Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to finalizing the Community Development Agreement (CDA) for the Porgera Mine and addressing landowner concerns. Responding to questions from Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas in Parliament recently, Prime Minister Marape commended the Governor’s leadership in navigating challenges such as lawlessness and tribal conflicts while maintaining a strong focus on development. The Prime Minister confirmed his visit to Enga Province on 31 March for the official opening of the Enga Provincial Hospital, now designated as a regional hospital with specialist facilities. He stated that discussions on the progress of the CDA process would also take place during this visit. "The new Porgera Mine agreement is structured to deliver greater benefits to Papua New Guinea’s stakeholders, including 51% equity for PNG beneficiaries, an increased 3% royalty rate, and a prioritized employment structure favoring Enga residents first, followed by other Papua New Guineans, and international hires last," Prime Minister Marape said. He also emphasized that all businesses operating at Porgera Mine must establish offices in Enga Province, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the local economy. Additionally, the CDA process will include submissions from West Sepik, Hela, and Western Provinces, given their inclusion in the environmental impact zone. "If the CDA process is concluded before 31 March, we will announce it during the hospital opening in Wabag." "Otherwise, a formal announcement will be made in April at Porgera," he stated. Prime Minister Marape reassured the people of Porgera that resettlement remains a key priority, acknowledging that no effective resettlement has taken place since the mine began operations in 1990. The new Porgera Agreement includes a comprehensive resettlement plan to support affected communities. He thanked Governor Ipatas for his patience and leadership, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the people of Enga Province.

Australian charity PNG Angels has successfully completed its eighth neurosurgical mission at Port Moresby General Hospital, providing essential medical care and training from the 17 to 21 March 2025. During this mission, the volunteer medical team collaborated with local doctors to perform a range of complex neurosurgical procedures, including Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF), craniotomy, laminectomy decompression, foraminotomy, and dura repair following a traumatic knife injury. These procedures not only delivered urgent medical care to patients but also served as hands-on training opportunities for hospital staff. As part of its commitment to strengthening healthcare in PNG, PNG Angels donated K568,000 worth of specialized medical equipment to Port Moresby General Hospital. In addition, the team provided training sessions to ensure local medical staff can confidently use the new technology. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Neurosurgeon at Port Moresby General Hospital, welcomed the donation of a neuroendoscope, calling it a major advancement for neurosurgery in PNG: “The introduction of skull base endoscopes will enable us to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat skull base tumors, pituitary lesions, CSF leaks, and other complex cranial conditions." "This technology will lead to safer surgeries, faster recoveries, and better patient outcomes.” "This mission also marks five years of partnership between PNG Angels and Port Moresby General Hospital." Dr. Paki Molumi, CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, highlighted the impact of this collaboration: “Since their first mission in 2020, PNG Angels has played a critical role in transforming neurosurgical care in Papua New Guinea." "Their volunteer teams have performed over 60 life-saving surgeries and delivered more than 774 hours of clinical training to our staff." "Their latest donation, including the neuroendoscope, will further enhance our ability to perform minimally invasive procedures, improving patient safety and recovery times." "On behalf of the hospital, I thank PNG Angels for their dedication to improving healthcare in PNG.” Dr. Marc Coughlan, Neurosurgeon and Founder of PNG Angels, emphasized the charity’s long-term goal: "While we have completed over 75 neurosurgical procedures in PNG, our main focus is education and training." "Our vision is to build a self-sufficient neurosurgery program in Papua New Guinea, ensuring long-term access to high-quality care.” The mission was led by an experienced team of medical professionals, including Dr. Luke Timmermans, Dr. Saeed Kohan, Dr. Saira Hussain, Asha Ajayakumar, Samantha Brown, Lisa Copp, Hannah Almady, Summer Leonard, and Melissa Millar, alongside PNG Angels’ directors Susannah Hales and Yvette Mobbs. Many of the volunteers have participated in multiple missions, strengthening long-term relationships with the local medical community. Dr. Saira Hussain, Specialist Anaesthetist, reflected on the experience: "Working alongside local teams was an incredible learning opportunity." "That human connection is invaluable, and I feel I learned as much from them as they did from me.” PNG Angels remains committed to improving patient outcomes, training local medical teams, and building long-term neurosurgical capacity in Papua New Guinea.

