Progress on a vital cocoa infrastructure project in North Bougainville under the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project has been welcomed by Prime Minister James Marape, reaffirming his government’s commitment to empowering rural farmers and rebuilding essential market links. The 5.8-kilometre Teobuin–Sipotavai feeder road in Tinputz, North Bougainville originally built in the 1950s by local cocoa cooperatives—is now undergoing full rehabilitation through a K6.9 million contract awarded to Raibro Construction Ltd. The project, which commenced in November 2024, is expected to be fully completed by September 2025. Funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea with support from the World Bank and delivered through the Cocoa Board of PNG under the PACD Program, the road serves one of the highest cocoa-producing areas in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, directly benefiting over 2,000 farmers. “This is more than a road project—it’s a bridge to prosperity for our rural cocoa farmers,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Through PACD, we are connecting remote communities to the economy, reviving agriculture, and restoring dignity to hardworking families.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the road will dramatically reduce transport barriers, improve access to markets, and enable farmers to increase income through higher cocoa sales. He acknowledged the legacy of the original road, built by local initiative nearly 70 years ago, and said the Government now has a duty to honor that legacy by ensuring modern, all-weather access. “We are rebuilding what our people built before independence—this is the meaning of PNG at 50: restoring what matters most,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Feeder roads like this are national assets that unlock rural potential.” Prime Minister Marape also commended the Cocoa Board, the Department of Agriculture, Bougainville administration, and local farmers for working together to revive not only infrastructure but also cocoa production across the region. “The Teobuin–Sipotavai road is a lifeline for Bougainville’s future. It is our duty to extend this lifeline across all rural districts, ensuring our farmers are connected, productive, and proud contributors to PNG’s development.” The PACD Project supports a wide range of initiatives in Bougainville, including nursery support, cocoa budwood gardens, extension services, and training for farmers across the region.

Prime Minister James Marape has travelled to Fiji on Saturday 21st June,2025, to attend the annual Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit. His attendance is to reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s continued leadership and commitment to Melanesian solidarity, diplomacy, and cooperation. This year’s summit, chaired by Fiji, brings together leaders from the MSG member countries— Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia) — to discuss a range of shared priorities including climate action, trade, regional security, and decolonization efforts. “Papua New Guinea is a founding and senior member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and remains steadfast in advancing Melanesian cooperation,” Prime Minister Marape said ahead of his departure. “This summit allows us to unite around our common challenges and aspirations and speak with a stronger collective voice as a region.” The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was established in 1986 to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties among Melanesian nations. It has since become a key platform for collaboration on trade, sustainable development, regional diplomacy, and cultural identity. Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to return to Port Moresby on Monday evening, 23rd June 2025, following the conclusion of the meeting. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will assume responsibilities as Acting Prime Minister, and Prime Minister Marape expressed his full confidence in the Deputy Prime Minister to lead government business during this short period. “I have every confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Rosso to maintain stability and continuity while I attend this important regional meeting,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) through the Office of the Registrar of Companies is going nationwide to create awareness on the proposed changes to the Companies Act to cater for Beneficial Ownership (BO). The team was in Lae, Morobe Province and then travelled to Goroka and Mt. Hagen in the Highlands Region, whilst the awareness focus was on BO, the team also conducted awareness on its online registry system (ORS). “This program was specifically initiated to provide in-depth information and training on the ORS and awareness on the Proposed Amendments to the Companies Act 1997 on Beneficial Ownership.” This is according to Mr. David Kil, Registrar of Companies, who is leading the initiative. "The evolving international standards necessitate a robust understanding of Beneficial Ownership (BO) and stringent Anti-Money Laundering /Counter Terrorism Funding (AML/CTF) compliance, and this program aims to bridge those knowledge gaps for our business community." The awareness sessions are targeting a broad spectrum of ORS users, including government agencies, provincial and district officials, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, law and accounting firms, SMEs, ORS agents, and business consultants. The program commenced in Lae with attendees, mostly ORS users who appreciated the direct engagement with the Registrar and his Deputy. Participants stressed their roles as the face of IPA on the ground in educating the wider Morobe business community in collaboration with the IPA Lae Regional Officer. Participation in Goroka was good despite people travelling from remote villages. A key challenge identified was that 80-90% of participants lacked a registered IPA online user account, making them vulnerable to "ghost agents." The Registrar strongly urged the use of the local EHP Commerce Office's IPA Help Desk and emphasized ethical practices for agents. Two SME mothers even received their long-awaited business name certificates on-site after years of waiting, directly assisted by the IPA team. The Mt Hagen session included a set up where participants were further assisted with specific queries. Registrar Mr. Kil used the opportunity to encourage the public to stay alert for scheduled awareness programs in other provinces as the initiative continues nationwide.

