Steamships Trading Company has announced the appointment of the country’s number one Human Rights Activist, Ms. Ruth J Kissam as its new General Manager of Corporate Affairs, strengthening the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices and community partnerships. Ms. Kissam brings over 16 years of experience in the development sector, with a strong background as a community organizer and human rights activist. Her extensive work with public and private stakeholders, coupled with her passion for championing impactful campaigns, has made a meaningful difference in both civil society and grassroots communities across Papua New Guinea. Before joining Steamships, Ms. Kissam served as Strategic Advisor at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and held advisory roles with various international development partners. She is well-known for her deep connections and respected network spanning government, corporate, and community sectors. Additionally, Ruth holds multiple board-level positions, further highlighting her leadership credentials. Chris Daniells, Managing Director of Steamships, stated that Ruth’s passion for human rights and her deep understanding of PNG’s social and economic landscape aligns perfectly with our strategy to drive positive change. “Her leadership will be instrumental as we prepare for a period of sustained growth over the next three years.” Ruth Kissam’s career has been marked by leadership roles in international NGOs, advocacy for marginalized groups, and advisory work on governance and human rights. She brings valuable expertise in corporate responsibility, sustainability, and strategic communications, which will enhance Steamships’ efforts to foster inclusive growth across Papua New Guinea. Expressing her enthusiasm, Ms. Kissam said, that she is honoured to join Steamships as General Manager of Corporate Affairs. “After years in the NGO and humanitarian sector, I’m excited to build bridges between community needs and business objectives.” “Steamships has a proud history of contributing to PNG’s development, and I look forward to aligning our efforts to create shared value for both the company and the communities we serve.” Ms. Kissam studied Law at the University of Papua New Guinea and is an Obama Fellow at Columbia University as well as a Draper Hills Fellow at Stanford University. Founded in 1918, Steamships Limited is a diversified leader in logistics, hospitality, property, and joint-venture businesses in Papua New Guinea, with a long-standing commitment to the country’s growth and sustainable development. Steamships continues to pioneer progress that benefits future generations.

The PNG Rice Grain Board is now calling on the national government to urgently support commercial rice seed production in the country, and National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) has come onboard to support this call. Chairman of Rice Grain Board Mr. Koren Maso made this call when meeting with NARI Director General Dr Nelson Simbiken at the NARI Head Office on May 13, 2025, to formalize arrangements for a Memorandum of Understanding in commercial rice seed production with two external rice seed producers in the country. A funding of K11milion has been earmarked in 2023 by the National Government for rice seed production and model farm and K4 million from that funding will be specifically for seed development. Director General of NARI, Dr Nelson Simbiken, added that this is an urgent call to the Government to release the funds earmarked for the rice commercialization program. “For the Government to enter commercialization, we need to increase the volume of seeds, thus NARI has developed four lowland and two highland rice varieties, but the volume is not enough for commercialization,” said Dr Simbiken. The joint call by the Rice & Grain Board and NARI to venture into commercial rice seed production is aimed at reducing the high cost of importing rice at almost K1billion every year. The Rice and Grain Board were set up by the government in 2023 to reduce import of rice and grain, encourage rice production to address food security, create employment opportunities and income. RGB Chairman Mr Maso urged relevant agencies within the sector to mobilize unused state land to realize commercial rice seed production in the country. “In a packet, the finished product for rice can cost you K5 to K6. But per kilo for seeds is K37.00.” “Knowing and understanding that the return of investment is higher in the seed then the production, we have interests from two companies, one in China and the other in Philippines.” Mr Maso further stated that the triparted agreement will see NARI do commercial seed research while the investors will focus on operation and production. “The aim is to be able to feed our PNG farms and the surplus we can export.” NARI and the Rice and Grain Board will make an official announcement once the MOU is signed.

