AGP Executive Report

Flood Response: Heavy rain overflowed rivers in Mae Chaem, flooding farmland in Chang Khoeng and Tha Pha and damaging a riverside road, with officials surveying impacts as water levels fall but alerts stay on. Justice & Governance: Helen Roalakona was sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, vowing to strengthen the office as scrutiny grows over prosecutions. Health Services: Madang Provincial Hospital will keep downscaling services for two more weeks while medicine supplies rise but remain short of full restoration. Public Safety & Sports: Police will be out in force at Port Moresby’s Gurias semi-final, after an alleged stadium assault led to a refusal of bail. Education & Media: DWU appointed Rev Dr Jose Orathinkal as its next president; and a Voice of Revival radio/TV station launched in Port Moresby. Regional Diplomacy: Marape urged Pacific unity at the PIF; PNG signed a development framework with Niue; and PNG police called for faster intelligence-sharing by streamlining legal processes. War History: US repatriation returned remains of American servicemen who died in PNG during WWII.

Bougainville Referendum Follow-Through: PNG MPs are being urged to slow down before ratifying Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote, with Opposition leader James Nomane saying lawmakers need more time to study the result and what independence would mean. PNG Power Crisis: Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in “terminal” condition, citing decades of under-maintenance, weak revenue collection and ageing infrastructure, while MPs also pressed for concrete steps to restore reliable electricity. Water PNG Accountability: NCD Governor Powes Parkop challenged Water PNG to lift standards and fix long-running pipeline problems in Port Moresby’s wards. HIV Public Health Alarm: Government says PNG now has about 130,000 people living with HIV and declares the situation a public health crisis, highlighting gaps in treatment for pregnant women. Consumer Protection Push: ICCC plans to place agents in every province under its 2026–2030 corporate plan to strengthen market monitoring and complaint handling. Sports and Community: ADF delivered rugby union training with PNGDF in Port Moresby, while health and community groups marked major milestones at the Medical Symposium and launched new surgical care booklets. Mining and Exploration: South Pacific Metals extended its Megabe strike length beyond 300 metres, and Great Pacific Gold reported broad, shallow gold hits at Kavasuki in East New Britain. Pacific Geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened with missing leaders and China reportedly furious over Taiwan’s participation. Disaster and Safety Support: New Zealand Defence Force teams arrived in Kiribati to help dispose of WWII-era unexploded ordnance, reducing risks to densely populated Betio.

Bougainville Patriotism Day: Bougainville marked its Independence-themed Patriotism Day across Buka, Arawa and Buin with parades, school marches and a police-led display of unity, as leaders stressed history should shape the region’s future. PNG Power in Parliament: MPs grilled PNG Power over persistent outages and debts, with the minister outlining plans including a possible repayment push and sale of some power assets ahead of the 2027 elections. Water PNG challenged: NCD Governor Powes Parkop launched a K8.35m water rehabilitation project in Elevala and demanded higher standards from Water PNG, targeting ageing pipelines and unreliable supply for coastal communities. HIV public health crisis: Government declared HIV a public health crisis after estimates of about 130,000 people living with HIV and only partial coverage of treatment for pregnant women. ICCC expands consumer protection: The ICCC says it will build a regulatory presence in every province under its 2026–2030 plan, using agents to handle complaints and monitor markets. Pacific Islands Forum tensions: At the Palau summit, China is reportedly angry about Taiwan’s participation and questions swirl after several leaders skipped the meeting amid claims of foreign interference. Health system push: Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph called for stronger Provincial Health Authorities, accountability and a 120-day plan as key indicators lag. Sports and safety: Police charged a suspect after spectator violence during the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup semi-final at Santos National Football Stadium, with bail refused. El Niño hits farming: Highlands farmers say drought is killing fruit and vegetable crops and making irrigation too expensive, threatening supply to contracts. Bougainville correctional facility: Bekut sub-clans in North Bougainville reconciled to clear the way for development of the Bekut Correctional Facility.

