The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication plans to hold a full inquiry into the reasons behind the suspension of popular Radio Talkback Show host, Culligahn Tanda. The Committee Chairman and Member for Wau- Waria, Marsh Narewec, said they plan to hold an inquiry because of the public backlash on the suspension of Kalang Advertising Ltd’s FM100 Talkback Show host, following an interview with the Governor for East Sepik province, Allan Bird. Chairman Narewec made this announcement following a meeting on Friday 9th May with Mr. Tanda, FM100 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bill Wartovo and the Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) President Mr. Neville Choi who each provided a brief to the Committee, their standpoints of the issue. “As the Committee responsible for oversight on communication and media issues in the country, it will convene to deliberate on the recent suspension, as well as similar cases in the past,” the chairman declared. He said that this falls within the Committee’s jurisdiction and is aligned with its Terms of Reference (TORs), which mandates the protection of media freedom—a fundamental principle that ensures the right to communicate and express oneself freely through various media, including print and electronic platforms. Relevant stakeholders, both organizations and individuals, will be invited to present their respective submissions on the issue. Details of the proposed inquiry will be announced at a later date.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) just recently launched its 50th Anniversary logo to mark the country’s five decade of being and independent state, coinciding with the opening of its new office in Port Moresby city. OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kedi Ilimbit at the opening ceremony said the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo not only marks the county’s anniversary but also reflects on the years of operation and contribution to the economy of Papua New Guinea over 40 years ago when the mine started operations, just 10 years after independence. On to the new building- the Kwalumu Haus- Mr. Ilimbit said after over 40 years, its only proper OTML opens a new office in the capital of PNG, marking its transition over the years to becoming a nationally owned company and a major contributor of revenue from the mining sector to the PNG economy. However, Mr. Ilimbit said despite the new office, mush of its administrative operations will remain in Western province. “The Ok Tedi head office will not be moved. The Ok Tedi office will always remain in Tabubil. What we’ve set up here is for the Ok Tedi DNA to spread over the country, over the oceans so that the DNA lives on and we’ll us this supporting Ok Tedi operations, the subsidiaries,” said the CEO. OTML occupies four levels in the Kwalimu Haus at Waigani. They are levels 9, 10, 11 and 12 where the executives reside. Levels 9 and 11 are occupied by other officers while level 10 is a common place for rest and recreation. Also, coinciding with the celebration, OTML announced its Quarter 1 (Q1) Results, which promises some good returns for its investors. OTML delivered 28,000 copper tonnes, and 74,000 gold ounces and generated revenue of US$460 million (PGK 1.85 billion). The exceptional performance results for Q1 CY2025, showcased yet another successful quarter of disciplined operational and financial excellence. Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape applauded OTML’s record K1.85 billion Q 1 revenue. “This exceptional result is a testament to what Papua New Guineans can accomplish when entrusted with the stewardship of our natural resources,” said Prime Minister Marape. “Ok Tedi, being 100% nationally owned, embodies our vision of resource nationalism and demonstrates how revenue and profits can flow back to our landowners, provinces, and the national budget.”

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has announced its Quarter 1 (Q1) Results for 2025 and it looks good financially for the nationally owned mining company, promising some good returns for its investors. The exceptional performance results for Q1 CY2025, showcased yet another successful quarter of disciplined operational and financial excellence. OTML is a 100 percent Papua New Guinea (PNG) owned entity with 67 percent direct shareholding by the Independent State of PNG and the people of Western Province holding a 33 percent interest. 100% of the benefits from its operations are distributed to the people of Western Province and the State. "Our profitability improved significantly in the first quarter compared to a year ago as a result of higher commodity prices and copper sales volumes, we delivered 28,000 copper tonnes, and 74,000 gold ounces and generated revenue of US$460 million (PGK 1.85 billion) demonstrating our focus on disciplined and committed performance and continuous business improvement," said Kedi Ilimbit, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "We remain committed to our Growth 2050 strategy of balancing value accretive growth with returns to shareholders, and our strong balance sheet and commercial strategy provide us with resilience and the ability to continue to create value amidst market uncertainty." "With these significant achievements and solid start to the year, we remain committed to deliver to MD & CEO Kedi’s expectation to copy 2024 performance and paste into 2025 and add the extras to meet our full year 2025 guidance, whilst continuing our Growth 2050 strategic path towards ensuring our Vision 2050 is achieved," he said. CEO Ilimbit stated that the Q1 2025 has been built on from the 2024 performance of resilience, collaboration, and achievement for Ok Tedi. "These results reaffirm our commitment to creating value for all stakeholders while upholding our responsibilities to the people of Papua New Guinea and future generations. Our focus on sustainable growth under the Growth 2050 framework ensures that we are well-positioned for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” Mr. Ilimbit said, “Our unwavering commitment to responsible mining practices and sustainable development has delivered outstanding outcomes for stakeholders, employees, and the communities in which we operate.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape applauded OTML’s record K1.85 billion Q 1 revenue. “This exceptional result is a testament to what Papua New Guineans can accomplish when entrusted with the stewardship of our natural resources,” said Prime Minister Marape. “Ok Tedi, being 100% nationally owned, embodies our vision of resource nationalism and demonstrates how revenue and profits can flow back to our landowners, provinces, and the national budget.”

