Jordan VELA

The upgraded Gurney Airport in Alotau has officially opened as the first of five major airport projects under Papua New Guinea’s Civil Aviation Development Investment Project Phase II, following a K76.8 million investment supported by the Asian Development Bank.Prime Minister James Marape, Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa, Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley, and National Airports Corporation (NAC) officials joined development partners and local leaders for the official opening on Friday, August 21, 2026.The project includes a new terminal building, upgraded runway, apron and taxiway, airfield lighting, standby power, water facilities, staff residences, and cargo storage facilities.Construction began on April 15, 2024, with the project awarded to China Railway Construction Engineering Group Corporation Limited. The revised completion date was August 14, 2026.The upgrade is expected to improve passenger processing, aviation safety and aircraft operations while strengthening Gurney Airport’s capacity to support economic activity and connectivity across Milne Bay.Prime Minister Marape thanked the Asian Development Bank for its continued support of PNG’s infrastructure development, saying the bank had remained a development partner during periods when other partners reduced their involvement.“ADB has emerged as the biggest supporter of many of our development work in roads, in airports, in schools. I just want to say thank you again on our 50th anniversary year and as we step on into our 51st, ADB, you have been certainly a wonderful partner,” Prime Minister Marape said.He said the Gurney project demonstrated how concessional borrowing could be used to finance infrastructure that provides public services while generating economic activity capable of supporting repayment.“You borrow cheaply to finance an infrastructure that can pay itself out over time whilst giving service to our people. This is good borrowing.”The Prime Minister stated that the project was financed at an interest rate of less than 3 percent, with repayments scheduled to begin in 2028.He said the Government must now ensure the infrastructure generates economic activity and returns to the economy, the country and local communities.“So, partnering with ADB, we have borrowed responsibly and investing in assets all over our country. It is now our job to make sure these assets earn on investment and there is a return on investment to the economy, to the country and to the local community.”Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged NAC, Civil Aviation agencies, and China Railway Construction Engineering Group for their roles in delivering the project.He noted that the airport was opened 819 days after the project was launched in Alotau in 2024.“Everyday matters. No day must be wasted. Every day matters in doing work for our country.”Meanwhile, NAC stated that the upgrade will extend the runway and pavement lifespan by 15 to 20 years, improve passenger processing and safety, and allow the expanded apron to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Fokker 100, Boeing 737 and Air Niugini’s A220.Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley also shared similar sentiments noting that the upgraded airport should also strengthen connections between Alotau and the province’s outer islands and remote communities.He called for district airstrips to be certified and maintained so communities outside Alotau can benefit from the improved aviation infrastructure.“We need these district airstrips to be certified and operational so that our people in the outer islands can share in the benefits of this upgrade,” Governor Wesley said.He specifically identified the Losuia, Misima and Guasopa airfields as needing to meet regulatory requirements and become operational as feeder airports to Gurney.Furthermore, Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa said the opening was part of the Government’s broader aviation development program, with further projects under CADIP II continuing across the country.He also called on the people of Milne Bay to take ownership of the new facility and protect it from damage and vandalism.“Let us take ownership of this terminal. Let us keep this terminal clean. Let us treat staff and passengers with respect. That famous Milne Bay hospitality. Let us protect this asset from vandalism and damage,” Minister Tomuriesa said.The wider CADIP II program is valued at US$171.5 million and covers five major airport upgrades nationwide, alongside improvements to rural airstrips, weather facilities, information and communications technology, navigation systems and civil aviation capacity.Gurney Airport is the first of the five major CADIP II airport projects to be completed, with the wider program continuing to upgrade aviation infrastructure and services across Papua New Guinea.

