Frustrated landowners of the Papua Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Gulf Province are requesting that the government reallocate the K60 million allocated for Business Development Grants to Gulf LO’s. Dominic Evere, Chairman of MEPO Holdings Ltd. and Papua LNG announced that K120 million, of which K60 million was allocated for in the 2024 National Budget, would be granted as a Business Development Grant to the Gulf Papua LNG landowners. The K60 million, he claimed, was budgeted and accessible for the landowners of Papua LNG to engage in economic prospects. However, he added they were shocked to learn that the funds had just been transferred to the Enga Provincial Government. "In the last few days, we were surprised and shocked to learn that our Business Development Grants are now written to Enga Provincial Government." "Why did the Prime Minister in his wisdom direct his Treasurer to write a letter to his Secretary to make a warrant to release this money to Enga Provincial Government?" "Do the Prime Minister, the Secretary, and the Treasurer know the rules and laws that govern the finance management act and the rules and laws that govern the budgetary appropriation?"Mr Evere questioned. "When money is appropriated for a certain project, it has to go to that project, but this is a clear sign of misappropriation." Evere and other concerned landowners are now calling on the Prime Minister to return the money and stop the corruption. Some of their demands are as follows; 1. Prime Minister James Marape to return the K60million. 2. They are calling upon their leaders from Gulf to resign and leave the Pangu Pati. 3. Police Fraud squad and the Ombudsman Commission to arrest the Treasurer and his Secretary for signing the letter for the grants to be released. 4. The treasurer, and the secretary to be arrested for misappropriation. 5. For all Southern region and Papuan MPs from Western, Gulf, NCD, Central, Milne Bay and Oro provinces to do a mass resignation from the PANGU led government. "Our resources are being used yet, and we are not recognized." "Enough is enough. Put an end to all these misappropriations." "We want to tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer in no uncertain terms to return our funds that belongs to us."

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supported a five-day workshop on community-level sustainable land use planning in Lae from July 8-13. The workshop was led by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Forests for Certain: Forests for Life! (FORCERT) and was attended by representatives from national and provincial level government departments and NGOs. Participants shared best practices in sustainable land use planning, including integrating traditional knowledge, working within existing structures, and applying sustainable land-use approaches at the community level. The workshop was held as part of USAID’s ongoing partnership with the Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) to support implementation of PNG’s National Sustainable Land Use Policy (SLUP). USAID’s Country Representative Nino Nadiradze reaffirmed USAID’s support for sustainable land use in PNG. “This workshop will equip local communities with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their land sustainably and to promote conservation.” “USAID is proud to partner with DLPP to support the PNG National Sustainable Land Use Policy.” Participants discussed different tools and processes for land use management and shared best practices for supporting participatory land use planning processes at the community, ward, and district levels. FORCERT Manager Cosmas Makamet shared, “We are excited about the excellent collaboration between the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, USAID, and NGOs with experience in sustainable landscape planning at the community level.” “This collaboration will result in a practical and workable system of community SLUP best practices that can be used by local governments throughout the country.” USAID’s PNG Sustainable Landscapes (PNGSL) Program supports the Government of Papua New Guinea’s efforts to improve natural resource management and promote sustainable land use. PNGSL is implemented by Palladium.

Air Niugini’s PX100 cabin crew on the morning flight of Wednesday 17th July, acted swiftly to extinguish the smoke and fire from a damaged mobile phone battery belonging to a passenger and evacuated all 63 passengers. The Board and Management of Air Niugini are very grateful that there were no injuries from this incident. They commended the crew's actions. This shows the high standard of training and experience of our staff. Air Niugini CEO Gary Seddon said, “our cabin crew are first and foremost safety professionals.” “They are well trained to deal with situations such as a fire in the cabin.” “I am very proud of the crew of PX100.” “I am grateful that all passengers and crew are safe.” “The aircraft was evacuated in less than 60 seconds.” “The airport firefighting service came across the tarmac to attend to the situation.” “Senior cabin crew acted fast and skillfully handled the situation and got everyone off the plane. They did a great job.” Mr. Seddon also thanked the emergency services and members of the National Airport Corporation for their support. Airlines have policies for the carriage of lithium-ion batteries on aircraft. Air Niugini prohibits the carriage of lithium-ion batteries that are damaged. If passengers are unsure, they should immediately seek guidance from an airline ground staff or cabin crew.

