The PNG Times, Boroko (2025)

13/09/2025

Nation Mourns Morobe Governor Luther Wenge: A Fearless Defender of Democracy

Papua New Guinea is in mourning following the sudden passing of Morobe Governor Hon. Luther Akisawa Wenge, a towering figure in the nation’s political and legal arenas. His death this morning at the Port Moresby General Hospital comes as the country prepares to mark its 50th Independence Anniversary, casting a shadow of grief over a historic milestone.

Governor Wenge, known affectionately as Songang, was more than a political leader. He was a bold voice for democracy, fairness, and equality, a man whose convictions were never shaken in the face of adversity. His passing is being described as a profound loss not only for the people of Morobe but for the entire country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso said the news was both “heartbreaking and shocking,” describing Wenge as a “strong leader, a seasoned lawyer, and a man of principle who dedicated his life to serving the people of Morobe.”

Wenge served three terms as Governor from 1997 to 2012 before returning to office in 2022. Throughout his career, he remained steadfast in defending the rights of Papua New Guineans, often speaking out fearlessly in Parliament against corruption and misuse of power. His leadership was defined by integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

“He was fearless and uncompromising when it came to protecting our people,” Rosso said. “A true Morobean son who stood tall in the political and legal arenas, his contributions to our province and our nation will never be forgotten.”

Condolences have poured in from across the country, with many remembering him as a sentinel of truth and a symbol of hope in Papua New Guinea’s democratic journey.

Governor Wenge’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Morobe and beyond, but his legacy of service, courage, and integrity will continue to inspire generations to come.

12/09/2025

MOROBE GOVERNOR HON. LUTHER WENGE PASSES ON

Morobe Governor Hon. Luther Wenge has sadly passed away. Details surrounding his passing are yet to be officially confirmed, but sources close to the family have verified the news.

Governor Wenge was a prominent political figure known for his strong leadership and service to the people of Morobe Province.

When the government sought to dictate freedoms through legislative power in Parliament, Luther Wenge consistently stood as a vocal testament to democracy, fairness, and equality — a defender of truth and a sentinel of transparency.

On the nation’s 50th anniversary, we lost an integral nationalist. Young politicians could never walk in his shoes. Rest in love, Songang.

11/09/2025

WORLD-CLASS FIGHTERS ARRIVE FOR HISTORIC KICKBOXING SHOWDOWN IN PNG

PORT MORESBY –Papua New Guinea is set to host its biggest international kickboxing event in history this Saturday, 13th September, just two days before the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Over the past three days, elite fighters from nine different countries have arrived in Port Moresby, accompanied by their coaches, promoters, media teams, and management staff. They will face off against top Papua New Guinean kickboxers in the highly anticipated "PNG vs Rest of the World” event, organized by the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF).

The main event will take place at the Rita Flynn Sports Complex, a venue expected to be filled with fight fans from across the city and beyond. The international contingent includes champions and contenders from leading kickboxing nations, bringing global attention to PNG's growing combat sports scene.

11/09/2025

BSP SHAREHOLDERS LOSE BILLIONS AS GOVERNMENT SHIFTS ACCOUNTS TO NEW BANK

Former Prime Minister and Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill has slammed the Marape government’s decision to move all government banking arrangements from Bank South Pacific (BSP) to the newly established National Banking Corporation (NBC), warning the move has already cost Papua New Guineans more than K2 billion in share value.

BSP, founded nearly 70 years ago and listed on both the PNG and Australian stock exchanges, is 86% owned by Papua New Guinean investors, including workers’ superannuation funds, retirees, and landowner groups.

According to O’Neill, the market reacted sharply to the announcement, wiping an estimated K2.23 billion off BSP’s market value in a single day. He described the decision as “economic treason” that would further damage PNG’s international reputation at a time when the country is already grappling with corruption concerns, a sliding Kina, ballooning debt, and looming grey-listing.

“The workers, retirees, landowners and everyday Papua New Guineans have been dealt a cruel blow,” O’Neill said. “With the stroke of his pen, Prime Minister Marape has cost Papua New Guineans over two billion Kina in just one day.”

