Conjoined twins given new lifeline in Australia for best chance of survival
BY GRACE AUKA-SALMANG
PAPUA New Guinea’s conjoined twins, Tom and Sawong, were quietly medevaced yesterday to Sydney, Australia, in a race against time to access specialised medical assessment.
A convoy of vehicles, led by an ambulance, carried the fragile infants from Paradise Private Hospital to Jackson International Airport, their sirens signalling urgency and hope.
CONTINUE ON PAGE 4
AUSSIE
Sydney Children’s Hospital is the first facility to accept them for further assessment and care.
“Tom remains extremely fragile. We’ve wasted a lot of time. Let’s give Tom a chance even if it’s small.” - Jurgen Ruh
MEDEVACED! Twins (background) are seen loaded and prepared to be airlifted to Sydney, Australia, yesterday with their parents. PICTURE:
“Tom and Sawong need our prayers. They need us to stand together to give them every chance.” - Janet Sios
RACE AGAINST TIME
LIFELINE NO TIME TO WASTE‘PRAY FOR THEM’INTENSIVE CARE
Born in October in Morobe, the twins are joined at the lower abdomen, sharing a liver and gastrointestinal tract.
PULSE
Miss Bird of Paradise PNG 2025
Govt outlines Referendum plan
BY GORETHY KENNETH
PRIME Minister James Marape has put out a clear roadmap for the first six months of 2026 –– outlining a structured process to present the result of the Bougainville referendum to Parliament.
Following a joint-press conference after a successful JSB (Joint Standing Committee) meeting this week, Marape emphasised that both sides have agreed on the use of a sessional order to formally usher the referendum result onto the floor of Parliament. The roadmap includes a planned JSB meeting,
Iduhu is deputy Opposition leader
HIRI-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu is Papua New Guinea's new Deputy Opposition Leader, as announced by Opposition Leader James Nomane.
Mr Nomane said yesterday, Iduhu will assist him work out the way forward for the Opposition.
Nomane said the solemn duty of the Opposition is to speak truth to expose and challenge the failures of the Marape government.
“What we are witnessing is nothing short of a kakistocracy— rule by the least competent—where Ministers of Cabinet have proven incapable of driving coherent public policy or restoring credibility to the institutions of State.
“Worse still, this government has descended into kleptocracy, with senior leaders embroiled in scandals of procurement fraud, embezzlement, and outright theft of public funds. These are not isolated incidents; they are systemic failures that betray the trust of our people.
“The theatrics in Parliament may entertain some, but outside its walls, in our villages, hamlets, and urban settlements, the reality is grim. The social contract between government and people is collapsing. Education is underfunded, health services are deteriorating, and public safety is compromised. Our nation is on the brink, and our people are weary, despondent, and disillusioned. This is not the destiny our forefathers envisioned in 1975," he said.
“His Majesty’s royal Opposition stands as the guardian of that Constitution and the voice of the silent majority. Today, I announce our strategy to hold this government accountable. ESON, derived from the Tok Pisin question “Em Stret O Nogat?”— Is it right, just, legal, ethical, acceptable? Every action of government must be subjected to this test.
“ESON will be the framework through which we challenge bad laws, prosecute corrupt leaders, propose alternative policies, enforce accountability, and engage with stakeholders across civil society, churches, and unions.”
likely around February 2026, which will be supported by findings from a bipartisan parliamentary committee, as well as the two speakers and respective clerks.
Mr Marape stated that the technical specifications of the sessional order and the procedural steps for its implementation will be finalised in the next three months.
He added that Parliament is expected to receive and deliberate on the referendum result by the second sitting of the year, with the process anticipated to be completed before the end of the first half of 2026. This marks a critical step in
the formalisation of the referendum outcome and signals a move toward a resolution of the political situation.
“...the meeting has set out a clear roadmap for the first six months of 2026 with agreement from both sides that a sessional order would be used to usher the result onto the floor of Parliament.
“We just completed a successful JSB meeting. We are in the final leg in which the referendum result will go to Parliament. We put a clear roadmap for the first six months of next year. A JSB meeting will be convened, possibly, around February. This will be assisted by findings from the bipartisan parliamentary committee, as well as the two speakers and respective clerks carrying the work forward for us. “We have agreed that the sessional order will be used to usher the results onto the floor of Parliament.
“The technical specifications of the secessional order as well as what happens on the floor of Parliament will be defined properly in the next three months. We anticipate that before the first half of 2026 has lapsed, Parliament – possibly in the second sitting – would receive and deliberate on the result,” he said.
We just completed a successful JSB meeting. We are in the final leg in which the referendum result will go to Parliament.
JAMES MARAPE Prime Minister
Tsiamalili clarifies ABG issue: ‘I invite the ABG return to dialogue’
POLICE Minister Peter Tsiamalili
Jr has clarified that the dispute over development funds is being resolved through the courts, rejecting claims made outside the judicial process.
He emphasised the importance of legal integrity and urged the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to return to dialogue to resolve the matter before the 2027 National General Elections.
“First, the Joint Supervisory Body remains a vital political platform for engagements between Bougainville and the National Government.
“Its prominence and significance in facilitating dialogue and resolving issues cannot be overstated. It is within this platform that we must continue to engage responsibly, constructively, and in accordance with law.
“Second, the matters raised are currently before the Courts.
This case was initiated by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG). I reached out to settle the matter out of Court, but this was rejected, and the case proceeded to the National Court.
The National Court ruled against the ABG, and they have now appealed the matter to the Supreme Court. Any claims made outside this process risk undermining the integrity of our judicial system and misrepresenting facts that are already before the courts.
“Third, it is important to correct the public record on the funds in question. The infrastructure account contains multiple funding streams - some are legitimately under my direct mandate, including cocoa and infrastructure development funds which are not subject to dispute.
The ABG’s interest concerns only the Prime Minister’s K100 million
commitment. I am prepared, once again, to resolve this matter amicably through an out-of-court settlement. I invite the ABG to return to dialogue so we can bring this dispute to a fair and transparent conclusion. Fourth, Bougainville is on the path of its destiny. As we approach 2027, it is imperative that all Bougainvilleans agree on the foundations upon which this future nation will be built.
“As the National Court has reinforced, I stand on the principles of actions conducted in accordance with law - principles that will hold together the fabric of Bougainville society.
“The current arrangements may not be ideal for all parties at the moment, but they represent the best approach to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. Bougainville
must strive for excellence in its institutions as we move toward a shared and prosperous future.
“Finally, any suggestion that the 2027 National General Elections will not proceed in Bougainville is both premature and unhelpful.
“Electoral processes are national constitutional obligations. Bougainville’s strength has always been its ability to navigate difficult issues with dignity, fairness, and respect for lawful institutions. We should continue to demonstrate the responsible leadership our people expect.
“I remain committed to working with all leaders in a constructive and respectful manner to advance Bougainville’s development, protect the integrity of our institutions, and prepare the foundations for the future nation we are collectively building.”
that time of the year again when
It’s
the city lights up to usher in Christmas. Pictured are Felita Geno and Browyn Cliftom enjoying the Christmas tree setup at Ela beach . PICTURE: TARAMI LEGEI.
THE DRUM
-PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg
YOUR Drum, Our Drum, everybody’s Drum is on a preChristmas Vacation beat. We will be back after a short break at the North Pole. If you need to know, check the Drum shortly for the North Pole delivery of all the Christmas presents. In the meantime, don’t forget to send us the bits and pieces of belly-tickling, tummyrolling laughter pieces that make your life merrier every Christmas. Whether it’s the annual Christmas Choir with Governor Parkop by the Ela Beach seaside, or Rudolf parking on the wrong side of Mister B, or the Carols By Candlelight, be sure to give Mister Pee En Gee a ring this Christmas. See you all on the other side of the Drum Roll, spear roll, tosis roll and the rock-and-roll.
Scanheretoreadmore
WHERE’S THE MONEY GOING?
O’Neill says govt unwary of actual revenue, expenses in budget
BY JEFFFREY ELAPA
IF the Prime Minister James Marape can admit publicly that he does not know how and where development funds in the billions have been spent in previous years, it is time to rethink our expenditure model, said his predecessor Peter O'Neill.
“We don't know where the money is going, even the Prime Minister himself stated publicly and clearly that he really does not know how it has been spent,” he said.
“I think some of these issues around projects that are not delivering to our people and budgets that are not delivering services to our people need to be re-examined.
“Quite frankly, and I thank the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee Plans and Estimates for bringing a realistic assessment from their point of view that, this budget again, as presented, is unlikely to deliver on the promises that it is making.”
Mr O’Neill said many projects like the Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu, which are projected to underpin the economy, are yet to be developed, but the government is already spending massive amount of money as development and infrastructure grants.
“Of course, we know it is necessary to get the support of our landowners but without project certainty and FID announcements, the government is continuously spending money that is not readily available to them,” he said.
“We are spending money we are cutting from other sectors in order
to meet these demands.
“When there is project certainty, when you start spending money to all forums and engage with landowner negotiations, that is fine but we are not talking about just one or two million kina; we are talking about tens of millions and hundreds of millions of kina.
“I think we need to take stock and we need to pull back a little bit.”
He said from 2002 onwards, for six years, the Somare Government enjoyed some good commercial commodity
“We enjoyed increases— record levels at that time for gold, copper, oil ... and the revenue flow was quite good, as we are enjoying today.
“But the prices collapsed in 2011 when we came into government.”
Mr O’Neill was debating the 2026 National Budget on Tuesday, saying the commodity prices will not remain high forever and the government needs to realise that they will come down and the revenue will run out, so it is incumbent on the government to do savings for the future.
He said the government should be promoting a savings culture
Ialibu-Pangia MP slams govt for meddling with IRC’s independence
BY CHARLOTTE SERE
FORMER Prime Minister and IalibuPangia MP Peter O’Neill has accused the government of undermining the independence of the Internal Revenue Commission by pushing for political oversight through a new board structure.
This relates to the Internal Revenue Commission (2026 Budget)
Amendment Bill 2025 that introduces significant changes to the way IRC is managed, including the creation of a
CIRCULATION MANAGER
(OUTSIDE CENTRES)
Ojung Ure Ph: 309 1000 Email: oure@spp.com.pg
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
DIRECTOR
Ryan Morgan Ph: 309 1044 Email: rmorgan@spp.com.pg
SPECIAL PROJECTS
SPECIAL PROJECTS
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Andrew Beggo Ph: 309 1174
Email: abeggo@spp.com.pg
CLASSIFIEDS
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Catherine Oa Ph: 309 1126 Email: coa@spp.com.pg
Conjoined twins airlifted for emergency surgery
FROM PAGE ONE
BORN in October 2025 at Braun Memorial Hospital in Finschhafen, Morobe Province, the twins are joined at the lower abdomen, sharing a liver and parts of their gastrointestinal tract.
One twin also has a heart defect, fragile lungs, and only one kidney. Doctors have advised that surgical separation is too risky for now, leaving the twins dependent on intensive care and round-the-clock monitoring.
Since being airlifted to Port Moresby a month ago, the twins have moved between hospitals. At Paradise Private Hospital, a team of eight specialist nurses worked in shifts to ensure the twins received continuous care, including oxygen and specialized nutrition.
Co-owner Janet Sios said: “Tom and Sawong need our prayers. They need us to stand together to give them every chance.”
The transfer to Paradise was motivated by safety concerns.
Family spokesperson and pilot Jurgen Ruh, who helped fly the twins from Lae to Port Moresby, explained that the larger Port Moresby General Hospital posed a high risk of cross-infection due to many patients and visitors.
“For conjoined twins, infection can be deadly. We needed a safer environment,” he said.
The twins’ father has been deeply involved in every decision, hoping to give his children the best chance of survival.
Tom, the smaller twin, remains extremely fragile. Capt Ruh said.
“We’ve wasted a lot of time. Let’s give Tom a chance even if it’s small,” he said.
new IRC board, which will oversee the commission’s performance.
According to the bill, the reforms are designed to improve accountability and operational efficiency within the tax administration system.
However, Mr O’Neill told parliament that IRC has been performing exceptionally and delivering increased internal revenue for the country, implying that there is no need for further political oversight.
He questioned why the Marape
government and the International Monetary Fund are pushing to establish a board that will be appointed by the government.
“These institutions are supposed to be independent of us and without our influence,” he said.
“When we have to appoint political oversight over it by appointing board members, we are influencing the operations of the tax body.
“There's no confidentiality at all in the management of tax affairs of this organization.”
Mr O’Neill warned that political supervision would compromise confidentiality and interfere with technical revenue management, citing the Bank of PNG as an example.
He urged that Internal Revenue Commission should instead be given more funding to expand its capacity, rather than be subject to political control.
“If institutions are working, we have to learn to leave them alone, and allow the institutions to continue to progress.
Paradise Hospital has provided care at no cost, and international donors have stepped forward. Teams in Germany, India, and Australia were reviewing the twins’ case. Sydney Children’s Hospital is the first facility to accept them for further assessment and care.
Yesterday’s medevac was more than a medical transfer -- it was a lifeline.
Surrounded by a team of specialists, carried on a wave of national and international support, and held up by their family’s prayers, Tom and Sawong now face a new chapter in their fight for life.
For the tiny twins and their parents, hope has taken flight.
Crackdown on K1m school fee scam
A SCHOOL principal and a provincial coordinator for Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) in the New Ireland province are among others that have been arrested and charged following investigations by Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Principal of New Hanover Secondary School, Frederick Mahisu and provincial GTFS coordinator Apollo Pangasa have been arrested and charged as ICAC uncovers a corruption racket involving more than K1 million
Wong reaffirms
meant for school tuition subsidies in New Ireland Province.
The ICAC confirmed that Mahisu is at the centre of the alleged scheme, and faces one count of misappropriating a total of K1,040,339.55, two counts of official corruption, one count of conspiracy to defraud, and one count of dealing with criminal property under antimoney laundering laws.
Pangasa and others implicated are expected to face similar charges as investigations progress.
The case stems from a sweeping ICAC investigation into alleged
systemic abuse of the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy program, now operating as the government’s free education policy.
The funds, intended to support public schools, were instead siphoned through falsified records, kickbacks, and personal purchases.
According to ICAC, Mahisu, while serving as the principal of New Hanover Secondary School, colluded with Pangasa to inflate student numbers on official school census forms submitted to both provincial and national education authorities.
PNG-Aust ties at Kokoda
The inflated enrolment figures led to the fraudulent release of GTFS funds between 2021 and 2025.
Once disbursed, Mahisu allegedly diverted significant portions of the subsidy for personal use, including the purchase of four motor vehicles for business and private purposes.
All four vehicles have since been seized by ICAC.
Investigators also uncovered evidence that Pangasa received kickbacks into his personal bank account.
Further probe implicated Benson Apelis, Chief Executive Officer
BY MAGNAM TARA
AUSTRALIA’S Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, has reaffirmed the strength of the PNG-Australia relationship during the 23rd Lt-Col Ralph Honner Leadership Oration, held this week in Canberra and hosted by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF).
The event carried added significance this year as it coincided with PNG’s Golden Jubilee.
Ms Wong used the moment to reflect on the shared history, challenges and growing partnership between the two countries, describing Australia and PNG as “true friends,
State
STATE Security Forces have issued a final warning to leaders of the Yakuman tribe in Enga- hand over two key suspects and a stolen police firearm by Thursday next week or they will “forcefully enter Yakuman territory ”.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Tondop delivered the stern warning yesterday, and accused Yakuman leaders of staging a “charade” by handing over two men who were not the suspects identified in the National Court–endorsed Truce Agreement.
According to ACP Tondop, the actual suspects, someone known as Ano, believed to have fired the first shot that ignited the conflict, and James Kanden, accused of killing several innocent Itokon villagers,
of the Provincial Social Services Division, as another beneficiary of the misappropriated funds.
ICAC has already executed three search warrants at Mahisu’s current school, the New Ireland Provincial Government subsidy office, and New Hanover Secondary School, seizing documents and electronic evidence.
The commission, in a press statement, says more arrests are expected as it widens its investigation into what it describes as a systemic corruption network draining public education funds.
Track Foundation oration Nominations for Dei Open by-election
BY JEFFREY ELAPA
A BUSINESSMAN in Port Moresby has become the first person to pay his nominate fee to contest the Dei Open by-election soon after the Writs for two by-elections — Dei Open seat and New Ireland Regional Seat — were issued.
Yesterday, the Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae issued the writs at Government House, which effectively means that the nominations are now open for the Dei Open and New Irelands Provincial seats left vacant after the passing of the late Steven Pim and late Sir Julius Chan.
closest neighbours, and new allies”.
She framed her message around three values associated with Lt-Col Honner; resilience, respect and family, drawing parallels between the Kokoda legacy and Australia’s role in the Pacific today.
“Modern challenges require modern resilience,” Ms Wong said, pointing to climate change, governance pressures and economic uncertainty as issues shaping the region.
She said that Australia’s engagement must be rooted in respect: for sovereignty, for Pacific priorities and for Pacific-led solutions.
She also spoke personally about the sense of family that binds the
two nations, noting it was an honour to be called “sister” by Prime Minister James Marape.
KTF CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson said the night was a reminder of the leadership and partnership that define both Honner’s legacy and KTF’s mission.
Founded in 2003, KTF has expanded from a small scholarship initiative to a nationwide organisation delivering education, health, equality and leadership programs.
Today, KTF operates 16 FODE centres enrolling more than 4000 students, supports teacher and nursing training institutions in Western and Northern provinces, and runs early
childhood and primary programs in over 120 schools.
It also supports 14 health centres in Northern, provides safe-house services for survivors of violence, and nurtures emerging leaders through the Archer Program.
KTF chair Ian Kemish said the organisation’s work is built on partnership and listening to communities, values he believes mirror the evolution of the Australia-PNG relationship itself.
The oration closed with a renewed commitment to strengthening this partnership and continuing the work inspired by the spirit of Kokoda.
Mr Kunjil Konga from Kumbunga village, of the greater Minibi tribe of the Dei district, Western Highlands Province, a self-made businessman became the first candidate to nominate at the PNG Electoral Commission in Port Moresby yesterday when the nomination was open for the two by-elections.
The Minibi tribe is one of the largest in the Dei district, comprising of nine council wards, out of the 52 wards in the district.
Mr Konga, a heavy equipment fitter, who lived in Port Moresby for the past 29 years, runs a chain of businesses in hire car, importing used vehicles, bus and taxi service, guesthouses and property business.
For 15 years, he served as second secretary to two different Members of Parliament.
From 2002-2007, he served as second secretary to the then Member for Dei Melchior Pep and became first secretary when he was Correctional Services Minister.
He also served as second secretary for the former Member for Dei Westly Nukundj when he was Minister on two separate occasions.
remain at large but are “in constant communication with Yakuman leaders.”
He said the Yakuman faction has also failed to return a police firearm allegedly taken during earlier clashes. While the tribe claims the Yangakun side stole the weapon and offered cash to replace it, ACP Tondop dismissed the gesture as a violation of the agreement and court orders.
“We simply want our own weapon returned to us," he said, adding; "Your offer of cash is rejected.”
“The State has not wronged you. Return what you illegally removed.”
He stressed that the order was non-negotiable: the two named suspects and the firearm must be surrendered on Thursday, “or the
State will take action.”
“These are not special people, just murderers and criminals,” he said, warning that failure to comply will trigger operations that may regrettably affect innocent Yakuman families due to the “stubbornness of Yakuman leaders.”
While issuing the ultimatum, ACP Tondop commended the Yangakun and Itokon tribes for respecting the truce and urged them to continue observing the ceasefire.
He also reminded Transport Minister Miki Kaeok, under National Court Order No. 03, to ensure the Itokon tribe upholds the agreement and refrains from threats, violence or provoking tensions, including on social media. Tondop cautioned that any
individual from any faction who encourages renewed fighting will face contempt of court and immediate arrest. Reiterating the State’s position apart from the surrender of suspects and firearm, he also urged the Yangakun and Itokon tribes to honour the ceasefire and avoid reigniting conflict.
But if the suspects are not handed over, Acting Assistant Commissioner of PoliceTondop confirmed that he will file a second contempt charge against Yakuman leader Danny Katie.
“State Security Forces will work around the clock to locate these two criminals and recover our weapon,” he assured the people of Wapenamanda and Enga.
Mr Konga said it is his first time to take part in an election as candidate but he feels he has the necessary experiences to contest the seat.
The Dei Open seat was left vacant when the incumbent, the late Steven Pim passed on in 2023.
The dates for the by-elections are as follows;
Issue of Writs and Nomination Open: Thursday, December 4
Nomination closes: Thursday, Dec 11
Polling Starts: Sat, Jan 17, 2026
Polling Ends: Fri, Jan 30, 2026
Counting starts: Sat, Jan 31
Return of Writs: On or before Feb 20
FROM left: KTF Head of Partnerships and Development, Anita Russell, KTF COO Mike Nelson, KTF Board Chairman Ian Kemish, KTF Board Director Peter Aitsi, Senator Penny Wong and KTF CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Morobe governor call for elevation of Angau hospital to standalone specialist hospital
MOROBE Governor Rainbo Paita, has formally written to the Minister for Health & HIV/AIDS, Elias Kapavore, calling for the immediate structural separation of Angau Memorial General Hospital from the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA) and its elevation to a Level 6 Standalone Specialist Hospital.
Mr Paita raised grave concerns about the severe decline in essential medical services at Angau, noting that the situation has escalated into a systemic crisis that threatens patient care across the Mamose region. He stated that internal clinical and administrative reviews confirmed widespread breakdowns in management oversight, chronic shortages of life-saving drugs, failure of critical infrastructure, and the collapse of key operational
systems such as sterilisation, ICU support, and maintenance of lifesupport equipment.
“Angau’s decline is no longer a routine operational issue -- it is a structural failure that demands an immediate structural solution,” he said.
Key Issues Raised by Governor Paita:
Persistent stockouts of essential medicines and consumables; Non-functional sterilization facilities for months; Critically reduced ICU capability; Failure to release budgeted funds for specialist maintenance; Systemic administrative weaknesses and management bottlenecks; and Chronic underfunding of MoPHA’s dual provincial and Level 5 referral hospital.
He formally requested the National
HO, HO! CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLE
Paita unveils urgent public service
MOROBE Governor Rainbo Paita has announced a series of urgent reforms aimed at addressing chronic delays in government offices and improving the efficiency of public services.
In response to growing frustrations from businesses and taxpayers, the governor has outlined three key initiatives: Functional Audit of the Entire Public Service
Mr Paita has written to three major accounting firms to solicit proposals for a comprehensive functional audit of the Morobe public service. The audit aims to identify inefficiencies and streamline operations across all government departments.
Review of Business Arms
The Morobe Provincial Government (MPG) has requested proposals for a full external review of all business arms of the government.
This review is expected to assess the performance and effectiveness of key government entities, ensuring they operate efficiently and transparently.
Traffic Registry Reform
The Traffic Registry will undergo immediate reforms as part of the Morobe Digital Government Program. Key changes include: Automation of processes; Elimination of long queues;
Government to:
Elevate Angau to a Level 6 Standalone Specialist Hospital, independent of MoPHA; Establish a separate CEO and operational structure consistent with the Port Moresby General Hospital model; Create a ring-fenced budget dedicated to specialist consumables, maintenance contracts, and manpower; and Retain MoPHA Board oversight during the transition period to safeguard referral pathways.
He also called for the immediate appointment of a non-clinical Chief Operating Officer (COO) to stabilise procurement, logistics, and asset management while transition planning is advanced as part of the 2026 national budget.
Mr Paita reaffirmed the Morobe Provincial Government’s commitment to support the
restructured health system through GST remittances, PSIP/DSIP funding, and sustained investment in district hospitals and health centres across all 10 districts.
He further highlighted several major provincial health initiatives, including: Partnership with the ADB to build Level 4 District Hospitals in all districts; Development of a new Level 5 Provincial Hospital for Morobe; Joint development of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant for generic medicines; Attraction of private hospital operators under a medical tourism model; and Implementation of critical reforms to MoPHA based on parliamentary concerns and Health Committee findings.
The Governor said the Morobe Provincial Government is already engaging with several private
hospital operators to expand specialist services in Lae.
“We are prepared to allocate land to credible private hospital investors under a partnership agreement to encourage long-term investment in private healthcare,” Mr Paita stated. He said this strategy will help create a competitive, high-quality healthcare environment in Lae that complements Angau’s role as the region’s specialist referral hub and provides more options for the people of Morobe.
