Central Province marked a historic milestone on Thursday 6th February with the opening of the long-awaited Bautama infrastructure projects, nearly two decades after plans were first proposed. The commissioning ceremony, attended by Acting Prime Minister John Rosso and provincial leaders, signals a new chapter of development for the province and its communities. The projects include the Bautama Boom Gate, a new market facility, and residential housing developments. They aim to provide essential infrastructure, stimulate local commerce, and improve the livelihoods of Central Province residents. Central province Governor Rufina Peter welcomed the Acting Prime Minister and expressed gratitude to the national government for its support while acknowledging the province’s long history of delayed development. “However, today also calls for honest scrutiny. For too long, Central Province did not deliver as expected,” she said, highlighting missed opportunities despite the province’s proximity to the nation’s capital and available land. “Reforms were created, but outcomes fell short. The time for change is now.” Acting Prime Minister Rosso underlined the strategic importance of the projects. “This is a strategically important development, surrounding the National Capital District as the gateway between Central and the people of Port Moresby,” he said. He emphasized that effective planning is essential to harness development opportunities responsibly. “We have to plan; we can’t let development go unplanned,” Rosso added. The Bautama projects have a long history. Initial proposals date back to 1995, with subsequent announcements in 1998 and 2007. Each administration sought to establish a provincial capital city in Bautama, but progress was minimal. Reports indicate that while funding was allocated over the years, much of it remained unaccounted for, leaving the projects largely incomplete until the current provincial administration took office. With renewed governance and national funding, Governor Peter’s administration has transformed vision into reality. The projects are designed not only to provide infrastructure but also to empower local communities, create business opportunities for women and youth, enhance food security, and provide secure housing. “These projects demonstrate what is possible when national leadership, provincial governance, and community aspirations converge into a shared development mission,” the Governor said, reaffirming the province’s commitment to protecting ancestral land and ensuring development benefits are equitably shared. Rosso noted that the success of these initiatives depends on strategic planning, governance, and community collaboration.  The projects are expected to improve transport efficiency, road safety, and urban planning while reinforcing Central Province as a hub of economic activity. Decades in the making, the Bautama projects now stand as a testament to sustained advocacy, prudent leadership, and the province’s resilience.

The importance of strong business networks was emphasized as BSP Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson addressed 19 small and medium-sized enterprises graduating from the YES GROW business development program on Wednesday, 4th February 2026.Speaking at the program’s 19th graduation ceremony in Port Moresby, Mr. Robinson told graduates that long-term business success depends not only on technical skills, but on the relationships, entrepreneurs build with suppliers, customers, advisers and financial institutions. “So much of the success of any business is having a network like suppliers, customers, advisors, bankers. These are people who can help you on your journey and if this program plays a small part in deepening and extending that network, that is a real benefit,” Mr. Robinson said. The YES (Your Enterprise Scheme) GROW program is a partnership between BSP Financial Group Limited and Australian Business Volunteers, providing six months of structured training and one-on-one mentoring to SMEs across the South Pacific. Mr. Robinson described small and medium-sized businesses as the backbone of the economy, noting that their role in job creation and livelihoods is just as critical in Papua New Guinea as it is globally. “Small and medium-sized businesses are, in fact, the lifeblood of the economy. And in every economy in the world, PNG is no different,” he said. He also highlighted BSP’s approach to engaging directly with business owners, saying meaningful support comes from understanding customers in their own operating environments. “We don’t sit behind our desks and wait for customers to come and see us. We got out of the office. We visit our customers at their places of business. That’s how you really understand what they need,” Mr. Robinson said. As the latest cohort completes the program, Mr. Robinson congratulated the 19 graduates and encouraged them to continue building strong relationships to sustain and grow their businesses. “We are incredibly proud of you and the passion you bring to your businesses not just for yourselves, but for your families, your communities, and PNG’s future,” he said.

