In a major step toward strengthening Papua New Guinea’s small business economy and international trade links, Pom City Markets has partnered with New China Town (Baosen International Holdings Ltd) to launch a monthly SME marketplace, beginning this Saturday, July 26, at the New China Town site in Port Moresby. Running from 8:00am to 5:00pm, the event will combine commerce, culture, and community spotlighting over 100 local SMEs in a vibrant setting complete with entertainment, performances, and cultural showcases. More than just a local shopping event, the new Pom City Market days will serve as a platform for economic empowerment and regional connection. Vendors from across PNG will display products ranging from traditional bilums and fashion to fresh produce, art, and homemade food. Many of these entrepreneurs are preparing to transition into permanent storefronts in the soon-to-open New China Town Mall. “This is about building a more inclusive and supportive business community culture, accessible to all our people,” said Sylvia Pascoe, founder of Pom City Markets and Managing Director of Pascoe Events. “We want to show that with determination and the right platforms, local SMEs can compete and thrive not just here at home, but internationally.” Saturday’s event promises something for everyone, with live performances, face painting, a bouncy castle, and a special presentation of “Heke” — the acclaimed play by award-winning PNG playwright Andrew Kuliniasi, showing at 10am and 2pm on the main stage. This mix of business and entertainment reflects the event’s broader goal: supporting the SME sector while celebrating PNG’s rich culture and talent. The partnership between Pom City Markets and New China Town is a strategic move to expand PNG’s business footprint, especially as the country approaches its 50th year of Independence. Organizers believe that by linking local entrepreneurs with Chinese investors and buyers, the event can help transform village-based production into export-ready enterprises. “There is so much potential for our people if only the everyday PNGean is given access to networking opportunities,” said Pascoe. “We are stopping the city drift by ensuring money reaches our people far and wide — where it’s needed the most.” Highlighting the global potential, she pointed to international benchmarks: Australia’s creative industries are valued at over AUD$650 million, while China's cultural trade is worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The event has already drawn interest from local and international businesses looking to source PNG-made products and explore investment opportunities in sectors like agriculture, coffee, crafts, and textiles. “This partnership opens new doors for our people — doors that were once unimaginable,” Pascoe said.

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Managing Director Mr. Wapu Sonk has stepped down from his position as a director on the PNG NRL Franchise Board, following the publication of serious allegations of corruption by the Sydney Morning Herald concerning his business dealings in his current role at the State-owned Organization. Prime Minister James Marape confirmed the move after speaking with Mr. Sonk, who is currently overseas. “I have spoken to Mr. Sonk and requested that he step down from his role as a Director on the PNG NRL Franchise Board effective immediately. He has agreed to do so,” the Prime Minister said in a statement. PM Marape emphasized that the decision does not imply guilt but was necessary to protect the integrity of the national NRL bid. “This is not a presumption of guilt. Mr. Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners.” The Prime Minister reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and public trust, and reassured the public, the Australian Government, and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) of the government’s full cooperation with any relevant investigations. “The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy,” Marape said, while also thanking Mr. Sonk for his contributions to the early stages of PNG’s NRL bid.

