The Public Servants Netball Association (PSNA) knock-out matches produced exciting and closely contested games across all divisions over the weekend.In Division 1, National Parliament secured a strong 26–23 victory over NBC 1 in a competitive match. Customs 1 claimed a narrow win against Department of Commerce & Industry 1 in Division 2, finishing 9–6, while NCDC 1 defeated PNG Power 18–14 in Division 3. Division 4 saw one of the closest contests of the day, with the National Museum edging out National Maritime Safety Authority 18–17. National Procurement Commission also recorded a tight victory over NICTA in Division 5, winning 10–9, while Department of Commerce & Industry 2 defeated Internal Revenue Commission 2 by a single goal in Division 6, 15 –14. In Division 8, HK overcame CPTA 12–10 in another competitive match. The Mixed Division Pool A match saw National Maritime Safety Authority defeat the National Fisheries Authority 27–24, while in the Premier Division, BPNG 1 delivered a strong performance to beat PNGSF 1, 31–24. The competition continues as teams prepare for the grand finals.

The Hela Provincial Government has funded the training of its Hela based Police Mobile Squad officers at the McGregor Mobile Squad Base in Port Moresby, with the officers passing out this week after completing the program.Deputy Director of the Mobile Squad Directorate at McGregor, Chief Superintendent Florien Luvi, confirmed that Hela is among the first provincial governments to directly fund training for its Mobile Squad unit through its own provincial budget. “The Hela Provincial Government is one of the first provincial governments that is stepping forward to fund training for the Mobile Squad based in their province,” Chief Superintendent Luvi said. He said the support was timely. “The police officers need training, and it was a timely help for the officers to undergo such training,” he said. Chief Superintendent Luvi also encouraged other provincial governments to follow Hela’s example and support the Mobile Squad units stationed in their respective provinces. He said the trained officers will return to their home provinces to provide policing services to local communities. The Executive Officer of the Hela Provincial Government, Mr. Amos Libe, speaking on behalf of Hela’s leaders and people, thanked the McGregor Mobile Squad Base for conducting the training. He described the training as an added advantage as the officers prepare to address law and order challenges in the province. Mr. Libe said the provincial government has taken additional steps to strengthen policing capacity in Hela. He said thirty-two new police houses have been built and will be officially opened next week when the officers return home. He added that ten (10) police vehicles have been purchased and are ready to be presented during the opening of the houses and the welcome ceremony for MS09 members. Mr. Libe said construction of the remaining balance of the 100 houses is ongoing and will soon be completed. He said the Hela Provincial Government is serious about addressing law and order issues and is investing directly in police accommodation, vehicles and essential resources to attract and retain officers in the province. Mr. Libe further stated that more than half a million kina was allocated to fund the training, including necessary gear required by officers to perform their duties. On behalf of the provincial government, he thanked David Manning and police management for approving the request to train the officers. He said the trained officers will serve not only Hela Province but also the country when called upon for deployments elsewhere in PNG. Mr. Libe also acknowledged the support of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from Goldie, who assisted in the training program.

