Prime Minister James Marape has issued a direct challenge to the Opposition, led by member for Ialibu-Pangia Peter O’Neill, demanding they demonstrate their numerical strength on the floor of Parliament instead of attempting to create public tension through social media and the press. He asserted that the Opposition has had ample opportunity to prove their numbers, noting their failure to block any government business during the recent Parliament sitting. “Every meeting of Parliament gives the Opposition an opportunity to prove they have the numbers.” He cited the smooth passage of major bills, including the Coffee Act and the Higher Education Act, as clear evidence that the government maintains a firm majority of over 96 Members of Parliament (MPs). “If they truly had the numbers, they could have blocked government business last week, but they did not.” The Prime Minister dismissed Opposition Leader O’Neil’s actions as a desperate attempt to gain relevance ahead of the 2027 National Elections, labelling his group as “busy bodies without numbers.” He recalled that O’Neill has been the main proponent of votes of no confidence since 2019 but has never successfully commanded a majority. The Prime Minister stressed that “Parliament is ruled by the majority, not social media.” He also strongly criticized O’Neill’s moral standing, pointing to past scandals like the UBS and Motukea Port transactions, stating that he has no moral standing to lecture anyone about leadership. In addition, Prime Minister Marape, emphasized that governing is “serious business” based on proven numbers, not political noise. He set the upcoming budget session as the definitive test of strength. “If Mr. O’Neill believes he can form government, he must show his 59 MPs when Parliament resumes on November 18. If the Opposition can block the budget, then that is the real test.” He urged citizens to remain calm and not be misled, asking them to allow Parliament to function normally. Furthermore, the Prime Minister appealed to all Papua New Guineans to prioritize capable, visionary leaders in the 2027 National Elections, urging them to vote based on merit and stability, not tribalism or personal gain. “Let the numbers in Parliament, not the noise outside to determine leadership.” He also affirmed that PNG’s democracy remains stable and the government is focused on governing.

A severe shortage of medical drugs and supplies at Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae, is crippling patient care across Morobe Province, with doctors warning that lives are at risk. From the Accident and Emergency department Doctor Alex Peawi, he said that the hospital is running dangerously low on essential medicines such as antibiotics, painkillers, and intravenous fluids. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses when we do not have basic supplies.” The shortage has forced patients to buy their own medicines from private pharmacies before receiving treatment. “It is heartbreaking for us as frontline doctors. We are here to save lives, but without medicines, our hands are tied.” Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kipas Binga confirmed the hospital’s stock remains critically low despite assurances that new shipments would arrive by the end of October. “We are doing everything possible to sustain operations with the little we have.” He further stated that the hospital had relied on provincial government support and District Development Authorities (DDAs) to purchase emergency drugs, but funds from a K1.7 million provincial grant earlier this year have run out. He urged continued support to ensure patients receive timely care.

A proposed Yaganon hydro power supply project in Saidor Local Level Government (LLG) in Rai Coast District is a huge impact project which all local landowners in the impact communities must agree to work together as a team to realize their dream come to fruition. This was a direction issued by the Governor of Madang Ramsey Pariwa, when addressing over ten thousand people from the Yaganon census division in Rai Coast District last week at Dein Primary School. The governor’s first official visit to that part of Rai Coast received a rousing welcome with a procession comprising traditional dancers which took him from the heli-pad about a kilometer away to a grand stand at Dein Primary School to address the excited crowds of people who converged on to the venue from both the hinterlands and the coastal villages and hamlets in the Yaganon census division. The governor allowed his First Secretary, Francis Tavatuna, to be carried on a makeshift chair by the people to the venue where he delivered his address. Governor Pariwa admitted that since after taking office in 2022 he has been approached by a number of groups claiming to be the so-called landowners of the Yaganon hydro power project and he was confused who were the genuine landowners to work with. “I am confused as to whom to assist as I am for you all, and one group should not force me to accept its position and overlook the others. That is not right.” “You are all my people, and I don’t want to create divisions amongst you.” “I am your leader, and I am for you all, so I want you to regroup and agree to work together for a better way forward.” He said the people can be excited with the project and continue to talk about it every now and then, however, the actual magnitude of the hydro power project is huge and the amount of work to be carried out is enormous. It is on that note that all parties must sit down and agree and not form their own groupings with vested interest just to gain from the project. Many local leaders including the LLG Presidents from Saidor and Astrolabe Bay who spoke during the occasion expressed their desires in seeing the project get off the ground because it has taken them over twenty years since the idea was hatched to have a hydro power built at the Yaganon River which sits adjacent to the Basamuk Refinery Plant of the Ramu Nickel Project in Rai Coast District. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Yaganon Landowners Association, Wilas Weta, who was instrumental in organizing the gathering at Dein Primary School admitted that he had been to Port Moresby to seek assistance to the project. However, he was advised to go back home and organize his people, and all must come to an agreement in order to see the project get off the ground. In addition, Governor Pariwa in his address assured the people of Yaganon census division that the Madang Provincial Government stands ready to support the project and has already earmarked K5 million for the feasibility study for the project. He explained that now that the landowners have expressed their intentions to work together then they must follow the policy and direction of the Madang Provincial government. He assured the crowd that he stands ready to support the hydro power project going forward due to legacy issues of electricity supply outages currently faced by the province and the country with the exciting grids. Furthermore, Governor Pariwa officiated the ribbon cutting ceremony for the first phase of feasibility study to commence in November with the support of his government going forward.

