Prime Minister Marape Delivers Historic BCL Share Transfer to the People of Bougainville

Port Moresby, Thursday June 26 , 2025– In a landmark moment of reconciliation and national unity, Prime Minister James Marape has today officially transferred the National Government’s shares in Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL)—valued at approximately K14.3 million—to the people of Bougainville.

The historic transfer was sealed during a formal ceremony at Government Haus, witnessed by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, with the signing of documents by Prime Minister Marape and Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama.

The move honours the commitment made in the 2020 Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting, where the national government pledged to hand over its stake in BCL to the rightful landowners and people of Bougainville.

"This is a defining act of justice and recognition," said one supporter. “BCL built this country, and now it’s time we truly honour the people of Bougainville for their sacrifice and contribution. Prime Minister Marape has shown true leadership—delivering not just on promises, but on healing and empowerment.”

The transfer is being hailed as a powerful symbol of trust-building and progress in the ongoing peace process between Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, as the region continues its path toward greater autonomy.

PNG Prime Minister Affirms.to Support the Rights of Melanesians in West Papua and Torres Strait

Papua New Guinea has restated its support for collective dialogues on 'sensitive issues' of West Papua 'question' and New Caledonia's self-determination.

Speaking during this meeting, Prime Minister James Marape made this clear at the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit in Suva, Fiji. 

In a media statement this afternoon, PM Marape welcomed Indonesia’s continued participation in MSG talks, saying this does not affect Indonesia’s sovereignty but helps protect Melanesian cultural and land rights across all regions.

“MSG has a responsibility to all Melanesians — whether in sovereign Indonesia, the Torres Strait, or elsewhere,” PM Marape said. “We must protect people’s rights without interfering with national borders.”

Letters expressing unified MSG positions on both West Papua and New Caledonia will be sent to the governments of Indonesia and France.

PM Marape also called on MSG countries to strengthen unity by embracing their shared heritage. 

He reminded leaders that Melanesians are an ancient people, united through history, culture, and geography.

“Our roots go back over 4,500 years through the Lapita civilization. MSG must reflect that unity and help guide where we are heading as one Melanesian family,” he said.

Mr Marape supported reforms for how MSG leadership is chosen, calling for merit-based and fair processes. 

He also backed a review of MSG membership rules to avoid confusion about who can be a full, associate, or observer member in the future.

PM Marape encouraged more Melanesian trade, cultural exchange, and sports cooperation—proposing that the MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup become a regular event for both men’s and women’s football.

On climate change, he praised Australia’s renewed leadership and confirmed PNG’s active role in the next global climate talks, including cooperation with Brazil and other rainforest nations.

Marape ended his address by reaffirming MSG’s role in supporting Melanesian rights and development, while also helping strengthen the broader Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

“MSG is not separate from the Pacific vision. It is part of it—protecting Melanesian culture, rights, and aspirations while supporting regional cooperation,” he said.

As PNG celebrates 50 years of independence, PM Marape thanked fellow MSG nations for their support and called for deeper unity for the next 50 years and beyond.

PM Marape is expected to be back in the country this evening.

Fifty years after independence, Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains one of the world’s poorest countries

Persistent poverty, weak infrastructure, and limited access to essential services continue to undermine development progress.

The IMF projects PNG’s nominal GDP to reach $31 billion in 2025. “Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook remains positive. Growth is expected to increase to 4.7 percent in 2025 from an estimated 3.8 percent in 2024 Nir Klein, IMF mission chief for PNG supported by the resumption of activities at the Porgera gold mine and improvements in access to foreign exchange.

However, these gains have yet to improve living standards for most citizens.

Poverty is widespread according to UNICEF report, with over 34 percent of the population living below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day. Rural poverty exceeds 40 percent, compared to 27 percent in urban areas. Most Papua New Guineans depend on subsistence agriculture, which suffers from low productivity due to inadequate training and poor infrastructure.

Access to electricity covers only about 20 percent of the population, and just 19 percent have safe drinking water. World Bank reported worsening education outcomes, with 72 percent of Grade 5 students unable to read age-appropriate texts. Health infrastructure is underdeveloped, contributing to malnutrition where nearly half of children under five are stunted. Youth unemployment remains high, with many young people neither in education nor employment.

PNG’s economy heavily relies on extractive industries, which account for over 70 percent of export earnings but employ only a small fraction of the workforce. The reopening of the Porgera gold mine and progress on major projects like Papua LNG and P’nyang gas developments offer growth potential but remain vulnerable to commodity price swings and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Foreign exchange shortages, power disruptions, and civil unrest, including the January 2024 riots in Port Moresby, have dampened business confidence as reported by local media. Inflation remains elevated at around 5.5 percent, driven by exchange rate depreciation and rising food and fuel costs.