The Chairman of Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery Gary Juffa, has joined the chorus of public outcry on a recent video publicizing disturbing violence of what appears to be excessive and disproportionate force displayed in the bashing of a mother and child accused of minor shop lifting in Madang on 10th of May this year. Chairman Juffa commends the social media users for bringing this matter to light. “As soon as I saw the post I immediately forwarded the footage to the Minister of Police and the Minister for Community Development who both responded very swiftly by assuring me of commencement of investigations.” “I congratulate the social media users and the Ministers’ swift actions which was able to lead to the quick detention of the suspects involved with the beatings.” “This is a great example where all stakeholders working responsibly together can achieve tremendous outcomes.” The Chairman poses a few questions which he hopes will be covered by those investigating the matter: • What legal mandate did those who mercilessly detained and beat them have? • Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring a baseline standard of care and dignity for our vulnerable, especially our mothers and children- even when they appear to be in the wrong? • In this case, why were the 2 accused not apprehended and taken to appropriate law enforcement authorities? • Was the force they used proportionate to the allegations of petty shop lifting? • Where is the Constitutional right of presumption of innocence (even when crime is eye witnessed) until proven guilty or do we dispense with the Constitution when we feel like it? • If the perpetrators are registered or unregistered security guards, should they fall under the watch of the National Security Authority? “One cannot blame persons viewing the video clip asking for proportionate considerations for such a terrible beating for a theft of minor commercial value in shop lifting by this mother and daughter be applied also to the shop operators, especially foreigners, should they be caught for any revenue and anti-social crimes.” The Chairman also called for recognition of the real reason vulnerable person of our society, such as this mother and child, are going to such risky lengths for food and basic needs. “It may be high time to actually address the baseline of our society where they may not be able to afford the most basic essentials anymore!” “What this condition usually gives birth to is involuntary anarchy”, he added.

The New Ireland Provincial Government is embarking on a mission now to create a sporting body that will oversee different sporting codes within the province. Provincial Administrator Mr. Richard Andia revealed this recently (May 11, 2025) during the launch of the Kunanoka (Kuat, Nalik, Notsi, Kara) Sports Association at Bol village along the Boluminski highway, which is about 93.6 kilometres from the provincial capital, Kavieng. “Under the leadership of our governor and sporting hero Walter Schnaubelt, we have finalized a constitution of the sporting body, and it will go before the next Provincial Executive Council (PEC) meeting for its endorsement." “All sporting codes in the province will now come under one umbrella called the New Ireland Sports Authority (NISPA),” he revealed. During the launching Mr. Coleman Tamsak Special Political Advisor to Governor Walter, on behalf of Walter made a presentation of K10,000 funding from the governor’s office towards KSA. Mr. Tamsak upon presenting the funds stated that the youth engagement in sports helps develop teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills while providing a constructive outlet for energy. The launching was also witnessed by New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt’s special political advisor, Coleman Tamsak, Sentral Niu Ailan President Ben Sakbua and the office staff.Further yet Provincial Administrator also highlighted that NISPA will play a crucial role in promoting and developing sports within the province. “This authority is responsible for overseeing various sports activities, ensuring that facilities are available, and fostering participation at all levels, from grassroots to elite athletes.” “In doing so, we will maintain existing venues like the Kavieng stadium and potentially develop new ones such as the Konos and Namatanai stadiums to meet international standards as well as the needs of various sports disciplines,” he highlighted also. He further stated the authority will work closely with national governing bodies for different sports to align local initiatives with national strategies to help secure funding and resources necessary for development. Andia also announced that New Ireland will be sending a rugby team to compete in the semi-professional rugby league competition, the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup next year which has the backing of Governor Schnaubelt. He said Kavieng stadium has met all requirements by PNG Sports Commission and PNG Rugby Football League to host Digicel Cup games as well in the future. With PNG Games to be held in November this year, Andia said preparation is currently underway to get the New Ireland team to participate at the games in Southern Highlands province.

Kouaoro Island just across the Sirinumu Dam at Sogeri in the Hiri Koiari district of Central Province is feared to be submerging due to the continuous heavy rains in the area. Kouaoro Island in Sirinumu is home to 3 Local Level Government (LLG) in Koiari with almost a 4,000 population of people. Sirinumu Dam Ward 17 Councilor Mr. Geno Vincent stated that due to the continues heavy rainfalls since last year, this has very much affected the island, and it looks like the whole island will soon be submerged under water if the rain continues. Mr. Vincent added that most food gardens are nowhere to be seen as they have all been inundated by rising level of the water. “The dam is full over its capacity; thus, it is causing soil erosions too, and most kaukau, tapiok and other staple food crops have all submerge in the rising water level”. “Power poles along the Sirinumu dam to the Kouaoro Island are all under the water, whilst live electricity is still flowing, posing so much danger for our people.” Councilor Vincent further highlighted that the rising level of water has posed so much risk for the travelling children going to and from school via their canoes. “The Sirinumu Primary school is isolated on another island so children from all 3 LLGs in Sirinumu had to travel bay canoe every day to and from school, and with rising level it has made it riskier because at some times when the canoes capsized the kids often swim to the nearest tree and hang on to the tree whilst waiting for rescue but right now, they cannot do that because all trees are under water.” "All the trees are under water, even a house at the Sirinumu School is under water and we are afraid our island village might be all under water," said Councilor Vincent. Councilor Vincent further added that this issue was not yet brought to the Hiri Koiari District Disaster office nor the Central Provincial Disaster Office, but he is grateful that PNG HAUSBUNG has reached out to the community to get their story. “We are sinking, our food gardens under water, please we need officers from the district and provincial Disaster office to come to Sirinumu to assess our situation and provide some form of relief assistants to us”. “We are in dire need of Food relief assistance right now.” Councilor Vincent also stated that it would be a relief assistant if local Member of Parliament purchase a dinghy for their school to be used as the school transport to ferry students to and from school every day.

