Get ready for the Enga Province Music Festival, dropping in 2027. The Enga Music Team, including renowned singer and songwriter Mal Meninga Kuri (MMK), recently announced that a five-day music festival is set to launch in Enga Province next year. According to his Facebook post shared on May 11, MMK explained that the event will bring together emerging artists from all six districts of the province. In true Niugini style hospitality, performers from across the four regions will also be invited to participate. The festival’s primary goal is to promote local talent, foster unity, and encourage positive social change throughout the province. The event is designed to offer much more than just musical performances. The program will include awareness sessions, SME business opportunities, and youth empowerment activities intended to benefit the people of Enga both economically and socially. MMK noted that while sports have traditionally been the "glue" that unites the province, the Provincial and Local Level Governments recognize that creative arts, particularly music, can serve as a similar tool for progress. This festival aims to provide an additional path for bringing hope and inspiration to the younger generation. Meninga emphasized that the festival will remain entirely free of political influence or control. He reiterated that the event is organized strictly for the community, the youth, and the long-term development of the local music industry within the province. While the Enga Music Team is maintaining its independence, they welcome support from government leaders, business houses, NGOs, and community partners to help make the vision a success. To ensure the festival is accessible to everyone, there will be no gate fees for the public, and security personnel will be present throughout the five days to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all attendees. More details on the event will be made available to the public soon.

Kina Bank has stepped in to support animal welfare in Papua New Guinea, donating essential pet supplies to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to assist in the daily care of shelter animals awaiting adoption. The donation, made on Friday 24th April 2026 by the CEO’s office, included pet food, blankets, pillows, and toys that are vital for maintaining the comfort and wellbeing of animals under shelter care. The support was formally received by Senior Veterinary Nurse Ms. Jasmine Mileng on behalf of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), who welcomed the contribution as a meaningful boost to ongoing animal care efforts. Ms. Mileng said the donation will directly improve conditions for animals in the shelter. “On behalf of RSPCA, we sincerely thank Kina Bank for this thoughtful donation,” she said. “These items will make a real difference in caring for the animals at our shelter and ensuring they are comfortable while they wait to find their forever homes.” From the bank’s side, Chief of Staff Mr. Mackhenly Kaiok said the initiative reflects Kina Bank’s broader commitment to community support beyond financial services. “This is a small gesture, but one we hope will go a long way in supporting the care of the animals housed at RSPCA,” Kaiok said. “We appreciate the important work the RSPCA team does and are pleased to contribute in a practical way while these animals await adoption and new homes.” The donation forms part of a series of community-focused initiatives by Kina Bank staff, highlighting ongoing efforts to contribute to social and welfare causes across Papua New Guinea. Bank officials say such initiatives reflect a culture of corporate responsibility, where support extends beyond banking services into community wellbeing and humanitarian care. The RSPCA continues to rely on public and private support to maintain operations, care for abandoned and rescued animals, and promote responsible animal ownership across the country. The latest donation is expected to help ease resource pressures at the shelter while improving the quality of care provided to animals awaiting adoption.

More than 1,500 health workers across Papua New Guinea are receiving a combined K3.5 million in life insurance survival benefits this year under BSP Life PNG’s Wantok Delite Life Insurance product, in what is being described as a major milestone for insurance participation in the country. The announcement was made in Port Moresby on Monday, 11 May 2026, with BSP Life PNG confirming that the payouts are being made to members of the PNG Health Support Workers Association (PNGHSWA). The benefit scheme traces back to January 2023, when more than 2,000 PNGHSWA members were enrolled into BSP Life’s Group Term Life cover with premiums funded by the PNG Government before transitioning into the Wantok Delite insurance product. Under the policy, members are entitled to receive a guaranteed Survival Benefit payout equivalent to 10 percent of their total sum insured every three years, provided the policy remains active. For members who joined in 2023, this year marks their first payout cycle. BSP Life PNG Country Manager Nilson Singh said the initiative reflects a significant step in protecting workers and their families financially. “We commend the PNG Health Support Workers Association and the PNG Government for taking that bold step three years ago to protect their members and their families with life insurance,” Singh said. According to BSP Life, many recipients are already using the payouts for important family needs including school fees, loan repayments, home repairs, and community support. The insurer also noted that many members were surprised to learn that life insurance products could provide living cash benefits while policyholders are still alive, challenging common misconceptions surrounding insurance in Papua New Guinea. “Not only has the Association secured its members’ futures, but it has also placed trust in BSP Life to deliver living benefits real cash returns that members can use today,” Singh said. “Our purpose is to Champion Prosperity for the South Pacific, and we are proud to be making a difference in the lives of so many Papua New Guineans.” Beyond the survival payouts, BSP Life confirmed it has also paid more than K1.8 million in death claims to families of PNGHSWA members under the Group Insurance scheme. Singh described insurance as a critical financial safety net, especially for families facing unexpected financial hardship. BSP Life PNG Board Chairman Rabbie Namaliu Junior said the milestone demonstrates the growing value of insurance in strengthening financial resilience across the country. “Today, members of the PNG Health Support Workers Association and their families are seeing real benefits. Behind every payout is a family, a future, and a promise fulfilled,” Namaliu said. PNGHSWA Acting General Secretary Boni Kaipa also acknowledged the partnership between the government, BSP Life, and the association, saying the benefits extend beyond individual workers to families nationwide. The Survival Benefit payouts began in February 2026 and are expected to continue throughout the year for all eligible members under the scheme.

