The Disaster and Emergency Response Mechanism in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is currently being reviewed with the aim to improve the response to disasters, both natural and man- made disasters. The Minister for Defense Dr. Billy Joseph announced this recently (May 6th) in Port Moresby city, saying that the review was a decision of the National Executive Council (NEC)- Decision No: 300/2024, which gave the approval. He said this review is important as it will improve effectiveness on the process of managing the impact of disasters in PNG, whether natural or man-made. The purpose of the review is to put in place an effective disaster management mechanism called the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) as a long- term strategy aimed at establishing an effective process of managing the impacts of disasters, in which provincial governments, Local Level Government (LLG) and the communities should work together to better prepare for respond to, and recover from naturally occurring and rapid onset events that cause serious distributions to communities. “The review will basically set the stage for the establishment of the National Emergency Management Authority. NEMA will bring together players in disaster response and management together under one organization for effective prevention for elective prevention, response and management of natural and man- made disasters,” said the minister. The Review Team will be led by Mr. Ray Paul- former Commissioner of Customs and will be assisted by Retired Major General Gilbert Toropo and former Chief of Emergency Medical at Port Moresby General Hospital Dr. Sam Yokopua (who is now member elect for Porgera Paiala). This exercise will further look at the provisions of the existing legislations governing; I. National Weather Service, II. PNG Fire Service, III. Volcanic Observatory Center, and aspects of Department of Geohazard and Mineral Policy to fall under the ambit of the NEMA, IV. National Disaster Center, V. National Maritime & Safety Authority, and VI. National Ambulance Service, VII. NDoH Emergency Medical Services. It is envisaged that the proposed NEMA will have the capability to cover all Disaster Risk Management Cycle. The Review is expected to be completed in six (6) months.

What better way to let everyone know about what you do and what you are all about than to have a massive digital billboard to do the talking for you. Well, that was exactly what the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) went ahead to do to make it known to everyone out there about what they are all about when they launched a new digital billboard at its premises in Konedobu, Port Moresby in a small ceremony witnessed by staff and curious on-lookers. The Managing Director of the MRA Mr. Jerry Garry, cut the ribbon to mark the launching. He said that the occasion was a demonstration of the organization's commitment to transforming the entire institution and to be on par with the latest technological advances in all areas of its work. Mr. Garry then challenged all MRA staff members and divisional heads to be innovative, smart and creative in their respective work areas, to be able to contribute to the sustainability of the mining industry in the country. "The MRA has a mammoth task of finding the next lot of mines. There are technologically advanced systems available which MRA must utilize," he said. Meanwhile, also present to witness the small launching ceremony was the General Manager for Creative Arts Limited PNG, Ms. Ghem Opinaldo. Creative Arts Limited is the contractor that was engaged to create and install the billboard.

The people of New Ireland can expect fisheries-based projects in the province to commence following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA). This MoA is to enable the implementation of the National Fisheries Strategic Plan (NFSP) 2020- 2030. The signing took place at the NFA headquarters in Port Moresby on Thursday, May 08th between New Ireland Governor, Walter D Schnaubelt and NFA Managing Director, Mr. Justin Ilakini and witnessed by Provincial Administrator Mr. Richard Andia. The signed MoA now paves way for more collaborative dialogue in developing the fisheries sector in New Ireland. Since the province hosts the National Fisheries College (NFC), the Nago (island) Research Facility and with rich marine resources, Governor Schnaubelt understands this as a significant maritime province for NFA to partner with in terms of fisheries and tourism. Under the MoA there are nine projects listed to be implemented over three years, and this year’s priority projects considered for the province include: · Kavieng Urban Shorefront Fisheries facilities and urban uplift. · Kavieng Foreshore Feasibility study. · Namatanai Fisheries Facilities and urban shorefront uplift which is currently underway for scoping, feasibility planning and design stages. Apart from the MOA, NFA has commitment through the NFC expansion and the Nago Facility to expand for the development of coastal fisheries in the province. The NFA Managing Director Mr. Ilakani, excited by the opportunity to tap into New Ireland Province with the new Governor with openness and determination to implement the MOA, highlighted NFA’s commitment through JICA’s K61 million funding to expand NFC Training Shorefront facility, Nago Research Facility upgrade to PNG Marine Research hub, and expansion of the National Fisheries College. Meanwhile, Governor Schnaubelt wishes to see more work in effective partnership with NFA and noted that the upgrade of Namatanai and Kavieng shorefronts and the proposed development of Kavieng Fish Market, marked as priority projects.