Pacific Diplomacy: Australia and New Zealand are watching closely as several Pacific leaders skip Palau’s Pacific Islands Forum, with officials saying they make their own decisions but experts pointing to possible Beijing pressure. PNG Power & El Niño Readiness: Kumul Consolidated Holdings says the state’s plan to sell down PNG Power is advancing toward a scheme of arrangement, while El Niño strains the grid and the government faces calls to step in. Election Integrity: UNDP and the EU are running a Port Moresby workshop for media on objective, ethical election reporting, with day two focused on transparency. Local Governance Scrutiny: Gulf province is hosting public consultations on the District Development Authority Act after complaints about accountability, finances, procurement and staffing. Consumer Protection: The ICCC has launched its Corporate Plan 2026–2030, promising stronger enforcement, better complaint handling, and more court cases. Infrastructure: Three Highlands Highway maintenance contracts worth nearly K10m were signed to protect the country’s busiest road link. Public Safety: Concerns are rising over alleged police checkpoint extortion, especially around “lose week” payday. Bougainville Justice: A report highlights victims’ fears after perpetrators allegedly walk free due to weak prison security and under-resourced justice systems. Education & Community: National Literacy Week was launched in Northern Province, and a Ramaga Adventist Primary School revival ended with baptisms. Health & Disaster: Nepal flood coverage warns children face disease risks from overcrowded shelters and lack of clean water. Economy & Business: Apo Street Market in Port Moresby reopened under NCDC approval for 75 informal vendors, with conditions on cleanliness and waste.

Bougainville Independence Patriotism Day: Communities across AROB are gearing up for Sept 1, marking the anniversary of Bougainville’s political journey and pushing momentum toward full statehood. STEM in Lae: Orica-funded STEMPunks is running a two-week hands-on STEM push at Lae International School, training students and staff across coding and digital systems. Cybercrime crackdown: PNG Police officers have begun the first joint Cyber/BIRDE digital forensics course with US partners to help investigators handle and preserve digital evidence. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th Leaders Meeting opens with the theme B.E.L.A.U., but several key leaders are missing or uncertain, shaping the summit’s agenda and influence. Sports and youth pipeline: Jarome Luai arrived in PNG to front the PNG Chiefs’ NRL expansion vision, while the PM used the moment to frame it as a youth and community development project. Elections and media integrity: UNDP and the EU launched an election integrity workshop for PNG media and civil society in Port Moresby. Disaster readiness gaps: UN urges stronger provincial disaster capacity as assessments flag staffing, funding, and equipment shortfalls. Literacy drive: National Literacy Week launched in Northern Province, highlighting a major reading-and-writing gap. Local governance and markets: Apo Street Market reopened under NCDC approval, formalising 75 informal vendors with cleanliness and waste rules. Police and public order: A man accused of assaulting Rabaul Gurias supporters was refused bail after the stadium incident.

Hidden Valley CDA: Morobe’s Hidden Valley Mining Project’s revised Community Development Agreement has been signed in Lae, clearing the way for landowners and communities to access development benefits tied to the gold operation. Bougainville Referendum: Parliament has begun debating the 2019 Bougainville independence result after it was formally tabled, with PM James Marape stressing the decision is not self-executing and MPs must study the referendum, the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework; Opposition leader James Nomane wants more time for deliberation. El Niño Pressure: Bougainville has been placed on Drought Alert as El Niño risk rises, with warnings for water, food gardens and remote island communities; PNG’s supplementary Budget is set to prioritise fuel relief, El Niño response and 2027 election preparations. Health & Safety: Angau Hospital in Lae received 36 ventilators worth K1.8m to boost critical care; in Port Moresby, 70 students were convicted over unsanctioned school fights. Community & Governance: Madang police launched a community clean-up and issued rules for safer celebrations and public movement. Sports Tourism: Jarome Luai headlined the PNG Open and is set as the inaugural PNG Chiefs signing, while Brian To’o says he wants rugby league to “change people’s lives” in PNG.