Western Province is piloting World Vision Papua New Guinea’s first Universal Service Coverage (USC) Place-Based Initiative (PBI), an evidence-driven approach aimed at ensuring every household in Oriomo-Bituri Local Level Government (LLG), South Fly District, has access to safe, reliable and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services by 2028.The initiative, led by World Vision Papua New Guinea, is designed to strengthen WASH systems through detailed community-level data collection and strong local leadership. It represents a coordinated effort to reshape how essential services are planned and delivered in one of the country’s most geographically challenging districts. South Fly District Administrator Wasewa Saebi, who has been in the role for nine months, described the initiative as timely and necessary. He acknowledged the district’s vast and difficult terrain, scattered settlements, numerous river crossings and high transport costs, which have long hindered effective government service delivery. “I have seen the commitment that World Vision brings to the communities it serves and it is truly inspiring,” Saebi said. “Your officers sleep in tents, move from village to village, collecting data and delivering training, even in places the government struggles to reach. That is why I am proud to support this Place-Based Initiative in Oriomo-Bituri LLG.” He emphasised that partnership is essential to achieving universal coverage. “The government can only do so much. It requires technical support from partners like World Vision to bring services to people, even in the most remote parts of the country,” he said. In February 2026, a key milestone was reached with the completion of an enumerators’ training workshop. Nine local enumerators were trained to collect accurate household-level data using digital tools, including the mWater survey application. The training combined technical instruction with practical field exercises, ensuring participants understood both the mechanics and the importance of data collection in guiding future WASH planning and investment decisions. Among the trainees was Cherisma Katam, a young mother taking part in such an initiative for the first time. She said the experience empowered her and highlighted the importance of women’s participation in community development. “Many young women, especially mothers, stay at home because of household responsibilities and never get the chance to take part in opportunities like this,” she said. “Being here makes me feel empowered, and I hope it encourages other young women to step forward.” Another participant, Kemrock Tom, said the introduction of real-time digital data collection would strengthen planning and decision-making, not only for Oriomo-Bituri LLG but potentially across the country. What is unfolding in Oriomo-Bituri LLG is being described as more than just a pilot project. It is a model for inclusive, community-centred development in remote regions of Papua New Guinea. Through baseline data collection, the initiative will identify households relying on unsafe water sources, families without access to toilets, and communities where hygiene practices remain limited. The findings will guide decisions on where to build new water points, strengthen sanitation efforts and focus hygiene promotion activities for maximum impact. The goal is to achieve more than 90 percent WASH coverage in the LLG by 2028, supported by quarterly and annual benchmarking to track progress and update performance scorecards. While stakeholders acknowledge that achieving Universal Service Coverage will require sustained commitment and collaboration, leaders in Western Province say the foundation has been laid. With accurate data, strong partnerships and community ownership, the province is moving closer to a future where every household has access to safe water, proper sanitation and improved hygiene services.

The Papua New Guinea Women’s National Football Team, the PNG Bilums, have departed Port Moresby for Fiji via Brisbane to compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers, scheduled from February 27 to March 5 in Fiji.The Bilums will begin their campaign against Vanuatu on February 27, before taking on host nation Fiji on March 2 and New Caledonia on March 5. All group fixtures will be played at Govind Park in Fiji. Head Coach Eric Komeng said preparations over the past month have been positive, with the squad showing strong focus and commitment in camp. “The team has trained well and the attitude throughout preparation has been excellent,” Komeng said. “We know the competition will be tough, but we are ready to embrace the challenge.” He added that every nation in the tournament shares the same ambition — securing a pathway toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027. “Our players are highly motivated and determined to represent Papua New Guinea with pride. They understand what is at stake and are prepared to give their very best.” The Oceania Qualifiers are part of the qualification pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil. Papua New Guinea will be aiming for a top-two finish in their group to advance to the final stage of the competition in New Zealand in April. Blending experienced players with emerging young talent, the Bilums travel with confidence and belief as they once again compete on the regional stage. The Papua New Guinea Football Association encourages all Papua New Guineans, both at home and abroad, to support the Bilums as they proudly represent the nation with passion and determination.

