More than 2,000 students at Tokarara Secondary School now have access to clean, chilled and filtered drinking water following the official handover of new outdoor water fountains funded by BSP.The K30,000 project, delivered through BSP Financial Group's Retail Strategic Business Unit, addresses a long-standing need at the Port Moresby school, where students and staff previously relied on standard garden taps for their daily water supply.School Principal James Hape welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major improvement to the school's infrastructure, health and hygiene standards."Our students have shown incredible resilience over the years, lining up at basic garden taps just to cool down during hot afternoons," Mr. Hape said."These new fountains are a massive step forward for our school's infrastructure, health and hygiene. Seeing our students able to fill their bottles with cold, filtered water will completely change the energy on the students, keeping them focused on class and healthy on the sports field."The project was led by BSP Retail Transformation Specialist Leroy Edmund, a former Tokarara Secondary School student who said the initiative was especially meaningful to him."As a former student, I stood in those same lines at the same water taps. I know firsthand how tough it is to stay focused when it's hot and you can't get a decent drink of cold water," Mr. Edmund said."Being able to come back years later and deliver this for the next generation of Tokarara students is a true honour."The official handover ceremony was attended by school management, teachers, students and BSP representatives led by Group General Manager Retail, Ronesh Dayal.Mr. Dayal said the project was an investment in the wellbeing and future of the school's students."Healthy hydration builds healthy minds, and we are proud to invest in the future leaders sitting here today," he said.With the fountains now fully operational, the school is expected to benefit from improved access to safe drinking water, supporting student health, wellbeing and learning outcomes while creating a more modern and hygienic campus environment.

The government is rolling out a new national digital learning platform, known as EDUNEX, supported by Starlink satellite internet technology and strict online safety measures for protecting students and teachers.Acting Minister for Education Kinoka Feo announced that the Department of Education is deploying Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, including Starlink Gen 3, as part of efforts to improve access to digital learning across the country.Minister Feo said ensuring safe, secure and education-focused internet access remains a top priority as schools begin connecting to the new platform."We recognize that many of our teachers and students are engaging with online technologies for the very first time.”"While Starlink provides the high-speed connectivity needed to overcome our country's rugged geography, it also introduces exposure to online risks."To address these concerns, the government will require schools to meet strict internet security standards before being approved to use the system.Enterprise-grade secure gateways will be installed at participating schools to enforce safe browsing practices, monitor digital usage, and block access to social media platforms and harmful online content.The EDUNEX platform is an artificial intelligence-powered national digital learning ecosystem designed to modernize the delivery of education throughout Papua New Guinea.The system will provide teachers with structured digital teaching tools while offering students personalized and interactive learning experiences.According to Minister Feo, this will finally address long-standing educational challenges, particularly in remote and rural communities where access to reliable electricity, internet services and educational resources has been limited.Details of the Starlink and EDUNEX rollout have been communicated to provincial education authorities and schools through Secretary's Circular Instructions issued recently.Minister Feo has called on provincial education authorities, school boards and school leaders to cooperate fully with the directives outlined in Ministerial Policy Statement No. 02/2026 and related departmental circulars."By combining high-speed Starlink connectivity with strict safety filters, we are creating a world-class, secure digital environment that improves the quality of education while leaving no child behind.”

Kina Bank has strengthened its commitment to community development and rehabilitation through a donation to Bomana Correctional Service under its Strongim Komuniti Grant program.The bank officially handed over seven grass cutters and a lawn mower on Monday, April 27, 2026, to support the maintenance and cleanliness of the correctional facility and its surrounding environment.The equipment was received by Chief Superintendent and Commanding Officer of Bomana Correctional Service, Yelly Oiufa, who welcomed the support and described it as both timely and impactful.“We are very grateful to Kina Bank for this donation. We were surprised to receive more than two grass cutters along with the lawn mower, which was beyond our expectations,” Chief Superintendent Oiufa said.“These tools will greatly assist us in maintaining the cleanliness of the prison and its surrounding environment, while also engaging inmates in productive activities.”The donation was facilitated through Kina Bank Compliance Risk Officer Leonie Gesa, a recipient of the Strongim Komuniti Grant who identified the need through her direct connection to the Bomana community.“Living in the community allowed me to see the real need at Bomana Correctional Service,” Ms. Gesa said.“Through the SKG program, I wanted to give back in a small but practical way that supports both the facility and the inmates who use and maintain the grounds every day.”The donated equipment will be used to improve general maintenance across the correctional facility, contributing to a cleaner, safer and more structured environment for staff, inmates and the surrounding community.The Strongim Komuniti Grant program, introduced in 2023, empowers Kina Bank employees to lead grassroots community projects and deliver practical support to the communities in which they live and work.

