Air Niugini is happy to announce that it has resumed its flights to Brisbane, Australia, today, Sunday, 9th March, following assessments of Ex-Tropical Storm Alfred and the reopening of Brisbane Airport. Flight PX003 departed Port Moresby at the regular time of 10:30 AM, arriving in Brisbane at 1:40 PM. The return flight, PX004, will depart Brisbane at 2:40 PM, arriving in Port Moresby at 5:50 PM. With the severe weather conditions in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales now easing, flights are set to resume. Air Niugini, along with other airlines, had suspended services to Brisbane on Thursday due to Cyclone Alfred's impact and as a safety precaution for passengers, crew, and aircraft. They will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if there are any changes. "Customers are encouraged to check the Air Niugini website (www.airniugini.com.pg) and follow our official social media channels for the latest information," said the airline company. Air Niugini greatly appreciates all travelling customers' patience and understanding during this disruption caused by the storm. "The safety and well-being of our passengers and employees remain our top priority."

As part of its ongoing efforts to foster the growth of young athletes, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is hosting its first Kumuls Blo Tumoro camp this week in Port Moresby. The camp includes twenty-four (24) players predominantly drawn from the 2024 Junior Kumuls and the National School Boys team. Under the guidance and leadership of Joe Grima who was Head Coach of the 2023 -2024 Junior Kumuls and current Coaching and Pathways Manager for the PNG NRL Bid, the three-day camp will include educational sessions from former players, subject matter experts as well as on-field training, testing and strength sessions. Chief Executive Officer, PNGRFL Stanley Hondina speaking on the importance of the camp: “The PNGRFL continues to focus and invest in these opportunities for our young players." "This being the first of its kind to be held, it is a wonderful chance to come together and to develop as rugby league players." "More importantly we want to see our players become better young men through their involvement with the sport." "We continue to strengthen our partnerships with PacificAus Sport and the Australian Defence Force in delivering camps like this." “It is only through continuous development with camps like this that these young players will be able to achieve their dreams." "Just as important, a similar program will be rolled out for our female players over the next month,” said Hondina. Bradley Orosambo, 2024 National School boys and Junior Kumuls halfback who is part of the PNGRFL Elite Youth Program spent four weeks training with the SP PNG Hunters pre-Christmas. Following that, he has returned to training with the Lae Snax Tigers. Bradley will be part of the camp over the weekend. Orosambo said, “I feel very excited and happy, and my family is also happy and proud that I got selected for the camp." "It is a great opportunity for me to make progress in my rugby league career." "This makes us focus on our skills, talents and our bond with each other as a team with little distraction from the outside. This is a steppingstone to help us reach our goals of eventually becoming a Kumul and part of our very own NRL team.” "The Kumuls Blo Tumoro camp is a groundbreaking opportunity to work with the best junior and local rugby league talent across Papua New Guinea," Grima said when describing the advantages of the camp. It demonstrates the serious direction rugby league is taking in PNG and acts as an investment in the players who would be considered for the nation's 2028 admission into the NRL. He added “This is the first time a camp of this nature has been held in PNG, reinforcing the nation's commitment to structured player development." "Combined with a strengthening school competition, national school aged championship, the Santos Cup and Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and the Hunters, the pathways from grassroots to elite level are being developed to match these NRL Clubs.” “By the end of the three-day camp, we will have a clear understanding of where these players stand and the areas that need improvement, ensuring we continue to drive development at the highest level.” “The success of the PNGRFL Elite Youth Program is illustrated with the selection of the last two Junior Kumuls Captains’, Finley Glare and Gairo Voro, as part of the original starting line-up for the SP PNG Hunters opening round match which has now been postponed due to the pending cyclone in Queensland."

