Emmanuel MAIPE

Prime Minister James Marape is confident his economic record can stand up to scrutiny, challenging former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to a public debate to determine who managed Papua New Guinea’s economy better during their respective six-year terms in office.Marape has thrown down the challenge, proposing a nationally televised debate at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), where both leaders would present their economic achievements backed by official statistics.The Prime Minister, in a statement released this afternoon, says he wants his administration’s performance between 2020 and 2025 compared against O’Neill’s government from 2012 to 2018, leaving out 2019 as a transition year.“I have heard former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill speaking about his record as an economic manager. I am now challenging him to a public debate where we can both present our economic records before the people of Papua New Guinea,” Marape said.Rather than continuing their political exchanges through the media, Marape wants the two leaders to face off in a moderated public forum, allowing Papua New Guineans to assess their respective economic performances.He insists the comparison should go beyond political claims and focus on measurable economic outcomes, including economic growth, government debt, budget deficits, revenue collections, employment creation, and foreign investment.Other key areas he wants examined include the performance of the kina, foreign exchange availability, the country's foreign currency reserves, and the overall structure of the economy.“Numbers do not lie. Let the numbers speak for themselves and let the people of Papua New Guinea decide who has been the better economic manager,” he said.Marape has proposed that the debate be independently moderated at UPNG, with students, academics, economists, business representatives, members of the public and international observers invited to attend.He also wants the event broadcast live on television and digital platforms to ensure the wider public can follow the discussion.The challenge now puts the spotlight on two former and current national leaders, with Marape seeking to defend his government's economic record against that of his predecessor.Whether O’Neill accepts the challenge remains to be seen.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has secured the committal of Antonia Moutu to the National Court on six counts of misappropriation.Ms. Moutu was employed by the National Judicial Staff Services in its Registry in 2024. It is alleged that, while working as a Judge’s Associate, she misappropriated approximately K160,000 from her superior’s bank account between July and December 2024.According to the allegations, Ms. Moutu used her superior’s electronic banking credentials to access the account and make multiple transfers to herself and other people while performing her official duties.The matter is scheduled to be mentioned before the National Court in Lae on 30 November 2026. The District Court has extended Ms. Moutu’s bail of K2,000 until that date.ICAC Acting Commissioner, retired Judge Don Sawong, said the committal marks the Commission’s third case committed to the National Court and demonstrates its expanding operations and continued commitment to pursuing corruption matters across Papua New Guinea.“This committal is a significant achievement for the Commission. It demonstrates our resolve to pursue corruption matters across Papua New Guinea and ensure those responsible are held accountable through the courts,” he said.

In a day’s time, Papua New Guineans will experience perhaps the highest fuel price increase for the month of November.The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) has just informed that the changes to the Government’s fuel support arrangements will take change from this Sunday onwards. This means that from the 8th of November, the government’s direct fuel subsidy will be removed.The change to the subsidy arrangement is a fiscal policy decision made by the Department of Treasury (Treasury) as part of the Government’s management and reprioritization of public expenditure. The ICCC does not determine government tax or subsidy policies.The following three (3) factors are pushing price up in November: International oil prices reached new high in October 2026. The prices for refined products out of Singapore, particularly Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene have increased above the current level by approximately 12-15%;Removal of direct subsidy, which was worth approximately 8 to 75 toea per litre in October, will see prices increased above that level; andPNG Kina depreciation against US Dollar since January 2026 will add approximately 20 toea per litre.The ICCC will publish final Maximum Indicative Retail Prices (IRP) on 7th November 2026. Early estimates indicate that the retail prices for all declared refined products may move from K5.90 in October to more than K6.00 or more than K7.00 per litre in November. The ICCC will publish the full breakdown of the retail prices, so consumers can see that no excessive profits are earned by the fuel wholesalers and retailers. Meantime, the ICCC will make the appropriate adjustments to the regulated prices for all other services which it regulates in December 2026. These include PMV and taxi fares, among others. PMV and taxi fares are regulated separately by the ICCC, and fares will NOT automatically increase because of this fuel price change. Any changes in regulated prices will need separate adjustments consistent with existing regulatory arrangements

