The Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion Jason Peter, is currently in Fiji’s capital, Suva, attending the Pacific Islands Forum women Leaders Meeting that is currently underway. The which began on June 3rd and will conclude on June 5th, brought together Forum Ministers responsible for Women who gathered for the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Ministerial Retreat to reflect on the future of leadership in the Blue Pacific. Guided by the theme, “Leading Together: Strengthening Collective Voice, Agency, and Connection”, discussions explored how inclusive, values-based leadership can help advance the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The retreat provided a dedicated space for leaders to share experiences, discuss the barriers, and opportunities facing women in leadership and consider practical ways to strengthen gender equality and social inclusion across regional priorities. Conversations also highlighted the importance of intergenerational leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and ensuring that women’s voices continue to shape decision-making at national, regional, and global levels. Discussions will focus on moving from policy to issues focused decision-making including improving prevention and response to gender-based violence, improving women’s health, strengthening the region’s commitment to disability inclusion, and progressing gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming, backed by the commitments of the revitalized Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration (PLGED). This meeting also compliments the Triennial Conference of Pacific Women and Meeting of Ministers for Women by providing a critical link to Forum Leaders on a regular basis. Papua New Guinea is represented by Minister Jason Peter alongside the Director for the Office of the Development for Women, Ms. Nancy Kavop.

Former National Athlete and a renowned Trainer and Coach, Nelson Stone was once again overlooked at the recent 2026 SP Sports Awards, despite his active involvement and contribution towards Papua New Guinea (PNG) sports and athlete development.He took to social media after the awards to express his disappointment after another year of setback, missing out on the Sports Official of the Year category for the seventh year in a row. Since 2020, after Stone called it quits on his glittering athletics career in 2019 and built on his N.E.S.T (Never Ever Stop Trying) Program, as well as coaching and mentoring, he was a finalist in the Sports Official of the Year category from 2020-2026, only to end up as the Runner-up consecutively. When PNG Haus Bung reached out to Stone and asked him about his thoughts on missing out on the awards, his response was, “I respect the judges’ decision. It is what it is. I’d say, I’m not disappointed I just knew it’d be the same result. It does not bother me, I guess I’m used to this set back and it’s ok, I just have to move on. Maybe this is God’s plan for me not to win this year.”When asked about his focus now and moving forward from this year’s SP Awards set back, he said, “I always work hard and I keep turning up, it’s been 3 decades of hard work and I’ll keep going. My focus now is on empowering communities, women, and youths through my NEST program. I want to see people live a better life and free from bad choices and directions from bad people. Never Ever Stop Trying in whatever they do or dream of in life.” Meanwhile, prior to the SP Sports Awards, the Australian Government, through the Pilai Lo Stap Wantaim initiative had recognized the community empowerment programs that Stone does through his N.E.S.T program as the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Ewen McDonald presented Stone with a Community Grant that will help him continue with his community programs. “It’s quite amazing to receive such grants from the Australian Government. It clearly shows the recognition of my dedication of the work I do. This recognition gives me hope for my contribution and service to the people, through health, sports, fitness and other community engagements through the N.E.S.T program.” Concludes Stone.