Following the passing of the late Governor of New Ireland Province, the Late Sir Julius Chan, conversations have been ongoing both in the community and on social media regarding who will be the next Governor. Upon Sir J’s passing the deputy governor, Sammy Missen, automatically took over as care-taker governor, as was the usual practice when Sir J went on duty travel out of the province when he was still alive. Pending a by-election date, yet to be set by the Electoral Commission, the Provincial Assembly will sit on the 26th of March and go ahead with the Election of an Acting Governor on the day. Per the advice from the Secretary of the Department of Provincial & Local Level Government Affairs Mr. Philip Leo, upon the passing of the late Provincial Governor, there is now effectively a vacancy in the seat of the Provincial Governor as per section 19(1)(e) of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments & Local Level Governments (OLPGLLG). New Ireland Legislative Assembly Under section 21(1 ), establishes who is eligible to be elected. It clearly states that the Open Members are eligible to be elected as the Provincial Governor when the current scenario occurs. Section 21 (3) together with section 19(1) (b), also clarifies that if a member of Parliament from the New Ireland Provincial Assembly is holding a Ministry, as is the case with the two Open MPs of the Province, they are automatically disqualified from being eligible to be elected as Provincial Governor. However, in the event they wish to be eligible to be elected they will have to resign from their Ministerial Portfolios. “If only one of the Open MPs resigns to become eligible for the Governor’s post, that Open MP will have to be seconded and the Deputy Chairman will declare him as the Provincial Governor,” said OLPGLLG Secretary Philip Leo. Secretary Leo also advised that should the Deputy Governor wish to be eligible to be elected as the Provincial Governor on the floor of the Assembly, he will have to tender his resignation to the Minister. An assistant Chairman will have to be appointed by the Assembly from amongst the members of the Assembly, to perform the duties of Chairman during the Assembly sitting that elects the Provincial Governor. The Clerk of the New Ireland Legislative Assembly, Ao Ure, confirmed that the voting will be carried out through an Open Ballot.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Papua New Guinea (CCEP PNG) is excited to announce the successful induction of eight new graduates into its Graduate Program. The induction took place at the Head Office in Lae city last month, and the graduates have now begun their on-the-job training in Sales and Marketing. Over the next 18 months, the graduates will rotate through various roles in Sales, Marketing, Corporate, and Supply Chain functions to gain valuable experience across multiple areas of the business. Tim Solly, Sales and Commercials Director at CCEP PNG, congratulated the new graduates, stating, “At CCEP, developing talent is central to our long-term strategy. We are thrilled to welcome these eight graduates into the program. Our goal is to accelerate their career growth, equipping them with the necessary skills, leadership experience, and a strong professional network to thrive in their careers.” The 2025 graduate cohorts are Hannah Kusunan, Yaldie Dua, Geoffery Nongon, Jane Panau, Maylyn Anegi, Geraldine Tapili, Lyandi Kalyo, and Oliver Woyengu. This marks the fourth cohort to join the program since its launch in 2019. CCEP PNG continues to build its reputation as an employer of choice by offering meaningful career opportunities and growth pathways for young talent in Papua New Guinea.

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) is pleased to announce that it is now inviting franchises, government statutory bodies, and business organizations interested in participating in the 2025 football season to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI). PNGFA Competition Manager, Paul Isorua, confirmed that applications are open for several key competitions scheduled for the upcoming year. These include the Premier Soccer League 2025, Women’s Conference Soccer League 2025, and the National Youth Soccer League 2025 for both U19 Men, U19 Women, and U17 Men divisions. Clubs and franchises who wish to participate can collect EOI forms at the PNGFA Headquarters or request a soft copy by emailing the Competitions Department at CompetitionsDepartment@pngfootball.com.pg. All completed EOIs, accompanied by receipts for the EOI fee, must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Additionally, the full payment for affiliation fees is due by Friday, May 30, 2025. Mr. Isorua emphasized that all PNGFA competitions for 2025 are scheduled to kick off in June. The first transfer window for the 2025 season will open for five weeks, running from April 30 to May 30, 2025. For further details or inquiries, please contact the PNGFA Competitions Department via email at CompetitionsDepartment@pngfootball.com.pg. The PNGFA looks forward to an exciting and competitive 2025 football season and encourages all interested parties to submit their EOIs promptly.

