Central Provincial Government

27/05/2026

Wednesday 27 May, 2026

DEVELOPING THE CITIES OF TOMORROW: BAUTAMA BLUEPRINT TAKES SHAPE

APPROVED FOR RELEASE

After decades of stalled plans, false starts and missed opportunities, the long-envisioned dream of developing Bautama into the future capital city of Central Province is finally beginning to take shape.

Talks and conceptual proposals for the Bautama Central City project date back to 1995, with groundbreaking ceremonies and planning discussions also held in 1998 and 2007.

However, progress over the years was hampered by funding setbacks, administrative delays and accountability challenges, leaving the ambitious vision largely dormant.

That narrative is now changing with a renewed push led by Central Governor Rufina Peter and the Central Provincial Administration has reignited momentum for the project, with several key infrastructure initiatives already underway at Bautama.

Earlier this year in February, Governor Peter officially launched major developments including the refit of the new provincial market, a commercial complex, a residential estate and the official opening of the boom-toll gate, signaling the beginning of a new era for Central Province.

The latest step in that process was the Bautama Urban Planning and Infrastructure Coordination Workshop held today and facilitated by Atlas Urban, bringing together planners, utility providers, developers and government stakeholders to map out the future detailed urban landscape of the province.

Opening the workshop, Governor Peter described Bautama as a critical blueprint project that would guide future metropolitan developments across the province.

“The importance of this workshop for the Central Provincial Government is that Bautama development is a blueprint and pilot project for the Central Provincial Government and Administration, as four other areas earmarked for urban planning into metropolitan cities on the fringes of the National Capital District in Hiri-Koiari District.” she said.

Governor Peter also stressed the urgency of preparing for increasing migration pressures expected under the national connecting the missing link road transport infrastructure program.

“One of the critical importance of this workshop is to ensure that we as a province are ready for urban-rural migration (Port Moresby-Central) and rural-urban migration, the influx of people into the city. This is a proactive measure to ensure we as a province are ready.” Governor Peter said.

Participants at the workshop included Central Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle and his team, Water PNG, Hausman Designs Ltd, YFIG, the Central Province Health Authority, Provincial Administration, Central Province Business Investment Ltd, and other technical stakeholders. Atlas Urban facilitated at the workshop.

Acting Central Provincial Administrator Magini Raga, in his welcome remarks, said the workshop provided an important platform for collaboration and long-term planning.

“This workshop brings together a shared opportunity of talent, technical experts, investors and planners to align our thinking and coordinate planning to meet the needs of our people and future generations.” Mr. Raga said.

While discussions and planning continue, development work is also progressing in phases on the ground at Bautama, steadily lifting the profile and strategic importance of the area.

Director of Atlas Urban Design and Strategy Paul Walter said the workshop focused heavily on integrated planning and ensuring all future developments work cohesively together.

“We have been tasked to work with Central Province to organise the space. Today we’re focusing on Bautama in particular, and we’re thinking about how each of these projects can connect together, how power and water can come in, what sort of circulation and access needs to come in, and we’re working together with Water PNG and various utility authorities to bring these things together.” Mr. Walter said.

The Bautama initiative presents a rare opportunity for Central Province to shape urban growth through proper planning rather than responding to uncontrolled expansion after the fact.

If effectively managed, the development has the potential to open new economic corridors, create employment opportunities, attract private investment, improve access to essential services and empower customary landowners through inclusive participation in development.

More importantly, the project represents an opportunity for Central Province to position itself as a major economic and administrative hub alongside the nation’s capital, while easing future urban pressures on Port Moresby.

After more than three decades of promises and planning discussions, Bautama now stands at a critical turning point, one that is filled with hope and political will to finally transform vision into reality and lay the foundation for the cities of tomorrow.
///ends

Photo Caption:
Hon. Rufina Peter MP Governor for Central Province (Front row, third from right) along with participants of the Bautama Urban Planning and Infrastructure Coordination Workshop pose for a group photo following discussions on the development framework of Bautama as the proposed capital city of Central Province. The workshop brought together government officials, planners, utility providers, developers and key stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure and urban planning initiatives aimed at shaping the province’s future growth and preparedness for increasing urban migration.

