Recent police reports have shown that women and girls who are living in the Nation’s Capital Port Moresby city, have been victims of different forms of violence. National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab stated that the command is very concerned about the recent reports of females being sexually assaulted in different parts of the city. Met. Supt. Simatab highlighted that these crimes are serious, and they are taking strong steps to address this crime. "No woman or girl should feel unsafe walking on the streets, going to school, to work, or even in her own home.” “Women are our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives, we must protect them.” Police will be increasing patrols in high-risk areas like bus stops, markets, schools, and settlements to monitor and protect women and girls. He said the Family and Sexual Violence Units (FSVU) are ready to help victims and respond fast to reports. Police are working with community leaders and youth groups to raise awareness and support women’s safety. "If you are a victim or witness, please report, because your report can help stop further attacks.” The police are urging the public to respect women and girls and to look out for each other, especially women or girls who are travelling alone on public transport buses.

An 18-year-old suspect from Kerowagi District, Simbu Province was rearrested last Friday and is now in police custody after failing to show up in court and had been on the run since 2023. The young suspect was a student at Kondiu Rosary Secondary School in Kerowagi, who was out on bail following a Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) incident in Kerowagi district back in the year 2023. Tribal Foundation Founder GT Bustin highlighted that one of the problems hindering the completion of justice is when suspects fail to show up on court dates. And the Tribal Foundation has had to work tirelessly with the police to rearrest the perpetrators or suspects of SARV cases. “This student had a bench warrant for his second arrest because he didn’t show up to court”, Mr. Bustin said. “Let this be a lesson for those who think they can just decide not to show up to court.” Mr. Bustin added that the judges do not take it lightly and Tribal Foundation will support the police to go get the accused arrested. “We think it is time to consider no bail for SARV perpetrators.” It was alleged that around 6:00 a.m. on September 2nd, 2023, a mob surrounded the house of the 54-year-old victim from Kombumogo village in Kerowagi District. He had just buried his wife a few days earlier, while still in his mourning, the mob stormed into his house and shouted accusations against him, blaming him for the death of a prominent local man who died earlier in August 2023. “They accused him of using sorcery to cause the man’s death and demanded his torture and death.” “They pulled him out from his house and chopped his fingers, toes and nose using knives and hot irons.” Calling him the victim, “King blong Sanguma”, they burnt down his house including 13 other houses in that village and destroyed live stocks as well. Families fled and were displaced, and the victim who was rescued and brought to Minggindi Rural Hospital in Kerowagi survived, he spent three months recovering in the hospital. The survivor of SARV is now living with his 3 children aged 10,12 and 27, who are grateful for the assistance given to them by Tribal Foundation. The Foundation helped paid for hospital bills, provided fuel for police vehicles, assisted with paperwork, and ensured his case reached court. According to PNG Tribal Foundation reports, police have arrested and charged eight suspects, who were involved in the SARV, and the latest was the rearrest of the young man last Friday.

Papua New Guinea has five months remaining to fix its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) systems or face the severe repercussions of being placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) "grey list". The FATF has imposed an October 2025 deadline, and the government is scrambling to prove its commitment to global partners. Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister James Marape said Treasury Minister, Ian Ling-Stuckey has been given the responsibility to lead a taskforce to fix PNG's issues associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. "I summoned all agency heads to a critical meeting last week giving them clear direction, in no uncertain terms, that they work day and night to avert the possibility of us getting grey listed," Marape said. "This review comes around every five years. "We have only three or four areas that are outstanding that we must dispatch forthwith." PNG is no stranger to the FATF grey list, having been placed under increased monitoring in 2014 before successfully being removed in 2016. However, a recent assessment by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) highlighted ongoing deficiencies, particularly in the effectiveness of PNG's AML/CTF regime. While the country has made strides in establishing the necessary laws and regulations (technical compliance), the real challenge lies in PNG's implementation and enforcement. The core of the problem, according to analysts, is a lack of effective prosecution and punishment for money laundering and terrorism financing. High-risk sectors such as corruption, fraud against government programmes, illegal logging, illicit fishing, and tax evasion, remain largely unchecked by successful legal actions. Capacity gaps within key agencies like the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Office of the Public Prosecutor have been cited as significant hurdles. Recent drug hauls have also highlighted existing flaws in detection in the country's financial systems. The implications of greylisting are far-reaching and potentially devastating for a developing nation like PNG, which is heavily reliant on foreign investment and international financial flows. Deputy Opposition leader James Nomane warned in Parliament that greylisting "will severely affect the economy, investor confidence, and make things worse for Papua New Guinea with respect to inflationary pressures, the cost of imports, and a whole host of issues". If PNG is greylisted, the immediate economic fallout could be substantial. It would signal to global financial institutions that PNG carries a heightened risk for financial crimes, potentially leading to a sharp decline in foreign direct investment. Critical resource projects, including Papua LNG, P'nyang LNG, Wafi-Golpu, and Frieda River Mines, could face delays or even be halted as investors become wary of the increased financial and reputational risks. Beyond investment, the cost of doing business in PNG could also rise. International correspondent banks, vital conduits for cross-border transactions, may de-risk by cutting ties or scaling back operations with PNG financial institutions. This "de-risking" could make it more expensive and complex for businesses and individuals alike to conduct international transactions, leading to higher fees and increased scrutiny. Source: www.rnz.co.nz

