On the eve of a significant national milestone, Prime Minister James Marape made an address calling on the citizens of Papua New Guinea to pause and reflect as the nation marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of the “father of the nation,” Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.The anniversary, falling today, coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence- a moment Marape described as a “milestone moment, a moment in which the entire nation must pause to come to reflection.” Invoking the legacy of global and local leadership, Marape challenged every citizen- from the highlands to the islands- to adopt a mindset of service. “As forever ingrained in the pronouncements, John F. Kennedy is enumerated. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you must do for your country.” He emphasized that the responsibility of nation-building does not rest on the Prime Minister alone, stating, “The prime minister alone can do what I have to do, but I am only one man.” PM Marape specifically called for a reset in the individual mindset of those serving the public. “Reset it must start in our individual mindset. And we commit to work better. We commit to give a full day’s effort to the salary that we earn.” He reminded the nation that while the generation of 1975 just looked into time and hoped for political independence, the current generation must now deliver economic independence. Reflecting on his final moments with the late Grand Chief, PM Marape shared a personal account of visiting the Grand Chief’s residence just eleven days before his death in 2021. “He told me that he was passing on. He spoke to me in the presence of his dear wife, Lady Veronica.” “He was in a state of consciousness of his responsibility as the father of this country,” PM Marape recalled. The Prime Minister highlighted the late Grand Chief’s character as a roadmap for modern leadership, particularly his ability to choose forgiveness over division, hatred, and stress and strife. He also noted that even when his government was challenged in 2011, the late Sir Michael forgave those who took over his government illegally. He added that the late Grand Chief example of service was lifelong. “When you are appointed as Prime Minister, you are Prime Minister for life, in terms of your duty to the country.” Acknowledging the country’s fragility, the Prime Minister cited the need to unbundle the economic potentials of the nation’s land and sea. He pointed to forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism as the keys to moving from a lower-middle-income-earning country to a higher-income-earning country. He also announced upcoming programs to help landowners borrow against their assets to grow the economy. Amidst these goals, PM Marape’s singular request to the public was a commitment to the rule of law. “The least I ask of our people is respect the country’s laws wherever you are.” “You can save your country by living lawfully wherever God has placed us in our country.” As the nation enters its 50th year of independence, PM Marape announced that the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Administration (PILA) will be renamed the Somare Institute of Leadership and Administration (SILA) to honor the “Somare mindset.” He concluded by reminding the nation that the Grand Chief “united our country in life and in passing,” and continues to call for unity from his resting place in Wewak. “Together, we can make our country a better place.” Furthermore, the Prime Minister is expected to visit East Sepik Province next Tuesday to personally pay his respects to the Somare family and the people of the region.

More than 15 lead farmers under Shadowes Cocoa Reviver Limited- an organization established in partnership with the NGIP-Agmark Group of Company based in Kabaira, Gazelle District, East New Britain province, have successfully completed a Quality Cocoa Assessor Course Training.The one-week program began on February 9th and concluded on February 13th, 2026. This initiative was co-funded by the PACD project, the Cocoa Board of PNG, and the organization itself, serving as a key component of the Shadowes Matching Grant under the PACD Cocoa project. The participants represent various zones across three local-level governments in the Gazelle District including, Livuan, Inland Baining, and Lassul Baining. Facilitated by the Cocoa Export and Quality Assurance Section of the PNG Cocoa Board, the course covers essential topics such as cocoa inspection and regulation, registration requirements for fermentarians and exporters, cocoa production, the Cocoa Act, and processing techniques. Following the theory sessions, participants will engage in hands-on practicals to reinforce their learning. The core focus for Shadowes Cocoa Reviver Limited is to teach farmers how to evaluate cocoa beans, enforce quality standards, and identify defects to ensure a high-value product. During the opening ceremony, Albina Rarau, the NGI Regional Coordinator for the Cocoa Board of PNG, commended the farmers for their dedication. She noted that the training was a direct result of the farmers’ interest and commitment. “We all know that cocoa is an export commodity, and it is enacted and the government has recognized these works and put in some laws or policies that we officers like us to enforce to the farmers levels,” Ms. Rarau stated. She further explained that the training equips farmers with skills ranging from nursery establishment to post-harvest processes. “It is vital that our farmers use quality planting materials certified by the Cocoa Board and apply proper fermentation and drying techniques to produce fine-flavour cocoa that can compete in the niche market,” she added. Upon completion of the course, participants received certificates and returned to their respective cluster groups to share their newfound knowledge with other growers. Ms. Rarau expressed her gratitude to the PACD Cocoa project, the Cocoa Board team, and the post-harvest team for supporting programs that sustain the growth of the industry in Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, Chairman Nicholas Kola, highlighted that the organization aims to export directly to international markets in the future, making this training a significant milestone. He observed that the participants are deeply engaged and appreciative of the information. “The farmers find the sessions very interesting, and they have learned many things they did not know before.” “The organisation will reschedule their programs and move the lead farmers to different zones so more farmers can benefit and learn from them as well.” “This will help them produce quality cocoa and bring the shared vision of exporting closer to reality.”                     

