The Defence Rugby Union Club (DRUC) is preparing to compete in the Cairns 7s tournament in Queensland, Australia later this year.DRUC 7s Coach, Corporal Suang Liebert, described the opportunity as a major step forward for the club, which has mainly competed in local tournaments across Papua New Guinea (PNG). “It’s the first of its kind for the club to have an invitation from an overseas tournament. Everyone is excited about it,” Liebert said. The club, made up of both Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel and civilians, hopes to showcase discipline, teamwork and PNG pride on the international stage. Liebert said the soldiers within the team bring a unique mindset developed through military training that helps motivate the entire squad. “The soldiers are trained to go into battlefields, and they bring that mindset into the team to motivate and help the civilian players and the team as a whole,” he said. Discipline remains one of the club’s key values. Liebert explained that DRUC operates under the PNGDF umbrella, with military ethics and disciplinary standards adapted into the rugby environment. “The management always reminds players to stay disciplined and be good ambassadors and representatives for the club,” he said. He added that the club has recently strengthened its focus on discipline following a suspension incident, with management enforcing stricter player conduct measures. “The management is utilizing every means to bring discipline and change the mindset of every individual player,” Liebert stated. The coach said balancing rugby with work, military duties, school and family responsibilities continues to be one of the biggest challenges for players. “Basically it comes down to time management and scheduling priorities,” he said. Liebert said the Cairns tournament will provide valuable international exposure for players, coaches and management. “It will be a good experience for our players to compete against great athletes, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and improve their game style,” he said. Known for their aggressive style of rugby, DRUC players carry the club motto “Maintain Smash” before every match. Liebert also stressed the importance of mental preparation, encouraging players to take care of family, school, and personal responsibilities before game day. “When those things are taken care of, players will be mentally prepared for the game,” he said. During matches, players are encouraged to trust their training, stick to team structures, and support one another under pressure. Beyond rugby, the club hopes to inspire younger players and promote Papua New Guinea’s culture during the tournament. “One of the long-term goals for the club is to inspire and build young juniors to become disciplined and better rugby players in the future,” Liebert said. “In DRUC, we not only train rugby but also encourage players to apply the same principles in life to become better people in the future.”

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) says Papua New Guinea’s fuel supply remains stable despite recent public concern over fuel shortages and subsidy delays.ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy, said consultations with fuel industry stakeholders and distributors, confirmed that there is enough fuel stock available in the country, including aviation fuel supplies. Mr. Daggy explained that temporary supply disruptions experienced recently were linked mainly to delays in subsidy payments rather than shortages in fuel imports. “When the subsidy is not available, suppliers go into what we call hoarding and they restrict supply. That’s why that happened,” he said. He said fuel distributors have assured ICCC that the fuel import chain remains sustainable and stable. Mr. Daggy also reassured the public that aviation fuel supplies remain sufficient to support both domestic and international flights. “The aviation industry is very important for us because most places in PNG are connected by air.” He noted that the government has been working closely with fuel suppliers and relevant agencies to ensure continuity of supply across the country “Fuel trucks were running through the night and by Sunday morning everything started stabilizing.” He also confirmed that subsidy payments had since been disbursed, allowing normal fuel supply operations to resume in most centers. Some provinces may still experience minor delays while waiting for subsidy processing, but overall, the situation is expected to normalize. The ICCC Commissioner also clarified that no direct funding under the fuel relief package has yet been received by ICCC for enforcement activities He said monitoring and compliance operations would be carried out jointly through a State high-level taskforce involving agencies such as PNG Customs, the Internal Revenue Commission and ICCC. “To date, ICCC has not received any direct funding. Any operational funding will be managed collectively through the State taskforce team.” Moreover, the government remains committed to maintaining the fuel subsidy throughout the year and is considering further budgetary and policy adjustments to sustain the program. Mr. Daggy urged businesses and transport operators to comply with existing laws and regulations while the Government continues implementing the fuel subsidy program.

