The New Ireland Provincial Government has passed a record-breaking budget of K381, 023,388 for 2026, marking a 25% increase from last year’s revised budget.New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt stated that the budget passed will strengthen the province’s finances, drive development, and secure the future for generations. The increase is driven by outstanding Infrastructure Development Grants (IDG) and high gold prices, with expected IDG funds of K60m and K159.4m in unpaid Special Support Grants (SSGs). The budget allocates 84% (K322m) to capital development and 16% (K59m) to recurrent expenses. Key focus areas include: • K213.3m for infrastructure development • K45.3m for economic sector • K35.9m for social sector (includes Tertiary Education Subsidy program and boarding school rations) • K10m for agricultural ventures • K5m for WASH program • K1m for Council of Elders meeting Law and Order is a top priority for the province, with K5m allocated to partner with police to establish a dedicated Police Reserve Force, and K2.7m for law enforcement infrastructure. Healthcare gets a boost: • K15m for Kavieng Hospital refurbishment • K3m for Namatanai Hospital refurbishment • K6m for Tinkoris Hospital (K5m funding + K1m water supply) • K1m for floating clinic (Outer Islands) • K1m for mobile clinic (mainland) Other highlights: • K10m for Rural Electricity • K5m for ICT • K2.5m in District Support Grants • K3m in LLG Grants • K5m for LLG staff houses • K2m for LLG Communication and capacity building • K5.5m Special Support Grant to Nimamar LLG The budget was debated and passed unanimously by the assembly members on the floor of the assembly.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has formally presented its 2026 Budget Framework to the National Minister for Treasury, Ian Ling-Stuckey, recently in Port Moresby.The budget totals K844.09 million and focuses on fiscal discipline and Bougainville’s readiness for independence. ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance, Albert Punghau, presented the framework, outlining three key priorities: Protecting frontline services, supporting independence readiness, and Strengthening Bougainville’s own revenue base. The budget was passed unanimously by the Bougainville House of Representatives in December 2025 under the theme “Advancing Fiscal Self-Reliance and Independence Readiness for Nationhood.” The total appropriation includes K240.98 million (28.55%) for recurrent expenditure to support essential services, and K603.11 million (71.45%) for development projects, including infrastructure and economic investment. Funding sources include National Government grants (K520.36 million), ABG internal revenue (K46.75 million), and re-appropriated funds (K276.98 million). “This balanced appropriation reflects our commitment to disciplined financial management and transparent resource utilization,” Minister Punghau said. A key feature of the 2026 budget is the Constituency Independence-Readiness Program (CIRP), which allocates K1 million per constituency to support local economic activities and community-driven projects. The CIRP operates under BEC-endorsed guidelines with verified outputs and transparent controls. The K150 million Restoration and Development Grant prioritizes infrastructure rehabilitation, with 32% directed to infrastructure that improves access, connectivity, and service delivery. More than 54 per cent of recurrent grants are allocated to health and education, strengthening ABG’s focus on human capital development. Minister Punghau reaffirmed ABG’s commitment to accountability, confirming that outstanding audits from 2017 to 2023 will be addressed and that reporting standards will be maintained. “The ABG will measure 2026 performance through tangible outputs, including completed and commissioned projects, improved service delivery, restored infrastructure functionality, and visible progress toward economic productivity and institutional readiness,” he said. The ABG continues its practice of early budget submission and remains among the first regional governments to present its budget to National Treasury each year. The Minister requested formal endorsement to allow early release of first-quarter grants, ensuring continuity of services and smooth implementation in 2026.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has further strengthened its growing relations with the United Arab Emirates through a Visa Waiver Agreement signed this week, which comes as great news for trade and investment between the two countries. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, commended Prime Minister, James Marape, for the signing of this Visa Waiver Agreement between PNG and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “This will complement our decision to open our Mission in Abu Dhabi this year,” said the minister. “It is also very timely as we are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE which we plan to finalize by November this year.” He said the Visa Waiver Agreement is a major coop for PNG’s negotiations and one that will show the country’s credibility to negotiate a CEPA with the UAE. Entering into a CEPA with the UAE will demonstrate PNG’s commitment to establishing a long-term trade and investment partnership with the UAE. “Our State Negotiating team will be in the UAE before the end of this month for the first round of negotiations to be held in a face-to-face meeting as this will be the first of a series of negotiating sessions,” said Minister Maru. The Minister said PNG was deliberately diversifying its trading partners, starting with the UAE to leverage its position as a major global port operator to access markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. “PNG currently has a CEPA with the European Union only. Apart from the UAE, we also plan to enter into CEPAs with India, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia,” he said. Minister Maru also commended the Ministers for Immigration and Foreign Affairs, and all responsible departments and agencies for securing this landmark Visa Waiver Agreement with the UAE.

