Peter O'Neill

Government connecting missing links: O’Neill

He said roads are the key to economic development in a country like ours and the Government has spent millions of kinas every year to ensure that large number of population access this vital service.

“There are many road links being built during this term of the Government and it is evident throughout the country where people can see for themselves.

“In places like the Gulf Highway and the Highway from Morobe Province into Kikori, where it is nearing completion that we will see more trade and the flow of goods and services.

“This has been lacking in past decades.

PM O’Neill expresses concern at Mekere’s legal tactics on PNGSDP

O’Neill in a statement said the delaying tactics are just another way for Sir Mekere to try and keep his hands on the money of the people of Western Province for a little while longer, but his efforts will ultimately fail.

“It appears that Sir Mekere has cunningly established a retirement fund out of the money that belongs to the people of Western Province, and he is desperate to keep this,” he said.

“He would like to have access to this money for the rest of his life.

State has major setbacks to gain control of PNGSDP: Sir Mekere

The chairman of PNGSDP Sir Mekere Morauta said the State has had a major setback in its three-year effort to gain control of PNGSDP and the Long Term Fund.

He added that because the State is on the back foot, it has now resorted to contrived twists and turns to delay the inevitable.

“I am increasingly confident that our lawyers will deliver the “knockout” blow that will lead to a favourable court decision.

“This means PNGSDP will then be able to get on with its core role of delivering sustainable development projects in the Western Province and PNG generally.”

Stanley to host APEC's ministerial meetings

This was announced by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill during the Grand Opening of the hotel last night (Oct 20).

He said some of the meetings included APEC working groups and Ministers.

“The grand ballroom will most likely host the meeting of APEC Senior Officials and Trade and Foreign Affairs,” said O’Neill.

Earlier in the day, the APEC Haus ground turning was held to begin work on the old Sea Park.

The APEC Haus will host Prime Ministers and Presidents of the 21 APEC countries in 2018.

Stanley Hotel officially opened for business

He said this during the Grand Opening of the five star hotel in Port Moresby last night (Oct 20).

O’Neill said the change in the country was a result of government policy implementations, government partnerships with the private sector, and Second LNG project.

“Our country is changing, and it is bringing better opportunities for our citizens and businesses.

“And this Stanley Hotel is part of that change. I welcome this hotel and it gives me great pleasure to officially open this hotel,” O’Neill said.

Opposition calls for cuts in PM’s department budget

It is believed the Government will be tabling and deliberating on the 2017 National Budget next month.

Opposition Leader and former Treasurer Don Polye warned that school aged children will not be in classrooms and mothers in rural areas will face difficulties giving birth if the Government goes ahead with budget cuts for the health and education sectors.

He said Prime Minister Peter O’Neill should instead cut budgets for his own department and refrain from globetrotting to save money which can be better  used in other areas.

PM O’Neill encourages Ribat to deepen church activities

“We want to be a strong partner with our church because our priorities are the same. Together we will continue to invest money and time in our core policy areas of healthcare and education.

“These areas underpin the social structure of our nation and we must continue to strengthen our communities.”

O’Neill said for many decades, the Government did not do much in rural and remote areas, and it was the church that stepped in to help the people.

O’Neill invites Pope Francis to visit PNG

O’Neill made the invitation during a meeting with Sir John Ribat, the Archbishop of Port Moresby who is soon to be elevated as Papua New Guinea’s first Cardinal, and Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, the new Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands on Thursday.

O’Neill said he had asked the Apostolic Nuncio to pass on our thanks to the Holy Father for elevating one of our Sons to such an important position in the Catholic Church.

“This is an honor for our people and we are proud of our first Cardinal. 

China congratulates PNG on ties

Chinese media organisation, Xinhua, reports that in his message, President Jingping said remarkable progress has been witnessed since both countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.

Peter O’Neill travelled to China early this year and met with President Jingping, where they both reiterated the need to consolidate and develop their strategic partnership based on mutual respect and joint development.

NHC boss throws in resignation effective Oct 20

Interim Chairman of the board of the NHC Henry Mokono told Loop PNG that the board has accepted Dege’s resignation.

“My board met in August in Lae and accepted his resignation as the acting MD of the NHC.

“His resignation will lapse on the 20th October, and thereafter, will relinquish his position,” Mokono said.