The Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) completed a successful two-day workshop in Port Moresby city recently, led by the International Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), on the 11th of June 2025. The Multi-Stakeholder Group members included representatives from PNG Core, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, MRDC, KPHL, OK Tedi Mining, Santos, Newmont, Kumul Minerals, K92 Mining Inc., and government departments including Finance, Treasury, National Planning and Monitoring, Petroleum and Energy, MRA, IPA, and others. Civil society representatives included the Institute of National Affairs, CIMC, Transparency International PNG, CELCOR, and the PNG Resource Governance Coalition, who all participated in full-day sessions this week. The International EITI stated in its presentation the need to improve extractive sector governance and transparency with promoting efforts and EITI Validation. A full-day session focused on transparency in licensing, contracts, and beneficial ownership, as well as anti-corruption disclosures, gender considerations, and energy transition reporting. The day concluded with a plenary session to agree on action points, and a targeted session for the National Secretariat to support the MSG. ICAC made presentation on its roles and responsibilities in the country and how far investigations have been working effectively and where ICAC can work together with MSG and EITI on corruption issues in extractive sectors in the country. Participants gained a clear understanding of the roles and functions of EITI in the country, and how the organization can be improved moving forward, since its establishment ten years ago. The workshop clarified the roles and responsibilities of MSG members, strengthened their unified commitment to closing implementation gaps, and defined a roadmap to ensure PNG is fully prepared for its 2026 EITI Validation.

A third-year student from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has successfully completed his three months fieldwork with the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) under the Student Placement Program yesterday. Baclay Tumbiago, 22, from Hela, is a third-year student studying Social Work and minoring in Psychology. Young Tumbiago made a presentation yesterday to the CIMC staff on what he has learned over the last three months, stated that practical experience with CIMC was a great learning opportunity, participating in the National Development Forum. “I saw how leaders discuss important issues in the country and my experience helped me see how policies turn into action, and this has strengthened my ability to contribute to national development”. He made his presentation on the overview of the organization, explaining its role, sectoral committees, and the impact it has on policy discussions. He highlighted how CIMC facilitates collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society to promote inclusive decision-making for national development. He was fortunate to joined sectoral committee meetings, learning how different groups work together to make decisions. He said data entry has showed me how keeping accurate records can support policy making. Mr. Tumbiago also highlighted that this experience has improved his communication skills, helped him to work on presentations, thus making complex ideas easy to understand. He said students’ practical placement, often called field education or fieldwork, is a core component of the Bachelor of Social Work degree at UPNG. At CIMC students work with them for three months and if their performance shows great potential then they can be retained but if not then they are given references to look for job elsewhere. CIMC gives the opportunity to students in tertiary institutions to do their internship, and this provides hands-on experience on what they learnt in school. Mr. Tumbiago added that the practical helps them develop foundational social work skills, and prepare them for the final, more advanced placement in their fourth year. He plans to apply his learning experiences and knowledge next year during his final year. “I plan to use my communication and analytical abilities to make complex ideas easy to understand and focus on connecting policy discussions.” CIMC Executive Officer Wallis Yakam said two students from University of Goroko will be recruited under the annual Graduate Development Program soon. CIMC takes in students to do fieldwork from University of PNG, Divine Word University, University of Technology, Don Bosco Technology Institute and other institutions.

Biskitop Biscuits, the official sponsor of Biskitop Zulu Riders, the new club on the block in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition this year, has given the club major support with a donation of 500 Biskitop Biscuit cartons. The Club members were all smiles when they were presented 500 cartons of Bisketop biscuits in assorted flavors from the Biskitop Producer, Epac Limited yesterday afternoon at their warehouse at 9 miles. Mr. Brian Kombe who was the spokesperson for the Biskitop Biscuits when presenting the 500 biscuit cartons highlighted that these biscuits are for the club to sell and raise funds to keep the club financially afloat all throughout the PRL season. “There are no free hand outs, we give you the biscuits, you sell these cartons and make money for the club so you can pay player registrations, training equipment and also for logistics.” “These 500 cartons are for this month, Biskitop will give you 500 cartons every month until the end of the year”, Mr. Kombe added. Vice President and Coaching Director of the Club Mr. Steve Gunua, who was formally the Central Dabaris Coach, thanked Mr. Lee and the Epac Company Limited for their continues support through their product brand Biskitop. “This is a very generous contribution to the club, and we are thankful,” Gunua said. “My team will sell these biscuits and all income from this first 500 carton sales will go towards our Players Registrations.” Gunua added that the Biskitop Zulu Club has 3 divisions, A Grade, under 20, and the Open Women's Division with a total of 85 team members, and individual player registration is K20 so a total of K1,700 is needed; therefore, the takings from the first sale will be put to player registrations. Further Mr. Gunua stated that despite being a new club in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition the teams are performing satisfactorily, with their A Grade team on 8th placing out of 16 teams, under 20 Team on 5th place and their Open Woman’s team on 8th place out of 16 teams. “This is a team from ward 12 in Moresby North- East made up of players from 9mile to Quarry, Bomana, Turnoff, Makana and Bush Wara area, thus, this is about creating an avenue for youths to explore their skills and make better choices in life through rugby league.” “We are hoping that through are new club more youths can get involve in rugby league, make a career from it, hopefully getting someone from here to 2028 NRL Bid”, said Mr. Gunua.

