Peter O'Neill

This was the traumatising experience of Marlian, a mother-of-three, following the recent 7.5 earthquake. 

“I ran outside pulling my children by the hands and then I saw my house just ‘fly away’.

“We lost everything. Our house is gone, our gardens are gone and the water has turned red so we cannot drink it or wash in it.

“We are sleeping in the bush without any cover.

O’Neill made these remarks after getting reports that Digicel towers were being vandalized.

“I’m appealing to our people that this is a time for us to work together for the immediate needs of our people,” appealed the PM.

“These kind of actions do not help anyone.

“Let us try and restore communication as it is vital and would save lives. We may need to send help to send food supply and medical supply to these areas.”  

O’Neill also added that the Government had also dealt with some landowner issues along some of the road slips.

The National Executive Council has further approved K450 million for relief operations and to restore services, as well as the formation of an emergency disaster restoration team and the establishment of a restoration authority.

"This is an unprecedented disaster in the Highlands Region and the appropriate response is underway by the National Government,” the Prime Minister said.

"Defence Force personnel in Hela, Southern Highlands and Western Highlands provinces are preparing to deploy when the extent of the damage has been confirmed and targeted relief operations initiated,” stated the PM in a statement.

"There are communities that have suffered from this natural disaster, and we are sending our soldiers and other Government agencies to support our people in their time of need.

"We know that there have been houses lost, roads cut by land slips and a disruption to services.

PM Peter O'Neill told parliament yesterday following questions by Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom.

Parliament was informed that institutions like the University of Papua New Guinea started turning students away during registration last week.

“If you look at the school fee structure, I think it is discriminatory of students whose parents are not so well off to afford to save enough money in one year, to send their children to school the following year,” the MP said.

Jerome Sioni of Twivey Lawyers today informed the Supreme Court they have had unsuccessful attempts to effect personal service on Namah since December last year.

Four other opposition MPs; Bryan Kramer, Sir Mekere Morauta, Patrick Pruaitch and Kerenga Kua, have been served.

Sioni asked the court for another 14 days to have the court documents served on Namah.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia allowed the 14-day adjournment. The case is to return to court on February 19.

In this motion, Prime Minister O’Neill is asking the court to charge the MPs for contempt.

The Moderator of United Church, Lutheran Bishop, Archbishop of Anglican and Archbishop of Port Moresby Diocese Cardinal Sir John Ribat will be part of the delegation.

The Churches will outline matters of national concern including Sorcery, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuality and Transgender and Abortion will be brought to the table.  

Churches say it's time they are given an equal and fair platform and the meeting with the Prime Minister is a timely approach to address these issues.

Speaking to the Provincial Assembly Members today, during the PEC swearing in ceremony in Mendi, O'Neill said other provinces in the country have developed in terms of services unlike Southern Highlands.

"Southern Highlands Province is always prone in law and order issues during election periods.

"How many times will we change from our ways and allow proper procedures to take its toll."

He condemned an incident an incident that took place some months which resulted in many properties destroyed.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, during a walk-through inspection of the iconic APEC Haus in Port Moresby, said the country is confident and looking forward to host the Summit.

Accompanied by APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko and other APEC Authority delegates, Prime Minister is pleased with the progress of the APEC Haus.

He said hosting of the APEC Summit will be a historic moment for the country as it will be our first time to host such big event.

“It is with shock and great sadness that we have learned of the death of Kato Ottio,” the Prime Minister said.

“I extend the condolences of the people of our Nation to the family and teammates of the Late Kato Ottio, as we share your grief.

“The passing of someone so young, so fit and with so much promise, is hard to come to terms with.

“It was only a matter of weeks ago that he proudly wore the colours of Papua New Guinea on the world stage as a Kumul.

“We remember his courage and tenacity as rugby league star, and as an all-round athlete.