The next generation of Pangu Pati loyalists was one of the topics discussed at the recent Pangu Pati Convention in Port Moresby city where the focus was to build the political party’s next generation of leaders.In that Convention, Prime Minister and Pangu Pati Parliamentary Leader James Marape has called on Pangu Pati members to focus on building the party’s next generation of leaders, strengthening grassroots membership and advancing a long-term vision for Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development. Addressing delegates at the conclusion of the Pangu Pati National Convention in Port Moresby on Friday, 12 June 2026, Prime Minister Marape said the party’s responsibility extended beyond the 2027 National General Election and must focus on building a stronger political movement capable of serving Papua New Guinea for decades to come. “This convention is not just about endorsing candidates,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It is about party structure, party laws, party policies and party membership. “Pangu today must not just be about the 2027 election. It must be about Pangu Next Generation.” Prime Minister Marape said Pangu Pati, which led Papua New Guinea to Independence in 1975, now carried the responsibility of helping deliver economic independence and prosperity for future generations. “Pangu delivered political independence in 1975. In 2019, we said Pangu must deliver economic independence in our generation. The next 20 years must be about transforming this country into what it is supposed to be.”

Prime Minister James Marape, who is also the Leader of Papua New Guinea's Founding Political Party- Pangu Pati, is ready to vacate the party leadership and let the party members to decide on the best candidate to take lead.He made this announcement last week Friday, during Pangu’s two days Convention held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, as he left the meeting to take up his Sabbath rest. Marape said, the Party’s President and General Secretary together with him as the leader are leaving the party convention to decide on the leadership, as part of the due process and requirement of the party’s constitution. “With a lot of negativities in the public space and if you feel there’s a better person to take over from me, then, I let it be. I will be a team player as a Pangu, all the way through for the rest of my life,’ said Prime Minister. He added that, as part of the party’s reform, he has inserted a clause in the party’s constitution that a leader has no automatic right for continuity should his or her term is up as party leader. And it is always up to the party convention to decide. This is a mature system that I’ve helped set up for the party now, and I hope going forward the party has a policy that is independently and organically funneled through,” he said. Marape also added that the two-day convention was also about confirming the party’s policies to take to the 2027 National General Election, as well as their policies for the next phase. These are all based on Pangu’s Ministers and Members report on their achievements, to go through to the Presidents Report. Based on these reports the President then takes the Report to the Council Meeting where the set policies will be announced to take to the next election (2027 NGE) and beyond. “There’s a lot of things happening in Pangu Pati and I am happy with the outcome of the meetings. Although I left as they were going through the meeting’s resolution, I should indicate to all on the final outcome of the meeting on Monday afternoon,” said Marape. Prime Minister also spoke about the announcements of a few exciting new policies that really indicate a clear growth happening, whilst admitting that there are still many outstanding works that remain.

Students of Paglum Secondary School are facing an uncertain end to the school term after classes were suspended indefinitely following last week’s violence and suspected arson incident at the school in Western Highlands Province.The Department of Education (DoE) says the school was forced to close early as authorities work to restore safety and investigate the circumstances surrounding the unrest that left two students critically injured and hospitalized.Acting Education Minister Kinoka Feo said the incident had disrupted the education of hundreds of students, describing it as a regrettable setback for a school that has performed strongly in national examinations in recent years.Authorities have confirmed that police investigations are continuing, with one suspect already in custody.The Department has also indicated that disciplinary inquiries will be carried out before decisions are made on the resumption of classes.The Minister reiterated that regionalism and factional violence have no place in educational institutions and urged students to focus on their studies rather than engage in conflict.Meanwhile, local leaders including Mul-Baiyer MP Jacob Maki, have pledged support for repairs to damaged school infrastructure, while education officials work with school authorities on the next steps for students affected by the closure.The Department of Education says further directives on the reopening of the school will be announced following consultations with inspectors, school administrators and provincial education authorities.

