Out of more than 5,000 illegal settlers at 9-Mile, Bush Wara in NCD, one squatter, Mr. Jack Wemin, has voluntarily begun vacating the land after receiving two eviction notices. Mr. Wemin began dismantling the first of his three structures this week. He said he does not want the property and materials to get destroyed, so he has taken a proactive approach to move out early, with less than 50 days remaining before the Eviction exercise commences. The Sheriff’s Office together with the Police, continues to remind and encourage illegal squatters to start dismantling their properties now and relocate to ensure their building materials remain intact for use elsewhere. The Sheriff’s Office had issued a 61-day eviction notice on May 10th, 2024, reminding all squatters that evictions will commence on July 11th, 2024. The Sheriff’s Office distributed 3, 000 copies of this notice to squatters on Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 at 9-Mile, commonly referred to as Bush Wara, including a full-page publication in both newspapers on the same day. The 120-day grace period for the squatters ends on Wednesday, 10th July 2024, and the eviction program commences on Thursday, 11th July 2024. During the eviction, all squatters and building structures on land portions at Bush Wara, 9-Mile will be removed by the respective authorities engaged. The acting Commander of the National Capital District and Central provinces, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Peter Guinness thanked Mr. Wemin, who has listened to the awareness carried out and decided to voluntarily vacate the land, further urging all squatters to dismantle their properties to preserve their materials and relocate before the eviction date. The eviction follows a court order favoring Nambawan Super Limited as the title owner of these three land portions, further directing police and other relevant authorities to conduct an eviction awareness, before enforcing the removal of all illegal structures starting July 11th, 2024. ACP Guinness has also called on elected leaders to help relocate these settlers. “They are our people, and they deserve to be treated like the others.” “Try to assist them in whatever ways you can, the police and the sheriff are only doing their job to enforce the court order.”

Former Madang MP, Nixon Duban, and a senior public official have until November 4, 2024, to make restitution payments to Yagaum Rural Hospital in Madang after their jail sentences were suspended. The court decision, handed down early this month by Justice David Cannings at the National Court held in Madang, sentenced 47-year-old Duban and the senior public official Helen Kanimba for misappropriating K600, 000 intended for Yagaum Rural Hospital. The funds, sourced from the National Gaming Control Board, were meant for hospital infrastructure and medical equipment. The Gaming Board funds were parked in the Madang District Treasury operating account, which was under the control of both the offenders. Instead, they were unlawfully diverted between March to April 2013 to various other uses, including K200, 000 to Tumbuna Tracks Studios and K140, 000 to Yabob Lutheran Church. The court also noted that those who benefited from K202, 616.90 applied to an educational tour to Jayapura; and beneficiaries of K55, 000.00 “financial assistance” (Ivan Kanimba, K20, 000.00; Don Bosco Tech, K5, 000.00; Tingim Wanskin K30, 000.00). The court found that Duban, leveraging his position as both a Member of Parliament and chairman of the District Development Authority, orchestrated the diversion. Duban also expressed his sincere apologies to the Court and to the board of Yagaum Rural Hospital. He said that the diversion of funds that took place was always intended to be temporary and that the intention was that the hospital would get the funds allocated to it by the Gaming Board. He acted for noble intentions in accordance with his duties as the Member for Madang District. He emphasized that he did not personally benefit from the diversion of the funds. The funds were applied to other challenging needs of the district. These are the sort of tough decisions that a Member of Parliament must make as there are many demands put upon members which makes it difficult at times to decide which projects should get priority. As for the 63-year-old Kanimba, the Madang District Treasurer, she facilitated these transactions under his direction. She claimed that the key State witness had lied in evidence and that there was evidence in the District Treasury office that went missing, which would have proven that she made a full acquittal of funds she received for the Jayapura study tour. She said she had an unblemished record of 40 years of public service and had been appointed Provincial Treasurer in 2019, which demonstrates the high standing she had in the community until she was charged over this matter, which has caused so much distress. But Justice Cannings noted a severe breach of public trust and the large sum involved. However, the court acknowledged mitigating factors, such as Duban’s and Kanimba’s lack of prior convictions, their cooperation with authorities, and their strong community ties. Duban's poor health and Kanimba’s distinguished 40-year public service career were also considered. Duban received a five-year