Following a productive Anti-Money Laundering Banking Forum that was held recently, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) and Kina Bank are reaffirming their commitment to tackling corruption and money laundering in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mr. Daniel Baulch, Deputy Commissioner of Operations at ICAC, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, ICAC is fully aware of the destructive impact that corruption has on our country, and that corruption diverts crucial public funds that could otherwise support vital services, damage the business environment, and erodes public trust. “Money laundering, as a direct consequence of corruption, continues to be a major challenge for Papua New Guinea.” “Through the forum, we are strengthening our collaboration with the banking sector to identify and confront this issue head-on.” Baulch highlighted that ICAC, in partnership with the banking sector, is taking significant steps toward improving the country’s effectiveness in tackling money laundering. “The financial sector plays a crucial role in investigating corruption and preventing money laundering, thus by working together, we can gain access to critical financial documents, banking records, and other data that enable us to carry out investigations and bring perpetrators to justice.” The recent forum was attended by senior representatives from most major banks in the country, including the Kina Bank CEO and Chief Risk Officer. It focused on the role the banking sector plays in both facilitating and combating money laundering initiatives. The discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by financial institutions and offered an opportunity to further encourage their compliance with anti-money laundering protocols and their support for ICAC's investigative efforts. Kina Bank valued the opportunity to participate in the recent ICAC Banking Sector Forum and commend the ongoing efforts on transparency and integrity in the financial sector. Kina Bank's involvement highlights its commitment to support the strengthening of governance that will help create a stable and secure economic environment in PNG. Kina Bank continues to collaborate with ICAC and remains committed to sustaining PNG’s financial hub. The forum also addressed Papua New Guinea’s ranking on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which scored Papua New Guinea 31 out of 100. Ms. Arianne Kassman, CEO of TIPNG, noted, that the CPI and the recent Financial Action Task Force (FATF) assessment show that we are not making enough progress in the fight against corruption. “While we have laws and policies in place, what is lacking is the proper enforcement and implementation of these measures. It is imperative that we all take meaningful action to address corruption.” Kassman emphasised the need for a collective effort between civil society, the private sector, and the government to combat corruption more effectively. “Today, we offered the banking sector insights into how civil society can be an active partner in this work, and it is crucial that we are part of these conversations, not only to understand the complexities of the issue but to also communicate the importance of tackling corruption to the public, who are the most affected.” Both ICAC and TIPNG are committed to advancing a systemic, whole-of-country approach to combating money laundering and corruption. Meanwhile, Baulch stressed, “We must be serious and united in this effort. Corruption is systemic, and money laundering is also systemic, if we don’t work together, we will continue to face significant challenges now and in the future.” The organizations look forward to continuing their dialogue with the banking sector and other stakeholders to make meaningful progress in combating corruption and money laundering in Papua New Guinea.

Four schools in the vicinity of the PNG LNG Plant site in the Central province recently received new educational infrastructures thanks to the operator of the PNG LNG, ExxonMobil PNG Limited. In a gesture to show and strengthen the long-standing commitment to education in Papua New Guinea (PNG), ExxonMobil PNG Limited handed over seven newly built educational infrastructure projects valued at almost K2 million to the communities of Lealea, Papa, Boera and Porebada. Lealea and Boera Primary schools together with Papa Junior High School each received a double story classroom while Porebada Primary School got a double story duplex classroom. In addition to the classrooms, Lealea Primary School and Papa Junior High School each got a new staff house, while Porebada Primary School got keys to a brand-new administration building. “At ExxonMobil, we believe that education drives social and economic development and improves living standards, which is why it has been a long-standing community investment focus area for us,” said Dinesh Sivasamboo, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG Limited. “A well-structured learning environment, infused with the right resources and a positive atmosphere, can be transformative for both students and staff.” “Infrastructure investments like these clearly demonstrate our partnership with, and ongoing commitment to – PNG and its people,” Sivasamboo said. In acknowledging the support from ExxonMobil PNG, Mr. Taumaku Baru, Board of Management Chairman of Porebada Primary School, encouraged the community to look after the newly built infrastructure. “I thank ExxonMobil PNG for their continuous support to our schools and community, for now the challenge comes back to teachers, students and parents on how well we can look after these facilities for the future,” he said. ExxonMobil PNG’s ongoing investment in education across schools neighbouring the PNG LNG Plant site has also included first aid units, educational programs and computer donations. Since LNG production commenced in 2014, ExxonMobil PNG has invested more than K18 million in educational initiatives across its project areas ranging from refurbishing and building new school facilities and teacher’s houses, WASH amenities, secure fencing, distribution of SBC textbooks and teacher training materials, stationery support, uniforms and sports equipment.