The Madang Tertiary Students Network (MTSN) held its first Back-to-School Meet and Greet yesterday at Madang Technical College in the Madang Province.The gathering aimed to help students get to know each other and strengthen networking among tertiary students from across the province.Special Projects Officer with the Madang Provincial Government, Janis Poe, attended the event and encouraged students to take the Sir Peter Barter Tertiary Education Scholarship seriously.“You students are fortunate to have a Governor who prioritizes education first,” she said.Ms. Poe urged students to start planning their future careers while still in school and to think carefully about what they want to become. She also highlighted other opportunities available through provincial programs, including support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that students can explore after their studies.She further explained that Madang Governor and Provincial Member, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, has also supported Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) programs for students who did not make it into universities and colleges.“If you have relatives who did not make it this year, there are FODE programs available under this scholarship support,” she said.Ms. Poe added that the Madang Provincial Government has allocated K10 million to fund students under the Sir Peter Barter Scholarship Program.She also acknowledged MTSN student leaders for their continued efforts in ensuring students receive support from the provincial government and encouraged ongoing communication between students and the scholarship team.Student leader Nicholas Gamuna, a final-year Divine Word University student studying Social Studies and Religious Studies, said Madang students are spread across Papua New Guinea but share a common purpose.“Madang students are scattered across PNG, studying in various institutions. But today, we are united by a common goal, to uplift our province and empower our people,” he said.“Students, let’s stand together, build connections, collaborate, and drive development in Madang. We have the power to create change. Let’s work together, share ideas, and support each other.”He also encouraged students in universities and colleges to support the Madang Tertiary Students Network and become agents of change for the province.MTSN President Advent Yamsob concluded the event by thanking the Madang Provincial Government under the leadership of Hon. Ramsey Pariwa for its continued support and wished all Madang students a successful academic year.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be hosting for the second time the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, this time in seven (7) years’ time.Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has confirmed that PNG will once again host the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in 2033, marking the nation’s second time to host the prestigious regional forum following APEC 2018. Speaking from Dubai, Prime Minister Marape said the confirmation provides Papua New Guinea with seven years of preparation, describing the opportunity as a defining moment to showcase a stronger, more mature, and more competitive nation to the global community.“Papua New Guinea has once again been entrusted with hosting APEC, fifteen years after we successfully hosted APEC 2018,” Prime Minister Marape said.“This time, we want APEC 2033 to be bigger, better, and more reflective of a nation that has matured economically, fiscally, and democratically.”The Prime Minister said his government formally expressed interest to host APEC again, building on the foundations laid in 2018 and positioning the country to present a compelling national story in the lead-up to its 60th Independence Anniversary in 2035.He said his engagements in Dubai are part of broader efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s global economic and diplomatic connectivity ahead of APEC 2033, including the establishment of Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to Dubai, His Excellency Frank Assi, and the mobilization of new trade linkages betweenthe Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Prime Minister Marape said PNG occupies a unique strategic position at the confluence of three major blocs — the Pacific Island countries, ASEAN, and APEC — making it a natural bridge between the Far East and the Middle East.“Our intention is to link the Middle East with the Far East, where we are located, through our diplomatic presence here in Dubai, alongside our missions in Israel and Europe, to open markets, financing opportunities, and trade pathways for our producers,” he said.

