Papua New Guinea (PNG) is hosting a three-day Conference on the Community of Practice for Social Protection from the 12th to 14th of May this week at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby city. This event is hosted by the Department for Community Development and Religion, who is one of the three custodian government agencies entrusted with Social Protection. The conference is also supported by the Australian Government through DFAT and World Bank. This conference provides an important platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, experiences and practical lessons from advocators, organizations and practitioners from twelve (12) Pacific Island Countries. Through peer learning, collaboration, and open dialogue, this conference aims to generate new ideas and identify practical approaches to better support and protect the vulnerable and marginalized member of affected communities within the Pacific Region. Speaking at the Welcome Dinner Reception for the participants on Monday evening, Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter welcomed the visiting delegates saying that Papua New Guinea is deeply honored to host representatives and practitioners from across the Pacific Region. “Your presence here this evening reflects our collective commitment and effort to strengthening social protection systems that respond meaningfully to the realities faced by our communities across the Pacific. “Across the Pacific, we continue to face many common development challenges. Poverty and unemployment remain pressing concerns for many households and communities. At the same time, our region is experiencing changing demographics, including the growing needs of aging populations, while persons living with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing opportunities and essential services,” said the Minister. He also emphasized that Social Protection is simply not a policy discussion. It is about protecting lives, preserving dignity, and building resilience for our people that continue to be affected by natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. “Every country represented here brings valuable experiences, innovations and perspectives that can contribute to stronger outcomes for our region as a whole. There is much we can learn from one another, from successful programs and policy reforms to community-based approaches and practical experiences in implementing social protection initiatives within our unique pacific contexts. May this Community of Practice for the Social Protection strengthen our partnerships, deepen our understanding and inspire practical actions that will improve the wellbeing and resilience of our people across the Pacific Region.” the Minister concluded. The three-day conference commenced today, Tuesday 12th May, and will end on Thursday 14th May.

During the official swearing-in of the NICTA board members this morning, NICTA acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Polume Lume, was officially sworn in as the new CEO and the Ex-Officio member of the NICTA Board. In his response after the swearing-in, Mr. Lume thanked the Government of Papua New Guinea, the NICTA Board and all stakeholders for the confidence entrusted to him to lead this important institution as the country heads into a digital journey. He said NICTA sits at the centre of Papua New Guinea’s digital future but undertaking a hard and honest assessment of the institution, he identified serious governance gaps, operational weakness, enforcement failures, fragmented systems and declining public confidence. “But then we also identified enormous opportunity. An opportunity to rebuild, an opportunity to modernize, and an opportunity to restore trust. An opportunity to transform NICTA into a proactive, transparent, respected and future- ready regulator. Today, I reaffirm our commitment to four core strategic priorities that will guide NICTA moving forward for the next 5 years,” said Mr. Lume. He listed the priorities as measurable commitments that they have already begun implementing major reforms. 1. Strengthening and improving internal governance systems, 2. Enforcing the law firmly, fairly and consistently, 3. Creating sustainable revenue streams for long-term institutional resilience, and 4. Expanding the ICT sector to unlock national economic growth. He said, for too long, non-compliance within the sector was tolerated. That era will end with this new board and management at the helm. A regulator that does not enforce the law cannot effectively protect consumers, uphold standards, or maintain industry confidence. Going forward, NICTA will become more visible, more responsive and more accountable in carrying out its mandate,” said Mr. Lume. Furthermore, he emphasized that the licensing of Starlink demonstrates that Papua New Guinea is open to innovation, open to competition and serious about accelerating digital transformation. He said, this achievement is not simply about one company entering the market. It is about expanding opportunities for schools, health centers, businesses, government services, security operations, and ordinary citizens across the country. It sends a strong message that NICTA is prepared to embrace emerging technologies while ensuring proper regulatory oversight, consumer protection, and fair market participation as Papua New Guinea enters a New Digital era. “Satellite connectivity, digital identity systems, cybersecurity, fintech, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, data governance and digital public services are no longer distant concepts. They are here now.” He aims is to see that NICTA is positioned at the forefront of all these ICT and Digital transformations, emphasizing that his vision as the CEO is to build an ICT ecosystem that is accessible and competitive. Mr. Lume said restoring public confidence requires transparency and accountability.