Kina Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Akino Wano as General Manager Branch Banking. Ms. Akino brings over 20 years of experience to Kina Bank, beginning her career in the banking industry with ANZ as a Proof Operator, now known as Kina Automated Transfer System (KATs) Officer, where she developed a strong foundation and passion for banking. Her early years were grounded in back-office functions, and customer support-nurturing a passion for serving customers and driving better outcomes across banking channels. She went on to take on human resource roles within ANZ and BSP, where she deepened her understanding of people, culture, and leadership within the banking sector. Her career then expanded into the oil and gas and FMCG industries, including freelance consulting with the office of Member for Moresby South, where she provided administrative, advisory and strategic support across the industries she got in contact with. In 2018, Akino returned to banking with Kina Bank and has since held key senior leadership roles including Senior Business Partner and Head of Employee Experience. Her deep knowledge of banking, people, and operations—combined with her commitment to customer service—makes her well-positioned to lead Kina’s Branch network into its next phase of growth. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Business from the University of Tasmania and a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from the University of Papua New Guinea. Kina Bank’s Executive General Manager – Business and Retail Banking, Rayeleene Elston, stated, “We are confident that Akino’s leadership, operational background, and passion for serving customers will drive our branch banking network to new heights.” “Kina Bank is focused on developing local talent in Papua New Guinea to grow into future leaders.” “By supporting our people and giving them opportunities to strengthen their capabilities, we aim to build a strong team that contributes meaningfully to nation building,” she added.

The Government of PNG through the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority officially signed a project document for the implementation of a Global Environment Facility (GEF) initiative under its 8th funding replenishment cycle (GEF-8) on Wednesday 07th May 2025, at the CEPA office. This project is supported by the Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (FAO), and the (GEF-8) project will focus on safeguarding significant, intact tropical rainforest landscapes in the Gulf and Western Province. These areas are vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots which plays critical role in climate regulation and ecosystem stability. An amount of K16million was allocated for this project and will run from 2025-2029. “This project reflects PNG’s unwavering commitment to conserving our rich biodiversity while enhancing community resilience,” said CEPA Managing Director, Mr. Jude Tukuliya. “Protecting our forests is not only essential for our people but also contributes to global climate goals.” “By empowering local communities to adopt sustainable land-use practices and promoting long-term conservation financing, we are ensuring that environmental protection goes hand-in-hand with development." Mr. Tukuliya further highlighted the inclusive and sustainable nature of the project. The GEF-8-supported project aims to tackle key drivers of forest degradation and establish sustainable mechanisms that will benefit both people and the planet. This initiative aligns with PNG’s national conservation priorities and international environmental commitments.

The National weather Office has issue strong wind warnings for provinces along the coastal lines of Papua New Guinea including the Islands. The Weather office warns of renewal strong winds for all coastal waters of Southern and PNG -Indonesia border to Kiwai Islands and from the Hood Point to Samarai Island. The winds will run at a speed of 05/10 knots in the Solomon Sea and Bismark Sea, 05/15knots in the Pacific Ocean and Coral Sea winds may reach up to 15/25knots and will be accompanied by isolated showers and thunderstorms as well. All small crafts and boats owners and skippers are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea especially in the warning areas, or better still stay away from sea until weather is calm. It has been predicted also that places in the Southern Region and Highlands Region will be experiencing heavy rains that will lead to potential flooding in most areas. "Heavy rains can cause flash and riverine flooding as well as landslides are expected to happen therefore being vigilant and taking precaution is very important during this bad weather period," the weather office said. Therefore, people living closer to creeks and rivers, drains and water ways are urged to be mindful of flash floods and riverine. Warning also to those living near mountains, cliffs and next to rivers are urged to take precautions as continuous heavy rains can pose the risk of landslides. People living next to big old trees and power poles and lines are also urged to stay clear as heavy rains can cause power lines, poles and tree branches to fall. These warnings are valid for the next 24 hours, and the National Weather Service urges all to be safe.

