Madang Rugby League President has thanked the Enga Provincial Government and the Governor of Enga for gracing Ron Albert Oval with their presence to witness the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Round 6 clash between Madang Kandes and Enga Mioks.The Kandes emerged victorious with an impressive 18–8 win over the Mioks. After six rounds, Kandes has recorded 4 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 loss — a remarkable achievement for a new team competing in its first season in Papua New Guinea’s national semi-professional rugby league competition. Madang Rugby League Executives, under the leadership of PNGRFL-appointed Administrator Mr. Albert Tobe, are pleased to have Kande’s making Madang its home base. It is an exciting time for the development of rugby league in this part of PNG. Madang Rugby League has recently strengthened its compliance and governance requirements, resulting in four clubs being removed from the competition for failing to meet the minimum PNGRFL standards. The focus this year is to improve the technical capabilities and administrative competencies of local rugby league clubs in Madang. The presence of Kande’s in Madang, and the participation of Kande’s players in MRL competitions and club training sessions, has greatly lifted the standard of the competition. Kande’s presence has also created valuable opportunities for local rugby league talent in Madang to gain exposure at the national level. Meanwhile, in a grand final rematch, the Takara Hawks proved too strong for Ezy Freighters Royals, winning 22–14 in another thrilling encounter. Rugby league is not just a sport in Papua New Guinea — it is a source of national pride and unity. It is also a powerful development tool that can foster peace, harmony, and prosperous communities in Madang and throughout PNG. The President of Madang Rugby League is appealing to the business houses, the provincial government, and community leaders to continue supporting the growth and development of rugby league in Madang.

The Governor of the National Capital District (NCD), Powes Parkop, recently announced that the fuel supply will resume immediately across Port Moresby and nationwide, following a high-level meeting with major fuel importers ExxonMobil, Puma Energies, and Total Energies, alongside Prime Minister James Marape and Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey.The meeting, held at the Hilton Hotel on May 16, 2026, resulted in an agreement to supply and distribute fuel to all service stations and stakeholders at the subsidized April fuel price. This measure is intended to end the disruption experienced in Port Moresby and other parts of the country. Governor Parkop emphasized the government’s commitment to stabilizing the situation. “Tankers will immediately start supplying the service stations and other outlets now.” “I am confident that the temporary hitch which we experienced will be soon resolved.” This assurance follows confirmation from Prime Minister Marape and Treasurer Ling-Stuckey, in consultation with the Governor of the Central Bank, that the second trench of the fuel subsidy will be released before close of business today Monday, May 18, 2026. Governor Parkop further highlighted the importance of long-term solutions. “The government and industry partners have agreed to work together to ensure this situation does not happen again.”  “As Governor of NCD, I was fully briefed on the discussions and agreement reached, and I welcome this decisive action.”

A major agreement aimed at improving public safety and removing dangerous remnants of World War II has been signed between the East New Britain Provincial Government and The HALO Trust under a U.S.-supported initiative. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed on Friday by Michael Marum and HALO Trust PNG Program Manager William Hunter, will guide the implementation of an $11.5 million (K47.2 million) United States-funded program focused on locating and disposing of unexploded ordnance (UXO) across East New Britain Province. The funding will also support ongoing UXO clearance activities in Oro Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Under the agreement, The HALO Trust will conduct surveys and mapping of areas contaminated by wartime explosives before carrying out excavation and disposal operations. The project aims to reduce risks to communities, protect livelihoods, and prevent unexploded devices from being misused. Community awareness and education also form a key part of the initiative. Risk education programs will be delivered in schools and public facilities to improve understanding of UXO dangers and encourage safer behavior in affected communities. The agreement additionally includes training and employment opportunities for local residents in East New Britain. The HALO Trust will provide explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training for members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, while also assisting efforts to strengthen national systems for tracking and reporting unexploded ordnance. Governor Marum welcomed the partnership, highlighting the longstanding relationship between Papua New Guinea and the United States, particularly through efforts to recover American soldiers missing since World War II. He said the expanded support reflects a shared commitment to honoring historical ties while improving safety for local communities still affected by wartime remnants. William Hunter described the project as an important step toward protecting lives in areas heavily impacted during World War II, noting that unexploded ordnance remains a serious hazard in many communities. Meanwhile, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Alex Berenberg said the initiative demonstrates the United States’ commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea in addressing UXO threats, building local capacity, and creating safer environments for affected populations. The HALO Trust is an international humanitarian organization supported by both the United States and the United Kingdom, with a mission focused on protecting communities impacted by conflict and explosive remnants of war.