The Governor of East New Britain Province, Michael Marum, recently called on all public servants across the province to reset their mindset and renew their dedication to delivering better services in 2026.Speaking at the 2026 Public Servants Dedication Service, Governor Marum said this year’s theme, “Reset and Renew: A Dedicated Mind for Better Service Delivery,” is both timely and necessary as the provincial government strengthens its commitment to effective and accountable governance. He emphasized that public service is not merely employment, but a responsibility entrusted by the people of East New Britain. “Before we improve systems or increase performance, we must first renew the way we think, the way we serve, and the way we lead.” The Governor challenged officers across all provincial departments and agencies to move away from a “business as usual” approach and instead embrace service with purpose, integrity, professionalism, and accountability. He acknowledged that while progress has been made in several sectors, public expectations for efficient, transparent and results-driven service delivery is increasing. “Development is not measured by documents produced, but by lives improved.” Governor Marum reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening systems, improving inter-departmental coordination and ensuring that budget allocations translate into tangible services for communities throughout East New Britain Province. He further stressed that no policy or funding allocation can replace personal responsibility, urging every public servant, regardless of rank, to take ownership of their role in delivering outcomes for the people. Governor Marum also acknowledged the important partnership between government and church leaders in shaping ethical leadership and reinforcing values of discipline, humility and service within the public sector. He expressed confidence that 2026 can be a crucial year for the province’s public service if officers commit to renewed dedication and higher standards of performance. “Let 2026 be remembered as the year our public service reset its mindset, renewed its dedication, and delivered greater and better services for our people.”

The Wantuat High School in the Leron Wantuat Local Level Government (LLG) area of Markham District, Morobe Province, marked a significant milestone with the service dedication of a newly completed 80-room boys' dormitory and a new generator at the school campus.The dormitory, valued at K200,000, was constructed by Naban Building Construction Limited. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2025 despite a number of logistical and operational challenges over the years.During the official handover ceremony, Construction Administration Manager Lavoni Yomsa acknowledged the difficulties encountered throughout the project period but expressed satisfaction that the company had successfully delivered the building. He said the contractor remained committed to completing the project to benefit the school and surrounding communities.Headmaster Kuyom Bafenuc received the keys on behalf of the school administration and acknowledged the efforts and perseverance of the builders in bringing the project to completion. He assured those present that the new facility would be properly maintained for the benefit of current and future students.Observations and information gathered indicate that under Mr. Bafenuc’s administration, the school has recorded notable improvements in student discipline and academic performance. These improvements saw the school achieve second place in academic activities in Morobe Province last year.The new dormitory is expected to greatly improve student accommodation, while the generator will provide reliable power supply to support boarding and academic operations. Community leaders, parents, teachers and students who attended the dedication described the development as a major boost for education and infrastructure growth in the area.

The Provincial Member and Governor for Madang Province, Ramsey Pariwa, has announced a K100,000 financial support to a new Bauri Cocoa Seed Bank situated adjacent to the Madang-Ramu Highway in Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government (LLG) of Rai Coast district. The Governor's undertaking to assisting this largest cocoa nursery establishment in PNG stamps a collaborative partnership forged between the Madang Provincial Government, PNG Cocoa Board and the nickel/cobalt mine developer Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited. Mr. Pariwa stated that his eagerness to support the new cocoa seed bank is mainly because what the mine developer has done is aligned to the Madang Provincial Government Integrated Development Plan 2023-2027, which places agriculture and cocoa development program as a priority. Furthermore, Governor Pariwa acknowledged that it is the same people both the Madang Provincial Government and the developer Ramu NiCo are serving so it is fitting that collaborative approach in cocoa development is pursued. Governor Pariwa explained that last year the Madang Provincial Government allocated K1million for cocoa nursery roll-out in the province. This year he has allocated K2 million to continue on the cocoa development program in the province. Mr. Pariwa also urged youths from villages situated along the Madang-Ramu Highway to make their hands dirty by planting cocoa, instead of standing along the road and stealing from the traveling public. "You will earn clean money once you make your hands dirty from tilling the land," Mr. Pariwa encouraged. Ramu NiCo's Community Affairs Department General Manager, Eric Kuman, in his opening address explained that one day the mine will close, and people will return to their land to work in agriculture. That is why everyone came together and chose cocoa as the main cash crop after mining. With proper funding, other groups can also grow cocoa and even venture into chocolate production, which will help sustain the people and landowners.The Bauri Cocoa Seed Bank is funded from K50,000 contribution each from the landowner associations in the Ramu NiCo project impact area, namely Kurumbukari LOA, Inland Pipeline LOA, Coastal Pipeline LOA and Basamuk LOA. Mr. Kuman said he is convinced cocoa will drive economic sustainability and provide livelihoods for the impact communities after the lifespan of the mine ends.He added that the partnership between government, developers, and the people will change communities for the better."This is the way forward to ensure cocoa becomes a lasting foundation for our economy and our people’s future," Mr. Kuman said.The Chairman of the Coastal Pipeline Landowners Association, Steven Saud, who spoke on behalf of the four LOAs thanked the developer Ramu NiCo, the Madang Provincial Government and the local people of Bauri for joining hands and working together for the betterment of the local communities, wards, districts, and province as a whole.

