AGP Executive Report

Education & Community Reading: Svitzer PNG and Buk bilong Pikinini have donated 2,000 new library books to Evedahana Primary and Junior High, with a tugboat learning trip for students linking literacy to real maritime careers. Sports: The PNG Barramundis were crowned champions at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier after a strong Super Six run. Politics & Diplomacy: Prime Minister James Marape is in France for climate and trade talks with President Emmanuel Macron, with defence, fisheries and agricultural exports on the agenda. Regional Safety for Women: Pacific partners launched a campaign pushing for workplaces free from violence and harassment, citing high reported rates across the region. Business & Skills for a “Super-Cycle”: BSP is urging PNG SMEs to build capability now to benefit from major upcoming resource projects. Energy & Investment: Santos says first oil is now flowing from its Pikka phase 1 project in Alaska, while Kumul Petroleum is looking to develop smaller gas discoveries as PNG plans for the energy transition. In Memoriam: Oceania football leaders mourn the passing of Solomon Islands football official Reuben Oimae.

Infrastructure & Agriculture Push: Prime Minister James Marape says West New Britain’s Kimbe–Kokopo road corridor is already proving the point that better transport can drive oil palm and wider farm growth, with agriculture expected to expand alongside road works. Connect PNG Rollout: He also frames the national Connect PNG program as “economic corridors” meant to unlock customary land for jobs and income across provinces. Energy Transition Focus: Kumul Petroleum says it’s looking to move smaller gas discoveries toward development as PNG races to balance LNG plans with the shift to renewables. Mining Updates: Nickel 28 reports higher Ramu reserves and expects a US$2.1m dividend distribution, while Harmony says it’s on track after a strong quarter. SME Support: BSP urges SMEs to build capability for a “project super-cycle,” and TISA Bank held an SME road show in Alotau to boost local business lending. Community & Safety: Ok Tedi’s Misima Minerals backed Misima Correctional Services with food supplies, while PNG police in the Solomons were stood down after an alleged threat incident. Regional Politics: The Pacific Islands Forum meets in Palau from Aug 30–Sep 4, with geopolitical stakes rising as big powers compete.

Melanesian Ocean Summit Momentum: Tuvalu and Fiji used the Port Moresby Ocean Summit to push a wider bilateral cooperation framework, with climate change and ocean protection front and centre, and Fiji backing Tuvalu’s planned Pre-COP leaders segment. PNG Ocean Push: PNG also reaffirmed its blue-economy and conservation agenda, including renewed support for the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves and a new Western Manus Marine Protected Area. Money & Inclusion: Bank of Papua New Guinea says BSP’s Tari branch reopening in Hela is a boost for rural banking, SMEs and financial inclusion. Fuel Shock Risk: PNG CORE warns fuel suppliers will shift back to market-based pricing after subsidy reimbursement delays, with possible retail impacts but no claimed shortage. Gender Commitments: PNG highlighted progress on gender equality and reproductive health at Women Deliver 2026. Diplomacy & Security: New Zealand’s police chief visited PNG to deepen regional policing cooperation. Global Watch: Israel approved “financial incentives” to move embassies to Jerusalem.

Diplomacy & Trade: Fiji’s foreign minister Sakiasi Ditoka met PNG counterpart Justin Tkatchenko in Port Moresby on the sidelines of the Melanesian Oceans Summit, pushing for better market access for Fijian products and reviewing progress on a proposed Development Cooperation Agreement. Church & Community: On Guam, Catholic bishops from across Oceania are meeting May 18–20, with an islandwide Mass set for Tuesday. State Visits: PNG Prime Minister James Marape heads to France for an official visit May 19–21 to deepen ties as both countries mark 50 years of diplomacy. Policing Partnership: New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers wrapped up a PNG visit focused on regional security cooperation and training support. Fuel Pressure: PNG CORE says fuel suppliers will return to market-based pricing after delays in government subsidy reimbursements, warning some outlets may feel the impact even without a national shortage. Education Tech: The Teaching Service Commission launched a new corporate plan and official website to help teachers access forms and updates online.

