Papua New Guinea’s international corruption rating has slipped a further one-point, from 28 to 27, in the latest figures released by Transparency International. 

This is bad news for the economy and a sad reflection on the state of our democracy.

By Grace Lima (Post Courier, 14 January 2021)

The campaign against deep sea mining in the Bismarck Sea by the Alliance of Solara Warriors (ASW) still continues.

Government plans to investigate public servants who are living extravagant lifestyles beyond what they should be able to afford on the salaries they are paid are welcome, but the Prime Minister will be judged on the results rather than his promises. 



By Duncan Gabi / first published by My Land My Country

Authors: Duncan Gabi and Vernon Gawi / Project Sepik

PROJECT SEPIK CALLS ON THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER TO REFRAIN FROM PUBLISHING FAKE UNSUBSTANTIATED NEWS AND TO APOLOGIZE TO THE PEOPLE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA FOR MISINFORMING THEM REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF FRIEDA MINE.

US adds Malaysia’s Sime Darby to palm import ban list

By Lauren Moffitt / Argus Media

US customs has barred entry to raw palm oil and derived products supplied by Malaysian producer Sime Darby Plantation and affiliated entities from yesterday, citing evidence of forced labour in its production process.

Nogat Coal PNG

Today, The Pacific Climate Warriors in conjunction with the Nogat Coal Campaign, organised a protest at the AGM of Australian energy company Mayur Resources. The ASX-listed company is planning to develop a coal industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG) – including a coal-fired power station on the doorstep of Lae, the country’s second largest city. If Mayur’s plan succeeds, PNG would be the first Pacific country with a coal industry. 

While the government boasts of K100 million placed with Bank of South Pacific to support small and medium scale enterprises (SME) this money is inaccessible to those working in the informal sector who need it the most.

As Naomi’s story illustrates, a lack of financial literacy, appropriate training, and financial inclusion means many entrepreneurs who work hard every day to make just a few Kinas remain completely excluded from the support they need.

Naomi’s Story

The large welcome that has greeted the passing of the ICAC legislation by Parliament shows the dire urgency to eradicate the plagues of corruption that consume the fabric of our society. It has been long awaited, and the passing of the bill has paid off the hard work put into achieving this milestone. For Papua New Guinea, an ICAC will be a first promising step on a long road to open and accountable government.