The people of Ward 14 in the Salamaua Local Level Government (LLG) in Morobe province, have welcomed the official reopening of the Buakap Clinic and Community Health Worker (CHW) house by the Huon Gulf Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion, Jason Peter.The clinic, which was originally donated by Lions Club International in 1987, had fallen into disrepair and was closed in 2021, leaving surrounding communities without access to basic healthcare services. Through funding support from the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD- DDA), the clinic and CHW house underwent rehabilitation and maintenance at a total cost of K100,000. The restoration project also included the extension of additional health service facilities such as a Labour Ward, Tuberculosis (TB) Wing, and an HIV & AIDS Wing to improve healthcare delivery for people living in the area. Speaking during the reopening ceremony, Jason Peter repeated his commitment to strengthening rural health services throughout Huon Gulf District, saying healthcare remains one of the district’s top priorities. “This clinic will now continue serving our people and ensure that mothers, children and families have access to proper healthcare services closer to home.” Team Present Manager for Salamaua LLG, Mr. Cliff Wembivong, thanked the HGD- DDA for restoring the facility and urged communities in Buakap and surrounding villages to take ownership of the clinic by maintaining and protecting it for future generations. HGD Health Manager Mr. Pendeck Sitong also announced that a new nursing officer will soon be deployed to support the current CHW officer in delivering healthcare services to the communities of Tabola, Wamasu, Asini, Buakap and nearby inland wards. In support of the additional staffing, the MP also committed funding towards the construction of a new health officer’s house to accommodate the incoming nursing officer. The reopening of the Buakap Clinic marks another milestone under the HGD-DDA Bottom-Up Planning and rural service delivery program, which aims to restore and improve essential government services in remote communities across the Huon Gulf District.

The National Capital District Commission’s (NCDC) ambitious Vision to transform Port Moresby into a safe, modern and future- ready capital city ahead of the PNG Chief’s entry, has just got the thumbs up from the Prime Minister.The Vision, presented by NCD Governor Powes Parkop and NCDC Management at City Hall on Friday, outlines a comprehensive Programme of City Improvements designed to prepare Port Moresby for NRL 2028 while laying the foundation for long-term Growth and Transformation through to 2040. Prime Minister James Marape who was there at the presentation, said Port Moresby must be prepared not only as the Home of the PNG Chiefs, but also as the National Stage that showcases Papua New Guinea to the world. “Governor Parkop, we will not reinvent the wheel. We will ride with your Plan,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This must be One Plan. It is a National Outcome we are engaging upon. It is a big, monumental National Outcome — not just for Sporting Visitors, but for ourselves here in Port Moresby.” The Prime Minister said Sports had a unique ability to unite Papua New Guinea, and the PNG Chiefs concept was designed to become a national rallying point for all Citizens. “The concept of the Chiefs is a concept to unite our country into one focal point,” he said. “Sports has the greatest emotional ability to gravitate the fascination of our people into one focal point. Politics can divide, but Sports can bring our people together.” Prime Minister Marape said Port Moresby would continue to serve as the nation’s Premier Host City for major National and International Events, including NRL Matches, Regional Conferences, International Summits, and future Sporting Events. The NCDC Vision includes initiatives aimed at improving Public Safety and Security, modernizing Transport Systems, enhancing Tourism and Cultural experiences, upgrading key Public Infrastructure, creating more Recreational and Community Spaces, promoting the Motu Koita heritage, improving Traffic Management, strengthening Communications and City Branding, and enhancing the overall Livability of the Capital. Among the Concepts presented were improvements to Public Transport and Mobility, development of Modern Parking Facilities, revitalization of Public Markets and Commercial Precincts, upgrades to Sporting Facilities, enhanced Policing Infrastructure, Tourism and Cultural attractions, Fan Zones, and long-term planning initiatives to ensure Port Moresby remains a competitive and attractive Regional City. Marape said Port Moresby must continue its journey towards becoming a city that is safe, green, inclusive, connected, and planned for all.

