Sawong (on the left) and Tom (on the right). Tom passed on after surgery at the Sydney Children’s Hospital on Monday after a seven hour procedure where a medical team successfully separated the twins.
They were transported from the Port Moresby Paradise Private Hospital last week to undergo the operation in Australia. The Government will foot the bill incurred by the twins at the Sydney hospital.
Prime Minister James Marape made the commitment at the Jackson International Airport yesterday on his way to Sydney for the Investment Comference.
WIN FOR MAMAS!
BY JACOB POK
A FIVE-YEAR battle marked by intimidation, forged signatures and alleged corporate hijacking has finally swung in favour of the original women leaders of PNG Women in Business Limited who are the owners behind one of the country’s most significant financial institutions for grassroots mothers - the Women’s Micro Bank Limited (WMBL), widely known as Mama Bank. On Friday, the National Court in Waigani issued restraining orders
to maintain the status quo within PNG Women in Business Limited (PNGWiBL) while the founding executives, directors and shareholders of PNGWiBL, the parent company of WMBL, with 60 percent shareholding pursue the case to trial. The court restrained and put a stop to the actions of the current management team, whom the court was told, had relied on fraudulent company Minutes and Resolutions and forged signatures to assume control.
READ MORE ON PAGE 4
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS
The champion Yagu side celebrate winning the Gahuna Gaudi Volleyball Association women’s grand final at Gerehu Stage One.
SEE SPORTS PAGE 34
Govt to foot bill for twins’ surgery
BY STAFF REPORTERS
PNG Government will foot the bill of conjoined twins, Tom and Sawong following their surgery on Sunday in Sydney, Prime Minister James Marape said.
He said an attempt was made to keep the conjoined twins alive in Port Moresby before they were medevaced for appropriate operation in Australia.
“I want to thank the Australia government and also those who took care of the twins in transportation down to Australia, unfortunately one could not survive the operation and one made it through and they are looking at taking care of the surviving twin.
“We as a government gave assurance that the medical bills will be picked up, in terms of full total bills.
“I want to say thank you to Australia government based on our assurance, they were able to facilitate this, and made the transfer to the hospital.
Mr Marape also extended his gratitude to family spokesperson and Manolos Aviation CEO Captain Jurgen Ruh for being there for the family from the beginning till now.
“I want to thank Jurgen, he is an angel out there in Morobe. God bless him and his company, he just went out there, without even caring for who pays for the flight time and the fuel.” One of the twins, Tom could not make it during a tense emergency separation surgery at the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
After a grueling seven-hour procedure that captured the attention of both PNG and Australia, the medical team successfully separated the twins, Tom and Sawong.
A family spokesperson confirmed
the heartbreaking news late yesterday evening
“We are confirming that we lost one of the twins, the body of Tom, but we still have two souls and Sawong has survived the separation.
“The surgery was necessitated by the rapidly declining health of the boys, particularly Tom, who Australian specialists confirmed had “little chance of survival” following initial detailed investigations that could not be conducted in PNG,”
Mr Marape said.
While the nation mourns the loss of little Tom, there is immense relief and gratitude that his twin brother, Sawong, survived the highly complex separation.
Sawong is now recovering under the intensive care of the multidisciplinary team at the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
The family has extended a plea to all Papua New Guineans for continued spiritual support during this emotionally challenging time.
“Please pray,” the spokesperson concluded, asking for prayers for Sawong’s recovery and for the parents as they grieve Tom’s passing.
The journey of Tom and Sawong has been followed closely by the public since their initial plight was brought to light, prompting a surge of public support and cooperation between health authorities in PNG and Australia.
While grief-stricken, the family and the nation recognise the heroic efforts of the medical teams in Port Moresby and the dedicated surgical specialists in Sydney who worked tirelessly to achieve the separation and save Sawong.
The focus now shifts to Sawong’s recovery, which is expected to be a long and challenging process requiring ongoing specialist care.
grueling
Miracle: Kamila survives horror road accident
BY TANISHA SASSAH
WHILE many will cherish memories of the country’s independence celebrations, for two-year-old toddler Kamila Gini, the scars she bear will forever be a reminder of her incredible survival story.
On the morning of the golden jubilee, amidst the joy and celebrations, Kamila faced an unfortunate incident, at twoyears old, young Kamila and her baby sitter was hit by a car at Hanuabada and Konedobu bus stop on September 16, 2025.
“Miracle” was what the family described her survival and the family was grateful to God for her survival.
Maprik Andane uncle of Kamila told the Post-Courier that they
didn’t think that two-year-old Kamila would make it, when the incident happened.
On that day between 10am and 11am, Kamila was on her baby sitter’s shoulder walking to cross the road from the Hanuabada bus-stop to Konedobu when a speeding vehicle travelling along the Poreporena Freeway tried to overtake another car and ran into the two, he said.
Mr Andane went to the site where the incident occurred said that he was shocked to see that his niece had survived, sleeping and crying in pain.
“She (Kamila) was thrown into the air when the car hit the baby sitter and her, everyone rushed to the scene and saw the baby sitter on the pathway but not the baby and so everyone went looking for
Kamila trying to find where the she was.
“The car that hit the baby sitter and Kamila tried to drive away it was then stopped by another vehicle, and then we found Kamila inside the vehicle,” he said.
Everyone ran to the car to argue with the driver, however, when they all came towards the vehicle, they saw the girl lying on the passenger in the car, bleeding and crying in pain.
Kamila was flung over the bonnet of the vehicle and crashed through the front glass onto the lap of the passenger in the vehicle.
“People around the scene stood without saying anything as it was very strange to see this type of accident never happened, with her surviving,” Mr Andane said.
“If it was not baby girl flown into
the car, then we do not know what would have been but it was the grace of God high above that saved her life and properties for all the people involved.”
Young Kamila was rushed to Glorious Medical Centre at Badili and the baby sitter was taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital.
Mr Andane said that Kamila sustained a tear on her head over her temporal area of the brain and sustained four deep cuts over her left flank and abdomen.
Kamila is now well, and is happy with both her parents and family. She is strong and is still considered a “miracle” by her family.
Kamila Gini (right) today. PICTURE: SUPPLIED.
Sadly, Tom did not make it during an intense emergency separation surgery at the Sydney Children’s Hospital. After a
seven-hour procedure that captured the attention of both PNG and Australia, the medical team successfully separated Tom and Sawong. PICTURE: SUPPLIED.
-PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg
PICK UP AND DROP OFF TAX
Our page one today drew this response. Great article in the paper today (yesterday). Can you do a follow up on the pick up and drop off services for staff. For example many organisations use security companies for this that are not cheap. As an example say a company uses a security firm to pick up and drop off 10 staff at k250 per trip times 2 times per day times 5 days per week. K250 x 2 x 5 =K2,500 per week x 2= K5000 per fortnight Divided by 10 staff = a deemed benefit of 500 per staff member per fortnight. At a marginal rate of 22% that will result in a tax liability of k110 per fortnight. At a 33% marginal rate that will result in a tax liability of K165 per fortnight. Hospitals use these services for doctors and nurses on shift work. Who is going to pay that?
OUTSTANDING ARREST WARRANTS
Court orders were something no one ignored in the past. An order from the magistrate or judge was observed to the letter by those that were served on. Times have changed and so the respect for Court orders. If what we hear from the National Court in Wabag that there are more than 300 arrest warrants issued by the courts that are still outstanding, something is definitely wrong here.
NO RESPECT FOR COURT ORDERS
And on Court Orders, a prominent lawyer informed us that the district and national court orders are not respected anymore these days. Is that how bad the situation is right now? We are definitely heading for more trouble if this is true. We have to do something fast, before the Judiciary loses its standing and respect completely.
WILL POWER IS ALL IT TAKES
Guy was advised to fast to loose weight. He had tried everything and failed so he took advice. He went without breakfast and lunch and had dinner on the first day. Not bad, he told himself. On the second day, he skipped breakfast and as it was getting towards lunch hour, he felt the hunger fangs coming on. He tried to hold it down but it was unbearable so he grabbed a quick lunch. Will power, my friend, that is all you need, he was advised. The guy is wondering if he should try it again.
BACK ON THE CIRCUIT
Rumour or not, a photo gone viral on social media shows the back of former opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa walking meekly into the rank and file of government. We can only hope that he is suitably recognized now that government has a couple of ministerial vacancies. Good luck on your endeavours over yonder Mr Tomuriesa.
EDITORIAL LIONS
News editors have the most unenviable jobs in the world, coming to think of it. On a daily basis, these staunch individuals fight off all forms of duress and undue influence on their newsrooms and their editorial content. And PENGEE has been around long enough to have witnessed some serious all-out attacks and threats to infringe on their editorial independence, including the lame- We will pull out all advertising support blah, blah, blah, that has lost its edge aeons ago. Notwithstanding, news editors are a bunch of lion-hearted individuals, and we take this special occasion to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas 2025 and Happy New Year 2026!
OVER THE LOFT
A rather tall and lofty individual attended a function where almost all the attendees did not match his height. Embarrassed, the poor bugger decided it was better to stay grounded, so he hid in his corner next to an Indian friend and drowned his problem with a round of red wine. Wine flowed, and the program glowed, and soon our friend had to answer nature’s call. He then realised the restroom was on the other side of the building, and he would have to wade his way through the Milky Way with all eyes on him. Last we heard, the guy crawled out of the dinner and fled home.
MONEY RAIN
The LO’s of the PNG LNG project around the LealeaBoera-Porebada and Papa have finally received 40% of their entitlements, totalling over K74m. But will the villagers ever see any of it or will monies be swallowed by greedy Board members and landowner companies. Let’s see the money being spent on the communities, many of which still have no water supply, health centres or passable schools. Some of the money needs to invested in their own Future Wealth Fund for the next generations.
Scanheretoreadmore
EDITORIAL
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Court to decide on Southern Highlands governor’s appeal
BY MELYNE BAROI
A THREE-MAN bench decision of the Supreme Court has been reserved while the National Court in Mount Hagen is set to deliver a verdict tomorrow (Wednesday) on contempt allegations against Southern Highlands Governor William Powi and four former local level government presidents.
Mr Powi’s contempt charge relate to the 2019 Local Level Government elections and hold serious claims that he had acted against a National Court order by continuing to “recognise and allow” nullified LLG presidents to be in office.
Those presidents were identified as Joseph Kunukunu, Jack Kipoi, Francis Walipa and Jacob Iki.
Mr Kunukunu was holding the position of deputy governor as well.
This alleged contempt charge is to be determined on Wednesday.
Pending that decision, Powi and the “nullified” presidents with provincial assembly clerk Leo Vali have gone to the three-man bench of the Supreme Court to seek leave to appeal a dismissed objection in the National Court by the trial judge Joseph Crowley claiming it was “wrong and erroneous”.
This was heard yesterday by the bench consisting the Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Justice Derek Woods and Justice Pauline Bre, and a decision was reserved to be handed down on Thursday or Friday.
The court heard that after the Local Level
Government elections of July 2019, there were two meetings to elect LLG presidents for the Ialibu Pangia District.
One meeting was organised by the District Administrator Samson Wereh and was held on August 7, 2019 at Ialibu Government Station.
At that meeting the Plaintiffs; Wambi Nondi, Lasa Mainu, Gibs Siri and Peter Yamuna were elected LLG presidents.
The second meeting was organised by the acting provincial administrator Mr Joseph Cajetan and occurred on 14 August 2019 in Mendi.
Mr Kunukunu, Mr Kipoi, Mr Walipa and Mr Iki were elected LLG presidents in that meeting.
That resulted in the district administrator filing a case after he was suspended for organising the first meeting.
In a case filed by Mr Wereh challenging Cajetan, Justice Collin Makail declared “... any election conducted in Mendi for the Local-level Governments for Ialibu Pangia District is illegal, null and void ab initio”
The allegation is that the defendant’s actions were deliberate and willful.
But Lawyer Harvey Nii representing Southern Highlands provincial clerk Leo Vali argued that the said order from Justice Collin Makail was "not minuted signed, sealed" to show it was a proper order to be used against the defendants.
He said Justice Makail's orders were not compelling them to act in a certain way.
Lawyer Allan Baniyamai for governor
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Powi argued that they were prejudiced for not given an opportunity to argue their innocence on the contempt charge and further dismissal of the objection.
The Fourth Defendant Jerry David was the Provincial Administrator.
He supported the arguments pursued by Mr Nii and Mr Baniyamai.
That was dismissed as Justice Crowley noted that “it is for the Court to establish for itself what behaviour it considers is contemptuous.
The court of Papua New Guinea and the common law jurisprudence for England before that, has never prescribed what will or won’t amount to contempt. It has left it to be judged on a case-by-case basis” among others.
The court noted that it is alleged the Defendants disobeyed an order of the National Court.
It is not disputed that the actions of all the Defendants (Powi, Kunukunu and his group, Leo Vali and Jerry David) were in contravention of Justice Makail’s orders in Wereh v Cajetan.
The allegation is that their actions were “deliberate and wilful”.
The Supreme Court decision that would be handed down later this week will determine whether the objection was wrongfully dismissed.
The National Court decision that would be handed down tomorrow would determine whether or not the all the defendants are guilty of contempt.
Court unmasks alleged fraud at Mama Bank
FROM PAGE ONE
FOR more than 16,000 women shareholders across PNG, many of whom rely on PNGWiBL and Mama Bank for financial empowerment, the court order mark the first breakthrough after years of silence, withheld dividends and stalled development.
One of the founding Chairlady who assume leadership after the Late Janet Sape of Women in Business Limited, Waila Koloa, fought back tears as she described the ordeal at a press conference yesterday.
“We, the mothers, the real executives, were intimidated, harassed and threatened. We were pushed out by those who wanted to take over the company,” she said.
“We were afraid to seek justice because of these threats and intimidations. But today, justice is finally speaking.”
According to court documents, the leadership struggle began after a series of illegal meetings allegedly orchestrated by the respondents - Raymond Sape and Send Thomas Angau - in February 2021, during which they purportedly removed the representative directors Waila Koloa, Givani Nia and Tony Walwal.
A police forensic report tendered in court has since confirmed that Koloa’s signature was forged at the time and was used to justify changes lodged with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records.
This matter styled, MP (COMM) No. 19 of 2025, was brought by PNG Women in Business Foundation Inc (PNGWiBFI), detailed a litany of alleged abuses that the court said raised “serious questions” requiring full trial.
Lawyer Emmanuel Sarenga Kasi of Sarenga & Associate Lawyers, who secured the interim orders, said the court’s decision was vital not only for the petitioners, but for the thousands of women whose savings and dividends had been put at risk.
The orders were obtained just weeks after the WMBL signed a high-profile agreement with the national government through the Department of Commerce to channel K30 million into micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), specifically targeting rural and grassroots women.
The court found that allowing the disputed executives to continue operating posed significant risk, especially in light of evidence that “illegal directors” had attempted to access dividends and alter
company records.
The restraining orders were granted under Section 142 of the Companies Act, with the court agreeing that damages alone could not compensate the thousands of women whose rights and investments were affected.
The court accepted that the balance of convenience strongly favoured restoring the legitimate executives to prevent further unauthorised transactions, asset movements or records manipulation.
The court also issued protection order against the respondents not to intimidate, threaten or harass the petitioners in any form pending the determination of the matter.
The matter is expected to proceed to a full substantive hearing, where the court will determine the future leadership of PNGWiBL and the extent of the alleged fraud.
For now, however, the founding women behind the institution say the decision has breathed new hope into their long fight.
“This is not just a victory for us,” Koloa said, “but for every mother in Papua New Guinea who believed in PNGWiBL and Mama Bank.”
K20.8m smuggling attempt foiled
Asian nabbed for trying to smuggle gold out of country
PAPUA New Guinea Police and Immigration officers have smashed a gold smuggling operation at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby.
They intercepted 36 kilograms hidden in a handbag carried by an Asian national on December 7.
The gold was valued at K20.8 million.
A man was arrested and is now in custody.
Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu confirmed the suspect had already checked in for a Hong Kongbound flight when intelligence-led surveillance teams identified him as a person of interest.
Officers searched his small black hand luggage and found the gold concealed inside.
“The individual was apprehended after he checked in, and Customs enforcement officers escorted him to the Bomana Immigration Centre for questioning,” Mr Navasivu said. All evidence was handed over to PNG Customs, which is now working with police to lay charges.
In an earlier incident, a man believed to have smuggled 12 kilograms of gold from Bougainville reportedly discovered the gold missing from his bag upon arrival in Hong Kong last Wednesday.
NCD Metropolitan Commander ACP Benjamin Turi said he was
aware of the Hong Kong report but was awaiting further details.
He confirmed the weekend arrest, saying it reflects ongoing concerns about criminal activity exploiting PNG’s travel gateways.
“These incidents show that people are still trying to move gold illegally through our airports,” ACP Turi said.
“Police are working closely with Immigration and Customs to identify those involved.”
CMO Navasivu said the successful operation demonstrates increasing sophistication in PNG’s border security.
“Immigration, police and customs acted decisively. This is the standard we will continue to uphold,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Border) Steven Francis also raised concerns about a surge in crossborder criminal activities, including illegal alluvial mining and the smuggling of flora and fauna.
This raises concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region. Possible contributing factors include:
Lack of adequate legal framework;
Inadequate enforcement and implementation of existing laws;
Leadership and governance issues, from political heads to community leaders, impacting the protection of PNG’s sovereignty.
The situation demands immediate attention to address these issues and safeguard the country’s interests Commander Francis said.
Authorities say gold-smuggling attempts are rising, driven by illegal
Landslide buries 3 roadworkers alive
BY PEARSON KOLO
A DEVASTATING landslide on Sunday night buried alive three men working on a road construction along the Baiyer Tigi road in the Western Highlands Province.
The corpses were dug out from mud, earth and debris yesterday morning around 10am.
Western Highlands Provincial Government and the police were on the ground to retrieve the bodies and transport them to Mt Hagen General Hospital morgue.
Western Highlands Provincial Disaster Cordinator Pais Kar and Provincial Police Rural Zones Commander Chief Inspector Moses Kalandi were at the site.
Mr Kar told the locals that it was a tragic death for the three men, who left families behind.
"This is a natural disaster and we
cannot do anything but to help bury the bodies and find ways to support their families." Mr Kar said.
Insp Kalandi told relatives of the deceased to follow normal procedures of dealing with deaths caused by natural disaster.
The three men were working for a local construction company fixing damaged sections of the Baiyer to Tigi and Dei Council road.
At the time of the landslide, they were sleeping in a makeshift shelter near the banks of the Paiya River when the landslide covered them on Sunday night.
The landslide resulted from continuous heavy rain in the area.
An excavator which was working on the road contract was used to remove the bodies.
The disaster office has advised people to make their houses away from areas prone to natural disasters.
buyers and organised networks targeting PNG’s mineral wealth. PNGICSA says surveillance and joint investigations will continue to tighten border security.
The 36 kilograms of gold that was carried by the Asian national at Jackson Airport, Port Moresby, yesterday.
The Asian national who was apprehended by the Police and PNG Immigration and Citzenship Authority yesterday at Jackson Airport, Port Moresby for boarding the plane with 36 kilograms of gold. PICTURE: POLICE MEDIA.
The corpses were dug up yesterday morning by Western Highlands Provincial Government disaster office and police. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
BY GORETHY KENNETH
PRIME Minister James Marape says his message at the Investment Summit in Sydney will highlight how major projects in PNG have delivered; not only for companies but also for the people.
He said PNG was poised for a new era of resource development, with a pipeline of world-class projects and a commitment to a fairer, more predictable fiscal regime to attract foreign investment.
He said he will highlight how major projects in PNG have delivered not only for companies but also for the
people, citing the success of the PNG LNG project, which secured $22 billion even during the 2008 global financial crisis.
“Delivered on time and on schedule, the project continues to generate significant benefits, including taxes, royalties, equity dividends, jobs, and local business growth.”
Mr Marape emphasised that this success is a model they intend to replicate.
He provided updates on key upcoming projects, including Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, P’nyang, Pasca A, and Porgera Restart, noting that these, along with over 20 mining,
petroleum, and gas prospects across the country, could bring $55–80 billion in foreign direct investment over a decade.
“At the Leaders’ Summit, I will highlight- A pipeline of world-class resource projects and how major projects in PNG have delivered, not only for companies but also for our people:
PNG LNG secured US$22 billion during the 2008 global financial crisis; Delivered on time and on schedule; and Continues to generate benefits;taxes, royalties, equity dividends, jobs and local business growth that success is a model we intend to replicate.
Our next wave of development is even larger.
I will provide updates on key upcoming projects: Papua LNG; Wafi-Golpu; P’nyang; Pasca A; and Porgera Restart.
Alongside these, we have more than 20 mining, petroleum and gas prospects across the country.
When sequenced properly, to avoid boom-and-bust cycles, these projects
could usher in a decade or more of continuous building, drawing US$55-80 billion in foreign direct investment.
This means sustained jobs, competitive local industries, and stronger revenue flows for landowners, provinces, and the nation.
A Smarter, Fairer Fiscal Regime Investors also want clarity and predictability.
That is why the government is moving toward a hybrid fiscal model that: Ensures returns above regional benchmarks for investors Secures greater value-for-money for PNG citizens.
Marape showcases PNG’s investment potential in Sydney PM to strengthen PNGQld economic and security ties
BY GORETHY KENNETH
PRIME Minister James Marape will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday after opening the Investment Conference in Sydney to sign a revised memorandum of understanding with Queensland, aiming to deepen economic, security, and trade ties with Australia’s largest economy.
In a press conference before departing for the Sydney Investment Summit, Mr Marape said Queensland, with an economy valued at A$500 billion, is PNG’s closest neighbour in terms of geography, culture, and people-to-people ties.
He said the new agreement aims to enhance cooperation in public services, police and judicial collaboration, border surveillance, and business partnerships, ensuring Queensland remains PNG’s key partner in security, trade, skills, and investment.
“On Wednesday, I will fly to Brisbane to sign the revised memorandum of understanding between PNG and the State of Queensland,” he said.
“Queensland is a major economic powerhouse, a A$500 billion economy and our closest neighbour by geography, culture and long-standing people-to-people links.
Increasing synergy with Queensland means:
Strengthening cooperation between our public services;
Enhancing police-to-police and judicial collaboration;
Expanding joint border surveillance; and Facilitating greater business-to-business partnerships.
This renewed agreement will guide how we work together into the future -- ensuring that Queensland remains PNG’s most immediate and practical partner for security, trade, skills and investment.
“I look forward to concluding this milestone with the Queensland Premier before returning home.”
A pipeline of world-class resource projects at the Leaders’ Summit.
