The people of Gulf Province are committed to fully participate in this year’s 53rd Hiri Moale Festival celebrations in September after being invited by the Motu-Koita Assembly. The commitment was shown yesterday through a small partnership and sponsorship announcement ceremony held at the Motu-Koita Assembly office at City Hall in Port Moresby city.A separate contribution of K100, 000 each was committed by the Gulf Provincial Government and the Kerema District Development Authority, with the presentation said to be done at a later date.Representing the people of Gulf to affirm their partnership and commitment was Kerema Open Electorate Member and Minister for Finance – Thomas Opa, President of Moripi Local Level Government (LLG) and representing Acting Gulf Governor and the Gulf Provincial Government – Mr. Ross Miva, accompanied by other Gulf Provincial Assembly Members and the Moripi Council of Chiefs.Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Miva expressed his gratitude to the Motu-Koita Assembly for the invitation.“This year we are delighted that we have been brought back in to be part of the festival celebrations. My presence here signifies the Gulf Provincial Government’s commitment and the people of Gulf to renew and to rewrite the Hiri Trade story of our forefathers. And I hope that with the right leadership, we will continue this partnership, relationship and friendship that we have established from back then during the Hiri Trade,” said Mr. Mivo.On behalf of the Gulf Provincial Government, Mr. Mivo announced a commitment of K100, 000 to the Festival celebrations, with the official presentation to be done on a later date.In his opening remark, Minister Opa said that this is a long time coming for the people of the Gulf to be participating in the Hiri Moale Festival after watching from the sideline for many years. And this partnership with the people of Motu-Koita is of significant importance, especially for the people of Elema in the Gulf.He said the Elema Tribe were the people of a bigger part of the Gulf province from Baimuru, the Orokolo Bay in Ihu all the way to Moripi that were originally responsible for the Hiri Trade back in the ancestral days.“This signifies a very important recognition of the relationship and the strong bond that we continue to share between our people. I just wanted to stress the important bond that we (Gulf people) have with the people of Motu-Koitabu. It goes many generations back.”Minister Opa highlighted that the Hiri Trade had brought many of the Gulf people to Motu-Koitabuan villages and many have settled in those villages, like Vabukori, Gabi, Baruni, Tatana, Elevala and Kira Kira – Horse Camp. That is where you will find the Gulf people.He further stated that the last Hiri voyage in recent times, took place in the 1940’s and the 1950’s. And it is now part of their responsibility to learn more about the history, heritage and culture and celebrate it through the festival.Member for Kikori Open Electorate and Minister for Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA) – Soroi Eoe was expected to be part of the ceremony but was in attendance to other matters related to the Papua LNG Development forum, and passed on his sincere apology to the Motu-Koita Assembly and fellow Minister.The 53rd Hiri Moale Festival will be celebrated from September 8th to the 13th in Port Moresby, with Ela Beach (Era Kone) to be the main centre for all celebrations.

In a display of clinical bowling and disciplined fielding, the Thailand women’s cricket team successfully defended their total of 237, restricting Papua New Guinea (PNG) to a disappointing 116 all out in just 35.3 overs, at the Amini Park, Port Moresby city.The comprehensive 121-runs victory yesterday gives Thailand a 1-Nil lead in the Best of three One Day International (ODI) series.Thailand displayed a resilient and tactical batting to post a competitive total of 237 for 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs, anchored by a brilliant 82 runs of 98 balls from skipper Naruemol Chaiwai.Batting at number four, Chaiwai showcased patience and precision, hitting 6 fours and maintaining a strike rate of 83.67. Her innings was crucial in stabilizing the innings after early wickets fell, allowing her to accelerate in the middle overs before being dismissed.Thailand began their innings with caution, as opener Phannita Maya departed early for 8 runs (18 balls), run out by a sharp fielding effort involving Vicky and Ruma. This early setback threatened to derail the innings, but Natthakan Chantham stepped up to provide stability. Chantham scored a gritty 30 runs off 65 balls, contributing 2 fours before being caught and bowled by H. Thomas.The turning point came when Nannapat Khoncharoenkai joined Chaiwai at the crease. Khoncharoenkai played a vital supporting role, scoring 54 runs off 72 balls with 4 fours. Her partnership with Chaiwai laid the foundation for Thailand’s strong finish. However, Khoncharoenkai fell to H. Tau, leaving Thailand at a crucial juncture.Despite facing disciplined bowling from PNG, Thailand’s middle order ensured they remained competitive throughout the innings.PNG’s bowling attack, led by Henao Lohia Thomas (who took multiple key wickets) and Hane Lohia Tau (who broke crucial partnerships), maintained pressure throughout. Buruka Vicky also picked up important wickets, including that of Chanida Sutthiruang. The tight line and length prevented Thailand from dominating the powerplays, forcing them to build their innings through accumulation