Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to law and order by calling on law enforcement agencies and senior public servants to step up their efforts in restoring discipline, enforcing the law, and ensuring public safety. “Whilst much room remains for improvement; I want to take a moment to commend and thank the hard-working police officers and law enforcement personnel who are actively making arrests and solving crimes. While we often focus on condemnation, we must also recognize and commend the efforts of those who are working tirelessly to keep our people safe,” PM Marape said. He emphasized that while negative media often overshadows police achievements, the reality is that law enforcement is making progress. The Prime Minister highlighted several major criminal cases where significant arrests have been made: • Nine suspects have been arrested in the rape and murder case of a young woman in Baruni, assisted by DNA sampling. • PNG now has a world-class DNA sampling expert, which has strengthened forensic evidence gathering. • A suspect involved in a crime committed 12 years ago was identified and arrested during the course of the investigation. • In the murder of police officers and teachers in Tari, those responsible have been arrested or are being actively pursued. • More arrests have been made over the last five years than any equivalent years in the nation’s history. • More police discipline has been made over the last five years than in any equivalent periods. “These are just a few examples of the hard work our police are doing. Some cases take time, while others see immediate arrests, but I want to assure the people that this government and the police force will never forget those who commit crimes,” PM Marape stated. Mr. Marape issued a strong warning to those who engage in criminal activities. “To the young people of PNG—do not underestimate the power of the police. Even if it may seem like nothing is happening today, the police have a long memory, and they will catch up with criminals sooner or later. Law enforcement agencies are now using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced ICT platforms to enhance crime investigations. Parliament will amend necessary laws to ensure our security forces are fully equipped to deal with modern crime.” He emphasized that he is working around the clock to ensure accountability within law enforcement and government agencies. “If I am at work 18 to 20 hours a day, I expect better paid public officials and leaders to put long hours at work to fix all our country’s problems, all problems can be solved if we all work more for the country. “I am asking Treasury, Finance and Planning Ministers and Secretaries to join me to indicate, we have to work more and also that we want to reconcile with police and law and justice sector as to how much fund we have rendered to them for 2024,” he added. PM Marape made it clear that senior public servants must work beyond standard hours and commit fully to their responsibilities. “Today, I told all department heads that while frontline officers may clock out at 4 or 6 PM, senior officials must go beyond standard working hours. This includes the: • Chief Secretary • Commissioner of Police • Commander of Defence • Secretaries of Key Departments • CS Commissioner “I expect them to work as long as it takes to deliver for our people,” Mr. Marape said. The Prime Minister assured the nation that his government takes the people’s concerns seriously and is fully committed to addressing the law-and-order crisis.

The Motu Koita Assembly (MKA) has confirmed that the Annual Hiri Moale Festival 2025 will take place, and it will be bigger and better this year, after a massive successful Golden Jubilee celebration last year. MKA made this statement after the Member (MP) for Moresby North-west Lohia Boe Samuel, called for the cancellation of the 2025 Festival. The MKA Administration is now calling on the local MP to refrain from politicizing the 2025 Hiri Moale Festival. "The MKA Administration rejects the member's comments and confirm that the Annual Festival will be bigger and better this year after a massively successful Golden Jubilee celebration last year, which saw the Festival open its doors to tens of thousands of Motu Koita villagers and city residents for 3 days of cultural dances, music, canoe races and the famous Hiri Hanenamo pageant. MKA Manager Mr. Mari Kila stated that the "Hiri Moale Festival is the only time in the national event calendar when the indigenous Motu Koitabuans of our city of Port Moresby get together, across our 14 electorates and 9 villages including the wider Central province community to celebrate our culture, languages and traditions, which are sadly facing the very real risk of being lost in a generation or two, unless we take proactive steps to preserve and commemorate them. Hiri Moale Festival is our way of doing this.” Mr. Kila added that it's disheartening to see a national leader such as Lohia Boe Samuel call for the cancellation of this event that brings the whole community together. "I am calling on our Member for Moresby North- West to refrain from politicizing the Hiri Moale Festival and focus his energy on delivering services to the People of Moresby North-West. I know Moresby North-West is quite a big place from Gerehu to Waigani and Morata, all the way to Tokarara and Murray Barracks, and down to Hanuabada, Tatana and Baruni. The Hiri Moale Festival has been taking place at the beginning of every year since 2022, which was a change that was made to separate the event from other prominent events held in September in the national calendar. The date change has seen continuous growth of the event enabled by greater participation of corporate sponsors. The 2025 Hiri Moale Festival has also been unanimously approved for funding support by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) in its meeting of 5 February 2025 in which Lohia Boe Samuel was in attendance in his capacity as a NCDC Board Member. Since 2022, the festival has been run by a Coordination Committee consisting of experienced event organizers, sponsors and staff from NCDC and MKA, led by Mrs. Molly O’Rourke," he stated. The 2025 Hiri Moale Festival is scheduled to take place between 03rd to the 06th of April 2025.

