Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Leanne Jorari
Papua New Guinea's fight against TB
Papua New Guinea has one of the highest rates of prevalence for tuberculosis (TB) in the world, with 30,000 new cases reported every year. The situation is so alarming that the government has declared a state of emergency in some provinces.
Lights! Camera! Action! A new Hollywood
In 2016, the live-action film adaptation of the popular videogame Warcraft took a dismal $24 million in its opening weekend in the United States, revenue that dropped a further 73 per cent the next weekend to a meagre $6.5 million for a film that cost $160 million to make. It was a widespread flop, both financially and critically, and yet there were no scenes of ruin from the movie’s studio or producers.
Maseratis in PNG: stuck in reverse
Who would have thought, three years ago, that buying a fleet of more than 40 luxury vehicles to only be used once, in a developing country with rugged roads, was a bad investment? Literally everyone – except apparently the then government of Papua New Guinea under Prime Minister Peter O’Neil. Once gleaming, the shine has truly come off those infamous Maseratis and a trio of Bentleys that rolled into town for the 2018 APEC meeting.
The future is female in PNG
It seems fitting that the progressive political party that helped Papua New Guinea to independence 46 years ago, and has been the ruling party for the past two years, should have the country’s first-ever female president, Erigere Singin. It’s a bold step and one in the right direction for Pangu Pati.
As Delta looms, PNG’s vaccine rollout challenges mount
As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds, more than 130,000 vaccines donated by the global facility COVAX doses have expired in Papua New Guinea. PNG is Australia’s largest aid recipient and is currently using AstraZeneca vaccines donated by Australia, New Zealand and COVAX for its first phase of a vaccine rollout. With a population of roughly 8 million, statistics reveal fewer than 100,000 people have received the Covid-19 vaccine to date.
Afghanistan: The right time to leave
Joe Biden is right to get the United States out of Afghanistan. Even as Kabul has been taken over by the Taliban, the case remains strong that after 20 years, the United States has fought its war in the country. It is sometimes easy to forget that the president is also commander-in-chief of the US military.
How many times? Reckoning with gender-based violence in PNG
A little more than a year ago, 19-year-old Jenelyn Kennedy’s bruised and battered body was found outside the Port Moresby General Hospital’s emergency room. Kennedy’s alleged killer – and father of her two children – has been charged with her murder. It might have been just another case in Papua New Guinea where attacks against women are disproportionally common. But Kennedy’s death was to become a rallying point for a long overdue public reckoning about the violence directed towards women.
Health Minister Hon. Jelta Wong on the COVID crisis in Papua New Guinea | Aus-PNG Network event
With a priority vaccination program underway, Papua New Guinea is striving to get control of a mushrooming outbreak of Covid-19. The virus is putting immense strain on the country’s health system, with hospitals and facilities struggling to cope. PNG Health Minister Hon. Jelta Wong has been a key figure in the country’s response. Mr Wong was first appointed Minister for Health in 2019, and after a reshuffle in late 2020 was reappointed to the key post.
Why not try? What a Papua New Guinean team could bring to the NRL
At present, Port Moresby’s sports fields are silent. The Covid-19 pandemic has temporarily halted what would ordinarily be a gathering in the Papua New Guinea capital of deafening crowds to enjoy high-spirited games. Hopefully once the virus is brought under control, the excitement will return. Maybe when terms like “social distancing” become more of a novelty than the norm, there will even be a chance to capitalise on people’s love of the game for the benefit of the country.
PNG: Mistaking massacres for tradition
Each week, it seems we hear about new cases of violent killings linked to tribal warfare in Hela Province, in the heart of Papua New Guinea. Reports emerged last week of 19 dead, including a mother and her child, with thousands more displaced. This is just the latest of a series of gruesome massacres that have continuously rocked the nation and brought the ire of the global community. In 2019, 24 people were massacred in the village of Karida.
'Deal with the disaster': the girl from Bougainville who grew up to take on a mining giant
'Deal with the disaster': the girl from Bougainville who grew up to take on a mining giant Panguna mine is often cast as the economic key to Bougainville’s potential independence, but young MP Theonila Matbob says her people, and their land, must come first by Leanne Jorari and Ben Doherty For all of Theonila Roka Matbob’s three decades, the scar on her land that was once the world’s largest copper mine has cast a pall.
Bougainville: A new captain at the helm
Bougainville: A new captain at the helm By Leanne Jorari Following weeks of anticipation, the people of Bougainville woke on Wednesday to news of a new president-elect. Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army Commander Ishmael Toroama, from Central Bougainville, will take up the mantle of president from John Momis. Toroama was a popular contender from the start of the elections, with a voter commenting on social media that he is the “people’s choice”.
