PNG Haus Bung

British sailors have landed in the nation’s capital, disembarking from the HMS Tamar at the dock in Downtown Port Moresby. The British High Commission in Port Moresby is delighted to welcome the UK’s Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Tamar, to Port Moresby on her second official visit having previously visited in June 2023. The crew of HMS Tamar marched alongside sailors from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) naval element and other international partners in last year's 50th Anniversary Naval Freedom of Port Moresby. HMS Tamar is one of two UK Offshore Patrol Vessels deployed in the Indo-Pacific as part of the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region. She demonstrates the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific by working with our partners and allies to promote maritime security and support humanitarian efforts. Over the past five years, she has sailed over 200,000 nautical miles (equivalent to more than nine times round the Earth’s equator) and played a vital role in supporting counter–illegal (IUU) fishing patrols with regional partners, delivering humanitarian aid, and conducting maritime exercises with Pacific Naval forces. Tamar is also one of the Royal Navy’s greenest ships, with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly filters that reduce diesel emissions by 90%.

The National St John Ambulance Council Papua New Guinea (NStJA) has commissioned its first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District on 15th May 2026 marking a major milestone in expanding emergency pre-hospital healthcare access in the district. The service was established through a request and funding support from the Unggai Bena District Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA). Unggai Bena District, with a population of more than 75,000 people, consists of three Local Level Government areas: Upper Bena Rural, Lower Bena Rural, and Unggai Rural. Recruitment and training for ambulance officers were conducted in 2025, with four local recruits successfully completing their ambulance training program. In February 2026, a total of eight ambulance officers including four newly trained local officers and four experienced officers deployed from Port Moresby were stationed in the district. Since deployment, the ambulance team has conducted community awareness programs on emergency access, supported local events, and responded to more than 200 emergencies. Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Sports, and Member for Unggai Bena, Kinoka Feo welcomed the commissioning and acknowledged the partners involved. “Healthcare remains a priority for the district, and the establishment of the ambulance service is a major milestone for the people of Unggai-Bena,” Minister Feo said. “Our people can now access a fully equipped ambulance staffed by trained professionals who can provide critical pre-hospital emergency care from the scene of an incident through to hospital admission.” “This fills a significant gap in healthcare delivery within the district, and the DDA remains committed to supporting and strengthening the ambulance service in Unggai Bena.” He also acknowledged the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (PHA) for supporting the integration of the service into existing health programs. NStJA Commissioner and Chief Executive, Mr. Kai Tane said emergency response services play a critical role in saving lives. “Emergency healthcare is often the difference between life and death,” Mr. Tane said. “When a mother experiences complication during childbirth, when a child becomes critically ill, when there is a road accident or medical emergency timely ambulance response and trained pre- hospital care can save lives before a patient even reaches hospital.” He said the establishment of the service followed three years of planning and discussions between NStJA and the Unggai Bena DDA, beginning in 2023. “This is the first ambulance to be commissioned and there’s more to come,” he said. “With eight ambulance officers working 12-hour shifts, the people of Unggai Bena now have access to a 24-hour ambulance service, seven days a week.” He said services can be accessed through the National Ambulance Operations Centre (NAOC) on 303 1000 or the toll-free emergency number 111. Recruitment for a second ambulance service has already commenced, which will expand coverage across the district and create additional employment opportunities for local residents. “To the people of Unggai-Bena this ambulance belongs to you. Protect it, support it, and work with our officers so we can continue strengthening emergency services in the district,” Mr Tane said. NStJA Board Member Ms. Taimil Taylor said the commissioning reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding emergency healthcare access to rural communities. The service is expected to improve emergency response times and strengthen healthcare delivery across Unggai Bena District.