Olympic Spotlight: PNG weightlifter Dika Toua made Olympic history by competing at her fifth Games in Tokyo, finishing 10th after lifts of 72kg snatch and 95kg clean-and-jerk. Bougainville Referendum: The 2019 independence vote result has been tabled in PNG Parliament, with PM James Marape stressing Parliament’s constitutional authority and MPs urged to study the Melanesian Framework and Joint Consultation report before any decision. Health & Emergency Care: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8 million to boost critical respiratory support across multiple wards. Public Health Security: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO to strengthen national health security under International Health Regulations. El Niño Impacts: Coffee farmers in the Eastern Highlands say dry weather is stopping berries from ripening, calling for better water support from district and provincial authorities. Disaster Preparedness: Australia backed PNG’s provincial disaster office capacity work, saying assessments should guide practical improvements. Education & Youth Justice: Seventy Port Moresby students were convicted for inciting unsanctioned school fights, fined K200 each and placed on six-month good behaviour bonds. Environment & Science: A Sepik River fish, the Spinach Pipefish, was rediscovered after more than 40 years, found with help from local fishers and community members. Mining Safety Law: Bougainville’s ABG completed Central and South Bougainville consultations on a proposed Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026. Finance & Inclusion: Nasfund ramped up Highlands engagement in Goroka, while TISA and Kyeema Foundation signed a rural livelihoods partnership and TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho agreed a vehicle financing referral deal.

Bougainville Referendum: Opposition leader James Nomane and Prime Minister James Marape both pushed for careful handling after the 2019 independence vote was tabled in PNG Parliament, with Marape stressing the result is not self-executing and Parliament must decide under Section 342. Court & Youth Violence: In Port Moresby, 70 students were convicted for inciting unsanctioned school fights, fined K200 each and placed on six-month good-behaviour bonds, while police warned more cases are coming. Health & Safety: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Morobe received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8 million to tackle respiratory equipment shortages, with training and maintenance flagged as essential. El Niño Preparedness: The US announced over K15 million for child nutrition support in PNG as El Niño risk rises, and WHO urged Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) spillover. Community & Rural Livelihoods: TISA and Kyeema Foundation signed a partnership to expand rural livelihoods and financial inclusion, while TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG moved to improve vehicle financing access. Business & Development: Nasfund stepped up Highlands engagement in Goroka, and PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka with government and industry backing.

Bougainville Decision in Parliament: Prime Minister James Marape says the 2019 Bougainville referendum result is now formally before PNG Parliament, but it won’t “self-execute” — MPs must study the referendum documents and vote only after careful constitutional review. Opposition leader James Nomane is pushing for a clear timeline and no more delays, warning the issue is creating anxiety and confusion. School Violence Crackdown (Port Moresby): Boroko District Court convicted 70 students for inciting unsanctioned school fights, fining them K200 each and placing them on six-month good-behaviour bonds; police say more cases involving 20 adult-classified students are coming. Health Support in Morobe: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital received 36 portable ventilators (about K1.8m) to ease a respiratory equipment shortage for critically ill patients. Rural Finance Partnerships: TISA and Kyeema Foundation signed a three-year MOU to expand rural livelihoods and financial inclusion, while TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG agreed a referral partnership to boost vehicle financing access. Public Health Alert: WHO urged Pacific countries, including PNG, to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) risks and strengthen One Health coordination. Women’s Recognition: CPL Foundation set the stage for the 14th Pride of PNG Women Awards 2026, highlighting finalists across health, enterprise, bravery, care, and skills.