President of the Porebada Besena, Mr. Judah Matt Baru has stated that the land Portion 578 at the Porebada Junction, in the Hiri West of Central Province, including the surrounding environment and sea, belongs to the people of Porebada. Before the acquisition of the Konebada Park Zone Area, (PKZA) it was formerly portion 578, however, the legal description of the entire PKZA has now changed to various portion numbers after the Konedobu Petroleum Park Authority (KPPA) was granted an Urban Development Lease in March of 2009. Sadly, the KPPA subdivided that land and new portions were created each having new legal descriptions such as Portion 2669 up to Portion 26923 as registered and approved by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning. Mr. Baru said that these portions were granted lease, sale or illegal occupation and Portion 2693 was granted for Business purpose in May 2017 under the KPPS to develop the land. However, the KPPA Board and its Management failed miserably in administrating KPPA in compliance with the Government policies resulting in decisions to amalgamate and transfer KPPA Functions to another agency from unscrupulous dealings of land sales in parcels and abuse of large amount of public funds. “Nevertheless, our initiative to undertake a project to build a Commercial Plaza or multi-purpose Resource Centre at the described land is materializing, despite preparations since year 2020, securing the land by way of applying and obtaining a Lease Title is the common obstacle despite our indigenous rights.” “Whilst our project submission is in its initial stage, the land ownership transition process needs serious attention and immediate acquisition in alignment with the National Government core vision and drive to Take Back PNG”. Mr. Baru further stated that it is the indigenous rights of the people of Porebada over the land, especially the desired Portion 2693 to be leased back to them so they can fulfil their development aspirations. In addition, the people of Porebada want to establish a “Mini Township”, thus it is a preferred area where they can also use for relocation and resettlement due to the rising sea level that is causing king tides and slowly sinking Porebada Village. “The proper physical planning to build basic infrastructure will enable our people to access clean water supply, electricity, proper sewerage and sanitation s systems.” He added that they are deeply disappointed over the way unplanned and unregulated developments have progressed on the land with complete disregard for the interest of the indigenous people of Porebada. Meanwhile, the people of Porebada have now come up with a petition, making a sound call to the Minister for Lands, John Rosso and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, to give positive feedback as to how this land formerly Portion 578, a state leased land by the Colonial Administration through a Deed of Attestation (DA)242, Volume 1 in 1898, is now being squandered upon, and why the appeal of the people of Porebada has not been heard yet. Today, Thursday 19th June, is the beginning of the 14 days period expected by the people of Porebada to get a respond from the Government. Mr. Baru highlighted that the petition will be given to their local Member of Parliament, Keith Iduhu as well as Central Governor, Rufina Peter and a round table dialogue is expected to be the outcome of this 14- days period. “We expect answers within these 14 days period in regard to our petition, however if no satisfactory responds are given by the government of the day, the people of Porebada will hold a sit in protest to put to hold every development activity happening on our land.”