A remote primary school situated in the hinterland of Sumgilbar Local Level Government (LLG) area in Sumkar District on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, received a surprise visit by the Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, who travelled in by helicopter to deliver a K50,000 financial assistance to help the school build its new infrastructure to aid children’s learning.Governor Pariwa’s first school visit this year to Sevan Primary School in Ward 2 of Sumgilbar LLG followed a commitment he made late last year when he travelled by road to the school upon which he noticed the run-down state of the school facilities with old classrooms made of bush materials mostly in dilapidated state. Even reports of gross abuse of funds by the school was rampant.Sumgilbar Ward 2 Member, Moyang Okira, who met the Governor upon arrival on Tuesday wasted no time in exposing alleged gross abuse of funds by the Sevan Primary School’s head teacher.Okira even pointed to an incomplete classroom which was funded by the Sumkar MP however, funds were allegedly exhausted. On that basis he suggested that Madang Provincial Government must hold back its support. However, the Governor insisted that the administrative issues of the school must not hijack and suppress the basic right to freedom of education for the children of Sewan Village and those living within Ward 2, including other neighboring wards, in the Sumgilbar LLG. "The education of these children is paramount, and we must prioritize and learn to overcome our problems and progress to accommodate their interests," the Governor said. "They must have a good classroom to learn just like other students have in the province, and they must have it now," Mr. Pariwa added. Governor Pariwa was accompanied to Sevan by the newly elected President of Wanuma LLG, Amandi Gurunan, Madang Provincial Education Director, Alphonse Igag, and Rural Police Commander, Snr Inspector Peter Gorek.Mr. Pariwa told the people who gathered that he used to admire the Wanuma people in the manner in which they uphold the Word of God, however, he is sad to notice the people not taking good care of the school facilities and the news of funds being abused by the school’s board and management.An interesting event also unfolded during the Governor’s visit to Sevan which saw the Education Director, Mr. Igag appointing the Deputy Head Teacher, Terence Sivesiv, to be the Head teacher and a Senior Teacher, Jessica Lassem, appointed Deputy. The appointment apparently took place due to the unavailability of the head teacher at the school even after two weeks of the school’s commencement.Mr. Pariwa urged the Sevan Community and the people to put to good use what little is given to them, because it would open door for more blessings to come.“God will one day reward you for your faithfulness in upholding the Word of God,” Mr. Pariwa stated.He encouraged that Sevan Community must change because God has given them mercy in opening the door now for them to receive help despite the school's history of misappropriations. He told the new Head Teacher Mr. Sivesiv and the board chairman to be accountable with public funds since God will be watching.“It is a new year, and a new beginning with a new head teacher, new ward member and a new president for new Wanuma LLG who is originally from Sewan area, and we must believe that Sevan will change for the better,” Governor Pariwa stated.

The National Government has confirmed its commitment to the 1-6-6 education structure, with national expansion expected to begin from 2027.Prime Minister James Marape said the policy, currently being tested in six provinces, ensures all students progress from Grade 8 to Grade 9 without being excluded due to limited spacing. “I have directed provinces not to refuse students.” “Take stock of your enrolments, especially at Grade 9 level, and the National Government will work with you to provide teachers, classrooms and curriculum support.” Under the 1-6-6 model, the Government aims to eliminate major drop-out points and ensure all children complete their education through to Grade 12. “For too long our education system has created drop-out points at Grade 6, Grade 8, Grade 10 and Grade 12.” The rollout will be supported by increased education budgets through to 2035 to fund additional classrooms, teachers and learning resources. The Government’s vision is to ensure no child is left behind, with education pathways that allow every student to advance uninterruptedly from early childhood through to Grade 12.  “Every child enters early childhood education and leaves the system at Grade 12 with the right mindset, skills, discipline and characters".