The Madang Provincial SME Credit Program witnessed its first batch of ten (10) recipients being presented their loans this week in the presence of the Governor for Madang Ramsey Pariwa. These first ten recipients are the success story of the Madang Provincial SME Credit Program after it was officially launched in April this year. Governor Pariwa commended the first ten recipients, stating that they should start small with the SME loan assistance provided by the Madang Provincial Government in order to grow their capital to become successful in life. Mr. Pariwa said Madang is the only province that has invested K5 million to support SME. Other provinces only have districts investing in SME; however, the funding is usually to the tune of only K1 million. He encouraged that he likes to see that one day in the future one of these recipients of the SME Credit Program he has initiated to become successful and operate a big shop in Madang Town. Mr. Pariwa also challenged the Madang people to do away with the ‘laid back’ attitude of sitting down with folded arms and spectating and commenting on the success of others. Instead, Madang people must wake up from their doldrums and focus more on tilling the land, working hard and sweating in order to see progress and prosperity. He further challenged the people to apply the Godly principle of working hard and to sweat in order to become successful in life. In the last fifty years the people of Madang have been expecting too much from the government to provide or give them everything freely. “No wonder the province and the country had not significantly progressed in the last fifty years.” He said in the next fifty years starting this year, the province would have to work hard and sweat in order to achieve positive results, progress and prosperity. “My government is providing the K5 million SME Credit facility to assist the little people to get into small businesses and grow their capital and one day become millionaires.” “We the government are providing an opportunity for all aspiring entrepreneurs of Madang to start a business now going forward.” Meanwhile, the presentation of the first batch of loan to the recipients was facilitated by the Madang Provincial Government, the Division of Commerce and the National Development Bank (NDB). The ten recipients are from rural districts of Madang Province, particularly Usino-Bundi, Middle Ramu, Rai Coast, Madang and Bogia. They all thanked the Governor for the Provincial SME Credit Program which was their first time to be given that opportunity. The Governor said if a little farmer from Kumbruf in Simbai Local Level Government (LLG) of Middle Ramu District could successfully get his loan credit from the bank today, then it should not be an excuse for some of us closer to the town to complain about requirements and wait for miracles to happen. On the other hand, NDB Madang Branch Manager, John Mundi, thanked Governor Pariwa for having confidence in parking the K5 million funding for the SME Credit Program with NDB. Mr. Mundi said the presentation of the loans to the first ten recipients should pave way for more to acquire loans through the Madang Provincial SME Credit Program. He added that the work is already in progress for the second batch of over twenty recipients to take place soon with the third batch soon to be announced before the end of this year. “The SME loan presentation is also an eye-opener for the critics and those people who had doubts and had commented negatively against the SME Credit Program as another money scheme.”

The Office of the Speaker of the National Parliament, and the office of the Open Member for Manus, unequivocally dismiss and condemn the false rumors circulating on social media regarding the health of Speaker Job Pomat CMG, MP.The First Secretary to the Speaker Mr. David Sovo Aussell, said that these malicious reports, claiming that the Speaker of Parliament of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Member for Manus is on ‘life support at the emergency theatre,’ are totally untrue and constitute fake news. “Speaker Job Pomat, CMG, MP, is well and in good health.” He continues to discharge his official duties as the Speaker of the National Parliament and remains fully engaged in his responsibilities to the people of Manus Open Electorate. “We urge the public and social media users to refrain from sharing this baseless misinformation and to rely only on official statements from the Office of the Speaker, the National Parliament, or reputable news outlets.” He strongly stated that spreading such falsehoods is irresponsible and causes unnecessary distress to the member’s family, colleagues, and the people of Manus.

