Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye

Polye was responding to the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch, who lashed out at the Bank of Papua New Guinea for forecasting a revenue shortfall of over K12 billion from the extractive sector in 2016 Budget due to the downturn in commodity prices.

In a media statement Polye  asked PM O’Neill and his Treasury Minister  why they had criticised the Bank of Papua New Guinea, when they were telling lies and  misleading the people.

Refuting claims by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill that the country’s economy was safe and sound, Polye made the warning in light of the country’s debt level at over K27 billion.

“Our debt level now is well over K27 billion and it is not going to stop as it will be building up onto the existing loans due to the country’s preparation for APEC meeting and other international events.

“The total value of our economy is only K41 billion but it is appalling to note that our Debt to GDP ratio is over 60 per cent when it is calculated,” a concerned Polye said.

 As the alternate Prime Minister and on behalf of the  people of Papua New Guinea, Mr Polye bade farewell to her, wishing Stokes and her family well in their future endeavours.

“With the kind of leadership she has provided during her tenure in PNG, representing her government and its people is an inspiration for many to emulate,” he said.

Saying goodbye to her predecessor, Mr Polye has welcomed his successor Bruce Davis, saying he was looking forward to working with him.