A wave of white t-shirts, bright colors, and boundless energy filled the streets of Port Moresby as the Islands Petroleum Charity Colour Run 2025 brought together people from all walks of life to support the Port Moresby General Hospital. Themed “We Are One,” the event celebrated unity, generosity, and national spirit while raising funds for life-saving medical equipment. Hosted by Islands Petroleum Ltd, the fun run was more than just a festive day of color and music — it was a movement for health and hope. Addressing the crowd, Project Director Kavitha Bluett shared a powerful message: “This is more than a run. It’s about resilience, generosity, joy, and unity — values that define who we are as Papua New Guineans,” she said. “We are here not just for fun, but for a purpose — to give back to the hospital that cares for our families, friends, and communities.” For over 44 years, Islands Petroleum has stood beside Papua New Guineans, supporting the country through natural disasters, economic challenges, and now, community-driven health initiatives. The Colour Run is part of the company’s broader mission to build vibrant, self-reliant communities. Bluett also unveiled a major new initiative: the launch of the Islands Petroleum Charity Foundation, which will focus on improving healthcare, education, youth development, and support for women and children across PNG. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “We’re building something lasting. And if today sparked something in you — if you want to be part of shaping a better Papua New Guinea — we welcome you.” The crowd was encouraged to see their participation as a direct contribution to change. Proceeds from t-shirt sales and donations will help purchase critical medical equipment for the Port Moresby General Hospital. Meanwhile, minutes after the warm-down session, the stadium lit up with excitement when local artist Mal Meninga Kuri took center stage and took the crowd of their feet’s. After his powerhouse performance, he encouraged everyone to work together, stay united as the country approaches its 50th anniversary. The event ended with cheers, music, and a collective call to action: “Let’s run for unity. Let’s run for kindness. Let’s run for purpose.”

Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has strongly condemned the recent attempted extortion by landowners who threatened to disrupt the water supply at the Rouna 2 Hydro Station in Central Province. “Such actions are completely unacceptable. Police will not tolerate any attempt at extortion,” Commissioner Manning stated. He emphasized that there are proper, legal channels available for addressing grievances, and it is unlawful and irresponsible to threaten critical infrastructure that serves the nation's capital. Commissioner Manning has instructed the Divisional Commander for NCD/Central to lead the police response, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy toward criminal acts that endanger essential services. “I have been fully briefed on the activities and threats posed by these groups and their so-called leader, Mr. Babea Toina,” he said. “My directive is clear, this individual along with anyone involved in making such threats, will be arrested.” “Such selfish and criminal behaviour, driven by greed, is a direct threat to our communities and will not be allowed to continue.” Police operations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.

A strong show of unity and community spirit was on display as the UPNG New Ireland Students Association (UPNG-NISA) hosted its New Ireland Day-Mini fundraiser in Port Moresby in collaboration with other tertiary institutions, working together to raise funds to carry out their end of year projects. The fundraiser, organized by the UPNG-NISA Committee, featured food stalls, live-band and traditional dance performances. Participating institutions included PAU-NISA, DBTI-NISA, IBSU-NISA, POMTEC-NISA, and the host organization. Speaking during the event, Michael, the Public Relations Lead for UPNG-NISA, explained the initiative's purpose. “Every year, July 23rd is New Ireland Day, but for the past few years, we haven’t had a gathering like this. This year, with strong leadership from the executive team, we collaborated with other NISA-based institutions in Port Moresby to make it happen." The main goal of the event is to raise funds for an upcoming collaborative project planned for the NISA tertiary association at the end of October. Though no specific fundraising target was set for today, organizers hope the proceeds will contribute toward the larger project goal. “The project we plan to launch is called the Career Expo, which aims to disseminate information about testing and enrollment requirements at various tertiary institutions in NCD." “We want students finishing secondary school to have access to accurate information about their study options.” Despite a few delays in the morning program, including the late arrival of some guests and performers, the event kicked off successfully with dance performances and positive community participation. Michael also provided updates on the main fundraising event for the UPNG-NISA scheduled for July 26 (Saturday), highlighting strong ticket sales and growing interest. “Tickets are selling fast. We launched a new batch yesterday and expect to sell out by tomorrow,” he said. “Our headline performers include Tonton Malele, Tarvin Toune and Nene Morus and we encourage everyone to get their tickets early." "Unfortunately, Jayrex pulled out due to other commitments.” He concluded by inviting those who haven’t yet purchased tickets, to approach the organizing team during the week or at the event venue. “If you need a ticket, just find me near the MC table. We’re here to make sure everyone has a chance to be part of this great cause.”