The national gun amnesty and proposed gun buyback program must do more than remove firearms from communities and should be linked to long term peace agreements, Says Paul Barker the Executive Director of Institute of National Affairs.Speaking with PNG Hausbung, Barker said the buyback could contribute to reducing the number of illegal firearms in communities but warned that its success would depend on how the program is designed and implemented.He said authorities must ensure the buyback does not simply become a cash transaction where people surrender firearms, receive money and then use the proceeds to purchase new weapons or ammunition.“The buyback can make a contribution, so long as one makes sure that it’s not just a buyout where weapons are handed in and people make some money out of it and then use the proceeds to buy new weapons or ammunition,” Barker said.Barker said removing ammunition from circulation should be given particular attention because firearms themselves do not cause the injuries and deaths seen during armed conflicts without ammunition.“It’s not the weapons that really cause the damage. It’s the ammunition. The bullets that are flying,” he said.However, Barker said taking firearms and ammunition out of communities would only address part of the problem if the conflicts that drive people to use them remain unresolved.He said communities affected by tribal fighting must be involved in finding lasting solutions, with leaders on opposing sides working towards local peace agreements and using customary conflict resolution mechanisms to maintain those agreements.“It has to be at the grassroots level, where the community itself and the communities on both sides of a conflict are agreeable, want to see peace and see a net benefit from achieving peace,” Barker said.Barker pointed to communities in Chimbu and Eastern Highlands, including Ungai Bena, as well as parts of Western Highlands, where local leaders have worked to bring rival groups together and reduce the influence of individuals who benefit from continued conflict.He said such local efforts demonstrate why communities themselves must have ownership of peace agreements rather than relying entirely on police or defence forces to impose stability.While acknowledging the role of police and defence forces in supporting local peace efforts, Barker said lasting peace could not be achieved through security operations alone.He also warned that the government must consider the economic interests that can develop around prolonged conflict.Barker said continued instability can create financial opportunities for people providing accommodation and other services to police, defence and law enforcement personnel deployed to conflict affected areas.“People are also making money out of renting out accommodation to the police, the defence and others, to law enforcement agents. And they have a bit of an incentive to see conflict continuing,” he said.Barker said these potential incentives should be considered when designing the gun amnesty and buyback program so that financial interests do not undermine efforts to end violence.He said the government should therefore combine the removal of firearms and ammunition with strong community participation, clear safeguards and locally negotiated peace agreements.For Barker, the measure of success should not simply be how many guns are surrendered, but whether the program helps communities move away from armed conflict and maintain peace after the weapons have been removed.

More than 300 police officers from across the Pacific are expected to support the country security operations during the 2027 National General Election.Police Minister Sir John Pundari said the planned deployment reflects PNG's growing role in regional policing and its commitment to strengthening security cooperation across the Pacific.Sir John said PNG is no longer simply receiving police support from regional partners but is also contributing to policing efforts across the region.“Papua New Guinea is not just a recipient of police support. We are contributing to the policing work in the Pacific region,” Sir John said.He said more than 300 Pacific police officers are expected to assist PNG during the 2027 election.“Coming, these elections, our brothers from the Pacific will all come. All will come and help us in providing security in our time of elections. Maybe more than 300 will come,” he said.Sir John said the Pacific officers will work alongside the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and other security personnel to support a peaceful and secure election. The planned deployment forms part of a broader Pacific policing partnership, with officers from different Pacific nations already training together in Australia.“This training will come up to Brisbane, in Australia. Australia is bringing all these policemen together as mates, as comrades, to unite together for policing work in the region,” Sir John said.He said the joint training is designed to prepare Pacific police officers to respond collectively to regional challenges, including civil unrest, disasters and climate related emergencies.According to the Police Minister's briefing, more than 300 Pacific police officers from 10 countries have already been trained at the Pinkenba training hub in Australia through 10 deployment training programs. The briefing also says 70 police personnel from 12 countries have been deployed on three operational deployments under the Pacific Police Support Group.Sir John also highlighted the role of RPNGC Commissioner David Manning in strengthening PNG's leadership within the regional policing partnership.“I must take my hat off to our Commissioner at his level, providing that leadership in our part of the region,” Sir John said.PNG is also leading the development of a proposed Pacific Policing Body, known as PACPOL, aimed at strengthening cooperation between police forces across the region.Sir John said PNG's position as the largest Pacific nation gives it an important leadership role in developing the regional policing framework.“PNG is the largest Pacific Nation and we are leading from the front in the evolution of PACPOL,” he said.He said stronger regional policing cooperation will help Pacific countries respond to international criminal networks and provide specialist support when countries face major security challenges.“PACPOL will provide opportunity for us to both support, and be supported by, our brother and sister police forces in the region during times of challenge, disaster, or when specialist skills are required,” Sir John said.Sir John said the regional partnership will strengthen PNG's capacity to provide security during the 2027 National General Election while also contributing to wider peace and security across the Pacific.