Papua New Guinea’s push to join the National Rugby League in 2028 continues to gather momentum, with Prime Minister James Marape welcoming Sydney Roosters and NRL representative player Connor Watson during his recent visit to Port Moresby.Watson was in the country touring facilities linked to the proposed PNG Chiefs franchise and exploring potential involvement ahead of the team’s planned entry into the NRL competition in 2028. Prime Minister Marape said the visit reflects growing international interest and confidence in the PNG Chiefs project, following the involvement of other high-profile players such as Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston. He noted that Watson’s presence in the country was a positive signal for the franchise’s development, saying the player’s decision-making would remain a personal matter between him, the club, and his representatives, but that Papua New Guinea welcomed his engagement with the project. Marape emphasized that the long-term goal of the PNG Chiefs is to build a highly competitive squad capable of matching established NRL teams from their debut season. He said the focus is not merely participation, but competitiveness and setting high performance standards from the outset. At the same time, he stressed that the initiative is intended to strengthen local pathways, ensuring Papua New Guinean players continue to progress through domestic systems into elite professional rugby league. He pointed to existing development structures as key foundations for future talent. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the leadership driving the expansion project, including Sports Minister Kinoka Feo, coach Willie Peters, CEO Lorna McPherson, General Manager Michael Chammas, and the wider PNG Chiefs board, commending their work in progressing the bid toward its target season. Marape also reassured NRL stakeholders that Papua New Guinea intends to strictly observe all recruitment rules and contractual obligations within the Australian competition framework. He said any player movement would be handled transparently and in accordance with established protocols. He added that the government is committed to ensuring international players and their families who relocate to Papua New Guinea are properly supported, highlighting the importance of community integration, safety, and lifestyle adjustment in Port Moresby. Beyond rugby league, Marape linked the Chiefs project to broader national development goals, describing it as part of a wider effort to position Port Moresby as a modern Pacific hub for sport, tourism, business, and international engagement. He referenced Papua New Guinea’s experience hosting major events such as APEC 2018 and its future ambitions for larger global gatherings. The Prime Minister concluded by wishing Watson success in his playing career and thanked him for taking the time to visit Papua New Guinea and engage with the Chiefs’ long-term vision.

From the number of challenges and issues encountered during the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila disaster, the East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) has now revisited its rapid response action plan.Multi-tasking disciplines within the health authority in each respective district health facilities, were required to sit in a one-day surveillance training, to look at approaches when conducting rapid assessments to prioritise resources. Provincial Disease Control Officer, Joachim Kais who facilitated the training, said that more emphasis is in the district level to immediately respond should it be required at an instant. “Health workers at the district levels are targeted for the training and be the focal points of response and attend to emergencies.” “Identified senior medical officers, nurses, environment health officers, community health workers, laboratory officers and logistical support staff, all make up the rapid response, surveillance team, where they must be familiar with each other’s roles and responsibilities and execute accordingly.” The training also looked at the composite of the rapid response team, demarcating each member’s constitution to implement during an outbreak of diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, any airborne diseases and respiratory. Moreover, the rapid response action plan further focused on local capacity building and community-based health response.

