PM James Marape

Departing Port Moresby on Thursday 3^rd February for the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Prime Minister James Marape said, “China’s successful hosting of the games sends a positive message to the next host that any global event of such can be staged, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

PM Marape who viewed the games as something positive, expects sportsmen and women to unite the world as one people.

“He has put the lives of thousands at risk. He must be held to account under the law.

“The PM must be charged under the provisions of the COVID-19 Pandemic Act,” said Mr Namah.

Namah reacted after Prime Minister James Marape visited Mendi and addressed hundreds of people at the one time at Momei Oval.

On Thursday January 20, the Office of the Controller issued a media statement with a headline that read ‘Public gathering of 100-plus people banned till March 1, 2022’ following the detection of the first Omicron variant case in PNG.

He says the Government is closely monitoring the situation and will assist where it can.

“I am greatly concerned about the situation in Tonga where an undersea volcano erupted, sending large tsunami waves crashing across the shore and people rushing to higher ground,” Marape said.

“I join in with all the people of Papua New Guinea in sending our thoughts and prayers to the people of Tonga at this time.

“Tonga and PNG have close Government and people-to-people relations as Pacific 'wan solwara'.

He said this following the recent torture and killing of women in Southern Highlands and Enga over the Christmas period. 

Marape said his Government will no longer tolerate the ongoing violence and killing of the innocent, especially women, accused of being Sanguma (sorcerers) and killing other people. 

"I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, ongoing violence against innocent people wrongfully accused of being 'Sanguma' and (are) tortured and killed," he said. 

He said this during a meeting with the churches on Friday that was also attended by Health Minister Jelta Wong, Controller David Manning and experts of the National Control Centre.

 “All our Christians, led by their clergy, have been praying for our country and I want you all to pass my appreciation to all praying Papua New Guineans,” Prime Minister Marape told pastors from PNG Body of Christ and Evangelical Alliance. 

“If you don’t want to be vaccinated, my strong suggestion is for you to participate in self-isolation and remain where you are with mask and social distancing,” he said.

During his first ministerial address at the 76^th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, 24^th September, he addressed the COVID-19 crisis as one of the long-term threat face by mankind.

While providing an update to the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York recently, the Prime Minister thanked all the countries that had given a hand to PNG to return peace to the war-torn island.

"I would like to put on record our sincere appreciation to our valued bi-lateral and multi-lateral development partners - Australia, European Union, Japan, China, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and the United Nations system - for their continuing commitment and support towards the Bougainville peace process.

He said this when addressing over 100 heads of state at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 76) held in New York recently.

Prime Minister Marape informed world leaders that following the referendum in 2019, the PNG Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government have held the Second Post-Referendum Consultation and the Joint Supervisory Board three months ago, where several important decisions to move the peace process forward were agreed.

He said this in his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday 24 September, 2021.

“I also take this time to extend our condolences to the families in your countries who have lost someone due to COVID-19, and our get-well wishes to those who are sick.

“I also pay tribute to the global frontline workers and service personnel who have toiled over and beyond the call of duty to care for those who are sick and vulnerable,” PM Marape told world leaders.

PM Marape thanked international partners for their assistance to PNG during this difficult time.