The newly established Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) centre called the Trinity Centre of Excellence located in the districts headquarter of Kurakakaul, Rabaul district in East New Britain province, successfully completed their pioneer grade 10 national FODE examinations yesterday.A total of 146 grade 10 students sat for their exams starting on Monday October 20th, 2025, with the English paper in the morning session and Social Science in the afternoon. On Tuesday, the students sat for their Maths and Business Studies exams; Wednesday saw them completing Personal Development and Science and ended the exam week with Written Expression in the morning session and Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the afternoon. East New Britain Provincial FODE Coordinator Ms. Delma Polong who was present to supervise and oversee the exams, said that these are the pioneer grade 10 FODE students. “Rabaul district, we are so fortunate that we have a FODE centre right at our doorstep.” “This is our lifeline to accessing a second chance in education and pathway to further secondary, tertiary, and even employment opportunities.” She said that of the 146 grade 10s, about 112 students sat for the Maths exam and added that this subject has always seen a lot of students upgrading around our FODE centres in the province. Meantime, the Rabaul District Education Coordinator Mr. Markus Tipepe, said that students who will pass the selection cut off mark will be selected to continue grade 11 in our formal system schools and those who score below can continue year 11 here at the FODE Trinity Centre of Excellence. The Education Coordinator further thanked the Rabaul District Administration for their continuous support in the operations of the new FODE centre, stating that they are seeing an increase of students coming in from other districts of Kokopo and Gazelle. He suggested if the administration can look into expanding to cater for the growing population. On the other hand, Rabaul District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, commended the Education sector and said that the administration will continue to support the FODE centre and further encouraged students that such institutions should not be seen as set backs but a bridge to better pathways and opportunities.

A series of infrastructure projects in Rabaul District in East New Britain Province have been completed recently. Rabaul District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki said these projects are the Watom sea wall upgrade and extension, Second 22nd Street road works and repair, Tunnel Hill road works and repair and Toleap Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert (RCBC). The 2nd Phase of Blanche Street major rehabilitation is 60 per cent completed. He said these projects are funded through the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) and are expected to bring much-needed upgrades to roads in Rabaul town and sea wall at Watom Local Level Government (LLG). Mr. Lemeki said the upgrade and extension on the 80-metre sea wall is built in front of the Vunakabai government station at Watom LLG. This area had been badly affected by the rise in sea level, causing erosion on coastal areas. The government station was also being affected. The sea wall project is funded under DSIP and constructed by Senuak Contractors and took four months to complete. Mr Lemeki said the major rehabilitation of Blanche Street (PSIP/DSIP counter fund), Second 22nd Street (DSIP) and Tunnel Hill road (DSIP/PSIP counter fund) projects all undertaken by Nivani Ltd will improve the transportation network in Rabaul. These projects, valued at K4.9 million; K876, 000, and K2.2 million respectively, will reduce travel times, improve road safety, and boost economic activity. The Toleap RCBC (DSIP), recently completed by Senuak Contractors and worth K373, 862.50, now addresses past problems faced by commuters during heavy rains and erosion making it impassable. In September this year, Rabaul District witnessed the commissioning of the 2nd Phase Blanche Street Rehabilitation, Second 22nd Street works and repair, Tunnel Hill road works and repair, and Toleap RCBC. Mr. Lemeki said the district will continue to prioritize infrastructure development both in the civil and building sectors.

A joint venture partnership between two landowner companies in the Central province with Synergy Alliance Limited (SAL), is set to benefit a lot of people in both the Kido and Rearea villages in the Hiri- Koiari District. A groundbreaking partnership between Synergy Alliance Limited (SAL), and the Kido Holdings Limited (KHL), and Rearea Minerals Limited (RML) landowner groups was celebrated recently on the 14th of October at the Central Cement and Lime Project site at Kido, Central Province. The Joint Venture Spin-Off Inauguration & Equipment Handover ceremony marked a pivotal moment for economic and social empowerment, and for transitioning local landowners from project stakeholders to active owners and partners in the region's burgeoning lime and cement industry. The historic event drew prominent figures including Rainbo Paita, MP, Minister for Mining; Keith Iduhu, MP, Member for Hiri-Koiari; Central Province Deputy Administrator, Augustine Tipale; Ambassador to PNG, Isaac Lupari; Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Adrian Lochrin; and, most importantly, representatives from the Kido and Rearea landowner communities, PLC, and SAL. "This joint venture delivers more than promises; it provides tangible benefits and real ownership for the people of Kido and Rearea," said Mr. Paul Mulder, Managing Director of Pacific Lime and Cement (PLC) Limited. "We are building a sustainable future, together." This unique Partnership offers: • Free-Carried Equity: Landowners become immediate equity partners without initial capital investment. • Capacity Building: Training, skill development, and mentorship by SAL. • Community-Driven Growth: Over time, a clear path to 90% landowner ownership of spun-off services businesses and asset-heavy equipment contracts. "I commend the leadership of the Landowners who have been working closely with PLC to see the initiative that we witnessed at the launch become a reality," said Iduhu. "This challenges the status quo of all projects," added Minister Paita. "Companies now must match this or do even better.” Pacific Lime and Cement (PLC) is committed to building a brighter future for Papua New Guinea through responsible resource development, local partnerships, and community investment.