A two-day stakeholder engagement was held in Kavieng to provide updates on Sulphide Expansion Project and discuss early-stage planning for future closure and asset transition for Simberi Gold Company Limited (SGCL). The session brought together key stakeholders from the New Ireland Provincial Administration, Sentral Niu Ailan Local Level Government (LLG), and Simberi landowner directors. On Day 1, SGCL presented the Simberi Mine Expansion update, outlining the transition from the current Oxide phase to Sulphide operations, expected to commence in 2027. While SGCL has an existing Oxide Closure Plan, the company stated that the intention is for the Oxide Closure Plan to be superseded by a Sulphide Closure Plan, and then coming into effect upon transition. Day 2 focused on introducing the conversation around the transfer of key assets and infrastructure, and how these assets can be repurposed to support sustainable income-generating opportunities for the community post closure. SGCL began exploratory discussions with stakeholders to identify infrastructure that could potentially be handed over to local entities as part of a future mine closure process, currently scheduled for 2038 once the Simberi Mine Expansion is approved. SGCL’s Executive General Manager, Randy McMahon emphasised that although closure is not imminent, early and inclusive planning is essential. “This is not just about the end of mining—it’s about the beginning of long-term planning that ensures our communities and government is consulted, equipped, informed, and prepared.” “This sets the foundation for future engagements as the company establishes the Mine Closure Planning Committee to initiate plannings and discussions towards this cause.”

The National Weather Service of Papua New Guinea has issued another warning for Heavy Rains and potential flood. Warning area are Western Province, Gulf, Gulf of Papua, Bougainville, New Ireland, East New Britain Province and Southern Highlands Province. Potential Heavy Rains are expected over the mentioned warning areas within the next 12 to 24 hours. For Southern Highlands Province, people are urged to take necessary precaution has heavy rains will cause severe flood and landslides. For Autonomous Region of Bougainville, East New Britain Province and New Ireland Province including Western and Gulf, riverine and flash floods are expected. A strong wind warning too for all coastal waters of Southern PNG/Indonesia border to Daru and Kiwai Islands, that strong East to Southeast winds of 25/30 knots is expected to persist for the next 24hrs hours causing rough seas. All small crafts and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea or better yet stay away from the sea until weather is clear. All those living in the warning areas are warned to take necessary precautions and to ensure safety first for all children and family.

A morning tea was hosted recently by the Australian High Commission where they announced and celebrated grantees under round three of the Play for Equity Fund. The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Team Up program, supporting community-led projects that advance inclusion through sport. The event was hosted by Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission Mr Adrian Lochrin who recognised the innovative and inclusive projects using sport as a platform for empowerment, inclusion, and social change. In his remarks, Mr Lochrin congratulated fund recipients and highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives in promoting gender and disability equality and inclusion. “Your projects are powerful examples of how sport can be a force for inclusion, and community transformation,” Mr Lochrin said. “These grants are more than funding – they are a recognition of your leadership and a commitment to walk alongside you.” This third round of the Play for Equity Fund had 34 successful recipients from 10 countries from across the Pacific with the 13 grantees from Papua New Guinea receiving a combined total of K388, 000. Projects range from supporting para-athletes, empowering women to play sport in rural areas, and promoting disability, gender equality and human rights in sport. The Play for Equity Fund is part of Australia’s broader commitment to gender equality and social inclusion in PNG and Pacific, recognising the transformative power of sport to build stronger, more inclusive communities under the Australian Government’s Team Up program.