rather than outright aggression.Papua New Guinea began the chase with high hopes, but from the outset, Thailand’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. The new ball proved problematic for the PNG openers, who failed to find their rhythm against the swing and seam movement provided by Thipatcha Putthawong and Phannita Maya.The early breakthrough came when both openers, Konio Oala and Naoani Vare, fell cheaply. Oala was trapped LBW by Thipatcha Putthawong for 11 runs off 20 balls, while Vare followed suit shortly after, also LBW to Putthawong for 11 runs off 22 balls. These early wickets prevented PNG from building any significant platform.Captain Brenda Hoi Tau attempted to stabilize the innings, playing a cautious knock of 6 runs off 17 balls before being LBW to Sunida Chaturongrattana. Her departure further dampened PNG’s spirits. Sibona Jimmy also fell to Chaturongrattana, caught 5 runs off 16 balls, leaving PNG reeling at a precarious position.It was Tanya Ruma who offered the most resistance for PNG. She played a determined innings, scoring 29 runs off 56 balls, including 3 fours. However, her efforts were not enough to shift the momentum. Ruma was eventually run out due to a sharp direct hit from Aphisara Suwanchonrathi and Phannita Maya, ending her stand.Thailand’s bowling attack was led by three key performers who shared the 10 wickets:Thailand’s fielding was equally impressive, with several catches taken in the deep and sharp runouts that disrupted PNG’s rhythm. The combination of tight bowling and exceptional fielding ensured that PNG never had the opportunity to accelerate.Papua New Guinea’s total of 116 all out in 35.3 overs was a stark contrast to Thailand’s competitive 237/8. With extras accounting for 13 runs (7 byes, 1 leg bye, 5 wides), the bulk of the damage was done by the batsmen’s inability to capitalize on opportunities.This victory underscores Thailand’s dominance in this encounter, showcasing their balanced team performance with both bat and ball.For PNG, the challenge will be to regroup and improve their batting depth and resilience for the remaining two matches.The second ODI match will be played on Saturday 15th August 2026 and the third match on Monday 17th August 2026.

The iconic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval in Port Moresby city will be undergoing a major upgrade and developed into a mini cricket stadium, thanks to BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) through its 50for50 Givim Bek initiative.The Official Groundbreaking ceremony took place yesterday, Wednesday 12th, August, witnessed by the Kira Kira people, BSP staffs and Executives, Motu-Koita Assembly Executives, and clan elders of Kira Kira village.Goasa Geita – Vaga Clan Elder of Kira Kira village shared a brief history on the cricket oval from its humble beginnings to recent times and how it holds memories to have produced so many great cricket players, past and present that have gone on to represent PNG, both men and women.  Opened in 1974 by Papua New Guinea's first Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who then was Chief Minister, it holds a significant part of the history of the people of Kira Kira and Port Moresby city. It is also believed to be one of the oldest cricket ovals in the country.Kira Kira Ward Councilor and Deputy Chairman of the Motu-Koita Assembly, Mr. Babani Harry said the oval holds significance to their history and culture as well.He went on to thank the BSP Group for their wonderful 50fo50 Givim-bek initiative which will help them to upgrade and construct a new look cricket stadium for the present and future generations of young talents in Kiri Kira village.In his main address, Mr. Jonathan Harvey, BSP Group General Manager – People & Culture Division, told the people that he understands the importance of this field.“Beyond sports, this field has been a gathering place where relationship have been strengthened, local economic activities are being encouraged and communities have come together, in a spirit of unity and mutual trust. Recognizing the importance of this landmark, BSP is proud to support the restoration of this wonderful cricket ground, through our BSP 50for50 GivimBek Initiative,” said Mr. Harvey.He added that as PNG commemorates its 50 years of Independence anniversary, BSP is investing K2.5 million to deliver 50 community projects across the country, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.“This initiative provides an opportunity for BSP staffs to give back to the communities that shape them, and to contribute to projects that make a meaningful difference. And the Kira Kira cricket field upgrade project represents that vision,” said Mr. Harvey.Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly, Mr. Russell Wavik thanked Mr. Harvey and the BSP Financial Group for bringing such wonderful community development initiatives down to the communities.He said that for BSP to choose Kira Kira village is a bonus for the Motu-Koita people and a very historic moment also with the ground-breaking of the iconic cricket oval.BSP has committed K50, 000 through the 50for50 GivimBek Initiative with a further K30, 000 each from BSP’s Finance & Strategy and Corporate Business Units respectively. Bringing the total to K110, 000 committed from BSP.Furthermore, Mr. Wavik has also announced that Motu-Koita Assembly will meet the 50for50 initiative with a commitment of K110, 000, bringing the total amount committed, up to K220, 000 for the Kira Kira Cricket Oval upgrade project.

