Mahlon WINSTON

Papuan Compound PC Ravens have built one of Papua New Guinea’s most consistent records in rugby sevens, reaching nine documented Cup finals since 2018 and winning six championships.The Lae-based club’s latest success came in 2026, when the Ravens returned home from the 9th Papua Open Rugby Sevens in Jayapura, Indonesia, with the international title.They beat Highlanders Spartans 20-0 in the final, then backed up that performance by defending their Rosso Trans Highway Sevens crown with a 29-5 grand-final victory over Gerehu Natives this week.Those wins capped a demanding season that also saw the Ravens reach the Sports Tok Sevens final, where Fiji’s Devo Babas beat them 22-12. The team’s response with an international championship followed by another title at home, establishing the resilience and consistency behind its growing reputation.The Ravens first announced themselves on the national sevens scene in 2018, winning the Kalibobo Lighthouse 7s in Madang with a 27-7 final victory over the East New Britain Stallions. They followed up by claiming the 2019 Sports Tok Sevens title and successfully defending it in 2020, beating Brothers 15-5.After missing the 2021 Sports Tok final following a semifinal loss to Sisilpak, the club returned to the top in 2022. The Ravens defeated a PNG Pukpuks select Barbarians side 17-5 to win the inaugural Rosso Trans Highway 7’s.They came close to adding another Trans Highway title in 2024, but Six-Mile Crocs prevailed 19-5 in the final. In 2025, the Ravens reached the Gerehu Firelight 7s decider and led Lasalians 12-0 at halftime before losing 24-17.Across their nine documented Cup finals, the Ravens have now recorded six wins and three runner-up finishes.Emerging from Papuan Compound in Lae, the Ravens have established themselves through sustained competitiveness and a willingness to test themselves at tournaments around the country. Their Jayapura triumph marked a further milestone, carrying the PC Ravens name beyond PNG and onto the international sevens stage.With six major Cup titles from nine finals, the Ravens have made a compelling case as one of the leading forces in PNG rugby sevens.

Department of National Planning and Monitoring Secretary, Mr. Koney Samuel has announced his resignation, concluding a 27-year career in public service, including eight years leading the department.Mr. Samuel, 51, said he was leaving for personal reasons and believed it was time to make way for a new generation of leaders.He began as Acting Secretary in July 2018, succeeding Hakaua Harry, and was appointed Secretary for two consecutive terms: from May 8, 2019, to 2024, and from January 31, 2024, until his resignation this month. He is the department’s longest-serving secretary.“When I first took office as Secretary in 2018, I was ready to take on the challenges of my new role, and I am proud of what we have achieved together over the years,” Mr. Samuel said.During his tenure, the department delivered seven consecutive Capital Investment Budgets and developed the Medium-Term Development Plans III (2018–2022) and IV (2023–2027). Other initiatives included strengthening public investment management, completing Papua New Guinea’s Second Voluntary National Review of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, improving development cooperation and donor alignment, advancing the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, and supporting reforms in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector.Mr. Samuel also advocated for budget support to implement sector reforms and worked to maintain constructive relationships with development partners in support of the country’s development priorities.He acknowledged the support of successive ministers responsible for planning, Richard Maru, the late Sam Basil, Renbo Paita, and current Minister Sir Ano Pala. He also thanked the Marape-Rosso Government, public servants, stakeholders, and development partners for their support.“I believe the time is right for me to step aside and give opportunity to the younger generation of leaders to rise and take charge. I have served my country and people to the best of my ability, and I leave the office with gratitude for the opportunity I have been given to serve,” he said.Mr. Samuel also expressed gratitude to his family and gave thanks to God for strength and guidance throughout his 27 years of public service career.The National Executive Council met on Wednesday, September 30, and appointed DNPM Deputy Secretary for Programming and Monitoring Roger Kara as Acting Secretary.

