East New Britain province (ENBP)recently hosted the Final Validation Workshop on the proposed Oil Palm Industry Authority Bill and the Oil Palm Industry Management Bill, in Kokopo. Speaking at the Workshop on Thursday, May 15th, the ENB Governor Michael Marum said that the province continues to recognize the economic opportunities the industry can bring through employment, rural development, and smallholder participation. The Governor also acknowledged the efforts of development partners, industry stakeholders, and government agencies in supporting the growth of the oil palm industry, not only in East New Britain but also around the country. While calling for stronger measures to address concerns affecting local farmers and landowners. He also acknowledged the work undertaken by the Minister for Oil Palm, Francis Maneke, Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC), and development partners, in progressing consultations and policy discussions aimed at strengthening the sector. At the same time, he also highlighted that East New Britain has experienced its fair share of dissatisfaction over recent developments within the industry over the past ten years, particularly concerns relating to infrastructure support, market access, benefit sharing, transparency, and participation of local landowners and growers. He stressed that any future growth of the industry must be inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to local communities. “There is a need for stronger collaboration between government, industry leaders, development partners, and local communities to ensure the interests of customary landowners and smallholder farmers are properly protected.” Moreover, Governor Marum gave assurance that the East New Britain Provincial government remains committed to supporting responsible development that improves livelihoods and creates long-term economic opportunities for rural communities across the province. He encouraged continued dialogue and cooperation amongst all stakeholders as the proposed Bills progress towards Parliament. “Development must improve the lives of our local farmers and communities, while ensuring that benefits are shared fairly and sustainably,” Governor Marum concluded.

The People’s Republic of China formally presented US$1, 000, 000 (K4.2 million) in disaster relief assistance to Papua New Guinea to support recovery and reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Maila. The official handover ceremony was held in Port Moresby, attended by Prime Minister James Marape. The presentation was made by Mr. Pang Hanzhao, Minister-Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy, on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Minister-Counselor Pang delivered the cheque for essential relief support and resources to assist communities impacted by the cyclone. The event underscored the longstanding bilateral friendship between PNG and China and China’s commitment to standing with PNG in times of natural disaster. Meanwhile, the Senior PNG government representatives who were present at the ceremony included the Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, representatives from the National Disaster Office, and senior officials from the Department of Defence. In thanking the Chinese Government, Prime Minister Marape said the assistance arrives at a critical time as the government continues to support affected communities throughout PNG. “The assistance from the People’s Republic of China comes at a critical time as we continue to support communities affected by Cyclone Maila and is gratefully appreciated by the Government and people of Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This partnership demonstrates the strength of our bilateral ties and the value of working together in times of need.”

The PNG Barramundis secured another victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2026 Super Six stage, defeating Indonesia by 38 runs at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Japan. Batting first, PNG posted 130/7 from their 20 overs before producing a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss Indonesia for 92 in 19 overs. Captain Assadolla Vala, led from the front and was named Player of the Match after scoring 34 runs from 33 balls, including two boundaries and a six, while also claiming 2 wickets for just 3 runs from 2 overs. Lega Siaka provided valuable support with 32 runs from 37 balls, while Alei Nao finished unbeaten on 18 from 11 deliveries to help lift PNG to a competitive total. Hila Vare added 12 runs while Patrick Nou contributed 9. Indonesia’s bowlers worked hard to slow the PNG innings, with Sudhakar Jegannathan taking 2/14 and Kavin Chaddha claiming 2/19. In reply, the PNG Barramundis bowling attack dominated from the outset, restricting Indonesia to 92 all out. Aue Oru delivered the standout bowling performance with an impressive 4 wickets for 13 runs from 3 overs. Meanwhile, Vala continued his strong all-round display with 2/3, while John Kariko and Sese Bau claimed one wicket each. This latest win maintains PNG's strong momentum in the Super Six stage as they continue their pursuit of qualification in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup pathway. The Barramundis will now regroup for two final high-stakes fixtures, facing Vanuatu on Sunday, May 17, before wrapping up their campaign against tournament hosts Japan on Monday, May 18.

