The Executive Management of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) has included the expert services of Mr. Gary Constantine as the new Executive General Manager (GM), Commercial to boost their operations. KPHL Managing Director Mr. Wapu Sonk, in welcoming Mr. Constantine to the company management team, said, “We are very pleased that Gary is joining our executive leadership team, his international experience will provide a valuable perspective on some of the domestic value-adding and nation building projects that we are already executing and planning for the future.” Mr. Constantine is an industry professional with decades of experience in many countries in the Asia Pacific region including the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Australia and Canada – where he was employed by Shell Canada Limited for fifteen (15) years in various roles including power, gas and LNG marketing related posts. Apart from his primary Bachelor qualification, Mr. Gary has a post graduate diploma and an MBA. Most recently he was Vice President, Global LNG with Vopak LNG in Singapore where he was also involved in green-field and brownfield LNG developments in the Asia Pacific. In Australia, Gary has been involved in Shell’s Floating LNG proposal, associated with the Prelude project.

The AFL Under- 17 Pacific Nations Challenge is coming up in September from the 12th to the 14th in Cairns, Australia and the youngsters from Papua New Guinea (PNG) are also participating, an opportunity of a lifetime for upcoming players, coaches and umpires in the AFL PNG Academy. AFL PNG Development Chairman Mr. Ekonia Peni said he is proud to see more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans to showcase their talent in Australia. “I have no doubt this opportunity will be fulfilling both on and off the footy field during such a special time for our country. We have genuine talent in PNG, and through the work of our AFL PNG Academy programs and player pathways nationally, we want to continue providing opportunities for these coaches, umpires and players to showcase their ability and commitment to the game.” he said. “Over the three days in Cairns, these young players and officials will represent our country with pride and passion, leading the way while creating lasting friendships, connecting with our Pacific brothers and Sisters and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family.” “I would like to thank the Australian Government, through the PacificAus Sports Program, for supporting these aspiring players, coaches and umpires.” Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Ewen McDonald said the pacific nations share a love of sport and it’s great to see Australian rules football at the heart of Pacific Nations Challenge in Cairns with participants from PNG, Nauru, Fiji, Tonga and Australian First Nations teams. “It is a testament to the continuing close connections we all share across the Blue Pacific,” he said. The AFL PNG Academy teams, Binatangs (male) and Under 17 Kurakums (female), will take on the best players from Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Cairns and the Cape York and Torres Strait Crusaders in both male and female competitions. Matches will be played at a variety of venues across Cairns, including Cazalys Stadium, Buchan Street Oval and Watsons Oval. The final fixture will be released closer to the event in September. Meanwhile, this tournament also comes at a fitting time ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16th. The PNG participation was made possible with the support of the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports, celebrating the 50 years of enduring relations as well between the two countries since 1975.

The PNG Open 2025 Golf tournament is currently on with an array of contingent of professional golfers here in Port Moresby city for the challenge. The PNG Open 2025 teed off yesterday, Thursday 14th August at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club where Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the largest-ever contingent of professional golfers to compete in Papua New Guinea, declaring the 2025 PNG Open a milestone moment for both the sport and the country’s international profile. Prime Minister Marape said the four-day event — part of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia— brought together over 120 professional golfers from across four continents, surpassing previous records and cementing PNG’s status as a hub for major international sporting events. “For the first time, we have gone past 100 professional golfers competing in our country — 120 in total — including seven female professionals who will join our top women golfers in a separate event this weekend,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Sport sells our country’s image to the world, and this tournament shows that PNG can successfully host athletes from all corners of the globe.” The field includes competitors from the United States, Spain, Korea, Japan, Fiji, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond, marking a truly global contest. Spain is represented for the first time, while the United States has sent more than 10 players from various states. The Prime Minister highlighted that the event coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, making it a showcase not only for golf but also for the country’s culture, hospitality, and potential as a safe and attractive destination. “This is a step in the right direction. We want the world to know that PNG can embrace and host international sport at the highest level,” he said. Prime Minister Marape, Patron of the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, extended his gratitude to the PNG Golf Association and the PGA Tour of Australasia for their long-standing partnership, and especially to naming rights sponsor Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited (KMHL). PNG Golf Association President, Ian Hodge, said the tournament’s growth was a testament to years of planning and dedication. He emphasized that the addition of the women’s competition — featuring seven professionals from Australia and eight of PNG’s best female golfers — was a deliberate move to promote gender equality and inclusion in the sport, while reinforcing PNG’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors. Tournament Director Graeme Scott of the PGA Tour of Australasia praised the warm reception given to players and noted the high caliber of competition this year. “This is my fifth visit to PNG for the Open, and the field just keeps getting stronger,” he said. “Players who may never have heard of PNG are now promoting it to the world through their own channels. The inclusion of the women’s event also aligns perfectly with our push to grow women’s golf in our region.” The 2025 PNG Open will run until Sunday 17th August.