Coca-Cola Euro-pacific Partners (CCEP) has been announced as a premier partner of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the country’s planned National Rugby League club, which is due to enter the competition in 2028.Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the Coca-Cola brand will appear on the sleeves of the men’s NRL jersey from 2028. CCEP will also become the club’s exclusive partner in the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage category.The agreement is expected to extend beyond the playing kit, with the partnership featuring match-day activities, media, digital channels, and hospitality.McPherson said work would begin before the team’s first NRL season, using CCEP’s nationwide distribution and community reach to connect with supporters across Papua New Guinea.She described the Chiefs as a national institution intended to represent people throughout the country, and said the partnership reflected confidence in the club and its ambitions.She also noted that Coca-Cola joins BSP and Struddys as partners publicly announced by the Chiefs. The club is scheduled to make its NRL debut in March 2028.McPherson said the occasion would represent a long-held national dream and bring Papua New Guinea’s team onto the competition’s stage for the first time.CCEP Country Director, Tim Solly described the partnership announcement as a proud and historic moment for the company. He said it represents more than a logo on a jersey, expressing a commitment to stand alongside a team that will carry Papua New Guinea’s hopes, pride and identity onto the international stage.Soli said Coca-Cola’s connection to Papua New Guinea is grounded in its local operations and communities. The company’s beverages are produced and packaged locally, supported by local workers and customers, and distributed throughout the country.He noted that Coca-Cola has been part of everyday life in PNG for generations, including family gatherings, cultural celebrations, community events, and rugby league.He said rugby league’s values of teamwork, resilience, ambition and shared purpose align with those of CCEP and Coca-Cola. The partnership, he adds, builds on the company’s longstanding support for the sport, from community competitions to elite development pathways, and reflects the power of sport to unite and inspire people.Soli thanked PNG Chiefs chief executive Lorna and the club’s team for their trust, and said Coca-Cola was proud to be involved from the beginning. The company hopes to help bring supporters closer to the team and create memorable experiences both on match days and beyond.He invited customers and fans across Papua New Guinea to stand with the Chiefs, celebrate the team’s milestones and share in its journey as it prepares to make history in the NRL.

The stage has narrowed from 48 teams to just 12 as the Powes Parkop Independence Rugby League 9s tournament moves into its final stages, with teams now one step closer to claiming the Cup, Plate or Bowl title.The final 16 and final 8 elimination matches across the three divisions were played over the weekend at the Kone Tigers Oval in Waigani. The results set up a series of qualifying matches, with places in the respective division grand finals on the line.Cup DivisionMoresby North-West Team 1 will meet the University of Papua New Guinea’s Waghi Hawks in one Cup grand-final qualifier. In the other, Moresby North-West Team 2 will face M2 Brothers of Morata.Both matches are effectively do-or-die contests, while the winners will progress directly to the Cup grand-final.Plate DivisionThe Plate qualifiers will showcase several of the tournament’s emerging players. Young sides 8 Last Academy and Tapini Snails have been impressive with their performances and will now look to carry that form into the closing rounds.Tapini Snails are set to take on Drogons RLC, while 8 Last Academy will face Ipwenz Raiders. The winners of the two fixtures will advance to the Plate grand-final.Bowl DivisionManuti Raiders will play WKT D8 Mosquitoes in one Bowl semi-final playoff. While the lads from Sogeri blue mountain, the Koiari Nagavas will meet the winner of the Tuesday’s rematch between LS Cowboys and DCY Sharks.The remaining match-up in the bowl division will be confirmed once the LS Cowboys-DCY Sharks rematch has been decided, completing the Bowl pathway to the final.NCD Suburban Sports Foundation Chairman Billy Aki said the grand-final qualifying matches and the three division grand finals are scheduled for Saturday, 3 September 2026, at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Konedobu, Port Moresby.With the tournament now down to its final 12 teams, the upcoming fixtures will determine which sides earn a place in the Cup, Plate and Bowl deciders.

