Mothers from Aumara and nearby villages in Rai Coast in Madang province gathered on May 10 to celebrate Mother’s Day and honor mothers, especially widows, for their strength and contribution to families and the community. The event was held at Aumara Community in Erima, Rai Coast District and was organized by Margaret Areng Yama, who has been leading the annual celebration since 2011. Speaking during the celebration, Ms. Yama encouraged mothers to remain strong and continue playing their important role in raising children, caring for families, and keeping homes united. She also called on people to respect and care for their mothers and not take them for granted. “Widows should also be supported because many of them continue to raise families on their own despite facing many challenges,” she said. The community marked the occasion with singing, dancing, sharing food, and other activities. Gifts were presented to widowed mothers in recognition of their sacrifices and commitment to their families. Ms. Yama said the purpose of starting the Mother’s Day celebration was to bring mothers together and provide support to those facing struggles in the community. Among the widows honored during the celebration was her mother, Maria Areng.

Prime Minister James Marape met with the President of the Republic of Timor- Leste this afternoon in Port Moresby city where both leaders agreed to establish reciprocal embassies following their bilateral talks. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit, focused on deepening trade, diplomatic ties, and people-to-people exchanges between the two oil and gas-producing nations. Prime Minister Marape welcomed His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta at Melanesian Haus, describing him as “a global statesman” and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose advocacy for small island and emerging nations resonates on issues of peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. “Mr. President, we welcome you to our country,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are not living in isolation. We relate to nations, and we share better together. Today, Timor-Leste is on its way to relating to us further, apart from our shared presence in regional and global groupings.” Both leaders discussed shared regional positioning, noting that PNG and Timor Leste sit between Australia, ASEAN, and Pacific Island nations. President Ramos-Horta pledged Timor-Leste’s support for PNG’s bid to become a full member of ASEAN, while PM Marape committed to lobbying ASEAN member states at the earliest, according to the processes that ASEAN nations are subscribed to. “His Excellency Ramos-Horta has indicated his nation’s interest to open an embassy here, and I am also interested in opening an embassy there,” PM Marape told a press conference after the meeting. He said the two governments would pursue reciprocal diplomatic missions to enhance trade and cultural ties. The leaders also highlighted similarities between the two countries, including oil and gas resources, flag features, and populations with shared cultural affinities. Prime Minister Marape said PNG and Timor-Leste are “stronger together than in isolation” and must collaborate to amplify Pacific voices on ocean preservation and resource rights.

The Framework Agreement between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the People’s Republic of China has been finalized and the signing is to take place very soon. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru made the confirmation announcement today in Port Moresby city. He said the Framework Agreement is to enhance economic partnership between PNG and China. The finalization comes almost a week after Prime Minister James Marape’s recent official visit to China. “The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views and agreed to strengthen and elevate China – PNG economic and trade relations. The Framework Agreement is now ready for signing next week by myself and the Minister for Commerce of the People’s Republic of China on the margins of the Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Minister Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Suzhou, China.” “After signing the Framework Agreement, we will commence negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that will include various chapters including Economic Cooperation, Investment Facilitation, Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Rules of Origin, SME Development, Technical Barriers to Trade, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Digital Trade, and others,” said Minister Maru. “While we may have other bilateral agreement with other countries, China will remain the most important partner in the area of trade and investment. We want to seal that through a CEPA. This is a critical step the Marape-Rosso Government is taking in consistent with our new foreign policy Strategic Partnership for Security and Economic Prosperity,” he added. On his way to attend the APEC MRT Meeting, Minister Maru will also be meeting with potential investors who expressed their interest to invest in PNG following the China-PNG Business Roundtable held on the margins of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Guangdong Province.