“Our people deserve a stable, fully functional specialist hospital.
“ The time for temporary fixes has passed.
“We need structural reform supported by strong national commitment to protect lives and restore confidence in our health system,” Mr Paita said.
Wafi-Golpu LOs urges governor to include them in project talks
THE principal landowners of the Wafi-Golpu have called on Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita not to rush into getting the Wafi-Golpu project off the ground without the input of the court-declared principal landowners.
Chief Waem Atem, Chairman of the Babwaf People Gabensis Association of Gabensis village in Wampar LLG, Huon Gulf district, said in a statement said that the rightful landowners must be involved in the negotiations process in order to get the project started without hindrance.
Dealer-friendly vehicle registration; Digital payment options; and Introduction of digital license plates.
These reforms are part of a broader effort to improve government responsiveness, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance the overall experience for citizens and businesses in Morobe.
Mr Paita said these measures are critical to ensuring that the province remains efficient, safe, and competitive in the region.
Mr Paita said the project represents a major step toward economic development in Morobe and across PNG.
He assured local business communities, the Lae business houses, and the people of Lae that Morobe is open for business and that under his leadership, the province will actively participate in and drive economic growth.
He also pledged that Morobe will not remain a spectator but will instead become a key economic powerhouse, providing leadership in business and industry across the country.
He called for continued partnership between the government, private sector, and local communities to work together in making Morobe Great — a province that is efficient, safe, competitive, and prosperous for all its residents.
“Let me inform the good Governor that the lands commission is set to re-hear the matter soon through to full conclusion, as per the orders of the Supreme Court of 2018.
“The so-called three landowner associations that are being involved by the state and the Joint Venture developers are not recognised by any court of legal jurisprudence in PNG, and the
“As the custodian of the land, whose principalship was declared by the local land court in 1981-2, I call upon the Governor for Morobe Province Rainbo Paita not to rush into getting the Wafi-Golpu project off the ground without the input of a court-declared principal landowner,” said Mr Atem.
good Governor must know this.
“As the duly-elected Member for Finschhafen, it is proper that true, original landowners of Morobe, who are duly recognised by only the court shall be dealt with by the government and companies.
“For the information of the honourable Member, my association has never received a single toea of IDG funds, beginning from the time he was Minister for national planning,” he said. It is believed that the lands commission is set to hear the Wafi-Golpu case, after the commissioners complete hearing into K92 mine.
Santa Clause celebrates with the St John Ambulance staff in Kokopo during the staff Xmas party in Kokopo on Wednesday. PICTURE DIANNE WILSON.
Foreign Affairs awards veteran staff
Dept awards long-serving staff with land titles
BY MARCIA NEGRI
FOREIGN Affairs is paving the way for all other departments, with awarding 56-long serving staff with land titles at the Duran Farm, 8-Mile along the Gerehu-9 Mile road.
Minister Justin Tkatchenko said a total of 56 blocks have been surveyed for the staff.
The Duran Farm has been allocated to government departments to provide housing for their employees—and Foreign Affairs is hoping to set the trend for all.
He said there are three phases, with phase one including the clearing of scrub and putting markers for the allotments.
Mr Tkatchemko said the contractor has the funds to start, “they'll be levelling out the whole entire area
for phase 1.
“For Phase 2 they'll be fencing it, putting the roads in, the utilities and installing water, power and sewerage system and having it all available for each individual person that has been allocated the block of land,”he said.
“We are working with the Department of Lands to assist us and ensure that once the survey is done, the titles will be allocated to the staff we have identified.
“The title is for that individual and their family.
“It'll be under their name, but it's not for them to sell.
“At the end of the day, what's the purpose of a home ownership scheme if you're going to build a house and then sell it? It's a waste of time.
Flower boy’s business blooms
BY MARCIA NEGRI
ITHAMAR Renagi is known in his business circle as the “flower boy”, a nickname carried over from his younger days carting flowers around to offices in Port Moresby city and selling them for a living.
This year marks his 20 years in the flower arrangement business and he is going strong.
In an interview, Renagi said he gets his flowers from his family farm in Veimauri, along the Hiritano Highway in Central Province, to supply his clients in the city.
Renagi said he makes regular trips to Lawes Road, Konedobu every Monday to change the flowers.
“The flower is a gift from God and we can use it to earn a living and also beautify the place.”
He said he was introduced to the business
French Development Agency commissions mural by local artists
A MURAL, seven metres long symbolising the partnership between PNG and France was recently unveiled at the Port Tower building in downtown, Port Moresby.
The mural was painted by local painters upon the request of the Agence Francaise De Development (AFD) (French Development Agency).
AFD Country Representative in PNG Benoit Chassatte said: “The mural has been a team effort to decide together on the multiple items and details to be included in the mural.
AFD and the government of PNG for the benefit and wellbeing of the population of PNG.”
NSL’s Chief Executive Officer
Paul Sayer said: “We are delighted to welcome the French Embassy and AFD into the Port Tower building.
“Their move and the successful completion of this mural marks the start of a partnership that we believe will be mutually rewarding for both the AFD and our NSL members.
“The whole idea is for someone to settle down with their family and have peace of mind knowing they are secure.
Mr Tkatchenko said the 56 allotment are fully serviced blocks, which have been paid for.
He said allotments have been allocated according to the staff member’s term of service.
“We go by their service to the department,” he said. “A committee was set up for this purpose.
“I thank the national government for helping Foreign Affairs fund the first stage of its home ownership scheme.
“We have put our money where our mouth is.”
Mr Tkatchenko said another 100 more blocks will be secured for other staff members.
“The interconnection between France and PNG is reflected for instance by the Paris pigeon sitting beside the Bird of Paradise on the PNG side and by the names of the cafés on the Paris side, which translate in English as “the café of the unexpected” and “the Bird of Paradise”.
“As AFD being the French stateowned entity mandated to implement French aid in PNG, we wanted this mural to materialise the strong cooperation between
“NSL is proud to support the promotion of PNG’s rich culture and biodiversity through this artwork.”
Team Leader Clement Koys said it took them about seven days to complete the mural.
“The mural is their idea and they wanted it to be a mix of PNG and France.
“It took us close to two -three weeks to design the concept, which we had to redo three times before they were satisfied.”
The team of painters included Robert Kua, Skytee Mickey, Allen Mogerima and Solomon Tunafa.
through his wife, who was one of the first to get involved in the flower business in NCD.
“I do flower arrangements for small businesses and Post-Courier is one of my clients; I also did the flower arrangements for Prince Charles visit back in 2012,”
Mr Renagi said. “I want local youths to embrace flowers as an opportunity to earn an income.
He said the rates depend on the quality of arrangement and the size of the flower
“For the small ones, we charge K50-K75, medium, K100, and large ones go for K120K150,” Mr Renagi said.
“This is how I have sustained my living.
“I am able to take care of my family; what we put on the table is because of the flowers.”
Women graduate from capacity-building program
and partners to empowering women through education and skills development. The achievement of the 96 graduates stand as a testament to their hard work, resilience, and dedication. The ceremony acknowledged the participants’ commitment to acquiring practical and incomegenerating skills aimed at enhancing household livelihoods and community development. Post Courier, Friday, December 5, 2025
who completed capacity-building programs in sewing, catering, and training-of-trainers (ToT) on Monday.
The event was officiated by Moresby Northest administrator
and
The graduation ceremony marked a memorable and inspiring day for the participants, guests, and organisers.
The success of the event reflects the commitment of the
THE Society of Daughters of Mary Immaculate Sisters conducted a graduation ceremony in Moresby Northeast to recognise 96 women
Davis Kia, with additional remarks
blessings from Pastor Jeremiah of the Lutheran Church, 9-Mile (Morobe Block), Sr Lilly (program manager) and Mrs Sharmila, the lead trainer.
DMI Sisters
FROM left: National Housing Corporation Managing Director Abel Tol, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Elias Wohengu, and during the groundbreaking ceremony. PICTURE. MARCIA NEGRI
ONE of the program participants receiving her certificate from Moresby Northeast administrator Davis Kia.
TOP: The mural and (below) staff of AFD and other tenants of Port Tower in Port Moresby. SUPPLIED
Bad roads plague Kandrian-Gloucester
TAKING more than 10 hours to get to Kimbe town, in West New Britain, or sometimes spending a night and camping on the side of the road, has become a norm for the people of Kandrian-Gloucester, says a concerned resident.
John Sanga Mondo told this newspaper that road network is key to life in bringing socio-economic developments and also provide easy access to the people to seek government services and carry out their day to day business within the LLGs and in town.
“Because the road is bad and un-
safe, our people from Gasmata LLG would travel to Kimbe through Amio Highway, and maybe nearby villages from Kandrian coastal may take that route.
Others would either get on the small ships that provided services along the coast of Gloucester and Kandrian coastal including Gasmata and will travel days to reach Kimbe, or travel by land cruisers using some parts of the logging roads that cuts across to the North Coast to reach Kove Kaliai LLG, Nutanavua village - then travel for hours by sea hours to reach either Balkens,
Locals try to negotiate the muddy, water-logged sludge that constitutes a road in Kandrian-Gloucester.
timber bridges were rotten and broken down.
He said it takes them about, 10-13 hours to get to Kimbe, when the road is okay, otherwise there will be days spent sleeping on the road, and struggling to pull vehicles out.
"The number of hours traveled by the above-mentioned areas depends on their locations.
From Silovuti junction is all good to Kimbe town because the road is maintained by New Britain Palm Oil Limited, but there are many sections of this neglected highway that are also very bad and not safe for the public to travel, but this section is worse.
It takes days to pull vehicles out, and because of the very bad conditions of the roads, only landcruisers can make it through.
It was not accessible for many years after the logging company left until recently about last year 2024, a logging company, Cakar Alam (PNG), was given the contract recently to upgrade and work on those sections of the roads but you can see in the pictures that looks like nothing has been done.
This road is our lifeline road that connects Kove Kaliai LLG, Kandrian Inland, and Coastal LLGS. Whilst Gloucester Rural LLG is literally cut off, there are no road linkages.
Kandoka or Garu villages then get on the PMVs and travel for another 2 hours to reach Kimbe town.”
Mr Mondo said the mode of transport has been to travel by dinghy then on the road to and from Kimbe.
“For me to travel from my village in West Kove to Kimbe will take me almost a day, and you can imagine how long it takes for villages further along Kove Kaliai Coastal (towards Gloucester LLG) and Inland, including Gloucester and all three Kandrian LLGs, is literally very expensive, and unbearable burdens that we the people of Kandrian Gloucester Dis-
trict faced daily.”
He said with this, it can be very expensive to transfer sick patients to Kimbe Provincial Hospital, including other government services.
Also, during the ferocious bad weather periods running from midDecember to February, we risk our lives travelling on deadly rough seas, and many of our people have sadly lost their belongings, including their lives.
Calling on the member for Kandrian-Gloucester Joseph Lelang,
“a good road is a great need at this point in time to save our people of
Kandrian Gloucester District and gives us hope as citizens of PNG”. Mr Mondo said the highway starting from Kandrian station, through Kandrian Inland, Kove Kaliai LLG inland to Silovuti junction only access and used by above mentioned people and few from Nutanavua Village on Kove Kaliai LLG Coastal village can have access. Otherwise, all KKLLG Coastal villages have been cut off for many years now after the logging company has left, and those village roads that connect to the main highway Inland were covered bushes and
CALL TO TRANSFORM PNG’S HIV
HIV driven by behaviour, minister calls for stronger nationwide awareness
BY GRACE AUKA-SALMANG
PAPUA New Guinea must urgently revive strong public awareness campaigns on HIV, warning that the country is struggling to control an epidemic driven largely by human behaviour.
Speaking during the induction of the newly appointed National AIDS Council Board, Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Elias Kapavore said HIV remains one of the most difficult health challenges because it is rooted in personal decisions and social habits that health systems alone cannot change.
“We’re dealing with behaviour. It’s very difficult to deal with human beings.
“We can talk and talk, but when you’re dealing with behaviour, HIV becomes a behaviour problem. We can’t control that, but we can do our part,” he said.
The Minister said while the Government has increased funding for HIV programs -- 14 per cent this year and 11 per cent last year, resources will not make a meaningful impact unless prevention and behaviour change receive renewed attention.
He called on the new board to assist the National AIDS Council Secretariat in reviewing policies, examining current systems and helping to fast-track amendments to the National AIDS Act.
With only 13 months remaining in the current parliamentary cycle, he urged the board to provide strong recommendations so key health bills can be tabled in Parliament.
Mr Kapavore reminded members that HIV, along with TB and malaria, falls under Key Result Area 4 of the National Health Plan 2021–2030 and aligns with PNG’s commitments under the Sustainable Development
We can talk and talk, but when you’re dealing with behaviour, HIV becomes a behaviour problem. We can’t control that, but we can do our part.
ELIAS KAPAVORE Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS
Goals.
He said many countries are now moving towards elimination, and PNG must shift its focus back to prevention if it hopes to catch up.
Highlighting the noticeable decline in public health messaging, the Minister recalled past years when condom and HIV awareness billboards were prominently displayed on roadsides, supported by radio and TV campaigns. “Now we see no more,” he said. “People are asking: what is the alternative? If you remove condom advertisements, what is your alternative? Otherwise, do more of that.”
He urged the National AIDS Council and communication stakeholders to “let the message resound” across all platforms -TV, radio, print, social media and community outreach –– so that communities can better understand how to protect themselves. This is our country, and the future is ours,” he said.
“We can write a new story for HIV in PNG, but it must begin with prevention.”
Veteran takes helm of National AIDS Council Board
BY GRACE AUKA-SALMANG
WHEN Wep Kanawi speaks about HIV and AIDS, he does so with the tone of a man who has carried its weight for half a century.
Long before policies, strategic plans or donor funding cycles defined the national response, Mr Kanawi was already in the thick of the epidemic caring for patients, drafting early guidelines, negotiating with global partners, and fighting for a country that was still struggling to understand the virus.
Now, after decades of service, he returns to the centre of the national response as the newly appointed Chairman of the National AIDS Council Board.
And in his first address to the council members, the emotion in his voice revealed both the burden of the past and the urgency of the present. “I came to know about HIV and AIDS in the 1980s. I’ve been dealing with it since then, in different capacities for government, and we have mastered the government systems, seeing fit that it is time now for us to get real. So many years have come, have gone,” he said.
For Mr Kanawi, the appointment
She says because I want to, the 41-year journey of Tessie Soi, a woman who refused to look away
BY GRACE AUKA-SALMANG
FOR 41 years, medical social worker
Tessie Soi has walked the corridors of Port Moresby General Hospital, carrying stories many would find too heavy to hold.
Tessie describes herself and the women she stands with as defined by patience, perseverance, caution, a sense of duty.
But her life’s work became something far deeper than duty. It became devotion.
Tessie said her journey with the HIV work began unexpectedly in 1987, at a time when AIDS was still spoken of in whispers associated with death, shame and fear.
In 1989, Tessie was called to counsel a woman newly diagnosed with AIDS.
Even before she reached the bedside, she saw the fear that engulfed the ward: nurses passing charts with cloths, medicines left at faraway bed tables, heads popping in and disappearing down the corridor, all terrified to be near the patient.
She took the chart with her bare hands, sat on the woman’s bed, and greeted her gently.
“Hi, how are you?” she said, offering the simplest act of human dignity in a space where the woman had been treated as untouchable.
That moment became Tessie’s awakening.
When the doctor told the patient’s husband, “She will die in two weeks,” the man was shattered.
Tessie acted quickly, reassuring him, “Doctor is not God.”
She urged him to take his wife home and give her what medicine alone could not, tender loving care or (TLC).
He returned with updates.
One month—alive.
Six months—improving.
Nine months—thriving, until she finally succumbed eight months later, not two weeks.
This was the moment Tessie fell in love with HIV work. It was the moment she saw life, not death, at the centre of the epidemic.
She also learned something profound:
ensured that children were not just surviving, they were understood, supported, and loved.
of the new board is not merely an administrative requirement, it is, in his view, a divine intervention.
He thanked the director for assembling what he described as a terrific mix of people, new blood, new ideas,” a blend he believes is crucial for revitalising a response that has struggled with leadership gaps for years. But his message was also one of challenge.
“We depend on thinking, savvy, knowledge-heavy attitude to make this thing work,” he told the members. “We say we have to make it work, we will make it work.”
Kanawi’s journey is deeply personal. He has looked after patients in the early years when stigma was at its peak -- when many families hid sick loved ones at home and frontline workers faced the epidemic with limited tools and even less understanding. He wrote some of the earliest national HIV policies. He negotiated with organisations around the world. And he helped create the very council he now returns to lead.
“Being involved in AIDS longer than I have been at one stage as a director and I looked after a lot of people,” he said.
Her baby was HIV negative. Her husband was HIV negative. AIDS did not erase family. It did not erase love.
She became the face of AIDS when others couldn’t and spoke for the voiceless.
In the 1990s, stigma in PNG was brutal.
Mothers, fathers, and babies were disowned, abandoned, and isolated.
Tessie became their public shield.
“I was the face of AIDS in those days.
“If they came out, it would have been a disaster. So I spoke up for them,” she said. She buried the dead. She comforted the living. She held the hands no one else wanted to touch.
And she kept going because she wanted to.
On 28 June 2000, on her eldest son’s 21st birthday, Tessie launched the Friends Foundation, a lifeline for orphans and children affected by HIV. Her oldest orphan lived to 22, not dying of HIV, but of hunger, an injustice that still breaks her voice when she recounts it. Stigma and discrimination, she warns, remain painfully real today.
I was the face of AIDS in those days.
“If they came out, it would have been a disaster. So I spoke up for them.
SOI Medical Social Worker
Through Friends Foundation, she cared for hundreds of babies and children. Many survived because she refused to give up on them.
As children grew older, one painful responsibility emerged—disclosure. How do you tell a child they have HIV?
Tessie brought in child counsellor Linda, whom she proudly introduces as part of both the Foundation and the Family Support Centre (FSC). Linda now handles disclosure, defaulter tracing, and counselling for sexually abused children. Through this partnership, Tessie
“I like to see people come in crying and go out laughing.” At 65, Tessie prepares to retire after four decades of service. Yet her spirit remains unshaken. People often ask why she stayed so long. Her answer is simple: “I like to see people come in crying and go out laughing.”
Her legacy is one of compassion, courage, and fierce advocacy for families living with HIV.
A final message: HIV is here and so are the consequences
Speaking as a Woman, a mother, and a Warrior, before ending her testimony, Tessie issues a heartfelt warning—especially to young men engaging in pack rapes, unaware of the lifelong consequences.
Her message is clear: HIV is real. HIV is here. And every act carries risk.
From ward corridors to family homes, from orphan care to national advocacy, Tessie’s story is one of unwavering humanity. In a world that often turns away from suffering, she walked toward it.
And when asked why she carried this burden for so long, her answer is still the same:
“Why not? Because I want to.”
TESSIE
Her legacy is one of compassion, courage, and fierce advocacy for families living with HIV.
RESPONSE
More than 7000 HIV viral load tests done in hospitals
BY WILLIAM LUKE JR
ACT-PNG has delivered over 7000 HIV viral load tests since 2021 which have been made available to Port Moresby General Hospital and Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital.
With the support of the PNG National Department of Health, the program also provides HIV drugs resistance testing to inform care and treatment.
Dr Nano Gideon, HIV Program Manager, National Department of Health: “ACTUP has shown the way in HIV point-of-care testing in PNG, increasing viral load testing in WHPHA and Port Moresby and ensuring people living with HIV know their status, get treatment and maintain a suppressed viral load.
“Expanding the ACTUP model of decentralised testing to other provinces is now part of the overall strategy for the country, along with Triple Elimination and HIV Prevention via PreP.”
It is funded by the Australian Government, ACTUP-PNG is a partnership between the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research and the Kirby Institute at the University of News South Wales.
Dr Janet Gare, Head, Surveillance and Outbreak Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research said, “The clinics we work with appreciate the quick turnaround of results, as these results allow them to act quickly to provide treatment or adherence counselling for their clients. Our goal is to prevent HIV transmission and work and work with partners to help the country achieve UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in testing, treatment, and HIV suppression.”
It is strengthening HIV/AIDS
ACTUP has shown the way in HIV point-of-care testing in PNG, increasing viral load testing in WHPHA and Port Moresby and ensuring people living with HIV know their status, get treatment and maintain a suppressed viral load.
care in the country through rapid, decentralised HIV testing and prevention.
On 1 December each year, World AIDS Day highlights the ongoing need to reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS and serves as a reminder of the importance of expanding testing, treatment and prevention services. While condom use remains essential for preventing other sexually transmitted infections, for those living with HIV, treatment options are available which will reduce the level of the virus to a point where it is no longer detectable or transmissible, therefore allowing people to live an almost normal life.
In a recent six-week campaign, the Mount Hagen ACTUP team provided 15 times more tests than in the previous six months, with 96 per cent of those tested having undetectable viral loads, surpassing global UNAIDS targets. ACTUP-PNG’s success is driven by strong leadership, collaboration with government and partners, and a commitment to evidencebased, person-centered care. The program stands as a model for ending HIV transmission and improving health outcomes in PNG.
BY GRACE AUKA-SALMANG
AS WE know, World AIDS Day falls on December 1 every year and for this year (2025), the day was celebrated on Monday this week with various planned activities by individuals, groups in communities, work places and schools.
This year reminds us that Papua New Guinea’s HIV response stands at a turning point.
The global theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS
FACTS
In 2004, PNG declared a HIV epidemic
Unprotected sexual intercourse, mother to child is one of the main modes of transmission
By 2011, HIV and AIDS had spread throughout PNG, with 30,000-39,000 currently reported cases (UNAIDS 2011)
Today, the virus has affected 120,000. Annually 11,000 people are infected, with 54,685 people on ART
Source: 2025 HIV Spectrum Estimates and GAM Report, PNG
Source: World Vision PNG: Health and human wellbeing PDF
response,” reflects our own struggle with rising infections, service gaps and declining awareness. HIV in PNG continues to spread because of behaviour and without strong public education, we cannot change that. The disappearance of condom messaging, billboard campaigns and radio awareness has left a dangerous silence where clear guidance once existed. But transformation is still possible. Communities, health workers and people living with HIV continue to show resilience
and leadership. What they need now is consistent political will, sustained funding, and renewed nationwide prevention campaigns.
Ending AIDS by 2030 will not happen unless we act boldly—and act now.
As a nation, we must bring HIV Campaign back into the public conversation, protect the vulnerable and rebuild a response that leaves no one behind. Awareness saves lives. Silence costs lives.
HIV crisis deepens
11,000 New Annual Infections Fuel Treatment Time-Bomb
BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA
PAPUA New Guinea is battling a deepening HIV crisis, with official estimates revealing that a staggering 11,000 new infections were recorded in 2024 alone.
This alarming rise is compounded by a critical gap in diagnosis, leaving over 50,000 carriers unaware of their status, according to the latest Department of Health fact sheet.
The fact sheet confirms that the rate of new HIV infections is “significantly increasing,” a trajectory that contrasts sharply with global efforts.
The figure translates to approximately 30 new HIV infections every single day across the nation.
The total number of people estimated to be living with HIV (PLHIV) in PNG now stands at 120,000.
While global new HIV infections have declined since 2010, PNG’s numbers continue to climb, despite increased coverage of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) helping to stabilize HIV-related deaths, though they remain “high”.
An estimated 3400 AIDS-related deaths occurred in 2024, with the ART program having successfully averted 40,800 deaths since 2010.
The public health challenge is
intensified by the fact that nearly half of the estimated 120,000 PLHIV remain unaware of their status. PNG is falling dangerously short of the critical 95-95-95 targets set to control the epidemic:
Diagnosis Failure: Only 59% of PLHIV, or 69,510 people, know their HIV status, leaving over 50,000 individuals unknowingly living with HIV and potentially transmitting the virus. This misses the crucial first 95% target.
Treatment Shortfall: The cascade reveals that of those who know their status, only 79% (54,685 people) are receiving ART, missing the second 95% target.
Limited Suppression: While a high 93% of those on ART achieved viral suppression, this success is limited to a small fraction of the overall population: only 10,258 individuals.