Bougainville: A new captain at the helm
Following weeks of anticipation, the people of Bougainville woke on Wednesday to news of a new president-elect. Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army Commander Ishmael Toroama, from Central Bougainville, will take up the mantle of president from John Momis. Toroama was a popular contender from the start of the elections, with a voter commenting on social media that he is the “people’s choice”.
'Bless this referendum': Bougainville votes and prays for independence
'Bless this referendum': Bougainville votes and prays for independence By Leanne Jorari in Buka In the coastal town of Buka a solemn procession of people makes its way from the Catholic church to Bel Isi park, where worshippers kneel before a makeshift cross. There is one subject that dominates the prayers in Bougainville today. “We are gathered here this morning in Bel Isi Park to ask you to bless the referendum. May it be peaceful and successful,” says the priest.
PNG can’t turn a blind eye to the conflict next door
A video recently surfaced on social media in Papua New Guinea, featuring a group of about 20 men, gathered around their apparent leader, declaring war on Indonesia.
Business PNG
26/07/2019 EMTV Online 588 Views The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission met in Hawaii, United States for the commissions 15th Tuna meetings. Representatives from the member states discussed tuna measures for the vast regions waters, including Papua New Guinea.Business PNG traveled to Hawaii for the commission meeting, gaining exclusive access to the region’s biggest fisheries meet.
The Pacific must protect its interests
09/05/2019 Leanne Jorari 55 Views By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News, Suva, Fiji China’s noticeably growing influence in the region in recent years, especially in substantial investments in infrastructure development, has been met with mixed feelings. Some welcome the ‘visitors’ from the East and their investments, dubbing the move the ‘China alternative’, while many question their interest and motives in the region.
Contradictions abound in Papua New Guinea’s Climate fight
08/05/2019 Leanne Jorari 52 Views By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News, Suva, Fiji Pacific Finance Ministers headed into their annual Forum Economic Ministers meet (FEMM) in Suva, Fiji, this morning to discuss economic issues shaping the region. Climate financing is top of the agenda, due to the vulnerability of Pacific nations to the effects of climate change.
Meg Taylor maintains ‘Pacific Solidarity’ stance
Featured International News Pacific 08/05/2019 Leanne Jorari 7 Views By Leanne Jorari – EMTV, Suva, Fiji SUVA- The importance of a united Pacific has been stressed by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General; Dame Meg Taylor as geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on the region. Using the term, Blue Pacific, coined during the 2017 Forum Leaders meeting in Apia, Samoa; she said the Pacific Island nations are stewards of the Pacific Ocean and its resources and our boundaries need to be secured.
Loi Bakani: Foreign Exchange Market Imbalance Greatly Reduced
26/01/201926/01/2019 Leanne Jorari 2 Views Bank of Papua New Guinea, Exchange Rate By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News, Port Moresby The Bank of PNG held a press conference today (January 25) following the public’s concerns over the current kina exchange rate and foreign exchange market. Bank of PNG governor Loi Bakani, stated that due to a better foreign exchange inflow in 2018, the imbalance in the foreign exchange market has been greatly reduced.
Industry disputes Beche-de-Mer tax
By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu 11 December 2018 — Amongst their major revenue policy measures in the 2019 national budget, the PNG government recently introduced an export tax on sea cucumber, or Beche-de-Mer, for K15 per kilogram. Beche-de-Mer, commonly known as sea cucumber, has been fished increasingly over the years for commercial purposes. PNG was reported as the third largest producer of sea cucumbers in 2004, supplying to China, Hong Kong, and other Asian markets.
15th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Begins
By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu 10 December 2018 — Delegates from around the Pacific region are gathered in Honolulu, Hawaii, to discuss Tuna for the 15th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. Going into the meeting, Pacific Island states are showing remarkable solidarity against adverse threats from distant water fishing nations.
Calls to Address High Costs of Fresh Fish and Marine Products
By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News Honolulu 11 December 2018 – It’s no secret that fresh fish is sold at outlandish prices in markets and shops in Papua New Guinea and around the South Pacific region. In urban centers like Port Moresby and Lae, bundles of three to four various types of fish; from Red Emperor to Tilapia and Swordfish; tied together on a string can cost upwards of K30 per bundle. And the same can be said for other marine products such as crabs, squid and prawns.
Climate Change a PNA Priority
By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News, Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu 8 December 2018 – Tuna caught in the waters of PNG and other members of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) is a rich resource but that resource depends on the waters of 200-mile exclusive economic zones (EEZ). If islands are lost to the sea, the EEZ will shrink, and so will the income it provides.
2018 APEC CEO Summit focuses on Addressing Digital Division among APEC Economies
By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News The business community from across the 21 APEC economies converged on P&O’s Pacific Explorer for the 2018 APEC CEO Summit. The CEO summit aims to address the digital divide that can arise on the grounds of age, gender, ethnicity and religion. Under the theme ‘ Inclusion in the Age of Disruption,’ the CEO Summit is the most influential annual gathering of high level Business and Government leaders in the Asia-Pacific region.
