Police are yet to arrest and charge suspects involved in setting alight two unmarked police vehicles in Hula Village, Rigo District of Central Province on Saturday 7th February 2026.According to the NCD/Central Police Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi, suspects have been identified and directed to surrender to authorities tomorrow. “Suspects who were also involved in burning down three houses belonging to the village people had also been identified and were ordered to surrender tomorrow,” he said. ACP Turi said police are still investigating the reason behind the burning of the vehicles. He noted that social media speculation regarding the initial cause will be verified once suspects from both sides are brought in for questioning. “I want to thank my police officers in the command, as well as our Operational Units, which include the Mobile Squad and Dog Unit, who responded when police were notified by rescuing the families of the policeman in the village,” ACP Turi added. According to information provided to the police, a policeman’s daughter was seriously assaulted late last year. She was brought in for medical treatment but died at the hospital. Upon returning home for the burial, relatives reportedly burned down some houses, which prompted villagers to retaliate by burning the unmarked police vehicles. ACP Turi stressed that all parties involved will be investigated and charged accordingly. “While stressing the Hula incident, what the villagers did to the police vehicles was not right because the vehicles are not private property belonging to individual police officers or their families. They are public property,” he said. ACP Turi condemned the actions and called on village leaders and the police to ensure all suspects surrender by tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. He also stated that the police officers responsible for driving the vehicles will be investigated and dealt with accordingly. The burnt vehicles have been towed back to Port Moresby city.

The Tonpar primary school situated in the hinterland of Malala in ward 25 of Almami LLG in Bogia District of Madang province on Saturday, February 7th received a major boost with the delivery of a brand-new Lucas Mill and financial assistance from the Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa.The Tonpar community staged a rousing welcome with their popular "Dabol" traditional dance to receive Governor Pariwa and his delegation who arrived by helicopter to the school which is inaccessible by road. Interestingly, two vehicles purchased last year by Governor Pariwa made history as the first ever to reach the remote Tonpar Primary School ahead of the Governor’s arrival when they travel along the bush tracks which were expanded and maintained specifically to allow one of the vehicles to deliver the Lucas Mill to the remote location. The Lucas Mill, purchased at a cost of over K61,000 from Farmset Limited in Madang, would be a huge boost for the school in cutting and processing timbers to build new classrooms to aid children’s learning and also build houses to accommodate teachers. In addition to the sawmill, Governor Pariwa also presented a cheque of K10,000 in financial assistance to Tonpar Primary School to support the school’s development plans. Governor Pariwa urged the school administration and community to make full use of the new mill to improve infrastructure and create a better learning environment for students. He also encouraged them to share the Lucas Mill with other cluster schools in the area as well as health posts and churches in the Malala hinterland so that more communities can improve their living standard. Governor Pariwa also urged parents to offer their trees freely to the school to get timbers in order to build new school facilities. "I challenge parents to give your trees for free so they can be cut to obtain timbers to build new facilities for the school," Governor Pariwa said. “This support must not stop here. Use this mill to build your classrooms and teachers’ houses and help other schools, health posts and churches as well,” he added. Mr. Pariwa challenged the school board and management to build a new double classroom within the next three to six months and invite him just to come back and cut the ribbon. Teaching Services Commission officer, Kenneth Kalai, in his address at Tonpar thanked Governor Pariwa publicly for always inviting him to travel with him to remote schools to see for himself the plight of teachers who are particularly under his jurisdiction. Mr. Kalai said Governor Pariwa is truly a people-oriented leader who listens closely to the cries of his remote people and responds favorably to them. Tonpar Primary School Board Chairman, Charles Okin, when receiving the new mill, thanked the Governor for what he described as timely and much-needed support. “This is a huge support that the Governor has given to Tonpar Primary School,” Mr. Okin said. "The school was established 17 years ago but we still have 3 teachers in school and several incomplete classrooms and bush material teachers' houses," he added. Ward 25 Member, Anton Kirarka, heaped praise on Mr. Pariwa as the first-ever Governor of Madang Province and even a MP to physically set foot at Tonpar which is on the ridge of the Adelbert Range. Mr. Kirarka urged the community to work together to ensure the mill is properly managed and used in positive ways that will benefit the school and future generations. The assistance reflects the provincial government’s ongoing priority to improve education services and standards in remote parts of Madang Province.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has progressed discussions with the National Government on the transfer of the financial sector regulatory powers.ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance, Albert Punghau, met with National Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, and senior officials from the National Department of Treasury to present a framework for the drawdown of regulatory oversight of Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) and the establishment of a regulatory presence of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) in Bougainville. “This partnership with the National Government represents a practical pathway to strengthening Bougainville’s financial system while maintaining regulatory coherence,” Minister Punghau said. “Non-banking financial institutions play a critical role in delivering financial services to our communities, supporting small businesses, and formalizing the informal sector, by working collaboratively with our national counterparts, we can ensure these institutions operate effectively under proper oversight.” NBFIs — including savings and loan societies, microfinance institutions and other financial service providers — are central to Bougainville’s economic development. They improve financial inclusion by reaching communities and businesses not fully served by traditional banks, while supporting private sector growth and broadening the local revenue base. The ABG proposal seeks to assume regulatory oversight of NBFIs under Section 290 of the National Constitution, which provides for the transfer of specific powers to the Autonomous Bougainville Government. This process is supported by the Sharp Agreement 2021, which streamlines arrangements for ABG to exercise meaningful control over devolved functions. To ensure effective and credible oversight, ABG has proposed the establishment of three functional BPNG regulatory units in Bougainville: • Banks and Finance Companies • Savings and Loan Societies • Microfinance As an interim arrangement, the proposed units would be housed within the ABG Department of Treasury and Finance under the Policy Development and Analysis Directorate. This approach ensures regulatory supervision and consumer protection are in place alongside the transfer of powers. ABG has further proposed the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Department of Treasury by February or March 2026, followed by a technical MoU with BPNG by July 2026. National Treasury officials welcomed the proposal and acknowledged that the framework provides a concrete basis for continued engagement and technical work with ABG. The initiative aligns with the Toroama-Masatt government’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable economic foundation for Bougainville ahead of the planned September 2027 independence transition. Through a phased and cooperative approach, ABG continues to demonstrate readiness to assume greater responsibility while maintaining partnership with the National Government. The meeting was attended by the Secretary for Treasury, Mr. Andrew Oaeke; Deputy Secretary for Budget and Financial Management, Ms. Napa Hurim; Assistant Secretary for Provincial Budgets, Mr. Amos Ropkil; and Principal Advisor to the Treasurer, Professor Misty Baloiloi.

A Papua New Guinean women-led haircare brand born online, has officially stepped onto the retail shelves with City Pharmacy launching Niugini Naturals in-store at its Vision City and Waigani Central outlets, signaling a breakthrough moment for local women entrepreneurs.Founded in 2022 by sisters Kazieh and Jemimah Taganny, Niugini Naturals was created to fill a long-standing gap in the market that offers affordable, effective haircare products designed specifically for Melanesian hair. What began as a small online business powered by social media and nationwide deliveries has now evolved into a retail-ready brand stocked by one of PNG’s largest pharmacy chains. The product range now available in City Pharmacy includes Black Girl Magic Hair & Scalp Oil (100ml), Rapid Growth Hair Food (100g), and Mini Whipped Shea Butter (150g) products that have gained strong followings among Papua New Guinean women embracing natural hair care. The in-store launch follows Kazieh Taganny’s participation in the CPL Foundation Inc. Business Mentoring Program, delivered in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers, which ran from November 2024 to April 2025. The program supported six women-led small and medium enterprises, strengthening their business foundations in areas such as planning, financial management, compliance, marketing, risk management, and pitching. At the conclusion of the program, all six mentees pitched their businesses to a panel that included Sir Mahesh Patel, Michael Koisen, and George Constantinou. Kazieh’s pitch was direct and ambitious as she wanted to see Niugini Naturals stocked at City Pharmacy Vision City and Waigani Central. Following the pitch’s acceptance, CPL Foundation worked closely with Kazieh to outline what was required to enter a formal retail environment. Kazieh then independently undertook the necessary steps to make the brand retail-ready, including business registration, product testing, labelling, sealing, and the development of a marketing plan to support in-store sales. In parallel, she worked directly with the City Pharmacy Fashion Category team to finalize a formal supplier agreement covering pricing, supply terms, and delivery requirements further strengthening the brand’s commercial readiness. “I would like to congratulate Kazieh and the team on reaching this important milestone. I know it has been a long journey, and a great deal of blood, sweat and tears has gone into making this possible” said Ajay Patel, Chief Operations Officer of CPL Group. “ Patel also acknowledged the internal support behind the partnership “I would also like to sincerely thank our internal City Pharmacy team, and this achievement would not have been possible without your support. While this may not be business as usual, it reflects a commitment that sits at the very core of who we are and what we do.”