The Papua New Guinea Rehabilitation Centre, together with its stakeholders, advocates and residents are appealing for immediate intervention from the relevant authorities concerning their eviction, unlawful take-over of the Board and denial of justice. The appeal was made in a Press Conference held in Port Moresby today at the Hohola Rehab Centre, by the acting Chairman of the PNG Rehabilitation Centre, Mr. Dona Ou and Ms. Fiona Kapi the Chairlady of Brown Kapi Foundation, who are the mandated Caretaker of the Centre. At the joint media conference, Mr. Ou and Ms. Kapi said, despite clear evidence of the constitutional violations and ongoing fraud investigations, an illegal management regime is actively working beyond their boundaries to evict the rightful occupants of the centre. According to the Chairlady, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Centre and the Foundation in 2011M, giving the foundation the mandate to take care and operate the centre interim. It was an effort to sustain vital operations and maintain care for its community and members that are cared for by the centre. The PNG Rehabilitation Centre is a registered Non-Governmental-Organization dedicated through its services to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWD). It was established and headed by former Chairman, Late Brown Kapi, who passed on tragically in 2015. Seeing the prolonged leadership vacuum left behind by Late Brown Kapi, an alleged individual (named) unlawfully bypassed proper orga Mr. Ou shared some light on this matter and recalled back to late Mr. Kapi’s passing and the events that occurred straight after his death. He said, after the late chairman’s passing the residents at the centre were pushed out to be left on the streets, as this alleged individual took over the Rehab Centre.  “This particular individual then set up a new board, went as far as to IPA to deregister the organization. And then, even to the extreme of going to the Lands Department to have the Title of the Land transferred under h** name, which is illegal and fraudulent,” said Mr. Ou. He said that all these infighting over the land, the organization and position is not healthy and doesn’t serve the purpose of the people that matters the most. Mr. Ou emphasized also that; Persons with Disabilities are the most vulnerable people in all these ongoing farces that will be badly affected because of the personal interests of certain selfish individuals. “Let me just set the record straight that, as a registered organization, we have at the moment an interim board that is already in-place. And we hope to sit down soon to put a permanent board in-place quickly, to get things moving,” He said that there are few other serious concerns that needs to be made public about this matter and the negative effect that are really affecting their livelihoods and their operations as an organization. However, Mr. Ou refused to make any further comments on those concerns, stating that the matters is already before the Supreme Court. He only wished for a fair judgment and ruling by the court to rule in their favor to put this matter to rest once and for all. In supporting Mr. Ou’s comments, Ms. Fiona Kapi, Chairlady of Brown Kapi Foundation is asking serious questions and is demanding for transparent answers. She asked, why has the Police Fraud Squad failed to prosecute this case two (2) years ago after they lodged and official complaint with evidence of Land Title fraud. Why were the NGO (Rehab Centre) denied a proper, full trial in both the District and National Courts to fairly and thoroughly challenge an eviction driven by an unconstitutional board? And how has an individual facing serious fraud allegations been permitted to operate for this long and illegally organizing a hostile takeover? “We are making a desperate, formal appeal to the Minister for Justice, the Police Commissioner, the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and the Department of Lands and the Department for Community Development as the custodians for Person with Disability, to step in immediately. State mechanisms must not be used as instruments to exploit the vulnerable. The responsible authorities must halt the pending eviction, investigate the fraudulent board registration, and safeguard the institutional assets of the PNG Rehabilitation Centre,”said Ms. Kapi. She made this final appeal stating that if nothing is done, we will lose a vital sanctuary for the persons with disability.

So far so good with the turnout of the general public to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) electoral roll display and verification in the various electorates in Port Moresby city.That was the response from PNG Electoral Commission’s – Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao when interviewed by PNG Haus Bung today, Tuesday 2nd June. He said the Electoral Roll Display and Verification exercise for the completed Motu-Koita, Moresby North-East and Moresby North-West electorates respectively went quite well despite a lone incident that occurred on the 20th of May at the Gerehu suburb, where EC officials conducting the exercise, drawing concerns from the public. Despite this minor matter, all three electorates competed in their exercises within the specific timeframe given without any major hiccups or incidents. “We are now rolling out the roll display and verification exercise in Moresby South. They actually started theirs yesterday (Monday 01st June), and we’re looking to wrap up this exercise within 2- weeks from now,” said Mr. Hawegao. A total of Nine (9) Teams will be stationed at various designated locations, covering all four (4) Wards in the Moresby South Electorate. Eligible voters are urged to look for the electoral officials at their respective wards to be part of this exercise, in preparation for the Electoral Roll Update which is expected to commence on the third week of this month. Mr. Hawengao elaborated that the recently completed roll display and verification exercises were informative as they were able to capture good statistics on people’s movement, changes of names, age, and other vital information. He added that from the information and statistics gathered, it will be filtered and used on Form 11 which is the actually Electoral Roll Update. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is currently carrying out similar exercises nationwide as well as awareness for the upcoming Electoral Roll Update Exercise to commence in a couple of weeks. All these are preparations for the 2027 National General Elections next year.

