Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has announced new support from global logistics provider Blue Water Shipping, marked by a generous donation of K32,664.96 to fund School Library Kits for seven primary schools across Papua New Guinea.The contribution was formally recognised during a visit by Nicholas Walsh, General Manager of Blue Water Shipping PNG, to BbP’s Baruni Library Learning Centre in Baruni village. The event was witnessed by teachers and students, with Mr. Walsh sharing insights into the company’s global operations and engaging the children in interactive activities. Founded in Denmark in 1972, Blue Water Shipping is an international logistics and freight forwarding company specialising in customised end-to-end transport solutions across sea, air, road, and rail, as well as port agency services worldwide. Through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment not only to infrastructure and trade, but also to community development. Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, welcomed the partnership and highlighted the meaningful connection between her Danish heritage and the company’s origins. “As someone originally from Denmark, it is incredibly meaningful to see a Danish company like Blue Water Shipping extend its support to children here in Papua New Guinea,” she said. “This partnership reflects the power of shared values across borders — a commitment to education, opportunity, and community development. We are truly grateful for their generosity and belief in the work we do at Buk bilong Pikinini.” The donation will enable BbP to distribute high-quality, curriculum-aligned library books to seven primary schools that currently lack adequate library facilities. Each School Library Kit is designed to strengthen literacy outcomes, foster a culture of reading, and support classroom learning. Buk bilong Pikinini, a Papua New Guinean non-government organisation focused on early childhood education and literacy, operates Library Learning Centres and supports community schools through its School Library Re-Establishment Program. The initiative assists schools in restoring functional library spaces with the support of committed partners such as Blue Water Shipping. Limited or non-existent library facilities remain a significant challenge for many schools nationwide, leaving students without essential reading resources. By equipping schools with School Library Kits, BbP aims to improve reading proficiency, increase academic engagement, and create sustainable learning environments. Schools wishing to be considered for BbP support are encouraged to submit details including school level, location, number of classes, teacher-to-student ratio, and nearest airport. Accessibility and logistical considerations will guide the planning and distribution of future donations. The contribution underscores a shared commitment between Buk bilong Pikinini and Blue Water Shipping to improving educational outcomes and expanding access to quality learning resources for children across Papua New Guinea.

OFC Tech Solutions, a business unit of the Remington Group, has announced a strategic partnership with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE), a global leader in secure networking and communications solutions.The collaboration aims to accelerate the modernization of enterprise-grade networking and cloud-based communication systems across Papua New Guinea. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the local market. As legacy hardware vendors phase out traditional PABX systems, many organisations face growing risks associated with aging infrastructure and diminishing technical support. Through this alliance, OFC Tech Solutions and ALE will provide a seamless, secure, and scalable transition to modern IP-based and hybrid-cloud platforms, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. “We are thrilled to welcome OFC Tech Solutions to our partner ecosystem. Their deep local expertise and the Remington Group’s legacy of service excellence make them an ideal partner to advance digital transformation in Papua New Guinea,” said Dinesh Divakar, Country Leader ANZ, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise. “Together, we are enabling PNG businesses not just to replace their systems, but to evolve them with secure, resilient, and future-ready communications solutions—ensuring confidence, scalability, and long-term support.” OFC Tech Solutions is a leading ICT services provider in Papua New Guinea, delivering enterprise technology solutions including IT infrastructure, networking, communications systems, and managed services. The company supports government, corporate, and institutional clients nationwide. Asanka Dias, General Manager of OFC Tech Solutions, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to delivering practical and future-focused solutions for customers. “This marks an important step forward for OFC Tech Solutions as we continue to create value through technology. Partnering with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise allows us to offer globally proven, reliable solutions that help organisations modernise their systems, improve operational efficiency, and plan confidently for the future.” The introduction of the Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCX Enterprise Communication Server further strengthens OFC Tech Solutions’ enterprise communications portfolio and reinforces the Remington Group’s commitment to delivering world-class technology solutions backed by strong local expertise.