Inequality persists, with wealth concentrated among political elites and urban centers while rural communities remain marginalized. The government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV aims to improve infrastructure, social services, and stimulate private sector growth, but implementation challenges remain.

Despite these challenges, Prime Minister James Marape remains optimistic: “Our country’s challenges remain significant, but we can overcome them if we work together.”

PNG’s journey over 50 years has seen modest growth overshadowed by deep social challenges. Recent developments offer cautious hope, but turning economic gains into broad social progress remains the nation’s greatest challenge.

CABINET APPROVES NATIONAL MONITORING AND COORDINATION AUTHORITY TO DRIVE GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Approved for Release | office of the Prime Minister 

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | Thursday, 19 June 2025

In a decisive move to enforce accountability and improve whole-of-government performance, the National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the establishment of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA)—a central agency mandated to eliminate fragmentation and ensure the effective delivery of government programs.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape described the decision as a major structural reform and a key milestone in the Government’s agenda to drive efficiency, coordination, and results across the public sector.

“For too long, government monitoring and coordination have been scattered across departments with overlapping mandates and inconsistent outcomes. This has led to inefficiency, duplication, and weak implementation. That ends now,” said Prime Minister Marape.

The NMCA will be housed initially within the Department of Prime Minister & NEC and led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) under the delegated authority of the Chief Secretary, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. Upon full establishment, it will function as an independent authority with its own legal mandate.

 Mr. David Wereh, former Secretary for Works and Highways, has been appointed as Interim CEO of the NMCA. Widely recognised as the architect of the Connect PNG initiative, Mr. Wereh brings a proven track record of driving large-scale, cross-government reforms. His appointment demonstrates Government’s confidence in his ability to align and mobilise agencies to deliver with greater cohesion and urgency.

 The NMCA will also consolidate staff currently dispersed across various departments who are responsible for coordination and monitoring functions.

It will serve as the Government’s principal mechanism to coordinate, monitor, and evaluatepolicy and project implementation across all levels of government, including national departments, provinces, and sectors.

Prime Minister Marape said the Authority would also deploy the use of industry experts and State agencies to cross-verify standards, compliance and delivery for work carried out at all levels of government and State agencies.

 “We will procure the use of competent accounting, engineering, auditing, and architectural firms, and key bodies like National Research Institute and relevant State agencies to make sure that the intent of Government is actioned. We want to check on standards, delivery and compliance, not just in terms of good governance, but also value for money. We want this happening at the national, provincial, district (DDA) levels, and within State agencies as well. We want budgets delivered, and government policy and objectives achieved.”

Based on this, PM Marape has sounded a strong warning to all public servants to pay heed to the decision of the NEC and the establishment of the NMCA.

“Public servants at all levels must understand this. Failure to deliver will no longer be tolerated. The era of excuses, inefficiency, and disconnected silos is over. This authority will ensure every toea spent and every directive issued leads to tangible outcomes.

“NMCA will ensure ethical responsibility, transparency, fairness, accountability, and inclusivity across all of the government’s investment programs,” the Prime Minister stated.

The Authority will be overseen by a council reporting directly to the Prime Minister. The State Solicitor and First Legislative Counsel are currently tasked with preparing a legal framework, either by adopting existing or drafting new legislation, for presentation to Parliament.

An interim team is now being assembled by pooling resources from existing departments to begin the groundwork.

“Every review and audit over the last decade points to one root problem—weak implementation, poor coordination, no follow-through, and zero accountability. Billions have been spent with little to show. This will stop.

“The NMCA is the structural fix to this dysfunction. From now on, the budget must align with the Medium-Term Development Plan, and the plan must be executed as designed. No more loose ends, no more excuses.

“We must lift our game. The NMCA will ensure the public service is better organized, more disciplined, and fully aligned in delivering results. This is how we rebuild trust, drive st, drive impact, and make government work again,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.

CHINA DAY SHINES BRIGHT AT SIR HUBERT MURRAY STADIUM: PM MARAPE, GOVERNOR PARKOP HONOUR 50-YEAR CHINA-PNG FRIENDSHIP

By Steven Kenda | PNG SUN|

As the Asian story continues, the China Day was celebrated on Sunday at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. 

The event was hosted by NCD Governor Powes Parkop. 

It showed the strong relationship between Papua New Guinea and the Republic of China. The event was aimed at celebrating PNG-China relationship and China's contribution towards PNG's 50-year political journey.

This celebration also helped build excitement and momentum for PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16, 2025.

China Day on Sunday (June 15th, 2025) was full of colour, fun, and excitement with signature Dragon Dance and others.

 The Chinese Community shared their rich culture, delicious food, and amazing performances.

