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Argentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that "hurt" but "the time has come".The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.In a statement, Messi said he has given everything to the national side but now has "nothing left to give".He added: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply."I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team."I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance."Earlier in August, Messi said he was considering his future in football after the death of his father, Jorge, who died aged 68 following a long illness.The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he wrote his retirement message on 21 July, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in this summer's World Cup final.He added on Instagram on Monday: "Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced than before."His career will continue at club level with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, where he has a contract that runs to the end of the 2028 season.Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary. However, he was shown a straight red card less than a minute later, after he swung his arm and his elbow connected with full-back Vilmos Vanczak.Despite his tough start on the international stage, Messi went on to become one of the all-time greats, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.He is the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history, with 21, behind France's Kylian Mbappe (22), and second for goals in all internationals (125) behind his great contemporary and rival, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (146).Messi first retired from international football in 2016 before reversing his decision.That followed a defeat by Chile in the Copa America final, in which he missed a penalty in the shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years.Messi scored eight goals and registered four assists at this summer's World Cup.He took his career assists tally to 12 in World Cups, of which 10 have come in the knockout rounds. No other player on record has more than eight in total."Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years," he added in his message, addressing supporters. "I'm going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much."Now I'll be just one of you, always cheering and supporting from the sidelines."I'm leaving with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my team-mates, moments we'd only dreamed of."It was incredible to have experienced this with you all. I love you!"Source: BBC

Kundiawa town in Simbu province underwent a major facelift over the weekend as members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary took to the streets for a massive clean-up exercise.Led by the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Simbu province Superintendent Mazuc Maipe Rubiang, members of the Kundiawa police force and actively participated alongside his police personnel in a community clean-up exercise on Saturday, August 29th, 2026.This aimed at improving the cleanliness, orderliness, and overall appearance of Kundiawa town, with police vehicles being utilised to transport the collected waste to dumping sites.The initiative reflects the police force’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing and contributing positively to the development and maintenance of a safe, clean, and orderly urban environment.As part of the exercise, police personnel also conducted awareness among residents, market vendors, and business operators, encouraging greater responsibility in the proper disposal of rubbish and the maintenance of public spaces.PPC Rubiang stressed that maintaining a clean and orderly town is a shared responsibility that requires the active cooperation and participation of residents, businesses, market vendors, local authorities, and other stakeholders.According to PPC Rubiang, law and order is not about arrest only however this exercise was about changing the mindset of the people of Kundiawa.“A clean environment is essential to public health, community wellbeing and the attractiveness of Kundiawa as a centre for commerce and public services.”“A clean town is a healthy town, and keeping Kundiawa clean is everyone’s job, not just police or the council.”The police-led initiative also demonstrates the importance of strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies, government authorities, the private sector, and the wider community in addressing issues that affect the quality of life in Kundiawa.The community has been encouraged to sustain the progress achieved through the clean-up exercise by taking personal and collective responsibility for proper waste management and the cleanliness of public areas.“A clean, safe and orderly Kundiawa requires the commitment and cooperation of everyone.”