The Solomon Islands have written a new chapter in Oceania football history, defeating defending champions Papua New Guinea 3-2 after extra-time to win the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji. In a thrilling final, the Solomon Islands led three times and were twice pegged back by Papua New Guinea, who played more than half the match with ten players. But a decisive 94th-minute strike by substitute Jemina David sealed the victory and secured the nation's first-ever major football title. Appearing in their first-ever OFC Women’s Nations Cup final, the Solomon Islands made a confident start. In the 18th minute, Lorina Solosaia, who had scored against PNG in Olympic qualifying last year, capitalized on a loose ball in midfield. Driving forward with purpose, she calmly slotted a low right-footed shot into the bottom left corner to give her side a surprise early lead. They nearly doubled their advantage four minutes later when Almah Gogoni was played through on goal, but PNG goalkeeper Lavina Hola made a sharp save to keep her team in the game. PNG, with two previous finals under their belt, struggled to find their rhythm until the closing minutes of the first half. In the 42nd minute, a dangerous cross into the box was mishandled by Solomons goalkeeper Zainab Donga, allowing captain Ramona Padio to pounce and score from close range—her first goal of the final—to draw the match level at 1-1. But just moments after the restart, disaster struck PNG. Defender Merolyne Sali was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Madeline Arukau at the edge of the area. Arukau stepped up to take the resulting free kick and curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the top corner, restoring the Solomon Islands’ lead at 2-1 heading into halftime. Down to ten players but not out, PNG came out fighting in the second half. In the 65th minute, Ramona Padio once again took charge. Lining up a free kick from range, she delivered a powerful shot that crashed in off the crossbar for her second goal of the game, making it 2-2 and cementing her status as one of the tournament’s standout performers. With the sides deadlocked after 90 minutes, the final headed into extra-time for the first time in OFC Women’s Nations Cup history. The numerical disadvantage finally caught up with Papua New Guinea in extra-time. Just four minutes into the additional period, Ileen Pegi slipped a well-weighted pass behind the PNG defense to Jemina David, who calmly beat Hola with a composed finish in the 94th minute—scoring what would prove to be the championship-winning goal. Fatigue and limited options hindered PNG’s ability to mount another comeback. The Solomon Islands expertly managed the remaining minutes, slowing the tempo and keeping possession to close out a historic win. Final Score: Solomon Islands 3 (Lorina Solosaia 18’, Madeline Arukau 45+3’, Jemina David 94’) Papua New Guinea 2 (Ramona Padio 42’, 65’) The Solomon Islands’ triumph marks not only a first title for the women’s national team but also cements their place as the fifth nation to lift the OFC Women’s Nations Cup trophy. It is a watershed moment for football in the Solomons and a symbol of the rising strength of women’s football across the Pacific.

In a monumental leap forward for Papua New Guinea’s healthcare system, Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has successfully performed two groundbreaking surgeries—the nation’s first neuro-thrombectomy and its first left heart bypass surgery—ushering in a new era of advanced medical care powered by local expertise and state-of-the-art technology. These medical milestones were made possible through the support of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), which funded and established the Kumul Petroleum National Health Centre (KPNHC) at PMGH. The facility houses cutting-edge equipment including a catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab), heart-lung machine, and advanced anesthetic systems, crucial in enabling these high-level procedures on home soil. On Tuesday, 8 July, a team at PMGH led by Dr. Wesong Boko, Director of Intervention and Invasive Cardiology, successfully performed the country's first neuro-thrombectomy—a procedure to remove a blood clot from the brain of a stroke patient. The patient was brought to the hospital within an hour of suffering a massive stroke and had lost consciousness with complete paralysis on one side. A CT scan confirmed a large clot in a major cerebral artery. The medical team, including Dr. Pham Nam and Cath Lab staff, performed the delicate clot retrieval procedure. “As soon as the clot was removed, the patient regained consciousness and muscle movement,” said Dr. Boko. “He walked out of the hospital just four days later. Without this intervention, he would likely have remained paralyzed for life.” Dr. Boko emphasized the importance of the treatment window, noting that clot retrieval is most effective within 4 to 6 hours of a stroke. The Cath Lab also now enables stenting, even in complex stroke cases involving old infarctions. Just over a week later, on Wednesday, 16 July, PMGH achieved another historic first with a successful open-heart surgery conducted entirely by a Papua New Guinean team. An 8-year-old boy from Mt Hagen underwent surgery to correct a congenital defect known as coarctation of the aorta. Specialist Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Noah Tapaua led the operation. During the procedure, the team also identified and treated a second condition—a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Due to the location of the defect, surgeons had to temporarily stop blood flow to the lower body, a high-risk step that was safely managed through the use of a left heart bypass—another national first. “The operation took about three hours and finished late in the evening. The child is now eating and drinking, and doing well post-surgery,” said Dr. Tapaua. “This is a proud moment for our team and a sign of what is possible when local talent is supported with the right tools and training.” He credited the success to collaboration across multiple departments and acknowledged the longstanding contributions of Operation Heart International (OHI), which has supported heart care in PNG for over 30 years. PMGH CEO Dr. Paki Molumi hailed the back-to-back successes as a transformative moment in national healthcare. “Lives are being saved today that would have otherwise been lost or permanently disabled,” he said. “This is not just a milestone for PMGH, but a national turning point.” Dr. Molumi extended thanks to Kumul Petroleum for its visionary investment in healthcare infrastructure, as well as to Operation Open Heart Foundation and international partners such as Singapore’s KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and National Heart Centre Singapore for their ongoing support in training local specialists. KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk reiterated that the company’s investment in health is part of its broader national development mission. “We are proud to not only build the energy sector but to invest in the health and future of Papua New Guinea’s people.” With local medical teams now capable of performing world-class procedures, these two landmark surgeries mark the beginning of a new chapter for healthcare in Papua New Guinea—where patients can receive advanced, life-saving treatment without having to go abroad.