After a competitive selection process attracting applicants from across the country, the Remington Group has welcomed five emerging professionals into its 2026 Graduate Development and Apprenticeship programs.Applications were received from across Papua New Guinea’s four regions, with 19 candidates shortlisted for the Graduate Development Program and seven for the Apprenticeship Program. After a rigorous assessment process, five candidates were selected to join the Group. The 2026 intake includes: Michelle Bilson – Junior Service Technician Apprentice (Remington Technology) Nadia Kila – Graduate Trainee (Marketing) William Marjen – Junior Service Technician Apprentice (FX Business Centre) Sinclair Sabadi – Graduate Trainee (IT)  Antonette Bapi – Junior Service Technician Apprentice (Remington Technology) The one-year Graduate Development Program provides structured training, mentorship, and practical exposure across business functions, preparing participants for long-term career opportunities within the Group. The four-year Apprenticeship Program, delivered in partnership with the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB), combines formal trade certification with hands-on technical experience to equip apprentices with nationally recognised qualifications and industry-ready skills. Chief Executive Officer Justin Kieseker said investing in young Papua New Guineans remains central to the Remington Group’s long-term strategy. “Sustainable growth depends on building local capability. Since launching in 2020, these programs have created clear pathways into permanent roles and future leadership within our organisation,” he said. General Manager – Human Resources, Madeline Orim, added that the selection process was thorough and highly competitive. “We looked beyond academic results to identify candidates with strong technical ability, character, and long-term potential. This intake reflects our ongoing commitment to developing skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to both our business and the country.” The Remington Group continues to prioritise talent development as part of its broader commitment to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s workforce and supporting sustainable national growth.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape says he will sink any illegal vessels operating in the waters of Papua New Guinea catching fish. The PM reiterated his strong warning made earlier to illegal fishermen from neighbouring countries to be properly licensed or face the sinking of their fishing vessels. He resounded this warning today as he commended the border surveillance unit and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for apprehending three unlicensed fishing vessels from Indonesia in the Gulf of Papua last week. PM Marape said he was awaiting a full report from NFA before these trespassing, illegal fishermen can be tried in the PNG courts and their boats sunk. “I did make an announcement earlier that we will sink any illegal boats caught in our country,” he said.“We respect our traditional partner nations Indonesia, Australia and those we share the border with. But we will not tolerate trespassing, illegal fishing in our waters. “Our country is not a fishing ground for illegal fishing. If you want to fish, do it properly. Get a license. There is enough space for everyone,” said PM Marape.PM Marape said PNG is now working closely with its security partners to strengthen maritime surveillance and all fishing vessel owners must seriously take heed of this warning or face losing their ships. “Our waters hold some of the world’s most fertile fishing grounds, and fish remains as one of our important resources. We want to protect this resource for sustainable harvest into the future, and will not tolerate such practices,” he said. “This is the direction from us to anyone out there thinking of fishing without proper license. We are sinking your boats when we catch you.” 

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has increased its recruit intake from 300 to 500 per batch, following the opening of new infrastructure at the Bomana National Centre of Excellence (NCoE), as part of the government’s plan to grow the police force to 10,000 personnel by 2030.The additional recruitment drive is currently underway at the Bomana NCoE in the National Capital District (NCD), targeting applicants from NCD, Central and Gulf provinces. RPNGC management confirmed that from 2026 onwards, intake numbers are expected to rise further to approximately 700 recruits per batch, supporting ongoing Law and Justice Sector reforms. In December 2025, a public call-out invited applications for the special intake. A total of 7,696 applications were submitted through the RPNGC online portal. Of these, 2,711 applicants were shortlisted. The remaining applicants were unsuccessful due to missing documents, low grades in Mathematics and English, exceeding the age limit, or failing to meet other recruitment criteria. Of the 2,711 shortlisted candidates, 2,086 are from NCD, 463 from Central Province, and 162 from Gulf Province. Recruitment for NCD applicants began on Monday, 9 February 2026, at the Bomana NCoE and is expected to conclude this week before the team moves to Central and Gulf provinces. Successful candidates from this drive will join the second batch of 2025 recruits from the Highlands and New Guinea Islands regions for police training scheduled to begin in April 2026. The recruitment process includes screening and validation of documents and height requirements, literacy and comprehension testing, interviews, medical examinations, practical training tests, and character reference checks. From the 2,086 shortlisted NCD applicants, 1,638 attended the screening and validation stage, while 448 did not report. Following document verification, 518 candidates were disqualified for failing to present a National Identification (NID) card, submitting fraudulent documents, or not meeting height requirements. Police also uncovered nine cases involving falsified documents. According to RPNGC officials, the individuals identified small printing companies and persons allegedly responsible for producing the forged documents. Police have confirmed that investigations will be conducted, and criminal charges pursued against those involved in producing fake documents. All fraudulent documents were confiscated, and the applicants concerned were cautioned and dismissed from the recruitment process. To strengthen the integrity of future recruitment drives, the RPNGC will engage a Criminal Investigation Detective Team to thoroughly investigate and prosecute applicants who submit fraudulent documents. Authorities reiterated that producing fake documents is a criminal offence. The Constabulary says the increased intake marks a significant step toward strengthening national security capacity and meeting long-term policing targets. Further announcements regarding the 2026 nationwide recruitment call-out are expected at a later date.

