The Markham Smart Farmers Association will host its annual Battle of the Bands competition on 27th and 28th January 2026, bringing together organized youth groups from across the Markham district of Morobe province for a two-day community event.The competition will be staged at the Markham Smart Farmers Association Resource Centre and will coincide with the official opening of the centre on 28th January. Organizers say the event is designed to give young people a positive and structured space to express themselves through music. “We are targeting youth groups who are organized and willing to participate in the Battle of the Bands competition,” association president John Gaif said. Mr. Gaif said the program is about more than music and entertainment. He said it is focused on helping young people build discipline, teamwork and commitment, skills that are often lost when there is little guidance or support. Last year, 23 bands competed in the event under the sponsorship of Macam DDA and John Yamin. Mr. Gaif said the strong turnout showed there is clear talent and interest among young people in the district. He said organized youth groups are more likely to develop leadership, respect and responsibility. Working together, he said, also helps young people understand their role within their families and communities. Mr. Gaif said the goal is not simply to keep young people busy. Instead, the aim is to inspire them to recognize their potential and change attitudes that limit their growth. He said the Battle of the Bands allows young people to express themselves while learning the value of teamwork, practice and mutual respect. By linking the event with the opening of the Resource Centre, organizers hope to connect youth with government agencies, private businesses and other stakeholders to share information and opportunities. Registration for band groups is K50. Interested groups can contact the Markham Smart Farmers Association on 7248 5319 via WhatsApp for more information.

In light of continuous complaints from the travelling public, Air Niugini has come out to reassure passengers that it continues to work to improve services despite challenges faced, with recent statistics showing the improvements.Air Niugini’s Officer in Charge, Captain Samiu Taufa, has confirmed that for the period of 14th to 22nd December, 93% of planned services operated. Some 575 out of 618 flights operated, with the remainder mainly being affected by bad weather including at Wewak and ongoing maintenance issues with aging aircraft. “The staff and management of Air Niugini remain committed to getting Christmas travelers to their destination safely, and without significant delay,” Captain Taufa said. “Christmas is the busiest time of the year when Air Niugini flight crew and staff are working their hardest to get aircraft safely away to their destinations.” Despite periods where individual Fokker and Dash 8 aircraft are not in service for maintenance checks and servicing, he said replacement aircraft are being brought forward as quickly as possible. “The bad weather in Wewak on Friday and Saturday caused 10 flights to be cancelled as a result of flooding on the runway.” Meanwhile, he said with the commencement of the brand-new Airbus A220- 300 series service should help out more. “As of yesterday, the third Airbus A220 entered service on its maiden Air Niugini commercial flight taking passengers to Kavieng.” “We now have enough aircraft available, and it all comes down to managing the flow of passengers through the terminals with the right aircraft type for each destination. “There are still some tickets available for sale for last-minute Christmas travel. “Customers should check the Air Niugini website or contact a sales office or your preferred travel agents to purchase tickets.” Captain Taufa also reminded all airline passengers to plan their arrival time at the airport, so they avoid long queues outside the terminal waiting to check in for their flights.

The BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) Mendi branch is open once more and providing financial services to its customers thanks to some great work from the community during the two separate fires last weekend that destroyed properties and businesses.BSP, the only bank that services the provincial capital of Southern Highlands, acknowledged and commended the ownership displayed by the community and the police who ensured the bank was untouched, and for their swift action and sense of responsibility that helped prevent the fire from spreading to the BSP Mendi Branch. “The actions taken by the community and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) demonstrate the true spirit of community resilience,” said the Head of Retail Branch Network, Mr. Peter Komon. “Their courage and ownership ensured the safety of our branch and allowed us to continue providing essential banking services to the people of Mendi and Southern Highlands. Without the intervention of the community and police on the night of the incident, branch operations may have been disrupted for an extended period. We are truly grateful.” Following safety checks and assessments over the weekend, BSP Mendi Branch reopened for business yesterday, Monday 22nd December, and ready to continue serving customers, businesses, and public institutions. “BSP has been part of the Southern Highlands for many years. We remain committed to standing with our customers and communities, especially during challenging times,” Mr. Komon said.The bank also extends its heartfelt sympathies to the business houses, market operators, and property owners in Mendi who were affected by the fire. The Bank recognizes the hardship such incidents bring to families, businesses, and the broader Southern Highlands community and stands in solidarity with those impacted.

