Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has welcomed Parliament’s overwhelming 80–1 passage of the Vagrancy Act, reinforcing government support for the law introduced by NCD Governor Powes Parkop to improve safety and discipline in Port Moresby and other urban centres.Marape described the legislation as a timely response to rising street violence, disorderly behaviour and public safety concerns. He stressed the law targets those involved in criminal activities, not law-abiding citizens.“This law is about restoring order and protecting our people,” he said, warning that individuals engaging in violence, carrying weapons or causing public disturbances will face stricter enforcement.The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of respecting Motu Koita landowners, fellow citizens and visitors, noting that Port Moresby belongs to all Papua New Guineans.To strengthen enforcement, the government will expand CCTV surveillance across key locations, including the airport and public spaces. Tougher penalties are also being considered, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to K500,000 for carrying dangerous weapons.Marape said the broader goal is to restore Port Moresby to a clean, safe and orderly city, with zero tolerance for graffiti, littering, loitering and street disorder.He added that improving urban safety is critical as the country prepares for increased international exposure, including future NRL games and major events like APEC 2033.The Vagrancy Act, he said, could also serve as a model for other towns and cities across Papua New Guinea.Marape urged residents to support the law, emphasizing that maintaining order is a shared responsibility.“If you respect the law and live peacefully, you are safe. Together, we will restore pride in our city,” he said.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) will begin a major community engagement program with communities in Panguna this week.ABG Chief Secretary, Kearnneth Nanei, announced this government initiative, and explained that the program will begin with a frontline engagement team made up of government officers and veterans from Central Bougainville. This team will visit communities in Panguna, including mine-affected communities in the upper and lower tailings areas. This first phase of community visits will run from 16th March to 27th March. “The purpose of the frontline visit is to have open dialogues with communities and listen directly to their concerns about the Panguna EL01 redevelopment process. Community views, recurring concerns, and questions raised during these engagements will be documented and reported to the Panguna Technical Working Group under the Bougainville Administration,” he said. He explained that these issues will then be addressed during a larger, integrated ABG engagement with Panguna communities scheduled for the first week of April, which will be led by the ABG President and Minister responsible for Mining, together with senior government leaders and the Bougainville Administration. The ABG is encouraging landowners, community leaders, women, youth, and all affected communities to actively participate in these engagements. “This process is about listening to our people and ensuring that landowners and communities are part of the journey as we carefully move forward with Panguna,” Mr. Nanei said. He emphasized that the redevelopment of Panguna will proceed in accordance with ABG laws and regulations, and that the government remains fully committed to open dialogue, transparency, and continued consultation with landowners and key stakeholders. “Landowners will be partners with the proposal for Panguna Mine re-development,” he said. It is also important for the public to understand that for more than twenty years, discussions about Panguna largely occurred outside of the actual mining project life cycle. However, in 2024 the Toroama Government made the decision to issue Exploration Licence 01 (EL01) to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), placing Bougainville formally within the exploration phase of the mining life cycle. Mr. Nanei emphasized that all developments at this current stage are associated with exploration phase, and not mine development, adding that throughout all these stages, landowner groups in Panguna will be partners to the process as they happen. As this technical phase progresses, engagement with Panguna landowner stakeholders will continue and become more structured. Discussions on matters such as benefit sharing and other development issues will take place through formal Mining Forum processes as required under Bougainville law. In the meantime, Mr. Nanei said teams from the ABG Department of Mining, together with other key government departments, will be deployed to Arawa and Panguna to ensure a stronger and consistent government presence on the ground to manage Panguna-related issues. Communities are encouraged to attend the scheduled engagement meetings in their areas, raise their concerns, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue with government.

A decisive vote in Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has paved the way for tougher urban law enforcement, with lawmakers backing the revised 2025 Vagrancy Act 80–1 to improve safety and public order in Port Moresby and other major centres.The bill, introduced by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, targets repeat offenders and individuals involved in both summary and serious criminal activities. Speaking in Parliament, Governor Parkop said habitual offenders can now be declared vagrants by the courts and issued exclusion orders, requiring them to return to their home areas for a period set by the judiciary. “If a person is repeatedly involved in serious crime, it is better they return home, reflect, and change before coming back,” he said. He added that individuals involved in financing tribal fights, inciting violence, and promoting ethnic tensions will also be dealt with under the law, describing it as an additional tool to address ongoing law and order challenges. Governor Parkop stressed that the law is not limited to the capital and can be applied in other major centres such as Lae, Kokopo, Kimbe, Mount Hagen and Madang. He clarified the legislation does not target homelessness or unemployment, unless individuals are repeatedly involved in criminal behaviour. “This law targets behaviour, not identity,” he said, emphasizing that it applies equally to all citizens regardless of status. Exclusion orders, he said, will vary depending on the severity of offences, ranging from short-term restrictions to longer-term bans. The Governor also highlighted ongoing safety initiatives in the capital, including a K20 million CCTV rollout, City Wardens, POM City Watch and the Neighbourhood Watch Program, noting the new law will complement these measures. “We must never compromise the security of our capital city,” he said. Governor Parkop added that the law promotes unity and peaceful coexistence, encouraging residents to respect one another and live together harmoniously. Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape commended the initiative and acknowledged concerns raised by residents, including the Motu Koitabuans, regarding law-and-order issues. The overarching goal, leaders say, is to build safer, more orderly urban centres for all Papua New Guineans and visitors alike.