PNGFA Acting Technical Director, Felipe Arango Alonso, wasted no time in engaging with schools in Lae to reignite school football and its league. During his recent visit to Lae, Felipe, alongside his team members Harrison Kamake (Head of Education) and Talent Development Officer David Muta, met with teachers at the PNGFA Education Centre, located at 11-Mile outside Lae City. The meeting saw attendance from school representatives, including Martin Thomas and Lopath Bokifa (Bowali Primary School), Lipu Pamba and Kepus John (Omili Primary School), Rudolf Fred (Tent City Primary School), Jothan Aarom (Lae Secondary School), Kinock E. Gindo (Ganton Primary School), Ere Baizah (Butibam Primary School), and Garung Zoriky Miadu (Bugandy Secondary School). Felipe expressed that the feedback from the meeting was overwhelmingly positive. He emphasized that the schools are well-established, with a pool of student-athletes and fields for training. However, he noted that while schools play a crucial role in the country’s football development, they still require support. Currently, the Lae Primary School Football Association has 19 registered schools participating in the program. Felipe explained that the purpose of the meeting was to understand the schools' current challenges, followed by a presentation covering various aspects of football, including competition structure, coaching pathways, and player registration and identification. The PNGFA, Felipe stated, can help design the structure and format of the school league, as well as support in key areas such as equipment, coach education, and league organization. A key point discussed was the need for a coaching pathway. To achieve this, all teachers involved in coaching the school teams will need to obtain the MA Grassroots certificate. This certification will not only open doors for future coaches but also increase the number of certified coaches across the country, ultimately raising the level of coaching and, in turn, enhancing the players' performance. For these initiatives to be implemented, approval from the Department of Education is required. Felipe highlighted that PNGFA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Education Department to deliver the FIFA-sanctioned Football for Schools (F4S) program. The PNGFA Technical Department can collaborate with the Education Department to review and approve the school football competition nationwide. A similar meeting is scheduled for school teachers in Port Moresby on Friday, March 8th, 2025.

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea's dedication to safeguarding its marine resources by ramping up efforts to combat illegal fishing. He said through the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States, PNG will enhance surveillance and enforcement in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), ensuring that illegal fishing activities are swiftly detected and dealt with. Prime Minister Marape emphasized the critical economic value of PNG’s fisheries sector, particularly tuna, which accounts for over 55% of the world’s tuna supply. He highlighted that small Pacific Island nations, despite being custodians of vast ocean resources, must not remain economically disadvantaged due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Papua New Guinea is responsible for approximately 15-20% of the world’s tuna supply. However, when considering the wider Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO)—which includes PNG and other Pacific nations—this region accounts for over 55% of the global tuna catch. PNG has the largest EEZ in the Pacific, rich in skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore tuna, making it one of the most significant contributors to the global tuna industry. “Illegal fishing costs us billions in lost revenue. I call on all our partners—including the United States, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Australia—to work with PNG and other Pacific nations to remain vigilant against illegal fishing. As large ocean states, we must ensure that our rich marine resources benefit our people and economies,” PM Marape said. Under the DCA with the U.S., PNG will enhance its capacity to apprehend illegal fishing vessels through joint maritime patrols and real-time surveillance technology. The U.S. military will assist in bolstering PNG’s ability to monitor its waters and swiftly act against unauthorized fishing activities. “We are working with the U.S. military to strengthen our naval and air surveillance capabilities. Any illegal fishing vessels caught in PNG’s waters will be immediately apprehended. We are also exploring advanced satellite technology for real-time monitoring of our waters to improve enforcement,” PM Marape stated. To further safeguard PNG’s fisheries sector, the Government is set to introduce a Fish Domestication Policy in the second quarter of 2025. This policy mandates that all fish caught in PNG’s waters must be processed locally, ensuring value addition before export. “No unprocessed fish will leave our waters. All catches will be brought back to processing facilities in Madang, Lae, and other designated locations to create jobs, boost our economy, and maximize the benefits of our natural resources,” PM Marape said. As a senior member of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), PNG is also committed to supporting other Pacific Island nations in strengthening their fisheries enforcement. Through regional cooperation, PNG will share surveillance capabilities with neighbouring nations, ensuring a united approach against IUU fishing. “We will extend our enforcement capabilities to support our Pacific neighbours. As a leader in regional fisheries management, PNG is committed to ensuring that our ocean resources are properly accounted for and that Pacific nations benefit from our vast marine wealth,” the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Marape also reaffirmed his government’s broader agenda of protecting national resources, extending beyond fisheries to include forestry and other extractive industries. Through state-led marketing strategies, PNG aims to ensure that timber and other natural resources are harvested responsibly, processed locally, and contribute directly to the national economy. “Just as we are securing our fisheries sector, we will also ensure transparency and accountability in forestry. Our resources must benefit our people first before they are exported,” he said. “The Government remains steadfast in its mission to protect PNG’s sovereignty, enforce sustainable resource management, and ensure that the country derives maximum benefit from our rich natural wealth.”