Work on the Northern Highway is steadily progressing as construction pushes from Wau through the Gairana Valley toward Sohe, with long-term plans to extend the vital road link to Moreguina in Central Province.Works and Highways Secretary, Mr. Gibson Ali Holemba, says the project is one of the most demanding yet significant undertakings under the Government’s Connect PNG Program.Mr. Holemba said the Northern Highway is designed to open up remote border areas between Morobe, Oro and Central Provinces, providing reliable road access to communities that have remained isolated for many years.“This is the Northern Highway progress from Wau to Gairana Valley and onwards to Sohe, and eventually to Moreguina in Central Province,” he said.“The Connect PNG Program under the Marape–Rosso Government is touching the lives of our rural people along the borders of Morobe, Oro and Central Provinces. We are building roads in some of the most rugged terrains in our country.”According to the Department of Works and Highways, construction is being carried out under extremely difficult conditions, including steep mountain ranges, dense rainforest, high rainfall areas and limited existing access.Despite these challenges, work is continuing steadily.“A kilometre at a time, we are opening up economic opportunities, improving access to essential services, and connecting rural communities to the rest of the country,” Mr. Holemba said.Once completed, the Northern Highway is expected to improve inter-provincial connectivity, support agriculture and rural markets, enhance access to health and education services, and strengthen economic links across the southern corridor.The Connect PNG Program is the Government’s long-term infrastructure strategy aimed at building a nationwide road network to support economic growth and rural development.Mr. Holemba reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to delivering the project despite logistical and environmental challenges.“Development in Papua New Guinea must reach our rural population. Through Connect PNG, we are ensuring no province, and no community is left behind,” he said.

The Chinese business community in the National Capital District (NCD) has been commended for donating two new riot vehicles to support police operations in the city.NCD and Central Provinces Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi, thanked the business community during the closing ceremony of a week-long riot training for 66 police officers, including reservists and regular members. Commander Turi said the vehicles, along with donated riot gear and equipment, will strengthen police capacity to respond to unrest and maintain law and order. He referred to the events of January 10th, 2024 (Black Wednesday), when police were outnumbered during widespread looting and burning of shops in Port Moresby. “The donation of the two vehicles, along with other equipment, will now make police operations easier in the city,” he said. He added that the recent riot training, combined with new helmets and protective gear, will improve police readiness in future incidents. Commander Turi acknowledged the increasing population in Port Moresby and the need for better-equipped police to manage law and order issues. He also thanked NCD political leaders for their continued support in crime prevention efforts across the city. The week-long training was initiated by Director Reservist, Chief Inspector Ruben Giusu, and supported by Assistant Commissioner of Police Training Silva Sika and his team. Commander Turi said he looks forward to more training opportunities for officers within the command. During the graduation ceremony, ACP Logistics Chris Smith presented a Toyota Land Cruiser to police reservists to assist with their operations. He praised reservist officers for their dedication. “They deserve logistics and training because they are part of the frontline policing team,” Smith said. The donation and training are expected to strengthen police response capabilities as the city continues to face law and order challenges.

Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer digital environment as the country marked Safer Internet Day 2026.ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the Government, through the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of ICT (DICT), the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), and the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), is strengthening efforts to promote responsible internet use. This year’s theme, “Smart tech, safe choices by exploring and responsible use of AI,” highlights the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in everyday life and the need for safe digital practices. Minister Tsiamalili said the Marape-Rosso Government is committed to reforming the ICT sector and accelerating digital transformation. “I reaffirm the Prime Minister’s declaration during the Digital Transformation Summit 2025 that Information and Communication Technology and Artificial Intelligence will be the driving force of the nation’s next 50 years of development, growth and public sector reform,” he said. He said the Government’s Reset@50 agenda and the Digital Government Plan 2023–2027 aim to improve accountability, transparency and service delivery through technology. While social media has improved communication, business engagement and access to government services, the Minister acknowledged growing risks. “Social media plays a significant role in connecting people, businesses and government services. However, the rapid evolution of social media, including the use of AI, has presented challenges including privacy breaches, misinformation, online harassment, hate speech and data security risks,” he said. To address these issues, the Government introduced the Papua New Guinea Social Media Policy 2025. “The goal of this policy is to promote safe usage of social media platforms and to maintain our cultural and Christian values as we continue to adapt to changing lifestyles influenced by technology,” Minister Tsiamalili said. He urged citizens to take personal responsibility online. “I encourage all Papua New Guineans to take ownership of this policy and be accountable so that we can create a safe social media environment.” The Government says Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder that digital transformation must go hand in hand with online safety, responsibility and national security. “Let us continue to work together to embrace technological advancement to positively contribute to the development of our country,” the Minister said.

AFL PNG coaches, umpires and players from the Under 16s have gone to Brisbane, Australia to attend the AFL Pacific Academy Camp.The camp was made possible with the support of the Australia Government through its PacificAus Sports initiative, where AFL PNG Academy will join forces with the best Under 16 players from Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and New Zealand where they will have the opportunity to take on the Brisbane Lions Academy and Gold Coast SUNS Academy. Australian High Commissioner to PNG and Special Envoy for Pacific and Regional Affairs, Mr. Ewen McDonald, expressed his delight at the creation of sporting pathways for young Pacific Islanders through PacificAus Sports. “We are excited to support young Aussie Rules players from across the Pacific and PNG to attend academy camps in Australia. These players have the opportunity to represent their communities and inspire girls and boys to play team sports,” he said. AFL PNG Development Chairman Mr. Ekonia Peni said he is proud to see more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans to showcase their talent in Australia. “I have no doubt this opportunity will be fulfilling both on and off the footy field. We have genuine talent in PNG, and through the work of our AFL PNG Academy programs and player pathways nationally, we want to continue providing opportunities for these coaches, umpires and players to showcase their ability and commitment to the game.” “Our young people will represent our country with pride and passion, leading the way while creating lasting friendships and connecting with our Pacific brothers and sisters.” “I would like to thank the Australian Government, through the PacificAus Sports Program and Invest Gold Coast for supporting these aspiring players, coaches and umpires,” Mr. Peni said. The under 16 girls camp will run from 18-23 February, while the boys camp will be from 11-16 March.

A community leader from Karkar Island in Madang province is calling for urgent action to restore the sea ambulance serving island communities in Sumkar District, warning that lives are at risk while the vessel remains out of operation.Tony Dibul said families on Karkar and Bagabag islands rely heavily on Gaubin Lutheran Hospital as their main referral health facility.“For many families, Gaubin is the first and often only place to seek medical help during an emergency,” he said.However, when cases go beyond the hospital’s capacity — including complicated childbirth, serious injuries and other life-threatening conditions — patients must be urgently transferred to Madang.“That is where the sea ambulance becomes critical. Without it, we are gambling with people’s lives,” Dibul said.He said that without the dedicated medical vessel, families are forced to use small boats to cross rough seas, often without medical supervision.Dibul is urging the District Administration and Madang Provincial Health Authority to urgently repair and maintain the vessel, ensure funding for fuel, and strengthen emergency transfer systems between Gaubin and Madang.He stressed that restoring the sea ambulance is not just a maintenance issue, but a matter of life and death for island communities.