The Prime Minister has said that his government is serious about the internal investigation into the allegations in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) as it nears completion. Prime Minister James Marape assured Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea that the Government is taking seriously the recent issues affecting the PNGDF, with comprehensive Investigations now nearing completion into allegations surrounding Recruitment and related incidents at Murray Barracks. Responding during Parliament Question Time this week to questions raised by Opposition Leader James Nomane, Prime Minister Marape stressed that the integrity, credibility, and sovereignty of the PNG Defence Force remained of paramount importance to the Government and the country. Prime Minister Marape confirmed that he has temporarily assumed oversight of the Defence Portfolio while Investigations are undertaken, following the Decision by Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph to step aside from Defence-related responsibilities pending the outcome of the Inquiry. “At any time, a Prime Minister can assume the role by determination. A Prime Minister, whether myself or the seven Prime Ministers who came before me, are Ministers of Ministers,” Prime Minister Marape explained. The Prime Minister commended Dr Joseph for voluntarily stepping aside in the interest of transparency and accountability while investigations proceed.

The newly upgraded Accident and Emergency (A&E) and outpatient area at Vunapope St Mary’s Hospital was officially opened on May 21, 2026, by the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong.Addressing the hospital staff and management, the minister acknowledged their resilience and compassion toward patient care despite the numerous issues and challenges they face. He noted that while the old Catholic mission-run health facility continues to serve an ever-growing population, it has long been overlooked for government funding despite its status as an elevated Level 4 District Hospital. “A lot of people here today to witness the opening of this important section of the hospital were born here,” Minister Wong said. “I am so excited that the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Board Chairman and Managing Director used this initiative in their community-based project to put something here at the hospital.” “This is the most underfunded hospital in the country, but it has served well for many years, with people seeking treatment from Pomio, Baining, and as far as East Coast Namatanai.” “So, it is only right we put something back that touches the lives of people.” The funding assistance from the NFA for the much-needed renovation, equipment necessities, and the newly established oxygen manifold system cost close to K300, 000. The funding also covered color-coded critical beds (red, yellow, and green) to indicate patient conditions, twenty new vital signs of monitors, and upgraded emergency standards required for A&E teaching practices. Where the upgrading fell short in building materials and furniture, local business house Tropicana Limited, under the leadership of Dame Sandra Lau, stepped in to ensure the works could be completed. Meanwhile, St Mary’s Hospital continues to work closely with the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (PHA) to maintain health standards as a Level 4 facility. Representing the PHA, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Director of Curative Services Dr. Patrick Kiromat stated that the improvements made by the NFA have truly set a new benchmark. “This type of gesture from NFA to improve the A&E and the manifold system certainly shows standards have been lifted,” Dr. Kiromat said. “For that, we are very grateful. Another area to take note of for boosting is manpower, which the PHA and St Mary’s Hospital administration are in the process of sorting out to meet the manpower requirements for a Level 4 facility.” However, Dr. Kiromat also expressed disgust over the ongoing attacks on staff and occurrences of vandalism at the facility. He issued a firm warning regarding community accountability, stating, “The PHA will not condone such acts.” “The hospital is here to stay, and I appeal to the nearby community and outsiders to respect this vital service.”