TISA Bank Ltd has successfully registered on the ALESCO payroll system, enabling Papua New Guinea Government Employees to have their salaries deposited directly into their TISA Bank accounts. This milestone marks a significant step towards providing greater banking accessibility, ensuring seamless salary processing, and enhancing financial convenience for public servants nationwide. By choosing a TISA Bank account as their primary salary account, customers can access simplified loan processing, faster cash disbursements, and an easier way to manage their finances. This initiative strengthens customer choice and supports financial stability by streamlining salary payments and loan repayments under one institution. “TISA Bank is strategically positioned to serve Papua New Guineans nationwide, with branches in 17 provinces—making us the commercial bank present in nearly all provinces,” said TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Pokharel. He further emphasized, “Establishing a ‘whole of pay’ relationship with TISA Bank is a crucial step in making banking more accessible and convenient for everyday Papua New Guineans. With over 50 years of experience, TISA understands the importance of affordable banking and financial empowerment. Our mission is to provide trusted and customer-centric financial solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our people.” As part of its commitment to financial inclusion, TISA Bank continues to expand its banking services, enhance digital solutions, and offer competitive financial products. This initiative reinforces the bank’s dedication to delivering accessible, customer-focused, and innovative banking experiences across Papua New Guinea.

The Constantinou Group of companies have once again come on board to be one of the sponsors for the Hiri Moale Festival 2025, which will be held in Port Moresby city. The Group made a generous donation of K100,000 towards the upholding and preserving of the Hiri Traditions. "Motu Koita Assembly and the Hiri Moale Festival Committee thanked the Constantinou Group of Companies for coming on board once again as an event sponsor for the 2025 Hiri Moale Festival," the Motu Koita Assembly stated. The Assembly said that apart from the Hiri Moale Festival the Constantinou Group of Companies have supported various community initiatives Including and not limited to sports, health and community policing infrastructure in Motu Koita villages. "We are grateful to Mr. George Constantinou and the continued support of his team for your generous donation of K100,000 towards upholding and preserving of Hiri Traditions. The Hiri Moale Festival will take place from Thursday 3rd April to Sunday 6th April 2025," the Assembly added.

Papua New Guinea's Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina held a productive meeting with the leadership of SKK Migas, led by Secretary of SKK Migas Mr. Luky A. Yusgiantoro. During the meeting, developments in the Petroleum sector were discussed in general, and Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) were discussed in particular. From the discussion, opportunities for potential future cooperation arose. The discussion focused on the various types of PSCs in use in Indonesia and the critical factors that determine their suitability for specific projects. It was noted that each project is unique and flexibility in PSC structures is key to ensuring sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties concerned. "There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to Petroleum contracts. Each project requires careful evaluation to align with project risks, resource potential and market conditions, " Minister Maladina said. A key highlight of the meeting was SKK Migas recognition of the pivotal role played by the Minister and PNG's Department of Petroleum with speedy progress in enabling Petronas of Malaysia to farm into the PPL 576 Mailu prospect in PNG. Minister Maladina noted that Petronas farm into the Mailu prospect in PNG marked a significant step in expanding its upstream portfolio in the region and now working with long time partner in PNG, TotalEnergies. By way of background, the investment by Petronas in PNG has been noticed and the approach of PNG noted positively. "During my term, I want to see and encourage credible global players in the industry to invest in PNG. Petronas entry into the Mailu prospect was fully supported and I was privileged to have signed the farm in agreement that enable this partnership, " Minister Maladina said. The meeting also touched on future cooperation between SKK Migas and the proposed PNG National Petroleum Authority (NPA), which is set to be fully established by June this year. Minister Maladina expressed optimism that a structured regulatory framework under the NPA would further enhance PNG's attractiveness as a Petroleum investment destination. "PNG is moving towards a more robust and independent Petroleum regulatory framework. We look forward to engaging with SKK Migas and other regional stakeholders to foster best practices and enhance collaboration in the sector, " Minister Maladina added.