The Lae Metropolitan Police has condemned an attack on journalists at the Lae Courthouse and promised to bring those responsible to justice.Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban called the incident “very unfortunate” and said police will protect the public “without fear or favour.”"Such attacks show a lack of respect for the law. Perpetrators will be arrested. I also urge the court to issue the maximum penalty if they are found guilty," he said.Two journalists were threatened while covering a bail hearing on Monday morning.A man in a light blue shirt warned the journalists not to report on the proceedings. He left briefly but returned and repeated the threats.After the hearing, another man, believed to be a security personnel, confronted the journalists at the courthouse gate. He searched a bag, took a notepad, and tore out two pages of court notes.The journalists reported the incident to police. One suspect later returned and was arrested. He was charged at Lae Central Police Station the same afternoon."This is not just an attack on individual journalist. It is an attack on the public’s right to know," one media advocate said.

Lae Snax Tigers have received a K100,000 sponsorship boost from long-term supporter Niugini Oil, continuing a partnership that has supported the club and the Let’s Take Staggers program for years.Coach Noel Zeming said the support is vital for the team."Running a club for a year is not cheap. We’re just happy to have as many corporate sponsors as possible. Niugini Oil has always been one of the good sponsors that has been on board for quite some years now," he said.Zeming warned the 2026 season will be tough."Last year we won the cup. All teams are now targeting us. We have to make sure our players train well and are ready every week," he said.Niugini Oil general manager Ian Young said supporting sport is part of the company’s commitment to the community."The boys are local heroes. Sport teaches camaraderie, discipline, success, and how to deal with failure. We hope they are successful again this year," he said.The Tigers, now 15 years in the competition, continue to produce top-level talent for PNG rugby league, with players going overseas and aiming for future NRL opportunities.

Pacific Industries Limited has strengthened its reputation as one of Papua New Guinea’s most trusted FMCG manufacturers after achieving two major international food safety certifications in 2025 and again in 2026. This milestone reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality products to local consumers.With more than 84 years of operation, Pacific Industries is a leading manufacturer and distributor in PNG. As the licensed bottler for PepsiCo products—including Pepsi, 7UP, Mountain Dew, Mirinda, Pepsi Max and Sting Energy—the company blends strong global partnerships with local production expertise.Operating 11 distribution branches across the country, Pacific Industries services wholesalers, retailers, hospitality providers, government agencies and remote communities. Its product range includes locally made brands such as Gold Spot, Gogo Cola, Kik Energy, Pacific Choice, PNG Pure, Gold Spot Cordials, Scoops, Kool Shake and Nutri Milk, alongside international products like Vegemite.The company employs over 850 Papua New Guineans and continues to invest in local manufacturing, workforce development and community programs aimed at improving livelihoods nationwide.In January 2026, Pacific Industries passed an independent audit by SAI Global Certification Services, earning Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification for its Port Moresby and Rabaul facilities under Edition 9 of the SQF Quality Code. The certification covers its full production range, including soft drinks, cordials, juices, ice cream and milk powder.This builds on its January 2025 achievement, when both facilities received HACCP Certification, confirming compliance with international food hygiene and safety standards. HACCP certification ensures that production processes meet strict requirements to identify and control potential food safety risks.Company Director Everet Chue said the certifications reflect the collective effort of staff across all levels to maintain high manufacturing standards. He added that consumers can be confident products made in PNG by Pacific Industries meet globally recognized safety benchmarks.The achievement highlights the growing capability of Papua New Guinea’s manufacturing sector to meet international standards, while remaining focused on serving local communities. For Pacific Industries, these certifications mark not only a significant milestone but also a strong foundation for continued growth, innovation and excellence.

