Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today applauded the efforts of Kerema MP Hon. Thomas Opa for his dedication to mobilising women within the district into Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Prime Minister made these remarks following the inauguration of the Kerema District SME and Women’s Micro Bank branch in the Gulf capital. Prime Minister Marape also gave K3 million to start rolling out the programme.
Also present were Bank of PNG Governor Ms. Elizabeth Genia and her staff, Gulf Deputy Governor Hon. Morris Taudevin, Vice-Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Miki Kaeok, as well as other provincial and community leaders.
“I want to commend MP Opa who is mobilising the women of Kerema into MSMEs,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Our people must migrate from subsistence lifestyle to the cash economy, earning money from their land and locations they live in.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Kerema District Development Authority (DDA) and Gulf Provincial Government, the Prime Minister emphasised their support for both mothers and men to venture into MSMEs, thereby contributing to the growth of the local economy.
“As I always say, if one million families engage in MSMEs, then our people are empowered,” remarked Prime Minister Marape.
“If one million families earn K10,000 each year from MSMEs including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism, that is a K10 billion wealth in the hands of our people.”
Reflecting on personal experiences, Prime Minister Marape recalled his time in Tari Town market during December of 1989 and January of 1990, where he assisted his mother in her market activities.
“In the two months, I remember, I earned K3000 and my mother told me to keep it for my university entry year pocket money,” shared Prime Minister Marape.
“That K3000 I earned in two months was when our economy was small and still under K10 billion, and the country’s budget had not gone past K1 billion yet.”
Drawing a comparison to the present economic landscape, Prime Minister Marape underscored the significant growth, with the current economy surpassing K110 billion and the budget exceeding K24 billion.
“Our people must work, and we leaders must lead our people to work businesses of all types in our economy,” emphasised Prime Minister Marape.
“The government today is paying school fees, but our people still expect free handouts. Each district must distribute agriculture seedlings, and we also must buy the produce of our people, bringing the market closer to them.”