Following PNG Barramundis strong winning performances over the weekend at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East-Asia Pacific Qualifiers, they are now focused on this Wednesday’s Super Six fixture up against Samoa. PNG HAUSBUNG reached out to the victorious Barramundis Head Coach, Tim McCaskill in Japan who said the team’s all-around performance was great. “Firstly, thank you for the congratulations, and the support of the cricket community back home is greatly appreciated," the Head Coach gave his appreciation. "We had targeted the first 2 games as very important for the tour, played to our potential and won both to finish top of pool C, then head into Super 6 stage with carry over points. We did this and we are very pleased, our batting was outstanding, and the pressure placed on teams with both bat and ball has allowed us to hit all our match targets." “Tony Ura has had a blistering start to the tournament; he has carried his form from Mackay into the first 2 games. His ability to find the boundary regularly has teams on the back foot. This pressure has also allowed Sese Bau to play with freedom, so it’s a one / two punch in the powerplay. Lega Siaka showed in the second game that he is in good form, he rotated strike well and kept scoreboard pressure constantly and when required, displayed his power to find the boundaries. Very happy with the performance of senior players." He said the Cook Islands in their first game had hitting power and were going to be dangerous. "With a score of 200 to chase, they had to come hard from the start, and we discussed with bowlers that there could be immediate pressure." Assad did a fabulous job rotating the bowlers, breaking the momentum with smart use of pace and spin options each over. "They had some big overs, but we held our nerve, and bowlers were well supported by fielders who added pressure with speed to ball and clean hands." The Coach said heading into the Samoa game will be another opportunity for them to play their game. "We have trained strongly since the start of the year and have developed a style of play that is built around our strengths. That will be our focus for not only the Samoa game but all remaining games, we believe in our style of play and players have belief in each other." “Thanks again to all cricket supporters back in Port Moresby and keep barracking hard for the remaining games.”

Three new board members of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) were officially sworn in today at NICTA’s Head Office in Port Moresby city. It is a four (4) member board, headed by Mr. Brian Riches as the Board Chairman. The three members sworn in are Mr. Charles Chew as Independent Expert, Mr. Charlie Gilichibi as the Non-Executive Director and NICTA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Polume Lume as the Ex-Officio member of the Board. In his welcome remarks to the new board members, Chairman Mr. Riches congratulated the three members on their appointment to join him on the board, especially the CEO Mr. Lume. He firmly believes that he is the right person, at the right place, and his appointment is right and timely. He said, these three members are the right people for a time that is very exciting for Papua New Guinea. And with the people supporting them, the country needs the right people in the right place at this time, especially with what’s been going on recently in the public arena. “I just have great faith in their capacity and ability to contribute to NICTA, in our decision making that has huge implications across our country and our people. We have the ability to make significant change to our lifestyle, and to our ability to just do normal day to day functions.” “What I do wish to stress is that NICTA is in a state of change, in a time of significant strengthening in our capacity to support the ICT sector and support those that operate within the sector,” said Mr. Riches. He further added that with this board in-place, the focus is now on restoring public trust and strengthening institutional governance and performance. He also pointed out that they will be focusing on good governance, accountability, and transparency, which he is very stern on. “Quite frankly, the three members who are now being sworn in today, they do also have the same ethics and the same desire to do the best we possibly can, in the time that we have.” “Our country is in the beginning of massive change, and the level playing field that we wish to bring to our ICT sector for all the operators within it should bring enormous benefits to each and every one of you, your family, your friends, your children and your grandchildren to come.” “I affirm the board's support in practical reform, the internal coordination policy review and stronger legal and enforcement capability,” he said. The board members were indorsed in a Dedication Prayer by Pastor Mathew Tapus from the Christian Apostolic Church, while the Official formalities of Oath taking and Affirmation of Office was facilitated by Mr. Billy Pidu – Senior Provincial Magistrate, NCD.

Club members of Bisini Lawn Bowls Club, along with their family members and friends, concluded a week-long Financial Literacy Training facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in partnership with the Informal Sector Branch of the Department for Community Development and Religion that was held from the 5th-7th of May. A total of 46 participants are now officially financial literacy certified upon receiving their certificates yesterday. The training concluded following an intense 4-day retail training program for the participants as they were taken through in-depth training on financial security and investment opportunities. Financial institutions including, BSP, Kina Group, and Mama Bank, were also invited to showcase their different products and help assist participants in opening their own new accounts as part of the training. The initiative was part of a conversation held between Bisini Lawn Bowls President Mr. Victor Lismond and a couple of Executive club members held in mid-2025. Transforming those conversation into action was very encouraging, especially for the family members and friends of the club. “Some of our club members are not working”, said Mr. Lismond. “They live and survive engaging in the informal sector.” “So, what we are doing now is do give back to them in a way that, they can use these skills set acquired from this training and build on something positive for their future.” Meanwhile, Program Development Director Mr. George Kulisi, representing the Department Secretary Mr. Jerry Ubase, and the Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development Jason Peter, congratulated the participants and urged them to utilize this training to improve their lives by starting from small and learning to save. “This training is a mindset life changing training for Papua New Guineans.” “This training is not only for the women, but the department is also all about family in which will help improve a family’s lifestyle if used correctly.” “Basically, this is just one of the Department’s Empowerment and protection program.” As part of their support to this training, Chief Executive Officer of Mama Bank Mr. Guninandhi Das, announced to the participants that Mama Bank will loan them a SME Seed Capital of K300 each after they assist them to opening their bank account with Mama Bank.