Local gold buyer and businessman, Mr. Justin Parker, says Papua New Guinea is losing billions of kina each year to illegal gold trading, warning that the trade is directly taking food off the tables of ordinary families who depend on small-scale mining for survival.Mr. Parker said while the weaker kina has helped boost gold exports by increasing foreign currency returns, the benefits are being drained away by illegal buyers and smugglers operating outside the formal system. “Gold is one of PNG’s strongest exports. When the kina drops, overseas buyers pay more, and that should mean more money coming back into the country,” he said. However, Mr. Parker said that income is not reaching small-scale miners in areas such as Wau and Bulolo, where alluvial gold mining supports entire communities. “Unlike large mines, alluvial mining puts cash straight into people’s hands. That money goes to food, school fees, transport and small businesses through the wantok system,” he said. He alleged that weak regulation of the alluvial gold sector has allowed illegal activity to flourish, with some foreign operators using gold to convert large amounts of undeclared cash into wealth overseas. “That gold is bought from local miners, smuggled out of the country and never properly declared or taxed. The money never comes back to help our people,” Mr. Parker said. He claimed more than K4 billion has been lost this year alone through illegal gold trading, describing gold as easy to hide, easy to move and difficult to track when controls are weak. Mr. Parker said communities are paying the price. “When that income is taken away, families suffer. Children, elders and local businesses miss out,” he said, adding that Wau and Bulolo alone could have earned more than K2 billion this year if illegal trading had been stopped. He called on the government to fully reserve the alluvial gold industry for Papua New Guineans, from mining to buying, selling and exporting. “Alluvial gold should be 100 per cent for Papua New Guineans. If the money stays here, it supports families, creates jobs and strengthens the kina,” he said. Mr. Parker also urged authorities to tighten controls on gold buying and export licenses and said he is willing to help train Papua New Guineans to participate legally in the industry.                         

Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita has called on the people of Morobe to come together this Christmas as the province prepares to face ongoing challenges in health, education and basic services.Speaking in his Christmas message, Governor Paita said Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of Independence should be a time not only for celebration, but also for honest reflection and action. “After 50 years of independence, we still face many challenges, especially in education, health and road infrastructure,” Governor Paita said. “These are not unique to Morobe, but we must rise up and deal with them together.” He urged newly sworn-in Local-Level Government (LLG) Presidents and Councilors to work closely with the provincial government, saying unity and cooperation are key to improving service delivery across the province. While acknowledging that not all issues can be resolved within his 14-month term, Governor Paita said the provincial government is focused on delivering priority projects and pushing through important reforms. Looking ahead to 2026, he said rural areas will remain a key focus through programs in rural education and rural health centres. In urban areas, the government will prioritize job creation by working with the private sector. Alongside his Christmas message, the Governor also outlined plans to address Morobe’s ongoing power problems through talks with PNG Power early in the New Year. He said discussions will focus on renewable energy options for Lae City, including a large solar project and hydro developments aimed at stabilizing electricity supply. One of the key projects is the Bapa hydropower project in Buang, Bulolo District. Once completed, the project is expected to generate between nine and 12 megawatts of power, enough to support local communities and contribute to the wider grid. Governor Paita said once technical assessments and approvals are completed, construction can proceed. He stressed that improving power reliability is critical, as frequent blackouts continue to affect households, hospitals and businesses. He closed by wishing the people of Morobe a peaceful Christmas and encouraging them to enter the New Year with unity, resilience and confidence in the province’s future.