Families in Paliama village in Wewak, East Sepik Province, are seeing significant changes in their daily lives as improved cocoa farming practices and stronger market access bring more stable incomes to rural households in Papua New Guinea’s Sepik region. Under the Ramangs Cocoa Development Project, farmers who once relied heavily on early-morning trips to roadside markets are now increasingly able to depend on cocoa as a primary source of income. Jonathan Kriswa, lead farmer and director of the project, said the shift reflects a move away from informal farming toward a more organized, quality-focused system. “The biggest change for us was moving from informal cocoa farming to a structured, quality-driven system. Our farmers now understand quality, work together, and sell with confidence to reliable markets,” he said. The Ramangs group brings together 710 cocoa growers from 10 villages across inland Sepik, including foothill and island communities. In earlier years, farmers often sold wet cocoa beans to middlemen at low prices, with inconsistent fermentation and drying methods limiting both quality and income. “Before, farmers dried cocoa directly on fire after fermentation. The result was poor quality beans, low prices, and no real market power,” Kriswa said. Support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme since 2021 has helped transform production practices through training, improved equipment, and better access to markets. Farmers have adopted improved fermentation and drying methods designed to meet buyer standards. Kriswa, who was trained as a Trainer of Trainers under the programme, said knowledge-sharing has been key to sustaining improvements across the cooperative. The group has also begun exporting directly to overseas buyers, including a recent shipment to New Caledonia and interest from buyers in Australia. Overseas partners have reportedly noted improvements in bean quality, including better uniformity and moisture control. According to Kriswa, the cooperative’s cash flow has now reached PGK 263,000, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. Beyond income growth, the impact is being felt at the household level. Families are now better able to pay school fees, access healthcare, and invest in housing improvements such as permanent structures with corrugated iron roofing. “Mothers no longer have to rely mainly on carrying garden produce to the highway at 4 am to earn cash,” Kriswa said. Women farmers have also reported positive changes, with some saving a portion of cocoa earnings to build permanent homes and support household needs. The project is also investing in youth participation and leadership, ensuring younger farmers are trained in cocoa management and production techniques. From a once loosely organized farming system, Ramangs has developed into a coordinated cooperative focused on quality production and direct market access. For many families, the change is simple but significant: mornings no longer begin at 4 am just to make ends meet.

Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., has directed the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to fully enforce a National Executive Council (NEC) decision requiring the blocking of pornographic and other unsuitable online content across Papua New Guinea. The Minister announced that on May 8, 2026, he issued a 30-day directive to NICTA to implement NEC Decision No. 265/2023, which was originally approved in September 2023 but has yet to be fully carried out. Minister Tsiamalili expressed concern over the delay in implementation. “I am extremely concerned that implementation has not been fully carried out.” Under the directive, NICTA, in collaboration with the Office of Censorship, must ensure that all identified unsuitable websites, online services, and harmful digital content are comprehensively blocked through all licensed internet service providers within the next 30 days. The directive specifically targets pornography, violent material, harmful content, and other online services considered unsuitable for minors and vulnerable groups. Minister Tsiamalili said the government’s action is aimed at strengthening online safety rather than introducing unnecessary censorship. “Please be assured that this is not about arbitrary censorship. This is about protecting children, vulnerable groups, and strengthening cyber safety in our country.” He also directed that the implementation process be conducted transparently, with public accountability measures in place to maintain trust and confidence in the policy. “The Government’s directive is clear: after more than two years, full implementation must now be delivered.” The NEC decision was first approved in September 2023 as part of the government’s wider efforts to regulate harmful online content and improve digital safety standards in Papua New Guinea.

The Papua New Guinea Barramundis produced an impressive all-round performance to defeat the Cook Islands national cricket team by 49 runs in Match 9 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2026 at Korogi Sports Park on Saturday, May 10. Batting first, PNG posted a strong total of 204 for 5 from their 20 overs, led by an explosive innings from Tony Ura, who smashed 74 runs off 33 balls including six boundaries and five sixes. Lega Siaka also played a key role, finishing unbeaten on 80 runs to guide PNG through the middle and closing overs and help maintain the team’s momentum. Additional contributions from Sese Bau with 22 runs and captain Assadolla Vala added support to PNG’s innings. In response, the Cook Islands were restricted to 155 for 6 from their 20 overs as the PNG bowling attack consistently applied pressure and claimed important wickets throughout the chase. Sese Bau led the bowling attack with 2 wickets for 22 runs, dismissing both Hayden Dickson and Luca Grace to slow the Cook Islands’ momentum. John Kariko was also impressive with 2 wickets for 29 runs, while Vala and Siaka each picked up a wicket and maintained control during the middle overs. The supporting bowlers, including Alei Nao, Aue Oru, and Patrick Nou also contributed to the disciplined bowling effort. Following the commanding victory, the PNG Barramundis head into their upcoming matches with growing confidence and strong momentum in the tournament.

