Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on the people of Tari-Pori District in Hela Province to protect peace, uphold unity and live as responsible citizens as they celebrate Christmas 2025 and prepare to enter the New Year 2026.

Addressing the people in Tari District, Prime Minister Marape said peace must remain the foundation for development, service delivery and normal community life.

“I thank you for being peaceful. From 2024 to 2025, there has been no major trouble in Tari District. I am pleased with you all my people, and I urge you to continue this behaviour,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the recent Local-level Government elections in Tari, describing them as historic.

“The recent Local-level Government elections were peaceful and orderly, the first time in Tari that we have seen such a smooth and peaceful transition of leadership,” he said.

“I thank all those who contested the elections for exercising restraint and maturity, and for accepting the results peacefully. We now have a new Tari Town Mayor and council presidents, and this shows that Tari can change and move forward through peaceful leadership,” he said.

Reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, Prime Minister Marape said the season was about unity, forgiveness and recognising the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Since I became the Member for Tari-Pori, I have never missed Christmas with my family. I always come back to be with my people to revisit and recognise the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Saviour,” he said.

Looking ahead to the New Year, the Prime Minister reassured the people of his continued leadership and engagement.

“I will come back, and we will share our work responsibilities in January 2026. I will come and we will plan what to do together,” he said.

On governance and law and order, Prime Minister Marape called for unity among leaders at all levels.

“Those who contested and lost must now work together with councillors, village court officials and reserve police. Respect each other’s roles in maintaining law and order and supporting service delivery,” he said.

He confirmed that village councillors and village court officials are now on the government payroll, stressing that leadership must be united from the village level upwards.

To strengthen traditional conflict resolution, Prime Minister Marape announced plans to establish a communal reconciliation space.

“I will buy land the size of a soccer field and convert it into a communal place where we can come together to resolve our problems. Resolve issues among yourselves and do not always wait for police to come,” he said.

The Prime Minister warned that alcohol remains a major driver of violence in Tari and across Hela Province.

“Alcohol is the root cause of many problems in Tari and Hela. Stop drinking and stop fighting,” he said.

Turning to education, Prime Minister Marape encouraged students who completed Grade 10 and Grade 12 in 2025 and did not progress to tertiary institutions not to lose hope.

“Please come back to Tari and upgrade your Grade 12 marks at Pai Hope Institute. Education does not stop,” he said.

“I want our youth to leave illicit activities and enrol in technical and skills-based institutions,” he said.

He concluded with a strong appeal for peace and reconciliation.

“We are a people of culture. We must come together in communal places to talk peace and reconcile before problems grow big,” he said.