Three proud Papua New Guinean navy sailors successfully completed their training at a prestigious Australian Naval School, marking yet another milestone in defence relations.Three Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel successfully completed training recently at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School in Australia, marking another milestone in the growing defence partnership between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia. PNGDF Privates Millis Kaos, Jamal Kime and Allan Aihi graduated in March from HMAS Cerberus, Victoria after a rigorous 10-week course. Having already completed their initial training with the PNGDF, the three privates were well-prepared and often took on informal leadership and mentoring roles among their Australian peers. The soldiers described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the opportunity to train alongside Australian counterparts while proudly representing PNG. Although time away from family and home was a challenge, the PNGDF members said the experience strengthened their resilience and leadership. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to complete this training in Australia,” said Private Jamal Kime. “I enjoyed sharing my culture and experiencing Australian culture and way of life. It was wonderful to play a part in strengthening the ties between Papua New Guinea and Australia.” Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School, Commander Martin Holzberger, acknowledged the positive impact of PNGDF personnel. “Recruit School has been privileged to have Papua New Guinea Defence Force members join us,” said Commander Holzberger. “Their perspectives, professionalism and willingness to learn add value to their classmates and the wider Recruit School.” Since the program began in January 2024, a total of 39 PNGDF personnel have graduated from the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School. The program highlights the strong defence partnership between PNG and Australia, enhancing cooperation, capability and interoperability between the two nations.

The prime minister has issued out a stern warning that the ongoing independent review into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) must be allowed to proceed to its full completion and not disturbed.He issued this warning to members of the PNGDF and the General Public, telling them to remain patient and allow the ongoing Independent Review into PNGDF Recruitment and related processes to reach its full conclusion. Speaking at a Press Conference on Monday at Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby city, Prime Minister Marape confirmed that the Review process had significantly progressed and was nearing completion. “The Investigation is running as we speak. Just because there is silence from us does not mean no work is taking place,” Prime Minister Marape stated. The Prime Minister said the Review, being undertaken independently with the involvement of senior Papua New Guinean officials and an Australian Defence Force representative, was examining broader Structural and Recruitment-related issues within the Defence Force. “Our Team is looking not just at one area, but the entire architecture concerning Defence Recruitment,” he said. Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Preliminary Findings had identified certain discrepancies; however, he stressed that no Final Conclusions had yet been reached. “At this point in time, I am not able to disclose exactly the Findings, but there are indications of some discrepancies established,” he stated. “I ask everyone to hold their horses until the full Investigation is completed,” the prime minister stressed.

Rangeview is celebrating its 5th birthday this June with a massive joint celebration for Rangeview Heights Limited, Rangeview Plaza, and Rangeview Estate.The festivities kick off in May and run through the end of June, featuring a major shopping promotion. To enter, customers just need to spend K150 or more at any Rangeview Plaza outlet, write their details on the back of the receipt, and drop it in the entry bin. Formed in 2011 and opened in 2021, parent company Rangeview Heights Limited is owned by Nambawan Super Limited, NCDC, and Lamana Development. Its flagship retail hub, Rangeview Plaza, has become Port Moresby’s premier shopping destination, offering a supermarket, a diverse food court, free undercover parking, and numerous local SME craft stalls. Over the past year, the plaza has established itself as a vibrant community hub, hosting major events like PNG Independence celebrations, Kids Fun Days, community fitness classes, and the Culture Cuisine food fair. The celebrations will culminate in a massive public event on June 27, featuring live entertainment and the grand prize draws. General Manager Frank Calubaquib says there will be plenty of prizes and celebrations in store for all our shoppers. “We are celebrating our 5th birthday as a group. Rangeview Heights Limited, Rangeview Plaza and Rangeview Estate. The promotion starts in May till the end of June, and we’ll be giving away some major prizes, including a Perodua vehicle. Shoppers can spend up to K150 or more at any of the shops at Rangeview Plaza, write their names on the back of the receipt, and drop it into the entry barrel to win the vehicle or some of our other great prizes.” “We will be having one of PNG’s top artists performing, plus dancing and lots of celebration including the giving away of the vehicle and other great prizes.” “So, make sure you shop at Rangeview Plaza to give yourself every chance to win these great prizes.”

