The Commander of the National Capital District and Central Province, Benjamin Turi, welcomed Senior Inspector Ruben Giusu as the coordinator of Police Reservists in the National Capital District and Central Provinces, as per a directive from the police management. With the increasing number of complaints from the public regarding police impersonators in the command, Commander NCD/Central Benjamin Turi welcomes Mr. Giusu, who has a wealth of experience in both administration and policing duties in the police force. While welcoming him, Commander Turi also gave directives to all reservists who are currently working or not working in the command to report to him and identify themselves so the command can know who they are. He said there are many police impersonators running around in the command who have been involved in illegal activities that have spoiled the good name of the constabulary. Mr. Giusu will be based at the Saraga Police Post and will be coordinating the reservists in the command. The Saraga Police Post will now be used as the operational centre where all reservists will be in command. “We have seen impersonators running around claiming to be police reservists who have been involved in illegal activities and with him coming into command, we want to see some changes.” “We also want to call on the trained reservists to report to him so he can assign them to a police station to work.” “You were trained and given the police uniform to serve the people and if you are not performing, then we have to take action and remove the uniform from you because the police uniform belongs to the police department,” Turi said.

Following the declaration of the newly elected member for Central Bougainville, Mr Jimmy Miringtoro who was a former two-term MP and State Minister, Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG) President H.E Ishmael Toroama, MHR congratulated Mr Miringtoro for his victory. In a statement release by the ABG President, he stated that on behalf of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the people of Bougainville, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Member-elect for Central Bougainville, Jimmy Miringtoro and that his return to national politics as a two-time former Member speaks to the trust and confidence that the people of Central Bougainville continue to place in his leadership. “His deep understanding of the development needs and aspirations of our communities, gained through years of experience and service, will be invaluable in this new term.” Toroama further added that at this critical juncture in ABG political journey, Bougainville needs strong and consistent voices at the national level. “I trust that MP Miringtoro will be an active and unwavering advocate for the people of Central Bougainville and greater Bougainville, particularly in advancing our collective aspiration for political independence and securing the future that our people have long stood for.” He highlighted also that from Miringtoro’s previous terms, he had shown his commitment to service delivery and development, and President Toroama is confident that under his renewed leadership, Central Bougainville will continue to see meaningful progress in infrastructure, education, health, and economic opportunities. “The Autonomous Bougainville Government looks forward to working closely with the Jimmy Miringtoro as we continue to shape a peaceful, self-reliant, and independent Bougainville.” “Once again, congratulations, Jimmy Miringtoro, and I wish him all the best as he commences his new term as the Member for Central Bougainville in the National Government.”

Former two-term MP and State Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro, has made a triumphant return to national politics, reclaiming the Central Bougainville Open Seat as an Independent candidate. Miringtoro’s victory follows a highly contested by-election held after the passing of the late Simon Dumarinu, the Social Democratic Party MP last year. Despite having several strong contenders in the by-election, Miringtoro was favored, given his past legacy as one of the top-performing MP with a strong record in service delivery during his previous terms. He was officially declared MP-elect at 10:00 am yesterday, Sunday 15th June 2025 by Returning Officer Justine Pantumari at Tupukas Primary School, after securing 7,868 votes in the 11th exclusion, surpassing the absolute majority of 7,643. Counting was stopped during the 11th exclusion as Miringtoro crossed the majority threshold, with one more exclusion remaining. His closest challenger, Pangu Party candidate Lohial Nuau, came second with 4,168 votes, while independent candidate Flynn Naunsi Detou finished third with 3,249 votes among a field of 14 candidates. Miringtoro’s return is seen by many in Central Bougainville as a restoration of strong and experienced leadership, with expectations high for renewed development and progress in the region.

