The Central Provincial Government is hosting of the Papua Governor’s Dialogue 2025: Shaping the Next 50 years, starting today in Port Moresby city. Central Province Governor Rufina Peter said in partnership with the Governors of the Papua Region, the 2025 Papua Governors' Dialogue (PGD) is running for three days starting today Wednesday 26th and ending on the 28th of March. Under the theme "Papua Our Land, Our People, Our Future", in Motu "Eda Bese, Eda Tano, Eda Vaira Maurina", this significant gathering marks a milestone in Papua New Guinea's history, aligning with the nation's 50th Independence Anniversary. “I’ve put my hands up to host this event together with this administration is that 50th independence anniversary is an important milestone event. But it calls upon the leadership of today in terms of what contributions do we make as we reach 50 years? And so the responsibility falls on the political leadership of today to give that hope and confidence to the region,” said Governor Peter. It serves as a pivotal platform for leaders and stakeholders to reflect on progress, address challenges, and lay the foundation for the next 50 years of development and unity in the Papua Region. “How do we address these issues that confront us today and deal with emerging issues. And also, what are the challenges that are present to us where we can work collaboratively to enhance those opportunities for the betterment of our people.” The 2025 PGD will convene Governors, Members of Parliament, national leaders, civil society representatives, youth advocates, church leaders, business stakeholders, and community representatives from across the five provinces of the Papua Region. The discussions will focus on fostering inclusive development, strengthening governance, and maximizing the region's economic and social potential. Key Highlights of the 2025 PGD: · Plenary and panel discussions featuring high-level dialogues on economic equity, governance reform, human capital development, and workforce advancement. · Focus on customary land ownership, resource benefit-sharing, and infrastructure development as catalysts for economic transformation. · Cultural showcases, SME markets, and traditional performances, celebrating the region's rich heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. · Signing of the 2025 Port Moresby Papua Accord, a landmark declaration outlining a collective vision for regional safety, unity, resilience and progress. Governor Peter stated that while the Prime Minister is away on duty travels, the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, will officially officiate the opening of the event. Other distinguished leaders including Rufina Peter, Governor of Central Province; Chris Haiveta, Governor of Gulf Province; Garry Juffa, Governor of Oro Province; Gordon Wesley Governor of Milne Bay Province, Toboi A. Yoto Governor of Western Province, Powes Parkop Governor for NCD, and Sir Puka Temu and MP Member for Abau, will be making presentations during the Conference. “The last session will be for all the governors to present our vision for our provinces, region and also as a country. As leaders of today, the question is, what is our vision for our region and going forward as a country with the ultimate goal to keep the country united as one nation.” Governor Peter further mentioned that the outcome of the three-day dialogue is to have a. 1 2025 Port Moresby-Papua Accord, and 2 To set an institutional structure/framework to coordinate the implementation of what is captured in the accord. As Papua New Guinea commemorates five decades of independence, the 2025 Papua Governors' Dialogue is a momentous opportunity to shape the country's future. This event will set a clear path toward a stronger, more inclusive, and economically empowered Papua Region.

PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports), which oversees 15 ports across Papua New Guinea, including the international terminals in Port Moresby and Lae, is pleased to announce the appointment of Deborah Onga as Chief Commercial Officer, which will come into effect on April 1, 2025. In her new role, Onga will lead the Commercial Division, with key responsibilities including the commercialization of port assets, the development of the Lae Industrial Park, and stakeholder management. Bringing extensive experience across the maritime, logistics, and property development sectors, Onga is well-positioned to drive PNG Ports’ commercial strategy. PNG Ports CEO Neil Papenfus welcomed her appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to have Ms. Onga joining us as Chief Commercial Officer. Not only is she an outstanding corporate commercial lawyer, but she also brings significant expertise in areas that align with our key objectives—particularly large-scale land development projects and our multi-million Kina port refurbishment program." Papenfus also highlighted that Onga’s appointment aligns with PNG Ports' gender equality initiatives and reflects the Government’s commitment to gender inclusivity in leadership roles. Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Onga said, "I am honored to join one of our nation's State-Owned Enterprises and look forward to contributing to PNG Ports’ legacy of driving national development and economic growth. I am especially excited about the opportunity to help shape a new era of innovation and commercial excellence for PNG Ports."