suspended sentence, conditional on paying K180, 000 to the hospital within six months. Kanimba was given a three-year suspended sentence, and required to pay K20, 000 within the same timeframe. Both must maintain good behavior until 2029 and 2027, respectively. Justice Cannings emphasized the importance of restitution in misappropriation cases, allowing the offenders a chance to compensate the hospital directly. “The promotion of restitution is an important and valid reason for suspending a sentence in certain circumstances.” “It must, of course, never be seen as allowing a person to “buy” their way out of prison.” “This would defeat the interests of justice and undermine confidence in its administration.” “I have decided, especially in view of the poor health of Mr. Duban and the advanced age of Mrs. Kanimba and again giving her credit for her hitherto long and distinguished career in public financial administration, to fully suspend their sentences.” “This will be conditional on them paying Yagaum Rural Hospital significant sums within a reasonable period.” “Two years is too long.” “The period is six months.” “As to the amounts they have to pay, I will not order full restitution.” “I don’t think that is realistic.” “I need to fix on amounts that are reasonable and realistic and from the hospital’s perspective, still meaningful and significant.” “In the case of Mr. Duban he must pay the hospital K180, 000.00 within six months after the date of sentence.” “In the case of Mrs. Kanimba she must pay the hospital K20, 000.00 within six months after the date of sentence.”

Water PNG announced that it had lost about 7 million liters of raw water per day due to vandalism on its water assets in NCD, which had caused a water disruption for city residents in some parts of Port Moresby over the weekend. In a public notice, the Management of Water PNG Limited stated that an attempt to carry out an illegal connection, by unknown persons, damaged the raw water main at Rouna 1/3 that supply more than half the raw water to the Water Treatment Plan. This then impacted the production and supply of treated water to Port Moresby city. Water PNG said repairs to the main required a complete shut-down of the raw water supply from this particular pipe, resulting in some areas in the city facing intermittent or no water supply at all during the period of repair. Water PNG started the repair work at 10am Friday, May 17th, and continued to Saturday, May 18th, while at the same time urging water users to store sufficient water needed during the period of repair work. Meanwhile, Water PNG says vandalizing water supply infrastructure and or tampering with water assets for any reason, including to make illegal connections, are in breach of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Act 2016 and carry significant fines. Water PNG further warns that those caught engaging in these activities will be fined and referred to law enforcement authorities for prosecution under criminal laws.

The long-awaited Community Development Agreement (CDA) - proper for the Pogera Mining Project began this week on Monday, May 20, in Wabag, Enga Province. Negotiations are being held at the Enga Teachers' College and are anticipated to go on for up to three weeks, according to Mining Minister Muguwa Dilu, when he officially launched the CDA process on Friday, May 17, in Pogera. The CDA process aims to negotiate benefits for landowners and stakeholders under the Mining Act of 1992. Minister Dilu said the CDA process was a government process catered for under the Mining Act 1992 and various other laws, hence be guided by these laws, and urged stakeholders to negotiate within these legal frameworks. Minister Dilu reassured landowners on Friday that the Marape-Rosso Government is committed to the CDA process and would ensure that relevant government agencies provide the necessary resources to stage this meeting. Speaking in Tok Pisin, the Minister reiterated that the government wants close discussions with the people and stakeholders to mutually reach decisions that are beneficial to all parties involved, as they are all scarificing their resources so that the project can operate. He said for instance if the power line landowners of Hela did not avail their land for power lines to run through, there would not be power supply to the mine, hence the mine would not operate. He gave credit to all landowners of the project, for their patience and commitment, over the last four years when the government and Barrick were in negotiations. New Porgera Limited, who was there along with other landowner representatives expressed optimism about fair benefit distribution and long-term project success. James McTiernan General Manager of New Porgera Limited (NPL), said the NPL was pleased to witness the launch of the CDA negotiations, adding that the CDA was a good opportunity for landowners of porgera, to negotiate their benefits and that of their future generations. Mr. McTiernan said that the NPL hoped that the launching would be a step towards the general success of the mine’s operations for the next 20 years and beyond. Mr. McTiernan said NPL wished to see benefits distributed fairly and to ensure a long-term social license across the company’s project footprint. Treasurer of the Porgera Landowners Association