Emmanuel MAIPE

The next fifty (50) years of good progress in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be in the hands of the young generation who are now is school, and further advancements in the way education is being delivered is key to seeing them achieving this.Prime Minister James Marape deliberated on this subject when giving his keynote address this morning at the Flag Raising ceremony on Independence Hill in Port Moresby city, marking PNG's 51st Independence Anniversary.He said so much progress has been made in education in terms of lifting its standards over the years since independence in 1975. However, more needs to be done.“Government will continue to invest in schools, colleges, universities, teacher training, classrooms, student accommodations and additional facilities,” said the prime minister."In fact, the biggest priority coming up in the next ten (10) years is quality education, wholesome education for our children. Earmarked 11billion kina just to make wholesome intervention in the education sector so that our future is secured by quality education to our children.” But he said what the National Government is doing in support for education, must be matched by discipline and personal efforts by all young people in schools“Young people, do not wait on your parents, your member of parliament or your government to do everything for you. Use your youthful energy to learn, work and prepare yourself,” said Marape.“Your generation will inherit this country. You must be ready to lead it; you must be ready to work in it. You must be ready work for our country.”“If you’re in school, stay in school. Work and study hard, respect your parents and teachers. Attend classes, read books, use technologies to learn and not to destroy your mind. Do not waist your young life on alcohol, marijuana, pornography, tribal fighting or crime,” he urged the young people.He said even those who are unable to continue their education after their final years, there is still opportunities out there provided by the government like FODE, where young people can continue to pursue their dreams.

The Prime Minister James Marape has announced a balanced budget is on the horizon, stating good economic growth in the past few years since he took office, could possibly lead to one.During last evening’s Prime Minister’s 51st Independence Anniversary Dinner on Independence Hill in Port Moresby city, Marape announced that next year (2027) the government anticipates to deliver a balanced budget for the first time since 2010.A balanced budget is where total income, or revenue equals the total spending or expenditure over a certain period. This differs from a deficit budget where the expenditure is greater than the revenue.Over the past years, the country has been passing annual budgets that are deficit budgets. But this is hoped to change.“Our deficits have been reduced since COVID-19 induced a high deficit of 8.9% in 2020. We have steadily consolidated, right now tracking through the supplementary budget indications at 1% and by next year we intend to come back to a balanced budget,” said the prime minister.“All indicating that we have steadied the ship, steadied the course, growing the economy at the same time and trying our very best to serve our country. And I want to say contribute where you can.”Meanwhile, Marape said the country’s economy has grown significantly from K79billion in 2019 to a K116billion economy. This is a good indication giving him the confidence that the K200billion economy target, can be achieved by 2030 or at the earliest.

The Prime Minister has called on all citizens of Papua New Guinea (PNG) including the public servants, to reflect on the last 50 years and focus on good progresses going forward as the country turns 51.Speaking at the Prime Minister’s 51st Independence Anniversary Dinner on Independence Hill in Port Moresby city last evening, he told the guest and delegates gathered there that the next 50 years of PNG’s life starts now as the country is about to turn 51.“As we step away from our 50th and into our 51st, what is it that we must do to hold the union, and do it even better than those who came before us,” stated the prime minister.In the last few years, a lot has happened; both the triumphs and challenges have set the stage for a clearer focus on things ahead.Prime Minister Marape said the country’s economy has grown significantly from K79billion in 2019 to a whopping K116billion economy at present. Which is a good indication giving him confidence that the K200billion economy target which he had set, is achievable by 2030 or at the earliest.This success so far has been attributed to the good support from partners and the business community, which he paid tribute to.“Despite giving us tax relief, fuel subsidy to the economy and help to the economy, we have doubled up in the collection, and we have doubled up in the expansion of our economy,” he said.“I want to say thank you also to our development partners, all of you. Needless to name you, you know in your hearts how much you have contributed to the effort, in cash and kind. All of you seated here tonight, I appreciate it very much.”He said their unwavering support to the concept of Papua New Guinea that began on the 16th of September 1975, have ensured that the country remains steady and focused on the road ahead.Nevertheless, the road ahead in the next 50 years will be challenging but the prime minister's call is for all Papua New Guineans to stand together, united and work towards further achieving those goals in education, health, rural development, service delivery, development and the overall betterment of the livelihoods of the people. Through a united stand, the next 50 years should be promising for all.Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s 51st Independence Anniversary Dinner concluded on a high with a spectacular display of fireworks on Independence Hill, lighting up the night sky and the massive PNG flag on the hill.

