Isi Henry Leonard

This is an initiative of the Office of the Member for Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard and facilitated by service provider Centies Rural Power & Water Supply. This marks a crucial step towards enhancing livelihoods in the region.

The cheque handed over recently by Member for Samarai-Murua and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Isi Henry Leonard symbolizes a milestone moment in partnership with the Women’s Micro Bank.

This financial boost seals the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the two parties last year to provide accessible financial services and affordable MSME credit facilities for women and their families. This will also enable the youth and the local people to have easy access to funds to support their livelihood activities and empower them socially and economically.

He says women are influential. This begins from their homes to the communities they live and the different sectors they are involved.

During his two terms as MP, Leonard has made it his priority to support women in his district in programs they carry out in their respective local level governments.

Upon the invitation of the Louisiade Women’s Association, he attended the closing of a weeklong Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Bwgaoia Station, Misima Island over the weekend.

Islanders were affected by the two tropical cyclones that swept through the Milne Bay Province earlier this month.

“That’s Budibudi, Iwa, Yanabwa, and Rossel, Sudest southside, the Calvados chain of Samarai-Murua. So we have this extent of remote communities that have been severely hit by two cyclones consecutively.”

The cyclones have left over two hundred thousand people in Vanuatu reeling from the after effects, while in the maritime district of Samarai-Murua, widespread damages have also been observed and reported.

An impressed Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Isi Henry Leonard said, presented them with certificates and was happy to have met the artists in person.

He congratulated them and urged the artists to continue to tell their stories through their paintings and artworks whilst the government find ways to promote and help them develop their talents locally and internationally.

He said the industry has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 affecting international travels and demand for our products.

Even back home, many lost their jobs from hotel and guesthouse workers, tour operators and those working at the cultural centers. 

“When COVID-19 struck PNG, it was the tourism industry that was devastated. The tourism industry is the major employer for the youth and many of them have lost their jobs,” Minister Leonard said.        

In a statement on June 9th, the company said it is aware of the media articles related to the adequacy of the village relocation housing.

The Company says it has ceased construction and is in discussion with the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and the Woodlark community to develop an appropriate solution.

Leonard’s lawyer this morning appeared before the Supreme Court.

The matter was listed for hearing today however, it could not be moved as the lawyers for petitioner, former Samarai-Murua MP Gordon Wesley, were not served.

The leave application will be heard next week Tuesday.

The National Court in Alotau ordered a recount on March 28 after trial was conducted.

The recount is to commence on April 30, next Monday.

Leonard remains MP pending recount results.