Achieving these targets is essential to prevent HIV-related deaths, highlighting the urgent need to expand testing and increase access to ART nationwide to close the critical diagnosis and treatment gap threatening to undermine public health efforts.
Massive key populations driving infection spread
BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA
Papua New Guinea is confronting an intensifying national HIV crisis, where the sheer size of the most at-risk demographics estimated at 636,000 individuals across the nation is fuelling a dramatic rise in new infections and undermining national health targets.
The epidemic is no longer concentrated, but driven by a massive, largely undiagnosed population, according to the 2025 Department of Health HIV Fact Sheet. The size estimates for these key populations, all aged 12 years and above, are substantial:
Male Clients of Female Sex Workers (FSW): 358,200 (12 years +)
Female Sex Workers (FSW): 195,400 (12 years +)
Men who have Sex with Men (MSM): 77,700 (12 years +)
Transgender Women (TGW): 5100 (12 years +)
The country’s health response is buckling under the weight of transmission within and beyond these high-risk groups. The rate of new HIV infections is “significantly increasing,” with 11,000 new cases recorded in 2024.
This translates to approximately 30 new infections every single day, including an estimated 7 babies born with HIV due to high mother-to-child transmission rates. The total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) now stands at 120,000, with an adult prevalence rate of 1.5%.
While global new infections have seen a 39% decline since 2010, PNG’s numbers have climbed, indicating an escalating epidemic.
Despite a large-scale testing effort (with over 281,807 total HIV tests conducted nationally), the critical gap remains in linking diagnosis to care. PNG is failing to meet the global 95-95-95 targets:
First 95 Missed: Only 59% (69,510) of PLHIV know their HIV status. This leaves over 50,000 individuals unaware they are living with the virus and potentially transmitting it.
Treatment Gap: Of those diagnosed, only 79% (54,685 people) are currently receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), missing the second target.
Mortality: AIDS-related deaths remain “high” at an estimated 3,400 in 2024.
Achieving the 95-95-95 targets is crucial, and the report emphasises that increasing testing among these key populations is “essential” for mapping the true scope of the crisis.
Investment in prevention and education for the estimated 636,000 most-at-risk individuals is needed to deliver significant returns in saving lives and controlling the epidemic.
There is no cure for HIV infection
HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 44.1 million lives to date.
There were an estimated 40.8 million people living with HIV at the end of 2024
An estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV Information acquired from WHO website
Expanding
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
There will be by-elections for New Ireland and Morobe Seeking clarity from
The new acting Electoral Commissioner, Margaret Vagi, has put two governors on notice.
New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt and Morobe’s Rainbo Paita may soon be back in the seats they won at the 2022 national elections says EC Vagi. She has already informed Schnaubelt (MP for Namatanai) via a letter that there is a vacancy in Parliament for the seat of New Ireland Provincial.
The law requires that EC Vagi deal with the vacancy via a by-election. The same applies to the Morobe Provincial seat left vacant by the death of the late Luther Wenge.
Paita, the MP for Finschhafen, resigned from his ministry of Mining in Government to contest the Governorship in the Morobe Tutumang, which he won 23-22.
However, the void must be filled through a byelection, according to the law, stresses Vagi.
In October, Schnaubelt acknowledged that he is just an acting Governor and will not resign from his Namatanai seat to contest the by-election for the Governor’s seat.
These contentious by-elections bring us to the sidelining of the former Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai.
Sinai was replaced by Vagi on the basis that Sinai had passed the mandatory public service age limit of 60.
The problem was further compounded by Sinai’s three different birthdays.
But what is the real retirement age for public servants? To ease the pain for Sinai, we can reveal that just this year, a policeman who joined the force in 1975 as a 20 year old constable recently celebrated his 75th birthday.
In other words, he is 15 years past the public service retirement age of 60.
This week, the Public Service Commissioner Samson Wangihomie was replaced as he had reached the retirement age of 65.
So, which is the true PNG Public Service retirement age – 60 or 65? And we still don’t know what is Sinai’s real age.
Urgent fix for traffic chaos
work done by the NCDC to fix the main roads of the city prior to independence have made a difference for commuters around the city. The disruption was poorly managed but the outcome sees much improved roads. Lets hope they handle the wet season.
NCDC has addressed a number of areas that were problems with success. We are just not doing enough of this or we are starting but not sustaining this good work.
Sadly our nations capital ‘Amazing Port Moresby’ is choking under these endless traffic issues caused by no enforcement and poor planning.
As many of our key traffic junctions cause build up across the city, the time spent trying to navigate our streets is becoming unbearable.We will soon see the results of this on our declining productivity as a country and be seen as another failed city.
The NCDC can fix these issues very quickly if it wants to. To do this wouldn’t be expensive and it only needs some enforcement, control and the will of the leadership. Lets go Governor and City Manager! We just need to-
Stop drift to city
THE call to make Port Moresby (nation’s capital) safe and sound falls on deaf ears. When will relevant authority as the office of NCD Governor and the City Manager will enact laws in repatriating immigrants and put a complete stop to the movement of unemployed and unwanted people into Port Moresby.
The nation’s capital city is no longer safe for the working class, decent people and expatriates to enjoy each day. People go to work with fear each morning and do the same when trying to get on buses or walk along the street in the afternoon each day in fear of being robbed of their valuables and bags.
The city working class, expatriate population and those with valid reasons in taking up residency as students, business people and others are moving around with fear each day because Port Moresby streets and all its public places are unsafe and congested with unemployed and immigrants population.
Right now as now l’m writing
this - several hundred babies in Port Moresby settlement and makeshift shelters are born.
But the question is - where will those children end up when they grow up and become adults. A frightening case but in fact a frightening case long time ago.
Alarm was raised again and again but relevant authorities - not taking heed in doing something about it. Its sad to see the city of Port Moresby has gone to the dogs and congested with unwanted people each day.
The city working population, decent people and expatriates can’t move around enjoy their weekend, watch games or enjoy the big occasion such as independence celebration, Christmas carol nights, new year night and other events.
Our nation’s capital need to be cleaned up after the 50th anniversary celebration. Too many unwanted people filling up Port Moresby streets.
CITY ON TIME BOMB
THE Ombudsman Commission should investigate why a Member of Parliament who is also a founder of a Christian Academy School in NCD continuing to spend more time running his school. Aren’t MPs suppose to resign from other engagements to concentrate on their roles as an MP.
Nothing secretive about this particular MP as the publicity is very obvious and the OC should investigate. I am not from his electorate so I am not raising a political question but all MPs code of conducts are clearly defined in the Leadership Codes. Secondly, why are Heads of Government Agencies criminally implicated being allowed to occupy the offices. I make reference to the Acting CEO of the National Road Transport Authority and the DG of the PNG Sports Foundation. Have we run out of qualified people capable of running important governments institutions or are we allowing room to breed corruption?
CONCERNED CITIZEN
YU TOK
Treaty does not serve purpose
THE recent Pukpuk Defence Treaty PNG signed with Australia does not serve the interest of Papua New Guinea.
This treaty allows for both countries to rectruit and train defence personel who can serve in either of the forces.
It paves the way for Australia to recruit Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian armed forces and further authorises both armies to defend each other should one is attacked.
But the question is., Does Papua New Guinea have any enemies in the region? The answer is NO. Our Foreign Policy white paper states that, “ we are friend to all and enemy to none.”
By signing into this advance treaty, we as a nation is subjecting our land and our people unnecessarily to existing threats that target
Australian and American interests in the region.
We can not afford to become an enemy to the “ enemies of west”.
In this case China for example has been involved in geopolitical tensions with United States and its ally Australia.
But on the other hand China has been a very good development partner to PNG for many years.
China is not PNG’s enemy nor does it pose any threat to Papua New Guinea.
Our politicians and bureaucrats should not rush into signing treaties that does not serve our interests.
Australia has a defence strategy developed in the late 1800s which considers PNG as its “Northern Shield” should there be a war targetting Australia.
That strategy was effected in 1942 during the Second World War were
HAVE YOUR SAY
Papua New Guinean young men were recruited to support Australia fight the Japanese on PNG soil. That war was not our war. But our country sacrificed the life and blood of its people fighting to defend Australia , a colonial power.
Therefore this “ Pukpuk Defence Treaty” does not and will not serve Papua New Guinean interests but is only crafted to defend Australia and other Western interests in our region.
Is Papua New Guinea prepared to once again sacrifice its young men and women to protect a foreign power like Australia.?
Let us not give in easily to neocolonial interests.
Papua New Guinean interests comes first.
TAKI BORING
Port Moresby
QUICK THOUGHTS
BUDGET FLAWED
The financial records and cost allocation the recent budget are flawed. The accounts only have us believe that government revenue is raised only from IRC collection. However, it does not accurately reflect the individual revenues raised by the various government business enterprises which have their own cost collections. The public service may well cost us K7.0 million a fortnight but does that reflect the funds raised by each business arm ? Does central revenue pay the salaries or the NAC or CASA for example ? Both of who collect direct operating revenues from their respective customers. Or is there a duplication in costs as revenue is not centrally consolidated by the government for allocations ? Perhaps the finance department needs to be transparent with all income sources and budget as required.
THE Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Job Pomat, called it a sad day for Papua New Guinea when he referred to the court’s intervention that allowed the election of the opposition leader (Thursday, 4th December, Post Courier).
He (Mr. Pomat) mentioned that Parliament has its own processes and did not need the courts to intervene.
If I recall correctly, it was the Speaker himself who did not recognise Mr Nomane as the Opposition Leader; hence, the opposition had to ask the court to intervene. Mr Pomat has his reasons, so it would be better for him to explain to the people of this
country why he previously opposed the election of Mr. Nomane. Whether Mr Pomat felt belittled and made to look powerless by the courts, and whether that influenced his recent comments, is anybody’s guess. One might ask why Mr Pomat didn’t tell the opposition what the correct procedure was, especially since the opposition found that all its attempts were unsuccessful and the Speaker himself was not very helpful. It would be best for Mr Pomat to put this matter to rest and continue his duties fairly, as a true parliamentary democracy should.
OBSERVER, Konedobu
Policies by political party seem to be used in disguise
THE Pangu- Government came into power in 2019 with its signature development programs - Take-back PNG and Connect-PNG.
At first glimpse, these programs deserved praise and support by the voters.
We assume that the Take-back PNG Program gives more control and ownership of the economy to the indigenous people.
And we assume that the Connect PNG Program is practically implemented in all the 89 districts in PNG.
However, there have been increased voter misperceptions about the aforementioned programs as seen online, because their costs are somehow higher than their benefits.
There have been an increase in the awarding of contracts to local companies in the construction sector, but this trend has also squeezed out contracts from reputable brands and placed many more under life support.
We are talking about household brands like Fletcher Morobe, Hornibrooks, Curtain Bros, and Hebou Construction are being increasingly overlooked by the government.
And without notice, quality, tax, efficiency, equality, fairness, jobs, families, and an entire society are crumbling.
Moreover, we have seen online, that political rent-seeking and cronyism are heavily disguised as genuine contracts under the Connect-PNG program and Take-
back PNG mantra.
The aforementioned perception is backed by the uneven number and volume of contracts awarded to different companies.
A mismatch in the output and input of total contracts per company per time period can be red flags of the involvement of political benevolence and cronyism.
We have seen certain contractors receiving half of the total budget under the Connect-PNG program, but they are not delivering the projects on time and within budget.
Many roads and bridges under the Connect-PNG program remain under progress, or are of poor quality standards.
Obviously, off-budget spending is leading to cost variances, budget blowouts, and stalled projects (e.g.
Mendi-Nipa road upgrade and sealing).
Conversely, many reserved businesses in the country have been taken over by foreigners and these foreign-owned businesses are not paying taxes and are not complying with PNG laws.
Alluvial mining, logging, grocery chains, earthmoving, construction, among other industries have been given on golden plates to cronies and scrupulous firms by rentseeking bureaucrats and ministers.
We have seen foreign-owned businesses smuggling gold, evading tax, failing to comply with local laws, underpaying labors, and destroying the environment.
They have literally drained our economy from the inside out and what is left behind is a huge
tax loophole, a weak legal and institutional framework, loss of welfare, and a massive environment destruction.
And the political rent-seekers are running rampant on the national coffers, leaving the tax payers tired and bleeding.
The implementation of these two programs have been to the detriment of the public debt, which is now at unsustainable levels.
Obviously, voters are supporting costly policies and increased budget uncertainties.
Now, the Government is begging at the COP22 meeting for climate change support to mitigate the destruction caused on our environment.
MIKE HARO
Mayor-elect vows strong partnerships for development
BY PISAI GUMAR
LAE city mayor-elect, Jacob Maragau assured to maintain mutual working relationships with Lae City Authority and the Lae Chamber of Commerce including various stakeholders for betterment of residents and taxpayers.
In his speech, after his election, he said the focus is on human social welfare and basic infrastructure based on funding and the work will be channelled through respective ward member’s office.
Mr Maragau, a two-term ward 5 councillor, was elected unopposed when ward 6 councillor, Ismael Serum nominated him.
Lae district acting administrator, Smith Benny facilitated the nomination process after Commissioner of Oath, Patricia Matara swore-in the six councillors.
Councillors sworn-in are Meshach Nakuyuwi (ward 1), Brian Nessat (ward 2), McQuinn Douglas (ward 3), Andrew Kuno (ward 4), Jacob Maragau (ward 5) and Ismael Serum (ward 6).
The three community reps are Susan Robin (women), Namun Mawason (chamber of commerce) and Philip Ruambi (employees and workers union).
Morobe deputy administrator, infrastructure and growth centres, Kisu Lucas, Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Operations, Chief Inspector James Luan, and Lae city council (LCC) administration staff witnessed the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.
Mr Maragau was a deputy mayor under the leadership of former mayor, James Khay.
“Lae comprises multicultural citizens, both naturalised and
international and I will continue to work together with our Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso who is currently doing a great work to change the face of our city.
“As a deputy chairman to LCA and a representative to Morobe Tutumang, I also look forward to addressing issues facing Lae in Morobe provincial assembly,” he said.
When asked about how to address the current settlement issues due to population increase, he said the issue requires a mutual discussion with the stakeholders including neighbouring Labuta, Wampar and Nabak LLGs.
“I cannot address Lae city settlement issue alone; it is a sensitive and critical issue that requires collective discussion and inputs from our Lae MP, Morobe Provincial Government and administration,
Lae Chamber of Commerce including neighbouring Huon-Gulf and Nawaeb administration.
“We will have a special joint meeting regarding the issue as part of Lae city wards encroaches into Huon-Gulf and Nawaeb; its and existing issue,” Mr Maragau said.
Meanwhile, Mr Lucas urged the mayor to set some standards with assistance of LCC administration to guide him lead the councillors and citizens within next five years.
“Not much of social services was executed under LCC and I wish to see under your leadership to realign delivery policies in LCC with LCA to move the city forward and to ensure tax payers benefit in return,” he said.
Bingmalu Aihie was elected Ahi LLG president while Andrew Tera retained Morobe Rural LLG president seat for the second term.
LCA steps in with K130,000 medical support for health centres
BY ROSE BOBOLA
THE Lae City Authority has come on board to support the health centres in Lae district with medicine supply worth K130,000.
The presentation of this medicine supply is to help address the current shortage of basic consumables in the provincial hospital and other health centres.
Representing the Lae MP, LCA chief executive officer, Robin Calistus said LCA has come on board to help the health facilities within the district by purchasing these drugs.
“We are aware that the health facilities are in desperate need for drugs, that’s why we are coming in to help with the procurement,” he said.
Landowner call on Morobe children to pursue education
BY BRADLEY MARIORI
A LANDOWNER from Ahi has called on young people and students in Morobe to pursue education and come back to develop the province with its rich natural resources.
Back Road landowner in Lae, Reuben Mindari said the province needs a new generation of mining engineers, geologists, lawyers and land specialists to develop its resources.
Mr Mindari, who is also a specialist in land investigation reports in mining areas around the country, said 97 per cent of the resources in this country is owned by the people of Morobe.
Speaking during the 16th graduation of Bumayong Elementary School in Lae as a guest speaker where 122 students graduated yesterday, Mr Mindari said today's children must be prepared well to understand and manage the wealth benefit under their feet.
He said in the next 50 years and beyond, districts like Nawaeb, Kabwum, and Finschhafen will be recognised as some of the most resource-rich areas in the country identified under the porphyry system that is the very womb of the province's mineral wealth.
“Before that happens, today's children must be well-prepared to take on what is rightfully theirs or be spectators on their own land,” Mr Mindari said.
He said today's children must be well equipped to stand at the negotiating table, to protect their land and to ensure the people benefit from their resources and not leaving school halfway.
He said without many educated elites, the people will continue to struggle and be manipulated like puppets as seen in some resourcerich areas around the country.
“We are serving population from the Lae district as well people from the Nawaeb, Bulolo and Huon Gulf
Lae district nursing officer, Sr Lina Kusak said even though the drugs presented may seem quite a lot, they will only last for about two weeks, given the population they serve.
district,” Sr Kusak said. She said she is working on compiling a something to present to the Lae MP to prove why she says the drugs are not enough to cater for
the population they serve. Sr Kusak also appealed to her fellow nurses to keep a tally when prescribing and giving out drugs to patients and when the drugs run out.
Morobe expands galip nut seedling program as
By PISAI GUMAR
MOROBE is way ahead in farming 40,000 wild galip nut seedlings through usual nursery process developing seeds-base increase supply chain before commercialising processed nuts for its health values.
The initiative started with first 13,000 seedlings at Poahom distributed to farmers in Labuta, Umi-Atzera, Salamaua and Morobe Patrol Post in 2018, currently bearing nuts.
While the former Deputy Administrator economics, late Masayan Moat distributed additional 20,000 trees to various farmers.
To supplement the first 33,000 seedlings, additional 42,000 seedlings brought in from Madang are currently in nursery at Wawin, which are expected to be distributed next Thursday.
The galip nut kernel contains high content of fat, oil, protein, vitamins and minerals for both old and young people.
Morobe provincial agriculture program manager, Ken Elonaga
said the economic demand for galip nut crop is thriving in country and yet to hit overseas market.
It took 35 years for National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) in research to bring to limelight the village crop into commercial stage luring private sector interest in tree nuts value.
From NARI’s research, the Canarium Indicum species identified for commercial purposes resulted in Morobe to nurse 42,000 seedlings to distribute free to interested farmers.
Mr Elonaga said the galip nut is a high value supplementary crop, yet remains closely with rural people apart from cocoa, coffee, tea, palm oil and sugar.
“In Port Moresby shelf, a packet cost K180-K200 and in Lae at K150-K170 a packet,” he said.
In terms of galip woods, the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) signed an agreement with PNG Forest Research Institute (PNGFRI) recently enabling them to conduct research extension into New Guinea Islands and Mamose regions to verify the value within galip timber.
Mr Elonaga said the galip tree can be integrated with cocoa farming as shade trees, as the galip trees grow 600-metres above sea level.
“Madang and Rabaul has the galip nut processing plants and Morobe is preparing the supply chain process before setting up the plant,” he said. Adding that apt data will be compiled to determine way forward for galip nut processing and marketing in Morobe.
According to market for village farmers (MVF) galip nut project manager, Tio Nevenimo, the global demands for tree nuts is steadily increasing driven by health conscious consumers.
The expanding markets expected to grow at the compound annual growth rate of 11.1 per cent through to 2030.
The four main tree nuts valued at US$42.7 billion in 2021 and expected to increase by 11.1 per cent into 2030 are Almond, Cashew, Walnut and Pistachio.
Almond is currently dominating global market for its health nutritious benefits.
In the global trade, US is the leading exporter with Almond
Today’s children must be children must be prepared to take on what is to take on what is theirs
REUBEN MINDARI Lae
demand grows
fetching 69 per cent, Walnut 71 per cent and 62 per cent Pistachio.
Mr Nevenimo said the major importers includes European Union-28 per cent, China 12 per cent, India 11 per cent, Turkey 9 per cent and United Arab Emirate 7 per cent.
“The private sector interest began in 2018 when NARI introduced the first galip nut product in Port Moresby,” Mr Nevenimo said.
He also urged village farmers to not only concentrate on food crops production but also consider the thriving demand in tree nuts.
Mr Nevenimo said there are several major growers who continue planting over 600,000 galip nut trees as a shade tree with cocoa trees in various provinces
“Currently, MVF is supporting two private sectors in Madang and Rabaul that introduced their products last June currently on shop shelves,” he said.
“MVF is supporting about 3000 households and 50 lead farmers while talking to Morobe to plant more galip nut trees.”
However, various challenges in poor quality of nuts supplied, inconsistent supply, pest and disease (weevil Ectatorhinus magicus), high cost in manufacturing, unavailability of machinery and equipment results in 95 per cent of produce nuts become waste coupled with quality control and high cost in transport.
Lae City Authority CEO, Robin Calistus presenting the medicine supply to Lae District nursing officer, Sr Lina Kusak at the Lae District Administration office. PICTURE: ROSE BOBOLA
The galip nut Canarium Indicum species rich in fat, oil, protein, vitamins and minerals for the health of both old and young people. PICTURE SUPPLIED
EXPO PNG supports community
PATRICK MU’UH
EXPO PNG has continued its community support program in Lae by donating essential goods to elderly mothers at the Lae Market, the children’s ward and mothers’ ward at Angau Memorial General Hospital, and City Mission at 11-Mile.
This is part of the company’s annual charity program. Expo PNG Lae, which began operations in 2021, has now completed its second year of giving back to the community.
Branch manager Manau Tavaperry said the donations are part of their goal to share what they have with people in need.
“It is our nature as a company to give back every year. We believe that when we do business, we receive many blessings, so we must also bless others,” she said.
At the Lae Market, Expo PNG donated items to elderly mothers who work every day to earn income for their families. The mothers received items such as tissues, napkins, toothbrushes, dental kits, soaps, and tinned fish. All items were from Expo PNG’s own brand, Horizon.
The company also visited Angau Memorial General Hospital, where donations were delivered to the children’s ward and mothers’ ward. Nurses at the hospital said the goods would help families who struggle to
Couple break tradition to marry in church!
provide basic necessities while caring for sick children or new-born babies.
Expo PNG then extended its support to City Mission at 11-Mile, with 20 cartons of horizon tissues, 20 cartons of horizon tinned fish, five cartons of dental kits, two cartons of soap and five cartons of gem.
The organisation looks after boys and young men who come from difficult backgrounds.
City Mission General Manager Jesse Poriz said the donation was timely and would assist with daily needs for the boys staying at the centre towards the Christmas festive season.
“The annual donation aims to support underprivileged individuals including orphanage and residents in areas like jails and hospitals,” said Mohamed Niwas, Expo PNG Operations Manager.
“We are pleased to announce that we will be doing the service on an ongoing basis.”
Many of the recipients expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by Expo PNG. Market mothers said the support made them feel valued. Hospital staff thanked the company for helping patients who often lack basic items. City Mission also thanked Expo PNG for remembering vulnerable youths.
Expo PNG says its message is simple: share your blessings with others.
THE exchange of vows of newly weds Augustine Yogol and Kenny Tonny Tabie broke new ground for the West Elimbare people of Chuave, Chimbu Province – when both families decided to do away with a traditional marriage – for a westernised wedding in a church – a first for the Kenaimaina tribe. Read more in your weekender Page 29.
EXPO PNG team at Angau Memorial General Hospital in Lae.
Children, pregnant women recieving nutritional grants
BY MELYNE BAROI
OVER 10,300 children and pregnant mothers around East New Britain, Chimbu, Western and Madang provinces have been registered under a Child Nutrition and Social Protection project and receiving K60 monthly grants for proper nutritional health for their child.
This joint project by the departments of Health, Community Development and Religion and Justice and Attorney general aims for each pregnant mother or a mother with a child under the age of 5 to be supported with grants and trainings on nutritional health for proper growth and wellbeing of the child.
Secretary from the department of Community Development and Religion Mr Jerry Ubase said that this project will follow each of the families through the first 1000 days (apprx. 3 years) of the child with continued grants to make sure that child grows healthy and defeat the challenge of stunting rates in PNG.
It is noted that the grant is given
as K60 per child (from 5 years old and below) and a family with 2 children under the age of 5 will receive K120.
This roll out of the project that begin 2 years ago in only in 5 districts of the five provinces named.
