Solan Mirisim

“The State of Emergency that has helped us successfully implement our containment efforts against the spread of COVID-19 ends on Tuesday. But the danger remains, so our level of preparedness must continue to remain high,” Mirisim said.

He said since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first reported case in PNG on March 20, the response by the government has been aggressive – shutdown of borders, ban on international flights and marine vessels, and SOE to restrict movement of people and enforce social distancing.

Minister for Forestry, Solan Mirisim, announced this in Port Moresby on Tuesday.

Threats by the PNG Forest Industries Association to shut down operations of its members if export tax for round logs increases, has not moved the government one bit.

Mirisim said the export tax increase has been passed and will be imposed at the start of February 2020.

Minister Mirisim stated the increase was done to encourage downstream processing by logging companies.

“We want our people to participate in downstream processing and support SMEs in rural areas.”

Caretaker Fisheries Minister Solan Mirisim said the sector has the potential to enhance national economic growth and deliver prosperity to the wider community.

“Fisheries sector has enormous potential for growth that remains untapped and must be harnessed, especially in the area of downstream processing,” he stated.

“We cannot rely only on revenue from access fees paid annually to fish in our waters but we must fully implement measures that will increase processing in our six factories onshore.

A press conference was hosted today by the Minister for National Planning and Yangoru-Saussia MP, Richard Maru, Defence Minister and Telefomin MP, Solan Mirisim, and the Vice-Minister for Finance and Rural Development and Ambunti-Dreikikir MP, Johnson Wapunai.

Maru believes the project can unlock the vast economic potential of some of the most remote communities in Telefomin and Ambunti-Dreikikir districts.

Minister Mirisim said PNG Defence Force maintains zero tolerance towards violence and will work closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for justice to prevail.

The Ear, Nose and Throat registrar was attacked at North Waigani by a PNG Defence Force soldier and his cohorts on May 19.

Dr Wahembari sustained trauma to his right eye, loss of vision and a fractured nose.

This was reiterated by the Minister for Defence during the launch of the Kumul Leadership Development Framework at Sogeri on Thursday.

Minister Solan Mirisim said the PNGDF have delivered a safe and trouble free election this year (2017).

“With this new leadership program now launched, we will not waste time and what we have not done, we will push for it to be done and dusted for a successful summit in 2018.”

He said the O’Neill-Abel government is focused on leadership and the PNGDF must take lead in this as well.

The Defence Minister and Member for Telefomin Solan Mirisim, PNGDF Commander Brigadier General, Gilbert Toropo and Customs Commissioner, Ray Paul flew into Tumolbil village in Yapsie LLG to launch the new patrol post site.

An official ground breaking ceremony was held to welcome the high profile delegation into the border village.                

Tumolbil village is one of the remotest parts of PNG villages situated right on the border with Indonesia and the Telefomin district. 

Hundreds of villages turned up in numbers to welcome the delegation.

In its 9^th year, it was created to play the support role, dealing with all logistical issues of the Force.

The Force Support Battalion also has its fair share of challenges, as it thrives to support all elements of the PNGDF.

The visit by the Defence Minister, Solan Mirisim today was welcome by many personnel.

The Minister said he has made it his business to visit all Military Facilities to see first-hand their challenges and plan how his department can assist address some of the issues.

The tower will be set up in the vicinity of the Frieda River mine project to support its progress.

Mirism presented the payment to Digicel’s Director Government Relations, Gary Seddon in a brief presentation this week.

The Telefomin MP said the 3.6 billion dollar Frieda River project is being given priority.

With the cash flow issue in the country taking a toll on many businesses, the district, through its District Improvement Services Program grant, has foot the bill for the fourth tower, which costs a million kina to set up.