The National Government will introduce double-shift schooling as a short-term measure to ease classroom shortages while new education infrastructure is being built under its major education reform program running from 2026 to 2035.Prime Minister James Marape said the Education Department has been directed to implement morning and afternoon school shifts, allowing schools to use the same campuses across multiple sessions to immediately accommodate growing student enrolments. The approach will ensure that no child is turned away due to lack of classroom space. “This allows us to expand access immediately while permanent classrooms are being constructed." Under the arrangement, teachers will be deployed across shifts as new classrooms and teachers’ houses are rolled out nationwide, especially in high-growth urban centers and rural communities. The double-shift system will operate as a temporary solution, alongside major investment in modern classrooms, teacher recruitment and improved learning facilities funded under the Government’s K11 billion education reform framework.

Police in Central Province are investigating a traffic accident that involved the Minister for Energy and Kairuku MP, Peter Namea Isoaimo, and a PNGDF soldier at Goldie Junction along the Hiritano Highway. Two vehicles have been impounded at the 15 Mile Police Station as part of the investigation.Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed the incident occurred at around 8 PM on Monday, February 2. Minister Isoaimo was traveling from his home toward Port Moresby, while the soldier was driving from Port Moresby toward Laloki. “According to initial reports, the soldier was attempting to avoid a pothole and veered inward just as Minister Isoaimo switched lanes, which resulted in the collision,” Chief Inspector Salle said. The soldier, traveling in a small vehicle, sustained injuries and was transported to hospital by Saint John’s Ambulance for medical attention. Police units secured the accident scene and impounded both vehicles at Fifteen Mile Police Station for further investigation. PPC Salle highlighted that traffic accidents are increasingly common along major highways in the province. Another accident occurred yesterday afternoon along Maggi Highway at Tubuseria village. “We are receiving reports of traffic accidents every day along our main highway. Since January, we have recorded more than ten accidents, and the number is rising. That is not good,” PPC Salle said. He also mentioned a weekend incident involving a vehicle belonging to Kana Construction, which police are currently investigating. Police have urged drivers to exercise caution and respect other road users to prevent further accidents.

Raibus Engineering Ltd (REL), a landowner company within the Ramu Nickel Mine, this week signed a landmark agreement with MCC to raise wages for its Madang-based workforce.  The agreement provides a K1.50 per hour increase to employee wages, aligning with Papua New Guinea’s new minimum wage requirements. Importantly, this increment will not only apply to workers currently earning K3.50 per hour, but also to those whose wages are already above the minimum threshold.  REL’s General Manager Brodney Seip expressed gratitude to MCC management for recognizing the challenges faced by local workers. He assured that the K1.50 per hour adjustment will be extended to all REL employees, reinforcing fairness and consistency across the workforce.  “This increase reflects our commitment to all workers, not just those at the minimum wage level. By applying the increment across the board, we are ensuring equity and acknowledging the contributions of every REL employee,” the General Manager said.  REL General Manager Mr. Seip clarified that the agreement currently applies only to the Madang base. Workers at Basamuk are yet to reach an agreement on the new rates and will continue on their existing pay scale in the meantime.  This development is seen as a significant step in strengthening worker welfare and reinforcing the partnership between landowner companies and MCC.  