Access to fuel supply for Morobe Province, Madang Province and the Highlands Region is now being made easier by Mobil Oil New Guinea, who is a subsidiary of the ExxonMobil Corporation. Mobil Oil New Guinea recently commissioned a bottom loading facility at its Lae Terminal to further enhance fuel supply for its customers in Papua New Guinea as part of its ongoing K40 million investment project program. This initiative, which is now fully operational, once again highlights Mobil Oil New Guinea’s commitment to reliably provide quality fuel to support the growing demands of customers in Lae city, the Highlands Region and Madang Province. It follows a recent major tank investment to expand fuel supply at its Idubada Terminal in Port Moresby in 2024. The Lae Terminal upgrade included the installation of a bottom-loading facility to complement the existing top-loading rack. Together, this combination speeds the loading process and shortens delivery times from the Lae Terminal to its customers. Mr. Dinesh Sivasamboo, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG Limited highlighted that this upgrade significantly reduces truck loading times, allowing more trucks to be loaded each day at the facility. “Our customers reap the benefit of enhanced availability of our high-quality fuel,” Mr. Sivasamboo said. He further added that throughout its long history in PNG, Mobil has always been committed to implementing initiatives that will better serve their customers. “At our core, we are a PNG company with ExxonMobil’s unmatched global expertise and capabilities, and we continue to look for ways to strengthen and grow our business – and fuel stability – for Papua New Guinea.” For more than a century, Mobil Oil New Guinea – through its network of terminals, branded retail service stations and wholesale customers - has been committed to the country and its people and stands ready to continue to be the country’s most trusted and reliable supplier in the decades to come.

The official signing of the employment contracts for the heads of Mission was done today at the Government house at Konedobu. His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, today, officiated the signing of employment contract for heads of missions that will represent Papua New Guinea abroad. The heads of missions are Mr. Joseph Varo, as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium with concurrent accreditation to Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Mr. Varo will serve as Ambassador for a period of four (4) years. Mr. Henry Mokono, was contracted as Ambassador to the State of Israel for a period of four years, followed by Ms. Helen Aitsi as Ambassador to South Korea, for a period of four (4) years and Dr. Thaddeus Kambanei, as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, for a period of four (4) years. The appointments of the Papua New Guinea heads of missions by the National Executive Council has been gazetted in the National Gazette. Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs Mr. Elias Wohengu witnessed the signing of employment contracts at Government House this morning.

