Kokopo, Papua New Guinea – September 21, 2024 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape’s visit to East New Britain this week was not just a political engagement—it was a heartfelt reunion with a province deeply scarred by tragedy. As the people of East New Britain commemorated the 30th anniversary of the devastating 1994 Rabaul volcano disaster, Prime Minister Marape stood side by side with them, reflecting on the pain and resilience of a region that, despite its wounds, remains a key pillar of Papua New Guinea’s future.
“East New Britain is a province that blends well with my government’s aspirations for Papua New Guinea as a nation, particularly from an economic point of view. It is a province that does not rely on the extractive resource sector – mining, oil, and gas – but is driven by the non-resource sector or the renewable resource sector. The province has a rural-based economy driven by sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism,” said Prime Minister Marape.
The Prime Minister’s voice carried the weight of history as he joined locals in remembering the twin eruptions of Mt Tavurvur and Mt Vulcan that forever changed lives on September 19, 1994. Families were uprooted, homes buried, and livelihoods shattered, but in the midst of this sorrow, Prime Minister Marape spoke of hope and healing, urging the people of East New Britain to look towards a brighter future.
“For them to live in their own province and country in a settlement life with no certainty for the future makes my heart cry, and is something my government is seriously looking into as required,” Marape shared with deep emotion, acknowledging the pain of those still living in displacement, three decades after the disaster.
In a gesture of tangible support, the Prime Minister presented nearly 200 land titles to families displaced by the disaster—an act that he described as bringing long-awaited certainty and security to those who have lived in limbo for far too long. These titles, issued through the National Department of Lands, with the support of Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso, were a symbol of the government’s commitment to restoring dignity to the people of Rabaul.
“I am glad that my government is able to give certainty to the people affected by the disaster from 30 years ago. We are working in close collaboration with the East New Britain Provincial Government who have commenced work in relation to the Rabaul volcano victims. I thank the Governor Hon. Michael Marum and Rabaul MP Hon. Dr Allan Marat for the great effort they are putting into this important cause through their leadership,” said the Prime Minister.
For those who lived through the horror of that fateful day in 1994, this visit was not just about land titles—it was about reclaiming their identity, their land, and their future. Prime Minister Marape’s government has approved K5 million to assist in a thorough study on Rabaul’s path to restoration. This includes an additional K10 million to ensure smooth land accessibility and successful resettlement, as well as another K10 million for the much-needed cleanup of volcanic ash, helping Rabaul rise from the ashes, once again becoming the “Pearl of the Pacific”.
Prime Minister Marape’s visit was also a signal of hope for those affected by disasters in other provinces, including the Manam Island Resettlement Programme in Madang, as similar support is planned for disaster victims across Papua New Guinea.
As the people of East New Britain gathered to reflect on their past, the Prime Minister’s presence provided reassurance that their future is in capable and caring hands.
###