The Autonomous Bougainville Government, in partnership with Lloyds Metal and Energy Limited (LMEL), an Indian industrial and mining company and investment partner to Bougainville, yesterday officiated the groundbreaking and foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Level 7 Hospital in Arawa Town.The Level 7 Hospital will be called the ‘Lloyds Kali Ammal Arawa Hospital’ and will be a state-of-the-art specialized hospital, providing free specialized healthcare to the people of Bougainville. This project is the first following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between the ABG and Lloyds Metal in November last year and represents a strategic partnership that aligns with Bougainville’s independence roadmap. President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, described the occasion as a significant achievement in setting the first foundational pillar for development in Bougainville, acknowledging Bougainville’s forefather’s dreams for independence as a stepping stone.“The dreams and the stepping stones of our forefathers brings us to this momentous occasion of laying our first foundational pillar in development for Bougainville,” he said.President Toroama thanked LMEL for supporting Bougainville’s journey, especially in improving healthcare in the region, noting that the people of Bougainville have long been marginalized in access to essential medical care. “Since the good days of BCL, people of Bougainville have been marginalized, no health services were provided during the crisis and to this day, many lives have been lost. Businessmen and women have had to travel to PNG and abroad for treatment while the rest continued to suffer and this health facility will address this,” he said. ABG Minister for Health Hon. Delourdes Semoso shared similar sentiments, acknowledging the occasion as a transformational moment for the health care system in Bougainville. “Today marks a historic and transformational moment for our health care system in Bougainville, we are here to participate in the launching of this long anticipated Arawa specialist referral hospital in Central Bougainville,” she said.She reiterated that the initiative demonstrated the President’s clear commitment to prioritizing the health and wellbeing of the people of Bougainville, adding that, as the Minister responsible for health, she would work closely with the President to localize specialist services and improve access to quality healthcare for rural communities.To complement the President’s commitment, Minister Semoso said her ministry worked closely with the Building Board to facilitate the timely review of the hospital layout and design ahead of the formal launch. She explained that the board was convened in accordance with established regulatory processes to assess the proposal. She added that the Building Board is now finalizing conditional approval for the hospital, describing it as a major infrastructure development for Bougainville, and said the outcome reflects effective coordination between the Office of the President and the Ministry of Health.  “After today’s launching, the building materials will be immediately shipped for construction work to begin without delay,” she said. Managing Director for the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd Prabhakaran Balasubramanium thanked the President and his cabinet, the government, administration and people of Bougainville for giving them the opportunity to invest in Bougainville. Noting that health care services was a basic need for Bougainville, LMEL saw this as a priority service to support the ABG to establish through the construction of the specialist hospital with specialized equipment, surgery section and medicine which will be provided free of charge. The hospital is named after the grandmother of the Managing Director for Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd, who helped to start up this company financially. “Here I stand today to understand the basic need is the health system - today this Hospital Lloyds Kali Ammal Arawa Hospital, named after my grandmother who I started this company with, and I stand committed to see that this health care facility building is constructed within a number of days and not number of months.” LMEL will also provide specialist doctors and nurses from India to live and work in Bougainville, and they would also provide support to the Bougainville Health service in terms of capacity building and training to ensure local capacity is enhanced and sustained in the long term for Bougainville. Mr. Prabhakaran also revealed that the company has set a target to commence work after the launching and aims to complete the building in less than eight months. He anticipates to opened by the new facility by the end of 2026. Apart from building the state-of-the-art hospital, discussions have been made with the ABG Minister for Lands and Member for North Nasioi Hon Henry John Potabu to secure land for building staff housing and accommodation. The launching was witnessed by the ABG Cabinet, ABG Members of Parliament, ABG Administration, National Member for North Bougainville Hon Francesca Semoso, National Member for Central Bougainville Hon Jimmy Miringtoro, Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd staff, people of Bougainville. A plaque marking the occasion was unveiled by the President Toroama and Hon Francesca Semoso, witnessed by LMEL Managing Director Mr Prabhakaran, ABG Minister for Health Hon Delourdes Semoso and ABG Minister for Infrastructure and Utilities Hon Patrick Nisira.

Registration is still open for Kyokushin Karate classes at the WKK PNG – Port Moresby Dojo.According to a recent post on their Facebook page “IKO Services PNG”, the notice confirmed that the Port Moresby dojo is now operating from the Rita Flynn Netball Centre along Bisini Parade, with classes held in the VIP Room on Level 1, upstairs at the center court. Free-of-charge (FOC) trial classes are still being offered as well to allow for observation of training. The information sheet outlines the first quarter 2026 class schedule, catering for children, youths and adults. Adult classes, for participants aged 13 years and above, are held every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Children’s classes, for ages 5 to 12 years, run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. A combined class involving all age groups takes place every Saturday from 9:00am to 11:00am,thus any changes to the class schedules will only be made upon the advice of the Head Instructor. For further information, Branch Chief and Head Instructor Mr. Bernard Soari can be contacted on +675 7524 0436.

A stoppage-time penalty cruelly denied PNG Hekari FC their first win of the season, as Vanuatu United FC rallied late to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw.Winless in their opening three OFC Pro League fixtures and reeling from the resignation of head coach Marcos Gusmão, PNG Hekari FC entered the contest under pressure. Their task became even tougher just 12 minutes in when Vanuatu United struck first to take a 1–0 lead. Erick Joe initially made a strong challenge to intercept a cross from the right, but the ball fell kindly to Bill Kaltack, who curled a superb finish into the far corner. Lars Hopp’s side seized the momentum and controlled much of the early exchanges as they searched for a second goal. PNG Hekari FC were handed a lifeline when John Orobulu burst into the penalty area and was brought down by Vanuatu United captain Michel Coulon. Referee Ben Aukwai immediately pointed to the spot, and Joseph Joe calmly dispatched the penalty into the top corner to make it 1–1. At the other end, goalkeeper Dave Tomare produced a fine save to deny Jordy Tasip and prevent Vanuatu United from restoring their lead. The visitors completed the turnaround 12 minutes into the second half. Erick Joe rose highest to meet Raymond Gunemba’s pinpoint corner, powering his header home to put PNG Hekari FC 2–1 ahead. Hekari pushed for a third goal to put the contest beyond doubt, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third meant Vanuatu United goalkeeper Matt Acton remained largely untested. Owen Smith went closest for the hosts, rattling the crossbar with a fierce free kick from the edge of the area. That missed opportunity proved costly. Deep into stoppage time, defender Lekima Gonerau was penalized for handling the ball on the goal line, handing Vanuatu United a chance to rescue a point. Erick Joe was shown a second yellow card for his protests, leaving PNG Hekari FC with ten men. Owen Smith stepped up — as he had against Tahiti United earlier in the week — and confidently converted the penalty to make it 2–2. While PNG Hekari FC can take some solace from claiming their first point and goals of the season, conceding so late will be a bitter pill to swallow.