Prime Minister James Marape has strongly defended his government’s six-year tenure, asserting its focus has been on restoring Integrity, Accountability, and Self-Reliance across Papua New Guinea’s systems of governance, economy, and public service.This response was aimed at criticisms from member for Ialibu-Pangia and former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. Prime Minister Marape stated that the Pangu-led Government remains focused on nation-building and good governance, despite the ‘noise and negativity’ from those who he claims, ‘failed our people.’ “I inherited a nation on the brink of financial collapse, buried in unsustainable debt and plagued by corruption.” “We have spent the last six years cleaning up the mess, reforming our systems, and restoring the foundation for sustainable growth and national pride.” The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to the Constitution and Parliamentary democracy, emphasizing that Parliament belongs to the people, not political elites. • Parliamentary Process: Marape insisted that decisions regarding Motions of No Confidence by the Speaker and the Private Business Committee are lawful and consistent with Parliament's Standing Orders and the amended Section 145, which protects political stability for service delivery. • Institutional Independence: He stressed that his administration has restored independence to public institutions that were allegedly weakened by political influence during the previous O’Neill Administration. The Ombudsman Commission, ICAC, and Police now operate free from Political direction. • Anti-Corruption Milestone: The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has been fully established and is operational under his government, which he called a milestone in the fight against corruption. He said those who fear ICAC are those who have things to hide. Prime Minister Marape rejected claims of economic decline, noting that PNG’s economy has grown steadily since 2019 despite global shocks. • Debt Management: He stated that debt levels are transparent, sustainable, and responsibly managed under the Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy, with every Kina borrowed invested in productive areas like roads, education, health, and agriculture- ‘not corruption or vanity projects.’ • ‘Take Back PNG’ Vision & Diversification: Under this vision, the economy is being diversified: o Non-Resource Sector growth has averaged 3-4% annually. o The Kina value has stabilized, with a gradual recovery in export sectors. o Focus is on empowering citizens through Agriculture, SME, and local industry to build resilience. The Prime Minister defended his government’s approach to major resource projects, arguing that renegotiations were essential to secure greater national equity and long-term benefits. • Improved Fiscal Terms: “We did not delay Projects; we renegotiated them to ensure Papua New Guineans get a fairer share of their resources.” • Key Project Achievements: o Papua LNG Project is set for Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2025 under improved terms. o Wafi-Golpu and Porgera renegotiations have increased State equity, royalties, and landowner benefits. o Ok Tedi Mining Ltd and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited are now profitable, debt-free, and contributing record dividends. Prime Minister Marape acknowledged ongoing service challenges but highlighted major investments across key sectors: • Education: The Free Education Policy has been revived with K800 million annual funding. • Health: Hospitals are being upgraded under the National Health Plan (2021–2030), and specialised facilities like Heart, Kidney, and Cancer operations are being established at Port Moresby General Hospital. • Infrastructure: Over K10 billion in investments have been rolled out under the Connect PNG Program to link rural communities and markets. • Law and Order: Record funding is allocated for Police, Defence, and Judiciary, including K1 billion allocated annually to Police and Internal Security. Reforms are underway to double Police numbers to 10,000 by 2030. He concluded by affirming that his administration’s record of open budgeting and fiscal reform is a model of accountability. He dismissed attempts to undermine the government as politically motivated distractions. He reaffirmed that PNG is on the path of stability, economic sovereignty, and institutional integrity. “Our focus remains clear, after celebrating our country’s 50th Independence Anniversary this year, we aim to continue to grow our economy and that we become a developed nation by 2045.”