All BSP legacy Kundu magnetic strip cards have now been deactivated, and card holders are urged to get the more secured Kundu Chip Card.This follows from the successful migration of more than 890,000 BSP customers to the secure Kundu Chip card to further strengthen the security of customers' funds and banking transactions.The Chip Card upgrade provides enhanced protection against card cloning, fraud and unauthorised transactions. BSP Group GM Retail, Ronesh Dayal, said the transition to chip enabled technology represents a significant security enhancement and provides customers with modern banking security standards for their card.“Kundu Chip Cards provide enhanced protection against increasingly sophisticated fraud threats, helping customers bank with greater confidence and security. Over the past 12months, BSP has successfully migrated more than 890,000 customers to the new Kundu Chip Card, making it one of the largest customer security upgrade initiatives undertaken in PNG.”BSP acknowledges that some customers may have experienced longer wait times at branches and Card Centres during the migration period due to the significant volume of upgrades being processed nationwide.“We sincerely thank customers for their patience and understanding throughout this important transition. While some customers may have experienced temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefit is enhancing protection for customer funds and transactions. This migration is a proactive measure designed to reduce fraud risks and provide customers with a safer, more secure banking experience,” Mr. Dayal said.BSP reassures customers that their funds remain safe and secure. The deactivation only affects older Kundu Magnetic Stripe Cards and does not impact customer account balances or ownership of funds.Customers who have not yet upgraded can continue to visit their nearest BSP Branch or designated Card Centre to receive a replacement Kundu Chip Card and restore card-based access to ATM and EFTPoS services.In the meantime, customers can continue accessing their funds through BSP Mobile Banking, Wantok Wallet, Internet Banking, Agent Banking services (where available), branch services,and BSP’s extensive network of 400+ ATMs and 11,000+ EFTPoS devices across Papua New Guinea using their upgraded Kundu Chip Card.“The purpose of this migration is to better protect our customers and their money. This investment in customer security will deliver lasting benefits and greater peace of mind when banking with BSP. While an older Magnetic Stripe Card may no longer work, customers’ accounts remain active, their funds remain safe, and BSP remains ready to assist those who are yet to complete their upgrade,” Mr. Dayal added.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape wants the people to make use of the economic infrastructures delivered by the government to better their livelihoods and with it, contribute to nation building.Speaking on the recent infrastructures that he opened just recently while on his road trip from Port Moresby to Lae city on the new Trans Highway, he focused his call on the farmers and businesses especially.The prime minister said Papua New Guinea’s future will be built on the people, agriculture and connected communities, telling residents in Kundiawa town in Simbu province that sustained investment in roads and bridges is opening the way for farmers and small businesses.Speaking during a stop on the Government’s national road journey through the Highlands, PM Marape said infrastructure is meaningless unless it helps families get produce to market and children to schools and clinics.“We are not only building new roads; we are maintaining our existing roads and upgrading the key links that keep our villages connected to markets,” he said.“When a farmer in Gembogl or Karamui can bring coffee and fresh food to Kundiawa in a day, that is development.”The Prime Minister said improved connectivity is already creating economic opportunities in the Highlands by cutting travel time, lowering transport costs and giving communities better access to services and investment.He said the road program going through Chimbu is part of a bigger national push to ensure development reaches every district, not just the big cities.The delegation’s journey will include road and bridge openings and provincial economic initiatives across the Highlands.“This journey from Port Moresby, through Lae and up into the Highlands shows what we can achieve when we work together,” Mr. Marape said.“We can do it. This country can do it.”The Prime Minister said roads must go hand in hand with agriculture and people-centred investment.“Infrastructure is one part of it. We must also invest in our people through education, and we must diversify our economy through agriculture, small businesses and downstream processing,” he said.“Our message as Papua New Guinea approaches its 51st Independence Anniversary is simple: development must reach every village, every garden, every market,” he said.“We can connect our country. We can grow our farms. We can empower our people.”The Prime Minister added that the maintenance and sustenance of this infrastructure will drive efficiency for our people and for the national economy.