The National Government will introduce double-shift schooling as a short-term measure to ease classroom shortages while new education infrastructure is being built under its major education reform program running from 2026 to 2035.Prime Minister James Marape said the Education Department has been directed to implement morning and afternoon school shifts, allowing schools to use the same campuses across multiple sessions to immediately accommodate growing student enrolments. The approach will ensure that no child is turned away due to lack of classroom space. “This allows us to expand access immediately while permanent classrooms are being constructed." Under the arrangement, teachers will be deployed across shifts as new classrooms and teachers’ houses are rolled out nationwide, especially in high-growth urban centers and rural communities. The double-shift system will operate as a temporary solution, alongside major investment in modern classrooms, teacher recruitment and improved learning facilities funded under the Government’s K11 billion education reform framework.

Police in Central Province are investigating a traffic accident that involved the Minister for Energy and Kairuku MP, Peter Namea Isoaimo, and a PNGDF soldier at Goldie Junction along the Hiritano Highway. Two vehicles have been impounded at the 15 Mile Police Station as part of the investigation.Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed the incident occurred at around 8 PM on Monday, February 2. Minister Isoaimo was traveling from his home toward Port Moresby, while the soldier was driving from Port Moresby toward Laloki. “According to initial reports, the soldier was attempting to avoid a pothole and veered inward just as Minister Isoaimo switched lanes, which resulted in the collision,” Chief Inspector Salle said. The soldier, traveling in a small vehicle, sustained injuries and was transported to hospital by Saint John’s Ambulance for medical attention. Police units secured the accident scene and impounded both vehicles at Fifteen Mile Police Station for further investigation. PPC Salle highlighted that traffic accidents are increasingly common along major highways in the province. Another accident occurred yesterday afternoon along Maggi Highway at Tubuseria village. “We are receiving reports of traffic accidents every day along our main highway. Since January, we have recorded more than ten accidents, and the number is rising. That is not good,” PPC Salle said. He also mentioned a weekend incident involving a vehicle belonging to Kana Construction, which police are currently investigating. Police have urged drivers to exercise caution and respect other road users to prevent further accidents.

Raibus Engineering Ltd (REL), a landowner company within the Ramu Nickel Mine, this week signed a landmark agreement with MCC to raise wages for its Madang-based workforce.  The agreement provides a K1.50 per hour increase to employee wages, aligning with Papua New Guinea’s new minimum wage requirements. Importantly, this increment will not only apply to workers currently earning K3.50 per hour, but also to those whose wages are already above the minimum threshold.  REL’s General Manager Brodney Seip expressed gratitude to MCC management for recognizing the challenges faced by local workers. He assured that the K1.50 per hour adjustment will be extended to all REL employees, reinforcing fairness and consistency across the workforce.  “This increase reflects our commitment to all workers, not just those at the minimum wage level. By applying the increment across the board, we are ensuring equity and acknowledging the contributions of every REL employee,” the General Manager said.  REL General Manager Mr. Seip clarified that the agreement currently applies only to the Madang base. Workers at Basamuk are yet to reach an agreement on the new rates and will continue on their existing pay scale in the meantime.  This development is seen as a significant step in strengthening worker welfare and reinforcing the partnership between landowner companies and MCC.  