The Rabaul Provincial Hospital (RPH) in East New Britain Province (ENBP) has commissioned a newer and larger incinerator to complement the unit installed last year 2025. The addition marks a continuous effort by the hospital to meet stringent waste management standards. The installation is part of a broader, World Bank-funded initiative to deploy thirty-eight incinerators across provincial and district hospitals nationwide to safely manage COVID-19 and general medical wastes. World Vision was tasked with constructing the shelters, assembling, and installing the incinerators across ten selected sites, including Rabaul Provincial Hospital. At the recent commissioning ceremony in Rabaul, Hospital Manager Dr. Jimmy Kambo highlighted that the second incinerator allows the Level 5 facility to fully comply with national waste management standards. “This solves part of our problem where previously the hospital was partially meeting the standards, where it was an environment concern to the nearby communities.” “Being very mindful of our hospital waste and with the new one, RPH has now fallen in line with the Environment Act 2000, SIPA requirement and building board regulations.” The other nine hospital sites where World Vision has successfully completed installations include the new Enga Provincial Hospital, Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Goroka General Hospital, Kainantu District Hospital, Angau Memorial Hospital, Modilon General Hospital, Laloki Psychiatric Hospital, and Mt. Hagen Provincial Hospital. Each newly installed incinerator is designed to handle 50 kilograms of waste per cycle, specifically aiming to reduce healthcare-associated infections and ensure the safe disposal of biomedical waste. The waste management improvements, as requested by the Health Standards Branch of the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), require facilities: • To construct three waste treatment chambers where wastes will be stored for over 30 days to be passed on to the soak aways pits for safe disposable to nearby storm water drainage system. • To have 3 chamber ash pits to store away the ash that remains after burning of wastes. • To have an in-house shower in case there is waste spillage on the operator or the needs to cool off after burning wastes. • To have a water -tap nearby to wash willy bins after disposing medical wastes into the incinerator for burning. • To have PH strips available to test acidity of the slurry waste and ash that comes out of the burner to make it is safe for disposing and • To have gas analyzers to test the toxicity of the smoke that comes out of the chimney.

TISA Bank Limited successfully hosted an SME Road Show in Alotau, Milne Bay province on May 2nd, 2026, bringing together small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, and local business owners to learn more about the bank’s financial products and services. The event provided a platform for participants to gain a deeper understanding of TISA Bank’s SME and MSME lending products, business banking services, and tailored financial support designed to help local businesses grow and thrive. TISA Bank Acting Chief Executive Officer, Luke Kaul, said the road show reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting regional entrepreneurs and strengthening regional business communities across Papua New Guinea. “Our SME Road Shows are about getting closer to our customers and understanding their needs,” Mr. Kaul said. “Alotau has a vibrant SME community, and we are committed to providing accessible financial solutions that support business growth and economic development in the province and across the country.” Participants welcomed the initiative, highlighting the value of engaging directly with the bank. A Participant from Alotau, Valerie Joy Miller, described the event as informative and encouraging, saying it provided valuable insight into business development, networking and future opportunities. “The presentations from the different organizations were insightful, and it was encouraging to see how each contributes to growth and development.” The event was well organized and engaging, and it motivated me to think more seriously about future business opportunities. Meanwhile, TISA Bank continues to expand its outreach across the country, ensuring SMEs and cooperatives have access to the financial knowledge and tools needed to build sustainable businesses. According to TISA Bank, the Alotau SME road show forms part of TISA Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen engagement with SME customers and promote inclusive economic growth throughout the country.

Remington Technology PNG recently celebrated a major achievement after receiving two prestigious awards from Konica Minolta Australia in 2025. The company was presented with the Kankei Award, recognising the strong partnership, collaboration, and commitment shared between Remington Technology and Konica Minolta Australia in delivering quality business solutions across Papua New Guinea. Remington Technology PNG also received the Sales Achievement Award after surpassing its annual sales target by 150 per cent- a milestone reflecting the hard work of its team, the continued support of customers and the strength of its long-standing partnership with Konica Minolta Australia. As the authorised Konica Minolta partner in PNG, the company says the awards highlight its ongoing focus on innovation, customer service excellence, and helping businesses improve efficiency through smarter technology solutions. The company thanked its customers, partners, and staff for their dedication and support in making the achievement possible, adding that it looks forward to building on this success in the future.

TISA Bank and TISA Insurance have expanded their presence into Enga Province after formalizing a lease agreement with the Enga Provincial Government to establish a new branch in Wabag. The new branch will operate from the Dr. Samson Amean Commercial Centre, located next to the provincial administration headquarters centered in Wabag Town. This will provide integrated banking and insurance services to communities across the province. TISA Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Koisen, said the partnership reflects TISA Group’s ongoing commitment to bringing financial services closer to Papua New Guineans and supporting economic development in local communities. He stated that the co-location of TISA Bank and TISA Insurance, will improve convenience for customers while helping local businesses gain better access to financial and insurance services. Meanwhile, Enga Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka, welcomed the agreement, stating that the establishment of the new branch will strengthen financial inclusion, encourage business growth and contribute to long-term development in Enga Province. The expansion is expected to improve access to financial services for residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses while supporting continued socio-economic growth throughout the province.

