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  • K30 million compo meditated for ENB Oil Palm landowners

    The court ordered mediation into the disputes relating to the East New Britain Palm Oil, has been successfully completed.

    An agreement was reached for the Oil Palm giant to pay a massive K30 million compensation to the landowners as well as for Oil Palm purchase-price to be lifted to the standard world price.

    While the court is yet to fully endorse the outcome, this is a good news for all oil palm landowners of East New Britain.

    Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, who also took part in the mediation as a plaintiff and official negotiator on behalf of the State through the Ministry, was instrumental in getting the price fixed.

    Minister Maru was assisted by Sasingian Lawyers while other parties were assisted by other law firms including Ashurst Lawyers, Kihanges Lawyers and others.

    The mediation was headed by accredited mediator and retired judge, Les Gavara-Nanu.

    All the parties participated with their lawyers that saw the outcome of the successful mediation with K30 million compensation to be paid.

    Minister Maru prior to the mediation, has said that the mediation came about as a result of investigations conducted by the government.

    “This mediation is a direct result of an investigation conducted by the National Government with the support of the East New Britain Provincial Government into the complains contained in a petition presented to me by the landowners and oil palm farmers of East New Britain Province. They complained of gross under-pricing of their FBB sales, outstanding of over K38 million continued losses of income over 10 years, and illegal acquisition of their customary land by the company.”

    “Settling of these issues during the mediation this week will be a landmark decision which will shape the future of the palm oil industry in Papua New Guinea going forward. I am very happy that the courts have chosen the Mediation Dispute Settlement System to resolve this dispute permanently. I can only pray for common sense and enough good will to be shown by all Parties to seek settlement by this week,” Mr Maru added.

    This is a welcoming news for the oil palm landowners of East New Britain.

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  • Father battles life as drug shortages grip PNG hospitals

    At Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae, a father lies quietly on his bed, clinging to life with nothing but a drip keeping him going. His name is Simion Alo Sawalu, and for nearly five long weeks, he has been fighting an illness without the very thing a hospital is meant to provide—medicine.

    Simion, from Siwi-Utame in the Ialibu-Pangia District of Southern Highlands, was rushed to Angau when his condition worsened. His family believed that once he reached a major referral hospital, help would finally come. Instead, they were met with a painful truth many Papua New Guineans now know too well: there is simply no medicine.

    Doctors ran tests. They confirmed what was wrong. But when it came time to treat him, they could only say the words no patient should ever hear; “You have to buy your own medicine. We don’t have any here.”

    Since then, Simion’s family has been running back and forth to private clinics in Lae, scraping together money to purchase basic drugs the hospital should have supplied. Not one dose has been provided by the public ward. Not even one.

    If this is the reality in Angau Memorial Hospital, one of the country’s biggest, what hope is there for the tiny aid posts tucked deep in the mountains? What about rural health centres where a single nurse serves thousands and medicine shelves have been empty for months? Parents in remote villages walk for hours carrying sick children, only to be told to return home empty-handed.

    The situation is not just a shortage; it is a national emergency quietly stealing lives. Hospitals were meant to be places of healing, yet for many families like Simion’s, they have become waiting rooms for despair.

    As drug theft, procurement failures and chronic supply issues continue, ordinary Papua New Guineans are left asking: How many more must suffer before the system is fixed?

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  • O’Neill slams Marape over new K1 billion loan as hospitals run dry of Medicines

    Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has launched a blistering attack on the Marape Government, accusing it of plunging the country deeper into debt while hospitals across Papua New Guinea continue to run out of essential medicines.

    O’Neill said the government had taken on “another K1 billion in new loans” only weeks after withdrawing more than K1 billion in dividends from Kumul Minerals, pushing total fresh financing to K2 billion within a matter of weeks.

    “The latest borrowings include K600 million for the politically convenient Connect PNG program and K400 million from the Asian Development Bank for general budget support,”

    “That’s K2 billion raised in just a couple of weeks—but still no medicines,” he said.

