The PNG Times

08/12/2025

LIVE: Prime Minister James Marape addressing the nation on PNG’s investment outlook & upcoming engagements at APEC VIP Terminal - Jacksons Airport, before departure to Australia for PNG Investment Week.

07/12/2025

: Heartbroken Owner Appeals for Help to Find Missing Puppy “Andora” in Taurama Heights

A distraught dog owner is appealing to the public to help locate his missing 12-week-old puppy, Andora, who disappeared on Saturday, 7 December 2025, between 5:00pm and 5:30pm at Taurama Heights, near the Taurama Army Barracks.

According to the family, neighbours reported seeing a white 4-door Toyota Land Cruiser stop directly in front of their residence at the new Taurama Heights block. An unknown individual inside the vehicle was seen feeding the puppy moments before she vanished. The vehicle is unfamiliar to locals in the area, which is a newly developed block where residents recognise most passing vehicles.

Andora, described as milo-brown with white stripes and striking blue eyes, is known to be extremely friendly and trusting, a trait that makes her especially vulnerable.

The puppy’s owner, who is currently away on FIFO duty at Simberi Island, described the situation as heartbreaking.

“She is not just a puppy, she is my baby, a part of my family. It breaks me knowing she went missing while I’m away and unable to search for her myself,” he said.

Andora was recently transported from Simberi Island to Port Moresby, a journey her owner says required significant effort to ensure her safety and wellbeing. She has been registered with the RSPCA and received her first vaccination and deworming. Her second vaccination is due in two weeks, making her immediate return crucial for her health.

The family emphasises that if the person who picked her up believed she was lost or needed help, they will not place blame. They are pleading only for her safe return.

“If you are the person who took Andora, please, I am begging you, bring her back. I won’t ask questions or blame anyone. I just want my baby home.”

The owner has urged the public, especially residents of Taurama, Gereka, 2-Mile, Joyce Bay, and surrounding areas, to look out for the puppy or report any information that could help locate her.

Contact Information

Anyone with information about Andora’s whereabouts is urged to contact:
📞 7007 8833
📞 8214 6527

The family has also encouraged the wider public to share the notice in hopes of reuniting them with their missing puppy.

07/12/2025

: Hagen on Edge: Public Demands Action After Third Young Woman Found Dead

Mt. Hagen is now being described as a no-go zone for women following the consecutive deaths of young girls within the span of just one month.

After the shocking deaths of two young female students from University of Technology who perished in a burning house alongside a young man, the city has once again been struck by tragedy. Last week, Delayn Yapi, a young student from Hagen Park Day Secondary School, was found dead, just one day after her graduation on Thursday, December 4th.

Her passing has triggered widespread grief and public anger across social media, with many citizens describing the situation as a collapse of law and order in Hagen town, despite Governor Wai Rapa’s recent efforts to restore dignity and security to Papua New Guinea’s third-largest city.

Voices from across the country are now questioning the competency of the police force and other law enforcement units operating within the Western Highlands capital. Many argue that the increasing number of violent crimes, especially against young women reflects deeper systemic failures.

As fear and sorrow grip the community ahead of the festive season, the public is calling on RPNGC leadership and political authorities in the Western Highlands Province to immediately address the nation. Citizens want a clear, decisive plan to curb what many are calling “daylight manslaughter,” fearing a rise in such crimes as Christmas approaches.

Mt. Hagen, once a proud commercial and cultural hub, now stands at a crossroads, with its people demanding firm leadership, accountability, and urgent action to restore safety to their city.

07/12/2025

: Leader of the Opposition Hon. James Nomane has recently introduced ESON, so what is it?

ESON is an accountability framework based on the Tok Pisin question “Em Stret O Nogat?”—meaning “Is it right or not?” ESON serves as a moral, legal, and ethical test to judge government decisions and actions. If something is right (“Em stret”), it will be supported; if it is not right (“Nogat”), the Opposition will challenge it, including taking matters to court or mobilizing public action.

The Opposition will use ESON to:
• Scrutinize government laws and policies
• Expose corruption and pursue accountability
• Propose credible policy alternatives
• Work with civil society, churches, and unions
• Support bipartisan efforts when appropriate
• Pressure the government to deliver national goals such as MTDP IV, Reset@50, the 2026 Budget, and Vision 2050

The Opposition Leader states that if the government fails to uphold good governance under this scrutiny, the Opposition will seek to replace it. The overall aim is to ensure a better, more just Papua New Guinea.