Papua New Guinea’s women’s cricket team, the PNG Lewas, are hosting Thailand’s women’s team for a five-match international series here at the Amini Park in Port Moresby city.The series features two T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals (ODIs) over 50 overs.The two teams have completed the T20 International leg of the series, with the Lewas winning the opening match on Monday before Thailand bounced back to claim victory in the second match on Tuesday. The result leaves the T20 International series level at one-all.With the T20s now completed, both teams have a day to rest, regroup, and prepare for the much-anticipated ODI series, which carries significant importance for both nations.The three ODI matches are sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will contribute towards the teams’ Women’s ODI World Rankings.The closely ranked teams are therefore expected to produce another competitive contest when the ODI series gets underway.Speaking immediately after Tuesday’s T20 International, Lewas captain Brenda Tau highlighted the importance of the upcoming ODI matches and called on the people of Port Moresby to come out and support the national women’s team.Tau said she would love to see more cricket fans and Port Moresby residents at Amini Park on Thursday to get behind the PNG Lewas.She further added that the girls will be representing the country on home soil, which is huge for the players. And just to have the home fans turning up in numbers to cheer them on would be good for the girls and boost their performance as well.The first ODI is scheduled for Thursday 13th August, at Amini Park, with the Lewas looking to use home-ground advantage and strong local support as they begin the crucial three-match series against Thailand.

Thailand has levelled the two-match T20 International series against the Papua New Guinea Lewas after securing a convincing six-wicket victory at Amini Park in Port Moresby today.After being sent into bat first, the Lewas struggled from the outset as Thailand's bowlers produced an outstanding performance to restrict the home side to just 87 runs for the loss of nine wickets from their 20 overs.Thailand's 22-year-old fast bowler Phannita Maya was the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets inside her opening two overs to dismantle PNG's top order. Her impressive spell earned her the Player of the Match award.PNG lost openers Konio Oala and Hollan Doriga, followed by captain Brenda Tau, leaving the Lewas in serious trouble midway through their innings.At the 10-over mark, PNG were struggling for runs, but middle-order batters Nao Ani Vare (25) and Tanya Ruma (28) attempted to rebuild the innings.Despite their efforts, runs remained difficult to score against a disciplined Thailand bowling attack, while their fielding was equally impressive as they denied the Lewas opportunities to build partnerships.PNG eventually finished their 20 overs at 87 for nine, leaving Thailand needing just 88 runs for victory.PNG made an early breakthrough in the second innings when Henao Thomas struck with her second delivery of the opening over, dismissing Thailand's dangerous opener Phannita Maya.However, the early wicket did little to halt Thailand's chase.Thailand's batters remained composed, rotating the strike with quick singles and doubles while finding regular boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving.They reached the target in the 19th over, finishing on 88 for four to seal a six-wicket victory and level the T20I series.For PNG, Thomas finished with two wickets, while Isabell Toua, who was named Player of the Match in yesterday's opening T20I, also claimed two wickets.A disappointed PNG captain Brenda Tau admitted that the Lewas did not produce their best performance of the series.Tau acknowledged that both their batting and fielding fell below the standards they had set for themselves, while congratulating Thailand on a well-deserved victory.She described Thailand as a tough and worthy opponent and said the Lewas enjoyed the two-match T20I series.Tau said the team would now go back to the drawing board, review their performance and reset and refocus ahead of the upcoming 50-over matches.Thailand coach Peter Jansen was delighted with his team's performance and result.Jansen thanked PNG for providing strong competition throughout the two-match T20I series, saying his players showed courage and continued to believe in themselves.That belief, he said, was evident in their successful run chase today.With the T20I series now completed with one win apiece, both teams will shift their attention to the 50-over One-Day Internationals (ODIs).The ODI series will be played at Amini Park on:Thursday, August 13Saturday, August 15Monday, August 17Both teams will now look to regroup and prepare for the longer format as the battle between the PNG Lewas and Thailand continues.

