MOU SIGNED BETWEEN NVS AND CENTRAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

Minister Defense, Hon Dr Billy Joseph with Governor Central Rufina Peter flanked by Chairman David Wissink, Executive Director Jerry David

Hon. Dr Billy M. Joseph, MP

Minister for Defense 

Office of The Defense Minister

Port Moresby,

09th April, 2025                                                                                                                        

Approved for release

Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph and Central Governor Rufina Peter with NVS Council Chairman David Wissink and NVS Acting Executive Director Jerry David after the signing ceremony.

The National Volunteer Service (NVS) of Papua New Guinea promotes and encourages the principles and values of volunteerism among skilled and professional Papua New Guineans who are willing to live and work within communities and civil society organizations at costs that both the communities and government can afford. 

In fostering a new partnership between NVS and the Central Provincial Government, an MOU was signed earlier today for the placement of volunteers in the frontlines of service delivery in Central Province. 

In attendance for the signing were Minister for Defence also responsible for NVS Dr. Billy Joseph, Governor for Central Province Rufina Peter, NVS Council Chairman David Wissink and NVS Acting Executive Director Jerry David. 

Minister for Defence Dr. Billy Joseph highlighted the critical roles of NVS in service delivery and emphasized the need for NVS to have similar arrangements with other Provincial Governments and district authorities.    

“NVS serves on its mandate of promoting the spirit of volunteerism and selflessness for economic development. It is a small organization and often under-funded but plays a very significant role in extending the arm of the government in delivering services to the very remote places in Papua New Guinea,” Dr. Billy said. 

 

Governor Hon Rufina Peter while sharing her vision to develop Central Province through this partnership with NVS and collaborations with other government agencies acknowledged the Marape Rosso Government for being fair in its distribution of funds to all provinces and districts regardless of whether they are in opposition or in government. This is the first time an opposition Governor has acknowledged the government, especially at the hype of the current VoNC on foot. She also acknowledged the K1 million counter funding by the Marape Rosso Government to support the Papuan Governors conference which she recently hosted. 

As a member of the Cabinet in the Marape Rosso Government, Minister Joseph thanked the Governor for being honest and for putting the interests of the people of Central Province and the country first despite the ongoing politics.