The Wardstrip Primary School in Port Moresby city was forced to suspend classes today following an altercation between a teacher and a student, which escalated into a confrontation involving the student’s parent and outsiders. According to Head Teacher Mr. Rotona Girana, the incident began yesterday when a Grade 8 student was reprimanded for tampering with the classroom switchboard. The teacher reportedly told the student that if he could not follow instructions, he might be transferred to another class. Following the exchange, the student left the classroom during lunch break and informed his parent about the situation. The parent, angered by the report, arrived at the school and confronted the teacher, hurling verbal abuse while the teacher attempted to explain the circumstances. Mr. Girana confirmed that the situation escalated further this morning when the student's parents returned to the school to apologize. However, their presence agitated some students, prompting school authorities to suspend classes temporarily. “The parents came back to apologize this morning, but when the students saw them, they got upset, started complaining. I have called for a meeting with the parents at at 9am tomorrow to sort this issue out and not attack students who are going home or coming to school,” Mr. Girana stated. School authorities have since intervened to de-escalate tensions, and normal classes are expected to resume soon. Meanwhile, several students sustained injuries following a confrontation with outsiders after the student's parents visited the school this morning. Mr. Girana condemned the incident and said this is not the first time, calling it unacceptable, and confirmed that the school has filed a formal complaint at the Boroko Police Station to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted into the incident. Additionally, he revealed that reports surfaced later in the afternoon of students being attacked again by outsiders near the Gordons Police Barracks area, prompting a teacher to step in and address the situation. Meanwhile, classes will continue tomorrow for all the students.

Young members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church took action on Global Youth Day 2025 on the 15th of March, stepping up to serve their communities with impactful acts of kindness. Under this year’s theme, “A Community Transformed,” SDA youth from Rainbow, Kanudi, and Waigani united for a life-saving initiative at Port Moresby General Hospital. Demonstrating their commitment to service, the youths donated a total of 59 bags of blood, a contribution that will provide critical support for patients in need. Sr. Julieth Ohuesaho, Nurse in Charge at the hospital’s blood bank, expressed her gratitude for their efforts. “We are grateful to the SDA group for their generous contributions. I encourage other church groups, schools, and the general public to come forward and join this life-saving initiative,” she said. Global Youth Day, an annual initiative led by the SDA Youth Ministries Department, encourages young people worldwide to engage in meaningful community service. This year’s event reinforced the power of youth-driven change, proving that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on society.

Turra Limited is set for expansion with the appointment of Mr. Isikeli Taureka as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. David Wereh as Deputy CEO. The announcement was made recently by Chairman Sir Robert Igara, who expressed confidence in the new leadership team. Turra, a joint venture between Laba Holdings and Hides Gas Development Corporation (HGDC), was established in 2020 and has since undertaken various civil construction and maintenance projects for the ExxonMobil LNG plant near Port Moresby city. Chairman Igara highlighted the extensive technical, management, and leadership experience both Mr. Taureka and Mr. Wereh bring to their roles, emphasizing their potential to drive Turra’s growth. He also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO John Calame, who played a key role in shaping Turra from a startup into a company now positioned for significant expansion. “Keli (Isakeli) brings a wealth of experience in the oil, gas, and geothermal sectors, having held senior executive positions both nationally and internationally,” Sir Robert stated. “David, on the other hand, has played a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects, particularly roads, during his 15 years with the Department of Works and Highways, where he most recently served as Secretary.” Meanwhile Mr. Taureka, who also serves as CEO of Laba Holdings, has been instrumental in Laba’s transformation since 2021, spearheading its new lineup of joint ventures, including Turra, Hebamo, Laba International, and Papuan Sea Pilots.