A Papua LNG landowner representative is urging the National Government to resolve critical disputes over landowner identification, consent, and project benefits before rushing to finalize the project’s Final Investment Decision (FID).Responding to Prime Minister James Marape’s September 24 statement, Meagher Marva Haro-Taylor—managing partner of Harma Capital Connect and a Papua LNG landowner—argued that the government’s focus on a December 15 FID deadline ignores fundamental state responsibilities and local property rights.The Prime Minister has appealed to local landowners and the Gulf and Central provincial governments to reach an agreement by November. This timeline is aimed at helping project partners raise US$14.5 billion in international capital.While Haro-Taylor acknowledged that the Papua LNG project must remain globally competitive, she stressed that commercial deadlines should not replace concrete answers to the landowner grievances.According to Haro-Taylor, current tensions stem from a failure by the Government and the National Petroleum Authority (DPE/NPA) to independently verify rightful landowners. She alleged that the state relied heavily on a developer-produced Social Mapping and Landowner Identification Study (SMLIS) from 2022 (amended in 2025), which remains hidden from the public.Key unresolved issues highlighted in the statement include:Excluded Clans: Multiple clans remain excluded from the official register and the Ministerial Determination, with disputes currently sitting before the courts and the Petroleum Minister.Withdrawn Consent: All 11 clans within the Elk-Antelope Gas Project Area Landowner Association formally withdrew their Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) on July 10, 2026. No state investigation into this withdrawal has been launched.Discrepant Population Data: Official documents show wildly conflicting estimates of the affected population, swinging from 12,700 in the upstream Environmental Impact Statement to over 63,000 in forum documentation.(Note: These claims were issued by the landowner representative; the Prime Minister's Office and the National Petroleum Authority have not yet provided a formal response to these specific points).Haro-Taylor raised serious concerns over equity allocations, noting that clans lack the funding to secure independent legal, financial, and technical advice. She pointed out the disparity of allocating K100 million to run the development forum while ring-fencing zero funds for independent landowner representation.Furthermore, the decision to pipeline Elk and Antelope gas to processing facilities in Central Province—rather than developing infrastructure within Gulf Province, where the resource originates—remains unexplained to local leaders and landowners.Haro-Taylor firmly rejected the Prime Minister’s characterization that landowner demands amount to "greed suffocating what is good for all." She maintained that demanding a verified register, enforceable equity transparency, and infrastructural explanations are basic resource-owner rights.The statement clarified that landowners do not oppose the Papua LNG project itself, but they refuse to sign agreements under intense deadline pressure. Doing so, Haro-Taylor warned, would simply move the battlefield from the negotiation table to the national courts.Citing a 2025 complaint over alleged breaches of the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards—which reportedly led 32 financial institutions to rule out funding the project—she urged the State to learn from historical precedents like Bougainville and resolve underlying grievances before demanding signatures.

The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) has adopted a crisis-management approach to tackle critical delays in preparations for the 2027 National General Election. Alongside these measures, the commission is investigating severe internal financial, procurement, and administrative irregularities.The PNGEC acknowledged that its election timeline is critically behind schedule. It attributed the crisis to:Sustained under-resourcing and financial mismanagement.Failure by past management to adopt modern technologies.Insufficient progress on necessary electoral reforms and remedial work.To close the readiness gap, a dedicated, delivery-oriented crisis-management team has been established under the direct command of the Electoral Commissioner to accelerate decision-making.The PNGEC welcomed a K150 million allocation for election readiness in the recent Supplementary Budget. The Department of Treasury and the Minister for Administrative Services are actively working to ensure the timely release of these funds.The commission also acknowledged ongoing collaborative support from the Inter-Departmental Election Committee and various state entities, including:The departments of Finance, Justice, Personnel Management, and Information and Communications Technology (DICT).The Department of the Prime Minister and the Government Printing Office.The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).The Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC).Transparency International PNG and various international development partners.The crisis team is concurrently tackling deep-seated legacy issues, including procurement flaws, an aging workforce, data gaps, and "ghost workers" on the payroll. Extensive internal reviews are underway, consisting of an HR and payroll audit, an ICT infrastructure and cybersecurity audit, and an upcoming independent financial audit (covering 2020–2025) by the Auditor-General’s Office.Following an initial review of administrative records spanning 2020–2026, the commission took swift interim action by suspending several senior officers. These precautionary suspensions were executed under the Public Services (Management) Act 1995 and Public Service General Orders, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Personnel Management, to ensure an independent investigation can proceed without interference.While formal disciplinary charges may follow, the PNGEC declined to name the officials or release further details to avoid compromising the investigation or prejudicing the rights of those involved.The PNGEC strongly rejected claims circulating on social media regarding structural funding shortages. It clarified that recent payment and procurement delays stem primarily from internal irregularities and missing documentation rather than a lack of state capital. The commission framed public concerns raised by anonymous "insiders" as a constructive call for stronger internal governance.Moving forward, the PNGEC urges the public to verify all election-related data. Official statements will strictly be endorsed by the Electoral Commissioner, distributed through accredited media outlets, and published on the official PNGEC website and verified social media handles.

