Gulf Governor

He stated this when signing a Memorandum of Understanding as Minister responsible for Fisheries, with the Gulf Provincial Government on Sunday July 16^th, 2023.

Minister Wong said from a Fisheries perspective, licensing must be issued to companies that show a genuine willingness to farm and process onshore.

Governor Haiveta said this when urging Prime Minister, James Marape, to protect the interest of Papua New Guinea.

He made this call following the signing of the Fiscal Stability Agreement (FSA) between the National Government and project co-venturers of the Papua LNG Project. 

Gulf Governor, Chris Haiveta, said urged the Government to follow all processes, especially in identifying all landowners, before the Papua LNG construction begins. 

He said the incursions are taking place in areas where the current gas developments and potential projects are situated.

He said a recent incursion was made on Monday.

Governor Haiveta said following the recent three gas discoveries in Kimu, Barikewa and the offshore field of Pasca and the upcoming LNG Project of Elk-Antelope, there has been an increase into the border by people from neighboring Provinces.

He asked if some policing arrangements can be done similar to the current resource projects in the country.

He said the incursions are taking place in areas where the current gas developments and potential projects are situated.

He said a recent incursion was made on Monday.

Governor Haiveta said following the recent three gas discoveries in Kimu, Barikewa and the offshore field of Pasca and the upcoming LNG Project of Elk-Antelope, there has been an increase into the border by people from neighboring Provinces.

He asked if some policing arrangements can be done similar to the current resource projects in the country.

“It is an important occasion for the Province and the presence of the agencies of the Ministry, namely Tourism Promotion Authority, National Cultural Commission and the National Museum and Art Gallery, and also from the Investment Promotion Authority, signifies a commitment to work together,” said the Governor.

“We must be mindful of the challenges and the opportunities that will enable us to deliver to the people of PNG. We must live within our means and work on achievable targets.”

Chris Haiveta referred to the signing of MOA with Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (Cocoa Board and National Development Bank), the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism (TPA, National Museum and National Cultural Commission), the Investment Promotion Authority and the Internal Revenue Commission last Friday in Kerema, Gulf Province.

The Governor has reaffirmed his position on the Papua LNG Project, saying it is economical for the planned pipeline to go ahead.

He has called on the group to take up their concerns with their elected leaders and not by pressuring them, which he says will not work.

He said his position on the project is for the economic benefit of the entire Gulf Province and not just the project impacted areas.

He said by law Gulf Province is owed 3% of the total 10% GST owed to Central, Gulf and The Motu Koita Assembly.

Governor Haiveta asked the Prime Minister in Parliament today for the report to ascertain how much GST was owed to his Province.

Meantime, NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, intervened before the PMs response saying the matter was before the court.

The Prime Minister however said they can present a report to him for his records while the court case is pending.

Governor Haiveta confirmed that his provincial government will negotiate establishment of the plant with Oil Search Limited and other stakeholders.

While Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta has made his stance clear that he supports the “no pipeline out of Gulf Province policy”, he has also confirmed that with the support of the National Government, he will negotiate equitable and fair benefits from the LNG projects. 

He stated that the Gulf provincial government will negotiate establishment of mini LNG plant and mini oil refinery in the province.

Speaking at the official swearing in of the Gulf Provincial Assembly, Governor Haiveta said they will deliver a Supplementary Budget on the 12th of September to prioritise their focus.

The governor encouraged his team of elected and appointed members of the Gulf Provincial Assembly to be vigilant and smart enough to come up with realistic and practical recovery and delivery plans.

The plans should be governed by tight fiscal management strategies.

Haiveta said a review of all the province’s debts and outstanding provincial deficit budget issues is also a priority.