Papua New Guinea's tuna fishing industry is strengthening its efforts to improve crew welfare, prevent marine pollution and meet international sourcing requirements as overseas markets place greater demands on responsible fishing practices.The issue was a major focus of a two-day workshop organised by the Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG) in Lae, bringing together representatives from six fishing fleets to review industry standards and discuss practical improvements.FIA PNG Chief Operating Officer Marcelo Hidalgo said the association was moving beyond awareness training to focus on how fishing companies implement the requirements across their operations.He said the workshop was examining real cases identified through social accountability assessments, including the working and living conditions of crew members aboard fishing vessels.The assessments examine whether crew members have employment contracts, receive their wages, and are provided with essential items such as food, drinking water, and personal protective equipment.Hidalgo said the aim was to ensure fishing companies understood their responsibilities and that crew members were aware of their rights and obligations.The training is part of FIA PNG's Responsible Sourcing Policy, introduced in 2018, which covers four areas: sustainability, social accountability, marine litter and fishing gear management, and traceability.Hidalgo said representatives attending the workshop would take the updated information back to their respective companies and extend the training to crews across their fishing vessels.Beyond workers' welfare, the association is also working to reduce marine pollution, particularly abandoned or lost fishing equipment known as ghost gear, which can continue trapping marine life underwater.Hidalgo said fishing vessels were required to retain used fishing materials and return them to port rather than discard them at sea.Crews are also trained to safely release endangered marine species, including turtles, sharks and manta rays, when accidentally caught during fishing operations.FIA PNG represents nine tuna fleets operating 55 fishing vessels and has six tuna processing companies among its members.Hidalgo said maintaining responsible fishing practices was important not only for protecting marine resources but also for maintaining the confidence of international tuna buyers.The association says its efforts are aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and working conditions across Papua New Guinea's fishing industry.

The Gulf Provincial Administration has employed the assistance of police and the PNG Fire and Rescue Service to investigate the devastating fire that destroyed the historical Koraea Haus early this morning in Kerema town.The acting Governor for Gulf province Mr. Morris Taudevin confirmed to PNG Hausbung this afternoon that an investigative team from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the Fire and Rescue Service are currently on the highway heading to Kerema town from Port Moresby city.The massive fire ripped through the Koraea Haus at around 1:20AM this morning, destroying the provincial assembly office, the treasury office and the IRC offices located within the colonial era building.Mr. Taudevin says that for the time being the functions of the provincial administration will be moved to other location within the province.“The function of the treasury will be moved temporarily to Malalaua,” says the acting governor, adding that the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will further meet and decide on the next move forward.MP for Kerema and Finance Minister Thomas Opa took to his social media page this morning to express his sympathy for the unfortunate incident.“This is a sad time for Gulf Province waking up to news that the Koraea Haus that houses Gulf Treasury office, the Provincial Assembly and IRC in Kerema Town has gone up in flames early hours of the morning. We will rebuild again better and stronger,” said the MP on his social media page. Mr. Taudevin said the building holds significance to the province, and its destruction has left a somber feeling amongst the people of Gulf along with the leaders of the province as well.  The investigation is expected to start soon and the findings revealed as to what caused the devastating fire this morning.  