The President of the Public Servants Netball Competition, Mary Nauga, has praised the success of the 2024-2025 season, noting that several departments participated in raising awareness about the various services they provide. She said, the grand final showdown on Saturday saw a total of eight divisions with the premier division (top division), where the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) triumphed over the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) in a thrilling match. The final score was 30-28, with BPNG clinching victory by a narrow two-point margin in the final quarter. Founded in 1989, the association will celebrate its 35th anniversary on March 8th at the APEC Haus. During this event, all teams will be recognized, and awards will be presented. "We’ve been inviting all the teams to come, sit down, relax, and enjoy the occasion while receiving their awards," Nauga said. Despite the season's success, Nauga acknowledged the challenges that come with being a public servant, particularly the delays in funding. "As public servants, our funds always come in very late, usually around March during the first quarter," she explained. "Some departments faced difficulties in making payments, but as an executive, we’ve been flexible this season. We allowed teams to pay late registrations." The competition raised a significant K75,000 from player and team registrations. In addition to the successful season, Nauga announced the winner of the highly anticipated logo competition will be revealed during the anniversary and awards night on March 8th. “Teams were invited to submit their designs for a chance to win K1,000 towards their registration for the next season. So far, there have been four submissions, and the winning logo will be launched at the event.” The 2024-2025 season marks another milestone for the Public Servants Netball Competition, and with ongoing support from the community and teams, it promises to continue growing and bringing people together in the future.

In a powerful speech at the Indo-Pacific Forum's Discussion on Geopolitics and Rugby League, Papua New Guinea's government extended its gratitude and support to key figures shaping the future of rugby league in the region. On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko expressed profound appreciation to high-profile guests, including Mr. Joe Hockey, Global President of Bondi Partners; Emma Doyle, former Principal Deputy Chief of Staff to President Donald Trump; Richard V. Spencer, former U.S. Navy Secretary; ARLC Chairman Peter V’Landys; and Ambassador Kevin Rudd. “Papua New Guinea is deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be part of the NRL here in Las Vegas,” Tkatchenko stated, underscoring the importance of Australia and the United States as key strategic, development, and trading partners. A major highlight of the discussion was the announcement of Australia's 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership, which promises to support grassroots rugby, elite rugby league pathways, and the eventual introduction of a PNG-based NRL side in an expanded NRL Telstra Premiership. The partnership also includes PNG, Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, all set to benefit from increased investment in rugby league development. Rugby League is not just a popular sport in Papua New Guinea; it is regarded as the national sport. "Rugby League can unite the country," Tkachenko reiterated, echoing the words of Prime Minister James Marape. In a country with vast and diverse communities, rugby league stands as a unifying force that brings people together. The NRL's expansion into PNG is seen as a major step in nation-building, offering investment opportunities, boosting tourism, creating employment, and enhancing education through rugby league academies and capacity-building programs. "Rugby League will strengthen relations with Australia, PNG, and the Pacific Region, enhancing partnerships in trade, security, governance, and economic development," Tkatchenko said, highlighting the significance of international collaboration. The discussion also touched on the role of sports diplomacy, with rugby league playing a central role in strengthening the Pacific Islands Strategy, focused on democracy, prosperity, and resilience in the Pacific. Tkatchenko also thanked the U.S. Government for its ongoing support in projects aimed at building community resilience and promoting democratic governance. Looking ahead, Tkatchenko highlighted the potential of the Indo-Pacific Rugby League initiative to host world-first events, expanding the global footprint of the NRL, Super League, and international rugby league. The growing popularity of these events offers new opportunities for tourism and development, as well as American investment in the region through sports diplomacy. As the Indo-Pacific Rugby League movement gathers momentum, Papua New Guinea’s involvement promises to strengthen ties across the region, while creating new avenues for collaboration, growth, and shared prosperity.

