Prime Minister James Marape has met with the newly elected Member for Usino Bundi and has assured him of the government’s support for infrastructure in his electorate in the Madang province. Addressing concerns raised by the new Member of Parliament (MP), Prime Minister Marape assured him that over the remaining 18 months before the 2027 National General Elections, the government will work closely with the new MP to address pressing issues, including improving road access within the electorate. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to extend infrastructure improvements beyond major highways. "Just because the Ramu Highway runs through the electorate does not mean that the district roads leading to the people in the villages are in good condition," he said. "Other roads to remote pockets of the electorate like Bundi and Gamai areas must also be fixed." In addition, Prime Minister Marape is committed to addressing the benefits from the Ramu Nickel Mine. He plans to check existing agreements to see where the government can secure more benefits for the local people, while ensuring compliance to relevant laws of the country and the project agreement. He also mentioned that he would be looking into the Yandera project in Madang Province.

No more standing in long queues for long hours at the bank to make deposits, BSP customers can now make deposits with ease by just using an ATM. The first Deposit ATMs went live today, Wednesday 20th August 2025, at BSP’s Waigani Banking Centre in Port Moresby city, marking the pilot phase of this new service. BSP Group General Manager for Retail Banking, Ronesh Dayal, said the initiative is part of BSP’s major upgrade to its ATM network, bringing state-of-the-art banking technology to PNG and across the South Pacific. “We are rolling out 600 new ATMs across the BSP Group, reaffirming our commitment to making banking more accessible. This upgrade will introduce deposit-enabled ATMs in many of our markets, saving our customers time and reducing queues at our branches,” Mr. Dayal said. The rollout follows BSP’s partnership with NCR Atleos Corporation, a global leader in self-service financial solutions, signed in January this year. BSP Retail Head of Payments, William Koregai, said pilot sites in NCD include Waigani Banking Centre and Waterfront, with other branches to follow soon. Deposit ATMs will be rollout across PNG in coming months and later to the Pacific Markets – Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Cook Islands.

The newly elected Member for Usino- Bundi district in Madang province, Vincent Ambane Kumura, has joined the Government ranks and Prime Minister James Marape is quite happy about it, saying that he represents a new generation of leaders. During a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in Waigani, Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape congratulated Mr. Kumura and praised his commitment to Public Service. He described him as one of those leaders who would take proactive steps to serve their communities without waiting for government funding, a type of leader that is desirable in the country. "These are the type of leaders that Papua New Guinea needs," Prime Minister Marape said. "They use their own resources to help their people until government support becomes available." Marape found a personal connection in Kumura's path to politics, drawing a comparison to his own. He pointed out that both him and the new Member of Parliament (MP) chose to work directly with their communities on the ground before seeking a place in government. Meantime, when addressing concerns raised by the new MP, PM Marape gave his assurance of government support in Kumura’s electorate, by guaranteeing that government will work closely with the new MP to address pressing issues, including improving road access within the district before the 2027 National General Election. MP Kumura came into office following the recently by election for the Usino Bundi seat. The seat became vacant following the passing of the former Member, late Jimmy Uguro in February 2024.

Today saw the British Government, presented the Regimental Colours of both the First and Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiments (PIR) to the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in preparation for the Trooping of Colours come September, a day before the 50th Independence Anniversary. Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko was there to receive the Regimental Colours from the British High Commissioner to PNG H.E Anne Macro at the Central Government Office building at Waigani, Port Moresby city. Minister Tkatchenko said these Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) Regimental Colours embody the history, spirit, and tradition of the units to which they belong. They are highly valued, carefully guarded, and treated with the greatest respect. “This presentation is especially meaningful as it comes at a time when Papua New Guinea is preparing to mark 50 years of Independence,” said the minister. “We are deeply honoured that His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, representing His Majesty King Charles III, will officially present these Regimental Colours during his Visit in September this year. That presentation will symbolize not only the loyalty and service of our military but also the enduring friendship and partnership between the government of Papua New Guinea and the government of the United Kingdom.” These Regimental Colours will be presented on the 15th of September at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby city. The Regimental Colours also include the new King's Colours which replaces that of the Queen's Regimental Colours. High Commissioner Macro also highlighted the significance of the Regimental Colours. “I am very pleased to be able to handover to the Papua New Guinea Government on behalf of the British Government and the people of the United Kingdom this 50th Anniversary gift of new Colours of the First and Second Regiments,” said the British High Commissioner. "Regimental Colours are not just flags, they’re important symbols that represent spirit, history and honour of a military unit." "There origins were traced back to the days when flags were used in the battle fields to help soldiers identify their own units amongst the chaos of combat. Over time, they evolved into ceremonial emblems of pride and tradition." "Each colour bares the insignia, the battle honours and regimental symbols unique to that unit. They tell the story of the regiment’s past, its founding, its campaigns, and its sacrifices." “They are a visible reminder of a soldier’s oath to serve their King, their country and their comrades,” said High Commissioner Macro. For the Pacific Islands Regiment, these honours include South- West Pacific 1942–45, Kokoda Trail, Finschhafen, Sio- Sepik and others. These sideshows, consecrated in the Colours, serve as a constant reminder to every member of the PNG Defense Force of their duty to Sovereign, Country, and People.