Nickson Mangape, said his people had been waiting for the CDA process for the last 4 years. They were looking forward to benefiting from the project, especially in terms of business spin-offs and contracts. Mineral Resources Authority's Managing Director, Jerry Garry, urged the people to stop fighting amongst each other and live peacefully so that the project could operate without impediments. Friday's launching comes after months of a series of successful pre-CDA consultative meetings with all landowners and stakeholders of the project. The occasion was witnessed by MRA MD, Secretaries for the Departments of Treasury Andrew Oaeke, and Provincial & Local Level Government (DPLLG), Philip Leo, Acting Executive Manager of the MRA's Development Coordination Division Jerry Naime, parties to the CDA and other tenements landowners. The parties are the Enga Provincial Government, Special Mining Lease (SML) Landowners, New Porgera Limited (NPL), and Porgera Rural Local Level Government. Other tenement landowners are Lease for Mining Purposes (LMP), Mining Easements (ME), and Mining Lease (ML) landowners.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika has called for urgent reforms to address the corruption within the police force in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province. Speaking at the NCD/Central Command police parade in Port Moresby on Friday, May 15, Met. Supt Sika emphasized the significant impact corruption has on effective policing, urging officers to cease misconduct that wastes taxpayer money and tarnishes the police force's reputation. “We all know that these parades, quarterly parades, for the last four months are very, very important and critical and they are spread out clearly under CSOs and administrative manuals that every PPC, PSCs, MSUFs, right down to PSCs must deliver what is on the constabulary standing orders to ensure that we are encouraged to address issues.” “And that is why it is important, firstly, for me as a commander, a Metro commander, to ask the Commander to reflect on the three or four months that we performed, and we delivered our police service to the entire city.” “What we've achieved, the challenges, what we've encountered, our best that we can post here in this manner, and we can capture our issues, challenges, and we can journey together to the unknown journey, the future.” “That is why it is important whether, importantly, we maintain our votes to uphold the position or we become part of the criminals. We become part of the problem in the four months.” “Ladies and gentlemen, we NCD Police without unprecedentedly former divisional commander Mr. Junior Wagambie and I, we created a phenomenon here which should not have happened,” he said referring to the January 10th Black Wednesday events. “And today, ladies and gentlemen, to be honest with you and everybody, the perception of the public and even the government and the general public, they have lost trust and confidence in every one of us, especially in the Metropolitan Command. “In this situation and I must give this straight to every one of us - this must not be repeated!” “Whether you are from Central Police, Command, whether any from a support unit in the city, I appreciate your professionalism, I appreciate you being enlisted in the RPNGC, passing through the two white pillars of the gate, coming with the oath and promise, but it went dead down the drain (on January 10th), which I will never forget.” “We need to change, and this must not be the repeat service to our citizens in this beautiful city and the beautiful nation as well.” “We have so many issues, and we have created our own issues.” “Even though we did not change from what was witnessed on January 10th, we did not change from there.” “Certain policemen in the city, for instance, motor traffic offenses, they are only interested in one common offense, and that is unloading; unloading of motor vehicle, even if it's a family or a PMV.” “This is the trend, and everybody knows that the perception and the mindset, the intention is extortion of money, extortion of our people and citizens, robbing our citizens, broad daylights, knowingly, using this very uniform.” “It's a blessing in disguise, and has been a great failure and misery recently, and this is evident, and unbecoming of a man who is trying to enforce the rule of law.” “We can't afford to see this for the next four to five months all the way to December.” Sika acknowledged the dedicated and honest officers within the force but stressed that systemic change is necessary to restore public trust and enhance law enforcement. “While I commend there are very dedicated, committed, honest men and women standing here.” “I will always commend the best efforts that others are doing, but the weight of the scale is imbalanced.” "We need to balance everything properly," Sika said, highlighting that the scales currently tip more heavily towards corruption. “That's the way forward for us, Metropolitan Command, as we've destroyed ourselves and people think like they can run through us - we are open game; you are open game!” “You are untrusted, and even I will appear untrustworthy!” “This is the message I believe if the ACP NCD/Central Divisional Commander Anthony Wagambie was here, he would be delivering the same message to every one of us.” “Get