Bougainville Referendum Roadmap: Opposition leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timeline for debating and voting on the 2019 Bougainville referendum result after it was tabled, warning against further delays that keep Bougainvilleans in anxiety. Parliament’s Historic Step: The Bougainville Bipartisan Committee report was presented in PNG Parliament, with committee chair Dr Allan Marat urging MPs to treat the decision as the most consequential question facing the country. PNG LNG Deal Update: Investors have signed amendments to the gas agreement with the PNG government, a key step toward a final investment decision later this year. El Niño Pressure in the Capital: Port Moresby saw its first downpour in months after a prolonged dry spell linked to El Niño, with officials stressing drought risk depends on longer dry periods, not just total rainfall. Education and Community Safety: The Teaching Service Commission warned communities to respect teachers after an attack on a Morobe headmaster, while West New Britain launched a Youth Online Registration platform to track disengaged youths and connect them to local opportunities. Agriculture & Trade Festival: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka with government support, including a K15,000 sponsorship from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Sports Spotlight: Jerome Luai was named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year partnership, and the PNG Open is underway with Josh Armstrong leading after strong scoring.

Agriculture & Trade Festival: PNG’s 70th Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka (Aug 28-30), with the Department of International Trade and Investment backing the event (K15,000) as farmers, processors and government agencies push market access and downstream processing. Finance Reform: Bank of PNG outlines a reform agenda aimed at stability, inclusion and investment, including inflation targets and stronger banking and payments oversight. Health Security: PNG completes its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO to map strengths and gaps and guide a prioritized, costed national action plan for public health emergencies. Education & Youth: West New Britain launches Youth Online Registration to build a database of disengaged youths and link them to local opportunities; Indonesia also signals deeper university ties with PNG via an education exhibition and scholarship pathways. Community Safety: Central Music, Arts and Culture Festival organizers and police commit to security plans for Bereina (Sept 11-13). Teacher Protection: TSC warns communities to respect teachers after an attack on a Morobe headmaster, threatening withdrawal of services if violence continues. Bougainville Process: Parliament begins formal consideration of the 2019 referendum result, with PM Marape urging a careful, prayerful approach and MPs to avoid rushing decisions. Energy Crisis: PM Marape tells Parliament PNG Power is in “terminal” condition, pushing reforms, provincial partnerships and possible privatization. Sports & Sponsorship: Rugby league star Jarome Luai is named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year deal as PNG’s Chiefs build toward the 2028 NRL entry. Regional Risk: Pacific governments face legal and financial risks from deep-sea mining investor-state disputes, with warnings of “chilling effects” on environmental rule changes.

Energy Deal: PNG signed three landmark agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to push Papua LNG toward a Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026, including a new risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism after cost pressures. Defence & Security: PNGDF and Australia’s ADF completed joint training in Port Moresby using up-armoured vehicles, building readiness ahead of Exercise Wantok Warrior 26. Bougainville: Parliament has received the 2019 referendum result (97.7% for independence) and the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework; PM Marape says the final decision will be made in October after MPs review documents and debate. Disaster Preparedness (El Niño): PNG will launch a national review of Provincial Disaster Offices today, while police and correctional authorities step up plans for possible water shortages and health risks. Maritime Cooperation: PNG and Australia’s joint survey mission produced new navigational data for previously unmapped waters off Morobe, improving charting for safer shipping. Community & Health: Don Bosco Technical School ran a free medical outreach in Port Moresby reaching 500+ people, and a mosque build in the Highlands was completed after weeks of local effort. Sport & Youth: Valley Hunters secured BSP support for an international rugby tour, and Trukai named Cooper Bai as a brand ambassador.

Bougainville Independence Process: Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba has tabled the 2019 referendum results in PNG Parliament, showing 97.7% voted for independence, alongside the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework Agreement—debate is set to follow, with no vote date yet. El Niño Water Warnings: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged landowners not to profit from water shortages expected in 2026–27, while the Correctional Service submitted El Niño response plans focused on water security, inmate health and preventing mass escapes. Local Development & Infrastructure: PM James Marape announced a maiden road trip from Port Moresby to Lae on Sept 6, aiming to highlight the push for a sealed link; Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport terminal opened with calls for landowners and communities to protect it as a long-term asset. Health & Community Support: Don Bosco Technical School ran a medical outreach reaching 500+ people in Port Moresby, and a Bulolo Hospital report raised concerns about expensive equipment sitting unused. Agriculture & Trade: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka is set to expand, while research is underway on fresh produce value chains and farmers warn drought is already tightening supplies. Business & Aviation: Air Niugini handled a major Jacksons International Airport cargo movement for Ok Tedi Mining, and the Revised Papua LNG Project Agreement was signed as a step toward a Final Investment Decision.