The annual recognition of employers’ efforts in having their members’ contributions sent in on a timely basis to the National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund), is to ensure members get the best from their life savings. That was the message from the Deputy Chair of the Nasfund Board Mr. Anthony Yauieb in his address at the recent 7th Annual Nasfund Employer Awards 2024 in Port Moresby on Thursday 8th May. He stressed on the importance of members' contributions, stating that the Superannuation Act 2000 guides superfunds to ensure employers on a regular basis submit their employees’ contributions, updating their savings to ensure when they retire, they are financially secured. He said the Annual Nasfund Employer Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication of the employers (organizations contributing to the superfund) for contributing to Nasfund. “Since 2017, the awards have fostered strong collaboration between employers and Nasfund, ensuring the wellbeing of our members during retirement,” said Mr. Yauieb. “So, this event has become a cornerstone of our efforts to promote compliance and corporate governance.” Referring back to the Superannuation Act 2000, he said adherence to it ensures financial security and wellbeing for the employees, which is one of the benefits of contributing to superfunds. Mr. Yauieb went on to thank the contributors, its members. “Our employees play a crucial role in the superannuation system,” he said. “Your unwavering commitment fortifies our nation’s economic stability. You are our integral part of our progress."

A man from the East Sepik province was arrested and charged by police in the Central province for possession of an offensive weapon. The 25-year-old man who resides in Edai Town outside of Port Moresby city was arrested by police on Monday 12th May for having in his possession a wire catapult, a weapon with the capability of injuring and evening killing another human being. Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed that the man initially assaulted his wife on Saturday while under the influence of liquor. He said the matter was reported to the police, who responded and apprehended him yesterday. PPC Salle said that during his apprehension, based on the complaint lodged, it was discovered that the man had in his possession the offensive weapon. "He was charged accordingly with three charges that include domestic violence, insulting words, and possession of an offensive weapon. He is now detained at Boroko Police Station," PPC Salle said. PPC Salle said there are reports of people in possession of such weapons and the police in Central are closely monitoring that to ensure those using them are arrested and charged. He stated that, according to records, the wire catapult is very dangerous. "I am from East Sepik, and I do not tolerate such behavior in my command. The number of wire catapult victims at Boram Hospital in East Sepik has increased in the past, and I do not want that in Port Moresby or Central Province,” stated the PPC. “I want to thank my officers for the arrests made, and we will continue to arrest more if we receive information about people having such weapons in their possession.” He said the suspect is now detained at the Boroko Metropolitan Cell and will appear in court when his court files are ready.

Major progress in the assault and abuse case in Madang involving a mother and her daughter, of which a video of the incident went viral on social media over the weekend. Police in Madang today arrested the culprits responsible for the assault of the two females in a shop (Yaho Supermarket) in Madang town. The video of the assault was uploaded on social media by a bystander. It was through this video that police were alerted and took action, calling on eyewitnesses to come forward and give information, leading to the arrest of the suspects, who are allegedly employees of that supermarket. According to a short police statement released this afternoon to update on the investigation, the mother and daughter have been identified and are assisting police with their investigation. The mother, who comes from Mugil village, Sumgilbar Local Level Government (LLG) in the Sumkar District of Madang province has been interviewed by police while the daughter will be brought in soon for police formalities. The victims are expected to file a formal complaint at the police station regarding the incident, and then police will proceed with the case. The Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Robert Baim has thanked the public for their assistance, particularly those who shared information and tagged police in the social media posts. “Your engagement has directly contributed to progress in this investigation,” he said. Meanwhile, what led up to the men assaulting the mother and daughter in the supermarket is yet to be established. This now pending the investigation to establish what had happened. A full briefing on the incident will be provided soon through official media channels.