ready for the Divisional Commander's Parade at the end of June; it's coming, and I want every individual member to be present, both Central and NCD to be here on that occasion as well.” “We have a lot of issues, even on the print news, even the TV.” “The media is not interested in the beautiful, the nice story about you, behind the job that you do, I'm sorry to say this, but it's a reality that paints a bad image of RPNGC and Papua New Guinea.” Pointing to his mobile phone, he further said, “With this technology, within a split second, they can see it in America or USA or China, wherever, affecting development and growth for the country and for investors to come in.” “You and I are the chief of law and order and security and national security of this country and in this particular city here. If you are semi-educated and you continue to do all these things, you better stop here.” He also pointed out the importance of maintaining professionalism, which is crucial for national security and attracting investment to Papua New Guinea. During the parade, Sika also expressed gratitude to the National Capital District (NCD) City Manager, Frank Ravu for his support in making the event possible and acknowledged the efforts of the events committee. To the police personnel, Sika reiterated the need for continuous professional conduct and adherence to the constabulary's standing orders, emphasizing that officers must reflect on their performance and address the issues and challenges faced in their duty. Sika warned that continued misconduct would not be tolerated, urging officers to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. “If you are semi-educated and you continue to do all these things, you better stop because your days are numbered.” "We must change for the better," he stated, calling for improved investigative techniques and procedures to ensure successful prosecutions. He also announced plans for reshuffling personnel to prevent stagnation and promote a more dynamic and effective policing environment. He said his call for a change comes at a time when many people distrust the police because of obvious corruption and bad behavior. He said the events of January 10th also painted the police in a bad light. Sika's remarks aim to galvanize the force towards a future where professionalism and integrity are paramount, thereby restoring the public's faith in their protectors. Superintendent Sika's address was a clarion call for change within the NCD police force, emphasizing that the path forward requires a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and a collective effort to uphold the law and serve the community with integrity. “You better wake up because when you are sleeping that means to me that you are a hypocrite and you are slack, and this must stop!” “We are wasting taxpayers’ money!” He concluded his parade speech by pointing out that these reforms and actions proposed are critical steps for the NCD/Central police personnel and the police force in ensuring a safer and more trustworthy environment for the citizens of Papua New Guinea.

Although Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May, numerous groups, churches, families, or organizations hold celebrations earlier or just after the date, it does not really matter, as everyone agrees that its that one special time that mothers or mother figures are in the spotlight, deservedly so, so that we can shower them with love, affection and most importantly, honour and recognize their contribution in our lives. That is what the PNG Foreign Affairs Department did this year, hold celebrations early to honour and recognize their women employees, for being, as Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko described them, as a “pillar in the department”. Minister Tkatchenko, accompanied by his Secretary Mr Elias Wohengu, celebrated them with two huge cakes, with the Minister also thanking them for their hard work as women in this country, mothers, and wives. "To all you ladies, thank you for all your hard work, you are a pillar in our Department of Foreign Affairs." "You do a lot of hard work and are recognized at the highest level." "Ladies think big: you are equal part of this department you are no different to the men in this department." "You work as hard as the male colleagues, some of you work harder than our male counterparts." Minister Tkatchenko said women in the department are treated equally without fear and favour." "You have a part to play, not just as employees of this department but also as mothers and devoted wives.” "We are here to support, protect, and work together with you." "Any issues you have, the secretary and the deputy secretary will ensure the best we possibly can, to work together equally and fairly as we wish you all a happy Mother's Day for Sunday (May 12th).” “This is a little token of appreciation from Secretary Wohengu and I to say thank you for all your hard work," "We look forward to your continual work in promoting women and gender equally in this department, which is very important." "It's about enhancing our department, making it bigger and better with quality leadership.” “Quality leadership is all about earning the position through the right qualification and process.” "We look forward to our working relationship now and into the future.”