According to the secretary this project has also provided job opportunities for locals on the ground to carry out the project noting a whole-of-society approach.
“The work started in 2023 with the pilot district was Gizelle in ENB and we only had about 173 beneficiaries.
In 2024 this time I think other provinces like Madang, Chimbu and Western joined” he said.
“By 2024 it increased to 1,573 beneficiaries and the total cost of the support was K239,970” he added.
He said with the total of 10,308 beneficiaries this year the total is about K894,960.
“That's (K894,960) the payment that has been done to support the beneficiaries in those four provinces” he said.
He said for each of the provinces:
East New Britain registered 2,167 beneficiaries (K200,000).
“The highest for the beneficiaries is Western Province with 3,056. With a total support of K3,704,400),” Secretary Ubase.
The project has engaged the World Vision and the Save the Children NGOs to deliver the programs in the four provinces.
Active partners include the World Bank, MiBank, Bank South Pacific and Digicel PNG.
The recipients were able to get bank accounts opened and mobile phone connected to their accounts through these partners for their funds to reach them.
“Our targets are ambitious but it's achievable - 180,000 beneficiaries by 2027.
So, our coverage will cover over 240 wards supported by workers from both the health department and department for community development of the ward level” Mr Ubase said.
Project extending in 64 wards in ENB province
BY UBA KAUPA DWU Journalism Student
THE Child Nutrition and Social Protection project have been piloted in East New Britain Province, reaching 64 wards in four local level government and teaching clans and families to encourage nutritious eating food.
The CNSP project has implemented both the social protection policy and the nutrition policy at the local level government in the hinterlands and the coastal areas in Gazelle District, teaching mothers to manage daily income to support
family.
In the National Nutrition Summit yesterday, the Gazelle District Administrator Hubert Wangun stated that the policies have been implemented and have seen achievements in two wards so far.
"I myself come from the first piloted ward that is along the coastal road and I have seen some change and achievements", Mr Wangun said. He said they have rolled out the project starting with 30 wards in Gazelle District and have given funds to other wards in his district in preparation to roll the CNSP Project.
He also said that he has partnered with other organisations like National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and the Coconut and Cocoa institute of PNG to assist with the carry-out of the project.
“We have also helped the smallscale farmers by providing cocoa and coconut seedlings and training local mothers on how to manage their small finances with the monthly K60 from the CNSP Project” he said. He acknowledged the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) for stepping in and solving other issues in the wards.
Policing in rural areas remains a serious challenge
BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE experience of Bereina Police Station Commander, Sergeant Willie Hoiba and his team, on their way to arrest two suspects involved in an unlawful assault case, once again highlights the growing difficulties faced by police officers working in rural areas. While travelling to execute the arrest at Eboa village in the Kairuku district of Central Province, both police vehicles bogged down in thick mud due to the severely deteriorated road conditions. What should have been a routine enforcement operation quickly turned into a logistical nightmare, delaying justice and weakening police visibility in communities that need it most. These conditions reflect a broader national challenge. Poor rural infrastructure directly undermines law-and-
Police vehicle bogged down in a muddy ditch in the middle of the road while on operations at Eboa village in Kairuku district of Central province recently. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
order enforcement. When officers cannot access remote areas swiftly and safely, suspects remain at large longer, police response times are compromised, and the confidence of villagers in the justice system erodes. For police units already stretched thin, such obstacles place additional strain on manpower, fuel costs, time, and op-
erational effectiveness.
Local authorities, community leaders, and relevant government agencies are urged to take ownership of critical infrastructure, especially feeder roads that connect villages to essential services. Restoring this particular segment of road at Eboa village is not only a transport need; it is a security necessity.
Building inclusion from the ground up
Kime Market vendor and disability advocate Roselyn David stands in front of her market stall, where she sells herbal supplements and traditional jewelry.
Education for children living with disabilities
Aitape IERC staff conducting an information session for students on ear and eye health, advocating for proper nutrition, and championing disability inclusion in the school and the importance of regular school attendance.
ON THIS International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the efforts of teachers across Papua New Guinea who are identifying and supporting students with disabilities and additional learning needs.
At Inclusive Education Resource Centres (IERCs) in West Sepik and Central Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, teachers are trained on how to use basic screening tools, such as the Whole Child Checklist, which assists to identify students who may have a disability, so they can develop a support plan. With this knowledge, they develop individual education plans to provide tailored support, ensuring more inclusive learning experiences. IERCs are supported through the Australian funded Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program, a five-year initiative between the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea that supports early grade education in Central, Enga and Sandaun provinces, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
IERCs also assist schools with regular eye and ear screenings and help identify disabilities and learning needs. When further assistance is required, timely referrals are made to local health providers.
Women researchers boost
THE Australian government is supporting the expansion of a training and skills development program for women researchers in Lae, Morobe Province, building on the successful launch of the initiative in Port Moresby earlier this year.
Forty women researchers from Lae were selected to participate in two work shops.
The top 10 performers will be offered a fourweek advanced training placement in Australia, providing an opportunity to further strengthen their expertise and leadership skills.
This program recognises the vital role women play in research and aims to empower those working in economic and agricultural analysis to become leaders and mentors in their fields.
Delivered by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Study Centre at RMIT University in Melbourne, the program is designed to enhance research capability, foster professional networks, and build leadership among women researchers across PNG. Speaking at the opening of the Lae workshop, Dr Nelson Simbiken, Director General of the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), highlighted the importance of women researchers to PNG’s development.
A VENDOR with disability selling her wares at Kimbe market in West New Britain Province, Roselyn David, is a passionate advocate for people with disability.
Recently, her advocacy took a practical turn when she became directly involved in the redevelopment of the Kimbe market –– a major infrastructure project delivered by the PNG-Australia Partnership.
Ms David and other disability advocates were consulted during the market’s design phase. Their input helped shape key accessibility features, including wheel-chair
friendly ramps, inclusive toilets with grab rails and safe non-slip pathways.
Ms David's involvement did not stop at consultation. She was employed by the construction company responsible for building the market, as a spotter. In this role, she guided work trucks and helped maintain safety on-site.
“It was empowering to be part of the team that built something so important,” she said.
Today, Ms David is a vendor at Kimbe market, a proud end user of the very infrastructure she helped shape.
“We advocated for inclusive design and now we’re using it; that’s real change,” she said. Ms David continues to raise awareness about employment opportunities for people with a disability and the importance of representation in decision-making spaces. She believes inclusive markets must go beyond physical access to include voices of people with disability in management and planning.
Her journey from advocate to construction worker and on to vendor demonstrates the power of inclusive development.
Bubia Primary to transition to Junior
BY PATRICK MU’UH
BUBIA Primary School in Wampar LLG, Morobe Province, will take a major step forward next year, welcoming its first intakes of Grade 9 students, officially transitioning into a junior high school in 2026.
School principal James Timping said the approval from the Morobe Provincial Education Board (PEB) has set a new direction for the school, making its 27th Grade 8 graduation the last under its primary school status.
Parents, teachers, community leaders and invited guests gathered to witness the graduation of 150 Grade 8 students, an event that marked both celebration and change for the Bubia community.
Mr Timping said the upgrade
is a proud moment for the school and surrounding areas.
“We are ready for this change. Graduating the 150 Grade 8 students is special because next year we begin a new journey with Grade 9. This is a big achievement for Bubia,” he said.
“The PEB has already approved our move to junior high. We need more support in terms of funding and infrastructure.”
Students from Bubia primary have been selected to Bugandi Secondary School in recent years, however, due to spacing issues, and Bubia’s rural status, the PEB decided to have them admitted to Salamaua High School.
Therefore, Mr Timping said the reason for the transition into junior high is the distance and cost of travelling to
Salamaua High School, which students from Bubia attend after completing grade 8.
“Most parents don’t have enough money to travel to Salamaua for P&C meetings,” he said.
“The safety of our children is also important.”
Mr Timping thanked teachers, parents and community leaders for their support throughout the year.
“Our teachers have worked hard. I also thank the parents and the community for standing with us. We can only grow if we work together,” he said.
Wampar LLG President Ezekiel Geob, said the school’s shift to junior high marks a new era for education in the area.
“This development is important for our children,” he said.
“Having Grade 9 will reduce the number of drop outs, and ease the burden of distance and school fees.
“More young people will have a chance to continue their education.
“The LLG will continue to support Bubia primary so it can provide quality learning for our future generation.”
The parents said they were proud of their children and welcomed the news of the Grade 9 intake.
Many said it would reduce transport problems and give students a safer and closer option for continuing school.
With the new junior high pathway beginning in 2026, Bubia Primary School is expected to serve more students from Bubia, Gabensis, Nasuapum and nearby communities, helping reduce
Central FODE celebrates milestone graduation, rising student success
TWO hundred and thirty-seven Flexible and Open Distance Education students from Central Province graduated on Wednesday at the FODE Centre headquarters in Port Moresby witnessed by parents and guardians.
With perseverance, commitment and sacrifices, the students have graduated today, thanks to the supportive parents and guardians who never gave up on their children.
The guest of honour at the graduation was PNG Defence Force Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara.
He addressed the students and encouraged them to be true leaders and work for the country.
First Assistant Secretary Andrew Angobe who is from the Education department also gave his motivational speech.
“This year marks a triumph for all our FODE centres nationwide where our staff and
people have worked hard in preparing the students for the national examinations.
“We are certain most will be accepted into grades 11 and 12 next year and onwards,” he said.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank all the hardworking and committed FODE officers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we have had a successful academic year, 2025.”
The correspondents of student’s upgraders include grade 8 saw eight students, grade 10 is 104, and grade 12 saw 125 graduated from the Central FODE Centre.
This is the third graduation ceremony for the Central FODE and it’s a milestone achievement for both the students and Central FODE Centre for passing out more than 200 students compared to previous years intake.
FODE principal Anthony Rayappan said: “People will say FODE is for those failures, but I tell you FODE is for those hard working and committed students who the system can not accept into the formal education system.
that enrolled into FODE in the centres throughout the country.
“This is a training centre where we only provide guidance and supervise those
“Our intake have increased over the years, and this is an indication of the interest that students have to take a second chance and get into the formal education system by upgrading their course grades.”
Last Grade 8 graduands of Bubia Primary under community school status. PICTURE: PATRICK MU’UH
Central FODE students at their third graduation ceremony at FODE PNG Head Office in Port Moresby. PICTURE SUPPLIED
New public servants inducted
CHIEF Secretary Pomaleu Welcomes New Public Servants of the Department of Prime Minister& NEC who have Received ‘National Certificate 2 in Government Public Service Induction’ at SILAG
CHIEF Secretary, Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu has welcomed officers of the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, who have completed a week-long Public Service induction and training on Friday 28 November at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) in Port Moresby.
Amb Pomaleu was accompanied by acting Deputy Secretary - Policy Wing 2, Freda Komolong and Deputy Secretary - Operations, Joshua Uvau and officers of the department who were present to witness this event.
He congratulated the 75 Probationary Officers of the Department who had undergone and completed the Public Service Induction and received National Certificate2 in Government Public Service Induction at SILAG.
“Your successful completion of this rigorous program marks your formal entry into a noble vocation. As permanent members of the public service you carry with you a responsibility to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability and the highest standards of public leadership,” he said.
Amb Pomaleu highlighted that the induction has provided the graduands with crucial foundational knowledge and practical skills required for effective public administration.
The program covered core principles of governance, ethics, accountability, effective communication, leadership, critical thinking and practical approaches to policy implementation.
He urged the officers of the Department to uphold their professional integrity and official conduct in their workplace. Public service is a calling: officers must serve with compassion, empathy and a steadfast commitment to the public good.
Apply the training: translate the theory and skills from the induction into practical solutions for the communities you serve.
Embrace collaboration: seek guidance, work closely with colleagues and build networks of peers and mentors across the service.
Meet challenges with resilience: the public service environment will present difficult decisions and obstacles; face these with fortitude and professional judgement.
Uphold transparency and accountability: these are essential to build and maintain public trust, and to ensure effective governance.
Toastmasters district 69 conference
THE Pasifika Division Toastmasters Conference for District 69 was held on Sunday 30 November, 2025, at the Dynasty restaurant in Port Moresby.
Toastmasters International (TI) is a US-headquartered nonprofit educational organisation that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping people develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Most clubs accept guests for free to get a Toastmasters Experience.
The team for the conference was communicating for Impact in a (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) Speak Smart, Lead Bold, Shape Tomorrow. The contestants who contested in the Pasifika Division Toastmasters Conference for District 69 where clustered into four different categories, International Speech Contest, Evaluation speech Contest, Table Topics Speech contest and the Humorous speech Contest.
The winners for the four different categories were; 1st place - Julius Yeoh area 38 Kommuniti club, 2nd place was Sylvia Enage presenting Area 40 BSP and 3rd place was Cynthia J Martin Area 44 synergy success.
For the other categories were; Evaluation contest:
1st Place Alice Solon of area 45 NCD
2nd Place Monica Toisenegila area 40
3rd Place Miriam Simin of Area 44 took the second and third placing.
Table Topic Contest
1st Place Monica Toisenegila of area 40
2nd Aileen Sagolo of Area 44
3rd Cyril Karaut of Area 38 Humorous Contest
1st Place Mona Giheno-Lepen of Area 40
2nd Jessica Amban of Area 45 CTSL
3rd Regina Epli of Area 44.
Toastmasters International Pasifika’s Raka Raula said the event shows what happens when ordinary people step into a safe space and discover their voice.
New Public Servants of the Department of Prime Minister and NEC who had graduated and received National Certificate 2 in Public Service Induction at SILAG.
From guard to teacher
Kagul man attains teaching diploma
BY MICHELLE STEVEN
AMONG the 209 students who graduated with Diploma in Education recently from the Divine Word University’s Holy Trinity Teachers College (HTTC) in Mt Hagen this year, stood James Tom.
The 33-year-old security guard formerly known as James Ukundu from Lower Kagul in the Tambul-Nebilyer electorate of Western Highlands Province. What made his success special among the many graduates was his perseverance.
James was the fifth child in a family of nine. Unfortunately, one of his siblings died leaving behind four girls and four boys in his family.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
Growing up in a small village called Napulg, James recalls his childhood vividly. He is from the Kiripia community of the Kepaka and Supaka tribe. Back then only a few kids in his community attended school.
James remembers attending Kiripia Primary School but his parents were villagers who had no form of income to support his education so he decided to leave school after grade three in 2001.
After leaving school, he moved to Tomba and lived with his uncle Tom Pepena. That is where he got the surname Tom.
In Tomba, nothing was handed free to James. He helped the Pepena family and went into farming with them. They helped him with his school fees and then he went back to school. He didn’t do grade four or five, he jumped straight to grade seven.
After years of being at home and doing farming work and having less time to read books unfortunately made him score very low marks on his report card but one subject that he stood out in was Arts. He was really good at carvings and drawings.
James, however, got the first prize for Art in Grade Seven and that motivated him. During his grade eight examination he passed and was selected to do grade nine.
In 2009, James did his grade nine at Paglum Secondary School. After completing his grade 10 examination he was selected to do grade 11 at Kabiufa Secondary School in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. He took the bold step and went to another new environment and did his grade 11 in Goroka. Unfortunately, in 2012, due to the National General Elections he decided to withdraw from grade 12 due to security reasons with the National General Election in 2012. There were fights happening everywhere and his learning was affected. In 2013, he went back to Kabiufa and repeated grade 12. He passed and was accepted by two colleges -- Sonoma Adventist College in Kokopo, East New Britain and Goroka Technical College. He figured Sonoma was too far so he decided to accept the offer from Goroka Tech.
In 2014, he did his first year at Goroka
Technical College. James recalls again having to put his education on hold because he had no school fees to go back to do his second year in 2015.
“I didn’t withdraw or write any letter to my lecturers. I just packed my things and got on the next bus back to Mt Hagen.
“I came back to Hagen and went back straight to the village,” he said.
James said that despite being at home his passion to go back to school still persisted so he decided to apply to any college within Mt Hagen because that would cut the cost.
The entire year of 2015, he was out of luck. He then travelled the highway buying and selling betelnut.
His passion and dream to go back to school still egged him and in 2016 he went back to Goroka Tech but he was told by the administration that he would stay for six months. This to him was too much. He had to live outside of school and that meant paying for his own rented room, buying his own food and on top of that bus fare back and forth to school.
“The system didn’t want me to be in school so I took off again, met my wife and took her straight to the village and got married.”
James laughed out loud as he said her family came after me because she was still in school as well. Things took a different turn when they had their first daughter Jainstar in 2017. He realised that his wife needed things so as his newborn baby girl and things went from bad to worse.
EMPLOYMENT
On December 1, 2017, he heard rumours that one of his tribesmen, the late Vincent Awali was recruiting for Black Swan Security Services at Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen. Upon hearing the news James said he left the village and got on the next bus to Mt Hagen.
“It was on a Tuesday, I got off the bus at Popes Oval and saw that the late Vincent was sitting in a brand new 10-seater and recruiting there.
“As soon as he saw me he asked if I wanted
to work and immediately, I said yes.
“I told him I heard he was recruiting so I wanted to apply and I came from the village,” said James.
James said that when he heard this, he told James to go get his hair cut and come start work. He recalls Black Swan taking over the security post at Highlander Hotel from G4S. He worked at Highlander Hotel as a security officer with Black Swan from 2017 to 2020.
After that he decided to apply to the University of Goroka and was accepted in 2022. When he arrived he noticed the same thing. He had to rent a room and the same thing repeated itself so without even withdrawing took off back to Mt Hagen and back to his post as a security guard at Highlander.In the same year, he applied to Holy Trinity Teachers College and was accepted in 2023.
“On a Friday I went down to Holy Trinity and as soon as I saw my name (James Tom) on the notice board I was happy that I was finally a student again. In 2023 I did my first year at HTTC.
“I would work on the night shift because during the day I had classes to attend.”
He said he went through a very challenging life and had to struggle his way up and out because he was determined.
“I now have three children and the little fortnight wage I get from Black Swan, I budgeted to save for my first born daughter’s school fee, my school fee and bus fare, the rent and daily household items, medical bills and others.”
James said that that became his lifestyle until his graduation from Holy Trinity Teachers College.
“Everyone got their papers with joy but I got mines with tears in my eyes because I alone knew the pain and suffering I went through to actually get this paper.”
He went on saying that in whatever little job you do either you’re a cleaner or a security guard you have to take pride in your job.“There are blessings there in whatever job you do or have,” said Mr Tom.
He said that through this little security job he is now a public servant and he was proud of himself.
James with his wife and kids.
James with his family and colleagues. PICTURES: SUPPLIED
James with his father Sukundu Peke and mother Bepi Sukundu.
An emotional James with his two colleagues, Martin Dalson and Joel Wayne.
Community keeps Hood Lagoon Primary open
BY ALU J KALINOE
HOOD Lagoon Primary School has long been the humble but vital education centre for generations of children across the three sister villages of Keapara, Alukuni and Karawa.
For decades, the school has produced educated elites, professionals and celebrated sports stars who went on to represent their communities with pride.
But today, the institution faces a grim reality, its facilities are deteriorating, maintenance is overdue, and infrastructure is struggling to meet the needs of its growing student population.
Long serving teacher Gutuma Tegena, originally from Babaka village, who has served there for 25 years, said; “The three communities are very supportive to the school”.
Mr Tegena has led the school as head teacher. Despite the numerous challenges, he commended the unwavering support of the surrounding communities.
Over the years, the villages have stepped in where funding fell short. Two additional classrooms were constructed, one donated by Keapara and the other by Karawa.
Keapara also recently built a new pastor’s house and plans to dismantle
the old one, using its materials to support the construction of muchneeded staff housing.
“When I came, one building didn’t exist, so we didn’t have a library,” Mr. Tegena explained. “Around 2008, some new classrooms were built, and recently the library was built.”Former students have continued to show their loyalty to the school. About a week ago, the institution received five cartons of reading books donated by students from the University of Technology in Lae during an awareness visit. In addition, a former Keapara student recently donated 20 desks as part of the K.A.K community initiative to improve education facilities.
According to Mr. Uvenama Rova, First Secretary to the Member for Rigo, Ano Pala, the government is also looking to modernise learning in the district.
“We are looking to establish more in ICT,” Mr. Rova said. “There is a change in life and the education system, and Mr. Ano Pala hopes to follow this change not only in Hood Lagoon but also across Rigo. We want to bring infrastructure development.”
Rova also discusses the issue regarding local commitment, “What we want from the people is accountability.
For every project we fund, we expect acquittals, proper reports, and feedback on the challenges they face. This helps ensure that future projects are better planned and that the money we provide truly benefits them and is not misused,” he adds. Despite the challenges, Hood Lagoon Primary School continues to stand as the heart of learning for three closely connected villages. With growing community support and renewed commitment from leaders, there is hope that the school will once again thrive as a centre of excellence for future generations.
Hood Lagoon Primary: Serving 617 students
decades, it has served the three coastal villages of Keapara, Alukuni and Karawa, while also supporting students from surrounding inland communities.
Second Secretary to the Member for Rigo, Mr. Uvenama Rova, himself a former student, reflected on the school’s proud legacy.
BY ALU J KALINOE
ESTABLISHED in 1957, Hood Lagoon Primary School has long been a cornerstone of education in the Rigo district. The school has produced countless success stories, including the current Member for Rigo, Ano Pala, and many other national leaders. For
“Ano Pala was one of the pioneering students after the earlier cohorts, and Hood Lagoon Primary School has developed through thick and thin,” he said. “Coming out of Hood Lagoon Primary, we’ve had some very prominent individuals, including the late Chief Justice Sir Mari Kapi, Chief Ila Geno, Member for Rigo Ano Pala, Patrick Amini, and the current High Commissioner to Australia, John Kali, among others.”
Today, the school continues to operate from Prep to Grade 8.
According to head teacher Mr. Gutuma Tegana, the lower grades are especially crowded.
“We have four Prep streams, one each for Keapara, Alukuni and Karawa, and an additional stream
based in Alukuni due to classroom shortages. They are even using the downstairs area of the library as a classroom,” Mr. Tegana said.
“From Grade 1 to Grade 8 we have two streams each. Grade 8 has 56 students, Grade 7 has 46, and Grade 6 has 45. Altogether, there are more than 617 students attending the school from the three villages and nearby communities.”
However, the school is also grappling with declining attendance among village students. According to Mr. Tegana, the enrolment figures should be higher.
“Sometimes, I don’t think parents are interested in having their children attend. We should have 700-plus students,” he said.
“Parents are often heavily involved in community activities and keep their children at home.
Some students help with fishing or sell fish at the market, especially girls. Boys are influenced by peers
in the community and don’t want to come to school. That’s another contributing factor.”
Mr. Rova added that many families are now pursuing opportunities under the Labour Mobility or PALM Programs, which may also affect student commitment and long-term educational focus.
“Many young people are looking at other opportunities. It depends on the interest of the younger generation. Still, a number of individuals continue to excel from this school, the interest is still there,” he said.
Despite challenges, Hood Lagoon Primary School remains a significant institution in Rigo District, one that has shaped leaders, professionals and community figures for more than six decades. With strengthened support, it has the potential to continue producing future generations of achievers.
Hood Lagoon Primary School, the learning hub for generations in Keapara, Alukuni and Karawa. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Hood Lagoon Primary—shaping leaders for over 60 years. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Prison facilities poor, conference told
Stories BY VELERIE BULUMARIS
POOR infrastructure development is key issue for Correctional Officers and detainees identified during Corrections Service senior managers’ conference in Lae this week.
The five-day conference is hosted in Lae International Hotel with more than 22 senior managers attending from all over the county.
From all their issues shared, lack of infrastructure rehabilitation is a leading issue addressed there for both correctional service men and women and prison centres throughout PNG.
Lakiemata jail commander in West New Britain Province shared concerns of overcrowding as it holds the largest number of detainees in the New Guinea Islands region
He said that the prison has been getting most detainees out of the four prison centres in NGI every year, but there are rarely any improvement in all of its infrastructure.
Other jail commanders are also raising the same issues with concerns over spreading of diseases such as tuberculosis among prisoners.
The Bougainville Bekut jail is also under security risk as its island’s prison needs rehabilitation claimed
by Assistance Commissioner Vincent
Kundi who reminded officials of its 60-year-old facility.
“Bougainville prison was established before the independence and most of its building facilities that hold detainees aren’t strong anymore,” he said.