BSP Financial Group Limited has officially reopened its Porgera Branch in Enga Province, restoring full banking services to nearly 19,000 customers after more than a year of intermittent closures caused by security concerns.The branch reopened on Monday, January 26th, following strengthened security measures aimed at ensuring a safe and stable operating environment for staff and customers. The Porgera Branch is the only commercial bank operating in the district, making its return critical to the local economy and daily life in the community. The branch was initially closed in September 2024 due to ongoing security issues. Although it briefly reopened in April 2024 after a year-long shutdown, renewed challenges forced BSP to close the branch indefinitely. During the closure period, the bank continued to support customers through EFTPoS, agent banking services, and recently restored ATM access. BSP Treasury and Markets Group Head of Market Sales, Leighton Crisp, said the reopening is strategically important not only for Porgera but for the national economy. “The New Porgera Limited Gold Mine is a cornerstone of PNG’s economy. It generates substantial foreign exchange earnings through gold exports earnings that are essential for funding the country’s imports of goods, fuel, machinery and other necessities that benefit businesses and communities nationwide” Mr. Crisp said. BSP Highlands Area Manager, John Tomba Jnr, said the bank’s return reflects its commitment to community livelihoods and long-term economic stability in the valley. “We are committed to serving the people of Porgera and intend to remain here as long as peace is maintained in the valley. Protecting essential services like banking is vital for local livelihoods, economic growth, and community wellbeing” Mr. Tomba said. BSP Head of Corporate Banking, David Bishop, reaffirmed the bank’s broader responsibility to serve customers across all segments, including individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate clients. “We are guided by our core values! We Care and We Aspire to Grow Our Communities through financial literacy programs and modernization initiatives that deliver the best possible customer experience,” Mr. Bishop said. Community leaders, including the District Administrator and the Deputy Governor, welcomed BSP’s return, noting that access to banking services is essential for everyday transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, school fee payments, and SME financing, which help stimulate the local economy. In addition to in-branch services, BSP continues to expand financial access in Porgera through two ATMs, 40 EFTPoS merchants, and three cash agents operating across the district. BSP says it will continue working closely with local communities and stakeholders to maintain a secure environment, ensuring essential banking services can operate sustainably for the benefit of Porgera and the wider Enga Province.

The New Ireland Provincial Government has passed a record-breaking budget of K381, 023,388 for 2026, marking a 25% increase from last year’s revised budget.New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt stated that the budget passed will strengthen the province’s finances, drive development, and secure the future for generations. The increase is driven by outstanding Infrastructure Development Grants (IDG) and high gold prices, with expected IDG funds of K60m and K159.4m in unpaid Special Support Grants (SSGs). The budget allocates 84% (K322m) to capital development and 16% (K59m) to recurrent expenses. Key focus areas include: • K213.3m for infrastructure development • K45.3m for economic sector • K35.9m for social sector (includes Tertiary Education Subsidy program and boarding school rations) • K10m for agricultural ventures • K5m for WASH program • K1m for Council of Elders meeting Law and Order is a top priority for the province, with K5m allocated to partner with police to establish a dedicated Police Reserve Force, and K2.7m for law enforcement infrastructure. Healthcare gets a boost: • K15m for Kavieng Hospital refurbishment • K3m for Namatanai Hospital refurbishment • K6m for Tinkoris Hospital (K5m funding + K1m water supply) • K1m for floating clinic (Outer Islands) • K1m for mobile clinic (mainland) Other highlights: • K10m for Rural Electricity • K5m for ICT • K2.5m in District Support Grants • K3m in LLG Grants • K5m for LLG staff houses • K2m for LLG Communication and capacity building • K5.5m Special Support Grant to Nimamar LLG The budget was debated and passed unanimously by the assembly members on the floor of the assembly.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has formally presented its 2026 Budget Framework to the National Minister for Treasury, Ian Ling-Stuckey, recently in Port Moresby.The budget totals K844.09 million and focuses on fiscal discipline and Bougainville’s readiness for independence. ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance, Albert Punghau, presented the framework, outlining three key priorities: Protecting frontline services, supporting independence readiness, and Strengthening Bougainville’s own revenue base. The budget was passed unanimously by the Bougainville House of Representatives in December 2025 under the theme “Advancing Fiscal Self-Reliance and Independence Readiness for Nationhood.” The total appropriation includes K240.98 million (28.55%) for recurrent expenditure to support essential services, and K603.11 million (71.45%) for development projects, including infrastructure and economic investment. Funding sources include National Government grants (K520.36 million), ABG internal revenue (K46.75 million), and re-appropriated funds (K276.98 million). “This balanced appropriation reflects our commitment to disciplined financial management and transparent resource utilization,” Minister Punghau said. A key feature of the 2026 budget is the Constituency Independence-Readiness Program (CIRP), which allocates K1 million per constituency to support local economic activities and community-driven projects. The CIRP operates under BEC-endorsed guidelines with verified outputs and transparent controls. The K150 million Restoration and Development Grant prioritizes infrastructure rehabilitation, with 32% directed to infrastructure that improves access, connectivity, and service delivery. More than 54 per cent of recurrent grants are allocated to health and education, strengthening ABG’s focus on human capital development. Minister Punghau reaffirmed ABG’s commitment to accountability, confirming that outstanding audits from 2017 to 2023 will be addressed and that reporting standards will be maintained. “The ABG will measure 2026 performance through tangible outputs, including completed and commissioned projects, improved service delivery, restored infrastructure functionality, and visible progress toward economic productivity and institutional readiness,” he said. The ABG continues its practice of early budget submission and remains among the first regional governments to present its budget to National Treasury each year. The Minister requested formal endorsement to allow early release of first-quarter grants, ensuring continuity of services and smooth implementation in 2026.