In recognizing the profession of Architecture, the Papua New Guinea Institute of Architects (PNGIA) is reviving its Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year hiatus, with DuluxGroup PNG returning as platinum sponsor and Hilton Port Moresby supporting the event as venue sponsor as the awards is set for October 17th at Hilton Banquet Hall.The awards were last held in 2018 before activities were disrupted by the COVID 19 period.PNGIA President Jordan Seladi, who is also managing director and senior architect of Seladi 85 Architecture, said strong partnerships are essential to recognizing outstanding architectural work and supporting the development of the profession in Papua New Guinea.“We are essentially trying to put together the Dulux Design Excellence Awards, and within that activity it has been dormant for more than seven to eight years,” Seladi said.Seladi said the 2026 awards will focus on architecture and the country's development rather than political interests.“This will be the best event in the country. It’s not going to be anything political but will be a celebration about the country’s development and progress since its inception in 1975,” he said.He said the awards will recognize a broad range of work across the architectural sector.“The award captures all the activities within the architectural industry. One that exemplifies architectural excellence and the work that we do and also covers the whole range of sectors in the industry,” Seladi said.The partnership also introduces the Dulux Colour Award for the first time the country while it has been a prestigious awards event recognizing creatives in Australia and New Zealand for 4 decades which will now recognize the use of color in creating innovative here in the country.DuluxGroup PNG General Manager Simon Antony Barstow said the company is partnering with PNGIA as platinum sponsor of the architectural awards.Barstow said Dulux will support PNGIA members through training and professional development programs covering colour, specification practices and protective coatings used in major infrastructure and resource projects.He said Dulux has operated in Papua New Guinea for more than 60 years, employs more than 176 Papua New Guineans and manufactures locally. Barstow said the company is also investing in training painters and contractors as part of efforts to develop local skills and support the country's construction sector.“We are delighted to partner with PNGIA as we help create a brighter, more colorful future for Papua New Guinea,” Barstow said.As the proud venue sponsor Hilton Commercial Director Robbie Turner said the partnership aligns with Hilton's Travel with Purpose program, which focuses on hotels contributing to the communities where they operate.Adding, Hilton Port Moresby General Manager David Wain said the hotel is pleased to support PNGIA and Dulux in recognizing local architectural talent.“We are very privileged to partner with PNGIA and Dulux to be able to recognize and showcase local talent, which is important to us,” Wain said.The awards are expected to provide architects and other professionals in the built environment sector with a platform to showcase architectural work from across Papua New Guinea.Details for Design Excellence Award Gala Evening 2026Date: 17th October 2026Location: Hilton Banquet HallEvent Nature: Awards and FundraiserK10,000 per tableContact Info: events@pngia.com.pg

Pacific Corporate Security (PCS) and Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Ltd have signed a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement that will see PCS provide security services for the Limu Oil PRL 15 project, creating employment and business opportunities as well for seven landowner groups in the Gulf Province.The agreement was signed on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the PCS six-mile base in Port Moresby under the theme, “Partnership for Sustainable Development, Landowner Participation and Shared Economic Growth.”The partnership brings together PCS and the seven landowner groups of the UHE Tribe through Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Ltd.PCS Managing Director and Group Chairman Jacob Kaupa said security is the company’s core business and PCS is committed to supporting the Limu Oil project through the joint venture.“I want to give you assurance that security is in my space. My team and I are serious. We want to have the JV continue to see the results,” Kaupa said.Kaupa said PCS would provide personnel to work with the landowner company and the developer as the project progresses.“Your service will be limited to us and I will provide people that will help us, help you, help me and help the developer to progress this very project forward,” he said.Kaupa said PCS is locally owned and started with one vehicle more than 30 years ago before expanding its operations and investing in personnel, logistics, communications, GPS tracking, uniforms and training.He said PCS would use its experience and resources to support the joint venture and contribute to opportunities for the landowners.Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Chairman and UHE Tribe Chief Aku Lare thanked Kaupa and PCS for entering the agreement with the landowners.Lare said the seven landowner groups come from remote parts of Gulf Province and see the Limu Oil project as an opportunity to create development and economic benefits for their communities.“I want to say thank you, and you know that I am signing this agreement for you to help us from the bushes,” Lare said.Lare said the landowners may not have extensive experience in major business arrangements but are placing their trust in the joint venture.A representative of the UHE Tribe said the landowners come from some of the most remote parts of Gulf Province, where communities have limited access to government services.The representative said the resource development has created an opportunity for the communities to participate in economic activity and support development in their villages.PCS Country Security Manager Paul Young outlined the company’s security capabilities, including static security, K9 operations, cash-in-transit services, GPS tracking and monitoring, risk assessment and drone technology.Young said PCS would apply its security experience and technology to the Limu Oil project.Former Army Commander Walter Inua congratulated the seven landowner groups for coming together under a single business structure.Inua said the relationship between the landowners and PCS had taken years to develop and highlighted PCS’ more than 30 years of security experience.