The 2026 SP Sports Awards were officially launched in Port Moresby city recently, marking the beginning of the 34th edition of Papua New Guinea’s premier sporting recognition event.The awards, an initiative of South Pacific Brewery in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation, celebrates outstanding sporting achievements across the country under the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.” The annual awards recognize athletes for their performances in both domestic and international competitions throughout 2025, with nominations now open across 12 categories. Speaking at the launch, SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare reaffirmed the company’s long-standing support for sports development in Papua New Guinea. “SP Brewery has long been a proud supporter of sport because we see its unique ability to bring people together,” Mr. Nilkare said. “Guided by the vision of unity and inspiration, SP Brewery joined forces with the PNG Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation 34 years ago to create a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding athletes, teams, and sports officials.” Athletes, teams and contributors to sport can be nominated through the official online portal, via mail, or by hand-delivered entries to the PNG Olympic Committee office or SP Brewery offices in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo and Goroka. The 2026 award categories are: Male Athlete of the Year Female Athlete of the Year Carbine Club – Team of the Year Brands Pacific – National Performance of the Year Community Sports Initiative Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Male Athlete of the Year Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Female Athlete of the Year CPL – Para-Athlete of the Year Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Official of the Year Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Media of the Year Sports Photo of the Year People’s Choice Award PNG Olympic Committee Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu said the theme reflects the deeper role sport plays in nation-building. “The 2026 SP Sports Awards theme, ‘Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams,’ captures the true spirit of sports in Papua New Guinea,” he said. “Through sport, we celebrate the extraordinary range of talent, cultures and communities that make up this nation. We honour unity and strengthen national identity. And we inspire dreams, especially for our young people, who need to see living proof that discipline, dedication and self-belief can create real opportunity.” He encouraged the public to participate in recognizing the athletes and officials who continue to elevate PNG sport. “Join us in celebrating the dedication, talent and perseverance that drive PNG sport forward,” Mr. Kaviagu added. PNG Sports Foundation Director of Sports Operations and Development Geoffrey Gideon highlighted the broader social impact of sport. “Sports is a tool for empowerment, inclusion and transformation,” Mr. Gideon said. “Let us continue to invest in our youth, empower our women, and uphold the values that make sport a force for good.” Since its inception in 1992, the SP Sports Awards have grown into one of the country’s most significant sporting platforms, recognizing excellence and inspiring athletes nationwide to pursue higher achievement. For more information, the public can contact the SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Department on 302 8349 or via email at Jana.Zoriry@sp.com.pg or Angela.Peng@sp.com.pg.

Men and women in Ragiampun Village in the Umi Local Level Government (LLG) area in the Morobe province, have come together to prepare their land for a new cocoa project supported by the South Pacific Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SPISARD).Villagers cleared overgrown grass and rehabilitated old cocoa garden sites ahead of the arrival of cocoa seedlings. The project is expected to benefit both Ragiampun and neighbouring Tumua Village.The program is implemented through the Papua New Guinea University of Technology in Lae, which houses SPISARD. The institute provides farmers with technical support on cocoa planting, farm management and sustainable agriculture practices.Women’s leader Susan Sima said the community is excited about the opportunity to revive cocoa farming.“This project will help us earn income and support our families,” she said.The community is now waiting for the cocoa seedlings so planting can begin.