James Marape has welcomed international leaders arriving in Papua New Guinea for the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Conference, taking place at APEC Haus from May 11 to 14, 2026. Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, May 10, Prime Minister Marape described the conference as a landmark event that would bring together Pacific nations and international partners to address ocean protection, climate resilience, and sustainable marine management. He said the conference comes at a crucial time as rising sea levels; ocean warming, pollution and environmental damage continue to threaten island nations and marine ecosystems around the world. Prime Minister Marape said the summit provides an important platform for Pacific countries to transform regional leadership into practical action. “Our ocean supports our food security, cultures, economies and resilience against climate change,” he said. He stressed that protecting marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods were essential to ensuring a secure future for coming generations. The Prime Minister said oceans play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, contributing to the water cycle, supporting marine ecosystems, storing carbon and producing oxygen. He also reflected on Earth’s uniqueness, saying water systems such as oceans, rivers and seas distinguish the planet from others in the universe. “If we destroy our waters and marine ecosystems, we are destroying the planet itself,” Prime Minister Marape stated. He said Pacific nations should not be viewed simply as small island states, but as custodians of one of the world’s largest and most significant ocean regions. “We are small in population and landmass, but we are large ocean states through our sovereign waters,” he said. Prime Minister Marape noted that the Pacific Ocean remains one of the world’s largest carbon sinks and plays a critical role in maintaining global environmental balance. He said one of the expected outcomes of the conference would be stronger regional commitments to protect at least 30 percent of sovereign ocean spaces from harmful exploitation and environmental destruction. The Prime Minister also called on industrialized countries and major carbon-emitting nations to work with Pacific countries in conserving oceans and forests. He highlighted Papua New Guinea’s position within the Coral Triangle, one of the richest marine biodiversity areas in the world. “Papua New Guinea sits in the heart of one of the world’s most important reef systems,” he said. Prime Minister Marape welcomed visiting leaders, delegates, development partners and international representatives attending the conference, including José Ramos-Horta. He also said Papua New Guinea is increasingly becoming a regional destination for international conferences and events because of its strategic location between the Pacific, Asia, Southeast Asia and Australasia. Prime Minister Marape encouraged Port Moresby residents to help create a safe and welcoming environment for visitors attending the conference. He concluded by urging participating countries to use the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Conference to strengthen regional cooperation and global action on ocean conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development for future generations.

The Laila Foundation, after visiting Butuka Academy today to give free prescription glasses to nineteen (19) students, later went to the Gordon Secondary School to do the same there. This initiative by the Laila Foundation aims to improve the vision and educational success of children in Port Moresby city. The team moved to Gordon Secondary School, where seven (7) more students received custom-made glasses. This marks the third distribution since March 2026, following the first rollout at St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School where thirty (30) students were assisted. These distributions represent an important milestone in a landmark vision care program launched on World Sight Day, October 9, 2025. The mission is to tackle preventable vision impairment among school-aged children. Since the launch, the foundation has reached 4,172 students across eight (8) schools in Port Moresby. Students diagnosed with refractive errors receive free glasses to boost their learning, confidence, and overall well-being. The Laila Foundation carries out this work through partnerships with Eye Care (a subsidiary of Pacific International Hospital), Charity Vision International, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. During the ceremony, Dr. Amyna Sultan emphasized that accessible eye care is vital for a child's ability to learn and feel confident. Additionally, Dr. Edward William "Bill" Jackson reaffirmed the commitment of international partners to preventing blindness and ensuring children in Papua New Guinea have access to high-quality vision care.

Koro Junior High School in East Yangoru LLG, East Sepik Province, recently opened a new 4-in-1 classroom from the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA). The new classroom was officially done last Friday by Yangoru-Saussia MP and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru. Established in 2022, Koro Junior High School serves students from five surrounding villages, namely Kamajain, Gumbi, Koro, Witipi 1, and Witipi 2, as well as nearby communities from Maprik District. The school is located about 18 kilometres from the Sepik Highway and more than 20 kilometres from the nearest high school. Minister Maru said the school’s remote location had long limited students’ ability to continue their education beyond primary school. “The school is situated 18km from the Sepik Highway and over 20km from the nearest high school. Over the years, their children have not been educated beyond primary school.” School principal Richard Morilomo expressed his gratitude for the new facility, describing it as a major boost for the school and local communities. “We now have a reason to celebrate because we have received one of the best modern 4-in-1 classrooms in the district.” “This infrastructure will help produce the human resource who will return and develop our vast plains.” The project includes the newly constructed 4-in-1 classroom, built at a cost of K650,000, along with a brand-new Hino truck valued at K250,000, also provided by the DDA. Minister Maru further announced that the district authority will fund another 4-in-1 classroom and construct four new staff houses for the school later this year. “This is another example of how Yangoru-Saussia District is reaching the unreached in line with the Marape-Rosso Government’s policy of leaving no one behind.” Minister Maru challenged the school community to improve academic performance following the investment and encouraged school leaders to develop a masterplan to guide future expansion, including ambitions to transition into an agriculture technical high school. He also stated that education as the district’s most valuable resource. “Yangoru-Saussia District has no resources such as oil, gas or gold, but we have our children so we will continue to invest in education to develop our human resource and green gold where we are already the leading district in cocoa production in the province and the country.” Maru also urged local communities to unlock customary land for commercial agriculture projects, saying this would create employment opportunities for young people while driving infrastructure development. “We have to create employment opportunities for students attending Koro Junior High School today by unlocking land for large-scale commercial agriculture projects. “This will also enable other developments including bridges, sealed roads, electricity, and better living standards.” “The new infrastructure is expected to improve learning conditions for students in one of East Sepik’s more remote areas while supporting the district’s broader focus on education and rural development.”