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) through the Disaster and Emergency Services of the Department of Community Government, has elevated the call from the Papua New Guinea National Weather Services, placing Bougainville on Drought Alert status.This following increasing concerns over prolonged below-normal rainfall associated with the current El Niño event.Current climate information indicates between 80- 90 percent probability of below-normal rainfall across Bougainville during September- November 2026. The El Niño conditions are also expected to remain active through the remainder of 2026.The situation is being treated as an elevated drought and water-security risk, rather than normal seasonal conditions, with particular concern for water supplies, food gardens, food security, and remote island communities.Potential Impacts the prolonged dry conditions may place additional pressure on already vulnerable communities and could result in:• Further depletion of rainwater tanks and other household water sources;• Reduced agricultural and food-garden production;• Increased pressure on household food supplies;• Increased demand for emergency water assistance;• Deterioration of water quality;• Increased health and nutrition risks; and• Increased humanitarian and logistical requirements, particularly for remote communities.The ABG is particularly concerned about fragile outer-island communities, where limited access to alternative water sources, transport, and essential services can increase vulnerability to prolonged dry conditions.Priority areas for Monitoring are the Nissan-Atolls and other outer-island communities in Northern Bougainville will receive priority monitoring and preparedness attention because of their existing vulnerabilities and exposure to climate-related risks.Other parts of Bougainville such as South and Central Bougainville may experience differing weather patterns as compared to North and Nissan Atolls areas of Bougainville. However, the drought risk is being monitored across the entire Region. Communities may experience different levels of impact depending on rainfall deficits, the availability of water sources, crop conditions and household food stocks.The Directorate of Disaster and Emergency is coordinating with relevant Districts, Community Governments, and other Departments to strengthen preparedness and monitoring.Therefore, over the next two to four weeks, the following actions will be prioritized:1. Maintain HIGH WATCH status for drought and water-security risks through information from the PNG National Weather Service and localized monitoring.2. Conduct rapid assessments in vulnerable locations, particularly areas already showing signs of water shortages, crop stress or food insecurity.3. Strengthen weekly drought monitoring and reporting through Districts and Community Governments.4. Finalize the Drought Contingency Plan to identify priority preparedness and early-response actions for the ABG.5. Escalate monitoring and preparedness in RED-priority outer-island communities, particularly where declining water sources and food-security concerns are reported.The Department of Community Government and District Affairs has activated the monitoring and reporting from Community Governments, District administrations, sector leads in ABG, and partners to support the process to ascertain the situation in Bougainville over the following weeks as the PNG National Weather Services continues to provide the overall situation report.Meanwhile, communities have been encouraged to monitor household water supplies, protect available water sources, conserve water, monitor food gardens, and report emerging shortages or other drought-related concerns through their respective community governments and district authorities.The public must also follow official information and advisories issued by the PNG National Weather Service and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and to avoid relying on unverified information.The current operational decision is to maintain Bougainville at HIGH WATCH for drought and water-security risk through 2026, with RED priority monitoring and preparedness for fragile outer-island communities.Meanwhile, the department has emphasized on the current alert which is intended to support early action and preparedness though not all communities are experiencing severe drought conditions. However, the forecast indicates a heightened risk that requires early monitoring, assessment, and contingency planning before conditions deteriorate further.Furthermore, the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency will continue to provide updates as soon new rainfall, climate and community assessment information becomes available.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) through the Department of Mining and Petroleum (DMP), has completed regional stakeholder consultations in Central and South Bougainville regarding the proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026.The consultations commenced in Buin on Monday August 24th, for South Bougainville and continued in Arawa for Central Bougainville, providing an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to ask questions and learn more about the proposed Bill, as well as provide their views and recommendations.President of the ABG and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, officiated both consultations for South Bougainville in Buin and Central Bougainville in Arawa.He said the ABG remained committed to strengthening the institutions, laws, revenue systems, and administrative capacity required for Bougainville to effectively govern itself and deliver services to its people.President Toroama reminded participants at both consultations that their responsibility was to contribute their views so that the government could develop strong legislation that protects the wider public interests of Bougainville.He said the development of strong laws and institutions was an important part of Bougainville’s preparations for its political and economic future and encouraged people throughout Bougainville to participate in Government consultation processes.In Arawa, ABG Minister for Lands and Member for North Nasioi Henry Potabu, welcomed participants and encouraged them to listen, participate, and contribute constructively to the proposed legislation. He stressed the Bill would not only safeguard workers and improve safety standards within the mining industry but would also contribute to developing the laws and institutions required for Bougainville's future.In South Bougainville, ABG Minister for Police and Member for Wisai Constituency Willie Masiu, similarly encouraged the people of Bougainville to participate in Government consultations and contribute their views to the legislative process. Minister Masiu reminded participants of the importance of supporting Bougainville’s ongoing political journey and said their contributions to the proposed Bill would assist leaders when the legislation is eventually considered by the Bougainville House of Representatives.The proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026 seeks to establish a modern, Bougainville-specific legislative framework for occupational health and safety across the mining sector. The Bill provides for mine safety and health management systems, prevention and management of workplace hazards and risks, worker participation, competency requirements, incident reporting and investigations, mine inspections, compliance and enforcement, and stronger regulatory oversight of mining operations. It also seeks to align Bougainville’s mining safety framework with recognized international practice while taking into account Bougainville’s own circumstances and the need to protect workers, landowners, and surrounding communities.The Department also presented proposed amendments to the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 relating to the prosecution provisions of the Act. The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen the legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of offences and improve the Department's ability to effectively enforce Bougainville’s mining laws.The consultations were attended by chiefs, women, youth, veterans, public servants, community representatives and members of the general public. For the Central Bougainville, representatives from the mining and exploration companies operating or proposing mineral related activities in the region also attended the consultation.Participants welcomed the development of a dedicated mining occupational health and safety framework and the strengthening of existing laws, and further and raised questions, comments and recommendations on various provisions of the proposed Bill and how the legislation should operate in practice.Consultations on the proposed Bill will continue in North Bougainville next week.The Department of Mining and Petroleum has also invited interested stakeholders and members of the public to provide written submissions on the proposed Bill no later than Friday, September 4, 2026, via email: cgerio.domer@abg.gov.pg Feedback received through the regional consultations and written submissions will be considered in finalizing the proposed Bill before it progresses through the government’s legislative process.