Two other new Air Niugini A220- 300 Airbus aircrafts will soon join the new one already in service with the airline’s fleet to further boost the service to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Air Niugini’s second and third brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft — registered P2-PGB and P2-PGC — are taking shape at the Airbus factory in Mirabel, Canada. Following the historic arrival of the first A220-300 aircraft, P2-PGA on 15th September, just in time for PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the next two A220s will soon join the fleet to continue Air Niugini’s exciting transformation journey. While P2-PGA wears the special 50th Anniversary livery with the PNG flag and colours, P2-PGB and P2-PGC proudly feature our classic Air Niugini livery featuring the iconic Bird of Paradise — timeless, elegant, and proudly Papua New Guinean - symbolizing Papua New Guinea’s spirit and connection to the world. Both aircraft are now nearing completion, with the final touches being done before P2-PGB and P2-PGC arrive before the end of the year – ready to usher in a new era of comfort, reliability, and efficiency in our skies. These aircraft are not just new planes – they represent a new chapter for Air Niugini and for Papua New Guinea aviation as they bring more comfort, reliability, and efficiency to domestic and regional international travel, and strengthen connections across our beautiful country and the region. “We can’t wait to welcome our new beautiful birds home soon,” Air Niugini stated.

Following the completion of the Pawa Bilong Niu Ailan project, the people of New Ireland in the remote communities should look forward to some positive changes. Access to clean and affordable energy will raise living standards and empower local communities in New Ireland province. The project, implemented by Australia and the United Kingdom with support from local authorities, installed solar power systems in 74 of the district’s remotest villages. The new solar systems are supplying clean, reliable energy to more than 9,000 households, 76 community facilities and 151 streetlights, lighting up homes, streets and public spaces for more than 35,000 people. New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt recently joined representatives from Australia and the United Kingdom to congratulate Namatanai District authorities on the successful completion of the project. “These solar lights will provide a safe learning environment for our students, and communities’ livelihoods will improve,” Governor Schnaubelt said. Local communities have also played a key role in the project’s long-term Success, whereby through the initiative, a total of 592 local solar champions (296 women and 296 men) have been trained to provide ongoing maintenance for the new solar systems. This is backed by a dedicated Solar Hub in Silom village, set up to provide technical guidance and spare parts, the champions are ensuring their communities have access to clean, reliable energy in the years ahead. Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor, Dr Cate Rogers commended the commitment and hard work of project partners. “The project owes its success to the communities themselves – their support and participation was vital.”  Australia remains committed to working alongside Papua New Guinea to achieve its ambitious electrification targets – to connect 70 per cent of the population by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040.