The Papua New Guinea National Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has been named the winner of the inaugural International Olympic Academy (IOA) Award in the “Community Engagement and Social Impact Educational Programmes” category, announced at a ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Greece, on May 21st, 2026.The award was presented during the 19th International Session for National Olympic Academies and National Olympic Committees, which was attended by delegates from more than 100 countries. PNGOC was one of five national organizations recognized across various categories covering Olympic education, athlete development, cultural legacy, and sustainability. According to Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu, this recognition belongs to every Papua New Guinean who has participated in the programs and supported the mission to bring Olympic values to life in communities across the country. “A huge acknowledgement is accorded to our Team PNG HERO Athletes and Programs team who deliver the programs annually throughout the country.” “It confirms that what we are building- a movement powered by purpose- and this is being noticed on the world stage.” The IOA Awards were inaugurated in 2026 as a new institution to highlight successful Olympic education projects, reward quality, and share good practices across the global National Olympic Academies (NOA) and National Olympic Committee (NOC) networks. The entries were judged by a nine-member international committee chaired by Alexandra Karaiskou, Head of NOC/NOA Relations at the IOA. As a result of this win, the recognized initiative will be featured in the IOA Journal and the Academy’s international communication platforms, providing global visibility for Papua New Guinea’s work in Olympic education. Furthermore, the award closely aligns with “PNGOC's 2032- Powered by Purpose!” strategic plan, in particular pillar two on delivery, which identifies community engagement and social impact as core pillars of the Committee's mission leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The Koiri Local Level Government Special Purpose Authority (KLLGSPA) in Central province has rolled out its church assistance program just recently.A total funding worth K20,000 was given to four main line churches in the Koiari constituency and the Rigo Koiari proclamation areas. KLLGSPA Chairman Mr. Paul Noel, said the funds were derived from the K100, 000 set aside as tithes to assist churches in the area. "We (KLLGSPA) receive K10 million from the Department of National Planning annually. Through this funding, we set aside K100,000 as tithes that is allocated under our church assistance program to assist churches. "We delivered last year from this fund and continuing this year," he said. He said KLLGSPA as the implementing arm of Koiari LLG, the KSP is responsible to deliver service to the people of Koiari, including villages in Rigo Koiari who are captured under their development package. Four Seventh Day Adventist Churches each received K5,000. The churches include Dabunari, Iove, Avitana and Kwikila. Additional funding of K3,000 was given to Senior Pastor Simon Vetali to purchase a grass cutter for the upkeep of lawns for Kwikila town church and other churches in the Rigo Koiari areas. He assured that the SPA will continue to roll out the church assistance program to other churches in the remaining part of the year.

Twelve (12) women researchers from Lae are travelling to Melbourne, Australia, to undertake advanced research training and mentorship under a program aimed at strengthening women’s leadership in research across Papua New Guinea.The initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the PNG–Australia Partnership’s “Strongim Risets Kapasiti Bilong Ol Meri” project and will see the participants attend a four-week placement at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University.The women were selected after completing intensive capacity-building workshops in Lae city, where they received training in research methodology, data analysis, academic and grant writing, leadership and evidence-based policy engagement.During their placement in Australia, the researchers will work alongside Australian academics and mentors while building professional connections with leading research institutions.Papua New Guinea University of Technology researcher Dr Wilma Langa said the training would create opportunities for collaboration between female researchers in PNG and Australia while promoting inclusive policies.Dr Langa said her research focuses on urban design and the informal sector and she hopes the experience will help her contribute towards greater empowerment and inclusion for informal vendors in urban areas.The Lae participants represent the second regional cohort under the program following earlier workshops conducted for women researchers in Port Moresby.Australia says the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting women researchers, strengthening higher education partnerships, and improving research capacity in PNG in areas including agriculture, education, economics and community development.

The Australian High Commission has announced 23 successful recipients of its inaugural Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund, aimed at strengthening community development and youth empowerment through sport across Papua New Guinea.Representing 13 provinces and a range of community sports programs, the recipients will receive funding to promote inclusive participation, gender equality, disability inclusion, peacebuilding and youth leadership. More than 100 applications were received from registered and unregistered sports organizations, community groups and individuals nationwide, with the winners selected by an independent committee. Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald said the Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting positive social change through sport. “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and Australia is proud to invest in sport in Papua New Guinea at all levels and further strengthen the Aus-PNG Partnership.” Manager for Sports, Youth and Civic Engagement at the National Capital District Commission, Christopher Topa, who served on the independent selection advisory panel, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the impact of community-led sporting programs across the country. Meanwhile, Sophia Soli from Center For Future Nau thanked the Australian Government for the support, saying the organization plans to use table tennis as a safe and inclusive platform for women, girls and out-of-school youth to discuss gender-based violence. The Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund adds to existing PNG-Australia sporting partnerships including Team Up, PacificAus Sports, Play for Equity, the PNG Chiefs and the upcoming Pacific Rugby League Partnership.

Communities across Central Province are expected to benefit from improved transport and service delivery following the presentation of eight new vehicles by Central Governor Rufina Peter just recently.Funded under the 2025 Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP), the vehicles were distributed to schools, health services, farmers and small business groups across the province’s five districts. Recipients included Ianu High School and Amazon Bay in Abau District, Lower Sogeri SME, Owens Corner Farmers, Siraka farmers and Mekeo LLG in Kairuku District. Gaire SME received a coaster bus, while Goilala District Health Service was presented with a Land Cruiser to support health operations in remote areas. Other recipients received six-wheel Isuzu trucks to assist with transport and service delivery. Amazon Bay President Gideon Dauge said the vehicle would ease the burden on mothers who walk long distances daily to sell produce. “These are our mothers who have been doing this for so long, waking up early and walking for almost an hour to Magarida just to sell their produce.” Governor Peter said the initiative was about ensuring public resources directly benefited communities and encouraged recipients to properly manage the vehicles to keep them operational for years to come. Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the project aligns with the Central Province Integrated Development Plan 2023–2027, aimed at improving connectivity and access to services in rural communities. Deputy Provincial Administrator Corporate Services Bala Kapa described the vehicles as an investment in people and community empowerment. The vehicles are expected to improve access to clinics, schools and markets, particularly for isolated coastal and mountainous communities across Central Province.