An initiative under the PNG-Australia partnership with the East Sepik Provincial Administration, has now improved access to safe, reliable drinking water in communities.A total of 66 water catchment tanks have been installed across 18 locations in the province, including 15 local markets and three schools. Together, these tanks provide nearly 600, 000 litres of water to an estimated 15, 000 people. The initiative forms part of a community-led program where provinces identify and plan development projects based on local priorities. At the Maur Community Market on Wewak’s east coast, the installation of four 9,000-litre tanks alongside a new market structure has transformed daily operations. Stakeholders and community members report that the availability of clean water has enhanced the market experience for both vendors and customers, resulting in increased foot traffic and higher sales. Stallholders, particularly women, reported using their additional income to support household needs, pay school fees, and reinvest in their businesses. Improved access to water has also strengthened hygiene practices, enabling regular handwashing and safer handling of produce. Speaking on behalf of the Maur community, Ward member Mr. Canute Faripu said that this facility meets a real community need and reflects the strong friendship between the communities and the Australian government. At St Therese Yarapos Primary School, now the proud owner of two 9, 000 litre water tanks and a large structure with a roof to collect the water, Caretaker Head Teacher Ms. Christine Hapmavi said the impact has been significant. “The new water facility has made a real difference for our school. Our students now have reliable access to drinking water and can stay for full day classes,” Mr. Hapmavi said. “It helps them to stay healthy and focused throughout the school day.” Through community-led projects such as these, the PNG-Australia Partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between the two countries to deliver sustainable, community-focused development.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a whole lot more natural gas available, ready for exploration and production.That was the message delivered by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Chairman, Mr. Gerea Aopi to potential investors and guests at the 41st Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo in Brisbane, Australia this week. He stated that whilst oil production has tapered off, PNG ‘s gas future is just beginning. “There is plenty of gas already discovered and a high likelihood of further gas discoveries in the next few years. PNG is not short of gas resources; however, we are short of time in the rapid transition towards renewable energy sources.” “We are currently in discussion with other parties regarding other licences where gas discoveries have been made in the past, such as PDL 10 in Western Province,” Mr. Aopi said. He said as a 19.4% owner in the PNG LNG Project, the company is pleased that project debt was retired ahead of schedule late last year. “Our priorities are clear: This additional PNG LNG Project income will be used to meet our cash calls, repay outstanding loans, and develop the licences where we are Operator (Pandora, Kimu, Barikewa & Uramu) to commerciality and fund future investments, such as acquiring equity in the forthcoming Papua LNG Project." “Kumul Petroleum’s principal focus at present is ensuring that we are in fact in a position to take up PNG’s maximum mandated equity position in the forthcoming Papua LNG Project and are able to carry MRDC in this shareholding.” Mr. Aopi said the key message was not that PNG lacked the energy resources to drive growth but how the resources were developed and how soon.

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has expressed serious concern over the alleged behaviour of four police members currently on international deployment, following an altercation with members of the public in Honiara, Solomon Islands. An Internal Affairs investigation has now commenced under the direct oversight of Assistant Commissioner of Police (Internal Affairs). Assistant Commissioner of Police Internal Affairs, Emil Alpha, is being deployed to Honiara to oversee the investigation, which will be conducted in collaboration with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. The members involved have been restricted to barracks and are now subject to disciplinary investigation and proceedings. They will return to Port Moresby on the next available flight, where further disciplinary processes will continue. Commissioner Manning said every aspect of the allegations will be thoroughly investigated. “Every aspect of these allegations will be thoroughly investigated and aired,” he said. He stressed that while members have the right to respond to the allegations, all deployed personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. “While the accused have the right to plead their case, my expectation is that members on deployment exhibit only the highest standards of professionalism,” Commissioner Manning said. He also acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, noting that the incident does not reflect the professionalism of the majority of deployed officers. “The RPNGC have a long and proud history of cooperation with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force,” he said. “This isolated incident is disappointing and does not reflect the professionalism of the vast majority of RPNGC members who represent Papua New Guinea while working side by side with their Solomon Islands counterparts.” Further information on the Internal Affairs investigation will be released at an appropriate time.

Buk bilong Pikinini received K49,045.68 from the Sir Theo Foundation to support its Library Corner at Port Moresby General Hospital on Monday, May 11.The library, located in Paediatric Ward 3C, was Buk bilong Pikinini’s first learning centre established in 2007 and provides books, literacy activities, and early learning materials for admitted children and their families. The Sir Theo Foundation, the charitable arm of the Constantinou Group of Companies, has supported BbP since 2008, making it one of the organisation’s longest-standing partners. The cheque was presented by George Constantinou and received by Executive Officer, Leanne Resson. Mr. Constantinou said the foundation remained committed to supporting education and health initiatives in Papua New Guinea. “We are pleased to continue supporting the work and mission of Buk bilong Pikinini. Supporting education and health remains a key focus of the foundation, and we look forward to continuing this partnership into the future,” he said. Ms. Resson thanked the foundation for its continued support, saying the partnership helps deliver much-needed educational resources to children receiving treatment at the hospital. “The Sir Theo Foundation and the Constantinou Group of Companies have been valued supporters of Buk bilong Pikinini since 2008.” “We are truly grateful for their continued support, which enables Buk bilong Pikinini to provide much-needed educational resources and programmes for children admitted to hospital, as well as their siblings.” Head nurse of the ward, Sister Martha Rapea, also acknowledged the positive impact the library corner continues to have on children and families during their hospital stay. Foundation board members Meghan Toka and Courtney Abel were also present to witness the presentation and reaffirm the importance of the partnership in promoting literacy and child wellbeing. BbP said the continued backing from the Sir Theo Foundation and the Constantinou Group of Companies would further strengthen its mission to improve early literacy and learning opportunities for children across Papua New Guinea.