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has warned fuel retailers and public motor vehicle operators against overcharging consumers amid ongoing concerns surrounding fuel pricing and subsidy delays.Speaking during a media conference, ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy confirmed that the commission had received reports of some service stations charging above approved fuel prices in Port Moresby and other parts of the country. Mr. Daggy explained that ICCC currently operates with two pricing structures, the subsidised retail price and the maximum market price. He said when Government fuel subsidy payments are delayed, retailers are forced to move towards the maximum approved market price. “That’s what happened around Friday and Saturday,” he said. However, he stressed that any retailer charging above the approved maximum price would be considered non-compliant and subject to enforcement action. “We are aware of cases in Port Moresby and outside of Port Moresby and our teams will conduct compliance checks,” Mr. Daggy said. He clarified that for May, the maximum market prices in Port Moresby were around K6.24 per litre for petrol, K8.35 for diesel and K8.48 for kerosene. Despite these actual market costs, the Government subsidy has allowed consumers to continue paying March-level prices of around K4.39 for petrol, K4.44 for diesel and K4.49 for kerosene. Mr. Daggy also raised concerns about PMV operators increasing fares or shortcutting routes due to fuel price fears. He reminded operators that Government subsidies remain in place, and that regulated PMV fares must still be followed. “We encourage commuters to report any PMV operators overcharging fares or shortcutting routes. Take a picture of the number plate, route number and send it to us for investigation,” he said. Mr. Daggy said first-time offenders could face fines of up to K10,000, while repeat offenders could be fined up to K30,000. He acknowledged that enforcement remains challenging during periods when subsidy payments are delayed but assured the public that ICCC and other regulators are continuing to monitor compliance closely. Mr. Daggy urged businesses and transport operators to comply with existing laws and regulations while the Government continues implementing the fuel subsidy program.

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has clarified its role in regulating fuel prices in Papua New Guinea while commending the Government for its continued fuel subsidy intervention aimed at easing the burden of rising global fuel prices on consumers.Speaking during a media conference, ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy said the Government’s fuel relief package has helped absorb the impact of increasing international fuel prices and maintain affordable domestic fuel prices. Mr. Daggy said the subsidy mechanism introduced by the Government has been effective since April and May and is continuing into June, with plans for support to continue throughout the year. “We, as the regulator, commend the Government because we stand between the businesses, the consumers and the Government, making sure that whatever fuel price that is passed through to the people is affordable and at a reasonable rate,” he said. He explained that ICCC works closely with a high-level State taskforce team, Government agencies and fuel industry stakeholders to ensure the subsidy mechanism and related policies are properly implemented. Mr. Daggy clarified that while ICCC has regulatory powers under the ICCC Act and the Price Regulation Act to regulate retail fuel pricing, the fuel subsidy itself remains a Government fiscal intervention. “ICCC does not make policy decisions, amend legislations or determine Government policy. We assess the market and provide advice and guidance to the Government on relevant fiscal and legislative measures,” he said. He said fuel prices are calculated monthly using verified market information including international fuel prices, shipping costs, exchange rate movements, domestic freight margins, taxes and Government subsidies. Mr. Daggy said ICCC directly regulates the retail margins for petrol, diesel and kerosene to ensure suppliers are fairly compensated while protecting consumers from excessive prices. He added that ICCC only regulates retail fuel prices and margins and does not regulate prices for aviation fuel, pre-mix fuel, fuel sold in drums or fuel supplied directly to commercial industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing. According to Mr. Daggy, global fuel price increases have significantly affected domestic fuel prices, but the Government subsidy has prevented consumers from paying the full market cost. He said diesel prices in Port Moresby increased from around K7.69 per litre in April to approximately K8.35 in May under actual market pricing. However, due to Government subsidies, consumers continue to pay the March subsidised prices of around K4.39 per litre for petrol, K4.44 for diesel and K4.49 for kerosene in Port Moresby. Mr. Daggy said the K1 billion subsidy package has already been partially disbursed by the Government, with further disbursements continuing through Government processes. He acknowledged the Government’s efforts in ensuring the subsidy mechanism remains operational and sustainable. “We continue to commend the Government for intervening on behalf of the people by directly subsidising and absorbing the costs so that people can continue paying at the March price levels,” he said. Mr. Daggy said ICCC will continue working with relevant agencies to monitor the implementation of the subsidy program and ensure regulated fuel prices remain fair and compliant across the country.