Prime Minister James Marape has assured the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea that they will get his full support as long as they can prove to him by getting their management organized.He made his commitment known during the launching of the CRCEG Cup - PNG Amateur Basketball League and the ExxonMobil Cup - Port Moresby Elite Basketball League last evening at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor complex in the nation’s capital.The Theme for the launching was: "Uniting Hearts through Basketball, Transcending Mountains and Seas, Together for a New Journey".The prime minister highlighted that sport does not evolve around the PNG Chiefs and rugby league or even soccer. Basketball is just another sport and his ready to give his full support."Give me good management like rugby league has done. Organized yourself properly and ensure you have a team playing in the Queensland Basketball competition and I will take it from there, and make it happen for us," said Marape.This is a new transition taken by the Basketball Federation for the development of the sport, in creating pathways and programs for the growth of Basketball in the country.The main aim of Basketball Federation is to upgrade the standard and level of the sport to a semi- professional competition, with an established Junior pathway system for Basketball to progress into a professional sport."If we can start off with rugby league and now by 2028, we will have our own team taking part in the National Rugby league, what's stopping Basketball players to also go that mile. That's why I would like to encourage you that your government is ready to give you its full support," added the Prime Minister.The other guest speakers at the launching were representatives from ExxonMobil, General Manager of CRCEG - Sam Jia and representing the Chinese Ambassador was His Excellency Minister Councellor Pang Henzaho.ExxonMobil has been the major sponsor for the Men's Basketball competition since 2024, which will now be known as the Port Moresby Elite Basketball League. CRCEG is the major sponsor for the PNG Amateur Basketball League.

A Total of K500,000.00 was presented today to the Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development from the Kerowagi District Development Authority, by the Minister for Public Service and Kerowagi MP, Francis Siune.The funding comes just two weeks after the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing between the Kerowagi District Development Authority (DDA) and the Department for the construction of a new Community Development Centre in the Kerowagi District. Before receiving the funding component from the DDA, Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peters, thanked the leadership of the Member for Kerowagi and its DDA for showing their commitment and ensuring the MoU signing becomes a reality with their share of the funding component. “On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to acknowledge the Marape -Rosso government, for this flagship program which they continue to support in this space. We would like to follow it up with more districts as well,” said Minister Peters. He added that a few Districts have signed their MoU, but they are still waiting for the funding component from the DDA’s to commence the next phase of the process. When responding, Minister Siune, thanked Minister Peters and the Department for the flagship program that will be rolled out in his District, which will help with the service delivery efforts for the district. The total cost for the construction of this District Community Development Centre is K2million with K1million from the DDA and the other K1million from the Department for Community Development and Religion through its Ministry. Also present to witness the presentation was Mr. Jerry Ubase – Secretary for the Department for Community Development and Religion, Jim Abani – Chief Censor of the Office of Censorship, senior management team from the Department and a team from Kerowagi DDA.

Ward Members from the 18 Local Level Governments (LLG’s) across the four districts in East New Britain (ENB) province are still waiting to be paid their salaries since the Return of Writs in November 2025.David ToDes Tommy, the Ward 19 Member in Balanataman LLG, and the spokesperson for the disgruntled Ward Members, is appealing to the responsible authorities to do something about their salaries, as soon as possible. “We hit the ground running performing our mandated duties straight after we were sworn in and we still have not received our pay yet. It’s been 6 months since the completion of LLG elections in November last year and this is frustrating,” said Mr. Tommy. The ward members have taken their concern to the ENB Provincial Government in January this year and are still waiting. After two trips to Port Moresby city by the ENB provincial government representatives, they have not received any positive response, causing more frustration for them and their families. When PNG Haus Bung reached out to ENB Governor Michael Marum, he said, he had been informed by a few ward members and spoke to the Provincial Administrator last week to look into this matter and address it because this is not fair. “These are our very first contact on the ground when I travel into the Districts and LLG’s. Especially during the disaster period, the ward members have been very helpful and active in their leadership roles. They are actually doing their work on the ground,” the good governor said. The governor is still waiting for his Provincial Administrator for his response because he does not want to go barking at them and giving instructions, breaking protocols. “As the governor, I want to sincerely extend my apologies to all the ward members and their family. These people are actually doing their work and have committed their time and support during the disaster period,” he said. Meanwhile, attempts by PNG Haus Bung to seek more information from the Department of Local Level Government and the Minister regarding the unpaid salaries for the ward members have been unsuccessful.