Local producers and farmers stand to benefit from a market that is perhaps the closest to Papua New Guinea (PNG) thanks to the creation of a business council. The creating of the Papua New Guinea (PNG)- Indonesia Business Council Incorporate now paves the way for a much stronger trade with Indonesia for PNG goods. Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru at the official launching of the Business Council at the Parliament State Function Room in Port Moresby on Wednesday 7th May, said this is an historic moment especially with the 50th Independence Anniversary this year. He said for so long PNG and Indonesia have had border relations but not so much about trade and investment, the business aspect of the relations. But now, this is being realized with this Business Council that will also enable PNG producers get good returns on their exports to the Indonesian market. “It’s an historic event, it’s taken this country 50 years to realize the importance of trade and investment,” he said. Minister Maru thanked the Marape/ Rosso Government for making this a reality for PNG because Indonesia is important with a huge market with 280 million people and with an economy that is sitting at 1.4 trillion. It’s a huge market for PNG exports. However, he said it is time now to get down to business. The government now must move to enable the transportation of goods along the PNG Indonesia border at Wutung in West Sepik province, enable electricity to flow from Indonesia to Wutung and the establishment of trade enabling facilities at Vanimo, the capital of West Sepik province. Prime Minister James Marape fully supports this initiative, saying that Indonesia is a major market in the Asia Pacific region and it is in the best interest of PNG to trade with Indonesia. Indonesia Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency (H.E) Andriana Supandy said the launching of the Business Council marks a milestone in relations between PNG and Indonesia. “It is an event that expresses how far we have progressed, when we set aside differences and focus on building economic ties for the benefit of both people,” said H.E Ambassador Supandy. He believes the bilateral relations will continue to grow with this new PNG Indonesia Business Council Inc. The Ambassador said this because the Business Council is an addition to the already signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) PNG has with Indonesia from the previous visits and bilateral talks between the previous Indonesian President Joko Widodo and PM Marape. “These MoUs solidify commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said the Ambassador. It was also announced that the interim President of the PNG- Indonesia Business Council is Ambassador Peter Illau, Commodore (Retired). Meanwhile, prior to the launching of the Business Council the National Executive Council (NEC) appointed Ms. Seline Leo- Lohia as the new Trade Commissioner to the Republic of Indonesia. All these latest developments in the relations between PNG and Indonesia has marked a major shift in PNG’s bilateral priorities from border and security concerns to trade, investment and economic development going forward.

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication plans to hold a full inquiry into the reasons behind the suspension of popular Radio Talkback Show host, Culligahn Tanda. The Committee Chairman and Member for Wau- Waria, Marsh Narewec, said they plan to hold an inquiry because of the public backlash on the suspension of Kalang Advertising Ltd’s FM100 Talkback Show host, following an interview with the Governor for East Sepik province, Allan Bird. Chairman Narewec made this announcement following a meeting on Friday 9th May with Mr. Tanda, FM100 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bill Wartovo and the Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) President Mr. Neville Choi who each provided a brief to the Committee, their standpoints of the issue. “As the Committee responsible for oversight on communication and media issues in the country, it will convene to deliberate on the recent suspension, as well as similar cases in the past,” the chairman declared. He said that this falls within the Committee’s jurisdiction and is aligned with its Terms of Reference (TORs), which mandates the protection of media freedom—a fundamental principle that ensures the right to communicate and express oneself freely through various media, including print and electronic platforms. Relevant stakeholders, both organizations and individuals, will be invited to present their respective submissions on the issue. Details of the proposed inquiry will be announced at a later date.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) just recently launched its 50th Anniversary logo to mark the country’s five decade of being and independent state, coinciding with the opening of its new office in Port Moresby city. OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kedi Ilimbit at the opening ceremony said the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo not only marks the county’s anniversary but also reflects on the years of operation and contribution to the economy of Papua New Guinea over 40 years ago when the mine started operations, just 10 years after independence. On to the new building- the Kwalumu Haus- Mr. Ilimbit said after over 40 years, its only proper OTML opens a new office in the capital of PNG, marking its transition over the years to becoming a nationally owned company and a major contributor of revenue from the mining sector to the PNG economy. However, Mr. Ilimbit said despite the new office, mush of its administrative operations will remain in Western province. “The Ok Tedi head office will not be moved. The Ok Tedi office will always remain in Tabubil. What we’ve set up here is for the Ok Tedi DNA to spread over the country, over the oceans so that the DNA lives on and we’ll us this supporting Ok Tedi operations, the subsidiaries,” said the CEO. OTML occupies four levels in the Kwalimu Haus at Waigani. They are levels 9, 10, 11 and 12 where the executives reside. Levels 9 and 11 are occupied by other officers while level 10 is a common place for rest and recreation. Also, coinciding with the celebration, OTML announced its Quarter 1 (Q1) Results, which promises some good returns for its investors. OTML delivered 28,000 copper tonnes, and 74,000 gold ounces and generated revenue of US$460 million (PGK 1.85 billion). The exceptional performance results for Q1 CY2025, showcased yet another successful quarter of disciplined operational and financial excellence. Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape applauded OTML’s record K1.85 billion Q 1 revenue. “This exceptional result is a testament to what Papua New Guineans can accomplish when entrusted with the stewardship of our natural resources,” said Prime Minister Marape. “Ok Tedi, being 100% nationally owned, embodies our vision of resource nationalism and demonstrates how revenue and profits can flow back to our landowners, provinces, and the national budget.”