Admiralty Islands FC continued their impressive Premier Soccer League campaign with a commanding 3–1 win over Blue Kumuls United in the first match of Saturday’s triple-header at the Port Moresby Football Stadium. The Manus-based side struck early and never looked back, thanks to a standout performance from veteran striker Nigel Dabinyaba. The former PNG international found the net twice in the first half, showcasing his trademark speed and composure in front of goal. His opening brace came from two well-executed team moves, giving Admiralty a 2–0 advantage at the break and leaving the Kumuls' defense struggling to cope. After halftime, Admiralty maintained their attacking intent. Midfielder Paskol Potuku added a third for the visitors with a composed finish, further tightening Admiralty’s grip on the match at 3–0. Blue Kumuls United managed to pull one back midway through the second half when Papalau Awele capitalized on a rare goalkeeping error by Admiralty. Despite some late pressure from the Kumuls, the Manus outfit held their defensive line and closed out the match without further incident. The result sees Admiralty Islands FC solidify their place among the top contenders in the league, with Nigel Dabinyaba’s clinical form proving key once again.

Respected senior and leading doctor in Papua New Guinea, Professor Glen Mola, Gynecologist at the Port Moresby General Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department has sounded the alarm on PNG’s fast-growing population, calling it a “national emergency” and urging urgent investment in family planning, education, and reproductive health services. In a high-level panel discussion to commemorate “World Population Day” hosted by Marie Stopes PNG in partnership with UNFPA, Prof. Mola highlighted that nearly 50% of the country’s population is under 18, raising serious questions about how the nation can cope with the demands of such a young demographic. “How on earth can you manage a country where half the population is under 19?” he asked. "You can't do much when you're 17. The demographic dividend depends on people who can do stuff.” Prof. Mola pointed to comparisons with countries like China, which implemented strict population policies to control growth and invest in its future. By contrast, PNG’s population has surged from 1.9 million in 1960 to an estimated 15 million today, with some regions seeing girls as young as teenagers arriving in cities, pregnant and without support. “We don’t meet people until they’re already pregnant,” he said. “And many girls are abandoned by their boyfriends before they even get medical help.” He emphasized the need for stronger sexual and reproductive health education, citing tragic cases of maternal deaths, illegal abortions, and babies dying in hospitals. The weekly mortality reviews in his department, he said, are heartbreaking. “We review 31 dead babies every Friday. Could we have saved them? Maybe — if we had better care, better planning, and fewer pregnancies.” A key message throughout his speech was family size: “The right number is two,” he repeated. “Too many babies mean no future for our families, and no future for PNG.” Despite education being seen globally as a solution to population growth, he warned that even tertiary-educated parents in PNG are having up to seven children, citing affordability and lack of long-term planning. “One couple earning over K8,000 a fortnight had their seventh child,” he said. “It’ll cost over a million kina to educate all of them — have they thought about that?” He called for a reorientation of the education system to focus not just on knowledge, but on implementation in everyday life. “We’re not implementing what we learn. And if we don’t start now, we’ll keep failing our children.” Prof. Mola closed with a stark message: the time for polite discussions is over. PNG’s future depends on acting now with urgency, honesty, and bold family planning measures.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has officially launched its Internal Audit Committee, a strategic move aimed at strengthening financial oversight, internal controls, and good governance within the organization. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Secretary for Strategic and Governance, Mr. Domanic Ira, commended the NCDPHA Board and Management for demonstrating accountability and transparency through the establishment of the committee. “This milestone shows that NCDPHA is committed to accountability and sound financial management.” “The formation of this committee will help build trust with government agencies, stakeholders, and development partners,” Mr. Ira said. Acting Chief Executive Officer of NCDPHA, Dr. Robin Oge, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transparency and responsible use of public funds. “The Board and Management of NCDPHA are promoting good governance and financial discipline.” “We will work closely with the Internal Audit Committee to ensure public resources are well managed to support quality health service delivery in the city,” Dr. Oge said. The Internal Audit Committee is expected to play a key role in strengthening systems and processes, ultimately supporting more efficient and effective healthcare services in the National Capital District.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has officially launched its Internal Audit Committee, a strategic move aimed at strengthening financial oversight, internal controls, and good governance within the organization. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Secretary for Strategic and Governance, Mr. Domanic Ira, commended the NCDPHA Board and Management for demonstrating accountability and transparency through the establishment of the committee. “This milestone shows that NCDPHA is committed to accountability and sound financial management. The formation of this committee will help build trust with government agencies, stakeholders, and development partners,” Mr. Ira said. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCDPHA, Dr. Robin Oge, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transparency and responsible use of public funds. “The Board and Management of NCDPHA are promoting good governance and financial discipline. We will work closely with the Internal Audit Committee to ensure public resources are well managed to support quality health service delivery in the city,” Dr. Oge said. The Internal Audit Committee is expected to play a key role in strengthening systems and processes, ultimately supporting more efficient and effective healthcare services in the National Capital District.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Highlands West and State of Emergency Controller in Porgera, Joseph Tondop, has called on citizens of the Porgera Paiela Electorate to participate peacefully and responsibly in the upcoming by-election on Thursday, July 17. The by-election follows the death of the late Honourable Maso Karipe, MP, in November 2023, and will see voters from the four Local Level Governments - Urban Porgera, Rural Porgera, Paiela Hewa, and Maip Mulitaka - select a new representative to the National Parliament. ACP Tondop confirmed that security personnel from Hela, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, and Enga have already been deployed to ensure a safe and secure polling environment. The Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC) will oversee the movement and protection of ballot boxes, with key deployments in Mulitaka and Porgera. “We are fully prepared to support a peaceful election process,” Tondop said. “Despite recent law and order challenges in 2024, we have worked closely with local leaders and stakeholders to restore stability in the region.” He acknowledged the efforts of the Porgera District Development Authority, New Porgera Limited, the Chief Secretary to Government, and members of both the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) for their contributions toward restoring peace in the area. Tondop also addressed the risks posed by the presence of illegal firearms, calling the by-election “a test of our collective commitment to democracy and the rule of law.” He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring that the election is conducted safely and fairly. “Let us take control through action and restore governance in this election. Fear no one but God, who will lead and protect us,” he said. He also warned that any election officials found to have vested interests would be “singled out and neutralised.” A pre-count of ballot papers is scheduled for Monday, July 14, at the Wabag Police Station under tight security. Due to high-risk concerns, all 16 polling locations for Paiela Hewa have been centralised to Paiam Station. Ballot boxes for Mulitaka will be securely held for 24 hours before polling begins. ACP Tondop concluded by urging all eligible voters to participate with integrity and help create a stable future for their children through peaceful and democratic means.

As Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence, the spotlight is turning not only to its political milestones but also to the quiet revolution in education—one shaped powerfully by women. Among the leaders steering this transformation is Tracy Wilson, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Review at the National Department of Education. Wilson’s journey from a curious young student at the YWCA Early Childhood Centre in Port Moresby to a national policymaker reflects the rise of women in leadership roles within PNG’s education sector. A graduate of Marianville High School, Sogeri National High, and the pioneering class of the University of Goroka, Wilson says education gave her more than knowledge - it gave her identity and direction. “I always looked forward to school. Books came alive for me,” she recalls. “Education made me a listener, a reader, a visionary.” Starting her career as a secondary school teacher, Wilson moved through roles in curriculum development and policy before becoming Assistant Secretary. Her work today focuses on creating inclusive, practical, and student-centred policies—such as those for Early Childhood Education, ICT in schools, and Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI). “I always ask: what problem are we solving, and how does this policy help a child in the classroom?” she says. Known for her rigorous preparation and clarity of thought, Wilson is praised for her strategic and compassionate leadership. She credits much of her professional strength to mentors and trailblazers who came before her - women like the late Barbara Sipou and Jennifer Sangga, and education stalwarts Dorcas Kilalema, Kila Vele, Jane Pagelio, and Mirou Avosa. “You had no choice but to rise,” she says of the high standards these women set. In a field