A nine-member delegation from the Morobe Provincial Government returned to Lae on Friday, June 12, following a critical five-day official visit to Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) aimed at preparing the province for the upcoming Wafi-Golpu mine project. Led by Deputy Governor Andrew Tera, the group departed on Monday, June 8, for what officials described as a vital benchmarking exercise. The high-level party included key provincial executive chairmen for mining, energy, and agriculture, alongside local level government presidents and key landowning representatives from the Yanta, Hengembu, and Babuaf communities of Special Mining Lease (SML) 10 area.Speaking ahead of the departure, Governor Rainbo Paita emphasized that the visit would hold considerable value for Morobe’s broader strategy regarding its natural resources, with lessons stretching across infrastructure sectors like roads, power, communication, and transport. He noted that the journey was designed to give landowners a firsthand understanding of the socio-economic returns and long-term business opportunities that flow from a mature mining enterprise. Fully funded by Ok Tedi, which provided return charter flights, accommodation, and full board, the trip was tightly curated, with each delegate selected for the specific bearing their role has on Morobe's future.For the traveling landowners, the visit offered a unique look at what life actually looks like once a major mine takes root in a community. By observing one of the nation’s most established operations, the delegation sought to learn from both Ok Tedi’s successes and its challenges, ensuring that Morobe meets the Wafi-Golpu project with practical knowledge rather than untested hope. A major focus of the trip involved studying infrastructure development, specifically examining how Ok Tedi has utilized the Tax Credit Scheme to channel mining wealth into public works like schools and roads. Ultimately, the insights gained from this week-long expedition are expected to directly inform the provincial government's strategies and negotiations as preparations for Wafi-Golpu intensify in the months ahead.

