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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

June 2019

The Prime Minister, James Marape, reiterated his Government’s policy vision to the people of Papua New Guinea in a statement.

Following is the Statement in its entirety;

It is now 18 days since I assumed office as PM and I have made many statements on what we intend to do and as of last week I have issued draft duty statements to our Ministers of State for their input so that collectively we will know what we are doing to “take back our country/economy” and to deliver our country as “the richest black Christian nation” on earth, where not one child born into our country irrespective of colour, ethnicity, religion or politics is left behind.Firstly may I say, I make my statements off script emanating from my inner core but they are consistent and coherent with views of many of my compatriots both serving in Parliament with me and many of you outside, and I make no apologies for statements of intend I make thus far. Some public servants and other politicians may find offensive or unachievable and that’s your mindset but I have elevated the level of imagination the highest any leader can dream for his country and I am willing to travel that road, though tough it may be for a start. Dreams are free, I have dreamt it but work of reconstruction must start now. And that is very possible in a nation that is blessed with minerals, oil and gas, forestry, agriculture potentials, marine and aquaculture potentials, culture and tourism,

water, our strategic location in between eastern economies and western economies and many other intrinsic God given resources we have in this motherland.The manner of harvest of these resources under better term sheet will be my journey and story. This journey hopefully will lead our country to the destination our children deserve.The destination in 2030 should be a nation where people are economically self-sufficient, where best medicine and medical practices are available to all of our people, where every children have equal opportunities in education and employment, where police and law and justice sector is working firmly and fairly and our girls and mothers and everyone is safe always, where religious freedom is abound, where digital innovations drives our education, medication and economy, all parts of our country is connected by top class public infrastructures like roads, ports and airports, all these and many more are achievable if myself and all who are with me in public service today put forth collective efforts and stay the course.To get there, the following are few things off my head I am putting forward that we intend to do, and I require all of you who want to lead public service organizations under my watch to dissect and advise me on your sector strategies going forward from 2020 to 2030. I have proposed a two prong approach hence I have divided the cabinet into two inter working sectors, the economic sector interventions that especially deals with raising revenues and prudent expenditures in the social and development sector that ensures better quality services are reaching our people in an environment that is free from systematic wastage through corruption and complacency.ECONOMIC SECTOR INTERVENTIONS Succinctly below are some key benchmarks myself and Treasurer will co-lead as we seek to reconstruct our economy for the better.Key economic benchmarks and tasks to undertake includes;

q Re-assessment of 2019 budget and deliver state of economy statistics to ensure our budgets for rest of 2019 and going forward are anchored on solid achievable numbers;

q Make redundant lesser priority areas in budget including taking control over salary overrun and office rental expenditures;

Issue No. 10, June, 2019

Western Province infrastructure development

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Swearing in of new Vice Ministers

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Pg14 PNG & Aussie diplomatic relations

Statement of IntentMarape/Steven Government Policy Intentions

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Prime Minister James Marape, MP

JUNE, 2019 ISSUE No. 10

Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 2

Welcome everyone to another edition of the Inside Sir Manasupe Haus fortnightly newsletter.In the last couple of months, we have seen a smooth change of Government from the O’Neill/Abel to Marape/Steven Government.Most of the development priority areas identified by the previous regime still remains the same with added emphasises on re-looking at the resource laws, reviving public service in rural areas and growing the economy while empowering nationals to take on greater responsibilities in the Public Service. Therefore, I urge everyone to continue to work together to continue to deliver quality basic services to our people right across the country,Do not forget to adopt Christian values in your work ethics and your workplaces as well.In this issue of the Inside Sir Manasupe Haus Newsletter, on pages 1 & 2, we bring to you

Prime Minister, James Marape’s Statement of Intent. On page 3, we bring to the names and Ministerial portfolios of the Marape/Steven Government Vice Ministers or under Secretaries.On page 4, PM Marape reiterates the need to grow the economy in order to raise funds for improved health and education services.On page 5, we bring to you the 8th Prime Minister, James Marape’s inaugural address to the Nation. On page 6, the Marape/Steven Government holds a dedication service for their new Cabinet. On page 7, the 8th Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea takes office. On pages 8 & 9, we bring to you a pictorial of the 8th Prime Minister’s engagements.On page 10, PM Marape reiterates Government’s commitment to improve the electoral process. On page 11, PM Marape acknowledges

European Union (EU) trade related assistance project. On page 12, the new Government affirms commitment to the Bougainville peace process. On page 13, K20 million to be included in the 2020 budget for Western Province infrastructure development. On page 14, PNG & Australia diplomatic relations has matured through active and consistent engagements in all sectors for over 43 years. On page 15, President Xi Jinping State Visit to PNG first for a Chinese President in office.On page 16, Japan is a key development partner for Papua New Guinea

Happy Reading!

Isaac B. Lupari, CBEChief Secretary

Inside Sir Manasupe Haus is published fortnightly by the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council.