The Voice Inc. (TVI) had a media meet and greet with the mainstream media on Wednesday 28th May 2025, at their Headquarters in Port Moresby to look at ways to better work together to address matters pertaining to the youths of Papua New Guinea (PNG). TVI provided insights into in the important areas that the organization is working in and to establish a better working relationship with media. Members of the media were informed of the kind of work TVI does by being a key partner in nation building and also in driving positive changes and creating policy discourse through their integrational dialogues around public policy reforms. The TVI has been actively supporting young people and communities through their Clean Generation Movement Campaign. Speaking during the meeting Mr. Dagia Aka, Communications and Marketing Manager highlighted their projects, their mission, their visions and how it has impacted many communities and young people. Mr. Aka stated that in the space of education, The Voice Inc. Develops materials that supports leadership in schools, universities and communities and they have established a total of five Centres of Leadership in universities around the country and TVI further plans to continue expanding this in the next five years. He also highlighted that TVI has a network of alumni and CleanGen members in 15 provinces. “We support our members by providing learning and leading opportunities and providing access to resource to implement change projects in their own communities”. Mr. Aka added also that TVI aims at connecting voices to power by bringing together organizations and individuals to solve specific policy and development challenges “This means organizing issues base coalitions to support PNG’s development plans in line with regional and global sustainable development goal.” TVI also recognizes the importance of innovative approaches, and this led to them launching their online platforms called the CleanGen Academy and had produced two TV shows called Action on sorcery violence and Youth Tok on current issues which aired on the BeLit Block of TVWAN. Mr. Aka also highlighted that the CleanGen Academy is being rolled out to all Clean Generation communities including universities, high schools and primary schools and will enable all Clean Generation members to access all programs and take action through this digital platform. TVI’s vision is seeing a world where generation of young people are driven by purpose and are confident in the value of their contribution to their communities, their nation and the world. Their mission is to contribute to the vision to design and deliver educational programs, facilitate change projects and contribute to policy and research that addresses systemic and structural problems in the country. Mr. Aka added that through TVI’s programs, alumni and the network of coalition partners, TVI was able to reach more youths and communities since their establishment in 2007. “Our key statistics from the last three years showed that TVI was able to reach over 20,000 people, deliver 23 Change Projects, have footprints in 15 Provinces and 3,600 participants were able to successfully complete Leadership Training under TVI”. TVI is changing lives and impacting communities and youths and TVI is happy to also announce that every individual can help their programs through purchasing of their CleanGen merchandise now on sale at Jacks of PNG. “Our CleanGen Merchandise are available in Jacks of PNG outlets within Port Moresby, and we hope to rollout nationwide soon”.

The National Livestock Policy needs to provide clear directions on Livestock and Development in Papua New Guinea (PNG) says the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI). This was revealed during the Momase National Livestock Policy Consultation Meeting in Lae city on Tuesday (20/05/2025), attended by NARI’s top management to provide Research and Development Input, which highlighted Research and Development as cornerstones for growth in the industry. Speaking at the Consultation was Deputy Director General of NARI Dr Peter Gendua, who reminded participants that the underlying objectives for all government agencies are to address socioeconomic gaps to create a happy, healthy, and wealthy society as spelt out in the Vision 2050. As a government-sanctioned research institution, NARI prioritizes Economy Development and Value Chains, Building Resilient Systems, and finding solutions for Nutritious Food and Healthy Diets. NARI remains the sole Livestock research facility in the country and believes that with additional support from the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) or other enabling agencies through policy guidelines, more innovative solutions are viable. “We are not only talking about commercial agriculture for both livestock and crops, but we’re also talking about commercial economic activities, climate resilience, and nutrition,” said Dr Gendua. “We have to ensure that someone in a very remote area is having a healthy, nutritious meal that includes affordable meat,” Dr Gendua stressed. Other concerns raised by participants included Stock Feed cost and accessibility, and an effective breeding program. Addressing these concerns, Dr Gendua pointed out that NARI currently focuses on poultry, goats, pigs, and fish; and is exploring cost-effective feeding systems under these livestock, such as Pig silage, Mini feed mill system, and Black Soldier Fly. “Under genetic resources, we are looking at Village Chicken, Ducks, Goats, and Pigs whilst addressing and improving access to breeding stock through piloting of rural hatchery and breeding centres exploring solar-powered hatchery and incubation system." Cementing his colleague's point of view, the Director General of NARI, Dr Nelson Simbiken, highlighted the importance of Genetic improvement and participatory breeding programmes and suggested that the policy encompass a system that involves rural and smallholder farmers. “We have a massive problem of not having good genetic material maintained at the breeder farms.” “If companies are already doing that, then we must close the gap between smallholder commercial farmers and the companies.” NARI is prepared to partner with the Livestock Industry Authority and the Livestock Development Corporation to achieve the Government’s policy objectives that are aligned with the National Agriculture Sector Plan and the MTDP 4, ultimately achieving the Vision 2050.