Fiji-US Fisheries: Fiji has ratified the 2024 amendments to the US fisheries access treaty, extending the South Pacific Tuna Treaty deal from 2023 to 2033 and locking in long-term tuna management plus an annual US$60 million payment for member countries. Fuel Shock in PNG: PNG CORE says fuel suppliers will shift back to market-based pricing after delays in government subsidy reimbursements, warning some service stations may feel the pinch even as it insists there’s no overall fuel shortage. Solomons Leadership: Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated newly elected Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, pledging continued cooperation on security, fisheries, trade, labour mobility and infrastructure. Port Moresby Governance: Motu Koita representative Udia Opao has been sworn onto the NCDC board, with NCD Governor Powes Parkop saying the community needs strong representation as the capital grows fast. Church Growth: The LDS Church reports a historic jump in convert baptisms for 2025, reaching 385,490.

Fuel Shock for Drivers: PNG fuel prices are set to rise from May 15 after suppliers move back to market-based pricing, blaming delayed government subsidy reimbursements for financial strain—though CORE says there’s no overall shortage. Education Tech Push: The Teaching Service Commission has launched a new official website and reforms, letting teachers download forms and access policies online without costly trips to provincial offices. Solomon Islands Ties: PNG PM Marape has congratulated newly elected Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale, pledging deeper cooperation on security, climate resilience, and regional unity. Ocean Protection in Motion: PNG says it will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean, including a strict “no-take” Western Manus Marine Protected Area as part of a wider Melanesian Ocean corridor. Sports—Do-or-Die: Vanuatu United and Bula FC face a Sunday showdown in the OFC Pro League, with the winner heading to semis. Pacific Safety Incident: PNG police in the Solomons were disarmed and stood down after an alleged threat to shoot civilians during cyclone relief deployment.

Discipline in focus: PNG police officers sent to the Solomon Islands for cyclone relief have been disarmed and stood down after an alleged drunk incident near Tenaru, where an unmarked truck collided with a civilian car and officers reportedly threatened to shoot members of the public; compensation was paid and repatriation is being arranged. Fuel costs: PNG fuel prices are set to rise from May 15 as suppliers move back to market-based pricing after delays in government subsidy reimbursements, with CORE warning some stations may see availability issues even without a nationwide shortage. Regional politics: Solomon Islands has a new PM, Matthew Wale, after a no-confidence collapse and a secret ballot win; PNG PM Marape has congratulated Wale and pledged deeper cooperation. Education push: The Teaching Service Commission launched a new corporate plan and official website to bring teacher services online, including forms and updates. Business & growth: BSP urged SMEs to build capability now to benefit from PNG’s coming resource “super-cycle.” Ocean momentum: PNG unveiled plans for a major Western Manus Marine Protected Area as part of a wider Melanesian ocean protection push.

Digital Connectivity: Telkom Indonesia has inaugurated the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System (Puk-Puk 1) in Papua, a new cross-border link expected to boost Eastern Indonesia and strengthen PNG–Indonesia telecom cooperation. Ocean Protection: PNG unveiled what it calls the biggest Marine Protected Area in its history—about 200,000 km² in the Bismarck Sea—set as “no take” under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Education Tech: The Teaching Service Commission launched a new official website and reform plans, letting teachers download appointment and leave forms and access policies online without travelling to provincial offices. Politics: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed a Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutional amendment that blocks repeated motions of no confidence after one fails. Business & Governance: Kumul Petroleum announced a board leadership handover, with chairman Gerea Aopi stepping down on May 19.