Meanwhile Boram main prison blocks were built with corrugated metal fencing during the 1960s and it also needed upgrade.
A recent scoping carried out by PNGCS officers have also shown deteriorating states of its staff housing in Bomana including other centres in each province.
The report uncovered poor living
Correctional Service strategic plan lacks govt rollout funding
CORRECTIONS Service’s attempts to get the National Executive Council to increase its budgets to accommodate its five-year strategic-plan have been unsuccessful since 2022.
It’s now working on its delayed strategic plan 2025to-2030 during its senior manager’s conference this week in Lae to align again this plan with Law and Order sectors for a fair funding.
On Tuesday CS’s Acting Deputy CommissionerCorporate Affairs, Michael Mosiri presented a new strategic plan for senior officials’ review and discussions before updating it.
He highlighted a need for each prison centre manager to present statistics and data and aligning their plans with Law and Order sectors for a chance to gain NEC’s attention.
“If we finally get national executive council’s attention, maybe then they could fund our longawaited projects such as rehabilitation of prisons and staff housing,” Mr Mosiri said.
He spoke about their need to improve and update their five-year strategic plan 2025-2030 (realistically 2026-2030), the plan that could enable them to receive proper funding allocations.
PNGCS’s main focus is to implement its updated plan before 2026 begins to create pathways for its functionality in the next four years, thus it is still functioning under its old plan.
This has caused it to function throughout these years while being underfunded with rising issues and run-down infrastructure facilities where its key plans and projects weren’t carried out properly.
Projects such as rehabilitation of wardens’ homes and prison, recruitment of new staffs and need for prison expansion among others in all provincial centres.
Thus a whole day of its conference was dedicated entirely for all its senior officers to discuss and provide their reports and overviews into their ideal short term plans.
The process that has been witnessed annually since 2022 but hasn’t been implemented as yet, it involves senior officials’ review into their five-year strategic plan.
The slow upgrade is due to changes in CS’s management including slow review of its legislation amendments that would accommodate changes for PNGCSI’s development.
Mr Mosiri said part of legislation that outline prison industries needed amendment to it to recognise reward systems for prisoners to acquire a form of allowances when they leave prison,
CSI senior managers reviewing their new strategic plan 2026-2030.
PICTURES: VELERIE BULUMARIS
Acting Deputy Commissioner- Corporate
Michael Mosiri.
DREAM WEDDING
- celebrating culture
REVIVING A CANOE, A RENEWING IDENTITY
BY PAIGE MANOA
THE sea was calm. The sky remained cloudless. It was a beautiful day. The drums in in Mouklen village on Rambutso Island carried a deep cultural meaning.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop joined the community to launch a canoe known among the Titan Tribe of Manus as the N’drol
The event marked the return of canoe craftsmanship and voyaging after thirty years, and the renewal of cultural identity as a foundation for the future.
Parkop explained, “The Titan people, in their oral history, they are not from Manus. They are a place where they belong. It’s sunk. So they had to flee. So they flee here in the canoes.
And the canoe defines their life. So this is the significance of the event. And being here, they moved around here, and they tried because of the canoe.”
The N’drol carries deep meaning for the Titan people. It is more than a canoe and serves as a reminder of survival and identity, reaching back to the time when their ancestors fled a sunken homeland in the Bismarck Sea and found refuge on Manus Island.
For generations it has stood as a sign of strength, carrying families through migration and settlement. Parkop reflected on this history and said the canoe has always defined the life of the Titan people. For him, the N’drol is not just a vessel but a living heritage that keeps their stories, values and identity alive for the future.
The N’drol carries a wealth of knowledge and ancestral wisdom. It shows the Titan people’s skill in canoe building and their deep understanding of navigation by the stars, tides, lunar cycles, and the environment.
Every part of the canoe, from the hull to the outrigger, has a traditional name and meaning in the Titan language. To lose the canoe would mean losing language, stories, and memory.
Bringing it back helps elders pass these skills on to the younger generation so they do not fade away.
In the past, the N’drol allowed Titan communities to travel far for trade, cultural exchange, and connection, reaching places as far as Micronesia and Yap.
Parkop shared his own feelings about the revival. “I am pleased to be supporting this because in my own ways I’m paying respect to my ancestors and my heritage and I would be proud that this thing has happened because I am part of that journey too.”
He recalled using canoes to get to school, tying that memory to his pride in supporting the revival today. “When we were going to high-
school, we did not have dinghies; we went on canoes, so it is significant in its own way.”
“We’ve got to think about not just road, bridges, all the infrastructure, the economy, but the values. The values that lift our people and our country. That’s very important because we have to know where and what PNG is transitioning to.
He continued, “We need to understand and draw on what worked for our people, sustained our people for thousands of years.”
The N’drol also has strong potential for tourism, canoe festivals, traditional voyages, and cultural exchange programs.
Parkop highlighted that Papua New Guinea’s cultural wealth is priceless and can be a powerful driver of economic growth if properly invested in.” invest in tourism, we can elevate tourism to become as, you know, big and successful as the other aspect of the economy, like minerals or hydrocarbon, oil and gas, or, you know, agriculture, cash crops.
“Tourism has the potential. It’s already proven, like in 2011, a study shows that we had a small investment, I think 400,000 or something like that.
“But in return, we got about 80 million in return just by investing in tourism. So the numbers don’t lie. But we are not investing as much as we can in tourism. tourism and also in preservation of our culture, our tradition, our arts, song and dance.
Our language is at risk. “
This revival fits with UNESCO conventions, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially goals 4, 8, 11 and 13, and PNG’s own cultural policies that support heritage preservation, education, sustainable tourism and community development.
Reviving the N’drol is both
meaningful and practical, celebrating the past while pointing toward the future.
Parkop tied it to PNG’s 50th Independence Jubilee national theme, “Celebrating our history, inspiring the future,” and said the canoe is a cultural institution that can work alongside modern knowledge to help shape the country’s next fifty years.
The N’drol’s hull is long and narrow, painted white on the outside with a natural wooden interior. It has a pointed bow and stern, designed for smooth and fast movement through water. A plank runs across the interior of the hull, serving as a seat.
Above the central section is a raised wooden deck platform made from evenly laid timber planks acting as storage covers.
Beneath the deck are divided storage compartments for keeping items safe when traveling. A simple roof frame made of thin poles is built over part of the deck, tied with ropes for structure and to secure the roof material.
On the opposite side of the outrigger, a wooden extension platform was built in a crisscross style. Long planks were laid side by side, and thinner sticks or poles were tied across them, creating a lattice of squares and rectangles.
This open framework made the platform strong but light, giving passengers and cargo a stable place to sit while also helping balance the canoe.
Pomoso Pangkila of Tilienu, Rambutso Island, the last elder with canoe-building knowledge, said it took him and a group of village boys about two months to build the N’drol.
To make the canoe fit for the ocean, red cedar wood was used for all its parts. Pomoso spoke about how
the younger boys lacked canoebuilding knowledge, which slowed the process.
He explained, “It took quite a long time to build this canoe, almost like we were making two or three canoes, because the boys did not know how.
“The younger ones did not understand how to work on a canoe, so I had to lead everything myself, and that made it take longer.”
Pomoso said the revival of canoe building needs to continue so young people can keep this knowledge alive.
A major challenge they face today is the cost of materials, such as purchasing red cedar trees. In the past, almost everything was available and cheaper, with everyone contributing.
Although the building took longer and came with costs, Pomoso expressed gratitude for modern power tools, which made the work easier.
has food. For our islanders, the canoe is important for travel, trade, and connection. It is their lifeline.” Pokupwen said he was glad to see what he called a revival of their identity.
The Ndrol, called Kanau II, carries on the legacy of the first Kanau, the canoe that brought the ancestors of the Titan Tribe across the sea to Rambutso Island.
In their language, Kanau means Seagull, a symbol of voyaging.
Just as the seagull rides the wind, the canoe rides the waves; both are guided by the rhythms of the ocean. The name reminds the Titan people of who they are: drifters and travellers of the sea.
Representing the youth, Michael Cholai shared that he had never seen such a canoe before. “Ever since I was born, I have never seen this kind of canoe,” he said.
Michael sees the canoe as something of the past, known only to elders, and now understands the importance of learning how to build one.
Being part of the youth group that helped build Kanau II taught him to take pride in his Titan identity, as travelers who journeyed not only for survival but for exchange, exploration, and connection.
Michael encourages young Papua New Guineans to hold on to their culture and traditions, reminding them that these ways guided our ancestors and continue to shape who we are today.
Parkop said, “Celebrating our history, inspiring our future” is not just a theme, but is a call to all Papua New Guineans to root their progress in the strength of their heritage.
The Titan people’s journey reminds us that in knowing who we are, we truly begin to become who
He compared the Ndrol to a dinghy, saying the Ndrol can carry up to 20 people and serve as a home while traveling. “You can cook, eat, and sleep on a Ndrol,” he said, “making it much more efficient than a dinghy, which cannot carry as many people or act as a house.”
Community leader Pokupwen Cholai from Mouklen Village said the canoe has always shown who their people are when traveling across the sea, especially before independence.
However, as more elders pass on, they take their knowledge of canoe building with them. He acknowledged how fortunate they are to have Pomoso still passing on his skills to the younger generation.
Pokupwen said the Ndrol is vital, especially for those living on islands. “Our elders used to say, when you have a canoe, your house
Governor Powes Parkop speaking Governor Powes at the canoe launch at Rambutso at canoe at Island
Governor Powes Parkop with the villagers posing for a picture with the N’drol-themed T-shirts.
Kanau II with dancers on board on board.
BREAKING TRADITION, BREAKING SETTING PRECEDENTS
Kenai Maina Couple Break Tradition to Marry in Church
BY JOHN PANGKATANA
THE exchange of vows of newlyweds Augustine Yogol and Kenny Tonny Tabie broke new ground for the West Elimbari people of Chuave, Chimbu Province.
Both families decided to do away with a traditional marriage, for a westernised wedding in a church, a first for the Kenai Maina tribe.
Proud father of the groom (eldest son), a 32-year career PNG Defence Force officer in Lieutenant Waii Yogol, said let this be a good lesson for his people, as he see’s it as a major shift in breaking the traditional norms of their society, a reality check that needs to happen, where the young couple are not faced with an immediate burden.
Amid the shouts of joy and admiration of the couple that erupted from St John’s Chapel at the PNGDF First Royal Pacific Island Regiment (1RPIR) at Taurama Barracks on Saturday, after the main celebrant, Army Chaplain Captain Bernard Nosum, had announced that the couple are now one, husband and wife, saw a Lt Yogol breathe a sigh of relief.
A sigh of relief, because the newlyweds will begin their journey without the usual customary obligation baggage to weigh them down.
“This is not to say we do away with our customs that define who we are, but it is more of a readjustment of the system to be practical with the reality of life in this modern age,” said Lt Yogol.
He said both families also saw the importance of this arrangement and agreed that it should be seen as a milestone decision for the Yorigu
Number One and Auragu clans in Kenai Maina.
Lt Yogol further stated that this does away with the burden of repayment and families competing for recognition with the amount of money or pigs to contribute.
He did however say that they have maintained the customary obligation of paying bride price to a certain extent.
With his Port Moresby-based clan members, headed by clan leader and chairman of the wedding arrangements, Paul Gerry, they raised just over K70, 000.
Of that amount, K55,000 cash was presented to the bride’s clan and K5000 was given to the couple to assist in starting their life together.
Gerry explained that the K5000 to the couple was in place of the traditional axe, bow and arrows, bilum, kaukau vines or seeds.
“This is our contribution from the Port Moresby community, while our clan members at home will convene a time when they are ready as well,” Gerry added.
He further stated that this change further sets the precedent for the future.
“Interestingly, our clan among the eight ward councils in Ward 6 West Elimbari also set the record for the highest bride price paid, totalling K100,000 to this day,” Gerry added.
Lt Yogol is in charge of Soldiers of Transfer, Repatriation, acknowledged their clan members in Port Moresby for their participation, the support of the Protestant Denomination Congregation of St John’s Chapel and the Taurama Barracks families for making the day a success for Augustine and Kenny Yogol.
THE newly-weds exit the Taurama Army Barracks chapel.
THE newly-weds return down the aisle under a shower of rose petals.
THE newly-weds Augustine Yogol and Kenny Tonny Tabie take a group photo with the bridesmaids and best men.
A PIECE OF ME ON TRUE NORTH
BY DOLLY PALEK
DURING one of our morning teas in the bar lounge, Peter Chegwyn, affectionately known on board the True North as the ever-cheerful Cheggers walked over to me with a book in his hand.
“You should read it,” he said, placing it gently before me. “It’s a great book and it has a lot of pictures too.”
I smiled, amused and grateful,
and accepted it without hesitation. Cheggers had gifted the book to the True North back in Novermber, 2015, a heartfelt gesture wishing the ship many safe and memorable voyages through Papua New Guinea. I had no idea then that this simple kindness was about to lead me to something extraordinary.
As I held the book and read the front cover, something stirred inside me; you could say that it was a quiet nudge, almost like a whisper.
My intuition. It was kicking in. I flipped straight to the contents page and skimmed through the chapter titles. My eyes were searching for just one word. There it was. Purari, Delta Division. That was all I needed to see. I turned to Scholar, my colleague and companion on this 10-day cruise and said confidently, “I bet I’ll find a picture of my greatgrandfather in this book.”
As I flipped through the pages,
the anticipation grew and my heart started to beat faster than usual. Sure enough, lo and behold, there he was.
Evara of Kari Mai Ravi, Ukiravi. My great-grandfather. A face I had only ever known through stories suddenly staring back at me from the pages of a book I wasn’t meant to find or hold, yet somehow did.
The moment I saw him, my breath caught. The face looked almost too familiar, like my grandfather’s, like my mother’s. The same facial structure, the same quiet strength and the name, I know it too well from stories told to me across the ground kitchen fire. I felt an instant connection, as if I was looking at the foundation of my family line, the very beginning of me.
Instinctively, I took a picture of the page and sent it to the one person who knows our family history better than anyone else that I know of: my aunt Flory. Her reply came quickly with a warm certainty, confirming everything my heart already knew.
Overjoyed, fighting the urge to
squeal or burst into tears, I tapped Scholar and whispered, “My intuition was right.”
She was just as amazed as I was. At that exact moment, Cheggers walked back into the lounge. I stood up immediately, still holding the book and walked toward him. Without saying a word, I opened the page and showed him what I had found. There was a moment of soft stunned silence before his face broke into the biggest smile. He shared in my excitement as if it were his own discovery. And he didn’t stop there. Cheggers made sure I told everyone on board about my find. Word spread across the ship faster than the sea breeze, and soon guests and crew were congratulating me, sharing in the wonder of the moment. My discovery became the highlight of the day, not just for me, but for everyone around me.
It was a moment that reached across generations, across land and sea and across time itself. A moment I know will live in my heart forever.
The author with a copy of the book.
The page showing a photograph of the author’s great-grandfather.
- creating archives
CHURCH PARTNERS CONSUL TO PRESERVE HISTORY
By PISAI GUMAR
THE Lae-based Australian ConsularGeneral’s office is working together with Martin Luther Seminary through Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea to establish an archive to protect church history for future generations.
The work is purposely to protect the legacy and history of the church, which Australian Consular-General’s office see as an important piece of work and very instrumental to support.
Consular-General, Mr Brenton Kanowski told the gathering at the first graduation of postgraduate diploma education (PGDE) secondary teaching at Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea (LUPNG), concurrently with Diploma in Theology graduands of Martin Luther Seminary (MLS) on Nov 29.
The Rev Michael Hauser attached with MLS is working in closecollaboration with Mr Kanowski to established through LUPNG to capture, catalogue and record the history of the church and MLS, its archives and properly maintain them for future generations.
Earlier, Mr Kanowski, on behalf of Australian Government and its people also offered a small package to support LUPNG, and that is starting small.
“It is indeed a great honor to be at MLS today as one of three generations of my family, here in Lae working as the third generation of my family and thank you for being welcoming to my family” Mr Kanowski said.
Mr Kanowski referred to his grandparents, Mr Fred Stolz and wife Lois Stolz, the founders of Balob Teachers College in 1963. In their endeavors, Mr Stolz also assisted in establishment of MLS.
Mr Kanowski accompanied his grandfather Fred Stolz, now 90 and Uncle Michael Stolz, the Executive Director of Australian Lutheran World Services (ALWS) to attend the occasion.
“Being an Australian representative in Lae, what a special intertwine history we have forged between Australian and Papua New Guinea”
“I think Australia’s history is Papua New Guinea and Papua New Guineas history is Australia”
“We are really proud of this across the Torres Strait as brothers and sisters and legacy of our two countries as 50 years ago, PNG making its way as an Independent country on the global stage,” Mr Kanowski said.
“History between our two countries continues today; it’s not that 50 years ago, Australia said-okay all the best PNG off you go, but ever since that time, Australia still stood by PNG and still support where we could”
“We now reflect 50 years on from where we are and I hear, just shy of 60 years anniversary of this institution (MLS), it is really exciting to see this institution grow and evolve into what it is becoming as a fully recognised university with great future ahead”
Mr Kanowski said.
Mr Kanowski comes from family background of teachers including his grandparents, aunties, cousins and one of his biological brother teaching few kilometres away on Thursday Island, Torres Straits.
Mr Kanowski referred to his grandfather talking about sending teachers into rural Morobe and up into the Highlands.
When he (Mr Stolz) returns to visit, many decades later, out of the bush or out of the big congregation at the church service, people would approach him and say you are my principal.
“And so 50 or 60 years later, that legacy is still helping people teaching in those rural parts of this country”
He told the graduands that they walk out into broader PNG with an experience acquired as part of LUPNG and MLS respectively.
“As graduates, you will go out, it will be hard work, challenging, always issues of resourcing, lack of support from the community, conflict, but you also have Gods Blessings and our Prayers”
“I wish you all the best and it is very exciting and momentous time in your life to go out with the new professionvocation qualification”
On behalf of Australian Government and the people, congratulations to the graduating class as you are going out into the broader Papua New Guinean community to serve, not to be served”
“It is brilliant to witness the excitement and passion today amongst people speaking about future plans of the MLS merging with LUPNG,” Mr Kanowski said.
Brief of Mr Kanowski’s grandparents.
Mr Fred Stolz and his wife, Lois Stolz, Australian educators initiated Balob Teachers College in Lae.
Construction began in June 1963 and the first intakes admitted in 1965. Mr Fred Stolz served as the founding principal and remained in the role for15 years. Mr Stolz and wife Lois returned to PNG and celebrated the 60 years of Balob Teachers College mid-2025.
Mr Stolz returned to witness the first PGDE-secondary teaching graduation for Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea concurrently with Diploma in Theology for Martin Luther Seminary on Nov 29, 2025.
Mr Stolz was given the honour as guest speaker in absence of Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso.
FROM left: Lae-based Australian Consular-General, Brenton Kanowski, his grandfather, Fred Stolz, Reverend Michael Hauser from Martin Luther Seminary and Michael Stolz, son of Fred Stolz at Martin Luther Seminary on Nov 29. Michael Stolz is the Executive Director of Australian Lutheran World Services. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
Papua New Guinea’s celebrated reggae artist Anslom Nakikus is preparing to take his music, message, and cultural identity to Taiwan, where he and his full band will perform at the 8th PASIWALI Festival in Taitung from December 13 -14, 2025.
The Taipei Economic Office in PNG confirmed that festival organisers first discovered Anslom’s songs online.
Drawn to the authenticity of his reggae voice and the depth of his Melanesian storytelling, they extended an invitation for him to join this year’s international lineup, making him one of the few Pacific artists to feature on the festival’s main stage.
For Anslom, the opportunity is more than just another performance. “I’m just so excited to be going to Taiwan with my band,” he said. “PASIWALI celebrates indigenous culture, and that speaks to the heart of my music. I feel fortunate to be part of it.”He expressed his gratitude to the festival committee in Taiwan, the Taipei Economic Office in PNG, and in particular, to Executive Director Mr Steven Enomb Kilanda and the National Cultural Commission, whose timely support made the tour possible. “Big thanks to NCC for stepping in,” he added.
Anslom also acknowledged Mr Ben Wang, the Representative of Taiwan in PNG, for the office’s ongoing cultural engagement in the country.
Known for his electrifying live presence, Anslom said his mission in Taiwan is straightforward: to sing the message, share PNG’s rhythm, and proudly represent the country on an international stage. “Get up on stage, sing the message, and promote my country,” he said.
But the trip carries a deeper relevance. During preparations, Anslom learned that Taiwan is one of PNG’s largest economic partners, contributing between USD 1 - 1.5 billion annually, mainly through natural gas imports, making it PNG’s fifthlargest trading partner.
“That’s amazing,” he said. “Knowing that makes this visit even more interesting for me. Going there is a big ‘wow.’”
The PASIWALI Festival is an annual celebration of indigenous voices, art, and cultural connection, expected to draw thousands of attendees. For many Taiwanese concertgoers, it will be their first encounter with PNG’s contemporary reggae infused with Melanesian identity.
As he prepares, Anslom shared a personal reflection that underscores the heart of his journey: “We must embrace it. Times are changing and we have to evolve. But the most important thing for me is not to lose my identity.”
With the countdown to December underway, anticipation is rising on both sides of the Pacific, marking a moment where music, culture, and connection move together across the ocean.
The Cosmopolitan was packed to capacity on Thursday night as the 2025 Trade Winds Rap-Ture Duo Competition wrapped up its grand final, drawing in hundreds of fans for a showdown that featured some of the city’s most promising rap and hip-hop talents.
After weeks of eliminations and intense head-to-head battles, Angra Mero and Didzzjosh emerged as the champions, securing first place with a performance that impressed both the judges and the crowd.
Vandal Davilan and D-N took second place, while Little Kokrosz and Popitz finished third. Samie-X
96 and Wavy Fele rounded out the top four.
The event, sponsored by Trade Winds Spirits, also turned The Cosmopolitan into one of the busiest spots in Port Moresby last night, helped by the venue’s freeentry policy and a string of drink specials that kept the atmosphere lively until closing.
To colour the fun the Trade Winds Scotch & Coke and Vodka & Sprite were sold at K15 per glass or K130 per tower, while tequila shots were priced at K15 each or five for K70.
The Rap-Ture Duo competition has grown steadily since its debut, becoming a platform for emerging artists looking to break into PNG’s expanding urban-music scene.
This year’s final continued that momentum, with strong crowd engagement and a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming performers
showcasing their versatility on stage.
For the winners, the title is expected to open new opportunities in the entertainment circuit, while the competition’s organisers say plans are already underway for an even bigger edition next year. The 2025 grand final closed on a celebratory note, marking another successful year for a contest that has quickly become a fixture in Port Moresby’s nightlife and music calendar.
A night filled with colour, culture and the celebration of empowered young women ended with Iampela Popena of Western Highlands Province being crowned Miss Bird of Paradise PNG 2025 during a packed ceremony in Port Moresby.
Iampela, who only last month secured the Western Highlands regional crown, impressed judges throughout the evening with her composure, eloquence and strong cultural expression.
Her performance placed her ahead of more than 20 contestants representing provinces from
across the country.
As the new national queen, she takes home K20,000, a return trip to Israel for the Queen Esther Purim Conference, a gold pendant and necklace, a bouquet, and automatic entry into the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant and other international competitions.
She will also serve as a cultural and tourism ambassador, travelling around Papua New Guinea to promote the nation’s heritage and diversity.
Miss Enga Province was announced First Runner-Up, receiving K15,000, a bouquet and silver jewellery. Miss East Sepik Province followed as Second
Runner-Up with K10,000, while Miss Gulf Province placed Third Runner-Up, earning K7,000.
All remaining contestants received K1,000, a bouquet and a silver pendant as consolation awards.
Impela dominated several key judging categories, winning Pre-Pageant Interview, Miss Traditional, Sarong, and Best Talent, cementing her overall lead.
Miss Enga also stood out on stage, picking up awards in One Minute Intro, Traditionally Inspired Dress, Best Designer, and Stage Interview.
Minor awards worth K2,000 each
were presented to contestants from Enga, Morobe and Western Province.
In the special category awards, the Entrepreneurship Award was shared between Miss Gulf and Miss Sandaun.