The Acting Commander of NCD/Central, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Peter Guinness has reiterated his call to residents who have settled illegally on Bush Wara’s portions 2156, 2157, and 2159 at 9-Mile in the National Capital District to start removing all their structures and belongings from the land to allow Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) to take possession of the land as per a court ruling. ACP Guinness said as of today, Monday, May 13, these settlers have only 58 days to vacate willingly or face forcible eviction which begins on July 11 as ordered by the court in favor of NSL. He made the call following a second eviction notice served on Friday, May 10, by the Sheriff’s office with police assistance. The court decision had given these settlers a 120-day grace period to move out before July 11. ACP Guinness also clarified that the Sheriff's Officers and his police officers are ‘only enforcing the court order’ but conducting an eviction awareness and serving these eviction notices. “I don’t want to see people making negative comments about my police officers on site doing awareness.” “The eviction process is set to start on July 11, and residents were reminded on May 10 that they have less than 60 days left to move out.” “The settlers must understand that they are only enforcing the court order.” “If we are not doing that, we will be held accountable for contempt of court.” ACP Guinness commended the police and sheriff officers for their proactive approach in enforcing the court order and ensuring the settlers were aware of the impending eviction.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has formed an Asia Pacific Sub-Committee, a move described as forward-thinking in promoting diversity, inclusion, investments, and enhanced relations within the resources and energy sector between PNG and Asian economies. The initiative aims to encourage greater involvement of Asian companies in PNG and PNG businesses in Asia, fostering mutual growth opportunities. A statement released reveals that PNG CORE aims to capitalize on Asia's pivotal role in the global economy and its increasing interest in natural resources and energy. In addition, the statement highlights, that the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Sub-Committee marks a strategic enhancement to PNG’s current framework, focusing on the underrepresented segment of Asian enterprises within the PNG CORE membership. The statement reported that it aims to establish a dedicated platform for fostering engagement, collaboration, and advocacy, driving mutual growth, and facilitating technological and knowledge exchanges within the pivotal sector. It was also mentioned that the primary objective is to create a bridge for increased market participation, investment flows, and policy support conducive to the growth of both Asian and PNG companies. The Sub-Committee will advocate for beneficial policies, facilitate direct investments, and support technology and trade opportunities, enhancing global perspectives and diversity within the resources and energy sector. Furthermore, it was stated that the Asia-Pacific Sub-Committee will be led by a chairperson elected from among its members, representing diverse companies operating in Asia and PNG. Administrative support will be provided by a secretariat offered by PNGCORE. As a prominent advocate for Papua New Guinea's resources and energy sectors, PNG CORE strives for their advancement through collaboration and networking, aiming to boost their contributions to the national economy and sustainable development. “We call upon all partners and stakeholders to engage in this transformative journey as we adopt a global perspective and an international outlook to advance our industry.”

In a significant move to strengthen diplomatic relations, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and New Zealand (NZ) have pledged to hold more frequent consultations at the Ministerial level. The decision was reached following a bilateral meeting between PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, and his New Zealand counterpart, Winston Peters, who also serves as New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister. The meeting took place on Monday, May 13, in Port Moresby at the Hilton Hotel. Both Ministers agree this is an important step towards advancing cooperative arrangements between the two nations, and that regular Ministerial consultations would pave the way for more structured annual meetings, supplementing the existing annual Foreign Affairs Secretary Meeting, commonly known as High-Level Consultations. The expanded consultation framework is expected to boost collaboration across various sectors including business, trade, investment, public service cooperation, education, agriculture, energy (particularly in geothermal exploration), and labor mobility under the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Program. Minister Tkatchenko, speaking at a joint press conference following the bilateral discussions, expressed the Marape-Rosso Government's enthusiasm for closer collaboration with the new government of New Zealand. This commitment signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing partnership between the two nations, promising mutual benefits and enhanced cooperation in key areas of interest. "We must have more consultations at the Ministerial level on an annual basis, to regularly consolidate what we know, for our collaborations, and to ensure we have the intended outcomes for the benefit of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand,” Minister Tkatchenko said, pointing out that regular ministerial consultation ensures arrangements agreed upon are actually implemented. The bilateral discussions also focused on the need to review the PNG-New Zealand Statement of Partnership (SOP), which covers the broad spectrum of initiatives and program collaborations in areas of mutual interest. "The PNG-NZ SOP signed in 2021 was a significant milestone in relations, in providing the framework for both countries to cooperate in delivering identified priorities," Minister Tkatchenko said. Deputy Prime Minister Peters whilst in agreement with Minister Tkatchenko added that the objective of any long-term program is that "everybody is a winner" from the perspective of individual Pacific Island nations, including New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. "We've covered a lot of areas today (Monday), we've got to work on in the future, that's for a fact," Peters said. "We work towards contributing, and New Zealand's commitments are about supporting Papua New Guinea to achieve its development priorities.” "We have committed to working closely with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific partners to address the shared issues within the region, including basic climate change, security, and economic resilience.” “And what we learn separately or together, we can help each other with across the board."

