The Port Moresby Technical College (POM TECH) is not having any classes today in respect of a student who was tragically killed in a freak accident on Saturday 12th April. The student body agreed to suspend classes today following the tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of Jeremiah Peka, a first-year student from the West New Britain Province. At this time, the POM TECH West New Britain Student Association are waiting for the arrival of late Jeremiah Peka’s family from West New Britain to have a meeting with the school administration on what steps to take next with his body. The West New Britain Student Association has confirmed that they will present their concerns to the administration and the immediate family present theirs by this afternoon. According to the WNB Student Association, the school administration has agreed to stand with the student body and suspend classes today. It is understood the institution will be hosting a meet the parents of the late student and the West New Britain Students Association at 2pm.

The Rumginae School of Nursing in North Fly District, Western Province, marked its 50th anniversary with a graduation ceremony held on Friday, April 11 where 23 health professionals graduated. This health institution run by Evangelical Church of PNG had produced over 800 Community Health Workers since its establishment in early 1967. The Western Province will see more nursing officers and community health workers in the near future as Rumginae School of Nursing is committed to train and equip health professionals. The 50th graduation ceremony of CHW held last Friday will contribute to improve health services in rural areas within Western Province and PNG. The Rumginae Mission Station run by ECPNG provides health training including missionary training which both are aimed at equipping students and graduates with better clinical trainings and act of service to others. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Rosie Crowter in representing the Unevangelized Fields Mission who were the early missionaries who brought health and mission services into North Fly District who are currently known as Pioneers International, said their great effort in training health workers had been fruitful at Rumginae and Western Province as a whole. She said that Rumginae Nursing School remains highly regarded with many students not only from Western Province but from PNG who applied because of its respected legacy left behind by early missionaries and trainers. “First doctors arrived in 1966 with vision to train nationals to take over the work. Their priorities were to ensure there was a good training school. Early missionaries and health workers brought health and mission services," she said. Currently, the school is offering both CHW and Diploma in General Nursing program to ensure that the development plan of the Provincial Government is achieved for improved health delivery services in Western Province. Also speaking at the graduation ceremony, the school principal Mr. Amos Kupaloma thanked all development partners, Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and National Department of Health and pioneer health workers for their continued support towards improving this health institution. “The school is growing in terms of its learning facilities such as a library, classrooms and dormitory for students. More support is still needed to train and produce more health professionals,” he said. In total, 23 CHW students graduated after completing their two-year studies at Rumginae. Graduates have been urged to serve people in remote areas with skills and knowledge gained at the health institution as well as maintaining their code of conduct and work ethics when employed. Rumginae, being the first health institution in PNG and Western Province, is looking forward to train, equip and produce more health professionals in years to come.

Since its inception in 2022, Kopr8 Mixed Futsal championship has seen a total of ten (10) championships with the final round robin matches played on Saturday at the Taurama Aquatic Centre. According to Kopr8 Sports & Events Director Julienne Bodigai, the competition runs quarterly with the aim to bring companies together to not only relax and enjoy the sport but to also create bonds and networking. “We love to encourage the idea of people getting out of their offices to stay fit and do a little jog and before they get back to their offices. Most people just sit in their office the whole day, go home and repeat the same thing. So, we just love to do that.” “With this competition, championship number ten (10), we’ve got twenty-two (22) companies taking part for this year. So, we’ve divided them into 2 pools, and we just have one round robin of games and then we go into the finals.” Julienne said, the five (5) aside futsal competition only runs for two days at the end of every quarter with the aim to bring in more corporate companies to take part, stay fit and enjoy the sport. She said, the registration fee for every quarter is K1, 000 and the take home prize money for the three (3) top teams: K2, 500. 00 for 1st place, K1, 500.00 for 2nd place and 3rd place is, K1, 000. 00. Julienne mentioned that every team is allowed to bring in four (4) guest players, and of the 4 players, two (2) must be dependents. “We also love to encourage males and females to participate. This is why we’ve been continuing to run mixed teams only.” She encouraged more teams to take part in the upcoming second quarter of the Kopr8 Futsal Championships in June or July. Meanwhile, the National Sports Trust Limited claimed the championship 10 title.