The Bougainville House of Representatives has passed the 2026 ABG Budget, a K844,090,000 financial plan that is aimed at strengthening Bougainville’s institutional readiness, economic transformation, and service delivery as Bougainville progresses readiness towards political independence.The Budget was tabled by the ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance, Hon. Albert Punghau in parliament last week, and was passed unanimously by the House on Friday 19th December 2025, in its final sitting for the year. Minister Punghau outlined that the 2026 Budget comprises K520.36 million in National Government grants, K46.74 million in internal revenue, and K276.9 million in re-appropriated development funds. Of the total K844million budget, the recurrent component totals to K240.98million representing 28.55 percent, while the development component totals K603.11million or 71.45 percent. “This structure protects core recurrent services, yet it places the main delivery burden on the development program, so results in 2026 will be judged by completed projects and visible service improvements rather than approvals on paper,” Minister Punghau said. Minister Punghau explained that the Budget retains the 2024 structure, which separates funding streams under the two Organic Laws - the Organic Law on Peace Building in Bougainville 2002 and the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments 1995. “This clarifies which funds sit under ABG control and which funds sit under national administration, and it sets out the conditions, approval processes, and reporting and acquittal requirements for each stream,” he said. “This strengthens compliance, improves transparency, reduces fiscal risk and supports police services. This is to deliver constituency-led development through equal K1million allocations under Constituency Independence-Readiness Program (CIRP) Guideline endorsed by BEC with strict controls and verified outputs, furthermore, to strengthen fiscal self-reliance by expanding internal revenue, tightening expenditure control and investing in infrastructure and other economic enablers to reduce reliance on delayed grant releases.

The National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi, has confirmed that a police officer captured in a viral social media photo has been identified and disciplined.The photo, which circulated widely online, showed the officer in full uniform and visibly intoxicated while allowing a peer to pose with an official police firearm. Commander Turi clarified that although the photo recently gained traction, it was an older image. He was first notified of the incident last month and immediately ordered an investigation. The officer has since been brought in for questioning and dealt with according to the department's disciplinary protocols. “We are hard on police officers who step out of line,” said the ACP. “So far, we have arrested and charged more than ten police officers this year who have committed different offenses and this case was no exception.” “Those who were involved in accidents with police vehicles were also investigated.” “We want to maintain command and control, so the new recruits who will be graduating in the future must know that the police is a disciplined organization.” “We appreciate the public tagging us in photos of undisciplined officers. We are taking note of all these and are dealing with them.” In addition, Commander Turi said his command had also taken steps to breathalyze police officers, which the Internal Affairs Directorate officers are in charge of conducting it. He stated that they had visited police stations to test police officers who are on duty, including the police drivers. They are being tested for drugs and alcohol. The first test around the police stations in the command is to inform the police officers that they will be charged if they are caught drunk while on duty or consuming drugs while on duty. He noted that with the increasing number of police vehicles involved in accidents, the machines donated to the command will be used to test drivers when they are on duty or are involved in accidents. While commending the police and the community for always reporting police officers who are stepping out of line, he also called on the public to respect police officers when performing their duties. He urged citizens to cooperate if approached by an officer, even if the officer is alone or unarmed. He stated that individuals suspected of an offense must stop, listen, and avoid resisting arrest, noting that when both parties cooperate, the potential for crime and conflict is significantly reduced.

Madang Urban Local Level Government (LLG) Mayor Mr. Ishmael Yama, has extended his official Christmas message to residents, stakeholders, and visitors, calling on the public to celebrate the festive season in unity, peace, and responsibility.“Christmas is a significant Christian occasion that reminds us of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the values of faith, love, humility, peace, and service that must continue to guide us as a community.” He encouraged families to use the festive season to strengthen relationships while celebrating responsibly. “I urge everyone to celebrate responsibly, take care of one another, and prioritize safety during this festive period,” he said. “Let us work together to maintain peace, law and order, and social harmony throughout Christmas and into the New Year.” Mayor Yama also acknowledged the Madang Provincial Government under the leadership of Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa, along with the Madang Provincial Events Committee, for their role in hosting the 2025 Christmas celebrations in Madang. “Your leadership has promoted unity, cultural pride, and strong community participation.” Looking ahead, the mayor reaffirmed his commitment to working with key stakeholders to support development within the urban area. “As we conclude the year, we remain committed to working closely with all levels of government, churches, community leaders, and development partners to advance the social and economic development of Madang Urban Local Level Government.” He concluded by wishing the people of Madang a blessed festive season. “My wish is that this Christmas brings renewed hope, stability, and prosperity to our people and our province.” “I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a successful New Year.”

