Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has defended the Government’s strong support for the PNG NRL franchise bid, saying critics who dismiss the initiative fail to understand its broader national importance for national unity, economic growth, tourism, and small business development.
Prime Minister Marape said the PNG “Chiefs” project was not simply about rugby league, but part of a long- term nation-building strategy for Papua New Guinea as the country moves through and beyond its 50th anniversary of Independence.
“For those who criticise the Chiefs initiative, they are shallow-minded,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“As I keep saying, my involvement in Chiefs does not mean I devote 100 per cent of my time to rugby league. Government work continues every day across all sectors.”
The Prime Minister said he maintains a disciplined work schedule while balancing national priorities.
“I am a programme-oriented person. I start work at 8 o’clock in the morning and finish at midnight during my six-day work week,” he said.
“In between my time budget, I spend time on Chiefs also because Chiefs is a national priority and a national focus.”
Prime Minister Marape said the concept of using rugby league as a unifying force for Papua New Guinea was not new.
“I was in the Somare Cabinet in 2008 when this process first started,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it was never delivered, and it has now been left to us to pursue during our 50th anniversary period, with the goodwill and support of the Australian Government, which saw the bigger picture of our national unification strategy.”
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea’s immense cultural and linguistic diversity required strong common national platforms capable of uniting people beyond politics, tribes, provinces, and regions.
“A country with so much diversity like PNG must constantly find common purposes that unite our people,” he said.
“Of course, our flag, our national anthem, our Constitution, and our identity as one nation remain strong foundations.
“But we also believe rugby league has the ability to focus all our people towards one common purpose every week.”
Prime Minister Marape stressed that support for the NRL franchise was not being pursued at the expense of other critical Government responsibilities.
“This does not compromise Government work in other areas,” he said.
“Education continues. Economic growth initiatives continue. Justice sector work continues. Health services continue. Infrastructure development continues. Everything is running in tandem.”
The Prime Minister also rejected claims that the PNG NRL franchise lacked economic value, pointing to the growing international attention already being generated.
“For those who think Chiefs has no economic value, they only need to look at the international media exposure Papua New Guinea has received in recent months,” he said.
“We have received prime-time international media coverage free of charge, promoting our country’s tourism potential and many other opportunities.”
Prime Minister Marape said the full establishment of the PNG NRL franchise would create major economic opportunities across aviation, tourism, hospitality, transport, and small business sectors.
“When Chiefs comes in fully, we will have more visitors entering our country,” he said.
“That means more airline seats will be needed, more hotel rooms will be needed, more beds will be needed, and more domestic travel opportunities will be created throughout our country.”
The Prime Minister said the Government was already planning ways to spread tourism and economic benefits beyond Port Moresby into other parts of Papua New Guinea.
“We are also working on ways to direct some of these visitors into other parts of our country as part of our tourism promotion strategy next year,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape further revealed that the Government would soon launch a new “bed-and-breakfast” accommodation concept aimed at helping ordinary Papua New Guineans participate directly in the economic opportunities expected from increased international visitation.
“Very soon, we will launch a bed-and-breakfast type concept for those who own accommodation in the city,” he said.
“This includes areas like Boroko, Gordons, Hohola, Town, and elsewhere.”
He said the initiative would also involve Motu Koita communities and nearby villages around Port Moresby.
“We are partnering with Motu Koita villages in Hiri East, Hiri West, and other nearby areas so they can develop resort lodges and bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister said the Government would work with financial institutions to provide affordable financing opportunities for Papua New Guineans wanting to invest in accommodation and transport services.
“We will align our SME credit facilities through the National Development Bank, BSP, and other lenders so Papua New Guineans can access very cheap concessional loans,” he said.
“They can improve their homes, buy buses, coaches, or taxis, and prepare themselves to accommodate, transport, feed, and care for the estimated 1,000 to 5,000 supporters and visitors expected into our city every second week once the NRL competition is fully operational here.”
Prime Minister Marape said the long-term economic opportunities arising from the PNG NRL franchise extended far beyond sport and politics.
“This is much bigger than politics,” he said.
“Some politicians in the Opposition only criticise because they have no viable alternative policies.
“They are good only at criticism, but we will continue doing what we must do for the future of our country.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government remained committed to using sport, tourism, infrastructure, and SME development together as part of a broader strategy to build national unity and create long-term economic opportunities for Papua New Guinea.