PM Marape

He told Parliament yesterday, Tuesday 18 January that by 2025 there must be no more round log exports. Prime Minister Marape said this when answering questions from Ambunti-Drekikier MP, Johnson Wapunai, about round log exports by foreign companies.

“My Government has a clear policy view (on round log exports). There must be a time when we stop round log exports. We must process our logs in-country.

“That commitment still stands. When we came in, we said that from 2020 onwards, there would be more issuance of licenses to new companies to export round logs.

He said the 2020 National Census was not held as scheduled due to COVID-19 and the politics at that time. Prime Minister Marape said this in response to questions from Rabaul MP, Dr Allan Marat, relating to the country’s population and population update in view of the elections.

He said the Electoral Commission would give an update this week on updating of the Common Roll.

“Let me assure our citizens that the Common Roll update and knowing the population we have are very important.

In a statement, Mr Namah appealed to PM Marape to reconsider directing the Attorney General and Secretary for Justice, Dr Eric Kwa in regards to the power of mercy decision and address the law and order problems in the country that are spiraling out of control instead.

The Opposition Leader stated that the country has a problem with many known criminals who have not been brought to justice.

At the flag raising ceremony on Independence Hill yesterday morning, Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the efforts of the country’s forefathers and all Papua New Guineans that work to contribute to the development of PNG.

Prime Minister Marape delivered the country’s 46^th independence anniversary keynote address on the Independence Hill yesterday morning in the presence of political leaders, the disciplinary forces, members of the diplomatic corporation, schoolchildren and citizens who were able to attend the ceremony.

The discussions focused on the formal consultations that will take place between the National Government and the ABG, which include the Joint Technical Team (JTT) and the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meetings later in the year and the appointment of a Moderator.

At this stage, Bertie Ahern remains the appointee for both governments, as he was involved in the ABG Referendum Commission.

Prime Minister Marape said establishing a consultation framework is critical to the success of the future consultations between the two governments.