“PCS brings more than 30 years of security experience, including leadership, management, logistics and security expertise,” Inua said.Former Police Commissioner Anthony Wagambi urged the seven landowner groups to remain united as they pursue opportunities associated with the development.“The most important thing is that the seven clans remain united. You must maintain good relationships and work together,” Wagambi said.Wagambi said Papua New Guinea was made up of many tribes but operated as one country, using the example to encourage the seven groups to work together.PCS Country Manager Ron Bell compared the partnership to a marriage, saying the two sides had spent time building their relationship before formally entering the agreement.“Today we are signing the agreement. We hope this partnership will produce benefits for both sides over many years,” Bell said.Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Deputy Chairman Victor Patrick and Secretary Edwin Muriki outlined the background of the seven landowner groups and their interests in areas associated with the wider Papua LNG development.They said the partnership would help the landowners participate in economic opportunities while creating employment and business opportunities for their communities.Master of ceremonies Pastor Jack Edward said the landowners had taken a proactive approach by coming together and establishing the partnership with PCS.He said the agreement provided an opportunity for the landowners to participate in economic activity associated with resource development in their area.The ceremony concluded with the exchange of signed joint venture documents, presentation of commemorative certificates and official photographs involving the partners and stakeholders.Under the joint venture, PCS will provide security services for the Limu Oil PRL 15 project, while Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Ltd represents the seven participating landowner groups in the partnership.

Divine Word University (DWU) is marking 30 years of service to Papua New Guinea with anniversary celebrations taking place across the country, including a series of activities in the nation’s capital.The celebrations are being held under the theme “Serving the Nation with Quality Education for 30 Years”, recognizing the university’s contribution to education and national development since its establishment in Papua New Guinea.The university operates four campuses across the country, with its main campus situated in Madang, alongside campuses in Port Moresby, Rabaul and Wewak providing education and training in various fields.Divine Word University says more than 15, 000 students and alumni have passed through the Port Moresby campus alone, with graduates now working in leadership, management, health, education, and other sectors across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.Port Moresby Campus Administrator Dr. Jerome Oko stated that the capital-city campus has developed a role as a hub for flexible learning and professional development.The campus caters mainly for working professionals seeking to upgrade their qualifications through flexible learning, while also offering a full-time Business Studies program.It currently has approximately 850 students, including flexible and full-time students, supported by full-time staff and part-time lecturers.Dr. Oko noted that the university’s flexible learning model demonstrates its commitment to innovation and creating opportunities for Papua New Guineans who may not be able to pursue conventional full-time study.He emphasized that Divine Word University remains strongly service-oriented, with its graduates contributing to sectors such as health, education, and leadership, including in rural and remote communities.The university has also built partnerships with government, churches, the private sector and international universities, supporting its broader role in national development.The Port Moresby anniversary program will begin on Friday, August 14, with a Mass, followed by a series of activities leading into the main celebrations.On Saturday, August 15, the Port Moresby Campus will host a colourful motorcade through the capital, featuring vehicles decorated to represent Divine Word University’s past, present, and future of the institution’s growth over the past 30 years.The public is encouraged to come out and support the motorcade as it travels through the streets before returning to the campus for formal acknowledgements and a cake cutting ceremony.The major public event in Port Moresby will be held on Friday, August 21, at the Taurama Aquatic Centre, with an Exhibition and Entertainment Day.The exhibition will run from 9:00AM to midday, which will bring together sister institutions, financial institutions, and other organizations. More than 20 sister institutions have accepted invitations to participate.According to the university, the exhibition will also provide opportunities for students to connect with institutions and financial organizations on areas including internships, professional development, and financial literacy.The afternoon program will celebrate Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity, with students representing different provinces taking part in performances.In addition, a major feature will be a student skit taking the audience through Divine Word University’s journey from its establishment to its present-day programs and campuses, and into its vision for the future.The Exhibition and Entertainment Day is open to the general public.Celebrations in Port Moresby will conclude on Saturday, August 22, with a corporate gala dinner at Dynasty Restaurant at Vision City.The dinner will also serve as a fundraising event, with tables available for K5, 000 to assist the Port Moresby Campus with infrastructure development as student numbers continue to increase, as well as supporting the need for additional teaching and administrative staff and improving accommodation.Alumni, corporate organizations, and business houses are being encouraged to support the fundraising dinner.The event will include entertainment, guest speakers, a presentation on the history of Divine Word University, and finally, an alumni discussion panel.As Divine Word University celebrates three decades, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on its contribution to Papua New Guinea while looking ahead to the role education will play in developing the country and the Pacific.For the Port Moresby Campus, the anniversary activities provide an opportunity for the capital city community to celebrate the university’s history, its students and alumni, and its continuing commitment to serving the nation through education.