A total of 21 contestants from Vocal Fusion Season 12 have joined the Senisim PNG Program, kicking off their first session on 30 May 2025 with a focus on the core value of Hope. The Senisim PNG Program, an initiative by the PNG Tribal Foundation, is a unique values-based program aimed at helping individuals shift their mindset, grow personally, and take the lead in bringing positive change to their communities. Senism PNG National Coordinator Phillie Marai stated that over the course of 11 weeks, the contestants will participate in Transformation Tables, where they will meet in small groups and go through discussions on 10 core values such as Responsibility, Integrity, Respect, and Discipline. These sessions are designed to help participants reflect on their lives, identify areas for growth, and commit to personal transformation. “The first session on Hope was a powerful way to start and we’re helping young Papua New Guineans realise that change begins within and these contestants are already showing strong commitment,” Mrs Marai said. The goal of the program is not only to develop individuals, but to equip them to become role models and positive influencers in their families, peer groups, and within their communities. She said the involvement of Vocal Fusion contestants brings added visibility to the program, especially among young people across the country who follow the popular music competition. Their participation is a testament to how leadership and personal growth can happen at any stage and in any field, including entertainment. The PNG Tribal Foundation believes that when individuals grow in values and leadership, whole communities benefit. “We’re proud of these young artists for stepping up,” said Foundation President Gary Bustin. “They’re not just performers – they’re future leaders.” The sessions will continue weekly through to August 2025, with each session building on the last, encouraging honest conversations, goal setting, and mutual support. As these young Papua New Guineans go through the program, the Foundation encourages the public to follow their journey and be inspired to also take steps toward personal and community transformation.

Sorcery accusation -related violence (SARV) remains one of the biggest issues in the country, sadly SARV has increase in the Highlands region, thus more and more Non-Government Organisations, Church, Police, Health and other partners have been working together to combat the SARV issue. One of the leading NGO groups that has been in the forefront of SARV is the PNG Tribal Foundation. Tribal Foundation has a record of rescuing SARV survivors, bringing perpetrators to justice and becoming the hope for SARV Victims. Tribal Foundation highlighted in their latest report that from the year 2023 up to this date, the organisation has dealt with 46 SARV cases, assisted police in 122 arrests and 77 were charged by police for being perpetrators of SARV. The statistic is a combined report from the Highlands Region including the Morobe Province. According to the Tribal Foundation reports, 77 out of the 122 arrests are charged and are currently in prison while others are out on bail as police investigations continue. PNG Tribal Foundation Founder, GT Bustin, confirmed that nine of these cases have resulted in successful convictions, however, 27 suspects were reportedly released illegally from police custody. A key suspect relating to SARV case of a police officer who was murdered in year 2012 in Western Highlands Province, was arrested last month in Jiwaka by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), after been in hiding for a very long time. The suspect was charged with wilful murder and arson and is currently detained at Barawagi Prison. Investigations are ongoing, and police with assistance from the PNG Tribal Foundation are expected to make more arrests in connection with the case as well as many other SARV cases in the highlands.

Staff from the Institute of National Affairs (INA) and the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) participated in a full-day session on Tuesday 03rd May,2025, with BSP Life PNG Limited. The session was focused on exploring the Wantok Delight life insurance product, a tool designed to support life protection and long-term savings. Delivered by BSP Life Insurance Advisor Siaoa Mirou, the session emphasized the importance of financial resilience and reducing dependence on borrowing, which continues to burden many Papua New Guinean families. “Wantok Delight is a personal life insurance product created to provide life protection and help individuals build long-term financial wealth,” said Mirou. “It promotes a culture of savings and financial independence.” The product includes a savings component, allowing policyholders to accumulate wealth over time while ensuring their families are financially protected in times of loss. It also supports everyday needs such as education and living expenses. Mirou stressed that investing in Wantok Delight means trusting a PNG-owned institution committed to national development. Key benefits include:  Life protection for individuals and families  A savings plan to build future wealth  Support for a homegrown, trusted PNG institution The session reflects INA and CIMC’s commitment to improving staff financial literacy and supporting sustainable economic practices.