The group of Papua New Guinean journalists and media professionals who are currently in Australia, have met with the National Rugby League (NRL) today as part of the special International Media Visit (IMV).The meet with the NRL was to just brief the team of the activities for the week that the PNG media team will be engaging in. The IMV aims to strengthen coverage and understanding of the National Rugby League (NRL) ahead of PNG’s planned entry into the competition in 2028. Whilst there, the delegation will participate in a program designed to provide firsthand exposure to the Australian rugby league landscape, including the operations of the NRL and the role of media within the sport. The media visit also forms part of the broader Pacific Rugby League Partnership (PRLP), which seeks not only to support PNG’s participation in the NRL but also to generate wider social and economic benefits for the country. Meanwhile, after the meet with the NRL, the PNG media team will attend the match this evening between the Penrith Panthers and the New Zealand Warriors at the CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

After decades of stalled plans and missed opportunities, the long-awaited vision of developing Bautama into the future capital city of the Central province is finally gaining momentum.Originally proposed in 1995, with earlier ground-breaking events held in 1998 and 2007, the Bautama Central City project faced years of delays due to funding issues, administrative setbacks and accountability challenges. Now, under the leadership of Central Governor Rufina Peter, the Central Provincial government has revived the project with several key developments already underway. In February this year, Governor Peter launched major infrastructure projects including the refit of a new provincial market, a commercial complex, a residential estate and the opening of the Bautama boom-toll gate. The latest step in the development process was the Bautama Urban Planning and Infrastructure Coordination Workshop facilitated by Atlas Urban, bringing together planners, utility providers, developers and government agencies to coordinate future urban planning. Governor Peter described Bautama as a blueprint project that will guide future metropolitan developments in Central Province, particularly in areas surrounding the National Capital District (NCD) within Hiri-Koiari. She said the province must prepare for increasing migration pressures expected from national road infrastructure developments and growing urban movement between Port Moresby and Central province. “One of the critical importance of this workshop is to ensure that we as a province are ready for urban-rural migration (Port Moresby-Central) and rural-urban migration, the influx of people into the city.” Acting Central Provincial Administrator Magini Raga, said the workshop created an opportunity for technical experts, planners and investors to align development plans for the benefit of future generations. Atlas Urban Director of Design and Strategy Paul Walter said the workshop focused on integrated planning, to ensure future developments connect effectively. “We have been tasked to work with Central Province to organise the space.” “Today we are focusing on Bautama in particular, and we are thinking about how each of these projects can connect together, how power and water can come in, what sort of circulation and access needs to come in.” “Therefore, we are working together with Water PNG and various utility authorities to bring these things together.” Participants attending the workshop included Water PNG, Central Provincial Police, the Central Province Health Authority, developers and investment representatives. The Bautama initiative is expected to create new economic opportunities, attract private investment, improve access to services and provide greater participation for customary landowners in future development. After more than 30 years of planning discussions, Bautama now stands at a critical turning point as Central Province pushes to transform the long-held vision into reality.

Governor of East New Britain (ENB) Michael Marum has described choral singing as one of the most powerful instruments of unity and healing for the people of East New Britain as the province marks its historic 49th Provincial Day celebrations today, Sunday May 31st.Governor Marum said that during difficult and uncertain times, music, worship, and cultural expression continue to bring communities together, strengthen relationships, and preserve the spirit and identity of the people of ENB. “Choral singing has always been part of the soul of our people,” Governor Marum stated. “It carries our stories, our faith, our emotions, and our identity.” “In challenging times ahead, it is important that we remain united as one people through worship, culture, and harmony.” The official commemorative celebrations will take place at the historic Malaguna United Church Grounds in Rabaul, regarded as one of the spiritual and historical heartlands in the province. This important occasion themed, “We are a people born from resilience. We are strengthened by culture. We are united by history. And we are destined for an even greater future,” marks 49 years since the Independent State of Papua New Guinea officially granted provincial government status to East New Britain under the Organic Law on Provincial Government. The historic declaration endorsed by the late Governor-General Sir Tore Lokoloko, marked the beginning of a new era of regional self-governance, political identity, and administrative leadership for the people of ENB. This year’s programme is conducted in two significant parts reflecting the province’s strong foundations of faith, culture, and unity. The first part of the official programme started with an Ecumenical Church Service led by the Rt Reverend Bishop Abel Uraboro of the United Church. The service brought together churches and Christian denominations from throughout the province in thanksgiving, reflection, and prayer for East New Britain and its people. The official ENB Day Message was delivered by Governor Marum while the keynote address was presented by former Deputy Prime Minister and former Governor of East New Britain Sir Chief Leo Dion, who is known as one of the province’s most respected senior statesmen and leaders. The second part of the celebrations featured a grand Choral Singing Festival involving church choirs, schools, youth groups, and community singing groups from across the four districts. Widely recognized throughout Papua New Guinea for its strong choir traditions and rich harmonies, East New Britain has long used music and worship as expressions of peace, unity, faith, and cultural identity. Organizers say the Choral Singing Festival not only showcased talent and tradition but also serve as a symbol of togetherness and hope for future generations. The celebrations further paid tribute to the province’s visionary pioneers, traditional leaders, and grassroots movements whose determination laid the foundation for provincial identity and self-governance. Special recognition was accorded to the Mataungan Movement and the Toma leadership movements whose courageous advocacy championed the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people throughout the Gazelle Peninsula and the wider New Britain region. The province also reflected upon one of the most defining chapters in its modern history, the devastating twin volcanic eruptions of Mount Tavurvur and Mount Vulcan in September 1994 which destroyed much of Rabaul Town and displaced thousands of residents. Yet from the ashes, emerged one of PNG’s most inspiring stories of resilience and renewal. The successful growth of Kokopo as the provincial capital together with the gradual revitalization and reopening of Rabaul Town, continue to stand as enduring symbols of the determination, resilience, and strength of the people. Today, East New Britain remains one of Papua New Guinea’s leading provinces, renowned for its fertile volcanic soil, world-class cocoa industry, rich fisheries, vibrant tourism sector, and internationally admired cultural traditions including the Baining Fire Dance, Kinavai ceremonies, Tolai choir harmonies, and historical World War II heritage sites. In preparation of the historic 50th Golden Jubilee in 2027, organizers say this year’s commemoration is not merely about remembering the past but about inspiring the next generation to continue building a province founded upon faith, culture, unity, leadership, and service. The provincial government is inviting all residents, churches, schools, communities, stakeholders, and visitors to participate in this Sunday’s celebrations. Moreover, the occasion stands as a proud reminder that the enduring strength of the province has always been found in the resilience of its people, the richness of its culture, and the unity of its communities.