The Office of Censorship has come onboard as a sponsor for the upcoming YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards, showing its commitment to the growth and development of Papua New Guinea’s local music industry.During the sponsorship presentation, PNGFM Chief Executive Officer Ms. Esther Gegelagi welcomed representatives from the Office of Censorship and thanked them for supporting the annual event.“The awards continue to play an important role in celebrating PNG stories, culture, and identity through music,” Ms. Gegelagi said.She said the PNG Musik Awards has been an important initiative of YUMI FM for 20 years, recognising and celebrating local musicians and artists across the country.“Local musicians and artists are the backbone of YUMI FM, and the Musik Awards is one way we give back by recognising and appreciating the work they do,” she said.“We are grateful for the support our sponsors bring in helping the awards continue to recognise and elevate Papua New Guinean music and the artists behind it.”Deputy Chief Censor Ms. Ilikomau Ali said the Office of Censorship was pleased to support the event as part of its growing involvement with the local music industry.Ms. Ali said the office has expanded its engagement with musicians through workshops and consultations around the country.“We encourage our musicians to continue creating music and songs for Papua New Guineans, and we want the industry to continue growing,” she said.She said the Office of Censorship saw the sponsorship as an opportunity to support local artists who often face challenges due to limited industry support.“Support from organisations such as the Office of Censorship helps motivate musicians to continue creating great music and encourages the next generation of PNG artists to keep growing and building the local music industry,” Ms. Gegelagi said.

A community-based health outreach program in the National Capital District (NCD) is using education, awareness and free testing services to help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Papua New Guinea.Field Supervisor Jeffrey Lalio said that the initiative is being delivered through the Key Population Advocacy Consortium PNG (KPAC-PNG), supported by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Catholic Health Services. Mr. Lalio said the outreach teams are working across Northeast, Northwest and Southside districts, providing Community Based Screening and Testing (CBST) services at hotspot locations and communities. Awareness and prevention remain key parts of the program. “It’s all about disseminating information about HIV and STI prevention methods,” he said. Alongside free HIV and STI testing, outreach teams also distribute condoms and educational materials such as pamphlets to community members as part of their awareness program. The team screens for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, while also providing referrals for clients dealing with tuberculosis (TB) and gender-based violence (GBV). The free testing process takes between 10 to 15 minutes and services are available to anyone seeking confidential screening. “Anyone can come access the services that we provide,” Mr. Lalio noted. Although treatment is not provided on site, clients who test reactive are referred to one of 16 partner clinics operating within NCD. “We have referral cards that indicate whether you are HIV reactive or syphilis reactive so we can refer you to the nearest clinic,” Mr. Lalio explained. The outreach project has been operating for the past nine months and continues to record increasing community participation. Mr. Lalio also pointed out that the growing number of STI cases highlighted in the National Department of Health (NDoH) statistics reinforces the importance of awareness and early testing. The outreach teams also maintain a call center service to help community members locate nearby testing sites as well as access information about available services. Furthermore, he is encouraging all Papua New Guineans to take sexual health seriously and support awareness efforts within their communities. “Get yourself tested and know your status,” he urged. For those seeking immediate support or information, the National Response Center remains available at 73096477.