Residents living along the Keavaga (Hanuabada) Bypass Road in Port Moresby city have raised urgent concerns over an active landslide, warning that lives are at risk as ground movement continues in real time in along the road and within the community.The Keavaga/Bypass Disaster Committee says cracks are widening, houses are tilting, and sections of the land have collapsed following the recent heavy rains experienced in the capital city. Committee Chairman Pastor Steven Gau said communities have waited nearly ten months for a coordinated government intervention. “Our people are living in danger. The ground is moving, and today a wall collapsed just hours before we met,” Pastor Gau said. A recent reassessment by the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management confirms the landslide remains active and classifies the area as high risk with boundaries expanding beyond previous estimates. Residents are now calling on the Motu Koita Local Level Government, National Capital District Commission, National Disaster Centre, and other authorities to urgently inspect the site and provide immediate assistance, including possible relocation.

Young gamers from across Port Moresby city took centre stage last weekend at Niugini Esports as Telecom Limited came on board as the official connectivity partner for the tournament that was held at APEC Haus from January 24th to 26th. The three-day championship brought together youth and young adults to compete in electronic sports, with a strong focus on Call of Duty Mobile, one of the largest gaming communities in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. The event was organized by Niugini eSports, a local organization that has been running gaming competitions for the past four to five years. Founder of Niugini eSports, Ivan Ionagata, said the championship was created to give young people a positive and affordable outlet for their energy. “There’s a lot of kids. There’s nothing else to do in PNG other than getting up to no good and or everything else being really expensive. Gaming is pretty good. It’s a good way for youths and people from different ages to direct the energy towards and compete against each other,” he said. Ionagata said eSports also helps young people develop real-life skills. “It’s a healthy environment where you can practice skills that should apply in real life too, which would be leadership, decision making, especially under pressure,” he said, adding that the vision was to unite people and bring them together with gaming. Senior gamers in the COD space and fellow tournament organizers echoed the same message, saying the championship offered more than just competition. “This moment is not just about winning matches. It’s about building the future of the Call of Duty Mobile in PNG,” the organizer said. “It means so much to us as we’re finally given a platform in which we can come and display our skills, skills which can be then interpreted into real life.” Another organizer highlighted how gaming is often misunderstood by adults. “In Papua New Guinea gaming is deeply misunderstood. A lot of adults, especially parents, see it as a waste of time,” he said. “But this is a safe space for teenagers and young adults to come and belong, instead of being out on the streets.” Niugini eSports also acknowledged the role of sponsors in making the event possible, thanking Telikom, PNG Forward, Sanctuary Hotel & Spa, NICTA, Adfocus, Guardian Elite and Hilton Hotel, along with Tropicana, PG Gaming and Concept Management. Organizers said the support was an investment in youth confidence and potential, not just an event. As eSports continues to grow in PNG, organizers hope championships like this will help change perceptions, build digital skills, and offer young people a safe space to compete, connect and dream bigger in a fast-growing digital world.

Sir John Pundari has officially taken office as Papua New Guinea’s new Minister for Police with outgoing Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr assuring him of the full support of the country’s police force, whom he described as the nation’s “Blue Angels”.The handover took place during a formal but brief ceremony at the Police Headquarters in Port Moresby city today, following a Cabinet reshuffle under the Marape–Rosso Government. Senior police leadership, including ACP NCD and Central Commander Benjamin Turi, attended alongside government officials and the media. Speaking at the ceremony, Tsiamalili, now Minister for Works, described the occasion as a ministerial transition rather than an operational one, stressing that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) remains a constitutional institution. “Today is more a ministerial shift, not so much operational, because…the police force, they’re a constitutional office on their own,” he said. Tsiamalili acknowledged the challenges attached to the police portfolio but reassured Sir John Pundari that he would inherit a capable and committed force. “We may have our challenges, but I want to reassure you today, you have some of the finest policemen and women,” he said. “They truly are the Blue Angels of our country.” He credited the support of police leadership and rank-and-file officers for enabling him to perform his duties as minister, noting that systems and long-term strategies were already in place to guide reforms. Among these, he pointed to the