The 10% base tariff (tax) imposed by the United States (US) President Donald Trump on exports from Papua New Guinea to the US market won’t have much impact locally in terms of costs of living, but a global recession is a big concern. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Institute of National Affairs (INA) Executive Director Mr. Paul Barker in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG recently revealed that tariff will have less impact because PNG exports less to the US market compared to what is imported from the US. Nevertheless, Mr. barker said these tariffs imposed by President Trump has created uncertainty. “It’s a time of uncertainty because the US administration is putting different levels of tariffs on different countries, They’re also modifying tariffs. So, after some negotiations or reactions from some of the other countries, they’re modifying some of those tariffs,” said Mr. Barker. He said this is making it very difficult for the other countries but also businesses to determine their way forward. “Now with Papua New Guinea, we have been given the lowest rate, so, before we had a zero tax on most things, but we’re now applied the 10%. So, that was the lowest rate, which is lower than the rate from some of the other countries that are exporting similar products as Papua New Guinea to the United States. ‘"The thing is PNG imports far more from the US than it exports to the US,” stressed Mr. Barker. The PNG exports are fairly limited to the US; there’s a little bit of agricultural produce that goes there. Mr. Barker said some of those exports are the A Grade coffee sold to the specialty coffee market in the US for a good price. Basically, he said it is not expected that the tariffs would directly have much of an impact on the costs of goods to be passed on to consumers in the country, no overnight price hikes. However, one of the effects of the tariffs is that it may well reduce the overall global level of trade and that can trigger both a recession within the US, because of the higher cost of living and trading, and across the whole world. ‘So, if you have a reduction in the overall economic activity worldwide, which is what a recession is, and people have less money, there is less jobs and that can mean they’ll be importing less. So, it reduces the overall economic opportunity that Papua New Guineans have for exporting a range of products, not just to the US, but to other countries as well," he said. He explains that if China becomes hard hit from the tariffs, China being a major market for some products export from PNG, they will have less money to buy, this then will affect PNG exports.

The Member for Kairuku, Peter Isoaimo is now the new Energy Minister and Member for Kerema Thomas Opa is now the new Finance Minister following the latest reshuffle made by Prime Minister James Marape. The prime minister made the announcement on Friday and also stating that the outgoing Finance Minister Miki Kaeok retains his Transport portfolio. Marape thanked Minister Kaeok for his tenure at Finance. Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Port Moresby city, Prime Minister Marape praised Mr. Isoaimo as a seasoned leader and dedicated member of the government coalition, noting his long political service since entering the National Parliament in the 9th Parliament through a by-election and his earlier years in the Central Provincial Assembly. “Minister Isoaimo has been a loyal and humble servant of this government,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as Vice Minister for Works and Highways, and has consistently demonstrated patience, loyalty, and sincerity—qualities we value as we build the next generation of Papua New Guinean leadership.” Mr. Isoaimo’s appointment also restores Cabinet representation for Central Province following the departure of Walter Schnaubelt, National Alliance Party leader, who moved to serve as Governor of New Ireland Province. PM Marape acknowledged the continued partnership with the National Alliance Party, a coalition partner of Pangu Pati since 2019. “We are keeping faith with the coalition arrangement. This was not just about politics—it was the right choice based on experience, region, and merit,” said PM Marape. The Prime Minister emphasized the growing importance of Central Province in the national energy and development agenda, pointing to strategic projects including Papua LNG, the Wildebeest gas fields, and the reopening of Tolukuma Gold Mine. He highlighted the underutilized agricultural land across Central and Gulf provinces as a major frontier for national development. “Minister Isoaimo’s Kairuku electorate lies between Port Moresby and Gulf, at the heart of emerging LNG, mining, and agricultural corridors. He is well placed to drive the energy portfolio in this critical time,” the Prime Minister added. On the reshuffle, PM Marape explained that the changes were part of a broader performance review aimed at enhancing service delivery ahead of the 2025 Budget and beyond. “All departments and ministers are under review,” PM Marape said. “This is about ensuring the right people are in the right portfolios as we head into our 50th anniversary and beyond. We’re doing this for the country—not for our districts or friends.” Incoming Finance Minister Thomas Opa was praised for his integrity and capability. Mr. Marape, himself a former Finance Minister, urged him to maintain strict financial discipline and ensure that public funds are managed transparently and effectively. In his first remarks as Energy Minister, Peter Isoaimo thanked the Prime Minister and the coalition for his elevation. “I did not see this coming,” Mr. Isoaimo said. “But I am humbled by the trust placed in me. I thank the National Alliance Party and Governor Walter Schnaubelt for their confidence, and I pledge to serve the government and our people to the best of my ability.” Minister Isoaimo reiterated his commitment to the Marape-Rosso Government and the national development agenda, expressing readiness to support the country’s energy ambitions. “God bless Papua New Guinea,” he said. “This is a proud moment for me and the people of Kairuku.”