Pacific Corporate Security (PCS) and Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Ltd have signed a joint venture agreement that will see PCS provide security services for the Limu Oil PRL 15 project while creating employment and business opportunities for seven landowner groups in Gulf Province.The agreement was signed Thursday, Aug. 13, at the PCS six-mile base in Port Moresby under the theme, “Partnership for Sustainable Development, Landowner Participation and Shared Economic Growth.”The partnership brings together PCS and the seven landowner groups of the UHE Tribe through Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Ltd.PCS Managing Director and Group Chairman Jacob Kaupa said security is the company’s core business and PCS is committed to supporting the Limu Oil project through the joint venture.“I want to give you assurance that security is in my space. My team and I are serious. We want to have the JV continue to see the results,” Kaupa said.Kaupa said PCS would provide personnel to work with the landowner company and the developer as the project progresses.“Your service will be limited to us and I will provide people that will help us, help you, help me and help the developer to progress this very project forward,” he said.Kaupa said PCS is locally owned and started with one vehicle more than 30 years ago before expanding its operations and investing in personnel, logistics, communications, GPS tracking, uniforms and training.He said PCS would use its experience and resources to support the joint venture and contribute to opportunities for the landowners.Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Chairman and UHE Tribe Chief Aku Lare thanked Kaupa and PCS for entering the agreement with the landowners.Lare said the seven landowner groups come from remote parts of Gulf Province and see the Limu Oil project as an opportunity to create development and economic benefits for their communities.“I want to say thank you, and you know that I am signing this agreement for you to help us from the bushes,” Lare said.Lare said the landowners may not have extensive experience in major business arrangements but are placing their trust in the joint venture.A representative of the UHE Tribe said the landowners come from some of the most remote parts of Gulf Province, where communities have limited access to government services.The representative said the resource development has created an opportunity for the communities to participate in economic activity and support development in their villages.PCS Country Security Manager Paul Young outlined the company’s security capabilities, including static security, K9 operations, cash-in-transit services, GPS tracking and monitoring, risk assessment and drone technology.Young said PCS would apply its security experience and technology to the Limu Oil project.Former Army Commander Walter Inua congratulated the seven landowner groups for coming together under a single business structure.Inua said the relationship between the landowners and PCS had taken years to develop and highlighted PCS’ more than 30 years of security experience.“PCS brings more than 30 years of security experience, including leadership, management, logistics and security expertise,” Inua said.Former Police Commissioner Anthony Wagambi urged the seven landowner groups to remain united as they pursue opportunities associated with the development.“The most important thing is that the seven clans remain united. You must maintain good relationships and work together,” Wagambi said.Wagambi said Papua New Guinea was made up of many tribes but operated as one country, using the example to encourage the seven groups to work together.PCS Country Manager Ron Bell compared the partnership to a marriage, saying the two sides had spent time building their relationship before formally entering the agreement.“Today we are signing the agreement. We hope this partnership will produce benefits for both sides over many years,” Bell said.Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Deputy Chairman Victor Patrick and Secretary Edwin Muriki outlined the background of the seven landowner groups and their interests in areas associated with the wider Papua LNG development.They said the partnership would help the landowners participate in economic opportunities while creating employment and business opportunities for their communities.Master of ceremonies Pastor Jack Edward said the landowners had taken a proactive approach by coming together and establishing the partnership with PCS.He said the agreement provided an opportunity for the landowners to participate in economic activity associated with resource development in their area.The ceremony concluded with the exchange of signed joint venture documents, presentation of commemorative certificates and official photographs involving the partners and stakeholders.Under the joint venture, PCS will provide security services for the Limu Oil PRL 15 project, while Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings Ltd represents the seven participating landowner groups in the partnership.