A new partnership between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands is set to strengthen prosecution services in both countries through practical cooperation under a specialized twinning program.To progress initial activities under this partnership, a delegation of three officials from the Office of the Public Prosecutor of Papua New Guinea visited Honiara to meet with key justice sector leaders. This visit served to shape the overall program, establish immediate priorities, and agree on the next steps for implementation. The initiative directly builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2025, which establishes a framework for ongoing training, knowledge sharing, and professional exchanges between the two legal teams. The newly formed program focuses on practical, hands-on capacity building for prosecutors, specifically targeting critical legal areas such as cybercrime, financial crimes, corruption, and family and sexual violence. Further, the collaboration will offer active professional placements for prosecutors in both countries to improve internal systems and elevate prosecution standards. Papua New Guinea’s Acting Public Prosecutor, Ms. Helen Roalakona emphasized that the initiative reflects a strong, shared commitment to results-driven cooperation. "This partnership is about building capability where it matters most, through hands-on learning, shared experience and trusted relationships. Together, we are strengthening our ability to deliver justice more effectively for our communities," said Ms. Roalakona. Legal leaders from both nations recognize that pooling resources and insights is the most effective way to address local legal complexities. Director of Public Prosecutions of Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Ega Kelesi, welcomed the partnership and its deeply practical focus on mutual development. "Despite being different countries, the Pacific Region, especially Melanesians, we have unique challenges, but very similar. It’s important to enable this partnership for both offices to share the challenge, share the action, share the experience, and look at ways in which we can both improve," said Mr. Kelesi. This regional legal initiative is backed by institutional support from Australia through dedicated regional law and justice programs. Specifically, the collaboration receives assistance from the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership alongside the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice. Ultimately, the successful Honiara visit highlights a growing momentum behind regional alliances that deliver tangible system improvements, while reinforcing a shared, long-term commitment to upholding the rule of law across the Pacific.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has booked their place at the OFC U-19 Men's Championship 2026 in Samoa after producing a commanding 5-1 victory over the Cook Islands to finish top of the qualifying tournament.Heading into the decisive clash, Papua New Guinea needed only a draw to secure qualification, while the hosts faced a must-win situation. However, the visitors left no doubt about their intentions, taking control early and delivering a clinical performance to seal their spot at the regional championship. Papua New Guinea laid the foundation for victory with two goals inside the opening 20 minutes. Ruel Api opened the scoring in the 15th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a long-range strike that beat the Cook Islands goalkeeper. The early breakthrough settled Papua New Guinea, who soon began to dominate possession and create further opportunities through standout performers David Tita, Benjamin Kila and the captain, Nalau Moses. Just four minutes later, Tita turned provider for the second goal. After collecting a long pass from Bomecge Basananuc, the forward surged toward the penalty area and delivered a low cross for Moses, who calmly finished to double the lead. Cook Islands attempted to fight their way back into the contest before halftime. Maui Denny's dangerous free-kick found Kima Webb, whose header drifted narrowly over the crossbar. Denny and Josh Barrymore-Udan continued to threaten from set-pieces and long-range efforts, but Papua New Guinea's defence remained resolute. The visitors extended their advantage immediately after the restart. Basananuc again played a key role, releasing David Tita with a perfectly weighted pass. The prolific forward made no mistake, firing home in the 46th minute to score his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign. Cook Islands continued to battle and eventually found a breakthrough in the 80th minute. Charlie Noovao-Martin rose highest to meet a curling delivery from Denny, powering a header into the net to give the home crowd something to cheer. Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished as Papua New Guinea finished strongly. John Millis burst into the penalty area in the 87th minute, creating the opportunity for substitute Benjamin Sumabru to add a fourth goal. Sumabru then helped set up the final strike deep into stoppage time, providing the pass for Jaru Eron, who finished confidently to complete the 5-1 rout. The emphatic victory sends Papua New Guinea through to the OFC U-19 Men's Championship 2026 in Samoa, where they will join New Caledonia, Samoa and Solomon Islands in Group B. Meanwhile, the Cook Islands' spirited qualifying campaign comes to an end despite a determined effort throughout the tournament. Scorers Papua New Guinea: Ruel Api (15'), Nalau Moses (19'), David Tita (46'), Benjamin Sumabru (87'), Jaru Eron (90+5') Cook Islands: Charlie Noovao-Martin (80') Half-time: Papua New Guinea 2-0 Cook Islands