27/05/2026

# # 📢 Developing the Cities of Tomorrow: Bautama Blueprint Underway!

The future of Central Province’s urban landscape is being shaped right now.
The **Bautama Urban Planning and Infrastructure Coordination Workshop** is currently underway at the Rapila Room, Crown Hotel. This crucial session brings together key developers and stakeholders who are directly driving the Bautama development.

The primary goal? To establish a comprehensive **Urban Development Framework** for Bautama.

For the Central Provincial Government (CPG) and the Central Province Administration, this framework is more than just a plan for one area—it is the official **blueprint**. The lessons, frameworks, and successes established in Bautama will guide the transformation of other metropolitan areas on the fringes of the NCD boundaries into thriving, well-structured future cities.

# # # 💡 Why This Matters to the People of Central Province
* **Orderly, Modern Growth:** Instead of unplanned urban sprawl, this framework ensures that Bautama—and future Central cities—will have properly zoned residential areas, reliable utilities, structured roads, and dedicated public spaces.

* **Economic Empowerment:** A well-planned metropolitan hub attracts major businesses, creates jobs closer to home, and boosts local commerce, directly benefiting Central communities.
* **Protection of Customary Lands:** By establishing a clear urban blueprint on the fringes of NCD, the CPG can better manage urban expansion, ensuring that development respects and integrates sustainably with the surrounding traditional communities.
* **A Sustainable Future:** This sets a high standard for public infrastructure (water, sanitation, transport, and power), ensuring that the families moving into these new cities enjoy a high quality of life for generations to come.

24/05/2026

Friday 22 May, 2026

GOVERNOR PETER DELIVERS LIFELINE ON WHEELS FOR REMOTE COMMUNITIES

APPROVED FOR RELEASE
For many families across Central Province, a simple trip to the market, a health centre or school is not just a journey, it is a daily struggle against distance, rugged terrain and isolation.

In the early hours of the morning, mothers from Amazon Bay Walk in single file along the highway carrying heavy loads of fresh produce, trekking for almost an hour to Magarida just to earn enough money to support their families. In the mountainous ranges of Goilala, health workers battle rough roads and difficult terrain to reach patients in remote villages. Across the province, the lack of reliable transport continues to slow development and cut communities off from essential services.

That reality is why the official presentation of eight new vehicles by Central Governor Rufina Peter on Friday was more than just a ceremonial handover, it was a direct investment into the lives of ordinary people.

Funded through the 2025 Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) budget, the vehicles were distributed to communities and institutions across Central Province’s five districts to strengthen health, education, economic activities and rural transport services.

Recipients included Ianu High School and Amazon Bay in the Abau District, Lower Sogeri SME, Owens Corner Farmers, Siraka farmers and Mekeo LLG of Kairuku District to assist with socio-economic activities and services. Gaire SME received a coaster bus while the Goilala District Health Service received a Land Cruiser to support frontline health operations in one of the country’s most difficult terrains. The remaining recipients received 6 wheel Isuzu trucks to assist with transport and service delivery.

For many communities, the vehicles represent long-awaited hope.
“These are our mothers who have been doing this for so long, waking up early and walking for almost an hour to Magarida just to sell their produce,” Amazon Bay President Gideon Dauge said emotionally during the ceremony.

“If you ever visit Amazon Bay and drive along the highway as early as 3am, you will see one long line of women walking. That is the reality our people face every single day, this new truck is a first of its kind and is a symbol of hope for our people, thank you Governor and the Central Province Administration.” Mr. Dauge stated.

Governor Peter in her address to the participants said this was not simply about handing over vehicles, but about ensuring government support reached the people who needed it most.