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina, has invited Italian energy giant Eni to explore investment opportunities in PNG’s petroleum sector. Highlighting the country’s vast resource potential and upcoming licensing bid rounds for new exploration blocks. As part of the ongoing Production Sharing Contract (PSC) feasibility consultations, Minister Maladina and his delegation engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including existing contractors operating in the region. One such company was Eni Asia Pacific, a major player in deepwater exploration and development. During discussions with Mr. Roberto Daniale, Head of Eni Asia Pacific, Minister Maladina emphasized PNG’s commitment to fostering a competitive and transparent investment environment. He noted that the government is working to unlock petroleum prospects along the Gulf of Papua and the Papua coastline, with several blocks soon to be tendered internationally through a bid process managed by the Department of Petroleum and Energy. "PNG presents significant opportunities for responsible and well-capitalized investors. Given Eni’s expertise in deepwater exploration and development, we encourage them to consider expanding into PNG.” Mr. Daniale expressed interest on behalf of Eni, confirming that the company has been assessing potential opportunities in PNG. He added that Eni has requested further details on the upcoming bid rounds once they are formally announced. Minister Maladina reaffirmed that PNG is entering a new era of petroleum sector management, where license conditions will be strictly enforced, and speculative warehousing of exploration rights will no longer be permitted. "We are committed to ensuring that only genuine investors with the financial and technical capability to develop our resources are awarded licenses.” “As PNG positions itself as a key player in the regional energy market, the government remains focused on attracting world-class investors to drive responsible resource development for long-term economic growth.”

The Investigation Team for the investigation into East New Britain Palm Oil Limited (ENBPOL) submitted the final report of the investigation to the Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru. The report was submitted by the Deputy Chairman of the Investigation Team, Mr. Tony Waisi. Minister Maru highly commended the team led by Chairman Mr. David Mather and Deputy Chairman Mr. Waisi who completed the investigation and finalized the report in the record time of three months. “The final report consists of the findings based on the Terms of Reference of the investigation and the recommendations arising from the investigation including recommendations on how the palm oil industry needs to be totally overhauled with a new legislation, policy and a new pricing formula.” “I want to thank the Investigation Team, East New Britain Provincial Government and its Administration, the landowners, ENBPOL, New Britain Palm Oil Limited and everyone who assisted and participated in the investigation process.” “The report will be presented to the Cabinet next week,” added Minister Maru.

Special audit into Connect PNG Infrastructure Programme to commence in March. Acting Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a global professional services firm and Norths Projects Ltd, a Brisbane based engineering firm, signed an agreement this week to commence a Special Audit into the government's biggest ticket project, Connect PNG Programme. The signing took place on Tuesday (25/02/25) by Acting Chief Secretary Pomaleu, Deloitte, and Norths as a formality to commence work next month. Mr. Pomaleu said he was pleased to have Deloitte and Norths independently undertake this special audit managed by his office through the department's Internal Audit Branch. He said the work will begin in March, and the Audit Team will be conducting physical inspections of all Phase One (1) projects throughout eight provinces. “The primary aim of the 20-year Connect PNG Programme is to improve road connectivity across the country to support economic growth, social development, and national integration.” Since the launch of the Connect PNG Programme Project in 2020 and two (2) years later, when work commenced to date, there was no audit done, and so this will be the first since 2022. “This audit will focus particularly on ensuring proper use of public funds, assessing project performance, identifying irregularities or unethical practices, improving efficiency, monitoring compliance with laws and policies, enhancing public trust and confidence, and evaluating sustainability and long-term impact,” he said. The Acting Chief Secretary has also called on provincial governments to collaborate with the Audit Team to ensure a smooth flow of work. "I call for collaboration from all the respective agencies, provincial governments, project managers, and contractors concerned with the progress of this project for a successful outcome of this special audit work.” “The outcome of this work will not only benefit the government of the day but the people of Papua New Guinea as well," Mr Pomaleu said.

The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has confirmed that the recent Cyber Incident is identified, and it is contained with no impact on the Banking System. BPNG Governor Ms. Elizabeth Genia assures the public that a recent cyber incident was identified and contained with no impact on financial data or banking systems. She said that on February 21, BPNG’s cybersecurity team detected unusual network activity within an isolated test environment and separated from critical network infrastructure. “The issue was fully contained and resolved by February 23, with no disruption to banking operations or stakeholder data." "This incident is unrelated to a recent cybersecurity event elsewhere in Papua New Guinea." "The two events were entirely separate, employing different methods and targeting different systems." "At all times, BPNG’s banking operations, financial systems, and stakeholder data remained secure,” she said. Ms. Genia added that as part of its ongoing commitment to cybersecurity, BPNG continues to strengthen its security framework through enhanced monitoring and international collaboration, ensuring its systems remain secure against emerging threats. “All essential banking services remain fully operational and protected by internationally recognised security measures." "BPNG remains committed to maintaining the highest security standards and safeguarding the stability of Papua New Guinea’s financial system."