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has announced its Quarter 1 (Q1) Results for 2025 and it looks good financially for the nationally owned mining company, promising some good returns for its investors. The exceptional performance results for Q1 CY2025, showcased yet another successful quarter of disciplined operational and financial excellence. OTML is a 100 percent Papua New Guinea (PNG) owned entity with 67 percent direct shareholding by the Independent State of PNG and the people of Western Province holding a 33 percent interest. 100% of the benefits from its operations are distributed to the people of Western Province and the State. "Our profitability improved significantly in the first quarter compared to a year ago as a result of higher commodity prices and copper sales volumes, we delivered 28,000 copper tonnes, and 74,000 gold ounces and generated revenue of US$460 million (PGK 1.85 billion) demonstrating our focus on disciplined and committed performance and continuous business improvement," said Kedi Ilimbit, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "We remain committed to our Growth 2050 strategy of balancing value accretive growth with returns to shareholders, and our strong balance sheet and commercial strategy provide us with resilience and the ability to continue to create value amidst market uncertainty." "With these significant achievements and solid start to the year, we remain committed to deliver to MD & CEO Kedi’s expectation to copy 2024 performance and paste into 2025 and add the extras to meet our full year 2025 guidance, whilst continuing our Growth 2050 strategic path towards ensuring our Vision 2050 is achieved," he said. CEO Ilimbit stated that the Q1 2025 has been built on from the 2024 performance of resilience, collaboration, and achievement for Ok Tedi. "These results reaffirm our commitment to creating value for all stakeholders while upholding our responsibilities to the people of Papua New Guinea and future generations. Our focus on sustainable growth under the Growth 2050 framework ensures that we are well-positioned for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” Mr. Ilimbit said, “Our unwavering commitment to responsible mining practices and sustainable development has delivered outstanding outcomes for stakeholders, employees, and the communities in which we operate.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape applauded OTML’s record K1.85 billion Q 1 revenue. “This exceptional result is a testament to what Papua New Guineans can accomplish when entrusted with the stewardship of our natural resources,” said Prime Minister Marape. “Ok Tedi, being 100% nationally owned, embodies our vision of resource nationalism and demonstrates how revenue and profits can flow back to our landowners, provinces, and the national budget.”

