The Smoked Mummies of New Guinea Highlands

The smoked mummies of Papua New Guinea are an amazing example of how people in the past respected and honored their dead. These mummies were found in the Anga region of Morobe Province. The people there had a special way of preserving bodies. After someone died, their body was cleaned and wrapped in tree bark. Then, it was placed above a fire and slowly smoked for many weeks. This careful process dried the body and turned it black. It helped keep the body in good shape for a very long time.

For the Anga people, this was more than just a way to bury someone. They believed that keeping the body helped keep the spirit close. They thought the spirit of the dead could still watch over the family and the village. So, by preserving the body, they were also keeping the memory and presence of the person alive. This made the smoking process very special and meaningful.

The smoked mummies became known to the world in the 1960s when an anthropologist named Ronald Berndt studied them. Since then, people around the world have become interested in this old tradition. The smoked mummies show us how different cultures have their own ways of understanding life, death, and the spirit world. They remind us that even though customs may be different, honoring and remembering loved ones is something all people value.

Easter Message from Prime Minister Hon. James Marape

| Port Moresby | Easter 2025

Fellow Papua New Guineans,

As we commemorate Easter in this 49th year since our country’s independence, I ask each and every one of us to pause and reflect on the life, sacrifice, and message of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Easter is a sacred reminder of the road to Calvary—a journey Christ took not for Himself, but for the salvation of all mankind. Though He was the Creator and King of the universe, He chose to be born in humility, live a simple life, and walk a lonely road to the Cross for the redemption of our sins. His life and death embody the true heart of leadership: selflessness, love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Today, in a time when our nation stands at a crossroads—divided too often by political toxicity, personal differences, and economic challenges—we must return to those same Christian principles. Christ’s example teaches us to be tolerant, forgiving, loving, and inclusive. These values are not outdated; they are timeless. They are what make us truly human and truly Papua New Guinean.

This Easter, I call on our people to reject division and embrace unity. Our nation needs:

 • Unity more than division

 • Progress more than regression

 • Forgiveness more than hatred

 • Hope more than hostility

As we mark this final Easter before our 50th Independence Anniversary, let us come together in a spirit of oneness—caring for each other, carrying one another’s burdens, and collectively carrying the cross of our country. This is not rocket science. This is not impossible. It simply requires a shift in attitude, a return to the heart.

Let me remind us that in Leviticus 25, the Bible declares the 50th year as a Year of Jubilee—a sacred time of reset, restoration, forgiveness, and freedom. According to Scripture, it is a time when debts are forgiven, captives are released, land is returned, and lives are given a fresh start.

Our national 50th year officially begins on 16 September 2025 and ends on 15 September 2026. During this sacred season, the Government will lead a national reset—whether in public service reform, provincial governance, or in our wider effort to take back PNG economically, fight corruption, and restore law and order.

But let me be clear: while government policy can drive institutional reform, the real reset must begin in the heart, mind, and soul of our people.

If all citizens of this country commit to Christian character—being loving, forgiving, hardworking, inclusive, and respectful—we will not just serve ourselves better; we will serve God better, and in doing so, we will build a more united, just, and prosperous Papua New Guinea.

That is the real reset: a reset of our national character—one that embraces Christian values without compromising our diverse cultures and Melanesian identity. By finding unity in our shared Christian foundations, we strengthen the national character that will carry us into the next 49 years with hope and purpose.

Let me also speak from the heart:

If I wasn’t a Christian, I would not be the man I am today.

Christianity has shaped my character to be a forgiving man. It has given me the ability to tolerate differing world views. It has helped me withstand extreme pressures without hate. It has enabled me to look at someone from another cultural group and say: “He or she is my own.”

It is this Christian teaching—deeply embedded in my life—that shapes my leadership and the kind of nation I want all of us to build.

We are all children of God, forgiven by Christ at the Cross of Calvary. And as He forgave us, we too must forgive others, even those who have wronged or offended us. That is how we build peace. That is how we move forward.

When President John F. Kennedy challenged America in 1962 to go to the moon, many doubted it was possible—but they achieved it. When he said in 1961, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he reminded us that nation-building starts with individual action.

So I say to all Papua New Guineans: let us stop waiting for handouts. Let us take responsibility, through our faith, attitudes, and actions, to be part of the reset we want to see.

Going to church every Sunday or Saturday is good—but it is not enough. The true Christian walk must be lived daily, in our relationships, workplaces, politics, and service to others.

That is why the Bible sits in Parliament, and why Christianity is our official national religion—not to divide us, but to unite us around love, humility, and service.

In the wake of recent political events, including the vote of no confidence, I hold no bitterness. To those who opposed me, including those who questioned the presence of the Bible in our nation’s affairs, I say again: You knew not what you were doing, and I forgive you.

As Prime Minister, I lead not only those who support me, but all citizens across every district and province. I respect your views. And in this Easter season, as we prepare for Repentance Month and our Jubilee Year, I urge all of us:

Let us forgive one another, tolerate each other, and live together in peace, unity, and love.