“This is a different kind of presentation because now we have user agreements in place for all recipients to sign, we could have handed the vehicles over a long time ago as they were sitting here for a while, but we wanted the recipients to be responsible and take ownership in the management of these assets bought with public funds.” Governor Peter said.

“I encourage all of you to ensure you have a proper vehicle management system in place so the lifespan of the vehicles can be prolonged and that as many people benefit.” Governor Peter added.

Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the presentations reflected the Central Provincial Government’s commitment under the Central Province Integrated Development Plan (CPID) 2023-2027 to connect rural communities with better services and opportunities.

“Under the vision of the CPID 2023-2027, we remain committed to building stronger, connected and resilient communities through improved infrastructure, better access to services and people-centred development,” Mr Raga said.

He added that the vehicles would improve mobility and accessibility, especially in remote communities where transport limitations continue to hinder development and service delivery.
Deputy Provincial Administrator Corporate Services Bala Kapa said the investment went beyond transport infrastructure.

“These vehicles are not just about transport, they are about people, empowerment and creating opportunities for our communities to grow,” Mr Kapa said.

With Central Province divided between flat coastal valleys and rugged inland mountain ranges, transportation remains one of the province’s biggest development challenges. For isolated communities, access to a vehicle can mean the difference between reaching a clinic in time, getting children safely to school or enabling rural farmers and mothers to bring their produce to market.

For the people receiving the vehicles, the handover was not simply about keys changing hands, it was about restoring connection, dignity and hope to communities too often left behind.
///ends

PHOTO CAPTION: Recipients from the five districts of Central Province receiving their vehicle keys from Governor Rufina Peter as Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga displays the user agreements. See less

21/05/2026

Friday 22 May, 2026

HIRI PRESIDENT ROGEA DISBURSES OVER K3.9 MILLION TO WARD
COUNCILLORS UNDER 2026 BUDGET

APPROVED FOR RELEASE
A total of over K3.9 million has been disbursed by the Hiri Local Level Government Local Executive Council (LEC) and Assembly through the 2026 LLG Budget, allocated directly to ward councillor development funding.

On Wednesday, May 20, Hiri President Hoada Rogea officially handed over cheques to 19 ward councillors during a special full Assembly sitting held at the Hiri LLG Chamber in Mirigeda, Central Province.

The funding is sourced from LNG royalty revenues derived from the PNG LNG Project impact benefit streams, which are allocated to the district for development purposes.

The latest distribution continues from a broader K12 million allocations received by the Hiri LLG in the previous year, structured under a ward-based funding formula designed to promote equitable development across both LNG-impacted and non-impacted communities.

Under the approved district framework, major LNG impact village wards—Porebada, Boera, Papa, and Lealea—received K250,000 each. Larger population non-impacted wards were allocated K200,000 each, while smaller wards received K150,000 each.

An additional component was also directed toward water and sanitation programs, bringing total ward-level implementation support to approximately K3.9 million.

Speaking during the Assembly, Hiri LLG Manager Morea Baru urged councillors to exercise strong financial discipline and ensure the funds are translated into tangible development outcomes.

“Please invest the funds wisely and invest in tangible development in your wards,” Baru said.

District Administrator for Hiri Koiari, Sibiona Mavaru, also addressed councillors, stressing the importance of accountability and proper acquittal processes for all cheques issued.

“All funds must be properly acquitted. There will be no room for misuse, and every kina must be accounted for in accordance with government procedures,” Mavaru said.

President Hoada Rogea said the LLG remains committed to driving development at the district level as well and announced that an additional K3 million will be injected into the Hiri District as a counter-funding arrangement to support key development projects, with the cheque to be presented at a later date.

He further appealed for additional support from the Central Provincial leadership to strengthen district-level development financing.

“I call on our good Madam Governor to help us and assist the Hiri District and counterfund the district too and help support projects in Hiri,” Rogea said.

Rogea also emphasised that all ward councillors must work closely with their Ward Development Committees to identify and prioritise one major impact project per ward, ensuring funding is directed toward sustainable and community-driven initiatives rather than scattered minor projects.

