Prime Minister James Marape

The PM admitted, “As I speak today, nogat wanpla report mipla kisim. Mipla askim Health Minister through POMGEN long displa ol incidents so mipla ken establishim if disla marasin em cause blong disla ol incidents.”

He was responding to a series of questions raised by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird on the use of sub-standard medication that enters the country through our sub-standard procurement system.

After visiting a remote area of Amulut in the Kandrian Gloucester District, the Prime Minister made his way to the provincial capital.

In Amulut, Marape was welcomed by Regional MP Sasindran Muthuvel, where he officiated at a classroom opening.

Governor Francis Maneke welcomed the Prime Minister on his arrival from Amulut, where they headed straight to a waiting crowd at Vogae Park.

Maneke applauded the Marape-led government for the various projects earmarked for the province.

He said, "Your visit marks a significant landmark for the people of WNB.”

The Prime Minister pointed out to Papua New Guineas that Opposition Leader Belden Namah voted against these two Bills – “which clearly shows his lack of care and concern for people of the country.”

The Bills are the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) (Amendment) Bill 2021 and Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) (Basic Protection Compensation) (Amendment) Bill 2021. The two bills were passed 73-7 and 74-7 by Parliament and will:

Prime Minister James Marape said this in Parliament during Questions Without Notice when he was responding to Opposition Leader Belden Namah who asked what the Government’s position was on company-imposed COVID-19 vaccinations such as in mining companies and those observing strict health and safety standards.

“What is your government’s position on company compulsory vaccination? This is against the right to freedom,” the Opposition Leader said.

The declaration and presentation of the interim dividend took place at the State function room with the board of KPHL and Prime Minister James Marape in attendance.

Prime Minister James Marape commended the board of the KPHL for the prudently managed company.

He also stated that like many State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), KPHL was now subject to an annual work plan that receives directives from its Board and the State.

The breakdown under the dividend payment policy for all SOEs are:

The landmark bill, which supersedes the outdated Medical Act of 1980, allows for medical doctors who graduate from Divine Word University (DWU) and any other universities in future to be registered.

The Medical Registration Act of 1980 restricted the registration of medical doctors to only graduates of University of PNG and foreign-trained doctors.

The Bill, passed by Parliament today after debate, continues the Government’s reforms of outdated laws for the betterment of Papua New Guinea.

The amendments, which were passed 81-8 by Parliament today, after debate also received support by five Members from the Opposition, indicating a bipartisan support to the law.

Prime Minister Marape thanked Public Service Minister, Joe Sung, for tabling the Bill and MPs from both sides of Parliament for supporting it.

He said the amendments would stop “unnecessary politics” and create “stability” within the public service

The amendments mean:

The review was completed in record time of six weeks following its launch on April 23, as opposed to the normal inquiries for constitutional directives that usually take 18 months to two years to complete.

CLRC stated that PNG as a Christian nation will not affect or infringe on the Constitutional rights of the people from practising other religions, faiths or beliefs of their choice in the country.

 He said this in response to criticism from the Opposition.

The COI was established to look into the processes and procedures used by former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in 2014, in obtaining the UBS loan and related transactions.

“This will not be another inquiry that collects dust, but will be processed to punish those involved and claim damages.

Prime Minister James Marape made these remarks when announcing an achievable outcome from the State Negotiation Team on the Pasca A Offshore Project in Gulf.

The PM has praised the State Negotiating Team led by Minister for Petroleum, Kerenga Kua for securing 55 per cent benefits package in the Pasca A Offshore project.

He added that without changing any laws or using proposed new laws, the SNT team have proven that PNG is mature to make decisions that will benefit its people.