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).

The Papua New Guinea Education Ministry has officially begun welcoming delegates from 19 pacific countries for the highly anticipated 2025 Conference Pacific Education Minister (CPEM) meeting to be held in the nation’s capital. Minister for Education Lucas Dawa Dekene said, Papua New Guinea is honoured to bring together ministers, senior officials, civil society, teaching and learning communities, faith-based organisations and private sector amongst other stakeholders from across the world to engage in critical discussions on shaping the future of education in the Pacific. Scheduled from March 18-20 March 2025, this will be the second Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) with the theme; “Transforming Edukesen for a Better Pacific” and reflects the importance of Pacific nations needing to shift their focus and adopt innovative approaches, particularly in embracing global educational changes. “The inaugural CPEM in 2023 was hosted in Auckland, New Zealand. "The reframing of this Ministerial forum from the Forum Education Ministers Meeting (FEdMM) to the CPEM reflects the transition of the hosting of the meeting from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) to the University of the South Pacific (USP) where the Pacific Regional Education Framework Facilitation Unit (PacREF PFU) is hosted.” “CPEM also reflects a more active and formal engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs) who are important stakeholders in education development in the Pacific. "Education Ministers and senior officials from 19 Pacific Island countries and territories as well as Australia and New Zealand will participate in the three-day meet”, said Minister Dekena. As the cohost of the 2025 СРЕM, the University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia acknowledged the warm welcome from the PNG team and also recognized the late and former Education Minister for Auckland who pushed for PNG to host the CPEM this year and to make education a national agenda. “The importance of this conference is not only to bring together the 19 minister and delegates together but, its the commitment by the ministers to say that there is something about sharing best experiences best practiced.” “This meeting is to create those regional goods and many experts who will be coming to speak, and they will be halping us think through, rather the difficult challenges that we face, like the size of our island nations and cultural challenges.” He added that despite all these challenges we face as pacific island nations, all Ministers must ensure that no child is left behind in the education system.

Prime Minister James Marape has reiterated his government’s strong commitment to addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) as top national priorities. Acknowledging the ongoing challenges of violence against women and the structural barriers to gender equality, Prime Minister James Marape will lead a high-level parliamentary event on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ahead of National Women’s Day on March 24. This significant gathering, set to be held at the National Parliament and the State Function Room, will bring together Members of Parliament (MPs), key government agencies, civil society leaders, and international development partners. The event will focus on legislative reforms, institutional commitments, and actionable strategies to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Papua New Guinea. This landmark event, scheduled to take place at the National Parliament and the State Function Room, will convene Members of Parliament (MPs), key government agencies, civil society leaders, and international development partners to discuss legislative reforms, institutional commitments, and practical measures to combat GBV in Papua New Guinea. To emphasise the national urgency of this issue, the event will begin with a suspension of parliamentary question time, ensuring that GBV and gender equality take centre stage in Parliament. National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, as Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on GBV & GEWE, will present key findings and recommendations, highlighting the legislative gaps, policy shortcomings, and urgent structural reforms needed to address GBV effectively. Following this presentation, Parliament will adjourn, and discussions will continue in the State Function Room, where government officials, civil society representatives, and international partners will deliberate on practical, policy-driven solutions. A stakeholders’ lunch meeting will feature prominent speakers and expert presentations on the status of women and GBV in Papua New Guinea. Key speakers include: • A young woman on behalf of all the women of PNG • Hon. Jason Peter, MP – Minister for Community Development & Religion • Mr. Richard Howard – United Nations Resident Coordinator • Ms. Dianne Kambanei – Director of the GBV Secretariat (Department of Community Development & Religion) • Mr. Clements Kanau – General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) The Prime Minister will deliver an address, reaffirming his government’s commitment to legislative reforms, enhanced protection for women, and the enforcement of strict workplace policies against GBV. Prime Minister Marape has emphasised that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and that policy changes are necessary to protect women’s rights and ensure gender equality. “This is not just a women’s issue — it is a national crisis. We must stand together as leaders, policymakers, and citizens to ensure that every woman and girl in Papua New Guinea lives free from fear, violence, and discrimination. My government is fully committed to driving real change, not just words, but action,” Prime Minister Marape stated. The event is expected to generate strong media coverage, ensuring that the conversation on GBV and gender equality remains at the forefront of national discourse. With MPs, civil society, and international partners working together, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for meaningful, long-term change in PNG.