According to district officials, priority investment areas include water supply systems, rural sanitation, community access infrastructure, education facilities, and small-scale economic development projects aimed at improving household incomes.

The special sitting concluded with councillors formally receiving their cheques and being reminded that strict reporting and acquittal deadlines will be enforced by the district administration.

Observers noted that the structured funding approach reflects a broader effort to improve transparency and accountability in the use of development levies derived from resource projects linked to LNG revenues.

As the meeting closed, leaders reaffirmed that the success of the program will now depend on ward-level leadership, community participation, and strong monitoring systems to ensure the funds deliver visible and lasting development outcomes across
Hiri.
Ends///

Photo Caption: Pictured from left is Hiri Koiari District Administrator Sibona Mavaru, Hiri President Hoada Rogea seated centre, and Hiri LLG Manager Baru Morea standing at far right, together with all 19 Hiri Ward Councillors following the successful presentation and disbursement program under the Hiri LLG 2026 Budget.

13/05/2026

Thursday 14 May, 2026

CENTRAL PROVINCE, COOK ISLANDS RENEW HISTORIC FRIENDSHIP

APPROVED FOR RELESE

Central Province and the Cook Islands have formally renewed their historic friendship and cultural ties dating back more than 150 years through the signing of a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus on May 12.

The landmark agreement was signed between Central Province Governor Rufina Peter and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown following the signing of the inaugural Framework on Development Cooperation between Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands by Prime Minister James Marape and Prime Minister Brown.

The signing ceremony, held on the margins of the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit, was described as a historic and symbolic moment reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural connections established through the arrival of early Christian missionaries from the London Missionary Society to the shores of Central Province more than a century ago.

Governor Peter said the agreement marked another “Jubilee Year blessing” for Central Province and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Cook Islands.

“It is a great honour to formally renew and recommit to strengthening the Central Province–Cook Islands relationship under the inaugural Framework on Development Cooperation between our two nations,” she said.

Governor Peter said the partnership would create opportunities for collaboration in culture and heritage, education and youth exchanges, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate resilience, agriculture and cooperatives, sports diplomacy, trade and investment, and people-to-people engagement.

“These missionaries shaped our communities, education and faith. We honour that history while looking to the future,” she said.

She thanked the governments of Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, the respective foreign affairs ministries, diplomatic representatives, traditional leaders, churches, officials and communities for their support in bringing the arrangement to fruition.

“Today’s ceremony reaffirms that the ocean connects our peoples. We commit to continued friendship, mutual respect and cooperation for future generations,” Governor Peter said.
“On behalf of the people of Central Province, I extend our gratitude to the Government and people of the Cook Islands and look forward to sustained cooperation and friendship.”

The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral engagement between Central Province and Rarotonga through cultural exchange programs, economic cooperation and regional partnerships aimed at improving the lives of people in both communities.

“Meitaki ranuinui. Tanikiu Badaherea. Thank you. May God bless our friendship,” Governor Peter said.
Ends///

07/05/2026

Thursday 07 May, 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GAZETTAL OF ACTING PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATOR – CENTRAL PROVINCE

APPROVED FOR RELEASE
The Central Provincial Executive Council (PEC) advises the people of Central Province and the wider public that the appointment of Mr. Magini Raga as Acting Provincial Administrator has been formally published in the National Gazette dated 6 May 2026.

This gazettal provides official effect to the administrative decision and confirms the lawful recognition of Mr. Raga in the role.

Governor and PEC Chairperson, Hon. Rufina Peter, MP, reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to stability and continuity in the Provincial Public Service:

“The gazettal of this appointment ensures legal and administrative certainty. Our focus remains on maintaining stability in government operations and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery for the people of Central Province.”