often led by men, Wilson acknowledges gender remains a barrier—but not an insurmountable one. “The first hurdle is often not your idea, but your gender,” she says. Her strategy is simple: stay ready, speak clearly, and remain solution focused. “Women bring balance. We’re justice-oriented and thorough. Our presence improves decision-making.” Through her leadership in programs like the Australia-supported Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE), Wilson has helped implement GESI, WASH, and inclusive education policies nationwide—turning plans into real change in schools and communities. As PNG approaches its Golden Jubilee, Wilson says the next chapter must focus on equity and quality. “Every child deserves a chance, and that means ensuring women’s voices are present in every room where decisions are made.” Her advice to young women is practical and powerful: “Know your purpose. Lead with responsibility. Don’t chase titles - chase results.” As PNG honours the contributions of women to nation-building, Tracy Wilson’s story stands as a testament to leadership rooted in service, vision, and integrity - and as an inspiration to the next generation of women ready to shape the future of education.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has officially launched the Women in Resources and Energy (WIRE) Committee, a milestone initiative aimed at improving gender equity across the country’s mining, petroleum, and energy sectors. The launch comes as PNG marks its 50th year of independence and industrial growth—a fitting backdrop for an initiative designed to drive inclusion, diversity, and systemic change in one of the nation’s most critical industries. Despite progress in recent years, women in PNG’s resource sector remain underrepresented in operational, technical, and trade-based roles, with many facing cultural and structural challenges in the workplace. The WIRE Committee seeks to address these barriers and build an industry that is more inclusive, resilient, and reflective of the broader society it serves. “The day marks more than just the formation of a new committee. It signals a shared commitment to building a future-ready resources sector for Papua New Guinea,” said Ms. Karo Maha, Chair of the WIRE Committee and Country Manager of New Porgera Limited. “WIRE is not just about women - it’s about workforce equity. It's about acknowledging the silent achievers - the women working in underground mines, remote gas fields, and technical trades who are often unseen but essential.” The WIRE Committee has outlined five key objectives: • Promote women's participation in STEM, trades, and leadership roles • Identify and address systemic barriers to workplace equity • Recognise and elevate women in frontline, field, and underground roles • Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive industry culture • Advocate for policy reform, including the lifting of outdated restrictions on women working underground The launch event featured a panel discussion with 12 speakers from 11 major resource companies including ExxonMobil PNG, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), Newmont, New Porgera, K92 Mining, and Santos—many of which are already implementing programs to support women in technical and leadership positions. A key topic during the discussion was the urgent need to update PNG’s mining safety laws. The panel called on the government to fast-track the enactment of the revised Mining (Safety) Act, which has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. There is strong alignment between industry and government on the proposed reforms, and calls are mounting for the legislation to be brought before Parliament without delay. The launch of WIRE represents a significant step forward for gender inclusion in the sector, reinforcing PNG CORE’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive industry that empowers both women and men to thrive.

Papua New Guinea Women’s National Football Team Head Coach Ericson Komeng says his team is ready and focused as they prepare to face Fiji in a highly anticipated OFC Women’s Nations Cup semi-final, a rematch of the 2022 grand final. Komeng said the team has learned from their group stage matches and earlier friendlies and is confident heading into Thursday’s must-win encounter. “We’ve had good training sessions, and the girls are mentally and physically prepared,” said Komeng. “We’re focusing on ourselves, our attitude, and execution on the field.” He praised striker Marie Kaipu, who scored a hat-trick in their last match, calling her return a “big bonus” and highlighting her leadership. Midfielder Ramona Padio and defender Olivia Upaupa also received praise as key players, though Komeng emphasized the strength of the team. When asked about Fiji’s threat, Komeng acknowledged the host nation’s strength but said PNG is determined. “It will be a tough game, but if we stick to our plan and stay focused, we can get the win,” he said. He also credited the Women’s National Soccer League (WNSL) for developing local talent, saying it has helped elevate players to international standard. Coach Komeng called on fans back home to continue supporting the team, noting that team morale is high and injuries are minimal. “This game means a lot — not just for us, but for Papua New Guinea,” he said. The semi-final will be played on Thursday, July 17, at 1pm (PNG Time) in Suva.