Prime Minister James Marape has issued a stern call for accountability, revealing that the government has distributed over K56 billion in public funds across the nation since 2019.Speaking at the launch of the Reset PNG@50 blueprint at the University of Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister challenged government agencies, provincial administrations, districts, and public institutions to show tangible results for the money spent. “In the last six years under my watch, we have released K56 billion to provinces, districts, departments, Provincial Health Authority (PHAs), and tertiary institutions.” “That is not a small sum. Every leader, administrator, and public servant must ask, what have we done with it?” “The funds were intended to support the government's commitment to decentralising service delivery.” PM Marape revealed that recent administrative reviews uncovered serious gaps in financial reporting and compliance, with some agencies failing to submit expenditure reports for several years. He underscored his commitment to tackling this issue by sharing an example where he was forced to reject the contract renewal of a senior official despite their friendship, due to a five-year failure to provide expenditure reports. “Friendship cannot override accountability.” The Prime Minister warned that his government will no longer tolerate poor financial management, insisting that all public officers entrusted with funds must report transparently. To strengthen systems and ensure value for money, PM Marape announced the establishment of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority. This new body will be responsible for overseeing project implementation and expenditure tracking. “The time of writing cheques without seeing results is over. This new authority will check where the money goes, what it delivers, and whether it benefits the people.” He urged officials to uphold financial discipline, emphasising that money must move from paper to the ground and if it does not reach the people, then it has failed its purpose. Linking financial accountability to PNG's new population figure of 10.18 million, the Prime Minister stressed that “every kina matter.” He insisted the K56 billion must “translate into better services, not lost in bureaucracy, corruption, or inefficiency.” The Reset PNG@50 blueprint will guide the next phase of reform, focusing on evidence-based planning and measurable outcomes. PM Marape concluded with a call for a moral and institutional “reset,” urging officials to prioritize the country’s laws over politics or personalities. “This is not just about money; it is about conscience. Let us reset our hearts, our systems, and our commitment to the people.” The Prime Minister’s remarks highlight a significant focus on anti-corruption and fiscal discipline. What are your thoughts on the impact this new monitoring authority might have on governance in Papua New Guinea?

A newly Australian-funded initiative is now harnessing the power of storytelling to promote peace, empathy, and non-violence among Papua New Guineans of all ages.With grant funding under the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership, The Asia Foundation (TAF) is producing a series of locally inspired books that encourage peaceful conflict resolution and challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate violence. These stories, written and illustrated by Papua New Guineans, will be shared among children and adults to spark conversations about making better choices and building safer, more respectful communities. The Let’s Read for Peace and Justice Project will produce and distribute nearly 7,000 storybooks in Tok Pisin, Motu, and English, making them accessible to a wide range of communities. Beyond publishing these books, TAF will organize interactive reading sessions in schools, community centres, and churches, where both children and adults can participate in discussions about respect, tolerance, and peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. The initiative also features training workshops for local authors, illustrators, and educators, helping to build skills for ongoing, community-driven storytelling. This approach will increase public understanding of the justice services and resources available, empowering individuals to seek support and solutions through both formal and informal justice pathways. This initiative is part of Australia’s ongoing partnership with Papua New Guinea to promote peace, justice, and rule of law.

Power woes and load shedding issues in PNGs industrial heartland Lae city are about to be drastically improved.PNG Power Limited (PPL) on Thursday 23rd October 2025, announced a transformative progress in terms of an overhaul of its infrastructures to be able to deliver a more reliable, stable, and constant power supply to the second largest city of the country. “Lae is switching on to a new era of energy reliability,” said Paul Bayly, Chief Executive Officer of PNG Power Ltd. “From high-voltage transmission lines to upgraded substations and new gensets, Lae city’s power issues will be greatly eased.” This major infrastructure overhaul is part of a landmark upgrade to the Ramu Grid, jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Papua New Guinea. The initiative includes: • Construction of a second 132 kV transmission line from Singsing to Lae via Erap • Development of a new Singsing substation. • Installation of new transmission towers. • Rehabilitation of Taraka and Erap substations. • Completion of 132KV transmission line from Yonki to Taraka with Line testing and energization expected to be completed within 2–3 weeks. • Upgrades to capacitor banks at Milford Haven Substation. • Installation of 2nd Transformer at Milford Haven Substation. • And the completion of concrete pad at Taraka for 12MW genset relocation, with installation and control room integration expected within 2–3 weeks. These upgrades are designed to dramatically improve the quality and consistency of power delivery, significantly reduce outages, and introduce critical redundancy to the Lae network. CEO Bayly further added that this means that there will be faster fault recovery, enhanced operational stability, and uninterrupted service -even in the event of a fault on the primary line. “As Lae continues to grow, PNG Power remains committed to supporting its development with robust and dependable energy infrastructure.”

