Katrina ANGELI

Papua New Guinea (PNG) marked recently marked a milestone in border modernization with the official launch of the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) and the establishment of the Immigration Operations Command Center (IOCC). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration and Border Security John Rosso, who was unable to attend the launch in Port Moresby, due to him attending funeral proceedings of the late Governor for Morobe, Luther Wenge, explained that the PNGDAC and IOCC initiatives form Phase 1 of the Pre-Advance Passenger Information (iAPI) Project. This is a key part of the PNG e-Border Solution Project led by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA). “The PNGDAC replaces the old paper arrival card with a secure, online platform.” “From now onwards, passengers travelling to PNG can conveniently complete their arrival card digitally in 72 hours prior to boarding, making travel easier, while also giving our border agencies faster access to accurate passenger information.” The IOCC will act as the central hub for immigration intelligence and risk assessments, receiving and analyzing passenger information in real time. It is designed to meet international standards, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) protocols, ensuring PNG’s border systems are future-ready and globally aligned. “For the first time, Immigration, Customs, and the National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority, are fully integrated into one information system, allowing a whole of-government approach to secure borders, faster processing, and smarter facilitation of trade and travel.” “This is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a national security priority.” “By modernizing our border security systems, the PNG government is protecting our people, strengthening trade and tourism, and ensuring that PNG remains connected to the world in a safe and secure way.” Furthermore, he commended the Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu, and his team for their tireless work in delivering this reform, and the Deputy Chief Migration Officer for Visa, Passport and Work Permit, Clarence Parisau, for launching the initiatives. He now looks forward to Phase 2 of the project, which will expand these capabilities even further with full interactive passenger data feeds from all airlines and sea vessels.

As Papua New Guinea celebrated fifty years of independence, rural communities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and East New Britain (ENB) are now witnessing a transformative milestone with the near completion of three vital agriculture feeder roads under the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Cocoa Project. Funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea with support from the World Bank, the PACD Cocoa Project is driving rural development by improving access to markets, services, and economic opportunities for cocoa-growing communities. During the 10th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) visit last week, Senior Agriculture Specialist and PACD Team Leader Allan Oliver commended the progress of the road rehabilitation works. Oliver also urged communities to take ownership of road maintenance once contractors complete their work. “These roads are very important, and you are lucky to have them. There are other areas in the country still crying for better roads.” Oliver emphasized that PACD includes road maintenance training to empower communities to keep the infrastructure in good condition. He encouraged local wards to engage with their Local Level Governments (LLGs) and Districts to ensure long-term upkeep, noting that the roads contribute directly to the economic growth of the region. In addition, local leaders and residents have welcomed the development, describing it as long overdue. Meanwhile, Russel Anip, Chairman of the ward development committee for infrastructure in Kulungere, said that they have waited over ten years for this road. “It will benefit not only cocoa farmers but also provide access to schools, health centres, and basic services for everyone.” On the other hand, Youth representative Clive Niali, highlighted the impact on women and young people. “Mothers have carried cocoa and children on foot over rough terrain. This road will ease those burdens and make transport safer.” “During the wet season, we have had to cross flooded rivers just to transport cocoa. This road will give youths better access to farming and market opportunities.” Furthermore, as the PACD Cocoa Project continues to unfold, communities are being urged to use the improved infrastructure to strengthen their livelihoods, invest in better housing, and save for the future, especially with rising cocoa prices offering new economic potential.

Papua New Guinean boxer Peter Miria scored an impressive victory over Trent Elliott on September 27, knocking him out in the second round of their Super Middleweight (76 kg) fight.The match was hosted by Black Diamond Boxing Promotions in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. Miria, 29, is from Waima, Kairuku District, Central Province who started boxing in 2013 under the guidance of his late uncle, Joseph Mako, and represented the National Capital District (NCD) in several amateur tournaments. After forming the Team PNG development squad, Miria took a break from boxing between 2017 and 2018. He later returned as a professional, registering with the PNG Pro Boxing Control Board under Oceania Fight Promotions. He had several pro fights in Papua New Guinea before getting a fight opportunity in Sydney in 2023. Miria now trains at Sydney Fight Gym under coach and manager, Shadi Chebib. “I trained hard here in Sydney, and my coach Shadi Chebib helped me get ready for this fight,” said Miria. With this win, Miria continues to make a name for himself in professional boxing and shows promise as one of PNG’s rising boxing stars.