The Executive Management of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) has included the expert services of Mr. Gary Constantine as the new Executive General Manager (GM), Commercial to boost their operations. KPHL Managing Director Mr. Wapu Sonk, in welcoming Mr. Constantine to the company management team, said, “We are very pleased that Gary is joining our executive leadership team, his international experience will provide a valuable perspective on some of the domestic value-adding and nation building projects that we are already executing and planning for the future.” Mr. Constantine is an industry professional with decades of experience in many countries in the Asia Pacific region including the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Australia and Canada – where he was employed by Shell Canada Limited for fifteen (15) years in various roles including power, gas and LNG marketing related posts. Apart from his primary Bachelor qualification, Mr. Gary has a post graduate diploma and an MBA. Most recently he was Vice President, Global LNG with Vopak LNG in Singapore where he was also involved in green-field and brownfield LNG developments in the Asia Pacific. In Australia, Gary has been involved in Shell’s Floating LNG proposal, associated with the Prelude project.

The AFL Under- 17 Pacific Nations Challenge is coming up in September from the 12th to the 14th in Cairns, Australia and the youngsters from Papua New Guinea (PNG) are also participating, an opportunity of a lifetime for upcoming players, coaches and umpires in the AFL PNG Academy. AFL PNG Development Chairman Mr. Ekonia Peni said he is proud to see more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans to showcase their talent in Australia. “I have no doubt this opportunity will be fulfilling both on and off the footy field during such a special time for our country. We have genuine talent in PNG, and through the work of our AFL PNG Academy programs and player pathways nationally, we want to continue providing opportunities for these coaches, umpires and players to showcase their ability and commitment to the game.” he said. “Over the three days in Cairns, these young players and officials will represent our country with pride and passion, leading the way while creating lasting friendships, connecting with our Pacific brothers and Sisters and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family.” “I would like to thank the Australian Government, through the PacificAus Sports Program, for supporting these aspiring players, coaches and umpires.” Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Ewen McDonald said the pacific nations share a love of sport and it’s great to see Australian rules football at the heart of Pacific Nations Challenge in Cairns with participants from PNG, Nauru, Fiji, Tonga and Australian First Nations teams. “It is a testament to the continuing close connections we all share across the Blue Pacific,” he said. The AFL PNG Academy teams, Binatangs (male) and Under 17 Kurakums (female), will take on the best players from Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Cairns and the Cape York and Torres Strait Crusaders in both male and female competitions. Matches will be played at a variety of venues across Cairns, including Cazalys Stadium, Buchan Street Oval and Watsons Oval. The final fixture will be released closer to the event in September. Meanwhile, this tournament also comes at a fitting time ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16th. The PNG participation was made possible with the support of the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports, celebrating the 50 years of enduring relations as well between the two countries since 1975.

The PNG Open 2025 Golf tournament is currently on with an array of contingent of professional golfers here in Port Moresby city for the challenge. The PNG Open 2025 teed off yesterday, Thursday 14th August at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club where Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the largest-ever contingent of professional golfers to compete in Papua New Guinea, declaring the 2025 PNG Open a milestone moment for both the sport and the country’s international profile. Prime Minister Marape said the four-day event — part of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia— brought together over 120 professional golfers from across four continents, surpassing previous records and cementing PNG’s status as a hub for major international sporting events. “For the first time, we have gone past 100 professional golfers competing in our country — 120 in total — including seven female professionals who will join our top women golfers in a separate event this weekend,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Sport sells our country’s image to the world, and this tournament shows that PNG can successfully host athletes from all corners of the globe.” The field includes competitors from the United States, Spain, Korea, Japan, Fiji, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond, marking a truly global contest. Spain is represented for the first time, while the United States has sent more than 10 players from various states. The Prime Minister highlighted that the event coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, making it a showcase not only for golf but also for the country’s culture, hospitality, and potential as a safe and attractive destination. “This is a step in the right direction. We want the world to know that PNG can embrace and host international sport at the highest level,” he said. Prime Minister Marape, Patron of the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, extended his gratitude to the PNG Golf Association and the PGA Tour of Australasia for their long-standing partnership, and especially to naming rights sponsor Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited (KMHL). PNG Golf Association President, Ian Hodge, said the tournament’s growth was a testament to years of planning and dedication. He emphasized that the addition of the women’s competition — featuring seven professionals from Australia and eight of PNG’s best female golfers — was a deliberate move to promote gender equality and inclusion in the sport, while reinforcing PNG’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors. Tournament Director Graeme Scott of the PGA Tour of Australasia praised the warm reception given to players and noted the high caliber of competition this year. “This is my fifth visit to PNG for the Open, and the field just keeps getting stronger,” he said. “Players who may never have heard of PNG are now promoting it to the world through their own channels. The inclusion of the women’s event also aligns perfectly with our push to grow women’s golf in our region.” The 2025 PNG Open will run until Sunday 17th August.