It has been confirmed that the late Sir Julius Chan will finally have his image printed on the K100 bank note as a mark of honour and a celebration of his service to the country as one of the founding fathers. Prime Minister James Marape today announced that Papua New Guinea (PNG) will honour the late Sir Julius with the issuance of a new K100 banknote bearing his image — a historic tribute to a man regarded as the chief architect of PNG’s financial system. Speaking during a commemorative event in Port Moresby today marking the 50th anniversary of the Kina and Toea, Prime Minister Marape paid special respect to Sir Julius Chan, who was recently laid to rest in New Ireland Province. “Sir Julius Chan was a towering figure in our country’s history. He built the financial foundations that still support our economy today,” said Prime Minister Marape. “On behalf of the nation, I take this time to pay him a special tribute. Cabinet has already approved the proposal to issue a K100 note bearing his image, to be launched before our Independence Day celebrations on September 16.” Prime Minister Marape acknowledged Sir Julius’ children, Vanessa, Mark and Toea and thanked them for sharing their father with the nation. He noted that Sir Julius had earlier declined the idea of a currency bearing his image while he was alive, requesting that it be considered only after his passing. In closing, Prime Minister Marape reminded the nation that the Kina and Toea are more than money — they are powerful emblems of Papua New Guinea’s ancient traditions, its unity across diversity, and its future aspirations as a bridge between the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