Cricket Papua New Guinea has announced its 14-player U19 Siale’s squad to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier from April 24–29, 2026, at Amini Park.The team will face Indonesia, Japan, and Vanuatu, with the winner progressing to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The squad was selected following national trials in November and months of training and development. Selectors Chairman Hudson Leka said the process was both challenging and rewarding, noting the players’ growth from raw talent into a confident unit.  “Over the last few months, these young women have committed to extensive physical and mental training… We believe this squad represents the best of that journey,” he said. Head Coach Jason Kila highlighted the team’s discipline and pride in representing the country, while Board Chairman Michael Harrison urged national support, saying the players will carry the hopes of Papua New Guinea onto the field. Hosting the qualifier provides PNG with home advantage and gives local fans the chance to witness international women’s cricket. With final preparations underway, the Siale’s now look forward to turning their hard work into qualification success on home soil. PNG U19 Siale’s Squad: Ravu Pala, Rollie Mahuru, Krystaleigh Alu, Konio Gavera, Nina Kila, Warimo Ewana, Edit Ao, Konio E Oala, Molong Hobart, Georgina Tom, Loa Ranu, Abigail Leka, Mea Loa, Reia Baeau.

Students attending the Mongonna Primary School in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) can now sit on brand new stools behind brand new desks when learning in class all thanks the Kina Bank. Kina Bank just recently presented the facilities to the school through its “Strongim Kumuniti Grant” program. The SKG program is part of Kina Bank’s commitment to sustainability and community development. It is open only to Kina Bank employees, who can apply for quarterly grants to support small but meaningful community projects. Kina Bank’s Senior International Operations Officer, Ms. Meverlyn Komangin, who successfully applied for the grant, said the project was completed on time and has greatly improved the students’ learning environment by providing safer and more comfortable classroom furniture. “The existing desks and chairs are in poor condition, leading to overcrowding where more than three students share a desk. This hinders students’ ability to focus and learn effectively. I am pleased to give back to my community school to enhance learning for our students,” Ms. Komangin said. The school’s Head Teacher, Mr. Penias Torot, thanked Kina Bank and Ms. Komangin, saying the support shows a strong partnership in education ensuring no child is left behind.“The desks and stools for Grades 3 to 8 have improved classroom comfort, safety, and student engagement and helped address the school’s long-standing shortage of furniture. Thank you, Kina Bank and Ms. Komangin for realizing our need and coming to our aid,” he said.Since its launch in 2023, Kina Bank’s SKG program has supported various community projects across PNG, including supplying water tanks to schools, providing learning materials, donating medical supplies to rural areas, delivering school furniture, and installing solar power at health facilities.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BBP) has announced the continuation of its Breakfast Program with support from Sanitarium, Australian Export Consortia and Market 2000, providing more than K200,000 worth of breakfast supplies to support children’s nutrition and learning. The partnership will supply Weet-Bix and So Good Oat Milk to three of BbP’s Library Learning Centres, ensuring 250 students receive a healthy and nutritious breakfast every school morning. The initiative forms part of Buk bilong Pikinini’s Nutrition Education Program, which is integrated into the organisation’s curriculum and delivered across its 20 Library Learning Centres nationwide.  The program aims to promote healthy eating habits while supporting early childhood education, particularly for children from vulnerable communities who may not consistently have access to balanced meals. BbP marked the continuation of the program with a special event on Friday, 13 March 2026 at one of its Library Learning Centres, where students enjoyed a nutritious breakfast before taking part in interactive activities designed to demonstrate the benefits of proper nutrition on learning and physical responsiveness. PNG Country Manager for Australian Export Consortia, Tarin McManus, said the partnership was rewarding to see in action. “This partnership with BbP is so rewarding. Seeing the students active and bright after having a healthy Weet-Bix and So Good breakfast is a sight to behold. It’s important for their mental and physical development.” BbP Founder and Vice Chair Anne-Sophie Hermann thanked the partners for their continued support, noting that proper nutrition plays a key role in children’s ability to learn. “This support goes far beyond providing breakfast—it is an investment in a child’s future. When children arrive nourished and energised, we see the difference immediately in their confidence, concentration and enthusiasm to learn.” Through the renewed partnership, 250 students across three Library Learning Centres will continue receiving a daily nutritious breakfast, supporting both their wellbeing and academic success.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is finalising a review of its Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, signalling a renewed commitment to improving discipline, leadership accountability and professional standards within the police force.The policy was first introduced in 2019 to promote fairness, respect and equal opportunity within the organisation, while also guiding how officers interact with communities. However, limited implementation, competing operational priorities and lack of sustained funding meant the policy was not widely applied in daily policing. Police leadership says the current review aims to ensure the policy reflects the realities of policing in Papua New Guinea and supports officers to meet expected professional standards. Assistant Commissioner of Police for Administration and Human Resources, Gaiwary Tinga, said the review is an important step in strengthening discipline and professionalism across the force. “We cannot expect strong discipline and ethical behaviour from our officers if our standards are unclear or inconsistently applied,” ACP Tinga said. He said GESI is not simply a concept but relates directly to how officers treat each other, how leaders guide their teams, and how police conduct themselves while exercising authority. The policy focuses on workplace behaviour, leadership responsibility and accountability, including respectful engagement, fair decision-making and increasing the participation and advancement of women within the constabulary. During the first phase of the review in 2025, the GESI Review Committee decided that a new Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Policy would be developed. Senior officers involved in the review say the policy is particularly important at a time when policing in PNG faces growing public scrutiny, with communities expecting officers to act fairly, respectfully and professionally. They also noted that officers themselves are calling for safer and more respectful workplaces free from harassment, abuse and favouritism. Consultations and workshops were conducted across divisions and commands to gather feedback from police officers and civilian staff. The second phase of the review took place from March 10 to 13, 2026. For many participants, the consultations provided their first opportunity to openly discuss issues such as workplace respect, leadership behaviour, safety and fairness. Feedback gathered during the consultations helped identify gaps in awareness, training, supervision and enforcement that limited the impact of the 2019 policy. Police leadership acknowledged that the earlier policy lacked proper follow-through with limited training, monitoring and accountability mechanisms after its launch. The revised approach will include stronger leadership accountability, targeted training and monitoring systems to ensure the policy supports operational policing. Once finalised, the updated GESI Policy is expected to guide recruitment, training, promotion, supervision and disciplinary processes across the constabulary. ACP Tinga said strengthening the policy is part of a broader effort to improve police culture and build public trust. “This is about building a police service our officers respect and our communities can trust,” he said. Technical and financial support for the GESI Policy review is being provided through the EU–PNG Partnership for Good Governance (P4GG) project, which aims to support more transparent, inclusive and accountable management and recruitment systems within the constabulary.  