03/12/2025

On Monday, the Supreme Court ratified the votes of the Opposition caucus earlier in the morning to declare me the new Leader of the Opposition.

This declaration reaffirms the sentiment of the majority of Opposition MPs since June 2025 that was stifled due to political antics. I remain humbled by the vote and committed to the cause of defending the Constitution and holding the government accountable for its policies, enacted legislation, Constitutional amendments, and national budget implementation.

As the new Leader of the Opposition, I will up the ante in keeping the government accountable and pushing for effective governance at all levels. With continued delusion in Parliament over reality versus rhetoric, the fight for equity, provincial development, honesty, meritocracy, and pragmatism will be an uphill battle. But it must start with a leader who will not shirk from the enormity or complexity of the challenge ahead.

Tomorrow, as we enter budget session, and after consultation with other Opposition MPs, the country will be updated on what to expect from the Opposition under my leadership, tomorrow onwards as we push to depose the government.

There are many great leaders in the Opposition that give it credibility: Allan Bird, Kerenga Kua, Lino Tom, Sir Puka Temu, Brian Kramer, James Donald, Robert Atiyafah, and Peter O’Neill. These are the leaders that will guide us to success as the first-term MPs in Keith Iduhu, Maso Hewabi, and William Hagahuno learn the ways of politics in Waigani.

Never in our history as the role of the Opposition become so important when power is abused by the Executive government. As a crucial component of a well-functioning democracy, the Opposition will continue to scrutinize the government, hold it accountable, and present itself as a credible alternative.

On behalf of the people of Chuave and Simbu, I embrace the challenges ahead and am honoured to serve as Leader of the Opposition, committed to representing the national interest with integrity and dedication.

03/12/2025

: WARO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL: A 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY GIFT TO KUTUBU BY PRK AND MRDC — YAWARI

Petroleum Resource Kutubu (PRK) Director Mr. Johnny Yawari has described the newly-commissioned Waro Junior High School as a 50-year anniversary gift to the people of Kutubu, Kantobo, Mt. Bosavi, and the wider Foe and Faso communities—an area that has been without proper secondary education access since Independence.

Speaking during the official commissioning on Monday, Mr. Yawari delivered a brief but compelling address, acknowledging the long journey to realizing the region’s first major educational development outside the existing Kutubu High School near Lake Kutubu.

He expressed deep gratitude to the Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Mr. Augustine Mano, for the unwavering partnership that began in 2015 under the Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF).

“I want to sincerely thank MD Mano and the MRDC team for their strong collaboration with PRK in delivering this multi-million kina high school project,” Yawari said.

He extended thanks on behalf of all PRK Directors, including Chairman John Kapi Natto, Mark Sakai, and other Kutubu leaders, highlighting that this investment stands as a collective commitment to uplifting the human resource of the region.

Yawari reminded the public that despite decades of resource extraction in the area, many communities have remained without access to a proper high school, often depending only on Kutubu Secondary School as their nearest option.

He appealed to the people of Waro, Mano, Hitinia, Kantobo, Mt. Bosavi, and the extended Foe and Faso communities to take ownership of the new institution:

“Appreciate it, embrace it, look after it, and guard it. This school is your future, and through it we will see more literate, educated, and empowered young people in the years to come.”

Describing the school as a “legacy project,” Yawari said Waro Junior High School symbolizes 50 years of hope, struggle, and now a new beginning for communities that have long been overlooked in terms of essential services.

He reaffirmed PRK’s commitment to continue partnering with MRDC to deliver more life-changing projects that will transform the Kutubu region.

Yawari concluded by thanking the people of Waro and the surrounding communities who gathered in large numbers to witness the unveiling of this milestone project, a project that he hopes will redefine the future of education in Kutubu for generations.

02/12/2025

: SOLAN MIRISIM PASSES ON

The Speaker of Papua New Guinea parliament Job Pomat has confirmed passing of a State Minister, the late Hon. Solan Mirisim.

Mirisim was serving as Minister for Works & Highways and Local Member for Telefomin District in Western Province until his passing this morning (Tuesday Dec 02nd, 2025)

The cause of his death will be clarified by immediate family members and the District Development Authority, despite several unconfirmed circulation on social media by unverified and in-genuine social media outlets.

Mirisim was a committed state minister and a considerate local MP, in the Marape-Rosso Government, symbolized through his sheer determination and dedication to the ministry he served, and the district he represented.

He delivered impactful and historic infrastructure in his electorate with the main highlights being the installment of ATM Machines, the Tabubil-Telefomin Highway, and revived economic growth in the district apart from many tangible developments under his tenure.