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has officially launched and handed over four custom-built 32-foot passenger vessels to improve transport, safety and access to essential services for Bougainville’s remote atoll communities.The vessels were handed over by ABG Minister for Fisheries and Member for the Atolls, Amanda Masono, under a K2.5 million project funded through the Climate Change and Development Authority’s (CCDA) Building Resilience to Climate Change (BRCC) initiative.The project was developed in response to climate vulnerability assessments conducted in 2021, which identified maritime isolation as a major challenge facing the atoll communities.The vessels will serve the communities of Fead (Nuguria), Carterets (Tuloun), Mortlock (Takuu) and Tasman (Amotu), providing safer and more reliable transport between the islands and mainland Bougainville."For too long, our atoll communities have been on the absolute frontline of the global climate crisis, risking their lives on unpredictable seas," said Minister Masono during her keynote address."Today, we declare that our people are not forgotten, this K2.5 million investment translates climate policy into real-world, life-saving mobility."The vessels are equipped with twin 200-horsepower inboard engines, navigation systems and open-sea safety equipment, enabling them to operate safely in the challenging conditions of Bougainville waters.They will support emergency medical evacuations, student transportation and the movement of fisheries and agricultural products, improving access to services and economic opportunities for atoll residents.To ensure immediate operation of the vessels, Minister Masono also oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the CCDA and the ABG Administration.Under a three-month interim arrangement commencing on 14th June 2026, the ABG Department of Transport and Utilities will serve as the Interim Operating Authority until the finalization of the Bougainville Small Craft Act.Operations will be managed by a team of 16 trained personnel under a rotational system designed to maintain continuous service delivery and reduce crew fatigue.Revenue generated through passenger fares and commercial hires will be managed through dedicated Small Craft Revenue and Expenditure accounts administered by the Department of Finance to support the long-term sustainability of the vessels."Ownership brings a sacred duty of stewardship," Minister Masono emphasized.“These are community assets. We must enforce safety manifests, prioritize routine maintenance, and protect these boats so they can protect our children and grandchildren."Minister Masono also thanked the Climate Change and Development Authority for its partnership and support in delivering the project, describing the investment as a practical example of climate resilience that directly improves the lives of Bougainville’s most vulnerable communities.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has announced the passage this week of the Bougainville Mining (Amendment) Act 2026 by the Bougainville House of Representatives.The amendment Act establishes a special legislative framework for the orderly and accelerated redevelopment of previously operating large-scale mines in circumstances where such redevelopment is determined by the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) to be in the public interest of Bougainville. The Act also provides for the grant of a Large-Scale Mining Lease to an Eligible Holder in accordance with the provisions of the Act.Importantly, the Act does not remove or weaken the core principles, protections and safeguards contained in the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 and related laws. Landowner participation, environmental approvals, compensation arrangements, consultation processes and other statutory requirements and protections remain mandatory under the law.The legislation also strengthens landowner participation through equity ownership provisions and ensures that responsibility for historical liabilities remains with those responsible for those liabilities.President and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, Ishmael Toroama, said the reform is the culmination of extensive consultation and dialogue undertaken over the past four years, including the Panguna Mine Dialogue process, consultations with landowners and community leaders, and broader ABG economic development consultations."This legislation has not emerged overnight. It is the result of years of consultation, discussion and reflection involving landowners, communities, leaders and stakeholders across Bougainville.""It reflects the aspirations expressed by our people for greater participation in resource development, stronger Bougainville ownership and a more secure economic future that can commence to be realised today.""The passage of this legislation also demonstrates the maturity of our institutions and our ability as Bougainvilleans to develop laws that respond to our own circumstances, priorities and aspirations."A copy of the certified Bougainville Mining (Amendment) Act 2026 can be accessed from the following link: https://abg.gov.pg/.../Bougainville_Mining_%28Amendment.