Cricket Papua New Guinea (Cricket PNG) has received K30,000 worth of gym equipment from the Carbine Club of Papua New Guinea to support the physical preparation of the country’s high-performance cricketers.The equipment will be based at Amini Park, the Home of Cricket in PNG, and will help national players prepare for domestic and international competition.The donation was funded through the Carbine Club of PNG Foundation, which raises money to support sporting organizations and young athletes across the country.Cricket PNG Board Chairman Michael Harrison thanked the Club for its longstanding support, which has included equipment, assistance with overseas travel and contributions to player development.“This donation strengthens the resources available to our national players at Amini Park and will help them prepare physically for domestic and international competition,” Mr. Harrison said.He said the Club’s support reflected its commitment to reinvesting in sport and helping young people. Previous contributions to Cricket PNG include an ice machine and a bowling machine, as well as assistance for high-performance players travelling to Australia. Mr. Harrison also acknowledged the Club’s broader support for PNG athletes competing at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.Tony Carbry MBE, Immediate Past President of the Carbine Club, said the organization was pleased to support Cricket PNG.“Through the Carbine Club of PNG Foundation, we support organizations that are doing the hard work and delivering results. Cricket PNG is exactly that kind of organization,” Mr. Carbry said.He praised the achievements of the PNG Barramundis and PNG Lewas, describing the national teams as outstanding ambassadors for the country.Mr. Carbry said cricket’s international success deserved greater recognition and support and called on the Government and business community to back PNG’s national teams. He noted that individual and private contributors had provided much of the support for recent campaigns.“These results reflect years of commitment from Cricket PNG’s leadership, administrators and players. It would be great to see everyone get on board,” he said.Mr. Carbry also acknowledged current Carbine Club President Reg Monagi’s support for cricket and said the Club looked forward to continuing its relationship with Cricket PNG.Cricket PNG thanked the Carbine Club and the Carbine Club of PNG Foundation for their continued support, noting the important role partnerships can play in developing the sport and helping PNG teams compete internationally.

Prime Minister James Marape has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Maprik MP Libert Kapris, extending heartfelt Condolences to his family, relatives, people of Maprik and Parliamentary colleagues.Mr. Kapris passed away on Saturday morning, 17 October 2026, at the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby. Prime Minister Marape described his passing as a painful loss for the Kapris family and Maprik District, which had already mourned the death of his father and former Member Gabriel Kapris, during the current Parliamentary term.Mr. Libert Kapris was elected to Parliament in the June 2024 Maprik Open By-Election, representing the People’s First Party. He succeeded his father, who passed away on 13 August 2023.Prime Minister Marape said the loss of both father and son within the same term of Parliament was especially difficult for their family and the people who had entrusted them with leadership.“He came into Office following the passing of his father, who was also a Member of Parliament in this term. He won the By-Election and came into Office, and now, within this same term, he too has passed away. It is just a sad thing,” Prime Minister Marape said.The Prime Minister extended his sympathies to the late Member’s immediate family, clan and wider community, acknowledging the grief being felt across Maprik and East Sepik Province.He also conveyed Condolences to Hon. Richard Maru and the People’s First Party, of which Mr Kapris was a member.“I offer my Condolences to his family, his tribe, his people, Maprik District, and of course Minister Maru and the Party that he was part of,” he said.Prime Minister Marape said that, at a time of such sorrow, Christian faith offered strength and comfort when the circumstances of life were difficult to understand.“Some things in life we can never understand, but in faith as Christians, we acknowledge that God knows best,” he said.He encouraged those mourning Mr Kapris to remember his life and the responsibilities he had accepted in stepping forward to represent his people.Prime Minister Marape said the most meaningful tribute would be to preserve his memory through practical care for his family and continued attention to the work he had begun for Maprik.“The least we can do is recall and remember the one who has passed and commit ourselves to uphold and complete the work that he started,” he said.“We honour his memory by doing good to his family and his people, and by pursuing his dreams.”The Prime Minister said Mr. Kapris’s passing should draw leaders and communities together in compassion, with the welfare of the bereaved family and the people of Maprik at the centre of their response.He expressed the Government’s commitment to honouring the late Member’s memory through continued service to the people he represented.“That is a commitment we make,” Prime Minister Marape said.“To the people of Maprik and the late Member’s immediate family, on behalf of the Government and Pangu Pati, I pass on my condolences and sympathies.”