Prime Minister James Marape announced that as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Independence anniversary, the country will undergo a structural reset for the next 50 years. A key aspect of this reset is adopting the nation’s Christian identity, as outlined in the National Constitution’s preamble, following last week’s constitutional amendment. The Prime Minister said just as the country’s founding leaders had their vision to structure the country with Independence in mind, PNG has now arrived at its 50 years and the time for this generation of leaders to continue this vision by enhancing the country’s structures and mechanisms. “In the face of our 50th anniversary, this body of leaders continue to entrench our country’s Constitution, its structure of government, its laws, and our national identity. After 50 years, we have both the benefits of hindsight and foresight to carry this work forward. Where our founding fathers had only the advantage of foresight, we can look back and make adjustments where adjustments are necessary. “There are countries in the world, such as many Islamic States, that have made a deliberate choice to openly and formally acknowledge their religious identity." “So, we, too, have made a deliberate choice to be identified with the universal God by putting Him in the rightful place in our country as the Creator,” said Prime Minister Marape. PM Marape once more reaffirmed the existence of Constitutional freedom for people of other religions in the country. “Let me be clear that in no way do these additions to the Constitution restrict the right of individuals of other faiths from practicing their faith. Section 45 preserves the right to freedom of choice of religion and practice, and this remains unchanged.” PM Marape went on to refute over-generalized arguments criticizing that the Christian identity is contradictory to the problematic scenario that PNG has found itself in because of its socio-economic issues. “Many people are getting this point wrong whether from lack of knowledge or for the sake of creating an argument to push their political point-scoring. But this declaration will not automatically and miraculously heal and make the country better." “To fix PNG, everyone must work. Work is a key principle of the teachings of Christianity. Genesis 2:15 talks about God tasking Adam to work. So, the Christian ethos demands that we work. We must use our hands to work the land God has given us." “Another teaching of the Bible is the 10 Commandments, which points out moral values; values to respect God and respect each other. Using this, men must respect and value women." “Only when we truly observe and live our lives according to the teachings of the Bible, then will we see the country prosper,” said the Prime Minister. PM Marape stated that these changes are timely as they are part of the body of work going into embedding PNG as we mark the 50th Independence anniversary going forward. “At this time, we must pass laws that entrench our national identity, amplify the work we are continuing to do, revitalize the structure of government whether in the Public Service or the provincial governments, the police, judiciary and all other areas of government to take this country to the next level in the next 50 years." “I commend the wisdom of the 81 Members of Parliament who have supported our Christian Nation label within our Constitution. This will help to set us at a right space and frame of mind to work better and harder at this pivotal moment in our history going forward,” said PM Marape.

The recent launching of the Boera Tailoring Hub in the Central province also saw the successful completion of a month advanced tailoring and design training course with the graduation of 40 participants. Through ExxonMobil’s support in the 1-month training, 20 singer sewing machines and 4 overlockers were acquired for the training and will serve as the foundation for the Boera Tailoring Hub and Garment factory. The tailoring hub will produce school uniforms for village schools, ensuring that families no longer have to travel to the city to buy new sets. Under the mentorship of PNG fashion designer Elizabeth Omeri of Denani Designs and artist Graham, participants from Porebada, Boera, Papa, and Lealea villages learned fabric printing, body measurements, pattern drafting, and sewing. Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network (APNGWLN) Executive Director, Cathy Alex said that just as the country is about to celebrate the 50th Independence anniversary of PNG, the 37 women and 3 courageous men have clearly demonstrated what self-reliant, and determination is and also chartering their path. “We’ve been relying on school uniforms from what’s been given to us. The uniforms presented to us is a very necessary and essential steppingstone for this community.” Cathy also acknowledged the support from ExxonMobil PNG, Denani Designs, Diari Tailoring and the four impacted villages and their community leaders. She said, since the inception of the tailoring facility in 2017, LABA has been providing transport services for the women. APNGWLN Board Rep Hanua Hisiu said sewing and weaving are not new skills and with this industry still in the informal sector, needs some form of intervention. ExxonMobil PNG LNG Assets Manager, Brent Dekar said this training is the beginning of their journey in contributing meaningfully to your communities. “At ExxonMobil, we recognize the importance of contributing to the growth of PNG; therefore, we have invested in community development that will contribute heavily to economic growth and improve the lively hoods of each