Whale Sharks, Big Distances: A decade-long satellite study tracking 70 whale sharks across the Indo-Pacific says they roam far farther than thought, moving between feeding grounds and migration routes across 13 countries and territories, including PNG—strengthening the case for wider marine protection. Police Accountability: PNG police officers deployed to the Solomon Islands were disarmed, stood down and face deportation after an alleged Tenaru rampage involving threats with a firearm. Politics & Stability: Prime Minister Marape hailed the Supreme Court ruling upholding a constitutional amendment limiting repeated no-confidence motions, calling it a win for stability. Ocean Cooperation: Central Province and the Cook Islands signed a Sister Province partnership, while PNG, Indonesia and Solomon Islands backed a science-equality MOU under the Coral Triangle push. Energy Watch: First oil from Santos’ Pikka project is described as imminent, as Pacific leaders also weigh energy security concerns. Business Moves: TISA Bank expands SME outreach in Alotau and prepares a new Wabag branch in Enga.

Human Origins Breakthrough: Ancient proteins from a 400,000-year-old Homo erectus tooth in China link the species to Denisovans—and through them to modern humans—adding a rare molecular thread across East Asia’s deep past. Melanesian Ocean Summit Momentum: PNG Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong says the summit turned ocean pledges into action, with King Charles III backing responsible fishing and the “30 by 30” goal; PNG also signed the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves declaration, while officials pushed for tighter maritime boundaries and community-led conservation. Maritime Security Push: The U.S. warned illegal fishing and Pacific drug trafficking are exploiting enforcement gaps, announcing expanded maritime surveillance and funding. Business & Banking: K92 Mining posted record Q1 results as Kainantu expansion advances; TISA Bank ran an SME road show in Alotau and opened a new Wabag branch in Enga. Governance & Tensions: A DPLLGA official warned Ocean Policy gaps could spark conflict if cultural governance isn’t respected. Sports: Japan’s cricket qualifiers continue in Nagoya, with PNG among the teams.

Helicopter Claim Denied: A PNG trek guide who chartered a helicopter to deliver delayed equipment so his clients’ trip wouldn’t be cancelled has lost his reimbursement dispute, with the complaints authority saying the policy didn’t cover luggage-delay losses. Ocean Protection Push: PNG moved to protect a Coral-rich “marine highway” in Western Manus with a strictly no-take marine protected area, while ministers signed intent for the Western Manus MPA and leaders backed the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves declaration. UN Accountability: The government missed a UN deadline to respond to questions over misuse of Forest Clearing Authority logging licences and controversial land leases. Pacific Health & Security: Fiji is flagged as one of the Pacific’s hardest-hit methamphetamine countries in a new report, warning of spillover into HIV, courts and mental health systems. Sport & Talent: Pacific swimmers turned heads at the Oceania Championships in Suva as PNG named its U-19 men’s final squad for the OFC qualifiers.

Chief Justice Calm-Down: PM James Marape urged Papua New Guineans to stay calm, respectful and patient as constitutional processes play out after the Ombudsman Commission referred Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the National Executive Council—while the Opposition warns the move could blur separation of powers. Pacific Diplomacy Push: Marape also announced PNG will open new embassies in the Marshall Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to strengthen trade and ocean-focused cooperation across Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia. PNG–Timor-Leste Reset: Talks with President José Ramos-Horta in Port Moresby ended with agreement for reciprocal embassies and a renewed push on trade, people-to-people links and PNG’s Asean bid. Ocean Protection on the Ground: PNG unveiled the Western Manus National Marine Sanctuary, a 214,000 sq km no-take area covering 9% of its EEZ. Sport & Community: Mt Hagen Academy’s open women beat Lae Academy 20-0 to reach the PNGRFL grand final, while PNG’s cricket presence continues to grow ahead of major regional events.