Because that is what the true Lord of our country—Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for all of us—would want each and every one of us to do.

Let this Easter be a time of spiritual renewal and national awakening.And as our nation steps into its 50th year, let it truly be a Year of Jubilee—a year of reset, restoration, and renewed commitment to Christian character and national unity.

God bless you all. God bless Papua New Guinea.

James Marape, MP

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Minister Maru Opens U.S Tariff Review Workshop

 PRESS RELEASE

Port Moresby, April 15, 2025- The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, yesterday, opened the Consultation Workshop organized by the Department of International Trade and Investment and the National Trade Office on the total review of the full impact of the new U.S tariff increases.

Minister Maru told the participants from both Government and the private sector to provide input on this assessment of the full impact of the new U.S Tarriff increases to major trading partners including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and many others.

Minister Maru said: “We must also assess the impact on industries that depend on U.S imports like Air Niugini who mainly import aircraft parts from the U.S. While coffee is one of our major exports to the U.S, can we not replace the U.S market with new markets like Japan and New Zealand instead of depending on the U.S Market? PNG does not impose tariff on services from the U.S and this is one area we need to look at. We also need to look at the Fisheries Access we give to the U.S fishing companies who fish and catch tune in our EEZ under our Bilateral Agreement. This is a good opportunity to look at the totality of our overall trade and investment relationship with the U.S. No stones should be left unturned.”

“The U.S President Donald Trump claims this action is necessary to make U.S great again. There is so much speculation like the U.S President is doing this as a short-term measure to get the stock market to crash so a lot of his fans and supporters can buy stocks at a very cheap prices. Nobody really knows the true intentions behind this U.S decision. Only time will tell whether this is a long-term measure to grow the U.S economy and make U.S great again or it is a short-term measure to achieve some personal agenda.”

Minister Maru further stated: “The actions of the U.S has totally undermined the rules-based multilateral system administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which PNG is a member of. The U.S is now bringing in protection not seen and experienced by the world in over 10 years and the world has to decide whether to have US in the WTO family or throw the U.S out while the rest of the world carries on with the rules-based multilateral system.”

Minister Maru also told the participants at the workshop to review PNG’s tariff structure and consider what support the Government should be giving especially the manufacturing industry.

Minister Maru requested a full report of the review including recommendations to be presented to the NEC for the Government to consider.

“I want the review completed before the end of this month,” said Minister Maru.

Ends…//

Approved for Release

Hon. Richard Maru, BTech, MBA, OBE, MP

Minister for International Trade & Investment

SIR PETER IPATAS ACCEPTS DEFEAT, THANKS OPPOSITION

Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas has accepted the result of yesterday’s Vote of No Confidence against Prime Minister James Marape, who retained leadership with 89 votes to the opposition’s 16.

Speaking after in an opposition’s press conference after Parliament concluded, Sir Peter thanked the Opposition Leader, Deputy, and all members who backed his nomination, saying he accepted the outcome and respected the parliamentary process.

“We always knew this would be the result,” he said.

Ipatas said his entry was never about personal ambition but about presenting a genuine alternative for government MPs who, like many citizens, were concerned about the nation’s direction.

“There are issues confronting us. I accepted the nomination to become an option for change,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that government MPs did not exercise their “free conscience” during the vote, noting that many were reportedly housed in camps in the lead-up to the decision.

“We must make our own conscious decisions on issues that affect the country,” he stressed.

Sir Peter emphasized that the challenges facing PNG, including law and order, high living costs, and lack of effective governance, remain unaddressed.

He called on the Prime Minister to act decisively now that he has 18 months of political space ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also emphasized his long-standing passion for restoring law and order and devolving greater authority to provinces. “There’s been no strategy to address these issues and Governors have been calling for more powers to take ownership of development,” he said.

Addressing the people of PNG, Ipatas acknowledged the support shown through social media and public sentiment calling for change.

In closing, Sir Peter praised the opposition team for their spirit and determination. “This is a very proactive opposition, a mix of experience and young, qualified leaders. If given the chance, they will do the right thing for this country,” he said.

VONC in Parliament ended today with the Government defeating the Opposition by 89 votes to 16

 

By Theodro Psalmson | PNG SUN |

The Vote of No Confidence (VONC) in Parliament ended today with the Government defeating the Opposition by 89 votes to 16.

Despite the result, Opposition leaders remained firm and spoke with pride and determination.

At a press conference held by the Opposition in Parliament, the alternate PM candidate, Sir Peter Ipatas expressed gratitude to the Opposition for welcoming him.

“I thank the Opposition Leaders who stood beside me and accepted me to be part of this side,” he said.

Sir Peter acknowledged the loss, saying, “We accept the decision of Parliament. We were defeated.”

However, he pointed out that the country is not in a good condition and some leaders are ignoring the reality. “I did what I did for the best interest of the people of this country, and so did the members of the Opposition,” he added.