Deloitte “true cost of policing” audit, which assessed the capacity, infrastructure and funding needs required to modernize the force. “We as politicians will come and go, but the systems are in place,” Tsiamalili said. During his address, the outgoing minister highlighted achievements under his tenure, including increased police recruitment, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships with Australia and the Commonwealth. He said police numbers had grown from about 550 recruits to nearly 1,000 expected to graduate this year, while acknowledging the accompanying challenges in housing and welfare. Sir John Pundari in his first formal remarks as Police Minister, thanked Prime Minister James Marape and the Marape–Rosso Government for their confidence in appointing him to the portfolio. He also paid tribute to Tsiamalili’s leadership, describing the role as demanding and complex. “I can feel the weight of this new portfolio, and I must take my hats off for you. You have done really, really well,” Pundari said. He credited Tsiamalili with driving reforms, strengthening partnerships, and overseeing significant investments such as the upgrade of the police training college into a Centre of Excellence, now hosting trainees from across the Pacific. “This is indeed something that is significant in our contribution to regional security,” Pundari said. The incoming minister said his priorities would include police welfare, infrastructure development and community trust, stressing the importance of accommodation and support for officers as recruitment expands. “I look forward to working very closely with these brave officers, I want to work closely with our communities and our good friends and all other stakeholders” Sir Pundari concluded. A joint transition statement issued by the Ministry of Police confirmed that the 2023–2025 period focused on stabilizing operations, strengthening capacity and progressing governance reforms, with both ministers reaffirming their commitment to continuity, stability and public safety. As Sir Pundari assumes responsibility for law and order, the outgoing minister expressed confidence that the police portfolio had been handed to a much wiser, much more experienced leader, setting the stage for the next phase of reform within the RPNGC.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) officially welcomed its 2026 new intake during the Orientation Program held at the Main Lecture Theatre (MLT) today, marking the start of the new academic journey for thousands of students. Opening the program, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay outlined UPNG’s approach to higher education, emphasizing a blend of theory, simulation and real-world practice designed to prepare students for modern workplaces. “You will experience three types of education, the theory, where students learn the hands and whys of how things work. Simulated learning, where students use models, laboratories or simulated environments to learn real practical skills,” Professor Findlay said. “You'll also learn through practice in real life situations, by work placement to learn what is really like in the workplace,” he added Professor Findlay said the model reflects the university’s commitment to high-quality teaching and developing homegrown Papua New Guinean talent to meet national needs. “UPNG graduates are our ambassadors, not just in Papua New Guinea but around the world,” he said. “UPNG graduates showcase the best that Papua New Guinea can offer.” He highlighted what he described as UPNG’s “21st Century advantages,” including English proficiency, artificial intelligence, technology, critical thinking, employability skills and strong student support services. “English is, quite simply, the language of international success,” he said. “You know English, you know success. And at UPNG, you will improve your English.” “Your degree will get you a job. Soft skills will get you the promotion.” Professor Findlay also pointed to career readiness programs such as CV writing and mock interviews, saying these were aimed at ensuring graduates secure the best jobs with the highest salaries. He said UPNG aligns with international standards to give graduates opportunities locally and overseas. “UPNG is large enough to make a real difference, yet small enough to care and nurture every single student,” he said. “You are our pioneers. You are our ambassadors. You are Papua New Guinea's future. Make us proud.” Pro-Chancellor Goiye Gileng later introduced Co-Chancellor Roy Gawaine, who welcomed students and reflected on the university’s national significance and history since its establishment in 1965. He reminded students that entry into UPNG was a privilege earned through years of effort and sacrifice by families and communities, urging them to use their freedom responsibly. “Any country is as good as its people, any organization as good as its human resources,” he said, stressing the importance of discipline, responsibility and emotional intelligence alongside academic ability. Mr. Gawaine also encouraged students to be mindful of the rapid pace of technological change and the expectations placed on them as future leaders in a global society. The orientation program sets the tone for the academic year, reinforcing UPNG’s role in shaping graduates equipped with skills, values and confidence to contribute to Papua New Guinea and beyond.