The impact extends beyond PNG. Superannuation funds in the Solomon Islands and Fiji, which have invested in BSP, are also expected to suffer losses.

O’Neill noted that the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) only recently increased its stake in BSP to 15%, making it the second-largest shareholder. On July 18, MRDC described BSP as “the best performing blue-chip company and recognised financial institution in the Pacific region.”

“This government knew landowners had just invested in BSP through MRDC, yet it made a decision that wiped out their value in less than two months,” O’Neill said, calling it a “massive breach of trust” that could amount to insider trading.

He raised a series of questions for the government, including:

Why did the government override public service processes to shift all accounts?

Who really owns and controls the new National Banking Corporation, which only received its licence in December 2024?

Why would the government disregard MRDC’s assessment of BSP as a secure and high-performing bank?

Is the move intended to give the government greater access to public funds ahead of the next election?

O’Neill said the timing of the decision is disastrous for investor confidence and could take decades for PNG to recover.

“Marape appears to be empowered by his mistakes, gaining value from each deeply flawed decision at the expense of our people,” he said. “When will enough be enough?”

10/09/2025

Finance Minister Opa Pledges Support for Oil Palm Industry at Policy Launch

Member for Kerema and Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Opa, represented Prime Minister James Marape at the launch of the National Palm Oil Policy 2025–2030, reaffirming the government’s commitment to one of the country’s most vital industries.

The National Executive Council approved the policy on March 10, 2025, setting out a comprehensive framework to guide operations in the sector. The policy is designed to promote transparency, safeguard environmental and social standards, and ensure that landowners, smallholders, and investors share equitably in the industry’s benefits.

Minister Opa noted that the oil palm industry currently contributes about K2 billion annually to Papua New Guinea’s economy, a significant share of the country’s agricultural exports. He stressed the policy’s importance in aligning the sector with the government’s target of building a K200 billion economy by 2030, with agriculture expected to contribute K30 billion to that goal.

“This policy ensures that the wealth generated from our land stays within our communities,” Opa said, highlighting the government’s focus on inclusivity and rural development.

The new policy also sets the stage for the establishment of a National Oil Palm Authority, which will provide stronger oversight and better coordination for the sector. Current projections suggest that production could double to 1.3 million tonnes by 2027, generating up to K5.3 billion in export revenue and making up nearly two-thirds of the country’s total agricultural exports.

Papua New Guinea’s membership in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC)—alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, and Honduras—was also recognized as a milestone. This move strengthens PNG’s position on the international stage, opening doors to sustainability partnerships, new markets, and potential biofuel development opportunities.

Minister Opa concluded his address by assuring stakeholders that the Marape government remains committed to ensuring the oil palm industry continues to grow while delivering sustainable benefits to the people of Papua New Guinea.

10/09/2025

Global Spotlight on PNG Kickboxing: Historic Showdown to be Broadcast Worldwide in two days

Despite years of challenges in developing the sport due to limited funding support, the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) is preparing to stage one of its most significant milestones, a world-class showdown that will be broadcast internationally through Fox Sports and EMTV.

The highly anticipated event, set for Saturday, September 13, at the Rita Flynn Sports Complex in Boroko, Port Moresby, will feature top athletes from nine countries facing off against Team PNG.

Fox Sports’ broadcasting crew arrived in Port Moresby last night, paving the way for Papua New Guinea’s kickboxing to reach global audiences for the first time.

PNGKBF founding president Stanley Nandex said Team PNG is fully prepared for the historic challenge.

“The fighters have undergone intense training and preparation over the past week for this event, and I am confident they are ready for the ring,” Nandex stated.

The showdown has been billed as “PNG vs. The Rest of the World”, promising electrifying bouts that will test skill, endurance, and national pride.

Tickets are reportedly selling fast, with fans eager to witness history in the making. Nandex has called on the country to rally behind its fighters as they carry the nation’s flag onto the international stage.

“This is more than just a fight, it’s about showcasing Papua New Guinea’s talent to the world. Let’s stand united and support our athletes,” he said.

