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MeNo News & Photography Page, Port Moresby (2026)

27/07/2026

Happy Birthday to Justin Tirime . Happy First 1st Birthday Justin AKA JT Jnr ❤️❤️

16/07/2026

PNG Moves to Modernise Mining Laws and Licensing System

Papua New Guinea is taking significant steps to modernise its mining industry through a series of regulatory and legislative reforms designed to improve investor confidence, strengthen governance and streamline mineral licensing.

Mining Minister Hon. Solen Loifa announced the reforms during the PNG Resources Week conference at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, saying the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has begun implementing a comprehensive reform programme to create a more efficient and transparent regulatory environment.

The proposed amendments to the Mining Act include extending the term of an Exploration Licence to five years, introducing a new Mining Retention Licence, enabling online mineral tenement applications and modernising the country's mineral tenement administration system.

Minister Loifa said the reforms are intended to provide exploration companies and mining developers with greater certainty and adequate time to complete geological assessments, drilling programmes, feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement before moving projects into production.

He said the Government is also progressing new mine safety and health legislation to modernise workplace standards and align Papua New Guinea's mining sector with international best practices.

"A safe, transparent and efficiently regulated mining industry benefits government, investors, employees and communities," Minister Loifa said.

A major component of the reform programme is the digitisation of the mineral tenement application process. The MRA is migrating its mineral tenement database to a locally hosted digital platform, allowing investors to submit and monitor applications online.

The new system is expected to improve accessibility, increase transparency and reduce delays in processing licence applications. It will also strengthen accountability by allowing applicants to track the progress of their applications more efficiently.

Minister Loifa said the reforms directly respond to concerns raised by the mining industry and reflect the Government's commitment to creating a more competitive investment environment.

With Papua New Guinea's mining sector continuing to attract global interest, the Government believes the reforms will provide a stronger foundation for future exploration and development while ensuring the country's regulatory framework keeps pace with international standards.

The Minister made the announcement during PNG Resources Week, organised by PNG CORE, which brings together government leaders, industry stakeholders and investors to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Papua New Guinea's resource sector.

15/07/2026

Based on what has been made public so far, there is no official indication that Simo Kilepa was removed because of any misconduct, scandal, or a single specific issue.

Prime Minister James Marape described the 14 July 2026 Cabinet reshuffle as a performance-based realignment following a review of ministers' performance, Cabinet attendance, commitment to their electorates, and, in some cases, health considerations.

For Simo Kilepa specifically:

* No official statement has singled him out or provided a specific reason for his removal from the Environment, Conservation and Climate Change portfolio.

* The Prime Minister grouped him among six ministers who were replaced as part of a broader Cabinet restructuring rather than announcing any disciplinary action.
* ⁠
* Three other ministers, Timothy Masiu, Kessy Sawang and Lucas Dekena were explicitly said to have been relieved due to health reasons, but no such explanation was given for Kilepa.

There has been speculation in political circles about why Kilepa lost the portfolio, including:

* dissatisfaction over the pace of environmental approvals for major resource projects;
* the Government wanting stronger leadership in the environment portfolio as Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and other major projects move forward; and
* the Prime Minister seeking to strengthen political support within Cabinet ahead of the 2027 National Election.

However, none of these explanations has been officially confirmed and there is currently no evidence to state that they were the reason for Kilepa's removal.

Appointing John Kaupa, a senior Pangu Pati MP from the National Capital District, to the Environment Ministry also strengthens the Prime Minister's representation of key Pangu members in major economic portfolios.

That is a common consideration in PNG Cabinet reshuffles, alongside performance and regional or coalition balance, but again it has not been publicly identified as the specific reason for replacing Kilepa.

15/07/2026

RTA Makes Historic K20 Million Contribution to PNG Road Fund

The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) has reached a major milestone by remitting K20 million to the PNG Road Fund, the first such payment since the Authority was established in 2014.

The funds, collected through vehicle registration and licensing fees, will now be invested in road maintenance projects across Papua New Guinea to improve road safety, connectivity and economic development.

RTA Acting Chief Executive Officer John Daveona Avira described the remittance as a historic achievement that reflects a new era of accountability, sound financial management and responsible governance within the Authority.

He said the payment demonstrates the RTA's commitment to ensuring that road user fees are used for their intended purpose of maintaining and improving the country's road network.

Mr. Avira credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the RTA Board, management and staff, whose dedication has strengthened the Authority's financial performance and governance.

The Authority also acknowledged PNG Road Fund Board Chairman and Department of Finance Secretary Samuel Penias and the Board of Directors for their continued support and partnership.

The K20 million will be administered by the PNG Road Fund to finance road maintenance projects nationwide, helping create safer roads, improve transport links and support economic growth.

The RTA described the payment as more than a financial contribution, saying it represents transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to nation-building while supporting the Government's efforts to deliver better road infrastructure for Papua New Guinea.