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby city, where much was discussed and done, including re-election of the incumbent Chairmen, Mr. Adrian Chow. The Chairmen of the twelve franchises; Gas Resource Central Dabaris, East New Britain Agmark Gurias, KMHL Enga Mioks, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Lae Snax Tigers, NCDC Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers, PRK Mendi Muruks, PRK Gulf Isou, Asila Waghi Tumbe and Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles, were all in agreement in showing confidence in Mr. Chow, who will now serve his 3rd term as Chairman of the PNG NRLC Board. The re- elected Chairman of the PNG NRLC thanked the AGM on his re-election. “I thank my fellow Franchise Chairmen for the confidence they have in me, being able to lead for the last six years. The PNG NRLC has grown leaps and bounds, raised the standard of our competition and now introduced new pathways in the women’s and youth space. I look forward to working with PNGRFL in developing these pathways and raising the professionalism of our clubs,” said Mr. Chow. PNGRFL Chairman, Sandis Tsaka, acknowledged the importance of the PNG NRLC and the strategic and stable leadership of Adrian Chow. “On behalf of the board of the PNGRFL and our rugby league family across the game, I would like to congratulate the PNG NRLC and Chairman Adrian Chow on their recently hosted AGM and his re-election.” “We appreciate the close working relationship with Chairman Adrian and the PNGNRLC team over the last 8 years and recognize the overwhelming confidence placed in Adrian by his counterparts, which is an indicator of the growth and development witnessed under his leadership.” He said Mr. Adrian brings experience and expertise to this very important leadership role in the game which is crucial to strengthen the relationship between the twelve 12 pathway clubs and all other areas of the game within the rugby league community. “We look forward to working with him and his management to continue the work towards improving the national competition and pathways as part of our overall plans to support the NRL Franchise in 2028 and beyond.” Meanwhile, the PNG NRLC will host three competitions in 2025 alongside the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup (12th April), with the second year of the Santos Cup (2nd August) and the introduction of the National Youth Competition for Under 19 (male) (17th May).

The Papua New Guinea Education Ministry has officially begun welcoming delegates from 19 pacific countries for the highly anticipated 2025 Conference Pacific Education Minister (CPEM) meeting to be held in the nation’s capital. Minister for Education Lucas Dawa Dekene said, Papua New Guinea is honoured to bring together ministers, senior officials, civil society, teaching and learning communities, faith-based organisations and private sector amongst other stakeholders from across the world to engage in critical discussions on shaping the future of education in the Pacific. Scheduled from March 18-20 March 2025, this will be the second Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) with the theme; “Transforming Edukesen for a Better Pacific” and reflects the importance of Pacific nations needing to shift their focus and adopt innovative approaches, particularly in embracing global educational changes. “The inaugural CPEM in 2023 was hosted in Auckland, New Zealand. "The reframing of this Ministerial forum from the Forum Education Ministers Meeting (FEdMM) to the CPEM reflects the transition of the hosting of the meeting from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) to the University of the South Pacific (USP) where the Pacific Regional Education Framework Facilitation Unit (PacREF PFU) is hosted.” “CPEM also reflects a more active and formal engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs) who are important stakeholders in education development in the Pacific. "Education Ministers and senior officials from 19 Pacific Island countries and territories as well as Australia and New Zealand will participate in the three-day meet”, said Minister Dekena. As the cohost of the 2025 СРЕM, the University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia acknowledged the warm welcome from the PNG team and also recognized the late and former Education Minister for Auckland who pushed for PNG to host the CPEM this year and to make education a national agenda. “The importance of this conference is not only to bring together the 19 minister and delegates together but, its the commitment by the ministers to say that there is something about sharing best experiences best practiced.” “This meeting is to create those regional goods and many experts who will be coming to speak, and they will be halping us think through, rather the difficult challenges that we face, like the size of our island nations and cultural challenges.” He added that despite all these challenges we face as pacific island nations, all Ministers must ensure that no child is left behind in the education system.