The Autonomous Bougainville Government, in partnership with Lloyds Metal and Energy Limited (LMEL), an Indian industrial and mining company and investment partner to Bougainville, yesterday officiated the groundbreaking and foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Level 7 Hospital in Arawa Town.The Level 7 Hospital will be called the ‘Lloyds Kali Ammal Arawa Hospital’ and will be a state-of-the-art specialized hospital, providing free specialized healthcare to the people of Bougainville. This project is the first following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between the ABG and Lloyds Metal in November last year and represents a strategic partnership that aligns with Bougainville’s independence roadmap. President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, described the occasion as a significant achievement in setting the first foundational pillar for development in Bougainville, acknowledging Bougainville’s forefather’s dreams for independence as a stepping stone.“The dreams and the stepping stones of our forefathers brings us to this momentous occasion of laying our first foundational pillar in development for Bougainville,” he said.President Toroama thanked LMEL for supporting Bougainville’s journey, especially in improving healthcare in the region, noting that the people of Bougainville have long been marginalized in access to essential medical care. “Since the good days of BCL, people of Bougainville have been marginalized, no health services were provided during the crisis and to this day, many lives have been lost. Businessmen and women have had to travel to PNG and abroad for treatment while the rest continued to suffer and this health facility will address this,” he said. ABG Minister for Health Hon. Delourdes Semoso shared similar sentiments, acknowledging the occasion as a transformational moment for the health care system in Bougainville. “Today marks a historic and transformational moment for our health care system in Bougainville, we are here to participate in the launching of this long anticipated Arawa specialist referral hospital in Central Bougainville,” she said.She reiterated that the initiative demonstrated the President’s clear commitment to prioritizing the health and wellbeing of the people of Bougainville, adding that, as the Minister responsible for health, she would work closely with the President to localize specialist services and improve access to quality healthcare for rural communities.To complement the President’s commitment, Minister Semoso said her ministry worked closely with the Building Board to facilitate the timely review of the hospital layout and design ahead of the formal launch. She explained that the board was convened in accordance with established regulatory processes to assess the proposal. She added that the Building Board is now finalizing conditional approval for the hospital, describing it as a major infrastructure development for Bougainville, and said the outcome reflects effective coordination between the Office of the President and the Ministry of Health.  “After today’s launching, the building materials will be immediately shipped for construction work to begin without delay,” she said. Managing Director for the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd Prabhakaran Balasubramanium thanked the President and his cabinet, the government, administration and people of Bougainville for giving them the opportunity to invest in Bougainville. Noting that health care services was a basic need for Bougainville, LMEL saw this as a priority service to support the ABG to establish through the construction of the specialist hospital with specialized equipment, surgery section and medicine which will be provided free of charge. The hospital is named after the grandmother of the Managing Director for Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd, who helped to start up this company financially. “Here I stand today to understand the basic need is the health system - today this Hospital Lloyds Kali Ammal Arawa Hospital, named after my grandmother who I started this company with, and I stand committed to see that this health care facility building is constructed within a number of days and not number of months.” LMEL will also provide specialist doctors and nurses from India to live and work in Bougainville, and they would also provide support to the Bougainville Health service in terms of capacity building and training to ensure local capacity is enhanced and sustained in the long term for Bougainville. Mr. Prabhakaran also revealed that the company has set a target to commence work after the launching and aims to complete the building in less than eight months. He anticipates to opened by the new facility by the end of 2026. Apart from building the state-of-the-art hospital, discussions have been made with the ABG Minister for Lands and Member for North Nasioi Hon Henry John Potabu to secure land for building staff housing and accommodation. The launching was witnessed by the ABG Cabinet, ABG Members of Parliament, ABG Administration, National Member for North Bougainville Hon Francesca Semoso, National Member for Central Bougainville Hon Jimmy Miringtoro, Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd staff, people of Bougainville. A plaque marking the occasion was unveiled by the President Toroama and Hon Francesca Semoso, witnessed by LMEL Managing Director Mr Prabhakaran, ABG Minister for Health Hon Delourdes Semoso and ABG Minister for Infrastructure and Utilities Hon Patrick Nisira.

Registration is still open for Kyokushin Karate classes at the WKK PNG – Port Moresby Dojo.According to a recent post on their Facebook page “IKO Services PNG”, the notice confirmed that the Port Moresby dojo is now operating from the Rita Flynn Netball Centre along Bisini Parade, with classes held in the VIP Room on Level 1, upstairs at the center court. Free-of-charge (FOC) trial classes are still being offered as well to allow for observation of training. The information sheet outlines the first quarter 2026 class schedule, catering for children, youths and adults. Adult classes, for participants aged 13 years and above, are held every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Children’s classes, for ages 5 to 12 years, run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. A combined class involving all age groups takes place every Saturday from 9:00am to 11:00am,thus any changes to the class schedules will only be made upon the advice of the Head Instructor. For further information, Branch Chief and Head Instructor Mr. Bernard Soari can be contacted on +675 7524 0436.