What began as a training programme under the European Union-funded STREIT PNG initiative has evolved into a lasting community-driven movement in Wosera-Gawi District, where families are learning to plan together, manage income more effectively, and make decisions that benefit entire households.At the centre of this transformation is Angela Gossiba, Food Security Officer and Caretaker District Agriculture Coordinator for Wosera-Gawi, whose work is helping farmers strengthen not only their agricultural practices but also their family and community livelihoods.During a recent cocoa budding training in Yembiyembi, a remote community in Gawi LLG, an elderly farmer reflected on the value of the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training. After learning how families can plan and make decisions together using simple visual tools, he told fellow participants he wished he had received such guidance when he was younger. Although he could not turn back time, he said he would pass the knowledge on to his son so the next generation could benefit.For Angela, stories like this are evidence of the programme's success.Having served in the provincial agriculture service since 2007 and in Wosera-Gawi since 2016, Angela's role regularly takes her into some of East Sepik's most remote communities.“Being a woman doing agriculture work is very tough,” she said. “You have to travel to very remote places, often on foot. But I have enjoyed the challenges. I have walked throughout the district and stayed with farming families in their villages.”Through years of fieldwork, Angela observed a recurring challenge: women contribute significantly to food production yet often have limited access to training, resources, finance and decision-making opportunities. Young people face similar barriers.To help address these issues, the EU-STREIT PNG Programme trained Angela as a Gender Coach, one of approximately 70 government officers and lead farmers equipped to deliver GALS across East and West Sepik provinces.The approach uses drawings and visual planning tools rather than written documents, making it easier for rural families to identify goals, map out pathways to achieve them and discuss household responsibilities.“Our people in the villages may not be able to prepare written project plans, but through drawings they are able to understand and participate,” Angela explained.The training has produced tangible results across the district.In Blamda, North Wosera, Angela combined cocoa extension services with household planning activities. She established a certified budwood garden for cocoa pod borer-tolerant seedlings, which now supplies planting materials to more than ten communities. Farmers have also gained skills in financial management and entrepreneurship, with many opening bank accounts and operating small cocoa businesses.Beyond farming, the programme has influenced how families make decisions.Angela recalls the experience of the Wani family, where household decisions were once made solely by the father.“Before the training, the father made all the decisions without involving his wife or children,” she said. “After participating in GALS, he realised the importance of including the whole family in planning and decision-making.”Another success story comes from Burui village, where farmer Nereus Saun and his wife Jaqueline Sakat used the GALS planning tools to achieve their education goals. After jointly deciding to invest their cocoa earnings into a fermentary to improve returns from dry bean sales, the couple generated enough income to fund Nereus' university studies. In 2026, he enrolled in a Bachelor programme at the University of Goroka.Angela has also applied the lessons within her own family. After receiving GALS training in 2024, she guided her children through the Vision Journey planning process, helping them establish an inland fish farming project. The family later expanded into poultry production and cocoa development.A key reason for the programme's ongoing impact is Angela's commitment to sharing the knowledge. She has trained around 20 Community Gender Advocates across the district's four local-level governments, enabling support to reach communities she cannot visit herself.Among them is Julie Kleniaka, who leads the Wingum Women's Group in Patiko village, and Jude Wapi of Baluwe in the Chambri Lakes area, whose community used proceeds from cocoa seedling sales to construct an early childhood classroom completed in 2024.Angela believes empowering local trainers and government officers is essential for long-term sustainability.“Government officers and local trainers are permanently based in the communities and are in the best position to continue these activities while mentoring others,” she said.Looking ahead, Angela is advocating for the establishment of dedicated gender desks within provincial and district agriculture offices. Speaking during regional consultations on the National Women and Youth in Agriculture Policy in Wewak, she proposed formally funded positions that would help women and youth farmers access extension services, markets, banking opportunities and financial support.Despite the progress, Angela acknowledges significant challenges remain, including illiteracy, limited access to land and credit, insufficient business skills and law-and-order issues that often restrict women's mobility.Nevertheless, she says the most encouraging change has been the growing confidence among women.“Many women were afraid to stand in front of people or speak publicly,” she said. “They lacked confidence and often felt pushed aside. Now they know they have a place and a voice.”In recognition of her work, Angela was named the EU-STREIT PNG Programme Champion for the Greater Sepik Region in 2024. Yet she views the achievement not as the end of a project, but as part of her everyday responsibility.“It has already become part of me,” she said. “I now incorporate these approaches into every extension activity I conduct.”As she continues travelling to remote villages throughout Wosera-Gawi, Angela remains motivated by the people she serves.“There are people out there who need me,” she said. “That is what keeps me going.”Her story reflects the broader legacy of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, which has strengthened the skills of government officers across multiple sectors, enabling them to continue delivering lasting benefits to their communities long after the programme's direct interventions.

A new chapter in healthcare has begun for the people of Aitape-Lumi District as Raihu Health Centre was officially upgraded to a Level 4 District Hospital, marking a major achievement for the Catholic Diocese of Aitape, Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS), and the communities it has served for more than seven decades.The facility will now operate as St. Francis Catholic District Hospital, strengthening healthcare services across the district and improving access to higher-level medical care for thousands of residents.The official accreditation ceremony, held on Wednesday, brought together healthcare workers, church leaders, government representatives, development partners, and community members to celebrate what many described as a historic achievement for the region.Among those attending the ceremony were the Minister for Health, provincial leaders, representatives of the Catholic Church, development partners, and local residents, all gathered to witness the hospital's transition to Level 4 status.The accreditation follows years of planning, commitment, and collaboration between the Catholic Diocese of Aitape, Catholic Church Health Services, government agencies, and development partners.Hospital staff and community members said the upgrade reflects the continued growth of Raihu and its vital role in delivering healthcare services throughout Aitape-Lumi District and surrounding communities.For more than 71 years, Raihu has been a cornerstone of healthcare within the Diocese of Aitape. The facility celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2005, recognizing 50 years of dedicated service, and most recently participated in Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Jubilee celebrations, highlighting its enduring contribution to the nation's health sector.The elevation to a Level 4 District Hospital is expected to significantly enhance healthcare delivery by expanding clinical services, strengthening referral pathways, and increasing the hospital's capacity to provide specialized care closer to home.Church leaders and Catholic Church Health Services acknowledged the dedication of hospital staff, government partners, supporters, and the local community whose collective efforts made the accreditation possible.