The prime minister has said that the recent record performance of the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) is a direct reflection of the good performance of the country’s economy.Prime Minister James Marape when welcoming the recent announcement of record financial results by BSP for the 2025 financial year, described the performance as clear and independent confirmation that Papua New Guinea’s economy is growing and economic activity is strengthening.The BSP Financial Group on 20th February released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2025, delivering another year of solid profitability underpinned by disciplined execution and a clear focus on long-term value creation. BSP has announced a statutory net profit after tax of K1.17 billion for FY2025, representing a 13 per cent increase on FY2024. “This is not just a banking milestone. This is an economic validation,” Prime Minister Marape said. “When banks grow, it is because businesses are borrowing, trading and investing, households are transacting, and confidence is returning to the economy.” Prime Minister Marape said BSP’s profit history provides a reliable long-term economic indicator, reflecting key phases of Papua New Guinea’s economic cycle. He pointed to BSP’s profit performance over the past decade: 2014: Approximately K507 million, during the year PNG LNG commenced production and Ok Tedi and Porgera were in full operation. 2018: Approximately K844 million, reflecting peak investment, construction activity and strong domestic demand. 2020: Approximately K806 million, during the COVID-19 shock, demonstrating resilience in a global economic downturn. 2022: Approximately K1 billion, marking a strong post-pandemic recovery. 2023: Approximately K890 million, reflecting consolidation amid global inflationary pressures. 2025: K1.17 billion, the highest profit in BSP’s history. “When you place these figures side by side, the trend is undeniable,” the Prime Minister said. “The growth in recent years is stronger, more consistent and more resilient. Under our government, the recovery curve is steeper and the expansion more sustainable.” He said critics who deny economic growth must reconcile their claims with the hard-financial data produced by the country’s largest bank.

Road maintenance works have resumed across key feeder roads in Bulolo District of Morobe province as authorities push to improve access for rural communities following the wet season.The Bulolo District Road Maintenance Project (BDRMP), led by the district works unit with support from local contractor RJ Construction, has begun patrol grading along the feeder road linking wards one, two and three in Buang Local Level Government (LLG). The stretch from Mambumb village through Wagau to Bugiau is considered a vital transport link for villagers and small businesses.According to the BDRMP team, the road enables farmers to transport fresh produce and coffee to markets by connecting to the Buang back road, which links to Lae.It also provides essential access to Buang High School, Wagau Junior High School and the Wagau Community Health Post, which serves a catchment population of more than 5,000 people.Bulolo MP, Sam Basil Jr. confirmed that similar maintenance works are underway across the district. He said the district works unit recently completed diversion works at Snake River in lower Buang, placing the section under a bridge to allow smoother and safer crossings for PMV trucks servicing lower and middle Buang communities.The team has also completed patrol grading of the Manga Ring Road, improving travel conditions for residents in wards 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Plans are in place to reopen access into ward 19 in Buang in the coming weeks.Meanwhile, another BDRMP team has been deployed to the Kumalu area in middle Mumeng to reopen a feeder road connecting three wards to the Bulolo National Highway.District officials confirmed that the current road maintenance program began in 2024 and remains ongoing, with the sealing of more than 12 kilometres of the Buang Back Road standing out as one of the project’s signature achievements.

The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) is taking steps to increase the safety of the public on the roads by cracking down on unregistered vehicles and those fraudulently operating as public transport vehicles, by taking them off the roads.RTA acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. John Avira said this while announcing this week the impounding of two buses in the National Capital District (NCD) and many more in Lae city.“These include buses who do not have their route numbers painted on their vehicle bodies permanently and switch route numbers at will to transport passengers in other routes,” said Mr. Avira, who is also a mandated Superintendent – Motor Traffic by RTA legislation.“The sweeping net will also include vehicles painted in taxi colours but are not registered, and do not carry appropriate yellow T registration plates in both the front and the back of their cars.”Mr. Avira stated this today following reports from the public sighting and reporting of several unlicensed buses' crew in the National Capital District putting up temporary route numbers and picking up passengers and vehicles with taxi colours but without yellow T license plates.His comments also follow the impounding of defective buses operating as PMVs in Lae with suspicious registration and safety stickers.Meanwhile, RTA Lae-based Traffic Enforcement Officers are investigating how the impounded vehicles’ owners were able to obtain valid safety stickers, valid Compulsory Third Party stickers from Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited and valid registration stickers from traffic registry.Mr. Avira said that they are intensifying operations on all illegal and unsafe passenger transport services."The law is clear. Only passenger endorsed/permitted vehicles, driven by appropriated licensed drivers, are allowed to ferry the public; and PMV buses are to operate in the specifically authorized and allocated routes," said Mr. Avira."The rationale for this law is so that appropriately licensed and road worthy vehicles - and appropriately licensed drivers - ferry the public with safety."Additionally, it is unfair for unlicensed passenger PMV and taxi services to steal business of those appropriately licensed and registered to provide that service.“Offending drivers will be issued Traffic Infringement Notices, fined and the vehicles impounded. The drivers and owners will also be referred to police for arrest and prosecution.Mr. Avira warned the public to avoid hitching rides on unlicensed passenger vehicles as their safety cannot be guaranteed and they are breaking the law."RTA is committed to ensuring that the travelling public are safe. That begins with ensuring public transport vehicles are road worthy through passenger transport licensing - and drivers are appropriately licensed to ferry passengers safely."Safety is everybody's responsibility. So, passengers too need to be choosy on their rides,” said Mr. Avira.