    The former PM called the situation a national disgrace, saying the government was prioritising politically driven programs and general spending over lifesaving medical supplies.

    His attack follows Prime Minister James Marape’s remarks last Friday, where he told health workers to “do more with less”, conceding that the government is facing a serious cash shortage and that funds cannot yet be released to purchase critical drugs.

    Marape also urged doctors and nurses to stop complaining about lack of funding, instead urging them to “focus on patient outcomes” and show patriotism through their work.

    “Real patriotism is shown when professionals work for the good of the country, not just for pay checks,” Marape said. “Health workers must be efficient and resourceful in how they use what is available.”

    O’Neill said the Prime Minister’s comments were insensitive and contradictory.

    “Three weeks ago he was blaming Governors and Provincial Health Authorities, saying the medicine budget had already been spent. Now he is blaming doctors and nurses while admitting there is no money left to buy medicines. Which one is it?” O’Neill asked.

    He said the public was exhausted by repeated shortages of antibiotics, painkillers and basic medical consumables, describing the current crisis as one created by government negligence.

    “The public is frustrated by these chronic shortages affecting hospitals nationwide. People are suffering and dying unnecessarily because this government has failed to purchase essential drugs. That is the painful reality,” O’Neill said.

    He said hospitals were meant to be places of healing, but doctors and nurses could not save lives when they lacked the most basic tools.


    “Our health workers are experts in care, but how can patients recover when essential medicines are unavailable?” he asked.

    O’Neill questioned why the government was able to find billions for other programs while failing to restock the country’s drug supply.

    “People want answers on why billions of kina continue to be committed elsewhere while essential drugs remain out of stock. It is simply not acceptable for Papua New Guineans to be left without medicines while another K2 billion flows into what many see as a Waigani slush fund.” O’Neill said.

    He called for an immediate halt to the Connect PNG program, which he labelled “corrupt”, and demanded that funds be redirected to emergency medical supplies.

    “If the money is not going to relieve our people’s suffering, then where is it going? Just stop the corrupt Connect PNG and buy medicines,” O’Neill added.
    The government has not yet responded to O’Neill’s latest criticism.


    The government has not yet responded to O’Neill’s latest criticism.

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  • Community Leaders urge PNGEC to proceed with elections in Anglimp and Kuna Komun LLGs

    Community leaders from some wards within the Anglimp and Kuna Komun Local Level Governments (LLGs) of Jiwaka Province are calling on the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) to proceed with the conduct of their delayed elections.

    This appeal follows an extension for elections for some LLGs, sought by the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Soroi Eoe.

    In their recent appeal, Councilors and community representatives Peter Saina, Kerewa Mekenti, and Joe Win emphasize the critical importance of upholding citizens’ constitutional rights to participate in democratic processes without further delays.

    Their appeal comes after Minister Soroi Eoe’s letter, which requested an extension of the election period for certain LLGs due to exceptional circumstances.

    The Minister had cited Sections 277(2)(b) and 288(2) of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-level Governments, which allow PNGEC to grant extensions under specific conditions.



    Minister Eoe acknowledged that while many LLGs across the country have successfully conducted their elections, some experienced delays caused by various issues and required additional time to complete the process.

    In his letter the minister expected all elections to be completed successfully and requested a comprehensive status report by November 21, 2025.

    Following this letter, community leaders Peter Saina, Kerewa Mekenti Joe Win and others have urged PNGEC and Jiwaka’s election officials to proceed with the elections without further delay.

    They clarified that the initial postponements were due to confusion surrounding the creation of new wards.

    However, they confirmed that the new wards for Anglim and Kuna Komun LLGs were created through proper legal procedures, with all required processes followed and no court orders prevented voting to proceed.

    The creation of the new LLGs—Anglimp, Kuna Komun, and Kambia—was approved by the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Office to facilitate the upcoming split of Anglim South Waghi into two separate electorates in 2027.

    While elections for Kambia LLG have already progressed with declarations made, the elections for Anglimp and Kuna Komun remain pending.