Communities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and East New Britain (ENB) province have expressed their deep gratitude to the National Government and the World Bank following the 10th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) visit for the Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PACD) Cocoa Project.The World Bank team, led by Mr. Allan Oliver, Senior Agriculture Specialist and Team Leader of PACD, is in Papua New Guinea for its biannual ISM from September 24 to October 6, 2025, to assess the progress of both the cocoa and coffee components of the PACD project. The mission began its visit to the Cocoa Project Management Unit (PMU) in Buka Island, where they inspected project partnerships and the nearly completed Teobhuin-Sipotavai 5.8 km Agriculture Feeder Road. The team then traveled to East New Britain to visit the Vunapalading-Burit Road and the Ivon-Kulungere road, as well as local grower partnerships. Mr. Oliver congratulated the Cocoa PMU on their commitment, noting that the feeder roads are a “lifeline for farmers and communities.” “We say thank you to the government for these kinds of initiatives working with the different commodity boards that we are benefiting from.” “We are happy that this project is helping you to increase revenue and income but at the same time all must look after revenue so that you build good house, savings in the bank and increase asset base in the cocoa industry.” The newly constructed roads are designed to withstand all weather conditions, a vital development that communities say is the first of its kind in forty to fifty years. Meanwhile, Joycelyne Karevui, Acting District Coordinator for Tinputz, called the road infrastructure a “significant milestone” that will improve connectivity, facilitate economic growth, enhance social services, and boost trade across the region. Speaking to beneficiaries, Mr. Oliver emphasized that the funding is a loan from the World Bank. He strongly encouraged farmers to “continue to grow cocoa and toil the land” to increase the country's export revenue, which will ultimately go toward repaying the loan. The Bank's mission is focused on projects like PACD to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity in communities. Moreover, he advised that as income and revenue increase, people should look after it by building good houses, saving in the bank, and increasing their asset base in the cocoa industry. The mission is currently scheduled to visit the projects under the PACD Coffee Component in the Highlands Region.

A newly established white copra buying point has been opened recently in Rabaul town in East New Britain to cater for coconut farmers in the district.Located at Palatirip along the Tunnel Hill Road of Balanataman Local Level Government (LLG), the buying point will be operated by the Coconut Resource Limited (CRL), a business arm of the Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK). The farm gate price per kilo is K5 for Rabaul district farmers while others will be at K4 per kilo. The subsidized price is aimed at assisting the local farmers and encourage families to venture into white copra production. Speaking during the opening of the white copra shed on September 23rd, 2025, the District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, said that the district has outsourced the operations to CRL to manage, however will continue to provide coordination and financial support. He added that the districts’ coconut plantation at Ramandu in North Baining of Gazelle district will also be producing white copra and selling at the new buying point. Lemeki further urged CRL to immediately begin with the operations and encouraged farmers to start selling their white copra. “Most of the time we launch projects or commission buildings, but we do not utilize it or sustain it, and now we must make sure that the shed is open for business.” Meanwhile, the CRL General Manager Ephraim Tade, who was also present to officiate the opening thanked the district administration for partnering with them in such vital economic projects. “We need to get quality white copra coming out of this shed and we encourage our farmers to meet all the required standards.” “We ensure that the moisture content is maintained, and all other requirements are met.” He further said that by November of this year, the district is expected to export a container and encourage farmers to continue meeting their weekly targets. Tade also mentioned that there are also plans to tap into other products using coconut water, coconut husks and coconut shells; however, more study and trainings must be done first.

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has confirmed that Royal Papua New Guinea (RPNGC) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) continue to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in the Highlands region.With a heightened security forces presence in the upper Highlands region, joint security operations have been consolidated with the appointment of Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr. as operation commander. “Protecting the innocent men, women, and children of the Highlands Region is the priority of deployed police and soldiers.” "With a significant joint security force presence building in the upper Highlands region and concurrent investigative activity, it is appropriate that on-the-ground command of this operation be supported by an experienced operational commander.” “After a period of time away from command duties, Mr Wagambie has today been commissioned to the rank of Commander and assigned to spearhead the operational command against these acts of terrorism.” “This appointment reflects Commander Wagambie's extensive policing experience.” As operation commander of the joint security response, Commander Wagambie will deliver on-the-ground command to ensure that the rule of law is respected by communities in this region. “Commander Wagambie knows what is expected of him in coordinating operations.” “Upholding the rule of law, protecting innocent communities, and bringing to justice those who have sought to hold our nation to ransom.” Meanwhile, Commissioner Manning said that the government has declared there must be zero tolerance in dealing with those who terrorise our communities, and our security forces are meeting this objective. Further details on this ongoing operation will be provided at an appropriate time.