The devastations caused by the El Niño is widespread, in the pacific, a lot of countries are being impacted including Papua New Guinea (PNG) where water and food sources, and cash crops like coffee are being affected.PNG Hausbung was up in the Highlands of PNG recently where this important cash crop was the focus of attention, and at the recent 70th PNG Agri- fest in Goroka in Eastern Highlands province, much was discovered regarding the struggles and the call for assistance from the affected small holder coffee farmers.One such farmer is Mr. Andrew Robert. He is a small-scale coffee grower from the Goroka district, and his story is similar to many other farmers in his position in the upper and lower highlands who are being impacted by the El Niño, whether by drought or frost.  Mr. Robert explained that the prolonged dry weather experienced so far has resulted in the coffee berries not ripening despite the coffee bearing flower. “That’s our issue with this El Nino; therefore, what we want is our district, Local Level Government (LLG) and our Eastern Highlands provincial government to do something to address this matter,” he said.“What we want is to at least have access to good water supply so we can be able to give water to our crops, especially at this time. So, it can be a win- win situation to ensure production continues, and we being able to sustain ourselves.”Coffee production and exportPNG Coffee is sort after internationally and it is grown in the highlands region and parts of the coastal regions as well that supply those quality beans, due to the climate and vegetation of these areas.According to the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) Production and Export Statistics, coffee is grown in 16 provinces of PNG, but production is mainly centred in Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Morobe and Simbu provinces. These provinces account for over 90% of production.East Sepik supplies most of PNG Robusta exports. The Arabica coffees produced in PNG, especially those produced on the larger estates, are considered to be among the finest gourmet coffees in the world.In 2025, PNG exported more than 1.5 million bags of coffee, something which the Prime Minister hailed as a significant achievement at the start of 2026. It earned approximately K1.31 billion in export revenue. That is a K573 million increase from the 2024 export revenue of K737 million.The announcement was made by the Minister for Coffee, William Bando at the start of the year.The Prime Minister noted that global demand for Coffee continues to rise, with studies indicating Coffee could soon become the second most traded commodity in the world after oil. However, the export levels can be maintained with enough good assistance to growers currently facing El Nino impacts.Assistance neededAlso speaking to PNG Hausbung was Mr. Jonah Negiha, the Regional Land-use Advisor from the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Provincial Industry and Support Services Highlands Region, based in Goroka.He said the situation is serious not just for the coffee farmers, but for all other crops in the highlands region that are experiencing dry weather brought on by the El Niño. “This El Niño is causing a lot of damage. In the lower areas, there is drought. Further up in the mountains, frost is affecting the crops,” he said.He said there are programs delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock with support from stakeholders to assist farmers; however, there is a big need for further support from the higher ups to ensure better delivery.The government’s supportApart from the support on ground from the immediate authorities responsible for agriculture, the National Government is overall doing its bit as well to support coffee growers and producers.  Although it’s not in the form of immediate support like access to water and other necessary items; it will enable access to markets and further support for growers in the long run.Just on Tuesday 8th September, the Prime Minister opened a new bridge and a new road project in Bena in the Eastern Highlands province where he made a call to the coffee growers in the province to take advantage of the infrastructures to increase coffee production.  “I want you to deliver coffee bags to repay the money we are investing in building infrastructure,” he said.“There is wealth growing by you through the use of your land, your sweat and your effort, and the road enables the marketing.