    The PNGEC had suspended elections for Anglimp and Kuna Komun, citing issues including protests by different factions against the creation of new wards and other security issues.

    The PNG Electoral Commissioner is expected to make a final decision on the elections for the two LLGs soon.

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  • PNG not proactive in Labour Mobility

    Frederick Kebai, President PNG Nurses Association.

    Papua New Guinea is lagging far behind its Pacific neighbours in creating overseas employment opportunities under regional labour mobility programs, says the President of the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association (PNGNA), Frederick Kebai.

    Returning fresh from attending the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Conference in Solomon Islands this week, Mr Kebai said he was deeply concerned that the PNG Government has not been proactive in facilitating opportunities for its citizens to work abroad under schemes such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

    “What I’ve learned from this conference is that Papua New Guinea is less concentrated in this area,” Mr. Kebai said.

    “Our government is not proactive in mobilizing seasonal workers to go to New Zealand or Australia, while other Pacific Islanders are very active and have large numbers of their citizens already working overseas.”

    He highlighted that countries such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Solomon Islands have made significant progress, sending thousands of workers to farms, hospitality, and other industries in Australia and New Zealand.

    “PNG has the largest population in the Pacific—around 12 million people—and one of the highest unemployment rates,” Mr Kebai stressed.

    “Labour migration would help our people, both skilled and unskilled, find jobs overseas while also boosting our struggling economy through remittances.”

    Mr Kebai said the conference discussions revealed that the lack of coordination between key PNG state agencies and workers’ unions is a major barrier to progress.

    “There is no proper collaboration between the Department of Labour, Finance and Treasury, and unions,” he said.

    “We need a strong tripartite approach so we can move forward together.”

    He further pointed out that costly administrative requirements such as obtaining police clearances, passports, and visas are deterring many potential seasonal workers from applying.

    “Meeting the criteria to be deployed is a big hurdle for our citizens,” Mr. Kebai said.

    “The government should set aside funds to assist seasonal workers meet these costs. They could later repay the expenses once they are employed overseas.”

    Mr Kebai said Papua New Guinea must urgently learn from its Pacific neighbours and establish a more structured labour mobility program.

    “If our government takes this seriously, more Papua New Guineans can be employed overseas, gain valuable skills, and contribute to our economy. It’s time we stop watching from the sidelines.”

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  • Juha landowners file court challenge, reject Ministerial Determination

    The Juha PDL 9 landowners from Hela province fronting up near the Department of Petroleum and Energy office in Port Moresby on Friday to air their grievances.

    Landowners of the Juha Petroleum Development Licence (PDL) 9 in Hela Province have opposed the recent Ministerial Determination on benefit-sharing arrangements.

    The landowners have formally lodged an objection with the Department of Petroleum and Energy (DPE) and filed court proceedings challenging the recent Ministerial Determination on the percentage identified in the benefit-sharing arrangements.

    The Juha PDL 9 landowners led by Timothy Tambu, James Hinupi, and Peter Andama, representing the Sinali region of Juha, say the determination unfairly allocates project benefits to Western Province interests. Their objection is supported by the Juha Hela faction and their paramount chief, Tami Hinarogo.

    The group has also filed court proceedings challenging the Ministerial Determination and the gazettal notices, alleging that “the process was hijacked” and the outcome “unfair and unlawful.”

    Mr Tambu, one of the principal landowners, said the determination “completely disregards the legitimate ownership of the Juha resource area under Hela Province.”

    “We are the legitimate resource owners of the Juha PDL 9 project impact area within the Topi and Umimi council wards of the Koroba LLG in Hela. There is no customary claim from any Western Province group over this land,” Tambu said.

    The landowners raised three key grounds in their objection letter.

    First, they argue that the allocation of Juha PDL 9 benefits to Western Province is unlawful and inconsistent with the project’s geographic and customary boundaries.

    Second, they accuse DPE of publishing “false beneficiary allocations,” claiming that 80 percent of the benefits were wrongly diverted to Western Province.


    Mr Hinupi said there were also some misleading statements by a Chief John Wabi Sala.