Western Highlands also collected the Best Float Award, adding another K5,000 to the province’s results.
The Miss Bird of Paradise platform, supported by the Tourism Promotion Authority and pageant organisers, continues to focus on promoting PNG’s cultural identity while elevating young women into leadership and ambassadorial roles.
When people talk about Jokema, they often go straight to the music the performances, the energy, the familiar voice that earned him a loyal following across PNG.
But behind the stage name and the spotlight is Honlly Isaac, a man whose journey has become one of the most inspiring stories in both entertainment and entrepreneurship. His recognition at the 2025 MoniPlus Sir Bernard Chan Entrepreneur with a Disability Award wasn’t just another title. It was a moment that reminded PNG of how far he has come, and why his story continues to resonate long after the applause fades.
Most people still remember the turning point. In 2018, a devastating car accident left Honlly paralysed a life-altering injury that could easily have
ended everything he had built. But instead of disappearing from public life, he did the opposite. He went to work.
Quietly, steadily, he rebuilt his life from the ground up. And along the way, he surprised even those who knew him best. He opened Jokema Inn, created a trucking company, established a security firm, and launched a foundation for people living with spinal injuries.
These weren’t side projects they were serious ventures that created jobs, supported communities, and proved that disability does not erase ambition. In a country where people with disabilities often face limited support, Honlly’s achievements carried weight. They showed what was possible with determination, and they offered representation for those who rarely see their stories reflected in public spaces. That’s why his award mattered. It wasn’t
handed out for sympathy; it was earned through grit, reinvention, and a refusal to be defined by circumstances.
For the entertainment scene, Jokema is still the artist many grew up listening to. But for the wider community, he has become something more a symbol of resilience, a leader in business, and an advocate for people living with disability.
As time moves on and new stories take the headlines, it’s worth pausing to remember this one. Because Jokema’s legacy isn’t just a chapter in an awards night program; it’s an ongoing reminder that strength doesn’t always show up in the places we expect.
Sometimes, it comes from the quiet determination of someone who simply refuses to give up.
Honlly “Jokema” Isaac’s journey didn’t end on stage it expanded far beyond it. And that is the achievement we shouldn’t forget.
Miss Western Highlands Province Lampela Popena is the newly crowned Miss Bird of Paradise 2025-2026.
Ramu Nico Management Pom Office Team at the recent NATTB AWARDS NIGHT).
the Kila Sec Formal Night.
Leilani, Keilana Tiniou and Vincent Tapal going shopping at waterFront.
All, beautiful smiles from the ladies in black and blue flowers. Chess mate, Bole Gana and Bugsy Igoto testing their brains
motor starts at an early age.
Photos taken during 2025 LLG Elections.
TV Wan Camera man James Diu at Parliament House. Island Rhythms!
Alan Banigola Visiting families at POMGH.
Rova celebrating KPR Local Church Pastors New House Opening in Keapara Village
Celebrations in the village calls for pigs and bananas to be roasted in Keaparadise
Celebrations at Keaparadise for the opening of the Pastors New home
Bride Price memories captured.
There is nothing more precious then a famliy.Capturing happy moments with family.
Weekend family spin.
Nick Gabriel and Maiha guards on duty at Waterfront.
The jetty at Keapara is a perfect spot to relax after a long walk back from the garden.
Stop and Shop Central Waigani celbrate after turning on the Christmas lights.
Enjoying the time out.
Malyam Ambi taking pictures at SHMS.
I'm a survivor ,what doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
Fathers and Daughter hang out.
MS5 Media - Audio and Visual setup at SHMS.
Team from Velerupu Kelerakwa village during one of their campaigns at Kapari villages.
Amoa clan chairman and members celebrating during KPR Local Church Pastors New House Opening in Keapara Village
Jim kadi, feeling blessed during his graduation.
HER commitment and perseverance had paid off.
Bede Heau of Porebada village has topped the grade 10 internal assessment for Redscar High School in 2025, to claim the dux prize.
She came 1st in English, 2nd in Maths, 1st in Science, 1st in Business studies and 1st in Christian Religion Education.
Deputy head teacher Mr. Ron Gebore said Bede was a very quiet girl in school and she has committed her time to school and it’s great she tops the class of 2025. The Motuan school in HiriKoiari district Central province concluded its academy year with
its 43rd grade 10 graduation yesterday.
Total of 115 grade ten students have passed out this year, with female students taking most of the academic prizes. The Runner up for the academic awards was Joseph Roy, collecting 2nd prize for English, 1st for Social Science and Personal Development, and 2nd in Business studies and CRE. Joseph also received a leadership award for 2025.
Various guest speakers including Porebada East Councillor Gau Morea Parko urged the students to believe in themselves and pursue their dream, and never give up to succeed in their journey in education.
Redscar High School principal Paul Mitna said the school has performed exceptionally well amongst the other 22 High schools in Central Province to be in the top 10. For the Provincial grading amongst the 22 high and secondary in Central Province, Redscar took the following placing; English 5th, Maths 3rd, Science 7th, Social Science 9th, Business Studies 7th, Agriculture 9th, Personal Development 13th.
Mr. Mitna said the” the school still needs to do more” to improve on the infrastructure and academic performance of the students. He said vernacular or Motu speaking has been a challenge and he wanted
the students to improve their proficiency in English for both writing and speaking.
“ According to the recent National Government policy on leaving no students behind, all students will continue to Gr.11 next year.”
Mr. Mitna said the students who passed will have their placements in the National school of excellence and secondary, in Sogeri National High School, Iarowari Secondary School and Laloki Secondary School, while the rest can continue in TVET and FODE.
Redscar High School has 17 teachers, and is planning to be upgraded to a secondary school soon.
Tuman Campus at Kudjip in Jiwaka province.
The three faculties include the Melanesia Nazarene Bible College (Bachelor of Theology and Diploma in Pastoral Ministry), Melanesia Nazarene Teachers College (Bachelor of Education and Diploma in Primary Teaching) and the Nazarene College of Nursing (NCON).
During the graduation each principal had to give their message to the graduates of each of the faculty that they represent.
Melanesian Nazarene Bible College (MNBC) Principal Dr Brandino P Bestre during his speech at the graduation congratulated the graduates on reaching this significant milestone in their journey of faith, learning and ministry.
“As you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives, I am filled with admiration for your dedication, perseverance and passion for both theological study and practical ministry.”
“Your time at this esteemed institution has equipped you with wisdom, knowledge and spiritual insight to navigate the complexities of the world with grace and compassion,” said Mr Bestre.
Mr Bestre said that as theologically trained leaders of God’s Kingdom they are entrusted with the sacred task of illuminating the path of truth, understanding and love for all who seek guidance.
Melanesian Nazarene Teachers College (MNTC) Principal Michael Miamel congratulated his teachers who graduated.
Mr Miamel said that the world ahead is both challenging and competitive.
“Nothing comes free; achievement is earned through sacrifice and hard work.”
Mr Miamel said that however with strong commitment and discipline the graduates have accomplished their goals and turned their journey into a success story.
Nazarene College of Nursing Principal White Kintak also shared his graduation message to his faculty.
Mr Kintak told the graduates that they have to remember that they are a light and an ambassador for Christ within the healthcare system, using their skills to bring healing and hope.
The three faculties of the Church of Nazarene last week Friday had their graduation ceremony at the
Step 1:
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• Understand your rights, responsibilities, and the importance of providing truthful and complete information.
• Note that providing false or misleading information is an
Step 3: Decide How to Submit Your Report
You can submit your report in any of these ways:
1. Email: Send the completed form to complaints@icac.gov.pg Waigani.
3. Phone: Call +675 300 7500 to report your concern.
Step 4: Complete Section 1 - Your Details
• Provide your name and contact information (optional but recommended for ease of communication).
• If you wish, indicate whether the ICAC can disclose your identity if your report is referred to another agency.
• Optionally, provide a secondary contact person in case you cannot be reached.
has been reported before to the ICAC or other agencies.
Step 5: Complete Section 2 - Details of the Corrupt Conduct
1. Who is your report about?
o Include names, contact information, job positions, and workplaces if known.
o Provide information on where the corrupt conduct occurred.
2. Who else is involved?
o Include names, jobs, and contact details of anyone else involved.
3. List witnesses who can provide supporting information.
4. Specify the type of corrupt conduct by marking relevant boxes (e.g., bribery, misuse of public funds, nepotism, etc.).
5. Provide a detailed description of the corrupt conduct o Include when, where, who, what, and how the conduct occurred.
o Be as thorough as possible to help the ICAC assess the report.
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• List any documents that support your report.
• This could include emails, contracts, invoices, or other evidence.
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Waigani
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Reporting corruption is everyone’s business.
Sigerehe primary hosts grade eight graduation
Primary School of Upper Bena constituency in UnggaiBena district, Eastern Highlands province celebrated its 22nd graduation ceremony yesterday with 50 students in total.
Head Teacher Aive Negi said the event underscores the importance of education in shaping the future of
individuals, communities, and the province.
He said the school's commitment to providing quality education, which is pivotal in empowering young minds and fostering community development.
“Education is the key to unlocking opportunities and driving progress,”Mr Negi said.
“This achievement is a testament
to the collective efforts of our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and resilient students.”
Board chairman Pitz Lobisane said the graduation highlights the school's role in nurturing talent and potential, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge to contribute positively to society.
He said as the students move
forward, they are expected to become active participants in nation-building, driving socioeconomic growth and development in the province and PNG.
“The celebration serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”
BY ERIC SUPA
LOCAL leaders in Chuave have applauded the Opposition caucus for electing their MP James Nomane as the Opposition Leader.
The leaders collectively stated that despite the ongoing due diligence process, they are confident that their local MP is the right person to represent the people of Papua New Guinea as the Opposition Leader.
Spokesperson Michael Sune said; “On behalf of the people of Chuave, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the opposition caucus for voting for Mr Nomane to take on this role.”
Mr Sune added; “We have complete trust and confidence in Mr Nomane's leadership and believe he will diligently progress this important position in the House of Representatives.”
The Opposition's move to re-elect their leader is based on merit and is aimed at protecting the integrity of the Constitution.
“The people of Chuave are proud of your victory, Mr Nomane,” Mr Sune said.
“We are confident that your leadership will bring renewed hope and vision to the country through your constructive debates on issues affecting our nation.”
Leaders applaud Nomane’s Opposition leadership win Road upgrades to drive development
BY ERIC SUPA
IN the heart of PNG’s central highlands, a quiet revolution is taking place.
The Chuave District, Chimbu Province, nestled in the rugged Central Highlands, is defying the odds and paving its way to prosperity .
Under the steadfast leadership of Opposition Leader James Nomane, the district is undergoing a transformation, one road at a time.
For years, the people of Chuave have struggled with the challenges of rural road infrastructure development.
The mountainous terrain and heavy tropical rainfall have made it a daunting task, but the district development authority is determined to bridge the gap.
With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, they are breathing life into the local economy, one kilometre at a time.
The numbers are impressive: 40 kilometres of Elimbari ring road, 18 kilometres of Mol-Girol road, and 50 kilometres of Monoga-Goroka road, to name a few.
These are more than just statistics. They represent a brighter future for the people of Chuave.
Improved road access means easier trade, better education, and enhanced healthcare services.
But that’s not all. The district’s ambitious plans for 2026 include additional roads, such as KumulKepai road and Magiro-Basis road and others pending funding allocation.
It’s a testament to the district’s unwavering commitment to progress and a beacon of hope for the community.
“We’re not just building roads; we’re building a better life,” says Chuave MP James Nomane, his voice filled with emotion.
“Improved road access will significantly enhance trade, education, healthcare, and other essential services in the district. It’s a long-awaited relief for our people.”
District Administrator Francis Aiwa echoes this sentiment: “Road development supersedes other development plans. It’s the key to unlocking our district’s potential. No more carrying heavy coffee bags or walking for hours to access markets. Our people will have PMVs at their doorstep.”
As the people of Chuave look to the future, they do so with renewed hope and optimism. Their district is on the move, and nothing can stop them. The road to progress may be long and winding, but with determination and vision, they are paving their own way to a brighter tomorrow.
BY ERIC SUPA
THE Sigerehe
The Sigere primary graduands displaying their certificates after graduation at Sigere primary school of Upper Bena constituency in Ungai-Bena district.
Pomio’s solar project nears completion
BY DIANNE WILSON
A 1.5-megawatt solar power project taking shape in the rural Pomio District, East New Britain is expected to cut dependence on diesel fuel and reduce the high cost of running generators.
The project is now in its final stages and is on track for commissioning next year.
District Administrator John Liskia said the last major component, the Battery Energy Storage System, is awaiting shipment from Lae.
Once installed, it will help stabilise electricity supply for the new Level 4 Pomio District Hospital and the wider Palmalmal township.
The solar plant was first funded by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), but progress later slowed
due to administrative changes.
To date, KPHL has contributed K3 million, the East New Britain Provincial Government K1 million, and the Pomio District Administration about K2 million, bringing total funding to K6 million.
The full cost of the project is K8 million.
AG Energy is carrying out the installation and is also working on a hydropower project at the Tolo River, planned to supply a larger part of Pomio District.
Mr Liskia said the district is committed to expanding its energy options.
The new solar facility will deliver electricity to households, businesses and government services in Palmalmal through a metering system designed to help
sustain ongoing operations.
For many years, Palmalmal, which hosts the district headquarters, schools and various businesses has relied on expensive diesel generators, affecting both service delivery and local economic growth.
“The solar project will reduce fuel expenses, provide reliable electricity for health, education services and create opportunities for small businesses.
“Diesel generators will continue to be used as a backup power source,”Mr Liskia said.
He thanked KPHL, the provincial government and the Pomio District Administration through the office of Pomio MP and Minister for Health Elias Kapavore for their joint support in delivering the project.
St John Kokopo crew thanked for dedication at year end gathering
BY DIANNE WILSON
ST John Ambulance staff in Kokopo were thanked for their dedication and hard work throughout the year during a small Christmas gathering at the Kokopo station on Wednesday.
National St John Ambulance
CEO Kai Tane joined officers to celebrate the end of a challenging but successful year for the Kokopo team.
Staff from the PNG Fire Service Kokopo, including representatives from the East New Britain Provincial Administration, and
representatives from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Digicel Kokopo also attended.
Mr Tane acknowledged the pressure faced by the Kokopo ambulance crew, who currently operate with only one ambulance on duty at a time.
Despite that, the station has continued to respond to a growing number of emergencies across all four districts.
According to Mr Tane, the Kokopo St John station has handled more than 9000 emergency cases since it officially opened in 2020.
The demand has increased every
year, from 246 incidents in the first year, to 1512 in 2023, 2758 in 2024, and an more than 3100 for 2025.
As of this week, crews have already responded to 2737 emergencies.
He said the figures reflect not only the need for ambulance services in the province but also the confidence communities have in St John.
He reminded staff that many of the situations they attend are dangerous and unpredictable, including roadblocks and attacks, and thanked them for continuing to serve with courage.
Mr Tane also spoke personally about his connection to the
province, noting that his family comes from Rabaul and Kokopo.
“Being here means a lot to me,” he said.
“Your service helps families I know and people I grew up around.”
He said St John will continue to work with the ENB Provincial Government and partners to improve ambulance coverage in the province, acknowledging that one ambulance on the road is not enough for the growing population.
The gathering was supported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, whose assistance helped make the celebration possible.
Mr Tane thanked the organisations present for standing with St John throughout the year, and encouraged staff to take pride in their work and values.
“As we celebrate Christmas, we recognise the people and institutions that make ambulance emergency response possible in the province.”
He extended his acknowledgement to the Kokopo Fire Station, ENB Provincial Government and administration, ENB Provincial Health Authority, ENB Police Command, business houses and partners and local community.
Solar panels for the solar plant facility in Pomio, East New Britain . PICTURE SUPPLIED.
Meta starts kicking Australian children off Instagram and Facebook
SYDNEY: Meta has started booting Australian children under 16 years off its Instagram, Facebook and Threads platforms, a week before an official teen social media ban begins.
The tech giant announced last month that it had begun notifying users aged between 13 to 15 years old that their accounts would start being shut down from December 4.
An estimated 150,000 Facebook
QUICK NEWS
VIDEO PROBE
THE Fiji Police Force is investigating an officer’s conduct after a video of him kissing a woman at work went viral, fueling claims of sexual harassment. However, Internal Affairs officials have scrutinised the incident at Navua Police Station and ruled out sexual assault. Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said an internal investigation into the officer’s conduct would be done.
FIRE TOLL RISES
THE death toll in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades hit 159 on Wednesday, with police revealing that victims included an infant and a 97-year-old as they continued their search for remains in the scorched apartment complex. Residents forced to flee the only block of the eight not engulfed in flames a week ago returned briefly to their homes to retrieve belongings, as hundreds of others housed in temporary accommodation struggled to rebuild their lives.
ASSETS SEIZED
THAILAND has seized assets worth more than $300 million, including shares in a major regional energy company, and issued arrest warrants for 42 people in a high-profile push against regional scam networks, officials said on Wednesday. Parts of Southeast Asia, including the border areas between Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, have become hubs for online fraud, with criminal networks earning billions from illegal compounds where trafficking victims are often forced to work.
CHILD RAPIST
A FORMER Melbourne childcare worker facing more than 70 child abuse offences has been charged with another 83 alleged crimes including six counts of child rape. Joshua Dale Brown (pictured), 27, was arrested in May with police alleging he abused eight children - including a five-month-old - between April 2022 and January 2023. The case prompted authorities in July to urge about 2,000 children across more than 20 centres where Mr Brown had worked to undergo testing for infectious diseases. – AGENCIES
users and 350,000 Instagram accounts are expected to be affected. Threads, similar to X, can only be accessed via an Instagram account. Australia’s world-first social media ban starts on 10 December, with companies facing fines of up to A$49.5m (K138.98m) if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to stop under-16s from having accounts.
A spokesperson for Meta said “compliance with the law will
be an ongoing and multi-layered process”.
“While Meta is committed to complying with the law, we believe a more effective, standardised, and privacypreserving approach is needed,” she said.
The government should require app stores to verify the age of users when they download apps and ask for parental approval for under16s, Meta said, as this would
eliminate the need for teens to verify their age across different apps.
Last month, Meta said users it had identified as under 16 would be able to download and save their posts, videos and messages before their accounts are deactivated.
Teens who believe they have been wrongly categorised as under 16 can ask for a review and submit a “video selfie” to verify their age. – BBC
Social media ban
Aust says the world will follow social media ban on children
SYDNEY: Australia’s internet regulator said a teen social media ban would be the first domino to fall in a global push to rein in Big Tech, as Meta’s Instagram, Facebook and Threads began locking out hundreds of thousands of accounts ahead of a deadline next week.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she had initially expressed concern about the “blunt-force” approach of blocking under-16s from social media but she had come to embrace it after incremental regulatory changes were not effective enough.
“We’ve reached a tipping point,” Inman Grant said at the Sydney Dialogue, a cyber summit.
“Our data is the currency that fuels these companies, and there are these powerful, harmful, deceptive design features that even adults are powerless to fight against. What chance do our children have?”
Governments around the world were watching as the Australian law takes effect on December 10. “I’ve always referred to this as the first domino, which is why they pushed back”, she added, referring to the platforms.
After more than a year campaigning against the ban which carries a fine of up to A$49.5
million (K139m), platforms owned by Meta, TikTok, Snap’s Snapchat and Alphabet’s YouTube have said they will comply.
Some 96% of Australian teenagers under 16more than a million of the country’s 27 million population – have social media accounts..
Although the law takes effect on Dec 10, Meta’s Instagram, Facebook and Threads began deactivating accounts from Thursday, according to screenshots seen by Reuters.
Most other affected platforms have started contacting underage users advising them to download their photos and contacts and offering the choice of deleting their accounts or freezing them until they turn 16.
“It’s a great thing and I’m glad that the pressure is taken off the parents because there’s so many mental health implications,” said Jennifer Jennison, a Sydney mother.
At the conference, Inman Grant said lobbying by the platforms had apparently involved taking their case to the US government, which has asked her to testify at its congressional House Judiciary about what it called an attempt to exert extra-territorial power over American free speech. – BBC
Lack of human rights institutions in Pacific a concern
CANBERRA: A global alliance of civil society organisations says there is a lack of national human rights institutions in some Pacific countries.
CIVICUS released a report on civic freedoms across eight Pacific countries last month.
While the report showed the civic space is comparatively positive on a global scale, there are gaps in the system the alliance is concerned with.
It revealed that Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have no human rights institutions, despite repeated recommendations from the United Nations.
Asia-Pacific researcher Josef Benedict (pictured) said such civil organisations
Aust social media ban for U16s. How will it work?
FROM 10 December, under-16s in Australia will be banned from using major social media services including Tiktok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads. They will not be able to set up new accounts, and existing profiles must be deactivated.
The ban - the first of its kind - is being watched closely by other countries.
Why is the Australian government banning social media for under-16s?
The government says it will reduce the negative impact of social media’s “design features that encourage [young people] to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing”.
A study it commissioned earlier in 2025 found that 96% of children aged 10-15 used social media, and that seven out of 10 of them had been exposed to harmful content. This included misogynistic and violent material as well as content promoting eating disorders and suicide.
One in seven also reported experiencing grooming-type behaviour from adults or older children, and more than half said they had been the victim of cyberbullying.
Which social media platforms are covered by the Australian ban?
Ten platforms are currently included: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch.
The government assesses potential sites against three main criteria:
Whether the platform’s sole or “significant purpose” is to enable online social interaction between two or more users; Whether it allows users to interact with some or all other users; and,
Whether it allows users to post material.
YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and WhatsApp are not covered as they are not deemed to meet those criteria. Under-16s will also still be available to view most content on online platforms which do not require an account. Critics have called on the government to extend the ban to cover online gaming sites.
Platforms such as Roblox and Discord have introduced age checks on some features in an apparent bid to ward off inclusion.
How will the Australian ban be enforced?
Children and parents will not be punished for infringing the ban.
Instead, social media companies face fines of up to A$49.5m (K139m) for serious or repeated breaches.
The government says firms must take “reasonable steps” to keep kids off their platforms, and should use multiple age assurance technologies.
These could include government IDs, face or voice recognition, or so-called “age inference”, which analyses online behaviour and interactions to estimate a person’s age.
Platforms cannot rely on users self-certifying or parents vouching for their children.
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, began closing teen accounts from 4 December. It said anyone mistakenly kicked off could use government ID or provide a video selfie to prove their age.
Snapchat has said users can use bank accounts, photo ID or selfies for verification.
Will the Australian social media ban work?
Some fear that age assurance technologies may wrongly block adults while failing to spot underage users.
The government’s own report found that facial assessment technology is least reliable for teenagers.
Questions have also been raised about the scale of the potential fines.
“It takes Meta about an hour and 52 minutes to make A$50 million in revenue,” former Facebook executive Stephen Scheeler told the AAP news agency.
Critics also argue that the limited scope of the ban - even if properly implemented - undermines its ability to protect children.
are very important to address any violations of human rights in the country.
“National Human Rights Institutions are critical in the country,” he said.
“They help advise government around the laws and policies that they are putting together. They play a role in also ensuring that citizens can hold governments accountable when violations happen... and creates an avenue for citizens to file complaints, but also to monitor what’s happening in the country.”
CIVICUS is calling on these countries “to establish national human rights institutions as soon as possible”. Benedict said it is also concerning that
Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tonga have not signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The report shows that while constitutional protections do exist, without the treaty’s framework, governments are not formally required to align their national laws with global human rights norms. He said this can create a “dangerous environment where fundamental rights are not respected”.
“This is the concern that when these countries do not ratify it, then they may pass laws that are then inconsistent or contradict international standards.
“When people fear that if they speak up, they will be hauled off by the police or they will be prosecuted, then people censor themselves.” – RNZ
Dating websites are excluded along with gaming platforms, as are AI chatbots, which have recently made headlines for allegedly encouraging children to kill themselves and for having “sensual” conversations with minors.
Others argue that educating children about how to navigate social media would be more effective.
Some teens told the BBC they would set up fake profiles ahead of the deadline - although the government has warned social media companies to identify and remove such accounts. Others have switched to joint accounts with their parents.
Commentators also predict a surge in the use of VPNswhich hide a user’s location - as happened in the UK after the implementation of age control rules there.