The Chief Secretary to Government has come out to clear the air on talks going around social media alleging that the National Government is committed to spending a whole lot of money to host the APEC 2033.Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, OBE dismissed a social media post purportedly attributed to him that claim the Government has committed K500 million to host APEC 2033. This comes after a fake social media post on Facebook which was published by the ‘PNG Happenings Today’, with a title “PNG Commits K500 Investment to host APEC 2033’’.This news appears to be misleading and possibly fabricated with several inconsistencies without any credible source or official announcements collaborate to this claim.Chief Secretary Pomaleu clarified that announcing future financial commitments on major national policy matters is not the responsibility of his office.He said such announcements will be properly made by the Prime Minister or the relevant Minister and long-term commitments like this usually involve gradual announcement with detailed planning stages.Mr. Pomaleu further clarified that the National Executive Council has endorsed Papua New Guinea to host APEC again in 2033, and it is not credible to settle detailed financial forecasts seven years in advance.APEC 2033 will occur during the 13th Parliament, and it is the responsibility of that Parliament and the government then in office to confirm to the nation what resources will be required to host the event.“Any contribution from my office to this process will be limited to developing a road map, domestication of current policy outcomes and undertaking some capacity‑building work to prepare for planning and implementation,” he said.The Chief Secretary urged the Public to rely on Official Government channels for accurate information and to disregard unauthorized social media posts attributing commitments to Government officials.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) continues its commitment to light up Western province and its neighboring provinces through its electrification initiative.Just recently, Ok Tedi reaffirmed that Western Province remains priority under its major electrification initiative, Lighting Up the West (LTW), delivered through Ok Tedi Power Limited (OTPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ok Tedi. The program is designed to bring reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to communities across Papua New Guinea’s western region which include predominantly Western Province and parts of East and West Sepik provinces.Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit said Ok Tedi is 100% Papua New Guinea owned, and our people are driving this development. “Lighting Up the West starts at home. Western Province is our host, and it is our priority,” he said, adding that work in other provinces is about planning for the future, not replacing Ok Tedi’s commitment to the people of Western Province. “If you live in Western Province, LTW initiative is already underway.’’ Mr. Ilimbit said LTW is a multi-decade infrastructure program supporting: Western Province’s life after mine Long-term social licence with host communities Economic diversification across the region National Government electrification goals The LTW initiative is being rolled out to Western Province and subsequently to West Sepik and East Sepik provinces, with support from the respective provinces.Work is already underway in Western province under this initiative, with the construction and delivery, including:Grid extensions in Kiunga and the highway corridor The establishment of the Ningerum mini grid Stand-alone solar power systems for priority Community Mine Continuation           Agreement (CMCA) Villages. Recently, a team from Ok Tedi undertook a fact-finding mission to East Sepik Province, which is required under the new Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Retail (GTDR) licences. Fact finding visit to other grids within the three provinces are being planned and scheduled.