A free sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening initiative is currently operating across the National Capital District (NCD), encouraging Papua New Guineans to get tested and take charge of their sexual health.Field Supervisor Jeffrey Lalio told PNG HAUSBUNG that the outreach program is being carried out through the Key Population Advocacy Consortium PNG (KPAC-PNG) with support from the Australian Government through DFAT and Catholic Health Services. He said the organization conducts Community Based Screening and Testing (CBST) targeting key populations and communities at hotspot locations across NCD. “The whole concept of this outreach program is to get every key population tested for HIV and STI.” Apart from HIV testing, the team also screens for syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia, while providing referrals for tuberculosis (TB) and gender-based violence (GBV) support services. He also stated that recent statistics from the National Department of Health (NDoH) show increasing STI cases among key populations in Papua New Guinea. The free testing process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, with services available to anyone seeking confidential testing. The project has been operating for nine months in which the team has seen a growing demand for testing services. “We see about 50 to 65 clients in a day, and at least every day we are dealing with around 18 to 30 people infected with HIV and syphilis.” While treatment is not provided on site, the outreach team works closely with 16 clinics across NCD to refer clients who test reactive for HIV or syphilis. “We have referral cards that indicate whether you are HIV reactive or syphilis reactive, so we can refer you to the nearest clinic,” he explained. Currently, the outreach teams are currently operating across the Northeast, Northwest, and Southside districts of NCD. In addition to testing, the program also distributes condoms and educational materials to help spread awareness about STI prevention. Mr. Lalio emphasized that education remains a critical tool in reducing STI cases throughout the country. “It’s all about disseminating information about HIV and STI prevention methods.” For those seeking assistance or information, the National Response Center can be reached at 73096477. Mr. Lalio’s message to Papua New Guineans is simple and clear: “Get yourself tested and know your status.”

As the YUMIFM PNG Musik Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary, past winners continue to revisit key milestones in PNG music.For Zone 5 Crew, the Listeners’ Choice Award for their hit “Puppy Love,” remains one of their most memorable achievements. Speaking on behalf of the group, Kelvin Sogoromo said the win was a proud moment for the band and their supporters across the country. “It was a huge achievement for us as a band, having spent over a decade excelling in the PNG music industry both on and off air,” he said. “It felt satisfying to be recognised by fans, families, friends and wantoks who voted for us.” He said the song’s success showed the strong bond between the music and its listeners. Songoromo said the song “Puppy Love” connected with audiences because of its simple storytelling and relatable theme that cuts across generations. “It told a story that connected with almost everyone who experienced puppy love during their high school years.” “The arrangement was simple, catchy and easy to sing along to.” He admitted that the group did not anticipate the song would become a major hit at the time of recording. “At the time, we had already stepped away from music and focused on our individual careers. It was more of a hobby project, like how we started back in 2010.” The track later gained national attention after being played on YUMIFM, helping it reach a wider audience. He said Zone 5 Crew’s music is inspired by everyday life and conversations within their communities, especially in East and West Sepik. “We try to connect strongly with our fan base while making music that people across the country and the Pacific can relate to.” He traced the group’s beginnings to informal recording sessions in Wewak during the 2010 Christmas holidays, when young artists were experimenting with music production software. “What started as fun eventually grew when some tracks had leaked, and people began to enjoy them. That’s how our fan base slowly grew.” Breakout releases like “Rangen,” helped establish their name in the PNG music scene. Describing their sound, Sogoromo said Zone 5 Crew focuses on a simple blend of modern production and traditional Sepik disco influences, with lyrics that reflect local identity. He also highlighted ongoing challenges in the industry, including copyright issues and limited financial returns for artists. “Many of our songs were distributed without consent and remixed without permission.” “Another challenge is that music alone rarely provides steady income, so most artists rely on live shows.” Sogoromo said the group is currently not active full-time, as members are focused on their individual careers, though they still come together occasionally for performances and recordings. While the award did not significantly change their day-to-day lives, he said it strengthened their recognition and legacy in PNG music. He added that Zone 5 Crew still has unreleased material and concepts for future projects when time allows. “We have over 30 song concepts that were never recorded, so we will revisit them when we have time.” Furthermore, he thanked fans for their continued support and dedication toward their legacy and support that made their award win possible.