Governor Peter also acknowledged the service of Mr. Bala Kapa, commending his dedication and professionalism during his tenure as Acting Provincial Administrator. She noted that while his performance was commendable and considered by PEC, the Provincial Government was bound by constitutional and administrative requirements, which did not permit an extension of his appointment.

The Governor emphasized that the Provincial Government will continue to uphold established processes and work in close cooperation with relevant State agencies to address outstanding matters relating to the Office of the Provincial Administrator.

Issued by:
Office of the Governor
Central Provincial Government
Port Moresby
///ends

01/05/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞’𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥. 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠.
🛑 Key Causes of Delay.
- Funding Mismanagement & Missing Accountability
- Since the first proposals in 1995, successive governments allocated funds but much of it was unaccounted for.
- Transparency International PNG reported no paper trail for contracts, bids, or services delivered.
- Political Inconsistency
- Announcements were made in 1998, 2007, and 2013, but each administration failed to sustain momentum.
- Leadership changes meant priorities shifted, leaving Bautama largely undeveloped.
- Weak Governance & Oversight
- Lack of published details on contractors and project terms created opportunities for corruption and stalled progress.
- Provincial leaders admitted that despite proximity to Port Moresby and available land, Central Province “did not deliver as expected.”
- Community & Land Concerns
- Protecting ancestral land rights slowed negotiations, as leaders sought to ensure development benefits were equitably shared.
✅ Current Progress (2026).
- New Facilities Opened (Feb 2026)
- Bautama Boom Gate, market facility, and residential housing launched.
- Seen as a “new chapter” after nearly two decades of delay.
- Major Township Development.
- Partnership with YFIG Group Ltd to build 120 residential houses, a shopping mall, clinic, service station, and police post.
- Integrated master-planned estate including Provincial Hospital and Police Headquarters.
- Governance Shift.
- Governor Rufina Peter emphasized discipline, planning, and unity as the foundation for sustainable development.
- National leaders now view Bautama as strategically important, being the gateway between Central Province and Port Moresby.
⚠️ Risks & Lessons
- Risk of repeating past failures if transparency and accountability are not enforced.
- Community trust must be maintained by protecting land rights and ensuring benefits reach local people.
- Sustained political will is critical—without consistent leadership, Bautama could stall again.
👉 In short, Bautama’s delay was a mix of corruption, poor planning, and political inconsistency. Now, with stronger governance and funding, Central Province finally has a chance to establish its long-awaited capital.
゚viralシfypシ゚

02/04/2026

Good Friday April 3, 2026.

EASTER MESSAGE

A time to silence the mind, search our hearts and Renew our Spirit.

RESETTING AT 50 - LOOKING AHEAD WITH PURPOSE
As we commemorate Easter in this milestone season of Reset 50, we reflect, meditate and relive the passion of Christ and celebrate the resurrection of the Son of God, the Saviour of the world - Jesus the Christ.

Easter is more than a celebration - it is a powerful call to spiritual renewal, sacrifice and transformation.

It is a time for individual reflection through the silencing of our minds to the things of the world, and the descending into our inner being to rediscover our true identity in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, that we may be transformed from the inside-out.

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF EASTER
Easter teaches us that change begins within. That Jesus Christ resurrected on the third day on Easter Sunday and is the source of our Hope. The HOPE that takes us through life with all its blessings and challenges - with an attitude of gratitude and peace.

STARTING FROM THE FOUNDATION
Families - Foundation and begining of character development
Churches - Where faith and character are natured to grow and mature
Communities - Where faith is demonstrated in action.

Let this Easter be a turning point - a time to reset by NOT conforming to this world but by being TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of your MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect".

That in GOD, we may REBUILD a Central Province predestined by God for this time and for our children and the generations to come.

HAPPY EASTER CENTRAL PROVINCE

May the grace of Easter fill your hearts and your homes with peace, love, joy and hope.