Asian Games cricket build-up: Japan’s new Korogi Sports Park in Nagoya is already hosting cricket qualifiers, with PNG among the teams in the East Asia-Pacific route to the 2028 men’s T20 World Cup—fans say they’re learning the rules as they go. Blue Economy push: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, PNG highlighted “Gutpla Solwara, Gutpla Bisnis,” turning ocean protection into community-led business. Budget oddities: The federal budget flags “nuisance” tariff removals (including wine glasses) and other overlooked policy moves. Energy update: Santos has cleared the way to proceed with the Agogo Production Facility tie-in for PNG LNG, targeting first gas in Q2 2028. Disaster readiness call: UPNG Milne Bay students want a dedicated disaster relief standby fund for faster response in remote islands. Education & training: Work is set to start on a proposed Sandaun Technical & Teachers College, while Ok Tedi awards new UNITECH, DWU and UPNG scholarships. Sports politics: PM Marape rejects “slush fund” election manipulation claims.

Social Protection Conference: Papua New Guinea is hosting a three-day Community of Practice for Social Protection at the Hilton in Port Moresby (12–14 May), bringing together practitioners from 12 Pacific countries with support from Australia and the World Bank to share practical ways to protect vulnerable communities. Energy & Industry: Santos has cleared the final investment decision for the Agogo Production Facility tie-in to PNG LNG, approving a new 19-km pipeline, two new wells and upgrades, targeting first gas in 2Q28. Politics & Trust: Prime Minister James Marape has rejected claims of “slush funds” and election manipulation, saying budget spending is lawful and scrutinised through Parliament and oversight bodies. Ocean Summit Momentum: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, leaders including Marape and Tonga’s PM urged stronger unity and action to protect Pacific oceans as climate pressures intensify. Culture & Heritage: The National Cultural Commission and New Ireland signed an MoU to strengthen protection and development of local cultural heritage, including Malagan traditions. Sports & Talent: PNG’s young swimmers are competing at the Oceania Championships in Fiji, while PNGRFL plans to expand its academy network with Wewak among new centres. Connectivity: NICTA says Starlink will set up a PNG office within 12 months of its licence.

NRL Player Moves: Luke Metcalf has been cleared to test the open market for 2027 after the Warriors said he’s fallen behind the pecking order and has managed just two games this season. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: Wests Tigers have also tied down winger Sunia Turuva until the end of 2030, keeping another potential target away from the PNG Chiefs as they prepare for NRL entry. Ocean Summit Momentum: In Port Moresby, PM James Marape is pushing Melanesian unity on ocean protection at the Melanesian Ocean Summit, with leaders calling for coordinated action as climate impacts intensify. Regional Security: Joint security operations in Enga have intensified against alcohol-fuelled crime, with police and Defence Force reporting arrests and major beer seizures. Telecom Boost: Telkom Indonesia has inaugurated the Pukpuk submarine cable, adding a second independent connectivity route linking Papua and PNG. Health Workers Support: BSP Life PNG says 1,500+ health workers will receive K3.5 million in survival payouts. Business & Tech: Digicel PNG’s CEO Tarik Boudiaf is stepping down, with the CFO taking over as acting CEO.

Climate Funding Crunch: UNDP warns Pacific nations can’t access enough money to protect coral reefs and coasts—the region’s natural defence against storms and sea-level rise—pushing leaders to press for bigger climate finance at meetings in Fiji and PNG. Ocean Action Summit: PNG is hosting the Melanesian Oceans Conference (APEC Haus, May 11–14) as leaders tackle marine pollution, resilience and sustainable ocean management, with a parallel push on plastic waste through the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. PNG–China Trade: PNG and China have finalised a Framework Agreement, with signing next week in Suzhou—setting up talks toward a wider CEPA. Digital Governance Reset: NICTA’s new CEO, Polume Lume, says the regulator is facing governance and enforcement gaps but vows reforms to restore trust and drive digital growth. Regional Connectivity Push: Pacific energy and transport ministers wrapped up PRETMM6 with the Manubada Call to Action, urging faster implementation and better financing for renewables and maritime links. Diplomacy: PNG and Timor-Leste plan embassies in each other’s capitals after Port Moresby talks. Local Life & Health: Sepik cocoa farmers report steadier incomes from improved practices and market access; and Port Moresby’s Laila Foundation expands free eye-glasses support to more students.