Prime Minister James Marape has reiterated his government’s strong commitment to addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) as top national priorities. Acknowledging the ongoing challenges of violence against women and the structural barriers to gender equality, Prime Minister James Marape will lead a high-level parliamentary event on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ahead of National Women’s Day on March 24. This significant gathering, set to be held at the National Parliament and the State Function Room, will bring together Members of Parliament (MPs), key government agencies, civil society leaders, and international development partners. The event will focus on legislative reforms, institutional commitments, and actionable strategies to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Papua New Guinea. This landmark event, scheduled to take place at the National Parliament and the State Function Room, will convene Members of Parliament (MPs), key government agencies, civil society leaders, and international development partners to discuss legislative reforms, institutional commitments, and practical measures to combat GBV in Papua New Guinea. To emphasise the national urgency of this issue, the event will begin with a suspension of parliamentary question time, ensuring that GBV and gender equality take centre stage in Parliament. National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, as Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on GBV & GEWE, will present key findings and recommendations, highlighting the legislative gaps, policy shortcomings, and urgent structural reforms needed to address GBV effectively. Following this presentation, Parliament will adjourn, and discussions will continue in the State Function Room, where government officials, civil society representatives, and international partners will deliberate on practical, policy-driven solutions. A stakeholders’ lunch meeting will feature prominent speakers and expert presentations on the status of women and GBV in Papua New Guinea. Key speakers include: • A young woman on behalf of all the women of PNG • Hon. Jason Peter, MP – Minister for Community Development & Religion • Mr. Richard Howard – United Nations Resident Coordinator • Ms. Dianne Kambanei – Director of the GBV Secretariat (Department of Community Development & Religion) • Mr. Clements Kanau – General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) The Prime Minister will deliver an address, reaffirming his government’s commitment to legislative reforms, enhanced protection for women, and the enforcement of strict workplace policies against GBV. Prime Minister Marape has emphasised that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and that policy changes are necessary to protect women’s rights and ensure gender equality. “This is not just a women’s issue — it is a national crisis. We must stand together as leaders, policymakers, and citizens to ensure that every woman and girl in Papua New Guinea lives free from fear, violence, and discrimination. My government is fully committed to driving real change, not just words, but action,” Prime Minister Marape stated. The event is expected to generate strong media coverage, ensuring that the conversation on GBV and gender equality remains at the forefront of national discourse. With MPs, civil society, and international partners working together, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for meaningful, long-term change in PNG.

Prime Minister James Marape announced that as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Independence anniversary, the country will undergo a structural reset for the next 50 years. A key aspect of this reset is adopting the nation’s Christian identity, as outlined in the National Constitution’s preamble, following last week’s constitutional amendment. The Prime Minister said just as the country’s founding leaders had their vision to structure the country with Independence in mind, PNG has now arrived at its 50 years and the time for this generation of leaders to continue this vision by enhancing the country’s structures and mechanisms. “In the face of our 50th anniversary, this body of leaders continue to entrench our country’s Constitution, its structure of government, its laws, and our national identity. After 50 years, we have both the benefits of hindsight and foresight to carry this work forward. Where our founding fathers had only the advantage of foresight, we can look back and make adjustments where adjustments are necessary. “There are countries in the world, such as many Islamic States, that have made a deliberate choice to openly and formally acknowledge their religious identity." “So, we, too, have made a deliberate choice to be identified with the universal God by putting Him in the rightful place in our country as the Creator,” said Prime Minister Marape. PM Marape once more reaffirmed the existence of Constitutional freedom for people of other religions in the country. “Let me be clear that in no way do these additions to the Constitution restrict the right of individuals of other faiths from practicing their faith. Section 45 preserves the right to freedom of choice of religion and practice, and this remains unchanged.” PM Marape went on to refute over-generalized arguments criticizing that the Christian identity is contradictory to the problematic scenario that PNG has found itself in because of its socio-economic issues. “Many people are getting this point wrong whether from lack of knowledge or for the sake of creating an argument to push their political point-scoring. But this declaration will not automatically and miraculously heal and make the country better." “To fix PNG, everyone must work. Work is a key principle of the teachings of Christianity. Genesis 2:15 talks about God tasking Adam to work. So, the Christian ethos demands that we work. We must use our hands to work the land God has given us." “Another teaching of the Bible is the 10 Commandments, which points out moral values; values to respect God and respect each other. Using this, men must respect and value women." “Only when we truly observe and live our lives according to the teachings of the Bible, then will we see the country prosper,” said the Prime Minister. PM Marape stated that these changes are timely as they are part of the body of work going into embedding PNG as we mark the 50th Independence anniversary going forward. “At this time, we must pass laws that entrench our national identity, amplify the work we are continuing to do, revitalize the structure of government whether in the Public Service or the provincial governments, the police, judiciary and all other areas of government to take this country to the next level in the next 50 years." “I commend the wisdom of the 81 Members of Parliament who have supported our Christian Nation label within our Constitution. This will help to set us at a right space and frame of mind to work better and harder at this pivotal moment in our history going forward,” said PM Marape.

