Direct flights to boost MSG economies
More economic opportunities will open up for member countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group(MSG) following the introduction of direct flights connecting Port Moresby to Asian destinations, Vanuatu and New Caledonia,
Palau and PNG sign Air Service Agreement
Palau and Papua New Guinea governments signed a bilateral Air Service Agreement on Wednesday, 23 August, 2023. PNG Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt, and Charles Obichang, Minister of Public
Indonesia’s MSG bid on back burner: PM Marape
A one-year moratorium has been placed on Indonesia’s application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Prime Minister James Marape said this was so that Pacific Island Forum could address the West Papua issue
PNGDF Commander Goina suspended
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has announced the suspension of the Defence Commander, Major General Mark Goina, from duties for three months. This is so that the General Board of Inquiry established by the
West Papua high on agenda as MSG leaders set to convene in Port Vila
The Pacific region’s focus will shift briefly to Port Vila this week when Vanuatu hosts the heads of governments from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and the leader of the FLNKS of New Caledonia for the
Drought warning in PNG
A severe drought similar to the 1997 drought is projected to worsen the situation in Papua New Guinea. Provinces currently under high risk drought watch include; Southern Highlands, Hela, Chimbu and lately some parts of
Logging tax killed industry: PNG MP Namah
Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah says raising the logging export tax has “killed the logging industry” in Papua New Guinea. “The Treasurer (Ian Ling-Stuckey) has literally killed the logging industry,” Namah said.
BSP facing more system issues than expected
Bank South Pacific (BSP) has come out with an apology and explanation on the current technical difficulties experienced in Papua New Guinea since the implementation of the new Information Technology core banking system
PNG resource boom to last 30 years: Trade Minister Maru
Papua New Guinea is expecting a resource boom from next year because of at least five multi-billion kina projects in the pipeline, says International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru. “We don’t have just
PNG Power broke
Papua New Guinea State Enterprises Minister William Duma says PNG Power Limited has reached a critical point where all financial indications show that it is in danger of insolvency. “Major contributing factors over
PNG Parliament Committee wants 40 doctors reinstated
A law passed by the Papua New Guinea Parliament to prevent public servants who contested general elections from re-entering the public service for five years is causing a severe shortage in a province’s health
PNG’s foreign reps irk governor
Papua New Guinea’s Northern Governor Gary Juffa has raised concerns over foreigners representing Papua New Guinea to address the issue of climate change. “At a recent United Nations Framework Convention on
PNG firearms being bought from Jiwaka and Mt Hagen dealers
Three men in Papua New Guinea have been found with unlicensed firearms, ammunition, explosives and other illegal items after a raid was conducted in Western Highlands province last week. The apprehension of the three
The beauty, and power of bilas
Australian Museum highlights PNG culture In the darkened spaces of the Australian Museum in Sydney, birdsong and chanting voices echo. Rounding a corner, you are surrounded by the illuminated faces of Papua New Guinean
The business of bilas
Caleb Jarvis’ passion for Papua New Guinean art and craft started when he lived there as a young child, surrounded by, as he describes them, historical, functional, cultural and spiritual objects. “I lived in an
‘PacTow Involved in PNG Port Upgrades’
29 July, 2023 New Guinean marine services company Pacific Towing (PacTow) is assisting Australia’s Pacific Marine Group (PMG) with the upgrade of two major PNG ports. PacTow’s commercial dive team completed work at
Nautilus to return to PNG
Papua New Guinea Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala told Parliament Nautilus was coming back to Papua New Guinea but under a different entity to operate as they had three exploration licenses still valid. Sir Ano said the
What is your fear on independence for Bougainville: President Toroama
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has called on Prime Minister James Marape to spell out clearly and honestly his fears about Bougainville obtaining Independence from Papua New Guinea. Toroama made the call based
PNG, Fiji, Tonga participate in large-scale military exercise in Australia
This year’s military exercise in Australia marked the first-time participation from countries as far away as Germany and by South Pacific countries including Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga. For the next week,
Air Niugini’s boeing 767 fleet back in service, domestic flights cancelled
Air Niugini’s wide body Boeing 767 fleet are back in service, says acting chief executive officer Gary Seddon. “I would like to thank our valued customers for their patience and understanding as we worked
PNG MP Lohia Boe Samuel acquitted of murder
Moresby North West MP Lohia Boe Samuel has been found not guilty, and acquitted by the Waigani National Court in Papua New Guinea Wednesday. Samuel and his co-accused Fabian Hera, were both charged with willful murder,
Macron begins Melanesia tour in New Caledonia
French President Emmanuel Macron has begun his five-day visit to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, outlining his “economic, environmental and geopolitical program.” Arriving at Tontouta airport in New
Morrison government struck secret deal to pay PNG to take refugees and asylum seekers
The Australian government is refusing to say how much it is paying to Papua New Guinea in a secret agreement to hold about 75 refugees and asylum seekers in Port Moresby. The Guardian reports that parliamentary
