James Marape

Marape claim PNG lost over $US1 billion in the UBS loan transaction

The amount is equal to more than K3.3 billion.

Prime Minister Marape announced this after giving evidence before the royal commission on Monday.

“From my records from what was directly lost and indirectly lost and the opportunity cost associated, we lost over $US1-2 billion dollars in the process of the UBS transaction,” he said.

Early during the inquiry, Managing Director of the Kumul Petroleum Holdings, Wapu Sonk revealed that that the country lost $US432 million.

Marape to visit Pogera

He announced this during a press conference late yesterday afternoon.

The Prime Minister is expected to formally handover the Framework Agreement to the landowners.

“I will inform our people on what we have secured as far as the framework agreement is concerned.”

The operations of the mine have been suspended since April 2020.

Under the new binding agreement, PNG secured a 51% stake while Barrick Niugini the developer, has a 49% stake.

Marape boasts the 51% stake is a much better deal for the landowners and the country.

Govt Ensures Fair Elections

He said this when following accusations of tempering with the electoral process that prevented leaders from taking Office and in turn affecting service delivery.

The Prime Minister backed the recommendation of the recent NIS Assessment Report on improving the Electoral process, adding that this will help people to vote in freely and fairly.

He said despite the fast passage of time and political instability, the Government will ensure that everyone’s vote is counted.

PNG to get 51% in new Porgera Deal

The State of Papua New Guinea and Barrick Niugini Limited today formally signed the Framework Agreement at Government House paving the way for a new partnership with BNL.

Under the framework agreement the ownership of the Porgera Gold Mine will be held in a new Joint Venture company with PNG to hold a 51% stake and BNL with 49%.

The Framework Agreement also sets the foundation for operations arrangements, and benefit split

Under the new deal BNL will finance the start-up of the mine and remain the operator.

Grand Chief’s final resting place

In a press conference today, Marape said the decision was not easy to make but after a lot of diligent considerations of all factors between the family, the NEC and the Funeral Working Committee, a final resolution was made. 

Prime Minister Marape told the media that it was the wishes of the people of this country and also according to a political decision, for all Prime Ministers of the country to be buried on Independence Hill.  

However it will not be so for the Father of the Nation, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.

EHP gets K59m for projects

He has worked with leaders of Eastern Highlands to secure K59 million for various projects in the province.

While in Goroka, he made several announcements of infrastructure projects that the National Government has transferred.

Kainantu-Aiyura Road = K4 million

Mauga-Sindari Road = - K4 million

Goroka District roads = - K4 million

Goroka Town Road = - K10 million

Goroka Town water supply =- K3 million

Lufa-Okapa Road = K4 million

Daulo-Mando Road = K5 million

Okapa-Kimi Ring Road = K4 million

Haiveta calls for proper SMLI

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. 

Government releases K146.7 million to Bougainville

He made the announcement at the end of a successful Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in Arawa on Friday 5th February, which he co-chaired with Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama. 

PM Marape said such early allocation was "unprecedented" and highlighted his Government's commitment to Bougainville. 

"For us to deliver K146. 7 million early, in February, is unprecedented," he said. 

"Not too many governments of the past have done this sort of thing."

PM Marape: PNG to pay K621 million owing to Bougainville

He also reiterated his Government's commitment to give a separate K100 million every year to Bougainville in Special Infrastructure Funds.

The Prime Minister announced this at the end of the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in Arawa.

It is among nine resolutions of the JSB.

"The outstanding of K621 million in Restoration Development Grants (RDG) has been outstanding for the last 18, 19 or so years," he said.

PM in Jiwaka for series of events

PM Marape was accompanied by several senior Cabinet ministers, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, and Jiwaka Governor Dr. William Tongap.

He was welcomed by hundreds of locals in traditional Jiwaka dressing.

Other traditional dancers and singsing groups from Hela, Simbu and Western Highlands were also present.

PM Marape will be in Jiwaka for the next two days.

On Saturday, he will attend Sabbath at Minj then meet with the Jiwaka business community in the evening during a dinner at the Jiwaka Mission Resort.