Emmanuel MAIPE

Before his passing the Grand Chief late Sir Michael Somare commissioned carvers in Angoram in East Sepik Province to carve a gift for the late Sir Julius Chan on the occasion of the country’s 45th Independence and the opening of the New Ireland Provincial Assembly in September 2020. Sir Michael’s long time Press Officer Mr. Rodney Kamus recalled the story behind the carving of late Sir Julius which was Sir Michael’s last gift to Sir Julius that now still stands tall in the New Ireland Provincial Assembly House in New Ireland. He said the 2020 PNG Independence celebrations on September 16th fell on the same date as the opening of the new assembly and the late Sir Michael presented only one carving to Sir J to be kept in the new assembly. “There were three carvings made and only one was presented to the late Sir J and the other two stayed back in Wewak. Five months after that memorable occasion Sir Michael Passed away and that was probably his last gift to Sir J. Today I walked back into the Assembly to pay my final respects to the late Sir J, and I had goose bumps seeing the carving of Sir J still standing as Sir J lay in the Chambers in his home province,” Mr. Kamus said.

Fellow colleagues of the Late Sir Julius Chan paid respect to him today at the National Parliament Grand Hall, a solemn moment for the leaders who have just lost a very senior politician. PM James Marape in his tribute speech acknowledged the massive contribution Late Sir Julius made to the country 50 years ago, saying he served the country with loyalty and distinction. "He served distincfully in his capacity, not just as a Governor, not just as Minister, but rose to chief servant serving the office of the Prime Minister, the second Prime Minister." "Today, he comes into this grand hall of our parliament for the last time." The PM also thanked the people of New Ireland and the family of the Late Sir Julius Chan for allowing him to serve the country and the people. "Sir Julius, your country mourns your passing as you come to stay with us today," the PM concluded. Meantime, the casket of the Late Sir Julius Chan will depart parliament for the APEC VIP Terminal to fly back to his home in New Ireland province.

All schools, businesses, and workplaces across Papua New Guinea are advised to dedicate time to honor and reflect on the legacy of the late Right Honorable Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE, PC, on Monday, February 3, 2025. Prime Minister James Marape says this national tribute will coincide with Sir Julius Chan’s lying in state at the Grand Hall of Parliament, allowing Papua New Guineans a solemn moment to reflect on his life, leadership, and contributions as the country’s second Prime Minister. Prime Minister Marape emphasized that this period of reflection is a sign of deep respect for one of the nation’s founding fathers, who dedicated over 50 years of service to Papua New Guinea’s governance, economy, and development. “I urge all Papua New Guineans to take this time to reflect on the immense contributions of Sir Julius Chan, a statesman who played a vital role in shaping our nation,” said Prime Minister Marape. “From 9am to 12pm, I request that schools and workplaces across the country dedicate this time to honor his memory, reflect on his lasting impact, and acknowledge his contributions to Papua New Guinea.” Prime Minister Marape also reaffirmed that the national flag remains at half-mast for seven days of mourning as the country farewells one of its most influential leaders. “Sir Julius Chan was a pillar of leadership and economic vision for Papua New Guinea. Let us stand together as a nation to honor his life and legacy,” he added. "All citizens, institutions, and organization are encouraged to dedicate time for reflection and respect as a final mark of gratitude to a leader who helped shape Papua New Guinea’s path to independence and beyond.”

Negotiations into the Community Development Agreement (CDA) for the Central Cement & Lime Project, commenced on Thursday January 30th for all the parties involved in this project in the Central province. The negotiations of the project based at the Hiri-Koiari District, is expected to last for a week before initialization of the CDA by all parties. The parties are the Kido Landowners Association, Rearea Landowners Association, Hiri Rural Local Level Government (LLG), Central Provincial Government, the State and the developer Mayur Resources Limited. The first two days of meetings were graced with the presence of the Governor for Central Province, Rufina Peter, and Member for Hiri-Koiari, Keith Iduhu. Mr. Iduhu and Governor Peter told stakeholders that they were in support of the project as the project is going to impact the district, province and the country. They said they were ready to lead their people into realizing benefits out of the project. Benefits that are being negotiated include royalties, Special Support Grants (SSG), Tax Credit Scheme, Business Development Plan (spin off benefits/contracts for landowners) and infrastructure development. Meantime, the National Government expects that the CDA will be signed by the parties in the first quarter of this year and will be one of the highlights of the nation’s 50 years independence celebrations, besides Porgera and Wafi Golpu projects.