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea has officially announced the National Women’s 3x3 Team selected to participate in the Final Oceania Development Camp. The event is scheduled to take place from May 22nd to 28th in Gold Coast, Australia. PNG Basketball President, Mr. David Peter announced the names of the four players who will be accompanied by two coaching officials and one technical officer. 1. Jacky Asiba 2. Philomena Isei 3. Normalisa Dobunaba 4. Lynnette Tongia Head Coach - Garvin Dela Cruz Assistant Coach - Fenimore Salilum Technical Officer - Betty Angula Mr. Peter stated this is the team that are preparing to participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July, and these matches are vital in their preparations. “Based on the performance of the team, if we are happy that this team has done well then we will retain this team as it is.” The President further clarified that the door remains open for changes depending on the results of the camp, adding: “But if we are to do a bit of adjustment, we will do so. Its performance based.” In addition, he stated that this is the best team they have at the moment. The selection process was based on their performance and most importantly have international experiences in 3x3 games. Furthermore, he hopes that the women can do well in this preparations games to bolster their confidents to participate at the world stage, especially the Glasgow, Commonwealth Games in July this year.

The Barramundis are all set and ready for the T20 World Cup East-Asia Pacific Qualifier in Japan from the 8th-18th of May, following the announcement of their 14-member team yesterday, Wednesday 29th April.Head Coach, Tim MCaskill is very impressed with how things are going with the boys, especially the players that made it into the final squad. He says, their on-field and off-the-field behaviour is so impressive with everyone staying composed and focused on their performances and obviously making the country proud. “Everything that I’ve seen to date has been really positive. We’ve got these young guys that are curious to learn and obviously driven for success and then the other thing that we’ve got is a group of the older players that have come into the squad, and sort of energized the young guys,” said the Coach. With four new faces in the team and with the mixture of experienced and young players, it really shows the depth the team is continuing to build through their programs and competitions. “I’m confident that what we’ve being putting together and what we’ve been building around our team at the moment is setting us up for success. We saw it in Mackay, and we knew that it worked there, and we’re confident that it’s going to work well,” adds McCaskill. The team is well balanced and fortunate, having the likes of Tony Ura, Sese Bau, and the ever-reliable Assadollah Vala as captain of the team. It’s a big bonus for the team, especially the younger players and McCaskill as the coach. He says with Assad, he knows the game well and is well respected in the team. With his leadership on the field, the coach is confident that they have a chance of winning their games.

Secretary for the Department of ICT, Mr. Steven Matainaho has praised the Department of Education for transitioning to be digitally focused with their education systems following the launching of 5 new digital apps in Port Moresby on Tuesday.The Department of Education has set long term goals and digital transformation plays a huge role for the education sector, creating a more efficient and effective workable systems. The Department of ICT has the Digital Government Act which mandates and provides a legal framework for digital transformation across the Public Service, while the Digital Policy of 2020 and the Digital Plan 2023-2027 set that mark which the department of education is embarking on. “For the Education Sector, they play an important role because that’s where everything starts. And if we can adopt technology right from the beginning of early childhood and all the way up, then we will see a good ethical adoption that will drive innovation within the industry,” said Secretary Matainaho. Meanwhile, the recent court decision win for the country’s ICT Regulator, NICTA has now moved on with completing licensing and issuing of Starlink. This is welcoming for the Department of ICT as it enables them to rollout ICT infrastructure to boost government policies and government service delivery. Mr. Matainaho explained from the ICT perspective that because Starlink is the only Leo-satellite solution in town and it is direct to consumer consumption. Meaning there is no need to go to a Portal Operator and pay for installation and other services. “It is not about us; we are just here to serve the purpose of educating our future. And so, technology is just an enabler. We use technology to achieve our goals and our objectives,” concluded Secretary Matainaho.

The Education Sector in the country is undergoing a major reform through the Digital platform with the aim to achieve a more efficient and transparent educational system.Acting Education Minister and Minister for DHERST, Kinoka Feo today launched five (5) New Digital Applications , a milestone achievement for the Department of Education. These apps mark the Department’s transition into a more digitally focused future. The 5 Applications are Electronic Resumption of Duty Summary Sheet (eRODSS), Teacher Pay Query System, Government Free Education Policy (GFEP) Acquittal System, Student Admission System and Where’s My School. In his speech, Feo congratulated the Secretary and the department for their tireless effort in creating such useful apps that will help the department to perform their mandated responsibilities more effectively and efficiently. He said these applications took years of careful designing, programming, development and testing to ensure it is workable. “Today, we’re not just launching a software, we are witnessing the demonstration of a broader national mandate. These applications are designed to fix real problems that we have faced in our education sector for many years,” said Minister Feo. He stressed the importance of digital applications in systems that are not working, while adding that the Prime Minister has already announced that 2026 will serve as the landmark year for PNG’s transition into utilizing Digital and ICT as fundamental tools to strengthen governance and transparency across the entire Public Service.