The NCD Boxing Association has grown from strength to strength over the past few years with about 17 boxing clubs established in the nation's capital, Port Moresby city. Despite having been around for some time, the association started hosting tournaments just a few years back in 2023. NCD Boxing Association Tournament Director Mr. Kauka Raka Jnr highlighted over the years boxing clubs have been only giving training sessions only, thus most fighters have lost interest, so it is important to run small tournaments locally, so it gives the fighters some sense of pride and dignity when they win and get a trophy. Plus, it gives them exposure to more times inside the ring. “There is a need for tournaments so that our fighters will have more experience in the ring, thus more experience can make them better prepared for bigger fights when opportunity arises.” Mr. Raka added that this year the NCD Boxing Association has started a biweekly tournament every Sundays at the Street Kids Boxing Gym at Koki and all Boxing clubs in NCD are urged to participate in this tournament. “Registration is K250, for all member clubs to register to the association plus a submission of all new boxers’ names especially the beginners are required.” “Biweekly is every government fortnight Sundays, so all clubs must come prepared for 30 bouts each Sunday tournament.” Mr. Raka highlighted that from the 30 bouts, 10 is for the beginners (Cadet division), 10 bouts for the Junior boxers and the other 10 bouts are for the experience or senior fighters. Raka also explained that within the Boxing Sports there are five (5) different stages by which each student will have to go through to earn their spot and are placed in their age categories; however, with exposure to ring experience, a junior boxer can take on someone older. The Cadets category is from the age 9-12 who are the beginners, then the Jnrs category, which is for kids aged 13-15, youth’s category 15-17, Knowbies category 17-19 and the Elites category from 19 and over or anyone who has 15- 20 years fight experience in the boxing ring. “Despite age difference a younger fighter with more ring experience can take on an older fighter because it is about the number or ring experience that give one fighter confidence, energy and a mindset to take on any fights.” “We want all our fighters to have this ring experience here so that they can be prepared to take on other fights nationally and internationally whenever tournament and opportunity arises.” However, the only set back NCD Boxing Association is facing at this time is sponsorship to train, develop and run tournaments. “Right now, all this is more or less volunteer work where we put our mind and heart to help the young ones find a purpose in life and we need financial assistance and we could definitely use some backings from corporate or stakeholders who are willing to support NCD Kickboxing Association,” Raka said.

With recent social media outburst regarding the burning down of a warehouse operated by Post PNG that contained Census Material, the National Statistical Office (NSO) wishes to clarify and correct this misinformation. NSO clarifies that they have a binding Storage & Logistics Services Agreement with Post PNG, who has been a major partner in providing storage and logistics services since it was contracted by NSO to provide storage and logistics services since 2019. With having a Storage & Logistics Services Agreement, Post PNG has the prerogative to supply NSO with the above services in its entirety at a location deemed necessary for use and management. The old warehouse at the former PNG Ports Wharf was dismantled because of the redevelopment exercise there. Post PNG arranged for NSO cargoes to be moved to another location. The new location was at Konedobu, Section 36, Lot 3, Lawes Road, it was that storage facility that got burnt next to Desh Besh Supermarket where both NSO and Desh Besh share the same gate, Bay 1. NSO stated that the destroyed census materials were procured in 2021 through NPC Tender (APC Registration No.: 01/2021, 02/2021 and 03/2021) worth K14.1m and a further K800,000 worth of materials were from censuses and surveys that were conducted by NSO including furniture and equipment from the previous office located along the Kumul Avenue, Waigani. NSO lost the following items worth almost K15m. A) 2021 Census Printed Documents – over 60 different types of documents B) 2021 Census Stationery – over 17 different types of stationery C) 2021 Field Gears – over 6 different types of field gears D) Census Accounts Files (2019-2022) including 2x containers E) Office Furniture & Equipment The Census tablets and accessories were yet to be procured when the incident occurred. NSO clarifies that the tablets that were used in this Census arrived in the country in June 2024, a few weeks before the enumeration started in July 2024. Furthermore, the tablets were procured as soon as funds became available in March 2024 after the ‘Black Wednesday’ mayhem. The 22,000 tablets were stored in our forward bases at Hohola and Waigani and distributed to all 22 provinces from there. On the 19th of January 2024 after the incident, Post PNG wrote to the NSO informing us of the destruction and damages caused by opportunists. Through their contractual obligation, Post PNG took proactive steps