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has entered into two more agreements with Indonesia, officially signing both in Jayapura, the Papuan capital of Indonesia. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, the two agreements, signed on Wednesday, May 8th between him and the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Masurdi, are a Framework Agreement on Development and Technical Cooperation, and an Agreement for Training and Capacity Building for mid-career diplomats from the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries. Both countries already have agreements and corporations in development partnerships and issues of mutual interest, especially the shared border. This includes Indonesia’s grant assistance of K60 million for the Port Moresby General Hospital Intensive Care Unit and Redevelopment of the Mortuary, and West Sepik Integrated Development Project that includes the Wutung Primary School classroom building project, which both Ministers visited on Thursday, May 9th, and the upgrade of Vanimo Fire Station and the Vanimo Waste Management system. Minister Tkatchenko also acknowledged the Defense Corporation Agreement, already ratified by both sides, and is currently progressing to ‘Enter into Force’. The DCA is critical to strengthen security amid the geopolitical dynamics in the region, according to Minister Masurdi, during the historic 4th Joint Ministerial Commission and 3rd Senior Officials Meeting from May 8-9 at Jayapura, which both ministers co-chaired. She reiterated that both countries are two neighbors, sharing a cross-border. To illustrate this, both Ministers then created history by walking across the Indonesian-PNG Border crossing on foot, crossing over from Indonesia to PNG from the Shouw Border Post, through the ‘no man’s land’ stretch, and onto PNG soil at the Wutung Border Post on foot. Minister Masurdi, who had returned to Indonesia a day earlier for the JMC, from the Organization of Islamic Corporation (OIC) Summit in Ghana, said it was an obvious reflection of Indonesia’s commitment to strengthened bilateral relations with PNG. “As an immediate neighbor, PNG is a natural partner for Indonesia.” “We share a vast land border of more than 800 kilometers.” “We share strong cultural ties.” “We also share a strong commitment to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.” “Most importantly, we share a commitment that our relations should bring benefit and bring prosperity for our two people, including people living at the border of our countries.”

Domestic flight disruptions and cancellations due to aviation jet fuel supply rations by Puma Energy running low for some airports including Port Moresby’s Jacksons, and in Lae and Mt. Hagen cities have also affected Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2024 franchises traveling to various centers for their matches. Over the weekend, the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) postponed the Round 5 clash at Peter Humphreys Oval between West New Britain Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters and Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers that was rescheduled from Saturday 11th May, to 2pm Sunday 12th May. PNGNRLC’s General Manager of Pathways and Performance said the flight cancellation has left them with no other choice but to take this step. “Unfortunately we were left with no alternative but to postpone the match.” “We would like to extend our apologies to our Cutters’ fans particularly those based in Kimbe.” “Our aim is to get the match played as soon as possible and we are working hard to get that done, understanding the travel challenges we are facing.” “Once again in addition to our great fans, we extend our thanks and support to all clubs, our Board, sponsors, and partners for their support and understanding,” Other matches for Sunday remained the same. The domestic flight disruptions, according to an Air Niugini statement issued Friday 10th May, are due to fuel rationing by Puma Energy. Air Niugini said its domestic flight schedule continues to have disruptions as the aviation jet fuel supply continues to be rationed by Puma Energy in Port Moresby. The statement further said this rationing have been extended to other airports such as the Lae Nadzab Airport in Morobe Province and the Mt. Hagen Kagamuga Airport in the Western Highlands Province. Ration supply to certain other airports has ceased altogether. Air Niugini said it has further reduced its current domestic schedule, causing flight disruptions, apologizing to its customers for the inconvenience. The airline company said whilst the rationing by Puma Energy is outside of the airline’s control, it would not compromise its operations. Due to these flight cancellations, Port Moresby Vipers could not travel to Kimbe for the game against WNB Provincial Government Cutters.