I will highlight how major projects in PNG have delivered, not only for companies but also for our people:
PNG LNG secured US$22 billion even during the 2008 global financial crisis Delivered on time and on schedule
Continues to generate benefits; taxes, royalties, equity dividends, jobs and local business growth.
“That success is a model we intend to replicate.
“Our next wave of development is even larger.
I will provide updates on key upcoming projects:
Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, P’nyang, Pasca A; and Porgera Restart Alongside these, we have more than 20 mining, petroleum and gas prospects across the country.
When sequenced properly; to avoid boom-and-bust cycles, these projects could usher in a decade or more of continuous construction, drawing US$55–80 billion in foreign direct investment.
This means sustained jobs, competitive local industries, and stronger revenue flows for landowners, provinces, and the nation.
A Smarter, Fairer Fiscal Regime Investors also want clarity and predictability.
That is why our government is moving toward a hybrid fiscal model that: Ensures returns above regional benchmarks for investors; Secures greater value-for-money for PNG citizens; and Simplifies negotiations and reduces uncertainty Finalising these reforms in 2025 will pave the way for timely investment decisions.
‘PNG a reliable, highgrowth investment hub’
BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
PNG is positioning itself as one of the Indo-Pacific’s most reliable and high-growth investment destinations, Prime Minister James Marape has declared.
Speaking before his departure for Australia, Mr Marape said PNG’s message to global investors is that it has remained firm and consistent.
"The country offers a stable democracy, a rules-based investment environment and a proven record of honouring contracts across all major resource projects.
“For nearly 50 years, Papua New Guinea has honoured every resource agreement it has signed,” he said.
“This is not a slogan, it is our track record.
“From Porgera to PNG LNG, Lihir to Ramu Nickel, we have respected every agreement for the full duration. That is the strength of our legal system and the maturity of our democracy.”
The Prime Minister said PNG’s fundamentals placed it among the most competitive destinations in the region, with access to fast-growing Asian markets, a negative-carbonfootprint working environment, and one of the world’s most prospective green-energy economies.
“These are the reasons global partners continue to place their confidence in us,” he added.
Mr Marape will join Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in formally opening the PNG Investment Leaders’ Summit tomorrow the headline event of PNG Investment Week (PNGIW25), organised by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy.
Held at ICC Sydney from December
7–11 under the theme “Stronger Together – Investing for the Future,” the week-long program is the most ambitious economic showcase ever staged for PNG.
PNG CORE President Anthony Smare said this year’s event broadens the country’s investment narrative beyond mining and petroleum.
“PNGIW25 is about bringing the best of PNG to the world,” he said.
“We are showcasing that PNG is open, capable and serious about attracting international investment not just in resources, but across infrastructure, agriculture, digital innovation and financial services.”
The inclusion of Australian and PNG heads of government has elevated expectations for deeper economic integration and strengthened investor confidence.
He cited the success of PNG LNG as the benchmark for future development.
“PNG LNG secured US$22 billion even during the global financial crisis, delivered on time and continues to generate substantial benefits for our people,” he said.
Major projects now preparing for investment decisions include: Papua LNG; Wafi-Golpu; P’nyang Gas Project; Pasca A; and Porgera Mine Restart.
Alongside these are more than 20 mining, petroleum and gas prospects under assessment.
Sequenced properly, the Prime Minister said, this pipeline could attract US$55–80 billion in foreign direct investment over the next decade and deliver continuous construction, jobs and long-term growth. Mr Marape reaffirmed that the Government’s fiscal reforms expected to be finalised in 2025 aim to ensure clarity, predictability and fairness for investors while securing better value for PNG citizens.
The proposed hybrid model will: Maintain competitive returns for investors; Deliver stronger benefits for the nation; and Streamline negotiations and speed up project approvals.
“Predictability is what investors want, and that is what we are delivering,” he said.
The PNG Investment Week program features a mix of high-level forums and sector-specific sessions, including: Day One – PNG Regulators Forum: Chaired by Chief Secretary Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu, with presentations from the National Petroleum Authority, National Energy Authority, and other regulatory agencies on streamlining investment processes and improving the ease of doing business.
PNG overhauls immigration, business visa systems to attract investors
BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA
PNG is accelerating a major overhaul of its immigration and business visa systems, with Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu outlining sweeping reforms designed to make PNG one of the easiest and safest investment destinations in the region.
Speaking at the PNG Investment Week Regulators Forum in Sydney yesterday, Mr Navasivu told investors, government officials and private-sector leaders that PNG is modernising its migration processes to ensure fast, predictable and compliant entry for genuine business travellers.
“Our focus is clear we want to
improve the business visa space, especially short-term visas for investors who need to move quickly, enter PNG legally and carry out proper investment work,” Mr Navasivu said.
The Chief Migration Officer confirmed that PNG now offers:
Short-term single-entry business visa –allowing a 30-day stay for meetings and investment scoping; and Short-term multiple-entry business visa – allowing stays of up to 60 days, and reentry for 12 months.
“These options give investors flexibility and predictability,” Mr Navasivu said. “If you are travelling in and out of PNG frequently, the
multiple-entry visa will save time and costs.”
He stressed that these visas cannot be misused for employment.
“If you are entering for business or consultations, apply for the correct visa. If you intend to work, you must obtain the proper work authorisation.”
A major milestone was reached last year when PNG fully merged work permits into the visa system a process that began in 2012 and was completed in 2021.
“As of last week, both visa and work permit applications are now fully online for extensions,” Mr Navasivu said.
All payments, submissions and approvals can now be made
digitally, with PNG’s immigration system operating on a fully online gateway established in 2018.
To simplify corporate travel, the ICA has introduced a Sponsor Code system, allowing companies to manage applications internally.
“The sponsor code allows HR teams to submit applications from the office without the old passport stickers,” Mr Navasivu said.
“This is a major step forward in efficiency.”
Business travellers will now receive grant letters digitally, replacing the traditional visa labels.
Mr Navasivu emphasised that digital transformation is the backbone of PNG’s immigration reform strategy.
BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA
ACTING managing director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Harry Kore, says PNG’s mining sector is poised for even greater transformation as the country moves into a new era of regulatory reform, data transparency and world-class project development.
Mr Kore told the investment forum that mining continues to deliver enormous value to PNG, shaping everything from foreign exchange inflows to government revenue, employment and regional development.
“In the most recent past, mining contributed about 50 per cent of PNG’s foreign exchange. In recent years, it has accounted for more than 25 per cent of the country’s GDP,” he said.
“The mining industry alone employs about 30,000 workers. These figures not only demonstrate the sector’s economic significance, they reinforce its central role in government services, local development, and livelihoods across the country.”
He said the MRA intends for PNG to “remain a globally relevant mining jurisdiction for generations to come.
Despite global volatility, Mr Kore said PNG’s seven operating mines continue to perform strongly — a signal of the country’s resilience as a mining investment destination.
With the following mining companies Mr Kore spoke on what each had to offer:
OK TEDI
“Ok Tedi, our longest-running copper mine, continues to deliver consistent production and high-level economic value for Western Province and the country.”
PORGERA
“Following its reopening, Porgera is regaining momentum. Restoring this major gold producer has been one of PNG’s biggest success stories in recent years.”
LIHIR
“Lihir remains a world-class gold operator with strong output. Continued investment in operational efficiency is driving long-term value.”
RAMU NICO
“PNG’s only nickel-cobalt mine has stabilised and continues to supply critical minerals essential for global energy transition.”
HIDDEN VALLEY
“Hidden Valley continues to contribute meaningfully to local SMEs and the broader Morobe regional economy.”
KAINANTU
“Kainantu continues to expand on the back of very strong resource grades, showing PNG’s potential for high-grade gold systems transitioning toward Tier-1 status.”
SIMBERI
“Simberi continues its turnaround, shifting from oxide to sulphide mining and remaining a major employer in New Ireland Province.”
Renewable industries must be strengthened for long-term sustainability
CHIEF Secretary to Government
Ivan Pomaleu opened the PNG Regulators Forum today, the first session of the 2025 PNG Investment week program in Sydney, Australia yesterday.
He said the rebranded structure of the program to include the renewable resources sector is a very strategic move and a timely evolution.
"Papua New Guinea must elevate the renewable resources. Agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism and clean energy," Mr Pomaleu said.
“It needs to stand along side the prominence of our extractive industry.”
He said in his view, this approach is foundational because it allows long term sustainability of our Nation and how we must depend on industries that continue to feed and support our people long after the non-renewable resources are exhausted.
Mr Pomaleu said the key question for us is how do we correct the imbalance between renewable and sectors. How do we ensure that revenues
that are gathered from mining, oil and gas are strategically channelled into agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, downstream processing and human capital development.
He added that all these is aimed at lifting Papua New Guinea's human capital index and placing us on track to achieve our national development aspirations under Vision 2050.
Mr Pomaleu further reaffirms that PNG is a “predictable and high-growth investment destination” based on
several key pillars:
Reliability: Over 50 years, PNG has honoured its resource development agreements, backed by a strong legal system and an independent judiciary.
Market Access: PNG offers immediate access to rapidly growing Asian markets.
Environmental Edge: The country boasts a negative carbon footprint and is an emerging leader in the clean energy economy.
Free Market: The economy operates under a single “rule book” applicable to the government, investors, landowners, and citizens alike.
He concluded by reiterating the government invitation for active dialogue between regulators and investors. Telephone: +675 301 9251 E-mail: media@pm.gov.pg (Page 2/2)
Mr Pomaleu encouraged investors to participate in breakout sessions for the day and share their concerns.
He informed the investors that the state aims to not only speak but to listen and learn to realign policies that respond to investor needs.
Showcase PNG’s business house. PICTURES BY PNG CORE.
FOR this festive season, we wish to encourage everyone to drink in moderation to experience the true joy of togetherness.
As a responsible brewer, SP Brewery continues to promote drinking in moderation. We wish to share with Papua New Guinea, our drinking in moderation mantra: Low. Slow. No.
THINK LOW.
Beer by itself is a low alcohol fermented drink.
Beer is sold in standardised serving
Brewer urges public to exercise restraint
sizes with a consistent level of alcohol.
A keyway to moderate drinking is to choose lower alcohol drinks wherever you can.
THINK SLOW.
Moderation is also about adopting a slower pace of alcohol consumption.
Drinking with food and ensuring regular water intake. We also encourage people to use these moments to come together
City to crack whip on illegal alcohol trade
BY CHARLOTTE SERE
NCDC Alcohol Licensing Board and Moresby-Northeast MP John Kaupa says authorities will launch a major crackdown on the production, sale and consumption of homebrew across the city, warning that the illegal alcohol trade has continued to be one of the city’s biggest lawand-order challenge.
Mr Kaupa said homebrew is still illegal and poses significant risks to public safety, yet many communities continue to brew and sell it openly, particularly at hotspot areas like Hanuabada, Erima, 8-Mile and 9-Mile.
As the city enters the festive season, traditionally a high-risk time for alcohol-related violence, he said the NCDC enforcement unit will step up inspections and raids, working alongside the police and other local leaders.
“We ae setting up enforcement to go around and crack down on all homebrews and illegal drug dealings,” he said.
“Anytime they check them, there will be shots, Christmas period is a very critical period.”
He said notice have already been issued to restrict alcohol, not to mention illegal substances like homebrew and drugs.
“Even licensed sellers will face penalties if they trade outside approved hours,” Mr Kaupa said.
“We will raid any illegal sale reported by citizens in their neighbourhoods.”
He acknowledged concerns of homebrew is being sold publicly in Hanuabada, where enforcement has been ineffective.
Mr Kaupa said awareness has already been done but leaders responsible for the districts have to help stop the practice.
with friends and family: EAT UP
Don’t drink on an empty stomach. And where possible use the drinking occasion as a time to connect with friends and family over a meal
WATER OR 0.0 ALTERNATIVES
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or 0.0 alternatives. It helps to keep you
hydrated and slows down your consumption of alcohol.
ONE DRINK AT A TIME
Take your time and finish your drink before ordering another. Do not top up a glass until it is empty – it makes it harder to keep track of how much you are drinking.
THINK NO
We believe in using our brands as a force of good. Guided by our responsible marketing codes, we ensure we have the ‘no drinking and driving’ symbol on all our packaging and products. We do not encourage any alcohol consumption during pregnancy - with our Responsible Marketing Code making it clear that our alcohol brands or no alcohol variants will never show or suggest pregnant women drinking alcohol. For some people, it’s better not to drink alcohol if they are under medication or have a medical condition.
Unlicensed selling of alcohol illegal, criminal
BY ROBERT APALA
UPNG Communication Journalism Student
THE sale and consumption of alcohol in the city illegally is against the Constitution of the country and undermining the authority of the National Capital District Alcohol Licensing Board.
Board chairman and Moresby Northeast Member of Parliament (MP) John Kaupa said the board is in place to monitor the sale and the production of alcohol in the city.
He said the board has met and is preparing to take action.
Mr Kaupa said notices have been sent to all parts of the city warning those who are illegally selling alcohol.
He said most of the law-and-order incidents happening in the city and other parts of the country are alcohol-related.
“People must know that there are laws, which citizens are required to abide failing which, they would be penalised,” Mr Kaupa said.
“Citizens have the right to sell whatever they want to make money — but it must be legal and good for people to use.”
He said illegal alcohol distributors and sellers in the settlements and suburbs must stop because the team has already mobilised and is conducting checks around the city.
“Anyone caught selling cheap alcohol or homebrew will be liable to face charges,” Mr Kaupa said.
“NCD is a metropolitan city.
“People want to live well and also they want to make money for their sustenance.
“But illegal selling of alcohol is a crime and if the NCD Alcohol Licensing teams apprehend you, you will face the consquences.”
“I drove over to Hanuabada village and saw homebrew being sold like other ordinary soft drinks and people buying it and consuming it.
“It is not a good practice, therefore the leaders at Hanuabada must address this issues because making and selling homebrew (paia wara) in public is against the laws of the land,” Mr Kaupa said.
He said during the festive season, licensed outlets and shops will be allowed to open for business at specific times.
Mr Kaupa urged illegal and unlicensed alcohol outlets, tucker shops and trade stores in the settlements and suburbs to stop because it is illegal. If they are caught, they will face the law.
“Try to find other ways to make money rather than the illegal selling of alcohol,” he said.
Underage drinking, alcoholism among youths on the rise in urban PNG
BY PAUL MAIMA
THE consumption of alcohol by children and young teenagers under the age of 21 is on the rise, especially in the Central Province and National Capital District.
Alcohol that is normally restricted to adults is consumed publicly by youths.
Most of the underage drinking sprees and partying are being influenced by their peer groups.
They no longer respect their parents and are no longer intimidated by the consequences of excessive drinking.
These youths, after getting drunk, are involved in brawls, playing loud music and get involved in other illegal activities.
Due to the rise in the production of illegal alcohol, the accessibility and consumption rate is quite high.
It is obvious that all parents did not teach their children to be drunkards.
But if the social function in a community continues every weekend, the consumption of alcohol also increases.
The law enforcing agencies, village court, community peace officer and the church must work in collaboration to address the issue.
Alcohol use among youth poses significant health risks, including impaired brain development, increased likelihood of addiction, and engagement in risky behaviours.
According to the Cleveland clinic, the health risks include:
Physical and mental health: Young people who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of developing various health issues, including liver disease, mental health disorders, and alcohol use disorder later in life. Approximately 4,000 young people die from excessive alcohol use each year, highlighting the severe consequences of underage drinking.
Brain Development: The adolescent brain continues to develop until around age 25. Alcohol consumption during this critical period can disrupt normal brain development, leading to long term cognitive impairments, memory issues, and difficulties with learning.
Injuries and Accidents: Alcohol use significantly increases the risk of accidents, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, and drownings. Young people who drink are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as unsafe sexual practices and violence, which can lead to injuries or legal issues.
Academic Performance: Underage drinking is associated with lower academic achievement, increased school absences, and higher dropout rates. Young people who drink are more likely to experience social and legal problems, which can further hinder their educational success.
Youths who consume alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviours.
Adolescents are often influenced by their peers and family attitudes towards alcohol.
Those with parents who drink or binge drink are more likely to consume alcohol themselves.
Peer pressure can also play a significant role in encouraging underage drinking.
Cultural and Environmental factors contribute to underage drinking.
Cultural norms and media portrayals of alcohol can further normalise its use among youth.
The illegal alcohol or homebrew producers are part of the contributing factors to the increased production and consumption of alcohol in NCD and Central province.
Despite the law enforcing agencies, community and the church initiatives to discourage
them, the production continues as it is the fastest way of making money from customers.
Prevention strategies are important to prevent and mitigate the impacts of alcohol abuse by youths.
Parents must openly discuss with their children the risks of alcohol and monitoring behaviour can reduce the likelihood of underage drinking.
Introducing school-based education programs on the dangers of alcohol can help inform youth about the risks associated with
drinking.
Community interventions to promote healthy activities as a preventative measure in underage drinking.
The impact of alcohol use on youth is profound, affecting their health, behavior, and overall development. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive collaborative approach by all stakeholders including involving families, schools, churches and communities to create a supportive environment that discourages underage drinking.
MORESBY Northeast MP and NCD Liquor Licensing Board Chairman John Kaupa with members of the board.
DIAGRAM showing effects of alcohol on teenagers
Cheap alcohol a factor in lawlessness
BY ROBERT APALA UPNG Communication Journalism Student
THE consumption of cheap alcohol in the city has contributed to the law and order issues because it is cheap and affordable.
Chairman of the National Capital District Peace Mediation Benjamin Taul said most court cases heard at the mediation level are alcohol-related and the number of cases has risen dramatically.
HAVE YOUR SAY...
Mr Taul said that one of the main issues in the city is where low-income earners consume more alcohol with less money.
The volume of the alcohol consumed is over the limit, which leads to people behaving differently.
“The population boom in the city where some people come looking for job opportunities and to live a good life is abused by others who come and settle in the city and take revenge on enemies when they see their faces, which is most likely to
With the increase of substance abuse resulting in a lot of law-andorder issues, how do we address this?
One cause of law-and-order issues in the city is unchecked rural-urban migration, high unemployment rates and cheap alcohol. When low income earners binge on high volumes of cheap alcohol, they tend to drink to the last toea and also cause disturbances in their communities. The government need to curb the sale of alcohol at tuckershops in the settlements as it provides an easy access for alcohol abuse.
“The rise in substance abuse is causing many law-and-order problems. To address this, communities must work with police, leaders, and families to increase awareness, promote counselling, support youth programs, and strengthen tough but fair laws. Everyone must take responsibility to keep streets safe and protect young people from harmful drugs.”
Most incidents are alcohol-related. Most of the ethnic clashes in parts of the city erupt when drunks escalate problems that can be solved by mediation. Despite the sale of alcohol providing some form of income generation for the business-minded, at the end of the day cheap alcohol being readily and easily available to a population with an immature mindset is a recipe for disaster and must be monitored.
“Bring in stricter laws/punishment so people will consider if it is worth it to use these substances and getting penalised accordingly.”
LEONARD NAMORA
“From an RPNGC standpoint, strengthening border patrol, especially in the Highlands region is crucial for reducing the movement of marijuana across provincial boundaries. The Highlands Highway is a major transit route for the production and distribution of “PNG Gold,” so establishing more permanent police checkpoints, especially between Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, and Simbu will disrupt large-scale trafficking. For maritime operations, Lae seems to be the central transit point between mainland and island provinces, especially West New Britain. Community policing in remote villages can strengthen trust so locals are more willing to report growers and carriers.
happen when they are under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
Mr Taul said the NCD Liquor Licensing Board should monitor the production rate of cehap alcohol manufacturers in the city.
“The NCD Peace Mediation team has handled a lot of cases, where innocent people are attacked and properties damaged, bags and phones snatched by youths under influence of alcohol,” he said. He said with 80 per cent of the population unemployed, mostly
youths, leads to ethnic clashes in the settlements and suburbs in Port Moresby.
“Some people move into the city with purpose and others move in just because their relatives and live in the city. When there is nothing else to do, people – especially youths – get involved in alcohol-fueled skirmishes,” he said.
Mr Taul said the prices and alcohol content of these cheap drinks should be regulated because massive consumption has contributed to lawlessness.
CONST MOZER SIPA
JOEL MIPARI
ALPHONSE TINE
RACHAEL LEMEK
CHAIRMAN of the National Capital District Peace Mediation Ben Taul (left) and his assistant at Boroko. PICTURE: ROBERT APALA
Lae police receive 14 new vehicles
BY MARISHA BULUNGOL DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT
MEMBER for Lae Open John Rosso, on behalf of the Lae City Authority and taxpayers, has presented 14 new vehicles costing K4.5 million to Lae Police yesterday.
The presentation began with the launching of the new police emergency number 112 including a new standalone landline phone donated with Telikom who also donated phones to assist the police.
Several NGO and government organisation including Digicel, Telikom, Vodafone and NICTA that attended the event, will also help the Lae Police in terms of communication to assist them in maintaining law and order.
Mr Rosso commended everyone, in particular, the Lae Police for their quick response to issues happening inside the city.
“We are setting the example to the whole country here in Lae.”
“We should be the shining picture to the rest of the country to follow,” he said.
Mr Rosso said here we do not tolerate any riots, ethnic clashes and persons carrying weapons like knifes, any one caught doing such must be arrested.
He added that if there are drunkards roaming the streets they are to be arrested.
“Laws are not meant for you to mediate, laws are there to be enforced,” he added.
In addition, Rosso highlighted that in order for the law to be enforced, police will require tools to operate
and these tools includes people from the government and the private sector.
He further emphasised on funds allocated for infrastructure, John Rosso mentioned that nothing can work without increase funding, consistent funding and good leadership.
Part of donation of these 14 vehicles is to do away with hire cars and ensuring that the Police Force is provided with the necessary infrastructure that compliments the great work they do.
Member for Lae Open John Rosso presents key of 14 new vehicles to the Division Commander of Police for Northern Region Peter Guinness. PICTURE: MARISHA BULUNGOL
ILG Registrar serves submission on insufficiency
THE Incorporated Land Group registrar's fraud case involving the Wafi-Golpu mine project area in Morobe province has been adjourned to next year February for submission on sufficiency on police evidence.
Augustine Kapanombo, 54, from Seim village in Nuku district, West Sepik province, is facing a charge of abuse of office which police allege he facilitated the duplication of an ILG in the Wafi Golpu mine project area in Huon-Gulf district.
Police unveil emergency response number
BY VELERIE BULUMARIS
Noting that submission in reply have to also be prepared and moved by the police, the court adjourned to next February 18.
This has caused confusion and dispute between the Babuaf and Waffes ILGs.
The Waffes ILG was issued a certificate of recognition on 22 July 2020 by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning.