Prime Minister James Marape has launched the landmark “Reset PNG@50” blueprint, calling on Papua New Guineans to reflect on the past 50 years of independence and unite in building a stronger nation for the next 20.PM Marape acknowledged national leaders Charles Abel and Arthur Somare for leading the Reset PNG@50 Review Committee, noting their acceptance of the role was not politically motivated but driven by national duty. “They were not looking for jobs; they were happy in their own time. We reached out to them and asked them to help us assess where our country stands after 50 years, and to look ahead from an independent perspective,” he said. Dr Osborne Sanida and the National Research Institute were also commended for coordinating over 50 stakeholder consultations involving academia, churches, government agencies, development partners, and civil society. PM Marape reminded the nation of humble beginnings in 1975, when the population was approximately 3 million and there were fewer than 1,000 high school students. “Our land is vast — larger than South Korea, Israel, and even the main island of Great Britain. Yet we came together from 800 languages and countless tribes to form one nation under one Constitution.” He labelled the founding generation the “greatest generation” and described the 1975 formation of PNG as “the greatest miracle of modern human civilization.” PM Marape emphasized that national reform begins with personal change. “We must reset our hearts before we can reset our systems,” he said. “Our positions are a gift from our people. We must serve with integrity.” He highlighted a recent appointment where a candidate failed to report use of funds over five years: “Even though he was a friend, I could not support his reappointment. Accountability comes first.” The latest census figures reveal PNG’s population has risen to 10.18 million as of 16 June 2025. “Our population grew faster than our economy — over 3% annual population growth, while our economy grew at less than 3%,” PM Marape said. “That is not sustainable.” He reiterated the call he made in 2019: “Our number one focus must be economic growth — to generate the revenue needed for services like education, health, and infrastructure.” The Five Reset Priorities The Reset PNG@50 blueprint identifies five key priorities: Uphold the Constitution · Restore integrity in governance · Strengthen parliamentary systems · Limit terms and introduce accountability reforms Advance Human Development · Universal access to education, healthcare, electricity, and communications · Support for maternal health and rural connectivity Evidence-Based Governance · Stronger oversight committees · National identity system · Improved data collection and financial accountability Smart and Sustainable Growth · Private sector–led economy · Reform SOEs · Unlock customary land for housing and agriculture · Support SMEs and job creation Delivery and Accountability · Overhaul bureaucracy · Link spending to outcomes · Strengthen monitoring and project implementation PM Marape challenged all citizens to reflect on the future they are helping to shape. “In 20 years, most of my generation will be gone. What will we leave behind?” he asked. “You don’t need to be Prime Minister to contribute. Wherever you are — in your job, in your home — do your part.” He urged young people to get involved: “This reform is about your future. Don’t wait. Start building the country you want to live in.” Calling the next 20 years “our most important window,” PM Marape drew on both biblical and demographic reasoning. “Psalm 90 says 70 years is a full life. If we are lucky, we may reach 80. This generation — those born in the 60s and 70s — must now lead.” He noted South Korea and Israel as examples of small nations that progressed rapidly through discipline and reform. “South Korea overtook us in 1975. Today, their per capita income is US$33,000. Ours is just past US$4,000.” A PM Marape said the Reset PNG@50 is not just a document. “This is not the Ten Commandments — it can be improved. But it is our national mirror and our roadmap.” He called for citizens to uphold the law and vote wisely in 2027: “Don’t take money. Vote with your conscience. That is how you build the nation.” He concluded by calling for all public servants to review their performance: “Simple things — like financial reporting — matter. If you can’t manage the basics, you can’t be entrusted with more.”

The human population of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has shot up past the 10 million mark since independence 50 years ago, a significant concern for the government because it exceeds the economic growth of the country.This was revealed by Prime Minister (PM) James Marape at the launch of the Reset PNG@50 blueprint at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby city on Thursday 23rd October, where he said the census data was a sobering reminder of the country’s rapid demographic expansion — and a critical call to action for all sectors of government and society. Marape revealed that PNG’s population has officially reached 10,185,363, according to the 2025 national census figures recorded as of 16 June 2025. “In 1975, we were a nation of about 3 million people,” the Prime Minister said. “Fifty years later, we are more than 10.1 million strong — that is a massive increase, and it must change how we plan, budget, and deliver.” He disclosed that out of the current total population, 4,357,922 are under the age of 18, highlighting the youth-heavy nature of PNG’s demographic structure. “This tells us something very important — the majority of our people are young. That’s a lot of mouths to feed, schools to build, teachers to train, and jobs to create,” he said. PM Marape warned that while the population has grown by over 3% annually, economic growth has lagged behind, averaging below 3%. “That is not sustainable,” he said. “If our population is growing faster than our economy, then we are stretching limited resources thinner and thinner. This is why growing the economic basket is not optional — it is critical.” PM Marape urged all public servants and leaders to take the census data seriously and to shift from paper planning to performance delivery. “You see money, you report it. You deliver. You show results,” he said. “The size of the population is no longer an estimate — it’s a fact. So now we have no excuse not to plan properly.” He also said the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority would be empowered to track how funds are used and whether outcomes match population needs. The PM said with more than 4 million citizens under 18, the future of PNG rests on the decisions made today. “This census isn’t just a statistic — it’s a warning and an opportunity,” he said. “We must reset how we think, plan, and work. Ten million people is a big house to manage — and we must rise to the challenge.”