Over twenty (20) Master Trainers in Financial Literacy Training recently completed the first ever Digital Financial Literacy Training delivered by the Centre for Excellence and Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in Port Moresby city.The week-long training arranged by CEFI from May 25th – 29th was facilitated by FinValue Advisors, a consultant firm specialized in the digital development finance field. When congratulating the participants, Mr. Sanja Pepae the First Assistant Secretary – Macroplanning with the Department of National Panning & Monitoring, told the participants that the training is a milestone, and the first ever in Digital Financial Literacy training, making them the pioneer Master Trainers in Financial Literacy to receive digital training. He thanked FinValue Advisors for the partnership especially their collaboration in ensuring the context of the training they provided was translated into contents that are more relevant to PNG financial market, while also ensuring the participants receive the experience in building their capacity and capability to access digital transformation. Mr. George Kulisi, the Director Program Development with Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, in his remarks as the keynote speaker at the certificate presentation ceremony, told the participants that to attain such training and learning is a privilege. He told the 11 male and 12 female Master Trainers to grab hold of this digital financial literacy training as ambassadors and leaders in their own community or organization to extend and contribute immensely to digital transformation. Mr. Kulisi urged the participants to know their target markets, which is also an important aspect of the digital financial literacy training. Moreover, he urged the participants to put this training and achievement into their walk of life by starting or investing in their own household, families, communities and respective organizations that they represent. Meanwhile the Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel, challenged the master trainers to be the difference and be the agent of change through the Digital Financial platform. The FinValue Advisors core areas of business include management and strategic consulting, technical assistance, advisory support, digital transformation for financial institutions, digital transformation linked policy development, behavioral research, training, capacity building, program and pilot implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs.

The return of National Court circuit hearings in Namatanai District of New Ireland province, has been welcomed and fully supported by the New Ireland Provincial government.President for Namatanai Local Level Government (LLG), and Provincial Executive Council Chairman for Works, Transport, Mining, Oil, Gas, and Primary Industry Mr. Elias Towarkia, announced this on behalf of the provincial government and Governor Byron Chan during the announcement of the revival of National Court Circuits recently. In welcoming Justice Panuel Mogish, President Towarkia said the New Ireland Provincial government supports the revival to progress further. “Namatanai welcomes back national court circuits after seven years absence from the district,” President Towarkia said. He stated that it has been a long time coming for this important judicial approach; however, despite the setbacks, it is now more important to partner and propel the rendering of judicial services and its implementation at this level in the province. “On behalf of the people of Namatanai and New Ireland, I call on the judiciary services to continue from here on with the backing of Justice Mogish, being a local to climb the ranks and file and get to the top to maintain this crucial government arm.” Meanwhile, President Towarkia challenged the younger generation to pursue taking up law studies and bringing the service closer to the people. “I challenge our young people especially those who are studying and those who are already in Judiciary to be determined and rise to greater heights in this field.” “I want to see more New Irelanders excel in all education and in ranks and files and various fields they are serving in, in Papua New Guinea.” In response to this, Justice Mogish stressed the importance of having the courts closer to people as it is a human right. He said safety is not guaranteed for people traveling along the Boluminski Highway for four to five hours down to Kavieng to access judiciary and magisterial services and is also costly to access these services from Kavieng. He said back in the colonial days, Namatanai was one of few first districts in PNG who had its own Correctional Services and as a proud son of Namatanai, he hopes to see Namatanai return again to where it used to be with a CS reestablishment. “Having a CS in Namatanai brings detainees, parents and guardians closer to them for visitation purposes. Many detainees escape the Kavieng CS because they are far from home,” said Justice Mogish. He indicated that justice must prevail and those who break the rule of law must face the consequences. Construction work has begun starting with a modern courthouse facility in Namatanai and is expected to be completed in a year or so.

