Mahlon WINSTON

So far so good with the turnout of the general public to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) electoral roll display and verification in the various electorates in Port Moresby city.That was the response from PNG Electoral Commission’s – Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao when interviewed by PNG Haus Bung today, Tuesday 2nd June. He said the Electoral Roll Display and Verification exercise for the completed Motu-Koita, Moresby North-East and Moresby North-West electorates respectively went quite well despite a lone incident that occurred on the 20th of May at the Gerehu suburb, where EC officials conducting the exercise, drawing concerns from the public. Despite this minor matter, all three electorates competed in their exercises within the specific timeframe given without any major hiccups or incidents. “We are now rolling out the roll display and verification exercise in Moresby South. They actually started theirs yesterday (Monday 01st June), and we’re looking to wrap up this exercise within 2- weeks from now,” said Mr. Hawegao. A total of Nine (9) Teams will be stationed at various designated locations, covering all four (4) Wards in the Moresby South Electorate. Eligible voters are urged to look for the electoral officials at their respective wards to be part of this exercise, in preparation for the Electoral Roll Update which is expected to commence on the third week of this month. Mr. Hawengao elaborated that the recently completed roll display and verification exercises were informative as they were able to capture good statistics on people’s movement, changes of names, age, and other vital information. He added that from the information and statistics gathered, it will be filtered and used on Form 11 which is the actually Electoral Roll Update. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is currently carrying out similar exercises nationwide as well as awareness for the upcoming Electoral Roll Update Exercise to commence in a couple of weeks. All these are preparations for the 2027 National General Elections next year.

Over twenty (20) Master Trainers in Financial Literacy Training recently completed the first ever Digital Financial Literacy Training delivered by the Centre for Excellence and Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in Port Moresby city.The week-long training arranged by CEFI from May 25th – 29th was facilitated by FinValue Advisors, a consultant firm specialized in the digital development finance field. When congratulating the participants, Mr. Sanja Pepae the First Assistant Secretary – Macroplanning with the Department of National Panning & Monitoring, told the participants that the training is a milestone, and the first ever in Digital Financial Literacy training, making them the pioneer Master Trainers in Financial Literacy to receive digital training. He thanked FinValue Advisors for the partnership especially their collaboration in ensuring the context of the training they provided was translated into contents that are more relevant to PNG financial market, while also ensuring the participants receive the experience in building their capacity and capability to access digital transformation. Mr. George Kulisi, the Director Program Development with Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, in his remarks as the keynote speaker at the certificate presentation ceremony, told the participants that to attain such training and learning is a privilege. He told the 11 male and 12 female Master Trainers to grab hold of this digital financial literacy training as ambassadors and leaders in their own community or organization to extend and contribute immensely to digital transformation. Mr. Kulisi urged the participants to know their target markets, which is also an important aspect of the digital financial literacy training. Moreover, he urged the participants to put this training and achievement into their walk of life by starting or investing in their own household, families, communities and respective organizations that they represent. Meanwhile the Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel, challenged the master trainers to be the difference and be the agent of change through the Digital Financial platform. The FinValue Advisors core areas of business include management and strategic consulting, technical assistance, advisory support, digital transformation for financial institutions, digital transformation linked policy development, behavioral research, training, capacity building, program and pilot implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs.