Staff from the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) and the Institute of National Affairs (INA), led by INA Executive Director Paul Barker, joined hundreds of other participants in the annual Sir Anthony Siaguru Anti-Corruption Walk early Sunday morning, 15th June 2025, at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby city. Families, friends, and representatives from government agencies, corporate organizations, and civil society groups gathered at Sir John Guise Stadium from as early as 4am to take part in the event, organized annually by Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG). This year’s theme was, “Do what is right, not what is easy,” served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s ongoing fight against corruption. Participants walked from the stadium through 5 Mile to Gordon, circled the Somare Drive roundabout, passed Morauta Haus, and returned to the stadium, a symbolic route highlighting the commitment of citizens and institutions to demand accountability and integrity in public service. CIMC and INA have been consistent and active supporters of the Anti-Corruption Walk, reinforcing their commitment to promoting transparency, good governance, and public awareness across Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the National Constitution, during the recent high-level consultation held at Burnham, New Zealand. Prime Minister Marape met with the leadership of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), led by President Ishmael Toroama, in a critical dialogue that marked a significant milestone in the post-referendum process under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Section 14 of the National Constitution. “Let us never forget that we are all peacemakers,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement enshrined a path forward for unity and peace, and the Constitution provides us with a lawful and peaceful way to navigate the sensitive outcomes of the 2019 Referendum.” The Prime Minister emphasized that while 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voted for full political independence in the 2019 Referendum, the Agreement clearly stipulates a two-stage process — referendum followed by post-referendum consultations — culminating in a decision by the National Parliament. “At no point does the Peace Agreement or Constitution suggest that a referendum result, however overwhelming, is automatically binding,” Prime Minister Marape clarified. “Section 342 of the Constitution requires post-referendum consultations. Parliament is not a rubberstamp; it is a sovereign body of national leaders who must now consider the result and make a determination." He acknowledged that some expectations initially misunderstood this process, expecting the Parliament to simply ratify the referendum outcome. However, through continued dialogue, the ABG and National Government now share a clearer understanding of the constitutional process. “I carry the referendum result in my bosom, not only as Prime Minister, but as a Member of Parliament,” he said. “But when it comes before the House, I too will be reduced to one vote — the vote of the Member for Tari-Pori, it will be up to the collective wisdom of Parliament to decide our national future.” Prime Minister Marape praised the resilience of the peace process and reaffirmed the commitment to continued consultations under the framework of the Constitution. He noted that there is no fixed timeframe under the Constitution for concluding consultations, allowing the space for genuine national consensus to be built. “In the wisdom of the crafters of the 2001 Peace Agreement, they entered that the two sides consult each other after the Referendum to find an amicable solution without offending the full gamut of our National Constitution. The important thing is that we remain engaged, respectful, and lawful.” “This process belongs not just to the Executive Arm of Government, but to the entire National Parliament and our people.” Prime Minister Marape concluded with a solemn reflection on the responsibility of leadership stating that as the Prime Minister, it is his duty to uphold the Constitution, to defend the unity and integrity of Papua New Guinea. “To walk this journey of peace together with our brothers and sisters from Bougainville, there is still much work ahead, but our foundation remains firm — one of dialogue, respect, and constitutional order.”

Simbu Province has become one of the three Highlands provinces in Papua New Guinea selected for an environmental conservation initiative to protect biodiversity and build climate resilience. The initiative is a partnership program between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and PNG's Environment and Conservations and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), that will be rolling out in Simbu, Jiwaka and Enga. The workshop was held recently at Mt. Whilhem Hotel in Kundiawa, Simbu Provincial, and was attended by the Simbu Provincial Administrator Mr. John Punde, along with senior officers, and community leaders from all six districts in the province. The workshop was aimed at educating communities on how to care for their environment, while creating economic opportunities through sustainable resource management. "Our people are already involved in environmental protection through culture, farming, and forest use; thus, this project gives us the tools to build on what we already have," Mr. Punde said. CEPA Deputy Managing Director, Michael Bongera, highlighted that PNG's forest is of global importance and called on leaders to prepare for more development partnerships. "This is about positioning ourselves for long-term environmental and economic sustainability," he said. “The program aims to mitigate threats to biodiversity through training, livelihood support, and community-based conservation.” Mr. Bongera added that for many, it is a chance to turn environmental stewardship into a source of pride and prosperity. Simbu now stands at the forefront of PNG's fight to protect its natural heritage.

The Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) completed a successful two-day workshop in Port Moresby city recently, led by the International Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), on the 11th of June 2025. The Multi-Stakeholder Group members included representatives from PNG Core, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, MRDC, KPHL, OK Tedi Mining, Santos, Newmont, Kumul Minerals, K92 Mining Inc., and government departments including Finance, Treasury, National Planning and Monitoring, Petroleum and Energy, MRA, IPA, and others. Civil society representatives included the Institute of National Affairs, CIMC, Transparency International PNG, CELCOR, and the PNG Resource Governance Coalition, who all participated in full-day sessions this week. The International EITI stated in its presentation the need to improve extractive sector governance and transparency with promoting efforts and EITI Validation. A full-day session focused on transparency in licensing, contracts, and beneficial ownership, as well as anti-corruption disclosures, gender considerations, and energy transition reporting. The day concluded with a plenary session to agree on action points, and a targeted session for the National Secretariat to support the MSG. ICAC made presentation on its roles and responsibilities in the country and how far investigations have been working effectively and where ICAC can work together with MSG and EITI on corruption issues in extractive sectors in the country. Participants gained a clear understanding of the roles and functions of EITI in the country, and how the organization can be improved moving forward, since its establishment ten years ago. The workshop clarified the roles and responsibilities of MSG members, strengthened their unified commitment to closing implementation gaps, and defined a roadmap to ensure PNG is fully prepared for its 2026 EITI Validation.

A third-year student from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has successfully completed his three months fieldwork with the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) under the Student Placement Program yesterday. Baclay Tumbiago, 22, from Hela, is a third-year student studying Social Work and minoring in Psychology. Young Tumbiago made a presentation yesterday to the CIMC staff on what he has learned over the last three months, stated that practical experience with CIMC was a great learning opportunity, participating in the National Development Forum. “I saw how leaders discuss important issues in the country and my experience helped me see how policies turn into action, and this has strengthened my ability to contribute to national development”. He made his presentation on the overview of the organization, explaining its role, sectoral committees, and the impact it has on policy discussions. He highlighted how CIMC facilitates collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society to promote inclusive decision-making for national development. He was fortunate to joined sectoral committee meetings, learning how different groups work together to make decisions. He said data entry has showed me how keeping accurate records can support policy making. Mr. Tumbiago also highlighted that this experience has improved his communication skills, helped him to work on presentations, thus making complex ideas easy to understand. He said students’ practical placement, often called field education or fieldwork, is a core component of the Bachelor of Social Work degree at UPNG. At CIMC students work with them for three months and if their performance shows great potential then they can be retained but if not then they are given references to look for job elsewhere. CIMC gives the opportunity to students in tertiary institutions to do their internship, and this provides hands-on experience on what they learnt in school. Mr. Tumbiago added that the practical helps them develop foundational social work skills, and prepare them for the final, more advanced placement in their fourth year. He plans to apply his learning experiences and knowledge next year during his final year. “I plan to use my communication and analytical abilities to make complex ideas easy to understand and focus on connecting policy discussions.” CIMC Executive Officer Wallis Yakam said two students from University of Goroko will be recruited under the annual Graduate Development Program soon. CIMC takes in students to do fieldwork from University of PNG, Divine Word University, University of Technology, Don Bosco Technology Institute and other institutions.

Biskitop Biscuits, the official sponsor of Biskitop Zulu Riders, the new club on the block in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition this year, has given the club major support with a donation of 500 Biskitop Biscuit cartons. The Club members were all smiles when they were presented 500 cartons of Bisketop biscuits in assorted flavors from the Biskitop Producer, Epac Limited yesterday afternoon at their warehouse at 9 miles. Mr. Brian Kombe who was the spokesperson for the Biskitop Biscuits when presenting the 500 biscuit cartons highlighted that these biscuits are for the club to sell and raise funds to keep the club financially afloat all throughout the PRL season. “There are no free hand outs, we give you the biscuits, you sell these cartons and make money for the club so you can pay player registrations, training equipment and also for logistics.” “These 500 cartons are for this month, Biskitop will give you 500 cartons every month until the end of the year”, Mr. Kombe added. Vice President and Coaching Director of the Club Mr. Steve Gunua, who was formally the Central Dabaris Coach, thanked Mr. Lee and the Epac Company Limited for their continues support through their product brand Biskitop. “This is a very generous contribution to the club, and we are thankful,” Gunua said. “My team will sell these biscuits and all income from this first 500 carton sales will go towards our Players Registrations.” Gunua added that the Biskitop Zulu Club has 3 divisions, A Grade, under 20, and the Open Women's Division with a total of 85 team members, and individual player registration is K20 so a total of K1,700 is needed; therefore, the takings from the first sale will be put to player registrations. Further Mr. Gunua stated that despite being a new club in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition the teams are performing satisfactorily, with their A Grade team on 8th placing out of 16 teams, under 20 Team on 5th place and their Open Woman’s team on 8th place out of 16 teams. “This is a team from ward 12 in Moresby North- East made up of players from 9mile to Quarry, Bomana, Turnoff, Makana and Bush Wara area, thus, this is about creating an avenue for youths to explore their skills and make better choices in life through rugby league.” “We are hoping that through are new club more youths can get involve in rugby league, make a career from it, hopefully getting someone from here to 2028 NRL Bid”, said Mr. Gunua.