Rugby League in PNG has received an enormous boost with the news that Digicel PNG, will televise the NRL Bid Academy Tournament on TVWAN 3 on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July. The tournament, which will take place in Goroka, will see the eyes of the PNG Rugby League world focused on the best school-based U19 males and U18 females in the country showcasing their skills. As part of this historic outcome for the sport, Digicel PNG will televise 16 of the 22 matches in the tournament. Coverage will begin at 9am on Saturday 20th, with eight male and female matches to be shown over the course of the day. On Sunday, Digicel PNG will broadcast several elimination matches, plus all male and female semifinals and finals. In addition, for those unable to access Digicel PNG, the whole tournament will be live streamed through the PNG NRL Bid Facebook page. This means that fans can watch all 22 male and female matches in the tournament. To access the live stream, click on the link below: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556877715213&mibextd=LQQJ4d The broadcasting of the tournament is a major stride forward for the sport in PNG and highlights the level of professionalism that the game is achieving. Fans will now be able to watch the most talented youngsters in the country compete in another major boost for the NRL Bid team as they look to create the structure to carry the sport to the next level. PNG NRL Bid Chief Executive, Andrew Hill, saw the enormous benefit that rugby league would receive through Digicel PNG’s decision to broadcast the tournament: “It is a major boost for our game in PNG when we are able to create a partnership with Digicel PNG that will allow the best young players in the country to showcase their talent to the fans of the game in this country.” “The NRL Bid Academy tournament shows how far we have come in relation to professionalism and player development, and that will be important as we look to become part of the NRL.” “The players taking part in the tournament are the future of the game in PNG and to be able to see them perform in front of a television audience is an enormous boost for our sport.” “I sincerely thank Digicel PNG for their support and look forward to everyone tuning in on the 20th and 21st to see the talent that exists at this level.”

Investing in human capital development is a day-one priority for the Member for Samarai-Murua, Isi Henry Leonard who recently announced the allocation of K1.7million for Samarai-Murua students School Fee Program. Since the roll-out of the program in 2018, they have paid out K9.7million for the School Fee Program for all students from the Samarai-Murua District alone in the Milne Bay Province. "If you want to bring development, you must first and foremost empower your people.” “You must train the next generation” “They must be skilled, knowledgeable and equipped with the experience and knowledge that they will now use to bring development in the respective LLG's and their wards.” The MP said, they have partnered with Mama Bank to do advance payment of K1.7million for students whether residing in the district or living in other parts of the country. Students who get accepted to attend the following institutions: Technical Colleges, Teachers Colleges, Nursing Colleges, University of Papua New Guinea, University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea University of Technology and Divine Ward University can apply for the Samarai-Murua School Fee Program. Meanwhile, Mama Bank Chairman Noel Norikgu said, Milne Bay province has a lot of islands and it’s a challenge for many and are happy for this partnership. “We are willing to partner with any one because we bring our service down to the rural population.” And with the understanding of the remoteness of the place, the Member has taken the initiative to pay 100% of the school fees for all students who have the qualified GPA mark to be sponsored in the Samarai-Murua School Fee Program. Leonard further elaborated that he has engaged with an institution in the Philippines to train technical expertise. “That expertise that we don’t see in the country, we bring our students abroad to do short-term courses, ‘Blue Collar Training program’.” “Whether it be under-sea welding, mechanics, marine engineers and even fitter-machinist.”