PNG Athletics sensation, Paias Wisil took out the Top Award of the night at the SP SPORTS AWARDS, claiming the PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD as well as the MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD.The double awards show Wisil’s distinguished commitment and performance in the sport of athletics in 2025. Unfortunately, he was not available to receive the awards as he is currently competing overseas. In the FEMALE ATHLETE OF the YEAR category, PNG Bilums star Ramona Padio took home the award.Picture: PNG Bilums star Ramona Padio She acknowledged God for making it possible for her to receive this award. She said trying to balance motherhood and a football career is challenging, but she worked so hard and her sacrifice has paid off.The winners of the other awards category are as follows;Junior Male Athlete of the Year, Lawrence Oala of WeightliftingJunior Female Athlete of the Year, Ani Geua Gavera - WeightliftingTeam of the Year, PNG Lewas - CricketNational Performance of the Year, CB Sparrows - Netball Sports Official of the Year, Willie Mavara Tamasi - Weightlifting Community Sports Initiative of the Year, Jonah Kautu AcademySports Media of the Year, Terry Longbut - TV WAN CPL Para Athlete of the Year, Dorna Longbut - Para Athletics Sports Photo of the Year, Simon Keslep - Post CourierThe 2026 SP Sports Awards was held last night at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby city, recognising excellence in Papua New Guinea sports.The event honored all outstanding athletes, teams, and officials on a night dedicated to celebrating achievement across the sporting community, under the theme: “Celebrating Diversity, Honouring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.”

It was a double celebration for the Longbut family at the 2026 SP SPORTS AWARDS held last night in Port Moresby city.Sports Media veteran and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Rugby League commentator, Terry Longbut, was recognized for his outstanding contribution to sports reporting, taking out the Trukai Industries Sports Media of the Year Award. While daughter, Dorna Longbut took home the CPL Para ATHLETE of the Year AWARD, rounding up a great evening for the Longbut family. With her dad on duty travel and unavailable, Dorna received the award on behalf of her father. "To get this award and also for dad with his award means so much for the family. It basically for the sacrifices and the support we show as a family and we're really proud," said young Dorna. She also stated on behalf of her father that, he would be proud to finally get the Sports Media of the Year Award, because he's worked so hard and the commitment that he puts into his work has finally paid off.

The 2026 SP Sports Awards was held last night at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby city, recognising excellence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) sports.The event honored outstanding athletes, teams, and officials on a night dedicated to celebrating achievement across the sporting community, under the theme: “Celebrating Diversity, Honouring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.” The event saw the National Women’s Cricket Team- the PNG Lewas, taking home the Carbine Club TEAM OF the YEAR award as one of the successful National teams based on a breakout year last year and their numerous achievements in 2025. An elated Lewas Coach, Mahuru Dai said, the award is for the hard work, commitment, sacrifice and the effort the girls put into their training and performance. He also thanked Cricket PNG, sponsors and partners for their major part in ensuring the team continues to take part in regional and international cricket tournaments. He also extended his appreciation to the families of the team members for their sacrifices and support, and the cricket community as a whole. "This award means a lot to the girls and as a team. This recognition only gives us the drive to push forward and do more better in our performances. Especially, more international matches and obviously the T20 World Cup is our great aim at the moment," concludes coach Dai.

The Hera M2 Men’s Association Incorporated is steadily creating a positive impact within the Mumut and Pitpit street communities of Morata 2 in Port Moresby. The Association was formed and registered back in 2021 with the help of Philip Wariniki- a prominent lawyer in the legal fraternity and was an intending candidate during the 2021 Moresby North-West By-Elections. Although registered and recognized by the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), the association was not fully functional until 2024, when it was certified after obtaining all its proper documentation. Led by Brian Kilabu, the caretaker Vice President, and Emmanuel ‘Junior-Opsy’ Oveke, the Community Projects coordinator, they reached out to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) City Watch office to have the city watch program established in their community. In March of this year, they were affiliated to the City Watch Program through their Association and established their first ‘Cell Haus’ on a central location in their area. For over two months now, the association has witnessed gradual but significant improvements through this initiative. The intersection that connects pitpit and mumut streets, which leads into Morata 2 Power Station, has long been a notorious hotspot for petty crimes and other criminal related activities. Many young women, mothers, school children, and elderly men and women, usually fall victims to these activities. “We have seen some change taking place in our small community, especially with the decrease in the number of petty crimes, said Mr. Oveke. “Before, this area was a hot spot for criminal activities. But since that time, we have set up our community watch post, we have seen some good changes.” “Our youngsters, who are engaged in all sorts of bad activities, have now settled down. This is an achievement for us and progress of our work here in protecting our community.” He added that with the installation of two newly mounted spotlights at the watch post, people in the community, have been seen walking with such pose that nothing bad is going to happen. Young girls, women, and the elderly people in the community are now walking around freely knowing that their safety is guaranteed. Last month, Zion Zeal Christian Academy donated a water dispenser, 6x plastic chairs, reflector vests, 2x canvas, 2x spotlights and a fluorescent light to the Hera M2 Men’s Association Inc worth K2, 000. Meanwhile, Mr. Kilabu, emphasized that change starts in the family- and their family is the community they live in. He noted that it takes collaboration from every individual in the community to ensure the safety of all. Furthermore, he appealed to their younger youths to learn from what their elder brothers are doing and support them. He wants to see their community turn out to be a safe and resilient model community in Morata.