People living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Morobe Province, are now playing a direct role in shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure at Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae.This aimed to ensure that facilities are safer, more accessible, and more inclusive for everyone. Representatives from the Morobe Disability Association recently took part in consultations on the proposed refurbishment of the hospital’s former emergency department known as the Gware Building. The consultations included guided inspections of the existing facility and temporary clinical locations, allowing participants to identify practical accessibility and safety improvements that will be incorporated into the final building design. Women in Disability advocate Idah Dail, described the consultations as a significant step toward meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in health infrastructure planning. “For me, as a woman living with disability, this consultation is very important.” “This is the first time we have been included in a meaningful way to share our ideas and concerns about how hospital facilities can be more accessible, especially for people using wheelchairs or with artificial limbs.” Meanwhile, President of the Morobe Disability Association Mr. Benedict Hippom, welcomed the opportunity for disability leaders to contribute directly to the design process. “I am happy our recommendations for the outpatient building design at Angau Hospital will now include more disability-friendly features for a fair, dignified and accessible health service for all.” The consultations reflect the shared commitment between Australia and Papua New Guinea to inclusive development by ensuring people with disabilities are treated as equal stakeholders in decisions affecting access to essential health services. Australia continues to work closely with disability organizations, health authorities and local communities to ensure infrastructure investments promote fairness, dignity and equal access to healthcare for all Papua New Guineans.

The PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has successfully concluded the 2026 Santos Cup Football Conference, centred on the theme “EMPOWER: Better Building Blocks.”The conference, held from May 19th to 21st, 2026, brought together team managers and performance staff to align on a revitalized strategy for the upcoming women’s national competition. Reflecting on feedback from the 2025 season, the 2026 season introduces critical structural improvements aimed at enhancing player welfare and professional standards. Key upgrades include extending the competition to a 10-week format (8 weeks of regular season and 2 weeks of finals) and increasing the preseason duration to 6 weeks to ensure optimal match fitness and preparation. The conference facilitated intensive sessions focused on elevating the professional environment for female athletes, with major outcomes centered around enhanced medical and safety standards, as well as greater structural professionalism through a refined player tiering and points system to ensure transparency in contracts and payments. Staff roles have also been professionalized, with mandatory accreditation requirements for coaches and medical personnel. This also places emphasis on female education and accreditation pathways for game day officials and medical personnel to ensure female athletes receive NRL-level medical treatment and welfare support during competition. The initiative is designed to empower women and those involved in the Santos Cup by strengthening skill sets, enhancing professional development opportunities, and building the capacity of officials to better deliver and support the game at all levels of rugby league. PNGRFL Women’s Rugby League Manager Urith Toa, said the conference also featured training for Team Managers on MySideline system, Hudl, and an AFS Sports Medical Trainer Course for performance staff made up of Sports Medical Trainers, Physiotherapists and Strength and Conditioning Coach. “The conference allowed dialogue with our Santos Cup team managers but most importantly aligned them with PNGRFL standards by focusing on these ‘Better Building Blocks’,” said Ms. Toa. “This is more than a competition; we are building a sustainable pathway for women in rugby league.” Meanwhile PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Hondina, said the conference outcomes reflect the organisation’s commitment to creating stronger foundations for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea. The Santos Cup continues to grow as a premier pathway for female athletes in Papua New Guinea. “Through initiatives like this conference, we are strengthening the systems, standards and support structures around our players and staff to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of women’s rugby league,” said Mr. Hondina. The 2026 Santos Cup is scheduled to kick off on July 11th-12th, 2026, following the commencement of the paid preseason on June 1st.