He shared his experience of joining the Opposition for the first time in his political career.

“Being in the Opposition gave me a new meaning of leadership, it is about standing for the pain, cry, and sorrow of our people.” Sir Peter also said he was proud to stand with strong, young, and educated leaders on the Opposition side who he believes will continue to fight for the people in the future.

The Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa thanked those who stood firm until the end of the VONC.

“This is not the end. The fight continues. We heard the cry of the people, and we will respond,” he said. He confirmed that the Opposition remains committed to the nation and will continue to work for the people’s good.

“We have appointed shadow ministers who will watch and monitor every action of the Government,” he said. He also thanked Sir Peter Ipatas for his brave leadership and for standing as the Alternative Prime Minister during this time.

Sir Puka Temu, another senior Opposition member, said, “We did not stand for ourselves. We stood and voted on behalf of the people. We did what the people wanted us to do.” He thanked Sir Peter for standing up for the people of the nation.

Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Lino Tom, Member for Wabag, also praised Sir Peter Ipatas for joining the Opposition and fighting for the nation’s best interest.

“The Opposition members have shown they truly represent the struggles of our people,” he said. He described the Opposition’s stand as a right step in showing real leadership.

Dr. Lino added that from now on, the people can clearly see which leaders truly care about them and which ones do not.

Though the VONC was lost, the spirit of the Opposition remains unshaken.

The message from the Opposition was clear: This is just the beginning of a bigger fight for the people of Papua New Guinea.

Wabag MP Dr. Lino Tom: Preach and Practice Papua New Guinea as a Christian Country

 

By Steven Kenda | PNG SUN |

Wabag MP Dr. Lino Tom has publicly criticized Prime Minister James Marape and his government, accusing them of hypocrisy in professing Christian values while failing to uphold them through their actions.

Speaking during a media conference following the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) proceedings, Dr. Lino voiced growing frustrations over the rising cost of living and the government's perceived failure to deliver on promises.

“You can’t preach Christian values and act in contradiction to them,” Dr. Lino said. “If we are truly a Christian nation, then our actions must reflect that.”

With essential goods and services becoming increasingly unaffordable, the Wabag MP said families across the country are bearing the brunt of economic hardship.

“Prices have doubled,” he noted, describing the daily struggles faced by ordinary Papua New Guineans.

Dr. Lino’s remarks echo the sentiments of many citizens who feel disillusioned by what they see as empty promises from the government.

He stressed the need for genuine accountability and urged leaders to match their rhetoric with tangible results.

“Our people have been patient, but it’s time for results,” he said. “The public deserves to see real change.”

As economic pressures mount, Dr. Lino’s bold stance is likely to intensify scrutiny on the government’s performance and reignite calls for immediate action to ease the financial burden on the population.

Five Prominent Opposition leaders are rallying behind the impending Vote of No Confidence (VONC)

 

By WANPIS AKO| PNG SUN|

Five Prominent Opposition leaders are rallying behind the impending Vote of No Confidence (VONC), calling it a national duty to redirect the country’s leadership and future.

In a media conference moments ago at Crown Hotel in Port Moresby, alternate Prime Minister, Sir Peter Ipatas issued a passionate reminder to all Members of Parliament (MPs) that they hold a sacred mandate from the people. "This is a moment to save our country. Each leader must now decide — do we continue down this path, or do we answer the cry of our citizens?" he said. He stressed that the government in power during the elections remains the same, and only God knows what lies ahead unless urgent action is taken.

Taking the cue from Sir, Peter, Wabag MP Dr. Lino Tom described the current political climate as one of national frustration and dissent. "Politics is about making promises and delivering for the people. Unfortunately, too many promises remain unfulfilled. The people are watching, and they are the best judges," he said. Dr. Tom urged leaders to put national interest above tribal or regional loyalties, warning that self-interest is weakening the fabric of the country. "We are at a crossroads. This is a time to objectively assess the government’s performance and make a bold decision."

Hiri-Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu reinforced the legality of the VONC under Section 63 of the Organic Law, stating that the prerogative lies with Parliament. "This is a rare moment to make a big call. Vote with conscience — vote for the future of our nation."

Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu, who moved the VONC motion, called it a “national call,” not a personal attack on Prime Minister James Marape. "This is not about the PM’s office but about the direction of our nation. I have spoken to many MPs and citizens — they are calling for change. It’s time to humble ourselves and respond to the national cry."

Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane echoed the urgency, stating bluntly that Prime Minister Marape is not fit to continue leading the country. "This government has failed to deliver. From cash flow problems to broken promises on agriculture and jobs, where have you been in the last six years?" Nomane asked. "In 2027, nothing will change unless we act now. We are leaders, and the people expect us to be brave enough to make the tough decisions."

With the clock ticking toward the VONC, all eyes are now on Parliament as leaders face a defining moment — one that may reshape the future of Papua New Guinea.