Communications Minister Annika Wells conceded that the ban may not be “perfect”.
“It’s going to look a bit untidy on the way through,” she said in early November. “Big reforms always do.” – Bbc
FROM December 10, Australian children will be barred from creating YouTube accounts, though they can still watch videos without logging in. PICTURE: CNN
Three nations believe Trump bad for them
SYDNEY: A majority of Australians, Japanese and Indians believe US President Donald Trump’s second term has been bad for their countries, and more Australians see the US as harmful than helpful in Asia, a survey of people in the four countries reported on Thursday.
A poll of 1000 people in each of the Quad diplomatic group countries of Australia, Japan, India and the US by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney found a region shaken by disruptive developments in the US but still supporting coordinated responses to security challenges.
QUICK NEWS
CHILD DEATHS
The poll, taken in August, found 56per cent of Australians, 54per cent of Indians and 59per cent of Japanese think Trump’s presidency has been bad for their countries.
Only 42 per cent of Australians said the US alliance made their country more secure, a 14-point decrease since 2024 and the first time support has dropped below a majority since the centre’s polling began in 2022.
The number of Japanese respondents who said the US alliance made them more secure fell by 5 percentage points from a year ago to only 47 per cent.
AROUND 200,000 more children will likely die before their fifth birthday this year than in 2024 as international aid cuts undermine decades of progress, the Gates Foundation said yesterday. The projected increase would mark the first rise in preventable child deaths this century, Gates said, from an estimated 4.6 million in 2024 to 4.8 million this year. Child deaths have roughly halved since 2000.
CHILD SEX DOLLS
A FACTORY in China which has been accused of making “childlike” sex dolls has been placed under investigation by the local authorities and told to immediately halt production. The customisable dolls were reportedly being sold on major online shopping sites and social media platforms. Chinese state-owned news outlet
The Paper said that local officials were attaching “great importance” to the issue.
DRUNK RACCOON
STAFF at a Virginia liquor store got a shock on Saturday when they came into work to find a raccoon had burgled the store, drinking its way through the spirits section. The “masked bandit” was found passed out in the bathroom between the toilet and bin having helped itself to bottles on a bottom shelf. Animal control officer Samantha Martin transported the “suspect” for questioning at Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter but not before it had a chance to sober up. After a few hours of sleep and zero signs of injury (other than maybe a hangover), the animal was safely released back into the wild.
TALKS CONTINUE
US SPECIAL envoy Steve Witkoff will meet the head of Ukraine’s national security council, Rustem Umerov, for talks in Miami on Thursday, the White House has confirmed. The meeting comes after Witkoff spent five hours with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, negotiations which the Kremlin said produced “no compromise” on ending the war in Ukraine. US President Trump said the talks were “reasonably good”, but added that it was too soon to say what would happen because “it does take two to tango.”
ISRAEL WRONG
THERE was something “fundamentally wrong” with how Israel conducted its military operation in the Gaza Strip and there are “strong reasons to believe” that war crimes have been committed, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. “I think there was something fundamentally wrong in the way this operation was conducted with total neglect in relation to the deaths of civilians and to the destruction of Gaza,” he said.
SUDAN RANSOM
THE Sudanese paramilitary force that besieged then overran a city in Darfur in late October is systematically holding trapped residents for ransom, killing or beating those whose families cannot pay, witnesses, aid workers and researchers say. But the accounts suggest that large groups are being held in a cluster of villages within 80km of al-Fashir, while others have been brought back into the city as the RSF demands payments worth thousands of dollars from their relatives.
MACRON MEETS XI
FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing yesterday, seeking stronger commercial ties, as the EU prepares to toughen up its trade rules. A large business delegation is accompanying Macron on his fourth state visit to the world’s second-largest economy. Macron will travel to Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province today, accompanied by Xi but Xi is not expected to sign off on a long-awaited Airbus order or offer Paris relief from duties on EU brandy imports, 99% of which come from France. – AGENCIES
“All four countries are deeply concerned about domestic political violence and misinformation in the United States, and Australians and Indians are more likely to see the United States as harmful rather than helpful in Asia,” the report said.
Support for maintaining alliances with the United States continued nonetheless, it found.
Negative perceptions of China persisted from previous surveys, with more Australian (48 per cent), American (40 per cent), Japanese (58 per cent), and Indian (46 per cent) respondents viewing China as harm-
ful rather than helpful in Asia.
Japanese respondents were the most likely to say their country’s handling of China is too weak (59 per cent), the survey found.
On AUKUS, although the survey found support across the four countries for the nuclear-powered submarine partnership between Australia, Britain and the US, it noted only a quarter (27 per cent) of Australians think their government has properly explained why Australia needs the
MARKET SNAPSHOT
LOs to get 20% royalty
Oil palm landowners to benefit under two new laws
PAPUA New Guinea’s customary landowners will see major changes in how they benefit from the oil palm industry under two new laws now being reviewed.
The government is proposing 10% equity ownership in mills and a fixed 20% royalty payment for all landowners involved in oil palm development.
Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) General Secretary Kepson Pupita said the two new laws, Oil Palm Industry Authority Bill 2025 and Oil Palm Industry Management Bill 2025 are being developed after more than 50 years of lessons, during which many landowners in oil palm project areas have not seen real development or benefits. He said landowners from places
Stocks steady as slide in bitcoin, global bonds hit pause SINGAPORE, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Global shares were on steadier footing on Wednesday, helped by an overnight rebound on Wall Street as a brief selloff in bond markets and cryptocurrencies abated. Bitcoin reclaimed the $90,000 level and hit a two-week high while Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures rose 0.2% each. EUROSTOXX 50 futures were 0.3% firmer, while FTSE futures added 0.1%. Calm was restored to markets on Wednesday after an ugly start to the week, where expectations of a looming rate hike in Japan triggered a global bond selloff and exacerbated a slide in cryptocurrencies, leaving stocks caught in the rush from risk assets. “The narrowing in spreads and movement in the yen may have resurfaced some of the carry trade fears and unwinding of leverage positions,” said Kerry Craig, global market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, referring to the prospect of falling rate differentials between the U.S. and Japan. “Rightly or wrongly there was a period when the performance of crypto was being used as a gauge for risk sentiment, but we also know that the market is sensitive to broader liquidity conditions.” Japan’s Nikkeirose 1.5%, while MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan eased 0.12%, weighed down by losses in Chinese markets.
like Kimbe and Kavieng shared the same message in earlier consultations that despite decades of oil palm operations, they still live in poverty.
“To change that, we want landowners to become true partners. Not just royalty takers, not just smallholders, but real owners in the business,” he said.
Under the proposed laws, landowners will own 10% equity in any oil palm mill built on their land. This means they will receive annual dividends as shareholders, giving them long-term income and a direct voice in the business.
Mr Pupita said this arrangement will make landowners “owners of the mill, not just spectators.”
The second major change is
Central Lime Project maintains momentum as it nears completion
BY MAYSON LUIS
CENTRAL Lime Project is nearing completion of its kiln cutting as the project maintained strong momentum on site last month and continued to be on schedule and budget.
This marks a pivotal milestone for its operator, Pacific Cement and Lime as it, as the project advances into its final construction phase.
According to Pacific Cement and Lime, managing director, Paul Mulder, the project is set to targeting a market opportunity worth over $50 million (about K200 million) annually in import replacement.
Project director, Jason Zoller said of the project’s kiln cutting as a major achievement that positioned Central Lime Project to commence foundation works in the coming weeks. Key highlights of the construction include:
kiln cutting phase phase 3 design of the wharf road access to Port Moresby
“Across the planned area we've completed the foundations for both the concrete batch plant and
the fuel storage facility. “A mobile workshop is now established, giving us the essential mobile fleet support infrastructure as construction activity continues to ramp up. He noted that the phase three design of the wharf is progressing well as prepared for phase three materials to be added to the already completed phase two wharf.
“The wharf remains fully operational and continues to be a key enabler for steady logistics and material deliveries,” Mr Zoller said.
The project located in Kido Village of Central Province is also working on its access road to the southeast towards Port Moresby and the mine lease area is advancing as planned.
“This (the road) is opening up the corridor that we need to install the 60 tonne bailey bridges and future water pipeline. Our site workforce has now grown to more than 200 people, with over 90 percent drawn directly from the local villages.”
The project currently employs 200 people of which 90 per cent is drawn directly from the project’s vicinity (the local villages). “It's really been great to see the strong engagement and participation across the workforce as we continue to build.”
the increase of royalty payments from the current 5–10% rate to a standard 20% royalty for all new and existing projects. The royalty will be calculated from the Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) price paid to growers.
For example, if the FFB price is K600, landowners will receive K120 per tonne as royalty. If a leased land area produces 100 tonnes in a month, the landowners will earn K12, 000 just from royalty alone.
“This will give them money every 10 days, every fortnight, and every month,” Mr Pupita said.
“At the end of the year, they will also get dividends for their equity. They will earn daily, monthly and annually.” He said the goal is to ensure landowners fully participate in the growth of the industry instead
of receiving small payments while companies take most of the profit. The new laws also aim to encourage landowners to support future largescale oil palm development by giving them stronger ownership rights. Mr Pupita added that landowners will still earn income from their own smallholder plots, where families with two to three hectares can earn more than K1000 per fortnight with current prices. With equity and royalty combined, he said landowners could become some of the most financially secured people in the country. After final consultations in the Southern and New Guinea Islands region this week, the draft laws will be finalised and presented in Parliament to be passed in the first quarter of 2026.
PNG-Australia partnership champions inclusive workplaces
A TOTAL of 39 jobseekers with a disability recently completed their EmployAbility Training Program in preparation for the workforce.
The program, EmployAbility Training Program, focuses to prepare people with disability for the workforce and empower businesses to build inclusive workplaces to recruit and retain people with disability.
The program is run in partnership between the Australian Government and PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons (PNGADP), the Business Council of PNG, and the Lae Chamber of Commerce.
Two of the training participants,
The program, EmployAbility Training Program, focuses to prepare people with disability for the workforce and empower businesses to build inclusive workplaces to recruit and retain people with disability.
Kerry Kawowo and Hezron Gam, found the training journey transformative.
Ms Kawowo gained practical skills, including email communication and CV writing, which fuelled her confidence and led to a life-changing internship and permanent employment at the Hilton Hotel.
“Opportunities like this play an important role in helping me prepare for my journey,” she said.
Mr Gam had the opportunity to host a midday radio program on Lutheran Church Christian Radio, broadcasting to all 18 districts in Morobe Province.
“This opportunity is a miracle. I am now able to reach people and places I have never met or seen and inspire them through news, information, and music.” His cohost, Jeremiah Moat, described Mr Gam’s extraordinary memory and attention to detail as invaluable to their team, saying, “It’s been truly rewarding working alongside him.”
Central to these success stories is the EmployAbility Toolkit - a practical guide for employers, detailing inclusive recruitment processes, accessibility and workplace adjustments.
Oil Palm Industry Corporation Consultation Team with Momase farmers and stakeholders at NARI Hall in Lae. PICTURE BY PATRICK MU’’UH
Employee of Coca Cola wins Apprenticeship of the Year award
COCA-Cola Europacific Partners PNG (CCEP PNG) has proudly congratulated one of its employees for scooping the Apprentice of the Year and Best Tradesperson of the Year at the prestigious National Apprenticeship & Trade Testing Board (NATTB) Awards Night.
CCEP PNG's Electrical Technician Manasah Samson’s winnings marks a pioneer achievement for CCEP PNG, as the first time one of its employees has won these awards, showcasing the strength of its technical training program and commitment to developing local talent.
The Apprentice of the Year Award recognises the top-performing apprentice based on interviews and assessments, while the Best
Tech firms partner to transform rural infrastructure
K-TOWERS, the Tower Infrastructure-as-a-Service provider, and PowerX, the data intelligence platform for optimising tower infrastructure, yesterday (Thursday 4 December, 2025) announced a strategic partnership to modernise rural tower networks in the Pacific. This will enable reliable and affordable connectivity for communities that are hardest to reach, supported by accountable tower operations that protect longterm returns.
The collaboration marks a major milestone in K-Towers’ mission to deliver accountability, operational clarity, remote AIdriven management, and verified performance, enabling towers and mobile network operators to focus on sustainable connectivity and long-term returns.
In November, K-Towers successfully tested deployment of PowerX across 64 ultra-remote tower sites in Western Province. All sites were onboarded into the PowerX AI platform within days, delivering real-time unified visibility into power systems performance, reducing blind troubleshooting, accelerating fault resolution, and lowering the need for reactive field visits.
This deployment marks the first time that field data from siloed
systems is brought together for machine-learning and data science models to automate fault detection with prioritised actions managed to resolution. The insights are fully integrated into K-Towers’ Network Operations Centre, transforming how issues are monitored, reported, and resolved, enabling the NOC to remotely “see” into every site and dramatically reducing the need for costly and time-consuming visits to sites.
PNG represents one of the most operationally complex tower environments in the Pacific region, with many sites accessible only by helicopter and nearly 98% operating fully off-grid. Previously, resolving issues required dispatching teams into the field at significant cost and with limited information about the site conditions. Oversight was further hindered by fragmented data spread across multiple power systems.
PowerX resolves these challenges by unifying multiple streams of tower data into its vendor-agnostic platform. Its machine-learning models deliver clear insights into site health and energy usage, enabling K-Towers to proactively manage infrastructure, reduce field visits, and improve service reliability.
K-Towers managing director
Hussein Abdulkader said: “We bring discipline, transparency, and accountability to every tower we operate, particularly in environments where accountability has traditionally been limited. With PowerX, we now have real-time visibility over sites that previously required helicopter access just to diagnose. This allows K-Towers to move from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-driven operations, delivering true accountability to tower owners and MNO partners.”
PowerX chief executive officer Andrew Schafer said: “We are truly excited to partner with K-Towers and shape the future of the modern digital tower infrastructure operating model. By bringing unified intelligence and AI-enabled insights as well as end-to-end process automation to these sites, this partnership enables K-Towers to deliver world-class connectivity to the most remote communities in a sustainable, cost-efficient, and scalable way. We believe our strategic collaboration will strengthen K-Towers’ competitive advantage in the market enabling them to focus on tenancy growth and long-term returns.”
Going forward, the partnership will expand to include additional predictive models from PowerX, enabling continued enhancements
New poultry farm for Laloki Secondary school
LALOKI Secondary School in Central’s Hiri-Koiari district opened two brand new teachers houses and a small poultry farm.
School principal Carol Tsinabi said that both projects came from external funding given to the school during its last year’s graduation ceremony.
“A total of K200,000 was given by the Department of National Planning and K20,000 from the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC),” she announced.
Ms Tsinabi said that the school had immense agricultural potential but this was not fully tapped into, hence, the poultry project
was the start of tapping into all these.
“Although today (Monday) is the official opening of the poultry project, we have already raised and sold six batches of chickens.
“The leftover from this 6th batch will be eaten at the school’s graduation which is to be held on Wednesday,” she said.
“The main aim of the project is to generate additional income to support the school operations whilst also maintaining the poultry project.”
Ms Tsinabi, who is ending her first year as the principal, stated that next year the administration would
Tradesperson of the Year award honours the highest scorer in the major interviews. This year's competition attracted 20 companies, each nominating their best candidate. Participants underwent three levels of assessment from 24–25 November, including an interview, theory test, and a practical project demonstration, judged by a fivemember panel.
Manasah impressed the judges with his innovative project, "Modifying Manual Coffee Pulping Machine to Semi-Automated Operation," inspired by the needs of rural farmers who rely on labour intensive manual pulping methods. His success reflects months of preparation and support from his trainer Joe Philip, technical training
manager and other managers and supervisors who guided his growth.
Fred Daniels, CCEP PNG’s Head of People & Culture, said, “Manasah’s achievement is a proud moment for all of us at CCEP PNG. It shows the value of investing in our people and the incredible talent we have in this country. His innovation demonstrates how technical skills can make a real difference in communities.”
Tim Solly, CCEP PNG’s Country Manager, added, “We are committed to developing Papua New Guinean talent, and Manasah’s win is a testament to that commitment. Congratulations to Manasah and the team who supported him – this is what excellence looks like.”
321 Group expands presence with two major launches
BY MAGNAM TARA
321 Group PNG has marked a major milestone in its expansion plans this week, opening two new outlets in Port Moresby just 24 hours apart, a move that strengthens its growing retail footprint and boosts accessibility for lottery players across the city.
On Wednesday, December 3, the company unveiled its new flagship retail store in Central Waigani, describing it as a “fullservice entertainment hub” designed to bring all 321 products under one roof.
The store offers tickets for the Wantok Jackpot and Paradise Jackpot draws, instant scratch cards, and digital game top-ups, and also serves as a fast and secure cash-out point for winners.
General Manager Ben George said the flagship store reflects the company’s long-term vision of growth, convenience, and community impact.
increase the poultry facilities and will also looking at other livestock projects such as a piggery.
And if all goes well and with increased production, the school can also consume some of the products from the farm.
“It is just early stages now but we may look at also integrating students agriculture lessons so they are also involved in the project,” she said.
She thanked LDC which has now supported the school a few times over the years as well as the staff who have been working in the poultry since it became operational.
“This flagship store is a clear testament to our long-term commitment to the community,” George said. “While we’re focused on making our games as accessible as possible, our priority remains the well-being of our customers. We will continue to promote responsible gaming and ensure a secure, positive environment for everyone.”
The new store is also expected to create new jobs in customer service, operations, and promotions, contributing to local employment in the National Capital District.
Just a day later, on Thursday,
December 4, 321 Group continued its momentum with the opening of its specialized 321 Virtual Shop inside the busy RH Gordons Complex.
The new service point is designed specifically for players who prefer the convenience of online gaming but still want a trusted physical location for support.
The Virtual Shop will offer digital top-ups, in-person account registration and assistance, responsible gaming guidance, and detailed information on all 321 products.
Calling the RH Gordons outlet the “next step” in the company’s strategy, George said the Virtual Shop meets customers where they already shop and provides a secure touchpoint for digital engagement.
“We recognise the shift toward digital convenience,” he said. “This new shop allows us to meet our customers where they are and gives them a trusted, physical point of contact for all their online playing needs and virtual games.”
Both launches reinforce the company’s commitment to making its services more accessible while maintaining regulatory compliance and responsible gaming practices under the National Gaming and Control Board (NGCB).
With two major openings in two days, 321 Group has signaled a strong push to expand its presence and deliver more secure, convenient options for players across Port Moresby.
CCEP PNG staff celebrating this historic win with Manasah Samson. PICTURE COURTESY OF CCEP PNG
Left: 321 chief operations officer, Aaron Egan and Golden Holdings Ltd director Christopher Ngu.
MRDC celebrates 50 years of growth and transparency
THE Mineral Resources Development Company Limited (MRDC) marked its 50th anniversary since incorporation in 1975 with a gala dinner with the theme “50 years for National Building”, attended by key stakeholders, partners, dignitaries, and landowner beneficiaries’ representatives.
The milestone event highlighted MRDC’s strong commitment to delivering value for Papua New Guinea’s resource owners and maintaining the highest standards of accountability.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of MRDC’s unqualified 2024 Financial Report by managing director and chief executive officer, Augustine Mano, to the Prime Minister, James Marape.
The unqualified report highlights MRDC’s dedication to transparency and prudent financial management, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted custodian of resource wealth for landowners and provincial governments. Mr Marape commended MRDC
for its consistent performance and its role in empowering resource owners over the past five decades and emphasised the importance of strong governance and accountability in driving sustainable development for Papua New Guinea.
Mr Mano, reflected on MRDC’s journey since 1975, noting the company’s evolution from a small entity to a leading management company managing billions in assets for its beneficiaries.
“This achievement is a testament
to our team’s hard work and the trust placed in us by resource owners. As we look to the future, MRDC remains committed to creating wealth and opportunities for generations to come,” he said.
The celebration dinner also featured cultural performances from projects areas and video tributes to subsidiaries companies that MRDC manages, honouring the role in shaping PNG’s resource sector over the past 50 years.
New system to safeguard against fake ICT devices
BY MAYSON LUIS
NICTA’s “Type Approval Online System/TAOS” can now safeguard and protect consumers from unsafe (fake) and substandard ICT devices (such as cell phones).
Launched yesterday, the type approval (or TAOS) is part of NICTA’s (National Information and Communication Authority) digital modernization to streamline the certification of ICT equipment in the country.
The system (TAOS) aims to strengthen national security, enhance consumer confidence, and positions Papua New Guinea as a trusted player in the regional ICT (information and communication technology) landscape.
Its launched follows after five months of successful comprehensive testing, including positive feedback from industry stakeholders, denoting the system as stable and efficient. The digital system also demonstrated improvements in operational efficiency and revenue collection.
Purpose of TAOS:
Certify ICT products for compliance with technical and safety requirements
Protect consumers from unsafe or substandard devices
Safeguard the integrity of PNG’s ICT
Ensure efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum, and Promote fair competition and prevent counterfeit imports
Speaking during the launch, NICATA and UAS chairman, Brian Riches, said that the type approval online system ensures a simpler and efficient process, transparent
and accessible for all industry stakeholders.
“Fake devices like mobile phones pose significant issues to consumers such as poor performance, health and safety risks from lowquality components, and security vulnerabilities that can compromise personal data and financial information.
“This online system offers significant benefits by enhancing the efficiency and transparency of NICTA certification process while upholding the core objectives of regulatory compliance, such as ensuring public safety, network integrity, and market quality,” Mr Riches stated.
The type approval (TAOS) is a mandatory regulatory process under the Radio Spectrum Regulation (Section 30 & 31) that ensures all ICT equipment manufactured, imported, sold, or used in PNG meets national and international standards.
Going forward NICTA affirms its commitment to:
Stop all physical lodgements. All digital submissions must be made via this dedicated NICATA online portal
Accept online payments of fees
Ensure transparent and faster processing time due to automation
Utilise digital test reports, declarations of conformity, and technical specifications, thus reducing the need for physical samples
Allow 24/7 access from anywhere, anytime with internet access, allowing international clients to also apply easily
Allow tracking through dashboard and providing real-time updates on the applicant’s progress.
Cocoa board revamps Tavilo facility
THE Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea is undertaking major upgrades at the Tavilo research centre in East New Britain, aiming to restore deteriorated facilities and strengthen support for the nation’s cocoa sector.
During the contract signing in November, CEO Jesse Anjen said the Tavilo station had been neglected for years, particularly after funding was reduced when CCI transitioned to KIK.
“When CCI broke away from Cocoa Board and went to KIK, we lost some funding, and our facilities in Tavilo were run down and in bad state.”
The board has since secured funds to rehabilitate office spaces, staff housing and security infrastructure. Last year, a major office building was restored, and two additional buildings are currently being upgraded under the World Bank PACD program.
A key contract signed last week involves constructing a full perimeter fence to secure the station.
“We just witnessed the signing of another piece of infrastructure is to put a fencing around the whole research facility in Tavilo… So it's going to cost us about K900,000 plus.”
Mr Anjen said safety concerns were now a priority.
“Because of all of this law and order situation in East New Britain, we want to make sure the research facilities and our staff are secured in the perimeter.”
Staff accommodation remains another challenge. Many houses at the station have deteriorated to the point where repairs are too costly.
To address this, the board will pilot the installation of two prefabricated houses.
“So, we've done… two prefabricated houses. So, we'll sign off the contract now and then we'll monitor it over the next 6-12 months… a contract awarded to the contractor for about K800,000,” he said.
Mr Anjen said the CBPNG is committed to rebuilding its facilities despite limited resources.
“We are not sitting back and complaining and waiting, when we have money, we manage and move, and do the work.”
Last year, the board completed 9.7km of roads and maintained six houses nationally under its infrastructure program.
Partnership seeks to enhance digital identity and financial inclusion
THE Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and MiBank signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for SevisPass and SevisWallet on November 26, 2025, at the Digital Transformation Summit in Port Moresby.
The collaboration aims to enhance customer experience to access financial services through an efficient digital identification process, which is vital for electronic “Know Your Customer Processes (e-KYC)” for onboarding and authentication. DICT has created the SevisPass, which is a digital ID framework aligned to PNG’s emerging Digital Public
Infrastructure ecosystem.
The SevisPass app has features such as self-enrollment, automated self-verification and issuance of tamper-proof SevisPass digital ID with additional features such as instant digital Visa card issuance.