People who continue to possess illegal firearms after the National Firearms Amnesty and Guns Buy-Back Program ends on Sept. 16 will face life imprisonment, while the government is pursuing tougher penalties for people who sell or supply illegal firearms.Police Minister Sir John Pundari said the government is seeking amendments to increase penalties for illegal firearm offences, including consideration of the death penalty for illegal firearm possession.He said life imprisonment is already the penalty for illegal firearm possession, while proposed amendments would extend life imprisonment to people who sell or supply illegal firearms, including those operating across international borders.“Let me warn you that the laws of you ending up with the life sentence also applies to you for selling that gun,” Sir John said.“You are responsible for the many lives that this country has lost already through the use of illegal guns.”Sir John said the proposed penalties would target people involved in the illegal firearm trade both inside and outside Papua New Guinea, including suppliers operating across international borders.He also warned members of the Police, Correctional Service and PNGDF that they could face the same severe penalties if found moving or trading illegal firearms and ammunition.The minister said authorities are also targeting people who financially support the purchase of high-powered weapons used by criminal groups.With the amnesty deadline approaching, Sir John urged people holding illegal firearms to surrender them before Sept. 16 rather than risk arrest and prosecution.The National Firearms Amnesty and Guns Buy-Back Program began on Feb. 28 and will conclude on Sept. 16.Sir John said preliminary reports show that more than 200 firearms have already been surrendered in Enga.He said authorities in Kokopo had also reported significant progress in the surrender of homemade firearms.“In Kokopo, I am very happy to know that they have filled up a container of homemade guns, and that is really encouraging,” Sir John said.He said the surrender effort was also gaining momentum in Jiwaka.Sir John said Police Commissioner David Manning had directed provincial police commanders to submit reports on the progress of firearms amnesty operations across the country.During the amnesty period, people can surrender illegal firearms without being arrested for possession, with cash incentives available for surrendered weapons.However, Sir John stressed that the amnesty does not provide immunity for crimes committed using illegal firearms.He said that once the amnesty ends, security forces will rely on intelligence-led operations, targeted enforcement and weapons tracing to recover illegal firearms and prosecute those responsible.“After that date, there will be no leniency and our nation will not tolerate illegal firearms under any circumstance,” he said.Sir John also warned politicians, candidates and their supporters against using illegal firearms during the 2027 National General Election.“No one should support a candidate who uses illegal firearms, for he is a criminal. You will be a criminal too if you support them,” Sir John said.He said candidates who rely on illegal firearms to influence or win elections should not contest, while security forces would maintain a zero-tolerance approach to election-related gun violence.The minister also urged communities to consider using any financial return from surrendered firearms for education, agriculture or small business activities.He said police are responsible for collecting and registering surrendered firearms and recording the information required to process payments following verification.A nationwide day of repentance and forgiveness is also scheduled for Aug. 28 as part of the government's campaign against illegal firearms.Sir John called on churches, community leaders, businesses and other organizations to encourage people to surrender illegal firearms before the amnesty deadline.“Enough is enough and we all have to rise up as a people to remove this evil in our society, in our communities and in our families,” Sir John said.He said the illegal firearm problem extends beyond the Highlands, with firearms increasingly being reported in coastal and island communities.Sir John said reducing the number of illegal firearms remains a national public safety priority, particularly as Papua New Guinea prepares for the 2027 election.He said authorities would continue using targeted enforcement, intelligence-led operations, community engagement, weapons tracing, command reporting and prosecution support to recover illegal firearms and hold those responsible accountable.

The reigning queen Iampela Popena has used her platform to advocate for children with special needs, calling for greater access to education, facilities and essential services.Speaking during the inaugural Miss Bird of Paradise Talent Show at the APEC Haus Port Moresby, Popena reflected on her journey when contesting for Miss Western Highlands and all the way in becoming Miss Bird of Paradise, saying the title has given her a platform to speak for people facing barriers in their daily lives.Advocating for and supporting children with disabilities is one of the key areas of the Miss Bird of Paradise brand, with Popena using her reign to highlight the barriers children with special needs face in accessing education, facilities and services.Popena said her advocacy for children with special needs began during her project week, when she focused on the barriers faced by children with disabilities, particularly in accessing schools.She recalled visiting a disability organization located near Mt. Hagen General Hospital and meeting children and adults who faced difficulties accessing education, facilities, services and economic opportunities.“When I walked into that room, I saw people just like you and me, children just like our children, but they have issues and barriers that stop them from getting education and accessing facilities and services,” Popena said.She said the experience reinforced her belief that the Miss Bird of Paradise platform could be used to bring greater attention to people living with disabilities.Popena said her visits to schools in Port Moresby, including St. Paul’s and her former school, St. Charles Luwanga further highlighted the need for schools to improve accessibility.“They had children with special needs, and I had a couple of them. They were amazing. They were warm, they were funny, they had personality and they had so much energy,” she said.However, she said inadequate facilities remained a concern.Popena said accessibility infrastructure such as ramps is important in ensuring children with disabilities can attend school alongside other children.“Our children with special needs deserve to go to school, regardless if they don’t walk, talk, speak or hear,” she said.Popena also used the talent show to raise funds for projects supporting children with special needs.Following her speech, she invited attendees to have photographs taken with her in exchange for donations, with proceeds directed toward her advocacy work and projects supporting children with disabilities.She encouraged sponsors and members of the audience to contribute to the initiative and become part of efforts to improve opportunities for children with special needs.“I take myself, as a charity organization and also the Miss Bird of Paradise platform, to stand and to be a voice and an image to reflect these people,” Popena said.She said the fundraising initiative would support projects in schools in her home province of Western Highlands, Port Moresby and other parts of the country.Popena said she hoped the initiative would continue beyond her reign and encourage future Miss Bird of Paradise titleholders to take up similar projects, keeping advocacy for children with disabilities as part of the Miss Bird of Paradise brand.