Wewak has marked a key step forward in provincial healthcare after CPL Group, through its City Pharmacy Medical and Lab Supplies Division, signed a Laboratory Equipment Lease Agreement with the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (PHA). The three-year partnership is aimed at boosting diagnostic capacity in the province by supplying modern laboratory equipment, including biochemistry analyzers designed to deliver faster and more accurate patient test results. Beyond equipment supply, CPL MedLabs will also handle installation, staff training, ongoing maintenance, and a steady supply of consumables to keep laboratory operations running without disruption. The agreement was formally signed in Wewak between CPL Group representatives and ESPHA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mathew Kaluvia. CPL Group Chief Operations Officer Pradeep Panda said the partnership is expected to directly improve healthcare delivery in the province. “This partnership will support healthcare providers in East Sepik with improved testing capacity, enabling quicker diagnosis and more informed treatment decisions,” Panda said. East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, who witnessed the signing, welcomed the agreement and said it addresses a long-standing challenge in provincial health services. He said laboratory limitations have been a major concern for the hospital, adding that partnerships like this are critical in bridging resource gaps. With the agreement now in place, CPL Group says it remains committed to supporting both provincial and national health systems through improved access to reliable medical testing and services across Papua New Guinea.

Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru has called for a shift in community attitudes towards government authority, saying peace in remote areas will only last if people work with public institutions. His remarks followed a peace and reconciliation ceremony in Sialum, Tewai-Siassi District, where rival groups handed over firearms and traditional weapons following earlier clashes. The process was conducted with police, church leaders, elders, and local officials overseeing the reconciliation between the two sides. Chief Supt. Siguyaru said travel into the area highlighted serious infrastructure and service delivery challenges, including poor road access, long and difficult journeys, and limited government presence. He said despite these difficulties, communities continued to show strong cultural respect through traditional welcomes and ceremonies for visiting officials. However, he noted that basic government services remain stretched, with few teachers, health workers, and police stationed in the area. Local police and auxiliary officers were commended for maintaining law and order under difficult conditions and with limited support. He said the peace exercise gave both groups an opportunity to raise issues openly and restore stability in the community. But he warned that reconciliation efforts would not succeed unless there was a change in behaviour and attitudes towards authority. “Respect for government workers and systems is important,” Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru said. He added that cooperation between communities and government is essential to improve service delivery and prevent future conflict. Siguyaru said the ceremony went beyond weapons surrender, describing it as an effort to rebuild trust between communities and the state. He urged leaders and residents to support long-term behavioural change to avoid a return to conflict.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Papua New Guinea, through its BU Energy Drink brand, has successfully concluded the 2026 BU Disc Jockey (DJ) Competition Masters & Prodigy, following a nine-week showcase of local DJ talent in Port Moresby city. The competition, which ran from March 21st to May 23rd, was hosted every Saturday night at Cosmopolitan Night Club, ending in a grand final on Saturday, May 23rd. The event brought together aspiring and established DJs who competed across several music genres including Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), and club mixes. Contestants were assessed on technical skill, creativity, originality, and crowd engagement. Representing CCEP PNG on the judging panel were Dorothy Bengo, Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability; Marcel Eno, Key Account Manager; Mea George and Richard Rawali, both Area Sales Managers; and Gabriel Manoi, Head of Marketing, Brand and Activation. They joined expert judges in evaluating the performances throughout the competition. A total prize pool of K25,000 was awarded across the Pro and Prodigy categories. DJ Wayne Dawg and DJ Skedeh emerged as overall winners, taking home K13,000, including K10,000 for the Pro category and K3,000 for Prodigy. Second place went to DJ Jay Young and DJ Dogg 6iix, who received K7,000, while DJ Savage and DJ Tragic placed third with K3,500. DJ Fixx and DJ Unkz Mickey finished fourth, earning K1,500. Teams placing fifth and sixth received BU sponsor merchandise. CCEP PNG Head of Marketing, Brand and Activation, Gabriel Manoi, said the company was proud to create opportunities for local DJs to showcase their talent. “We are proud to have provided a stage right here in Port Moresby for our local DJs to shine,” “To every DJ who stepped up, showed up, and brought their energy to the decks, this competition was built for you. We look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.” Backed by a total sponsorship of K30,000, the BU DJ Competition forms part of CCEP PNG’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth development, creativity, and entertainment initiatives across Papua New Guinea. CCEP PNG manufactures and distributes several beverage brands in the country, including BU Energy Drink.

