Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured the people of Milne Bay Province that the National Government remains committed to supporting Fisheries Development, empowering Local participation in Fisheries-related Businesses, and addressing outstanding Financial obligations owed to the Province.
Responding to Questions raised in Parliament today by Milne Bay Governor Hon. Gordon Wesley during Question Time, Prime Minister Marape thanked the Governor for strongly advocating on behalf of his People and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Coastal and Island Communities benefit directly from the vast Fisheries Resources within their own Waters. “I want to thank the Governor for asking these Questions. You have every Right in this House to raise your Voice for your People,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged Concerns raised regarding the outstanding K42 million owed to Milne Bay Province, explaining that the Matter dates back to arrangements associated with the Sale of Shares in the former Oil Palm Industry Corporation-related Transactions in 2015, where Payments due to Milne Bay and Oro Provinces were not fully passed on at the time. Prime Minister Marape noted that the Marape-Rosso Government had already made Payments to both Provinces and would continue working towards settling the remaining balance as Resources become available. “That Money remains outstanding, and as Funds become available through future Budgets, we will continue to make Payments until the full Amount owed is settled,” he said.
On concerns regarding Fisheries Licensing and Harvesting opportunities, including the harvesting of Beche-de-mer, Prime Minister Marape said Scientific Assessments had already provided clearance for the Industry to proceed and instructed relevant Authorities to expedite processes that would allow Local Communities and Businesses to benefit. “Scientific Evidence has given clearance for these Harvests to proceed, and I want to see this happen at the earliest opportunity,” the Prime Minister stated. He emphasised that Local participation remains a Central Policy Priority of the Marape-Rosso Government and the Pangu-led Administration. “It is our Government’s Policy that Businesses operating within Local Areas must first create Opportunities for Local People to participate. Locals must be given the first opportunity to Benefit from Economic activities occurring within their own Communities.”
Prime Minister Marape encouraged the Milne Bay Provincial Government to work closely with the National Fisheries Authority and relevant Agencies to identify areas where Local Businesses and Communities can become more actively involved in Fisheries ventures. He further stressed that where Local Operators require support, Partnerships should be encouraged through Joint Ventures that maintain meaningful Local ownership and participation. “If Local Businesses need additional capacity, they can partner with other Papua New Guinean Businesses. Where necessary, International Investors can come in as Partners, but Local people must remain Participants and Beneficiaries in Economic activities taking place in their Areas,” he said.
The Prime Minister also commended the National Fisheries Authority for actively promoting Investment in the Fisheries Sector and opening new Export Opportunities for Papua New Guinea Products. He highlighted recent progress, including growing Seafood Exports and expanding International Market Access. “For the first time, Seafood Products such as Crab from Central Province are now entering International Markets like Singapore. We have also secured new Opportunities through Agreements with major Overseas Markets that are prepared to purchase Fisheries Products from Papua New Guinea.”
Prime Minister Marape pointed to the successful Fisheries Model being developed in the Samarai-Murua District as an example of how Local Communities can directly participate in and Benefit from the Sector. He noted that strategic Investments made by the District Administration, supported by the National Government, have enabled Local people to engage in Commercial Fishing Operations and earn meaningful Incomes from Marine Resources. “This demonstrates that Fisheries can become a major driver of Income and Economic Growth for our Coastal and Island Communities when Local people are empowered and supported to participate.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s “Take Back PNG” Agenda extends beyond the Mining and Petroleum Sectors and includes Fisheries, Agriculture, Tourism, and other Sectors capable of generating broad-based Economic Growth. “Our Vision is not limited to Resource Extraction. We want Papua New Guineans to participate meaningfully in every Sector of the Economy, including Fisheries, where enormous Opportunities exist for our people.”
The Prime Minister invited Governor Wesley to formally submit the Concerns raised in Parliament to his Office and the Fisheries Minister so that specific Issues affecting Milne Bay can be reviewed and addressed promptly. “We will work together with the Province, the Fisheries Minister, and relevant Agencies to ensure Opportunities are expanded and any Issues are corrected. Our objective is simple: Local People must be active Participants and Beneficiaries in the Economic Opportunities that exist within their own Province.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that the Government remains committed to building a stronger Fisheries Industry that creates Jobs, supports Local Businesses, increases Exports, and delivers lasting Economic Benefits to Coastal Communities throughout Papua New Guinea.