individual. Our community investments are focused on creating sustainable benefits in education, law & justice, health, agriculture, the environment and opportunities for women.” Mr. Dekar congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity that’s been given to them to make a difference for them and their communities. Meanwhile, talented fashion designer Elizabeth Omeri of Denani Designs said many of the women are born with the skill of sewing and with the training facilitated, it has helped them enhance the skill that is built and passed on from generations. “Nothing is new, we are just building up on a skill that’s been passed down from generation and taking it to the next level because we are working to building a sustainable community.” Elizabeth also congratulated the participation of the three males and the two youngest participants, 22-year-old Boio and Robinson of Papa village.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), in partnership with long-standing partner, Trukai Industries Limited, launched the much-anticipated Trukai Fun Run for 2025 at the Grand Papua Hotel last night in Port Moresby city. This annual event aims to raise funds for Team PNG's preparation and participation in major international competitions through the sale of Trukai Fun Run T-shirts. Proceeds from this year's Fun Run will go towards directly supporting Team PNG participation at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, scheduled from June 29 to July 9, 2025. A contingent of over 160 athletes and officials will proudly represent Papua New Guinea, competing in nine out of the twelve sports on the program: Athletics Softball, Basketball 3x3, Swimming, Table Tennis, Va'a, Beach Volleyball, Indoor Volleyball, and Weightlifting. Leading the team as Chef de Mission is Mr. Kinivanagi Karo. Reflecting on the enduring partnership, PNGOC President Emma Waiwai, expressed her gratitude. "Since 2000, Trukai Industries Limited has been a committed supporter of Team PNG through the Fun Run initiative. Their commitment has been instrumental in our athletes' successes on the international stage." "As we prepare for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, we are confident that this support will once again make a significant impact on our performance." She urged all Papua New Guineans to rally behind our national athletes by purchasing one or two T-shirts, priced at only K15 this year, and join them on June 8, 2025, for the Trukai Fun Run. "Let's wear our shirts with pride and show our support for Team PNG," said Mrs. Waiwai. The 2025 Trukai Fun Run will take place simultaneously across 12 locations, in addition to the main event in Port Moresby. The participating locations are Lae, Madang, Wewak, Vanimo, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Kokopo, Biala (which will feature two routes), Popondetta, Alotau, and Buka. This nationwide participation highlights the event's significance in uniting communities in support of PNG athletes.

Papua New Guinea's journey toward joining the National Rugby League in 2028 has moved forward with the launch of an enhanced youth competition. This new tournament will bring together the country's top young players to compete in a high-stakes, 7-week challenge. The new competition, a collaboration between the Papua New Guinea RFL and the PNG NRL Bid, will build on the success of last year's inaugural weekend of matches in Goroka, which was attended by Prime Minister James Marape. This upgraded version promises to be even more exciting and competitive. The idea behind last year’s competition was to bring the best school players from throughout the country together for a series of matches that would provide the intense competition that can be expected on a week-to-week basis in the NRL. This year’s exciting new seven-week competition builds on the work of Joe Grima and his coaching staff at NRL Bid Academy level and will see the best under 19 players in the country representing their pathway clubs in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.   This important initiative will allow the players to get a taste of what it will be like to prepare for the demands of an NRL season with factors such as travel, playing away from home, sleep, diet and welfare all becoming an important part of your daily experience. PNGRL CEO, Stanley Hondina, acknowledged how important this new competition would be for the game in this country: “Building on the success of last year’s competition in Goroka, we believed that it was vital for us to begin preparing our best youth players for the rigours of the NRL by creating an intense weekly competition where they would be required to reach the levels of professionalism that they will need in the future.” “The competition will provide tough matches each week where the best will play against the best and that will be a great learning curve for our young players and will also allow our coaches to support them in a high-pressure environment.” “We have an incredible depth of young talent in this country and this competition will provide a great way for our players to develop the right professional habits that will sustain them throughout their careers.” PNG NRL Bid CEO, Andrew Hill, also highlighted the importance of the new competition. “Part of creating a world-leading pathways system is to challenge the players at all levels and to ingrain good habits from an early age.” “We have made some important strides already with the great work being done by Joe Grima and his staff at Academy level and this new competition will allow those players to experience tough, weekly football against the