NSW halves Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses have combined to lead the Blues to a drought-breaking State of Origin series victory over Queensland. The pair stepped up with Wednesday night's decider hanging in the balance, Luai producing a piece of individual brilliance to break the game open as NSW claimed a 14-4 victory. With his team trailing 4-2 in the 64th minute, the NSW five-eighth slid through the Maroons defensive line before linking up with centre Bradman Best to cross for the opening try of the game. Moses then put the match beyond doubt when he sliced through the Maroons defensive line just three minutes later. It was a historic moment for the Blues, becoming just the third NSW team to win a decider at Suncorp Stadium and the first since 2005. It also marks a significant moment for first-year coach Michael Maguire as the Blues claimed their first series since 2021. The coach built his team on a defensive foundation and it was on show throughout one of the greatest State of Origin matches played in the series' history. It took 39 minutes before the opening points of the game were scored as both sides slugged out it out in an entertaining and high-quality defensive epic. The contest was frantic from the opening whistle, with the Blues almost breaking through in the first set of the match. A left shift saw Best slide through, only to be ankle tapped by a desperate Daly Cherry-Evans. From there, the Blues weathered a fierce Queensland defensive onslaught to slowly gain the upper hand in the territorial battle. The advantage eventually led to a number of attacking opportunities, however NSW were unable to convert their early chances. The intensity did not drop off as the half progressed before tensions boiled over in the 31st minute when Luai and Cherry-Evans locked horns. The melee eventually spilled over on to the Queensland bench, with each team reduced to 12 men after Jeremiah Nanai and Cameron Murray were sent to the sin bin for escalating the situation. The Blues controlled the next nine minutes however they still could not break through as Queensland found an answer to everything their opponents threw at them. Such was NSW's dominance, they had 22 tackles to three inside the attacking 20-metre zone in the first half. In the end the Maroons had the final say after Spencer Leniu was penalised for taking out Cherry-Evans after he kicked the ball. With the half drawing to a close, Valentine Holmes calmly slotted the goal to secure the only points of the opening 40. The Blues' dominance continued in the opening minutes of the second half and it took just five minutes for Zac Lomax to level the scores courtesy of a penalty goal from the sideline. The match started to open up as fatigue set in however points remained hard to come by as each team scrambled desperately. Eventually momentum swung back towards Queensland and three penalties in succession allowed Holmes to make it 4-2 with 18 minutes to play. The lead did not last long, with Luai producing a moment of brilliance to slide through the Maroons defensive line before linking up with Best to beat Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga to cross for the first try of the contest in the 65th minute. Lomax nailed the conversion from out wide and suddenly the Blues were up 8-4 The NSW winger drew a penalty in the ensuing set of six to put his side straight back on the attack. This time it was Moses' chance to step up, the halfback stepping his way through a tired Queensland defensive line to extend his side's lead to 10. The match took a sour turn for Moses in the dying minutes when he left the field with a bicep injury. The Maroons threw everything at their openings in the final stages but the Blues stood tall to hold Queensland try-less and secure a famous victory. https://www.nrl.com

A multi-agency delegation made up of representatives from the White House National Security Council, the State Department, the Department of Defense, and USAID arrived in Port Moresby on Sunday led by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). During their visit, the delegates will meet with PNG government officials, heads of other diplomatic missions, business leaders, civil society groups, and students. The delegates will highlight the range of ongoing areas of cooperation between the United States and Papua New Guinea that both countries discussed at the U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit in 2022 and the U.S. Pacific Islands Forum Summit held at the White House in 2023. The delegation represents the full scope of United States efforts in diplomacy, development, and defense, underscoring the progress made to enhance our cooperation with Papua New Guinea and deepen our partnerships in the areas of the economy, security, health, energy, and regional partnership. Admiral Paparo, a native of Morton, Pennsylvania graduated from Villanova University and was commissioned in 1987. Paparo assumed duties as Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in May 2024. He is the 27th commander of the nation’s oldest and largest combatant command. USINDOPACOM includes 380,000 soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, Coast Guardsmen and Department of Defense civilians and is responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific, covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and 60 percent of the world's population.

The Premier Soccer League Round 2 matches at the PNG Football Stadium saw the United Highlands FC outmatch Lae City FC 2-1 on Saturday 13th July in Port Moresby. Coming out from a draw in the first round against Port Moresby Strikers, the United Highlands FC registered their first win this weekend against top team Lae City FC. Both teams showed promising football work when trying to score at first half of the game but kept the score board zero points all at first half. The visitors, Lae City FC showed more ball possession in the first half, more goal attempts and a great display of dribble work by Nigel Kiaka when attempting to break the egg but were unsuccessful. Coming back from a much-needed rest, both teams played it off under the scorching heat, trying to get ahead of each other in the game. United Highlands FC’s number 15 Logan Biwa scored the first goal, putting his side in the lead 1-0. Followed by their first goal, United Highlands FC took advantage of that boost and tried to score another 2 goals but were unsuccessful. Despite that, United Highlands FC captain Koriak Upaiga came from behind and scored the second goal for the team, putting them in the lead 2-0 at second half. But coming off to finally break the ice, a brilliant display of footy from Lae City FC with an unsuccessful penalty at their defender’s goal mouth lead to a corner kick by Joshua Oscar with a successful goal. Lae City FC tried to level the score board even with an extra 4 minutes added to the clock but were unsuccessful. Meanwhile United Highlands FC Assistant Coach Andrew Apo said, this win is a boost for the boys for them to go up against the next team they play in R3 of the Premier Soccer League. He added that, going forward, they need to do extra work on their defense United Highlands FC’s Derek Kimai also took the Player of the Match Award.