The recent launching of the Boera Tailoring Hub in the Central province also saw the successful completion of a month advanced tailoring and design training course with the graduation of 40 participants. Through ExxonMobil’s support in the 1-month training, 20 singer sewing machines and 4 overlockers were acquired for the training and will serve as the foundation for the Boera Tailoring Hub and Garment factory. The tailoring hub will produce school uniforms for village schools, ensuring that families no longer have to travel to the city to buy new sets. Under the mentorship of PNG fashion designer Elizabeth Omeri of Denani Designs and artist Graham, participants from Porebada, Boera, Papa, and Lealea villages learned fabric printing, body measurements, pattern drafting, and sewing. Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network (APNGWLN) Executive Director, Cathy Alex said that just as the country is about to celebrate the 50th Independence anniversary of PNG, the 37 women and 3 courageous men have clearly demonstrated what self-reliant, and determination is and also chartering their path. “We’ve been relying on school uniforms from what’s been given to us. The uniforms presented to us is a very necessary and essential steppingstone for this community.” Cathy also acknowledged the support from ExxonMobil PNG, Denani Designs, Diari Tailoring and the four impacted villages and their community leaders. She said, since the inception of the tailoring facility in 2017, LABA has been providing transport services for the women. APNGWLN Board Rep Hanua Hisiu said sewing and weaving are not new skills and with this industry still in the informal sector, needs some form of intervention. ExxonMobil PNG LNG Assets Manager, Brent Dekar said this training is the beginning of their journey in contributing meaningfully to your communities. “At ExxonMobil, we recognize the importance of contributing to the growth of PNG; therefore, we have invested in community development that will contribute heavily to economic growth and improve the lively hoods of each individual. Our community investments are focused on creating sustainable benefits in education, law & justice, health, agriculture, the environment and opportunities for women.” Mr. Dekar congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity that’s been given to them to make a difference for them and their communities. Meanwhile, talented fashion designer Elizabeth Omeri of Denani Designs said many of the women are born with the skill of sewing and with the training facilitated, it has helped them enhance the skill that is built and passed on from generations. “Nothing is new, we are just building up on a skill that’s been passed down from generation and taking it to the next level because we are working to building a sustainable community.” Elizabeth also congratulated the participation of the three males and the two youngest participants, 22-year-old Boio and Robinson of Papa village.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), in partnership with long-standing partner, Trukai Industries Limited, launched the much-anticipated Trukai Fun Run for 2025 at the Grand Papua Hotel last night in Port Moresby city. This annual event aims to raise funds for Team PNG's preparation and participation in major international competitions through the sale of Trukai Fun Run T-shirts. Proceeds from this year's Fun Run will go towards directly supporting Team PNG participation at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, scheduled from June 29 to July 9, 2025. A contingent of over 160 athletes and officials will proudly represent Papua New Guinea, competing in nine out of the twelve sports on the program: Athletics Softball, Basketball 3x3, Swimming, Table Tennis, Va'a, Beach Volleyball, Indoor Volleyball, and Weightlifting. Leading the team as Chef de Mission is Mr. Kinivanagi Karo. Reflecting on the enduring partnership, PNGOC President Emma Waiwai, expressed her gratitude. "Since 2000, Trukai Industries Limited has been a committed supporter of Team PNG through the Fun Run initiative. Their commitment has been instrumental in our athletes' successes on the international stage." "As we prepare for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, we are confident that this support will once again make a significant impact on our performance." She urged all Papua New Guineans to rally behind our national athletes by purchasing one or two T-shirts, priced at only K15 this year, and join them on June 8, 2025, for the Trukai Fun Run. "Let's wear our shirts with pride and show our support for Team PNG," said Mrs. Waiwai. The 2025 Trukai Fun Run will take place simultaneously across 12 locations, in addition to the main event in Port Moresby. The participating locations are Lae, Madang, Wewak, Vanimo, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Kokopo, Biala (which will feature two routes), Popondetta, Alotau, and Buka. This nationwide participation highlights the event's significance in uniting communities in support of PNG athletes.