    “We reject the false and misleading claims made by Chief John Wabi Sala. These statements are incorrect and have created confusion. Juha PDL 9 lies entirely within the Sinali tribal land of Hela Province.”

    Thirdly, the group cited compromised coordination within the DPE process. They allege that certain officers “accepted inducements” and colluded with Western Province interests, resulting in “misrepresentation of landownership and unjust benefit allocation.”

    Peter Andama, the Chairman of Juha PDL 9, said the situation reflects “a serious breakdown in transparency.”

    “The Department has failed to verify land titles, consult the rightful landowners, or acknowledge our legitimate claims. The gazette was rushed and politically influenced,” Andama said.

    Paramount Chief Tami Hinarogo added his support, saying the Hela Juha faction stands united behind the Sinali landowners’ objection.

    “We are calling on the Department of Petroleum and Energy to retract the gazette and begin genuine dialogue with the real landowners for the good of all impacted communities,” he said.

    The statement follows the publication of the Ministerial Determination by the Minister for Petroleum and Energy recently.

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  • Dr Billy urges calm as Nipa-Kutubu Election petition proceeds in court

    “Court is the only avenue to seek justice, so we must respect and allow the process rather than taking matters into our own hands and causing disharmony among our people,” urged Nipa-Kutubu MP Dr Billy Joseph, following a National Court ruling that cleared the way for his election petition trial to proceed.

    Dr Billy, who is also the Minister for Defence, urge his people and those of the petitioner Fiebik Simon Kilip’s.

    The long-awaited case over the Nipa-Kutubu Open seat will finally go to trial after the National Court today dismissed three interlocutory applications filed by all parties involved.

    Presiding judge Justice Joseph Yagi, sitting at the Waigani National Court, rejected all three motions in the matter EP 83 of 2022 — the petition filed by Fiebik Simon Kilip challenging Dr Billy’s 2022 election win.

    Kilip had sought a summary determination of his petition, while Dr Billy and the Electoral Commission each sought to have the case summarily dismissed. Justice Yagi found all applications to be “misconceived,” allowing the substantive trial to move forward.

    “The court has refused all interlocutory applications, and the matter will now return to its proper course for trial,” Justice Yagi said.

    Following the ruling, Dr Billy’s lawyer, Paul Mawa, advised that they would file an Objection to Competency, with the court setting Friday, November 7, for preliminary matters.

    The decision now paves the way for a full hearing into one of Southern Highlands’ most closely watched election disputes.

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  • GG strengthens PNG–Tonga ties during historic visit

    GG strengthens PNG–Tonga ties during historic visit

    Papua New Guinea’s Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, has concluded a successful official visit to the Kingdom of Tonga, joining celebrations marking 150 years since the enactment of Tonga’s Constitution — one of the Pacific’s oldest and most enduring charters.

    Accompanied by Lady Emeline Dadae, the Governor General met with His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu, reaffirming the deep historical and spiritual bonds between the two nations — ties that trace back to the arrival of early Tongan missionaries who brought Christianity to PNG more than a century ago.

    “As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of Independence this year, we remain deeply grateful to the early Tongan missionaries who trained our teachers and nurses, built schools, and helped shape our nation’s early development,” Sir Bob said.

    “Their sacrifices — many losing their lives to diseases like malaria — laid the foundation for our enduring people-to-people connection.”

    Sir Bob also conveyed PNG’s appreciation to Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala for attending the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary in September, and thanked the Tongan Armed Forces for their role in supporting peace during the Bougainville Crisis.

    Reaffirming PNG’s commitment to Pacific solidarity, the Governor General pledged closer cooperation on shared challenges including climate change, sustainable ocean management, and combating illegal fishing.

    During the visit, Sir Bob and Lady Dadae joined King Tupou VI and New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro in a groundbreaking ceremony for Tonga’s new Legislative Assembly building at Talangaholo, following the destruction of the old Parliament by Cyclone Gita in 2018.