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is issuing a critical reminder to all National Federations sending athletes and teams to the Pacific Mini Games this year that all levy fees for athletes and officials must be settled by 18 June 2025. Until now, government funding remains unconfirmed and has not materialized, despite a budget being submitted in June last year and a revised budget resubmitted in February 2025. As a result of this, the PNGOC has resolved to drop sports who have made partial payments or no payments to date to ensure it operates within its limited budget to prepare and send Team PNG to participate in the Games. The original due date for levy payments was 16 May 2025, and teams are now required to complete their outstanding balances by the new deadline of 18 June to participate in the Team PNG contingent to the Mini Games. The PNGOC Board resolved during its executive meeting on 5 June that any sports team failing to pay the full levy of K2,000 per athlete and official by this new deadline will not be eligible to travel and participate in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. This decision follows multiple extensions and ample notice provided to National Federations. The total budget required for participation at this years 2025 Palau Pacific Mini Games is K4,104,844.00. It costs K10,554.27 to take one athlete to the Mini Pacific Games, this cost covers, Airfares, accommodation, meals and transport on ground, medical and medical insurance and an allowance. However, this does not factor into place the additional costs taken on by the PNGOC to prepare each games sports with funding to ensure the athletes and teams are competitive at the games. The levies were invoiced one year prior to the Games, allowing National Federations sufficient time to raise the necessary funding. However, the levies received from the sports only cover a fraction of the total costs to send Team PNG to the Games. The PNGOC has taken on the responsibility of raising the remaining funds, covering most expenses associated with both preparing and transporting Team PNG. Emma Waiwai, President of the PNGOC, emphasized the critical nature of these fees for supporting Team PNG’s preparations and managing the teams’ needs during the Games. She urged National Federations to fulfill this responsibility and pay the levies for their athletes and teams. “The PNGOC is currently funding Team PNG’s preparations to Palau by itself in 2025. Without confirmation of government support to date, we are left with no choice but to work within the limitations of our own budget,” said Waiwai. “Unfortunately, this means we may have to drop sports that have not fully paid their levies, made only partial payments, or failed to pay altogether.” Chef de Mission to the Palau Mini Games, Kinivanagi Karo, expressed concern that the current situation jeopardizes Team PNG's chances to defend its title as the reigning Pacific Mini Games Champions. Stating that failure to send a full team, as required by the Pacific Games Council, may also result in penalties for Team PNG. The PNGOC has been diligently working to raise funds through initiatives such as the Trukai Fun Run and the Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge to support Team PNG. Waiwai also appealed to businesses and stakeholders for additional financial support to help Team PNG achieve its goals. “Be part of Team PNG’s journey and celebrate our country’s 50th anniversary o independence through successful and memorable performances by our elite athletes at the Pacific Mini Games.” Chef de Mission Karo reiterated his hope to see all endorsed athletes and teams board the plane to Palau, encouraging them to remain optimistic and focused on their goals. “We aim to top the medal tally again, and I believe our athletes are capable of achieving this with the right support,” said Karo. Team PNG returns to the Mini Games to defend its first-place finish on the medal tally from the last Mini Games held in Northern Marianas in 2022. This year’s Mini Games will occur in Palau’s capital city, Koror, from 29 June to 9 July. The final Team PNG contingent will depart Port Moresby on 26 June for the Games.

A total of 19 juvenile remandees participated in the second session of the Senisim PNG Transformation Table at Bomana Prison on Monday morning here in Port Moresby. PNG Tribal Foundation’s Senisim PNG National Coordinator, Phillie Marai, led her team of three facilitators and volunteers through the second value with the juvenile prisoners, aged between 14 and 18. Mrs. Marai said there are 10 good values will be discussed over 11 weeks through table sessions. Monday morning, the prisoners learned about Humility. They explored what humility is and how it applies to them reflecting on their lives, shaping their identities as young people, and considering what the future may hold. “Humility is not about boasting., it’s about accepting your mistakes, listening more, and talking less,” she said. “Humility opens doors to many opportunities when you understand its value.” During the session, one of the prisoners said, “I used to struggle with sharing, but since going through the program last week, I’ve started sharing my clothes and food with my brothers. I will continue to give more.” Another teenager shared, “I never listened and always talked, but since taking part in the program, I’ve started to see the good in myself by listening more.” “I’ve noticed some improvement.” The third prisoner spoke also on how he chose wrong company, stating he followed his friends to commit petty crimes like stealing and has never obeyed anyone, however with the Senisim PNG program, he made up his mind to become a better person. They have been tasked to act this week, including listening, sharing, admitting mistakes, reading a book from their small library, and helping their peers before the next table session next week.