In ensuring that Port Moresby General Hospital continues to deliver its goals in the National Health Plan and National Health Service Standards 2021-2030, a 3-day workshop was held, dedicated to the reviewing of the 2024 midyear clinical performance and overall implementation of the 2022-2024 Corporate Plan. The focus of the third day will be on the development of the 5 years, 2025 to 2030, Corporate Plan. Day 1 began on Wednesday 10th July, on a high note at the Holiday Inn with the focus on presentations by the coordinators of each clinical departments in regard to how they have performed in the Corporate Plan (2022-2024) and the 2024 Annual Implementation Plan. In his opening remarks, CEO Dr Paki Molumi spoke of the Corporate Plan’s (2022-2024) focus on setting the platform to implementing the National Health Plan and therefore establishing a Level Six National Tertiary Referral, Research, and Teaching Hospital in accordance with the National Health Service Standards mandated by the National Health Administration Act. Dr. Molumi stated that the current review aims to assess performance in both the Corporate Plan and the 2024 Annual Implementation Plan. “So, after we've positioned ourselves in this short corporate plan (2022-2024), the next corporate plan will focus to deliver a Level 6 National Tertiary Referral, Research, and Teaching Hospital” he stated. On behalf of the National Department of Health, Dr Dora Lenturut-Katal, the Deputy Secretary, Compliance and Standards presented on the expectations for 2025 and beyond at the national level and how activities could align with the corporate plan to achieve the KRAs in the NHP 2021-2030. She stressed that the National Health Service Standards, mandated by law, must be implemented and detailed the approach to making these standards easier to follow, including the development of checklists and internal accreditation surveys. She also addressed the importance of improving health infrastructure, equipment, and services, and encouraged staff to proactively manage their responsibilities to ensure high-quality care and compliance with standards. Each presentation by the clinical departments will be captured in the Strategic Priority Areas and Key Intervention Programs of the Corporate Plan 2025-2029.

Air Niugini today issued a notice advising all its customers that the airline is implementing an adjustment to domestic airfares effective today, Monday 15th July. The airline is restructuring its airfares to create better value for the traveling public whilst ensuring a consistent delivery of safer airline services. Over the course of the last 12 twelve months, the airline has faced significant increase in the cost of fuel. The cost of airline supply chains both within PNG and globally has increased substantially, and Air Niugini is not immune from these cost increases. The cost of aircraft leases, spares and services sourced from overseas have increased significantly with global supply chain inflationary pressures and appreciating foreign currency value, against the Kina. Airlines the world over have been grappling with increased costs – driving airfare increases. Air Niugini is thankful that the fuel supply issues are now being appropriately dealt with. The airline says flight delays and cancellations as a result of fuel from Port Moresby are now behind. Despite the cost pressures, Air Niugini is committed to providing increased value to our customers. 25% of Air Niugini seats sold will see a reduction in price or will remain unchanged due their responsibility to provide affordable accessible air travel. Passengers travelling on mid-range and full fare economy tickets will see increases between 15% and 25%. Business class airfares will also be increased. Air Niugini saver fares and promotions will continue, with an announcement on a new airfare sale to follow later this week. Air Niugini remains committed to its fleet replacement program which will see more modern and efficient aircraft arriving to replace the retiring Fokker fleet. This commenced with the arrival of two additional Boeing 737-800, and another Dash8-Q400 joining in August. Their new Airbus A220 aircraft commence arriving in August 2025, in time for ANG’s 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence. Air Niugini would like to thank all of its valued customers and stakeholders for their continued support.