The Vatican has issued a nine-word statement on the condition of Pope Francis, who is critically ill in hospital battling double pneumonia, since Wednesday. The 88-year-old Pope has now spent two weeks at Rome's Gemelli hospital, marking his longest stay since he began his papacy 12 years ago. "The pope had a tranquil night and is resting," the Vatican said in a statement. It did not provide any further details. On Thursday, the Vatican said Pope Francis slept well overnight, and that he was once again resting. A Vatican official, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to discuss the pope's condition, said the Pope was alert, continuing his treatments, and able to eat normally and move about his room. The official said it was unclear how long Francis would remain in hospital. He was still receiving supplementary oxygen from a small tube under his nose, but was breathing on his own. Meanwhile, a public audience on Saturday had been cancelled, the Vatican said. However, it did not say whether Francis would lead his usual weekly prayer with pilgrims on Sunday. He has not been seen in public since being admitted to hospital. He was well enough to meet the Vatican secretary of state in his room to approve new decrees for possible saints on Tuesday. During the meeting, Francis approved decrees for two new saints and five people for beatification – the first step toward possible sainthood. According to his doctors, his prognosis remained "guarded". The kidney “insufficiency” detected earlier in the week had receded. Blood tests also showed a slight improvement, and a chest CT scan indicated that his lung infection was taking a "normal evolution" as it was being treated. Double pneumonia is a serious infection affecting both lungs, causing inflammation and scarring that can lead to breathing difficulties. The Vatican has described the Pope's infection as “complex”, resulting from multiple microorganisms. Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered several bouts of ill health over the past two years. He is prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed. He underwent intestinal surgery in 2021 and again in 2023. Francis has said that he would consider resigning after his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, “opened the door” and became the first pope in 600 years to retire, in 2013. However, Giovanna Chirri, a reporter for the Italian news agency ANSA who broke the story of Benedict’s resignation, said that she didn’t think Francis would follow suit “even if some would want it”.

The grand final for the Public Sector's Netball Competition is currently underway at the Sir John Guise Stadium indoor complex. In the Division 3 match, the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PMNEC) defeated NCDC 15-8 in a thrilling contest. The first half of the game saw PMNEC gain control of the match by securing their first shoot within the first minutes of the game. While the ladies in yellow tried to gain momentum of the game with a couple of unsuccessful shoots, PMNEC still pushed through to get more rings. While the crowd cheered both sides on, team NCDC returned with high spirits to get their first ball within the first minute of the game. Much to the excitement of the fans, NCDC put up a good defense to hold back PMNEC with just 15 points and NCDC secured 8 points in the end. Meanwhile, Competition President Mary Nauga said, this season was a successful one and anticipates a much bigger and better one next season. She added that, all teams received their medals upon completion of the match while all presentations will be done during their 35th anniversary celebration and presentation night next weekend at APEC Haus.