best players at their age level.” “Producing consistent performances on the field is one thing, but just as important is how you look after yourself off the field and develop the professional habits around diet, recovery, and wellbeing that will allow you to continue to perform at your best.” “We believe that this new competition will be a great early taste of what is to come once we join the NRL in 2028 and will be incredibly important to the development of our best young players.” “The competition also highlights the strong partnership that exists between the Australian and Papua New Guinea Governments as we continue to prepare for entry into the National Rugby League in 2028.” NRL Bid Chairman and Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum, Wapu Sonk, offered full support for this new initiative: “Kumul Petroleum are proud to sponsor this exciting new competition, and we believe that it will be of tremendous benefit to the young players taking part.” “We have always been great supporters of the game at all levels, and to be able to support a brand-new 7-week competition that will provide a superb showcase for our best young talent is extremely gratifying.” “This is another important step for the game at junior level and will provide a great platform for years to come.”

Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new boat-building project at Galowa village near Bwagaoia Station on Misima Island in the Milne Bay province last Friday. He announced that the project would support the locals in promoting the district's coastal fisheries program. The boat-building initiative is part of a larger fishing project launched on the Island. Mr. Leonard confirmed that the first phase, including land identification at Galowa village, had been completed. “The landowners have all come to an agreement for the project to take place on their land and have started clearing the area by cleaning and preparing it for its availability. “The second phase of the boat building project would be to set up the basic infrastructure with funding to come from the District’s Fishing program Kekeisi Investment Limited and from the district services improvement programme (DSIP),” Mr. Leonard said. The funding would come after the district development authority (DDA) sat for its meeting in the coming months. “We will build our own fishing boats and give to fisherman across the district in all four local level governments (LLG) to assist with fishing. “The boat building is part of the greater coastal fisheries program that the district is now engaged into fish and export to international markets. It plays a very important role as we seriously go into the fishing business for the district,” he said. Mr. Leonard indicated that the timber species that would be used for boat building would the HOPIA tree, mostly found in Loani in Bwanabwana LLG and Sudest in Yaleamba LLG both in the Samarai Murua district according to the forest resource inventory. The hopia trees would be the most suitable material and timber used to develop the fishing boats for the fishermen in the district. Since the kekeisi-1 factory fishing vessel would mostly be doing its work outside the three nautical miles from the islands, the smaller fishing boats built in Galowa would be used by fishermen and villagers to use in their daily fishing activity. From these catches, they would sell to Kekeisi-1 and others for their daily consumption. Mr. Leonard commended the landowners and clan leaders from Galowa who partnered with the DDA to be part of this project in boat building. He also launched the Fishing program and the newly built Mama Bank office in Bwagaoia Station.

As part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Pacific Sports Program, first aid and sports medicine training were conducted in Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. This followed previous sessions focused on coaching and refereeing for rugby league and touch football. The first aid course covered key skills, including CPR, the use of defibrillators, and the management of common injuries such as asthma and allergic reactions. Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Alison, one of the ADF Sports Trainer Facilitators, shared that stage two of the Sports Trainer Course will concentrate on field behavior, injury prevention, and effective management. "Our focus will be on the practical aspects of fieldwork and injury prevention," said Warrant Officer Alison. Lieutenant Issac Ramson, a physiotherapist with the PNG Defence Force, took part in both the first aid and rugby league coaching and refereeing courses. He was one of eight PNG Defence Force members involved in the program. Reflecting on the training, Lieutenant Ramson highlighted its direct relevance to his work at the military hospital at Taurama Barracks. "This course has been incredibly relevant to my role," he explained. "The hands-on skills I've gained will be very useful in my daily work, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of it." “It’s also been exciting to meet Australian military personnel and learn from their wealth of experience.” “The content was very valuable," he added. In addition to the medical training, participants also engaged in coaching and refereeing courses that stressed the importance of sportsmanship and leadership within their communities. "The coaching and referee course was really insightful," said Lieutenant Ramson. "It highlighted the core values of sport and how to live by those values.” “It also emphasized the importance of being positive role models for both our sports and our communities, which I think is essential."