The Central Provincial Government (CPG) has partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to deliver a major education infrastructure project for Sabusa Primary School in Hiri-Koiari District, reinforcing a long-standing collaboration between the Church and communities across Papua New Guinea.The partnership was formalized with the presentation of a K350,000 cheque to developer Najala Properties. The funds have already been deposited by the Central Provincial Government into the contractor’s account to commence works on the K2.4 million project. The development will see the construction of a three-unit, four-in-one double-storey classroom block, accommodating four classrooms (two on each level) designed to meet modern standards of safety, durability and functionality. Each classroom will include an integrated teacher’s office and cater for up to 40 students. The project also includes additional facilities such as offices, a residential home for a school board member, and a bore water system. The bore will supply the school and provide fenced external access points for Sabusa residents, improving access to clean water for the wider community. Central Governor Rufina Peter described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting Sabusa has been earmarked as the future seat of government for Central Province. “We are very happy for the Church to bring us on board.” “I would especially like to thank the Church for its work in developing faith through service delivery and education.” “One of my key pillars since taking office is developing human resources.” She said the project would be transformative for the rapidly growing population of Hiri-Koiari. Church Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Welfare and Self-Reliance Bret Dandoy outlined the project’s funding structure, confirming staged payments to contractor Najala Builders from the Church, Central Provincial Government and the Hiri-Koiari District, whose contribution is expected in March. Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa called on all stakeholders to work closely with customary landowners to ensure smooth implementation. “We must partner with the landowners and work together for the benefit of everyone.” The Sabusa Primary School project is expected to take six to eight months to complete.

The Kokopo City Boundary Committee headed by the Chairman and former Kokopo City Mayor, Albert Buanga, recently completed two weeks of the Proposed Kokopo City Boundary General awareness program.The general awareness started off on the 26th of January and ended on the 6th of February 2026 which targeted 19 wards within the Kokopo District administration in East New Britain province (ENBP). These wards include Malakuna 5, Rainau, Taui 1, Taui 2, Ramale, Bitagalip, Ulagunan, Vunabalbal, Bitarebarebe, Vunamami 1, Vunamami 2, Karavi, Balanataman, Ulaulatava, Malakuna 4, Tinganavudu, Takubar, Kabakaul and Ranguna wards that the proposed Kokopo City Boundary covers. The main purpose of the awareness was to do close consultation with wards and their ward members as well as getting local knowledge on the different types of land available in their respective wards whether it be freehold, customary, state or plantations. The two-week awareness saw much feedback from locals that were raised. Many landowners claimed that their blocks of land have no proper titles. The alarming issue identified and even raised, was the land disputes between different parties and have led to ongoing fights and even death in wards. Another issue identified was the Integrated Land Group (ILG). Many locals in the wards visited, said their customary lands have no ILG certificate or have not been formally registered claiming that the barrier was the ILG process of which many of them are not sure of. In response to the ILG query raised, provincial customary lands officer Henry Pinuana, stated that the problem many land groups faced in getting their ILG registered is because of the trend of recruiting private consultants for a quicker way of getting their ILG’s registered but many ended up spending a lot of money and the outcome is always negative. Mr. Pinuana stated that the Lands division have process to apply for and ILG certificate and even getting the ILG registered, however, it is the people that make the choices and end up blaming the Provincial Lands Office. In complementing the awareness program, Kokopo Open Member Ereman ToBaining Junior, said that the awareness will be an ongoing program and the first leg of it has been done during the first two weeks. He added stating that the expansion of Kokopo City will not take place on the sea or up in the air but will take place on land in which land is life, therefore, in order for the town to expand without disputes, landowners must be well informed. “That is why the Lands sector and the Lands division through the provincial lands office, will play a vital role in assisting landowners to get their available land surveyed and title in preparation of the city expansion." ToBaining further added that all untitled land must be titled so that when the government moves in with development, the very people to benefit will be the rightful landowners because their titled land will now be ready to partner with the government in terms of the city expansion. He also mentioned that the expansion of Kokopo City will be unique from Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. “As