APEC Region Business Leaders confident of Revenue Growth
By Leanne Jorari – EMTV News Business leaders around the APEC region remain confident that their company’s revenues will grow over the next 12 months despite increasing trade frictions. The Pricewaterhouse Coopers comment comes on the back of an ANZ report that presents a positive outlook for 2018 and 2019. A total of 1189 businesses from around the APEC Economies were surveyed.
Business PNG - Episode 10 | Season 10, 2018
The Institute of National Affairs has urged that parties involved in upcoming resource project negotiations need to do so more transparently and hold institutions accountable. In a recent interview with Business PNG, INA Executive Director, Paul Barker, said that previous projects, including the PNG LNG project, have demonstrated the lack of firm negotiations.
Blockchain Pasifik Begins
In a first for the country and the region, the Blockchain Pasifik event saw attendees from the private and public sector, school children as well as blockchain enthusiasts from around the region. Opening the conference, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, who earlier this year pledged the city’s support for the event, re-established the government’s intentions to invest in the technology and made claim that PNG and specifically, Port Moresby, is ready for the disruptive technology.
Business PNG - Episode 9 Season 10, 2018
The recent announcement by the Papua New Guinea Government of the issuance of Sovereign Bonds has received mixed reviews from the private sector and think-tanks. While the private sector has welcomed this funds injection into the economy, hoping to see just how the Central Bank will use this to relieve pressures on the Foreign Exchange issues, think-tanks like the Institute of National Affairs has urged the government to show restraint with borrowing.
Kina Bank confident about Sovereign Bonds
Kina Bank is confident about Papua New Guinea’s foray into the Sovereign Bond market, going as far as calling it a ‘successful debut’. The home grown bank views it as a positive development as it demonstrates the country’s attractiveness from an on-shore debt provider point of view. The recent announcement of the issuance of Sovereign Bonds by Treasurer Charles Abel, has many in the private sector optimistic about the much needed injection of K500 million in to the economy.
Markham Valley Biomass granted License
The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission issued a license to generate electricity to the Markham Valley Biomass Project. This is the first time the commission has issued a license to generate electricity to a renewable energy company. The ICCC advised the issuance of an electricity generation license to Markham Valley Biomass Limited to generate and supply power.
Financial Inclusion Strategy Progress
The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion hosted a Working Group Workshop for stakeholders today to review the progress of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, 2016 to 2020. To date, around 1 million bank accounts have been opened nationwide as part of the strategy. In a room full of financial inclusion stakeholders, the country’s industry apex organisation, CEFI, reported on the progress of the 2nd national financial inclusion strategy.
Government Eyes Better Deals through Renegotiations
In Brisbane for the 2018 PNG Investment Conference, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill promised that his government would make better use of the country’s national resources. This, according to PM O’Neill, means his government is in renegotiations to get better deals for the country for new LNG projects like Wafi-Golpu, P’nyang and Papua LNG.
Greenhouse Gas Emission and Impending Climate Challenges for Pacific Island Countries Enunciated
Reminding conference goers at the 2018 PNG Investment Conference of the harsh realities of climate change, climate expert Tim Flannery spoke of the impending challenges for Pacific Island countries such as Papua New Guinea brought on by the emission of greenhouse gases. “There’s no getting around it. Climate Change is very real and our Pacific Island nations know just how real it is.” Mr Flannery said.
O’Neill: Investors Welcome
Prime Minister O’Neill gave an open invitation for new investors to invest in Papua New Guinea and for previous investors to continue re-investing. Investment opportunities, according to the Prime Minister, is an avenue to create job opportunities for Papua New Guineans and generate business for the country’s small to medium enterprises.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill gives Positive Economic Update at 2018 Investment Conference
At the 2018 Investment Conference in Brisbane, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill gave a significantly positive economic update. He stated that despite recent pressures, the country’s debt to GDP is much lower in comparison to other countries; including Australia and that the country is seeing a turn-around.
Oro Communities Looking at Rice Farming after Cyclone Guba
Following the aftermath of Cyclone Guba in 2007, villagers in the Oro province are taking matters into their own hands regarding food security. Small scale rice farms have begun popping up around the province, with farmers looking at growing rice for personal consumption. Derrick Seboda is a young rice farmer from Konjeh village in the Ijivitari district. In 2007, Cyclone Guba devastated his village and his food crop; and the road to recovery was a long and arduous one.
Kina Bank to Continue Financial Education
Following Kina Bank’s acquisition of ANZ PNG’s retail and commercial banking business, Kina Bank CEO, Greg Pawson, has promised to take on and continue ANZ PNG’s commitment to the National Financial Inclusion strategy. Formerly, ANZ PNG, along with the other commercial banks were active partners of the strategy to ‘bank the unbanked’ by 2020, an initiative of the government of the day.