The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has launched a newly redesigned website as part of its ongoing corporate rebranding and digital transformation efforts.Unveiled in Port Moresby on Friday, NICTA said the new platform features a modern design, improved navigation, and easier access to regulatory information, publications, and consumer resources. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Polume Lume, said the website reflects the organization's commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved stakeholder engagement. “The launch of our new website represents an important step forward for NICTA as we continue to modernize our services and reinforce our commitment to transparency and accountability.” The upgraded website retains all information from the previous platform while presenting content in a more organised and user-friendly format. Key features of the new website include: A refreshed and modern design aligned with NICTA’s corporate branding Enhanced navigation for improved user experience Improved access to regulatory information, publications, and resources A mobile-friendly interface for access across devices NICTA is encouraging the public, industry stakeholders, and consumers to explore the new website and utilise its enhanced features and functionality.

A group of Papua New Guinean journalists and media professionals have departed for Australia as part of a special International Media Visit (IMV) which aims to strengthen coverage and understanding of the National Rugby League (NRL) ahead of PNG’s planned entry into the competition in 2028.The delegation will participate in a program designed to provide firsthand exposure to the Australian rugby league landscape, including the operations of the NRL and the role of media within the sport. The visit will allow participants to engage with experts from key organizations across the rugby league ecosystem, helping them gain deeper insight into how the competition functions and the media's role in delivering weekly sports coverage. Additionally, it will enhance the skills and knowledge of PNG journalists and editors, supporting more informed, accurate and in-depth reporting on rugby league as anticipation builds for the PNG Chiefs’ entry into the NRL in 2028. The media visit also forms part of the broader Pacific Rugby League Partnership (PRLP), which seeks not only to support PNG’s participation in the NRL but also to generate wider social and economic benefits for the country. The program will strengthen professional ties between Australian and Papua New Guinean media organizations while providing the delegation with valuable access and insights ahead of the PNG Chiefs joining the competition.

Following the recent announcement of Digicel PNG teaming up with Starlink, Telikom PNG Limited has also jumped onboard the band wagon announcing that they too will be reselling Starlink services in the country. Telikom Limited, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) 100% state-owned telecommunications company, is pleased to announce that it is officially an authorised Starlink reseller in Papua New Guinea. Through this partnership, Telikom Limited will lead the provision of Starlink services to enterprise customers, government departments and agencies, the mining and resource sector, financial institutions, SMEs, and existing VSAT customers throughout the country. As Papua New Guinea’s state-owned telecommunications provider, Telikom Limited remains committed to ensuring reliable and affordable connectivity reaches all parts of the country, particularly remote and underserved communities. Under this arrangement, Telikom Limited will manage local customer engagement, billing, payment collection, installation coordination, customer support, and managed services. This partnership represents a significant milestone in addressing Papua New Guinea’s connectivity challenges across key sectors including education, health, government services, business, and community development. “Telikom Limited believes this new generation of low-earth orbit satellite technology presents major opportunities to transform digital access, strengthen national connectivity resilience, and enable broader economic growth throughout Papua New Guinea,” said Amos Tepi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Telikom Limited. “This partnership is not about replacing existing connectivity platforms but about complementing our overall national connectivity strategy through a combination of fibre, mobile, cloud, VSAT, and satellite technologies to better serve the people and businesses of Papua New Guinea.” As part of the rollout, Telikom Limited will also provide fully managed integrated solutions bundled with Internet services, OTT and digital platforms, mobile connectivity, sovereign AI services, cloud solutions, and enterprise managed services. Unlike traditional ISPs, Telikom Limited is uniquely positioned as the national telecommunications provider with existing infrastructure, nationwide operational capability, enterprise experience, and strategic government partnerships to support large-scale deployment and service delivery throughout Papua New Guinea. This partnership also represents an important collaboration between the United States and Papua New Guinea through its state-owned telecommunications provider, creating new opportunities for digital transformation, innovation, and economic development.

PA DIRECTOR ENCOURAGES EU INVESTORS TO EXPLORE PNG OPPORTUNITIES By Tasminnie ISIMELI Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) Director Peter Daroa has encouraged more European businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Papua New Guinea, highlighting the country’s growing partnership with the European Union over the past five years. Speaking during a press conference ahead of the 5th European Union–Papua New Guinea Business Forum, Mr. Daroa reflected on the progress made since the inaugural PNG–EU Business Conference held in Port Moresby in 2019. “It’s a pleasure to be here again after five years,” Mr. Daroa said. He said the partnership between the Investment Promotion Authority and the European Union has been productive and has helped strengthen trade and investment engagement between Papua New Guinea and Europe. Mr. Daroa recalled the first investment week and the early business forums that brought together businesses, investors and government agencies from Papua New Guinea, Europe and the Pacific region. He said over the years there has been increasing interest from European companies looking to invest and operate in Papua New Guinea. “We have witnessed the steady and growing interest of EU businesses and investors making their presence in Papua New Guinea,” he said. Mr. Daroa noted that major international companies such as Nokia, Airbus and Total Energies are now showing strong interest in Papua New Guinea, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, aviation and energy. He also highlighted the growing relationship between Papua New Guinea and the European Union in the agriculture sector, especially cocoa production. Mr. Daroa said Paradise Foods has been one of the recipients of European Union trade assistance aimed at supporting agricultural development and export opportunities. He added that the Pacific Trade and Investment Office in Geneva recently visited Papua New Guinea and attended the Cocoa Festival in East Sepik Province, where there was significant interest in PNG cocoa products and opportunities to expand exports into European markets. Mr. Daroa encouraged investors to look beyond the fisheries sector and explore opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and rural development. He said Papua New Guinea has vast untapped opportunities across its provinces and districts, particularly outside major urban centres such as Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. “As you are doing business, also come and visit our people,” he said. “Everything you hear, the negative stories you hear about Papua New Guinea, it will be important for you to make your own assessment of the people, the culture and the environment.” Mr. Daroa described Papua New Guinea as a culturally diverse and resilient country, with the majority of the population living in rural communities and relying on agriculture. He revealed that IPA teams have been carrying out profiling exercises in different regions of the country to identify and package investment opportunities for potential investors. According to Mr Daroa, the IPA recently completed similar work in the Momase region after previously conducting exercises in the Islands region last year. He said the IPA remains committed to supporting investors and strengthening partnerships with the European Union as business engagement between the two sides continues to grow. ENDS//

Students from across four (4) primary schools in the Madang province are now in a better position to know what to do when it comes to properly manage the spending of their lunch money, thanks to a recently run financial literacy program. More than 1,000 students in the province have gained this valuable financial literacy knowledge through the successful completion of the Young Mind Savings Campaign (YMSC), a three-day awareness programme aimed at promoting savings habits and responsible money management among school-aged children. The programme was conducted at Sagalau Demonstration Primary School, Holy Spirit Primary School, and Kusbau Primary School. Students from Good Shepherd Secondary School also attended the afternoon session at Sagalau Primary School. Granget Primary School and Tusbab Secondary School were unable to participate due to ongoing school assessments. The Young Mind Savings Campaign, launched in 2024, began with successful pilot programmes in Milne Bay and West New Britain provinces, resulting in more than 300 student bank accounts being opened. In August 2025, CEFI partnered with the East New Britain Provincial Government to reach 3,000 students across six schools, resulting in 500 new accounts being opened with support from financial institutions and government agencies. The campaign continued to expand in October 2025 to Kerema District, where 3,800 students across six schools participated and 430 accounts were opened. In March 2026, a total of 2,073 bank accounts were opened during the campaign in Western Highlands Province. The Madang programme was delivered through a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the Madang Provincial Government, with support from the Bank of Papua New Guinea, the Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea and participating financial institutions including Bank South Pacific, TISA Bank, Kina Bank, Women’s Micro Bank, MiBank, NASFUND, NCSL, Nambawan Super, Nambawan Savings and Loan Society, and National Development Bank. CEFI Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel thanked stakeholders and participating institutions for their continued support in educating school-aged children about savings and financial responsibility. “The purpose of the Young Mind Savings Campaign is to raise awareness and educate school students about the importance of opening and owning a bank account, as well as building a culture of saving for their future,” Mr. Samuel said. Madang Provincial Education Director Mr. Alphonse Igag described financial literacy as an essential life skill that had been missing from the education system for many years. He said the campaign would help students develop responsible money management habits from an early age while also benefiting teachers and parents. “We are working towards establishing financial literacy, which has been missing for the last fifty years. No wonder very few people are able to manage money properly,” Mr. Igag said. The Young Mind Savings Campaign continues to strengthen financial education efforts across Papua New Guinea by encouraging children and young people to develop positive saving habits and financial responsibility for the future.