Prime Minister James Marape recently opened FOCUS: 50 Years of PNG Through the Lens, a significant photographic exhibition celebrating five decades of Papua New Guinea’s national journey since independence.The landmark event, hosted recently at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, showcases a remarkable collection of images by distinguished photographers Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead, chronicling the country's evolution from its emergence as an independent nation in 1975 to the vibrant, diverse nation it is today. In his address, Prime Minister Marape warmly welcomed the veteran photographers and expressed deep national gratitude for their lifelong contribution to documenting PNG's history. “To Rocky and Diana, thank you for being back in Port Moresby. More importantly, thank you for sharing your work with our country.” “We sincerely appreciate the last fifty years or so that you both have contributed to the nation by capturing its history.” PM Marape emphasized that the exhibition is more than an art display; it's a visual record reflecting the soul and spirit of PNG. He hoped visitors would appreciate the story of the PNG people, their landscapes, struggles, unity, and resilience, as seen through Roe and Halstead's eyes. The Prime Minister reflected on PNG's historical context and its unique heritage including decolonization where PNG was "among the last—if not the very last—nations to be decolonized, joining the United Nations family of nations on October 10, 1975. Cultural Diversity another unique heritage where Prime Minister Marape stated that in terms of linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity. PNG is second to none on the face of the planet. He praised the nation’s founders for successfully fusing this incredible diversity into a single nationhood in 1975. Biodiversity, another unique heritage, sees PNG’s natural richness is equally unmatched, housing between six and seven percent of the world’s biodiversity within its borders. Its waters are home to the richest coral reefs on the planet, and its landscapes contain species found nowhere else. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape described Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead as part of the “Somare generation,” the pioneers, artists, leaders, and citizens who were instrumental in building the nation in its formative years. He stressed the enduring nature of their work stating that the legacy of their work will endure. It will contribute to the continuing discourse of the nation’s character moving forward. To ensure the collection is accessible to future generations, Prime Minister Marape announced the government would explore ways to preserve and digitise the photographers’ work, aiming to store it in the national archives. “I look forward to a time when our schoolchildren can access your work as part of our national heritage so that it becomes part of the perpetual story of our country.” “Our first fifty years as seen through the lens of Diana and Rocky.” The FOCUS exhibition is curated as part of the PNG@50 national reflection series, inviting visitors to journey through half a century of change, from the early years of nation-building to modern transformations. In addition, the Prime Minister found it fitting that the exhibition coincides with the nation’s golden jubilee celebrations, noting that the story of Papua New Guinea is one of resilience, faith, and unity. Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead have worked in PNG since the early post-independence years, meticulously documenting everything from traditional life to political milestones and cultural change. Their work now forms an integral part of the nation’s visual record. The exhibition is jointly presented by PAWA TV, the Papua New Guinea@50 Secretariat, and APEC Haus.

Police in Western Province have arrested a 34-year-old man from Merauke in the Muting District of District of Indonesia for illegal purchase of eagle wood and being in possession of unlicensed firearms.The suspect was arrested at Nomand Station in Middle Fly District on Tuesday 04th November 2025 following a tip off, according to North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Inspector, Anjap Minata. Inspector Minata pointed out the suspect was located and apprehended by police personnel who were providing security during the 2025 Local Level Government elections. Moreover, Inspector Minata emphasized that Police further discovered the suspect was buying eagle wood for almost six (6) months after being questioned by police. The suspect had been illegally purchasing eagle wood without a business permit to operate. Police later revealed the suspect brought in five rifles into the country. While he possessed one, four were sold to locals while under the pretext of buying eagle wood. Police are currently investigating just how many riffles were brought into the country and to establish facts to see if there are any deals in place. The suspect is in police custody, and he will be charged for being in possession of unlicensed firearms as well. It was further alleged that the suspect gained entry to PNG from the border especially in the Fly Zebo LLG area. The suspect was brought into the Kiunga police station to effect his arrest under the PNG appropriate laws. The police are now appealing to locals who bought those rifles from him to immediately surrender to police as you have no rights to have those riffles in your possession. “You are illegally in possession of them so surrender to the hands of police personnel before they come to your house. It is not hard as we have good law-abiding citizen in the province and with their support, police will come to you, so surrender the riffles,” PPC Minata said. PPC also warned the locals living along the border villages to be mindful of whom they are doing businesses with either domestically or internationally. He said the locals must be mindful and conscious of their conduct and must adhere to the protocols and laws.

Eight people, including a baby, were rescued after sea pirates attacked a passenger boat near Maus Busu along the Lae coast on Tuesday morning.The group was travelling from Voco Point to Siassi Island when armed men ambushed them between 8am and 9am. The attackers fired shots and used bush knives to stop the boat, injuring the skipper. Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban described the attack was a cruel act. “These were ordinary people trying to travel safely. The suspects had no respect for life,” he said. “Police will hunt them down and bring them to justice.” The passengers included Salu Trading workers and a police officer’s wife with her baby. The pirates stole K20,000 in cash and assaulted three men before escaping. Witnesses said the attackers later rammed the boat, which sank and left passengers floating in the sea until Water Police arrived to rescue them. Later that night, police caught a suspect believed to be from Korogu and living at Bumbu Settlement. He was shot in the leg while trying to escape and taken to Angau Hospital. Police investigations continue.

Health services in Morobe Province continue to struggle with severe drug and medical supply shortages, affecting hospitals and clinics, including Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae.Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA) Board Chairman David Wissink said the problem is part of a wider national issue faced by all Provincial Health Authorities (PHA). He explained that since the direct shipment system to Angau started in late 2023, supplies have often arrived incorrectly. “Orders delivered were not the ones we requested, and even when the right drugs came, they were not in the right quantities,” Wissink said. He added that districts still depend on the Area Medical Store system, which causes more delays and confusion. “Sometimes supplies arrive late, or they are not what we ordered. MoPHA has had to use its own limited funds to buy extra drugs,” he said. Wissink said financial support has been slow, with only half of the 2025 operations budget released so far. However, he confirmed that new drug shipments have arrived and are being distributed. He also said Morobe will soon have its own Provincial Transit Medical Store at Angau to improve drug supply and coordination across the province.

