East New Britain Governor

Before COVID-19, cruise tourism employed 1.8 million people around the world and generated over $154 billion (K547 billion) to the global economy.

“I believe sustainable cruise tourism growth is an economic opportunity for our people and a moral obligation that our administration must fulfil,” Governor Marum said.

ENB's prominent leader and PNG's fourth Prime Minister passed away on 31^st March 2023.

“A great statesman and leader, Sir Rabbie served our people of Kokopo District, the people of East New Britain and our country, with passion and integrity, that will be dearly missed,” said Marum.

“Sir Rabbie is a national treasure and his death is a massive loss of wealth and knowledge not just to the people of Kokopo, East New Britain, but Papua New Guinea as a whole.

The Governor made this call when paying a courtesy visit to the Rabaul Urban LLG office recently.

ENB Acting Provincial Administrator, Levi Mano, and Deputy Provincial Administrator for Districts and LLGs Nicholas Larme accompanied Governor Marum.

The team also inspected roads in Rabaul, port services, and Queen’s Park.

He commended the tireless efforts of longtime residents and government officers that have committed themselves over the years to Rabaul, down the road to recovery and confronting challenges of hardships as they went.

The Governor said the upgrade will allow the Province to have direct international flights and increase its tourism exposure.

The Governor believes the upgrade would be a significant investment and will have an immediate impact on the economy.

He stated that direct international flights would be cheaper, making it conducive for increased tourist numbers.

“I am trying and I’m appealing to the National Government to hear my cry to have the Tokua Airport to an international airport.

“Tourism is one of the best industries anywhere in the world.

Discussions have been on-going between the two regarding a benefits sharing agreement on the Nautillus sea-bed mine and how best the two provinces can push for autonomy.

Speaking on the sea-bed mine, Konga said this may be the final meeting on benefit sharing between the provinces and if all goes well, both provinces are set to benefit greatly from the mine.

“Benefits from the mine rightfully belongs to the people, so it is the prerogative of both provincial governments (ENBPG and NIPG) to ensure the benefits go down to the people,” said Governor Konga.

Among them was the petition filed against East New Britain Governor, Nakikus Konga, by former governor, Sir Leo Dion.

Returning Officer Joap Voivoi was summoned on the request of Dion’s lawyer to appear in court for the trial. Other electoral officers will also be summoned soon.

Dion is alleging grounds of errors and omission during counting against the Electoral Commission.

He alleges that electoral officials who conducted counting were not appointed or gazetted as returning officers and assistant returning officers.