it is, no land grabbing, only municipal services will be expanded to all the wards captured in the city boundary and people will enjoy doorstep service” said ToBaining. He says more wards consultations will continue with rightful landowners because the expansion of Kokopo as the 4th city and the tourism hub of Papua New Guinea, depends entirely on land and because 97% of land in PNG is customarily owned, the city expansion will take time and proper consultations and planning with landowners is a must. Moreover, this is first step into establishing a good working relationship with the local people in th wards that the proposed city boundary will run through. ToBaining also urged landowners to stop the sale of land whereas selling their land, is selling their birth right. Meanwhile, chairman of the City Boundary Committee Albert Buanga, also made it clear during the awareness that the main purpose of the awareness was to let people know of the city expansion and the proposed city boundary that will run through the above-mentioned wards. “This awareness is all about close consultation with wards and getting proper feedback on land, land use and other issues within wards, it is not land- grabbing as many claimed.” Mr. Buanga also stated that due to rumours heard, the awareness is not a political move thou Kokopo MP Mr. ToBaining is supporting the program because he was the one who presented the Bill in 2015 in parliament for Kokopo to be the 4th City of PNG. He added that Kokopo town at the moment cannot cater for its growing population, therefore, the town needs to expand. That is the reason the committee was established in 2024 to carry out proper awareness and consultations within wards so that people are well informed of the current developments taking place in Kokopo City and ENBP as a whole. Furthermore, the successful completion of the awareness saw the teamwork from the provincial and district lands office, community development sector, district information unit, city boundary committee and the Kokopo open members office. The awareness team is now working on the second detailed awareness program including all interested stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Special Olympics Papua New Guinea recently concluded its first activity for 2026 with a three-day Volunteers Batch III Training beginning on Feb 14th at Sir John Guise Stadium, bringing together 42 participants to strengthen inclusive sports delivery nationwide.The capacity-building program engaged 28 youth volunteers and 22 athlete leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to support Special Olympics activities and promote inclusion through sport. Sessions covered athlete health and safety, inclusive communication, and practical tools such as basic sign language for engaging with Deaf or non-verbal athletes. Special Olympics PNG also acknowledged the ongoing support of parents, guardians, siblings and teachers, whose encouragement enables athletes to participate and thrive in inclusive sport programs.

The Governor of East New Britain, Michael Marum, handed over a new administration bus to Kerevat Rural Hospital in Gazelle District of late, strengthening transport capacity to support rural health service delivery.Governor Marum stated that reliable transport remains one of the greatest operational challenges facing rural health services, directly affecting outreach programs and access to care in remote communities. “Transport remains one of the biggest operational challenges in rural health services. When mobility is limited, outreach clinics are delayed and communities miss out on essential care.” “This bus will improve efficiency and ensure services reach our people.” He repeated that health remains a key priority of the East New Britain Provincial Government, emphasizing that sustained investment in frontline services is essential to building strong and productive communities. He also acknowledged the ongoing partnership with NGIP Agmark, commending the company for its continued support to health and development initiatives across the province. “Strong partnerships between government and the private sector are essential in delivering practical and meaningful outcomes for our people.” “We appreciate Agmark’s commitment to East New Britain.” The Governor urged hospital management to maintain the vehicle properly and ensure it is used strictly for health operations and outreach programs.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) wishes to clarify recent developments around Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), its partnering process, and the redevelopment of the Panguna mine project. Firstly, the ABG formally announces that Bougainville now holds a confirmed 72.9% shareholding in BCL, comprising 36.45% shares held by the Autonomous Bougainville Government and 36.45% shares held by Bougainville Minerals Limited. This makes Bougainville the clear and controlling majority shareholder in BCL. Hon. Ishmael Toroama, MHR, President and Minister for Mining & Petroleum reiterated that as majority owner, the ABG is fully entitled under applicable corporate law to determine the strategic direction of the company in the best interests of the people of Bougainville. With regards to the BCL and Panguna process, the ABG operates in two distinct capacities: 1. As Regulator under the Bougainville Mining Act; and 2. As Majority Shareholder in BCL. President Toroama