The official State Funeral Programme for the Late Sir Julius Chan was released today to the public after close consultation with the family the Late New Ireland Governor. Prime Minister James Marape confirmed today that the updated State Funeral Programme was released, following discussions with his family. “Yesterday, we received Sir Julius’ body from Kavieng, and together with Speaker Job Pomat and Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, we led a delegation of national leaders. After placing the body at the funeral home, we sat with the family to finalize funeral arrangements,” said Prime Minister Marape. “The National Government initially planned a State Tribute in Parliament, aligning with the seven-day notice requirement for a parliamentary recall. However, his family was firm in honouring his will—that he be buried within seven days in Huris, his home village in New Ireland. “Sir Julius designated three days for the National Government, three days for the province, and burial on the seventh day. “In light of his explicit wish, we had to, in tears, let go of the intention to hold a grand farewell in Parliament. Instead, Parliament will dedicate its first sitting in March to condolence messages and recognition of Sir Julius’ lifetime of service,” Prime Minister Marape said. FUNERAL PROGRAMME Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Public Memorial and Cultural Observances 3:00 PM – New Ireland Community Programme at Kopkop College, Gerehu (Public welcome) 7:00 PM – Programme ends; casket remains at Erima Funeral Home overnight. Sunday, February 2, 2025 – State Funeral and National Haus Krai. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – State Funeral Service at St. Mary’s Cathedral (PNG Defence Force Ceremonial Guard present) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – National Haus Krai at Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium (Tributes, cultural presentations, and speeches by national leaders, including Prime Minister Marape) Monday, February 3, 2025 – Lying in State at Parliament and Departure to Kavieng. 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Lying in state at Parliament Grand Hall (State dignitaries and MPs pay respects) 12:30 PM – Casket departs Port Moresby for Kavieng (19-Gun Salute by PNGDF at APEC VIP Terminal) Tuesday, February 4, 2025 – Provincial Funeral and Customary Observances. 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Public Mass in Kavieng, followed by customary processions (Tikana, Konos, Namatanai, and arrival at Huris at sunset for overnight stay at his residence) Wednesday, February 5, 2025 – Burial at Huris, New Ireland. 11:00 AM – Burial service for the Late Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan at Huris, his home village Honouring Sir Julius Chan’s Legacy. “National leaders, MPs, and party leaders will speak on behalf of their constituencies and political parties at the National Haus Krai,” Prime Minister Marape said. He acknowledged Sir Julius' significant role in shaping Papua New Guinea, calling him one of the last surviving members of the first post-independence leadership team. “As Prime Minister, I will personally accompany Sir Julius’ body to its final resting place on Wednesday. The Government will honour him while staying true to his final wish,” Prime Minister Marape said. “When Parliament reconvenes in March, the first two days will be dedicated to recognising his immense contributions to Papua New Guinea. “We owe him our gratitude for a lifetime of service. He was a visionary leader, a founding father, and a statesman who shaped our history. The nation will take this time to reflect on his legacy and give him the farewell he rightfully deserves. “May Sir Julius Chan rest in eternal peace.”

The casket of the Late Sir Julius Chan, the Governor for New Ireland Province, arrived in the nation’s capital Port Moresby city at around 4:45pm this afternoon from the provincial capital, Kavieng. He was accorded a guard of honour by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) followed by a customary reception conducted by the New Ireland community in Port Moresby before the body was handed over to the State for formalities of a State Funeral to commence. The customary ceremony was led by a Maimai or a Chief from the New Ireland community in the city, where he acknowledged the Government of Papua New Guinea and reflected on the work of the man who he described as a Kwila Tree, a strong pillar from which his family grew and of course, the service to Papua New Guinea (PNG) that he gave until his last breath. Following the ceremony, the casket containing the body of the Late Sir Julius was then handed over to the State where Prime Minister Marape graciously received. "On behalf of the country, I thank you the family, the people of New Ireland province, and Namatanai for allowing a leader of the country to come back to the nation’s capital," said the PM. "Sir Julius, welcome home to your nation's capital. We look forward to send you off well." There to receive the body along with Prime Minister Marape was the Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, the Speaker of Parlaiment Job Pomat, the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, the Chief Secretary to the Government Ivan Pomaleu and Members of Parliament for New Ireland province along with the family of the Late Sir Julius Chan. The body was then taken to the Funeral Home at Erima where he will stay awaiting a formal funeral program to be put together in the coming days. Earlier, Prime Minister Marape and the Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat in a press conference held at the parliament house, made it clear that there is no official funeral program yet until the family of the Late Sir Julius and the State representatives sit down to discuss on how it should go about. While this in progress, the PM already declared a week of mourning and ordered for all PNG flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the Late Sir Julius.