The La Salle Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby city has gone into full swing of things on the first day of the 2026 academic year.After its ranking as the number one secondary school in the country in 2025 and topping both the Grade 10 and Grade 12 national examinations, the Catholic church run school had all its teachers and most of the students, including the new intakes, all present today and ready to achieve more this year.Speaking on day one of classes, La Salle Technical Secondary School Principal Br. Antony Sammy said the school has set clear academic goals aimed at maintaining its high standards across all grade levels, not just national examination classes. “This year we are going to maintain. So instead of putting a goal to achieve, we have put the word to maintain 98 percentage of pass rate,” he said, adding that parents will be engaged early in the year to support student performance. The attendance on the first day of school was almost perfect, with fewer than five students absent. The school has also confirmed it has enough teachers and classrooms to cater for the entire year despite ongoing national concerns about certificate delays and the rising cost of delivering quality education. Br. Sammy addressed student enrolment, staffing ratios, infrastructure development, and government funding support, confirming the school currently caters for 348 Grade 9 students, 320 Grade 10 students, 224 Grade 11 students, and 208 Grade 12 students, and the classroom capacity is enough to cater for all following the construction of eight new classrooms last year. “We got enough classroom for last year, we built the eight classrooms, so we have enough classroom for grade nine to 12. Teacher ratio with objective position has been given by DSE since last year. So, we have enough teachers and they have enough teaching load,” said Br. Antony Addressing national concerns over delayed Grade 12 certificates, Br. Sammy said the issue was not isolated to La Salle. “This year is really a delay, but it’s nothing to do with the school. It’s probably something is delayed… the printing of certificates is all throughout the country,” he said, adding that Grade 12 certificates were expected by end of this week.He said tertiary institutions have accepted attainment certificates in the meantime, allowing students to proceed with enrolment. On school fees, Br. Sammy confirmed La Salle does not charge project fees, apart from approved agency fees and the parent support fund. “We don’t keep much burden to our parents. Whatever the board decided to get from the parents, we get it,” he said. He credited the De La Salle Brothers for supporting infrastructure development, saying contributions of K400,000 to K500,000 annually have helped maintain a positive learning environment for students. However, Br. Sammy raised concerns about government funding, saying the Tuition Fee Subsidy (TFF) allocations remain insufficient for city schools. He said while the subsidy estimates support at K3 per child per day, the actual cost of educating a student is closer to K20 per day. “With the TFF, the school gets about 700,000 to 800,000 but our school's actual budget is close to 4 million,” he said. “TFF is very good support but honestly speaking it’s not sufficient because the child per day is like K20.00 while for TFF funds ratio is K3.00 for a child per day.” He said the school spends heavily on printing learning materials due to its inability to provide textbooks for every student. Despite these challenges, Br. Sammy acknowledged the government’s efforts. “Government has been trying their best to support and give free education. I don’t deny that.” La Salle Technical Secondary School continues to operate specialized academic and vocational streams, positioning itself as one of the few schools in the country offering multiple pathways for students who do not immediately progress to tertiary institutions.