The East New Britain Provincial Administration is working to finalize a date this week for a memorial service honoring the 27 victims who lost their lives in the boating mishap on August 8th, 2026.East New Britain Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates said arrangements are progressing smoothly, while authorities continue to work to formally identify the victims and complete the coronial investigation into the tragedy.Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG this morning, Chief Superintendent Kates said the preliminary reports on the 13 bodies that were recovered and examined by a specialist pathologist are currently with the East New Britain Provincial Magistrate.“The Senior Provincial Magistrate has the preliminary report and is waiting for, I believe, the memorial service to take place before giving the warrants of the dead to the families so they can collect the bodies,” she said.“We are so close to finalizing the identity of those 13 bodies.”Chief Superintendent Kates also revealed that two bodies remain at Kavieng Hospital in New Ireland Province, with investigators believing one may be linked to the boating incident.She said authorities would first have to confirm the identity of the body before arrangements could be made to transport it back to Rabaul, either by commercial flight or through arrangements coordinated by the provincial administration.Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Kates commended the investigators involved in the ongoing coronial investigation, saying they were working to reconstruct the movements and final moments of the 27 victims to establish what happened and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.She said a normal coronial investigation could take a year or more, but the progress being made by the investigation team could see the process completed much sooner.“We are still working towards having all these completed in the next four to six months, which is incredibly fast,” she said.Chief Superintendent Kates said investigators will travel to Kavieng shortly to obtain statements from people who recovered the bodies. Those statements will form part of the final coronial report.The memorial service is expected to be held on a date to be confirmed and announced by the East New Britain Provincial Administration this week.Following the memorial service, the families are expected to receive the relevant warrants of the recovered bodies, allowing them to take the remains of their loved ones and proceed with final funeral arrangements.The authorities say the memorial will provide an opportunity for families, communities, and provincial leaders to formally remember and honour the 27 victims while the investigation into the tragedy continues.

Eighty people have been arrested following a community clash involving three villages on the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain, an incident that also resulted in two houses being destroyed by fire.East New Britain Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates said police responded to the incident late last week after tensions escalated between the three communities.Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, Chief Superintendent Kates said the police had arrested eighty people as investigations continued to establish the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the arson.“From what we have gathered so far, it was just a community unrest and frustration that resulted in the exchange between the three villages,” Chief Superintendent Kates said.According to Chief Superintendent Kates, one of the three villages withdrew early from the confrontation, leaving the other two to continue fighting.Despite the scale of the incident, she said there were no reports of deaths or serious injuries.“A few people sustained minor bruises from the fight, but fortunately there were no serious injuries or deaths,” she said.All eighty individuals taken into custody have since been granted bail and released, though police confirmed that they are scheduled to appear in court in the coming days.The clash was described as the only major incident attended by police in the province over the recent period, with no other serious incidents reported so far.Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Kates said police will continue to gather information and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.Police are expected to closely monitor the affected communities as investigations continue, and those arrested prepare to face court.