Rising Kumul star Cooper Bai is set to make his long-awaited international debut this weekend, proudly wearing the red, black and gold of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Championships opener.At just 18, Cooper Bai – son of Papua New Guinea great Marcus Bai – seems born for this stage. Despite having only one NRL appearance for the Gold Coast Titans, he has already captured the hearts of fans across the nation. No matter where the Kumuls have travelled in Port Moresby this week, crowds have flocked toward one player above all Cooper Bai. The excitement reached fever pitch when the Kumuls touched down on Sunday, with hundreds of fans surrounding the team bus at Jacksons International Airport and chanting “Cooper! Cooper! Cooper!”. The same electric energy followed the squad to Gordon’s Market on Monday, where supporters once again flocked to catch a glimpse of the teenage sensation. Amid the growing hype, Bai has kept his feet firmly on the ground, recognizing that his journey is only just beginning and that there’s still plenty to learn from the experienced players and coaches around him. “I guess everyone knows my last name with Dad,” Bai said. “Dad had a really wonderful career and the amount of support and help that he and the family – all my family – have had for me is immense. “Starting to build my own name and my own thing is probably a big thing for me, but also; not just build on my own thing, but to continue the legacy of the Bai last name.” Bai’s selection to face the Cook Islands caps a stunning season of rapid progression for the young forward. Starting the year in the Under-19 Mal Meninga Cup, Bai quickly progressed to represent Queensland Under-19s before making his NRL debut in Round 27, following a series of standout performances with the Tweed Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster to be honest, from starting off this year,” Bai said. “I started off in the Under 19s and then got my chance in the Queensland v NSW game and got to play that, then got lucky enough to get a picked by Tweed Seagulls to play in the Cup and then after that, got the chance to make my NRL debut. “It was all pretty quick and it's still sinking in to be honest.” Bai experienced the pride of donning the red, black and gold Kumuls jersey earlier this month, taking to the field in Port Moresby for the Prime Minister’s XIII clash against Australia’s PM’s side. Papua New Guinea erupted as he entered the field wearing his signature green headgear, with coach Jason Demetriou granting the young talent 46 minutes to experience the thrill firsthand. “It was amazing just to finally put on that Kumuls jersey and to be able to run out with all the boys there after a really good week we had together; all the coaches putting countless efforts in just to get us on that field and putting us together in a good line-up,” Bai told NRL.com. “The Aussie boys put it up to us and we just (couldn't) hold on there, but still, it was an amazing experience, and all the boys should be really proud. It's still very exciting and new … coming back now (to PNG) and just feeling everything, it's so great and I'm still trying to let everything sink in,” said Bai.

Members of the Brisbane Broncos’ premiership-winning NRL and NRLW teams have kicked off a special trophy tour, bringing their 2024 silverware to fans during this weekend’s Pacific Championships in Papua New Guinea.The club confirmed that while the full details of the tour are still being finalized, several Broncos stars will take part in the first leg of celebrations. Representing the NRL premiership side are Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, and Ezra Mam, while Romy Teitzel, Jada Ferguson, and Shenae Ciesiolka will appear from the NRLW grand final-winning team. The players are in Papua New Guinea for a three-day visit that includes community engagements and appearances at the Pacific Championships. A highlight of the trip will see the Broncos contingent take a lap of honour with the NRL and NRLW trophies at halftime of the PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu match at Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, October 25. The tour marks the beginning of the Broncos’ wider celebrations following a historic season that saw both the club’s men’s and women’s teams crowned NRL champions.