With weeks counting down to the September 16 deadline for the national gun amnesty, Police Minister Sir John Pundari has warned political candidates, their supporters and accomplices against using illegal firearms during the 2027 National General Election.Sir John says police will be on the ground to protect what he describes as “the people’s election”, stressing that the election belongs to citizens and not politicians or candidates.“Police operation in the elections will be this. We respect, we consider it as a people’s election, not a candidate’s election” said Sir John Pundari He warned candidates against disrupting the electoral process, saying police would be working to ensure the election remains peaceful and fair.“Candidates must not disrupt peaceful elections because it is not your election; it is the people’s election,” he said.“We will be out to protect the people’s election, to make sure that it is peaceful and fair.”Sir John says the RPNGC, together with other members of the security forces, will operate independently and respect the rights of every citizen throughout the election.“ensuring that we operate independently and fairly and respect to every citizen’s right in this country,” he said.The Police Minister has issued a strong warning to anyone planning to use illegal firearms to influence or disrupt the election.“And therefore be assured, be assured, you will be enemy number one if you want to win the election with an illegal gun,” Sir John said.He extended the warning to those who may assist or support candidates involved in the use of illegal firearms.“Accomplices, supporters, including candidates. So surrender your gun, and don’t be tempted by it to think that you will use it at the time of elections,” he said.The minister says police will rely on technology and intelligence to identify and respond to threats during the election period.“We will use technology. We will use information. It will be intelligence-driven,” Sir John said.The RPNGC’s 2027 election security strategy will focus on maintaining police neutrality, supporting safe and lawful elections, warning disruptors and criminals, and countering misinformation, rumours and election-related tensions.Specially trained police personnel are also being deployed nationwide to support polling, counting and declarations, with security operations coordinated with the Electoral Commission and provincial authorities.Sir John says community leaders, churches and youth groups will also have an important role in maintaining peace.The minister has urged candidates and their supporters to respect the democratic process and allow citizens to exercise their right to vote freely.“We want to ensure free and fair elections for all our people, and we will all do the right thing,” Sir John said.

The wings of an Oro butterfly became the centrepiece of a much bigger idea.At the inaugural Miss Bird of Paradise (MBOP) Talent Show, George Kurokuro turned Papua New Guinea's diverse cultural identity into fashion, winning the first ever MBOP Sarong Category before a packed audience that included Prime Minister James Marape and the wife of Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, who was among the night's judges.Following the event, PNG Haus Bung caught up with Kurokuro to learn the story behind the winning design and the creative thinking that brought it to life.For Kurokuro, the sarong was more than a costume on a stage, it was his way of bringing Papua New Guinea's diverse cultures together through fashion.The idea began with a simple story.A tourist arrives in Papua New Guinea and travels through the country's regions, discovering the different designs and cultural expressions along the way."We took them through the four regions. We got one design from each region and we put them on the cloth," Kurokuro explained."Everything that you saw there was representing the entire Papua New Guinea on the sarong."The finished piece brought together cultural elements from different parts of the country. The grass skirt represented the Momase region, the top came from East New Britain, while the wings drew inspiration from Oro Province and a Bilou feature was also incorporated to represent the islands. But among all those elements, the Oro butterfly became the heart of the design.Kurokuro said the butterfly immediately gave him the visual direction he needed."Oro was the main topic, the butterfly. Just looking at the butterfly, I thought, wings and Oro. So that's why the main highlight was the wings and the Oro butterfly," he added.Turning the idea into something that could actually walk onto a pageant stage, however, was not as easy as imagining it. The cloth had to be printed, assembled and eventually given to the contestant to tie according to the design."The main thing was the cloth itself, getting it printed and all of that," Kurokuro said."We had our own difficulties on the side, but putting it together and then giving it to the contestant to actually tie according to those designs was the difficult part of it. But we managed to pull it off."For Kurokuro, the effort reflects something he has always believed about Papua New Guinea's culture. Art and culture are not things that belong only in traditional settings. They can be reimagined through fashion and presented to new audiences without losing their identity."I've always loved all of this, and fashion is a really good place to output all of this," he said. "I really wanted to put our culture on a sarong and see