The Commander of the National Capital District and Central Province, Benjamin Turi, welcomed Senior Inspector Ruben Giusu as the coordinator of Police Reservists in the National Capital District and Central Provinces, as per a directive from the police management. With the increasing number of complaints from the public regarding police impersonators in the command, Commander NCD/Central Benjamin Turi welcomes Mr. Giusu, who has a wealth of experience in both administration and policing duties in the police force. While welcoming him, Commander Turi also gave directives to all reservists who are currently working or not working in the command to report to him and identify themselves so the command can know who they are. He said there are many police impersonators running around in the command who have been involved in illegal activities that have spoiled the good name of the constabulary. Mr. Giusu will be based at the Saraga Police Post and will be coordinating the reservists in the command. The Saraga Police Post will now be used as the operational centre where all reservists will be in command. “We have seen impersonators running around claiming to be police reservists who have been involved in illegal activities and with him coming into command, we want to see some changes.” “We also want to call on the trained reservists to report to him so he can assign them to a police station to work.” “You were trained and given the police uniform to serve the people and if you are not performing, then we have to take action and remove the uniform from you because the police uniform belongs to the police department,” Turi said.

Following the declaration of the newly elected member for Central Bougainville, Mr Jimmy Miringtoro who was a former two-term MP and State Minister, Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG) President H.E Ishmael Toroama, MHR congratulated Mr Miringtoro for his victory. In a statement release by the ABG President, he stated that on behalf of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the people of Bougainville, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Member-elect for Central Bougainville, Jimmy Miringtoro and that his return to national politics as a two-time former Member speaks to the trust and confidence that the people of Central Bougainville continue to place in his leadership. “His deep understanding of the development needs and aspirations of our communities, gained through years of experience and service, will be invaluable in this new term.” Toroama further added that at this critical juncture in ABG political journey, Bougainville needs strong and consistent voices at the national level. “I trust that MP Miringtoro will be an active and unwavering advocate for the people of Central Bougainville and greater Bougainville, particularly in advancing our collective aspiration for political independence and securing the future that our people have long stood for.” He highlighted also that from Miringtoro’s previous terms, he had shown his commitment to service delivery and development, and President Toroama is confident that under his renewed leadership, Central Bougainville will continue to see meaningful progress in infrastructure, education, health, and economic opportunities. “The Autonomous Bougainville Government looks forward to working closely with the Jimmy Miringtoro as we continue to shape a peaceful, self-reliant, and independent Bougainville.” “Once again, congratulations, Jimmy Miringtoro, and I wish him all the best as he commences his new term as the Member for Central Bougainville in the National Government.”

Former two-term MP and State Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro, has made a triumphant return to national politics, reclaiming the Central Bougainville Open Seat as an Independent candidate. Miringtoro’s victory follows a highly contested by-election held after the passing of the late Simon Dumarinu, the Social Democratic Party MP last year. Despite having several strong contenders in the by-election, Miringtoro was favored, given his past legacy as one of the top-performing MP with a strong record in service delivery during his previous terms. He was officially declared MP-elect at 10:00 am yesterday, Sunday 15th June 2025 by Returning Officer Justine Pantumari at Tupukas Primary School, after securing 7,868 votes in the 11th exclusion, surpassing the absolute majority of 7,643. Counting was stopped during the 11th exclusion as Miringtoro crossed the majority threshold, with one more exclusion remaining. His closest challenger, Pangu Party candidate Lohial Nuau, came second with 4,168 votes, while independent candidate Flynn Naunsi Detou finished third with 3,249 votes among a field of 14 candidates. Miringtoro’s return is seen by many in Central Bougainville as a restoration of strong and experienced leadership, with expectations high for renewed development and progress in the region.

