For the 50th time, the national flag of Papua New Guinea (PNG) was raised on Independence Hill at Waigani, Port Moresby city as the country marks its 50th Independence Anniversary. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape in his independence speech said PNG in the past 5 decades saw both challenges and achievements. The achievements have progressed the country forward this far while the challenges were lessons taught and learnt. “The last 50 years has not been easy, it has been a journey of struggle and survival, but also resilience and progress,” said the PM. “The first 27 years of our life, it has been short term, politics and instability. In between, there have been many challenges, fragility and exposure to instability shook our nation to the core, but thank goodness to our resilience, our country persevered.” In the last 23 years, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea stabilized a little bit. “Our democracy produced stability, and we began to see growth in our country,” said the PM. “More schools and hospitals were built, roads were opened, airports were constructed. We invested in infrastructure, also, we sent more children to study overseas as well as in our country.” “I want to say, whilst we have not achieved much, 50 years on we’re standing on a firm ground of democracy today, more stable, more confident and ready to transform our country the next 50 years.” He said the future now holds so many opportunities and as a people and as a country, it is time everyone works together to journey into the future. The prime minister at the end of his speech acknowledged the partner countries in the pacific and in the world, who have stood by and supported PNG through its 50 years of nationhood. “To all our development partners, let me say a big thank you on behalf of all my citizens of my country.” Dignitaries in attendance at the flag raising include the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward representing King Charles III, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Other pacific leaders also attended including a big delegation from China. Japan government representatives also were present as well as the US Secretary of State, and the Deputy President of Indonesia.

The arrival of the new Air Niugini Airbus A220- 300 to Port Moresby city today on the eve of Independence Day, marks a milestone achievement for the country as well as the aviation history as Papua New Guinea (PNG) marks 50 years of independence. Prime Minister James Marape was there this morning to receive the “People’s Balus” when it touched down at 10:30am and going through the traditional wash down- the water salute. He said the new airbus is a symbol of national pride and unity. Speaking before a large crowd including Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, international partners, and Air Niugini staff, Prime Minister Marape said the aircraft’s arrival marked not only a milestone for the national airline but also a defining chapter in the country’s story. “Today, we see not only a new plane, but a symbol of who we are as Papua New Guineans — resilient, determined, and capable of soaring higher,” PM Marape said. He also took the opportunity to commend the State Enterprises Minister William Duma and the Board and management of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Air Niugini Board Chairman Karl Yalo, the Board, management, and staff for steering the airline through the acquisition, and thanked partners Airbus, Azorra, and financial institutions including the Asian Development Bank for their support. The Prime Minister later praised Captain Beverley Paki and Captain Timothy Narara who made history by flying the A220 into Jacksons International Airport. On the eve of Independence Day, Prime Minister Marape urged Papua New Guineans to see the new A220 as a symbol of the country’s enduring spirit and potential. “This aircraft is not just metal and engines. It is a story of perseverance, a reflection of our journey, and a promise to the next generation. Fifty years on, we remain one people, one nation, one country. Let this plane remind us that Papua New Guinea is ready to fly higher into the next fifty years,” he declared. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the service of generations of pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff who have kept the airline flying since 1973. “Governments will come and go, but Air Niugini — like Papua New Guinea itself — will live on. May this new aircraft inspire every child in our nation to dream bigger, to reach higher, and to believe that nothing is beyond our reach.”

Touching down at 10:30AM at the Jackson International airport is the new Air Niugini Airbus A220 300 on the eve of PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary, a proud moment for the country. The excitement is in the air as people gathered at the APEC Terminal to welcome and see PNG'S new People's Balus, touch down in Port Moresby city. The aircraft is the first of eleven to come under the re- fleeting of Air Niugini with the new Airbus A220. After touching down it was given a traditional water salute. Present to receive the new aircraft are government delegates including the PM and Air Niugini staff, all in their respective traditional attires to welcome to PNG the new aircraft. The aircraft left Canada, through to Hawaii, Fiji and then onto PNG.