In a strong reaffirmation of the government’s development agenda, Prime Minister James Marape, MP, emphasized that agriculture remains central to Papua New Guinea’s future. Speaking at the National Agricultural Industry Public-Private Sector Partnership Conference recently, he highlighted agriculture as a key driver of the country’s economic growth and rural development. The conference brought together stakeholders from across the sector, reinforcing the government's commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing the livelihoods of Papua New Guineans through strategic partnerships and sustainable initiatives. Prime Minister Marape highlighted the significance of the agriculture sector, which has been strategically divided into four vital components: the main Agriculture Department, Coffee, Cocoa, and Oil Palm. This restructuring aims to refine focus and boost the productivity of these subsets, integral to the nation’s economic framework. “For four consecutive years, we have witnessed a growth of four percent in the non-resource sector,” PM Marape stated. “This growth is a testament to the effective harnessing of economic activity and productivity that sustains our people.” The Prime Minister also addressed graduates in attendance, urging them to leverage their education and communal resources to foster agribusiness initiatives. “With your wealth of knowledge gained from learning institutions, you can utilize your lands and collaborate with your tribal clansmen to drive business success." "This is your opportunity to make a profound impact,” he said. PM Marape committed to taking the insights and outputs from the conference back to his office to form actionable strategies to further advance the agricultural sector. He referred to the Government’s price support program launched in 2020 and emphasized the critical need for an established policy mechanism, particularly in light of six years without a robust agricultural structure from the Agriculture Department. “How can we progress without an established policy mechanism?” he challenged. Despite the visible improvements in infrastructure, PM Marape expressed concern over lagging productivity levels. Encouraging the agricultural community, he implored stakeholders to take full advantage of recent legislative changes, including the new income tax act, which offers reductions in taxes and enhanced incentives and tariff measures. “The government is also establishing access to Asian markets, particularly China, and we are actively working with bilateral partners to enhance food security,” Marape added, highlighting the Administration’s efforts to integrate Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector into the global market. In conclusion, the Prime Minister reiterated his belief in agriculture as a vital driver for the nation’s economic future and a key element in enhancing food security and community well-being. The government remains committed to supporting the agriculture sector and its stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring sustainable growth for generations to come.

The Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU), located just outside Port Moresby city, saw the graduation of just over 200 students today in its 5th graduation ceremony. Theme: “Coalescing minds, building communities and nation”, the graduation saw 201 students graduate from the various courses offered by the university. While congratulating the graduands, Acting Vice Chancellor Auvita Rapilla encouraged the students to be proud of today as they have reached a big milestone in their lives which will take them places, if used in the right way. She said, “you are not just receiving degrees, you are being entrusted with the responsibility to lead, serve, and to shape the future of the nation and determine its path for the next 50 years and beyond. Today marks an important milestone in your life, one that reflects years of effort, dedication and growth. You have worked hard, faced challenges, and reached this important stage in your journey.” She said, through this journey, all experienced different challenges along the way but are now at the end of this academic journey and are now set for the next chapter. “With all the knowledge you have acquired from the IBS University, it is now up to you to put it into practice, translate it into action and make impact.” As the country celebrates 50 years of independence, there is a need for industrious and ambitious value driven professionals with the right work ethic and ethos for modern day challenges. “And so today, you are not just receiving degrees, you are being entrusted with the responsibility to lead, to serve, and to shape the future of our beloved nation, and determine its path for the next 50 years and beyond.” Out of the 201 students, a total of 5 students were awarded academics excellence awards.

EU-STREIT PNG Programme Strengthens Fisheries Sector and Empowers Local Communities in Papua New Guinea. This time the Programme successfully distributed critical resources to over 13,000 fisher folks in the greater Sepik region, empowering local communities and enhancing their livelihoods through sustainable fisheries development. The initiative, which involved the delivery of 50 engine-powered boats and 200 durable fishing canoes to 91 fisher groups, is set to improve fish catch, boost income opportunities, and contribute to food and nutrition security for coastal, island, and riverine communities in the region. The EU-STREIT PNG Programme equipped coastal and island fisher groups with 23-foot craft boats, each powered by a 40 HP outboard engine, along with essential fishing and safety equipment. Riverine communities along the Sepik River received between one and five durable plastic canoes, depending on group size, designed to withstand various water conditions. In addition to the boats and canoes, the Programme provided crucial accessories, including fish baskets, 200 and 800-litre cooler boxes, and solar kits to improve fish storage and processing. “These communities rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods, and many of them are located in hard-to-reach areas,” said Mr. Mohammed Zakir Hossain, Fisheries Officer for the Programme. “This support will directly enhance their ability to catch more fish, both for household consumption and for sale, ultimately improving their quality of life.” Mr. Job Opu, the Programme’s National Fisheries Value Chain Officer, emphasized the added value of the boats and canoes for transportation. “These resources are not only vital for fishing but also for delivering fresh and processed fish to markets, which will open up new economic opportunities for local communities.” A key focus of the initiative was empowering women, many of whom play an essential but often under-recognized role in the fisheries value chain. Among the beneficiaries were 57 mothers from the Kararau Cooperative Society Group in East Sepik, who received two canoes. Women's spokesperson Ms. Ruth Kami expressed her gratitude: "For many of us, our husbands have passed away, and we cannot afford dugout canoes. These new canoes will make a real difference in our lives." The Kandangapma Women’s Business Group, with 150 members from Angoram Service Camp along the Sepik River, also received support. Chairlady Ms. Tina Savinio highlighted the impact: "These canoes will help our mothers in the village catch more fish, improve nutrition, and generate income through fish sales." The Programme’s Gender & Youth Inclusion Specialist, Ms. Patu Shang, emphasized the importance of inclusion: “This initiative not only supports women in their role as food producers but also strengthens the entire community’s economy. Sustainable development is achieved when both men and women work together." The EU-STREIT PNG Programme's approach extends beyond providing equipment; it also focuses on building the capacity of local fisher groups through training in improved fishing techniques, as well as in fish production, processing, and marketing. East Sepik Deputy Governor Mr. David Kausik thanked the EU-funded initiative and urged recipients to use the resources effectively: “These boats are a valuable asset. I encourage all fishing groups to make the most of this support to improve both their catches and their incomes.” The distribution follows a fisheries value chain study commissioned by the Programme and conducted by the PNG National Fisheries Authority. The study identified key challenges in the Sepik region’s fisheries sector and informed the Programme’s strategies for upgrading and investment.

