PNG PM Marapoe calls on Opposition camp to settle leadership infighting

 PNG Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today called on the Vanimo camp leaders to stop their selfish infighting for the Opposition Leadership and the right to challenge for the Prime Ministership when Parliament resumes in April 2021.

“The wheeling and dealing in Vanimo must stop so Papua New Guinea can focus on the important task of recovery and reconstruction,” he said. 

“Make a choice now so that the instability caused by your self-indulgence and ambition is no longer holding Papua New back.

“We do not need this unseemly jockeying for position between Peter O’Neill, Patrick Pruaitch and Belden Namah when they should be focussing all their efforts on saving the nation from crisis?

“Papua New Guinea has suffered from unprecedented waste, mismanagement and abuse, and now is the time to come together to work for the future. 

"We cannot afford another 10 years of Mr O’Neill, and the distraction and divisiveness created by his sneaky attempts to seize the Prime Ministership.”

Prime Minister Marape said PNG was already making significant progress towards recovery and reconstruction under his 'Take Back PNG' policy and now the 2021 Consolidation for Growth Budget.

For example, in its Budget analysis, accounting firm Deloittes says:

“In 2021 economic growth is forecast to rebound at 3.5%, driven by a recovery across most sectors and improved global demand and consumption off the back of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This will see growth rise to an estimated 10.6% in nominal terms (which is an increase from an initial 7.4% forecast in the 2021 Budget Strategy Paper) totalling at PGK90.3 billion and is expected to increase in 2022 to reach an estimated growth at PGK99.4 billion.

“The forecast increase of 10% per annum in both 2021 and 2022 is the highest in PNG's history, and is larger than the growth from 2013 to 2015 when the PNG LNG Project commenced production. 

“Economic growth is projected to grow at a steady annual growth rate of 3.1% over the medium term, in line with an estimated 3.7% growth in the non-mining sector.”

Prime Minister Marape  said this was an unprecedented forecast for Papua New Guinea, and that the numbers representrd a vote of confidence in his Government’s policies and programmes.

“Through 'Take Back PNG', we have regained control of our own destiny,” he said. 

“Papua New Guinea is now in charge of the levers of power. 

"It is no longer subject to the inappropriate and unacceptable external influences that characterised the O’Neill approach.

“Papua New Guineans will note in particular that the Marape Government is now in charge of the country’s abundant natural resources, and is ensuring that the proceeds are now distributed fairly between the owners and the developers.

“My Government is taking further steps to improve the quality of life of ordinary Papua New Guineans, through decreasing emphasis on the resources sector. 

"We are focussed on lifting up the informal and non-resources sectors –  farming, fishing, small-scale enterprise - where almost all of the population is engaged, and creating far greater opportunities for home-grown entrepreneurs and businesses.

“Our journey back from destruction and despair of the last 10 years has begun, and Papua New Guinea should not be held back by the self-interest and ambition on display in Vanimo.”

Next : The Legality of PNG Parliament Sitting case adjourned to next week