The certificate recognises the group’s customary ownership of Magense land, the area earmarked
Mr Kapanombo served his submissions to the police prosecution yesterday before magistrate Paul Puri Nii at the Waigani Committal Court.
under the proposed Special Mining Lease (SML) number 10 for the WafiGolpu mine project.
It is alleged that the second registration (of the Waffes Babuaf ILG) was carried out without any prior notice to Waffes ILG and without publishing the application in the National Gazette; a mandatory requirement under Section 5B of the Land Groups Incorporation Act 1974.
The Law requires the Registrar to notify the public of new ILG applications and allow time for objections.
It is further alleged that Mr
Kapanombo’s actions were deemed unlawful and criminal, prompting Waffes ILG to report the matter to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate in 2021.
Following police investigations, the defendant was apprehended on Sunday evening upon arrival at the Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby from East New Britain.
He was arrested, detained at Boroko Police Holding Cells, and later charged with Abuse of Office. He attended court yesterday on bail.
Wampar participants graduate after SME training
BY ROSE BOBOLA
MORE than 600 participants from Huon Gulf’s Wampur LLG graduated from a two-weeks SME training program last Friday.
The training, an initiative of the Huon Gulf district administration in partnership with SME Corporation, was a way towards helping the people and educating them in the value of money when operating their small businesses.
Provincial Commerce Program Advisor, Tali Yanga said the training is part of the SME policy, through which they hope to prioritise SME as a way to help people generate income for themselves.
“We at the administration are committed to work with the district so that people can benefit from such training,” Mr Yanga said.
Huon Gulf MP and minister for Community development, youths and religion, Jason Peter said all these work that he is doing is for the benefit of the people of Huon Gulf.
“We will try our best to do what we can do from the government level, if there’s ways for us to support, we will do so,” he added.
He urged those graduating from the training not to compare their progress with that of others, and to work within their space and capability.
The MP also acknowledged SME Corporation for giving such training to the people of Huon Gulf.
Master trainer, Geowa Tomala said the training is a comprehensive training that covered all aspects, from business planning to business management and operations. He urged the district administration to follow up with the participants to make sure they are doing something with the training they received. Mr Tomala said this training is
the biggest they’ve done so far in terms of trainers and participants numbers.
A participant, Elvin Samuel said they learnt a lot from this training, especially on how to operate their markets and manage the money they make. She said the training has opened her mind to start saving her
profits towards helping her grow her market and acknowledged the district and the trainers for the training they received.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also signed between the Huon Gulf district development agency and SME Corporation to strength MSME development and capacity building in the district.
LAE Central Police can now receive emergency calls from all over Morobe Province with zero-rated number (toll-free) ‘112’ starting yesterday-Monday.
The central police station has been improving its communication system and setting up new facilities including this new police-short code dial service with the help of partners.
This is to ensure police response is easier for locals with growing criminal activities related to alcohol consumption, ethnic clashes, violence, and sorcery-related crimes among others. That new short code dial 112-service was launched at Somu Sigob Building (call centre) in Lae Top-Town area, and it’s completely free of charge for people to either call or text. It is limited to receive up to four concurrent calls from all districts within Morobe to enable prompt police response into communities who needed help whenever police are needed.
Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said this set up is established for both urban and rural communities to reach police whenever help is needed.
“Criminal activities have increased in communities, therefore this emergency toll free number is established purposely for our local people to reach police promptly,” he said.
Prior to that new short-code service, a toll-free police emergency number 70903300 was firstly established by Digicel in 2017 that takes one emergency call at a time. It has faced the challenge of responding to one call at a time with growing number of community-base crimes for over five years that has slowed police response to crimes.
Supt Kunyanban said this old tollfree number will still be used with the new alert line 122 responding to emergency calls in the province.
“Both these numbers 122 and 70903300 are police alerts for emergency and they can be reached with all three operating networks including Digicel, Telikom and Vodaphone,” he added.
The new police short-code dial service was set up by Telikom and not only confined within Lae metro, but to all rural areas in Morobe that have access to any phone networks.
Wampar participants graduate from SME training .
Hard work earns duo top honours
NICKOLEDEYA-ANNETE Kora, who started as an early childhood learner at Kopkop College, has taken out the outstanding student award for Grade 10, coming first in four academic subjects and second placing in two subjects.
Nickodeleya, 16, who dreams of becoming a doctor one day, said: “Because I love helping people and I think it's the best field to help people.”
She said she did not expect the award as she has never taken out dux in her academic journey and believes the award comes from a place of determination and encourages young people to keep trusting in God.
“Because that's the main reason why I have come this far,” she said. Nickodeleya spends her free time with music and art and remains grateful to her parents and teachers who have nurtured her in a school that embraces creativity and innovation.
For Grade 6, 12-year-old Angelia Kamakom took the outstanding award for Kopkop College, a recognition which her mother says paid off from her daughter’s determination to excel in school.
With both parents working in the medical field, Angelia wants to be a pilot instead because she loves
travelling.
Her mother Christian Mapia Kamakom, who works at the Gerehu hospital feels truly proud of her daughter’s achievement.
“I know all the parents look forward to that and see their children excelling in school. We want our children to get the best in school. So, I am so proud of my daughter, and I think it paid off. She's very committed to her work, very determined and she studies and completes every assignment, all of them.”
Angela said everything would not have been possible without her parents. "I'm very thankful for my parents, you know, they have guided me throughout these years,” she said.
She describes her daughter as someone who can shy away from the limelight but is totally committed to her studies and her school subjects.
Christine enrolled three of her kids at Kopkop College in 2023 and has been amazed at the spiritual, social and academic growth of her children.
Angelia's two younger brothers in Grade 5 and 1, also took out academic awards.
“This is like a big celebration for the family and we’re so happy that they all did well,” said Christine.
Early learners celebrate milestone
EARLY childhood learners at Kopkop College, Port Moresby, celebrated the passing of their first academic learning stage, in a school environment that has taught them to be confident, caring and open-minded.
“The first weeks of EarlyChildhood Care and Education (ECCE) school were filled with tears, tight hugs, and hesitant steps into the new world, new environment. But with patience, routines, and gentle guidance, those tears turned into curiosity and confidence,” Head of school, Vagi Malaga, told parents during the school’s 42nd ECCE graduation.
The ECCE graduation was held at the school last Tuesday, December 2.
“Today they are confident, they can read and write and spell. Truly, this day has been a beautiful reminder of what dedication, love, and teamwork can accomplish,” he said.
The school certified 37 young learners, marking the next chapter of their academic journey in 2026, while also awarding top performing students including the most improved.
The school firmly believes in celebrating a child’s transition from Kindergarten into primary school as this recognises the milestones the early learners have crossed and achievements they have worked hard for.
Mr Malaga also acknowledged the teachers saying that it was their tireless effort and commitment that helps shape a child’s love for learning.
“You have planted a seed of curiosity and kindness that will continue to grow. To our
supportive parents, thank you for entrusting with us your children and for walking beside us in every step of their learning.”
School Principal for Kopkop Primary, Isaac Senau, reflected on the partnership shared between the school, parents and teachers and how such a bond creates a strong learning environment.
“Your support and encouragement and the trust in your children have played a vital role in their academic journey and has also nurtured them,” he said..
“Throughout the academic year, our learners have shown impressive growth in all areas of development...a lot of these children have gained confidence, and we have witnessed them on stage here performing, dancing, in their learning, reading, writing.
“On behalf of the administration, we are proud of these children that they have passed through the 12 months as required by our school and that they will proceed on to the next stage in 2026.”
Parents proud of daughter’s achievement
THE 42nd graduation for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) at Kopkop College left a mother in tears as her daughter Esther Mathew, took out the top award, in a school where she is employed as a house-keeping staff, and her husband as the school gardener.
“I never attended school and to make ends meet with the lack of education I have, it's so tough. I try my best everyday to provide the best for my kids and to see my daughter take out awards in a private school like Kopkop it broke my heart...I am so proud,” said Esther's mother, Martha, in Tok Pisin.
“Everyday I tell my kids to try their best so that in return they can have a better life.”
Martha said its been a tough journey for the family from when they left their home in Goroka, and travelled to Port Moresby to look for better opportunities.
Martha's husband, Nigel first found work as a shop assistant at
Gerehu before being employed as a school gardener where his wife was already working as a house-keeper since 2023.
They have three kids, the eldest attends Gerehu Secondary, while
their second child attends Gerehu Primary, and their last, Esther, attends Kopkop College.
The family is amongst other Kopkop ancillary staff from drivers to maintenance and others, who are given the opportunity to enroll a child under a certain discounted school fee agreement and whereby the child passes the internal grade point average. The initiative aims to create a positive impact on staff who are ordinarily unable to meet private school fee tuition, but able to while working, fostering pride and opportunities for their children and family to excel further in life.
“We are so grateful to Kopkop College for their support, to Mama Maria who embraced us into this school, to see our child gain the best education is something we are proud of,” Nigel said.
Esther comes to school everyday with her parents Martha and Nigel, who clock in sometimes as early as 6.30am to start with their respective duties.
Kopkop College makes history with all grade 8 students passing national exams
ALL 27 Grade 8 students at Kopkop College have successfully passed the 2025 National Examination, demonstrating yet another successful academic result for the college, which was one of the top 10 schools in 2024.
Lower Secondary School Principal Frederick Raka revealed this during the school’s graduation of its Grade 10, Eight and Six.
Grade 6 students were certified based on the school’s internal testing criteria which ensures eligible
students pass through Grade 7.
“We are proud to share the 2025 Grade 8 National Early Results released yesterday. All 27 students scored above the pass mark of 80 and above...This year, we had 100 per cent up to 27 score above the cutoff,” said Mr Raka.
The school also celebrated the passing out of its 2025 Grade 12 student’s weeks before, with results for both Grade 10 and 12 expected to be released December 9. “25 students scored above
100, demonstrating outstanding dedication and commitment. In the year 2024, Kopkop College was ranked fifth in the province out of the 43 schools who enrolled in Grade 8.
“We are looking forward to improvements out there. As we close, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to our teachers for their dedication, to our support staff for their commitment, and to our parents for their unwavering partnership. Together, we have
made this year a success for our students,” Mr Raka told parents.
Director Leon Buskens, in his opening speech said both Kopkop campuses in Port Moresby and Kavieng were top 10 in the country from last year’s academic results.
“We had a humble beginning 24 years ago underneath our home in Stage two as a daily childhood centre to where we are and this journey continues,” said Mr Buskens.
“Today, we honour those who have
achieved academic excellence but let us also celebrate the progress of every one of you students here. You may not be up here receiving prizes, but you all are champions,” he told the students.
“You are all part of a vibrant learning environment where support and encouragement thrive.”
With this year's graduation themed "Exploration and Innovation", Mr Buskens told students "Your ideas are important don't be scared to share them”.
Angelia KamakomNickoledeya-Annete Kora
Esther and her parents with her awards.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025
Attracting investments to PNG
The Sydney Investment conference began yesterday. Prime Minister James Marape flew out of Port Moresby to join his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese. They are addressing the conference, a first in the history of these conferences between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
PM Marape is telling the conference that PNG is a safe and secure investment destination that is open to everyone for business.
Marape may have his faults, but there is one thing he does well and that is to sell this country to the outside world. He is the best brand ambassador for this country and everywhere is goes, whether it’s a business meeting, a climate meeting or a political meeting, he does do a good job to invite everyone to the country to do business.
At the Sydney conference, he is expected to address some resource giants, some who are already established here, while others are there to explore the opportunities offered by PNG.
They are also discussing their businesses at the conference and offering ideas as to how we can develop our resources going forward.
Our country is going through tough times. With an economy described as sluggish, we need new investments to address some of the challenges we have and yes, we certainly have the resources to attract anyone with serious money to come in.
Apart from the extractive resource sector, we have agriculture, forestry and fisheries that also offer boundless opportunities for any serious investor to consider.
We would like to agree with our PM that we are a safe and secure investment destination but we cannot speak for everybody. We will leave this for others to answer.
We do, off course, have our problems but so are many other countries around the world. What is it that is preventing new investments into this country?
We have to find the answer to that question and address this matter quickly, if we are serious about attracting investors into PNG, otherwise costly conferences like the current one, will be a waste of resources, time and energy.
WHERE’S THE FUNDS FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY?
OPPOSITION SHOULD ASK YOU THAT QUESTION
LETTER OF THE DAY
Impact on cost of living, businesses
THE announcement by the government of a list of new ways to tax businesses will do nothing but further slow the economy and drive up costs for everyday Papua New Guineans.
It is right to increase wages so that our people are paid what they should be.
Most businesses do the right thing but it is the businesses that are underpaying their people that is the issue. Why aren’t inspectors finding these dodgy businesses and penalising them?
Business is the engine of PNG and instead of enabling investment and growth, the government continues to make it harder to do business with more red tape and more taxes.
The massive increase on the taxes for motor vehicles is another example of a poorly considered and executed plan to try to drive more revenue
for the government. Instead, all it will do is penalise hard working Papua New Guineans and drive up costs for businesses.
The Treasurer is once again showing his lack of real world understanding by failing to consider the long term implications for the country as his short term money grabbing mindset takes over.
Instead of increasing taxes like these, why isn’t he putting his focus on those companies that are not paying their share of tax?
Taxes like these continue to impact the same small number of businesses doing the right thing while the same businesses that are already avoiding paying tax, will continue to find loopholes and avoid paying this dumb tax.
PNG should be encouraging investment from businesses
by lowering business taxes, stimulating growth and focusing on making sure that all businesses comply. This would lift revenues for the government by recovering more from those doing the wrong thing but at the same time, stimulate more business activity and bigger returns for the government. It is a simple formula that our Treasurer fails to understand.
This government has done nothing but blame the last one when they have now presided over 6 years of economic mismanagement. We can talk about how big the economy is now but it should be much bigger.
If the country is to realise its true potential, we need a government who is focused on supporting business, not stifling it.
Stop the dumb tax grab.
FRUSTRATED BUSINESS OWNER
A turning point for PNG’s tax system
PAPUA New Guinea is at a critical moment. The recent push to amend the Internal Revenue Commission Act 2014 raises questions far beyond administrative restructuring. It goes to the heart of governance, institutional independence, and public trust.
In 2021, the government introduced new tax measures, including changes to dividend taxation that increased the financial burden on businesses.
These costs inevitably filtered down to consumers in the form of higher prices. Combined with global pressures and economic uncertainty, the average Papua New Guinean has struggled to keep up.
Now the same government seeks to amend the IRC Act 2014 in ways that appear to weaken the authority of the Commissioner-General and alter the governance structure of one of the nation’s most critical revenue institutions. These developments cannot be separated from the resignation of CommissionerGeneral Sam Koim, who cited concerns about the implications and potential downsides of the reforms. PNG must now decide what kind of future it wants: one where key institutions operate independently and transparently, or one where political influence overshadows accountability. The people deserve clarity, consultation, and reforms that strengthen the nation and not weaken it.
CLIVE KAENK, Port Moresby
Boost in police funding is good news
THE police budget boost for 2026 of K760 million is a great deal for the PNG Royal Constabulary.
This amount should cater for various expenditures built up over the years and apply to new programs.
Two of which are the annual recruitment programs to boost manpower to 10,000 at the end of this decade and boost capacity of Kumul 23 Special Tactical Force Unit.
This funding should be maintained for the next five years to build full capacity of the Police force to combat lawlessness in the country.
The Police force is very important and it requires modern equipment, training programs and advanced techniques to counter current advances in criminal knowledge and skills.
The creation of the Kumul
23 force is the step in the right direction.
This special force ought to be specially trained to be deployed to hot spots around the country on call.
Equipping the Police force is key in addressing law and order in the country.
As a disciplinary force, starting with the merit based recruitment in 2024, the young police personnel should be trained to be abide by moral and ethical codes of conduct.
Enforce strict recruitment criteria or prerequisites for new recruitment on testing against sober behaviour is very critical to grooming a formidable force. These criteria should include, free from bad habits like, betel nut chewing, smoking, taking alcoholic beverage and illicit drugs.
Furthermore, every police personnel should be allowed to have one wife and manageable family size to relieve him from unnecessary stress and pressure as part of discipline.
Applying these disciplinary measures on the new trainees going forward in the next 50 years should improve with drastic changes in police disciplinary behaviour leading to impact on reduction in lawlessness.
PHILIP UKUNI
HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us about development
YU TOK
Broken promises to bold action
DEAR Hon James Nomane, MP, Leader of the Opposition,
I warmly congratulate you on your appointment as Papua New Guinea’s new Leader of the Opposition.
Your elevation reflects the hopes of many citizens who want honest, courageous, and results-driven leadership.
Throughout your first term, you have been a clear, strong, and principled voice in a Parliament that desperately needs accountability.
Your rise signals a shift toward a new generation of leaders who speak for the people rather than political interests.
As we celebrate this milestone, we must also confront the difficult truth about our nation’s direction.
For almost seven years, the current government has not delivered meaningful reforms. Corruption remains widespread.
Public funds are mismanaged
Essential services are declining. Poverty, unemployment, crime, and violence continue to rise.
Slogans like “Take Back PNG” have offered comfort, but not solutions, to struggling families. The country needs practical answers—now, not later.
Key Priorities for Change and National Renewal
Job Creation: Each year thousands of Grade 12 and tertiary graduates enter a job market with no real opportunities. Overseas labour schemes are temporary fixes.
PNG must build strong industries, encourage investment, and create sustainable jobs at home.
National Security: The Puk Puk Treaty with Australia must be withdrawn. PNG requires an independent, integrated national security and defence system—rooted in our own manpower, expertise, and strategic planning. Sovereignty cannot be subcontracted.
Government Reform: Strengthen institutions, enforce transparency, and end corruption.
Public money must be protected and used to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Poverty, Agriculture & Community Safety: Expand programs that support agriculture, develop SMEs, and improve safety in both urban and rural communities. Reducing poverty will reduce crime.
Economic Independence: Protect PNG from long-term debt traps. Promote responsible budgeting, fair economic policies, and genuine self-reliance.
The people are tired and want real change. The 2027 National General Election must reflect the true will of the people—not manipulated outcomes or political deals.
Nomane, your leadership comes at a decisive moment. Speak boldly, act fearlessly, and help guide PNG toward unity, fairness, and national strength.
May God bless your work and our nation.
REGINALD RENAGI
Defence talks on Trilateral Treaty
THE inaugural trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Port Moresby between Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Indonesia marks a milestone in regional security cooperation.
Discussions focused on joint maritime patrols, disaster response, aviation safety, and training exercises aimed at improving operational readiness.
While these partnerships can bring benefits, Papua New Guinea must prioritise internal security over external defence engagements. The country faces urgent domestic challenges, including illegal fishing, tribal and criminal conflicts, border insecurity, and limited disaster response capacity.
These issues directly impact citizens’ safety and national stability. Allocating scarce financial resources to external security arrangements risks weakening domestic security and diverting funds from areas of critical need.
BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF
TRILATERAL COOPERATION
The trilateral meeting offers access to joint exercises, training programs, improved monitoring of PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and faster disaster response through coordinated practices. However, these benefits must be
weighed against significant risks:
Internal security neglect: Overcommitment to external operations may reduce the capacity of police, coastguard, and intelligence services.
Sovereignty concerns: Agreements must not compromise PNG’s autonomy or constitutional protections.
Geopolitical entanglement: Close alignment with stronger regional militaries could involve PNG in disputes outside its national interest.
Internal Security First: Invest in police, coastguard, intelligence, and disaster management capabilities before committing to external operations.
Parliamentary Oversight: All trilateral agreements must be tabled, costed, and reviewed by the Foreign Affairs & Defence Committee prior to ratification.
Time-Bound, Transparent Agreements: Ensure external cooperation is limited, with clear objectives, opt-out clauses, and measurable
QUICK THOUGHTS
RESOURCE PROJECT BONUS
The recent amendment to section 98 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments which will allow DDAs to receive benefits from resource projects is not good.It will deprive, the resource owners their rights, to fully benefit from their own resources.This is what, I called, daylight robbery by the Government,on resource owners funds benefits.Who is DDA here.DDA does not own the resources.The resources,all around
SIPAIA BEACHFRONT
The general public in Lae are advised that the popular “SIPAIA BEACH” front at Wagang village, situated in AHI LLGC area of Lae district, a drive down from Malahang Industrial Center is now closed to the public until after New Year 2026, when you will be advised of it’s reopening to the public. The public including those walking to the beach are due to uncontrolled, abusive and intimidating behavior from some who think our beach is for “open public” use without control.
The Wagang villagers believed, clos-
Papua New Guinea,are resources, rightfully belongs to the people.Is the Government, in it’s right state of mind, to do such amendments.These amendments are uncalled for.Let, whatever benefits from, our peoples resources,must rightfully be given back to our people.The Government of today and tomorrow,must not rob our people.
outcomes.
Public Consultation: Engage communities and provinces to explain benefits and receive feedback.
CALL TO PARLIAMENTARY ACTION
“That this Parliament: Notes the PNG–Australia–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Meeting; Requests the Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs to table all documents, costed assessments, and legal advice within 14 sitting days; and directs prioritisation of internal security capacity-building to safeguard PNG’s sovereignty, stability, and citizen safety over external defence commitments.”
CONCLUSION
Regional partnerships can support PNG’s security, but domestic priorities must come first.
Parliament must ensure that all security arrangements reinforce internal stability, protect national sovereignty, and maximise the impact of limited financial resources.
Internal security first is not just a policy choice—it is a national necessity.
RR, Strategic Security Planning Analyst
THE reports from the weekend of an unmarked police car stopping a potential armed hold-up in one of the city’s most wealthy areas is a great example of good policing and highlights the benefits of good enforcement.
There is always a little luck involved in incidents like this, but as a citizen of our capital, I applaud the good work of these officers and I encourage our police leaders to ramp up the enforcement in our city to make it a better place.
There are many lessons that we can learn from the big cities around the world where a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to law breaking can turn a crime ridden city into a liveable and safe city in just a few years.
If these cities with tens of millions of people living in them can do it, our cities can.
We just need the political will, more funding for law and order and
ing the beach until further notice will give us all a peace of mind for an enjoyable Christmas, New Year period. Those Corporate bodies or organisations who wish to enjoy the beach for their closing up picnics, must obtain a week prior approval from the village Chairman, John Jacob on mobile phone: 84094231 or you can call or WhatsApp, Councillor Tali Aikou on mob 81824696.
JOHN JACOB, WAGANG VILLAGE CHAIRMAN TALI AIOU, WAGANG WARD 6 COUNCILLOR
help to train our people. Our women and girls travel the city in fear and in hope that they are not the victims of crime. Our country misses out on tourism, investment, attracting the best talent and much more, because our country is known for its poor law and order reputation.