The Rabaul District Administration has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the East New Britain Savings & Loans (ENBSL) for the districts’ micro- finance credit facility program.The credit facility creation is a strategic development program aimed to provide financial assistance to local SMES and support women and youth entrepreneurship at the community level. This program initiated by the district commerce sector was allocated K500, 000 under the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funding with K450, 000 for the micro credit facility creation and K50, 000 for the administration of the program. The MOA outlines the conditions & terms of the agreement and how ENBSL is expected to rollout the program. There are three loan categories which includes, K500-K1000 range, K1001-K3000, and K3001-K5000. Requirements for SME’s include business plan and cash flow, 30% equity, technical certificate (TVET/Financial Literacy certificate), K50 (Local Level Government (LLG) registration, Ward Development Committee recommendation and Respective LLG Manager with LLG Business Development Officer endorsement.For the second & third category, meeting minutes for SME groups and Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) registration is required. Speaking during the signing of the MOA at the districts’ headquarter this week was the Manager- Member Service & Branch Support Lopa Alua who thanked the Rabaul District Development Authority (DDA) and the district administration for having the trust in ENBSL and partnering with them. “This is our first shared commitment in fostering financial empowerment to our people at the ward levels in Rabaul district and we aim to provide full banking services to our economically challenged individuals, farmers, SMEs, etc. to help their business grow and improve livelihoods.” Meantime, Rabaul district Administrator Freddy Lemeki thanked ENBSL for the partnership and said the credit facility program will enable SME’s, women’s and youths who lack proper financial assistance expand their growth. He further urged those who were willing to apply to meet all the requirements and encouraged them to have a business operation plan in place to sustain their SMEs. Public servants and registered businesses/companies are not allowed to apply for the micro-credit facility program.

The Rabaul District Administration officially opened two new police duplexes this week at the Kurakakaul barracks, located at the district headquarters along the North Coast Road in East New Britain province. The new accommodation aims to address the critical issue of inadequate housing for local police personnel.The two three-bedroom duplexes were successfully completed last month by Paveks Construction Limited and Last-Born Enterprise Limited at a total cost of over K1.2 million, which included fencing works. The project was co-funded under the District Infrastructure and Law and Order program through the Provincial Services Improvement Programs (PSIP) and District Services Improvement Programs (DSIP).Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, District Administrator Freddy Lemeki highlighted the project's timely nature.“This is a timely project as our police personnel are being faced with inadequate housing and other related accommodation issues affecting their overall welfare.”He added that the duplexes will provide a much-needed home for officers and their families, which in turn will enhance their performance for effective policing.The new buildings will complement the existing police staff house, which currently accommodates the Rabaul Police Station Commander. Mr. Lemeki also urged families and nearby communities to be responsible and look after the new buildings.Meanwhile, Rabaul Police Station Commander Chief Sergeant John Hapot, who also witnessed the ceremony, thanked the district social sector and administration for their continuous support.“With the recent rise in law-and-order issues in Rabaul and nearby villages, the project will help beef up our manpower by immediately responding to issues in the nearby communities.”The completion of the two duplexes is part of a broader effort to improve the district's law and order infrastructure. Moreover, they will stand alongside the newly refurbished district courthouse and the Seif Haus, both located at the Kurakakaul district headquarters.The administration also announced plans to build similar police duplexes in the future to cater for more police officers.

Students of St Mary Star of the Sea Primary School in Balanataman Local Level Government (LLG) in Rabaul District, East New Britain (ENB) province, can now access a better learning environment with the opening of their newly constructed four-in-one classroom.During its official opening on September 23rd, Rabaul District Administrator Mr. Freddy Lemeki, said the building was funded through the District Services Improvement Program at a cost of K450, 000.“St Mary Star of the Sea Primary School has its own humble story to tell being that one of its classroom and teacher’s house were built from community-driven efforts alone with minimal government support.”Mr. Lemeki said the school located along Rapolo Tavana accommodates a growing number of student population and is in need of additional school infrastructure therefore the Rabaul District Development Authority (RDDA) resolved to support the school with infrastructure and enhance academic learning.The construction of the classroom was done by contractor 89 Consultancy & Engineering.Meanwhile, Senior Professional Assistant for Primary Schools with the Provincial Division of Education, Mr. Kilala Wartovo commended the RDDA for prioritizing education infrastructure.He commended the school from progressing from elementary to primary school status and recently graduated its pioneer Grade 8s who performed exceptionally well.“The Education Division is trying its best to bring education services closer to the people and such initiatives by districts help us to achieve this.”The Education Division is working tirelessly to have three junior high schools by next year in ENB.Furthermore, Mr. Wartovo said the St Mary Star of the Sea has the potential to become a junior high school in 2027 due to influx of students from the area and nearby wards facing issues commuting daily to Kokopo Secondary School.