10/09/2025

An exclusive interview was done today with former Prime Minister Hon. Peter O'Neil after the grand opening of the newly constructed Waigani National Court Complex today in Moresby.

10/09/2025

O’Neill Praised for Role in Delivering PNG’s Modern National Court Complex

Former Prime Minister and Ialibu-Pangia MP, Hon. Peter O’Neill, was commended today by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Prime Minister James Marape, and Attorney General Pila Niningi during the grand opening of the newly built Waigani National Court Complex in Port Moresby.

The state-of-the-art facility, a landmark development for Papua New Guinea’s judiciary, was made possible after O’Neill, during his tenure as Prime Minister, approved a submission from former Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia and secured the necessary funding.

Sir Gibbs Salika acknowledged O’Neill’s decisive role in turning the vision into reality, noting the importance of modern infrastructure in strengthening the rule of law and ensuring greater access to justice for citizens.

Many attendees praised O’Neill’s contribution, with some describing him as the “father of modern infrastructure” in Papua New Guinea. His government oversaw some of the country’s most significant developments, not only in judiciary facilities but also in health, education, and transport sectors.

The new National Court Complex is expected to enhance the efficiency of court processes and serve as a symbol of the country’s commitment to justice and good governance as Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Jubilee.

09/09/2025

Musicians Urged to Value Their Craft During PNG’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

As Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, millions of kina have been allocated nationwide for events, festivals, and community gatherings. While cultural showcases and traditional performances will feature strongly, the main highlight will be the live band and artist performances set to energize the nation.

In light of this, musicians and bands are being urged to stand firm and value their craft during the celebrations. Concerns have been raised that some event organisers may attempt to underpay or exploit local talent despite the significant budgets allocated for the festivities.

Artists are reminded to charge fair rates for performances, secure 75 percent of their payment upfront before taking the stage, and ensure the remaining 25 percent is settled immediately after the show. They are also cautioned against compromising their careers by accepting cheap offers such as alcohol or travel tickets in place of proper compensation.

Music is more than entertainment; it is a career, a livelihood, and a future. Advocates within the industry stress that if musicians want to continue performing for the next 50 years and beyond, they must safeguard the value of their art today.

The anniversary will not only unite the country in celebration but also provide a golden opportunity for Papua New Guinea’s musicians to showcase their talent on both the national and international stage. By respecting their craft and upholding professional standards, artists can ensure their music carries forward with pride and dignity.

09/09/2025

Court Orders By-Election for Kagua Erave Open Seat Amid Allegations of Corruption

The National Court at Waigani has ordered a by-election for the Kagua Erave Open Electorate in Southern Highlands Province, following a successful election petition by runner-up candidate Loma Pamea.

The court declared the 2022 election results null and void, citing widespread bribery and corruption during the polls. Reports revealed that more than ten ballot boxes were hijacked, undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Sitting MP Maina Maita Yawi Pano, whose victory has now been overturned, announced that his legal team is preparing to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

As of Monday, 8th September, Kagua Erave has no representative in the National Parliament, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal. If the appeal fails, the electorate will head to the polls once again in a by-election.

09/09/2025

Historic Kickboxing Showdown in Port Moresby

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) proudly presents a massive Kickboxing Showdown this Saturday, September 13th at the Rita Flynn Sports Complex, Boroko.

For the first time in Papua New Guinea’s history, all matches will be broadcast live on FOX Sports, thanks to a strategic partnership between EMTV, PNG Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF), and FOX Sports earlier this year. This is a monumental step for our nation’s sporting scene and a proud moment for PNG athletes.

From the early days of Nandex to today, kickboxing in PNG has grown tremendously and this event highlights the incredible progress and dedication of our fighters and sporting community.

Don’t miss out! Check the poster for match details, share this post, and let’s make this historic event go viral!

07/09/2025

Throwback to the official launch of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, held under the theme “One Nation, One Plan, One Future.”

Former Works Secretary David Wereh was officially appointed as the Authority’s Managing Director, marking a new chapter in the government’s effort to strengthen national planning and implementation.

The event was witnessed by a high-level delegation of state ministers along with representatives from key government departments and agencies.

The PNG Times

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