If we fix basic law and order, we start to fix PNG. If we stop the small crime, the small law breaking and the easy to see problems, we then start to fix the bigger problems like corruption.
Our police are doing a fair job considering their restrictions on resources but so much more could be done.
Its time our leaders stopped the waste in government and used this money to good for our police. We can fix law and order and if we do, we start to fix PNG.
Believe in your potential
DEEP inside you lies a well of untapped potential talents, skills, and strengths waiting to be discovered and developed.
Sometimes life’s challenges or doubts from others make it hard to see your true potential.
But no matter what, believe in your potential because it is real and powerful.
Your potential isn’t about being perfect or having everything figured out.
It’s about possibility and growth.
It’s the capacity to learn, improve, and become more than you are right now.
This belief fuels motivation, resilience, and creativity.
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to unlocking your potential is doubt self-doubt that tells you “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this.” These thoughts are lies that limit your growth.
Replace them with affirmations like, “I can learn,” “I am capable,” and “I have what it takes.”
Every step you take toward your goals unlocks more of this potential. When you believe in your potential, you open the door to new opportunities. You begin to see challenges not as barriers but as chances to grow.
BE INSPIRED
TOM NICK GOMAROSINA FANE NADE VILLAGE, FERGUSSON ISLAND, MILNE BAY PROVINCE
NCD CITY VOICE
New Guinea’s forests in focus
A global test of climate and biodiversity resolve
PETER RAYNES
NEW Guinea is staggeringly rich in life. Occupying just 0.5% of Earth’s land surface, it hosts an estimated 5-8% of all species. This abundance is reflected in more than 2,800 orchid species, over 1,000 butterflies and around 800 birds. Over half of its known species are found nowhere else on Earth.
Its extraordinary biodiversity stems from a complex geological history and from being the world’s largest and highest tropical island.
The collision of the Australian and Pacific plates created a rugged landscape of island arcs and mountain ranges. Abundant sunlight and rainfall, combined with its size and elevation — rising to almost 5,000 metres — have produced stacked habitats from coral reefs and mangroves to cloud forests and alpine grasslands. Isolation east of Wallace’s Line, intermittent land bridges with Australia during glacial cycles, and a light human footprint over 50,000 years have made New Guinea an evolutionary laboratory.
The birds-of-paradise are the jewel in this biological crown. Thirty-nine species from fifteen genera occur here alone. Isolated for millions of years, they underwent spectacular evolutionary radiation, diversifying across regions and altitudes. Intense sexual selection produced their exquisite colours, elaborate plumage and extraordinary courtship displays.
All birds-of-paradise depend on native forests, which still cover about 70% of New Guinea’s landmass — the world’s third-largest tract of primary rainforest after the Amazon and Congo. Around 60 million hectares of primary
rainforest — 34 million hectares in Indonesian Papua and 26 million hectares in Papua New Guinea — form an immense carbon sink. These forests are essential for biodiversity and for mitigating climate change, widely seen as the Pacific’s greatest development threat.
At the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, 145 countries representing about 90% of the world’s forests signed the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, pledging to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030. Many nations emphasised that safeguarding Indigenous peoples’ rights is inseparable from effective forest conservation. Progress against the declaration was reviewed this month at COP30 in Belem, Brazil. New Guinea, divided by the 141st meridian east, sits across two jurisdictions. To the west lies Indonesian Papua — now six provinces — and to the east, PNG. Both are signatories to the Glasgow Declaration, yet their approaches to forest governance differ sharply.
In Indonesia, all land is legally vested in the state unless privately titled, meaning the forests of Papua are state-owned, though local communities may claim customary use rights. This framework has enabled large reserves such as the 25,000-square-kilometre Lorentz National Park to be gazetted with limited consultation. The same laws also permit logging and oil palm concessions with minimal community input. In PNG, about 97% of land remains under customary ownership and cannot be alienated except by voluntary agreement. This prevents government from unilaterally issuing concessions but makes establishing reserves more complex,
as all affected communities must consent. Even so, significant conservation areas have been created with NGO support, including the YUS Conservation Area on the Huon Peninsula — a 1,500-squarekilometre ridge-to-reef landscape protecting the Matschie’s treekangaroo and the Huon astrapia. Despite the ambition of the Glasgow Declaration, follow-through has been weak. A 2024 UN-REDD/ UNEP assessment found that only eight of the 20 countries with the highest tropical deforestation rates had set quantified forest targets in their climate pledges.
In Indonesia, deforestation fell earlier in the decade but is again rising in the Papuan provinces, where primary forest loss reached roughly 25,000 hectares in 2024 — a 10% increase on the previous year. Large-scale “food estate” and plantation schemes — accelerated by new road corridors including the Trans-Papua Highway — are significant drivers. A proposed sugar and bio-ethanol project in Merauke alone could clear two million hectares, threatening savanna forest ecosystems and at least two dozen Indigenous communities. A report by the think tank CELIOS warns such developments could release hundreds of millions of tonnes of CO2 and set back Indonesia’s net-zero goal by a decade. Many local communities report clearing without free, prior and informed consent, echoing long-standing concerns over rights and governance in the region.
PNG has pledged to reduce annual deforestation and forest degradation by 25% from 2015 levels by 2030 and to transform its land-use and forestry sector — currently a net source of emissions — into a carbon
sink. The country retains around 58% primary rainforest cover, but logging, agricultural expansion and weak enforcement continue to erode it. Policies and partnerships have been launched to protect 30% of land and sea areas, yet progress remains uncertain due to limited monitoring capacity, governance challenges, and commercial pressures.
The mixed results in New Guinea reflect the fragility of global forest protection efforts. The challenge for the COP process now is to convert pledges into measurable outcomes before 2030. Key priorities include embedding forest goals in national climate plans (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs), linking them to the Paris Agreement’s Global Stocktake, and improving coordination across climate, biodiversity and land-use frameworks. Implementation must also address the drivers of forest loss — agricultural expansion, logging, mining and infrastructure — while strengthening accountability and securing Indigenous and community land rights.
The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), launched by Brazil at COP30, represents a promising new financial model. Designed as an endowment-style mechanism, it rewards countries for keeping forests intact rather than only for reducing deforestation, with 20% of payments directed to Indigenous communities. Early political backing and initial funding commitments have generated momentum, though its success will depend on robust safeguards, transparent monitoring and fair benefit-sharing.
For New Guinea, TFFF could offer predictable, long-term finance to protect its vast rainforests at a time of rising threats.
Australia — as a major development partner to both PNG and Indonesia — is well positioned to consider joining the facility as an early donor and to help strengthen the technical capacity and governance safeguards needed to ensure genuine benefits for forests and communities. While Australia did not make a commitment towards the facility’s US$125 billion funding target at COP30, the Minderoo Foundation headed by Australian billionaire miner Andrew Forrest did pledge US$10 million during the event.
Ultimately, success will be measured not in policies adopted or funds pledged but in what is preserved. Few symbols capture the value of New Guinea’s forests better than the birds-of-paradise — living expressions of nature’s creative power and a reminder of what is at stake. Their survival depends on the same forests that sustain people, regulate climate, and shelter much of Earth’s remaining biodiversity. Protecting them is not sentiment but responsibility: the health of New Guinea’s ecosystems and the stability of the planet are inseparable.
This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org), from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University.
Peter Raynes has lived and worked in international development for more than three decades across the Pacific region, including Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Disaster response key: Forum
BY ROBERT TIKI
THE International Organisation for Migration (IOM) recently conducted a Solution and Mobility Index (SMI) Training at Malyam Hotel in Wabag to address the challenges faced by internally displaced people (IDP) in Enga Province.
The training brought together provincial actors, including the Provincial Disaster Centre, District Local Level Government, and community-based disaster risk management committee members, to enhance their coordination and support for IDPs.
The SMI Training focused on empowering participants to work collaboratively in assisting the government to end the displaced lives of IDPs and improve their living conditions.
IDPs are individuals affected by disasters and are scattered within their families, requiring comprehensive support for resettlement and sustainable development. The training highlighted the importance of considering the well-being and intentions of IDPs for resettlement, particularly their psychological state, as they often face trauma during displacement.
By utilising the SMI index, provincial actors, government agencies, and NGOs can monitor social, economic, and environmental
indicators to identify areas needing support and resources for vulnerable populations.
During the sessions, participants shared insights into the factors driving human mobility in Enga Province, including natural hazards, conflicts, and even newly identified disasters like witchcraft.
The province has experienced a high number of displacements, with 71 perc ent attributed to natural disasters and 29 percent to conflicts.
Disaster Coordinator Ignas Nembo
raised concerns about the challenges faced by IDPs in Mulitaka, where ongoing geographical changes are impacting their resettlement. To address this issue, 1,023 blocks have been allocated for IDP resettlement under the Mulitaka Resettlement Authority. The training equipped 25 participants, including 7 females and 18 males, with skills in data analysis, reporting, and using the SMI tools to secure IDPs' lives and improve their living conditions. The collaboration between provincial
‘A hand up, not a hand out’
CHURCH leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, development partners and the business community recently came together to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and to discuss how to build a more inclusive society in Papua New Guinea.
The event featured the screening of a new documentary, A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out, which showcases how church programs are empowering people with disabilities to succeed and helping them play an active role in society.
Treasurer of the Morobe Organisation for Persons with Disability, Martin Samusi, said people with disabilities are calling for opportunity, not charity.
“We don’t need sympathy, we need opportunity. Give us the chance to succeed and we’ll show you just how much we can do. We don’t want more handouts, we want the chance to contribute to PNG’s future, the same as everyone else,” he said.
The Australia-backed Church Partnership Program (CPP) has delivered training to help churches mainstream inclusive behaviours into their daily work.
The training equips church personnel with skills to effectively engage with people with disability, include them in consultations and community activities, and make church facilities -- including schools -- more accessible.
United Church in PNG representative, Reverend Garo Kialgi, said the CPP is helping churches turn advocacy into daily practice.
“Our mission is rooted in dignity and inclusion. Through the Church Partnership Program, Churches are not only advocating for change, they are living it. We are creating spaces where people with disability are valued and empowered to lead. At this event, we wanted to bring together representatives from
across PNG society and help them understand the part they can play in building a more inclusive PNG,” Rev Kialgi said.
Following the documentary screening, a panel comprising business leaders, church representatives and disability advocates discussed how people with disabilities want genuine inclusion and empowerment, not charity-driven responses.
Female co-Chair of the PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons, Ruth Javati, said organisations need to make inclusion a consistent practice.
“Every organisation can do more to help. Make buildings more accessible, train your staff in disability awareness, or partner with organisations of people with a disability to hear their voices.
Inclusion is not a one-day event; it is a daily choice to listen, learn, and act,” she said.
The Church Partnership Program represents the latest phase of the longstanding institutional relationship shared between PNG and Australia since the 1800s. Established in 2004, the CPP formalised ties between PNG’s seven mainline churches and their Australian counterparts.
Today, the partnership works to strengthen church capacity in PNG to deliver essential services, contribute to policy, and promote social inclusion. CPP partners operate nationwide, delivering programs in education, health, peacebuilding, gender-based violence and sorcery accusation–related violence prevention, and community resilience.
CANNAN Finance, a PNG-owned finance company, recently supported schools in the Hiri Koiari district along the Magi Highway in Central Province as part of its community support program.
The company purchased several cartons of 330ml Coca-Cola, and distributed them to the following schools for their graduation events -- Tubusereia Primary School, Seme Dagoda Primary School, Gaire Primary School and Sabusa Primary School.
actors, government agencies, NGOs, and international bodies is crucial in addressing human mobility challenges and ensuring an efficient response to disasters in Enga Province. IOM Senior Project Associate - Enga, Tony Tambi Jr., and DTM & SMI Officer, Made Anombawa, facilitated the training, emphasizing the need for continuous support and skills development for provincial actors to effectively manage disasters and IDPs in the region.
Speaking at the graduation events, Cannan Finance representative and Team Leader Elijah Alexander emphasised the importance of giving back, staying: "It is not about fame, not about our existing customers, but it is from our deepest heart that we felt the need to support the schools during these trying times."
Mr Alexander also highlighted the need for responsible borrowing and lending among public servants.
"Many public servants today do not realise and care what they do with their net pay, borrowing from many financial companies due to multiple obligations we have as Papua New Guineans, exhausting their net pays and ending up with insufficient salaries to survive).
"It is again very important to know what you are borrowing”.
Minister Opa praises Light House Christian Academy directors
BY JACK AMI
KEREMA MP and Minister for Finance Thomas Opa has praised the Light House Christian Academy directors and management for accepting and encouraging person with special needs in education.
Mr Opa did not hesitate to meet person with special need 10-yearold Dean Lokoloko on wheel chair assisted by school director Hannah Siminji.
“I'm lost of words and surprised that Lokoloko the grand son of late Governor General Sir Tore Lokoloko is given the opportunity.”
He thanked the directors Ken and Hannah Siminji for encouraging special education as it provides
fairness and equal rights.
“I'm impressed as Light House Christian Academy is the bridging gap in inclusive education in Iokea, Kerema district and Gulf Province.
“This academy has a bright future and I will continue to support as it promotes and encourage inclusive learning for all children,” Mr Opa said.
Director Siminji said “we accept and encourage special education in our school”.
Mrs Siminji said this is rights for all the children to be part of Christian education with quality learning.
She praised and acknowledged Mr Opa for accepting the school in Iokea village in 2024.
The participants during the training. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Guests from PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons and PNG Women Lead program conversing with AHC First Secretary for Gender, Lisa Mollard. PICTURE: AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
Kerema MP and Minister Finance Thomas Opa greeting Dean Lokoloko assisted by Light House Christian Academy director Hannah Siminji leading to graduation at Berth Brown Memorial Church at Iokea village on Saturday morning.
Ruth Aiye sacrifices for brother
BY ERIC SUPA
IN a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond between siblings, Ruth Aiye, a devoted sister and mother, has defied the odds to ensure her siblings and children receive the education they deserve.
Despite losing her husband in 2019, and having no formal education herself, Ruth made a vow to her siblings:
“I will raise you both and make sure you graduate from tertiary institutions.
“Her unwavering commitment has paid off, with her brother Samuel Aiye graduating from
the University of Goroka (UoG) and her younger brother Samson Aiye earning a Bachelor's degree in English and Literature from the Innovative University of Enga (UOG-Enga campus).”
Ruth's journey has been marked by hard work and determination.
She has tended to pigs, sold them to pay school fees, and cultivated gardens to provide for her family's needs.
Her selflessness has extended to her two daughters, Samantha (grade 10) and her younger sister (grade 4), whom she is raising with love and guidance.
“She acted as both daddy and
mummy to us, teaching us good character and instilling values that will last a lifetime,” Samson said during his graduation held last Friday.
Ruth's message to the community is clear, indicating boys should respect their mothers, sisters and later on wives.
Her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the unwavering dedication of Papua New Guinea's unsung heroes – its sisters.
As Ruth continues to support her family, her siblings and children are thriving, thanks to her unrelenting spirit and love.
Schools still lack funds
BY PATRICK MU’UH
DESPITE millions and billions of kina poured into the Education Department over the years, most schools particularly in rural areas across the country do not receive enough funding support and are still struggling with limited facilities and poor academic resources.
Bubia Primary School Principal
James Timping has raised strong concerns that schools across PNG are not receiving the money they need because most of the national budget funding is being eaten up by administrative costs before it reaches classrooms.
He said although the national government passes budgets in millions and billions every year, the money that finally reaches schools on the ground is very small. He said this funding system is failing schools, teachers and students.
“When it reaches the schools, we
only receive drips and drabs. We are left high and dry.”
This problem forces many schools to turn back to parents to pay extra money for school operations, maintenance and new projects.
“This will continue if the government keep using the same system,” Mr Timping said.
“If the funding continue like this, we will still burden parents to help us build classrooms, teacher’s houses and other important services.”
Many of the school facilities across the country are already run down because of the same problem.
The principal called on the national government to fix the funding process so that money goes directly to schools without being reduced along the way.
“The government is doing well to allocate the money.
The problem is with the process,” he said.
He added that inspectors, provincial officers, districts and LLG authorities must take responsibility by checking how the funds is being allocated and distributed.
“It is their job to also check if school boards and head teachers are using the funds properly,” he said.
“If they do their work well, we can meet the challenges in the education sector.”
Mr Timping encouraged newly elected councillors and LLG presidents to support schools more strongly, saying population growth is now a major issue.
“Our population is growing fast and many young people are not in the classroom. We need more support for education or we will lose more of our youths.”
A strong, direct funding system would help schools deliver better education and reduce the number of young people missing out on learning opportunities.
Australia provides grant support to St Stephen’s School
THE Australian Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski announced support of more than K50,000 to St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School at Three Mile in Lae, Morobe Province, last week.
Funded through the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program, and awarded to Buk Bilong Pikinini (BbP) as implementing partner, the grant will deliver small-scale infrastructure works (including a water tank and construction materials), provide school resources to the whole school, and enhance the existing BbP library facilities - supported by the Chow Foundation.
This support reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to practical, community led projects that improve access to education and create safer learning environments for children across Papua New Guinea.
Buk bilong Pikinini is a respected literacy organisation that establishes children’s library learning centres and delivers early years and school-aged literacy programs nationwide.
“Strong local partnerships are at the heart of Australia’s support in Papua New Guinea.
We are pleased to work with Buk bilong Pikinini and St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School to
strengthen learning environments in Lae.
These investments in school infrastructure and resources help create safe, engaging spaces where children can learn and grow,” Mr Kanowski said.
Buk bilong Pikinini Founder AnneSophie Hermann also aknowldged the Australian government's support for the program.
“We are grateful for Australia’s support. This funding will allow us to expand library resources across St Stephen’s and to pilot complementary programs including a school-wide nutrition and learning support initiative -- because we know children learn best when they are healthy, well-nourished and have access to books and quality learning materials,”
Ms Hermann said.
“Buk bilong Pikinini will work closely with school leadership, the Chow Foundation and the Lae community to implement the works and resource distribution in early 2026, ensuring activities are locally led and sustainable.
It’s great to see the Australian Government through the ConsulateGeneral in Lae so committed to supporting community-driven education outcomes across Papua New Guinea, including here in Morobe Province.”
Inmates graduate from Kerowagi Secondary School
BY ROBERT TIKI
TWO inmates were the highlight of the 470 students graduated at the 22nd grade 12 graduation at Kerowagi Secondary School in Chimbu Province on Wednesday.
School principal Samuel Kono described the graduation as “unique” with the two inmates to graduate with the rest of the students.
“Having graduated with the two inmates is the highlight part of this graduation as it will go down the history of this school,” he said.
Mr Kono who is the long serving principal is happy with the understanding and partnership forged with Barawagi jail for recognising the rights of inmates to grant them freedom and allow them to pursue their education despite having committed serious offense and should confined serving in the prison camp.
“This partnership and arrangement have revealed the new Era between us and Barawagi CS to embrace and strengthen it for other prissioners for the same pathway and program,” he said.
Mr Kono said the two inmates completed grade 12 in 2019 but didn't make it to tertiary institutions and later ended up in prison, but while in prison they were registered under flexible open distance education learning centre (FODE) in Kundiawa.
The principal said they were selected to do grade 12 this year at Kerowagi Secondary school.
“We have no choice but approach the executive management for Corrections Service to foster understanding amongst us to create opportunity for the two inmates to continue grade 12 and today they are graduating amongst other students thus we are delighted and excited
about it,” he said.
Mr Kono wanted such program to continue into the future.
One of the inmate student Michael Gend shed tears of joy for the opportunity to pursue his education.
He said the inmates have same equal rights as all other citizens and that rights are recognised by Barawagi correctional institute services executive management and management of Kerowagi secondary for providing such opportunity.
“I want to thank both school management and board members including Barawagi jail commander for creating such opportunity and recognising our rights,” he said. Principal adviser for education in Chimbu Province, Kutna Bepwick, urged the school board and management and Barawagi jail executive management to maintain the partnership.
“We are setting standards and benchmark in PNG for having two inmates graduate together with the rest of the grade 12 students,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mrs Bepwick encouraged graduating students to aim high and set their focus right.
“We must practice good character and be a role model and contribute towards the nation building,” she said.
She also encouraged parents to strive for what is healthy and right and provide necessary support that can have an impact on their children education, learning and success.
“You parents must continue to provide support for those students who will continue into territary institutions,” she said.
She also urged parents to look for alternative ways for their students who will not make it to tertiary institutions and colleges.
Samuel, Ruth and Samson at graduation ceremony at UoG-Enga campus last Friday.PICTURE : SUPPLED
One of the student inmates posing together with three Barawagi jail officers during the graduation on Wednesday. PICTURE: SUPPLIED.
Consul-General Kanowski with a BbP St Stephens graduate.
A BbP St Stephens graduate displays his ability to read before the crowd.
ANYONE caught by police carrying a wire catapult will not be allowed bail, said the commander of the National Capital District and Central Province.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi said he has issued instructions to his police officers in the NCD and Central Province to arrest anyone carrying a wire catapult and deny them police bail.
Commander Turi made this comment when referring to three suspects involved in an attempted armed robbery against a police unit who were in an unmarked vehicle last night.
The suspects, who were all arrested and are now detained, were armed with a homemade gun, a wire catapult, five arrows, and one kitchen knife. They were caught at Airvos Avenue while in the act of robbing the police officers in the unmarked vehicle.
He said there had been many media publications regarding how dangerous wire catapults are in East Sepik Province and some other parts of the country, which is a very dangerous weapon. He said anyone who is caught or is known for producing the weapon will be dealt with accordingly, with the full force of the law.
"I am calling on the public to report to the police if you see people using wire catapults or producing them. The weapon is very dangerous because if we do not do something about it now, we will regret it later. I know some people from East Sepik have been using it for hunting, and now they are using it as a weapon. It has been reported that those who are
victims of this sustain permanent injuries or die if not treated quickly.
The only way to remove the arrow is through an operation in the operating theatre at the hospital,"
ACP Turi said. He further added that the three who had been arrested will be charged, and they won't be allowed police bail. He said they will remain
No police bail for those caught with wire catapult Nine charged with unlawful assembly
BY UBA KAUPA DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT
NINE persons, including three women, appeared before the Waigani Committal last week for taking part in an unlawful assembly and ignoring police directives.
The men are relatives of a man named Nelson Yangen from Enga Province, who had allegedly died as a result of being stabbed by a man from Gulf Province on September 21, 2025 at around 10 am in Port Moresby.
The men and women appeared before magistrate Paul Puri Nii and they were told that they were in court because they allegedly ignored the warning of the police by continuously hosting a haus krai in front of the burnt houses which caused fear and anxiety to the Gulf people.