in informing the Police (OB No.: 55/24) and the State of Emergency Controller on the same whilst deeply regretting the incident that took place. Those assumptive and glory seeking keyboard warriors must visit Bay 1 at Konedobu, Section 36, Lot 3, Lawes Road and confirm their assertions. NSO wants to clarify to the public that NSO has lost almost everything which was procured in 2021/2022 and stored for the conduct of the deferred 2024 National Population Census. Those procured items were not used because of the 2022 NGE and the Covid 19 Pandemic that made the NSO defer the Census to 2024. NSO conducted the 2024 Census using tablets and census materials that were procured after March when Census funds were released in March 2024. Thus, stating it is clear that this census was the most challenging and had the shortest preparatory phase ever for such a major and resource intensive exercise in the country.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has successfully launched its groundbreaking Fisheries Automated Resources Information System (FARIS), a comprehensive Single Window Software Solution designed to revolutionize fisheries management in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The National Fisheries is proud of this significant achievement that emanated from the MTDP IV (2023 – 2027) in strategic priority area 8 on Government’s policy directive to become a digital Government, and more so aligning with the Digital Government Act of 2022, paving the way for government to use information and communication technologies. This new technology is aimed to enhance accessibility, reliability, and affordability of government digital services and ICT offerings for the citizens of PNG. The NFA Managing Director, Mr. Justin Ilakini, emphasized that the launch is a vital step in the Government's digital transformation strategy, connecting existing digital infrastructure with other government services to create a cohesive one-stop solution for citizens. In its totality, the FARIS solution consists of a suite of integrated modules, enabling NFA to manage fisheries, licensing controls, compliance, and accountability effectively. FARIS aims to: Streamline NFA internal processes. Increase productivity. Reduce duplication of NFA databases. Display near real-time financial transactions and analytics. Consolidate fisheries management with all information in a single platform. Monitor small craft and artisanal fishers effectively. Facilitate near real-time financial transactions and vessel monitoring with automated reporting and compliance tracking. Provide a secure and user-friendly interface. Enable control of NFA ICT systems within PNG computing facilities. The initial launch of the Fisheries Automated Resources Information System (FARIS) was done recently in Brisbane and featured two critical modules. Firstly, the Managing Director’s Financial Dashboard, providing near real-time insights into NFA's financial position through a direct data feed from the BSP Financial Group. This information will be accessible by the Managing Director at any time via laptop, PC, and mobile devices. The second module is the New Era in Marine Observation small craft tracking solution. This module displays all current vessel positions from VMS data within the PNG EEZ and beyond including position and situational data from NFA supplied NEMO units, in near real time. According to the critical timeline of the FARIS software rollout, all other FARIS modules are scheduled to be operational by December 2025, and this is a significant milestone achievement in the space of the Government’s ICT transformation agenda, as the country celebrates it’s 50 years of Independence. Regionally, FARIS will also provide a platform for the implementation of the East New Britain Initiative, moving the ENBi away from being aspirational in the vision of the Pacific Leader’s and now into a more practical sense, through offering a near real-time marketing and traceability platform for the marketing of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish. This integration also adheres to international best practices, collaborating with platforms such as the Global Fishing Watch, Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability, and the UN Global Information Exchange System. Going forward, the FARIS is a testament of the NFA’s commitment to ensuring it delivers on the Government’s policy directives and the expectations of its key stakeholders, especially the citizens of PNG who deserve to have a government that is responsive to service delivery and is fit for purpose. "This system can be a model for sister government agencies and departments to emulate and customize for their purposes in service delivery to our citizens," said Mr.  Ilakini. Furthermore, FARIS can also provide bilateral partners and regional organizations within the region an alternative in terms of digitalizing and streamlining business processes within their relevant organizational operations. The Managing Director when launching the FARIS, said, “Today marks a historic moment for the fisheries sector in Papua New Guinea, a vision we started 18-months ago to ensure NFA has a system in place that allows for data to be seamlessly obtained at our fingertips. I am proud because this system is home-grown and built by us, for us.”

A commemoration ceremony was held on Saturday 8th of March, 2025, at Yule Island in Central Province where a French navy vessel based in New Caledonia, the Frigate “Vendemiaire”, anchored at Yule Island and carried out memorial action. This was through the cleaning and restoration of the grave of Lieutenant Léon Bourjade, a French flying ace in the First World War who later became a missionary and died in 1924 on the island. Famous for his "acrobatic" landings, his name is still associated with aviation through the expression "landing like Bourjade". Captain Guillaumat, the officers and sailors of the "Vendemiaire" were very touched by the warm welcome they received and are proud to have been able to perpetuate this tradition of the French Navy. The ceremony was held in the presence of European Union Ambassador Jacques Fradin, French Deputy Head of Mission Khouira Drault, Managing Director of Total Energies Arnaud Berthet, Operations Director for TotalEnergies Eric Casse, Captain of the “Vendemiaire” Gauthier Guillaumat and his crew, and dignitaries of the island and their community leaders. The island's residents also turned out to attend the event. It was not the first time that French officials and militaries paid tribute to the Lieutenant on Yule Island, many military vessels used to stop over there in the past. Last year, this tradition was revived when the French Navy Vessel “Auguste Benebig” came, and this year marks the 101st year of Lieutenant Bourjade’s death on Yule Island. The French Navy is part of the French Armed forces in New Caledonia (FANC); FANC enable France to have permanent military presence in the South Pacific to protect French interests in the region and maintain France's military partnerships in this area of strategic interest. With more than 1,650 military personnel, the FANC provide regular support for missions involving government action at sea. They have the capacity to intervene in the event of a security or climatic crisis affecting the area. The FANC regularly share their expertise in the field of HADR and maritime security with the security and defence forces of partner countries in the South Pacific. As such, France, alongside PNG, is an actor of the regional security, for a free, safe and secured, prosperous and sustainable Pacific, and in particular South Pacific.

With a recent article in one of the Dailys stating concerns over the historic Constitutional House at Motupore Island, the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) is currently in discussions with the University of Papua New Guinea regarding a potential restoration and redevelopment of the Constitutional House. Secretary of CLRC Dr Mange Matui highlighted that discussions are still in the infant stages, and no final decisions, or agreements have been made at this time and has stated that CLRC has agreed that something needs to be done about the building. “CLRC’s negotiation with UPNG as the caretaker and owner of the site and building will hopefully result in a formal understanding between the two institutions, aimed at preserving the site for educational purposes and to honour its historical significance for future generations,” said Dr Matui. This collaboration with UPNG is important to ensure CLRC has the necessary space and organize resources to begin restoration work of the building. As the country excels towards its 50th Independence Anniversary, it is fitting that such high esteem building be recognized and declared as a monument of historical importance while featuring as part of the Independence celebrations. “The CLRC recognizes the historical importance of the Constitutional House, given its inspiring nature as the designated site where our forefathers as members of the Constitutional Planning Committee (CPC) normally meet and crafted the Constitution before it was adopted by the Constituent Assembly in September 1972”. Dr Matui further added that CLRC strongly feels it has a moral responsibility to involve in the transformation and restoration of this iconic building not only to preserve this piece of the national history but also to promote the legacy of the CPC which is linked to the CLRC’s origins and work of, with CPC being regarded as the CLRC’s primary predecessor. The CPC was instrumental in guiding and facilitating the creation of a constitution that would serve as the legal foundation for an independent Papua New Guinea, as well as designing legal, political and governance structures, and consultations and the decolonization process, tasks CLRC continues to carry out daily as the part of its mandate as the only law reform agency of PNG.

The National Weather Services is now issuing warnings that almost most parts of the country will continue to experience heavy rain with potential flood. A trough line or low air pressure (T1) extends south eastward from southern PNG/Indonesia border at about (9.0°S,141.0°E), into a clockwise circulation south of Daru at about (10.0°S, 143.5°E), then further extends ESE over coast of Hood point to southwestern coast of Milne Bay. Another trough line (T2) extends south eastwards from Vitiaz/Dampier Straits to West New Britain and across Solomon Sea to about (11.0°S, 157.0°E). Areas of convergence exist over the Highlands Region, Owen Stanley range, East & West Sepik, Madang, New Britain, New Ireland, Manus, Oro, and Central Provinces including Coral and Bismarck Seas. Terrain and local effects are present over inland Papua New Guinea and the Highlands Region, including the Owen Stanley Range. Direct warnings for provinces in the New Guinea Islands that will be affected by heavy rain and potential flood are New Ireland, Manus, and West New Britain. Places of warning in Momase Region are Morobe, Madang, Inland West and East Sepik and for the Highlands Region are Enga Province, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Hela, Eastern Highlands and Southern Highlands Province. For the Southern Region heavy rains and flood will affect the Western, Gulf, Central, Milne Bay and the Nation’s Capital. For the next 12 to 24hrs there will be moderate to heavy rain with potential to cause riverine and flash flood for the mentioned areas thus all are urged to take necessary precautions. It is safer to stay away from water ways, creeks, rivers as they may flood and to stay away from higher places that may result in possible landslides. Those living on the coastal areas and island are to stay away or not travel during bad weather to avoid accidents at sea during this bad weather. Remember safety is important, stay alert, follow safety instructions to stay alive.