The Samarai-Murua District in Milne Bay Province launched its fishing program on Friday at Bwagaoia Station, on Misima Island. The event featured singing groups, traditional performances, and a live band, providing entertainment for delegates and attendees who travelled from nearby islands and throughout Misima to celebrate the occasion. Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard in his official remarks, said he shared a similar vision with others since the closure of the Misima Mines in 2004. It had been 27 long years from 1998 to 2025, and this vision of the people and dream was now becoming a reality. He said this fishing program was the wisdom of his people, and the mine closure committee who had talked about a project of this magnitude that would bring change and an impact to their lives. He added this started off as a dream and this was the story of what the mines committee representing the people wanted to achieve after the closure of the mines for the island and the district. “Only when you know where came from and only where you are, then you can see what is ahead and that is the future.” “When you are certain of your past, your present is where you can gauge your future with confidence,” Mr Leonard said. He said it was time for Samarai-Murua district to realise its full potential through the Coastal Fisheries Program with the National Fisheries Authority who had approved the fishing license and export license to go ahead with the project. “We have a boat Kekeisi -1, a fishing license, we have a secured market, and for us we reverse engineer the process, we start from the market to where the technology and expertise are and bring them back to the district to do the coastal fisheries program.” “There is a model we are working towards, and it is kekeisi (Small Small) fishing program and the concept is different from the usual.” “We have to secure the market for our resources from fishing. There is no market in the country for our resources that is the reason we must secure the Thai market overseas.” He indicated that shore base facilities for fishing were expensive and had too many infrastructure developments. “We must bring in the factory fishing boat that will catch fish and be packaged in its freezers carrying 3000 metric tonnes of fish at any one trip. We will give you ice boxes, fishing lines and we will go into boat building to also help you fish,” Mr Leonard told his people. Indicating that it was the way forward for his people on the islands through coastal fishing. Mr Leonard acknowledged NFA for processing the approval of the fishing and export licenses among other requirements so that the district could launch the project. He also pointed out the purpose of setting up the Mama Bank branch in the district to cater for convenience in its fishing program among other economic stimulus projects for the district as there were no banking facilities since the closure of the mines. NFA Executive Manager Fisheries Development and Liasion Business Group Joshua Ryan while representing the NFA CEO Mr Justin Ilakini, recognized the efforts of Mr Leonard for his foresight, leadership and conceptualizing and materializing this initiative. “The government of PNG is committed to developing our oceanic and coastal fisheries sector through close collaboration with all the 14 maritime provinces of PNG.” “We do this by entering into memorandum of agreements (MOA) with each of the  14 maritime provinces and Milne Bay is no different,” Mr Ryan said. The MOA with NFA and Milne Bay was signed in November 2023 by Minister for Fisheries’ and Marine Resources Hon. Jelta Wong Milne Bay Governor Hon. Gordon Wesley. The MOA provides the framework for a formal arrangement for the NFA to work with the provinces as necessitated by the organic law on local and provincial level government. Mr Ryan said the NFA had a good working relationship with the Milne Bay Provincial Administration and assists the province in delivery of fisheries management and enforcement functions that is also extended to fisheries development as witnessed in the building of a number of jetties in the province, trap net projects, and sea weed projects in collaboration with the development partners among others. Further adding that NFA also supported through its health, education and social sectors as part of its social corporate responsibilities to the communities. “The Samarai-Murua DDA’s initiative to participate in developing its coastal fisheries for its people is not only a good start but one that is well overdue and NFA commends you and your DDA for a bold step. “Backed with the package of capital created through the Mama Bank’s services to support boat building program for fishing and logistics, this is a promising model that has the potential to be scaled out to the other 13 maritime provinces throughout our country,” Mr Ryan said. Mr Ryan was accompanied by NFA Executive Manager Licensing and Data Management and Business Group Jerome Tioti among other delegates.