The Pacific’s biggest music competition has returned for 2026 with ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Break on the search for Papua New Guinea’s best original talent.Kicking off on Friday 28 August, artists have until midnight on Wednesday October 21, to enter their original tracks with the winner receiving an all expenses-paid trip to Australia to perform at WOMADelaide; Australia’s largest international music, arts, and dance festival.The winner of Pacific Break 2026 will be revealed on Thursday, November 12, 2026. PNG’s powerful vocalist Danielle made history as the first female winner of Pacific Break in 2022 with her song Fight.Since 2023, PNG’s Ragga Siai, Asi Vaname, Taz, Tarvin Toune, Kazibuda, Raylinda, Mereani Masani, Darkaside, Jay Sint, and Tyron Scott, have all reached the finalist stage of the competition.This year’s judging panel will be looking for authenticity and creativity across diverse genres, and includes Papua New Guinean-born Australian neo-soul star Ngaiire, Australian-based Fijian artist Joji Malani, WOMADelaide Associate Director Annette Tripodi, alongside ABC Radio Australia music presenters Hau Lātūkefu and Sose Fuamoli.According to Malani, he stated, “I am looking for artists who want to weave in their own stories and tell things to the world, to a global perspective but in a way that represents who they are, their culture, their family in the most authentic manner without trying to be like anything else. You can be influenced by things out there, but I’m interested in authenticity.”Echoing this sentiment, Fuamoli added, “Last year we saw a number of new genres represented, and I would love to see artists playing with form and style continue to feel confident in submitting. I am looking for strong personalities, strong voices and strong storytelling!”

Seventy students from different schools in Port Moresby have been convicted by the Boroko District Court for inciting unsanctioned school fights in the city.The students were convicted on Friday by Boroko District Court Magistrate Sandy Tiankin and each ordered to pay a K200 fine. Their bail money was converted to cover the fines.The court also ordered the students to serve a six-month good behaviour period, during which they must not commit any further offences.National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab welcomed the court’s decision, saying it sends a strong message to students involved in school-related violence.He urged students to focus on their education rather than becoming involved in groups that engage in fights with students from other schools.Met Supt Simatab said parents, guardians, and sponsors make important sacrifices to support students’ education and urged young people not to allow peer pressure, rivalry or social influence to ruin their future.“Choose discipline. Choose respect. Choose education over violence. Your future is worth far more than one fight.”He said a further 20 students classified as adults are expected to appear before the Boroko District Court in relation to the fights.Met Supt Simatab warned that police would continue arresting students involved in inciting fights, saying the latest case could serve as a precedent for dealing with groups involved in school violence.Police will also work with school management teams to address students involved in such behaviour, including possible disciplinary action by schools.He also called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for disciplining their children at home and strengthening positive behaviour before they go to school.

TISA Bank Limited and Toyota Tsusho PNG Limited (TTPNG), have entered into a Strategic Referral Partnership Agreement aimed at providing customers with easier access to vehicle financing solutions across Papua New Guinea.This strategic partnership aims to provide customers across PNG with easier and more accessible vehicle financing solutions helping more Papua New Guineans own and drive reliable vehicles through tailored financing options.As part of the broader customer offering, the partnership will also explore value-added services available through the TISA Group, providing customers with access to a wider range of financial and insurance solutions.The arrangement is designed to support retail customers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and corporate clients seeking to purchase Toyota vehicles and other qualifying products. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving customer access to affordable financing while supporting business growth and economic development throughout PNG.TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Luke Kaul, said the partnership reinforces the Bank’s commitment to helping more Papua New Guineans access practical financial solutions.“This partnership with Toyota Tsusho PNG reflects our commitment to making vehicle ownership more accessible for Papua New Guineans.”“By combining competitive financing solutions with trusted automotive brands, we are creating greater opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities to acquire reliable vehicles and support their growth aspirations.”“At TISA Bank, we believe banking is not only about providing financial products. It is about creating opportunities and building partnerships that help our people and businesses move forward.”Meanwhile, Masaru Mikami, CEO of Ela Motors, Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Ltd, welcomed the partnership, noting that greater access to financing will enable more customers to access reliable vehicles and transport solutions.“We are delighted to partner with TISA Bank in making vehicle ownership more accessible, affordable and convenient for customers across Papua New Guinea.”“By bringing together quality vehicles, accessible financing and value-added services, we are creating a seamless customer experience that delivers long-term value while supporting economic growth and mobility throughout the country.”The agreement establishes a preferred, non-exclusive referral framework that will allow customers to access financing solutions directly through Toyota Tsusho PNG dealerships and sales channels.It also includes provisions for staff training, customer support, reporting, and collaborative marketing initiatives. The partnership is expected to contribute to increased vehicle ownership opportunities, support SME and corporate growth, and further strengthen financial inclusion across the country.