PNG Power Limited says restoring confidence in Lae’s electricity supply is critical to the city’s economic recovery, as many businesses continue to rely on private generators due to unreliable grid power. focuses Speaking to the Lae business community recently, PNG Power Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paul Bayly said the company is focused on fixing core electricity systems rather than short-term solutions, with reliability and voltage stability as top priorities.“Our investment is about fixing the system,” Bayly said. “As reliability improves, voltage stability improves as well.”PNG Power is expanding substation infrastructure across Lae, including the construction of a new substation at Malahang funded through the Asian Development Bank (ADB).Bayly said additional substations allow electricity to be rerouted during faults, reducing both the scale and duration of power outages.Plans are also underway for a new substation to support the proposed Lae Port Special Economic Zone (SEZ), aimed at strengthening power supply for industrial and commercial users.Bayly said international partners play a major role in supporting network upgrades, with funding assistance coming from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, DFAT and the Australian government.He clarified that the US$50 million allocated for upgrades is an ADB loan to the PNG Government, which has been on-lent to PNG Power and specifically earmarked for transmission and distribution improvements.Renewable energy is also a key part of PNG Power’s long-term strategy, with growing investor interest in solar power projects in Lae.Bayly said rebuilding trust in the public power supply is essential, noting that many businesses still rely on generators due to a lack of confidence in the grid.“If we rebuild reliability and give people confidence, we can bring that suppressed demand back,” he said.“Our focus is clear — reliable power for Lae, and a system that finally does what it should,” Bayly added.

The prime minister has warned public servants with financial authority to stop the “mad rush” of making final payments as the year is about to end and government accounts closing soon.Prime Minister James Marape warned all public servants holding financial authority, particularly Section 32 officers, to immediately stop the traditional “mad rush” of December spending and strictly comply with budget rules, approved work plans and financial laws. In a firm address delivered ahead of the close of the 2025 financial year, Prime Minister Marape cautioned departmental heads, finance officers, cheque signatories and payment authorities against rushing to pay claims, contractors and service providers simply because the calendar year is ending.“There is a false notion that one year’s money must be spent before 31st December, or it is lost. That is a fallacy,” Prime Minister Marape said.He explained that the transition from one financial year to the next is a technical accounting process, not a justification for reckless or rushed expenditure. “Public funds remain public funds. The work continues. Government does not come to a standstill on 31st December. We resume work on 2 January, and the country continues to function,” he said.Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea (PNG) has, for decades, suffered losses, audit issues and financial leakages due to irresponsible year-end spending — a culture he said must now end as part of the Government’s broader PNG@50 Reset agenda.He warned that incomplete paperwork, unsigned contracts, illegitimate claims or expenditures outside approved work plans must not be processed simply to “clear accounts”.The Prime Minister confirmed that he has issued firm financial instructions to the Secretary for Finance, as the Government’s chief financial authority, to formally notify all Section 32 officers that they will be held personally accountable for any misuse or misapplication of public funds. “Section 32 officers will be the point of reference for accountability,” Prime Minister Marape said. He said that from next year, the Government will intensify monitoring and oversight, including the involvement of the National Monitoring and Coordinating Authority, to strengthen scrutiny of expenditure across all departments and agencies. Prime Minister Marape stressed that all claims and payments must follow due process, and where compliance requirements are not met, payments must wait.