The European Union, a long-standing partner of civil society organisations in partner countries, has announced a new Call for Proposals in Papua New Guinea aimed at strengthening civic engagement, accountability, and the promotion of human rights, democracy and gender equality.Through this initiative, the EU will provide two grant opportunities totalling approximately 7 million kina. A key priority is increasing women’s political participation and leadership, particularly in the lead-up to and beyond the 2027 national elections.This programme reflects the EU’s continued commitment to supporting democratic governance and human rights in Papua New Guinea. Civil society organisations remain central to these efforts, playing an important role in promoting transparency, improving access to information and holding institutions accountable through monitoring corruption and public policy implementation.The initiative also aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which supports the development of sustainable, high-quality infrastructure in partner countries. A core aspect of this strategy is fostering an enabling environment for responsible investment, grounded in strong social, environmental and governance standards. Civil society contributes significantly to building and sustaining this environment.Despite progress in addressing discrimination, gender inequality remains a serious challenge in Papua New Guinea. Although the Government has ratified international conventions and introduced national policies to support gender equality, women’s representation in political leadership remains low.Broader governance challenges also persist, including overlapping formal and customary systems, limited institutional responsiveness, corruption, inconsistent service delivery, and the structural exclusion of women and young people. Development partners, including the EU, continue to support initiatives that strengthen social accountability, such as improving access to public information, enhancing budget transparency, and enabling citizen monitoring of public spending and services.The European Union in Papua New Guinea is now inviting eligible organisations to submit proposals in line with the published guidelines.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has marked Tuesday, 26th May 2026, as a historic milestone in Panguna through a small but highly significant customary ceremony known as “Tampa Ungko”.Held to publicly acknowledge and affirm the unification of the five major Panguna landowner clans, the ceremony stands as a pivotal moment in support of the ongoing Panguna redevelopment process. President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Minister for Mining, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, led the ceremony alongside senior Central Bougainville political leaders. These included the Chairman of the Central Parliamentary Committee Justin Borgia, Minister for Bougainville Veterans Junior Dake, and host Panguna Member for Ioro Constituency David Miringtoro. The event was further witnessed by Central Bougainville Veterans representatives, the ABG Department of Mining, Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL), and Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL) representatives. As part of the customary process, the ABG presented live pigs to each of the five Panguna landowner clans as a goodwill gesture of respect, unity, and recognition of the customary landowners’ authority over Panguna land. The ceremony also acknowledged and honored those who lost their lives during the Bougainville conflict and the sacrifices made by the people of Panguna and Bougainville. During the proceedings, Central Bougainville Veterans pledged their continued support to the ABG and Panguna landowners in progressing the Panguna redevelopment process in a peaceful, respectful, and orderly manner. The Panguna Landowner Interim Council (PLIC) responded positively during the ceremony and reaffirmed its commitment to work together with the ABG, BCL, and LMEL to progress Panguna redevelopment while continuing the consultative process to address landowner issues and concerns. Landowner representatives called on individuals and groups to stop politicising and manipulating the sensitive Panguna issue on social media. They appealed to aggrieved individual landowners and splinter groups to come forward through the recognised Panguna landowner representative structures and ongoing dialogue process instead of creating division and refusing engagement. Representatives of the five clans publicly declared during the ceremony that the five Panguna clans are together as one united voice in support of the ABG President and the redevelopment of Panguna for the future benefit of Bougainville. The landowners stated that through the “Tampa Ungko” ceremony they are symbolically and publicly opening Panguna under unity and reconciliation. They further declared that the ceremony signals the unification of the five clans and reflects the combined position of the customary landowners regarding Panguna’s future. Landowner representatives also called upon persons currently carrying out unauthorized mining within the Panguna pit area to vacate the area out of respect for the united position now publicly demonstrated by the five customary landowner clans. The customary ceremony coincided with the official launching of the Panguna EL01 drilling program by President Toroama, marking the return of active drilling operations to Panguna for the first time in 37 years since the Bougainville conflict commenced in 1989. Drilling activities under the Panguna EL01 work program will subsequently commence following completion of the customary program and associated operational preparations. The presence of an operating drill rig in Panguna during the ceremony was described by leaders and landowners alike as historic and deeply symbolic of a new chapter for Panguna and Bougainville. Moving forward, the ABG reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Panguna process continues in accordance with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, ongoing stakeholder consultations, and respect for customary authority, peace, unity, and inclusive dialogue.