The new National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA) Policy framework which was launched last night in Port Moresby city, aims to ensure efficiency in the implementation of services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The NMCA Policy framework provides the strategic and administrative foundation for operationalize a central coordination mechanism to drive whole of government performance, accountability, and results-based implementation across all sectors and levels of government. Anchored in the Government’s commitment to address weak implementation, disjointed oversight, and poor service delivery- as highlighted in successive reviews and reinforced in the 40- Year Review by the National Research Institute- this framework represents a decisive shift from policy rhetoric to institutional action. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, who officially launched the NMCA at the APEC Haus, described it as a vital reform to ensure that every Kina allocated through the National Budget delivers tangible results for Papua New Guineans across both urban centres and rural communities. He emphasized that billions of Kina have flowed through successive Governments since Independence – and especially since 2019 – but without the strong and consistent monitoring needed to guarantee that these funds meet their intended purpose. “From 2019 to 2024 alone, our Government has overseen K131 billion in expenditure. Combined with the previous six years, that’s over K214 billion passing through our National Treasury in just 12 years,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The question we must all ask ourselves is: what have we done with this money? Have we translated it into real, tangible improvements for our people?” The NMCA has been established to fill this long-standing gap – to ensure funds appropriated in the National Budget are implemented according to approved plans, and to track results right down to the project level. Governor for Oro and Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery, Gerry Juffa, who was instrumental in the NMCA establishment, echoed the PM, stating that since Independence there have been decline of service delivery, exasperated by the 1995 reforms. “So, I made the effort to find a part of the solution by asking the Prime Minister to set up a Parliamentary Committee to join the voices of many demanding accountabilities for non-implementation of Government decisions and organizational behavior,” the Chairman said. He congratulated the Prime Minister on the creation of the NMCA which carried the similar objectives of his committee. He also urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the NMCA had the benefit of a line of sight to his Parliamentary Committee so that it was not only beholden to the Executive arm of Government. Meanwhile, the NMCA will coordinate with key oversight bodies and development partners to monitor the roll-out of Government funds to provinces, districts, and agencies in real time, using modern technology including ICT systems and Artificial Intelligence. Independent audit, engineering, and accounting firms will be engaged to verify progress on the ground, rather than Government agencies marking their own work. The Prime Minister said the NMCA’s board – comprising respected institutions such as the National Research Institute (NRI), Transparency International, and the National Economic and Fiscal Commission – will ensure a balanced, independent, and credible oversight of Government spending.