Prime Minister James Marape has stated that Telefomin District has lost one of its most productive and committed leaders since Independence in 1975, following the passing of Solan Mirisim, Member for Telefomin and Minister for Works and Highways.Speaking at the funeral service held recently, the Prime Minister remarked that while Telefomin has produced many of Papua New Guinea’s finest leaders, public servants, and police officers over the years, Mirisim stood among the very best of his generation. Drawing on scripture, Prime Minister Marape offered comfort to the mourners, noting that even in times of deep sorrow, light brings reassurance. He observed that when light comes, it brings the realization that such a life was a profound blessing. The Prime Minister acknowledged the presence of the Governors of West Sepik and Western Province, alongside other ministers, leaders, and family members, commending the calm strength and dignity displayed by the Mirisim family and the people of Telefomin. Reflecting on his journey into the district, the Prime Minister noted the visible progress in local infrastructure. “Not every village in Papua New Guinea has classrooms like this,” he said. “Here, we saw proper elementary classrooms supported by staff houses.” This does not happen by accident; it happens because of leadership that believes in education.” He credited Mirisim for working quietly and consistently to ensure that children in remote regions were granted the same opportunities as those in more accessible parts of the country. Prime Minister Marape assured the family, the people of Telefomin and public servants, including police, that the work and vision Mirisim stood for would continue. “Solan Mirisim has left an indelible imprint on national public policy, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity.” In addition, he stated that Telefomin’s location near the Indonesian border gives it national strategic importance, and Mirisim clearly understood the need for the district to be developed as a gateway area facing West Papua. “Our responsibility as a nation is to open up all parts of Papua New Guinea.” “That responsibility began in 1975 and remains today, as we approach 50 years of Independence.” Since 2019, Mirisim was a key member of the leadership group that shaped the government’s principle of inclusive development, aiming to leave no place or person behind. He said true development involves planning for public spaces, including schools, staff housing, and public buildings, not just roads. “As leaders, including myself, many of us come from areas with road access but districts like Telefomin continue to show that rural communities can still produce some of the best minds in our country.” The Prime Minister noted that districts like Telefomin prove that rural communities can produce the nation’s best minds, citing Telefomin and Oksapmin High Schools as top-performing institutions that have produced professionals serving both nationally and internationally. While acknowledging that development in such remote areas is a gradual process that happens “kilometer by kilometer,” the Prime Minister thanked the Missionary Aviation Fellowship for its 70 years of service and Ok Tedi Mining Limited for its economic contributions through tax credit projects. He acknowledged Ok Tedi for its contribution to the national economy, noting that revenues generated must always be used responsibly for the benefit of the people. Looking ahead, he said the greatest way to honour Mirisim was to continue the work he believed in. “In 10- or 20-years’ time, let us be able to say we honoured this leader not only with words, but through continued service to our nation.” The Prime Minister concluded by thanking the people of Telefomin for the trust they placed in Mirisim and extended his deepest condolences to the family on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea.

A remote village in East Sepik Province is recording steady social and economic progress through community-driven development initiatives supported by development partners, demonstrating how local ownership can deliver sustainable results in rural Papua New Guinea.Improved access infrastructure, including the construction of a new bridge, has significantly strengthened agribusiness activities in the area. The project has enhanced farmers’ ability to transport produce and maintain livelihoods initiated with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the European Union-funded EU-STREIT PNG Programme. As a result, cocoa and vanilla farmers are now better positioned to increase production, access markets, and generate income to support their families and invest in their children’s future.The bridge has also improved mobility for the wider community, particularly during the wet season when access was previously unreliable. Villagers say the improved access has reduced isolation and strengthened links with neighbouring communities and service centres.Beyond infrastructure, the village has demonstrated strong governance and financial discipline through the effective use of its Village Trust Fund. Two years ago, the community allocated funds to complete the construction of a permanent elementary classroom and establish a new aid post, bringing essential services closer to residents.The new classroom has created a safer and more conducive learning environment for children who previously studied in overcrowded buildings with poor lighting and ventilation. Teachers report improved attendance and learning conditions, while parents say the facility has renewed confidence in early childhood education within the village.Access to basic healthcare has also improved significantly. Before the aid post was built, villagers— including pregnant mothers, the elderly, and the sick— walked for hours to reach the main highway before travelling to Maprik town for medical services. The local aid post now provides first-line healthcare, reducing travel time, costs, and health risks.East Sepik Governor Allan Bird said the developments reflect a broader vision of empowering communities to take charge of their own development.“This is the vision— empowering communities so they can help themselves without depending entirely on government,” Governor Bird said. “When communities take ownership of development, supported by the right partners, the impact is sustainable and lasting.”The village’s progress highlights the importance of community leadership, accountability, and strategic partnerships in delivering practical development outcomes. As rural communities continue to face challenges in access, services, and livelihoods, the model demonstrated here offers valuable lessons for sustainable development across East Sepik Province and beyond.