The Prime Minister is expected to make an announcement at noon today on the official funeral program of the Late Sir Julius Chan. The Prime Minister, James Marape and the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat will be making this announcement in a press conference at the National Parliament. The Late Sir Julius Chan, who was also the sitting Governor for New Ireland province, peacefully passed away at 12:30pm on Thursday afternoon at his home at Manmantinut, Huris. He was 85 years old. Last evening at the official launching of the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo and Theme, the prime minister announced a week of mourning the Late Sir Julius. “It will be a State Funeral. He is no ordinary man; he is the second Prime Minister of our country. So, there will be a week of mourning, it will be announced at the parliament precinct.” Meantime, the body of the Late Governor of New Ireland is expected to arrive in Port Moresby city by this afternoon at around 1pm.

The 50th Independence Anniversary Logo along with the Theme was officially launched this evening, marking the start of preparations for the big celebration coming up in September. Prime Minister James Marape who officiated at the launch said it is a time to also remember the forefathers who sacrificed so much to ensure Papua New Guinea (PNG) eventually gain independence in 1975, one of whom just passed away earlier during the day- the Late Sir Julius Chan. The PM used the occasion to pay tribute to the man dubbed “The Last Man Standing”, saying it was through the efforts of such inspiring and charismatic leaders that the country is now marking its 50 years of being and free and independent state. “Today, we gather at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. As we stand on the threshold of our 50th Independence Anniversary, we are reminded of the remarkable journey that has brought us to where we are today. “We celebrate our independence, won on September 16, 1975, after years of struggle and determination. We honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers and mothers, who fought tirelessly for our nation's sovereignty.” Marape, reflecting on the tremendous contributions of the Late Sir Julius, said he would have been so proud of what he and his fellow visionary leaders had done 50 years ago. The PM said the family of the Late Sir Julius informed him to go ahead with the official launching this evening despite his passing, stating that it was something their father would have wanted to see happen. Meantime, the launching took place at the National Parliament witnessed by the Members of Parliament and invited guests and delegates, including foreign missions and military personnel. The theme, “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future” along with the 50th Anniversary Logo, was launched with a spectacular display of fireworks and digital light show at the doorsteps of the National Parliament in Port Moresby city.

The official launching of the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo and Theme this evening at the National Parliament in Port Moresby city will instead be now focused on paying tribute to the Late Sir Julius Chan. New Ireland Governor Sir Julius passed away this afternoon at his home in his province. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape made the announcement this afternoon of his passing and sent condolences to the immediate family of Late Sir Julius, his people of Namatanai, the Leaders and the people of New Ireland province. There will be no fireworks, and no music as initially planned for the launching event this evening said the PM. Instead, there will be a video presentation reflecting on the Late Sir Julius Chan and the Late Sir Michael Somare as well, making the launching event a somber occasion. “We sit down, announce his passing. We mark the week of house cry,” declared Prime Minister Marape. “It will be a State Funeral. He is no ordinary man; he is the second Prime Minister of our country. He assisted Somare birthing our country. So, there will be a week of mourning, it will be announced today at the parliament precinct.” The PM also called on Members of Parliament who are currently in Port Moresby to come to the National Parliament at 6pm this evening to join him and the rest to pay tribute to a great leader, dubbed "The Last Man Standing". “Let’s all show respect to Sir Julius, make him the center piece of our program this evening.” “May his soul rest in eternal peace. He is gone but he will not be forgotten,” concluded the PM.

The new CreditBank PNG has partnered with Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) to fight corruption, reaffirming its commitment with a generous funding support of K20, 000 for the cause. This partnership is a testament to CreditBank PNG’s continued efforts to support initiatives that foster integrity, accountability, and good governance in the country. The sponsorship will directly contribute to TIPNG’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for anticorruption measures across Papua New Guinea (PNG). Through programs such as the Anti-Corruption Help Desk, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement, TIPNG works relentlessly to encourage transparency and accountability within both the public and private sectors. Danny Robinson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CreditBank PNG highlighted the pivotal role that the private sector plays in promoting ethical business practices. “Companies within the private sector have a clear responsibility in ensuring that business is conducted in an ethical manner, and CreditBank PNG takes this responsibility very seriously,” said Robinson. “As a corporate entity, we understand the importance of supporting organizations like Transparency International PNG that are working tirelessly to bring about positive change in the fight against corruption.” Arianne Kassman, TIPNG CEO expressed gratitude for the donation, saying, “We thank CreditBank PNG for its continued support in the fight against corruption. This sponsorship will assist us in advancing our programs and initiatives that aim to make a meaningful difference in the fight for a corruption-free Papua New Guinea. Partnerships like these are essential to creating lasting change and promoting a culture of transparency in the country.” The sponsorship from CreditBank PNG is part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on addressing key societal challenges and contributing to positive social impact. CreditBank PNG remains committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in its operations and continues to support various initiatives that aim to make a positive difference in the lives of Papua New Guineans.