The National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) has joined forces with Paradise Private Hospital (PPH) to enable its members to get discounts the next time they visit the hospital for medical care. This was achieved when PPH officially joined both the Employer to Employer (E2E) Discount Program and the Member Discount Program (MDP), becoming one of Nasfund’s newest loyalty partners. The signing took place on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, marking the beginning of a partnership aimed at providing Nasfund members and registered employers with 10% discounts on a wide range of healthcare services offered at Paradise Private Hospital, located along Taurama Road, 3 Mile, Port Moresby city. Under the terms of the agreement, the following services are eligible for the 10% discount: • Outpatient Services • Day Care & Dental • Emergency & ICU • Maternity & Antenatal Services • X-Ray, Ultrasound & Mammogram • Pathology Services • PPH Standard Fit-for-Work Assessment • Pharmacy To access these discounts, Nasfund members must present a valid Nasfund membership identification card, and Nasfund registered employers must present a Nasfund E2E card at Paradise Private Hospital. Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma welcomed the new partnership, stating, “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for Papua New Guineans.” Signing on behalf of Paradise Private Hospital was Chairman Dr. Robin Sios, supported by PPH Co-Owner Mrs. Janet Sios and PPH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Polapoi Chalau. “We are excited about this loyalty program and to partner with the Fund to support promotional efforts to raise awareness of the benefits available to our Nasfund members and employers at our hospital,” said Dr. Sios. PPH Co-Owner Mrs. Sios added, “Paradise Private Hospital is one of PNG’s nationally owned hospitals and the bulk of its clientele are Nasfund members, making this partnership even more meaningful.

The fully restored Lombrum Naval Base in Manus province was officially opened yesterday much to the delight of the Papua New Guinea Government, the Defence Force and the people of Manus. Prime Minister James Marape who was at the ceremony, described the official opening of the fully restored Lombrum Naval Base as a “historic and strategic leap” in Papua New Guinea’s defence capability, marking one of the most significant military infrastructure investments in the nation’s 50-year history. Speaking alongside Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Australia — particularly Australian taxpayers — for funding the AUD $500 million redevelopment of the facility. “This is not just a refurbishment; it is a game-changing investment,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Papua New Guinea is a nation blessed with over 3 million square kilometres of sovereign territory — both land and sea. Our maritime zone is rich in fisheries, forestry, energy, and biodiversity, but it is also vulnerable to illegal fishing, illicit trade, drug trafficking, unauthorized migration, and other forms of transnational crime." “A strong, well-resourced Navy is not optional — it is essential. And the restored Lombrum Naval Base is at the heart of building that strength.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his government’s target to expand the PNG Defence Force to 10,000 personnel by 2035 — made up of 7,000 regulars and 3,000 reservists — in order to meet the growing security demands of the nation’s vast territory and strategic location in the Pacific. “This investment is part of a bigger picture,” he said. “We are developing both our air and sea wings so that our Defence Force can operate effectively across all domains. Our goal is to give our men and women in uniform the right tools, the right facilities, and the right conditions to perform at their very best.”

The by elections are drawing to a close with most of the contested seat declaring winners already with Porgera Paiela in Enga province and Kabwum in Morobe province being the latest to do so, with both Members elect to take their place amongst the other leaders in parliament. Prime Minister James Marape very recently extended his heartfelt congratulations to Gidron Maso Karipe, Member-elect for Porgera-Paiela in Enga Province, and Patrick Basa, new MP for Kabwum in Morobe Province on their victories respectively. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I congratulate the Member-elect for Porgera-Paiela and the new Kabwum MP, and we welcome them into our government ranks,” Prime Minister Marape said. Mr. Karipe, who contested the by-election as an independent, secured victory with 19,223 votes, defeating his closest rival by a margin of 5,495 votes. The seat was previously held by his late father, Maso Karipe, the first Member for the newly created Porgera-Paiela electorate, who passed away in 2023. “I noted from the trend in the polling that he collected well in the first preference votes and also, in the preferential counts after every elimination,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He is possibly the youngest member in this Parliament. His late father was the first Member for the new Porgera-Paiela electorate, and I look forward to working with him to continue the work that his father started.” The Prime Minister said Porgera-Paiela remains one of the country’s most resource-rich districts, with an estimated 19 more years of mine life at the Porgera Gold Mine. “He has told me he wants to assist in completing the Community Development Agreement for the mine, ensuring fair and just benefit distribution to the people in the impact areas, including Porgera Valley, Enga Province, and the three other impacted provinces,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister also congratulated Patrick Basa, who secured victory in the Kabwum by election with 11,941 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Haring Quoreka, by 3,227 votes. Mr. Basa contested the by-election under Our Party and returns to Parliament after the National Court ordered a fresh by-election. “Kabwum is an isolated electorate with huge potential,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Patrick Basa’s focus on improving roads, law enforcement, health, and education services will greatly benefit his people, and I welcome him back into the Government ranks.” Prime Minister Marape also appealed to the people of Porgera-Paiela to protect public infrastructure. “Roads, lead to development and the free flow of goods and services,” he said. “Don’t disturb the roads, don’t block the roads, don’t destroy bridges. If you have an issue with someone, take it up to the police or community mediation. Violence and disorder will not do anybody any good.