how good it looks."That instinct has shaped much of Kurokuro's creative journey.With a background in Arts from the University of Papua New Guinea, he has developed interests across fashion, dance, choreography and digital content, creating a style that brings contemporary influences together with Papua New Guinean culture.His work has already found a place in the country's pageant and creative industry.Kurokuro was involved in the designs and choreography behind Iampela Popena during her Miss Western Highlands campaign before she went on to become Miss Bird of Paradise and represent Papua New Guinea.His creative work is now continuing with the Miss Bird of Paradise platform, where he will be part of the 2026 to 2027 creative team as the PNG queen prepares for the Miss Pacific Islands pageant.Away from the pageant stage, Kurokuro has another creative outlet that has become part of his professional life. He is a content creator, using social media to promote people, businesses, fashion and events.In a previous role, his work helped BMBN Hardware strengthen its marketing presence and gain significant attention online.For Kurokuro, content creation is not simply about posting pictures or videos. It is another form of performance."Content creation is also one of my biggest hobbies, and I make a living out of it too," he said.He believes social media has changed how creatives can connect with audiences, particularly in Papua New Guinea."The biggest way to get to people is through content creation," he said.That belief has encouraged him to use his own platforms to showcase the creative work happening around him."What I do for my hobby, for fashion and all that stuff, I also do the same, and I put the same energy into content creation."His background in dancing has also naturally found its way into his work. Choreography was part of the presentation, drawing on a skill he developed through his passion for dance."Dancing is part of my hobby, so choreography was part of that process as well," he said.For Kurokuro, these creative disciplines are not separate worlds. Fashion gives culture a visual form, choreography gives it movement, content creation gives it an audience and together, they provide him with a way to tell Papua New Guinea's story in a language that feels both modern and familiar.His journey also challenges an assumption about who belongs in the creative and fashion industry.While much of the beauty and pageant space is often associated with women, Kurokuro's growing body of work shows that there is room for men who are willing to design, create, choreograph and tell stories through fashion.His work is not about competing with anyone; it is about finding a space where his own talents can speak.And perhaps that is what makes the Oro butterfly on his winning sarong so fitting. Its wings became the visual center of a design that brought different parts of Papua New Guinea together.Kurokuro is doing something similar with his own career, he is bringing together art, fashion, dance, culture and digital media, creating a path that is uniquely his own.From a piece of cloth carrying the colours and symbols of Papua New Guinea to the stage of the inaugural MBOP Talent Show, George Kurokuro is showing that culture does not have to remain frozen in the past to be preserved

The National Department of Health, through its Standard wing is working with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Health Ministry to assess health facilities standards and strengthen health system as Bougainville prepares for greater autonomy.Deputy Secretary for Health, Compliance and Standards Dr. Dora Lenturut said the discussions are focused on determining how the national department can support the development of Bougainville's health system.She said the National Department of Health and the ABG are discussing health facility assessments and standards that could provide a stronger foundation for the region's health services.“We are just trying to help them do an assessment for the health facilities in AROB just to help them set a platform for them for the future when they have their own autonomous government, then at least the health system is already in place. So there has already been ongoing discussion between the ABG government health ministry and our Standards Wing to help them properly to setting up” Dr. Lenturut said.Dr. Lenturut said the work would help establish a stronger platform for Bougainville's health system as the region progresses toward greater autonomy.Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is also considering a proposal to extend the retirement age for health professionals to 70.Meanwhile, Dr. Lenturut briefly highlighted some discussion in development on whether the retirement age for health professionals could be extended to 70.However, she stressed that no decision has been made and the proposal is still at an initial discussion stage.“That is not official yet. It is not yet formal, and it is still on the table for discussion, but hopefully we can make some fruitful progress in this discussion” she said.Dr. Lenturit said the proposal is being considered because experienced health professionals could continue contributing their knowledge and skills beyond the current retirement age.She said retaining experienced doctors and other health professionals could help the health system make better use of their expertise.The proposal remains under discussion and has not been formally adopted by the Health Ministry.