Recent police reports have shown that women and girls who are living in the Nation’s Capital Port Moresby city, have been victims of different forms of violence. National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab stated that the command is very concerned about the recent reports of females being sexually assaulted in different parts of the city. Met. Supt. Simatab highlighted that these crimes are serious, and they are taking strong steps to address this crime. "No woman or girl should feel unsafe walking on the streets, going to school, to work, or even in her own home.” “Women are our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives, we must protect them.” Police will be increasing patrols in high-risk areas like bus stops, markets, schools, and settlements to monitor and protect women and girls. He said the Family and Sexual Violence Units (FSVU) are ready to help victims and respond fast to reports. Police are working with community leaders and youth groups to raise awareness and support women’s safety. "If you are a victim or witness, please report, because your report can help stop further attacks.” The police are urging the public to respect women and girls and to look out for each other, especially women or girls who are travelling alone on public transport buses.

An 18-year-old suspect from Kerowagi District, Simbu Province was rearrested last Friday and is now in police custody after failing to show up in court and had been on the run since 2023. The young suspect was a student at Kondiu Rosary Secondary School in Kerowagi, who was out on bail following a Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) incident in Kerowagi district back in the year 2023. Tribal Foundation Founder GT Bustin highlighted that one of the problems hindering the completion of justice is when suspects fail to show up on court dates. And the Tribal Foundation has had to work tirelessly with the police to rearrest the perpetrators or suspects of SARV cases. “This student had a bench warrant for his second arrest because he didn’t show up to court”, Mr. Bustin said. “Let this be a lesson for those who think they can just decide not to show up to court.” Mr. Bustin added that the judges do not take it lightly and Tribal Foundation will support the police to go get the accused arrested. “We think it is time to consider no bail for SARV perpetrators.” It was alleged that around 6:00 a.m. on September 2nd, 2023, a mob surrounded the house of the 54-year-old victim from Kombumogo village in Kerowagi District. He had just buried his wife a few days earlier, while still in his mourning, the mob stormed into his house and shouted accusations against him, blaming him for the death of a prominent local man who died earlier in August 2023. “They accused him of using sorcery to cause the man’s death and demanded his torture and death.” “They pulled him out from his house and chopped his fingers, toes and nose using knives and hot irons.” Calling him the victim, “King blong Sanguma”, they burnt down his house including 13 other houses in that village and destroyed live stocks as well. Families fled and were displaced, and the victim who was rescued and brought to Minggindi Rural Hospital in Kerowagi survived, he spent three months recovering in the hospital. The survivor of SARV is now living with his 3 children aged 10,12 and 27, who are grateful for the assistance given to them by Tribal Foundation. The Foundation helped paid for hospital bills, provided fuel for police vehicles, assisted with paperwork, and ensured his case reached court. According to PNG Tribal Foundation reports, police have arrested and charged eight suspects, who were involved in the SARV, and the latest was the rearrest of the young man last Friday.

Papua New Guinea has five months remaining to fix its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) systems or face the severe repercussions of being placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) "grey list". The FATF has imposed an October 2025 deadline, and the government is scrambling to prove its commitment to global partners. Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister James Marape said Treasury Minister, Ian Ling-Stuckey has been given the responsibility to lead a taskforce to fix PNG's issues associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. "I summoned all agency heads to a critical meeting last week giving them clear direction, in no uncertain terms, that they work day and night to avert the possibility of us getting grey listed," Marape said. "This review comes around every five years. "We have only three or four areas that are outstanding that we must dispatch forthwith." PNG is no stranger to the FATF grey list, having been placed under increased monitoring in 2014 before successfully being removed in 2016. However, a recent assessment by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) highlighted ongoing deficiencies, particularly in the effectiveness of PNG's AML/CTF regime. While the country has made strides in establishing the necessary laws and regulations (technical compliance), the real challenge lies in PNG's implementation and enforcement. The core of the problem, according to analysts, is a lack of effective prosecution and punishment for money laundering and terrorism financing. High-risk sectors such as corruption, fraud against government programmes, illegal logging, illicit fishing, and tax evasion, remain largely unchecked by successful legal actions. Capacity gaps within key agencies like the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Office of the Public Prosecutor have been cited as significant hurdles. Recent drug hauls have also highlighted existing flaws in detection in the country's financial systems. The implications of greylisting are far-reaching and potentially devastating for a developing nation like PNG, which is heavily reliant on foreign investment and international financial flows. Deputy Opposition leader James Nomane warned in Parliament that greylisting "will severely affect the economy, investor confidence, and make things worse for Papua New Guinea with respect to inflationary pressures, the cost of imports, and a whole host of issues". If PNG is greylisted, the immediate economic fallout could be substantial. It would signal to global financial institutions that PNG carries a heightened risk for financial crimes, potentially leading to a sharp decline in foreign direct investment. Critical resource projects, including Papua LNG, P'nyang LNG, Wafi-Golpu, and Frieda River Mines, could face delays or even be halted as investors become wary of the increased financial and reputational risks. Beyond investment, the cost of doing business in PNG could also rise. International correspondent banks, vital conduits for cross-border transactions, may de-risk by cutting ties or scaling back operations with PNG financial institutions. This "de-risking" could make it more expensive and complex for businesses and individuals alike to conduct international transactions, leading to higher fees and increased scrutiny. Source: www.rnz.co.nz