“When you improve, the country improves. Together, we all grow.”In addition to this, the State had initiated El Niño assessments earlier in the year for the potential impact provinces, where the feedback from the teams undertaking this exercise would go towards assisting these provinces.So, it is hoped that these reports are being attended to and the impacted provinces and districts are actually getting help.The desired outcomeHowever, one can say that the El Niño is increasing the price for coffee on the international market, which is a good thing for coffee producers. This is because the El Niño generally pushes coffee prices higher on the world market because it disrupts production in major coffee-growing countries and creates fears of lower global supply.But for small scale coffee growers like Mr. Robert from the Goroka district, there is not much joy here despite the increased selling price. He said the current price of coffee is good, but farmers stand to lose revenue with the poor harvest of coffee due to the prolonged dry weather. He said better help is what is needed right now.Indeed, what coffee growers need is support like Water Supply and Irrigation Support, Emergency Financial Assistance, Distribution of Climate-Resilient Coffee Seedlings, and Infrastructure Support.Supporting small-scale coffee growers during the current El Niño is important because coffee is not just a crop in Papua New Guinea—it is a major source of income, employment, export earnings, and rural livelihoods.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is marking its 51st Independence Anniversary and Air Niugini is joining in the celebration by giving away 51 free return airfares to Papua New Guineans.Yes, Air Niugini is inviting customers to share the stories that have connected the airline to their family, opportunity and community over the past five decades, and get into the draw to get the chance to get a free return airfare.Announcing the campaign on Monday 07th September, Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alan Milne said the airline's success has always been built on the people it serves."As Papua New Guinea celebrates 51 years of independence, Air Niugini is proud to celebrate alongside the nation and give back to the people who have supported us throughout our journey. For more than 50 years, we have connected communities, reunited families, supported businesses and helped bring Papua New Guineans together.This campaign is about recognising those connections and celebrating the stories that make our country unique. We are honoured to be part of Papua New Guinea's nation-building story and look forward to creating many more journeys and memories with our people."Air Niugini Chief Commercial Officer Mr. David Glover said the campaign provides a unique opportunity for Papua New Guineans to share their most meaningful travel experiences."Every flight has a story behind it. Whether it is a first-time traveler, a student pursuing their dreams, a family reunion, a business opportunity or a journey home, Air Niugini has been privileged to play a role in countless personal stories across our country. Through this campaign, we want to hear those stories and celebrate the emotional connections that travel creates. We encourage Papua New Guineans everywhere to share their experiences for a chance to win one of 51 return airfares."The campaign, themed "Wherever PNG Takes You, We've Been Flying With You," reflects Air Niugini's enduring role as Papua New Guinea's national airline and its contribution to connecting one of the world's most geographically diverse nations.For more than five decades, Air Niugini has been much more than an airline. Since independence, it has connected provinces and communities, supported the movement of people and goods, facilitated tourism and trade, and provided vital links between urban centres and remote regions of the country.Through every stage of Papua New Guinea's development, the national carrier has remained committed to bringing people together and opening doors to new opportunities.As the nation celebrates 51 years of independence, Air Niugini is inviting Papua New Guineans to share their personal Air Niugini journey as part of this special anniversary campaign.Customers can enter by posting a short story together with a photo or video on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok using the hashtags #MyAirNiuginiStory and #51YearsFlyingPNG, while tagging @AirNiugini. Entries must be submitted between 7 and 28 September, with winners announced weekly throughout the campaign period.A total of 51 winners will receive free return airfares, comprising 50 domestic return tickets and one international return ticket. Winners will be selected based on authenticity, emotional connection, and relevance to the campaign theme by an Air Niugini judging panel.The campaign is open to Papua New Guinea residents aged 18 years and above. Participants may submit multiple entries; however, only one prize can be awarded per person. Entries must be original and respectful. Winners will be announced on Air Niugini's social media platforms and contacted directly.As Papua New Guinea reflects on 51 years of independence and looks ahead to the future, Air Niugini remains proud of its role in connecting the nation and supporting the aspirations of its people.After more than five decades of service, one thing remains unchanged: wherever PNG takes you, Air Niugini has been flying with you.