A total of 21 contestants from Vocal Fusion Season 12 have joined the Senisim PNG Program, kicking off their first session on 30 May 2025 with a focus on the core value of Hope. The Senisim PNG Program, an initiative by the PNG Tribal Foundation, is a unique values-based program aimed at helping individuals shift their mindset, grow personally, and take the lead in bringing positive change to their communities. Senism PNG National Coordinator Phillie Marai stated that over the course of 11 weeks, the contestants will participate in Transformation Tables, where they will meet in small groups and go through discussions on 10 core values such as Responsibility, Integrity, Respect, and Discipline. These sessions are designed to help participants reflect on their lives, identify areas for growth, and commit to personal transformation. “The first session on Hope was a powerful way to start and we’re helping young Papua New Guineans realise that change begins within and these contestants are already showing strong commitment,” Mrs Marai said. The goal of the program is not only to develop individuals, but to equip them to become role models and positive influencers in their families, peer groups, and within their communities. She said the involvement of Vocal Fusion contestants brings added visibility to the program, especially among young people across the country who follow the popular music competition. Their participation is a testament to how leadership and personal growth can happen at any stage and in any field, including entertainment. The PNG Tribal Foundation believes that when individuals grow in values and leadership, whole communities benefit. “We’re proud of these young artists for stepping up,” said Foundation President Gary Bustin. “They’re not just performers – they’re future leaders.” The sessions will continue weekly through to August 2025, with each session building on the last, encouraging honest conversations, goal setting, and mutual support. As these young Papua New Guineans go through the program, the Foundation encourages the public to follow their journey and be inspired to also take steps toward personal and community transformation.

Sorcery accusation -related violence (SARV) remains one of the biggest issues in the country, sadly SARV has increase in the Highlands region, thus more and more Non-Government Organisations, Church, Police, Health and other partners have been working together to combat the SARV issue. One of the leading NGO groups that has been in the forefront of SARV is the PNG Tribal Foundation. Tribal Foundation has a record of rescuing SARV survivors, bringing perpetrators to justice and becoming the hope for SARV Victims. Tribal Foundation highlighted in their latest report that from the year 2023 up to this date, the organisation has dealt with 46 SARV cases, assisted police in 122 arrests and 77 were charged by police for being perpetrators of SARV. The statistic is a combined report from the Highlands Region including the Morobe Province. According to the Tribal Foundation reports, 77 out of the 122 arrests are charged and are currently in prison while others are out on bail as police investigations continue. PNG Tribal Foundation Founder, GT Bustin, confirmed that nine of these cases have resulted in successful convictions, however, 27 suspects were reportedly released illegally from police custody. A key suspect relating to SARV case of a police officer who was murdered in year 2012 in Western Highlands Province, was arrested last month in Jiwaka by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), after been in hiding for a very long time. The suspect was charged with wilful murder and arson and is currently detained at Barawagi Prison. Investigations are ongoing, and police with assistance from the PNG Tribal Foundation are expected to make more arrests in connection with the case as well as many other SARV cases in the highlands.

Staff from the Institute of National Affairs (INA) and the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) participated in a full-day session on Tuesday 03rd May,2025, with BSP Life PNG Limited. The session was focused on exploring the Wantok Delight life insurance product, a tool designed to support life protection and long-term savings. Delivered by BSP Life Insurance Advisor Siaoa Mirou, the session emphasized the importance of financial resilience and reducing dependence on borrowing, which continues to burden many Papua New Guinean families. “Wantok Delight is a personal life insurance product created to provide life protection and help individuals build long-term financial wealth,” said Mirou. “It promotes a culture of savings and financial independence.” The product includes a savings component, allowing policyholders to accumulate wealth over time while ensuring their families are financially protected in times of loss. It also supports everyday needs such as education and living expenses. Mirou stressed that investing in Wantok Delight means trusting a PNG-owned institution committed to national development. Key benefits include:  Life protection for individuals and families  A savings plan to build future wealth  Support for a homegrown, trusted PNG institution The session reflects INA and CIMC’s commitment to improving staff financial literacy and supporting sustainable economic practices.