Westpac is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Cairns as the new Chief Executive for Papua New Guinea, effective immediately. Andrew brings a wealth of leadership experience in banking, social finance, telecommunications, and corporate social responsibility, having worked in Australia, the South Pacific, Asia, and the United States. With a proven record of driving business growth, operational success, and innovation, Andrew’s expertise will be crucial in further strengthening Westpac’s role as a reliable financial partner in PNG. Emma Low, Managing Director of Westpac Pacific, welcomed Andrew to the role. "It’s a pleasure to officially welcome Andrew Cairns as Chief Executive of Westpac PNG.” “With two decades of experience leading growth, innovation, and operational efficiency, Andrew has a strong focus on people development.” “His background in leading transformation and sustainable growth aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative banking solutions and promote financial inclusion.” “Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our customers, expand our digital banking services, and contribute to economic growth in the communities we serve." “Andrew assumes the role at a pivotal time as Westpac focuses on enhancing accessibility, embracing digital innovation, and offering customer-centred solutions in PNG.” “His leadership will ensure that the bank remains adaptable in response to market changes while continuing to support financial empowerment and responsible banking practices.” Reflecting on Westpac’s longstanding ties to PNG, Andrew described joining the team as an incredible privilege. He remarked, "While banking is what Westpac does, it’s not what defines us.” “Our primary goal is to contribute to the prosperity of our customers, helping them achieve their dreams and build better futures for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses." "There’s much to be excited about as we move forward together. I first visited Papua New Guinea about ten years after its independence, and while a lot has changed, the opportunities to create sustainable outcomes and long-lasting value are still abundant.” “I’m eager to be part of the Westpac PNG team, and my initial focus will be to listen, learn, and ensure that our customers’ needs are at the center of our strategies." Westpac is excited about the future under Andrew’s leadership and looks forward to continuing to build on its strong foundation to deliver meaningful value to customers, employees, and stakeholders.

With more support to show to our national sport “rugby league”, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has come on board to support the sport of football to grow and expand the code across the country with a financial support of K1 million to the PNG Football Association (PNGFA). OTLM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kedi Ilimbit, said just like rugby, many kids throughout the country also enjoy playing soccer, which is why OTML has come on board to support the development of soccer. He said OTML been a 100% owned company that’s been helping in the education, health, employment and other sectors want to see and grow renowned soccer players for tomorrow. Development pathways must start in schools and villages with financial aid to boost the code. “In order to get the kids involved from primary school and if we want to produce renowned soccer players, we must start in the schools and villages.” “However, they can’t just start without any support, they need soccer equipment such as balls, nets, cones, water bottles.” “Soccer needs to be encouraged in the country.” “Soccer will also bring many young girls to play.” “There is not boundary to soccer. Soccer will bring more people in to participate than rugby which is a more physical sport.” Mr. Ilimbit challenged PNGFA president John Kapi Natto not to play soccer politics but instead, to develop the code and stretch it out to the outmost parts of the country to encourage young athletes to join and develop their skills. “By 2030, the FIFA cup will be on and let us see some of our young people out there as reserves.” “We could also become the champions of the OFC FIFA qualifiers and participate in the World Cup.” “My challenge to John and the team is, don’t play soccer politics. It is all about helping our people, especially the young people.” He added that soccer brings more revenue than any other sport which is enough to look after a village. Meanwhile, PNGFA President John Kapi Natto said this sponsorship will go a long way to advancing football in the country by providing much needed resources for training programs as well as grassroots initiatives that are currently running, and the youth’s pathway programs all the way to the national teams. Kapi Natto reaffirmed their commitment to the development of youth programs with the annual Youth League that runs in all four regions. “Football is not just a game; it is a vehicle for change, a source of unity and a catalyst for person and professional growth.” “With your generous support, we will be able to nurture the talents of our young players, create opportunities for them to excel and inspire the next generation of football stars.” He further acknowledged OTML stating that it has long been recognized as a leader in corporate responsibility and its investment in sports exemplifies tour commitment to the communities to serve by supporting PNGFA. “You are helping to build a brighter future, especially for our youths.”