Papua New Guinea's journey toward joining the National Rugby League in 2028 has moved forward with the launch of an enhanced youth competition. This new tournament will bring together the country's top young players to compete in a high-stakes, 7-week challenge. The new competition, a collaboration between the Papua New Guinea RFL and the PNG NRL Bid, will build on the success of last year's inaugural weekend of matches in Goroka, which was attended by Prime Minister James Marape. This upgraded version promises to be even more exciting and competitive. The idea behind last year’s competition was to bring the best school players from throughout the country together for a series of matches that would provide the intense competition that can be expected on a week-to-week basis in the NRL. This year’s exciting new seven-week competition builds on the work of Joe Grima and his coaching staff at NRL Bid Academy level and will see the best under 19 players in the country representing their pathway clubs in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.   This important initiative will allow the players to get a taste of what it will be like to prepare for the demands of an NRL season with factors such as travel, playing away from home, sleep, diet and welfare all becoming an important part of your daily experience. PNGRL CEO, Stanley Hondina, acknowledged how important this new competition would be for the game in this country: “Building on the success of last year’s competition in Goroka, we believed that it was vital for us to begin preparing our best youth players for the rigours of the NRL by creating an intense weekly competition where they would be required to reach the levels of professionalism that they will need in the future.” “The competition will provide tough matches each week where the best will play against the best and that will be a great learning curve for our young players and will also allow our coaches to support them in a high-pressure environment.” “We have an incredible depth of young talent in this country and this competition will provide a great way for our players to develop the right professional habits that will sustain them throughout their careers.” PNG NRL Bid CEO, Andrew Hill, also highlighted the importance of the new competition. “Part of creating a world-leading pathways system is to challenge the players at all levels and to ingrain good habits from an early age.” “We have made some important strides already with the great work being done by Joe Grima and his staff at Academy level and this new competition will allow those players to experience tough, weekly football against the best players at their age level.” “Producing consistent performances on the field is one thing, but just as important is how you look after yourself off the field and develop the professional habits around diet, recovery, and wellbeing that will allow you to continue to perform at your best.” “We believe that this new competition will be a great early taste of what is to come once we join the NRL in 2028 and will be incredibly important to the development of our best young players.” “The competition also highlights the strong partnership that exists between the Australian and Papua New Guinea Governments as we continue to prepare for entry into the National Rugby League in 2028.” NRL Bid Chairman and Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum, Wapu Sonk, offered full support for this new initiative: “Kumul Petroleum are proud to sponsor this exciting new competition, and we believe that it will be of tremendous benefit to the young players taking part.” “We have always been great supporters of the game at all levels, and to be able to support a brand-new 7-week competition that will provide a superb showcase for our best young talent is extremely gratifying.” “This is another important step for the game at junior level and will provide a great platform for years to come.”