A groundbreaking tourism initiative led by Gims Group International from France is set to transform Woodlark Island in the Samarai Murua District in Milne Province into a world-class destination. The ambitious project, which seeks to establish the Edenya Resort and eventually transform Woodlark Island into a tourism hub, was unveiled at a recent event in Port Moresby by the Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard. The current visit by the French delegation aims to develop a comprehensive business case for the Edenya Resort Project, leveraging international collaboration from France and Israel, and ultimately rebranding PNG's global image through sustainable, nature-integrated tourism. Consular of Papua New Guinea in Israel, Mr. Mamo Yitshak, delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the growing connections between the two nations, highlighting cultural exchange, tourism, and future collaborative projects. "Our story is that all the nations were separate, and tonight we're sitting here," Yitshak stated, reflecting on the diverse gathering. "People from Papua New Guinea, people from France, people from Israel, and it's combined that all these people from all these places in the world are coming together." The Consular articulated a dual mission: to introduce PNG to the world and to bring the world closer to PNG. A key focus of this initiative is to boost tourism and share the nation's "amazing culture" with a global audience. He stressed the profound connection between Israel, Jerusalem, and PNG, suggesting a historical and cultural linkage that transcends geographical distance. Mr. Arthur Lerhmann, Project Manager for GIMS Group International of France, expressed immense pride in being part of a project designed to "promote the beauty, the culture, and the unique identity of this extraordinary country." He described PNG as a "hidden gem rich in diversity, traditions, and natural wonders," asserting that it "deserves to be more discovered and appreciated by the world”. Meanwhile, Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard noted that the search for a suitable island led to Woodlark Island, located in the Solomon Sea, part of the Samra Muloa maritime district, which boasts over 600 islands. MP Leonard highlighted Woodlark's unique characteristics, making it an ideal location for the Edenya Resort: • Pristine Environment: Much of the island's land is "stickless" (owned by the Crown) and has maintained its "originality" since creation, featuring green rainforests and rare hardwood tropical timber known as "black ebony." • Rich Biodiversity: The island is home to "so many other rare species of biodiversity." • Stunning Coastline: Drawing a comparison to Hawaii's Waikiki Beach, MP Leonard described Woodlark's Gosoka coastline as "so long, so many kilometers, and it's free, with the pristine clear blue ocean lagoon, surrounded by the reefs and the islands." He added that dolphins, turtles, and marine life are still witnessed in their natural state. "What else can we ask for? What more do we need to define in terms of nature and man living in harmony?" MP Leonard questioned, underscoring Woodlark's ideal suitability for a tourism concept where "man respects nature, where nature is now harnessed for the interest of human survival and human existence." A core objective of the Edenya Resort project is to "rebrand this country." MP Leonard acknowledged the negative perceptions often painted abroad but asserted, "it's not all that bad." He believes the rebranding will "start from a remote island called Mudla," focusing on the "simple people who are gifted with their very unique culture and their very unique way of life," which he described as "tourism friendly, open, caring, sharing." The project will integrate international ideas, technology, and global tourism concepts into Woodlark's natural environment. The aim is to create "another level of tourism, another standard of tourism that will be now created, and that will be our brand that Papua New Guinea will now sell into the world." The evening concluded with a toast, celebrating the collaboration with partners from France and Israel, the people of Woodlark Island and Samarua, the PNG Government and the local Motu Koita community, symbolizing a collective commitment to this transformative venture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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