The Dagoda village in the Hiri- Koiari district of Central province recently saw the launch of the Robusta Coffee Nursery. The initiative, spearheaded by the Dagoda Coffee Cooperative, showcases an impressive 44,000 robusta coffee seedlings, aiming to revitalize coffee production in the region. It was officially launched by Central Province Governor Rufina Peter and Hiri/Koiari MP Keith Iduhu. Addressing the gathering at Dagoda village in Central province, Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steven Tumae emphasized the importance of this local initiative in aligning with the government’s vision of producing three million bags of coffee by 2030. "A bit of history for you all is that coffee was grown first here in Central Province before it journeyed to other parts of the country and eventually the Highlands, so it’s only right that coffee returns here to its roots," he remarked, highlighting the historical significance of coffee cultivation in the area. Hiri-Koiari District MP Keith Iduhu commended the relentless efforts of the CIC, reinforcing the partnership between the government and the community in fostering agricultural sector growth. He pledged K125, 000 to the Dagoda Coffee Cooperative Society. "This mission and initiative to grow coffee must be in your hearts. It is not a dream; we are not talking for nothing, and today I am giving you all K125, 000—not my money, not the Hiri Koiari LLG president's but yours as seed capital to work the land," he said. While acknowledging the demise of Robusta coffee production in the coastal areas of Central Province over the years, Governor Rufina Peter stated that the Provincial Five-Year. Development Plan (2023–2027), is focused on increasing coffee production through: rehabilitation of old coffee blocks, expansion and cultivation via establishment of new seedling nurseries, modern processing facilities, providing freight subsidy support and maintenance and building of road and bridges to major production areas. “This nursery is more than a collection of seedlings—it is a symbol of opportunity, transformation and prosperity for our province. It is the first tangible outcome of the MoA signed between CPG and CIC on 6th March 2024. This partnership is aimed not just at increasing production, but also at building a coffee processing factory right here in Central Province. This means exporting our coffee directly to the world market from Port Moresby’s seaport. “Central Province produces some of the best coffee in Papua New Guinea with the evidence of being the only province supplying coffee beans to the Dubai Market. This is a legacy to be proud of—and a product the world is eager to experience,” said Governor Peter. Reinforcing the support for coffee growers, Governor Peter expressed her appreciation for the CIC team and advocated for an additional CIC extension officer to be placed in the province, specifically assigned to the Goilala District, while maintaining existing support to assist the coastal communities in Robusta production as well as the high-altitude areas in the other Districts. The highlight of the event came with the symbolic cutting of the ribbon at the nursery, officially launching the 44,000 Robusta seedling nursery. Governor Peter and MP Iduhu performed the honours, and from the nursery, 200 seedlings will be disseminated to schools, churches, and households throughout the community, encouraging locals to cultivate coffee on their own land. This strategic initiative not only aims to enhance the economic landscape of Dagoda but also seeks to reconnect the village with Central Provinces historical roots in coffee cultivation, ultimately leading to increased income and self-sustainability for the villagers. Among the attendees at the launching were acting Provincial Administrator for Central Province Edward Kila, Provincial DAL officers, CIC staff, and representatives from neighbouring Seme, Vaivai, and Gaire villages, all unified in their commitment to boosting local agriculture and empowering the Dagoda community.

The greater Sepik that we are trying to build is not the place but it's the people says young thriving private businessman Mr. Kevin Kamus. As a guest speaker at the 2025 Pacific Adventist University Sepik Student Association (PAUSA) New Student Orientation, Mr. Kamus told the PAUSA students that this greater Sepik that Sepiks dream to build, is not the infrastructural growth or development in Sepik, it is about changing and building the mindset of the people. "As a young man I dream of building Sepik, but my aim is to change the mindset of our younger generation to be civil and respectful. We cannot hope for infrastructural development or cry to the government for development, we have to develop our mind and change the way we think in order to bring development back home and to our people, " Mr. Kamus encouraged the students. He told the students that the greater Sepik depends on the younger generation now to work together and go back and be the change. " We must not ask what Sepik can do for us but what we can do to help Sepik be the Greater Sepik not for us but for the many generations yet to come. Our Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare had a dream not just for Papua New Guinea but for his people and that is to bring development back home and by changing our mindset. As we head towards celebrating 50 years of our country's independence, let us try to be the change for our people back home," he said. Mr. Kamus also presented a K5,000 cheque to the Association as a personal contribution.

The Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Easter Monday 21st April, announcing that the head of the Roman Catholic Church "returned to the house of the Father" at his residence, Casa Santa Marta. Following his passing, Prime Minister James Marape on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), passed his deepest condolences to the global Catholic community and the Holy See on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. The death of Pope Francis is not only a loss to the Catholic faithful but to all humanity. He said the late Pope’s humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the environment earned him respect far beyond the Church. The Pontiff on his world tour last year visited PNG where he even went to Vanimo during his stay over in the country. “Papua New Guinea had the distinct honour of welcoming his holiness during his historic Apostolic Visit from 6 to 9 September 2024, a moment of immense spiritual significance for our country. During his time in Port Moresby and Vanimo, Pope Francis brought a message of unity, inclusion, and hope," said the prime minister. The Pope’s public Mass at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby and his engagements with the young people and church leaders left an indelible impression on all who witnessed them last year. “His words and presence inspired our people, reminding us to care for the vulnerable, to act justly, and to walk humbly with God. May his soul find rest in the arms of the Almighty and may his life’s example continue to guide us—towards humility in leadership, compassion in service, and faith in action. “To the College of Cardinals, to the Vatican, and to Catholics across Papua New Guinea and the world, we grieve with you. Pope Francis lived and died in service to God and humanity, and he now rests in eternal peace,” said Marape. Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope in the Church’s history who will be remembered by PNG for appointing the first Cardinal of PNG, Sir John Ribat, his visit to PNG and also for his declaration of the canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot to become a Saint, which is to take place in September 2025, coinciding with PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday brings his twelve (12) year reign as head of the Catholic Church to an end. His funeral will be held in four to six days’ time.