The Member (MP) for Hiri Koiari, Keith Iduhu, has admitted that the lack of government funding is the reason behind the poor delivery of key infrastructure developments in the district for some time. But despite this hindrance, the Deputy Opposition Leader said the Hiri Koiari District Development Authority (HKDDA) under his stewardship as chairman, continues to deliver with the little resource available. He said education and health are key sectors that the HKDDA continues to support in the district to serve the people. A recent handover of keys for a new teacher's house for the Papa Junior High School in Hiri West, shows that despite the challenges, the MP along with the DDA continue to deliver. "The opening of this teacher's house is more than just the accommodation. It reflects our collective commitment and dedication to building and supporting learning environment.""While there is still more to be done in improving school infrastructures under the education department's 1-6-6 reform, I must be candid in noting that government funding to the Hiri Koiari district remains a challenge and this continues to hinder progress," he said. " Be as it may, we do our best to apply our limited resources in impact priority areas such as health and education," he said. He acknowledged the Local Level Government (LLG) President for Hiri, Haoda Rogea and all the Hiri West Ward Members for their time and support in making this occasion a reality. Mr. Iduhu was accompanied by his Opposition colleague and MP for Middle Fly, Maso Hewabi to witness the occasion.

Westpac PNG has congratulated the PNG Indigenous team following an impressive campaign at the recent 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Mackay, Australia.Papua New Guinea claimed the NICC Men’s Spirit of Cricket Award and several players received individual honours throughout the tournament. The championships were held on Yuwibara Country from April 14–19, featuring men’s and women’s T20 competitions at Great Barrier Reef Arena and Harrup Park. Papua New Guinea took part in the men’s division as an invitational side for the first time, while four PNG Lewas players also represented South Australia’s women’s team during the event. PNG’s performances highlighted the country’s growing cricket talent and the team’s commitment to sportsmanship and discipline ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Among the major achievements, Papua New Guinea received the NICC Men’s Spirit of Cricket Award, while Tony Ura was named Men’s Player of the Championship and selected in the Men’s Team of the Championship. Henao Thomas earned selection in the Women’s Team of the Championship, while Michael Charlie received the Westpac Player of the Round award for Round Two. Several PNG players also secured Westpac Player of the Match honours during the competition: Round 1 vs Queensland – Tony Ura Round 2 vs Tasmania – Michael Charlie Round 4 vs South Australia – Sese Bau Round 5 vs Northern Territory – Hila Vare Round 7 vs Tasmania – Tony Ura PNG recorded a series of strong performances during the week, including back-to-back victories in rounds four and five to remain unbeaten midway through the tournament. The competition also served as important preparation for upcoming international assignments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Japan. Chief Executive of Westpac PNG, Andrew Cairns, said the bank was proud to see the PNG Indigenous team recognised for both its performances and sportsmanship. “We’re proud to see the PNG Indigenous team recognised for both performance and sportsmanship at the NICC. Congratulations to the players and staff, especially those who received Westpac match awards throughout the tournament,” Cairns said. Cricket PNG High Performance Manager and Head Coach Tim McCaskill said the tournament provided valuable preparation for future competitions. “The Spirit of Cricket award reflects the standards we set for ourselves as a group, and the individual honours are a credit to the players’ hard work,” McCaskill said. The team has since returned to Port Moresby and resumed preparations for upcoming fixtures and tournament commitments. The participation of the PNG Indigenous team and PNG Lewas players was supported through the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, which helps Pacific athletes, coaches and officials access elite competition and high-performance opportunities.