The new National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA) Policy framework which was launched last night in Port Moresby city, aims to ensure efficiency in the implementation of services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The NMCA Policy framework provides the strategic and administrative foundation for operationalize a central coordination mechanism to drive whole of government performance, accountability, and results-based implementation across all sectors and levels of government. Anchored in the Government’s commitment to address weak implementation, disjointed oversight, and poor service delivery- as highlighted in successive reviews and reinforced in the 40- Year Review by the National Research Institute- this framework represents a decisive shift from policy rhetoric to institutional action. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, who officially launched the NMCA at the APEC Haus, described it as a vital reform to ensure that every Kina allocated through the National Budget delivers tangible results for Papua New Guineans across both urban centres and rural communities. He emphasized that billions of Kina have flowed through successive Governments since Independence – and especially since 2019 – but without the strong and consistent monitoring needed to guarantee that these funds meet their intended purpose. “From 2019 to 2024 alone, our Government has overseen K131 billion in expenditure. Combined with the previous six years, that’s over K214 billion passing through our National Treasury in just 12 years,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The question we must all ask ourselves is: what have we done with this money? Have we translated it into real, tangible improvements for our people?” The NMCA has been established to fill this long-standing gap – to ensure funds appropriated in the National Budget are implemented according to approved plans, and to track results right down to the project level. Governor for Oro and Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery, Gerry Juffa, who was instrumental in the NMCA establishment, echoed the PM, stating that since Independence there have been decline of service delivery, exasperated by the 1995 reforms. “So, I made the effort to find a part of the solution by asking the Prime Minister to set up a Parliamentary Committee to join the voices of many demanding accountabilities for non-implementation of Government decisions and organizational behavior,” the Chairman said. He congratulated the Prime Minister on the creation of the NMCA which carried the similar objectives of his committee. He also urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the NMCA had the benefit of a line of sight to his Parliamentary Committee so that it was not only beholden to the Executive arm of Government. Meanwhile, the NMCA will coordinate with key oversight bodies and development partners to monitor the roll-out of Government funds to provinces, districts, and agencies in real time, using modern technology including ICT systems and Artificial Intelligence. Independent audit, engineering, and accounting firms will be engaged to verify progress on the ground, rather than Government agencies marking their own work. The Prime Minister said the NMCA’s board – comprising respected institutions such as the National Research Institute (NRI), Transparency International, and the National Economic and Fiscal Commission – will ensure a balanced, independent, and credible oversight of Government spending.

The National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) has joined forces with Paradise Private Hospital (PPH) to enable its members to get discounts the next time they visit the hospital for medical care. This was achieved when PPH officially joined both the Employer to Employer (E2E) Discount Program and the Member Discount Program (MDP), becoming one of Nasfund’s newest loyalty partners. The signing took place on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, marking the beginning of a partnership aimed at providing Nasfund members and registered employers with 10% discounts on a wide range of healthcare services offered at Paradise Private Hospital, located along Taurama Road, 3 Mile, Port Moresby city. Under the terms of the agreement, the following services are eligible for the 10% discount: • Outpatient Services • Day Care & Dental • Emergency & ICU • Maternity & Antenatal Services • X-Ray, Ultrasound & Mammogram • Pathology Services • PPH Standard Fit-for-Work Assessment • Pharmacy To access these discounts, Nasfund members must present a valid Nasfund membership identification card, and Nasfund registered employers must present a Nasfund E2E card at Paradise Private Hospital. Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma welcomed the new partnership, stating, “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for Papua New Guineans.” Signing on behalf of Paradise Private Hospital was Chairman Dr. Robin Sios, supported by PPH Co-Owner Mrs. Janet Sios and PPH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Polapoi Chalau. “We are excited about this loyalty program and to partner with the Fund to support promotional efforts to raise awareness of the benefits available to our Nasfund members and employers at our hospital,” said Dr. Sios. PPH Co-Owner Mrs. Sios added, “Paradise Private Hospital is one of PNG’s nationally owned hospitals and the bulk of its clientele are Nasfund members, making this partnership even more meaningful.