In its efforts to promote financial education to Papua New Guineans, the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Western Pacific University (WPU) to further this effort at the tertiary level. CEFI and the WPU signed this landmark MoU to jointly promote entrepreneurship, fintech, financial literacy, and microfinance education in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The MoU between CEFI and WPU signifies a collaborative effort to advance education, particularly in the realms of entrepreneurship and microfinance, fostering mutual growth and development. The MoU outlines several areas of collaboration, including: Support WPU with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub programs, Set up of the Fintech Hub with support from WPU, Curriculum Development and Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of Program Impact, and Industry linkages and Stakeholder engagement. The MoU was officially signed on Friday, April 11, in Mt. Hagen city by CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, and WPU President, Dr. Janet Rangou (PhD). This strategic partnership signifies a shared commitment to building human capacity, promoting innovation, and equipping students with practical skills to drive economic growth and financial empowerment across the country. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Peter Samuel expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’re very excited about this collaboration and truly appreciate WPU’s innovative spirit. Attending the graduation today gave us confidence that we are partnering with an institution that shares our mission to empower our people. We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create.” In response, Dr. Janet Rangou highlighted the value of the partnership for student development, saying: “We hope this collaboration will allow us to equip our students with lifelong, practical skills that will serve them and their communities long after graduation.” Meanwhile earlier during that day, Mr. Samuel and his team attended WPU’s inaugural graduation ceremony at its campus in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province. A total of 99 students graduated in various disciplines, including Certificate in Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts in International Business Management, Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming.

The President of the Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry has petitioned the Assistant Commissioner of Police Western End to address the ongoing law and order crisis in the Porgera Valley of Enga province or risk having business houses shutdown operations. In an official letter dated 17th April 2025 addressed to the Controller of the State of Emergency in Enga, the President Mr. Nickson Pakea plainly stated that Porgera businesses are no longer safe in an environment that is now extremely dangerous. The recent incidents along the main transport routes have raised significant concerns regarding the safety and security of businesses and their assets along the road from Laiagam to Maip. “In the last three years, we have witnessed a total of eight (8) twin steer trucks loaded with goods valued at K2.4 million being looted along the road between Laiagam and Mulitaka and the ineffective action by the responsible authorities has triggered us to declare this road is no longer safe and vulnerable to loss more of the store goods in years to come,” he stated. This alarming trend not only threatens the livelihood of local business owners but also undermines the rule of law along the national highway. Just recently on April 15th, he witnessed for himself another twin steer truck being looted before police arrived to disperse the thieves. After seeing this he sadly admitted that these culprits might never be apprehended by police or for such criminal action to be prevented in the future. “This inaction has left the community and the business owners feeling vulnerable and unprotected. To exacerbate the situation, the culprits have been demanding K5, 000 in cash to release the second container since security forces intervened.” He said this is indeed degrading the value, dignity and integrity of the independent state of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) and security forces. In light of this serious issue, he said the business houses have opted to protest in the form of closing their doors; a stop- work to draw the attention of the urgent need for intervention and support from the authorities. “As from now and into the future, we want businesses and lives along the road guaranteed by the hierarchy of the police,” he further stressed.

Now that political stability has been assured following the defeat of the recent motion of no confidence in parliament, Prime Minister James Marape says it is now time to focus on delivering the promised resource projects in the pipeline set for commencement. Prime Minister Marape said with political stability assured, he reaffirmed his government’s focus on progressing several transformative resource and infrastructure projects, including: • Wafi-Golpu Mine, • Papua LNG with TotalEnergies, • P’nyang Gas Project with ExxonMobil, • Pasca A Offshore Project, • Frieda River Gold-Copper Project, and • Other LNG and resource expansions in Central Province. These projects, worth an estimated USD 40 billion in foreign direct investment, are scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2035. “We are sequencing these projects carefully to deliver continuous, sustained growth for our economy,” Prime Minister Marape said. “From mining to petroleum, from landowners to investors—our government is working to ensure that these projects deliver maximum benefit to our people.” Marape also said his coalition government is not interested in what he described as political games, instead, it is the progress of the country is what is important to them, assuring full commitment by Members of Parliament towards nation building. “They are committed to working for the people and addressing the real challenges our country faces,” Prime Minister Marape said.