clarifies that the developments involving BCL, CMOC, and Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) are occurring strictly at the shareholder level. There are no breaches of the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 and no regulatory issues. “These shareholder decisions do not alter the fact that BCL remains the lawful holder of Exploration Licence EL01 over Panguna.” “There are no two competing redevelopment arrangements. BCL, as EL01 license holder, remains responsible for implementing its approved work program and complying with all statutory obligations.” These include land access and compensation agreement implementation, landowner identification studies, social mapping studies, geological and engineering studies, environmental baseline studies, and other compliance requirements under the Mining Act. However, it must be acknowledged that BCL does not presently have the technical or financial capacity to advance EL01 activities independently. Toroama added that BCL has proposed the introduction of CMOC as a partner to provide funding and technical capability; that proposal would have resulted in approximately a 20% dilution of Bougainville’s majority shareholding. However, the President and the Bougainville Executive Council have rejected that proposal. Instead, the ABG has endorsed the engagement of LMEL as a partner to provide the necessary financial and technical resources to progress EL01 activities. This decision is lawful and consistent with the ABG’s authority as the confirmed majority shareholder of BCL. It is also important to clarify that recently referenced Panguna redevelopment timelines are not timelines for mine production. “Panguna remains at the Exploration Licence (EL01) stage, the President’s comments on timelines relate specifically to increasing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and Feasibility Study (FS) on-site activities under the EL01 exploration license.” The ABG remains committed to ensuring that the redevelopment of Panguna proceeds in a lawful, transparent, and orderly manner, delivering lasting benefits for the people of Bougainville.

The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) has stopped all cash payments for traffic offences, Acting Chief Executive Officer John Avira announced in a media statement on Monday, 16 February 2026.Mr. Avira said cash fines will no longer be collected by RTA or police at roadblocks, roadside checks or RTA offices. The directive takes effect immediately and applies to all Traffic Enforcement Officers nationwide, including both RTA and police traffic officers. “Any road user served a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) by an RTA or police Traffic Enforcement Officer must use the EFTPOS machines provided at the road-check,” Mr. Avira said. He clarified that if no EFTPOS machine is available at the roadblock, motorists must take the issued TIN to an RTA or police traffic office to make payment using an EFTPOS machine. “In either case, there must be no cash payments, and the road user must insist on a payment receipt showing the amount paid and when it was paid,” he emphasized. Mr. Avira said the directive follows social media allegations that some motorists were being fined in cash without being issued TINs or official receipts. “Road users must know their rights,” Mr. Avira stated. “Anyone whose rights are infringed by any RTA and police traffic officer through forced cash payments must note the name of the TEO and the time and report the matter to the Officer-in-Charge at the RTA office.” He further warned that any officer found soliciting money under the guise of enforcing traffic regulations will face serious disciplinary action, including possible termination of employment.

The Governor of East New Britain, Michael Marum, recently presented a 40-horsepower school boat to Kabilomo Junior High School in the Duke of York Islands of Kokopo District, assisting in transport access for the island school community.Governor Marum said the provision of the boat represents a major milestone for Kabilomo, where sea transport remains the primary means of travel for students and teachers. “For island schools like Kabilomo, transport is essential. This boat will ensure safer travel for students and teachers and improve access to education.” Governor Marum acknowledged and thanked the Agmark Group for its continued partnership and support to East New Britain Province, particularly in the education and health sectors. “Agmark continues to demonstrate strong corporate leadership and commitment to the development of our province.” “Their partnership in supporting education and health initiatives is greatly appreciated.” He also acknowledged the contributions of the Member for Kokopo, the President of Duke of York LLG, Ward Member for Kabilomo, Goliath Robin, School Board Chairman and Head Teacher Joe Robin, and the teaching staff for their leadership and collaboration in delivering the support to the school. Governor Marum reaffirmed that education remains a key pillar of the Provincial Government’s development agenda, noting that investments in school infrastructure and services directly improve attendance, academic performance and long-term outcomes for students. He encouraged students to make good use of the new boat and remain committed to their studies, describing them as the future leaders of the Duke of York Islands and East New Britain Province.