Prime Minister James Marape will be making a formal statement and announcement of his passing, representing the Cabinet and further details about changes in the Ministry’s leadership will follow thereafter.

23/11/2025

19/11/2025

: CLARIFICATION ON FUNDING TRANSFERS TO PROVINCIAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES (PHAs) AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES

The National Government wishes to correct misleading claims currently circulating suggesting that the Government has failed to transfer funds appropriated to the Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) throughout the country. These statements are incorrect, and they do not reflect the actual funding status for 2025.

To date, the National Government has continued to honor its obligations as per budgetary appropriations to support the operations of all PHAs across the country. This is despite the fiscal pressures and competing national priorities.

For the 2025 Fiscal Year, the National Government appropriated a total of K569.3 million to all Provincial Health Authorities combined. This funding supports core frontline services, including hospital operations, rural health facilities, healthcare workers’ salaries for those not in government alesco payroll, maintenance, and essential health programs.

As of today, a total of K424.4 million in warrants has been issued by the Department of Treasury and the Department of Finance have subsequently remitted these funds to PHAs year-to-date in 2025.
Just this week, the Department of Treasury released an additional warrant of K78 million and the Department of Finanace has electronically transferred these to all PHAs across the country.

This means 74.1% of the total appropriated funding has already been released, within the normal expenditure timeline for the fiscal year. The remaining balance is fully budgeted for and will be released in line with the Government’s cash-flow schedule.

The Marape-Rosso Government is confident that 95% to 100% of the 2025 PHA appropriation will be fully discharged before 31 December 2025.

Additionally, to support the distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies, the National Government has also released K170 million year-to-date in 2025. This funding ensured continuous procurement and delivery of Essential drugs, Vaccines, Medical consumables, Emergency supplies for hospitals and rural health centres.

These investments demonstrate the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening and improving health services nationwide.

The National Government recognises the essential role PHAs play in delivering healthcare to our people and is fully committed to ensuring they are adequately funded and operational.

The Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to improving the health system, supporting frontline workers, and ensuring that resources reach every PHAs as appropriated.

Hon Thomas Opa
Minister for Finance

17/11/2025

: K2 BILLION IN MORE FAKE STORIES FROM O’NEILL.

“PNG has not received K2 billion in the last two weeks from dividends and loans as claimed by O’Neill. This is just fake news. The spin-master back to old form. How can we ever trust him?

“There is no agreement for a K600 million from one of the local banks.It is part of the financing plan for the 2026 Budget subject to approval.Definitely no cash received. We did sign budget support assistance from the ADB last week, all part of our 2025 financing plan and all part of our credible repayment plan but this then goes back to the ADB Board for consideration, and no cash for at least a month. We have asked the Kumuls to pay an extra billion, all part of what they owe the state including 3,299 from KPHL, but they haven’t.

“A claimed K2 billion to the Government, but in fact, nothing received in the last few weeks.Another blatant lie.

“The O’Neill emotional manipulation is then saying we should use this non-existent K2 billion to pay for medicines. Inventing fake stories we have lots of cash, when the reality is we don’t.

“The MYEFO made clear we were facing cash shortfalls of K1,457 million in 2025. The Government is hiding nothing. Unlike the strong revenues in 2022 and 2023, cash coming to the government in 2024 and 2025 is not as high as expected. We are working to live within our means so we can stop building up extra debts as we get back to a surplus in 2027.

“The shortage of medicines and other medical supplies is a major problem. The impacts on our rural health facilities and hospitals is causing real pain for our people. As explained by the Minister for Health, the solutions are more complex than just cash. As highlighted in the media this morning, hospital staff say the drugs are available, but a large part of the problem is to do with the logistics of delivering the correct medicines to the correct hospitals and health centers on time. More staff are also being employed, and the new University of Medicine and Health Sciences will help train more staff.

“There is no extra K2 billion in cash. recieved in the past weeks as claimed by Oneill. Just another lie. Revenues are down, as we advised in our MYEFO released three months ago.Getting medicines out is a major priority area of action – the solution is not just a simple matter of cash. Our media should check the facts prior to publishing such fake stories. We expect more fake stories for O’Neill. The media should not trust him, PNG should not trust him.

Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, CMG. MP
Minister for Treasury
17 November 2025

17/11/2025

: Marape Borrows Another K1 Billion as Hospitals Run Out of Medicines

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 | PNG Online News

FORMER Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill in a statement today has criticised the Marape Government’s latest round of borrowing, saying the administration has secured another K1 billion in new loans while hospitals across the country struggle without basic medicines.

O’Neill said the Government has now raised K2 billion in just a matter of weeks, including K600 million from local banks for the Connect PNG program and K400 million from the Asian Development Bank, yet essential drugs remain unavailable.

“Last week Marape borrowed another K1 billion while doctors and nurses are being told to battle on without medicines,” O’Neill said.

He said Prime Minister James Marape’s comments to medical workers last Friday were unacceptable and insensitive.

“Marape told doctors and nurses to ‘do more with less’ and to stop complaining, while admitting his Government cannot release funds to buy essential medicines,” O’Neill said.

“How can our hardworking health workers save lives when there are no drugs on the shelves?”

O’Neill said the Prime Minister was shifting blame to frontline health staff after previously accusing Governors and Provincial Health Authorities of mismanaging the medicine budget.

“Three weeks ago he blamed PHAs and the Governors. Today he is blaming doctors and nurses. Yet he openly admits there is no money left to buy medicines,” he said.
“The truth is the Government has failed its people.”

He said public frustration was justified as hospitals continue to face chronic shortages, resulting in avoidable suffering and death.

“Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing. Our health workers are doing their job, but patients cannot recover when basic medicines are unavailable,” O’Neill said.

The former prime minister questioned why billions of kina were being committed to other programs, particularly Connect PNG, while vital health services were starved of funding.

“It is simply not acceptable for Papua New Guineans to be left without medicines while another K2 billion goes into what many see as a Waigani slush fund,” O’Neill said.

“If the money is not going to relieve our people’s suffering, then where is it going?”

He concluded with a blunt message to the Government: “Just stop the corrupt Connect PNG and buy medicines.”

14/11/2025

: Kainantu District Submits 2024 DSIP & DSG Reports, Sets Sights on Leading 2025 Acquittals

Friday November 14, 2025

KAINANTU District has formally submitted its 2024 District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and District Support Grant (DSG) Implementation Reports to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) today, reaffirming its commitment to accountability and transparent service delivery.

The reports, containing both financial and physical expenditure details, outline key achievements, challenges and recommendations across all sectors.

Acting District Administrator Dickson Penai said the submissions align with the 2024 budget endorsed by the Kainantu District Development Authority (KDDA), with the bulk of DSIP funding directed to the district’s five pillar sectors: infrastructure, health, education, law and justice, and economic and administrative services.

DSG funds were used to support SMEs and community-driven initiatives in partnership with Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations.

Mr Penai said his administration, over the past 12 months, has prioritised infrastructure development across the four LLGs in accordance with the Kainantu Five-Year District Development Plan (2023–2027), addressing long-neglected sectoral needs.

Despite challenges, he said basic government services have continued to reach communities under the leadership of local MP Hon. William Hagahuno.

He also confirmed that K14 million has been rolled over into the 2025 fiscal year and will form part of next year’s implementation reports.

Confident in the district’s performance, Mr Penai pledged that Kainantu would again be among the first districts to submit its 2025 DSIP and DSG acquittals.

He commended MP Hagahuno and the KDDA for their support, stressing the importance of unified leadership.

“Our development aspirations and challenges differ from other districts. Managing both administration and politics is my role, and we do it for the common good,” he said.

DIRD Acting Secretary Vaki and his team were also praised for enforcing timely reporting requirements.

Mr Penai reminded district and provincial administrations that financial reporting should not be done solely to satisfy DIRD or the Ombudsman Commission.

“Reporting of public funds must remain a priority,” he stressed.

DIRD First Assistant Secretary for Highlands & NGI, Harry Rei, acknowledged Kainantu’s consistent reporting, but reminded districts to ensure DSIP expenditures remain broad-based across all sectors.

He highlighted that DIRD has operated without monitoring funds for 15 years yet continues to perform its compliance and reporting duties.

Mr Rei also announced the rollout of ‘Bilum’, a new cloud-based digital reporting system enabling real-time, paperless monitoring of SIP compliance.

He clarified that public servants, not politicians, are responsible for submitting SIP reports.

“MPs often get blamed for non-performance, but it is public servants who must deliver programs and report on time,” he said.

Assistant Secretary for Highlands 1, James Dat, commended Kainantu for consistently submitting acquittals for 2023 and 2024, describing it as one of the best-performing districts in DSIP implementation and reporting.

DIRD reaffirmed its mandate to monitor and report on SIP implementation, while the Ombudsman Commission continues enforcing compliance under the Leadership Code, both agencies calling on remaining districts and provinces to furnish outstanding SIP reports.