Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey

Owner of the Venbert Cottage and Putput Treehouse, Steven Lavarabin, stressed that continuous power issues are affecting business operations in the province.

“This is his town and he should really support us.

“Most of the local operators, they cannot afford to buy 50kVA (kilovolt-amps) generators, or 10kVa.

“When you look at it, it’s not our problem. My goodness, we’re paying tax! 

“The government of the day and the Open Member should provide for these facilities. We pay rent to the Lands Department, for lease, we pay water bills, we pay power.”

“The nation’s best wishes are with Governor Parkop as he recovers from a life-threatening illness. I was pleased to pass on this message from Prime Minister James Marape and other Government caucus leaders including Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and also my people from Kavieng when I visited Governor Parkop at the Gold Coast University Hospital on 5 January,” Ling-Stuckey said.

“Surrounded by family, Governor Parkop was in good spirits.

“As many of us know, Governor Parkop has long advocated a healthy lifestyle.

Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey in his New Year’s message said the country’s economy is doing much better in terms of economic growth.

He added that the country expects to be a K113 billion economy in 2023, up from K79 billion in 2018 while inflation is expected to fall to under 6 per cent in 2023 – below the long-term average rate of 7 per cent.

The Treasurer further stated that PNG will start the year with the highest Kina level of international reserves in its history.

This was revealed by Minister for Treasury, Ian Ling Stuckey at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Thursday, while delivering a cheque for K88million funding towards the completion of the Cancer Unit construction.

Minister Ian Ling Stuckey told the PMGH management, board and staff that in 2023, the government has increased the budget to include health care workers who will be working in the Cancer facility. 

He said this shows that Marape-Rosso government is deeply committed to the health sector.