Coffee farmers in the lower highlands region need proper support from respective authorities to ensure their crops are sustained to supply the market and also sustain themselves especially during this El Nino period.Mr. Andrew Robert is one such farmer. He is a small holder coffee grower in the Goroka district of Eastern Highlands province. PNG Hausbung had a chat with him during the 70th Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka, where he revealed his struggle.Mr. Robert explained that the prolonged dry weather experienced so far, has resulted in the coffee berries not ripened despite the coffee bearing flower. “That’s our issue with this El Nino; therefore, what we want is our district, LLG and our Eastern Highlands provincial government to do something to address this matter,” he said.“What we want is to at least have access to good water supply so we can be able to give water to our crops, especially at this time. So, it can be a win- win situation to ensure production continues, and we be able to sustain ourselves.”Meanwhile, Mr. Jonah Negiha the Regional Landuse Advisor from the Provincial Industry and Support Services Highlands Region, said the situation is serious not just for the coffee farmers, but for all other crops in the highlands region that are experiencing dry weather. He said there are programs delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock; however, there is a big need for further support from the higher ups.Meantime, the current price of coffee is good, but farmers stand to lose revenue with the poor harvest of coffee due to the prolonged dry weather.       

The Department of International Trade and Investment has come on board as a government department sponsor of the 70th Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province.This sponsorship was solidified yesterday in Goroka when a dummy cheque was presented to the Chairman of the festival committee and President of the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association (FSA), Mr. Wilson Thompson, by the Department’s Deputy Secretary Policy, Mr. Frazer Murray.“On behalf of the department of International Trade and Investment, we support the event that you are hosting and also congratulate you on the 70th PNG agri- trade festival here in Goroka,” he said.“This is an event which the department is very much supporting the drive in reviving agriculture and continuing the overall goal of the government’s objectives of promoting the agriculture sector, downstream processing and all the way to the markets. So, we would like to acknowledge your contribution, not just in Goroka, but throughout the country.”Upon presenting the cheque of K15, 000, the Deputy Secretary Policy hoped that this funding will help stage the three- day event and with it, continue the partnership that the department has with the FSA.

The 70th Papua New Guinea Agriculture and Trade Festival officially kicked off today in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province, bringing together more than 40 organizations, including government departments, corporate businesses, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).Despite a slow start to the dull and overcast morning, crowds of people including families, school children came flocking in.The National Sports Institute showground was bustling with people and stalls dishing out information to the public.The event also featured a good number of SMEs setting up to promote and secure the opportunity to expand through this platformMeanwhile, the festival received a timely support prior to its launch from the Department of International Trade and Investment.A funding support of K15, 000 funding was presented by the Deputy Secretary Policy Mr. Frazer Murray, to the President of the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association, Mr. Wilson Thompson.The three-day festival will continue throughout the weekend, concluding on Sunday, August 30.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture and Trade Festival is set for this Friday 28th August, marking also the 70th Anniversary of the Coffee Industry and Agriculture in the country.The main host of this significant event is the Famers and Settlers Association (FSA). The President of the FSA Mr. Wilson Thompson, says the event will take place in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province and has already attracted over 30 corporate, government and financial institutions.‘We have Chemica Ltd, International Container Terminal Ltd and PNG Biosecurity Authority (former NAQIA) coming on as Bronze Sponsors, and we invite others that wish to support the Festival and events,” he said.“The festival is to celebrate as well as showcase and promote the primary industry sector and innovations and its importance in business and industry, and trade and primary to secure our food and income security of the country.”The festival is historic as it also celebrates the establishment of the Association in 1956 and also the hosting of the first Highlands (Goroka) Show by the Association to bring together tribal groups and to showcase agriculture, commerce and industry.Also, the year 1956 is memorable as the coffee industry was firmly established after the visit of Professor Baron Goto from the University of Hawaii, invited under the sponsorship of the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac Bank), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (now BSP), Colyer Watson Ltd, A. H Bunting Ltd and the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association, to study and report on the viability of the Coffee Industry. He also visited the cocoa establishments.Following the passing of the Coffee Industry Act, the National Coffee Authority has now replaced the Coffee Industry Corporation, with its own Board and powers and functions.Meanwhile, the gate fees for the festival have been slashed to allow more people to enter the Showground to learn more about the coffee industry and agriculture as a business opportunity.

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru has left the People First Party and has formed his own political party along with two other former party members ahead of the 2027 National General Election.This latest political part, the Nesenel United Pati (NUP), was launched today with Minister and Member (MP) for Yangoru Saussia Richard Maru, Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa and Member for Maprik, Libert Kapris as the founding members. The party’s secretary is Mr. Dominic Krasombi.Minister Maru said the NUP will be anchored on three core values: God first, people second, and the leader being the last.“Our mission as a political party is to cast a new vision for our country,” said the Party Leader.Maru said so many things have been done in the same old ways and it's not working, especially in a time where new technology and innovations are changing the way the world works. He added that in such time, it requires new leadership and vision in order to rip the benefits of investments and trade with partner countries and translate it into real benefits for the people.“Our party is here to inspire our nation, giving the people hope, Together, we are going to build a united, strong and more prosperous Papua New Guinea,” Maru said.The NUP is teaming up with the PNG Party where Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture and MP for Vanimo Green, Belden Namah, is party leader.The two leaders also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today, sealing their partnership in working together going into the National General Election next year and forming a new government in 2027.  The Registrar of Political Parties Mr. Emmanuel Pok officially handed over the certificate of the new party to Minister Maru after being satisfied that all legal requirements were met to establish the newest political party.He said this now makes a total of 44 registered Political Parties in the country, where 23 of them have members in parliament.Now that the NUP has been launched and the MoA signed with PNG Party, the focus now is shifted to the 2027 National General Election. Minister Maru said they will be aggressive in getting candidates to run under their party banner in the hope to get enough candidates elected to parliament, so as to have the chance to form a new government to run on their policies and visions.