The return of National Court circuit hearings in Namatanai District of New Ireland province, has been welcomed and fully supported by the New Ireland Provincial government.President for Namatanai Local Level Government (LLG), and Provincial Executive Council Chairman for Works, Transport, Mining, Oil, Gas, and Primary Industry Mr. Elias Towarkia, announced this on behalf of the provincial government and Governor Byron Chan during the announcement of the revival of National Court Circuits recently. In welcoming Justice Panuel Mogish, President Towarkia said the New Ireland Provincial government supports the revival to progress further. “Namatanai welcomes back national court circuits after seven years absence from the district,” President Towarkia said. He stated that it has been a long time coming for this important judicial approach; however, despite the setbacks, it is now more important to partner and propel the rendering of judicial services and its implementation at this level in the province. “On behalf of the people of Namatanai and New Ireland, I call on the judiciary services to continue from here on with the backing of Justice Mogish, being a local to climb the ranks and file and get to the top to maintain this crucial government arm.” Meanwhile, President Towarkia challenged the younger generation to pursue taking up law studies and bringing the service closer to the people. “I challenge our young people especially those who are studying and those who are already in Judiciary to be determined and rise to greater heights in this field.” “I want to see more New Irelanders excel in all education and in ranks and files and various fields they are serving in, in Papua New Guinea.” In response to this, Justice Mogish stressed the importance of having the courts closer to people as it is a human right. He said safety is not guaranteed for people traveling along the Boluminski Highway for four to five hours down to Kavieng to access judiciary and magisterial services and is also costly to access these services from Kavieng. He said back in the colonial days, Namatanai was one of few first districts in PNG who had its own Correctional Services and as a proud son of Namatanai, he hopes to see Namatanai return again to where it used to be with a CS reestablishment. “Having a CS in Namatanai brings detainees, parents and guardians closer to them for visitation purposes. Many detainees escape the Kavieng CS because they are far from home,” said Justice Mogish. He indicated that justice must prevail and those who break the rule of law must face the consequences. Construction work has begun starting with a modern courthouse facility in Namatanai and is expected to be completed in a year or so.

PNG Athletics sensation, Paias Wisil took out the Top Award of the night at the SP SPORTS AWARDS, claiming the PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD as well as the MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD.The double awards show Wisil’s distinguished commitment and performance in the sport of athletics in 2025. Unfortunately, he was not available to receive the awards as he is currently competing overseas. In the FEMALE ATHLETE OF the YEAR category, PNG Bilums star Ramona Padio took home the award.Picture: PNG Bilums star Ramona Padio She acknowledged God for making it possible for her to receive this award. She said trying to balance motherhood and a football career is challenging, but she worked so hard and her sacrifice has paid off.The winners of the other awards category are as follows;Junior Male Athlete of the Year, Lawrence Oala of WeightliftingJunior Female Athlete of the Year, Ani Geua Gavera - WeightliftingTeam of the Year, PNG Lewas - CricketNational Performance of the Year, CB Sparrows - Netball Sports Official of the Year, Willie Mavara Tamasi - Weightlifting Community Sports Initiative of the Year, Jonah Kautu AcademySports Media of the Year, Terry Longbut - TV WAN CPL Para Athlete of the Year, Dorna Longbut - Para Athletics Sports Photo of the Year, Simon Keslep - Post CourierThe 2026 SP Sports Awards was held last night at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby city, recognising excellence in Papua New Guinea sports.The event honored all outstanding athletes, teams, and officials on a night dedicated to celebrating achievement across the sporting community, under the theme: “Celebrating Diversity, Honouring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.”

It was a double celebration for the Longbut family at the 2026 SP SPORTS AWARDS held last night in Port Moresby city.Sports Media veteran and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Rugby League commentator, Terry Longbut, was recognized for his outstanding contribution to sports reporting, taking out the Trukai Industries Sports Media of the Year Award. While daughter, Dorna Longbut took home the CPL Para ATHLETE of the Year AWARD, rounding up a great evening for the Longbut family. With her dad on duty travel and unavailable, Dorna received the award on behalf of her father. "To get this award and also for dad with his award means so much for the family. It basically for the sacrifices and the support we show as a family and we're really proud," said young Dorna. She also stated on behalf of her father that, he would be proud to finally get the Sports Media of the Year Award, because he's worked so hard and the commitment that he puts into his work has finally paid off.