“My Father has surprised me on many occasions, and he has done so tonight as well”, Mr. Arthur Somare stated during the memorial service of his father the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare held last night at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. Mr. Somare said that he can only imagine how difficult the path to Independence were to have so many thousands of different people over a thousand tribes, over a thousand different languages and dialects and to unit those people together would have been a big challenge for Papua New Guinea. “For a few brave men who looked down at the issues of prejudice and colonialism, who stared into the future, which was unknown on what PNG would be like 50 years on.” “Will we remain as one people still, will we have fortitude to walk together, to stare down development and 50 years on, those questions still ponder our leaders of today.” “Sir Michael Somare’s greatest achievement together with his cohort is not the development today but the unification of one country, under one banner as one people to wrestle and take on the challenge of being a free and independent nation.” “The desire that they have a sovereign nation, the desire that we have a constitutional democracy to have strong laws that our leaders today and our bureaucracy need to continue to uphold in leadership in all segments of life.” “Not only in politics, not only in bureaucracy but in churches, in societies, in communities, and in villages,” Mr. Somare said. He added that every Papua New Guinean has a calling to bring development to its people, to enable its people to be prosperous, to be healthy, to have education, to have access to health and to have access to better infrastructure. “These are the struggles of 1975 and some of the struggles we still have today.” “It is for us the younger people of today to deliver back for Papua New Guinea.” If I recall anything from my father’s teaching is to be vigilant, work hard, serve your people so that tomorrow we can live a better life.”

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina, met with Indonesia’s Vice Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot Tanjung, the Chairman of SKK Migas, Djoko Siswanto, and the Director General of Oil and Gas, Dr. Lng. Tri Winarno, to advance cooperation in the petroleum sector. Minister Maladina is leading a high-level PNG delegation to Indonesia to assess the broader Production Sharing Contract (PSC) frameworks and related investment arrangements. Discussions focused on regulatory models, infrastructure ownership, and investment security to ensure PNG’s petroleum sector remains competitive and beneficial to the nation. Both Minister Maladina and Vice Minister Tanjung emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral collaboration, not only at the government level but also through greater people-to-people interaction, knowledge sharing, and industry partnerships. To formalize this growing partnership, both countries have agreed to work towards a structured understanding that will facilitate deeper cooperation in resource development, infrastructure, and capacity building. "Indonesia has developed a robust petroleum sector, and there is much we can learn from their experience.” “This engagement is a step forward in ensuring PNG adopts best practices while also creating opportunities for strategic partnerships in our energy sector," said Minister Maladina. Minister Maladina and Vice Minister Tanjung have both agreed to look at opening collaboration in looking at Petroleum exploration works around the offshore and onshore blocks on the boarders of both countries. The meeting marks a significant milestone in PNG’s ongoing efforts to refine its petroleum sector policies and frameworks. Strengthened cooperation with Indonesia will play a key role in shaping PNG’s long-term energy strategy while fostering regional economic ties.

“On the 25th of February 2021, we host this ceremony to honour, to celebrate and to remember Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.” “The Architect of our Nation and the one and only Grand Chief of our country.” “No one else deserves the title as no one else in our country can be like him, can live his life and achieve all that he has achieved.” National Capital District Governor (NCD) Powes Parkop stated this during his speech at the Memorial Service of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare held at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. Governor Parkop said that it is a pleasure to celebrate, pay respect, remember and honour the life and mission and the values, achievement and the story of the father and architect of our Nation Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. He said the journey of Grand Chief reigned and started in 1968, or even before that in the bully beef club now Pangu Party. “We are his legacy, and his life defines all of us, on behalf of our Capital City, I want to extend my thank you and gratitude to Sir Michael for his life, for his determination, for his vision, his passion, his conviction and his energy and faith in our people and our country.” “In the history of the world, a few people have stood up among millions and billions to define the destiny of their people and their country and indeed to define their world. Ours is of course Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.” “A chief, a Kukurai, a boy from Murik Lakes in East Sepik Province. These very few people have certain attributes that set them apart from the rest of us.” “They are determined, they are very passionate, they are very resilient, and they are very visionary. All these attributes and virtues of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare,” Governor Parkop said. He added that the Grand Chief was more than that as he was a very peaceful, kind person and he was also very smart and wise. Governor Parkop said Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was there for the highest moment for our people and our country and he always put that ahead of his own life. “Going forward on this date we must all gather to honour Grand Chief as his life defines all of us.” “Sir Michael is an exceptional man and sometimes we take him for granted but his is one of the few rare people with true determination that was able to craft and put a diverse nation together.” “Sir Michael had determination and had faith in our people to become independent and to define our own journey and our own destiny and these I believe are the most important legacy of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare that we must recognize, we must celebrate, we must remember and more importantly we must continue to emulate.”