According to police reports, on September 27, 2025, relatives of the late Mr Yangen took the law into their own hands and out of revenge and retaliation, mobilized and burnt two houses belonging to the Gulf people.
The people named were 6 Engans (including the women) from Wapenamanda district Samson Lai, 57, Ismale Apangi 25, Ben Lumait 62, Melissa Ben, 39, Daniel Nepao 25 and Max Kalawai 26.
The others were from Western Highlands province in the Mul-Baiyer
Man in court for arson following baby’s death
BY UBA KAUPA DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT
A MAN from Chimbu has appeared before the Waigani Committal court last week for intentionally burning a semi-permanent house with properties that cost K17,056 at Bush wara in NCD.
Angai Joe, 34, from Gena village in Kerowagi district, Chimbu province put to flames a house belonging to Philimon Kraip after an argument.
Mr Joe claimed that Mr Kraip had assaulted his wife causing internal injuries to her body and allegedly killed his child (an infant).
According to a police report, on the night (8-9pm) of June 24, 2025, Joe called out to his nearby neighbors for a gas lighter to set fire to Kraip’s house.
The neighbours ignored his request so he went into a small hut that served as a kitchen and took out a burning piece of firewood that he took to Kraip’s house and set it alight.
They watched without being able to save properties because the flames were intense.
Kraip then filed a formal complaint at Gordons Police Station, and police apprehended Joe in a PMV bus at 9mile Makana on October 5, 2025.
in their cells and appear in court. He called on the courts to impose harsher penalties on such offenders if they are found guilty so it will be a lesson to others.
According to the reports, Kraip and Joe are married to two sisters. The total cost of the house with properties are estimated at just over K17, 000.
district Wendy Nelson, 46, Ruth Douglas, 62 and Solo Benjiman 25.
It was alleged that, on Tuesday September 21, 2025, around 10am a man from Gulf Province, namely Moses Jack stabbed and killed an Engan named Nelson Yangen.
As a result, on September 27, 2025, the relatives of Mr Yangen burned down two dwelling houses owned by the people of Gulf Province.
On September 28, 2025, the murder suspect was apprehended by the Police officers and was taken to Boroko Police Station and handed him over to the CID Homicide at Boroko Police Station
On the September 29, 2025 at 1pm, the Police Station Commander of Badili went to Joyce Bay- Zone 5 and warned the relatives of Mr Yangen not to cause any more damages. However, that night they burnt down 10 more houses.
Mr Yangen’s family were reportedly not satisfied, with the arrest of the Murder suspect, they continued to hosted a house krai in front of the burnt down houses owned by the Gulf people. Their gathering caused intimidation and fear towards the people of Gulf.
On October 2, 2025, a mediation between the Wabags and the Kerema people took place at Badili Police Station and the Wabags demanded the Kerema/Gulf people to pay them K200,000.
A suspect caught by police with wire catapult in Port Moresby at the weekend. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Deal sealed to strengthen climate response
BY MAL TAIME
THE Western Highlands Provincial Government through its provincial administration has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Climate Change Development Authority in Mt Hagen last week.
Also, a total of 15 people were appointed as members of the Western Highlands provincial climate change committee.
Out of the 15 members, 12 took their oath and signed the declaration oath at the Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen last week, while three others are yet to take the oath.
The county is mounting challenges from the impacts of climate change frequently shifting rainfall patterns, droughts and frost that threaten food security.
CCDA, under the Climate Change Management Act 2015, leads the country's national response and implementation to climate change.
The committees serve as multistakeholders for mainstreaming climate change into provincial planning, strengthening institutional coordination and aligning local actions with national policies and international climate commitments.
Western Highlands Province was identified in line with the national priority the province was identified for immediate institutional strengthening with technical and financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
Thus, a consultative meeting was conducted last month in Mt Hagen to discuss the establishment of the provincial climate change committee and the next step is to formalise the partnership between (CCDA) and the Western Highlands
Provincial Government.
The agreement will serve as a foundational framework and jointly organised by the climate change and (CCDA) with the Western Highlands Provincial Government with technical and financial support from UNFAO.
The CCDA will coordinate the program, logistic and communication materials, while (WHPG) will host and facilitate local arrangements.
Provincial Administrator Joseph Mangbil said Western Highlands was a strategic location in the highlands region.
Mr Mangbil said climate change, disaster and environmental damages, a lot of cross cutting issues, law and order were some of the many issues the province was facing.
He said more people from the upper
PNGDF pays tribute to veteran colonel Glanville
BY NATASHA PHILIP
THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) bid a solemn farewell to one of their most respected pioneers, Colonel Ian Harold Glanville, with a militarystyle funeral yesterday in Samatoka village in Asaro, Eastern Highlands Province.
Colonel Glanville passed away on November, 11, 2025, aged 85, while being admitted at Angau Hospital's ICU ward.
The funeral service was attended by PNGDF officers, soldiers, dignitaries, clergy, village leaders, and families from both PNG and Australia.
The military band played as guests assembled, and the ceremony was marked by precision, dignity, and deep reverence. The casket, draped in the PNG National Flag and the PNGDF insignia, was escorted from Glenrowan Funeral Home to Samatoka village by hearse troops and pallbearers from the Engineer Battalion in Lae.
Upon arrival, it was received by a Quarter Guard, symbolising the nation’s respect for a man who dedicated his life to its service.
Colonel John Giregire, welcomed guests and acknowledged the significance of Colonel Glanville’s contributions.
The eulogy was delivered by
BY NELSON JOE
THE Katagu Teachers College in Unggai-Bena district of Eastern Highlands Province is mourning the loss of its pioneer principal, Pastor Jonathan Agaundo.
Deputy principal, Kepsy Hemake, said the college is so sad to lose someone like late Pastor Agaundo.
Pastor Agaundo become the college’s pioneer principal since its establishment until his passing on December 7, 2015.
He had steadfastly endured the stringent registration process towards its formal certification as one of the teacher learning institutions in the country, offering three-year diploma in and fouryear bachelor of education to more than 500 students from across the country currently, all nurtured and shaped by Christian-principled and competent lecturers.
The college has declared its certification in August this year, putting to rest the concern that its graduates were unable to be absorbed into the teaching service for want of formalities.
However, provisional certificates were issued to its graduates while awaiting its endorsement from the Department of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology in collaboration with the Department of Education, Teaching Service Commission and other relevant agencies.
Pastor Agaundo steadfastly led the college through the registration process, which they achieved and celebrated in August this year.
Highlands provinces were flooding into Mt Hagen and it was faced with so many issues and climate change was one of so many issues.
Mr Mangbil said it was timely for acting climate change managing director Debra Sungi with the team for coming to Mt Hagen.
He said the climate change management authority was established under the climate change management act 2015.
in military funeral
Retired Major General Jerry Singirok, who described Colonel Glanville as “a big tree that has fallen”—a towering figure in PNG’s military history.
“Soldiers never die, they fade away,” General Singirok said.
“Everything that happened today is the manifestation of his handwork. This village has order because he instilled it.”
Colonel Glanville’s military journey began in 1963 when he arrived in PNG as a Platoon Commander at Taurama Barracks.
He later became the first Australian officer posted to Brunei with the 7th Geiger Rifle Regiment, where
he trained alongside Indian and Nepalese soldiers, gaining valuable infantry combat experience.
According to former PNGDF Commander Major General Sexperienc, the early 1970s, as over a thousand Australian personnel returned home following PNG’s path to independence, Colonel Glanville made a defining choice.
He stayed. “I am not going to Australia to live on Bully Beef,” he once said, choosing instead to serve the country he had come to love.
In 1978, he took an oath to serve God, Queen, and Country PNG, becoming the only white Australian officer to remain in active service.
He later trained at the New Zealand Air Force Staff College, now New Zealand Command and Staff College equipping himself with strategic, logistical, and leadership skills that would shape the next generation of PNGDF officers.
Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Director of Land Operations in 1979, second to Chief of Operations.
Known for his discipline, humility, and high standards, Colonel Glanville left an indelible mark on the PNG Defence Force.
His legacy lives on in the soldiers who stood in full uniform to honour him, in the order and discipline of the funeral itself, and in the hearts of those he mentored and served alongside.
John Simon Glanville offered a deeply personal tribute to his late father during the military funeral service
In his tribute, Mr Glanville reflected on his father’s life.
A man of discipline, humility, and deep national pride, the late serviceman was remembered not only for his public contributions but for the profound impact he had on his family. This deep connection to country was more than emotional— it was a lifelong commitment.
His favourite saying, “The country I love, the country I serve. I love my country, PNG.”
BY NELSON JOE
WORK not started on the upgrade to the Kainantu district hospital’s mortuary is a grave cause of concern for the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government.
Observing inactivates at the mortuary area within the hospital’s premises, the disappointed chairman, Simon Sia, expressed this concern during the commissioning of a high-tech X-Ray machine worth more than K600,000 to the radiology department of the hospital on Tuesday.
Without disclosing the contractor and the amount paid, he said:
“Money was already paid to the contractor early this year and there is nothing on the ground yet to show for the payment.”
He issued a stern warning to refer this matter to police.
“This is people’s money paid for the upgrade of the mortuary,” he said.
“The contractor will be referred to the police.”
Mr Sia stressed on the prudent financial management as the provincial government, under his chairmanship, is keen on upgrading the hospital due to its strategic location, serving not only the host, but also the neighbouring Henganofi, Okapa and OburaWonenara districts within the province, as well as Morobe’s Markham and Madang’s MiddleRamu districts, including patients from traffic accidents along the Okuk Highway.
He said the provincial government is banking on K92 Mine tax credit scheme to upgrade the hospital.
Western Highlands Provincial Administrator Joseph Mangbil with acting climate change managing director Deborah Sungi signing the MoU at Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen last Friday. PICTURE: MAL TAIME
PNGDF personnel carrying the casket of late Ian Harold Glanville to his grave.
PICTURE: NATASHA PHILIP
St Peter Channel college marks 9th graduation
BY JOSHUA CHAD MARAIP DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT
THE Saint Peter Channel College of Secondary Teacher Education, Ulapia, hosted its 9th graduation on Friday, December 5, 2025, marking a milestone as 83 students received certificates and prizes in academic and skills-based awards.
The graduation ceremony, held in the college campus in Kokopo, East New Britain province, was attended by members of the clergy,
representatives of Catholic Church and government education agencies, the Governing Council, family members, and college staff.
College Principal, Dr Alfred Tivinarlik congratulated the graduating class of 2025, proudly named ‘The Judges’, highlighting the significance of the year 2025.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence, the Catholic Church’s Year of Hope, and the canonisation of St Peter Torot, our own teacher and
martyr; what a remarkable year to graduate,” he said.
Dr Tivinarlik emphasised the meaning of the class name, comparing the graduands to biblical judges called by God to lead with wisdom, courage, and integrity.
He challenged the graduates, and said as teachers, teaching children of the next generation, he told them to guide their students with fairness, faith and discernment.
“As teachers of religious education, mathematics, and sciences, you are
called to guide your students with fairness, faith, and discernment,” he said.
“You are not only transmitters of knowledge but builders of character and conscience. The next 50 years of Papua New Guinea will depend on teachers like you.”
He encouraged graduates to embody hope, courage, and compassion in their classrooms, inspired by Saint Peter Torot’s example of truth, faith, and service even in the face of adversity.
Antimicrobial resistance awareness gets underway
THE consequences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are a grave concern for the World Health Organisation (WHO), where medicines such as antibiotics, designed to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are no longer effective.
This makes infections harder to treat, poses a major global public health threat, and can make common medical procedures more dangerous.
With that WHO promotes awareness of AMR, by holding annually, the AMR Awareness Week, held from November 18th – 24th emphasising on the key message that AMR is a huge threat, driven by the overuse/ misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture, requiring ‘One Health’ action from everyone.
In East New Britain Province (ENBP) the Rabaul Provincial Hospital staff from the pharmacy and pathology sections, joined many around the world, commemorating the Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW).
Laboratory manageress, Miriam Tololo, leading the team on the awareness, said that, more stress must be on awareness, about antibiotics becoming resistant due to the different factors involved.
‘We want to promote awareness of
Jiwaka
student honoured with college’s highest leadership award
BY JOSHUA CHAD MARAIP DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT
A 27-YEAR-old man from Jiwaka province has been honoured with St Peter Channel Catholic College’s highest award, the Archbishop Panfilo Award, during the college’s 9th Graduation in Kokopo on Friday.
Hailing from Tumbunki Ward in the Lower Jimi Local Level Government of Jimi District; Jimmy Kamga received the award in recognition of leadership, service, resilience, and strong Christian values inspired by Emeritus Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB. Kamga began his education at Koinambe Elementary School in 2008 before attending Koinambe Primary School (2010-2015). He completed Grade 10 at Milep High School (2016-2017) and Grade 12 at Nondugl Secondary School (2018–2019).
AMR to educate the public, health workers, and policy makers, about the threat of microbes becoming resistant to medicines, leading to untreatable infections.
‘The awareness is in line with WHO campaign on taking action on careful antibiotic use, improving hygiene, and advocating for policy changes to combat AMR, which has
become a growing global health crisis affecting humans, animals, and the environment.’
Mrs Tololo further said, in ENBP, more effort is also placed on discouraging street sellers from selling antimicrobial drugs that accelerates antimicrobial resistance in the inappropriate use, incorrect dosages, and poor-quality medicines.
‘The street sellers are not medical trained and cannot prescribe medication nor give professional medical advice, whereas, the buyers in return self-medicate, taking insufficient doses.
‘Medicines from street vendors are substandard failing quality standards or are counterfeit.’
After secondary school, he spent two and a half years outside formal education, missing out on the national online selection.
Although offered a place at Highlands Agricultural College, he declined and in 2023, he joined St Peter Channel Catholic College of Secondary Teacher Education as a non-school-leaver.
During his time at Channel, Kamga held several leadership roles, including serving as Student President this year.
Despite the pressures of leadership, he maintained strong academic performance, describing the experience as both challenging and transformative.
“I didn’t expect this award. When they called my name, I was surprised, but more than happy,” he said.
Kamga encouraged young Papua New Guineans to be courageous and pursue their own path while acknowledging those who supported him.
“When you walk a different path, you can lead in new ways, and I want to thank God and my strong mother.
“My father doesn’t work, but my mother always stood strong. That’s why I came this far,” he said. His achievement serves as an inspiration for young Papua New Guineans striving for success and a reminder that anything is possible through faith, determination, and perseverance.
Graduands of St Peter Chanel College of Secondary Teacher Education, Ulapia, during their 9th graduation last Friday. PICTURE: JOSHUA CHAD MARAIP
Jimmy Kamga delivering his speech after receiving his award.
RPH staff from the pharmacy and laboratory sections actively involved in the AMR Awareness. PiCTURE: SUPPLIED
Group lights up city with back-to-back launches
BY MAGNAM TARA
Port Moresby had plenty to talk about last week as 321 Group PNG rolled out two major openings on December 3rd and 4th, giving the city a noticeable lift in both retail gaming and digital services.
The excitement kicked off on Tuesday, December 3, with the unveiling of the company’s new flagship outlet in Central Waigani.
The store immediately stood out, bright, modern, and designed to make the customer experience feel easy and welcoming.
It brings everything under one roof: Wantok Jackpot and Paradise Jackpot tickets, instant scratch cards, digital game topups, and a secure cash-out point for lucky winners.
For the surrounding communities, the new outlet isn’t just convenient, it signals a company willing to invest in making everyday interactions smoother and safer.
General Manager Ben George said the launch represents more than just a new storefront.
“This store shows our long-term commitment to the community,” he said. “We want our games to be more accessible, but we also want customers to feel safe and supported. Responsible gaming is always at the centre of our operations.”
The Waigani outlet is also
expected to create much-needed job opportunities for young Papua New Guineans eager to get into retail and customer service. Less than a day later, 321 Group kept the momentum going. On Wednesday, December 4, the company opened its new 321
Virtual Shop inside the busy RH Gordons Complex a move that speaks directly to the growing shift toward online gaming. The space is designed for customers who prefer the convenience of digital play but still appreciate having someone to talk to
when they need help. Inside the
Virtual Shop, customers can top up digital accounts, register for online play, troubleshoot app issues, and get updates on all 321 products.
It’s a practical bridge between the physical and digital worlds,
Jokema band hosts Gospel Musik Festival to support ELCPNG
BY MAGNAM TARA
A THREE-day gospel music festival led by PNG music star Honlly Issac and his Jokema Band drew hundreds of worshippers to the Martin Luther Seminary in Lae over the weekend, raising funds and momentum for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea’s 2026 National Synod.
The event, which ran from Friday to Sunday, was staged under the theme “Uplifting and Uniting Our People,” bringing together some of the country’s best-known gospel artists, church groups and youth ministries. It was fully funded by the Jokema Band and partnered supporters.
Festival organisers say all proceeds will go toward assisting the Siassi District synod committee as it prepares to host the major church gathering on Siassi Island in January 2026.
The lineup included Higher Vision, New Covenant Praise, SonBurnt, Unique Bond Band, Daspsi (Dabsy) Yapuc, and celebrated New Ireland gospel artist Sikal Kelep, who travelled to Lae to perform his classic “He Turned My Mourning Into Dancing.” Well-known Lutheran evangelist Pastor Peter Bogembo also joined the program, delivering messages of hope and unity.
Jokema frontman Honlly Issac said the festival was his band’s way of giving back to the church that shaped his upbringing and personal journey.
“Music is a powerful tool for change. We want to use it to encourage young people and to strengthen our communities in faith,” he said during his welcome remarks.
Synod committee chairman Michael Som praised the initiative as a timely boost to preparations, saying it demonstrated strong
set right in one of the city’s most visited shopping centres. George said the launch reflects how quickly customer habits are changing.
“People are shifting toward digital platforms, and we’re adapting with them,” he said. “This shop meets customers where they already shop and gives them a secure point of contact for everything online.”
With two openings in just two days, 321 Group has sent a confident message: PNG’s gaming landscape is evolving, becoming more modern, more accessible, and firmly grounded in responsible play under the guidance of the National Gaming Control Board.
community leadership and unity.
“This festival is not just entertainment. It builds spirit, strengthens relationships and supports important work ahead of the synod,” he said.
Ticket prices were kept affordable, with children paying
K5, adults K20 and VIP attendees K100. Organisers said the turnout exceeded expectations, helped by a strong mix of contemporary gospel, traditional worship, and family-friendly performances. Each night of the festival featured high-energy praise
sessions, and the closing evening on Sunday ended with a fireworks display over the seminary grounds.
While official figures on funds raised are yet to be released, organisers said the support from Lae residents, Morobe church
groups and visiting artists showed the growing momentum behind the upcoming synod.
“Thank you, Lae, and Morobe for making this festival a success,” Issac told the crowd during the final thanksgiving ceremony. “All glory to God.”
From left to right: Shop owner Enzo Zhang and 321 Lotto General Manager Ben George at Central Waigani.
The ELCPNG Gospel Musik Festival closing performance by Pastor Peter Bogembo, left, and Honlly Isaac AKA Jokema, right.
Papua New Guinea is renowned for its cultural diversity, as reflected in varied custom and practices, designs, traditional dress, music and dance. Over the decades, as highlighted during the Pacific and Melanesian festivals of arts and culture, PNG has stood out also for its dynamic, diverse and often colourful contemporary art and music, reflecting local and international influences, including some commentary on changing lifestyles and challenges faced by Papua New Guineans in rural and urban settings.
Traditional and contemporary arts and culture also contribute to the livelihoods of many men and woman in towns, settlers and rural areas, as well as providing meaning and enjoyment to the community and international visitors.
These opportunities should increase in the future, including for young people, complementing sports and wider tourism development and international engagement.
During an international classical music festival in France in 2024 a young British violinist, Anna Tulchinskaya, heard about Papua New Guinea and its beauty and rich culture, and expressed an interest in visiting and perhaps giving some concerts and engaging with local musicians. Would it be possible and practical?
Many international musicians have visited PNG, though not always to perform, including Mick Jagger, and Pavarotti’s pianist, and indeed Maria Von Trapp, of the famous Austrian family of Sound of Music. Maria lived and worked with Catholic mission stations in the 1970s and early 80s.
Many Papua New Guineans have enjoyed studying, singing and playing classical music and instruments in the past, especially in church schools around the country, and now also in choirs, although apart from in Vanimo and Madang, it seems that today, apart from police, defence and CIS bands, only a few Papua New Guineans have access to and can play instruments other than guitars, ukalelis, drums or keyboards.
During 2025, the idea of Anna’s potential visit was explored further, and British pianist, organist and choir leader, Rebecca Taylor, volunteered to join Anna in visiting PNG, performing, giving music lessons, master classes and hoping to create pathways for PNG musicians to engage with classical musicians from overseas.
Anna is an acclaimed violinist who has established herself as a notable orchestral and chamber musician. Originally from Eastern Europe, she now lives in Manchester, England. Rebecca Taylor is a classical pianist, accompanist, organist, and conductor known for her extensive performing and coaching work across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
Rebecca has performed in notable venues and been featured on BBC Radio. Her work includes opera projects and roles as an accompanist and assistant conductor for various choirs. She is also involved in music education.
The idea of “Music on a Mission”, a week of musical concerts and local teachings and engagements starting on 14th of December in Port Moresby, all to be conducted in aid of local charities in the lead up to Christmas was born!
The charities that were selected as beneficiaries work tirelessly to protect and care for the physical and mental health of women, children and families in need, especially in this season of joy and fellowship.
For many it will not be a happy Christmas, facing trauma, illness, stigma and sadly domestic and sorcery related violence.
While strong data is lacking, it is estimated that almost 60 per cent of women and girls across the country, have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence, a rate which is almost twice the global average.
The selected beneficiaries work towards empowering women and children in disadvantaged communities near Port Moresby by providing care, education, and offering basic provisions for vulnerable individuals.
Anna and Rebecca will be supporting the classes of young musicians at the Eyrie School of Music during the mornings, and giving concerts in the evenings, in some cases joined by well-known and talented local musicians, including choirs, in a variety of venues across the city.
Great appreciation is given to the sponsors and supporters of the concert series.
By coming together to provide support for flights and accommodation, as well as instruments and venues, and financial support, these generous organisations have made Anna and Rebecca’s visit possible.
The organising committee would like to acknowledge the support of all those involved:
Rebecca and Anna for graciously volunteering their time and talents.
Concert series partner, the Moresby Arts Theatre (MAT), Gold Sponsor John Swire and Sons, Silver Sponsor Coral Sea Hotels, and bronze sponsors Gemini Jewellers, Kina Bank, Loloata Island Resort, Colgate Palmolive, Keynote Music, Post-Courier and Tribe Agency. Venue partners, Mojo Social, Port Moresby Nature Park and MAT.
The organisers hope that if the concert series succeeds, it may become an annual international music festival, involving different genres of music, and bringing together local and international artists, providing opportunities, partnerships and enjoyment not just in NCD, but also in other centres around the country.
TheMusicians
ANNATULCHINSKAYA VIOLIN
REBECCATAYLOR PIANO
Zelenskiy says Ukraine’s peace talks with US constructive, not easy
KYIV: Talks with US representatives on a peace plan for Ukraine have been constructive but not easy, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday ahead of his planned consultations with European leaders in coming days.
Zelenskiy held a call on Saturday with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and
QUICK NEWS
EGG RECOVERED
A diamond-studded locket swallowed by a New Zealand man who tried to steal it has been “recovered”, police say. The Fabergé egg locket, valued at NZ$33,585 (K82,474), was recovered in a “natural” manner. “Medical intervention [was] not required,” they told the BBC. This comes about a week after police arrested the 32-year-old man at Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland, minutes after he allegedly ate the locket.
DEATHS PASS 900
The death toll in Indonesia from recent flooding has passed 900, with hundreds still missing. More than 100,000 homes were destroyed when a rare and powerful cyclone formed over the Malaca Strait last week, bringing torrential rain and landslides to parts of the South East Asian country. Efforts to reach people in areas still cut off are ongoing, with aid having to be airdropped into some places.
PACIFIC BEAUTIES
The announcement of the two Pacific winners for Miss France 2026: Miss Tahiti Hinaupoko Devèze (French Polynesia) and first runner-up Miss New Caledonia 2025, Julie Collet. French Polynesia and New Caledonia have secured a double victory at the weekend with the two top seats in the 2026 Miss France pageant. At the ceremony, held on Saturday in Amiens (France), 23-year-old Hinaupoko Devèze was crowned Miss France 2026.
NO QUITTING
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he would not retire from politics if he receives a pardon from the country’s president in his years-long corruption trial. Asked by a reporter if planned on retiring from political life if he receives a pardon, Netanyahu replied: “no”. Netanyahu last month asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, with lawyers for the prime minister arguing that frequent court appearances were hindering Netanyahu’s ability to govern and that a pardon would be good for the country. – AGENCIES
is expected to meet French, British and German leaders in London. Further talks are planned in Brussels.
“The American representatives know the basic Ukrainian positions,” Zelenskiy said in his video address. “The conversation was constructive, although not easy.”
Trump has said that ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, now nearing its fourth year and the deadliest conflict in Europe
since World War Two, remains his toughest foreign policy challenge.
Despite US mediation and periodic high-level contacts, progress in the peace talks has been slow, with disputes over security guarantees for Kyiv and the status of Russian-occupied territory still unresolved.
Moscow says it is open to negotiations and blames Kyiv and the West for blocking peace,
while Ukraine and its allies say Russia is stalling and using diplomacy to entrench its gains. European leaders have backed a step-by-step diplomatic process for Ukraine, tied to long-term security guarantees and sustained military aid. Trump, however, has focused on rapid deal-making and burdensharing, and diplomats warn that any talks remain fragile and vulnerable to shifts in US politics. – Reuters
Thailand strikes
Thailand launches air strikes against Cambodia
BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH: Thailand has launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, the Thai military said on Monday, after both countries accused the other of breaching a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump.
At least one Thai soldier has been killed and four wounded in the fresh clashes that broke out around two areas in the easternmost province of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand’s military said in a statement, after its troops came under Cambodian fire.
“The Thai side has now begun using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas,” the statement said.
Cambodia’s defence ministry said in a statement that the Thai military had launched dawn attacks on its forces at two locations, following days of provocative actions, and added that Cambodian troops had not retaliated.
Thailand’s army said Cambodia’s military had fired BM-21 rockets towards Thai civilian areas, adding there were no reports of casualties.
The border dispute had erupted into a five-day conflict in July, before a ceasefire deal brokered
by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump, who also witnessed the signing of an expanded peace agreement between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur in October.
At least 48 people were killed and an estimated 300,000 temporarily displaced during the July clashes, with the neighbours exchanging rockets and heavy artillery fire.
Following a landmine blast last month that maimed one of its soldiers, Thailand said it was halting the implementation of the ceasefire pact with Cambodia.
Cambodia’s influential former longtime leader Hun Sen, father of current premier Hun Manet, said Thailand’s military were “aggressors” seeking to provoke a retaliatory response and urged Cambodian forces to exercise restraint.
“The red line for responding has already been set. I urge commanders at all levels to educate all officers and soldiers accordingly,” Hun Sen said on Facebook, without elaborating.
In Thailand, more than 385,000 civilians across four border districts are being evacuated, with over 35,000 already housed in temporary shelters, the Thai military said. – Reuters
Pacific trade pact PACER Plus extended for five more years
HONIARA: The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus will be renewed for another five years, after a meeting of ministers in the Solomon Islands last weekend.
The agreement, which turned five years old this year, commits its 10 members to reducing tariffs and trade restrictions over the next two decades, all the while guaranteeing foreign investment from Australia and New Zealand.
After the meeting, the two developed nations jointly committed an additional US$20
Christmas unplugged: Australian teen social media ban brings holiday headspace woes
Teens fear isolation as social media ban coincides with summer holidays
Mental health experts say lack of school support may see rise in anxiety
Youth services prepare for increased demand due to ban Government says ban aims to protect youth from harmful content
SYDNEY:Sydney teenager Ayris Tolson believes the start of her first summer holiday under Australia’s youth social media ban will be relatively easy as she spends time with family, but as the weeks drift by, she fears being alone and isolated.
From December 10, Australia will impose a world-first social media ban on under-16s, blocking them from TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and Meta’sInstagram.
More than one million under-16s will lose their accounts and nine days later break for the long December-to-January holidays when most of Australia shuts down until February.
“You’re basically isolated for about six weeks during the school holidays,” Tolson, 15, told Reuters. “As it continues on, I will probably feel more attached to social media. It’s not such a good time.”
Mental health experts say a rollout right before the longest school holiday of the year may worsen the shock for teenagers who rely on the technology for socialisation and won’t have the grounding routines, or institutional supports, of school.
The cold turkey effect of no school and no socials will be especially pronounced for children in remote locations or minority groups like migrants and LGBTQI+ people, who lean more on the internet for connection with like-minded people, the experts say.
No quantitative studies show how many Australians under 16 use social media to access mental health services, but a 2024 survey by youth service ReachOut.com found 72% of those aged 16-25 use it to seek mental health advice and nearly half use it to find professional help.
“If you were at school, there would have been a lot of conversation and chatter around it; it’s a shared experience,” said Nicola Palfrey, head of clinical leadership at headspace, a government-funded youth mental health service.
“If you’ve got more time on your hands and you’re in your head quite a bit, if you’re feeling quite anxious or worried or sad, that’s the sort of thing where time alone with your thoughts is not ideal. It’s those people that are starting to feel concerned.”
The Australian government has pitched the ban - which threatens platforms with a fine up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) - as beneficial to mental health since it will protect young people from bullying, harmful content and addictive algorithms.
At a conference this month, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said some young people in marginalised groups “feel more themselves online than they do in the real world”, and should visit various exempted online spaces including those run by headspace.
The government will collect two years of data following the ban on its “benefits, but also the unintended consequences”, she said.
YOUTH SERVICES READY FOR INCREASE IN CASES
Already the timing - a byproduct of when the law passed through parliament - is prompting changes in youth services which rely on social media to reach young people.
Kids Helpline, a telephone and online service, typically experiences a lull over the summer. This year, it is training 16 additional counsellors, an increase of 10%, for a possible deluge of referrals due to the social media ban, said its head of virtual services Tony FitzGerald.
School-related stress typically eases over holidays, but “with young people being disconnected from being able to communicate, potentially, with each other on these platforms, that may actually increase anxiety”, he said.
“We’ll be making sure that we’ve got adequate counselling resources available to support that surge.”
million to the agreement, mostly to support foreign investment in commercial activities.
Commerce Minister Scott Simpson(pictured), representing Aotearoa at the meeting, told RNZ Pacific it reflects their belief in the deal’s potential.
“The sense I got from my time in the Solomons was that those Pacific nations that are trading
directly with Australia and New Zealand are benefiting in a tangible, real way that boosts those local economies,” he said.
“I think that’s a good thing.”
But not all of the Pacific are convinced, with Papua New Guinea refusing to sign up, and Fiji holding out indefinitely.
And with China laying down economic commitments of its own, Simpson acknowledged that ministers’ minds could have been elsewhere for much of the meeting.
“We are all aware of the geopolitical situation in the region and indeed the wider
global economy.” According to official figures, Australia and New Zealand’s running commitment to the deal totals out at around US$42m.
According to PACER, around 75 percent of the budget before the new funding had been used.
Simpson said new funding would go towards smoothing out any issues relating to the reduction of trade barriers.
“That is designed to ensure that there are opportunities for businesses in those local Pacific nations to grow and thrive.”
– RNZ
Lauren Frost, head of policy for the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, said she was getting so many inquiries from youth organisations about how to function without social media, she was planning a new national body to discuss reaching young people offline. But over the holidays, even offline options will be in short supply.
“The interaction that young people have with teachers or support staff or youth workers will be less, so they won’t be able to play that role of supporting young people through this time of transition,” Frost said.
“They’re feeling a lot of fear and a lot of anxiety.”
At Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, a clinic treating addiction to gaming and social media will monitor for an uptick of presentations over the holidays, said its head of mental health and addiction services Daniela Vecchio. Annie Wang, 14, said she uses various social media apps but wasn’t too worried about the ban because she did most of her communicating on Discord, which is exempt since its main purpose is messaging.
For those without Discord, she said: “They’re basically just shut off from everyone, and they will be probably inside all of the school holidays, which is not good”. – REUTERS
THAI troops on the march as tensions rise with Cambodia. PICTURE: AL JAZEERA
Hamas and Israel move towards phase two of US-backed Gaza plan
TEL AVIV: As Israel and Hamas prepare to move towards phase two of a United States-led blueprint to end Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, disagreements loom over the as-yet undefined role of an international stabilisation force in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said on Sunday that the US draft required “a lot of clarifications”.
While the group was ready to discuss “freezing or storing” weapons during the ongoing truce, he said it would not accept that an international stabilisation force take charge of disarmament.
“We are welcoming a [United Nations] force to be near the borders, supervising the ceasefire agreement, reporting about violations, preventing any kind of escalations,”
UN cuts its aid appeal despite soaring need
UN funding falls to 10-year low, less than 1/3 of appeal met
Gaza, Syria and Sudan need most support for 2026 US remains top donor even after drastic aid cuts
GENEVA: The United Nations on Monday appealed for an aid budget only half the size of what it had hoped for this year, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding at a time when humanitarian needs have never been greater.
By its own admission, the $23 billion UN appeal will shut out tens of millions of people in urgent need of help as falling support has forced it to prioritise only the most desperate.
The funding cuts come on top of other challenges for aid agencies that include security risks to staff in conflict zones and lack of access.
“It’s the cuts ultimately that are forcing us into these tough, tough, brutal choices that we’re having to make,” UN aid chief Tom Fletcher told reporters.
“We are overstretched, underfunded, and under attack,” he said. “And we drive the ambulance towards the fire. On your behalf. But we are also now being asked to put the fire out. And there is not enough water in the tank. And we’re being shot at.”
A year ago, the UN sought some $47 billion for 2025 - a figure that was later pared back as the scale of aid cuts by US President Donald Trump as well as other top Western donors such as Germany began to emerge. November figures showed it had received only $12 billion so far, the lowest in 10 years, covering just over a quarter of needs.
Next year’s $23 billion plan identifies 87 million people deemed as priority cases whose lives are on the line. Yet it says around a quarter of a billion need urgent assistance, and that it will aim to help 135 million of them at a cost of $33 billion - if it has the means.
The biggest single appeal of $4 billion is for the occupied Palestinian territories. Most of that is for Gaza, devastated by the two-year Israel-Hamas conflict, which has left nearly all of its 2.3 million inhabitants homeless and dependent on aid.
Second is Sudan, followed by Syria.
Fletcher said humanitarian groups faced a bleak scenario of growing hunger, spreading disease and record violence.
“(The appeal) is laser-focused on saving lives where the shocks hit hardest: wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics, crop failures,” he said. – REUTERS
he said, adding that Hamas would not accept the force having “any kind of mandates” on Palestinian territory.
His comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier in the day that he would meet with Donald Trump to discuss entering a new phase of the US president’s plan at the end of the month. The focus of the meeting, he
said, would be on ending Hamas governance in Gaza and ensuring it fulfilled its “commitment” to the plan, which calls for demilitarisation of the enclave.
“We have a second phase, no less daunting, and that is to achieve the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza,” Netanyahu said during a news conference with visiting German Chancellor Frie-
People take part in tactical training in field conditions at one of the country’s regional centres in Kharkiv region, Ukraine that prepared civilians for national resistance. Working in small groups, they learn practical skills in tactical and firearms training, mine safety, military topography and other subjects.
THE GUARDIAN
Nigeria secures release of 100 kidnapped children
ABUJA: Nigerian authorities have secured the release of 100 children who were among hundreds kidnapped from a Catholic school in northern Nigeria last month, officials and local media have reported.
The 100 children arrived in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and are set to be handed over to local government officials in Niger State on Monday, an unnamed United Nations source told the AFP news agency.
“They are going to be handed over to Niger State government tomorrow,” the source told the AFP news agency.
Nigeria’s The Guardian newspaper reported on Sunday that the rescued children were receiving
medical evaluations and would be reunited with their families after a debriefing.
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare also confirmed reports to the AFP that 100 children were being freed.
Armed gunmen kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers from St Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Niger State’s Agwara district on November 21. They included both male and female students aged between 10 to 18 years, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Fifty of the students escaped captivity in the days after they were kidnapped, returning home to their families. Following the release of 100 students on Sunday,
153 students and 12 teachers are believed to remain in captivity.
Days earlier, gunmen abducted 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in the neighbouring Kebbi State’s Maga town,170km (106 miles) away.
“We have been praying and waiting for their return. If it is true, then it is a cheering news,” said Daniel Atori, spokesman for Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora diocese, which runs the school.
The latest abductions are the worst seen in Nigeria since more than 270 girls from Chibok town were snatched from their school in 2014.
In total, more than 1,400 Nigerian students have been kidnapped since 2014. – AL JAZEERA
drich Merz. It was not clear whether Naim’s comments on the group freezing or storing arms would satisfy Israel’s demands for full disarmament. The Hamas official said the group retained its “right to resist”, adding that laying down arms could happen as part of a process leading to a Palestinian state, with a potential long-term truce lasting five to 10 years. – AL JAZEERA
Woman sues employer for firing her for arriving at work early
MADRID: Coming in late for work can be considered grounds for dismissal, but it turns out that arriving too early can also be considered a serious problem by employers. A Spanish woman found this out the hard way when she was let go after repeatedly ignoring warnings that she was arriving too early.
The young woman, who worked for a delivery company based in Alicante, was in the habit of arriving at her workplace between 6.45 and 7am, even though her contract stipulated that she was supposed to start at 7.30am. This meant that she started her shift earlier than her coworkers, which displeased her manager. She was first reprimanded for her habit in 2023, but she continued to arrive early, ignoring the thinly-veiled threats from management.
Earlier this year, her boss decided to fire her for “serious misconduct,” arguing that by arriving so early, his employee had no tasks to perform and was therefore making no contribution to the company. The employee didn’t see things that way, though, and she challenged the decision in an Alicante social court.
To the young woman’s surprise, the court sided with her employer, arguing that, by repeatedly ignoring the management’s warnings, she had a negative impact on the employeeemployer relationship.
“The worker’s conduct had an impact on the relationship of trust and loyalty, which is considerably affected, because despite the company’s warnings (…) the complainant insisted on entering prematurely,” the court’s ruling read. “Ultimately“, it is considered that the behaviours attributed to the worker (…) are of sufficient gravity and importance to constitute very serious misconduct of disloyalty, breach of trust and disobedience, which justify the termination of the employment relationship.” – OC
Australian bushfires raze homes in two states; firefighter dies
SYDNEY/WELLINGTON: An Australian firefighter was killed overnight after he was struck by a tree while trying to control a bushfire that had destroyed homes and burnt large swathes of bushland north of Sydney, authorities said on Monday.
Emergency crews rushed to bushland near the rural town of Bulahdelah, 200 km (124 miles) north of Sydney, after reports that a tree had fallen on a man. The 59-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest and died at the scene, officials said.
“We honour that bravery, every day,” Albanese said in a statement. A fast-moving fire over the weekend destroyed 16 homes in New South Wales state’s Central Coast region, home to about 350,000 people and a commuter region just north of Sydney.
Resident Rouchelle Doust, from the hard-hit town of Koolewong, said she and her husband tried to save their home as flames advanced.
“He’s up there in his bare feet trying to put it out, and he’s trying and trying, and I’m screaming at him to come down,” Doust told the ABC. – REUTERS
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the “terrible news is a sombre reminder” of the dangers faced by emergency services personnel as they work to protect homes and families.
PICTURE:
CITIZENS TAKE UP ARMS
EXCHANGE RATE
K200m housing development to attract K1 billion in return
BY PATRICT MU'UH
MORE than K200 million will be poured into new housing development at Igam, a project that is expected to generate close to K1 billion in economic activity for Lae over the next 10 years.
The investment, led by Comrade Trustee Services Limited (CTSL) and its subsidiary Toea Homes Limited (THL), marks one of the largest private-sector commitments currently under way in PNG.
The project will deliver 1300 serviced residential allotments, a commercial precinct, and key public facilities including a school, health centre, utilities and green space. It will be developed on State land located between the University of Technology and the Igam Military Barracks.
Investors say the project is designed to transform Lae’s limited land supply into a modern and fully serviced suburb that will support the city’s long-term growth.
THL chairman Charles Lee said the decision to invest heavily in the Igam development reflects strong confidence in Lae’s economic future.
“Lae continues to be the country’s industrial engine. With major national projects approaching and demand for housing rising, we saw the need to invest now and unlock long-term value for our members and for the people of Lae,” he said.
He said the project would turn undeveloped State land into high-
value serviced land, creating strong returns through sales, commercial leasing and continuous business activity.
The K200 million in direct project costs will go toward civil works, engineering, land servicing, public utilities and commercial infrastructure. CTSL says the wider K1 billion impact will come from job creation, supplier contracts, small business growth, and long-term commercial operations once the precinct is complete.
Deputy Prime Minister and Lae
MP John Rosso, whose leadership helped secure the land for the project, said Lae has waited decades for a major housing expansion like this.
“This investment will support jobs, business growth and affordable home ownership. It is necessary to prepare Lae for the future and to help our local families,” he said.
The project will lift activity across several sectors including construction, hardware supply, transport, engineering, and retail during the three-year development
period. Once the suburb opens, new shops, services and households will continue to stimulate spending in the local economy.
Work at the Igam site will begin on Monday, 9 December, starting with clearing and fencing until June 2026. Civil works will follow in July 2026, and the first serviced allotments will be ready for sale by late 2026.
CTSL says interest from potential buyers and investors has already started, with enquiries now open at its Lae office.
Minister Maru concludes trade talks in India
THE Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, recently concluded trade and investment talks in Mumbai, India, with the Chief Minister for Maharashtra State, the economic powerhouse of India.
Mr Maru and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had a very productive discussion on the interest of the Maharashtra State to buy gas from PNG to assist them in their energy transition plan to go from using coal-fired power plants to LNG-fired plants. They also expressed their interest to invest in the LNG sector in PNG to secure long-term supply of gas as they look to diversify their sources of gas where they currently heavily rely on the Middle East (Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia) for traditional supply. “The Maharashtra State
has consistently been the largest state economy of India and a crucial engine for national growth, contributing over 15 percent to the national GDP and leading in foreign direct investments.
“They are looking for energy security and we are looking for long-term markets for all our new LNG projects.
“We are competing with the rest of the world including Australia and Middle East countries that produce LNG so we have to be aggressive to secure lock down opportunities like this.
“We now wait for the Chief Minister to speak with the Federal Government and look forward to receiving their formal offer on investing in our gas projects and long-term supply arrangements for PNG to supply India either as a
foundation Papua LNG customer or in other projects to come,” he said.
“The Maharashtra State is also keen to set up a steel manufacturing plant in PNG through Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited if they are able to secure gas from us and able to invest in the gas industry of PNG. Apart from the resource sector, they want to also invest in other sectors including agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, hospitality and tailoring.”
It was agreed during the meeting for an inaugural PNG-India Investment Summit to be held next year in Mumbai, the financial capital of India.
“This will be a really exciting opportunity for us to market investment opportunities in PNG, find markets for our products across various sectors, and attract Indian
investors in steel, manufacturing, garments and other industries to set up large-scale operations in PNG especially in our Special Economic Zones. This Summit can be inaugurated by our two Prime Ministers to consolidate the relationship between our two countries following the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to PNG,” said Mr Maru. He said his discussions with the Chief Minister were very strategic and that PNG would not go wrong partnering with the Indian Government and its people.
“India not only the world's most populous country in the world with almost 1.46 billion people, but it is also the world's fastest growing major economy with a Real GDP growth rate of 8.2 percent and projected to rise.”
Financial literacy boost in Selau with 94 graduates ready to join formal banking
BY NICOLLETTE HIRIATS
BUILD Bougainville Foundation Incorporated (BBFI) celebrated a major milestone last Friday, graduating and certifying 94 participants in financial literacy training across Ramuratta, Manob and Patuna in Selau Constituency. The financial literacy training program sponsored by Selau Constituency Member and Minister for Community Government, Paul Cheung, who said the program
targets 98 per cent of the local population, including cocoa and copra farmers, fishermen, and village-based entrepreneurs to bring them into the formal financial system.
Speaking at the event, Mr Cheung emphasised the importance of the training, and that financial literacy is paramount.
“We must equip ourselves with knowledge and skills to manage finances effectively.
“Let’s elevate agricultural mothers
to commercial farming mothers, table mothers to counter mothers, and counter mothers to medium or large-scale entrepreneurs.”
He urged graduates to apply principles of budgeting, saving, and investing.
Mama Bank Branch Manager, Gilbert Sioni Saramasi, highlighted a signed MoU between BBFI and Mama Bank, allowing certified participants immediate access to banking services.
“A month ago, the government
allocated K30 million. Mama Bank is developing products for the informal sector, targeting major markets and supporting cocoa farmers and locals to start SMEs from the Buka office,” he said.
A participant, Elizabeth Tako Palin, thanked the Member for Selau for his great initiative and support in sponsoring them to attend the financial literacy training. She said the training will now enable them to financially support their families and contribute to Bougainville’s
economy through taxes.