Andrew Cairns has been appointed President of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council, strengthening his commitment to advancing trade and business relations between Australia and Papua New Guinea.Mr. Cairns, who serves as Chief Executive of Westpac PNG, takes on the role at a time when both countries are placing greater focus on economic growth, investment and stronger commercial partnerships. The Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council is a member-based organisation that promotes trade, investment and private sector collaboration between the two nations while also engaging with both governments on key business matters. Mr. Cairns said the relationship between Australia and PNG is built on strong connections between businesses, communities and people, adding that the Council plays an important role in creating opportunities for shared growth and sustainable economic development. As President, he will lead the Council’s Executive Committee, advocate on policy issues, and support initiatives aimed at boosting trade and investment, including the annual Australia PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo. Mr. Cairns has led Westpac PNG since 2025 and brings extensive international experience in banking, telecommunications and social finance, with a continued focus on digital innovation, customer growth and economic development across PNG.

The Papua New Guinea Unity Games remain in uncertainty despite renewed assurances from organizers that the long-delayed event will proceed in 2026 in Southern Highlands province. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has maintained that preparations are continuing for the Games to be staged between June 20 to July 20, 2026. However, major concerns surrounding venue readiness, accommodation, water supply, sanitation, and public health infrastructure, continue to cast doubt over the event’s feasibility. Recent updates from organizers confirmed that several critical areas remain unresolved, including hygiene systems and the completion of sporting venues. The main venue, Oiyarep Stadium, is still undergoing work and has yet to meet operational standards required to host a national sporting event. Officials from the PNG Sports Foundation and the LOC, recently met in Mendi to review progress and discuss ongoing challenges surrounding preparations. Provincial leaders have also raised concerns about public health and safety if key infrastructure issues are not addressed before the games begin. Water supply, sanitation, and sewerage systems remain among the most pressing challenges identified by local authorities. In addition, the games have faced repeated postponements since Southern Highlands province won hosting rights in 2017 during the bid process held in West New Britain province. Over the years, the event has reportedly been delayed multiple times due to election-related violence, the COVID-19 pandemic, funding constraints, political instability, and security concerns. With projected costs now estimated at K270 million, criticism has continued to grow over the viability of the games amid wider national challenges involving healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the National Executive Council is expected to make a final determination on whether the Games will proceed as planned, face another postponement, or be suspended indefinitely.

Prime Minister James Marape has ordered immediate action to resolve delays in fuel subsidy payments, warning that bureaucratic inefficiency will not be tolerated as some service stations face temporary closures. He revealed that K576 million remains in a Central Bank trust account designated for fuel subsidies, while K246 million has already been paid to importers. “We have a K576 million sitting in the Central Bank trust account right now while K246 million has already been paid,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is inefficiency on the part of the bureaucrats- Treasury, Finance, Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC), and Central Bank.” Prime Minister Marape said he is investigating why payments have not been processed to address the disruption and warned that officials failing to act could face dismissal. “I am getting to the bottom of this as this is below government level, why they have not attended to this national crisis situation.” “The government has done its part. We have created a public policy space, made available a K1 billion facility, with the funds sitting at Central Bank.” “Why it is not being moved out is something I'd like to find out. If it means sacking some people who are not working, we will sack people.” The government has already released K300 million of the K1 billion facility allocated to maintain fuel prices at April 2026 levels. The intervention is aimed at shielding consumers from price increases, but operational delays have led to closures at several service stations. “I have instructed the relevant offices to attend to the matter today and restore normal supply.” “We are working to fix what went wrong along the supply chain.” In addition, the Prime Minister also commended the Minister for Rural and Economic Development Joseph Lelang, for leading the initial response, alongside the Treasury and Finance Ministers to coordinate with stakeholders. “Treasury, Finance, the Central Bank, commercial banks, ICCC, fuel importers, and fuel retailers, must work in unison to deliver on government policy and ensure consistent supply to the public.” He appealed to the public for patience while authorities restore normal operations. “We ask the public to bear with us today as we resolve this issue and restore services.” The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stable fuel prices and ensuring uninterrupted supply through coordinated action across all agencies.