Publisher: Dept of PM & NEC

Executive Editor: Chief Secretary

Dept of PM & NEC

Editor: Matrom John

Sub-Editor: Anasthesia Angoro

Reporter: Terry Mark

Firmin Nanol

Royden Geno

Anasthesia Angoro

Russell Saigomi

Photography: Media Branch

Layout & Design: Pius Eano

Printing: Media Branch

For editorial comments, please write to;

The EditorInside Sir Manasupe Haus NewsletterDepartment of Prime Minister & NECP.O. Box 639Waigani, NCDPapua New Guinea

Phone: +675 301 9251 | 9252Email: [email protected]

Message from the Chief Secretary to Government

... continue from front pageq Stop non-economic stimulant

programs including loans to projects of insignificance;

q Ramp up access to international grant facilities already open to PNG like the EUs and other global grants available as well as drawing down on productive loans already secured;

q Do a forensic audit into all levels of companies operating in country to ensure they are all tax and fees compliant;

q All resource projects coming up for reviews to be negotiated with the view to gain now for our country with no more concessions, tax deductions or wavering of fees etc.

q Promulgation of policies and legislations to ensure downstream processing of our natural resources be given highest order of priority and all resources companies in all sectors who want to participate in harvest of our resources must come up with a clearer and quicker ways to do downstream processing. Gone are the days someone was telling us you can’t do gold bullion in country or you can’t process timber in country or we can’t have petro chemical industries in country, or we can’t grow rice and cattle in country are some examples of adding value to our resources;

q I am looking at possibilities of auctioning some of our resources that will be freed up soon so the best proponents of net

take back for PNG become our partners in resource harvest and for starters, in Porgera and Ramu mines review coming up this year, I am looking at greater tax and equity take for PNG ( including PGs and LOs);

q We will push to ensure all projects in country are bringing revenues back to PNG holding accounts for distribution to their JV partners out of their management company’s holding account through our central bank;

q Clearer dividend policies for our SOE and no entrapment of money in SOEs with priority diagnosis into their books as matter of priority;

q We also looking at giving tax incentives to SME and existing tax compliant business in country for them to invest more in country. Depending on the space in 2020 budget we will put some funding for very soft long term loans for PNG businesses;

q Implement local content in our contract procurements;

q Proper costed projects be issued contracts based on availability of funds;

q We will be dividing the country into economic zones and to tailor infrastructure development based on the local economy’s need;

q Cheaper and reliable electricity plus less costly Morden ICT platform is a must.



The Prime Minister, James Marape posing for a group photo with all Vice Ministers after the swearing-in of four Vice Ministers

Before I announce the Determination, in respect to the functions and responsibilities of the Vice Ministers, let me say thank you to the Governor General and staff of the Government House.They are always responsive to our request to host this sort of occasions.Let me also congratulate the four Vice Ministers, who now join in the eight Vice Ministers who were sworn in earlier.I will be announcing the Determinations, in terms of some of the functions and responsibilities they will be taking carriage of, to assist the Ministers in those sectors and assisting myself as we try to put to work areas of responsibility that this fine leaders can contribute towards, as to how we want to make our country progress into the future.As I did say earlier, on the occasion of the swearing in of the first eight Vice Ministers, they will not be just Vice Ministers by name but we are attaching to them functions in which they will preside over.The only difference with them and the Ministers is that the Ministers will have access to Cabinet in as far as bringing policy papers into Cabinet.Our Vice Ministers will also have a regular interface, a monthly meeting with myself and the Prime Minister’s Department so that we know what is actually happening in the sectors concerned and they will be drivers of key sector programs that we will be giving to them.As I go through this (Determination Paper) you will realise who is attached to which portfolio and what sort of role they will be contributing to keep our government performing to the expectations of our people.

1. Dr. Kobby Bomareo, who is the Member for Tewai-Siassi, will be Vice Minister Assisting the Minister for National Planning. He will be responsible for all planning, especially at the sub-national government and the district level; to make sure that all our District Plans and Provincial Plans are in harmony with the National Government visions and focus.

2. The Hon. Pogio Giombo Ghate will be Vice Minister for Agriculture and Livestock. He is one of three Vice Ministers in the Agriculture Sector. He will be taking carriage of the Coffee Industry and all programs in relation to Coffee in the country.

3. His specific task in on resuscitating the coffee

industry and ensuring that coffee is improved. He will also be assisting the Agriculture and Livestock Minister in other areas but more so in the coffee area; Institutions like CIC (Coffee Industry Corporation) comes directly under him in his function as the Vice Minister.

4. Vice Minister Joe Sungi will take over from Vice Minister Wapunai (Johnson Wapunai) in assisting the Minister for Finance and Rural Development. He will mostly preside over the Department of Implementation and Rural Development; taking carriage in ensuring the all the Districts and Provinces are supported in programs involving PSIP and DSIP going forward.

5. Vice Minister Sekie Agisa, Member from South Fly who has lived along the borders, will be assisting Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, but we will delegate especially the Trade Function to him and he will assist the Foreign Minister in the areas of Trade; making sure that out trade relationships with our Foreign investors, the nations around us, as we deal with them in trade areas, working towards making sure that our trade functions come to life.

6. Vice Minister Joe Kuli will be assisting Minister for Works and Implementation as Vice Minister responsible for Works Department. He will be part of our issue to bring roads to rural areas and District come to life and we will make sure that he sits with the Vice Minister for National Planning and they will work on a planning program for District roads and Provincial roads to be linked to National roads. He will take carriage, assisting the Minister for Works, focusing on District Roads and Provincial roads, making sure that they are fully identified and try to map out as to how we will finance them, fund them and linking to National Government’s Planning Department as well as to donor agencies. He will be responsible for assisting the Minister for Works in that space. Of course Minister Wesley Raminai is the Minister assisting me in the area of Sports.