Vodafone recently marked Mother’s Day by supporting the Vabukori Women’s Development Association (VWDA) with the donation of free WiFi connectivity and smartphones aimed at empowering women through digital inclusion.The initiative, announced in Port Moresby, provided women within the association, improved access to communication, online learning, digital business opportunities, and essential online services. Vodafone said the support reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and helping bridge the country’s digital divide. Vodafone Sponsorship Manager Charmaine ToRobert said the partnership recognizes the vital role mothers and women play in shaping families and communities across Papua New Guinea. “Behind every strong community are resilient women and mothers working tirelessly to create better opportunities for their families,” Ms. ToRobert said. “This Mother’s Day, we wanted to give back in a meaningful way by providing tools that can help women stay connected, informed, and empowered in today’s digital world.” The donation included smartphones and free WiFi access to support learning, communication, and small business development initiatives undertaken by members of the association. Meanwhile, VWDA President Molly O’Rourke welcomed the initiative, describing the support as timely and impactful for women in the community. “By supporting grassroots organizations such as VWDA, Vodafone continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering communities and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age,” Mrs. O’Rourke said. As Papua New Guinea continues its digital transformation journey, Vodafone says it remains committed to ensuring communities, particularly women, have access to digital tools and opportunities that support social and economic progress. Meanwhile, the company said this year’s Mother’s Day initiative celebrates not only mothers, but also the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women throughout the country.

The historic friendship between the Central province and the Cook Islands has been renewed this week, further strengthening the ties between the people and cultures established by missionaries over a hundred years ago.Central Province and the Cook Islands formally renewed their historic friendship and cultural ties dating back more than 150 years through the signing of a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus on Tuesday May 12. The landmark agreement was signed between Central Province Governor Rufina Peter and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown following the signing of the inaugural Framework on Development Cooperation between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Cook Islands by Prime Minister James Marape and Prime Minister Brown. The signing ceremony, held on the margins of the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit 2026, was described as a historic and symbolic moment reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural connections established through the arrival of early Christian missionaries from the London Missionary Society to the shores of Central province more than a century ago. Governor Peter said the agreement marked another “Jubilee Year blessing” for Central province and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Cook Islands. “It is a great honour to formally renew and recommit to strengthening the Central province–Cook Islands relationship under the inaugural Framework on Development Cooperation between our two nations,” she said. Governor Peter said the partnership would create opportunities for collaboration in culture and heritage, education and youth exchanges, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate resilience, agriculture and cooperatives, sports diplomacy, trade and investment, and people-to-people engagement. “These missionaries shaped our communities, education and faith. We honour that history while looking to the future,” she said. She thanked the governments of Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, the respective foreign affairs ministries, diplomatic representatives, traditional leaders, churches, officials and communities for their support in bringing the arrangement to fruition.

Kina Bank joined other corporate organizations at the opening Corporate Va’a Challenge for 2026 hosted by the Papua New Guinea Canoeing Association on May 2nd, at Ela Beach, Port Moresby.The bank was represented by three teams including a mixed team, a men’s team, and a women’s team competing across all divisions during the season opener. Kina Bank delivered a strong performance on the water, with its mixed team securing first place ahead of four other teams. While the men’s team finished outside the top three, the women’s team placed second in the final race, with both teams praised for their determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. Beyond the racing, the Corporate Va’a Challenge also serves as a fundraising initiative to support Papua New Guinea’s national canoeing team ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti. Kina Bank said its participation reflects the organization's commitment to supporting community initiatives while promoting staff wellness and teamwork. Led by Kina Bank Head of Talent and Development Eddie Sukanaivalu, he said the challenge provided an opportunity for staff to connect outside the workplace while contributing to a national sporting cause. “It was a fantastic experience to see our team come together outside the workplace, pushing each other and representing Kina with pride,” Sukanaivalu said. “Events like this not only promote health and teamwork but also allow us to support a greater national goal.” Kina Bank is expected to participate again in the next Corporate Va’a Challenge scheduled for June.