“By starting and growing SMEs,” she explained will enhance the region through tax contributions.
This graduation adds to BBFI’s 2023 efforts, with over 500 participants trained across North, Central, and South Bougainville.
Fully recognised by Bank of Papua New Guinea for financial inclusion excellence and partnered with Mama Bank, BBFI continues to empower communities toward economic independence.
Deputy Prime Minister Lae MP John Rosso with investors: Comrade Trustee Service Ltd (CTSL) and its subsidiary Toea Homes Ltd (THL) and stakeholders at the project launching in Lae. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Agreement to raise standard in fisheries
BY HEZRON KISING
NATIONAL Fisheries Authority (NFA)
and National Institute of Standard and Industrial Technology (NISIT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to raise standards of practices, and fisheries products produced locally so that it reaches international market standards.
According to NFA, the MoU will help both organisations raised the standard of fish and fisheries products for the country in pacific region and also meeting international market standards.
Apart from all PNG’s fisheries products going into EU markets, NFA has opened a new Chinese market with the intension to link small local businesses in the fisheries sector to the biggest super market in the world. Mr Justin Ilakini stated that the Chinese takes in everything (products) from crabs, lobsters, fish, seaweed and other sea and marine products that PNG provides. The MoU will also assist small business to raised their products standards to meet international market.
The focus of the MoU is on four key areas; Calibration of equipment for NFA and the industry- all the equipment that use to measure and weigh fisheries products has to be calibrated and that calibration services provided by NISIT which will be paid for by NFA. It is a standard requirement for any standard to be implemented, equipment have to be calibrated.
Secondly, is the specific trainings for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification of food safety program
Training, NISIT will provide training to NFA officers and the fisheries industry players to make sure all the established parties follow the correct guidelines on
food safety. Laboratory standards- NISIT will guide NFA on its laboratory and difference systems standards so that it meets international standards (ISO).
Mr Ilakini with NFA senior management officials met with NISIT acting director general John Pang last week and signed the MoU in Port Moresby, paving a way forward for new standards to be implemented in the fisheries sector.
Mr Ilakini said NFA have done a lot of reforms and it will need development partners like NISIT to come and help NFA deliver these reforms.
“We definitely cannot deliver the reforms and respond to government directives alone”. NISIT plays a very important role to assist NFA with regards
to its mandated functions in the area of measurements and standards including other functions,” he said.
Especially in the areas of audit and certification and with the Port State Measurement Agreement (PSMA) coming on board, NFA will definitely need the assistant of NISIT expertise.
PSMA, is a key international treaty aimed at stopping illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by stopping illegal fishing vessels from using ports to land their catches, and Papua New Guinea's National Fisheries Authority (NFA) works to implement it to protect its fisheries, as seen in collaborations to share data and strengthen regional enforcement against illicit fishing practices.
Students encouraged to conserve forest resources
STUDENTS have been encouraged to find land and plant trees as part of their contribution towards maintaining the biodiversity and conservation of PNG’s rich forest resource.
PNG Forest Authority Managing Director John Mosoro made the call when he gave his keynote speech last Wednesday at graduation of the Hood Point High School in Hula, Central province.
Hundreds of students at Hood Point High School and Allen Jones Memorial Primary School in Hula, Central Provinces attended and were graced by the presence of PNG Forest Authority PNGFA Managing Director, John Mosoro and his senior officers including his Director Legal Tobias Dalid and Director Finance David Loyam.
Mr Mosoro was invited to give the
key note address in line with the school theme ‘Together we build our future.”
He encouraged the students to study the subjects of science and maths etc to become foresters one day.
He said that he was privileged to be invited as the key note speaker to their graduation and to travel out of Port Moresby to Hula to attend the students graduation and share awareness on the subject of forestry.
“In my line of duty, I travel often throughout the country to meet with people especially in the rural parts to promote forestry. I see trees as an important resource for rural people, especially young students who will be the leaders of tomorrow.
“Your school theme of working together is what we are promoting. We are working with you and others to
progress PNG through developing our Forest resource.
“We are spreading awareness on the subjects of biodiversity and conservation - especially in our special programme of “Painim Graun - Planim Diwai” (Find land - plant trees).
“I am here at this school to share awareness and encourage this community and students to find land and plant trees. Within the next five to 10 years, you can register with PNGFA to take part in carbon trade and forest financing,” Mr Mosoro told the students.
“PNGFA will promote carbon trade, carbon accounting and forest financing which is very important in the progress of our people and country.”
He presented the school with k20,000 out of the community assistance fund and sandlewood trees.
RESET @ 50 PART
V
RESET @ 50 will remain a document no different to Vision 2050. Much hopes and aspirations of a country that cannot bite the bullet and practice Sir Mahesh Patel’s observation, “WALK THE TALK”.
Many past and late professionals have said it over and over. Until and unless the nation is itself ready to be led by a local Zaka Zulu, the nation cannot be jump-started. The expected Zaka Zulu must be an individual without religious, ethnicity, provincialism, autonomy, noncorrupted, simple and see’s PNG to be the leader that will lead the original pacific islanders as a super-power, it will never rise to become the nation of the millennium.
PNG must allow itself to be ridded off its biggest threat, which is its LAZY ATTITUDE.
Ninety-nine per cent of its people sit back and expect the one per cent to provide everything. There is no sense of pride and desire to work, unite and propel a country to become a country to be the next pacific economic giant.
The nation must denounce negative attitude and seriously stamp out evil.
The principles of state-hood must be applied fully. It must look to the history of many nations within our region that had Zaka-Zulu’s that killed and removed the bad and evil, and restored pure and simple integrity.
It means that we must get back into how the nation had manipulated the education system it adopted over the past 50 years and restore the education principles that built the integrity and national principles that enabled our principled constitution to be constructed.
PNGians must be provided a nationalistic view of oneness and togetherness.
Papua New Guineans must be taught to reject the 22 provincial flags and reject the notion of keeping provincial wealth to itself. It must reject corruption of all form. It must be selfless and aim to become a nation that will be a beacon in the pacific region.
It must open its borders and allow free trade and economic growth. It must strive to eliminate ethnicities and connect with each other in national unity and nation building.
The hard lessons of the bad mistakes learned in Bougainville must be brought into the classrooms and taught. It must appreciate and accept the mismanagement of the highlands region that has now become a tribal wartorn region. It must discipline itself to reject aimless youth energy and gender violence.
It must control its youths and limit their aimless wonderings and drinking habits, by using every humane principles to do so. The legislature must develop stronger laws to put criminals away for good. If they cannot live in harmony and choose to hurt and kill others, then they too must be given the same treatment.
For the next 50, our legislature must roll out a “eye for eye” and “tooth for tooth” system.
The nation must make a tougher stand. If the current democracy is too soft for the bigheadedness in our society, then we must allow our own fathers to put those children away, for good, if necessary.
Until and unless PNG does that, this nation will not see a turn-round.
All successful countries today had moments where the government had to be tough to put the radicals and the negative minded in their place.
Its time for Papua New Guineans to colonise itself. Reject evil and corruption and strive to built a country where our grand-children can enjoy for eternity.
New poulty farm and teachers’ houses for Laloki secondary
Secondary School in Central’s
district opened two new teachers houses and a small poultry farm.
School principal Carol Tsinabi said both projects came from external funding given to the school during last year’s graduation ceremony.
“A total of K200,000 was given by the Department of National Planning and K20,000 from the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC),” she announced.
Ms Tsinabi stated that the school had immense agricultural potential but this was not fully tapped into, hence, the poultry project was the
start of tapping into all these.
“Although today (Monday) is the official opening of the poultry project, we have already raised and sold six batches of chickens.
“The leftover from this 6th batch will be eaten at the school’s graduation which is to be held on Wednesday.
“The main aim of the project is to generate additional income to support the school operations whilst also maintaining the poultry project.”
Ms Tsinabi stated that next year the administration would increase the poultry facilities and will also
looking at other livestock projects such as a piggery.
And if all goes well and with increased production, the school can also consume some of the products from the farm.
“It is just early stages now but we may look at also integrating students agriculture lessons so they are also involved in the project,” she said. She thanked LDC which has now supported the school a few times over the years as well as the staff who have been working in the poultry since it became operational.
NISIT acting director general Joe Panga singing the MoU with National Fisheries Authority managing director Justin Ilakini (middle) and deputy managing director Gisa Komangin last week in Port Moresby. PICTURE: HEZRON KISING
LALOKI
Hiri-Koiari
Laloki Secondary School students with chickens in their new poultry farm. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
K4m public servants’ houses
13 new kit homes for senior public servants of Jiwaka provincial government
SENIOR public servants of Jiwaka Provincial Government (JPG) to have new 13 kits homes at a value package of around K4 million.
According to Jiwaka Governor Simon Kaiwi, the initiative taken up by his provincial government is to ensure that its public servants are better taken care of with conducive accommodation so they can continue their meaningful work for the development of the province.
Mr Kaiwi said this yesterday when he presented the cheque to the PNG Forest Products (PNGFP). Accompanied by him are provincial administrator, Rick Kogen, and provincial finance manager, Siwi Takai.
He noted that some of the public servants have been living in poor housing conditions due to houses lengthy time, which he sought the initiative to provide better housing conditions for his senior public servants.
“Some of the houses have been there for a long time – built in colonial days.
“With my administration, it is my wish to see that (JPG) public servants are housed properly and live in a decent place,” Governor Kaiwi said.
He noted that public servants are the “implementors of government policies,” thus it seems fitting to provide them with decent housing so that they will contribute to effective service delivery in the province.
“This is the reason why I decided to build the houses of the public servants of Jiwaka Province,” he said.
The houses procured from PNG Forest Products (PNGFA) will be transported from Bulolo in Morobe to Jiwaka to where it will
be installed.
Prefabricating the kit houses will take about 8-12 weeks, while the usual construction (assembly) will take about 6-7 months to be fully completed.
This is not the first initiative taken by Governor Kaiwi to address the poor housing issues for the public servants in his province.
Mr Kaiwi also rolled out a similar initiative last year by building 10 houses for JPG public servants at a cost of K2 million. The houses are all completed this year.
Other project include a K6 million project for 40 police houses in the province.
Moroso urges students of Hood Point High to find land, plant trees
PAPUA New Guinea Forest Authority Managing Director John Mosoro has encouraged school students at Hood Point Day High School to ‘ find land and plant trees’ as part of their contribution towards maintaining the biodiversity and conservation of PNG’s rich forest resource.
Mr Mosoro made the call when he presented the keynote speech last Wednesday (Dec 3) at graduation of the Hood Point High School in Hula, Central province.
Hundreds of students at Hood Point Day High School and Allen Jones Memorial Primary School in Hula, attended and were graced by the presence of PNGFA managing director, John Mosoro and his senior officers including his director legal Tobias Dalid and director finance David Loyam.
He was invited to give the key note address in line with the school theme ‘Together we build our future.” Mr Mosoro encouraged the students to
study the subjects of science and maths etc to become foresters one day. The MD was privileged to be invited as the key note speaker to their graduation and to travel out of Port Moresby to Hula to attend the students graduation and share
awareness on the subject of forestry.
“In my line of duty I travel often throughout the country to meet with people especially in the rural parts to promote forestry. I see trees as an important resource for rural people, especially young students who will
be the leaders of tomorrow. Your school theme of working together is what we are promoting. We are working with you and others to progress PNG through developing our Forest resource,” he said.
“We are spreading awareness on the subjects of biodiversity and conservation - especially in our special programme of ‘ Painim Graun - Planim Diwai ( Find landplant trees). I am here at this school to share awareness and encourage this community and students to find land and plant trees. Within the next five to 10 years you can register with PNGFA to take part in carbon trade and forest financing.
“PNGFA will promote carbon trade, carbon accounting and forest financing which is very important in the progress of our people and country.”
He presented the school with K20,000 out of the community assistance fund and sandalwood trees.
PNG forest plays key role in climate finance
PNG FOREST Authority (PNGFA) plays a key role in the formation of a PNG Climate National Finance Strategy according to PNGFA managing director John Mosoro. Mr Mosoro made the comment during his welcome remarks at the opening of the two-day national climate and forest finance workshop facilitated by EvidenceBased Forestry, Climate Change, and Biodiversity and United Nations - Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (UN- REDD) last week in Port Moresby.
He was recently appointed as the deputy chairman of the PNG Climate Change Board. He said PNGFA is keen on working with Climate Change and Development Authority(CCDA) and key government agencies and donors to put together the climate and forest finance strategy.
“It will be exciting because we at forestry play a key role in terms of forest and climate change financing. Amended forester bill will be presented to parliament next year which when passed will become a law allowing PNG FA to go into nature-based forestry especially in the area of carbon trade and downstream processing.” He said the amended law will phase out log exports and give opportunity to resource owners to be involved in nature-based forestry projects which will include carbon trade, forest Financing and downstream processing.
Mr Mosoro said it is not an easy task.
“More work needs to be done by key government agencies and partners to to establish a strategy on climate - forest financing,” Mr Mosoro said. He also invited participants at the workshop to attend the Forest Forum to be held in December 18.
“We have stopped issuing log export permits and have a transition plan which will be discussed at the coming forum. You are all invited to attend and share your views. I will need your support, “Mr Mosoro said.
The two-day workshop; provided participants with the latest information from COP30 and global carbon markets;
Provide information and opportunities to input into PNG’s National Climate Change strategy
Provide information on key Forest financing instruments including the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) and PNG’s engagement in ART - TREES.
Provide information on proposed work plan and action across these areas for 2026.
Simbu province front to drive transformative development
BY HEZRON KISING
THE Simbu Province Development Front Inc. (SPDF), a non- government organisation (NGO) is proud to announce its official launching on December 13th, 2025 at APEC House, Port Moresby, marking a bold new chapter for transformative, citizendriven development in Simbu Province.
Established in October 2023 and headquartered in Kundiawa, SPDF is an independent think tank and development catalyst dedicated to breaking cycles of underdevelopment, governance failures, and law-and-order challenges that have long held back one of Papua New Guinea’s most populous and resilient provinces.
The organisation is made up of elites from Simbu and other provinces as well, with different professions and education background; Founder and administer is John Kum Jerry, Jimmy William fund-raising chairman, Billy Gigmai as the board of trustee chairman, Dianne UnagiKoiam as the secretary, Jessica Yegiora as the treasure and Alice Dihm as the event planner. SPDF chairman Billy Gigmai in a press conference over the weekend said the organisation registered as a non-partisan, nonprofit NGO under the Investment Promotional Authority Act, SPDF brings together local expertise, research capability, and community engagement under one mission: to empower Simbu communities with
the tools, knowledge, and platforms they need to shape their own future.
Mr Gigmai and his board of trustees pointed out that SPDF is aimed with a vision for a better Simbu, envisions a peaceful, united, and prosperous Simbu Province where communities thrive in harmony, uphold justice and equity, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
The group also clarified that SPDF has no political agendas and is a neutral organisation to help people of Simbu province.
The organisation is committed to strengthening local leadership, promoting law and order, advancing social equity, and driving sustainable development initiatives throughout the province.
Strategic Pillars Driving Change
1. Policy Innovation Think Tank SPDF will operate an evidence-based research and policy unit producing alternative policy briefs, budget analyses, and innovative service-delivery models to support the Simbu Provincial Government
2. Gap-Filling Project Implementation Where government systems have failed or stalled, SPDF will partner with reputable international and local organisations, including Oxfam, World Vision PNG, UNICEF, DFAT, MFAT, and PNGSDP to deliver impactful, community-driven projects such as: Library and e-library support for schools Solar-powered WASH projects Sanitary pad distribution and training programs for women and girls
Mental health, child protection, and counselling services GBV, SARV, alcohol, and drug abuse awareness Guidance programs for students Climate change and environmental advocacy Community-based law-and-order initiatives
3. Social Advocacy and Community Justice SPDF will spearhead province-wide campaigns against sorcery accusationrelated violence (SARV), tribal fighting, and gender-based violence. It also plans to support legal-aid services and establish a 24-hour toll-free crisis hotline in partnership with existing safe house operators.
4. Transparency and accountability watchdog
Left: Jiwaka Provincial Finance Officer, Siwi Takai, PNGFP Sales Rep, Geno Alu, Jiwaka Governor Simon Kaiwi, PNGFP Graphics Designer, Susan Mansfield and Jiwaka Provincial Administrator, Rick Kogen during the cheque presentation yesterday in Port Moresby. PICTURE: GABRIEL ERNEST.
PNG Forest Authority managing director John Mosoro plants a Sandlewood tree at Hood Point Day High School, Hula, Central Province.
After weeks during which you’ve dealt with partnership issues, some straightforward but others very complicated indeed, you’ll be relieved to know that most of those are settled. Those problems that remain are about the practical or financial side of plans and, while they’re rather dull, they really can’t be ignored.
LEO JUL 22 - AUG 22
Every year, around 21 December, your ruler the Sun moves into Capricorn. This year is unusual, however, because on the day before, the 20th, Capricorn’s ruling planet Saturn moves there, for the first time in nearly thirty years and actually meets the Sun on the 21st, a significant encounter, for you and others.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 20
Since 2015, the planet of discipline and focus, Saturn, has been positioned in Sagittarius. While you’ve learnt a huge amount, you won’t be saddened by its departure, on the 20th. Even now, before it’s moved on, you’re beginning to recognise how much you’ve learnt and how profitable those insights will be.
GIANT CROSSWORD
Nobody likes being told they’re about to be disillusioned. However, the insights you gain as a result of the clash between your ruler Venus and Neptune, the planet of both illusion and intuition, will clear things up. They will, in fact, help confirm that the worrying instincts you’ve had certain arrangements are justified.
VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 22
Unsettling, if not annoying, as having to rethink plans you’ve only just organised may be, there really is no choice. Tempting as it is to try to do the minimum, that would be unwise. The more extensive those changes are, they more you’ll benefit, now and over the coming days, weeks and months.
CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 19
Although you dislike being dependant on anybody, obviously life doesn’t work that way. However, when you first organised certain arrangements that make you feel uncomfortable or even vulnerable, you didn’t make it easy for those involved. Things are moving swiftly and could change. Acknowledge their efforts and thank them now, while you can.
GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20
Judging by the series of aspects being formed of several of the planets, including your ruler Mercury, to the planet of the unexpected, Uranus, over the coming weeks, sudden developments are inevitable. Unsettling as these will be in the short term, looking back on them, you’ll realise they were vital turning points.
LIBRA SEP 23- OCT 22
Having been born under the thoughtful Libra, rather than blame problems or misunderstandings on others, you seek a solution. This time, however, others are to blame and, what’s more, you’re urged to discuss this frankly. Only when the individual in question realises the problems their carelessness caused will they be more cautious.
Talking about changes in the structure of your life is one thing, but actually making them is quite another. Now that the planet of action, and of courage, Mars has moved to accent these matters, a shift in both your mood and in circumstances will mean you’ll turn those ideas into action.
CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 21
While your capacity to sense what others are feeling is a gift, it can lead to confusion. This is especially the case now, mostly because certain individuals aren’t nearly as aware of their own feelings as you are. Say little and observe a lot. You’ll soon figure out how to deal with them.
SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21
The time has come to rethink, if not substantially reorganise, elements of your life. Disruptive as this seems, these minor changes will make it easier for you to recognise and benefit from the brilliant but not always recognisable, ideas and offers triggered by the bountiful Jupiter’s presence in Scorpio, for the coming year.
PISCES FEB 18 - MAR 19
For weeks, if not months, you’ve been debating complex plans for the future. Just when you thought these were settled, yet more changes in the situation of others has meant rethinking things. Frustrating as this is, within days you’ll realise that you, too, are reconsidering your own ideas and priorities.
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England’s ‘over-prepared’
Claim raises eyebrows
CRICKET
FORMER England cricketers have questioned coach Brendon McCullum’s claim that the tourists trained too hard for the Gabba Test, which ended in a loss that leaves their Ashes hopes in tatters.
England’s training regime has been a point of focus this series, with only internal fixtures and no official practice match scheduled ahead of their first-Test loss in Perth.
Heading into the crucial pink-ball Test in Brisbane, Australia had played and won three day-night matches since England’s last one in 2023.
But the entire team from the loss in Perth opted to skip out on playing in a day-night tour match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra and head straight to Brisbane.
The decision prompted questions as to whether five days of training and no match practice was the best preparation for a clash with the day-night masters.
As ‘Bazball’ architect McCullum saw it, England had the opposite issue.
“I actually felt like we over-prepared to be honest,” England’s coach said on Channel 7 after the eight-wicket loss.
“I think sometimes when you’re in the heat of the battle, as we all know, sometimes the most important thing is to feel a bit fresh.”
Retired England cricketers Kevin Pietersen and Darren Gough, who played 162 Tests between them, were among those to question the claim on social media.
English Test legend Geoffrey Boycott, one of the side’s most outspoken critics after the loss in Perth, was similarly scathing of the Gabba effort.
“Brisbane was a horror show,” he wrote in UK newspaper The Telegraph.
“England talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. With this sort of batting and bowling they couldn’t win an egg cup, let alone the Ashes urn.”
England will have a chance to freshen up when they head to Noosa for a getaway before the third Test match that begins in Adelaide on December 17.
Paparazzi are set to be out in force trying to catch the tourists lounging around in the sun as their Ashes hopes hang by a thread.
Aside from the rebukes back home, the team received plenty of scrutiny from the Australian press this series when three players, including captain Ben Stokes, were photographed riding e-scooters without helmets.
Stokes said the Sunshine Coast sojourn would be a chance for a much-needed physical and mental break.
“We have been here four weeks and they have been pretty full on,” the allrounder said.
“It is so important when teams, when they do get an occasion or opportunity, go away as a team and put the pressures of this aside for a couple of days.” Asked for his opinion on McCullum’s over-preparation comment, Stokes said England needed to prioritise training smarter, not harder.
“There is a great saying that I know: ‘Are
you going to train to train or train to dominate?’,” Stokes said.
“There is a lot of training that you see going on where
you are doing it for the sake of doing it and not achieving anything.
“On the back of the first Test match, when we desperately
want something like we do, maybe you can fall into that ‘train to train’. I have been guilty of that myself. But I like to train to dominate.”
Why Roosters recruit has Watson ready to lock down new role
ROOSTERS utility Connor
Watson is confident a positional switch prompted by Reece Robson’s arrival at the club will unlock his best football.
Signed to a four-year deal last December, Robson has become the forgotten man in discussions about the Roosters 2026 recruits.
The NSW hooker’s arrival has been overshadowed by the signing of former Manly star Daly Cherry-Evans, but his impact on the team could be just as big.
Robson is set to step into the No.9 jersey, with emerging talent Benaiah Ioelu serving as his backup.
That will free Watson to shift to lock, which the 29-year-old believes is his best position.
