enumeration to commence shortly in those areas affected. “We have planned a standard mop- up process as part of the 2024 Census to address any delays caused by ongoing fuel shortages or any other issues. Our team is actively reviewing and implementing contingency plans to ensure the smooth continuation of training and the enumeration process.” The minister remains optimistic about the progress of the 2024 Census and is committed to its successful completion, and for that to happen, he wants the people’s corporation with Census teams when they visit them to have them counted. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of every PNG citizen, and everyone involved and thank the prime minister and the PNG Government for continued support during this critical census time,” the minister concluded. Meanwhile, the 2024 Census initially commenced on the 17th of June and ended on the 30th of June.

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) have teamed up to develop and promote the countries agritourism sector to the world. This was done recently in Port Moresby city on the 27th of June through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, marking a step towards utilizing the country’s rich agricultural heritage to boost tourism and forge a partnership between two key economic sectors in PNG. Key objectives of this collaborative effort include the development of a National Agritourism Policy, to guide investment and establishing agritourism pilot projects in the Eastern Highlands, Milne Bay, East New Britain, and Morobe Provinces. PNGTPA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eric Mossman Uvovo said that Agritourism Steering Committee (ASC) and Agritourism Technical Working Group (ATWG) will be subsequently formed to guide the implementation of the MOU between the two parties. In addition, it is most likely that the committee will expand in the future to make room for relevant stakeholders who are involved in the space such as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), to ensure a sustainable and inclusive agritourism sector is developed. “Agritourism is an emerging niche tourism product that has great potential; the concept of agritourism provides an opportunity for local farmers such as honeybee producers, trout fish farmers or coffee growers, for example, to develop tour itineraries that are centred around their commodity or cash crop,” said Mr. Uvovo. “By doing so, it provides local farmers the opportunity to develop a tour package that proudly showcases the farm site, process from raw material to a finished product and allows for branding of local PNG products or local dishes and cuisine.” He added that the MoU partnership with DAL will provide the policy and planning advisory support and cofinancing of an integrated work plan, setting the foundation for a sustainable agritourism sector. “This collaboration will ensure that we harness the full potential of our agricultural and tourism resources to drive community empowerment, economic growth and cultural preservation.” It is anticipated that following the endorsement of the National Agritourism Policy, the parties will work together to facilitate investment in the agritourism sector. This includes the development and marketing of existing agritourism products to create niche markets and attract tourists. DAL Secretary, Dr. Sergie Bang, hailed the recent MoU with PNGTPA as a significant milestone for the agriculture sector. He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with the newly launched National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024-2033, which aims to transform subsistence farming into commercial farming and entrepreneurship, because agritourism development will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by providing additional revenue for farm owners and strengthening self-sustaining, resilient communities. During the event, Dr. Bang highlighted the shared commitment to facilitating regional consultations and comprehensive stakeholder engagement in the policy formulation process. He said by collaborating with relevant agencies, the partnership aims to efficiently achieve the MoU's objectives and drive the transformation of the agriculture sector to empower healthy and prosperous agricultural communities. The MoU is set for an initial period of three years, setting the stage for a path to harness PNG's agricultural potential to boost tourism. Through this partnership, both PNGTPA and DAL are committed to developing a vibrant agritourism sector that will contribute significantly to the country's economic development.  

A desperate effort by squatters at the 9 Mile Bush Wara outside Port Moresby to prevent their imminent eviction on three (3) portions of land belonging to Nambawan Super Limited (NSL), was quashed when the Supreme Court threw out their review applications just recently. On Wednesday, 26th June 2024, The Supreme Court dismissed three Supreme Court Review Applications filed by illegal squatters of Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159, and ruled in favour of Nambawan Super Limited (NSL). The Supreme Court applications filed in May 2024, sought leave (permission) to review a previous decision of the National Court in 2020, which found Nambawan Super to be the rightful owner of the Land Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 at Bushwara. In dismissing the application, the Supreme Court found that, 1. The settlers failed to demonstrate cogent and convincing reasons or exceptional circumstances to warrant a review, and 2. There were no clear legal grounds (arguable case) to merit a review. In handing down the decision, the Supreme Court stated that it was not satisfied that any exceptional circumstances exist showing a manifestation of substantial injustice. The indefeasible titles of the respondents (Nambawan Super) have not been challenged and are not challenged. The applicants do not have any titles to the land than Nambawan Super. It was therefore not in the interest of justice to grant leave to review to the settlers. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision over the three (3) Land Portions reaffirms Nambawan Super’s ownership to the lands. This is a positive outcome for the 228, 319 Members who have been waiting for a long time to have their property freed up for their collective benefit. Nambawan Super has followed all legal requirements to lawfully secure the titles of its Land Portions. The Court’s dismissal allows the Sheriff's Office together with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to proceed with executing the Eviction Order for Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159, to secure vacant possession and return to NSL who own the land in trust, on behalf of its members. NSL wishes to inform all stakeholders, including all illegal settlers at Bushwara, that while reports have been circulating that the office of the Governor of NCDC is in discussions with Nambawan Super to seek solutions for the settlers, these negotiations ended on the 14 of March 2024, when Nambawan Super successfully refreshed its National Court Orders for vacant possession for all the Land Portions. In that regard, the Sheriff’s Office and RPNGC will proceed with the evictions in compliance with the Orders of the Court. Illegal squatters on these Land Portions who have been granted a 120-Day grace period are reminded that this period will end on Wednesday, 10th July 2024. The Eviction Exercise will commence on Thursday, 11th July 2024. NSL requests the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, to ensure the carefully planned Bushwara Eviction Program for Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 is implemented in a safe and peaceful manner. All illegal squatters are strongly urged to immediately dismantle their personal property and voluntarily vacate with just few days remaining. As a Trustee, Nambawan Super Limited cannot use Members’ funds to assist squatters. Those who would like assistance should speak to the Police located at the Site Office at Bushwara. As of today, Monday 1st July, the illegal squatters have just 10 more days left before eviction day is upon them.