The Rabaul District Administration has launched a total of ten Rural Service Delivery Projects (RSDP) on September 22. These projects include four ward halls, a women’s resource centre and five water catchment areas in the Balanataman Local Level Government (LLG). The Rural Service Delivery projects launched were Raluan No.2 Ward Hall, Malaguna No.3 Women’s Resource Centre, Malaguna No.2 Ward Hall and Nonga village Ward Hall. Water catchment project areas included Raluan No.1 Ward, Malaguna No.3 Ward, Tavui 1 & 2 Wards and Iawakaka Ward. Speaking during the closing of these projects launching yesterday at Iawakaka ward was RSDP Coordinator Mr. Paul Kapa, who explained that Balanataman LLG of Rabaul district was selected to pilot the program. “This RSDP program is world bank funded and looks at community driven projects that can benefit communities; and it complements the provincial administrations’ focus on ward governance.” He further announced that Rabaul is the first district to have completed all its 12 RSDP projects and added that for Volavolo and Ratavul ward halls, the launching will be on a later date due to on-going law and order issues. The RSDP Coordinator commended the wards for meeting all the compliance requirements and handed over the certificate of completion and audit reports. Meantime, Rabaul District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, commended the RSDP and the district team in ensuring that all projects met compliance requirements and was completed on time. He said that most of these wards have been without proper ward halls and water catchments for a long time and added that these projects also fulfil some of the ward minimum standards that are required by the government. Lemeki further encouraged wards to look after the newly launched projects and urged communities to take ownership of each project by having their operation and maintenance plans in place.

Kessy Sawang MP, Minister for Labour and Employment and Member for Rai Coast Open, has expressed her deepest condolences on the passing of Luther Wenge MP, Governor of Morobe Province. Sawang said he was a leader of principle and courage who served Papua New Guinea (PNG) with distinction in two arms of government, as a Member of Parliament and as an Acting Judge of the National Court. “He was one of the few leaders in our nation’s history who made profound contributions not only to the creation of our laws but also to their interpretation and application.” As a trained lawyer and magistrate, he brought exceptional legal insight to public service, ensuring that legislation served the people fairly and justly. Sawang also expressed that Governor Wenge’s fearless advocacy in the courts and principled leadership in Parliament reflected a deep commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law, leaving a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire future generations of Papua New Guinean leaders. In Parliament, he was a colorful orator whose voice and convictions commanded attention and respect. “As a three-term Governor of Morobe, the largest province in PNG, he carried great responsibility and served his people with dedication and distinction.” “His lifelong commitment to justice, democracy, and the wellbeing of our people has left an enduring legacy.” “His passing, so close to our 50th Independence anniversary, is a great loss not only to Morobe but to the country as a whole.” “On behalf of the people of Rai Coast, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and the people of Morobe Province.” “May his legacy continue to inspire us and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Air Niugini has advised all valued customers that in view of Super Typhoon Ragasa’s expected adverse impact on Hong Kong later this week, the airline regrets to inform that flights PX 008 and PX 019, scheduled for Wednesday September 24, have been cancelled. Passengers who hold bookings on these flights will be given the option to either rebook on a later date at no extra charge or receive a full refund. At present, Super Typhoon Ragasa is located east of Luzon in the northern Philippines, having developed from a tropical disturbance on September 17, 2025. It is forecast to track west-northwest into the South China Sea before affecting Hong Kong mid-week. Air Niugini apologizes for any inconvenience and has thanked everyone for their understanding as safety remains their foremost priority. For further details on rebooking and refunds, can get in touch with Air Niugini’s Commercial Service Centre on email, csc@airniugini.com.pg Air Niugini will continue to monitor the weather situation closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and provide further updates as necessary.