Police in Enga Province are working to contain renewed conflict in Laiagap Station after a health clinic was damaged and looted, and two staff houses were burned.Enga Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Harris said police are taking control of the situation, while he awaits a detailed briefing on the extent of the damage.Harris said the clinic was not destroyed by fire, contrary to initial reports. He said, according to the Laiagap Police Station Commander, the clinic was damaged and looted, while two staff residences were burned.The incidents come amid broader tensions in the Laiagap area. Harris said police are monitoring developments and have a plan to respond in the coming days.He also revealed that he obtained National Court orders covering Laiagap District last month before taking leave. The orders give authorities the power to issue directions to people in the area and require the surrender of firearms and other items.Harris said the orders had not been obeyed and warned that people who breach them could be arrested for contempt of court, which he said requires a lower threshold of evidence than a criminal prosecution.PPC Harris said officers would continue monitoring the situation as they prepare to enforce the court orders and restore order in the district.

Following another boat accident last Saturday, East New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates, expressed deep disappointment with boat operators for failing to adhere to safety warnings.PPC Kates stated that the recent tragedy, which resulted in the loss of lives, has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations across the province.PPC Kates confirmed that at the time of the incident, there were 14 people on board the vessel. Tragically, one individual was confirmed dead, with nine survivors rescued.Efforts are ongoing to locate four individuals who remain missing, as authorities continue their search and rescue operations.“It is so unfortunate that we have experienced another tragic loss only a few months after the previous incident that claimed 27 lives.”“Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this tragedy.”PPC Kates emphasized that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is taking decisive action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.“We are cracking down really hard on boat operators who neglect their duties. This includes ensuring that all passengers are equipped with proper flotation devices and lifesaving equipment on board, as required by law.”She explained that in this recent incident, the boat operators are presumed to be missing or deceased, and at this stage, there are no ongoing follow-up investigations or repercussions directed at those involved.Nevertheless, she stressed that the police are actively targeting boat operators and crew members to enforce safety standards under the Small Craft Act.“If we find that they have failed to uphold safety requirements, they will be charged accordingly, and the penalties and fines for such violations are severe, reflecting the seriousness of these safety breaches.”PPC Kates reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working with maritime authorities and local communities to improve safety practices and prevent future tragedies.She also called on boat operators to prioritize passenger safety and adhere strictly to all maritime regulations.As investigations continue and rescue efforts persist almost a week since the incident, the community and authorities remain hopeful that the four missing individuals will be found safely.