“He’ll be the nine,” Watson told NRL.com. “They signed him to be a hooker and my best and favourite position is 13. I’ll be doing everything I can to play there.
“I’ve always said that I’m happy to do whatever for the team, whether it’s come off the bench or play any position. I’ll always do that but 13 is the goal for me.”
The Roosters were one of the surprise packets of 2025, finishing seventh in what was meant to be a rebuilding year.Youngsters Rob Toia, Naufahu Whyte, Ioelu and Mark Nawaqanitawase all impressed and will now be looking to take the next step in 2026.
Throw in the arrival of Cherry-Evans and Robson,
and a healthy Sam Walker for the entire season and the Roosters have rocketed into premiership contention.
The changes, however, will likely result in a new-look attack for 2026 that could take some time to find top gear.
The Roosters rolled out a monster pack in the run to the finals, with Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins starting at prop, Whyte at lock and Siua Wong coming off the bench.
By steamrolling teams through the middle, the forwards gave young halves Sam Walker and Hugo Savala, and fullback James Tedesco, a platform to attack.
Watson’s shift to lock will result in a smaller pack while providing more attacking creativity through the middle of the field.
Throw in Cherry-Evans and the Roosters outside backs could be set for another prolific year.
Robson and Watson have been State of Origin teammates for the past two seasons but have spent a combined total of five minutes on the field together.
That will change in 2026 and Watson is excited to see the impact the Roosters’ recruits have on the side’s attack.
“It’s been good having Daly around,” Watson said.
“He’s got such a good voice in and around the team. His temperament on the field is great, he’s got a calm voice.
“He’s done everything in the game, he’s had to much experience, so to have a guy
like that come in has been awesome. Then having Reece here as well has been good.
“I’m looking forward to playing with these guys week in, week out. I’ve played with Reece in Origin but this is a bit different. We have spent very little time on the field together, I’m sure we’ll be on the field plenty this year.”
Watson’s comments came at the recent NRL School to Work Awards night, where the next generation of emerging First Nations people was celebrated.
The program provides opportunities for youngsters to finish school and transition to university or employment.
A proud Gamilaroi man, the hooker discussed the challenges he’s faced throughout his career and the lessons he hopes to pass on to future leaders.
Away from football, Watson is working hard to provide opportunities for Indigenous youth through his foundation, the Cultural Choice Association.
The organisation’s Boots for a Brighter Future program invites School to Work participants to paint Indigenous artwork on boots that are worn by Roosters players. By working together, Watson said rugby league can play a key role in driving positive change within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Australian society as a whole.
“These programs are awesome for the kids,” Watson said.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Komara knock Hekari out of the finals in Premier Soccer League semie final
SOCCER
BY MARCIA NEGRI
GULF Komara will make their second consecutive appearance at the grand final this weekend after defeating defending champions Hekari United FC in last Sunday’s Premier Soccer League semi final showdown at the PNG Football Stadium.
Komara clinched the spot with a 3-0 victory over Hekari, ending their reign in the PSL Competition.
Komara who lost to Hekari last year in the grand final, put the game in their favour within the first minutes of the game, netting their first goal, before following later with their second.
Hekari who struggled to get past a solid Komara defense, struggled getting the ball through goal keeper Gui Laka’s grip.
Komara proved stronger against the Hekari side.
Leading 2-0 in the first half, the team sealed the game with their final
winning goal from Pala Paul.Paul’s goal had the stands erupt in cheers from the Gulf side, knowing their try at another grand final appearance and the trophy is within reach.
Coach David Aua said, credit goes to the team for playing exceptionally well today (yesterday).“This is from, obviously, last week’s game, coming off a high win. And then they’ve just taken it into this game. All credit to the boys.”
He added that they’ve worked hard this week. “They’ve worked hard all
year. And they deserve to get into the grand final. Aua said this is their second consecutive grand final appearance, “so we want to go better this time and work on our game this week.”
He added that their only injury concern is Phillip Steven, who got injured during the recent MSG Cup.
“We hope to get him fitter during this week and then he should be able to play this week .” Aua said their only new addition for the second round of games was Pala Paul.
Future bright for Mix Mates FC in EPC
SOCCER
BY SIMON KESLEP
THIS is what some mothers have to go through every Saturday morning since the start of yet another Eastern Papua Carnival (EPC) juniors soccer competition.
For Mix Mates FC, after being in hibernation for 10 years, have returned to the annual EPC competition with renewed vigor for their U10 team.
And mentoring these enthusiastic team is their coach Miriam Hulijeli.
“We have to wake very early just to bring our daughters and sons here (to Bisini and Bava Park).
“They (children) play with a lot of joy and also get to meet other relatives that they do not meet often,” said Hulijeli.
Despite the scorching heat, they still turn up with their water bottles to either cheer or to lace up a pair of boots to take part.
“Our team is sponsored by Mananda Umbrella Joint Venture Limited, a landowner company in Kutubu, Southern Highlands.
“My daughter is her bubu (grand daughter) and is one of the owners… so he decided to support the team to allow his grand daughter to explore her talent.
“This is how we got to register a U10 team for this year’s EPC
tournament.”
She further said the children show so much interest in playing.
“Just to see a lot of them developing a good understanding of soccer is important.
“So we are taking the time to nurture them with skills, a simple playing structure and how to be a team player,” she added.
She said the encouragement to the parents for the children is to continue guiding them.
“I’m happy to see the children
showing a big interest in soccer,” she said.
Whether it is dribbling, putting their body on the line to save a goal or attempting a shot at goal, the Mix Mates are always up for a challenge.
Since making their debut in the juniors competition, they have registered one win and two drawn matches.
She said the support from the parents has been overwhelming.
“My daughter’s two grandfathers, (Leonard Louma and Ipape Hulijeli)
are supporting our cause through the paying of the registration fee and team uniforms.
“The Mix Mates is a team that comes from different provinces in PNG, but have Milne Bay bloodlines as well.
“The youngest in our team is four years old and the oldest is 10.”
Hulijeli is hoping the team can make the finals.“That would be a bonus to waking up early on Saturday morning,” she added.
“Well, he’s (Paul) a Komara boy. He was built by Komara. Komara built him through and through. So he left us, and now he’s back with the team again this season.” He was very inspirational in this win today. And again, he’s just a quality player.”Meanwhile, FC Morobe Wawens who beat minor premiers Lae City FC in the penalty shootout 5-4 after drawing 1-1 in regular time, will face off against Komara in the grand final.
RUGBY league associations within the Kerema District that received funding support are advised to furnish their acquittials to the KDDA.
Kerema MP and Finance Minister Thomas Opa said that all acquitals should be submitted to his office. Opa said the KDDA assisted Tei Kariko (K25, 000), Kerema, Mailovera and Toaripi (K20, 000 each) to stage their grand finals.
He said future funding from the KDDA will be determined by leagues acquittal reports.
The MP further said that all league presidents and executives were advised that these funds were to purchase trophies and for cash prize incentives for the grand finalists. Opa said he knows of Tei Kariko, Mailovera and Toaripi Rugby
League’s that did present trophies and cash prizes.
“I don’t know why the Kerema RL executives did not include the cash prize incentive for the grand finalists and individual awards winners.
“This is uncalled for and not good for rugby league development in the Kerema District and the Gulf Province as a whole.
“These reports will be made known for public interest if the acquittals are based on facts of expenditures or for a cover up,” he added.
On Saturday at Iokea village, Tei Kariko RL president Kousen Morehari said they are in the process of acquitting the K25, 000 allocated by the KDDA.
Morehari said before the end of this week my executives will submit the reports to Opa and KDDA including our brief season calendar for 2026.
RUGBY LEAGUE BY SIMON KESLEP
THE UNAVAILABILITY of funds and a few hiccups in the playoffs of the inaugural John Kaupa Cup rugby league 9s tournament, has resulted in the postponement of the grand finals. Tournament coordinator Mathias Max said initially they had planned to host the grand finals of the three respective finals playoffs on Saturday however unavailability of cash prizes including match disputes resulted in grand final postponement to this Saturday (December 14).“Today (last Saturday) we had the semi-finals of all the divisions (Cup, Plate, Bowl). Out of the 32 participating teams, the finals playoffs saw 16 teams making it through to the preliminary finals and then eight advanced onto the semi-finals.
“We are definitely confirmed for December 14 at the Kone Tigers oval.“The cash prize still remains as K20, 000 for the Cup winners, Cup runners-up K10, 000 and for third and fourth K5000 and K2000 respectively.“The Plate winners will receive K10, 000 and K5000 for the runners-up, while the Bowl division winner will receive K5000 and the runners-up K3000.”
“This all a total of K60 000 in cash prizes to be given out to the eight teams.”Max also said that teams have to bear in mind that there are other rugby league tournaments coming up and they must not tarnish their own reputation with the decisions they make.
“What do you think will happen when you want to register to play next year,” said Max. Max said the tournament is an initiative to give the opportunity for youths within the Moresby NorthEast electorate and others from the two other NCD electorates to showcase their rugby league skills.
“Whilst seeing the turn out of teams, Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa was impressed and is committed to prepare better for next year, and may possibly increase the cash prizes on offer.”
Max confirmed this will be an annual event going forward.
RUGBY LEAGUE BY JACK AMI
Kerema MP and Finance Minister Thomas Opa during the presentation of K25, 000 to the Tei Kariko Rugby League executives at the Sir Tore Lokoloko Memorial Field at Iokea village, Kerema in the Gulf Province recently.
The under 10 Mix Mates FC team with their coach.
PNG NRL a game changerSays Marape
BY MARCIA NEGRI
THE PNG NRL is a game changer, says Prime Minister James Marape.
When asked by this paper if he will be speaking to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the progress of the PNG NRL, on his trip to Sydney for the PNG Investment Week, Marape said he will.
Marape indicating to the country said, “the NRL conversation is not sports only. It’s sports commerce, business, tourism, and we will use NRL as a catalyst.
“NRL is a game changer for us, our core focus in the team is to have a national unity strategy, it must unite our country every week we gravitate towards one focal point.”
To first and foremost change Port Moresby and PNG, and change the city in Port Moresby to a safe and working NCD, infrastructure improvement because it’s now a lifestyle change. He added that as this is not like the Kumuls playing and it’s just one game, you’ve got more than 14 games if I’m not wrong every year here and our team flying out to play.
So, it’s going to be a complete lifestyle change in Port Moresby city and we hope as a result of this
Flames, Yagu
FROM BACK PAGE
The season ender proved to be an eventful feature to close, with association president Jerry Pala ensuring an exciting day, that was topped up by tournament sponsor, Aluda Security Training Services (ASTS) adding the icing on the cake by providing trophies for both the men’s and women’s grand finals.
The presence of the sponsors representative in ASTS admin assistant Rhyanna Marie Tam, Cassandra Sam and Mathias Dude, further added value to the role Pala and his executives in Majure Yanis (vice president), Alpha Kora (treasurer), Ila Auo (secretary) and Keith Buú played in ensuring it was a successful day.
The day opened up with the women’s grand final between Yagu from Gerehu Stage 6 and outside team, the Flame Sisters from Gordon. Yagu won the first set, but Flames stepped up to claim the second set 26-24.
With the Gerehu heat setting in, the Flames were not as hot by the third set as Yagu took control with lofty PNG representative Perpetua Awadu, skipper Naomi Gima, Lorainne Alan, Marcia Andrew, Gabriela Mervyn and Gorethy Sepa stealing the show to ensure a Gerehu side stakes a claim.
In the men’s battle between two outside teams in regular competitor Kanudi and Flames of Gordon’s, the result went down to the wire.
Despite Kanudi dominating early, it was the Flames with PNG Amoa representative Andrew Kapi and Eddie Iru that finished off the game better to win.
Pala said there are bigger things to come and envisages an exciting year ahead.
to be able to cascade or permeate that lifestyle change to the rest of the country, safe city we’ll run with it, along with the CCTV cameras.
Marape said when he returns on Friday will have a talk with Moresby North East MP John Kaupa, and will have a conversation on creating over 5,000 allotments in Moresby North East to eliminate settlement and settle people properly, that’s something that I want to do before 2027. But in the process the team will have an impact on the economy. I think Deloitte has made a study that it’s a 1 per cent hit to the GDP, so that’s the value of NRL coming in, we look at 3,000 to 4,000 visitors every week when a visiting team is played here, they’re coming up.
So, we are working with other airlines companies in Australia including Air Niugini and PNG Air to see how best we can have regular off flights out of Cairns and Brisbane to uplift supporters coming in or take our supporters going down, we’re having a fireside conversation with Peter V’landys as well as he’s making a presentation in the conference himself on NRL. This year and next year, we’ve put K100 million aside to assist in the Center of Excellence, this
win
is our commitment indicating government’s seriousness and those will be reinvested in 2028 in the funds that we’re putting all work clockwork’s happening.
“Go the Chiefs!,” says Marape. We’ll be rolling out memberships for the Chiefs for those who want to be members of the Chiefs we have special incentives by the way.
I think the Australian Government will be announcing tomorrow there’s a special category of visa being opened up just for this NRL season.
I think it’s a one-year visa, so it’s
opening up keep a look out for this in Australia we’ll also be mentioning the Security Treaty the Security Treaty anti-visa conversations will be looked at so we can have more synergy especially when you have close to 10,000 companies being employed including the Australian Defence Force those options are being looked at to make visa migration and more systems.
He added that Chairperson of the Australian Rugby League Commission Peter V’landys for the first time will be a participant of at the Investment Week.
Gahuna Gaudi comp at Gerehu Stage One
THREE NEW PNGFA MEMBERS
SOCCER: The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) at its 20th Ordinary Congress, endorsed some resolutions aimed at strengthening governance, expanding membership, and elevating the national teams’ identity. One of those endorsements was the official recognition of three Member Associations, namely the Alotau Soccer Association, Wewak Soccer Association and the Vanimo Soccer Association.
LAE CITY FC QUALIFY FOR OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
SOCCER: Lae City FC are the Premier Soccer League (PSL) minor premiers. They ended the season with 50 points, followed by Gulf Komara with 40 points, Hekari United 40 point sand FC Morobe Wawens 37 making the top four for the playoffs. Lae City now qualify themselves for the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League.
SHAO’S APPRECIATION
TABLE TENNIS: PNG Table Tennis Federation (PNGTTF) President George Shao has issued a strong appreciation for the crucial support of local and international sponsors, without whom he says the Federation’s recent historic success, including a first-ever Pacific Games medal for the women’s team, would not have been possible. Shao emphasised the role of financial backing in allowing the sport to achieve milestones. “I really appreciate that without those sponsors, we are not able to achieve such a wonderful, successful year,” Shao stated. The Federation confirmed a strong base of corporate backing, naming three major sponsors: XYZ, Leon Hardware, and Weekend Concrete. Additionally, LYL sponsors drink provisions, and Adel Saoui Corporation covers catering for the current championship event. Shao also expressed gratitude for institutional partners, including the PNGOC, executive teams, media, fans, and families, and acknowledged the technical and moral support provided by ITTF officer Mr Liang. While celebrating success, Shao also addressed the significant logistical challenges currently limiting the sport’s geographical reach. The current national championships, used to select players for the 2027 Pacific Games and scout junior talent, are restricted to only nine participating associations from the NCDC and Central regions.
GANUBELLA IS WOMANS CHAMP
SNOOKER: Maxelline Ganubella proved too strong to win the NGI 2025 women’s snooker title. She took part with seven others in Annie Sitapai, Lydia Tunian, Jessica Oa, Helen Samuel, Keryanne Kasare, Waisina Laho and Jennifer Marup. Last year’s Best Female award-winning player in Laho was on target with the likes of Tunian and Sitapai over the three day battle in Kimbe. In the end, Ganubella and Sitapai stood tall in the inaugural challenge to make it to the final. Ganubella of the New Mosa Club eventually beat her opponent from the San Remo Club for the title as champion. She also pocketed K2000 as a cash prize, while Sitapai with K1000. Oa came third (K500) Marup fourth (K250)
Prime Minister James Marape talking to the media before departing yesterday.
Maxelline Ganubella (left) and Annie Sitapai before their grand final match.
Rhyanna Tam, the sponsors representative from ASTS opens the men’s grand final with the first serve.
Why should I be fined K10, 000?: Veteran referee queries PNG FA
SOCCER
BY SIMON KESLEP
ONE of the last man standing in PNG soccer match officiating, Hillary Ani, has been slapped with a K10 000 fine by PNG Football Association.
Ani told this paper, he was advised
by PNGFA that he breached a PNGFA circular directive (dated 3 August 2025) relating to match officials being banned from all PNGFA sanctioned events.
“Why should he fined K10 000 by PNGFA General Secretary for the game I refereed in local PMSA
(Port Moresby Soccer Association) game.”
“I was not registered for this 2025 season, and I was busy officiating in local MA, PMSA, season games,” said Ani.
Starting his referee career back in 1998 in PMSA under the late Russell
Eka joins Popondetta side
TOUCH FOOTBALL
BY SIMON KESLEP
REPRESENTING Corporate Touch
Port Moresby since 2010, incumbent PNG Open men’s skipper Eugene Eka will don a different outfit during the National Touch Championship.
As the hype builds up to the championship and the younger generation eager to watch some of the touch footy icons go headto-head, this Kaugere based touch footy icon who has played nine National championships including one regional championship as well as representing PNG at the Pacific Games and World Cup, is keen to share his game knowledge.
“The first championship I played was back in 2010 in Kokopo, playing in the Open men’s division and represent Corporate Touch Port Moresby.”
“It was great experience being the young amongst some experience players, the environment and atmosphere was quite volatile and different from what I expected… good experience especially laying the foundation for me to attend the next championships,” said Eka. Apart from playing, Eka is also a
role model to the younger generation back in his community and within the touch footy fraternity.
“I did not think that I would have that influence especially coming from Kaugere and having to play with an IQ of the game, play my game and help inspire others.”
Playing for a different association is a feeling that Eka has yet to experience. Friendship off the field is also a different approach to what plays out on the field so he is keen to continue plying his trademark game.
“I think when I arrive in Lae and take the field, I will probably feel the difference.”
“Like in every game I approach, I give my 100 per cent effort, regardless of what team I play for, who I play against, it is the same Eugene Eka that I am…whether it be for On Track Tribes, CTPM or National team,” said Eka.
Being the touch footy rep within PNG Olympic Committee, Eka’s message to the younger generation is to have an open mind.
“Approach the championship open mindedly.”
“If a team that has been doing well at the championships, go sit on the
sideline, watch the game and ask a lot of questions about how to be better in the game,” said Eka.
Tsuga and Mark Kelep.
“In 2000 I receive my FIFA badge as assistant referee, in 2001 I was selected to partake in the FIFA Under World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, Caribbean Island.”“After the tour, I went on attending many OFC tournaments, Futuro Courses and fitness instructor courses.”
Ani is calling PNGFA to justify why he has to pay the K10 000 fine. His match officiating career continues today as a referee coordinator with PMSA. “I was the first PNG representative to put
Corporate Touch POM determined
TOUCH FOOTBALL
BY SIMON KESLEP
THE Open men's team wasted no time to switch into game mode upon arriving yesterday in Lae for the National Touch Football Championship.
Led by a bulk of PNG representatives, the reigning champions are keen to defend the title and the one man guiding them is coach Martin Joffey.
Joffey said:
“As always it is exciting to assist and see the growth of touch football especially with the players development.
“When CTPM asked me to be the coach, I thought it was just going to be for one team but it ended up in me coaching five divisions.
“The willingness of the players to listen, and their maturity makes it easier to mentor them.”
Joffey said all the players went through a strict selection criteria.
“Unfortunately as per CTPM’s selection criteria, Eugene (Eka) came short with one of the points for selection.
“So unfortunately he missed out.”
“Other players like Bobby Vavona and Kele Lessy are now
stepping into that leadership role… so yes the team is stable, and everything remains the same,” added Joffey.
The simple message to the playing group from Joffey is “you’ve worked hard in training leading up to the championship so now put all the effort and let the result speak of itself.”
“Definitely we want to retain the title and that is why we are here in Lae.”
Joffey further said the other reason for him taking up the role is to put a mark with the juniors team as well.
“I am also banking on the experienced players to take the lead and also at the same time to be smart.
“This is because every other team taking part also know how we play.”
He said he may have a couple of tricks in the pocket.
“So we will see how things go,” said Joffey. Joffey said they have yet to appoint a team captain.
Joffey who is also the president of the On Track Tribes Touch Football Club said a total of 20 players from his club have been being selected.
Ume advances following disqualification
BOXING
PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S John Ume secured a dramatic and well-earned victory in the light welterweight (63.5 kg) division against Tunisia’s Firas Tabii, in a bout marked by sharp skill, rising pressure, and ultimately, a decisive referee intervention.
The opening round showcased a strategic approach from Ume, who
adopted a slightly risky tactic of not forcing his opponent backward. Instead, he relied on precision and composure, repeatedly making Tabii miss with clean defensive reads. Despite Ume’s effective countering, the round was awarded to the Tunisian on a 3–2 split decision. Momentum shifted in the second round as Ume increased his pace and began pressing forward with
determination. His pressure forced Tabii into continuous retreat, and midway through the round, the Tunisian abruptly requested a stoppage, claiming that his mouthguard was no longer in his mouth.
However, the mouthpiece was nowhere to be seen on the ring canvas, prompting commentators to suggest that Tabii may have
deliberately spat it out to gain an unauthorised recovery pause. This incident followed an earlier warning: in the previous round, Tabii had already received a point deduction after his mouthguard came out three times, raising further concern over gamesmanship.As the bell rang to resume the contest, the referee made a firm and immediate decision. Given the repeated infractions and
the apparent deliberate nature of the final incident, Firas Tabii was disqualified.With the official ruling delivered, John Ume was declared the winner. His increasing dominance, disciplined execution, and ability to maintain pressure were evident throughout the contest, and he now advances with confidence to the next stage of the championship.
PNG's John Ume (right) gives a wry grin at his Tunisia opponent. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Eugene Eka to run on with Popondetta at National Championships in Lae
VOLLEYBALL BY JOHN
PANGKATANA
A COMMUNITY sport in Gerehu Stage One is unearthing future champions, while providing a message of hope. This follows the highly successful staging of the Gahuna Gaudi Volleyball Association grand final on Saturday.
CONTINUE PAGE 34
Gordon Flames and PNG Amoa representative Andrew Kapi (facing) contends with a Kanudi blocker during the Gahuna Gaudi Volleyball Association grand final at Gerehu Stage One on Saturday. PICTURES JOHN PANGKATANA
AST admin assistant Rhyanna Tam (right), the major sponsor of the competition, presents the women’s winners trophy to Yagu captain Naomi Auadua.