The Remington Group has strengthened its presence in Papua New Guinea’s retail technology sector with the opening of a new Remington Hi-Tek outlet in Mt Hagen, marking its first retail expansion into the Highlands region.The new store joins Remington Hi-Tek's existing outlets in Port Moresby and Lae, bringing a wider range of technology products and services closer to customers in the Western Highlands and surrounding provinces.To mark the occasion, Remington Hi-Tek hosted an Open Day on Tuesday, June 16, in partnership with the PNGFM radio team. Throughout the day, PNGFM broadcast live from the venue, engaging the local community through on-air promotions, giveaways and interactive activities.Hundreds of residents turned out to celebrate the opening, taking part in trivia competitions, winning shopping vouchers and merchandise, and exploring the store’s range of laptops, smartphones and technology accessories.The expansion reflects Remington Hi-Tek’s commitment to improving access to quality technology products and dependable local support services across Papua New Guinea.The Remington Group thanked the people of Mt Hagen for their strong support and warm reception, saying it looks forward to serving customers throughout the Highlands region for years to come.

Soldiers from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) 2nd Cavalry Regiment have strengthened the enduring Papua New Guinea-Australia partnership through a meaningful community visit to the Cheshire Inclusive Education Resource Centre in Port Moresby, a school supporting children with disabilities.During the visit, the soldiers engaged with students and staff through games, storytelling, and shared activities designed to build connection, teamwork, and inclusion.The interaction created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with students enthusiastically participating alongside the visiting troops.As part of the visit, the ADF members donated sporting equipment, including footballs, cones, skipping ropes, and other recreational items.The donation is expected to greatly support the school’s physical education programs, encouraging active participation, confidence building, and inclusive play for all students.School staff and students warmly welcomed the gesture, noting the positive impact of both the equipment and the personal interaction with the soldiers.The visit reflects the strong and ongoing Papua New Guinea-Australia defence partnership, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to supporting community wellbeing.

A new CCTV surveillance and video conferencing connectivity initiative has been officially launched to link the Morobe, Salamaua and Wampar Rural Local Level Governments with the Huon Gulf District Administration.This project was unveiled by Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion Jason Peter, during a major development project launch ceremony in Morobe LLG.The system is designed to improve communication between rural administrations and the district headquarters, allowing government officials to coordinate services more efficiently while reducing travel costs and delays.The technology will also support law and order operations, strengthen disaster response coordination, and improve the overall delivery of government services across the district.Human Resource Manager for Morobe Provincial Administration Kusak Meluk, noted that improved communication infrastructure would strengthen governance and increase the effectiveness of public service delivery in rural communities.Meanwhile, Rural Patrol Police Inspector Adam Busila also praised the project stating that the enhanced connectivity would assist law enforcement agencies in responding more effectively to security issues and emergencies.

TISA Insurance recently announced the donation of a salvaged vehicle to Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) in support of the institute’s automotive training program.This highlights the social responsibility and TISA’s commitment towards investing in education and the future of this country.The donated vehicle, though previously involved in an accident, has been assessed and found to be in excellent condition for educational and training purposes.Rather than allowing a serviceable asset to go to waste, the initiative transformed it into a meaningful learning tool for the next generation of automotive professionals.For students enrolled in DBTI’s automotive program, access to a real, modern vehicle is invaluable.It allows them to engage directly hands-on with contemporary vehicle systems, components, and technologies that they will encounter in the workplace.This type of experiential learning is what truly bridges the gap between classroom theory and actual industry practice- a gap that can often be difficult for vocational institutions to close due to limited resources.TISA Insurance aims to help equip young men and women with the practical competencies, technical confidence, and professional readiness demanded by today’s automotive industry demands.The hand-on skills they develop working on this vehicle will stay with them throughout their careers.This initiative reflects TISA Insurance’s commitment not only to our business, but to the communities in which it operates.TISA has extended its congratulations to the faculty, staff, and students of Don Bosco Technological Institute, and is looking forward in seeing the great things these future professionals will achieve.“Together, let us continue to build a workforce that is skilled, capable, and ready to drive progress - one student at a time.”