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) launched its signature PNG Media Awards on Friday 10th May in Port Moresby city. This time, this cornerstone event, which promotes and honors the highest standards of journalism and media excellence in the country, has diversified its award categories to cater to the ever-evolving ‘media’, highlighting inclusiveness in both traditional media or press platforms, and the dominant on-line media presence in the country. MCPNG President, Neville Choi said the awards will cover Journalism, Radio, Television, Print, Online, and Special awards. “The awards are a beacon of encouragement for journalists and media to continue investigative work, adhere to ethical standards, and be dedicated to truth and transparency, aiming to foster an environment where these values are increasingly recognized and upheld.” “This year, the launch of the awards is supported by the ABC International Development (ABCID) project Media Development Initiative (MDI), highlighting the global recognition of the importance of quality journalism.” The launch today emphasizes the loyalty and hard work of MCPNG, specifically, with the current leadership of President Choi, Vice President Gregory Moses, Secretary Belinda Kora, and Treasurer Genesis Ketan, who continue to steer the council toward fostering integrity and growth in media communications. Since its inception in 1994, MCPNG has been a cornerstone in promoting professional media ethics and defending the media and its interests. Categories and awards include a Journalism Category for the Journalist of the Year Award. Mr. Choi said for this award, the applicant can submit up to six pieces of work which has been aired, published, or posted in PNG since World Media/Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, 2024 to April 20th, 2025. Another award in this category is for Best Investigation, Outstanding Young Journalist, Sports Journalist of the Year, Report of the Year, and the Provincial Journalist of the Year The Provincial Journalist of the Year is an award in recognition of the word of an individual working in TV, radio, print and online at a Provincial or local level, such as news stringers based out from their head office. Mr. Choi said this award is for an individual who has produced consistent and varied work at a Provincial level, and again, their work must have been aired or published in PNG between May 3, 2024 and April 20, 2025. In the radio category, awards will go for Best Radio Show and Radio Presenter of the Year, which is good news for radio stations in the country. For the Television Category, Awards will be for the Best TV Programme or Show, and TV Presenter of the Year. Other categories and awards include: the Best News Story in the Print Category; and Best Website and Best Blog and Creative Media Award for the On-line Category. Mr. Choi said the Creative Media Award aims to highlight the creative use of digital or other media in a campaign to promote a product, brand, or service, and includes the best use of social media to promote a product, brand or service. Other awards introduced are: Special Awards, Media Personality of the Year, and Diversity In Media Award. The last award is for an individual, organization, and brand which has made a concerted and genuine effort to improve representation and produce diverse content at all levels. The award recognizes the attempts to improve diversity at leadership and management levels; produce content and performances that are catered towards diverse audiences; or make genuine efforts to train staff through specific scholarships or training towards all under-represented groups. This award is not date-sensitive. Mr. Choi also said another award is the Outstanding Contribution to Media Award, which recognizes the commitment and determination of an individual who has helped to shape the media within the PNG. It rewards the contribution of a special individual who is held in high regard by his or her contemporaries and whose work has made a lasting impression within the media landscape. MCPNG is now extending its outreach to the industry, seeking support for the event, both in cash and kind, to further celebrate and encourage the vital role in upholding democracy in the country, more so now than ever as the role of media in the country continues to be debated, and closely monitored by the current government.