Papua New Guinea’s newly appointed Police and National Security Minister, Sir John Pundari, has flagged serious challenges facing law enforcement in the country, highlighting corruption, transnational crime, and social disorder as pressing issues that require urgent attention.Speaking during his first official briefing with police leadership, Sir John said the complexity of policing in PNG demands a comprehensive approach, acknowledging both past efforts and ongoing challenges. “This has been a challenge for us as a country. Our people are talking about it. Leaders of this country have been talking about it.” “So, to say that the police have not done anything about it, I must also say that I come into this office acknowledging the complexities of white-collar crimes, investigations into corruption and corrupt practices in our country, and all the transnational crimes for that matter.” The Minister praised Police Commissioner David Manning and his deputies for progress achieved so far, calling the work of policing difficult yet crucial. “These are not easy taskings for us to undertake, but there are some good works that have been undertaken already with our good partners, and under the leadership of the good commissioner and his deputies and leaders in the organization.” He also acknowledged the contributions of previous ministers, particularly Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, for laying a strong foundation in law enforcement. Highlighting the value of international support, Sir John commended Australia for assisting PNG policing. “Our good friends, especially our Australian partners, as our strategic friends, have invested in the country, especially to do with policing work.” “The training college up in Bomana is one of the best in our part of the region.” “It does not only train our policemen and women, but it also trains other police officers in our part of the Pacific region. It is a centre of excellence in so far as police training is concerned.” In addition, Minister Pundari emphasized that improving police welfare is critical to effective law enforcement. He pointed out that housing, salaries, and insurance are essential for keeping officers motivated and capable. He stressed the human element of the force, adding, “Our policemen up front, to be motivated and to ensure standards and performance, we have got to watch out for our policemen’s welfare. “Sometimes we get out there, we borrow money for school fees for this or that, and your take-home pay is unable to support you for the fortnight.” While advocating for welfare, the Minister remained firm on the necessity of discipline and internal integrity as discipline within the force also remains a priority. “There have been record terminations under the leadership of Commissioner Manning, and this is going to continue.” “We are not going to tolerate undermining the integrity, the standards and the performance of the police force in the country.” Minister Pundari also warned that inadequate or delayed funding hampers police operations. “There is one constitutional institution for the people of Papua New Guinea that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” “If you don’t get that money, the 24/7 operation fails,” he said, noting that delayed allocations stall investigations, limit arrests, and reduce frontline services. To address this, the Minister has instructed detailed financial reporting from the Police Commissioner on 2025 expenditures and 2026 allocations. “I have directed the good Commissioner of Police to provide me a financial report,” he said. “I have to have facts.” “I have to tell the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the National Executive Council facts about how we have allocated and used funds.” Furthermore, he also paid tribute to officers and their families serving in remote and dangerous areas. “I want to thank all of my fine police officers right across the country especially for the loyalty and hopes that you have sworn to give your people and your country.” “For those who have lost lives as a result of your service, I want to honour you and thank you.” Concluding his briefing, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to welfare, accountability, and professional standards in policing. “This is a work in progress. Good work has started. We just have to progress with it.”

The PNG Hekari FC boys have arrived in Port Moresby today at 1:00pm after travelling from New Zealand, following their first matches in the OFC Pro League. The team touched down at Jacksons International Airport under heavy rain, continuing weeks of wet weather in the capital. There was no official reception upon arrival, marking a quiet return to their home city.The club is competing in the OFC Pro League for the first time and has had a challenging start to the tournament, losing the first of their two opening matches. Hekari United is now expected to shift focus to preparations for their upcoming home fixture, scheduled for February 2nd.

The PNG U-19 Siales selectors are on the hunt, with 44 young cricketers competing for just 22 shortlisted spots ahead of the East Asia Pacific (EAP) U-17 T20 World Cup Qualifier, set to be hosted in Port Moresby this April.Saturday, January 25, marked the second-last day of the week-long trial matches, which took centre stage at Bisini Park Cricket Ground. The players were selected through Port Moresby’s women’s cricket competitions, with five girls chosen from each of the city’s eight clubs. Siales head coach Jason Kila told PNG Haus Bung the focus is now on narrowing the squad to 22 players based on performances during the trials. “We are preparing for the EAP tournament in two months’ time.” “From these 44 girls, we will cut the squad to 22 and then move into more intensive training in bowling, batting, and fielding.” With schools resuming on Monday, January 26, Kila explained the trials had to be completed before classes begin. He added that players in Grades 10 and 12 will train on weekends only, while others will train on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Kila confirmed some players have previously featured for the Lewas, saying experience would be valuable, but his priority is building confidence in a fresh squad. As the qualifier approaches, the coach said batting remains a key area of concern, noting that while bowling is strong, more work is needed to strengthen the team’s batting depth. The trials provide valuable exposure for young female cricketers, with the final squad to be trimmed from 22 to 14 players for the EAP T20 World Cup Qualifier.