The Police Commissioner has been put on the spot to find out about what happened to the police vehicles designated for Madang that would support police officers maintain public safety in the province.Prime Minister James Marape has directed the Police Commissioner to provide an immediate explanation regarding police vehicles expected by Madang Province under an arrangement involving the provincial government and the Police Department.Responding to a supplementary question from Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa in Parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Marape said the National Government had purchased more than 400 police vehicles to strengthen law enforcement across Papua New Guinea (PNG).Governor Pariwa raised concerns over delays in vehicle allocations despite the provincial government’s contribution of approximately K2.4 million towards police resourcing.Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Madang had contributed funding towards law and order and was entitled to question the outstanding allocation.“Madang Province, you are entitled to raise this issue,” he said.The Prime Minister said he had been advised that 30 of an earlier consignment of 60 police vehicles from Japan had already been distributed.He also acknowledged the policing needs of Lae, describing it as an important centre for customs, business and commerce.Prime Minister Marape said the National Government had arrangements to complement police vehicles purchased by provincial and district governments, while recognising that demand for police resources remained high throughout the country.He called on the Police Commissioner to respond immediately to Governor Pariwa’s concerns.

Cricket Papua New Guinea (Cricket PNG) has named a 14-player squad for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League campaign in Kenya from October 21 to 31, 2026, with the PNG Barramundis facing a crucial series of matches as they pursue a top two finish in Pool A.The squad will depart PNG on October 13, travelling via Dubai, where the team will play two 50-over matches against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of its preparations before continuing to Kenya for the tournament.PNG currently sits third in Pool A and faces a must-win campaign, with victories across all five scheduled matches needed to maintain a chance of finishing in the top two.The Challenge League is an important step in the ICC's pathway towards qualification for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, making every match critical for the Barramundis as they look to strengthen their position in the competition. The selected squad brings together experienced national players and emerging talent, with Cricket PNG including three players of particular interest as the team prepares for the demanding 50-over campaign.The 14 players selected are:1. Assadollah Vala2. Sese Bau3. Patrick Nou4. Kabua Vagi Morea5. Lega Siaka6. Alei Nao 7. Gaba Frank 8. Boio Ray9. John Kariko10. Tony Ura11. Dauncey Tom12. Doko Rupa13. Sema Kamea14. Aue OruThe inclusion of Sema Kamea provides the Barramundis with an additional pace-bowling option, with the left-arm fast bowler returning to the national squad ahead of the Kenya campaign.Kamea is expected to bring pace and aggression to the bowling attack, adding another dimension to PNG's efforts to contain opposition batting line-ups and take wickets throughout the tournament.Young batting allrounder Dauncey Tom, 19, has also earned selection in his first senior national squad.Tom's inclusion offers the team additional batting depth and another bowling option when required. His selection represents an opportunity to gain valuable experience at senior international level while contributing to the Barramundis' campaign.Wicket keeper-batter Doko Rupa has also been selected, earning an opportunity to press his claims for a place in the playing side after being overlooked earlier in the year.Rupa has continued to train strongly and will have the opportunity to demonstrate his progress as the team prepares for the upcoming competition. His wicketkeeping and batting capabilities could provide important options for the squad during the tournament.The selection of the three players adds variety to the squad, with Kamea strengthening the pace attack, Tom providing allrounder depth and Rupa offering wicketkeeping and batting options.PNG will play five matches in Kenya, beginning against Jersey on Thursday, October 22.The Barramundis will then face Denmark, Qatar, Kuwait and hosts Kenya in a demanding schedule that will test the squad's consistency across the tournament. The fixtures are:•Thursday, October 22: PNG vs Jersey•Sunday, October 25: Denmark vs PNG•Tuesday, October 27: Qatar vs PNG•Friday, October 30: PNG vs Kuwait•Saturday, October 31: Kenya vs PNGPNG Barramandis Head Coach said, with PNG currently third in Pool A, the team will need to approach every fixture with a strong focus on performance and results."Winning all five matches would give the Barramundis a chance of finishing in the top two, although their final position will also depend on the other teams' results.""The two 50-over matches against the UAE before the tournament will provide valuable preparation, allowing the squad to build match readiness and fine-tune its approach ahead of the opening fixture against Jersey," he added.Focus on Performance and QualificationThe Kenya campaign represents a significant opportunity for the Barramundis to improve their standing in Pool A and keep their qualification ambitions alive.With a combination of experienced national representatives and emerging players, Cricket PNG will be looking for the squad to deliver consistent performances with both bat and ball throughout the competition.The team departs on October 13, this year before beginning the team's, Kenya campaign on October 22, with five matches scheduled across the 10-day tournament period.Cricket PNG wishes the PNG Barramundis the very best as they prepare to represent PNG on the international stage.