Award-winning Papua New Guinea hip hop artist Allan Aufamau, famously known as Sprigga Mek, shared that winning Album of the Year in 2023, marked a major milestone in both his career and the growth of PNG hip hop music.He said that the recognition came at the right time after twenty years of dedication to the music industry. “Winning the Album of The Year in 2023 was an absolute honor in my career. Everything happens at the right time. It was a big win for PNG HipHop in general,” he said. Sprigga Mek explained that creating a full album had always been one of his biggest goals as an artist, describing the project as a legacy piece for both present and future generations. “I've always wanted to release a body of work for my supporters. Something to look back on after twenty years of blood, sweat and tears.” He said much of his music is inspired by the realities of everyday life in Papua New Guinea. “My inspiration always comes from my environment. I see and live everyday through the eyes of the ordinary Papua New Guinean. Life is a good teacher.” Although the album was recorded in Melbourne in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced a two-year delay in its release. Among the songs on the album, he noted that “Sweet Thing” is his personal favourite, which tells a tragic story about the consequences of life choices. Despite the success of the album, the artist admitted the award win came as a surprise, saying his long-time supporters were just as excited as he was. He also believes that award shows play an important role in motivating upcoming musicians to improve their skills and take their craft seriously. Since receiving the award, Sprigga Mek expressed that new opportunities have opened up for him to further build his brand while continuing to represent PNG culture and identity through music. Reflecting on the development of the local music industry, he said PNG music has evolved significantly over the past two decades but still needs stronger government support. “We have come a long way but we have a long to go still. We need Government support.” He encouraged young artists to remain humble and committed to learning the artform. “Become a student of the artform and always stay humble,” he advised. Sprigga Mek also reminded musicians to stay connected to their roots as PNG music continues to grow and change. “PNG music is always evolving but we must remember to never forget who we are and where we come from.” Meanwhile, he has hinted that new music may be on the way and thanked supporters for standing by him throughout his career. “Thank you for the support over the years. There’s more to come,” he said.

Prime Minister James Marape says Papua New Guinea is ready to lead regional and global conversations on ocean conservation and sustainable marine management.Opening the Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby, Mr. Marape welcomed leaders from across Melanesia, Polynesia, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. He said the summit brings together nations connected by the Pacific Ocean and united by the need to protect marine ecosystems from climate change and environmental destruction. Mr Marape described Papua New Guinea as a major Pacific nation with over 5,000 kilometres of coastline and some of the richest biodiversity in the world. He said PNG contains six to seven percent of the world’s known biodiversity and plays an important role in linking marine regions stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean. The Prime Minister highlighted PNG’s extensive Exclusive Economic Zone, saying the country’s ocean resources could feed its population many times over if managed sustainably. He also pointed to important marine areas connected to PNG waters, including the Bismarck Solomon Sea and Coral Triangle region. Mr. Marape said Pacific nations are working together under regional frameworks to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure long-term protection of oceans and marine life. He praised Pacific leaders and regional organisations for supporting the summit and contributing towards a shared vision for ocean sustainability. The Prime Minister said protecting oceans is not just about environmental conservation but also about safeguarding food security, livelihoods and future economic opportunities. He described the ocean as central to Pacific identity and culture. “Ocean is us,” he told delegates. Mr. Marape also used the summit to push for stronger climate action, noting that Pacific countries continue to experience severe impacts from rising sea levels and changing weather patterns despite having small carbon footprints. He announced that Papua New Guinea is beginning a transition towards renewable energy and electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Prime Minister said Pacific nations must continue advocating for sustainable development and responsible use of natural resources. He encouraged summit participants to use the conference to strengthen a united Pacific voice on ocean conservation and climate action. Mr. Marape said Papua New Guinea would continue supporting regional and international efforts to ensure oceans remain healthy and productive for generations to come.

Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua has called on Pacific nations to strengthen regional unity and work together to protect the Pacific Ocean from the growing impacts of climate change.Speaking at the Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby, Lord Fakafanua praised Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape for hosting the inaugural conference and for his leadership on ocean conservation and climate advocacy. The Tongan Prime Minister said the summit comes at a critical time as Pacific nations face rising sea levels, coral bleaching and increasingly severe tropical cyclones linked to climate change. He said climate-related disasters do not recognise national borders, noting that cyclones formed near the Solomon Islands can impact countries across Melanesia, Polynesia and beyond. “Sea level rise is disproportionately higher in the region than the global average,” Lord Fakafanua said. He also revealed that Tonga is currently monitoring coral bleaching caused by sustained above-average ocean temperatures, describing the environmental threats facing the Pacific as both real and visible. The Prime Minister stressed that Pacific countries must respond together through coordinated regional action. “Our response must therefore be collective, coordinated, and united,” he said. Lord Fakafanua described the summit as both timely and important, saying the decisions made during the conference would shape the future of ocean governance and marine protection across the Pacific region. Quoting renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle, he reminded delegates that the survival of humanity depends on healthy oceans. “If the oceans die, we die,” he said. The Tongan leader said Pacific nations are custodians of the world’s largest ocean continent and share a responsibility to protect it for future generations. He welcomed the proposed Melanesian Ocean Corridor Reserves initiative, describing it as a strategic opportunity to strengthen ocean governance, protect critical marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries and ocean economies. Lord Fakafanua thanked Prime Minister Marape for creating a platform that brings Pacific leaders together to discuss practical solutions for ocean conservation and climate resilience. He said the summit should move beyond discussions and lead to meaningful implementation and action across the region. “Let us align our voices, strengthen our partnerships and reaffirm our shared responsibility to our Pacific people for future generations,” he said. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing Tonga’s appreciation for being included in the summit and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working alongside Pacific neighbours to safeguard the region’s oceans and environment.

Prime Minister James Marape has called on Pacific nations and global leaders to unite in protecting the world’s oceans, warning that destroying the oceans would ultimately destroy planet Earth. Speaking at the opening of the Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape said the conference was historic and timely as Pacific leaders gather to discuss ocean conservation and climate action. The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea takes its role in the Pacific seriously, describing the country as one of the world’s largest island nations with rich biodiversity both on land and at sea. He said PNG shares the same concerns as other Pacific Island nations, especially the growing impacts of climate change and environmental destruction. “Ocean sustains life. Without ocean we would not be where we are today,” Mr. Marape said. He stressed that conversations about preserving oceans are not only important for Melanesia or the Pacific, but for the entire world. Mr. Marape said scientists have found no other planet in the observable universe with oceans like earth, making the protection of marine ecosystems critical for humanity’s survival. He also highlighted the importance of the Pacific Ocean, describing it as the largest ocean on Earth and saying Pacific nations are the custodians of one of the planet’s most important natural resources. The Prime Minister said Melanesia contains some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and important seascapes linked across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. He said the summit discussions would focus on conserving oceans, protecting marine life and ensuring the ocean economy remains sustainable for future generations. Mr. Marape urged world leaders to listen to Pacific voices, saying although Pacific nations may not have large economies or military power, they have the power to speak out on climate change and ocean protection. He said Pacific countries continue to suffer the effects of global carbon pollution despite contributing very little to global emissions. The Prime Minister also announced PNG’s plans to transition away from fossil fuels, saying the country aims to increase the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy over the next decade. He called on the wider Pacific region to follow similar pathways towards cleaner energy and sustainable resource management. Mr. Marape said protecting the oceans is directly connected to protecting the future of humanity. “Ocean is our way of life. Ocean is our supermarket. Ocean is our highway. Ocean is our livelihood,” he said. He concluded by urging summit participants to amplify the Pacific’s message to the world that oceans must be preserved for future generations.