Two Members of Parliament (MP) from the Morobe province have been bestowed with Ministerial Portfolios as the Marape- Rosso Government moves to make more new ministerial appointments. Prime Minister James Marape on Tuesday afternoon announced the appointment of Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Menyamya MP Solen Loifa as Vice Minister Assisting the Prime Minister. The announcement follows their swearing-in by Governor-General H.E. Sir Bob Dadae at Government House in Port Moresby city. Minister Paita's appointment brings the number of Cabinet ministers to 39, marking a pivotal moment for the government's stability and unity following his departure last year. Paita left the government in 2024 as part of a coalition aligned with an unsuccessful vote-of-no-confidence attempt. “It is now 39 out of 39, and we welcome his experience back into Cabinet,” said Prime Minister Marape. The Prime Minister emphasized that Minister Paita’s return underscores the enduring strength of the coalition government. “The Honorable Rainbo Paita is the leader of Our Party, and I extend my congratulations to the leaders who have come together to form what is now Our Party. Their efforts bring significant strength to the coalition government, contributing 14 members—a substantial bloc in terms of numbers.” Prime Minister Marape noted that Paita’s decision to rejoin the government reflects a shared commitment to advancing national priorities. “Our Party members have shown unwavering loyalty and dedication to the country’s progress. When they rejoined government in November 2024, they did not hesitate to deploy their numbers to assist the government in passing key constitutional laws. This is the kind of loyalty and focus we need to deliver meaningful reforms,” said the Prime Minister. The government, which took office in 2019, is entering a crucial phase as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Prime Minister Marape highlighted the importance of the government’s legislative and policy agenda, including major reforms in resource laws, decentralization, and governance structures. “This year is no ordinary year. Since 2019, we have worked relentlessly to redirect the course of this country, particularly on economic benefits and national entitlements tied to our resources. These reforms are critical for restructuring our governance systems and improving service delivery,” he said. Prime Minister Marape also outlined plans for a government-wide performance review in the coming weeks. “Over the next two weeks, I will meet with all ministers and departmental heads to set clear expectations for their performance. Key performance indicators have already been issued, and we expect tangible outcomes. This government is not here to pass time; we are here to deliver results for our people,” he said. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed Paita and Loifa back into leadership roles, noting their importance in the government’s continued efforts to deliver better outcomes for Papua New Guineans. “With this, I warmly welcome the Minister and Vice Minister. They will have specific project responsibilities to address gaps in performance and ensure progress in key areas. Congratulations to the leader of Our Party, the Vice Minister, and the new Minister. Let us continue working together to advance our nation’s progress.”

The recent decision by the United States (US) President to withdraw from climate efforts, has been viewed as an irresponsible act by Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minister Marape who spoke at the recent World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on Thursday at Davos in Switzerland, asked that President Donald Trump reconsider his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement and current global climate efforts. Prime Minister Marape said he was greatly concerned for Papua New Guinea and the smaller Pacific Island countries who have been unjustly subjected to the effects of Climate Change in rising sea levels and severe weather pattern changes that continue to have devastating impact on their fragile economies. He said it was within the President’s right to think of his country, but for the President to withdraw the second biggest emitter of carbon dioxide from the Paris Agreement without announcing the shut-down of coal power plants is “totally irresponsible”. “I am speaking from the PNG perspective as the big forest and ocean nation and a leader of the Pacific region. I ask President Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw USA from the Paris Agreement,” said PM Marape. “The United States is the second biggest holder of carbon footprint, only after China. The United States is not shutting down any of its coal power plants yet, decides to withdraw from current climate efforts. This is totally irresponsible. “President Trump has his rights in his Put America First agenda, but he needs to tell us how he will respond to the matter of climate change because the Science is not lying to us about the planet heating up. “It is morally wrong for him not to be sensitive to the global climate change issues. As the Leader of the Free World, Trump and the United States have the moral responsibility to ensure that our planet remains safe to sustain all of us. “Good global leaders are also responsible world statesmen. They take responsibility not just for their own countries, but also for our planet,” said the Prime Minister. PM Marape has urged the President to reconsider his decision and find another solution if he feels the US is unfairly being expected to carry the bigger load of responsibility of the climate issue. PM Marape said he would take the matter up at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to have PIF make a combined statement on Trump’s withdrawal of USA from the climate talks. “The United States has recently revitalized its relations with the Pacific, and it is very discouraging to see it backing down from climate talks which have direct impact on climate change mitigation for us in the Pacific. We continue to be subjected to rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns that impacts lives and economies. “Big nations like the United Sates can afford to withstand the impact of typhoons, wildfires and tornadoes. But for small nations like us, we cannot,” said Prime Minister Marape.