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) members of the National Capital District and Central Provincial Police Command, hosted the Divisional Commander’s Parade today at the Gerehu Sports Center in Port Moresby city.Members from NCD and Central Command turned up well-groomed and well-dressed and their police uniforms marched into the arena with precision and professionalism, to the amusement of the public in the Gerehu suburb and the invited dignitaries that were present to witness the occasion.The Parade was conducted to celebrate and acknowledge the recent appointment and confirmation of Benjamin Turi as the Assistant Commissioner of Police – NCD/Central Divisional Command.Provincial Police Commander of Central – Joseph Salle and NCD Metropolitan Superintendent – Warrick Simatab were present, to accompany ACP Turi for the Inspection of the Parade, which had the parade host impressed with the professionalism showed by the members.In his address, ACP Turi reminded the members of the theme of today’s parade, which is ‘Reset, Focus on the Next Generation Officers for this Constabulary’.He told the officers that, for thirty years he served the RPNGC with commitment, pride and dignity. And he will be leaving the force in the next five to six years, as well as the other senior ranked officers that are currently serving in their respective positions.“We must now prepare you the young officers standing here. As all of us commanders, we must prepare you for the future moving forward, and you officers will be the next group taking the constabulary forward. The parade is a lesson to you all, that you will learn what it's like as an officer, you feel the pride marching on.”“Remember that you officers in NCD and Central are the face of Papua New Guinea. NCD is a Mini version of Papua New Guinea. We are handling and dealing with people from different tribes, cultures, even Foreigners here. This is a mini–Papua New Guinea and you are the face of Papua New Guinea,” said Turi.His added that, as the Commander of parade like this, it is his duty to stress out the duties and responsibilities of every policeman and policewoman under this command. As there is a code of ethics that every officer has to follow while serving their time as police officers of the RPNGC.Turi challenged the officers to take time to reflect on their duties and ask themselves about their roles as police officers. He urged them to identify their weaknesses and start improving their performances, by maintaining punctuality, be responsible and attentive to cases and situations that need police assistance.He further stressed the importance on the role of a police officer is to always remain neutral in their investigations, while strongly discourage the practice of nepotism, bribery and other illegal practices within the police force.“All handling of cases must be treated as per our directive that we know in the Standing Order of the Constabulary. If you need to improve in your performance, then do so and don’t be complacent and lazy. If you know you’re one of these officers, you need to start doing something or you will end up finding yourself in trouble,” emphasized Turi.Apart from the other issues highlighted by ACP Turi in his speech, he mainly emphasized on discipline and professionalism in the Police force.He concluded by elaborating to the officers that the Constabulary has regulations, rules and standing orders that follow the chain of command. And they have to abide by these regulations and laws to maintain order, discipline and professionalism for the good name of the RPNGC.

Dr. Nicole Haley has officially assumed office as Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commissioner after signing her four-year contract and taking the oath of office at Government House on Thursday.Dr. Haley presented herself before the Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, where she formally signed her contract during a ceremony witnessed by Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu.Following the contract signing, Dr. Haley appeared before the Chief Justice to take the official oath of office and was formally sworn into office, completing all constitutional and administrative requirements to assume the role of Electoral Commissioner.With the completion of these formalities, Dr. Haley now holds the full powers and responsibilities of the Electoral Commissioner and will lead the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission over the next four years.Her appointment comes at a crucial time as the Electoral Commission accelerates preparations for the 2027 National General Election.Key activities are already underway, including the nationwide electoral roll update, voter enrolment, and other electoral preparations aimed at ensuring a credible and transparent election.As Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Haley will oversee the administration of the country's electoral processes and provide strategic leadership in delivering free, fair, and inclusive elections across Papua New Guinea.Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has extended his highest commendations and congratulations to Dr Nicole Haley following her swearing-in today as Papua New Guinea’s Electoral Commissioner, describing her appointment as a victory for merit, professionalism and the nation’s democracy.Prime Minister Marape said Dr Haley’s appointment followed a rigorous and transparent selection process in which she emerged as the top-ranked candidate on merit.“Dr Haley is one of Papua New Guinea’s foremost scholars and experts on elections. She put her hand up for this important national responsibility, went through the full appointment process, ranked number one on merit, and today assumes one of the country’s most important constitutional offices.“I offer my highest commendations and congratulations to Dr. Haley. She has demonstrated a deep understanding of our electoral system, its strengths, its shortcomings and the reforms required to strengthen public confidence in our democracy.”Prime Minister Marape then called on every officer within the Electoral Commission—from the national headquarters through provincial and district offices—to unite behind the new Commissioner and faithfully discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Operation ‘Sentinel High Visibility’ is currently underway in Port Moresby as police ramp up their presence across the capital city.This is visible right across the city in recent times as seen with the street vendors are no longer doing business in public places like the roadsides, bus stop areas, shop fronts and other usual hot spots around the city.According to the National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Warrick Simatab, Operation ‘Sentinel High Visibility’ commenced on the 20th of July 2026, and it is currently being enforced everywhere across the city.“This operation is about taking policing to the people through increased foot patrols, vehicle patrols, traffic enforcement, and a stronger policing presence in our communities, markets, bus stops, shopping centres, schools and crime hotspots,” said Simatab.He is urging the public to support and cooperate with police in fighting law and order problems in the city.“Law and order are not the police business alone. A safe city can only be achieved when citizens, businesses, churches, community leaders, government agencies and our development partners work together with the police.”The NCD Metropolitan Superintendent is calling on all city residents in Port Moresby to support Operation Sentinel High Visibility by reporting crime, respecting the law, cooperating with police officers, and standing together against criminal activities.“Together we can build a safer, stronger, and more peaceful Port Moresby for our families and future generations."Meanwhile, the operation has been very effective as public places, bus stops, shop fronts and other hot spots that entertain illegal vending and other illegal businesses, have been cleaned. This, all thanks to the police being visible in the public daily.   