A two-day stakeholder engagement was held in Kavieng to provide updates on Sulphide Expansion Project and discuss early-stage planning for future closure and asset transition for Simberi Gold Company Limited (SGCL). The session brought together key stakeholders from the New Ireland Provincial Administration, Sentral Niu Ailan Local Level Government (LLG), and Simberi landowner directors. On Day 1, SGCL presented the Simberi Mine Expansion update, outlining the transition from the current Oxide phase to Sulphide operations, expected to commence in 2027. While SGCL has an existing Oxide Closure Plan, the company stated that the intention is for the Oxide Closure Plan to be superseded by a Sulphide Closure Plan, and then coming into effect upon transition. Day 2 focused on introducing the conversation around the transfer of key assets and infrastructure, and how these assets can be repurposed to support sustainable income-generating opportunities for the community post closure. SGCL began exploratory discussions with stakeholders to identify infrastructure that could potentially be handed over to local entities as part of a future mine closure process, currently scheduled for 2038 once the Simberi Mine Expansion is approved. SGCL’s Executive General Manager, Randy McMahon emphasised that although closure is not imminent, early and inclusive planning is essential. “This is not just about the end of mining—it’s about the beginning of long-term planning that ensures our communities and government is consulted, equipped, informed, and prepared.” “This sets the foundation for future engagements as the company establishes the Mine Closure Planning Committee to initiate plannings and discussions towards this cause.”

The National Weather Service of Papua New Guinea has issued another warning for Heavy Rains and potential flood. Warning area are Western Province, Gulf, Gulf of Papua, Bougainville, New Ireland, East New Britain Province and Southern Highlands Province. Potential Heavy Rains are expected over the mentioned warning areas within the next 12 to 24 hours. For Southern Highlands Province, people are urged to take necessary precaution has heavy rains will cause severe flood and landslides. For Autonomous Region of Bougainville, East New Britain Province and New Ireland Province including Western and Gulf, riverine and flash floods are expected. A strong wind warning too for all coastal waters of Southern PNG/Indonesia border to Daru and Kiwai Islands, that strong East to Southeast winds of 25/30 knots is expected to persist for the next 24hrs hours causing rough seas. All small crafts and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea or better yet stay away from the sea until weather is clear. All those living in the warning areas are warned to take necessary precautions and to ensure safety first for all children and family.

A morning tea was hosted recently by the Australian High Commission where they announced and celebrated grantees under round three of the Play for Equity Fund. The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Team Up program, supporting community-led projects that advance inclusion through sport. The event was hosted by Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission Mr Adrian Lochrin who recognised the innovative and inclusive projects using sport as a platform for empowerment, inclusion, and social change. In his remarks, Mr Lochrin congratulated fund recipients and highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives in promoting gender and disability equality and inclusion. “Your projects are powerful examples of how sport can be a force for inclusion, and community transformation,” Mr Lochrin said. “These grants are more than funding – they are a recognition of your leadership and a commitment to walk alongside you.” This third round of the Play for Equity Fund had 34 successful recipients from 10 countries from across the Pacific with the 13 grantees from Papua New Guinea receiving a combined total of K388, 000. Projects range from supporting para-athletes, empowering women to play sport in rural areas, and promoting disability, gender equality and human rights in sport. The Play for Equity Fund is part of Australia’s broader commitment to gender equality and social inclusion in PNG and Pacific, recognising the transformative power of sport to build stronger, more inclusive communities under the Australian Government’s Team Up program.