In a significant development for law enforcement and community safety in East New Britain province, four state-of-the-art duplexes and a new house for police officers stationed in Warangoi, where officially commissioned and open on Wednesday 23rd September.The project was funded by the Marape-Rosso Government through the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP) for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.The commissioning also highlights the government’s commitment to improving police welfare and fostering stronger ties between law enforcement and local communities.The new duplexes represent a substantial upgrade from the outdated accommodation that officers had been living in since the 1960s, with some structures only slightly refurbished in the 1980s.ENB Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates, highlighted the importance of proper housing for police officers, emphasizing that it would have a positive effect on community policing.“Having modern, comfortable accommodation allows our officers to reside within the community they serve, which is vital for building trust, developing relationships, and ensuring quick and effective responses to incidents,” said PPC Kates.PPC Kates further explained that the new housing facilities would enable officers to be more accessible and responsive, especially during critical times such as the upcoming elections.“This initiative ensures that our police personnel are better positioned to serve and protect, leading to safer communities.”In addition to the housing, the police force received two new vehicles; a Ten-seater and a Dual-Cab was also donated to support their operational needs.These vehicles will enhance mobility and responsiveness, further bolstering law enforcement capabilities in Warangoi and surrounding areas.Chief Superintendent Kates stressed the the upgrade reflects the government’s broader commitment under the Marape-Rosso administration to improve police infrastructure and welfare nationwide.She further outlined ongoing and future projects aimed at addressing accommodation issues across ENB province, including plans to construct similar duplexes at Keravat and Tomoringa.  Moreover, the funds have been allocated for the renovation of 12 houses at Toguata, aiming to bring all police housing up to modern standards.The official opening of the Warangoi police duplexes is seen as a positive step toward strengthening law enforcement presence and community engagement in East New Britain.With improved accommodation and resources, police officers are now better equipped to maintain peace, respond swiftly to emergencies, and foster a safer environment for all communities in the province.

The Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Peter Isoaimo, has revealed plans to develop more secondary schools and invest in renewable energy solutions within the district’s education sector.Speaking at the 72nd Grade 10 and 22nd Grade 12 graduation ceremony held at Mainohana Catholic Secondary School in Central province, Minister Isoaimo emphasized the importance of equipping students with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly digitalizing world.Addressing graduating students, Minister Isoaimo urged young people to prepare themselves for an increasingly connected and competitive global economy.“In a fast-digitalized global economy and a global community, the world has become smaller, so you need to run with that pace in your new place of learning or whatever career path you wish to take,” he told the graduates.Minister Isoaimo emphasized the importance of computer literacy, saying students must be comfortable using technology as part of their education and future careers.He highlighted the district’s commitment to enhancing technological access in schools, noting that the Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA) has already pledged support by providing computers to local schools. He also proposed developing solar power systems to ensure reliable electricity supply, which is critical for the operation of modern educational facilities.“If need be, I think we should really do a little solar farm to run the school,” he said, suggesting that the existing generator could remain on standby while solar power provides electricity for the school administration and, importantly, its computer facilities.In addition to technological improvements, Minister Isoaimo outlined KDDA’s plans to expand the district’s secondary education infrastructure.Recognizing the increasing demand for higher-level schooling, he announced intentions to upgrade existing day high schools into fully-fledged secondary schools. Specifically, the Wama Day High School and the Allen de Boismenu Day High School will be developed to accommodate Grades 11 and 12.“This will allow students from Hiri-Koiari, especially those from the roadside communities, as well as Kuriva, St John’s, Kerea, Doura and Veimauri, to access secondary education closer to their communities,” he said.Minister Isoaimo said students from these areas currently face longer journeys to schools such as Laloki, Yarowari and Mt. Diamond, creating challenges in transportation and daily movement.Concluding his address, Minister Isoaimo congratulated the graduates on their achievements, urging them to carry forward the values of education into their future endeavors.He emphasized that the district’s educational investments are designed not only to serve local opportunities but also to prepare Kairuku’s youth for the demands of a rapidly evolving global environment.