The excitement is in the air as people gathered at the APEC Terminal to welcome and see PNG'S new People's Balus, the Air Niugini A220 touch down in Port Moresby city. The aircraft is the first of more to come under the re- fleeting of Air Niugini with the new Airbus A220. The aircraft is already flying in country as it awaits the go ahead to land at the Jackson International airport. Present to receive the new aircraft are government delegates including the PM and Air Niugini staff, all in their respective traditional attires to welcome to PNG the new aircraft.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape expressed shock over the sudden passing of the governor for Morobe province, Luther Wenge at the Port Moresby General Hospital early this morning after undergoing a surgery. In a statement released after the passing of the late Morobe Governor, Prime Minister Marape announced to the country of the passing and also gave some details of what had transpired, leading to Governor Wenge’s death. “Governor Wenge underwent urgent surgery to stop internal bleeding. Despite the tireless efforts of our best medical professionals, and with arrangements being made for further treatment, complications arose due to underlying diabetic conditions. His vital organs collapsed, and after several hours of resuscitation attempts, he was placed on life support,” said the PM. “At around 4am this morning, doctors confirmed that he had not recovered, and he remained on life support only by machine assistance. After giving time for his family to be present, medical staff have now withdrawn support, and we confirm with sadness that our senior leader has passed on.” “I want to acknowledge the doctors and medical staff who did everything humanly possible, and to thank the Leader of Government Business for coordinating emergency care.” Governor Wenge served the people of Morobe and Papua New Guinea (PNG) with great distinction and courage over many years. His leadership, voice, and service will be sorely missed. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, the people of Morobe, and all who mourn his passing,” said the Prime Minister. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

In news just in, the Governor for the Morobe province, Luther Wenge has passed away just a few days away from Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Golden Jubilee- 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16th. Details around his passing are not yet released at this time but the family of the late Governor confirmed that he passed away from an illness at the Port Moresby General Hospital whilst at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Governor Wenge was an outspoken leader of the people of Morobe and of PNG as a whole. He was one of the leaders who spoke out strongly on many issues he saw were not of benefit to PNG or have implications to the progress of the country in the long run. He was someone who does not shy away from such matters. His passing is a great loss to the people of Morobe province and Papua New Guinea as well.

The new Air Niugini Airbus A220- proudly known as the “People’s Balus” is on its way from Canada to Port Moresby and will arrive in country on Monday 15th September, a day before the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee. According to Air Niugini, the Airbus will touch down at Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby at 10am, a historic event that coincides with the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The A220, P2-PGA departed Montreal, Canada, on Thursday 10th September (Friday 07:00am PNG time), transiting through Vancouver, Honolulu, and Fiji before its highly anticipated arrival in Port Moresby on Monday. At the helm is Captain Beverley Pakii, Papua New Guinea’s first Airbus A220 Captain, and Captain Timothy Narara, an equally distinguished Papua New Guinean aviator with decades of flying experience and a proud record of service in both domestic and international operations. Together, their leadership in the cockpit symbolizes Papua New Guinea’s capability and growing aviation expertise. The arrival will be marked with a traditional water salute and a grand official welcome ceremony at the APEC Terminal. Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, along with senior government leaders, dignitaries, Air Niugini’s Board, management, and loyal staff, will join the nation in welcoming this milestone aircraft. The Airbus A220 is a world-class aircraft built for efficiency, comfort, and performance. Its advanced design delivers superior fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and greater range—making it ideally suited to PNG’s unique geography and challenging terrain. Passengers will experience a quieter, more spacious cabin and world-standard comfort, reinforcing Air Niugini’s pledge to serve the nation with pride and excellence. Air Niugini’s Officer in Charge (OIC) and Acting Chief Operating Officer, Captain Samiu Taufa, MBE said, “This is more than just the arrival of a new aircraft—it is the dawn of a new era for Air Niugini and Papua New Guinea. The A220 represents our commitment to safety, reliability, and service excellence, while proudly carrying our flag into the future.” As PNG celebrates half a century of nationhood, the People’s Balus is ready to soar higher than ever, uniting our people and connecting our land with pride.