7. The Hon Win Daki (Hon. Win Bakri Daki) is the Vice Minister assisting the Treasurer, in terms of responsible Treasury functions, I want to transfer or park NEFC (National Economic Fiscal Commission), it is a very

important Independent body that ascertains the performance of our economy, to him so he will directly take carriage of this as well as the ICCC (Independent Consumer and Competition Commission). They (ICCC) are the agency that deals with the control of price. Making sure that price are controlled and making sure that goods and services are in compliance with Standards so he will take carriage of this two sectors and make sure that they function, apart from other needs from Treasury.

8. Hon Johnson Wapunai will be Vice Minister assisting the Minster for Public Service. We got many issues in the Districts and Provinces in as far as the Public Servants are concerned. Continuous salary over run. So the Minister for Public Service at the top, consolidated overall public service policy focus but I will get Vice Minister Wapunai to really focus on Provinces and Districts, especially in the public servant matters. There are many issues outstanding. So many salary over runs in that area. He will be responsible for those public servants in the front line. As I have said earlier, we are trying to transfer Waigani based public servants back to the districts and the provinces. The other area that I would like him to assist on is the area of the Public Service Commission, to see that this Constitutional Office is functioning.

9. The Hon. Jimmy Uguro is the Vice Minister for Mining. He will be assisting the Minister for Mining to ensure that outstanding issues in all our Mining areas are brought into a clearer light, a clearer picture. Outstanding issues in Ok Tedi, also especially Porgera Review and Ramu Review. These are the three key areas that we will task him to assist the Minister in those functions.

10.The Hon. Henry Amuli will be Minister assisting the Agriculture Minister, especially in areas of Copra, Cocoa and Palm Oil. This three important crops. He will be working with important bodies like OPIC, important bodies like KIK. He will be working and taking charge over these institutions, organisations to improve productivity in these important three crops that will add value to our economy.

11.Vice Minister Manasseh Makibar will assist me and he will take carriage of key functions like Kumul Mineral Holdings, Kumul Petroleum Holdings, National Gaming Board and as well as MRDC and assist me keeping watch over this important State Agencies that I am a Trustee off as we work to detach some of this back to Treasury.

12.And lastly but not the least, the Hon Koni Iguan, the Vice Minister assisting the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock. He will be focused on taking care of Livestock Development Corporation. Focused on ensuring that we got more livestock in the country. We have a lot of grassland, many of them are not in use. So his specific purpose is to resuscitate the livestock industry.

That completes my line up of the 12 Vice Ministers Portfolios.

New Vice Ministers sworn in to support function of Government



PM Marape speaking at the St John Ambulance Fundraiser

The Independent Commission Against Corruption Office (ICAC) recently saw the confirmation of the contract employment of its Interim Chairman, Thomas Eluh.Mr Eluh signed his employment contract of 12-months with the Department, which was counter-signed by the Deputy Secretary, Tess Wingi, the Acting Director-General (Corporate Services), Theresia Siaguru and the Acting Human Resources Director, Harry Masin.During the signing ceremony, Mr Wingi congratulated Mr Eluh on his contract employment saying the Department recognizes the significance of the ICAC Office, given its importance to be embedded in our Public Service.I assure you, support will be provided to your office just like we do to offices such as the OLC, GPO, CoI, and the others connected to this Department.“This is one of the very important agencies in the public sector that has been with us for years. You cannot do the job alone and may need resources and support from us along the way,” Mr Wingi said.In thanking the Deputy Secretary and his hard-working team ‘for keeping his head above water’, Mr Eluh said it has been his main priority to complete the Bill, despite the many challenges.“The Bill is almost complete however there are already a number of existing sister agencies like the Police, the Justice Sector and the Ombudsman Commission, which we must consult thoroughly before finalizing and submitting the Bill to the Prime Minister, to present to Parliament for tabling.“Therefore, I am carefully structuring the ICAC Bill so that I don’t step on the arms of our sister agencies,” Mr Eluh said.He said we are all working for the common good and that is to combat corruption. Although corruption is here to stay, we all have to do our part in minimizing it.“I’d like to leave a legacy for our future generations, so down the line there are no turbulences. We must have a common purpose with our sister agencies, in order to avoid any jurisdiction issues,” Mr Eluh said.He thanked Wingi and his team for the support and for confirming him as a public servant and urged them to keep up the good work for the country.Ms Siaguru concluded by saying Mr Eluh was an experienced officer and there was no better person to do the job then him.Mr Eluh’s contract will be for a period of 12 months with the possibility of an extension afterwards.

The Prime Minister, James Marape, acknowledge that there needs to be an intervention in the health and education sector however, in order to make that happen, he reiterated that Papua New Guinea must grow its economy.The Prime Minister made this known in his speech at the St John Ambulance Fundraising Gala recently at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby.PM Marape said in order to travel from the islands of the Louisiade Archipelago to Alotau to get health services, it takes two day by canoes.“Along the way, mothers will die and children will die. We need an intervention in the health sector, education sector and the infrastructure sector as well.“What we have done so far, really equates to the size of our economy. The size of our basket that we contribute to the social sector, to social services.“You pay your taxes, so let me tell you how your money goes; the actual tax collection, after serving a Finance Minister for seven years never went past K10 billion.“That is the maximum size of our economy in terms of collecting revenue for distribution to our services. That is why there is a deficit budget so we still maintain an element of space.“Of the K10 or K11 billion collected, 60% of our collection goes to recurrent expenditures, paying for the salaries of public servants in Waigani.“No more investing in public servants in Waigani. I do not mind paying for more doctors, nurses, teachers and police but the rest must stop.“In actual fact, we start with 20% of what we make, to ensure schools are run and hospitals are run and the roads are maintained.Prime Minister Marape said his Government is in the business of growing the economic base and he hopes in five to ten years’ time, taxes may be reduced, 95 % of Papua New Guineans will take part in SME’s and together everyone can build Papua New Guinea.

Eluh confirmed as ICAC Interim

Chairman

Government to concentrate more on

growing economy to boost health and education sectors



Good evening Papua New Guinea.

I am happy to come to you wherever you are in this lovely country.Today, a few days into my assumption into the Office of Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, I am humbled by the kind gesture the 101 Members of Parliament and the balance of the members of parliament, who gave their support to me in person and in principle and in morality. I am so blessed by the kind gesture. My ascension into office is not something that I planned. It is a big call and I am willing to serve the people and the country. As I took office, I started to look into where we are as a nation.I looked into where we are as nation and realized that challenges before us are so big and it will require the effort of everyone; starting from Members of Parliament, as well as all public servants and every citizen including our corporate citizens in this country. To rally together and to make a great effort to ensure PNG become truly prosperous. We are a nation of many opportunities. Our nation is so endowed with many, many blessings. Our natural resource put together is the envy of many, many other nations of the world. We have natural assets that not too many countries, globally speaking, can profess to have. We have oil, gold, gas, nickel, Copper and all the agricultural products put together; we have timber and fisheries. In the Fisheries sector alone, 25% of the world’s tuna stock are supplied from the catches in our waters. These are resources many nations of the world do not have. I ascend into office knowing the potentials and the propensity of our nation to do better.At this juncture, I pay my homage to my predecessors; the seven other prime ministers before me. They have done the best for the nation. It is now my time. It is now the time of leaders who belong to

my generation and serve parliament with me. What took place in the last 50 days since I resigned as the Minister for Finance in the O’Neill led Government, was nothing personal. What we did, crossed ethnicity, crossed religion and crossed political party boundaries. What we did was a generational shift for the better of our country.CabinetIn the next few days, I will be announcing my Cabinet line-up and you will see, the Cabinet line-up will have men who will respond to the call of duty and there will be a clear division in Cabinet.I will be structuring Government in a manner in which the Deputy Prime Minister is responsible for the social services sector and the domestic sector in country. The soon to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister will manage the affairs of our internal security in the law and justice sector. Making it become fully effective by making sure our courthouse are functional and our police is functional and resourced. He will also be responsible for making sure our schools are functional and our health services are functional and delivering to the expectation of our people and country.As the Prime Minister, I will be presiding over the economic sector space to ensure we grow our economy and look at areas that we can build on from where we are today.Our intention is simple. We want to make our country a place where everyone feels safe and secure. Where citizens of this country have equal opportunities in education, health and in participating in business. We have been speaking in our conversations in private and in the party caucuses and in government caucuses to ensure that we rise up to the challenge before us. And today as I speak to you, let me assure each and every one of us, whilst we may not come to you and give you the magic answer to all the needs in your life right away; we are starting to put in place a structure of government to ensure that what was lost along the way is restored. We are in the business of reconstructing the country for the better. We need major intervention in the economic and social sector therefore I am approaching it in a two-prong approach; growing the economy on one side as well as ensuring that the structure of government service delivery is reformed, rehabilitated and reconstructed to make it better for us. Economic SectorOur country needs urgent intervention in the space of the economic sector. One of the first instances of activities that I will be undertaking on your behalf, is to ensure that we look into the revenue space. Let me encourage every businessmen and businesswomen from the top businesses

in our country to the lowest ranked SMEs in our country. I have special interest in how you are conducting your business. I will be ensuring that the environment in which you do business is safe, secure and sound so that you can grow in your businesses and ensure that you pay your fair share of tax to us as a government. This is one area we will be looking at very closely.The area that I will be paying special interest on in a big way is the resource sector. I do not intend to harm our investors. Genuine investors in our country are very, very welcomed. They have been with us for a long, long time and without them we will not be where we are as a nation. I am speaking very, very strongly to gain more for our country.The lowest hanging fruits within provisions of law must be picked in as far as resource harvest is concerned. Talking about resources does not only mean in the oil and gas sector or in the mining sector. Our resource envelope extends to the forestry sector, the fishery sector, the agricultural space, the tourism and hospitality industry space. We are a nation blessed with many, many natural resources and we will be expanding our horizon beyond traditional revenue base and revenue source for our nation. Looking beyond what we have today, into the potentials and fullest potentials of our country. I am very, very interested about putting in place some tax incentive regimes. Giving tax concessions that is geared towards stimulating economic growth. Giving loan subsidies to businessmen and businesswomen who are currently struggling.I know there are many, many Papua New Guineans who are in business; they are doing business but mortgages are so huge. It pains me every time to see Papua New Guinean assets being repossessed by banks. In the 2020 budget, my Government will have a facility to assist Papua New Guinean SMEs and businessmen, who are presently paying taxes, employing other Papua New Guineans, trying to reinvest back into our country. We will put a special economic rescue package for them that is tailored to ensure that they clean up their books and refinance their loans to ensure that they go the next mile. We will also talk about autonomy in a clearer way. For instance, regions of our country must be economic regions. If you are a maritime province, you must be an economic region in that space. If you are a province that is known for agriculture, you must be are agriculture based economy. If your province is known for potential in tourism; you must be an economy that is based on tourism income. You will realize the need for greater incursion into how we harvest our natural resources.

Minister’sPrime

Address to the Nation



MARAPE/STEVENCABINET 2019

Hon. James MARAPE, MP (Tari-Pori)PRIME MINISTER& Minister for Sports

Hon. Davis STEVEN, MP (ESA’ALA) Deputy Prime

Minister & Minister for Justice & Attorney

General

Hon. John SIMON, MP (MAPRIK) Minister for

Agriculture & Livestock

Hon. Renbo PAITA, MP (FINSCHAFEN) Minister for Communications &

Energy

Hon. Joseph YOPYYOPY, MP (WOSERA-GAUWI)

Minister for Education

Hon. Nick KUMAN, MP (GUMINE) Minister for

Higher Education, Research, Science &

Technology

Hon. Alfred MANASE, MP(KANDEP) Minister for

Labour & Industrial Relations

Hon. Emil TAMUR, MP (KOKOPO) Minister for

Tourism, Arts & Culture

Hon. Pila NININGI, MP (IMBONGU) Minister

for Inter-Government Relations

Hon. William SAMB, MP (GOILALA) Minister

for Transport & Infrastructure

Hon. Justin TKATCHENKO, MP

(MORESBY SOUTH) Minister for Housing &

Urban Development

Hon. Westly NUKUNDJ, MP (DEI) Minister for

Public Service

Hon. Sam BASIL, MP (BULOLO) Minister for

Treasury

Hon. Soroi EOE, MP (KIKORI) Minister for

Foreign Affairs & International Trade

Hon. Saki SOLOMA, MP (OKAPA) Minister for

Defence

Hon. Richard MARU, MP (YANGORU-SAUSIA)

Minister for National Planning & Monitoring

Hon. Sasindran MUTHUVEL, MP

(WNB PROV.) Minister for State Enterprises

Hon. Bryan KRAMER, MP (MADANG) Minister for

Police

Hon. Charles Abel, MP (ALOTAU) Minister

for Finance & Rural Development

Hon. Wera MORI, MP(CHUAVE) Minister for Commerce & Industry

Hon. Chris Yer NANGOI, MP (SUMKAR) Minister

for Correctional Services

Hon. Sir Puka TEMU, MP (ABAU) Minister for Bougainville Affairs

Hon. Michael NALI, MP(MENDI-MUNIHU)

Minister for Works & Implementation

Hon. Petrus THOMAS, MP(KOROBA-KOPIAGO)

Minister for Immigration & Border

Security

Hon. Wake GOI, MP (JIMI) Minister

for Community Development, Youth &

Religion

Hon. Kerenga KUA, MP (SINASINA-YONGOMUGL) Minister for Petroleum

Hon. Jeffery KAMA, MP(KARIMUI-NOMANE)

Minister for Environment,

Conservation & Climate Change

Hon. Elias KAPAVORE, MP (POMIO) Minister for

Health & HIV/Aids

Hon. John ROSSO, MP (LAE) Minister for Lands

& Physical Planning

Hon. Johnson TUKE, MP (KAINANTU) Minister for

Mining

Hon. Solan MIRISIM, MP (TELEFOMIN) Minister

for Forest

Hon. Lino TOM, MP (WABAG) Minister for

Fisheries & Marine Resources

Hon. Lekwa GURE, MP (RIGO) Minister for Civil

Aviation

A defendant in a lawsuit involving large sums of money was talking to his lawyer. “If I lose this case, I’ll be ruined.” “It’s in the judge’s hands now,” said the lawyer. “Would it help if I sent the judge a box of cigars?” “Oh no! This judge is a stickler or ethical behaviour. A stunt like that would prejudice him against you. He might even hold you in contempt of court. In fact, you shouldn’t even smile at the judge.” Within the course of time, the judge rendered a decision in favour of the defendant. As the defendant left the courthouse, he said to his lawyer, “Thanks for the tip about the cigars. It worked!” “I’m sure we would have lost the case if you’d sent them.” “But, I did send them.” “What? You did?” said the lawyer, incredulously. “Yes. That’s how we won the case.” “I don’t understand,” said the lawyer. “It’s easy. I sent the cigars to the judge, but signed the plaintiff ’s name.”

Did you

know

A duck can’t walk without bobbing

its head

Bubbles

The Marape/Steven Government began their first Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2019 with a Dedication Service led by the NEC Secretariat.The Prime Minister and Chairman of NEC, James Marape in his welcoming remarks expressed satisfaction of his Cabinet’s ability to make fair decisions of national interest.He concluded his remarks by uttering a couple of questions for the Ministers to digest and think about.“If it is not now than when?”“If it is not you than who?”The questions may look simple but they have a lot of meaning and answers to them that the Ministers will have to answer to bring the nation forward.Cabinet proceeded with its first meeting straight after the Dedication Service.

NEC Dedication ServiceFirst Cabinet meeting for Marape/Steven Government



The 8th Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, has taken the office of the Prime Minister at Sir Manasupe Haus on Monday 3rd June 2019 with an ambition of building a stronger system of Governance that can deliver to the expectation of the citizens.PM stressed strongly on having a society that is free to choose whatever they want in the future that can better their livelihoods.“I have a Consultative Government that is governed by the Rule of Law.“We will structure a Government that will be responsive to the dream of our country going forward.He emphasized on part of his maiden speech in Parliament “the richest black nation on earth” and added that many think it might not be possible to achieve but he firmly believed by working together they could achieve it.Mr Marape said there are greater challenges ahead to take the country forward and with likeminded young leaders they can achieve the dreams.

Prime Minister Marape takes office

Prime Minister James Marape, MP.



PM Marape ensuring that his wife, Rachel Marape signs the Visitors book at the Government House as well

8th Prime Minister James Marape arriving at the Government House for his swearing in ceremony

PM Marape signing at visitors book at the Government House before his swearing in ceremony as the 8th Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Prime Minister, James Marape, signing the instruments for his appointment as the 8th Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT



Prime Minister James Marape speaking to the people of North Fly District, Western Province during his visit to the province

Western Province Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto handing over his Province five years development plan to Prime Minister Marape

Ground breaking ceremony for the launching of road works in Kiunga Town PM Marape speaking at the launching of the Western Province 2018 to 2023 Provincial Development Plan

PM VISITS NORTH FLY



PM Marape reiterates Government’s commitment to improve the electoral process

The Prime Minister, James Marape, reiterated the Government’s commitment to improve the National Electoral process during a visit to the National Electoral Commission in Port Moresby recently.The Prime Minister said he wanted to hear from the Electoral Commissioner Patalius Gamato and his Senior Management of the progress for the Local Level Government Elections as well as preparations to improve the Electoral Process.“In my return as the Member of Parliament in this term, one of the commitment I made is to clean up the voting process for the country,” Prime Minister Marape said.“I ask everyone of you, if we can find a solution to a better electoral process, so that 2022 elections will be cleaner and better,” he said“For people like me, most of you know, they said there was an extra 20,000 ballots for Tari-Pori and I do not know where that came from.“We do not want that sort of accusations

to come up. We need a cleaner, better voting process so that the result can be more better for the country right across.“I am proposing an electronic voting system as I did propose in 2017 after the elections and you are in a better place to advice me on the area of voting and harvesting from the votes.The Prime Minister referred to the voting system of India where the results come out right after voting is cast.He said if India that find a system, Papua New Guinea could find a system. The only issues that hinders that is what system can work and how much are we willing to pay.Prime Minister Marape gave his support to the Electoral Commissioner and his staff to help improve the electoral process during his time in office.“The greater scheme of things, we want to have a greater, cleaner, nicer electoral process so that when people vote, one person, one vote is counted and the vote makes a difference.”

The Prime Minister also made a call for one registration system for all citizens that can be used for the electoral process as well as other processes.Prime Minister Marape also thanked the staff for welcoming him saying; “without you the rank and file, those of us who are in front will not be what we are today.”“Public Service continue to face many challenges and in many of our conversations when we look to blame someone, you rank and file, continue to receive some stern direction from us.“But that does not remove the fact that you have also slaved it out for our country.”The Prime Minister said without public servants, the country will not be here today under one flag, one national Anthem and one Pledge. “To the contrary view of many, who thought we would crumble along the way,” Prime Minister Marape said.“That is a testament of the many great effort put by public servants up until today.”



PM Marape meeting EU Rep HE Ioannis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulos

PM Marape acknowledges European Union trade related assistance project

PM Marape acknowledged private sector support given to the work of Saint John Ambulance in the countryThe Prime Minister, James Marape, acknowledged the work of paid and volunteer workers of the Saint John Ambulance in Papua New Guinea.The Prime Minister said the support silently given by many friends of Papua New Guinea, (Small Business Enterprises to large businesses or organizations), to organizations like the Saint John Ambulance, Susu Mama and Redcross continue to baffle him.“You pay your taxes to the State and also continue to support worthy causes (Saint John Ambulance and others) like this,” Prime Minister Marape said.“As the Prime Minister and the leader of the current government, it would only be fair to thank each and every one of you.“There are many women and men who support Saint John Ambulance.”

The Prime Minister drew on his years growing up in the Northern part of the Western province to emphasize the importance of having a coordinated ambulance services in the country.He said due to the lack of health service and services provided by the Saint John Ambulance in the 1970’s his mother lost her first born son while his father was serving as a Missionary in the hinterlands of the North Fly district of Western Province.“The story is still sad. These people still need ambulances, hospitals, aid posts and health centres,” Prime Minister Marape said.“The only difference I have seen on my visit are roads passing through their villages.”Prime Minister Marape asked those present at the fundraiser to also spare a thought for the eighty percent who live in the rural areas.

The Prime Minister, James Marape, has acknowledged the support of the EU in the first Trade Related Assistance Project (TRAP) which resulted in the formulation of Papua New Guinea’s first ever National Trade Policy.The Prime Minister made the acknowledgement during his meeting with the EU Resident Representative, His Excellency Ioannis Giokarakis-Argyropoulos at his official suite at Sir Manasupe Haus recently.Prime Minister Marape said the TRAP also included capacity building assistance to the National Fisheries Authority, PNG Customs and other trade facilitation institutions. “The purchase of laboratory equipment for the University of Technology’s National Analytical and Testing Laboratory at the cost of K2.4 million under the second phase of the TRAP is also very welcome.“The equipment would greatly address the need for comprehensive quality assurance and products testing thereby improving competitiveness of PNG’s export products to targeted overseas markets.”The Prime Minister said diplomatic relations with the EU was established in 1977 when the EU office was set up in Papua New Guinea and every two years, the PNG-EU relations and political dialogue is strengthened through the PNG-EU High Level Political Dialogue since 2014.Prime Minister Marape also informed H.E Argyropoulos that the Trade Functions under his regime had reverted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Ministerial portfolio had been renamed as the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

He said only five percent of Papua New Guineans have good jobs and have access to quality education and health care while the majority live below or just above the poverty line and do not have access to quality education and healthcare.The Prime Minister said it takes two days to travel by canoe from to Alotau from the islands of the Louisiade Archipelago and lives are lost along the way.“We need an intervention in the health sector,” PM Marape said.“Tonight, an Agreement will be signed by the National Health Department and the Saint John Ambulance Services, The Prime Minister closed his speech by congratulating the Saint John Ambulance for going into partnership with the Government to coordinate ambulance services right throughout the country.



Government affirms commitment to the Bougainville peace process

Heads of Missions and International Organizations pay courtesy call to Prime Minister James MarapeThe Prime Minister James Marape, officially met with various Resident Diplomatic Heads of Mission and International Organizations from Australia, Japan, China, Philippines, European Union and the United Nations Development Program on 11 June at his official suite at Sir Manasupe House. Apart from providing the opportunity to offer congratulations to Prime Minister Marape following his assumption of office, the various Resident Heads of Missions and International Organizations seized the occasion to reaffirm their existing and ongoing development assistance commitments to the new Marape/Steven Government. In welcoming these commitments, Prime Minister Marape informed them that his Government’s priorities would not shift much from that of the O’Neill Abel Government.He however mentioned that in order

The Prime Minister, James Marape has affirmed his Government’s commitment to achieving a lasting peace and long-term political settlement in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.Noting the appointment of elder statesman and distinguished politician Sir Dr Puka Temu, as Minister for Bougainville Affairs, the Prime Minister re-affirmed the Government’s desire to ensure the successful implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.“Sir Puka has had a long association with the people of Bougainville and is regarded by

both Governments to be an honest broker. His intimate knowledge of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and related issues will be invaluable as we embark on the final stages of Peace Agreement implementation,” the Prime Minister said.The Prime Minister said Sir Puka’s appointment demonstrates the seriousness of the new Government in addressing the many issues related to the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, including the referendum.“I can think of no better person to lead this work than Sir Puka Temu”, the Prime Minister said.Prime Minister Marape met with President John Momis shortly after his election as Prime Minister, with the two leaders committing to continued partnership and dialogue in advancing work to conduct the referendum on Bougainville’s long-term political status and associated peace building measures.“As I said when we met, I value the contributions and commitment of President Momis who is a highly respected elder statesman. As Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, it is my intention to do everything that I can to maintain a lasting peace on Bougainville, and to empower the people of Bougainville to embrace economic opportunity. This can only be

achieved through collective effort which is where Sir Puka’s work as Minister will be so critical,” Prime Minister Marape said.The referendum on Bougainville’s long-term political future will be held in October of this year; conducted by the independent Bougainville Referendum Commission. It will provide the people of Bougainville the opportunity to express a view on whether they would like to see greater autonomy or independence in the future, before the matter is further considered by the National Parliament.“Clearly, it is my view and the view of the Government that Papua New Guinea is stronger with Bougainville than without, and unity is the preferred course of action,” Prime Minister Marape said.“But of course, we will let the referendum take place, and we will listen to the people of Bougainville, and we will then consult on options for the future.”Sir Puka has already commenced extensive consultations and is expected to travel to Bougainville in the near future for engagement and discussions, which will include planning for an upcoming National Reconciliation Ceremony which is scheduled to take place in July; and the next meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body which will be convened in Buin, South Bougainville, on 6th August 2019.

to strengthen strong, practical and meaningful relations with development partners and to effectively deliver on these priorities, he was looking at fine tuning and strengthening Government systems and processes and restoring integrity in the Government system to ensure a strong, reliant, transparent and honest Public Service.In further strengthening Government processes and procedures, Prime Minister Marape requested and directed for Resident Heads of Missions and International Organization to strictly observe standing protocol by going through formal diplomatic channels of communications; through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the first instance when engaging in any official Government business with PNG. He said he would be the last person to see any of them after the Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister.With regard to trade matters, Prime

Minister Marape advised of the shift of the Trade Policy function back to the Department of Foreign Affairs whereby he wanted to see diversification of the economic base by economically empowering Papua New Guineans. “We will be focusing on Agriculture, downstream processing and culture and tourism,” the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister also mentioned the importance his Government attaches to the Bougainville Referendum Process.“The work done prior to and after the referendum will be done through the Melanesian way. “The issue is of a delicate nature but with God’s help and guidance, what needs to be done will be done.The Prime Minister also took the time to introduce the newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon, Soroi Eoe, MP, to the Resident Heads of Missions and International Organizations that were present at this meeting.



PM Marape preparing to break ground for the launching of the Kiunga to Nomad road construction and road sealing of Kiunga to Tabubil road

K20 million to be included in the 2020 budget for Western Province infrastructure development

The Prime Minister James Marape, pledged K20 million in the 2020 Budget to go towards infrastructure development in the Western Province.The Prime Minister was in the Province recently to officially launch the North Fly, Middle Fly and South Fly Districts and Western Provincial Five Year Development Plans, as well as the launching of the construction of the Kiunga to Nomad Road and the sealing of the Kiunga to Tabubil Road.Prime Minister Marape said apart from water and electricity infrastructure development, a road will be constructed from Kiunga to Aiambak and he hopes

when the road is built, water works must be laid as well as power lines for electricity.“When a road is constructed, power and water must go with it,” Prime Minister Marape said.“Road must not go by itself. When road go together with water and power, other economic activities like agriculture and tourism can happen too.”The Prime Minister instructed the Secretary for Works, David Wereh, who was present at the launching, to take note of the projects that the Western Provincial Government would like to see happen in their Province and to work with them to make their development aspirations a

reality.Prime Minister Marape told the Members of Western Provincial Government that he has heard their development aspirations and challenged them to work together to do their bit and the National Government will do their bit, to develop Western Province.He urged the people of Western Province to work together with respect and tolerance for each other and those who have come to live and work among them.Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s commitment to seal the Kiunga to Tabubil Road under its Tax Credit Scheme.



Prime Minister, James Marape meeting with Resident High Commissioner of Australia to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Bruce Davis

PNG & Australia diplomatic relations has matured through active engagements for over 43 years

The Prime Minister, James Marape, met with Resident High Commissioner of Australia to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Bruce Davis recently to discuss key bilateral issues between the two countries, since his assumption of Office.Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the historical connections that existed through the colonial administration including the excellent warm and friendly relations that have been enjoyed since establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975.“The relations between both countries has matured and has been through active and consistent engagements in all sectors,” the Prime Minister said.“The relations, furthermore have evolved from an aid dependency focus to one of equal partnership, with more focus on a

comprehensive economic and strategic partnership.“The Australian Government’s continuous support in the Rural Electrification Project and the successful launching of the program in more than three provinces.“This program is a national project and we would like to see it rolled out to all the provinces by 2030.”Prime Minister Marape also assured the Australian Government that the Papua New Guinea National Government was committed and would fully support the upcoming referendum on Bougainville. “The Bougainville issue remains an important test for PNG, as it impinges on the issue and question of sovereignty and territorial integrity and the outcome of the referendum should be within the parameters of the National Constitution.

“The outcome of the referendum and the question of independence and greater autonomy have to be dealt with sensitively,” said Prime Minister Marape.Prime Minister Marape in concluding their discussions, thanked the Government of Australia for the recent announcement of its increased annual aid package and encouraged High Commissioner Davis to elaborate on the priority areas that the Australian development assistance would be targeted under the existing national development plans and initiatives such as the Medium Term Development Plan III.He also took time to introduce the recently appointed Foreign Minister of his Cabinet, Hon. Soroi Eoe to the Australian High Commissioner.



Prime Minister, James Marape meets Ambassador of China to PNG HE Xue Bing

President Xi Jinping State Visit to PNG first for a Chinese President in office

The Prime Minister, James Marape, has hailed and acknowledged the historic State Visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) by His Excellency Xi Jinping last November as major event in the country, given that it was the first of its kind by a Chinese President in office. He made these remarks during an introductory meeting with the Resident Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Xue Bing at his office in Port Moresby, recently.PM Marape said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties with the PRC in 1976, relations remain warm and friendly.

“PNG remains committed to working closely with China to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries to expand and deepen bilateral relations and strictly adheres to the “One China Policy”. “China played a significant role in assisting PNG host APEC last year and has and continues to meaningfully contribute to the development of the country,” Prime Minister Marape further added. He also stated that in order to ensure a practical and meaningful relationship with the PRC now and into the long term a more structured and strategic approach was required. “Officials from both countries were

encouraged to take note and progress this during their consultations.“A structured approach to PNG-Sino dialogue and consultation is necessary, especially given our growing relations through increased development cooperation and trade and investment,” Prime Minister Marape said.“PNG recognises China as a major export destination; the volume of bilateral trade and investment between PNG and China amounted to billions of Kina.The Prime Minister said in 2017, PNG exports stood at K4.1 billion.



The Prime Minister, James Marape, during an introductory call on him by the Resident Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Satoshi Nakajima, reaffirmed that Japan continues to remain a key development partner.The Prime Minister said Japan continues

to play an important and significant role in providing development assistance through various projects and technical assistance and support in the areas of economic infrastructure development, capacity building and institutional strengthening.“According to the 2017 Trade Statistics,

Japan remains the second largest export market for Papua New Guinea with the volume of trade around K6.8 billion and we look forward to exploring possibilities and opportunities to increase trade and investment relations,” Prime Minister Marape said.“As a Member Economy of APEC, PNG looks forward to working closely with Japan and other APEC economies to advance regional economic integration efforts and to ensure that PNG is better placed to take advantage of the Asian Market.“The number of Japanese investors in PNG has also significantly increased since formalizing the Investment Protection Promotion Authority (IPPA) in 2014.“They are in areas of agriculture, fisheries, power generation, micro-grid technology, and biomass, Solar, internet data centre technology, petroleum and energy, mining, construction and tourism.”Prime Minister Marape added that since Japan resumed fishing access in PNG, the fisheries sector has also been benefiting from three main modalities from Japan, including; fishing grant projects, OFCF (Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation) grants and regional assistance through Forum Fisheries Agencies.”The Prime Minister further thanked the people and Government of Japan for their logistical support in hosting APEC 2018 and the commitment for enhancing rural electrification and acknowledged the significance of the Government of Japan’s continued commitment to Regional Corporation through the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting (PALM).He said PNG stands ready to working closely with Japan on important regional issues and developments such as climate change and regional security.The Prime Minister assured H.E Nakajima that an appointment will be made for a new Ambassador of PNG to Japan soon.

Department Vision and Mission StatementOur vision is to provide strategic leadership in supporting the Government of PNG in the Development, Coordination and Implementation of sound policies, programs and effective governance that works

for the benefit of the people.

Our mission is to provide coherent, hight quality and timely advise and support to the Prime Minister, the National Executive Council and the Chief Secretary to Government.

Japan is a key development partner for Papua New Guinea

PM Marape meeting Ambassador of Japan to PNG HE Satoshi Nakajima

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