Following a recent visit from PNG Football Association Futsal and Beach Soccer Coordinator Tonga Esira, there was a strong surge of interest in beach soccer and futsal in Manus Province. The visit has ignited enthusiasm for football lovers, with strong backing from Provincial Administrator Mr. Mame Kasalau MBE, showcasing that both beach soccer and futsal are ready to kick off on a high note. Mr. Kasalau, a member of bronze medal winning team in 1987 Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia has demonstrated a deep commitment to football and pledged his support through the Manus Soccer Association. "I am challenging the Manus Soccer Association and soccer enthusiasts in the province to embrace this opportunity and run with the program." He further expressed his ambition for Manus Island to become a talent pipeline for the upcoming Professional League set to launch in 2026. Although Manus may not be able to field its own team, he believes it has significant potential to supply players to the professional market and has extended his support for football's growth in the province. Since assuming his role as Provincial Administrator, Mr. Kasalau's presence has profoundly impacted Manus, bringing about positive changes and showcasing visionary leadership. The 36 club managers present at the Seeadler Bay Hotel expressed their enthusiasm for beach soccer and futsal, noting that the gathering and awareness session from PNG FA marked a significant milestone for Manus, particularly for local soccer fans. These managers were part of the on-going Governor's Cup tournament, where 36 teams were qualified from an initial 72, with plans to reach a grand final by next week. The timing of PNG FA's visit could not have been better, further enhancing the excitement around the gathering. The support and commitment from the provincial government are substantial, with predictions that Manus will emerge as a powerhouse, producing top soccer talent in the near future. With the unwavering backing of Mr. Kasalau, Manus Island is poised to become a formidable force in the football landscape.

Mama Bank opened a new office on Misima Island in Samarai-Murua District, Milne Bay Province, last Friday. This marks a significant milestone for the Samarai-Murua District Development Authority and local member Isi Henry Leonard, as it reintroduces banking services to the island for the first time since the closure of Misima Mine in 2004. When giving his remarks, Mr. Leonard said banking services was a vital need in the carrying out of business in the district and it was necessary for people and SMEs among other economic activity. The banking system had been lacking since the mine closure and partnering with MAMA Bank to establish its services in the district, starting on Misima island as the district headquarters, was timely. “We can put our portion, and the National Government will put its portion through its SME programs and through this we are able to help our people. My idea is simple, whatever money we put in here it must be used to buy resources, your gold, your fish, your vanilla and all other economic programs that we can envisage." “The fact of the matter is that the money will be parked here, if you sell your fish with Kekeisi fishing program, there will be an arrangement, you come here and collect your cash through your account,” Mr. Leonard said. He encouraged a savings culture and a community where everyone in the district had access to bank accounts and with Mama Bank running financial literacy programs on banking, this would be appropriate for his people. Now that the bank is established, they would be able to do three things, first the National Identification (NID), secondly company SME registration and thirdly open bank accounts so people do not have to travel to Alotau as these services would be provided at the Mama Bank. “When you sell your fish with Kekeisi, you pick up your cash from the Mama Bank through this arrangement. We create a cashflow in the local community. Once there is cashflow, it will stimulate other economic programs,” Mr. Leonard said. This would stimulate cashflow into other parts of the district like Rossel, Sudest in Yaliemba Local Level Government (LLG), Woodlark in Murua LLG and Bwanabwana LLG. He said the only reasonable thing to do was to bring a bank, a bank that was able to fit into their way of life as there were banking challenges when trying to open an account, the requirements and the compliance all added up to the whole process. MAMA Bank Project Manager Prabhash Misha commended the MP for Samarai-Murua for his foresight in enabling the bank to establish in the district. “Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this partnership, we appreciate your leadership, your commitment and your vision to develop the district to its greater potential. We are with you on this journey, and we assure you the best of our services tailored in meeting the needs and requirements of the women, men and their families,” Mr. Misha said. Mr. Misha said this was an opportunity for the MAMA Bank operations to see where they stood with their operations in Misima, and once the final report was submitted to the Bank of PNG for the final clearance, they would then return with their staff and regular operations as soon as possible. Mama Bank has 21 branches and mini branches within 12 provinces so far, as its services continued to grow stronger and better.