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has further strengthened its growing relations with the United Arab Emirates through a Visa Waiver Agreement signed this week, which comes as great news for trade and investment between the two countries. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, commended Prime Minister, James Marape, for the signing of this Visa Waiver Agreement between PNG and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “This will complement our decision to open our Mission in Abu Dhabi this year,” said the minister. “It is also very timely as we are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE which we plan to finalize by November this year.” He said the Visa Waiver Agreement is a major coop for PNG’s negotiations and one that will show the country’s credibility to negotiate a CEPA with the UAE. Entering into a CEPA with the UAE will demonstrate PNG’s commitment to establishing a long-term trade and investment partnership with the UAE. “Our State Negotiating team will be in the UAE before the end of this month for the first round of negotiations to be held in a face-to-face meeting as this will be the first of a series of negotiating sessions,” said Minister Maru. The Minister said PNG was deliberately diversifying its trading partners, starting with the UAE to leverage its position as a major global port operator to access markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. “PNG currently has a CEPA with the European Union only. Apart from the UAE, we also plan to enter into CEPAs with India, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia,” he said. Minister Maru also commended the Ministers for Immigration and Foreign Affairs, and all responsible departments and agencies for securing this landmark Visa Waiver Agreement with the UAE.

The Madang Tertiary Students Network (MTSN) held its first Back-to-School Meet and Greet yesterday at Madang Technical College in the Madang Province.The gathering aimed to help students get to know each other and strengthen networking among tertiary students from across the province.Special Projects Officer with the Madang Provincial Government, Janis Poe, attended the event and encouraged students to take the Sir Peter Barter Tertiary Education Scholarship seriously.“You students are fortunate to have a Governor who prioritizes education first,” she said.Ms. Poe urged students to start planning their future careers while still in school and to think carefully about what they want to become. She also highlighted other opportunities available through provincial programs, including support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that students can explore after their studies.She further explained that Madang Governor and Provincial Member, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, has also supported Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) programs for students who did not make it into universities and colleges.“If you have relatives who did not make it this year, there are FODE programs available under this scholarship support,” she said.Ms. Poe added that the Madang Provincial Government has allocated K10 million to fund students under the Sir Peter Barter Scholarship Program.She also acknowledged MTSN student leaders for their continued efforts in ensuring students receive support from the provincial government and encouraged ongoing communication between students and the scholarship team.Student leader Nicholas Gamuna, a final-year Divine Word University student studying Social Studies and Religious Studies, said Madang students are spread across Papua New Guinea but share a common purpose.“Madang students are scattered across PNG, studying in various institutions. But today, we are united by a common goal, to uplift our province and empower our people,” he said.“Students, let’s stand together, build connections, collaborate, and drive development in Madang. We have the power to create change. Let’s work together, share ideas, and support each other.”He also encouraged students in universities and colleges to support the Madang Tertiary Students Network and become agents of change for the province.MTSN President Advent Yamsob concluded the event by thanking the Madang Provincial Government under the leadership of Hon. Ramsey Pariwa for its continued support and wished all Madang students a successful academic year.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be hosting for the second time the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, this time in seven (7) years’ time.Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has confirmed that PNG will once again host the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in 2033, marking the nation’s second time to host the prestigious regional forum following APEC 2018. Speaking from Dubai, Prime Minister Marape said the confirmation provides Papua New Guinea with seven years of preparation, describing the opportunity as a defining moment to showcase a stronger, more mature, and more competitive nation to the global community.“Papua New Guinea has once again been entrusted with hosting APEC, fifteen years after we successfully hosted APEC 2018,” Prime Minister Marape said.“This time, we want APEC 2033 to be bigger, better, and more reflective of a nation that has matured economically, fiscally, and democratically.”The Prime Minister said his government formally expressed interest to host APEC again, building on the foundations laid in 2018 and positioning the country to present a compelling national story in the lead-up to its 60th Independence Anniversary in 2035.He said his engagements in Dubai are part of broader efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s global economic and diplomatic connectivity ahead of APEC 2033, including the establishment of Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to Dubai, His Excellency Frank Assi, and the mobilization of new trade linkages betweenthe Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Prime Minister Marape said PNG occupies a unique strategic position at the confluence of three major blocs — the Pacific Island countries, ASEAN, and APEC — making it a natural bridge between the Far East and the Middle East.“Our intention is to link the Middle East with the Far East, where we are located, through our diplomatic presence here in Dubai, alongside our missions in Israel and Europe, to open markets, financing opportunities, and trade pathways for our producers,” he said.