Over the few years the number of Street kids have drastically increased, especially in the major towns and cities in Papua New Guinea. Acting Director for Child and Family Services Mr. Jerry Wap stated that the issue of street kids is now a priority for the office, and they started a data service in Lae, Mt Hagen, Kokopo and Port Moresby cities, and results showed that street kids are increasing in Port Moresby while Lae and Mt Hagen cities have the highest numbers. Mr. Wap highlighted that at the beginning of this year, their office started a program called the ‘Street Kids Identification, Processing and Reintegration Program to help get the kids off the streets. “The office of Child and Family Services has identified in Port Moresby that about 200 street kids are boys and 35 are girls.” “When we put them into regional groups, Southern Region and Highlands Region has the highest number of street kids roaming the streets of Port Moresby," he said. He added also that it is sad to see that about 200 street kids do have parents, while others one parent deceased and only one parent still alive, however with no financial stability and proper concern and care, these kids turn to the streets to survive. “Fathers and mothers allowing their kids to be on the streets, is a direct breach of the Lukautim Pikinini Act.” “The Lukautim Pikinini Act does not allow young kids to be hanging unsupervised on the streets, thus parents are endangering their children by allowing them to be at places where their rights can be violated.” With so many parents breaching the Lukautim Pikinini Act, the Office of Child and Family Services will now carry out awareness programs regarding this issue and will also visit the homes of the street kids to have a conversation with their parents. “We will talk with the parent concern and get them to sign an agreement to state that they will not allow their kids on the streets again, endangering the young lives.” “However, if after the agreement is signed and if we see the same child on the streets again, the parents and the kid will face the law.” Mr. Wap further added that allowing kids to be on the streets is definitely not an option for survival, this is abuse. Mr. Wap also stated that there is another group of kids who are genuine street kids, the orphans, sadly these kids are genuinely on the streets trying to survive daily. “Our Office has identified 5 of these orphans and we have placed them in the system, in the Out of Home Care centers so they are safe and cared for.” “5 is the number we identified this year, but there could be more, we are still working to get hold of these orphans and put them where it is safe." Mr. Wap who is frustrated about parents failing their parental duties, bolding added that allowing kids to be on the streets to beg, to roam and look for handouts, and to control traffic for tips is a serious breach of the Lukautim Pikinini Act and this must be stopped as soon as possible.

The legacy of the late Sir Peter Barter, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Tourism Conference & Expo (NTC) 2025 Gala Dinner, held on Thursday 10 April 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, where Sir Peter Barter’s name is etched into the foundation of PNG tourism. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to late Sir Peter’s son, Andrew Barter, who received the honour on behalf of his late father, alongside his wife Juanita Barter. The award was presented by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, and the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, in recognition of Sir Peter Barter’s lifelong service and contribution to the tourism sector in Papua New Guinea. Andrew and Juanita joined two other proud recipients of the evening: Bob Bates, proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours, and Cheyne and Cecilie Benjamin, the son and wife of the late Max Benjamin, founder of the world-renowned Walindi Resort in West New Britain Province. After arriving in Papua New Guinea in the years prior to the 1970s, late Sir Peter Barter later established Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd, which would go on to operate the Melanesian Discoverer expeditionary cruise and Madang Resort Hotel, helping to position Madang as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations. Beyond business, Sir Peter was known for his deep cultural appreciation, his strong love for the people, which he supported through the Melanesian Foundation, and his passion for promoting PNG’s diversity to the world. The late Sir Peter Barter was also a prominent figure in Papua New Guinea’s government, serving as Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs during the early 2000s under the Somare Government. As Minister for Bougainville Affairs, he played a key role in the peace and reconciliation process following the Bougainville Civil War, helping to rebuild trust and to strengthen dialogue. He also served as Governor of Madang Province, where he championed rural development, health, education, and tourism, leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea. The Gala Dinner marked the close of a two-day national conference, hosted on Wednesday 9 to Thursday 10 April, where tourism operators, government officials, development partners, and community leaders gathered to reflect on the past 50 years of PNG tourism and plan for its next chapter under the theme: “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future.” Chief Executive Officer of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, praised the late Sir Peter’s enduring influence. “Sir Peter Barter was not only a pioneer in the tourism industry but a statesman, philanthropist, and a prouder Papua New Guinean than most Papua New Guineans." "His efforts extended far beyond economic gain — he championed peace, culture, and inclusive development through tourism.” “On behalf of TPA, I thank Andrew and Juanita for travelling to Port Moresby to receive this honour. It was a truly special moment,” said Uvovo. The Lifetime Achievement Award was proudly sponsored by the Platinum Sponsor of the NTC, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries, who played a key role in supporting the event and recognising industry leaders.