Staff from the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) and the Institute of National Affairs (INA), led by INA Executive Director Paul Barker, joined hundreds of other participants in the annual Sir Anthony Siaguru Anti-Corruption Walk early Sunday morning, 15th June 2025, at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby city. Families, friends, and representatives from government agencies, corporate organizations, and civil society groups gathered at Sir John Guise Stadium from as early as 4am to take part in the event, organized annually by Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG). This year’s theme was, “Do what is right, not what is easy,” served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s ongoing fight against corruption. Participants walked from the stadium through 5 Mile to Gordon, circled the Somare Drive roundabout, passed Morauta Haus, and returned to the stadium, a symbolic route highlighting the commitment of citizens and institutions to demand accountability and integrity in public service. CIMC and INA have been consistent and active supporters of the Anti-Corruption Walk, reinforcing their commitment to promoting transparency, good governance, and public awareness across Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the National Constitution, during the recent high-level consultation held at Burnham, New Zealand. Prime Minister Marape met with the leadership of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), led by President Ishmael Toroama, in a critical dialogue that marked a significant milestone in the post-referendum process under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Section 14 of the National Constitution. “Let us never forget that we are all peacemakers,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement enshrined a path forward for unity and peace, and the Constitution provides us with a lawful and peaceful way to navigate the sensitive outcomes of the 2019 Referendum.” The Prime Minister emphasized that while 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voted for full political independence in the 2019 Referendum, the Agreement clearly stipulates a two-stage process — referendum followed by post-referendum consultations — culminating in a decision by the National Parliament. “At no point does the Peace Agreement or Constitution suggest that a referendum result, however overwhelming, is automatically binding,” Prime Minister Marape clarified. “Section 342 of the Constitution requires post-referendum consultations. Parliament is not a rubberstamp; it is a sovereign body of national leaders who must now consider the result and make a determination." He acknowledged that some expectations initially misunderstood this process, expecting the Parliament to simply ratify the referendum outcome. However, through continued dialogue, the ABG and National Government now share a clearer understanding of the constitutional process. “I carry the referendum result in my bosom, not only as Prime Minister, but as a Member of Parliament,” he said. “But when it comes before the House, I too will be reduced to one vote — the vote of the Member for Tari-Pori, it will be up to the collective wisdom of Parliament to decide our national future.” Prime Minister Marape praised the resilience of the peace process and reaffirmed the commitment to continued consultations under the framework of the Constitution. He noted that there is no fixed timeframe under the Constitution for concluding consultations, allowing the space for genuine national consensus to be built. “In the wisdom of the crafters of the 2001 Peace Agreement, they entered that the two sides consult each other after the Referendum to find an amicable solution without offending the full gamut of our National Constitution. The important thing is that we remain engaged, respectful, and lawful.” “This process belongs not just to the Executive Arm of Government, but to the entire National Parliament and our people.” Prime Minister Marape concluded with a solemn reflection on the responsibility of leadership stating that as the Prime Minister, it is his duty to uphold the Constitution, to defend the unity and integrity of Papua New Guinea. “To walk this journey of peace together with our brothers and sisters from Bougainville, there is still much work ahead, but our foundation remains firm — one of dialogue, respect, and constitutional order.”

Simbu Province has become one of the three Highlands provinces in Papua New Guinea selected for an environmental conservation initiative to protect biodiversity and build climate resilience. The initiative is a partnership program between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and PNG's Environment and Conservations and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), that will be rolling out in Simbu, Jiwaka and Enga. The workshop was held recently at Mt. Whilhem Hotel in Kundiawa, Simbu Provincial, and was attended by the Simbu Provincial Administrator Mr. John Punde, along with senior officers, and community leaders from all six districts in the province. The workshop was aimed at educating communities on how to care for their environment, while creating economic opportunities through sustainable resource management. "Our people are already involved in environmental protection through culture, farming, and forest use; thus, this project gives us the tools to build on what we already have," Mr. Punde said. CEPA Deputy Managing Director, Michael Bongera, highlighted that PNG's forest is of global importance and called on leaders to prepare for more development partnerships. "This is about positioning ourselves for long-term environmental and economic sustainability," he said. “The program aims to mitigate threats to biodiversity through training, livelihood support, and community-based conservation.” Mr. Bongera added that for many, it is a chance to turn environmental stewardship into a source of pride and prosperity. Simbu now stands at the forefront of PNG's fight to protect its natural heritage.