During the Special Parliamentary Committee Hearing on Communications today, key discussions centered around the establishment of a National Press or Media Workers' Union in Papua New Guinea.The Secretary for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Mr. George Taunakekei presented a comprehensive overview of the legal and institutional framework supporting the formation of such unions, emphasizing the importance of aligning with international labor standards and local legislation.Taunakekei highlighted that Papua New Guinea currently lacks a formal press or media union, although the Media Council of Papua New Guinea functions as a self-regulatory body. He explained that under the country's Industrial Organizations Act (Chapter 173), media workers, such as journalists, editors, and broadcasters are recognized as employees and are therefore legally eligible to form or join unions.He emphasized that the formation of a media union is both legally feasible and practically significant. The process involves applying for registration with the Office of the Industrial Registrar, submitting necessary documentation such as membership lists, constitutional rules, and resolutions, followed by an advertisement period for objections. If approved, a certificate of registration is issued, granting the union legal standing.Furthermore, he pointed out that Papua New Guinea ratified key International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association (ratified in 1976) and Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining (ratified in 2000).These conventions legally obligate the government to uphold the rights of workers, including media personnel, to organize and bargain collectively without discrimination or interference. Taunakekei stated that these obligations reinforce the legitimacy and importance of establishing a press or media union.Despite the legal provisions, Secretary Taunakekei noted that the media fraternity has yet to approach the Department of Labor’s Office of the Industrial Registrar to express interest in forming a union. This absence of organized representation has implications for journalistic integrity and professional independence, especially when media workers fear job security repercussions or victimization.Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Hon. Marsh Narawec, (Wau/Waria, MP) voiced concern over the lack of organization within the media sector and questioned whether the Department could take a proactive role in reaching out to media professionals to facilitate union formation.Secretary Taunakekei responded, affirming that the Department will take the lead to initiate dialogue, through the committee’s recommendation. He proposed engaging with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea, as a starting point to promote unionization efforts.He assured the committee that immediate steps could be taken to initiate conversations and that the Department would keep Parliament informed of progress. He also referenced the Department’s website and the Office of the Industrial Registrar as resources for media workers interested in forming unions.The committee emphasized that the drive to establish a press union is fundamentally about safeguarding media freedom and journalistic integrity. Committee Chair Hon. Narawec reiterated the importance of government action in fostering an environment where media workers can organize freely, ensuring their rights are protected and their professional independence maintained.The Department of Labor has committed to initiating outreach efforts shortly and will engage with the Office of the Industrial Registrar to facilitate the process. Taunakekei assured the committee that future updates would include direct involvement from the Registrar’s office and ongoing engagement with media stakeholders.This hearing marks a significant step toward empowering Papua New Guinea’s media sector through formal unionization, in line with international standards and local laws.The approach by the Department of Labor highlights the government’s recognition of the importance of media workers’ rights in strengthening press freedom and maintaining the integrity of journalism in Papua New Guinea.

The NCD Governor’s Independence Nine’s Rugby League tournament has attracted close to 50 teams all around the National Capital District, Hiri-Koiari and Motu-Koita.Governor Powes Parkop launched the tournament on Friday 18 September at the Kone Tigers Rugby League oval with a sponsorship of K200, 000 through a Corporate Funding.Parkop said that the tournament was supposed to be part of the Independence event celebrations but due to so many other events happening during the Independence anniversary celebration week, he decided to have the tournament after Independence.According to NCD Suburban Sports Foundation Chairman – Mr. Billy Aki, this year’s tournament has seen teams coming in from Central province, Motu-Koita villages and all across Port Moresby city, including schoolboys and development teams also participating in the tournament.Aki highlighted that the tournament not only drew in a large number of teams but also exposed fresh young raw talents in the sport. He adds that over the last couple of days since the tournament started, he has his eyes on some of the young talents, especially between the ages of 17 and 20 years old.He further called on the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to come down and visit such tournaments and identify the potential talents that are free and available for any opportunity they can get with their player pathway programs.Aki says, with the PNG Chiefs entering the NRL in 2028, it has given hope to many of these youngsters that comes from broken homes, abusive backgrounds or other underlying social issues that they have faced in life to take up rugby league, with the hope to better their lives and their future.The tournament completes its round three games today and will head into the finals on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September.