Easter long weekend started on a very peaceful note on Good Friday, with no major incidents reported says Gordons Police Station Commander Senior Inspector Gabriel Kini Bire. Inspector Kini stated that Gordons has been very quiet since Good Friday and Easter Saturday, and he is hoping for the same for Easter Sunday and Monday. “When Gordons is peaceful then it is easier to concentrate on every other area in the Moresby Northeast District." Inspector Kini stated that Police operations for the Easter Long weekend started off on Friday and will continue until Monday evening. He added also they are conducting motorist patrols into suburbs, residential areas, settlement, business house areas and government property areas to make sure all places are safe and peaceful. “We have started road checks since Friday and will continue until Monday evening, that is to make sure citizens following the beer ban policy as well as travellers feel safe when on the road." “Our roadblocks will be at Unagi Oval, Erima round about, ATS Roundabout, 8mile, 9-mile roundabouts as well as Bautama roundabout." He added that because this long weekend is a religious holiday, most people will be traveling day and night as well for worship programs therefore roadblocks and motorist patrols are done to show police visibility and guarantee of safety at this time. “I urge all my good people in Moresby Northeast to celebrate safe, respect one another, and also to uphold liquor ban this Easter long weekend."

LALOKI Secondary School in Central's Hiri-Koiari electorate were the recipients of over K30,000 worth of water supply equipment donated by Papua New Guinea India Association under the leadership of President Mr Raj Pattnai. The donation included: · 2 x 9,000-litre water tanks valued at K11,113.96. · 2 x high power pressure pump valued at K20,800; and · Labour and fittings cost K3,000 A total of K34, 913.96 was spent to deliver this project to the school. With the continues heavy rains, has caused fault in the school’s old water pump and other equipment, hence, the school reached out to the association for assistance which resulted in the presentation this week on Wednesday 16th April 2025. Also, due to limited TFF funding many schools throughout the country have difficulty upgrading facilities, and Laloki Secondary is one such school. Association treasurer and chief executive officer for Mama Bank Mr Gunanidhi Das stated that this was a momentous occasion, and the association was happy to give this little support to the school. He made special mention to teacher Mr Dennis Oa who was instrumental in getting the deal done, spending his time, effort and money going back and forth consulting with the Indian Association on how to acquire the items, including collecting all the quotations and finding out information and ensuring whatever money was allocated was put to best use. Das announced that the association raised funds to help the community in small ways that they could. He also announced that they had also assisted Iobuna Kouba Primary School (just across the road from Laloki) with a brand-new classroom as well. “This was our first time visiting Laloki Secondary School on the weekend and seeing boarding students carrying buckets down to the river to fetch water really touched our hearts.” “There are almost 500 of you boarding students and you have to do this every day.” “We got to know the problem and that is why we wanted to see how we could help you so you could fetch water within your dormitories,” he said. Mr. Das stated that such partnerships were very important and was the way forward for development. Association vice president Ms Veni Korkunda thanked the school for accepting the donation and hoped that this would help them greatly in the future. “We host fundraising events every year where all the Indians living in PNG and Port Moresby come together do something for a worthy cause.” He highlighted that they host shows and their children perform, and the funds raised are given back to the local communities here in Papua New Guinea. “It’s our way of saying thank you to Papua New Guinea for allowing us to live with you in your country,” Ganesh said. School principal Mrs Carol Tsinabi, who has been teaching at Laloki for the past 25 years and is serving her first year as principal, stated that in all her years of teaching at Laloki, this was the first time for such a donation to be made, and the school was extremely grateful. She urged the students and staff to look after the property, so it served the school for years to come.