Dede Sophie

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape returned to the country yesterday afternoon-(Wednesday 5th October 2022) following his three weeks official visit oversea.  Mr Marape told reporters upon his arrival that almost a month-long visit has been hectic but fruitful.  They were able to make contacts at the highest level with leaders of the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and the United States of America.  Marape says the four nations are big economies with huge GDP’s and we are having high-level discussions based on our long-time bilateral relationship. ”Our meetings and discussions consolidate the relationship and this time our discussions are geared towards us ramping up our production and them receiving whatever we produce. ”The onus is now on us as government to put our money where the mouth is, and to put programs to action to increase production of cocoa, oil palm, coffee and fisheries and not just Gold, Copper and Gas,” said Marape.    NBC News / PNG ...

A full trial on the election petition challenging the win of the Member for Maprik, Gabriel Kapris, will start at the Wewak Court House in East Sepik Province today. This is after an application filed by Mr. Kapris to dismiss the petition, through an objection to competency, was dismissed by the courts in Wewak last Friday. The petitioner, John Simon, and respondents Mr. Kapris and the PNG Electoral Commission have indicated to bring in 40 witnesses, who will testify on allegations raised in the petition. Mr. Simon is challenging the election of Mr. Kapris in the 2022 National Election on grounds of bribery, illegal practices, undue influence, a candidate not having her name on the Electoral Roll, and the appointment of the Returning Officer.  Meanwhile, Mr. Simon appealed for peace and calm to prevail in the district. He urged his his supporters, and that of Mr. Kapris, to respect the rule of law, and allow the Court process to take its course.  Mr. Simon said he has received reports ...