Police in the National Capital District (NCD) is sending out a warning to all final year secondary school students sitting the National Examinations that there will be no troubles caused after the examinations.NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab in a short statement released today, sent his best wishes to all the Grades 10 and 12 students, and warns them as well."To students and parents planning to celebrate once exams are over; be responsible. I will not tolerate public nuisance by students involved in the consumption of alcohol, homebrew, drugs, noise pollution or in school fights.""I will not mince my words on this. A precedent has already been set by NCD Police Command a few months ago: police arrested and charged 90 students over school fights, and they have since been convicted. That precedent stand.""I will not tolerate students' nuisance after the exams. Celebrate your achievement the right way — safely, and with respect for your community," the Metropolitan Superintendent said.The Metropolitan Superintendent urged parents to be responsible for their children after the exams.This is because NCD over the years has seen a lot of post exam troubles caused by student celebrating their end of examinations.

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his Government’s objective of securing Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) removal from the dreaded Gray List.However, he said leaving the list must be accompanied by lasting improvements that would prevent the country from returning to it.“Our objective should not be just to get PNG off the grey listing,” he said.Reforms must become part of the normal operation of government, financial institutions, and the wider economy, rather than a temporary response to international monitoring.He warned that economic growth would deliver less benefit to the people if money laundering and the loss of public funds continued.Prime Minister Marape said the shift towards a digital economy should also strengthen the ability to trace transactions and hold those responsible for wrongdoing accountable.The prime minister said this at the closing of the Second Anti-Money Laundering, Counter Terrorist Financing and Counter Proliferation Financing Conference at APEC Haus in Port Moresby yesterday.PNG was formally placed on Grey List on the 13th of February 2026 by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).The action by the FATF stems from the underlying issue that PNG had not made sufficient progress in strengthening its system for preventing and prosecuting money laundering and terrorist financing.

Local farmers in Sogeri in Central province can expect to harvest more climate resilient crops in the future to sustain their livelihoods, thanks to support from Australia.Australia is working with farmers in the Sogeri catchment area to build new skills, strengthen food security and diversify income opportunities.Bobby Anapa, a farmer from Girinumu village is optimistic about the future after harvesting African yams, a first for communities along the Kokoda Track.The introduction of non-traditional crops such as African yam, cassava and Highlands sweet potato, alongside practices such as mulching, is helping communities adapt to changing climate conditions.“It’s the first time I’ve seen a yam grow this large. It’s a first for us all and has motivated us to keep working hard,” said Bobby.“We can already see the potential of this crop to improve food security and sustain us for generations to come,” he added.   For Joanne Goraro, who supports her young family with the money she earns from her garden, this year’s harvest has inspired her to grow more.“This yam is different from the varieties we usually grow, and learning how to plant the yam was a challenge at first,” said Joanne.“I am just so happy with the harvest. Seeing one yam tuber double and even triple in size has really made all our hard work worthwhile,” she added.The PNG-Australia Partnership is supporting communities in Sogeri trial new crops and farming practices to improve food security, increase harvests and boost household income from their gardens.