Minister for Labour and Employment, Kessy Sawang, announced that the independent Minimum Wages Board has made a determination on a new national minimum wage. The decision comes after an eleven-year gap since the last review. The Board’s recommendation is an increase to better reflect the rising cost of living for working families. Sawang highlighted that she made the review a top priority upon her appointment. She stated the new wage is not only a policy milestone but also part of the Marape-Rosso Government’s gift to the people as they celebrate the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. She called the review “a…
Author: Katrina ANGELI
With less than two weeks until Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates its 50th Independence anniversary, the official onboarding of the Bilum Digital Platform marks a historic step in taking the nation into the technological age. The platform empowers subnational governments, strengthens accountability, and modernizes service delivery, aligning PNG with global standards in digital governance. Milne Bay Province, together with East New Britain Province, has been selected as one of the first provinces to officially pilot the Bilum program. This early adoption demonstrates the provinces’ leadership in embracing digital solutions and sets a benchmark for other provinces to follow. By participating…
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) ‘Exercise Antap Long Ol 2025’ Unity Walk which commenced back in July at Moem Barracks, Wewak in East Sepik province, finally come to an end as the troops concluded their march today at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby city. The final march into Port Moresby began early as 4AM starting from the Laloki bridge to Unagi Oval where they gathered before proceeding to the Parliament House where the Baton was formally presented to the Minister for Defence, Dr. Billy Joseph, and finally to Murray Barracks where the Chief of PNGDF, Rear Admiral Philip…
A quick response from Simbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent, Mazuc Rubiang and his team resulted in the successful recovery of three police guns, a police vehicle, and three policemen at Druamugl village in Kerowagi District, Simbu Province. According to PPC Rubiang, the policemen were responding to a dispute that arose between two groups of people regarding where to set up the independence celebration. He stated that the Kerowagi community had agreed on a location, and the District Administrator (DA) was on the ground to discuss how they would set up the stage for the celebration when he was attacked.…
Prime Minister James Marape has issued a public apology to the people of Karamui in Simbu province, acknowledging significant delays and missteps in a long-promised road development project. The Prime Minister’s apology comes in response to recent public concerns over the lack of progress on the road, despite funds being allocated in 2020, 2021, and 2022. “I want to sincerely apologize to the people of Karamui.” “We did allocate funds for your road in past years, and I have now directed the Works Department to investigate what has happened to those allocations.” Marape admitted the project has “misfired” due to…
Bank South Pacific (BSP) Financial Group Limited has proudly backed the future of finance by contributing K10, 000 as Platinum Sponsors of the 7th Finance Network Event Program, hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea’s (UPNG) Banking & Finance Student Association. BSP’s strong show of support highlights its dedication to promoting financial literacy and empowering emerging professionals throughout Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the South Pacific. The UPNG Banking and Finance Student Association, which is a student-led initiative at UPNG, plays a vital role in linking students with prospective employers, creating career pathways, and narrowing the gap between academic…
The official ground-breaking ceremony for the Kimbe Port Redevelopment Project which took place on the 28th of August 2025, marked a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) efforts to improve essential infrastructure and enhance regional trade. Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma has turned the first sod with the Minister for Oil Palm, the Francis Galia Maneke, Governor of West New Britain the Sasindran Muthuvel, and Australia’s High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Ewen McDonald. The project is being delivered through a concessional loan from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) in close partnership with the Government of…
Paradise Private Hospital (PPH) proudly launched its Medi-Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination initiative recently at Port Moresby International School (POMIS), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the health and future of young people in Papua New Guinea. With an alarming rise in cervical cancer cases which is a preventable yet deadly disease, the hospital is leading the way by ensuring that girls, women, and boys are not only given access to lifesaving vaccines but are also educated about the importance of preventative health care. The event brought together grade ten students and teachers, and featured addresses from PPH Medical Professionals including Obstetrician…
The Voice Inc. (TVI) celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of Developmental Leaders from the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) course; a flagship initiative of their Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP). The graduation ceremony not only honoured the dedication of 35 individuals who successfully completed the 12-week program, but also underscored TVI’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong, effective local leadership. This course is offered by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government located in the United States of America and funded by the Australian government through LLCAP. The event which took place this morning at Stanley Hotel in…
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Japan have been collaborating in the Pacific Programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (PacELF) for decades, achieving significant milestones. The Provision of Special Medical Equipment for Infection Control (Lymphatic Filariasis) Project, 2000- 2016, provided fourteen Pacific countries with Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC), one of the drugs used in mass medication for Lymphatic Filariasis control, and test kits. In 2018- 2023, the Project for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Pacific Region (Phase One) implemented Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) in each country and strengthened their capacities for…