March 24th, every year is observed as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to raise awareness about this deadly infectious disease and accelerate global efforts to eliminate it, something which Papua New Guinea continues to work on especially with the high cases of the disease recorded each year. The Central Provincial Health Authority (CPHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. James Amini is one of many health professionals on the eve of World TB Day, is calling for increased TB screenings to address the rising number of cases in the country. In 2024, PNG recorded over 45,000 new cases of TB, with young working-age adults and children being the most affected. The disease is highly concentrated in Port Moresby and Lae, the country’s main business hubs, posing a significant threat to workforce productivity and community health. Hence, strengthening prevention, early detection, and treatment efforts is crucial to combating TB’s impact nationwide. Dr. Amini said, TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. He said, TB affects the respiratory system where overcrowding is one common factor that contributes to the rapid and widespread of TB, particularly in densely populated areas. He stated that TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. However, he emphasized that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable with proper medical intervention and public health measures. “One of the most common types of TB is pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs. The symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, and breathlessness. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are essential for curing pulmonary TB. The issue with TB is that it can affect all the systems in the body which then can affect the lymph nodes, the brain-TB meningitis, the bones and any part of the body.” “But the initial spread is through respiratory. So, overcrowding becomes an issue because it’s easy to pass on the germ easily.” Dr. Amini said, when testing is done for a patient, the whole family needs to be screened to be certain another family member is not infected. He stated that, if someone has a cough for more than ten days (or 2 weeks), night sweats and loss of weight, they need to get tested for TB as these are symptoms of TB. He further stated that, once a person recognizes the symptoms, they need to get checked. “When we have very good screening programs, were we screen the whole population to ensure that no one has TB, the numbers will go down. Because we will know who has TB, which people are developing symptoms, and they can be put on treatment.” This year’s theme is Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver, is a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability. Meanwhile, according to the World health Organization (WHO), about a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria. That’s about 5–10% of people infected with TB will eventually get symptoms and develop TB disease.

The Member of Parliament for Laigaip District and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Law-and-Order Aimos Akem, has donated three fully equipped ambulance Troopers to the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and Catholic Health Services. The handover ceremony, held at Sangurap Catholic Church, underscores his commitment to improving healthcare and emergency response in the region. The ambulances, valued at over K1 million, were allocated to Laiagam District Hospital, Yango Health Center, and Kepelam Health Centre, which is managed by Catholic Health Services. The donation also included essential medical accessories to enhance emergency response services. Representatives from the Laigaip MP’s office, Enga PHA, and Catholic Health Services attended the event. Notable attendees included EPHA Board Chairman and Deputy Provincial Administrator Mr. Kenneth Andrew, Director of Public Health Dr. Betty Koka, Medical Superintendent of Laiagam District Hospital Dr. Yau Besawe, and Ancillary Bishop of the Wabag Diocese, Bishop Justin Ain. Speaking on behalf of Akem, Executive Officer and District Project Coordinator, Mr. Londari Lasala highlighted the significance of holding the ceremony on church grounds. He emphasized that the MP’s decision aimed to prevent misuse of government assets and ensure services were delivered through proper channels. "The two main reasons are God's way and the system’s way," said Lasala. "Every service delivered should glorify the Lord and our Saviour, so all glory be to Him. Secondly, the system’s way is about using the proper government structures to ensure effective service delivery." "We do not need to bypass systems and claim to serve the people, as this often results in government assets falling into the wrong hands and wasting taxpayers' money," he elaborated EPHA Board Chairman Mr. Kenneth Andrew praised the initiative, calling it a “new and promising approach” to leadership. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in ensuring services reach the people efficiently. Bishop Justin Ain echoed this sentiment, urging the community to take responsibility for maintaining public assets. Mr. Andrew further emphasized the importance of such partnerships in ensuring services reach the people through the right channels. He appealed to all leaders to collaborate not only with Enga PHA but also with other government institutions to ensure that public funds are allocated efficiently and effectively. Meanwhile, the Ancillary Bishop of the Wabag Diocese, Bishop Justin Ain, commended the initiative taken by the Laigaip MP, calling it a positive and promising trend. He further challenged the community to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining public assets. "These are essential resources that will serve everyone in the community, especially those who rely on health centers and hospitals. It is crucial to take care of these assets so they can last and continue serving the people," urged Bishop Ain. The donation marks a significant step in strengthening healthcare services in Enga Province, reinforcing the collaboration between the government and religious institutions ahead of the opening of the new Enga Provincial Hospital.