The people of Western province can expect increase in mobile coverage made possible through a recent renewal of agreement between the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Sustainable Development Goal (SDP) and Digicel. The two organizations announced recently the renewal and enhancement of its Managed Services Agreement with Digicel for another 3 years, which follows an initial 14-year investment supporting telecommunication reach across Western Province. Under the renewed agreement, SDP and Digicel will introduce Supercell technology to optimize coverage across 19 blackspot areas and make redundant 6 out of SDP’s 70 mobile towers, thus reducing operational cost. Further to this renewal, SDP is currently upgrading its mobile towers with hybrid renewable energy to reduce cost and reliance on diesel and accommodate colocation. Access to Telecommunications and Internet remains a priority program for SDP under its Enabling Services Pillar, in support of the Western Province Integrated Development Plan. “Western Province is a developing market, and the uptake of mobile phones is lower compared to the PNG average. This requires targeted investment into developing the market through access to affordable phones, content and digital literacy in general. The next step for SDP is to utilize its Health, Education and Livelihood investments as a catalyst for developing the ecosystem,” said the Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Lesieli Taviri.

The new National and Supreme Court complex in Waigani, Port Moresby city was officially opened today by the Governor General of Papua New Guinea, marking a milestone moment and a turn of the pages of judicial history as the country marks 50 years of independence. Officiating at the opening ceremony was Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika who said the new facility is a major investment in the administration of justice in PNG. “We are proud to know that it was made possible through national funding, reflecting our country’s determination to strengthen its own institutions,” said the Chief Justice. “At a cost of K655 million, the Waigani national and supreme court is a statement of confidence in the judiciary and its constitutional law.” The new complex fully funded by PNG Government, houses fifteen (15) modern courtrooms, thirty- one (31) judges’ chambers, designed to support the expending judicial bench. It also boasts a fully equipped data center to support digital records and e- justice initiatives, enhance court registries, court reporting and IT infrastructure, and spaces for some national sub judicial services to operate efficiently. “This complex is future focused,” stressed the Chief Justice. “It will help the judiciary embrace digital transformation, increase operational capacity and respond to growing demand for judicial services in the National Capital District and in the whole of Papua New Guinea.” Justice Sir Gibbs Salika also took the time to thank those responsible for the initiative to build the complex, which began with the O’Neill government and eventually, the Marape- Rosso government completing it. He also acknowledged the work of the old chief justices, justices and judges who have been monumental in the judicial services in PNG. “We honour those who have come before us.” Meanwhile, the old courthouse complex was opened back on the 27th of February 1974 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The courthouse complex was opened in the middle of the savannah grassland with nothing there except for a few wallabies. That was way before the National Parliament house was built along with other infrastructures in the Waigani area. And from that time onwards, things have improved so much. Chief Justice Salika said this is the people’s courthouse and it is here that people seeking judicial services or justice, will find it. Meanwhile, Governor General Sir Bob Dadae said this is a moment of profound, historical and national significance. “As we open these doors today, we open a new chapter in the legal and judicial life of our nation. And we also reaffirm the solemn promise made decades ago – that this Court shall always remain an impartial court, a guardian of the rights of the individual, and a pillar of justice for all.” The opening was witnessed by Justices, Judges and their families, former chief justices as well and Ministers and Members of Parliament.

Port Moresby’s Jackson International Airport will undergo a major redevelopment to cater for the increased activities post Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. This was announced recently by the Minister for Aviation Wake Goi, who said it will be a multi- billion-kina project the National Government will undertake. To fund this transformation, the government is seeking between K1 to K4 billion in investment for an "Airport City" concept. Minister Goi explained that investors would have the opportunity to fund specific components, whether it be the new runways, terminals, or the broader airport city project. He stressed that opportunities would also be created for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to operate within the new airport precinct. The centerpiece of the plan is a significant expansion of the airport's capacity. This includes the construction of a second runway designed to handle domestic traffic, which could feature a new terminal and parking bay to manage high-traffic periods. He said the existing domestic terminal is slated for a complete overhaul, to be rebuilt as a two-story facility with seven to ten gates and an extended VIP lounge for both Air Niugini and PNG Air passengers. For international operations, the minister detailed a plan to create a new aircraft parking bay by excavating a nearby mountain, a move intended to significantly improve the international arrivals experience. A key feature of the economic plan is the development of modern storage and cargo facilities. This will enable fresh produce from centers like Mt. Hagen and Lae to be stored in Port Moresby before being exported to major international markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila, and Australia. Expressing a strong sense of urgency, the minister stated he did not want to waste any more time. He also issued a stern warning against corruption, declaring that any aerodrome land acquired through bribery will have its title forfeited and that existing leases on improperly acquired land will be revoked. "We must give back to this country and the economy of this country, we must not rob our country," he declared, adding that laws concerning revenue collection from lands managed by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) will also be reviewed. The minister’s comments came during the closing of the recent 2nd Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Summit in Port Moresby city.

An armed robbery that took place on Saturday evening in the Central province has left one person dead and another person in hospital getting medical attention. According to a police statement released this afternoon, the incident took place in the Kairuku district when a shop was robbed. The statement read that a man from Inawi village in Kairuku is dead while a Chinese man, who is the shop owner of a shop at Angabanga, is nursing his wounds in the hospital as a result of retaliation between armed criminals and the shop owner in a robbery that took place last evening. Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Joseph Salle confirmed that the man who was shot dead was among five other armed men who were in the process of robbing the shop along the Hiritano Highway. The six men, which included the deceased, were armed with two long-barrel homemade shotguns and a homemade pistol. They gained entry into the shop and stabbed the Chinese man while he was bathing. As a result, one of the men was shot and died, while the others escaped. PPC Salle said police were notified and responded and attended to the scene. The wounded Chinese man was rushed to the hospital. "I want to call on the youths who are involved in crime to stop and do something productive because times have changed. You will not escape but will end up in the hospital, the morgue, or in prison for doing things that are not right. Refrain from criminal activities and do something productive, Central Province youths," PPC Salle said. The Police Criminal Investigation Unit is now investigating the incident.

The BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) and the Department of Finance have teamed up ensure the smooth flow of government payments through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Thursday 4th September, as the country prepares to mark its 50th years of independence very soon. BSP, in partnership with the Department of Finance has implemented an automated Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) service that will transform government payments in line with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Government strategy to achieve a digital cheque-less economy. BSP Chief Operating Officer, Nuni Kulu said, “EFT payments benefit all segments involved in transactions with the government, including consumers, businesses, and communities. The service improves security, efficiency, and speed for both the government and the recipients of its payments. Timely cashflow cycles improves certainty and confidence in doing business with government,” she said. The EFT service, developed in harmony with the PNG Government Medium Term Development Plan IV and the Public Finance Management Act, will replace the use of government cheques with digital platforms that offer real-time secure electronic payments. This means government agencies, suppliers, and contractors can now receive payments faster, more reliably, and with greater visibility on transactions. The EFT service also enhances transparency and accountability in public finance management. Real-time electronic records strengthen auditability and reduce the risk of fraud or human error often associated with manual cheque handling. Ms. Kulu said the initiative aligns with Government’s broader strategy to eliminate the use of cheques and move towards a modern, sustainable, paperless financial ecosystem. “BSP is proud to support the Government in building a system that benefits everyday Papua New Guineans. Together, we are creating a stronger foundation for financial inclusion, transparency, and better service delivery,” she added. Meanwhile, Department of Finance Secretary Samuel Penias described the MoU as a game changer. "BSP holds majority of government operating accounts and working together to build a tailored system, enabling fast and efficient payment for goods and services. It goes to the heart of the nation where our people live.” “EFT’s payments are faster than paper cheques. In times of natural disasters, digital payments will assist get money into affected areas. Accelerating EFT, the MoU is a beginning to scaling all forms of government payment, ensuring electronic payment achieves efficiency and automation,” he added. The MoU signing between BSP and Department of Finance in Port Moresby city will see the EFT service commence tomorrow, Monday 8th September 2025. Department of Finance is piloting this service and eventually will extend the service to other government agencies.