The Salvation Army has officially broken ground on a new three-story complex in Boroko that will serve as both an educational facility and a place of worship for the local community. The development will accommodate Grade 11 and 12 classrooms alongside the Boroko Church Chapel, marking a major expansion of the organization’s educational and spiritual outreach in Papua New Guinea. The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by the Territorial Commander for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Colonel Chris Goa, who described the project as an investment in the future of young people. “This is about investing in the future of our young people while also creating a place where lives will be nurtured spiritually and academically,” Colonel Goa said during his address. Drawing from Psalm 127:1 — “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain” — he stressed the importance of faith as the foundation of the project and its long-term impact on the community. Colonel Goa reflected on the institution’s history, noting that the school began as a childcare centre in 1970 before expanding into an elementary and primary school. He said the new development represents the continuation and restoration of its secondary education program. “This vision has been built through faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and prayer,” he said, acknowledging the challenges faced over the years while praising what he described as God’s continued guidance and provision. Addressing students at the ceremony, Colonel Goa encouraged them to use the new facility as a steppingstone toward a brighter future. “May you grow not only in knowledge, but also in character and faith,” he said. He also paid tribute to teachers and Salvation Army officers for their dedication to education and community service. “Your work is more than a responsibility — it is a ministry. Every lesson taught, every encouragement given, and every act of service is helping to build lives for tomorrow,” he said. Parents were recognized for their support and sacrifices in ensuring their children receive both education and spiritual guidance. Colonel Goa concluded by thanking supporters, guests, and partners who contributed to making the project possible. He described the new complex as “a place of learning, a place of worship, a place of growth, and a place of hope — and above all, a place where God is honoured.”

The President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta is in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for bilateral talks and attend the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit 2026.There to receive His Excellency at the Jackson International airport terminal in Port Moresby city early this morning was Prime Minister James Marape. The President was given a guard to honor by the Papua New Defence Force. President Ramos-Horta is visiting PNG from 10 to 13 May at the invitation of Prime Minister Marape. The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties between Timor-Leste and PNG. “The presence of President Ramos-Horta underscores the shared commitment of our nations to regional cooperation and ocean stewardship,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We welcome him warmly as we begin important discussions on our partnership and our common future in the Blue Pacific.” Following bilateral meetings, President Ramos-Horta will attend the Melanesian Oceans Summit, which opens on Monday, 11 May 2026. The summit marks the first gathering of its kind and will bring together leaders and representatives from across the region to address ocean governance, climate resilience, and sustainable marine development. Heads of state, ministers, and heads of mission from 13 countries are attending the summit. Confirmed participants include Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tonga, Timor Leste, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Philippines, Palau, Nauru, Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands. The summit will run through the week in Port Moresby.  

James Marape has paid tribute to Mothers across Papua New Guinea in his Mother’s Day 2026 message, describing Mothers as the foundation of families and calling on Men and Boys to honour, protect and support Women and Girls. In his message to the nation, Prime Minister Marape said Mother’s Day was not only a time to celebrate Mothers but also an opportunity for families and communities to reflect on their responsibility in creating peaceful and caring homes. “Mother’s Day reminds us of the important role Mothers play in keeping families together. When Mothers are cared for and respected, families and communities become stronger,” he said. The Prime Minister acknowledged the daily sacrifices made by Women, saying Mothers continue to carry the burden of raising children, caring for families, supporting communities and contributing to national development. He said Mothers should never be taken for granted, adding that they deserve appreciation, protection, and support every day. Prime Minister Marape also called on Fathers, Husbands, Sons and Male leaders to take greater responsibility within their families, saying leadership begins at home. Referring to Biblical teachings, he said Men have a duty to care for and protect their Wives, Mothers, Daughters and Sisters, stressing that love and responsibility should be the foundation of every family. The Prime Minister expressed concern over ongoing violence and abuse against Women and Girls in the country and urged communities to reject all forms of abuse and neglect. “I see too many cases of abuse against Women and Girls. This must stop. Men and Boys must stand up to protect and care for the Women in their lives,” he said. Prime Minister Marape linked his message to the words of the National Anthem, “O Arise All You Sons,” saying the anthem calls on the Sons of the nation to defend and support their families and communities. He also highlighted the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to addressing Gender-Based Violence through policies aimed at improving maternal health services, increasing opportunities for Women and strengthening responses to domestic violence. The Prime Minister said the Government would continue working with Churches, Communities, Women’s groups, and Development Partners to build a safer environment for Women and Girls across the country. Concluding his message, Prime Minister Marape thanked Mothers throughout Papua New Guinea for their sacrifices, strength and love. “To every Mother in Papua New Guinea, thank you for your care, dedication, and prayers for your families and communities. I wish you all a peaceful and blessed Mother’s Day,” he said.