The fully restored Lombrum Naval Base in Manus province was officially opened yesterday much to the delight of the Papua New Guinea Government, the Defence Force and the people of Manus. Prime Minister James Marape who was at the ceremony, described the official opening of the fully restored Lombrum Naval Base as a “historic and strategic leap” in Papua New Guinea’s defence capability, marking one of the most significant military infrastructure investments in the nation’s 50-year history. Speaking alongside Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Australia — particularly Australian taxpayers — for funding the AUD $500 million redevelopment of the facility. “This is not just a refurbishment; it is a game-changing investment,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Papua New Guinea is a nation blessed with over 3 million square kilometres of sovereign territory — both land and sea. Our maritime zone is rich in fisheries, forestry, energy, and biodiversity, but it is also vulnerable to illegal fishing, illicit trade, drug trafficking, unauthorized migration, and other forms of transnational crime." “A strong, well-resourced Navy is not optional — it is essential. And the restored Lombrum Naval Base is at the heart of building that strength.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his government’s target to expand the PNG Defence Force to 10,000 personnel by 2035 — made up of 7,000 regulars and 3,000 reservists — in order to meet the growing security demands of the nation’s vast territory and strategic location in the Pacific. “This investment is part of a bigger picture,” he said. “We are developing both our air and sea wings so that our Defence Force can operate effectively across all domains. Our goal is to give our men and women in uniform the right tools, the right facilities, and the right conditions to perform at their very best.”

The by elections are drawing to a close with most of the contested seat declaring winners already with Porgera Paiela in Enga province and Kabwum in Morobe province being the latest to do so, with both Members elect to take their place amongst the other leaders in parliament. Prime Minister James Marape very recently extended his heartfelt congratulations to Gidron Maso Karipe, Member-elect for Porgera-Paiela in Enga Province, and Patrick Basa, new MP for Kabwum in Morobe Province on their victories respectively. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I congratulate the Member-elect for Porgera-Paiela and the new Kabwum MP, and we welcome them into our government ranks,” Prime Minister Marape said. Mr. Karipe, who contested the by-election as an independent, secured victory with 19,223 votes, defeating his closest rival by a margin of 5,495 votes. The seat was previously held by his late father, Maso Karipe, the first Member for the newly created Porgera-Paiela electorate, who passed away in 2023. “I noted from the trend in the polling that he collected well in the first preference votes and also, in the preferential counts after every elimination,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He is possibly the youngest member in this Parliament. His late father was the first Member for the new Porgera-Paiela electorate, and I look forward to working with him to continue the work that his father started.” The Prime Minister said Porgera-Paiela remains one of the country’s most resource-rich districts, with an estimated 19 more years of mine life at the Porgera Gold Mine. “He has told me he wants to assist in completing the Community Development Agreement for the mine, ensuring fair and just benefit distribution to the people in the impact areas, including Porgera Valley, Enga Province, and the three other impacted provinces,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister also congratulated Patrick Basa, who secured victory in the Kabwum by election with 11,941 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Haring Quoreka, by 3,227 votes. Mr. Basa contested the by-election under Our Party and returns to Parliament after the National Court ordered a fresh by-election. “Kabwum is an isolated electorate with huge potential,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Patrick Basa’s focus on improving roads, law enforcement, health, and education services will greatly benefit his people, and I welcome him back into the Government ranks.” Prime Minister Marape also appealed to the people of Porgera-Paiela to protect public infrastructure. “Roads, lead to development and the free flow of goods and services,” he said. “Don’t disturb the roads, don’t block the roads, don’t destroy bridges. If you have an issue with someone, take it up to the police or community mediation. Violence and disorder will not do anybody any good.

Member for Moresby South and Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko has pledged to work together with the newly elected Motu-Koita Assembly Members to ensure service delivery to the people on the south side of Port Moresby city. Speaking at the recent luncheon he hosted for the newly elected members representing the Eastern Region, Minister Tkatchenko affirmed his support for the Assembly members in the lead-up to the next National Election in 2027. He assured the leaders that he would work closely with them in delivering the much-needed services to the people of Moresby South. The MP said there is a lot of work to be done in the electorate, and it's time to get started. “Moresby South has seen a lot of the major projects delivered, and it is one of the best-performing electorates,” said the MP in a statement. Also discussed at the luncheon was the topic of a future parliamentary seat for Motu-Koita. Meanwhile, the newly elected Motu Koita Assembly members from the Eastern region are the Mahuru Member Mal Udia, Pari-Taurama Member Peter Noka, Vabukori Member Turaho Morea, East Motu Koita Women’s representative, Gorame Momo, Pari Taoata Member, Ovia Nou, and Kira Kira Member, Babani Harry.