Prime Minister James Marape has issued a strong and unambiguous message to all Papua New Guineans, urging them to uphold the rule of law. He emphasized that no justification, no matter the circumstances, can excuse criminal behaviour. He has condemned recent incidents of violence, destruction, and illegal roadblocks, stressing that these actions not only endanger lives but also undermine the country’s economic and social stability. “There is no justification for breaking one law in an attempt to seek justice for another crime." "Lawlessness does not solve problems—it only deepens them." He highlighted a recent case in Tari, where police, with the support of the local community, successfully arrested a suspect involved in the killing of a police officer. “The perpetrator is now behind bars, and the legal process is underway." "This is the correct course of action—justice through the law, not through retaliatory violence,” he said. The Prime Minister further condemned those who use criminal behaviour as a means of drawing attention to grievances. "No excuse, no justification can validate committing another crime to protest an existing one." "Resorting to violence, destruction, and intimidation does not solve problems—it creates more victims.” Prime Minister Marape took particular aim at the destruction and disorder along the Highlands Highway, warning that such actions jeopardise the very livelihoods of the people involved. “My government has invested over K2 billion into upgrading the Highlands Highway." "This road is a national asset, crucial for economic activities such as agriculture, small businesses, trade, and tourism." "Blocking roads, setting vehicles alight, and destroying property is reckless and self-defeating,” he said. He noted that innocent citizens, including small business owners, have suffered due to these acts of lawlessness. “I sympathise with the mother from Jiwaka who lost her vehicle due to roadblocks." "She is part of the SME sector, trying to sustain her family, yet criminals destroyed her means of earning a living." "This government will not ignore genuine grievances such as hers, but those who cause such destruction will face the full force of the law.” The Prime Minister also acknowledged that major trucking companies like Mapai and Trans Wonderland Ltd have been affected, reinforcing the economic damage caused by these disruptions. "Do not expect the government to provide free education, healthcare, and infrastructure if you destroy the very economy that funds these services,” he warned. Prime Minister Marape called upon local leaders to take a stand against lawlessness, urging councillors, provincial governors, and community elders to actively maintain peace in their respective areas. “For the first time, my government has placed councillors on the payroll. If you want government support, you must first ensure that your communities are law-abiding." "Your role is not to stand idly by while young people engage in reckless behaviour—you must be the voice of authority in your communities,” he stated. He stressed that members of parliament, governors, and local leaders must work together to prevent violence from escalating. "Governors must ensure that peace and mediation teams in their provinces are functioning." "If conflicts arise between different provinces, then peace mediation teams must be deployed immediately to resolve disputes before they spiral out of control.” Recognising Papua New Guinea’s deep cultural traditions, the Prime Minister called for the restoration of community-based mediation and customary dispute resolution mechanisms. “In our culture, compensation and mediation play a critical role in resolving disputes." "But these processes must be handled within the bounds of the law, led by village councillors, elders, and local authorities—not by mobs taking the law into their own hands." He called on local communities to work with police rather than against them. “If a crime has been committed, report it to the police and allow the justice system to function." "Do not take matters into your own hands." "If the police in your area are slow to act, escalate the issue to their superiors." "Justice will be served, but it must be done legally.” Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement, stating that police operations will intensify across the country to crack down on criminals and bring offenders to justice. “I have issued a direct instruction to the Police Commissioner to step up enforcement." "While resources may sometimes be stretched, I want to assure the people of Papua New Guinea that no crime is ignored." "Every case is documented, every offender is pursued, and justice will be done,” he assured. He acknowledged that policing alone is not enough and called for a coordinated effort between law enforcement and community leaders. "Police will arrest offenders, but it is the responsibility of governors, councillors, and local leaders to ensure that peace is maintained within their communities.” As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th year of independence, the Prime Minister urged citizens to act responsibly and reject violence. “We are not a young nation anymore." "We are turning 50, and we must act like a mature country." "Lawlessness should not define our future." "I call on every citizen—young and old—to uphold the law, respect the rights of others, and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous Papua New Guinea.” He concluded with a final appeal to all communities, especially those along the Highlands Highway: “Do not destroy your own future." "Your road is a lifeline—it brings economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and development." "Blocking it, damaging it, or intimidating those who use it will only harm your own people." "Let us work together to maintain peace and order for the benefit of our nation.”