Digicel PNG has announced this afternoon that it will be reselling Starlink services in Papua New Guinea (PNG).The internet and mobile phone service provider announced that it is authorized to resell Starlink services to expand its enterprise connectivity solutions and support businesses across PNG with enhanced, reliable internet products. It will do that under an agreement entered into between Starlink and Digicel PNG’s parent company, Telstra. Digicel PNG will distribute Starlink connectivity, providing businesses with additional connectivity options, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional infrastructure can be limited.Digicel PNG Acting CEO Brett Goschen said the collaboration reinforces the company’s focus on innovation and customer experience.“Working with Starlink demonstrates Digicel PNG’s dedication to innovation and our commitment to building a better-connected PNG,” said Goschen.“Reliable connectivity is critical for businesses today. By expanding our portfolio, we are better positioned to support our customers wherever they operate across the country.” Starlink will help provide high-speed internet access in locations where fibre or other traditional services may not be available.Chief Business Officer, Colm Breheny, said the addition of Starlink services to Digicel PNG’s portfolio supports Digicel PNG’s strategy to deliver flexible and fit-for-purpose solutions.“Satellite plays an important role in our connectivity strategy, and reselling Starlink strengthens our ability to support a broad range of business requirements,” Mr. Breheny said.Digicel PNG has completed initial testing of Starlink, with strong performance observed. “The results from our Starlink testing have been very positive, particularly for businesses operating outside traditional fixed and mobile network coverage areas,” Brett added.“We are confident this service will offer improved connectivity options for many organisations across the country.”Digicel PNG expects to be able to offer Starlink Internet to enterprise customers in Papua New Guinea from later this year.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on institutional strengthening and capacity building for Bougainville’s fisheries and marine resources sector.The signing took place recently in Port Moresby city on the sidelines of the Ocean Summit, executed by ABG Minister for Fisheries Amanda Masono and National Minister for Fisheries Jelta Wong. Minister Masono described the partnership as a blueprint for Bougainville’s self-reliance and maritime stewardship. “It reflects our shared commitment to build a fisheries sector that delivers not only revenue, but dignity, jobs, and governance credibility for our people,” she said. In her remarks, Minister Masono stated that the ABG had created the Department of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change in late 2025 to take full responsibility for fisheries development in Bougainville, with the long-term aim of establishing the Bougainville Fisheries Authority. She added that the revised MOU now strengthens the cooperation framework between the ABG and NFA. “It commits both parties to institutional strengthening, capacity building, legislative development, monitoring, compliance and surveillance enhancement, and joint fisheries development planning, as outlined in the MoU’s objectives and cooperation framework.” “It ensures that Bougainville can progressively operationalize its fisheries powers and build the systems, skills, and institutions required for responsible management and sustainable development.” Minister Masono concluded by acknowledging the NFA Minister, Managing Director, and their team for finalizing the long-overdue agreement, noting that their commitment reflected a genuine national partnership and respect for Bougainville’s development pathway.

The Buka General Hospital in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is undergoing significant facility improvements through a strategic partnership with Mission Aviation Fellowship.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Buka General Hospital, Dr. Tommy Wotsia said the targeted upgrades are focused on creating a safer and more functional clinical environment for both patients and staff. The completed refurbishment works include upgrades to the surgical wards, ablution blocks in the in-patient area, and the maternity ward, including improved water supply systems, upgrades for the special care nursery, labour ward, and the administration building. The improvements also include fresh repainting, upgrades to electrical and lighting systems, refurbished ward staff stations, outdoor seating for patient caretakers, thorough cleaning and wash-down of facilities, and the installation of sanitary sterilizers across all wards and workstations. Dr. Wotsia said the developments are expected to improve patient comfort, provide better working conditions for staff, strengthen infection control measures, and support safer maternal healthcare services. The project reflects strong collaboration between the hospital, development partners, and government. Mission Aviation Fellowship provided full labour support through its skilled workmen, while the hospital contributed towards material cost. Dr Wotsia confirmed that funding for the next phase of refurbishment works covering Medical Wards one and two, the Children’s ward, and the Maternity ward will be provided through the government’s funding support to the hospital.