Following the recent media report regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-related benchmarks and the strong stand that the PNG Government was taking to strengthen the fight against money laundering and corruption, including the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as a fully independent body ICAC acknowledges the report and wishes to clarify its position. ICAC as an independent constitutional body operates without direction from external entities in establishing its priorities, they recognise the importance of governance benchmarks, however ICAC did not agree to the benchmarks placed upon the agency. ICAC clarifies that it is important to note that the tasks listed under these benchmarks fall outside the ICAC's direct control and rely on the actions of other government bodies. Thus, ICAC has already informed the IMF and Treasury of this position, highlighting that they have also requested written advice from both the IMF and the Treasury regarding the origin and rationale behind the inclusion of the ICAC in these benchmarks. The claim that PNG stands to lose millions due to a potential delay in IMF funding is highly speculative. The IMF retains full discretion in its decision-making and may well choose to proceed with the next phase of funding regardless of these two procedural benchmarks. ICAC therefore clarifies also that the appointment of an ICAC Oversight Committee is beyond the ICAC's control, and it is understood the responsible Secretariat is preparing to take steps towards the committee's appointment. In February 2024, the National Executive Council approved an ICAC submission for funding for Department of Prime Minister and NEC to establish a secretariat for the oversight committee. The ICAC is advancing discussions with several agencies to progress the MOUs and regardless of the existence of MOUs, the ICAC is developing strong relationships with key agencies. The ICAC remains fully committed to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Joint Taskforce hence ICAC has played a leading role in the formation of the AML Joint Taskforce (AM LJTF), launched in December 2024, and continues to work with key agencies to strengthen cooperation in tackling financial crimes. This is a clear priority for PNG's response to the FAT F Mutual Evaluation Report. The ICAC understands that the IMF is currently considering whether the agreements formalising the AMLJTF meets the requirements of the benchmark relating to MOUs. The ICAC also recognises the importance the funding from the IMF to the Government and the rationale behind establishing governance benchmarks, but the ICAC will not be directed as to how to fulfill its mandate. Their work is guided by their statutory independence under the Constitution, and the ICAC will continue to operate accordingly in the best interests of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) Bank has recently announced that Mr Kilepak Kitemong is the new Head of Technology for ANZ-PNG. Mr Kitemong’s appointment highlights ANZ's commitment to promoting local talent to key leadership roles within the bank. Over the past seven years, Mr Kitemong has been a senior member of the ANZ PNG Technology team, sharing best practice with global teams across the Asia Pacific region and supporting the IT infrastructure of ANZ's world class technology platforms. Commenting on his appointment, ANZ PNG Country Head, Lachlan Halstead, stated that Kilepak's appointment reflects ANZ's commitment to attracting, developing and promoting Papua New Guineans to senior leadership positions within the bank. "Kilepak's leadership skills and his deep technical expertise mean he is well-placed to help us develop and innovate our technology strategy to support our customers and the PNG economy." "Technology and digital banking are continuing to redefine our business and how our customers interact with us." "l look forward to working closely with Kilepak and continuing to draw on his expertise," Mr Halstead said. Kilepak Kitemong is the latest Papua New Guinean to be promoted into a senior management role, following Florida Rita's appointment to Head of Transaction Banking. Mr Kitemong who has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Computing from the University of Technology is pleased to be appointed to a senior role in the bank. "l am pleased to be joining the ANZ PNG leadership team, and it's great to be a part of a company and culture that is committed to developing its local team members."