Bougainville President His Excellency (H.E) Ishmael Toroama has reaffirmed Bougainville's commitment to its political aspirations, economic development and continued peacebuilding efforts, while calling for a greater understanding of Bougainville's history and the democratic will of its people.President Toroama delivered his statement to the Bougainville House of Representatives this week and reflected on recent discussions in the National Parliament regarding the 2019 Bougainville Referendum and the findings of the National Government's Bi-partisan Committee on Bougainville Matters.He said the discussions highlighted differing views on Bougainville's history, governance, and political future.“Our history speaks for itself. Our aspirations for self-determination existed well before the idea of an independent Papua New Guinea came into being. For more than a century our people have expressed our aspirations for independence,” Toroama said.President Toroama said Bougainville's aspirations for self-determination are deeply rooted in its history, cultural identity and the experiences of its people over many generations.He emphasized that Bougainville's political aspirations were not driven by convenience or political expediency, but by the sacrifices, resilience and determination of its people to shape their own future.The President also addressed concerns often raised regarding Bougainville's readiness, including economic self-reliance, security and governance.He acknowledged that while Bougainville continues to rely on inter-governmental and development partner support, the ABG is focused on building its own revenue base and creating long-term economic opportunities for its people."The reason for my silence is because I do not want this government to continue to waste time complaining. Instead, we must invest our time and energy into creating our own revenue. We have already embarked on this path, and we will soon reap the benefits of our efforts," President Toroama said.On peace and security, the President reaffirmed the government's commitment to engaging all Bougainvilleans through peaceful means and strengthening unity across the region. He noted that Bougainville remains one of the most peaceful regions in Papua New Guinea and that peacebuilding efforts remain a priority of the government.President Toroama also reiterated that the Bougainville Peace Agreement remains the foundation of the political process and emphasized that autonomy was established as a transitional arrangement to support Bougainville's post-conflict recovery while preparing for a future political settlement.“The most important point that Bougainville and Papua New Guinea must remember is that autonomy was never intended to be our final destination.”“Autonomy was intended to be a transitional arrangement to allow Bougainville to rebuild after the war while preparing for a future political settlement,” he said.“Many of the so-called failures of autonomy stem from the fact that Bougainville has been rebuilding a post-conflict society under an arrangement that was intended to be transitional and not in any way permanent.”He called on leaders and stakeholders to fully understand Bougainville's history, the contributions of its people to nation-building, and the sacrifices made throughout the conflict and peace process."If there is to be a genuine understanding and lasting peace, it must begin with honestly acknowledging our history and respecting the democratic will of our people," he said.In concluding his address, President Toroama urged Bougainvilleans to remain united, resilient and optimistic about the future, noting the accelerated pace of development experienced across Bougainville over the past 12 months."There are many good things happening in Bougainville so we must look forward to them. The last 12 months alone have seen development hit an accelerated pace. This time we are in the driver's seat of development so let us all stand together and stand fast," President Toroama said.

PNG Gardener has donated K90,000 to Pacific Adventist University (PAU) through the PNG Gardener Education Fund, providing much-needed financial assistance to high-performing students struggling to settle their tuition fees.The education fund was established a decade ago through a partnership between PNG Gardener and PAU to support deserving students facing financial challenges. The initiative helps students continue their studies and complete their qualifications without the burden of outstanding school fees.As part of its ongoing commitment to education, PNG Gardener has pledged to contribute K50,000 annually to the scholarship fund. The funding will be managed by PAU's administration and staff, who will oversee the selection and support of eligible students.The program targets hardworking Papua New Guinean students who have demonstrated academic commitment but require financial assistance to complete their certificates, diplomas, and degree programs.A PNG Gardener representative said the company is proud to continue working with PAU to ensure students are not prevented from graduating because of financial hardship."We are very proud to partner with PAU to ensure students who are unable to pay their school fees are given the opportunity to complete their studies and graduate," the representative said.The representative also thanked PAU's Vice-Chancellor, management, and staff for their continued support of the scholarship program."I want to thank the Vice-Chancellor and all the management and staff of PAU for partnering with PNG Gardener on this scholarship fund, which is helping deserving Papua New Guinean students achieve the highest levels of education," the representative added.The annual contribution reinforces PNG Gardener's commitment to investing in education and supporting the next generation of Papua New Guinea's workforce and leaders.