Jiwaka Province is preparing to welcome its first all-girls school- the Gobo Girls School of Excellence (GGSOE), in time for the 2026 academic year to start.The school aims to provide specialized science education for young women, marking a major step forward in the province’s educational landscape. Twenty (20) teacher positions were approved already by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) under the Secondary Salary Structure and now awaiting the school board to finalize the staffing structure. These positions will prioritize science specialists to deliver quality learning at Gobo Girls School of Excellence. Secondary Inspector for Jiwaka, Ms. Kaul Tumun, highlighted that Gobo Girls School of Excellence will increase the province’s secondary and high schools from 25 to 26. She confirmed the selection of the best science teachers has been approved and emphasized the importance of advertising the positions within the province to attract top candidates. Ms. Tapu recommended balancing the curriculum with a focus on science while maintaining necessary humanities or social science subjects to ensure students qualify for Grade 11 and 12 exams. She also noted a current gap in leadership, with only two Heads of Departments (HODs) in place. The board will request TSC approval to create three additional HOD positions. She stressed the importance of having experienced teachers for the school’s launch. The inaugural intake will include an estimated 150 students, all selected from Jiwaka Province. Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi has pledged resources to support the school’s operations, including chairs, desks, a tipper truck, food, stationery, and temporary accommodations in the completed Headmaster’s house. Additional teacher accommodations will be constructed in due course. Financially, the school is supported through a combination of government funding, business partners, and donors, totaling more than K5 million. Minister Goi has also offered personal financial assistance to kickstart operations while awaiting Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funds. Headmaster Johnmar Cudal expressed confidence in the school’s imminent opening, emphasizing a focus on monitoring student performance to meet parental expectations. “Our priority is to ensure high-quality teaching and track students’ results closely as we begin this important journey,” he said. With its specialized science curriculum and dedicated staff, Gobo Girls School of Excellence represents a significant milestone for girls’ education in Jiwaka, offering young women opportunities to excel academically and pursue future careers in science and technology.

Iampela Popena, crowned Miss Bird of Paradise PNG 2025-2026, is gearing up to represent Papua New Guinea at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Fiji that will run from February 13th to 20th, with Miss Ponena bringing her youthful energy and pride to the international stage. As a proud daughter of Western Highlands Province, Miss Popena said she feels honored to carry the aspirations of her province and country. "It is by God's grace that I have come this far and will continue to humbly stand by my people and serve them," she said. "I am thankful for the opportunity and look forward to showing the world what Papua New Guinea is." Preparations for the pageant are well underway. Team MBoP has put together a comprehensive plan to ensure Miss Popena is fully prepared, focusing on public speaking and a review of the Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the callout made by MBOP PNG. Chair Lady of MBoP Anna Bais is confident that the team’s prior experience in regional pageants will give them an edge this year. "This year, our reigning Miss Bird of Paradise will be the youngest contestant on the MPIP stage," said Anna Bais. "She brings with her youthful energy, enthusiasm, and a fresh perspective of a young Papua New Guinean woman. Our team, now experienced with regional pageants, is well-versed in the necessary preparations." Following online bullying incidents at last year’s pageant, MBOP PNG has strengthened safeguards to protect contestants. A cyber safety campaign conducted during the national pageant encouraged respectful online engagement, and the organization has implemented processes to monitor official pages, blocking or escalating any abusive interactions. The public is also urged to support Miss Popena and contribute to a positive experience for all contestants. "Being the representative of our country on a regional platform is no easy feat. Let’s all stand behind our queen and ensure she knows we are supporting her," Anna Bais said. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Fiji offers a platform not only for showcasing beauty and talent but also for celebrating the cultures and values of the Pacific region. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026 is set to take place in Nadi, Fiji, from February 13th to 20th. After a seven-year hiatus, Fiji returns as host, welcoming contestants from more than ten Pacific nations. For PNG, Popena’s participation represents a moment of pride, visibility, and empowerment on the international stage. As the pageant draws near, Papua New Guineans across the nation are encouraged to rally behind their queen, celebrating her journey and the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the country.