Member for Moresby South and Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko has pledged to work together with the newly elected Motu-Koita Assembly Members to ensure service delivery to the people on the south side of Port Moresby city. Speaking at the recent luncheon he hosted for the newly elected members representing the Eastern Region, Minister Tkatchenko affirmed his support for the Assembly members in the lead-up to the next National Election in 2027. He assured the leaders that he would work closely with them in delivering the much-needed services to the people of Moresby South. The MP said there is a lot of work to be done in the electorate, and it's time to get started. “Moresby South has seen a lot of the major projects delivered, and it is one of the best-performing electorates,” said the MP in a statement. Also discussed at the luncheon was the topic of a future parliamentary seat for Motu-Koita. Meanwhile, the newly elected Motu Koita Assembly members from the Eastern region are the Mahuru Member Mal Udia, Pari-Taurama Member Peter Noka, Vabukori Member Turaho Morea, East Motu Koita Women’s representative, Gorame Momo, Pari Taoata Member, Ovia Nou, and Kira Kira Member, Babani Harry.

After opening its second flagship branch in Wewak town in East Sepik province just a month ago, TISA Bank has opened its third flagship branch in the big city of Kokopo in East New Britain Province. This latest TISA Bank branch opening reinforces its commitment to expanding banking access for the underbanked and unbanked communities across Papua New Guinea (PNG). The launch ceremony was officiated by the Governor of East New Britain Province, Hon. Michael Marum, and witnessed by Open Member (MP) for Kokopo, Ereman ToBaining Jr., and business community representation by Dame Sandra Lau, owner of Tropicana Ltd. Governor Marum welcomed TISA Bank to the province, highlighting the importance of accessible banking services for local development. “Your presence reflects a strong belief in our people and our province’s economic development,” said Governor Marum. “This new branch means more than just convenience—it is a necessity for development. It means more empowerment for our everyday people.” The MP emphasized the broader regional impact of the new branch. “This branch will provide financial inclusion opportunities not only for my people in Kokopo, but also for those from New Ireland Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville who travel here to do business,” he said. TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sunil Pokharel, shared the bank’s vision for inclusive growth and community empowerment. “We believe that access to quality financial services should not be a privilege—it should be a right, especially in a region full of promise,” said Mr. Pokharel. “This branch will offer a full suite of modern retail, SME, and banking solutions, guided by our principle of Banking on Change.” He added that TISA Bank is committed to delivering banking that is inclusive, responsive, and people focused. “We are here to support the entrepreneurial spirit of East New Britain and to provide the best service possible for our people.” He further thanked the corporate and large business support in the province, acknowledging Dame Sandra Lau for her presence during the launch. TISA Bank is committed to creating long-term partnerships and is well-positioned to support businesses in East New Britain Province, from SMEs to large corporations. “It is our hope to partner with local businesses in the province to build the next chapter of corporate growth not only in the province but in Papua New Guinea.” Mr. Pokharel added. The Kokopo branch marks another milestone in TISA Bank’s journey to create inclusive financial opportunities and drive sustainable development across Papua New Guinea.