The Division of Lands and Physical Planning in Central Province has been strengthened with the addition of two new double-cab vehicles, survey equipment and office uniforms to improve land administration and service delivery.The handover ceremony at Konedobu, led by Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa highlighted government support in building institutional capacity with the equipment blessed by Rev. Roger Joseph and prayers offered for responsible land management. The new resources are expected to boost mobility for officers conducting surveys, resolving disputes and delivering services across remote areas while also improving accuracy in planning processes. Acting Lands Advisor Mr. Kila Bae welcomed the investment, describing it as timely and strategic. “This is an important investment demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to strengthening institutional capacity within Central Province,” Bae said. He added that while the support may seem small, its long-term impact will be significant. “Our land and our integrity must never be compromised,” Mr. Bae said. “Providing mobility and technical tools will greatly enhance field operations, improve land surveys, and fast-track the resolution of long-standing land issues affecting our people.” With land disputes remaining a key challenge, the support is expected to improve planning systems, resolve conflicts and promote sustainable development across the province.

The Governor for Madang province, Ramsey Pariwa, recently delivered K50,000 to remote Tangu Aid Post in ward 30 of Yawar Local Level Government (LLG) in Bogia District. Chief Steven Ikupak on behalf of the people of Tangu situated in the hinterland of Bogia District described Governor Pariwa's return to Tangu colorfully as going back with 'han mak'.Ikupak said the Governor's earlier visit to Tangu was as only the 'lek mak' and his now honoring of his commitment as 'han mak'.Governor Pariwa last year during one of his electoral visits to Bogia gathered with the Tangu people from wards 29, 30 and 31 where he announced his commitment. During the gathering he also announced that the road project to Josephstaal LLG in Middle Ramu district would pass through Tangu.Chief Ikupak said Tangu people are very grateful and appreciative of the financial assistance. Chairman of Tangu Aid Post, Barry Gagau, thanked Governor Pariwa on behalf of his executives, stating that the funding would be utilized wisely in upgrading the aid post in preparation for the facility to be granted a health post status later. He said Tangu aid post has been serving wards in both Yawar LLG and Josephstaal LLG in Middle Ramu. He said the aid post has an ambulance presented by the Bogia MP, Robert Naguri, and also uses a VHF radio communication service that was installed during the time decades ago when former governor late Peter Barter was in office.Mr. Gagau requested if the Governor could intervene to seek assistance from the Madang Provincial Health Authority to assist Tangu Aid Post. Governor Pariwa said he would inform the Madang PHA regarding the request by the chairman of Tangu Aid Post. Governor Pariwa was inspired by the turn out of school children from Tangu Primary School who turned out in numbers with their bright yellow and brown uniforms to welcome him.The children lined up from the Heli-pad area at the Tangu Primary School and led a procession covering over half a kilometer singing and praising Governor Pariwa. During his address Governor Pariwa made a commitment of K70,000 to Tangu Primary school. He urged the school board chairman, who happens to be Chief Ikupak, and the head teacher to do a follow-up letter with his office so funding arrangement would be prepared.