Prime Minister James Marape has voiced his frustration over baseless criticism directed at the Government, particularly regarding the disbursement of over K529 million to Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) across Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister stated that contrary to claims of inaction and lack of funding, his government’s track record in releasing allocated funds remains consistent and above expectations. Prime Minister Marape highlighted that out of the total budget allocation of K529,095,022 for PHAs in 2023, a substantial amount of K519,958,345 has been transferred to PHAs nationwide. He stressed that the Government has done its part to release the funds and is now calling upon PHAs to report on how these funds have been utilized to improve healthcare services in their respective provinces. “What I find insulting is that despite claims of inadequate funding, our record on delivering the funds allocated remains above par. The data speaks for itself. The funds have been transferred, and now we need to see tangible results,” Prime Minister Marape said. He called on Provincial Health Administrators to assess the status of health services provided under their jurisdictions and provide detailed reports on the use of the funds received. Furthermore, he urged PHAs to be transparent and accountable in their financial reporting to avoid future scrutiny. “Leaders and the public continue to blame me, Deputy Prime Minister Rosso, my party, and ministers like Treasury for perceived lack of progress. However, the reality is that we have been diligent in our part. What I now need to see is the work being done with the funds received. I will not hesitate to bring in forensic accountants if these PHAs fail to properly report on their expenditures,” Prime Minister Marape warned.

The East New Britain Provincial Administration has formalized a partnership with St Joseph Training Centre in Balanataman LLG, Rabaul, through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) aimed at enhancing life skills training for women, men, and youth in local communities. This agreement strengthens efforts to equip individuals with practical skills, fostering self-reliance and community development. The signing took place yesterday at the St Joseph Training Centre at Iawakaka ward, coinciding with the Center’s 20th graduation ceremony for its cooking and sewing class. Present during the signing was ENB Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, Community Development acting Advisor Peter Tutmulai, members of the Rabaul District Management Team, Vicar General of the Rabaul Archdiocese Fr. Paul Kote and the Sisters from the Training Centre. Under the SLA, the Provincial Administration has committed K160, 000.00 to support the facilitation of training courses which includes cooking, baking, sewing and basic backyard and gardening skills. This funding will enable the center to conduct four training batches, each accommodating 40 participants. When speaking to the graduates, ENB Provincial Administrator Levi Mano emphasized on the graduation theme, “Empowered to make a difference in the society,” highlighting the significance of life skills acquired through these courses. He added that these skills would aid individuals and their families in generating income. “Today marks the beginning of your new journey. Cooking and sewing is a ministry and we must do it with love. Go forth, utilize your skills and earn from them,” Mano said. He also added that this year’s provincial budget has allocated specific funding for Family and Community Empowerment Program as a standalone initiative, which was previously included under Community Development. Meantime, the Director of St Joseph Training Centre Sr Erlinda Tuzon thanked the ENB Provincial Administration for their support and assured that they would implement the training programs in accordance with the Agreement. She also acknowledged the ongoing support from the Rabaul District Administration since the training’s inception in 2021. Sr Erlinda further said that the training programs have positively impacted many families, sharing success stories from individuals who have started their small catering and sewing businesses. She said that over the years, there has been an increase of participants not only from Rabaul district but also the other 3 districts, even from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and West New Britain Province. The next batch of training starts next month.

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to finalizing the Community Development Agreement (CDA) for the Porgera Mine and addressing landowner concerns. Responding to questions from Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas in Parliament recently, Prime Minister Marape commended the Governor’s leadership in navigating challenges such as lawlessness and tribal conflicts while maintaining a strong focus on development. The Prime Minister confirmed his visit to Enga Province on 31 March for the official opening of the Enga Provincial Hospital, now designated as a regional hospital with specialist facilities. He stated that discussions on the progress of the CDA process would also take place during this visit. "The new Porgera Mine agreement is structured to deliver greater benefits to Papua New Guinea’s stakeholders, including 51% equity for PNG beneficiaries, an increased 3% royalty rate, and a prioritized employment structure favoring Enga residents first, followed by other Papua New Guineans, and international hires last," Prime Minister Marape said. He also emphasized that all businesses operating at Porgera Mine must establish offices in Enga Province, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the local economy. Additionally, the CDA process will include submissions from West Sepik, Hela, and Western Provinces, given their inclusion in the environmental impact zone. "If the CDA process is concluded before 31 March, we will announce it during the hospital opening in Wabag." "Otherwise, a formal announcement will be made in April at Porgera," he stated. Prime Minister Marape reassured the people of Porgera that resettlement remains a key priority, acknowledging that no effective resettlement has taken place since the mine began operations in 1990. The new Porgera Agreement includes a comprehensive resettlement plan to support affected communities. He thanked Governor Ipatas for his patience and leadership, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the people of Enga Province.