Joint security forces in Enga Province have intensified operations targeting alcohol-fuelled crime, with police and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force recording multiple arrests and major alcohol seizures during coordinated patrols across Wabag and surrounding areas.The operations, conducted between 10 and 11 May 2026, are being led by the Enga Provincial Police Command under Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, focusing on restoring law and order in areas identified as hotspots for alcohol-related violence and public disorder. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), working alongside the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, confirmed the seizure of 57 cartons of SP beer during targeted patrols in Wabag Central Business District, Kamas, and Und Village.  Authorities also arrested 14 individuals for drunk and disorderly behavior, while one foreign national was detained for further investigation. PPC Harris said the operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal alcohol supply and consumption, which he described as a major driver of violence in the province. “Alcohol continued to be a major driver of violence, disorder and offending across Enga Province,” Harris said. “We have seen assaults, tribal violence, domestic violence, public disorder and serious offending linked directly to intoxication and the illegal sale of alcohol.” He added that joint security operations would continue aggressively across the province, including patrols, checkpoints, searches, and targeted enforcement actions. “The combined security operation under my command is ramping up and not going away,” he said. “You do not need a bush knife or an axe in town, around markets or in public places. If anyone is carrying those items unlawfully, they will be arrested.” PPC Harris also responded to criticism of the focus on alcohol-related enforcement, defending the operational approach on the ground. “I encourage those people who argue against focusing on alcohol-related violence and crime to stand in the middle of two groups of drunk men fighting and explain how their alternative approach would work,” he said. He confirmed that over 500 cartons of illegal alcohol have now been seized in recent weeks as part of sustained enforcement efforts. Despite ongoing tensions, Harris said recent operations had produced measurable improvements, including a reported 72-hour period with no tribal fighting, no major violent incidents, and no serious crime reports. He credited the results to consistent enforcement, visible policing, and community cooperation. “This is the result of consistent enforcement, visible policing, community cooperation and people making better decisions,” he said. The PPC also acknowledged community leaders and residents who have supported the operations, saying many Engans want stronger enforcement to restore peace and stability. He emphasized that Enga is not a conflict zone but a province with strong cultural values and deserves safety and order. “Enga is not a war zone, but it is a province with strong people, strong culture and strong communities that deserve safety, stability and the protection of the law,” Harris said. Security forces confirmed they will continue joint operations as efforts intensify to reduce alcohol-related crime and reinforce law and order across the province.

Digicel Pacific has announced that Mr. Tarik Boudiaf will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digicel Papua New Guinea after nearly two years in the role, to return to France to be with his family.In a statement, Roary Stasko, CEO of Telstra International, acknowledged the company’s ongoing commitment to the country, saying Digicel PNG continues to play a vital role in connecting communities nationwide. “Digicel PNG plays an important role in connecting people across the country,” Stasko said. “Our focus remains firmly on serving our customers, supporting communities, and contributing to the economic development of Papua New Guinea. We remain committed to providing reliable connectivity and services that matter to the people of PNG.” Digicel Pacific confirmed it will begin the process of recruiting a permanent successor to the position. In the meantime, Brett Goschen, Chief Financial Officer of Digicel Group, will assume the role of acting CEO to ensure continuity of leadership and ongoing business operations.

Australia is closely collaborating with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to ensure health services are delivered effectively and efficiently across PNG. This includes a recent delivery of essential medical supplies to Western and Milne Bay provinces. Nearly seventeen (17) tons of medical supplies were delivered to North Fly District in Western province, and an additional two (2) tons were distributed, including oxygen to Alotau in Milne Bay. These deliveries are part of continuous efforts to ensure communities in remote and hard-to-reach areas are receiving essential health services. The supplies, which were uplifted from the Port Moresby Medical Store in Badili, were transported by the Royal Australian Air Force to Tabubil and Alotau. A total of twenty-one (21) facilities were reached across North and Middle Fly districts in Western Province plus ten (10) health facilities across Milne Bay. These deliveries were made possible through the close collaboration between the Australian Government, the National Department of Health. Provincial Health Authorities in Western and Milne Bay provinces, and partners including the Sustainable Development Program (SDP) and Ok Tedi Limited. Each of these partners play a vital role in allowing a safe and timely movement of supplies from Port Moresby city to provincial hubs and onward to local health facilities. The operation reflects a strong and enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Close coordination efforts continue to support resilient health systems and improved health outcomes for communities across PNG.

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.