Remote communities in the Sumau-Garia census division of Begesin in Usino LLG of Usino-Bundi District in Madang Province were overwhelmed with joy upon the arrival of the Provincial Member and Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, to officially launch the Uria-Mopo road maintenance project.Sumau-Garia spokesman, Thomas Wekmara, said the Uria-Mopo road maintenance would greatly ease their pain of walking far distances for over 40 years to access government services and do business. Governor Pariwa made his presence felt during the launching of the 20-kilometer Uria-Mopo road maintenance project when he boarded an excavator machine to start the engine and did the groundbreaking thus signifying the commencement of the road project. The contractor Fayantina Construction is working on the road upgrade. Mr. Wekmara, commended the Governor Pariwa for allocating funding to upgrade the Uria-Mopo road."Governor, you have really started to heal our scars from walking very far distances with cargos on our backs like donkeys," Wekmara said.He added that there was a road previously from Kawawar junction to Uria and further on to Mopo, however, lack of maintenance in the last forty years had made it impassable for vehicle to travel using the road.Another vocal spokesman and Chairman of Gigaso Cocoa Cooperative Society, John Koti, said the road project would greatly assist rural cocoa and kava farmers to transport their produce to sell."We are so grateful and appreciative of your assistance to fixing the Uria-Mopo road,"However, we request the road should continue on to Eunime, Totopa, Ipisan and Kasual," Mr. Koti said."There are people and villages there, which greatly need good road access, " he added.Mr. Pariwa explained to the people that he understands the difficulties the people face because he had already walked that road. Furthermore, he originates from the Begesin area and whatever sentiments the people expressed he is fully aware of.He further explained that as the Governor for Madang Province he is responsible for all the six districts, twenty-one LLGs and over four hundred fifty-one wards. Therefore, he wants to be fair in sharing whatever little funds the Government allocates to Madang.Governor Pariwa even challenged the Inland Pipeline Landowners Association through its business arm, namely Maigari Limited, to start acquiring earthmoving machines so they would get contracts from the Madang Provincial Government to fix their own roads in the area.IPL LOA are beneficiaries to royalty and other assistance from the Ramu nickel-cobalt mining project.He challenged that if Wass Matau, a company from Coast Pipeline LOA, have built up machineries and can be given a contract by the MPG for road maintenance, there is no reason why Maigari Limited cannot do the same. Mr. Pariwa told the gathering that the Madang Provincial Government had already purchased a number of earthmoving machines which are now working in Rai Coast and Middle-Ramu districts that are considered least developed districts in the province and the country.Mr. Pariwa explained that he is placing those machines in remote places to build roads because the people there do not have road access connectivity. A female spokesperson, Cecilia Sonde, from Ward 27 in Kasual was emotional when thanking Governor Pariwa for attending the launching in person. "Just by seeing you I feel I am healed of my pain of walking very far distances to access government services," Ms. Sonde told the Governor.Meanwhile, the Member for Usino Bundi Gama, Hon Vincent Kumura, has committed K200,000 to support the Governor for the Uria-Mopo road upgrade. 

The National Procurement Commission (NPC) yesterday conducted its first nationwide consultative workshop on amendments to the National Procurement Act at the Highlander Hotel in the city of Mount Hagen for the Highlands region. 45 participants at the Subnational level attended the workshop and provided their inputs on the amendments. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Jim Wiai and Mr. Wesley Dickson of NPC with the assistance of Mr. Wilfred Baliawe. The consultative workshop will continue throughout the four regions of the country before the final Bill is out.This initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability and local business participation in government procurement activities.The key focus areas for the amendments include improved transparency measures, local content requirements, streamlined processes and integration of technology to optimize procurement activities.The next workshop is for the Momase region and will be held on Thursday, February 26th at the Lae International Hotel in Lae city.New Guinea Islands will have theirs at Rapopo Plantation Resort Hotel on Thursday March 5th, while Southern Region will have theirs at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on Wednesday March 11th.Provincial Administrators, District Administrators/ DDA CEOs or their representatives are expected to attend.

As Papua New Guinea’s digital connectivity expands, the country’s ICT regulator is urging stronger cyber safety awareness, especially among children and young people, to keep pace with evolving online threats.Speaking at the recent Safer Internet Day 2026, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), Polume Lume, said increased access to mobile internet has connected more Papua New Guineans than ever, but also exposed users to risks such as misinformation, privacy breaches, online harassment and data abuse. According to NICTA’s National ICT Indicators Report 2025, an estimated 4.3 million mobile subscriptions were recorded in 2024, with population coverage reaching about 77 percent — a sign of rapid digital consumption across the country. “With more children and young people encountering artificial intelligence online, they must be equipped with the skills and confidence to make safe choices.” NICTA is promoting critical thinking and responsible social media use as key defenses against harmful online behaviour, urging parents and guardians to monitor minors in navigating digital spaces safely. The Authority also called on the public to report illegal or inappropriate online content and to help foster a more positive online culture as connectivity continues to grow across the country. The remarks were issued in Port Moresby to mark global Safer Internet Day activities focusing this year on safe and responsible use of AI.