Governor General

The reception, hosted by British High Commissioner to PNG, Keith Scott, was also attended by foreign heads of missions, Deputy Chief of PNG Defence Force Commodore (N) Philip Polewara, and Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Elias Wohengu.

In his welcome remarks, High Commissioner Scott spoke of the close relationship and security partnership between the PNG Defence Force and the British Army which also extends to navy and other elements of the army of both countries.

Auditor General Gordon Kega presented the Auditor General’s 2020 Report to the Governor General.

According to Mr Kega, “The report contains information about the operations and financial statements of my Office for the year ended 31 December, 2020…and reflects our effort to serve our country by executing our oversight role for the use and management of public funds, and promote transparency and good governance in the public sector.”

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika presided over the ceremony in parliament this morning. 

Sir Bob was reminded of the constitutional requirement that the Governor General take the oath of allegiance and make the declaration of loyalty and office before the Chief Justice, and in the presence of Parliament before assuming his duties.

After taking the oath of allegiance, Sir Bob made the declaration of loyalty to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and its people, and promised to uphold the constitution and the laws of the country.

When attending welcome reception for Team PNG and officials, the GG said he was honoured to be part of the official welcome reception held yesterday to welcome back PNG’s athletes.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games was held in conjunction with celebrations to mark the 70th Platinum Jubilee Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as the longest reigning monarch and Head of the Commonwealth of Nations. 

“As the Queen’s representative, it is my honour and privilege to welcome back home our Team PNG athletes and officials from the Commonwealth Games.

The Governor General and Lady Emeline Dadae had earlier shared a short video on the

Government House Facebook page cheering and congratulating the women’s soccer team for advancing to the final match with Fiji.

Grand Chief Sir Bob, a soccer fan and enthusiast, has been following the women’s team’s progress closely and watching every match on television.  

Mr. Abe, who was Japan’s longest serving prime minister, was assassinated whilst on a campaign trail in the city of Nara, in western Japan last Friday. 
 
Upon hearing the tragic news of the former Japanese Prime Minister, Sir Bob said he was shocked and saddened. 

This contract is for consultancy service for construction supervision, preparatory studies and detailed design of climbing lanes at Kassam Pass, Weigh Stations and trade and logistics platforms near Goroka.

The contract is valued at K13, 509, 420, inclusive of provisional sums and contingencies and GST. The contract will be fully funded by the Asian Development Bank.

In receiving Her Royal Highness Moresby South Member, Justin Tkatchenko announced her arrival in the presence of invited NGOs, business leaders and political leaders.

Sir Bob in his welcoming speech welcomed Her Royal Highness, whose presence made a very significant occasion in the history of United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Family, which is the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

They are Judith Stenis and Joseph Aka. They will serve as Commissioners of the Public Services Commission for a period of five years.

Stenis was appointed acting Commissioner in October 2020. Her appointment as Commissioner today follows the revocation of that earlier appointment.

The appointment of the two commissioners by the PSC Appointments Committee has been gazetted in the National Gazette. PSC Chairman, Apeo Sione attended and witnessed the swearing in ceremony.

Ardern and Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro were on flight NZ8273 from Kerikeri to Auckland on 22 January. Someone who tested positive for Covid-19 was on the flight which added to the Ministry of Health's website as a location of interest last night.

The result of whole genome sequencing for the case is expected today, but it is likely to be Omicron, a media statement from the prime minister's office said last night.

Ardern and Dame Cindy were in Northland undertaking advance filming at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the Waitangi Day broadcast.