Teachers Savings and Loan Society Limited (TISA) and Kyeema Foundation PNG Inc., have formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).This aimed at improving rural livelihoods, expanding financial inclusion, strengthening community leadership, and promoting sustainable development across Papua New Guinea.Through this three-year partnership, TISA and Kyeema Foundation PNG Inc. share a commitment to improving the wellbeing of rural communities through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development. By combining their expertise and resources, the parties seek to create lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for rural communities in targeted locations throughout the country.Speaking at the signing ceremony, TISA Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Koisen, said the partnership reflects TISA’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Papua New Guineans, particularly those living in rural communities.“At TISA, we believe sustainable development begins with empowering people and communities, thus this partnership with Kyeema Foundation aligns strongly with our purpose of improving financial wellbeing and creating pathways for economic participation and prosperity.”“Together, we will help communities build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen financial capability, and create lasting positive change.”Kyeema Foundation Chief Executive Officer Marijke Frantzen welcomed the partnership, noting the importance of combining strengths to support rural communities.“We help a family build something worth banking, and TISA helps them bank it, grow it, and build it.”“That is why we are very excited to partner with TISA Bank: when you combine our strengths, rural communities thrive.”“Kyeema builds sustainable livelihoods in community, TISA opens the door to formal banking and financial inclusion and together, we build something bigger than either of us could alone.”A key focus of the partnership will be supporting rural households and community groups through livelihood initiatives such as the Village Chicken Program, while simultaneously improving access to financial services, savings products, financial literacy programs, and enterprise development opportunities.The partnership also places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, women and youth participation, ethical leadership, and community ownership of development initiatives.Both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and prosperous communities through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.

Four victims allegedly tortured in connection with a Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) incident in Wenaiyo village, Karimui Local Level Government (LLG) of Simbu Province, are currently recovering and doing well at Kundiawa General Hospital.PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin, recently visited the victims at the hospital to check on their progress and treatment. He also spoke with the victims, their guardians and relatives, including the widow of the deceased who is a mother along with her seven-year-old daughter.“The victims are doing well at the hospital. I also met with the police officers handling our cases to check on the status of the investigations and their progress, because the organization has spent a lot of resources supporting this case,” Mr. Bustin said.The PNG Tribal Foundation will continue to support the victims, police case officers, guardians and relatives who are providing accommodation while police continue their investigations.It was alleged that on July 12, a violent incident broke out in the village following the death of an elderly man. Members of the community allegedly accused the deceased’s family of being responsible for his death through sorcery.As a result, four men were allegedly held captive and tortured for several days before being rescued by police with support from the PNG Tribal Foundation, Manalos Aviation Limited, and a police helicopter based in Lae, Morobe Province.15 suspects have been arrested and charged are currently under investigations at the Kundiawa police station.The four victims were subsequently evacuated to Kundiawa General Hospital, where they are now receiving medical treatment and are recovering.

Following a critical shortage on respiratory equipment at Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Morobe province, patients with breathing difficulties can now receive the lifesaving assistance following the arrival of 36 portable ventilators. The new machines will be deployed in areas where patients are most likely to need urgent respiratory support, including the emergency department, intensive care unit, nursery, and acute medical and surgical wards.Designed for patients who cannot breathe sufficiently without assistance, Morobe Provincial Health Authority Director of Medical Services Dr. Steven James said the equipment would give clinical teams greater capacity to care for seriously ill patients.Dr. James said some of the equipment could also be made available to district hospitals when required, thus this would allow health workers to provide emergency breathing support outside of Lae as well.However, these new machines also bring a responsibility to protect the investment. Dr. James stated that staff needed to understand how to operate the ventilators, while servicing and maintenance would be essential to keeping them in working condition.“The person using the machine must understand how to operate it properly.”The ventilators were provided by the Australian Government and are valued at about K1.8 million.Meanwhile, Australian Consul-General to Momase Brenton Kanowski, said the equipment would strengthen the ability of Angau staff to save lives. The ventilators were sourced through Australian charity Save Our Supplies in Brisbane and transported to Papua New Guinea on an Australian Navy ship.He added that Australia’s support for health services in Morobe extends beyond the equipment, with further redevelopment of Angau hospital planned.For Angau, the challenge now is to put the ventilators into service and ensure they remain available when the next critically ill patient needs help to breathe.