To tackle the increasing number of cervical cancers in Papua New Guinea, the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and the City Pharmacy Foundation Inc. have announced a new initiative called “Her Health Hub”, which will provide critical diagnostic services for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer for women and girls in PNG. Ultimately, this initiative will see the everyday Papua New Guinean woman have access to HPV and cervical cancer screening for only K20. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF) Bronwyn Wright, said women and Girls will be assisted by Doctors and Nurses who have been specifically trained for this project, with test results provided on the same day as the screening. If a referral for treatment is required, it will be provided immediately, and their project partners will prioritize her care. “Cervical cancer remains a significant threat to the health and well-being of women across the country, and HPV is recognized as its primary cause.” “This project will utilise GeneXpert machines, which will be installed and maintained, along with a continuous supply of specific consumables and additional equipment,” said Wright. She said, the GeneXpert system is globally recognized for its rapid and accurate diagnostics and is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). All of these items, including key operational support, have been generously provided by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and made possible by the expertise of the team at Meddent, a proud division of the Brian Bell Group and made possible by the expertise from the team at Meddent. “The Her Health Hub will be based at the Stop & Shop Badili supermarket premises and will house the first two machines, serving as the primary facility for administering the tests.” “The CPL Foundation has provided a qualified clinical team to deliver healthcare services, along with a brand-new facility and training and upskilling opportunities for the clinical team, ensuring high-quality service delivery.” “Additionally, the teams will collaborate with local stakeholders to encourage more women to seek health care.” “Together, CPL Foundation Inc. and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation are committed to: Delivering high-quality, accessible HPV testing services through trained staff at the CPL Wellness Clinics. Ensuring timely and accurate results to empower women with knowledge about their health. Raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention and the importance of early intervention.” This collaboration represents a significant step toward enhancing women’s access to essential health services, made possible by the private sector coming together and partnering with subject matter experts to positively impact the lives of women and girls, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for Papua New Guinea. Founder and Chairman of CPL Foundation, Sir Mahesh Patel said, it’s been their mission to provide this life saving treatment after they’ve seen a few of their female employee’s die at the hands of this treatable disease. “It’s always very heartbreaking. And it’s a silent killer. It claims far too many of our women and girls often without them knowing what they’re facing, and there are hundreds and hundreds of girls that die each year.” He stated that after one conversation last year, both foundations took the bold stand to come together and make a difference for women and girls with the opening of the “Her Health Hub” that will open in three weeks time. With the MoU signing, Sir Patel stated, “This is not just a document, it’s a promise that we will work together tirelessly, collaboratively with an urgency to fight cervical cancer in PNG.” “A promise that no women and no girl should have to die from a disease that is preventable.” Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality Stephanie Copus Campbell said that this is a strong collaboration that aims to build a stronger community for women and girls. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common viral infection and if left untreated, HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Furthermore, a call of urgency from Port Moresby General Hospital Obstetrics and Gynaecology Coordinator Dr. Mary Bagita, for women and girls aged 30-59 to do routine screening. “Early screening is extremely important because cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in PNG.” She stressed that it's better to get tested than to wait until symptoms appear. She added that some common early signs of cervical cancer include bleeding after sex and foul-smelling discharge.

The inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit 2025 was held today in Port Moresby city, giving a fair understanding of this transformative tool, its massive benefits and the responsibility that comes with using it. The Summit, which was hosted at the Crown Hotel, was organized by the International Training Institute (ITI) and the PNG Centre for Advancement of Internet Technology, themed, "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient and Inclusive Papua New Guinea." In his keynote address, Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu, highlighted the Summit as a significant milestone in PNG's digital journey. He linked the event to the government’s digital transformation agenda that began in 2019, positioning AI as an essential component for both government and private sector adoption. “Issues such as AI bias, data privacy, and the risk of automation displacing jobs must be at the heart of our national dialogue,” Minister Masiu said. “We must not allow AI to deepen inequalities or threaten our cultural values. Instead, we must guide its adoption to serve the public good.” Minister Masiu announced that the Department of Information and Communications Technology is finalizing a National AI Adoption Framework—a national policy and governance structure that will guide how AI is used responsibly, ethically, and inclusively across the country. He also called on education institutions to take the lead in preparing young people to use AI wisely. “I take this opportunity to challenge our universities and higher education institutions to integrate AI and digital ethics into their curricula,” he said. “It is not enough to produce coders—we must produce citizens and leaders who know how to harness AI for national development, in a way that is ethical, inclusive, and grounded in our values.” The Minister emphasized that AI is already shaping the world, and its impact depends on how countries choose to handle it. “Artificial Intelligence is not the future—it is the now. But whether it becomes a tool for liberation, or a driver of division depends on the choices we make today,” he said. He expressed concern over the growing misuse of AI, especially in areas like fake videos and images, saying this raises important questions about how society should respond. “It can be abused and used for purposes that can be detrimental to our development,” he warned. Masiu said as a responsible government, it is our responsibility to make sure that the use of AI is governed to protect our citizens.” “Therefore, how we approach the use of AI must be guided well by policy and legislation.”

The Department of Provincial & Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) has set a target to open the long-awaited Wutung Border Post on 16th September 2025, aligning with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. This milestone will benefit the people of Wutung and the wider West Sepik Province, while strengthening ties between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Marepo Eoe, stated, “There is no better time or gift for the people of Wutung than to open the long-awaited Wutung Border Post and light up their homes on Independence Day 2025. This project reflects our commitment to improving lives and enhancing our relationship with Indonesia.” To ensure successful completion, an Inter-Agency Border Development Working Committee has been formed, led by DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo. This committee coordinates the efforts of various agencies, including PNG Customs, Immigration, ICA, NAQIA, and others. The PNG Government acknowledges the support from the Republic of Indonesia and its state power company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), for extending power lines to Wutung village as part of Indonesia’s 78th Independence Anniversary gift. This strengthens their ongoing partnership, which includes providing essential services such as healthcare, telecommunications, and education. Key progress on the Wutung Border Post includes: Infrastructure Readiness: Inspections of facilities and staff housing are complete, with refurbishments underway. Water Supply: A water reservoir is under construction, with completion expected by July 2025. Electricity Connection: Efforts to connect power from the Indonesian grid are ongoing. A budget of K10 million has been allocated to ensure the project’s timely completion. The opening of the Wutung Border Post will not only enhance border management and trade but also deliver critical services to the people of Wutung, improving their quality of life. Minister Eoe reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the project and thanked all stakeholders, especially the people of Wutung, for their patience and cooperation.

Sir John Pundari has reiterated that any leader who seeks to bring about change in the current regime must be free of systemic corruption and dishonesty, emphasizing that individuals who embody these negative traits are unfit for the office of Prime Minister. "A leader who aspires to make a difference must first be clear of corruption and theft. These behaviors have no place in the leadership of our nation, and those who engage in such practices are unfit to govern," said Sir Pundari. He also expressed concern over leaders with authoritarian tendencies, drawing comparisons to figures like Idi Amin of Uganda and Saddam Hussein of Iraq, noting that such leaders, who impose dictatorial control in their regions, are unsuitable to lead a democratic nation like Papua New Guinea. "Leaders who exploit conflicts for personal gain, or who rejoice in the destruction and loss of life, are faceless and unfit for public office. Our nation deserves better," Sir John added. He further emphasized that true leadership is about unity, stating, "A leader who cannot unite their people for peace and stability, or fails to bring fellow leaders from their own province together, cannot unite the nation. True leadership requires authenticity, humility, and a focus on prioritizing the well-being of citizens." As a senior leader from Enga Province, Sir John Pundari expressed his unwavering support for Prime Minister James Marape, stating that he and other leaders have supported Marape through votes of no confidence because they believe stability is crucial for the country's progress. “With only two years remaining before the next general elections, it is important to continue standing by Prime Minister Marape. The people of Papua New Guinea will decide who they want as their next leader at the ballot box," he said. Concluding his statement, Sir John affirmed, "As a senior leader in support of Prime Minister Marape, I will always prioritize my district's and the nation's interests over personal gain. I remain steadfast in my support and will offer advice whenever needed."