Prime Minister Peter O'Neill

PM assures of cancellation of SABLs stands

However, he says it is not entirely the department’s fault as some leaseholders have taken out court orders stopping the cancellations.

“So it is not because the government does not want to do anything, we have given instructions that is yet to carried out. But now we have a new management at Lands Department and those who have been  doing the wrong thing have been arrested and we hope to clean up more and protect our people’s land,” O’Neill says.

He assures that his instructions for the cancellation of all SABL stands and that all leases will be returned to the people.

Opposition queries PM move on B’villle portfolio

Opposition Leader Don Polye said stripping the ministry from a Bougainvillean MP who has local knowledge about the issues of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville government was a slap in the people’s face.

Mr Polye has cautioned Mr O’Neill as the minister responsible to treat the outstanding financial issue and Bougainville Copper mine issues among others with care.

“The Prime Minister has been playing down the seriousness of ABG by way of undermining the peace agreement with cuts in funds rightfully owed to the people.

PM: Reflect this Christmas and prepare for 2016

That is the message this Christmas from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

He says the country is changing faster  than anyone could anticipate.

“In one generation we are moving from traditional communities to a modern market economy where we trade with the world, “he says.

O’Neill says the country is also in the strongest position it has ever been since Independence and that it has experienced 14 consecutive years of positive economic growth.

Best vote of confidence is Total for next LNG - O'Neill

He believes that over the next five years this will see 10,000 Papua New Guineans employed in the construction phase, new education and training programs and downstream benefits for thousands of small businesses.

“The people of our nation need only look around their communities and towns to see the change that is happening in only a few short years as we have implemented the core policies we took to the 2012 election.

Reports of vote change ‘rubbish’: PM

In a text message to LOOP News he described the reports as “rubbish and again gossip”.

The PNG Blog site published a report stating that the government had decided to abolish the Limited Preferential Voting system (LPV).

The National General Elections will be held in 2017 and the Electoral Commission is working towards ensuring a successful election. 

PM opens new Hoskins airport

PM O’Neill made the comments when opening the new Hoskins Airport (Domestic) Terminal Building Project, West New Britain, that will now create new opportunities for travel and trade.

“The bridges that we are building, the airports that we are building, the roads that we are building, and the ports and wharves that we are building will enable our people to have a better standard of living,” PM O’Neill said.

“This infrastructure will create better opportunities so that our people can get a better income and live a better life.

Compensation for violence must be eliminated

This is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

“We all come from many traditional societies, and we have traditional ways of dispute resolution – but compensation has never been one of them,” he says.

PM jets to Madang for cannery project ceremony

He was accompanied by Works Minister Francis Awesa and State Enterprises Minister Ben Micah who were on board the government owned Falcon jet.

The prime minister will officially open the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone at Vidar.

The project will provide a major boost to the local economy, but has been subjected to protests and a court challenge.

PM heads to Manila for APEC meeting

He said with the nation preparing to host APEC leaders in November 2018, the Manila meeting is important for advancing the policy agenda that will be chaired by Papua New Guinea in three years.

“The main purpose of the APEC Leaders' Meeting each year is to review the work of ministers and officials that has taken place throughout the year, and to endorse APEC work program for the following year,” PM O’Neill said before his departure.

PM promotes tourism with Milne Bay as a hub

O'Neill when giving his speech said the government has and will be focusing on tourism to boost the economy of this country.

"The government has and will be creating more avenues for the tourism industry in the country and Milne Bay is one of the hubs that will deliver this industry," he said.

O'Neill added that the first test flight today by Air Niugini from Brisbane to Gurney is just the beginning of many flights to come.

He said the government will do its best and help the people through its service delivery. The festival will end on Nov 8.