The 2026 SP Sports Awards was held last night at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby city, recognising excellence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) sports.The event honored outstanding athletes, teams, and officials on a night dedicated to celebrating achievement across the sporting community, under the theme: “Celebrating Diversity, Honouring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.” The event saw the National Women’s Cricket Team- the PNG Lewas, taking home the Carbine Club TEAM OF the YEAR award as one of the successful National teams based on a breakout year last year and their numerous achievements in 2025. An elated Lewas Coach, Mahuru Dai said, the award is for the hard work, commitment, sacrifice and the effort the girls put into their training and performance. He also thanked Cricket PNG, sponsors and partners for their major part in ensuring the team continues to take part in regional and international cricket tournaments. He also extended his appreciation to the families of the team members for their sacrifices and support, and the cricket community as a whole. "This award means a lot to the girls and as a team. This recognition only gives us the drive to push forward and do more better in our performances. Especially, more international matches and obviously the T20 World Cup is our great aim at the moment," concludes coach Dai.

The Hera M2 Men’s Association Incorporated is steadily creating a positive impact within the Mumut and Pitpit street communities of Morata 2 in Port Moresby. The Association was formed and registered back in 2021 with the help of Philip Wariniki- a prominent lawyer in the legal fraternity and was an intending candidate during the 2021 Moresby North-West By-Elections. Although registered and recognized by the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), the association was not fully functional until 2024, when it was certified after obtaining all its proper documentation. Led by Brian Kilabu, the caretaker Vice President, and Emmanuel ‘Junior-Opsy’ Oveke, the Community Projects coordinator, they reached out to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) City Watch office to have the city watch program established in their community. In March of this year, they were affiliated to the City Watch Program through their Association and established their first ‘Cell Haus’ on a central location in their area. For over two months now, the association has witnessed gradual but significant improvements through this initiative. The intersection that connects pitpit and mumut streets, which leads into Morata 2 Power Station, has long been a notorious hotspot for petty crimes and other criminal related activities. Many young women, mothers, school children, and elderly men and women, usually fall victims to these activities. “We have seen some change taking place in our small community, especially with the decrease in the number of petty crimes, said Mr. Oveke. “Before, this area was a hot spot for criminal activities. But since that time, we have set up our community watch post, we have seen some good changes.” “Our youngsters, who are engaged in all sorts of bad activities, have now settled down. This is an achievement for us and progress of our work here in protecting our community.” He added that with the installation of two newly mounted spotlights at the watch post, people in the community, have been seen walking with such pose that nothing bad is going to happen. Young girls, women, and the elderly people in the community are now walking around freely knowing that their safety is guaranteed. Last month, Zion Zeal Christian Academy donated a water dispenser, 6x plastic chairs, reflector vests, 2x canvas, 2x spotlights and a fluorescent light to the Hera M2 Men’s Association Inc worth K2, 000. Meanwhile, Mr. Kilabu, emphasized that change starts in the family- and their family is the community they live in. He noted that it takes collaboration from every individual in the community to ensure the safety of all. Furthermore, he appealed to their younger youths to learn from what their elder brothers are doing and support them. He wants to see their community turn out to be a safe and resilient model community in Morata.

The Department for Community Development & Religion (DFCDR), through the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat (NGBVS), has committed a total of K1.8 million to support the implementation of Provincial Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Action Plans across Papua New Guinea.The funding allocation will see 18 provinces each receive K100,000, totalling K1.8 million, following their participation in the National GBV Provincial Plenary held in Port Moresby in November 2025. Invitations were extended to all 22 provinces; however, 18 provinces responded by submitting their provincial GBV workplans and attending the plenary. These workplans are directly aligned to the indicators and priorities outlined in the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2026–2035, ensuring a coordinated and consistent national approach. This commitment follows the successful plenary, where participating provinces worked collaboratively to finalize their 2026 GBV Action Plans and budgets, aligned to the National Strategy. The allocation of funding marks a significant transition from planning to action, ensuring provinces are equipped with the necessary resources to implement targeted and coordinated GBV interventions at the local level. The funding will support Implementation of provincial GBV priority action, strengthening coordination and service delivery at provincial and community levels, rollout of community-based prevention and awareness programmes, and Support for frontline response services for survivors. This investment reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that provincial plans are not only developed but effectively implemented to deliver tangible results in communities. During the plenary, the National GBV Secretariat (NGBVS) emphasized that this support represents a critical step forward, enabling provinces to commence implementation of their action plans and drive meaningful change at the community level. The National GBV Provincial Plenary brought together Provincial GBV Focal Points, Community Development Advisors, and key partners to strengthen coordination, enhance accountability, and align provincial efforts under the national strategy. The plenary will be held annually with provinces and their planners to help achieve the targets of the National Strategy 2026–2035, with the next meeting scheduled for later this year. Provinces that did not participate in this round will be considered in the next phase once their action plans are developed in line with the National Strategy and presented at the next plenary. This commitment reflects a shared national vision of zero tolerance for GBV and strengthens provincial leadership in building safer communities nationwide.