Goroka Airport in the Eastern Highlands province reopened this morning after being shut down for about a day following a PNG Air aircraft incident. The National Airports Corporation says operations resumed at 9:30am after overnight inspection of cleanups and full safety checks in Eastern Highlands. The problem started Monday 25 May around 10:16am when a PNG Air ATR 72-600 had a tire failure during take-off on Runway 17R. By 10:59am the airport was closed after a NOTAM was issued, and emergency teams moved in to secure the aircraft and clear the runway. All 32 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. NAC together with PNG Air engineers worked through the night to remove the aircraft and restore the runway to safe condition. After final checks, the runway was cleared, and flights slowly resumed this morning. Authorities say the quick response helped prevent a worse situation and safety procedures worked as they should. Airport management thanked all teams involved for the fast coordination during the emergency With operations now back to normal attention shifts to stabilizing flight schedules and monitoring runway systems moving forward.

Twenty (20) police officers from Public Safety and other units in Enga Province have completed a Defensive Tactics training program at the Kimininga Police Barracks in Mount Hagen city, Western Highlands Province. A second intake of fifteen officers is currently undergoing the same training. The program was delivered with support from the Papua New Guinea & Australia Policing Partnership (PNGAPP), following a formal request from the Enga Provincial Police Commander through the Office of the Commissioner of Police. The training covered weapons handling, drills, ground control techniques, baton use, restraint methods, and close quarters for defensive responses. PNGAPP confirmed the partnership operates under the country led priorities and continues to support capacity building within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, said the training responds directly to rising incidents of violence against police officers in the province. “The welfare and safety of my officers is paramount, and it is non-negotiable,” PPC Harris said. Adding “We have seen a troubling spate of attacks on police members in Enga that have resulted in injuries, and that must stop!” “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect this community, and they deserve every skill and resource so they can go home safely at the end of their shift.” PPC Harris said he holds strong respect for communities in Enga and acknowledges ongoing cooperation between police and the public. He said officers travelled to Mount Hagen for the training, describing the arrangement as practical and effective for delivery. He also acknowledged the support of the Commissioner of Police, PNGAPP, and Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom for facilitating use of training facilities. “I am deeply grateful to the Commissioner of Police for actioning this request through his office, and to PNGAPP for deploying instructors and supporting our members,” he said. While adding “I also wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent John Sagom, for his support in making his facilities available.” PPC Harris said discipline, professionalism, and performance remain key expectations for officers serving in Enga Province. He said continued support from RPNGC leadership, the National Government, and the Enga Provincial Government is strengthening policing capacity in the province. The training concluded with a graduation ceremony where participants received certificates of completion.

The Welfare Section under the Human Resource Division of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has expanded its Welfare Awareness Program to Central and Gulf Provinces, targeting spouses and children of police officers, as well as members living with chronic illnesses. The initiative follows earlier sessions conducted in police barracks within the National Capital District, where internal assessments identified gaps in family awareness of available welfare services. The program is the first of its kind to be extended beyond Port Moresby, reflecting the Constabulary’s focus on strengthening support systems for police families. Police Welfare Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Susan Rumints, said the program was introduced following recurring issues involving entitlement claims. “One of the common issues is when policemen’s wives come forward after their husbands pass on to claim entitlements, only to discover they were not registered as the legal spouse,” she said. Inspector Rumints said the program is designed to help families better understand welfare entitlements, legal processes, and support systems available to them. The awareness sessions also align with national and organizational frameworks, including Vision 2050, the RPNGC Corporate Plan, and internal welfare and personnel risk management strategies. Key areas covered include welfare services, entitlement management, family protection laws, domestic violence awareness, marriage and maintenance laws, financial literacy, spiritual guidance, health and wellness, legal administration, and human resource compliance. The program commenced on Friday, May 22, 2026, beginning at Moreguina Police Station in the Cloudy Bay Local Level Government area of Abau District, before continuing to Kupiano and Upulima Police Stations. The team has since visited Kwikila and is scheduled to continue outreach at Sogeri later this week. Inspector Rumints thanked the RPNGC management for supporting the initiative, saying it is expected to improve awareness among police families regarding their welfare rights and responsibilities. Inspector Rumints said, “It is anticipated that after this program, spouses will know where they stand in terms of welfare and can take the necessary steps to resolve issues, The Welfare Office is here to guide them through.”

The Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) is set to hold its first Informal Economy Sectoral Committee Meeting of 2026, marking a significant return of structured dialogue on one of Papua New Guinea’s most dominant economic sectors. The meeting will take place this week Thursday 28 May 2026 at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby, bringing together government agencies, civil society actors, and private sector representatives to discuss policy direction and reform priorities for the informal economy. The session will be chaired by Department for Community Development and Religion Secretary Jerry Ubase, who said the dialogue is critical for addressing long-standing legislative and institutional gaps affecting the sector. He said the engagement is not only about policy discussion but about shaping human development outcomes and strengthening family livelihoods. “Engaging in this dialogue is critical; it establishes a vital precedent for the informal economy to advance human development and family well-being,” Ubase said. He added that collaboration between stakeholders is essential to bridge development gaps and ensure the sector is properly supported under national planning frameworks, including the Reset@50 initiative and the country’s long term development roadmap. Ubase also highlighted the importance of recognizing the scale and cultural role of informal economic activity in Papua New Guinea. “The informal economy represents the true ‘PNG Way,’ where our culture and daily livelihood seamlessly integrate into commerce, sustaining over 85% of our population,” he said. “Instead of viewing the informal sector as a nuisance, we must regulate it effectively, foster its growth, and cultivate a conducive environment where it can thrive.” He added The meeting will focus on key national reforms, including updates on the Revised Informal Economy Bill, the National Informal Economy Policy II, and the National SME Policy, which aim to better integrate informal workers and small businesses into the formal economy. Among the key agenda items are updates from the Constitutional Law Reform Commission on the Informal Economy Bill, discussions on Safe Cities Market Initiatives led by the NCDC Markets Division, and the adoption of the committee’s 2026 work plan. CIMC Executive Officer Wallis Yakam said the meeting will serve as a major platform for aligning government and stakeholders on practical reforms. “This meeting is a pivotal platform for government, civil society, and the private sector to align on a roadmap that empowers our informal sector,” Yakam said. “By addressing policy gaps and the bottlenecks affecting the management of the informal economic sector, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth for thousands of PNG families.” He added Media will be invited to attend a group photo session and follow up interviews with committee facilitators after the formal proceedings. The dialogue is expected to play a key role in shaping how Papua New Guinea regulates and supports its informal economy, which remains a major driver of livelihoods across the country.

National Volunteer Service has inducted 22 Community Health Worker (CHW) volunteers in Manus Province, marking a significant step in strengthening healthcare delivery in rural and remote communities. The induction program is part of efforts to improve access to essential health services across the province, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where staffing shortages continue to challenge service delivery. The week-long program, held from May 25 to 29, 2026, officially opened on Monday, May 25 at the Manus College of Health Sciences in Lorengau, Ward One. The opening was officiated by Manus Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive, Francis Possy. Manus Provincial Health Deputy Director for Public Health, Ella Michael, said the health sector remains committed to ensuring quality healthcare services reach all parts of the province. She reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to overcoming geographical barriers and improving access for isolated populations, noting that public-private partnerships remain a key strategy in addressing service gaps. Ms. Michael also acknowledged the National Volunteer Service as a key partner in supporting healthcare delivery in remote communities, particularly where health worker numbers remain limited. National Volunteer Service Director for the Volunteer Management Division, Kelly Aisi, said the initiative is designed to support short-term contract with Community Health Workers by formally inducting them as volunteers under NVS coordination. He explained that the program ensures CHWs can continue serving their communities safely while awaiting formal absorption into the government's payroll system. Frontline health worker Rachel Ramus welcomed the training, describing it as an important opportunity for professional growth and improved service delivery. She said it was her first time attending a volunteer induction and expressed enthusiasm about gaining new skills that would better equip her to serve rural communities across Manus Province. Over the course of the week, the 22 inductees will undergo training on NVS policies, community engagement, and volunteer ethics before deployment to their respective communities throughout the province.