Communities across Morobe Local Level Government (LLG) are set to benefit from improved policing, healthcare, disaster assistance, and grassroots service delivery following the launch of several community-focused projects by Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion, Jason Peter.These projects, funded through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGDDA), were launched recently as part of the district's ongoing commitment to improving essential services in rural areas.This included the commissioning of two new police houses, providing improved accommodation for officers serving in Morobe LLG.The housing is expected to strengthen law and order by improving the welfare of frontline police personnel and supporting policing operations throughout the area.Healthcare services also received a new boat fitted with a 75-horsepower outboard motor to Zaka Health Centre.The vessel will enable health workers to transport emergency patients more efficiently and expand outreach services to isolated coastal communities that have limited access to medical care.The district also delivered K200, 000 worth of disaster relief supplies to families affected by the severe weather and natural disasters that struck Huon Gulf in March this year.The relief package includes food and essential household supplies to assist communities as they recover from the impacts of the disaster.Finally, to strengthen grassroots governance, bicycles were distributed to representatives from all 20 wards in the Morobe LLG.The bicycles will improve mobility for the ward leaders, enabling them to better access rural communities and carry out their responsibilities more effectively.Speaking during the launch, Minister Peter said the projects reflected the district’s commitment to delivering practical development that directly improves people's lives.“Development is not about promises; it is about delivering results that directly improve the lives of our people.”“This launching demonstrates our commitment to strengthening law and order, improving healthcare, restoring essential services, supporting our communities, and ensuring that development reaches every ward and village within Morobe LLG and the wider Huon Gulf District.”Meanwhile, Morobe LLG President and Deputy Governor Andrew Tera, commended the Huon Gulf DDA for investing in projects that respond to the real needs of rural communities.Additionally, Rural Patrol Police Inspector Adam Busila said investments in police housing, health services, and community support programs would contribute significantly to improving governance and public service delivery throughout Morobe LLG.

Police Minister Sir John Thomas Pundari, CMG, KBE, MP, recently officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the new National Forensic Laboratory at Gordons, describing the project as a major milestone in the modernization of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and a tangible outcome of the strong policing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.Sir John acknowledged the presence of representatives from the Australian High Commission, the Australian Federal Police, and senior leadership of the RPNGC, noting that the mix of PNG and Australian officers “signifies the depth of cooperation” between the two nations.He paid tribute to the long-standing historical ties between PNG and Australia, saying the shared sacrifices of past generations continue to underpin this security cooperation.“On the back of that history, we have built powerful bilateral arrangements that are delivering real, tangible outcomes for our people.”The Minister confirmed that the Gordons facility will be complemented by additional forensic hubs in the Highlands, Momase, and New Guinea Islands regions, forming a nationwide network to strengthen evidence-based policing and improve justice outcomes.To maximize this infrastructure, Sir John called for aggressive investment in forensic science training, emphasizing that modern facilities must be matched with highly skilled officers.“A well-capacitated, strengthened and modernized RPNGC means justice for our people and contributes to regional security, especially as we face increasing transnational crime.”He highlighted the importance of proper evidence collection, preservation, and analysis, stressing that successful prosecutions begin with well-trained frontline officers.“Commit yourselves, be faithful, be diligent. The results of your training must be reflected in the work you do.”During the ceremony, Sir John also thanked Assistant Commissioner Jamie Strauss of the Australian Federal Police for five years of distinguished service in PNG, acknowledging his leadership and the visible results of the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership across the country.The Minister reaffirmed that the forensic facility would serve not only PNG but the wider Pacific region, supporting efforts to combat drugs, firearms trafficking, organized crime and other cross-border threats.“We are together in securing our region. This investment benefits Papua New Guinea, Australia and our Pacific neighbors.”Sir John went on to commend Police Commissioner David Manning and the RPNGC leadership for ongoing reforms, noting improvements in policing visibility, discipline, and operational outcomes.He encouraged officers nationwide to maintain high standards and avoid complacency.“To the criminals out there long gone are the days when confessions alone will determine your fate. Evidence will find you out. PNG is modernizing, and the law will catch up with you.”The Minister concluded by thanking the Australian government and reaffirming the Marape-Rosso government’s commitment to strengthening the Constabulary through record investments in infrastructure, training and capability development.

