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May 2026

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Eco-Health and Culture, PNG and Timor-Leste Strengthen Ties

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The shared Melanesian heritage between Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste took center stage at Government House today. Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and President Dr. José Ramos-Horta moved beyond standard diplomacy, pivoting the bilateral conversation toward environmental protection, medical cooperation, and a vibrant cultural export, PNG music.

With both nations housing some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, the leaders discussed forming a unified front to protect natural rainforests and ocean biodiversity.

Dr. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate currently in Port Moresby for the Melanesian Ocean Summit, praised PNG’s role as a global environmental heavyweight.

“We have great respect for Papua New Guinea which along with Brazil and Indonesia, has the largest rainforest biodiversity in the world and it is also home to the largest Melanesian population in the world,” President Ramos-Horta said.

The President also proposed a practical, hands-on partnership to improve public health, suggesting a formal exchange of medical professionals. The goal is to share expertise on tropical diseases common to both regions. By collaborating on the elimination and control of Malaria and Rabies, the President believes both nations can fortify their healthcare systems through shared learning.

Highlighting PNG’s local music talent, President Ramos-Horta revealed that PNG’s cultural influence extends far across the sea. He stated that PNG musicians have a massive, dedicated following in Timor-Leste and expressed a desire to transform this popularity into a formal cultural exchange.

“I want to invite PNG musicians to Timor-Leste. We have quite a big following of PNG music fans in Timor-Leste,” President Ramos-Horta said.

The President also shared a personal wish to return to Papua New Guinea to visit the Highlands region, showing an interest in the PNG’s diverse cultural landscape.

Turning to geopolitics, the President addressed Timor-Leste’s 2025 entry into ASEAN, thanking PNG for its steadfast support of their membership bid. He affirmed that the two nations would continue to back one another in international forums as they navigate the mutual challenges of infrastructure development and human resource capacity.

“I want to assure you of my country’s support to PNG in international and regional forums,” Dr. Ramos-Horta said.

This important visit signifies a growing partnership between two “guardians” of the region’s natural wealth, concluding with a mutual shared vision for a healthier, greener, and more culturally connected Pacific.

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Ryan Ani: From Raukele to the Barramandis

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A fresh face is joining the PNG Barramandis as they head to Japan for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier. At just 22 years old, Ryan Ani is ready to make his international debut.

Ani, who hails from Hula and Babaka in the Rigo Coastal area of Central Province, grew up with a cricket bat in his hand. His journey started at the Raukele Cricket Club (RCC) within the Port Moresby Cricket Association, a place connected to his father’s side of the family.

“Cricket ran as our family sport, it was part of our lives. Weekends were mostly about cricket, and I grew up loving the sport,” Ani said.

His rise wasn’t overnight. Ani started playing seriously in 2013 as a 10-year-old in the Under-12 division. He worked his way up through the U15 and U18 ranks, showing the kind of discipline and passion needed to reach the top level.

Beyond the pitch, Ani is proving that you can master both sports and studies. Just last month, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University. For him, the game is about more than just runs; it’s about character.

“What I love about cricket is the discipline, commitment, and dedication. The lessons you learn in life can also apply in cricket. It shapes your morals and values both on and off the field,” he said.

Ani’s ticket to the national team came after a standout performance in the Boroko Motors Isuzu Men’s T20 Smash domestic tournament earlier this year. Now, he wants to use his platform to help the team and motivate the next generation.

“I would love to play more matches and seize every opportunity to support my teammates, while also inspiring others who may or may not know the sport,” he added.

While he is looking forward to the future, Ani often looks back at a defining moment in 2022. Playing for Raukele in the Premier Division, he smashed his first century during a tough chase against Coasters Cricket Club. His team was chasing over 300 runs, and things looked grim.

“All hope seemed to fall, but I didn’t give up. I held my end and gave my team hope. We chased down the total and won the game, that’s my favorite memory,” he recalled.

As the Barramandis begin their campaign in Japan from 8-18 May, all eyes will be on Ani. His debut isn’t just a personal win, it’s a sign of the young talent keeping the spirit of PNG cricket alive.

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Kumuls Legend Alex Johnston Seals Deal with PNG Chiefs

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Alex Johnston has officially put pen to paper, confirming his move to the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 NRL debut.

The announcement, released from the Santos Football Stadium in Boroko, confirms Johnston as the first-ever Papua New Guinean player to join the expansion club’s roster.

For the veteran winger, this transition is a personal homecoming. Despite his long-standing success in Australia, Johnston stated that the opportunity to represent his bloodline in the NRL was a calling he could not ignore.

“Having my PNG heritage, it was almost like a duty or an obligation,” Johnston said.

“When the team got announced, I felt like I had to go over there and represent my family, my nan, as best I can.”

PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football, Michael Chammas, described the signing as a special moment, calling Johnston a Papua New Guinean icon who has carried the hopes of the nation throughout his career.

“And now he is coming home,” Chammas said.

Johnston arrives at the Chiefs as the most prolific finisher the game has ever seen. Just two months ago, he made history by surpassing the legendary Ken Irvine to become the all-time leading try-scorer in premiership history.

Club CEO, Lorna McPherson stated that while everyone knows he is a proven performer and a record holder, his value off the field is just as significant.

She stated that his humility and connection to the country make him the perfect ambassador for the club.

Johnston’s connection to the red, black, and gold is already well-established. As a 12-capped PNG Kumul, he has been a mainstay of the national side, representing the country with distinction on the international stage. This existing bond with the PNG fans is expected to form the heart of the Chiefs’ identity as they build toward 2028.

The 31-year-old has signed a one-year deal to lead the Chiefs into their first season under coach Willie Peters.

While he remains contracted to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for another 18 months, Johnston is already looking forward to the 2028 campaign in Port Moresby.

The Chiefs expressed their gratitude to the Rabbitohs for their professionalism in allowing Johnston the ability to secure this future move.

For now, the Try-Scoring King remains focused on finishing his tenure in Sydney with another premiership before officially “coming home”.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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