National Volunteer Service has begun strengthening its partnership with West New Britain Province as part of efforts to expand professional volunteer placements across the province. The move follows the recent nationwide volunteer and partner organisation recruitment drive launched by the National Volunteer Service (NVS). The agency’s visit to West New Britain aims to revive long-standing partnerships while identifying opportunities to address priority service delivery needs in the province. The week-long engagement began with a courtesy visit to West New Britain Provincial Administrator Mr. Leo Mapmani and will also include meetings with the Provincial Management Team. Mr. Mapmani welcomed the initiative, describing the partnership as timely for the province as it continues to face growing socio-economic challenges. He said West New Britain continues to experience major service delivery gaps, particularly in remote communities, while rising youth unemployment has become an increasing concern for the provincial administration. Mr. Mapmani said collaboration with NVS could provide a sustainable solution by bringing skilled professionals into critical sectors such as education and healthcare while also creating meaningful opportunities for young people through volunteer service. A key part of the visit includes inspections at Moramora Technical School, which has been proposed as the future site of the NVS New Guinea Islands Regional Volunteer Academy. The academy is expected to serve as a training and orientation centre for volunteers deployed throughout the Islands region. NVS Acting Executive Director Jerry David said the proposed academy would deliver long-term economic and development benefits for the province. Mr. David said recent National Executive Council decisions in 2025 directed NVS to significantly increase volunteer placements nationwide, with West New Britain identified as a strategic location for the New Guinea Islands region. He explained that establishing the regional academy would not only provide short-term manpower support but also create a long-term pipeline of skilled professionals to support sectors such as health, education, and agriculture at the local level. The NVS team will continue stakeholder consultations and site inspections throughout the province this week while finalising the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial government. The engagement forms part of the NVS Council’s broader 2026 target of increasing its workforce to 900 professional volunteers across Papua New Guinea, with volunteer placements tailored to the specific development needs of host provinces like West New Britain.

Prime Minister James Marape says the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Papua LNG project is expected to be announced this year following assurances from TotalEnergies. Prime Minister Marape made the announcement at Melanesian House in Port Moresby city yesterday after returning from a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron last week. The Prime Minister said the Government is now preparing for the project’s Development Forum, which is expected to begin between late June and early July 2026. The forum will involve local landowners, the Gulf Provincial Government, and Central Province stakeholders as part of the project consultation process. Prime Minister Marape confirmed that he met directly with TotalEnergies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Pouyanne, who assured him that Papua LNG remains a priority project and would proceed. The Prime Minister urged project partners TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Santos to resolve any internal issues and provide a united position to the State to ensure the 2026 timeline is achieved. Although Papua LNG is significantly smaller than some of the major projects operated by TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil overseas, Mr. Marape stressed that the development remains critically important to Papua New Guinea’s economy and future growth. He said the project has undergone major cost reviews to improve commercial viability. The original development cost was estimated at around US$18 billion, but after further assessment and a secondary bidding process, the projected cost was reduced to approximately US$14 billion. Prime Minister Marape said the Government had rejected calls for free concessions or additional incentives, maintaining what he described as a balanced “give-and-take” approach aimed at protecting the State’s share in the project. However, he added that the Government remains open to providing technical support where necessary. The Prime Minister also reassured the public that the key structure of the Papua LNG Gas Agreement signed in 2019 remains unchanged despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The original agreement was signed in April 2019 under the former O’Neill Government. Following the change in government later that year, the Marape-Steven administration reviewed the agreement in an effort to secure greater benefits for Papua New Guinea, including improved returns for landowners and provincial governments. After negotiations with TotalEnergies, the agreement was validated later in 2019 while retaining its core framework. Mr. Marape said TotalEnergies remains committed to the project but reminded the developers that time is limited, and the State expects the project to move forward within the agreed timeframe.