Trukai Industries has signed rising rugby league player Cooper Bai as its new Brand Ambassador under a two-year partnership.Bai, who comes from a strong rugby league background, is being positioned by the company as part of the next generation of Papua New Guinean sporting talent.Trukai Industries General Manager for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Andrew Grace, said Bai’s passion, commitment and dedication to rugby league aligned with the values of the Trukai brand.“Cooper represents the next generation of rugby league talent, inspiring young Papua New Guineans through his passion and commitment to the game.”Trukai is also proud to celebrate the legacy embodied by his father, Marcus Bai, whose career and values of resilience, discipline, and excellence has continued to inspire young athletes.The company said the partnership reflects its broader focus on supporting Papua New Guineans through its products, healthy living and community development.Through his role as Brand Ambassador, Cooper Bai will help promote the Trukai brand and connect with consumers, particularly young Papua New Guineans.Trukai expressed that this partnership forms part of its strategy to strengthen its brands and community presence while continuing to position itself as a leading food company in Papua New Guinea.

Peter Cullen, a prolific voice actor who enlivened scores of TV series, specials and movies, including Optimus Prime in the syndicated 1984 series “Transformers” and Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh cartoon franchise, has died. He was 85.His agent, Kevin Motley, said Cullen died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. “His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle,'" said a family statement.Cullen's career spanned from being an announcer at the groundbreaking late-1960s comedy and variety series “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and joining comedy sketches for Sonny & Cher to voice acting in “The Smurfs” and multiple G.I. Joe iterations. But he struck a nerve as Optimus Prime.While the original cartoon ran just a few years, it left an indelible mark on pop culture, with a toy line, spinoff cartoon series and comics produced over the next two decades. That culminated in the launch of a multibillion-dollar, live-action film franchise in 2007 by Michael Bay.Before his audition, Cullen only knew that he would be reading for the part of a truck, though giving voice to a vehicle didn’t seem that crazy. “You’re always auditioning for something in animation that’s a little off of the norm,” Cullen told the AP in 2019.When Cullen read about the heroic Autobot leader that turned into a red cabover semitrailer, he thought about his older brother, who had served as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War.“He was my hero, and he certainly was the mainstay behind the character,” Cullen said. “I just did an impression of Larry, and he’s still alive in my mind today because every time I do Prime, there’s my brother Larry.”Cullen’s authoritative baritone as Optimus Prime also appeared in 2009's “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” through “Dark of the Moon,” “Age of Extinction,” “The Last Knight,” “Bumblebee” and "Rise of the Beasts” in 2023.His thoughtful, almost operatic lines would be quoted for decades by kids and adults alike: “I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here. We are waiting,” he said in the first movie. In another, he intoned: “Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.”Other highlights from Cullen's prolific career include voicing Eeyore across various “Winnie-the-Pooh” projects, including Disney’s “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” TV series that aired from 1988-91, as well as voicing the villainous KARR opposite KITT in the 1980s NBC series “Knight Rider,” and lending his pipes to King Kong in the Jeff Bridges-led “King Kong” remake in 1976.“Optimus is my favorite character because it’s been so well received and it’s had such an effect on so many people,” Cullen told The New York Times in 2008. “Because of that, I hold it closer than any other character I’ve done — outside of maybe Eeyore, who’s had a considerable effect on younger children too."One of Cullen's strangest jobs had no words at all: He provided the clicking sounds for the main alien creature in “Predator,” which he said he based on the sounds of a dying horseshoe crab.Cullen received a lifetime achievement award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023 and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for voicing Optimus Prime in 2011.Cullen would attend conventions around the country to meet with fans from multiple generations, often getting teary. He said parents sometimes got more excited than their children meeting him.“I expect that I will run into a father with his son, and the father will more than likely get choked up,” Cullen said before MegaCon Orlando in 2019. “And then I get choked up, and then the kid is saying ‘What are these two grown men getting choked up about?’ ”Source: ABC News