Kerema Hospital has long been regarded as one of the most rundown general hospitals in the country; however, under the leadership of Gulf Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chairman, Augustine Mano and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elvis Japhleth, with the support of Gulf Governor, Chris Haiveta and Kerema Open Member, Thomas Opa, a much-needed change is happening in the provincial capital of Gulf Province. A notable transformation is the upgrading and relocation of the health facility. A major step towards strengthening healthcare delivery and improving much needed medical services for the people of Gulf Province, who have been starved of these vital services for many years. Yesterday (Tuesday 26th May) the people in Kerema town witnessed the opening of the relocated Clinical Services wing. The opening was officiated by Minister for Health, Elias Kapavore, accompanied by Governor Haiveta, Kerema MP, Thomas Opa, Mr. Mano and Mr. Japhleth. The renovated areas of the building within the Gulf Provincial Health Authority office consists of new adult outpatient area, children's outpatient, surgical room, OPD ward, pharmacy, theatre facilities, 12 new compartments for the morgue, an Xray room and an incinerator was also built to burn remains of placenta and other rubbish. Minister Kapavore was also given the honors to officiate a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 20 self-contained staff accommodation unit. The old Kerema Hospital out-patient building will be demolished this week to accommodate for the construction of a new hospital building.

At yesterday's (Tuesday) launch of the Pacific Australia Skills in Papua New Guinea program, the Australian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency, Mr. Ewan McDonald emphasized that skills training and employment are central to Papua New Guinea's economic growth, workforce development and long-term resilience.As demand for skilled workers is increasing in Papua New Guinea, Pacific Australia Skills works with Papua New Guinean partners to strengthen pathways between training and employment, ensuring skills development is practical, relevant and connected to industry demands. It is a locally led approach to ensure the training supports Papua New Guinea's broader development priorities and creates opportunities for inclusive economic participation. The current and emerging areas of collaboration is based on: Strengthening national skills and training systems and providers, Supporting nationally recognized qualifications and locally relevant training pathways, Delivering in-demand, employment-focused training through local, regional and Australian providers, Improving links between training, industry and employment, Supporting workforce linked to Australian Government investments such as the PALM scheme, Supporting inclusive skills development for women, youth and people with disabilities, and Strengthening regional learning, collaboration and knowledge exchange. Even though Pacific Australia Skills in Papua New Guinea was just launched, it is already supporting practical training and workforce development activities across Papua New Guinea, including: Delivering work health and safety, and safeguarding training for Kimbe Wharf construction workers, in partnership with the AIFFP, Strengthening skills for Meri Tradies, which supports women in non-traditional trades such as welding, carpentry and automotive among others, Providing meat works pre-departure training linked to PALM scheme employment opportunities, Upskilling instructors from Bougainville Technical College in automotive training, and Providing hospitality and cookery training for workers in hotels and companies. The current activities focus on partnerships, sector strengthening, short courses, micro-credentials, and non-accredited training. Longer Certificate-level courses will be introduced where they align with Papua New Guinea's priorities and workforce demand. Pacific Australia Skills will also be supporting Papua New Guinea's first ever National Skills Competition, planned for November, to celebrate Papua New Guinea's excellence in TVET to inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

While the recently launched Pacific- Australia Skills program is primarily focused on three key areas to build a stronger skills system and developing skills for employment and collaboration of regional partnerships and learning, it also focuses on inclusion and resilience.According to Ms. Lagaaia Lealilifano Easter Manila-Silipa, who is the Director Skills, Pacific Australia Skills, supporting inclusive skills development for women, youth and people with disabilities is one of the current and emerging areas of collaboration. She told PNG HAUSBUNG that inclusive skills development is about creating a system that promotes inclusion, with training facilities that are easily accessible, adaptable, and responsive to meet specific needs. An example Ms. Manila-Silipa referred to, is accessibility to the training tools, training facilities and training systems especially for people with disabilities. She added that Pacific Australia Skills is not only about inclusion, but it also supports skills systems and training linked to sustainability and industries, especially with countries in the region that are affected by climate change and environmental challenges. She said that it is a regional collaborative effort. That is why Pacific Australia Skills works closely with governments, training providers, industry and communities to respond to PNG's skills priorities, support labor market needs, and improve access to training.

Today marked a historic occasion for the women folk in New Ireland Province as Governor, Byron Chan officiated the launching and Signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between New Ireland Provincial Administration, New Ireland Development Corporation Limited and Mama Bank (Women’s Micro Bank).The event took place at the Sir Julius Chan Stadium in Kavieng, New Ireland Province witness by mothers and women of the province, and other important dignitaries. A total of K1.5 million was given to Mama Bank as loan grants for those 3,000 mothers in the province that already have existing accounts with Mama bank. In his speech at the official launching program, Governor Chan said that the launching of this significant development was supposed to happen a long time ago, but the recent politics in the province did not allow it. New Ireland Provincial Assembly’s Women’s Representative, Fiona Cheong when speaking on behalf of the women, said that today’s signing was more than just a signing of a document. “Today represents hope and opportunities. Most importantly today represents the commitment to empower the women from New Ireland province to become stronger and equal participants in the country’s development agendas in financial inclusion,” said Cheong. She urged her fellow women not to open accounts for the sake of having a bank account, but to use this to open doors to financial opportunities, financial dignity and financial independence. “I encourage our women to fully embrace the opportunity to open savings account, learn financial management, build savings habits and support one and other. Most importantly, use this opportunity to build sustainable businesses to support your families and communities,” said Mrs. Cheong. While he thanked the women of New Ireland province for turning up in numbers to witness this significant signing, Governor Chan also reminded them that they are securing a future for them and their family when opening an account with Mama Bank. According to Governor Chan, he heard about this idea of establishing a women’s bank in the province from his father, the late Sir Julius Chan, about 18years ago. Three years ago, Late Sir Julius Chan mobilized the women and brought in Mama Bank. However, the actually launching never took place, following his passing. “Regardless, this idea or policy to have Mama Bank established here was late Sir Julius’s dream with the mothers. I’m only here as the Governor to implement the actual signing and fulfil my old man’s dream,” said Governor Chan. Mr. Gunanidhi Das – CEO of Mama Bank, thanked the Marape/Rosso Government for their support towards Mama Bank with a K30 million in SME grants, to support the mothers and women in the country. He also thanked Governor Chan and the New Ireland Provincial Government for ensuring the signing of the MoA took place for the benefit of the mothers and women in the province. While Mr. Das made mentioned some of the other products and brands offered by the Mama Bank, He encourages the mothers to utilize the financial literacy training they acquired and learn to save. He told the mothers that when they earn to save and keep a good report of their financials, it helps create other opportunities for other investment opportunities. The K1.5 million funding will give the mothers that already have an account with the bank to obtain loans for up to K500 per women to use as seed capital or to support their business, especially for those that have SMEs or other businesses.