Australian charity PNG Angels has successfully completed its eighth neurosurgical mission at Port Moresby General Hospital, providing essential medical care and training from the 17 to 21 March 2025. During this mission, the volunteer medical team collaborated with local doctors to perform a range of complex neurosurgical procedures, including Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF), craniotomy, laminectomy decompression, foraminotomy, and dura repair following a traumatic knife injury. These procedures not only delivered urgent medical care to patients but also served as hands-on training opportunities for hospital staff. As part of its commitment to strengthening healthcare in PNG, PNG Angels donated K568,000 worth of specialized medical equipment to Port Moresby General Hospital. In addition, the team provided training sessions to ensure local medical staff can confidently use the new technology. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Neurosurgeon at Port Moresby General Hospital, welcomed the donation of a neuroendoscope, calling it a major advancement for neurosurgery in PNG: “The introduction of skull base endoscopes will enable us to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat skull base tumors, pituitary lesions, CSF leaks, and other complex cranial conditions." "This technology will lead to safer surgeries, faster recoveries, and better patient outcomes.” "This mission also marks five years of partnership between PNG Angels and Port Moresby General Hospital." Dr. Paki Molumi, CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, highlighted the impact of this collaboration: “Since their first mission in 2020, PNG Angels has played a critical role in transforming neurosurgical care in Papua New Guinea." "Their volunteer teams have performed over 60 life-saving surgeries and delivered more than 774 hours of clinical training to our staff." "Their latest donation, including the neuroendoscope, will further enhance our ability to perform minimally invasive procedures, improving patient safety and recovery times." "On behalf of the hospital, I thank PNG Angels for their dedication to improving healthcare in PNG.” Dr. Marc Coughlan, Neurosurgeon and Founder of PNG Angels, emphasized the charity’s long-term goal: "While we have completed over 75 neurosurgical procedures in PNG, our main focus is education and training." "Our vision is to build a self-sufficient neurosurgery program in Papua New Guinea, ensuring long-term access to high-quality care.” The mission was led by an experienced team of medical professionals, including Dr. Luke Timmermans, Dr. Saeed Kohan, Dr. Saira Hussain, Asha Ajayakumar, Samantha Brown, Lisa Copp, Hannah Almady, Summer Leonard, and Melissa Millar, alongside PNG Angels’ directors Susannah Hales and Yvette Mobbs. Many of the volunteers have participated in multiple missions, strengthening long-term relationships with the local medical community. Dr. Saira Hussain, Specialist Anaesthetist, reflected on the experience: "Working alongside local teams was an incredible learning opportunity." "That human connection is invaluable, and I feel I learned as much from them as they did from me.” PNG Angels remains committed to improving patient outcomes, training local medical teams, and building long-term neurosurgical capacity in Papua New Guinea.

The Wardstrip Primary School in Port Moresby city was forced to suspend classes today following an altercation between a teacher and a student, which escalated into a confrontation involving the student’s parent and outsiders. According to Head Teacher Mr. Rotona Girana, the incident began yesterday when a Grade 8 student was reprimanded for tampering with the classroom switchboard. The teacher reportedly told the student that if he could not follow instructions, he might be transferred to another class. Following the exchange, the student left the classroom during lunch break and informed his parent about the situation. The parent, angered by the report, arrived at the school and confronted the teacher, hurling verbal abuse while the teacher attempted to explain the circumstances. Mr. Girana confirmed that the situation escalated further this morning when the student's parents returned to the school to apologize. However, their presence agitated some students, prompting school authorities to suspend classes temporarily. “The parents came back to apologize this morning, but when the students saw them, they got upset, started complaining. I have called for a meeting with the parents at at 9am tomorrow to sort this issue out and not attack students who are going home or coming to school,” Mr. Girana stated. School authorities have since intervened to de-escalate tensions, and normal classes are expected to resume soon. Meanwhile, several students sustained injuries following a confrontation with outsiders after the student's parents visited the school this morning. Mr. Girana condemned the incident and said this is not the first time, calling it unacceptable, and confirmed that the school has filed a formal complaint at the Boroko Police Station to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted into the incident. Additionally, he revealed that reports surfaced later in the afternoon of students being attacked again by outsiders near the Gordons Police Barracks area, prompting a teacher to step in and address the situation. Meanwhile, classes will continue tomorrow for all the students.