The 10% base tariff (tax) imposed by the United States (US) President Donald Trump on exports from Papua New Guinea to the US market won’t have much impact locally in terms of costs of living, but a global recession is a big concern. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Institute of National Affairs (INA) Executive Director Mr. Paul Barker in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG recently revealed that tariff will have less impact because PNG exports less to the US market compared to what is imported from the US. Nevertheless, Mr. barker said these tariffs imposed by President Trump has created uncertainty. “It’s a time of uncertainty because the US administration is putting different levels of tariffs on different countries, They’re also modifying tariffs. So, after some negotiations or reactions from some of the other countries, they’re modifying some of those tariffs,” said Mr. Barker. He said this is making it very difficult for the other countries but also businesses to determine their way forward. “Now with Papua New Guinea, we have been given the lowest rate, so, before we had a zero tax on most things, but we’re now applied the 10%. So, that was the lowest rate, which is lower than the rate from some of the other countries that are exporting similar products as Papua New Guinea to the United States. ‘"The thing is PNG imports far more from the US than it exports to the US,” stressed Mr. Barker. The PNG exports are fairly limited to the US; there’s a little bit of agricultural produce that goes there. Mr. Barker said some of those exports are the A Grade coffee sold to the specialty coffee market in the US for a good price. Basically, he said it is not expected that the tariffs would directly have much of an impact on the costs of goods to be passed on to consumers in the country, no overnight price hikes. However, one of the effects of the tariffs is that it may well reduce the overall global level of trade and that can trigger both a recession within the US, because of the higher cost of living and trading, and across the whole world. ‘So, if you have a reduction in the overall economic activity worldwide, which is what a recession is, and people have less money, there is less jobs and that can mean they’ll be importing less. So, it reduces the overall economic opportunity that Papua New Guineans have for exporting a range of products, not just to the US, but to other countries as well," he said. He explains that if China becomes hard hit from the tariffs, China being a major market for some products export from PNG, they will have less money to buy, this then will affect PNG exports.

The Member for Kairuku, Peter Isoaimo is now the new Energy Minister and Member for Kerema Thomas Opa is now the new Finance Minister following the latest reshuffle made by Prime Minister James Marape. The prime minister made the announcement on Friday and also stating that the outgoing Finance Minister Miki Kaeok retains his Transport portfolio. Marape thanked Minister Kaeok for his tenure at Finance. Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Port Moresby city, Prime Minister Marape praised Mr. Isoaimo as a seasoned leader and dedicated member of the government coalition, noting his long political service since entering the National Parliament in the 9th Parliament through a by-election and his earlier years in the Central Provincial Assembly. “Minister Isoaimo has been a loyal and humble servant of this government,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as Vice Minister for Works and Highways, and has consistently demonstrated patience, loyalty, and sincerity—qualities we value as we build the next generation of Papua New Guinean leadership.” Mr. Isoaimo’s appointment also restores Cabinet representation for Central Province following the departure of Walter Schnaubelt, National Alliance Party leader, who moved to serve as Governor of New Ireland Province. PM Marape acknowledged the continued partnership with the National Alliance Party, a coalition partner of Pangu Pati since 2019. “We are keeping faith with the coalition arrangement. This was not just about politics—it was the right choice based on experience, region, and merit,” said PM Marape. The Prime Minister emphasized the growing importance of Central Province in the national energy and development agenda, pointing to strategic projects including Papua LNG, the Wildebeest gas fields, and the reopening of Tolukuma Gold Mine. He highlighted the underutilized agricultural land across Central and Gulf provinces as a major frontier for national development. “Minister Isoaimo’s Kairuku electorate lies between Port Moresby and Gulf, at the heart of emerging LNG, mining, and agricultural corridors. He is well placed to drive the energy portfolio in this critical time,” the Prime Minister added. On the reshuffle, PM Marape explained that the changes were part of a broader performance review aimed at enhancing service delivery ahead of the 2025 Budget and beyond. “All departments and ministers are under review,” PM Marape said. “This is about ensuring the right people are in the right portfolios as we head into our 50th anniversary and beyond. We’re doing this for the country—not for our districts or friends.” Incoming Finance Minister Thomas Opa was praised for his integrity and capability. Mr. Marape, himself a former Finance Minister, urged him to maintain strict financial discipline and ensure that public funds are managed transparently and effectively. In his first remarks as Energy Minister, Peter Isoaimo thanked the Prime Minister and the coalition for his elevation. “I did not see this coming,” Mr. Isoaimo said. “But I am humbled by the trust placed in me. I thank the National Alliance Party and Governor Walter Schnaubelt for their confidence, and I pledge to serve the government and our people to the best of my ability.” Minister Isoaimo reiterated his commitment to the Marape-Rosso Government and the national development agenda, expressing readiness to support the country’s energy ambitions. “God bless Papua New Guinea,” he said. “This is a proud moment for me and the people of Kairuku.”