Sir Rabbie Namaliu

Sir Rabbie pays tribute to Sir Mekere

“He was a close friend, my talaigu, and a colleague in the public service and Parliament over 54 years,” stated the fourth prime minister.

“Mekere and I were in the first intake of students at the University of Papua New Guinea. We were in the same class in a number of subjects, including economics, in which he excelled far better than me. He was an outstanding student, and I could see then he would emerge as an influential leader of Papua New Guinea in the critical period leading up to Independence in 1975, and a national leader thereafter.

Sir Rabbie apologises

Sir Rabbie Namaliu said sorry during the pre-reconciliation early last week in Kokopo, to the Bougainville veterans and members of the PNG security force, including the people of Bougainville, for the 10 year crisis and lives lost.

It was a very emotional scene as men of steel broke down in dialogue pre-reconciliation, some meeting for the very first time since the conflict had ended.

An event that focused on those who fought, a call was made to former Prime Ministers to also apologise.

This was suggested as part of the Melanesian solution.

Electricity generation for mining operations overdue

Mining Minister Johnson Tuke said this during a meeting with Era Resources Inc (ERI) and Global Operations officials on Monday.

The officials include ERI director Sir Rabbie Namaliu and vice-president for Global Operations, Andre Wessels.

“Previous governments have always been focused on the transmission side of electricity and not power generation and therefore it’s pretty tough now to address the current power generation issues that are in the country, not only in the mining sector but in other areas as well,” Tuke said.

New dawn for BCL: Chairman

BCL chairman Robert Burns made the statement during their first board meeting in more than 27 years. The event was held on August 3 at Buka.

The board, led by Burns, included Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Dame Carol Kidu, Sir Moi Avei and members of BCL’s senior management team.

Burns said many everyday PNG citizens, including Bougainvilleans, are among BCL shareholders in addition to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Independent State of Papua New Guinea (major shareholders).

KAML gain positive returns

KAML Chairman Sir Rabbie Namaliu said it was achieved because of its investment portfolios.  

Sir Rabbie said, the Fund recorded a valuation gain of K3.8 million resulting from the strong performance of Bank South Pacific (BSP) share price which rose by 20 per cent over the year.

BSP represented 21.9 per cent of the Fund at year end.

Dividend and interest income also contributed to the performance of the Fund with dividends received totalling K3.1 million.

MV YWAM PNG is coming home

The voyage comes after the successful completion of the first part of Stage III of the MV YWAM PNG’s refit; the construction of an improved patient waiting area, medical re-stock room, a training space for local health workers and an extended-range patrol tender.

YWAM Medical Ships Managing Director, Ken Mulligan, said it was wonderful to have the MV YWAM PNG on her way home.

Kina appoints Smith-Pomeroy as director

Chairman of the board Sir Rabbie Namaliu, when making the announcement today said he was delighted to have Karen join the Board.

"Her breadth of experience will be very valuable to Kina Securities," he said.

"In particular, she brings important insights in the areas of credit risk and governance, which are a focus for the Board as we expand our lending and grow our business in the coming years."