It is just over a month to go before Papua New Guinea marks its 50th Anniversary of Independence, so it is only fitting that a statue of the man who gained the country's independence stands tall at Waigani, Port Moresby city. Last evening saw the unveiling of the live size bronze statue of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare unveiled at the National Parliament House witnessed by the family of the Grand Chief, including his wife Lady Veronica Somare, the prime minister, State Ministers and Members of Parliament and foreign dignitaries invited for the significant occasion. Prime Minister James Marape in his speech said Sir Michael was more than a leader, he was the bridge between time and tradition, a state’s man whose intellect was deeply rooted in the wisdom of the ancestors and whose politics was shaped by great compassion. He said Somare united people of thousand tribes with so many languages into a single national identity known as Papua New Guinea, a country that is independent. Speaking prior to the PM was Mr. Arthur Somare, the son of the Grand Chief who used the occasion to call for good leadership to prevail in the country as PNG marks 50 years of independence. Reflecting on his father’s legacy, he said leadership must always be about the people. He said leadership is not about power, not about status, it is about all else. Service must be rooted in humility, integrity and faith in fairness and justice. “That is the legacy we are called to live up to,” said Arthur. “As we stand before this statue, we must also ask ourselves, what do we do with the legacy we inherit?” “For far too long the promise of independence, the promise of prosperity, dignity and justice for all have remained unevenly distributed. Progress has come but it has come at a cost.” “We must now ask ourselves, where now from here?” “The answer lies in our collective resolve to walk together, to work together and build together,” he said. Meanwhile, the building of the bronze statue was commissioned by parliament and was designed and built in Bali Indonesia. Following its completion, it was transported to PNG and on the evening of Thursday 7th August, which also coincided with the 41st Anniversary of the National Parliament House, was unveiled in front of the steps to the parliament’s door.

Since its opening over forty (40) years ago, the National Parliament has served as the house of the people, serving the interest of the people and upholding the democratic process of government. This was the statement made by the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat today to commemorate the 41st Anniversary of the National Parliament, which was celebrated at the Parliament premises in Port Moresby city. Pomat described the Parliament as a powerful symbol of Papua New Guinea’s democracy, identity and national unity. These year's theme of celebration is " One People, One Nation, One Country". Reflecting on this year’s theme, Pomat said it is a timely and meaningful reminder that despite the many different cultures, language and regions, Papua New Guinea remains united under one Constitution, one flag and one parliament. “Our Parliament House was opened on the 7th August 1984 by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, now His Majesty King Charles III,” said Speaker Pomat. “It was built not only as a place for decision making, but a house of all the people of Papua New Guinea.” “It stands at the heart of our nation, a place for our leaders elected by the people come together to debate, legislate, and shape the future of this great country.” “For over four decades the National Parliament House has been more than just a seat of government, it has been a stage up on which our democracy has grown. It has witnessed the peaceful transitions of government, the passing of laws that define our progress, the approval of national budgets and most importantly, the voicing of our people’s hopes and concerns.” Pomat concluded by extending his gratitude to the Parliamentary Services for the continued care of this national treasure, so that the future generations may continue to appreciate it.

The Kavieng Stadium in Kavieng town, New Ireland province has been renamed to Sir Julius Chan Stadium as a mark of honor for the Late political icon, the last of the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea who passed away early this year. New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt announced this during the New Ireland Day celebrations held at this Stadium on Saturday, 02nd August, 2025. “It is fitting and proper to announce that the Kavieng Sports Stadium will now be named in honor and legacy of our late Governor Sir Julius Chan,” he said. Late Sir Julius, Papua New Guinea's most seasoned politician built this amazing facility that has set a high benchmark for development in New Ireland for years to come. The Kavieng Stadium took just over a year to build by the China Railway Construction Company, the same company that built another iconic structure in the New Ireland Legislative Assembly. The renaming of the stadium was one of the highlights of the New Ireland Day celebrations bringing together traditional and cultural performances from the two districts (Kavieng and Namatanai) in the province.