Residents in several areas of Port Moresby have been warned to prepare for a series of court-ordered evictions scheduled to take place throughout 2026.The Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Provinces, Benjamin Turi, confirmed that his office had received notifications of upcoming eviction exercises. He said landowners and property owners will lead these evictions, with police providing assistance to ensure the operations proceed smoothly.“Police will enforce directives from the courts when the documents are genuine, and those seeking police assistance provide all legitimate legal papers. We are working closely with all agencies involved to ensure each eviction exercise is completed successfully”ACP Turi highlighted several locations set for eviction, including Hohola, Suksuk Tyres Service down to Pitstop, Mobil Service Station, parts of Garden Hills, and Six Mile near Saraga Market. The actions are pending court orders from the National Court, and residents in these areas have been advised to prepare to relocate.“Talai and Gorobe are next,” he added, noting these areas are affected by plans for a new road link connecting Burns Peak to Koki Market—a project for which NCD Governor Powes Parkop held a groundbreaking ceremony last year.The police have already made progress with the Two-Mile Hill eviction and are preparing for the next exercise at the Four Mile Works compound. ACP Turi said awareness sessions for residents were conducted this morning to ensure they are informed about the process.He also cautioned that other illegal settlements along drains and in other locations would be demolished once the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) gives approval. “The NCDC is the authority,” he emphasized.These eviction exercises are part of broader urban management and development plans in Port Moresby, aimed at clearing unauthorized settlements and enabling infrastructure projects. Residents are urged to comply with court orders to avoid legal and police action.ACP Turi concluded by reminding the public “This message is part of police awareness for those residing in the mentioned locations. Everyone should be prepared for the evictions to take place as scheduled.”

The States of Guernsey will continue to monitor cases of Nipah virus reported in India, it has said. Nipah can spread from animals to humans and is associated with a high mortality rate as there is no vaccine for it. Guernsey's government said the latest advice was that the risk to tourists visiting affected areas remained very low, provided standard precautions were followed.Travellers who had concerns while abroad, or after returning home, should seek advice from a healthcare professional, the States added. India has confirmed two laboratory‑verified Nipah virus cases since December, both involving healthcare workers in West Bengal, with 196 contacts traced and all testing, India's health ministry says. Authorities in Thailand and Nepal have started testing at airports that receive flights from West Bengal, and at other land border points with India. The World Health Organization has described Nipah as one of its top 10 priority diseases because of its potential to trigger an epidemic. In a recent blog post, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it had received funding in 2022 to created the first UK model for testing Nipah infections and had been studying the virus for several years.Nipah and its symptomsSource: MSN