PM rallies behind the APEC Coordination Authority
On the eve of the 3rd Senior Officials Meeting, the entirety of the APEC PNG Coordination Authority was treated to a visit by Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill. Waigani’s International Convention Centre was a colourful sight as staff from the APEC Coordination Authority filled the auditorium with their bright APEC uniforms to meet and greet with Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, who had some choice of words to say to the delegation.
The long, neglected road of Kikiri
In the decades leading up to cyclone Guba, the Kikiri road was a long forgotten and neglected road. The road is one of the main arteries of the Oro province and connects the town of Popondetta to Holy Cross station and on to the Kikiri beach where people from the northern coast of the province, as far as Buna and Sanananda, can commute to their villages.
Trade Liberalisation Prioritised
Trade Ministers and Heads of Department at the 24th MRT welcomed Papua New Guinea’s theme of ‘Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities; Embracing the Digital Future’. The Ministers from the 21 APEC economies have agreed to continue working collaboratively towards the goal of liberalising trade within the region.
Regional Free Trade Discussed at Trade Ministers Meeting
Following in the heels of the second Senior Official Meetings, Trade Ministers from APEC economies convened this morning for the 24th Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting. The two-day meeting will allow for a dialogue on free trade in the region and the challenges that may come with it.
Second Senior Officials Meetings Conclude with Talks to Form The First APEC Vision Group
The 2nd Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 2) and related meetings concluded yesterday (May 24) in Port Moresby. Delegates from APEC member economies discussed issues surrounding Women and the Economy, Fisheries, Trade Facilitation and many more. Many of the high-level discussions looked towards initiatives that aim to empower people in the region to tap into the digital age, focusing on the opportunities the digital transformation has to improve job creation, education and an overall quality of life.
APEC Business Advisory Council Promotes Open Markets
Faced with increased protectionism and digital disruption in global trade, APEC member economies and the Asia-Pacific business community are preparing bold actions to equip the world’s growth engine for change. The regions public and private sectors convened in Tokyo last month for the 2nd APEC Business Advisory Council meeting, where they discussed opening markets up and inclusive growth.
Growth in APEC Region Surges to a Healthy 4.1 percent
The APEC region is experiencing broad-based economic growth that has seen significant contributions from trade and household spending; short term GDP growth projections have seen a growth of 4.1 per cent between 2017 and 2018 and are expected to continue in the near term. Growth in the APEC region, which accounts for half of global trade and 60 per cent of world GDP, surged to a healthy 4.1 per cent in 2017 from 3.4 per cent in 2016. High growth is expected to be maintained in 2018-2019.
State-Owned Telco Merger Underway
Discussions have been underway for a while now, to amalgamate the state owned communications enterprises under the newly established, Kumul Telikom Holding Limited. The move is seen as a way to curb wasteful spending and to build a single, more competitive service oriented entity. In an exclusive interview with EMTV’s Business PNG, Kumul Telikom Chairman, Andrew Johnson, stated that the merger should be complete by this time next year.
Think-tanks From Around the APEC Region Discuss Connectivity
The APEC Study Centers Consortium Conference, hosted by the PNG APEC Study Centre and PNG National Research Institute, kicked started the APEC Senior Officials Meetings and Related Meetings. The Consortium convened to discuss how research and policy contribute to ensure social and economic growth for the APEC economies. APEC Study Centers are institutions that foster research and academic discussions that support the broader APEC mission of regional economic integration.
Policy Partnership on Women and Economy Working to Advance Economic Integration of Women in APEC
Keeping to the APEC economies mandate of prioritizing gender inclusion; the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy working group met yesterday (May 15) as part of the APEC Senior Officials Meeting 2 (SOM2) and related meetings. The goal of the working group is to advance the economic integration of women in the APEC region for the benefit of all members. Gender inclusion and women’s economic empowerment is given a place on centre stage at the meetings.
Oil Search AGM Reveals Strong Cash Flows
Oil Search Limited board of directors and shareholders held their annual general meeting on Friday May 11, 2018 in Port Moresby . The devastating earthquake in February and the many consequent after-shocks slowed business down for a while, however according to the board, the company is steadily recovering and cash flows are strong from healthy oil and gas prices.
World Bank Reports: Health Service Delivery in PNG Needs Improvement
The World Bank launched two new reports on Tuesday (May 8) about enhancing the public health system efficiency and frontline service delivery in Papua New Guinea. The reports highlighted the limited resources available for the health sector and the gaps in health system functioning. According to findings presented by experts from the World Bank, it is apparent that Papua New Guinea’s frontline service delivery needs to be improved.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Leanne
Contact Leanne, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack