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.

The Governor General of Papua New Guinea (PNG) was at the shore front this morning in Port Moresby city for the ceremonial Naval Review of the fleet that has come to the country to assist and participate in the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Standing at the balcony at the APEC Haus, flanked by the Commander Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae reviewed eight (8) ships that past by close to the shores are Ela Beach, each accorded with a gun salute provide by the Australian and PNG artillery teams. The Purpose of the Fleet Review is both military and diplomatic. It demonstrates the readiness and strength; it fosters good will and cooperation between nations and public relations to build civilian awareness and pride in the navy. The tradition dates far back to the Middle Ages where Kings and rulers would inspect the ships before embarking going for battle. In modern times, the fleet reviews are multinational with invited foreign navies participating. The ships that were reviewed this morning are. HMPNGS Ted Diro (PNG) HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap (PNG) HMPGS Gilbert Toropo (PNG) HMAS Choules (Australia) HMAS Childers (Australia) FNS Auguste Benebig (France) VOEA Ngahau Koula (Kingdom of Tonga) INS Kadmat (India) The Naval Review is part of the Military Week celebrations. This afternoon will be the Naval Welcome to Port Moresby March which should commence at 1PM. Meanwhile, in the afternoon saw the personnel from the navies participating, took part in the Naval Welcome March which started from the Basilisk Naval base and ending at the APEC Haus. Tomorrow will see the Consolidated Key Leadership Engagement in the morning and followed later in the evening with PNG Defence Force Military Tattoo performance at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. The event is open to the public.

The 2nd Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Summit ended this afternoon in Port Moresby city, closing off three (3) days of dialogues where much was talked about in terms of boosting investor confidence, but perhaps what transpired from this, is the need to fully secure investors. This was highlighted by the Mining Minister Rainbo Paita who was guest speaker at the closing at the APEC Haus. He said a lot can be talked about on the potentials that Papua New Guinea has in terms of resources available for investment opportunities; however, what is all that without securing investors to actually come into to the country to make the investments, which will then lead to economic progress, job creation and a lot more benefits that comes along with it. He said on the back of the SEZ projects, PNG has the capacity to propel itself to be a robust economy with better conditions for its people in the next 5 to 10 years. And he said by being competitive in providing better incentives for investors, pulling them in instead of going elsewhere, is what must be prioritized through government policies. “In special economic zones, we have to be competitive. We have to be competitive with Indonesia; we have to be competitive with China. We have to have competitive policies, advantages that make us standout,” said Minister Paita. He said investors must be given an irresistible reason to come and spend their money in PNG, in the SEZ projects that’s coming up right now. Meanwhile, the Minister also took the time to appreciate the enormous work done by the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Ramu, whom he describes as a Minister who is adamant and passionate in developing the SEZ as a source of revenue for the country and a source of employment for many Papua New Guineans. Meantime, Minister Maru said all the recommendations and conclusions that were made during the 3- day Summit, will be submitted to Cabinet soon. From there PNG will chart a way forward with regards to implementing them.

The 2nd Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Summit is currently underway in Port Moresby city, where much was presented and dialogues held between delegates after receiving assurance from the Prime Minister, of Papua New Guinea (PNG) being an investor friendly country. Prime Minister James Marape spoke at the opening of the Summit, stating that investors will receive VIP treatment should they choose to do business in any of the eight (8 SEZ projects coming in the country. “I want to give you full assurance that any and every incentive that is out there, we will make sure we give to those of you who find resident in our special economic zone or a special economic zone that you may propose, so that you settle, you participate in business,” he said. Prime Minister Marape painted a good picture of the country’s economy to the visitors, saying that PNG’s economy has grown from K79 billion in 2019 when he took office to about K132 billion today, with a long-term target of reaching K200 billion before 2035. “Since independence in 1975, we have over-relied on the mining and petroleum sectors. But for the first time in decades, the non-resource sectors of our economy have grown at around 4% annually for four years in a row,” Prime Minister Marape said. Having said that, the Prime Minister then reassured investors that PNG respects agreements and provides a safe, democratic environment for business. “We may not like every agreement signed in the past, but as a government we do not tear up contracts. We honour them until they expire. That is the confidence investors need,” Prime Minister Marape said. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said the SEZ initiative is part of a broader vision to grow PNG into a K500 billion economy by 2045, backed by about 20 proven petroleum and mineral projects and downstream opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Marape also underscored PNG’s growing role in the international arena, noting its membership of APEC, ASEAN (soon to be full), and the Pacific Islands Forum, while maintaining strong ties with Australia, China, ASEAN neighbours, and the wider Indo-Pacific. He said PNG is not interested in any geopolitical agenda but just wants to do good business with its partners, old and new ones. The PM then urged investors not to leave the country without forging partnerships with local Businesses.

The inaugural Pacific Islands Regimental Black-Tie Dinner was held last night in Port Moresby city where an important point about the wellbeing of service men and women was made by the guest of honour, the Governor General of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Reflecting on the nature of the duties and responsibilities of the personnel in the military, Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae said Papua New Guinea’s fine service men and women are able and willing to make sacrifices for the good of the country and to protect it from all forms of enemies from within and from outside, so better recognition and well fare must be accorded to them going forward. “As we celebrate our 50th Independence Anniversary this year, and the 60th anniversary of the RPIR (Royal Pacific Islands Regiment), it is time we seriously direct attention to the physical wellbeing of our servicemen and women. By that I mean developing and improving our military health facilities to cater for both physical and psychological rehabilitation of our defence force,” said the Governor General. “This should be geared towards providing and sustaining professional and specialist services for mental and emotional support through therapy, professional counselling and guidance, as well as regular physical exercise and fitness program, in all our military establishments throughout the country.” Governor General Sir Bob Dadae believes that by doing this, it will go a long way in addressing psychological trauma, mental stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other such mental issues that affect a lot of service personnel. “Through such rehabilitation programs, our servicemen will be able to reorient back into civil society and are better able to deal with, and avoid resorting to unhealthy and harmful habits such as drug and alcohol abuse, violence and engaging in criminal activities.” “I believe this will make a huge difference to the health and well-being of our servicemen and veterans alike, many of whom still face mental stress and trauma experienced in their line of duty.” He said it will also greatly reduce the high occurrence of lifestyle diseases, which can be linked to psychological trauma, and which has claimed more lives of men in active duty than from active combat or battle operations. In line with the welfare and physical support for Defence Force personnel, the Governor General also made a call for the establishment of a dedicated Department for Veterans Affairs, a body that will be tasked to oversee the welfare of our veterans once they transition from active duty in the Regiment and the Defence Force, to civilian life, as more and more former members of the Regiment are phased out from active service. Meanwhile, the Pacific Islands Regimental Black-Tie event was attended by veterans and servicemen and women of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), on the milestone occasion of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the RPIR. They include former Commanders of the PNGDF like Retired Brigadier General Jerry Singirok, Retired Brigadier General Francis Agwi along with other former senior military officers.

The Papua New Guinea Defence (PNGDF) National Unity Walk under Exercise “Antap Lon Ol”, which commenced back in July in the East Sepik province to commemorate the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary, has ended today at the Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby city. The defence force team comprising of more than 30 men from the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) marched into the main gate of the barracks this morning, welcomed by families of the service men and women. The team was in possession of the Independence Message passed down from the first team from the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) at Moem Barracks who started the walk from Wewak. Director of Land Preparation and Director of Exercise Antap Lon Ol, Lt. Col. Donald Aisuk, was there to receive the message and the Walk Baton to mark the end of this phase of the PNGDF commemoration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary, which began on July 9th, 2025. “We have completed the walk with the last land force element coming into Port Moresby this morning,” said the Lt. Col. “For phase one, the walk covered from Wewak to Madang, which was conducted by the Second Battalion. In Madang, going into phase two, the walk baton was handed over to the Engineering Battalion based in Lae.” “So, the Engineering Battalion conducted the walk from Madang all the way to Lae, and that concluded phase 2 and then handed over to the Long-Range Renascence Unit which tracked from Lae, through Wau (district), over the Bulldog Track and into Gulf province at Malalaua station.” “So, as of last weekend, the baton was handed over to the First Battalion and covered 200km walking from Malalaua station all the way to Laloki Bridge (Central province).” "This concludes phase four of the exercise Antap Lon Ol. We still have phase five to be conducted come Monday on the 1st of September,” he said. He revealed that the walk will conclude with the Freedom of Entry March into Port Moresby city, where all teams will gather at Laloki bridge early Monday morning and conduct the walk into Port Moresby city. The march will commence at 4am in the morning at Laloki bridge. Once in the city, the party will then gather at the Unagi Oval at Gordons and then proceed with the PNGDF band to the National Parliament where the message will be passed onto the government. For now, the team will rest and prepare for the next phase of the PNGDF celebrations of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary.