Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to economic reform and fiscal sustainability, presenting an ambitious plan to achieve a debt-free economy by 2033 during a high-level meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. Meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li, Prime Minister Marape highlighted PNG’s economic resilience amid a slowing global outlook. While the IMF projects a decline in global and regional growth—down to 2.8% globally and 3.9% for Asia-Pacific in 2025—Papua New Guinea’s economy is forecast to strengthen, rising from 3.8% in 2024 to 4.7% in 2025. “This growth sets PNG…
Author: Paula DAVID
A new chapter in international friendship was written this week as the Village of Poplar, Wisconsin, and the City of Madang in Papua New Guinea, officially signed a sister city agreement. The partnership, founded on shared World War II history, aims to foster long-term cultural, educational, and community exchange. The agreement was signed by Poplar Village Board Member Kory Gilderman and Madang Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi during a formal ceremony in Madang. It sets the stage for a broad collaboration between the two communities, including student exchanges, cultural programs, and veteran-led initiatives. “This agreement is a way to recognize the…
The PNG Hunters have confirmed that centre Elijah Roltinga will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a broken leg. The injury occurred during the warm-up ahead of the team’s Round 16 match against the Mendi Blackhawks. Roltinga was injured prior to kick-off in what the club has described as an “unfortunate and unexpected incident.” He was immediately airlifted to Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby, where he was admitted overnight and underwent surgery the following morning. Club officials reported that the procedure was successful and that Roltinga has now entered the recovery phase. “Elijah is now beginning…
Prime Minister James Marape held high-level talks with senior executives of ExxonMobil Corporation in Houston today, aiming to accelerate Papua New Guinea’s next wave of liquefied natural gas (LNG) development. The meeting, held at ExxonMobil’s global headquarters, focused on three major projects: Papua LNG, P’nyang LNG, and the Wildebeest gas field. These developments are seen as vital to PNG’s long-term economic growth, investment flow, and job creation. Prime Minister Marape described the discussions as “substantive, productive, and forward-looking,” and welcomed ExxonMobil’s continued commitment to PNG’s energy sector. “I’m pleased to confirm that ExxonMobil has reaffirmed its support for the development…
The Gulf Provincial Administration has committed K80, 000 to support the establishment of the Toare Cultural Centre, a ground-breaking cultural preservation initiative led by UNESCO in partnership with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and the provincial government. The cheque was officially handed over during a ceremony at the NCC Head Office in Port Moresby. Attending the event were NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Gulf Provincial Administrator Mr. Clement Tare, Culture and Tourism Manager Mr. Oscar Evare, Gulf Music and Culture Association Chairman Mr. Alex Anthony, as well as the NCC staff. Despite its proximity to the capital and…
Palau’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has warned athletes and officials at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games to be cautious after a dengue fever case was reported on Friday, with an athlete admitted to the national hospital. The Mini Games Organising Committee said all safeguarding protocols for the athlete, teams, visitors and people of Palau have been activated. The Health Ministry is asking everyone to protect themselves as much as possible from mosquito bites. “One case of dengue fever has been detected amongst the athletes,” the MOH statement said. “The case was detected through our enhanced health surveillance system, which is…
Papua New Guinea began their OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Samoa, thanks to a first-half brace from star striker Marie Kaipu. Despite a late push by the Samoan side, led by the Salanoa sisters, the defending champions held on to secure three points in Group A. The match, played in front of a vibrant crowd, showcased two rising forces in women’s football. Papua New Guinea, boasting several players from the OFC Women’s Champions League finalists Hekari Women’s FC, faced a youthful and determined Samoa squad, whose U-17 side is preparing for the FIFA…
The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) has congratulated New Porgera Limited (NPL) for its impressive first-quarter performance in 2025, describing it as a strong sign of renewed confidence in resource development and national ownership. In a statement recently released, PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré praised NPL’s early achievements since the mine resumed full operations, noting both the economic impact and the company’s commitment to local communities and workforce development. “New Porgera has made an excellent start,” Mr. Smaré said. “This result is a credit to the hard work and resilience of its management, employees, shareholders,…
Prime Minister James Marape has extended heartfelt congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, the Government of the United States, and the American people on the 249th anniversary of U.S. Independence. Speaking from St. Louis, Missouri, where he is attending the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an official guest, PM Marape reflected on the shared values of liberty, democracy, and faith that connect PNG and the United States. As part of the event’s opening session, PM Marape has been invited to speak on “PNG for Christ 2024,” a national Christian outreach initiative aimed at strengthening faith…
The Grand Final of the inaugural PNG National Youth Competition (NYC) will be hosted in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, at the National Sports Institute (NSI). This milestone event marks the first-ever youth rugby league grand final in PNG, as the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) move to take major fixtures beyond Port Moresby, promoting inclusivity and extending social and economic benefits to other regions. PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina congratulated the grand finalists and reaffirmed the league’s commitment to its vision of Better People, Better Sports, Better Nation. He emphasized that…