Following a successful two-weeks Financial Education Curriculum Validation Workshop, held by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), in close partnership with the Department of Education (DoE) through its Curriculum Development Division (CDD), this has resulted in culminating in the delivery of 40 fully aligned educational resources. Thus, this marks an important step in the implementation of the Financial Education in Schools PNG (FESPNG) Project. The workshop was held from 5th–16th May 2025, and brought together a dedicated team of stakeholders, including officers from DoE-CDD, representatives from CEFI, and an external partner from Aflatoun International and Cufa to review and align 13 syllabuses, 13 Teacher Resource Books, and 13 Student Activity Books. This thorough process resulted in the development of eight strands, 16 units, 16 content standards, and benchmarks, reinforcing a consistent and inclusive approach to financial literacy education across all grade levels. The purpose of the workshop was to support the integration of Financial Literacy Education (FLE) into Papua New Guinea’s Standards-Based Curriculum from Preparatory to Grade 12 and to validate the financial education curriculum materials developed through collaboration between the DoE-CDD, CEFI, Aflatoun International and Cufa. The objectives of the workshop were to ensure that the financial education content aligns with CEFI’s Financial Literacy Standards and Conceptual Framework, maintaining national relevance and consistency. It also aimed to evaluate the developmental appropriateness of concepts across all grade levels, promoting coherent and age-appropriate progression. Expert input was sought from financial literacy technical advisors to enhance the accuracy and contextual suitability of the content and additionally, feedback from CEFI and external partners was gathered to confirm the curriculum’s relevance to real-life financial challenges. The workshop also validated the templates of the Teacher Resource Books and Student Activity Books to ensure they are well-structured, accessible, and practical for classroom use. Mr. Steven Tandale, First Assistant Secretary at the DoE’s-CDD, praised the dedication and collaborative spirit of the workshop participants. He emphasized the critical role that writing, research, and continuous improvement play in curriculum development and encouraged educators to view challenges as opportunities brought for innovation. Mr. Tandale also acknowledged the practical barriers to implementation such as logistics, printing, and delivery to remote schools but affirmed that the team’s resourcefulness had led to creative solutions, including improved communication methods and enhanced documentation strategies. This collaborative effort emphasizes a shared commitment to integrating financial literacy into the Standards Based Curriculum from Preparatory to Grade 12. The FE curriculum is critical in empowering students with essential financial knowledge, practical skills, and value-based learning fostering lifelong learning, financial resilience, and responsible citizenship. In total, 40 educational documents have been produced across the three workshops (two similar workshops held in 2024), all of which were funded by CEFI and delivered in collaboration with the DoE. This outstanding effort marks a national commitment to embedding financial literacy across all stages of formal education in Papua New Guinea.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has today entered into a binding agreement with Kingston Resources Limited (Kingston) to acquire the Misima Gold and Silver Project for A$60M (~US$38M), with further contingent payments totaling up to A$35M (~US$22M). This was announced in a media statement this week. The Misima Gold and Silver Project, located 625km east of Port Moresby in Milne Bay, has a current mineral resource estimate of 3.8Moz of gold and 22.1Moz of silver 1. Ok Tedi operates the Ok Tedi Mine, the longest running open-pit copper, gold and silver mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The company is 100% PNG owned, with a 67% direct shareholding by the Independent State of PNG through Kumul Minerals (Ok Tedi) Limited and a 33% interest held by the people of the Western Province. Ok Tedi Chaiman Mark Stone said the transaction was a marker of PNG’s resurging mining sector. “The move to a multi-mine business is a significant step for Ok Tedi, reinforcing the company’s commitment to harnessing the region’s mineral assets and capitalizing on government support for long-term growth,” said Mr. Stone. “Papua New Guinea is a mineral rich land with many natural assets just waiting to be unlocked and the Misima mine, with its 3.8Moz resource together with potential exploration upside, is a great example of that.” “We hope that bringing Ok Tedi’s strong operational capability to another national resource will contribute to the Government’s Vision 2050 to empower our people and create wealth for our nation.” Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit spoke enthusiastically on the company’s growing footprint. “Ok Tedi is entering an exciting period of expansion as we look to secure Ok Tedi’s future and act on our Growth 2050 vision.” “We have many great projects on the horizon, from mine improvements to extend the mine life, to our ‘lighting up the west’ hydro-electrification strategy and other sustainability initiatives – the reopening of Misima gold is just one early step in the journey,” he said. Mr. Ilimbit further highlighted Ok Tedi’s significant community consultation experience, which he believed would ensure a smooth ownership transition. “Through this project we will boost social and business opportunities on Misima Island and ensure the benefits flow through into the communities, and also bring more economic value to our shareholders, the people of PNG.” Kingston Resources Ltd, an ASX-listed gold and copper company based in Australia, moved to 100% ownership of the Misima project in 2021 and completed a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) of the mine which confirmed the viability of a new long-life open pit mining operation at the site. The DFS assumed a 20-year mine life, annual throughput capacity of 6.1Mt and life of mine average annual gold production of 122koz. “We will now proceed with refining the DFS and environmental impact studies to accelerate our development and permitting plans and return Misima to its former glory as a successful producer and contributor to the local economy,” said Mr. Ilimbit. The acquisition will be funded by Ok Tedi’s existing cash flows, with a number of options to be explored for funding the development and construction of the operation. Completion is subject to customary consents being obtained from relevant stakeholders including the extension of the current principal exploration license and Independent Consumer and Competition Commission of PNG (ICCC) approval. The sale agreement contains other terms and conditions typical for an agreement of this nature including standard representations and warranties provided by both Ok Tedi and Kingston. “We look forward to working with the Mineral Resources Authority to facilitate the smooth processing of all regulatory requirements to get this magnificent national resource back up and running,” he said. The Misima mine was previously operated as an open pit mine from 1989 to 2004 by Placer Dome Inc., producing 3.7Moz of gold during its 15 years of operation. Treadstone Resource Partners acted as strategic and financial advisor, Allens acted as legal advisor, PWC acted as tax advisor, and AMC Consultants acted as technical advisor to Ok Tedi for the transaction.