15/07/2026

Koroba–Lake Kopiago MP Denies Social Media Claims

Koroba–Lake Kopiago MP William Bando has rejected allegations circulating on social media regarding the handling of public funds, saying Members of Parliament do not personally manage or distribute government money.

In a media statement, Mr. Bando clarified that his role is to provide leadership, oversight and policy direction for the district, while the administration of government services is the responsibility of the District Administration under the District Administrator and the Hela Provincial Administration.

He said road and bridge projects are implemented by Koroba Kopiago Construction Limited (KOKO) and other authorised contractors in accordance with government procurement procedures and project agreements.

Mr. Bando also dismissed claims that he personally carries cheque books or cash for distribution, stating that the District Development Authority and Public Finance Management laws do not permit elected leaders to directly handle or distribute public funds.

He said he has built his reputation through years of honest leadership and remains committed to serving all people of Koroba–Lake Kopiago equally, regardless of tribe, family ties or political affiliation.

The MP said he has instructed his team to monitor and respond to defamatory and misleading social media posts, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.

He called on the people of the district to focus on unity, development and progress rather than rumours and misinformation.

14/07/2026

ANALYSIS:

The Impact of William Bando’s Exit from the Coffee Portfolio

The praise coming from opposition ranks for former Coffee Minister William Bando signals how significant his tenure was, and why his removal raises concern across the sector.

Cross-party recognition of performance

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and Chuave MP / Opposition Leader James Nomane rarely align publicly.

Both described Bando as the “best performing Minister so far” suggests his work cut across political lines.

The endorsement from the Opposition Leader is especially notable, it gives Bando’s record bipartisan credibility.

Focused impact in the Highlands

The analysis points to tangible transformation in Simbu and Eastern Highlands Provinces, PNG’s traditional coffee heartland.

This indicates Bando prioritized ground-level delivery over policy announcements.

For many rural farmers, coffee is not just an export commodity but a core livelihood.

Improvements here would have direct effects on household income, rural employment, and provincial economies.

Risk of policy disruption

Both Bird and Nomane flagged that Bando’s change of ministry could create a setback.

Ministerial reshuffles often break continuity.

In agriculture, where programs take years to show results, losing a minister mid-reform risks stalled projects, funding delays, and loss of institutional momentum.

Their statements read as a pre-emptive warning to government: don’t let the gains slip.

Broader implications

Coffee remains one of PNG’s top agricultural exports and a key foreign exchange earner.

Strong leadership in the portfolio has outsized effects on rural stability and export revenue.

If the reforms Bando started are not maintained, the sector could revert to the cycle of underinvestment and poor extension services that has limited growth for years.

Conclusion

Bando’s exit is being framed not just as a personnel change, but as a potential turning point for the coffee industry.

The bipartisan praise underscores that he delivered results.

The challenge now for government is to ensure those reforms are institutionalized so that progress in Simbu, EHP, and across the Highlands is not lost with the change in leadership.

14/07/2026

ANALYSIS

Marape Resets Cabinet as Focus Shifts to Performance and 2027

Prime Minister James Marape's latest Cabinet reshuffle is more than a routine change of ministers, it is a political reset at a critical stage of his Government's term.

With less than a year before Papua New Guinea enters the 2027 National General Election period, the Prime Minister has sent a clear message that Cabinet positions will be based on performance, commitment and the Government's priorities.

The removal of six ministers, reportedly following reviews of Cabinet attendance, electorate commitments and health considerations, reinforces that message.

The appointment of six new ministers also introduces fresh leadership into key sectors. Francis Kikin takes over the important Education portfolio, Douglas Tomuriesa returns to Cabinet as Minister for Civil Aviation, Saki Soloma assumes the Labour portfolio, John Kaupa takes charge of Environment and oversight of the Climate Change and Development Authority, Robert Naguri leads ICT, while Agena Ganai has been entrusted with the Livestock portfolio.

One of the most closely watched aspects of the reshuffle is the broader reallocation of portfolios, particularly the Government's decision to strengthen oversight of PNG Power.

With persistent electricity supply challenges affecting businesses and households nationwide, the move suggests the Government wants greater focus on improving power generation, transmission and service delivery.

Politically, the reshuffle allows Prime Minister Marape to inject new energy into his Cabinet while rewarding MPs he believes can deliver results. It also provides an opportunity to address underperforming sectors before voters head to the polls in 2027.

Ultimately, however, the success of this reshuffle will not be judged by who gained or lost ministerial office.

It will be measured by whether the new ministers can translate their appointments into tangible improvements in education, infrastructure, employment, digital connectivity, environmental management, agriculture and other essential public services.

The coming months will reveal whether this reshaped Cabinet can deliver the momentum the Government is seeking.

02/05/2026

School of Business Administration
Bachelor in Accounting graduation

02/05/2026

SMHS graduation 🙏

02/05/2026

Some photos of graduates of School of Medicine and health sciences

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