NewsLink PNG

Tag: GoPNG

  • Telefomin MP and State Minister Solan Mirism passes on

    The nation and the people of Telefomin are mourning the sudden loss of Telefomin MO and Works Minister Solan Mirisim

    Mirism passed away early this morning at the Port Moresby International Hospital after a brief illness.

    The long-serving Telefomin MP, first elected in 2012, leaves behind a legacy that reshaped some of the country’s most remote communities and positioned PNG on a stronger path toward infrastructure connectivity and sustainable development.

    Mirisim, who most recently served as Minister for Works and Highways under the Marape Government, was a driving force behind the Connect PNG Program. His leadership propelled major national highways, key missing-link road projects, and landmark infrastructure upgrades that opened access for millions. Among the standout achievements during his tenure was the construction of the nation’s longest footbridge at Papa-Lealea—an emblem of his commitment to connecting rural families to essential services and opportunities.

    He also previously served as Minister for Forests, where he steered reforms aimed at promoting downstream processing and sustainable forestry practices.

    Born and raised in the rugged Telefomin District of West Sepik Province, Mirisim rose from humble beginnings. After completing his local education and later earning a Certificate in Business Management from Lae Business College, he built a successful career in business and community advocacy before entering national politics.

    Today, his passing is being felt across the political spectrum and throughout the country’s northwestern highlands, where his vision and hands-on leadership earned him deep respect.

    Funeral arrangements and further official statements from the Government will be released in the coming days.

    The people of Papua New Guinea, especially the Telefomin community, are united in grief as they honour a leader remembered for his determination, calm leadership, and unwavering service to his nation.

    Loading

  • PNG not proactive in Labour Mobility

    Frederick Kebai, President PNG Nurses Association.

    Papua New Guinea is lagging far behind its Pacific neighbours in creating overseas employment opportunities under regional labour mobility programs, says the President of the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association (PNGNA), Frederick Kebai.

    Returning fresh from attending the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Conference in Solomon Islands this week, Mr Kebai said he was deeply concerned that the PNG Government has not been proactive in facilitating opportunities for its citizens to work abroad under schemes such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

    “What I’ve learned from this conference is that Papua New Guinea is less concentrated in this area,” Mr. Kebai said.

    “Our government is not proactive in mobilizing seasonal workers to go to New Zealand or Australia, while other Pacific Islanders are very active and have large numbers of their citizens already working overseas.”

    He highlighted that countries such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Solomon Islands have made significant progress, sending thousands of workers to farms, hospitality, and other industries in Australia and New Zealand.

    “PNG has the largest population in the Pacific—around 12 million people—and one of the highest unemployment rates,” Mr Kebai stressed.

    “Labour migration would help our people, both skilled and unskilled, find jobs overseas while also boosting our struggling economy through remittances.”

    Mr Kebai said the conference discussions revealed that the lack of coordination between key PNG state agencies and workers’ unions is a major barrier to progress.

    “There is no proper collaboration between the Department of Labour, Finance and Treasury, and unions,” he said.

    “We need a strong tripartite approach so we can move forward together.”

    He further pointed out that costly administrative requirements such as obtaining police clearances, passports, and visas are deterring many potential seasonal workers from applying.

    “Meeting the criteria to be deployed is a big hurdle for our citizens,” Mr. Kebai said.

    “The government should set aside funds to assist seasonal workers meet these costs. They could later repay the expenses once they are employed overseas.”

    Mr Kebai said Papua New Guinea must urgently learn from its Pacific neighbours and establish a more structured labour mobility program.

    “If our government takes this seriously, more Papua New Guineans can be employed overseas, gain valuable skills, and contribute to our economy. It’s time we stop watching from the sidelines.”

    Loading

  • O’Neill Announces Comeback

    Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has announced his intention to return to the country’s top job, declaring that “Papua New Guinea stands at a defining moment and needs “experienced, steady leadership to fix the current mess.”

    In a detailed statement released few hours ago, O’Neill said his decision to accept nomination for Prime Minister was driven not by ambition but by duty.

    “Leadership is not about power or privilege, but about service and responsibility,” he said.

    O’Neill, who led PNG from 2011 to 2019, said the country’s economy was “over-indebted and under strain,” while citizens face “a rising cost of living, a collapsing health system, and worsening law and order.”
    He pledged to restore confidence, rebuild economic stability, and deliver a people-first government that listens.

    Outlining his vision, O’Neill promised a government focused on job creation, rural empowerment, and national ownership of key assets.

    “We must ensure jobs and profits stay at home and put our countrymen and women first, not foreign interests,” he said. He also vowed to reclaim national assets, invest in health and education, and deliver a free and fair 2027 National General Election.

    In a striking commitment, O’Neill declared he would retire from politics in 2027 after ensuring a credible election.

    “I will serve faithfully until the next National General Election and then retire permanently from politics,” he said.
    “My sole purpose now is not to build a career but to steady our nation and prepare a new generation of leaders.”

    O’Neill also issued a call for unity across Parliament, urging MPs to look beyond politics, beyond party lines, and beyond personal differences. He said the nation’s democracy had been “weakened by division and autocracy,” and that “section 145 of the Constitution has been hijacked” to prevent lawful leadership challenges.

    “The Constitution does not belong to any one man or party – it belongs to Papua New Guinea. It is time we lived it again,” he declared.

    Calling for calm and courage, O’Neill told citizens, “Our future will be bright. We will emerge from this dimly lit time to a prosperous and peaceful future.”

    He ended with a rallying plea: “Let us build a government grounded in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law – and restore the dignity of leadership for our people.”

    Loading