Prime Minister (PM) and Pangu Pati Leader James Marape has launched the party's "Pangu Next Generation" vision, calling for a nationwide membership drive while reaffirming the Government's ambition to grow Papua New Guinea's (PNG’s) economy to K200 billion by 2030.Prime Minister Marape has outlined an ambitious roadmap for both Pangu Pati and PNG’s economic future, unveiling the "Pangu Next Generation" initiative as the party's guiding theme moving forward.Addressing party members at the 28th National Pangu Pati Convention in Port Moresby city last week, PM Marape called for a nationwide membership recruitment campaign aimed at strengthening Pangu Pati's presence across the country and building stronger grassroots structures."The colour green must continue. Membership recruitment must continue. The next generation conversation is why we are here," he said.Marape said Pangu Pati's vision extends beyond election cycles, with a focus on building a sustainable political movement capable of serving Papua New Guinea for decades to come."The reason why I picked Pangu in 2019 was because Pangu had structure, had history and had a foundation. We must sustain Pangu from 2027 to 2047 and beyond," he said.Marape also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to achieving a K200 billion economy by 2030, describing the target as both realistic and attainable through strategic investments in key sectors.He identified major resource projects, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, downstream processing, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) as critical drivers of future economic growth.The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of progressing major resource developments, including the Papua LNG Project, Wafi-Golpu Project, Frieda River Project and Porgera Gold Mine, while ensuring greater returns for Papua New Guinea from its natural resources."These projects must help carry our economy beyond K200 billion and eventually towards K300 billion and K500 billion," Marape said.The Prime Minister's address signals a dual focus on strengthening Pangu Pati's long-term political future while driving economic expansion through major investments and resource development projects.

Huon Gulf Member and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion Jason Peter, recently launched the Morobe Local Level Government (LLG) Genset Power Restoration Project after over two decades of the station operating without a reliable power source for operations.The station, which had a faulty generator, had caused setbacks in service delivery for approximately 25 years.With funding support from the Huon Gulf DDA, the existing gen-set was repaired, thus restoring electricity to the station and enabling efficient government administration.Present to witness the launch was Andrew Tera, Morobe Province’s Deputy Governor and President of Morobe LLG alongside Kusak Meluk, Human Resource Manager for Morobe Provincial Administration, Inspector Adam Busila, Rural Patrol Police Inspector, ward councilors, community leaders, and representatives from different government organizations.Minister Peter emphasized his commitment to delivering services not just by word but by action.“Development is not about promises; it is about delivering results that directly improve the lives of our people.”The restoration is expected to improve office activity, systems of communication, public service, and overall government presence within the LLG.Other projects launched included the construction of two new police houses, transport provision for Zaka Health Centre, bicycle distribution for wards, K200, 000 Disaster Relief Assistance, as well as the introduction of a CCTV Surveillance and Video Conferencing Connectivity Initiative.

The Head Teacher of Nabuapaka Primary School has met with Minister for Energy and Member for Kairuku, Peter Namea Isoaimo, to finalise arrangements for the official opening of the school's newly constructed double classroom.The meeting was held at the Minister's office in Port Moresby and focused on confirming the opening date and coordinating preparations for the upcoming ceremony.The new classroom facility marks a significant milestone for Nabuapaka Primary School and reflects ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure within the Kairuku District.During the discussions, both parties emphasized the importance of ensuring all stakeholders are well coordinated to deliver a successful opening event and celebrate the achievement with students, teachers, parents, and members of the local community.The double classroom project is expected to provide a more conducive learning environment for students while helping to address classroom space needs at the school.Minister Isoaimo reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education development throughout the district, highlighting the critical role that quality infrastructure plays in improving educational outcomes."Investing in schools is investing in the future of our children and the future of Kairuku District," he said.He added that improving educational facilities remains a priority and that the district will continue to support initiatives that create better opportunities for students to learn and succeed.The official opening date is expected to be announced following the completion of final preparations.