    King Tupou VI, in his address, reflected on Tonga’s constitutional legacy, tracing its roots to King Tupou I’s vision in 1875 to protect Tongans from landlessness and ensure responsible governance.

    The week-long celebrations concluded with a Remembrance Service, where Sir Bob laid a wreath alongside King Tupou VI in honour of Tonga’s former monarchs.

    The Governor General and Lady Dadae were warmly received by the Tongan Royal Family and Government and are expected to return to Port Moresby next week.

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  • O’Neill Announces Comeback

    Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has announced his intention to return to the country’s top job, declaring that “Papua New Guinea stands at a defining moment and needs “experienced, steady leadership to fix the current mess.”

    In a detailed statement released few hours ago, O’Neill said his decision to accept nomination for Prime Minister was driven not by ambition but by duty.

    “Leadership is not about power or privilege, but about service and responsibility,” he said.

    O’Neill, who led PNG from 2011 to 2019, said the country’s economy was “over-indebted and under strain,” while citizens face “a rising cost of living, a collapsing health system, and worsening law and order.”
    He pledged to restore confidence, rebuild economic stability, and deliver a people-first government that listens.

    Outlining his vision, O’Neill promised a government focused on job creation, rural empowerment, and national ownership of key assets.

    “We must ensure jobs and profits stay at home and put our countrymen and women first, not foreign interests,” he said. He also vowed to reclaim national assets, invest in health and education, and deliver a free and fair 2027 National General Election.

    In a striking commitment, O’Neill declared he would retire from politics in 2027 after ensuring a credible election.

    “I will serve faithfully until the next National General Election and then retire permanently from politics,” he said.
    “My sole purpose now is not to build a career but to steady our nation and prepare a new generation of leaders.”

    O’Neill also issued a call for unity across Parliament, urging MPs to look beyond politics, beyond party lines, and beyond personal differences. He said the nation’s democracy had been “weakened by division and autocracy,” and that “section 145 of the Constitution has been hijacked” to prevent lawful leadership challenges.

    “The Constitution does not belong to any one man or party – it belongs to Papua New Guinea. It is time we lived it again,” he declared.

    Calling for calm and courage, O’Neill told citizens, “Our future will be bright. We will emerge from this dimly lit time to a prosperous and peaceful future.”

    He ended with a rallying plea: “Let us build a government grounded in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law – and restore the dignity of leadership for our people.”

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  • Unborn baby and eight others perish in tragic Lagaip house fire

    A heartbreaking tragedy has plunged the people of Lagaip District into mourning after eight members of a family — including four children and an unborn baby — perished in a devastating house fire at Pyakain Village, Pilikambi Local Level Government (LLG), Enga Province, early last week.

    The blaze is believed to have started around 1am while the family was asleep. Within moments, the flames tore through the home, trapping everyone inside.

    Villagers awoke to the glow of the inferno lighting up the dark highlands night, but by the time they reached the scene, it was too late. The house had been completely reduced to ashes. All eight victims — three adults, four children, and a pregnant mother just two weeks away from giving birth — were burned to death.

    Former Lagaip Open MP Aimos Joseph Akem expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “one of the darkest moments for the Lagaip District.”

    “This is a dark day for Lagaip. Two of the victims are from the Sambe Tribe and six are from the Apulin Tribe in Pilikambi. We have lost eight precious lives in such a painful and heartbreaking way,” Akem said.

    Mr. Akem, who visited Pyakain Village soon after the tragedy, comforted the grieving families and stood beside them in prayer and mourning. He said the loss has left the entire community in deep shock, with families and friends struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of so many lives.

    Adding to the sorrow, Mr Akem also paid tribute to two other prominent figures from Lagaip who passed away recently — Lagaip Council President Tongo Aulo and legendary local musician Daniel Bilip from Kondal Village.

    “This month has been filled with sadness for our people,” Akem said.
    “We are mourning not just one, but many great losses.”

    The Pyakain Village fire stands as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life — a tragedy that has left an entire district united in grief and searching for answers amid the ashes.

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