Four defective PMV buses operating along the Waigani to Morata route, were impounded by Saraga Police early this week as authorities continue intensifying traffic enforcement and city clean-up operations across Port Moresby.The buses were taken to the impounding yard after police officers identified defective lighting systems during traffic inspections conducted on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. National Capital District and Central Province Police Commander, Benjamin Turi, confirmed the operation and praised reservist officers and regular police members involved in both traffic enforcement and ongoing street eviction exercises throughout the city. He specifically acknowledged Reservist Coordinator Chief Inspector, Ruben Giusu, and his officers for their active role in supporting police operations. “The street eviction operation is still on, and each police station commander has been advised to oversee their respective areas,” Commander Turi said. He stressed that stronger leadership among station commanders is necessary to ensure defective vehicles are removed from public roads. “When commanders are weak, the officers down the ranks are also weak. That is why defective vehicles are back on the road.” He also called on police officers across the city to work collectively in ongoing efforts to improve public safety and clean up Port Moresby. The traffic operation, which extends across both NCD and Central Province, continues to target defective vehicles, unregistered public transport operations, and traffic offenders. Police say vehicle owners attempting to avoid inspections will eventually be identified through coordinated communication between units. “Impounding a vehicle daily shows that police and RTA officers are working and will continue to work,” said Commander Turi. “All we ask from the public and those who own cars is to fix your vehicles before you are on the road.” He also reminded operators providing transport services to ensure they possess proper PMV permits before operating buses, taxis, or other public transport vehicles. Furthermore, he thanked responsible vehicle owners who have complied with traffic requirements and maintaining roadworthy vehicles. The operation forms part of wider law enforcement efforts aimed at improving road safety, reducing public disorder, and ensuring safer transport services for commuters across the capital city.

Prime Minister James Marape has called on the Pacific and Southeast Asian leaders to unite in the protection of the world’s oceans, warning that the survival of island nations, cultures, economies, and future generations depends on immediate collective action.Speaking at the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026, the Prime Minister stated that the gathering represented far more than a regional meeting, describing it as a defining global moment for ocean states and island communities. “To others, it may just be an ocean, but to us it is life,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our oceans are tied to our identity, our culture, our livelihoods, and our economies.” “Sustaining these ecosystems is not just an environmental responsibility; it is our moral obligation.” He stressed that Pacific Island nations should no longer be viewed merely as “small island states,” pointing out that their collective ocean territories cover a vast portion of the planet and hold immense environmental and economic significance. “We have every right to speak strongly about sustaining our oceans because these waters sustain our people and our future.” The ocean was central to the history and identity of Pacific peoples, whose ancestors navigated vast distances across the seas using traditional knowledge and skills long before modern technology existed and connected communities through trade, relationships, and shared culture long before the modern world emerged. Upon his address, he also welcomed the participation of leaders from across Melanesia, Polynesia, Micronesia, and Southeast Asia, stating that the summit conversations must continue beyond Port Moresby and become embedded in wider regional and international frameworks. He called for balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, warning against reckless exploitation of marine resources as Asia’s economic growth accelerates over the coming century. “The appetite to harvest from the earth and sea will only grow larger in the next 100 years.” In an emotional address regarding the planet’s health, the Prime Minister warned that humanity must act now to ensure a livable world for the next generation. “Years ago, many of us did not carry bottles of water everywhere we went. Today we do. Tomorrow, if we are careless, we may even struggle for clean air and oxygen.” “God created this planet with life-giving properties unlike any other in the universe. We have a duty to protect it.” Drawing inspiration from the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, he emphasized that collective action and shared responsibility were essential in addressing global environmental challenges. He echoed Sir Michael’s leadership philosophy, by stating that the burden of one nation should be shared by all with nations working together. “The pain of one nation facing environmental stress should not be left to that nation alone.” “If we stand together as Pacific nations and work with our partners across Southeast Asia and the world, our collective voice will become stronger and more effective.” “This is a moment for humanity to decide whether we will protect the planet that sustains us.” “We do not owe it only to the world to do what is right, but we owe it to ourselves and to our children.” He concluded by calling on all participating nations to remain focused and united in advancing practical solutions for ocean protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development. “This moment must become a turning point.” “Let history record that we chose to protect life, protect our oceans, and protect the future.” He further thanked regional leaders, development partners, and participating nations for supporting the summit and recognising the urgent need for stronger ocean protection measures and sustainable economic practices.