El Niño hit Western Highlands food supply: Farmers around Mt Hagen say dried ground is stopping new planting, with the city market likely to run low on vegetables soon—hurting supply chains to Lae, Madang and Port Moresby and threatening incomes for roadside vendors and hotels. Bougainville independence next step: PNG parliament is set to begin considering the 2019 non-binding referendum result, where 97.7% backed independence; ratification will require a three-quarter majority, with no vote date yet. Bougainville referendum process details: A writ with the referendum results is scheduled to be tabled in parliament, with debate and a motion to accept the result under agreed procedures. Regional drought and water stress: Communities in Hagen report groundwater drying up within weeks and children lacking clean water for school. Pacific carbon policy push: Solomon Islands launched RISE, a forest carbon policy project focused on rights, integrity, safeguards and fair benefit-sharing for community-owned projects. Education and governance: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, updating the legal framework for higher education. Public safety planning: NCD police unveiled a security strategy for Port Moresby ahead of major events and the 2027 national general election. Women’s financial literacy in policing: The RPNGC held its first formal financial literacy training for women in the police community, covering budgeting, saving and long-term planning.

El Niño Impacts: A prolonged dry spell is biting hard in Western Highlands, with farmers reporting dried-up water sources and failing food gardens that threaten livelihoods and market supply. Disaster Preparedness: Health and disaster officials will meet provincial disaster committee leaders in Port Moresby to coordinate response ahead of worsening conditions. Bougainville & Sovereignty: PNG MPs are set to debate whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote, with PM Marape urging MPs and the public to avoid division. Governance & Education: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, modernising its legal framework and governance. Public Safety: NCD police unveiled a security plan for 2027 election readiness, including major operations and enforcement around lawful court orders. Regional Risk & Climate: Pacific governments are warned deep-sea mining policy changes could trigger costly investor-state disputes. Infrastructure & Tourism: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is positioned as a tourism gateway, with PM Marape urging landowners to keep customary land and build businesses. Police Support: Japan donated 60 vehicles to strengthen RPNGC mobility ahead of 2027. Sports: Defending champs Igam 1134 Crocs are preparing to defend the PNGDF Commanders Cup Rugby 15s title in September.

Education & Skills: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing an outdated 1997 act to modernise governance and strengthen accountability for the private university. Women & Families: The RPNGC held its first-ever financial literacy training for 16 women from the Blue Haven Women’s Alliance and wives of police officers at Morata Barracks, covering budgeting, saving and long-term planning. National Leadership & Faith: PM James Marape urged a national “reset” of hearts, minds and leadership at the National Day of Prayer and Repentance, as thousands packed Port Moresby’s Sir John Guise Stadium for a night-long prayer chain. Bougainville & Mining: A new OCCRP report says Bougainville president Ishmael Toroama accepted an offer to fund his wife’s kidney surgery before signing a major Panguna mine deal, raising fresh questions as PNG MPs prepare to debate the 2019 independence vote. El Niño Response: Cabinet approved emergency drought funding—K10m per province and K5m per district—to help local authorities respond as water and power supplies come under strain. Security & Policing: Japan donated 60 vehicles to the RPNGC (K12.8m grant) to boost patrol reach ahead of 2027, while Lae police issued a hard warning to OBT gangs. Tourism & Travel: Air Niugini and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG at Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, highlighting culture and travel opportunities. Sports: PNG’s U19 “Junior Kapuls” depart for Samoa for the OFC Under-19 Championship, with World Cup qualification at stake.