Bakubari Village residents who challenged a group of violent youths were met with retaliation, as police confirm a criminal gang is now being hunted following attacks in Popondetta, Oro Province.The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, confirmed on Sunday that police are pursuing those responsible for a serious attack at Bakubari Village, describing the violence as part of a series of reprisals against communities that resisted criminal activity. “A series of incidents occurred after local people bravely stood up to these criminals and then faced reprisals,” Commissioner Manning said. The attacks, which occurred in recent days, have unsettled communities in Popondetta and prompted a coordinated police response. While full details of the Bakubari incident are still being verified by officers on the ground, police say the violence extended beyond a single location and posed a direct threat to public safety. “What these criminals did in Bakubari, and other areas in Popondetta, cannot go unanswered and the public is expecting swift action,” the Police Commissioner said. Police have identified the group involved as a self-proclaimed gang calling itself the “Don’t Care Gang”, which Commissioner Manning said has now become a priority target for law enforcement. “This self-proclaimed ‘Don’t Care Gang’ is a priority target for law enforcement personnel and we will dismantle that criminal gang methodically, surgically and to the fullest extent of the law. Their continuing disregard for the laws of our nation and assaults on the peace of our people will end” he said. According to police, additional resources are being deployed to support operations in Oro Province, including targeted policing deployments and extra funding for provincial police commands. Commissioner Manning confirmed police will use a broad range of legal powers to address the threat posed by the group. “Police are employing a range of powers available to deal with the group, including powers under the Criminal Code Act and the Counter-Terrorism Act,” he said. Drawing on previous operations against organized criminal groups, Commissioner Manning said police are actively tracking those involved and warned that arrests are imminent. “We will deal with them in the same way that we have ended other criminal groups such as the Tommy Baker gang,” he said. “They are being tracked, they will be cornered, and they will have the option to surrender.” He also issued a warning to anyone assisting or sheltering members of the group. “I also warn any associate of this group that they too will face justice if they hide fugitives,” he said. While condemning the violence, the Police Commissioner acknowledged the broader social concern of youth involvement in crime, describing it as “sad” but unacceptable. “It is very sad to see young people turn to crime and violence, but police have our job to do and that is to put an end to the wanton violence they are imposing on our people,” he said. Commissioner Manning called on community leaders and residents to support police efforts by providing information that could assist investigations. “I call on community leaders to be proactive and inform police of any information they might have on the group or individual criminals,” he said. Police say investigations into the Bakubari Village attack and related incidents are continuing, with officers in Popondetta still confirming details. Authorities have indicated further updates will be released as information is verified. For affected communities, the message from police is that operations will continue until those responsible are located and brought before the courts, as residents wait for calm to return following days of fear and uncertainty.  

The Port Moresby Racquets Club has confirmed that its 2026 Term 1 Junior Squash Development program is now underway, following the release of an information flyer on the club’s official Facebook page.According to information shared on the Port Moresby Racquets Club page, the program commenced in the week of Saturday, January 31, 2026, and will run until the week ending Saturday, March 28, 2026. Training sessions are being conducted at the club’s courts in Boroko. It includes weekly squad training, beginner sessions, and strength and conditioning activities aimed at supporting junior squash development. K10 squad training is held on Tuesdays, while Thursdays are dedicated to strength and conditioning for squash and tennis juniors aged 10 and above, followed by sessions in the squash-court area. Saturday sessions cater for both beginner and intermediate players at the cost of K10. The club noted that the K10 program plays an important role in supporting its broader Junior Development Program.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has consistently maintained a clear position against illegal gold trading activities in Papua New Guinea.Following concerns raised at national level of illegal gold trading activities across PNG, the State, through the MRA, has mobilized a coordinated multi-agency investigation to address the matter and demonstrate commitment to protecting the integrity of the country’s mining sector. The MRA, together with key government agencies including the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI), Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), Customs Service, Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR), Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), conducted an inspection visit to the Simberi Mine site. The exercise was carried out with the support of law enforcement officers and focused on Mining Lease area (ML136). The joint inspection was initiated in response to growing allegations that illegal gold buyers may be operating on the island, allegedly disguising their activities through Chinese-owned retail outlets. In addition to investigating the specific illegal practice, the inspection allowed the state agencies to identify other non-compliance matters, including breaches of IPA and IRC operational conditions, immigration and visa requirements of the foreign nationals operating retail outlets within the lease area. The state-led visit shows the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the mining sector and ensuring compliance with PNG’s mining, taxation, labour, environmental, and commercial laws. Representatives from the visiting agencies confirmed that each institution will undertake assessments within its respective mandate to determine further charges of the outcomes from this investigation. The inspection was conducted independently by the state agencies, reinforcing that the investigation and any subsequent actions remain solely within government authority and processes. The company continues to respect due processes, uphold its corporate values, and engage responsibly with local communities while supporting lawful enforcement efforts led by the State.                     

The Government's newly approved K11 billion education reform programme aims to transform the country's education sector, with a strong focus on infrastructure, teacher welfare, and addressing critical shortages in the teaching workforce.Prime Minister James Marape stated that a significant portion of the funding will be directed towards building modern classrooms for both primary and secondary schools, expanding learning spaces to accommodate rising enrolment numbers, and constructing teachers' houses, particularly in rural and remote areas. He emphasized the importance of improving teacher working conditions, professional training, and overall welfare to enhance education standards across the nation. “I have said clearly that teachers must be among the highest-paid public servants in our country.” Additionally, the government will focus on addressing teacher shortages by recruiting new graduates, especially those from the University of Papua New Guinea and PNG University of Technology. Specialists in fields like mathematics, science, engineering, agriculture, commerce, tourism, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) will be engaged under newly approved Public Service Commission contract arrangements, allowing for quicker deployment to schools facing staffing shortages. Provincial governments and district administrations are being urged to assist with providing teacher accommodation, particularly in fast-growing or remote communities.