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, has outlined his bold vision for Bougainville’s future, focusing on political independence, economic independence, and good governance.He announced all these at the Bougainville House of Representatives during his recent inaugural address at the second sitting. “Let me now focus on what I stand for in this new term of parliament - I campaigned to pursue three main goals in this new term of parliament, which are political independence, economic independence and good governance,” he said. He reiterated that Bougainville’s journey for political independence is very clear – Bougainville voted for independence as provided for in Part 14 of the PNG Constitution, three years was spent consulting as if Bougainville did not know about its future political status, adding that the real question is ‘whether PNG is ready to accept the Bougainville people’s choice.’ “We expect the Melanesian Agreement and the Sessional Order to be the conduit through which the PNG Parliament will endorse the people’s choice,” he said. According to President Toroama, Bougainville must be a Republic in the true sense and not the current hybrid of Presidential system mixed within a Westminster system of government, stressing that President is directly elected by the people and should not have to negotiate with Ministers in the exercise of his mandate. In his statement, President Toroama further mentioned that the journey home must embrace economic independence at all levels, at the family level, the community level and Bougainville as a whole. “At the government level, my government will first of all ensure that Panguna quickly progresses to the next stage of development,” he said. President Toroama further announced the following projects under economic development: - Bougainville Gold Refinery in Arawa will begin operations soon. - Land is fundamental in economic development and the Toroama/Masatt government will explore ways of bringing more customary land into commercial production, adding that the private sector needs to be ready to take advantage of such opportunities. - At the farmer level, people continue to work hard growing cocoa and copra, but the government must do more with these crops, and the excellent cocoa downstream processing research work by the DPI at Kubu must now progress into commercial production. - Fisheries continues to be a sleeping giant but needs to be awakened, and if PNG is serious about economic independence for Bougainville, then it must immediately transfer the foreign investment powers and functions. The third agenda is ‘Good Governance’ and he stated that governance is the foundation of any nation as it is concerned with institutions, systems and processes that regulate the conduct of any nation. “Institutional reform, both in structure and function are necessary to ensure that the administration is aligned with the Republican political system,” he said, adding that the new Bougainville Constitution must ensure this alignment. Furthermore, good governance is achieved through transparent leadership and strong institutions, and President Toroama challenged the leaders to take lead in practicing good governance. “Good governance is not just talk only, we leaders must lead in practicing good governance – compliance is absolute,” President Toroama challenged, further calling on the public servants and citizens to follow the rules and laws of the land. “Leadership must lead by example, and the people will follow.” In presenting his final remarks President Toroama reiterated that the transformation he was advocating for under the three agendas mentioned is not difficult to achieve with co-operation at all levels and roles that leaders and citizens play in Bougainville society. President Toroama reiterated his 100 days plan, adding that the priorities will require coherent political leadership in providing the necessary policy directions for each relevant Department. “I urge the administration through the Chief Secretary and the relevant Heads of Departments to take note of the priorities for the next 100 days as well as the broader priorities stated in this speech and undertake necessary tasks required to achieve all of these during this term of government as we head towards being a sovereign Bougainville,” he said.

A grade-4 student at Koki Primary School named Stanley James from Goilala Central Province was found dead outside Koki Fish Market in Port Moresby, in the morning of Monday November 3rd.The National Capital District (NCD) Criminal Investigating Division (CID) police officers are currently investigating the death of the 14- year- old boy in hopes to determine the cause of Death. The mother of the late Stanley shared their final moment on Sunday 2nd November, where Stanley informed her of leaving for Koki although she did not approve. That moment became their last encounter. The search began in the afternoon after he did not return home. They searched for him in every possible location Stanley where he could be. It was only yesterday that they discovered about his death. "We now leave it to the police to investigate and find out how he died because, at this moment, we are not sure how he died. The police and the doctors will tell us how he died, so we will wait for the results," the mother said. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed that evidence is being collected by police units from possible eyewitnesses to establish the cause of death. Meanwhile, Simitab emphasized on the increasing death toll in the city and is urging the public to be vigilant when out and about. “With the increasing death toll, some people do not have respect for others. Small things can lead to people losing their lives, like not monitoring each family member on how they move around and where they go.” "I am calling on the city residents to be cautious when moving around," Met. Supt. Simatab said. He further added that no suspects had been arrested yet regarding the death of the small boy.