In GOD, we will TRANSFORM Central Province TOGETHER.
Ends///

31/03/2026

30/03/2026

Monday 30 March, 2026

EASTER SPIRIT SHINES AS GOVERNOR CHOOSES FORGIVENESS OVER PROSECUTION

APPROVED FOR RELEASE
As the nation approaches the solemn and reflective season of Easter, a powerful story of forgiveness, accountability, and leadership has emerged from Central Province, offering a timely reminder of the true spirit of reconciliation.

In a rare and moving bel-kol ceremony held at the Governor’s Conference Room, Central Governor Rufina Peter formally accepted the apology of Mr. Leightan Edward, following a cyber harassment incident that began on social media.

According to Cyber Crime Unit, Detective Constable Milka Aibekob, the matter originated on February 6, when Mr. Edward posted highly offensive comments directed at the Governor in response to a Facebook discussion.

A formal complaint was lodged on March 2 at the Cyber Crime Office in Seven Mile, triggering the preparation of a police report and initiating legal processes.

Despite advice from authorities to proceed with an arrest, Governor Peter made a deliberate and unexpected choice—to forgive.

“It’s important in setting a precedent,” the Governor stated. “Every person, regardless of age must take responsibility for what they say on social media.”

Rather than pursuing prosecution, Governor Peter used the moment to highlight a growing national concern, the misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation and attack leaders without facts.

She emphasized that many of the negative comments circulating online were based on misunderstandings and lack of verified information, particularly regarding recent government projects.
Among these was the commissioning of the new two-storey Central Province Traffic Authority Office Complex, which had attracted significant online criticism.

Governor Peter clarified that:

● No funds from the previous government were used in constructing the building.
● The current Peter-Baira Government allocated K7 million (K2 million from the Provincial Government and K5 million from the Central Province Transport Authority) to complete the project.
● Funds previously committed under the former administration could not be accounted for.

“If you want to comment on social media, make sure you have your facts right. Comment on truth—not hype,” she stressed.

In a humbled response, Mr. Edward expressed deep remorse for his actions:

“This experience has been a lesson. I humbly apologise to the Governor, her family, and the people of Central Province. I am committed to doing better, to avoid harm, and to contribute positively going forward. I will honour this apology in the traditional way, as expected.”

The reconciliation ceremony held in the carpark comprising of exchange (shell money (mis), a pig of size fitting for the chiefs of Goilala, and heap of bananas) a practice deeply rooted in Papua New Guinean culture—symbolized not just an apology, but the restoration of respect, dignity, and community harmony.

This incident now stands as a powerful national example, especially for young Papua New Guineans navigating the fast-paced world of social media.

It reinforces a simple but critical message:
● Freedom of speech comes with responsibility
● Online actions have real-world consequences
● Respect and truth must guide public discourse

As Easter draws near—a time that embodies sacrifice, forgiveness, and new beginnings—Governor Peter’s decision reflects the very essence of the season.

Instead of punishment, she chose grace.
Instead of division, she chose unity.
Instead of anger, she chose understanding.

In doing so, she has not only resolved a single incident but has set a national precedent, one that calls on all citizens to rise above negativity and use their voices responsibly.

This Easter, let this story remind us all: words matter, truth matters, and forgiveness still has the power to lead.
Ends///

PHOTO1: CENTRAL GOVERNOR RUFINA PETER SHAKES HANDS WITH LEIGHTAN EDWARDS SHOWING HER ACCEPTANCE OF HIS GESTURE OF SAYING SORRY FOR HIS ACTIONS

PHOTO2: CLOSE UP OF GOVERNOR AND EDWARD LEIGHTAN SHANKING HANDS

PHOTO3: SPOKESPERSON FOR EDWARDS FAMILY ENOCH SALO WITH LEIGHTAN EDWARDS EXPRESSING THEIR APOLOGIES TO THE GOVERNOR, GOILALA CHIEFS AND CENTRAL PROVINCE ADMINISTRATION.

PHOTO4: GOILA LA CHIEF REP DAVID KAMU ACCEPTING THE MIS OR SHELL MONEY FROM LEIGHTON EDWARDS