Young members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church took action on Global Youth Day 2025 on the 15th of March, stepping up to serve their communities with impactful acts of kindness. Under this year’s theme, “A Community Transformed,” SDA youth from Rainbow, Kanudi, and Waigani united for a life-saving initiative at Port Moresby General Hospital. Demonstrating their commitment to service, the youths donated a total of 59 bags of blood, a contribution that will provide critical support for patients in need. Sr. Julieth Ohuesaho, Nurse in Charge at the hospital’s blood bank, expressed her gratitude for their efforts. “We are grateful to the SDA group for their generous contributions. I encourage other church groups, schools, and the general public to come forward and join this life-saving initiative,” she said. Global Youth Day, an annual initiative led by the SDA Youth Ministries Department, encourages young people worldwide to engage in meaningful community service. This year’s event reinforced the power of youth-driven change, proving that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on society.

Turra Limited is set for expansion with the appointment of Mr. Isikeli Taureka as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. David Wereh as Deputy CEO. The announcement was made recently by Chairman Sir Robert Igara, who expressed confidence in the new leadership team. Turra, a joint venture between Laba Holdings and Hides Gas Development Corporation (HGDC), was established in 2020 and has since undertaken various civil construction and maintenance projects for the ExxonMobil LNG plant near Port Moresby city. Chairman Igara highlighted the extensive technical, management, and leadership experience both Mr. Taureka and Mr. Wereh bring to their roles, emphasizing their potential to drive Turra’s growth. He also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO John Calame, who played a key role in shaping Turra from a startup into a company now positioned for significant expansion. “Keli (Isakeli) brings a wealth of experience in the oil, gas, and geothermal sectors, having held senior executive positions both nationally and internationally,” Sir Robert stated. “David, on the other hand, has played a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects, particularly roads, during his 15 years with the Department of Works and Highways, where he most recently served as Secretary.” Meanwhile Mr. Taureka, who also serves as CEO of Laba Holdings, has been instrumental in Laba’s transformation since 2021, spearheading its new lineup of joint ventures, including Turra, Hebamo, Laba International, and Papuan Sea Pilots.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby city, where much was discussed and done, including re-election of the incumbent Chairmen, Mr. Adrian Chow. The Chairmen of the twelve franchises; Gas Resource Central Dabaris, East New Britain Agmark Gurias, KMHL Enga Mioks, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Lae Snax Tigers, NCDC Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers, PRK Mendi Muruks, PRK Gulf Isou, Asila Waghi Tumbe and Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles, were all in agreement in showing confidence in Mr. Chow, who will now serve his 3rd term as Chairman of the PNG NRLC Board. The re- elected Chairman of the PNG NRLC thanked the AGM on his re-election. “I thank my fellow Franchise Chairmen for the confidence they have in me, being able to lead for the last six years. The PNG NRLC has grown leaps and bounds, raised the standard of our competition and now introduced new pathways in the women’s and youth space. I look forward to working with PNGRFL in developing these pathways and raising the professionalism of our clubs,” said Mr. Chow. PNGRFL Chairman, Sandis Tsaka, acknowledged the importance of the PNG NRLC and the strategic and stable leadership of Adrian Chow. “On behalf of the board of the PNGRFL and our rugby league family across the game, I would like to congratulate the PNG NRLC and Chairman Adrian Chow on their recently hosted AGM and his re-election.” “We appreciate the close working relationship with Chairman Adrian and the PNGNRLC team over the last 8 years and recognize the overwhelming confidence placed in Adrian by his counterparts, which is an indicator of the growth and development witnessed under his leadership.” He said Mr. Adrian brings experience and expertise to this very important leadership role in the game which is crucial to strengthen the relationship between the twelve 12 pathway clubs and all other areas of the game within the rugby league community. “We look forward to working with him and his management to continue the work towards improving the national competition and pathways as part of our overall plans to support the NRL Franchise in 2028 and beyond.” Meanwhile, the PNG NRLC will host three competitions in 2025 alongside the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup (12th April), with the second year of the Santos Cup (2nd August) and the introduction of the National Youth Competition for Under 19 (male) (17th May).