BSP Financial Group Limited’s (BSP) Port Moresby Branch is undergoing a full refurbishment. This refurbishment is a key part of the bank’s ongoing modernization program aimed at delivering a better, faster, and more convenient banking experience for all customers. BSP Group General Manager – Retail, Mr. Ronesh Dayal, in announcing this said the bank is upgrading one of its most iconic branches to bring customers a more modern and seamless banking experience. “To ensure there’s no disruption to our services during this exciting transformation, we’ve temporarily relocated all banking operations to the mezzanine floor of the Port Moresby Branch building, effective as of Monday, 19th May 2025. “All banking services will continue at the temporary location, including Teller transactions, customer enquiries, new account openings, Lending services, and Digital banking support.” “Our friendly staff are ready and available to assist you at every step,” he added. This refurbishment marks the second major upgrade under our modernization program, following the successful reopening of our Waterfront Branch in November 2024. “The Port Moresby Branch, a trusted financial hub since 1st May 1957, is being transformed to reflect BSP’s long-term commitment to innovation and customer-first service.” “Once completed in August 2025, the new branch will feature a refreshed, modern layout and enhanced digital banking solutions—making everyday banking even easier. Similar upgrades are planned across key locations in Papua New Guinea as part of BSP’s commitment to the prosperity and progress of the communities we serve,” Mr. Dayal further added. In the meantime, BSP Paramount Banking Team has relocated to Level 2, Moki Business Park, Waigani, and continues to support BSP’s valued customers. “Thank you for your continued support as we build the future of banking in PNG.”

Marking 50 years of Independence for Papua New Guinea this and recognising those who contributed to the country’s freedom too is a very important gesture. The K100 banknote of Papua New Guinea will have a very new feature, a timely change to the old image of the K100 bank note, giving recognition to one of our founding father Sir Julius Chan. The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has received the final blessing from the family of the late Sir Julius Chan to feature his image on the country’s K100 banknote. In a recent visit to the Chan residence in Port Moresby, BPNG staff completed the formal approval process with the family, marking a significant moment of national and personal pride. This follows the announcement made by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on April 28, 2025, during the launch of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary commemorative notes. The inclusion of Sir Julius Chan, a founding father and former Prime Minister, on the K100 note serves as a national tribute to his immense contributions to the country's political and economic foundations. The gesture has been warmly received by many Papua New Guineans, as a long-overdue recognition of Sir Julius’s legacy. The Chan family expressed their appreciation to the Government and acknowledged the importance of this symbolic honour. “Special thanks are extended to Prime Minister James Marape and the Pangu-led Government for their leadership and commitment in preserving the legacy of one of Papua New Guinea’s great statesmen.” “It is great honour to have our two main founding fathers on our national legal tender notes, Sir Michael Thomas Somare on our K50 banknote and now Sir Julius Chan will be on our K100 banknote, thus signifying also the recognition given to the two great fathers of this nation.”