Member for Bulolo and Leader of United Labour Party Sam Basil Jnr is calling on the Government to spend money were it is needed the most while connecting roads to the Project areas instead of overlooking them. He said, while everyone is proud to say that PNG has over 100 years of mining history but from the goldfields of Bulolo to the alluvial mines throughout Wau Waria and Bulolo Districts in the Morobe province, the socio economic and political indicators show under development and regression. “We read about busiest airports and banks and post office, to dredging mines, theatres, library and recreational halls to golf and bowling clubs but these has vanished with the Government policies that affect business and sustainable development in the impact areas." The Mining MOA has so many reference to education and training, first right of employment and business spinoff, future generation funds and scholarships, environment protection and community projects and social economic infrastructure for the people. Learning from the Hidden Valley Mining MOA that specifically mentions the maintenance of Bulolo, Wau-Menyamya Highway and so many infrastructure and socio economic projects that are hardly been funded out of the National Budget, the Bulolo DDA in the past and now is very protective on the Wafi Golpu Mining Project. “The Wafi Golpu Mine is said to operate for 40 years but ore reserves can take the mine to 100 years and we cannot just sign MOA and consent covering 2 or 3 generations for short term gains." Basil Jnr said, “On 12th March 2024, I wrote to Minister for Mining reaffirming communication to the Prime Minister and my concerns as per Questions in Parliament on both Hidden Valley Mine and the proposed Wafi Golpu Mine." He stated that the Marape Rosso Government is repeating the mistake of spending K100 million Infrastructure Grant related to Wafi Golpu Project in 2023 and again in 2024 that has no consideration for the District Administration and the Bulolo DDA that has oversight of service delivery in the Project areas and impacted LLG and District. “We appreciate the distribution of K1 million to all LLG in Morobe but DDA request is to build roads to the Project area, improve and build their schools and health centres and community halls and police station and barracks and connect electricity as well as public servants housing is overlooked.” “It is disheartening to know that the National Government undermines the established service delivery mechanism and is spreading K100 million around Morobe when half could have been invested in the host District."

Papua New Guinea's emerging 12 young leaders have embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime exchange programme to Australia as part of KTF’s (Kokoda Track Foundation) Archer Leaders Development Program. During the 2-week exchange, the 2024 Archer Leaders visited Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane completing a jam-packed schedule designed to build leadership skills, broaden perspectives, undertake career-aligned work experience and foster invaluable professional networks. Experiences included a series of adaptive leadership workshops by Conversus Leaders, tailored work experience placements, meetings with key leaders from the government, private and the community sectors, a personal tour of NSW Parliament House by Greens Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty MP and a behind the scenes a visit to Channel 7, hosted by Sharyn Ghidella. Cultural immersion days included visits to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and FareShare, the Auburn Community Centre and the Street University. Culminating in a cocktail event in Brisbane, the Archer Leaders had the opportunity to speak alongside His Excellency John Kali, High Commissioner for PNG, Dadi Toka Jnr, Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor for NCD, Ian Kemish AM and Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF Chair & CEO, Archer alumni based in Brisbane and key corporate and community stakeholders. Speaking on behalf of the group, Chelsea Paspalau (Fisheries & Marine Science, PNGUNRE) and Taine Kassman (Law, UPNG) passionately shared the impact of the experience with guests. “The Archer Leadership program is spectacular, it's crazy and it's out of the ordinary.” Taine shared. “These opportunities have enlightened us and challenged us, we have seen the standard in all our respective professions, and this has given us the responsibility to strive for excellence.” “The days have been long and tiring but have taught us so much about what being a leader is…” “Inevitably, we learnt that leadership starts with self, and it has helped us become versatile in knowing the role we need to play as young leaders of our nation.” “This experience has taught us so many different ways of giving back to our communities, we have learnt that real change…can start from the bottom up.” “And that is what we, as Archers, look to do in the near future.” “We are 12 young aspiring leaders who have come from different backgrounds, have different journeys and have conquered different battles.”” “But we are bound by one theme, and that is being an active agent for change in our country.” As His Excellency John Kali remarked, the future is in strong and safe hands with these young leaders on the cusp of driving meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Meanwhile, KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson said: “This one-of-a-kind development journey is designed to take emerging leaders out of their comfort zones and push them into new experiences.” “The exchange broadens their perspectives, opens minds, and fosters understanding of different social groups and cultures, inspiring new ideas and goals to bring back to PNG; fostering innovative and adaptive leaders of tomorrow that prioritise tangible and sustainable social change.” “I had goosebumps hearing from Taine and Chelsea at our event, and indeed speaking to all of the Archers during the exchange.” “This group of young women and men are extraordinary, and I look forward to following the impact of their leadership journey in PNG.” KTF’s life-changing program would not be possible without the generous support of Newmont, Kina Bank and the Fred P. Archer Trust managed via Perpetual Trustees. The Archer Leader Development Program is a year-long experience that includes mentoring by a senior leader, work experience placements in Australia and Papua New Guinea, support for tuition and boarding fees, an educational and professional development resource allowance, community projects, as well as the exchange program to Australia. It has been operating for 14 years and boasts an alumnus of 106 emerging leaders.