A remote primary school situated in the hinterland of Sumgilbar Local Level Government (LLG) area in Sumkar District on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, received a surprise visit by the Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, who travelled in by helicopter to deliver a K50,000 financial assistance to help the school build its new infrastructure to aid children’s learning.Governor Pariwa’s first school visit this year to Sevan Primary School in Ward 2 of Sumgilbar LLG followed a commitment he made late last year when he travelled by road to the school upon which he noticed the run-down state of the school facilities with old classrooms made of bush materials mostly in dilapidated state. Even reports of gross abuse of funds by the school was rampant.Sumgilbar Ward 2 Member, Moyang Okira, who met the Governor upon arrival on Tuesday wasted no time in exposing alleged gross abuse of funds by the Sevan Primary School’s head teacher.Okira even pointed to an incomplete classroom which was funded by the Sumkar MP however, funds were allegedly exhausted. On that basis he suggested that Madang Provincial Government must hold back its support. However, the Governor insisted that the administrative issues of the school must not hijack and suppress the basic right to freedom of education for the children of Sewan Village and those living within Ward 2, including other neighboring wards, in the Sumgilbar LLG. "The education of these children is paramount, and we must prioritize and learn to overcome our problems and progress to accommodate their interests," the Governor said. "They must have a good classroom to learn just like other students have in the province, and they must have it now," Mr. Pariwa added. Governor Pariwa was accompanied to Sevan by the newly elected President of Wanuma LLG, Amandi Gurunan, Madang Provincial Education Director, Alphonse Igag, and Rural Police Commander, Snr Inspector Peter Gorek.Mr. Pariwa told the people who gathered that he used to admire the Wanuma people in the manner in which they uphold the Word of God, however, he is sad to notice the people not taking good care of the school facilities and the news of funds being abused by the school’s board and management.An interesting event also unfolded during the Governor’s visit to Sevan which saw the Education Director, Mr. Igag appointing the Deputy Head Teacher, Terence Sivesiv, to be the Head teacher and a Senior Teacher, Jessica Lassem, appointed Deputy. The appointment apparently took place due to the unavailability of the head teacher at the school even after two weeks of the school’s commencement.Mr. Pariwa urged the Sevan Community and the people to put to good use what little is given to them, because it would open door for more blessings to come.“God will one day reward you for your faithfulness in upholding the Word of God,” Mr. Pariwa stated.He encouraged that Sevan Community must change because God has given them mercy in opening the door now for them to receive help despite the school's history of misappropriations. He told the new Head Teacher Mr. Sivesiv and the board chairman to be accountable with public funds since God will be watching.“It is a new year, and a new beginning with a new head teacher, new ward member and a new president for new Wanuma LLG who is originally from Sewan area, and we must believe that Sevan will change for the better,” Governor Pariwa stated.

The National Government has confirmed its commitment to the 1-6-6 education structure, with national expansion expected to begin from 2027.Prime Minister James Marape said the policy, currently being tested in six provinces, ensures all students progress from Grade 8 to Grade 9 without being excluded due to limited spacing. “I have directed provinces not to refuse students.” “Take stock of your enrolments, especially at Grade 9 level, and the National Government will work with you to provide teachers, classrooms and curriculum support.” Under the 1-6-6 model, the Government aims to eliminate major drop-out points and ensure all children complete their education through to Grade 12. “For too long our education system has created drop-out points at Grade 6, Grade 8, Grade 10 and Grade 12.” The rollout will be supported by increased education budgets through to 2035 to fund additional classrooms, teachers and learning resources. The Government’s vision is to ensure no child is left behind, with education pathways that allow every student to advance uninterruptedly from early childhood through to Grade 12.  “Every child enters early childhood education and leaves the system at Grade 12 with the right mindset, skills, discipline and characters".