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has partnered with local communities to combat tuberculosis (TB), a critical health crisis in Western Province, by launching an educational awareness campaign at Wangbin Village.Aligned with the 2026 World TB Day theme, “Yes! We can End TB! Led by countries, Powered by people,” the initiative focuses on dispelling misconceptions, promoting early testing, and ensuring treatment completion. During the program, Ok Tedi Health Services Manager Raymond Singamis highlighted the urgency of the region's health burden. “Western Province is a recognised ‘hotspot’ for TB and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Frequently ranking within the top 2-3 provinces for total TB cases and the situation in North Fly is particularly concerning,” Mr. Singamis said. “North Fly District alone has 1,018 confirmed TB patients, while the remaining districts each have more than 500 cases. These numbers are a clear warning, TB is here, and it affects our families.” He stressed that financial barriers should not prevent residents from seeking help, adding, “With Ok Tedi providing free medical checks, diagnosis, and medication, there is no excuse for delayed treatment. If you have been coughing for a long time, feeling weak, losing weight or experiencing night sweats, they must go to the hospital immediately. TB spreads silently within households if left untreated.” The initiative received strong endorsement from community leaders, including the President of the Women and Children Association, Alice Mumuyong, who shared her personal experience. “As a mother with a child currently undergoing TB treatment, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role Ok Tedi Health Services plays in our lives,” Mrs. Mumuyong said. “Their support gives families hope and a real chance at recovery. On behalf of the Women and Children Association, we sincerely acknowledge and appreciate this commitment.” To expand the TB campaign's reach, she announced that her association has allocated independent funding to take the message directly to local neighborhoods. “We have set aside funds to partner with the Ok Tedi Health Services team to take TB awareness directly to our communities. TB is not something to hide or fear, it is something we must confront together,” she said, while reinforcing the need for proactive screening, “I strongly encourage everyone, men, women, and children to go and get checked. Early testing saves lives and protects your family.” Moving forward, Ok Tedi remains dedicated to collaborating with health authorities and local stakeholders to strengthen TB detection and treatment across Western Province.

Misima Minerals Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi), demonstrated its commitment to building local partnerships by delivering vital food supplies, including rice, noodles, coffee, sugar, and tinned goods, to the Misima Papua New Guinea Correctional Services (PNGCS) facility.Ok Tedi Community Relations and Sustainability Superintendent Mr. Joshua Dimel acknowledged the professionalism of the local team and emphasized the importance of industry-government collaboration. “The assistance provided by CS officers and inmates was prompt and invaluable,” said Mr. Dimel. “This contribution is a small but sincere gesture of appreciation, and it reflects our commitment to maintaining respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships wherever we operate.” He added that the company plans to foster the same trust and respect in Misima that Ok Tedi has long shared with the Ningerum CS in Western Province. Misima Jail Commander Barry Kakeni welcomed the donation, which will support the daily needs of the facility and its inmates. “We are grateful for this support from Misima Minerals and Ok Tedi,” Commander Kakeni noted. “This gesture strengthens our relationship and demonstrates the value of cooperation between the private sector and government institutions. We look forward to continued collaboration.” This initiative reflects the shared responsibility of corporate and public institutions in driving social stability, aligning with Ok Tedi’s broader dedication to sustainability and long-term stakeholder partnerships across Papua New Guinea.

Families in Ngalasue Village in Selau, Bougainville, are now enjoying improved access to clean and safe drinking water following the successful completion of the Ngalasue Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project.Community leaders, government officials, faith-based groups, and civil society organisations gathered in Ngalasue to mark the completion of the project, which was delivered through a partnership between the Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation (NCfR) and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG). This was funded by Australia and New Zealand under the Bougainville Community Grants Scheme (BCGS), which supports community-driven development projects across Bougainville. A major milestone celebrated during the event was the installation of 20 household water tanks, providing direct access to clean water for families who previously travelled long distances to fetch safe drinking water. Director of NCfR, Sister Lorraine Garasu, said the project was about more than infrastructure. “When women have safe water at their doorstep, they gain time, choices, and the power to lead,” “This project proves that when communities, faith-based organisations, and government work together, lasting change is possible.” The Bougainville Community Grants Scheme works with local community groups, community government leaders, and district community development officers to deliver practical projects that improve livelihoods and strengthen communities. Ngalasue Village Chief Ken Armsia said access to clean water was a matter of dignity and fairness for the community. “Having clean water in our homes is not just convenience, it is justice. I am proud of every member of this community who made it happen.” Head of the Australian Development Office in Bougainville, Greer Smith, congratulated the community on the successful completion of the project and reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing support for gender equality and inclusive development in Bougainville. “Equal access to water is essential for promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and economic development.” “When communities have equitable access to water, everyone thrives – women can pursue education, families can invest in health, and entire communities can prosper.” Australia and New Zealand continue to support programs across Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, improving the participation of women and girls in social, economic, and political life.

Prime Minister James Marape has appealed to Land Title holders, Authorities, and affected Communities to show patience, understanding, and cooperation as the Government works on long-term solutions to Urban Eviction issues in Port Moresby and other centres around the country.Speaking during a Press Conference at Melanesian Haus on Monday, Prime Minister Marape said the Government had already directed a temporary pause on some eviction activities while consultations and relocation plans are being addressed. “We are asking those with Land Titles and Court Orders to also consider the human side of these matters,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Please work with Government first so we can find proper and organised solutions together.” The Prime Minister said the National Urbanisation Office and the Department of Lands are currently assessing affected areas and consulting with Landowners and Communities to avoid unnecessary hardship and tension. “We are reviewing Land affected by Court Orders to ensure there is proper relocation, resettlement or alternative arrangements available,” he said. Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged Investors and Title holders in the Eight Mile and Wildlife areas for cooperating with Government in finding balanced outcomes. “I thank those who are partnering with the Government to achieve solutions that benefit everyone involved,” he stated. The Prime Minister further revealed that Government has committed significant Funding toward Urban Land Development programs to address ongoing Land and Housing challenges in Port Moresby. “This initiative will deliver more than 10,000 allotments in Port Moresby alone,” Prime Minister Marape announced. “Our aim is to make Land more accessible for working Papua New Guineans and long-term Urban residents.” He said the Government’s wider Urbanisation agenda is focused on building a more organised, inclusive, and sustainable Urban development system for the country. “We do not want people constantly lining up at the Lands Department seeking Titles,” he said. “We want planned Urban Growth that respects legal Land Ownership while also recognising the dignity of families who have lived in these Communities for many years.” Prime Minister Marape also called on all Parties to remain calm and avoid confrontation while Government agencies continue to mediate peaceful and fair outcomes. “Government understands these challenges and is taking careful and responsible steps to ensure lasting solutions are achieved,” he said.

Port Moresby General Hospital will host its first free basic medical check-up program for media personnel on May 29, 2026, as part of activities marking World Press Freedom Day.The initiative aims to bring together journalists, media workers, healthcare professionals, and members of the business community in recognition of the important role the media plays in supporting healthcare awareness and national development in Papua New Guinea. World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3. Hospital officials said the event will also promote stronger partnerships between the media, healthcare sector, and private businesses, while encouraging media workers to prioritize regular health screenings. During a recent visit to the hospital, Billy Paranos, Branch Manager of Ailan West Industries, announced the company’s support for the program through donations of water supplies and fruit drinks for participants. Mr. Paranos also confirmed that the company plans to make additional donations later this week to the hospital’s Children’s Ward and other wards. “We are planning to attend the main event on May 29,” Mr. Paranos said. “We will come back to present our products and also provide sponsorship support during the event.” He added that Ailan West Industries remains committed to supporting community welfare and healthcare initiatives across the country. The event is expected to further strengthen collaboration between the hospital and the media sector, while highlighting the importance of health and wellbeing among frontline communicators.

Celebrations to commemorate the Bougainville Remembrance Day began in Arawa on Monday 18th May 2026 with a dawn service and a peace and unity walk from Arawa Peace Park to the independence oval.President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG), His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, was part of the service and led the peace and unity walk supported by ABG Ministers and Members of Parliament, Bougainville Police Service, ABG Public Service, international partners, educational institutions in Arawa, Arawa town rangers and general public. “Today is the time to honour those people who sacrificed their lives for us to continue that journey to sovereignty,” President Toroama stressed. “I welcome you to this sunrise where we acknowledge our leaders who gave that spiritual baton to the current leadership.” He acknowledged and saluted the veterans and civil societies that lost their lives serving the people of Bougainville during the ten-year blockade, further saluting the Revolutionary Leader Late Francis Ona for defending the people of Bougainville. “I salute Supreme Commander Late Francis Ona for your stand to defend the people of Bougainville. We stand to witness our reason to commemorate this day to bring comfort, realign ourselves with political and economic independence, and to realign civil societies with our dream for independence.” The Remembrance Day which falls on the 17th of May is gazetted by the Autonomous Bougainville Government as a public holiday to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost during the Bougainville crisis. “The Bougainville crisis remains one of the most significant chapters in Bougainville history where thousands of lives were lost, communities were torn apart, and an entire generation endured unimaginable hardship.” “From this hardship emerged a people united in their desire for peace in which the Bougainville Peace Agreement of 2000 marked the beginning of a new era – one built on dialogue, forgiveness and self-determination.” President Toroama acknowledged the veterans for taking that bold step in creating the weapons disposal program that enabled the formation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) which eventually led to the referendum in which citizens of Bougainville exercised their right to decide their political destiny. He stressed that their decision caused the Papua New Guinea National Government to make amendment to Part IV of the National Constitution to allow Bougainvilleans to choose their future destiny. “I want to urge you all the young generation, the veterans and citizens of Bougainville to take ownership of this process as the ABG stands ready to declare Bougainville’s independence on the 1st of September 2027,” he said. President Toroama reminded the citizens to be prepared and support the ABG as it prepares for independence declaration on the 1st of September 2027.

The prime minister has reassured the people not to worry too much about further issues with fuel after his government acted decisively to fix the fuel crisis experienced over the weekend nationwide.Prime Minister James Marape said the government acted quickly to stabilise and shield citizens from global fuel prices and the international conflict and instability in the Global Energy Market by introducing major subsidy measures. This was done to keep fuel prices stable despite soaring global oil price linked to tensions in the middle east. “The world has doubled up on Fuel Prices globally, but Government is carrying the burden so our ordinary people and businesses are protected,” he said. The Prime Minister confirmed that Government’s Support measures would continue through June and would be reviewed later in the year depending on Global Fuel Prices and Economic conditions. “We are willing to sacrifice elsewhere in the National Budget to help our people manage the cost of living,” he stated. Prime Minister Marape also highlighted other Relief Measures implemented by Government, including Tax exemptions for low-income earners, GST removal from essential household goods, and Stamp Duty exemptions for first-home buyers. “This Government is deliberately giving back to the people to help them survive both Domestic and Global Inflationary pressures,” he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape also apologised to the people for the fuel disruption experienced over the weekend, stating that the government has made the funding support available to enable fuel importers to resume the service to the people. Marape said all these in press conference at the Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby before departing the country for France on another official overseas trip.

Thousands gathered on Monday 18th May in Arawa, Central Bougainville to mark Remembrance Day to remember those who lost their lives during the Bougainville crisis.The President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, led the commemoration under the theme; “From Sacrifice to Sovereignty” “This day is of significance to the people of Bougainville, as it is the day that honours the lives of those that perished during Bougainville crisis.” In his remarks to the people, the President acknowledged the sacrifices of the veterans and the civilians. “Today, we remember those who lost their lives during the Bougainville crisis, the years of fear and suffering.” “We remember and honour the lives of nearly twenty thousand Bougainvilleans who perished.” The Bougainville Remembrance Day also marks and strengthens Bougainville’s aspiration for independence. “I would like to declare to you today that our second cry for Independence on May 17th, 36 years ago, will be answered with the declaration of our independence on September 1st, 2027.” “As we await ratification, let us live as if we are already independent, in our businesses in our social lives, our families and communities being self-reliant.” He encouraged the people of Bougainville to maintain peace by peaceful means and to stand united, and in the future. The event was attended by members of the Bougainville Government, Department heads, veterans, students and civilians.

The prime minister has departed the country once again on another official overseas trip to France where he is expected to hold high-level Bilateral Talks with French President His Excellency Emmanuel Macron and senior French Government leaders.The Visit reciprocates President Macron’s historic State Visit to Papua New Guinea in 2023 and marks a significant milestone as the two Nations celebrate 50 years of Diplomatic Relations. Speaking at a Press Conference today at Melanesian Haus today prior to his departure, Prime Minister Marape described France as one of Papua New Guinea’s most important Strategic Partners globally and a major Partner in the Pacific region. “France is an important Bilateral Partner with Papua New Guinea. France is the leading Economy in the European Union and a Resident Power in the Pacific,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This Visit reflects Papua New Guinea’s growing role and strategic relevance not only in the Pacific but globally.” Prime Minister Marape said discussions with President Macron and French officials would focus on strengthening Cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, maritime security, infrastructure financing, and economic development. The Prime Minister revealed that he would also address a distinguished audience of French Senate and leadership representatives on contemporary Global and Regional issues, including climate change, Pacific security, and Papua New Guinea’s increasing leadership role in the Region. “Papua New Guinea is strategically located between the Pacific and Asia, and our perspectives are increasingly being acknowledged globally,” he stated. “We recently hosted the historic Melanesian Ocean Summit, which brought together Pacific and ASEAN leaders, demonstrating Papua New Guinea’s growing Regional leadership.” Prime Minister Marape said one of the major priorities of the Visit would be advancing Economic Partnerships between Papua New Guinea and France, including Trade access into Europe for PNG products such as tuna, palm oil, and agricultural exports. “At the heart of all our Bilateral engagements is the Economic Growth of our country,” he said. “We want to grow our Trade relationship with France and the European Union and create greater opportunities for our Exports and Investments.” The Prime Minister also confirmed that among the discussions of projects, would be the Financing Support for the proposed Rabaul Port Redevelopment Project, which France has indicated support for through a Concessional Financing arrangement. “We are looking at securing support for the Rabaul Port Development Program, which will become a strategic Agro-Fisheries and Trade hub for the New Guinea Islands region,” Prime Minister Marape stated. PM announced that a lot more will be discussed during his visit.