Deputy Prime Minister

DPM apologises for prolonged power issues

He said the issue is countrywide, and he is liaising with the minister responsible, William Duma, to try ensuring that they fix this longstanding issue.

“It has been an ongoing problem for many years and I am equally frustrated as you all are and rightfully should be,” said Rosso. 

“Minister Duma has assured me of his commitment to fixing our power woes in the long term, but also looking at solutions for the short term, including working closely with our bilateral partners.

Rosso warns settlers

This is the message from Lae MP and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, after he was briefed on the ethnic clash at Nawaeb Block, in Lae, which has claimed the lives of two people and caused extensive damage to properties.

It is believed fighting started early this week after an armed holdup.

“Anyone instigating ethnic violence, that settlement will be demolished and evicted,” Rosso said.

“You want to come to Lae, you have to live and abide by the laws of this city and abide by the laws blo mipla ol Morobe.

Deputy PM John Rosso Heads UN Delegation

The Deputy Prime Minister is attending as the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister and is accompanied by a high-level delegation from Papua New Guinea.

This year's UNGA General Debate is noteworthy for hosting an unprecedented number of high-level meetings, a total of eight, unlike in previous sessions. These meetings cover a wide range of critical global issues, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), financing for development, climate ambition, pandemic preparedness, and more.

Rosso applauds EHP leaders

DPM Rosso was accompanied by Eastern Highlands Governor, Simon Sia, and local MPs William Hagahuno – Kainantu MP, Saki Soloma – Okapa MP, John Boito – Obura-Wonenara MP, Robert Atiyafa – Henganofi MP, Ekime Gorosahu – Daulo MP and Kinoka Hotune Feo, Unggai-Bena MP.

Coinciding with PNG’s 48th Independence celebrations, the sleepy town of Kainantu came alive with traditional singsing groups, students’ march and a local police parade.

Lae MP encourages young players

Rosso was at the Lae Secondary School field on Saturday for the 2023 Lae Schools Rugby League Competition (LSRC) grand final.

“It is not about winning the grand final. It is all about providing an avenue so you (student-players both boys and girls) can gain confidence, learn new skills and rules, and strive for better. So one day you can represent us on a bigger stage.”

DPM Rosso applauds Busu Secondary

Rosso outlined that out of 426 high and secondary schools throughout PNG, Digicel Foundation chose Busu because of its discipline and high academic performance.

When officiating at the opening of the new 4-in-1 double classroom on Monday, March 13th, Rosso told the students: “It always blesses my heart when I come here and see all those beautiful smiles on your faces and the cleanliness of Busu and everything else. I should say, this reflects on your staff, your principal, your board of management, na yupla yet.”

Lae MP satisfied with changes

“Lae has experienced some very fundamental changes that have impacted on our community, including administrative changes to fix the way Lae city is run,” he stated.

“It’s run by a proper board, something similar to NCDC."

“Now I sit as the chairman of the Lae City Authority board and we’re making certain the bureaucratic machinery is run a lot better.”

Alluding to the Lae Urban Local Level Government, Rosso said the manpower of 800 people who used to run the city has been reduced to less than 100, saving millions in Kina.

Prisoners are humans too: DPM

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso, made this statement when reflecting on his recent visit to the Buimo correctional facility.

On Thursday, December 22nd, he brought Christmas gifts for over 830 inmates, 130 CS officers and their families, including food, sports equipment, musical instruments for the prison band and bicycles for the inmates’ children.

“It has been a tradition for me,” he said. “Otherwise, you can be criticised for spending a bit of time with the prisoners.

Rosso Is Deputy PM

Other MP's who took oath as ministers in the Care-taker Government include, Member for Kikori, Soroi Eoe, Kavieng MP Ian Ling-Stuckey and Hagen Open MP William Duma. 

Prime Minister, James Marape said the Deputy PM including the three MP's are senior Ministers in the cabinet representing the four regions.  

They will take charge of respective ministries until a full cabinet is appointed. 

Prime Minister Marape will take charge of National Planning, Police, Defence and Correctional Services.

Late DPM Basil Laid To Rest

His tomb is in front of his home that he has been building since 2012. Hundreds gathered at Sagayo to bid his farewell. 

In a ceremony befitting a respected Statesman, the late DPM's casket was slowly brought to his tomb, where the PNG flag was neatly folded and handed to his mother, Cathy Basil, as a sign of appreciation for her late son's contributions to the nation.

The Late Basil's casket was then lowered into his tomb, followed by a three-volley salute that was fired in his honour by the PNG Defence Force.