The Department for Community Development & Religion (DFCDR), through the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat (NGBVS), has committed a total of K1.8 million to support the implementation of Provincial Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Action Plans across Papua New Guinea.The funding allocation will see 18 provinces each receive K100,000, totalling K1.8 million, following their participation in the National GBV Provincial Plenary held in Port Moresby in November 2025. Invitations were extended to all 22 provinces; however, 18 provinces responded by submitting their provincial GBV workplans and attending the plenary. These workplans are directly aligned to the indicators and priorities outlined in the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2026–2035, ensuring a coordinated and consistent national approach. This commitment follows the successful plenary, where participating provinces worked collaboratively to finalize their 2026 GBV Action Plans and budgets, aligned to the National Strategy. The allocation of funding marks a significant transition from planning to action, ensuring provinces are equipped with the necessary resources to implement targeted and coordinated GBV interventions at the local level. The funding will support Implementation of provincial GBV priority action, strengthening coordination and service delivery at provincial and community levels, rollout of community-based prevention and awareness programmes, and Support for frontline response services for survivors. This investment reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that provincial plans are not only developed but effectively implemented to deliver tangible results in communities. During the plenary, the National GBV Secretariat (NGBVS) emphasized that this support represents a critical step forward, enabling provinces to commence implementation of their action plans and drive meaningful change at the community level. The National GBV Provincial Plenary brought together Provincial GBV Focal Points, Community Development Advisors, and key partners to strengthen coordination, enhance accountability, and align provincial efforts under the national strategy. The plenary will be held annually with provinces and their planners to help achieve the targets of the National Strategy 2026–2035, with the next meeting scheduled for later this year. Provinces that did not participate in this round will be considered in the next phase once their action plans are developed in line with the National Strategy and presented at the next plenary. This commitment reflects a shared national vision of zero tolerance for GBV and strengthens provincial leadership in building safer communities nationwide.

Kerema Hospital has long been regarded as one of the most rundown general hospitals in the country; however, under the leadership of Gulf Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chairman, Augustine Mano and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elvis Japhleth, with the support of Gulf Governor, Chris Haiveta and Kerema Open Member, Thomas Opa, a much-needed change is happening in the provincial capital of Gulf Province. A notable transformation is the upgrading and relocation of the health facility. A major step towards strengthening healthcare delivery and improving much needed medical services for the people of Gulf Province, who have been starved of these vital services for many years. Yesterday (Tuesday 26th May) the people in Kerema town witnessed the opening of the relocated Clinical Services wing. The opening was officiated by Minister for Health, Elias Kapavore, accompanied by Governor Haiveta, Kerema MP, Thomas Opa, Mr. Mano and Mr. Japhleth. The renovated areas of the building within the Gulf Provincial Health Authority office consists of new adult outpatient area, children's outpatient, surgical room, OPD ward, pharmacy, theatre facilities, 12 new compartments for the morgue, an Xray room and an incinerator was also built to burn remains of placenta and other rubbish. Minister Kapavore was also given the honors to officiate a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 20 self-contained staff accommodation unit. The old Kerema Hospital out-patient building will be demolished this week to accommodate for the construction of a new hospital building.