Competing on the world stage against world-class international athletes can be frightening but also an overwhelming achievement for athletes, especially young and in-experienced athletes.This is where all those hours of training, hard work, sweat and commitment of every athlete, and the dream of representing their country is tested.Team PNG was made up of a mixture of young aspiring athletes and experienced athletes, that took part at the recently concluded 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland, which concluded on Sunday 02nd August 2026.The rest of the Team PNG athletes led by the Chef De Mission – Elaine Iorive, arrived back in the country yesterday, at the 7mile Jackson’s International Airport, Port Moresby.PNG took part at the Glasgow Games in Swimming, Boxing, 3x3 Basketball, Athletics and weightlifting.Speaking to the Media after their arrival back home, Ms. Iorive said, she was quite pleased with the performances of the whole team, as that showed with some of the young athletes recording Personal Bests in their respective events.“With this team we have, they’ve done extremely well with most of them are first timers, but they’ve grown from strength to strength, and most of them recorded personal bests which is a big achievement for them,” said Iorive.She said probably the highlight of the team was Weightlifter Morea Baru grabbing a Bronze Medal for PNG and the first of the Pacific Islands countries at the games.The Chef De Mission emphasized that most of these athletes are very young, competing against some of the worlds big-name athletes, who have or are competing on world events, representing their countries at the games. And for our athletes to be competing alongside side them is a good experience for them and a personal achievement for them as well.However, serious questions were raised on the current group of athletes’ performances at the games, with most not been able to make it into medal contentions in their respective events.Iorive said that the PNG Olympic Committee and the Athletes Justification Committee were responsible for the final selections of these athletes based on merit, and only PNGOC can make further deliberation on the selection process of the athletes. She further stated that her role in the team is only as the Chef De Mission.She extended her appreciation to the PNG Olympics Committee for giving her the opportunity to lead Team PNG athletes and wished the athletes all the best in their next chapter of their respective sporting careers.She encouraged the athletes to keep training hard, do their best, and try to aim for the best. And come the next international event they are prepared and ready make PNG proud.

The New Ireland Governor is calling on the National Government to immediately release the development grants under the Lihir Gold Mining Agreement, to the provincial government.Governor Byron Chan in a press conference this afternoon in Port Moresby city, called for the release of the K300 million and paid immediately to the New Ireland Provincial Government and the people of New Ireland.Governor Chan said the Prime Minister, Treasurer and the Finance Minister must fulfil the States commitment by releasing this outstanding development grants, or what the governor stated as ‘credit money’ owed to the people of New Ireland.The governor made this call following the announcement by Newmont Lihir and the Internal Revenue Commission on the 30th of July, of the K633 million second corporate income tax installment.This brings Newmont’s corporate income tax contribution across the first two quarters, up to approximately K1.484 billion. This is way better than Newmont’s expected contribution in the order of K1.5 billion to K2.0 billion in corporate income tax for the full year.“I just want to remind the Government and MRA that these are commitments owed to the people of New Ireland. This is not a new project, these are monies, calculated on productions by the company, and for the people of new Ireland province that needs to be paid.Governor Chan strongly emphasized that the state has failed to honor its commitment to settle the province’s Special Support Grants (SSG) and Infrastructure Development Grants (IDG), totaling K219.04 million, which is captured in the provincial government’s 2026 approved budget. He adds that, with the other outstanding MoA development grants, the outstanding development grants owed by the State to the people of New Ireland stands at K300 million in total.“We just want what is owed to us must be paid. We still have outstanding projects that need to be worked on. We want to fix our roads, we want to fix our bridges, we want to fix our transport infrastructure, and we want to fix our building infrastructure for our schools, colleges, and tertiary institutions. We want to rehabilitate our agriculture and also fund our SME programs. All these are captured under our approved budget,” said Governor Chan.According to Governor Chan, the outstanding SSG’s and IDG’s stands at a whooping K1.4 billion that dates back to 2010. However, he is asking for only K300 million in outstanding grants to be released back to the New Ireland Provincial Government.