 There were fun activities like raffle draws, tug of war, and Chinese drumming lessons. 

This weekend will be the Indian Day, celebrating PNG-India relationship while enhanching India's contribution towards PNG's 50-year journey.

Governor Parkop told the crowd that it was an important day. 

He said PNG and China have been friends for a long time. China was one of the first countries to build relations with PNG in 1974–1975.

He said it has been a journey between two countries and two peoples.

He added that China has supported PNG for many years. Their relationship started even before official ties were made. 

Governor Parkop said history shows Chinese people came to PNG in the 13th and 14th centuries. Later, during colonial times, the Japanese brought more Chinese people to PNG.

Governor Parkop highlighted areas where China helped PNG:

■Education

■Health

■Roads and buildings

■Business and trade

He continued these are important partnerships. 

"That’s why China is a big part of PNG’s 50th anniversary," Governor Parkop who also said PNG should plan for the next 50 years by working with China and other Pacific and Asian countries.

Prime Minister James Marape also spoke at the event.

PM Marape praised Governor Parkop for always supporting Asia-Pacific communities in PNG.

He thanked the Chinese communities and China’s Ambassador, Yang Xiagoguang, for attending.

 PM Marape continued the Chinese people have helped shape modern PNG.

Their presence, he said, has been here for over 100 years.

PM Marape said he values the Chinese people and the Chinese government. 

He thanked them for supporting PNG for the last 50 years.

China’s Ambassador, Mr. Yang Xiagoguang, congratulated PNG on its 50th anniversary. 

He thanked PM Marape and Governor Parkop for supporting the Chinese community in PNG.

He said the people-to-people friendship between China and PNG is strong. 

Chinese communities, he said, are the second-largest cultural group in PNG.

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu launch first indigenous-led Ocean Reserve

Vanuatu Daily Post

The governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu jointly announced their commitment to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve— the world’s first Indigenous-led, multi-national ocean reserve at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

The initiative marks a historic effort to protect the ancestral waters, cultures, and livelihoods of Melanesia’s Indigenous Peoples, while supporting global marine biodiversity and climate goals.

Once completed, the Reserve will span six million square kilometres — a marine area comparable in scale to the Amazon rainforest. It will include the combined national waters of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and areas adjoining New Caledonia’s protected Exclusive Economic Zone. The region is recognised as one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity hotspots.

“For millennia, the Indigenous Peoples of Melanesia have been the wisest and most effective stewards of these sacred waters. That is why the governments of Melanesia are joining forces to create an unprecedented ocean reserve that honours our identities, livelihoods, and spiritual connections,” said Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Ralph Regenvanu, said the initiative delivers on a long-standing goal under Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy to establish a transboundary corridor of traditionally managed ocean space across Melanesia.

“The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will allow our governments and peoples to do more to protect our ancestral waters from those who extract and exploit without care for our planet,” Regenvanu said. “We hope our Indigenous stewardship of this vast reserve will inspire similar efforts around the world.”

Although Solomon Islands and Vanuatu led the announcement, PNG and New Caledonia have signalled interest in joining, raising the potential for a unified marine conservation zone across the Melanesian region.

As part of the commitment, the two founding governments pledged to dedicate all archipelagic waters and adjacent areas to the Reserve. Only sustainable economic activities aligned with Indigenous cultural values and environmental care will be permitted.

The concept was originally developed by Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, Trevor Mahaga, and Vanuatu’s Minister Regenvanu, following discussions at the 2024 Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia. They later collaborated with PNG’s Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong, supported by nonprofit partners Nia Tero and the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI).

Nia Tero CEO ‘Aulani Wilhelm described the Reserve as a shared vision brought to life: “What these Melanesian leaders are doing is giving voice to the hope of all Oceanic Peoples — to bring forward the dreams and knowledge of our ancestors and to care for the ocean and our planet in the way they deserve.”

The Islands Knowledge Institute, led by Indigenous ecologist Dr Edgar Pollard in Solomon Islands, has been key in building dialogue and cooperation across the region. Dr Pollard said the Reserve’s strength lies in its cultural and ecological foundation: “It reflects an unmistakable truth — that treating the ocean as our home is the best protection. This initiative makes that relationship real, from the tribe to the village to the state.”

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve represents both a bold marine conservation effort and a strong affirmation of Indigenous leadership in global ocean governance — a model that may shape future approaches as environmental challenges intensify.

ezra@dailypost.vu

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu launch first indigenous-led Ocean Reserve

The governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu jointly announced their commitment to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve— the world’s first Indigenous-led, multi-national ocean reserve at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

The initiative marks a historic effort to protect the ancestral waters, cultures, and livelihoods of Melanesia’s Indigenous Peoples, while supporting global marine biodiversity and climate goals.