The SevisPass and SevisWallet App allows PNG citizens to complete their digital identity registration online whilst also opening a bank account directly from their mobile phones efficiently under ten minutes.
With this agreement, Papua New Guineans can now open an account with MiBank when they register with SevisPass and SevisWallet App, having to meet all
requirements and after obtaining a digital identification.
MiBank has created a new savings product which mimics a “Digital Wallet” called “MiAkaont” which is now available to individuals who will register under the SevisPass, provided they meet the minimum identification such as a national identification card, voter identification or community certification ratified by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).
MiAkaont is a transaction account paired with a basic individual Government issued ID which is linked to digital channels
NICTA Chairman Brian Riches, with NICTA’s director - engineering resources planning, Hans Adeg during the launch of the Type Approval Online System at Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.
Royalties have taken focus from education
Stories BY MARILYN PAUL
THE importance of education is eroding in our society and everyone must take responsibility to change this.
Kikori education coordination Nelson Bownor said parents must take the lead in changing the mindset of children especially in the project impacted areas.
Speaking at the commissioning of a teacher’s house and a double classroom at Kopi primary school this week, Mr Bownor said the focus has shifted and this does not look good.
“Our children’s mind are focused more on the royalty and equity money and have no space for education.
“ This must be changed and parents must take the lead in changing the mind set of our children. Many students are passing out but with low GPA. This shows that their focus is not on education,” Mr Bownor said.
PNGLNG gas resources pipeline segment 7 director Wauro Oumabe said children must see education as they way out and key to success after the life of oil and gas.
“If we don’t act now, it may be a disaster. Boom box is a danger to the current generation and parents must take ownership and teach their children right,” said Mr Oumabe.
The facilities commissioned include classrooms and teachers houses, critical to improving the education
experience in the community.
These villagers are isolated by the river system, making it difficult for students to attend schools nearby sometimes due to the geography and change in weather conditions. Thus the facilities to aid their learning at their doorsteps.
Known as waterway projects, the facilities were built in schools situated along the Kikori River system which includes Kopi Primary School, Kitomave Primary School, Veiru Primary School, and Babaguina Elementary School.
The facilities were delivered under the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) managed Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF) program.
The CITF program is aimed at providing critical services in Health, Education, Social and Economic sectors to improve the quality of life of project beneficiaries. Approximately 30% of their royalty and equity benefits is spent on the CITF program managed by MRDC.
Through the CITF program, over K80 million has been spent since 2017 in providing critical infrastructures in project impacted communities. These communities in Kikori are PNG LNG Pipeline landowners who get royalty and equity payments from the PNG LNG project because the gas pipeline runs through their land.
Learning a real need to develop remote communities
THE search for education was never easy for students in most rural settings in the country in the early days but it was worth it. With it’s mountainous terrain and rugged landscape, walking long distance in search of education was a challenge said Petroleum Resource Kutubu (PRK) chairman John Kapi Natto (pictured).
Addressing the people in Waro during this week’s Waro Junior high school commissioning, he said walking and travelling out to seek education will now be a thing of the past.
“I pay respect to our forefathers including Mr Kapi Natto who crossed mountains to gain education and not only that but encouraged me to also seek education.
“It was tough for me as well. Waking up as early as 4am to travel distance to attend school.
For you young people of NamoPoro, Mt Bosavi, Lower Foe and
Kantobo this will not be the case,” Mr Kapi Natto said.
“You have a school built at a cost of K14 million at your finger tips with modern facilities all set and ready for use. Education is key, money from your resources will come and go but knowledge will remain. If you take education seriously it will take you places.
It’s already here look after it.
Don’t play up with education,” he said.
Mr Kapi Natto challenged the parents to teach their children to put education first and to take ownership of the school and take care of it.
School headmaster Planny Moro said this is a real need that has been met. As most time kids
are sent out to continue their education.
“This community seriously needs education and this is a blessing . You can have the money but if you don’t know how to manage then it’s a waste and education teaches you how to do that. The new facilities are a boost for us teachers as well as the students and we looking forward to using them next year,” Mr Moro said.
The construction of the high school was sponsored by PRK and the Mineral Resources Development Company through the MRDC managed Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF) program which 30 per cent of landowner benefits are allocated for such projects.
Mr Kapi Natto said there have been in-house fighting with leadership over the resources, but they are now focused on building and empowering communities through such projects.
Children of Kitomave primary receiving the guests to the school facility commissioning. Kitomave is a seventh Day Adventist run school. PICTURES: MARILYN PAUL
The grade 9 students of Waro junior high school posing In front of the new administration building.
STARS
Somebody has picked a battle over a minor difference. While you’ll happily fight for what you believe in, you dread the variety of unimportant issues they seem to prefer. Try talking things through. It appears that they regret their hastiness and will be relieved if you offer them a way out.
LEO JUL 22 - AUG 22
You don’t think of yourself as being demanding until you realise, to your surprise, what others are willing to put up with. Yet, bizarrely, you’re about to discover one particular situation in which you’re compromising, but are unaware of it. Actually, once it was really important, but that’s no longer the case.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 20
On Sunday the 3rd, the communication planet Mercury began one of its regular cycles of retrograde movement. While this
to matters of a personal
and
GIANT CROSSWORD
As much as you’d like to see certain already complex situations discussed and dealt with, not only would rushing things be unwise, you could miss out on rather thrilling ideas or offers. Others are only now beginning to talk them through, and by the middle of the month, things will be much clearer.
VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 22
While every sign is influenced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, the fact it’s your ruler can lead to greater confusion, especially in personal matters. What’s more, because this particular cycle is taking place during a period of dramatic change in the world around you, even relatively simple arrangements could shift, and shift again.
CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 19
It’s rare that you leave important tasks until the last minute, mostly because you’d rather do things thoroughly, and once, than revisit them later. Despite that, several crucial matters need attention, and ideally before the 20th, when your ruler Saturn moves into Capricorn, and in the process triggers a new, and powerful, cycle.
GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20
Talking things over is always wise, but discussing issues would be especially helpful now. What you learn and discover as a result of the current link between your ruler Mercury and the most practical planet of them all, Saturn, will both highlight conflicts that need attention and lead to ways they can be handled.
LIBRA SEP 23- OCT 22
For ages you’ve been thinking about, and trying to gather facts that would define the source of certain persistent difficulties. And there’s no better time than now to discuss what you’ve observed with those who’re involved. While their initial reaction may not be enthusiastic, they’ll soon be thrilled with what they learn.
AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 17
For ages you’ve been working on certain ideas or plans that you’re convinced hold huge promise and which others seem to believe in as well. Yet recently progress has been worryingly slow. Be patient. Next week’s superb links between Mercury and the Sun with your ruler Uranus will get things going, and wonderfully.
CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 21
Although, being a Cancerian, you’ll have felt the influence of last Sunday’s Full Moon well before it took place, and will have dealt with numerous issues, there’s still bound to be fallout from it. Unsettling as it’s been, you’ve long known these matters would need to be dealt with. Now is the ideal time.
SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21
Obviously you can’t ignore pressing issues. But you can acknowledge that since there’s no avoiding the influence of the current unsettling planetary activity, there’s little point in struggling to organise things in detail. In fact, the more flexible both arrangements and your attitude are, the easier it will be, now and later.
PISCES FEB 18 - MAR 19
The emotionally intense Full Moon may have taken place on Sunday, but it would appear you’re still dealing with certain of the issues that arose. Tackle those that are clear cut and can be discussed frankly and dealt with quickly. Others are more complex, enough any discussions can, and should, wait.
24 Diagonal,26 Met,29 Gasbag,30 Tirade,32 Yetis,33 Deter,35 Elan
SUDOKU MINI
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DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT
Duo set for final 2025 international tournament
BEACH VOLLEYBALL: THE Vanuatu national women’s beach volleyball team has touched down in the United States this week ahead of their final international appearance for 2025.
Star athletes Majabelle Lawac and Sherysyn Toko will compete in the FIVB Beach ProTour Futures tournament at Pompano Beach in Florida, USA, this weekend, marking the culmination of a busy and successful competitive year.
Lawac and Toko have taken part in 10 international tournaments throughout 2025, highlighted by their standout performance at the Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau, where they claimed gold between June and July. They are accompanied by Head Coach Miller Pata and Assistant Coach Manuel Maki, who say the team is determined to close out the season with another strong result.
According to the Vanuatu Volleyball Federation (VVF), the athletes’ consistency and achievements this year have been exemplary.
“We’re happy with the performance of the national team across 2025, with the highlight being the women winning gold in Palau at the PMG,” VVF sources said.
“We hope to put in a strong performance in Florida this weekend to wrap up the year and give us some key momentum into 2026.”
While the tournament fixtures are yet to be released, confidence remains high within the camp. The players aim to finish the year on a high and carry that energy into next season.
The team’s participation in the Florida event has been made possible through major sponsorship from their long-term main sponsor Titan FX, along with support from the Australian Government through the Pacific AusSports program.
Vanuatu’s Majabelle Lawac and Sherysyn Toko.
Itoje eyes World Cup glory
Orlando Magic’s heartbreaking loss to San Antonio Spurs
After England dodge big guns in 2027 draw
RUGBY UNION
MARO Itoje has set his sights on Rugby World Cup glory in Australia in 2027 after England were handed a potentially favourable path through the tournament when the draw was made in Sydney on Wednesday.
England, who have risen to third in the world rankings after an 11-match winning streak, emerged on the other side of the draw from the reigning world champions, South Africa, the three-times winners New Zealand and France.
England are in Pool F with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe at the expanded 24-team event with Italy, Australia, Ireland and Argentina possible opponents in the last 16 and beyond.
“Our ambition is to do very well and win this tournament,” Itoje, the England captain, said. “But to do that we know we have to make sure we get our preparation right and the next two years leading to the World Cup is massive. We need to build throughout time and make sure we’re tracking in the right direction.”
England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, said excitement around the draw was “wonderful” and echoed Itoje on the objective for 2027, 24 years after England dramatically defeated the Wallabies in Sydney to become world champions for the first and only time.
“We’ve been very clear in saying our aim is to win the World Cup and a number of other nations will be saying the same,” Borthwick said.
“We are working towards it.
“The team is progressing, it’s transitioned a lot since the last World Cup over the last 18 months … I want to make sure that our supporters in Australia in two years’ time have loads to cheer about.”
Asked for his memories of the Wales victory against the hosts England at the 2015 tournament, Borthwick said: “As ever with every England v Wales game, it was very hard-fought and I am sure the game in Australia will be exactly the same: full of passion and full of spirit.”
Itoje said he will relish the
expectation that seems bound to grow as a buoyant England build towards the tournament. “The converse would not be ideal, if this England team had no expectation or you played for a team that had no hopes,” he said. “That’s a situation I don’t want to be in. If we want to go out and do what we want to do, we have to walk that line and welcome whatever comes. If that’s part of it we have to welcome that.”
A Wales repeat of 2015 seems a remote prospect – they have slipped to 11th in the world and were humbled in a record 73-0 home defeat by South Africa last Saturday – and pool-stage jeopardy is lessened with four third-placed teams qualifying.
“It’s just exciting,” said Steve Tandy, the Wales head coach. “Going to the World Cup, seeing the draw, different format with smaller groups – we just can’t wait to get started. I know it’s two years away but the excitement builds straight away.
“Those big games against England are always massive and being in the World Cup they seem bigger.
Wallabies’ World Cup pool fate revealed
RUGBY UNION
THE Wallabies are on an 11-Test losing streak against the All Blacks that dates back to November 2020, but they aren’t backing down from the challenge that awaits – drawn in Pool A alongside their arch-rivals ahead of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
Australia and New Zealand will meet in pool play at the sport’s showpiece event for the first time, with Wednesday’s draw pitting the two Southern Hemisphere heavyweights against Chile and tournament newcomers Hong Kong China.
It’s been more than five years since the Wallabies defeated the All Blacks, claiming a tense twopoint victory at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on November 7. The Wallabies have lost by an average margin of 15 points in their last 11 meetings with their Trans-Tasman foe.
The All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup for another year with two wins in The Rugby Championship, but the match at
Eden Park was fairly close deep in the second half, before lively halfback Cam Roigard raced away for the match-sealing effort.
There were shades of promise and potential from a Wallabies side that beat the British & Irish Lions and the Springboks in Johannesburg earlier in 2025. Captain Harry Wilson is confident the Wallabies
“know we can beat” the All Blacks.
“We’re obviously stoked to get the All Blacks. They’re a team we love versing, we verse them quite a lot.
In a World Cup, if you want to win it, you’ve got to beat the best teams and they’re obviously one of the top teams in the world,” Wilson told reporters.
“Obviously that’s been disappointing but… this year, in both Tests, we had opportunities.
The game was there with 15 minutes to go and we didn’t nail them.
“Hopefully, where we’re going as a team, we can keep improving and in the next year or two, start winning some of those big moments which we haven’t won so far.
“I know as a group, we know we
can beat them. We’ve shown to ourselves how capable we are but we’ve just got to pull together for 80 minutes.”
Rugby World Cup 2027 draw announcement delivers worrying showdown for All Blacks
The Rugby World Cup 2027 pools were confirmed in Wednesday’s draw in Sydney, which placed the tournament hosts Australia in the same group as their rivals, the All Blacks.
The Wallabies have played the All Blacks more than 180 times, but are yet to take on either of their other confirmed World Cup opponents. This will be Hong Kong China’s first Rugby World Cup appearance, while Chile qualified for the last tournament in France.
Joe Schmidt will be succeeded by Les Kiss as the Wallabies head coach well before the World Cup, with the changeover happening after the first three rounds of the inaugural Nations Championship during next year’s July international window. Schmidt coached Ireland against New Zealand at the 2019 Rugby
But Tonga and Zimbabwe pose different challenges. Overall it is just unbelievably exciting and obviously most people will focus on the England game.”
Scotland will again meet Ireland in the pool stage having been defeated by them at the 2019 tournament in Japan and again in France four years later. “It would help massively if we got on the right side of the result for a change,” said Gregor Townsend, the Scotland head coach. “We know how tough it will be and we’ll be doing everything we can to win that game.”
Asked if he would have preferred to avoid Ireland, whom Scotland last defeated in 2017 with 11 consecutive losses coming since then, Townsend said: “When you see the teams in the top six they’re all quality sides. Some have done really well at World Cups, some have done really well in Six Nations.
You know it’s going to be a very difficult game. It’s one we want to win and top our pool because things
win and top our because get easier if you go through first.”
BASKETBALL
Basketball is truly a game of inches.
A great example of that came on the final two possessions of Wednesday’s game in Orlando.
Just before blocking De’Aaron Fox’s shot, Jonathan Isaac got a piece of the Spurs guard’s wrist as he went into his shooting motion. That sent Fox to the free throw line, where he buried the go-ahead foul shots with 1.4 seconds left.
Then, after Franz Wagner caught the inbounds pass from Anthony Black as the 6-foot-10 forward was cutting to the basket, Luke Kornet slid in from behind and blocked Wagner’s potential tying shot as time expired to give San Antonio a 114-112 victory at Kia Center.
The loss snapped Orlando’s threegame winning streak.
The Magic rallied in the fourth quarter after trailing by as many as 15 in the game and by six with under two minutes remaining. Wagner, after getting fouled on a 3-point attempt, tied it with three free throws with 7.7 seconds left.
“It wasn’t the fourth quarter that got us. It was the second quarter and the way we started the game,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “It was those pieces. We lose it at the end, but our process and our spirit wasn’t right for this game.”
One would have thought the Spurs would walk into Kia Center with tired legs having played the night before at home against the Grizzlies. But that didn’t appear to be the case, as San Antonio came out red-hot and then hit enough big shots down the stretch.“Give San Antonio a ton of credit,” Mosley said. “Coming in on a back-to-back, getting in late and staying disciplined, staying focused and doing the job they needed to do coming in here.”Fox racked up 31 points, rookie Dylan Harper scored 16 and Devin Vassell finished with 15 points.Wagner led the Magic with 25 points, Jalen Suggs scored 24 before fouling out late and Desmond Bane recorded 14 points.
Rookie Jase Richardson played crucial minutes in the second half and finished with eight points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
World Cup in Japan, before serving as an All Blacks assistant two years ago. The current Wallabies coach spoke candidly after Australia’s World Cup fate was confirmed.
“It’s really exciting. The Wallabies will play [New Zealand] four times in the lead-up and it gives you a great opportunity to really plot a path to get up and organise for that game,’ Schmidt said.
“Chile and Hong Kong China, they’re two newcomers that will challenge you in a different way; challenge you to keep that level of
performance to a certain height so that when you hit the round of 16, you hit the ground running.
“I’m excited about the pathway that we can plot in between now and the next time we play New Zealand, but then also beyond that.
“I know that Les [Kiss] is pretty excited about where the team can get to… we didn’t have a good November and it’s impossible to hide that we didn’t have a good November. There ere glimpses though and we can still build on those
glimpses after a bit of an emotional rollercoaster of a year.
Australia will play New Zealand in their opening World Cup match in October 2027. PHOTOGRAPH ANDREW CORNAGAAAP
Maro Itoje and England will face Wales in Pool F of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Photograph Tom JenkinsThe Guardian
‘We want to build a dynasty’
The plan to end years of Dragons disappointment
RUGBY LEAGUE
DRAGONS CEO Tim Watsford has declared the next 12 months will be transformative for the club as he looks to wake the sleeping giant of Australian sport.
The new year will start with a trip to Las Vegas, before St George Illawarra opens a new centre of excellence in Wollongong and Watsford hopes it will end with a finals appearance for both the NRL and NRLW sides.
It’s a crucial stepping stone in an ambitious project, the new boss told NRL.com in an expansive interview, as he looks to transform the joint venture into a global sporting superpower.“We’re at a point where no one is comfortable where we are,” Watsford said. “Both the NRLW and NRL programs are down the bottom of the ladder and it’s not where we want to be.
“Awakening the beast comes through having on-field success but sport is a business and to achieve that success we need structures and processes in all areas of the club’s operations.
“We’re at a point in the journey now that the next 12 months will be critical. We have a board that wants change and is supporting management in doing so. At the end of the day, our core business is football and everything we do is aimed towards winning premierships.”
It hasn’t taken long for Watsford to make his mark at the Dragons, with the new boss shaking up his front office staff.
St George Illawarra legend Ben Creagh has shifted from the club’s board to the role of chief operating officer, while Daniel Anderson has signed on as recruitment manager and key non-football staff have been hired in finance and corporate roles.
While Watsford is thinking globally, he has turned his focus to within to lay the foundation for the Dragons’ return to their former glory.
Anderson’s remit involves running the joint venture’s vast pathways programs as the CEO looks to reinvigorate a fertile junior nursery to produce the next generation of stars.
St George Illawarra have long rolled out a production line of talented youngsters, but the club has found it difficult to turn them into elite first-grade players.
Some, such as Jack Bostock, Reuben Garrick and Tyran Wishart were let go by the Dragons early in their careers and developed into stars for rival clubs. Others who stayed in Wollongong struggled to reach their full potential.
It’s a situation Watsford is desperate to change, particularly as the NRL expands and two new clubs enter the hotly contested player market.
prop Matt Lodge has secured a stunning NRL return, signing a one-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys. News.com.au can reveal the former
Eagles enforcer will link up with
in
in a shock
Queensland
nt to build a dynasty, a y le aniel son] what does
“We want to build a dynasty,” he said. “There’s a development pathway particularly through the Illawarra region that is a rich nursery and plenty of other clubs can be fishing got key people like Daniel [Anderson] looking at what does success look like and working our way back from there. Building that robust pipeline is a must have for us.
positive signs on the field.
Watsford said. a erent at w y diff w
“We’ve got Perth coming online, we’ve got PNG coming, they’re going to need players from somewhere. We want to make sure we are developing the best crop and keeping them.”
There is a sense of urgency in Watsford’s plans as he moves to ensure an opportunity to turn junior premierships into NRL success isn’t squandered.
St George won the SG Ball title in 2024, with Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Halangahu already stepping up to first grade in 2025.
Others, such as Cyrus StanleyTraill look set to follow in the coming years.
Throw in a Steelers Harold Matthews side that finished with the minor premiership in 2025 and the future is looking bright.
The club has been here before.
The Steelers claimed the SG Ball title in 2019. Jayden Sullivan, Junior Amone, Mat and Max Feagai, Tyrell Sloan and Aaron Schoupp were all meant to usher in a new era of success.Six years on, just Sloan and Mat Feagai remain at the club and both have struggled to lock down their place in the first-grade side.
The Dragons have not played in the NRL finals during that time.
Already some members of the 2024 St George SG Ball side have left for rival clubs leaving fans concerned history could be repeated.
Where the Dragons have struggled, other teams have thrived.
Penrith built a four-year reign of NRL dominance on the back of a streamlined pathways program.
The Roosters bid farewell to a host of senior players and rebuilt around a young core in less than a year.
Watsford has looked closely at his rivals’ success and has even turned to European soccer clubs as he searches for the secret sauce St George Illawarra has been missing.
It’s only early, but the new boss is optimistic he has found it.
“I’ve got a view that we are different because we have a footprint
The 30-year-old firebrand was widely expected to finish his career in the UK Super League following an injury-plagued three-year stint with the Sea Eagles. However, in a last-minute decision to bolster their forward pack, the Cowboys have thrown Lodge an NRL lifeline, bringing the former Broncos forward back to Queensland.
in Sydney and in Wollongong,” Watsford said. “That gives us a chance to think differently about what will make our system work.
The Dragons defeated the Raiders, Sharks, Broncos and Storm and lost eight games by six points or less.
Zac Lomax’s future revealed
RUGBY LEAGUE
“That nce tly about our stem work. “Y ou at wh at not ot h er lubs
“You look at what is best practice, not only other rugby league clubs but also the AFL and abroad. We’ve looked at what they’re doing in European soccer to cement their pathways and how they attract talent at a junior level.
An injury crisis forced Flanagan to blood a host of youngsters, with a crop of local juniors showing plenty of promise.
Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan and Hayden Buchanan were among the debutants, while the Couchman twins showed plenty of improvement before suffering season-ending injuries.
The club’s NRLW side also took some big steps forward under new head coach Nathan Cross, with Indie Bostock and Kasey Reh emerging as future stars.
After previously sitting on the board, St George Illawarra legend Ben Creagh has been tasked with leading the football department into a new era of success.
ZAC Lomax’s prospects of making an NRL return seem incredibly slim, with the former Eels star now looking at making a permanent code switch to rugby.
The 26-year-old reportedly met with the Western Force Super Rugby club after the failed launch of R360.
“We want to invest in the players who have grown up in our backyard and are ultimately going to bleed the Red V. I can see that particularly in Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, the two Couchman brothers. They all are from the Illawarra and have such a connection to the jersey.
“You can see when they’re on the field how much they want success. Our job is to replicate that right across the field. If I could fill up a team full of Illawarra and St George juniors, we will do that. Our job’s to invest and make sure these guys have every opportunity to play first grade and win in the Red V.”
It’s been a lean 15 years for Dragons fans since a droughtbreaking premiership in 2010.
The club has played finals just once since Wayne Bennett departed at the end of 2011 and churned through three coaches before Shane Flanagan took over in 2024.
Their last top-eight finish was back in 2018, the second longest active drought in the league behind only the Tigers.
St George Illawarra has not fared much better off the field, with the joint venture battling financial issues throughout the 2010s.
The purchase of the Steelers’ 50% stake by billionaire Bruce Gordon put those struggles in the rearview mirror and the club is now on solid financial footing.
Green shoots are also starting to emerge across the board. Flanagan recently inked a two-year extension through to 2028, providing certainty to current players and potential recruits.
The opportunity to open the season in Las Vegas will put the club on the world stage and expose the famous brand to a potential audience in the hundreds of millions.
A new multi-million dollar centre of excellence is slated to open in Wollongong in early 2026, bringing all employees of the club into the one building for the first time.
While results were not where they wanted to be in 2025, there were
The premiership winner will have oversight of the men’s and women’s programs and will work closely Ben Haran and Sam Bremner, the respective NRL and NRLW football managers, to ensure the Dragons make the most of a promising junior base.
Having tasted plenty of success in the Red V throughout his career, Creagh won’t accept anything less in his new role.
“With my experience as a former player and my recent experience outside of football, I will provide another voice, another opinion to help the club move forward,” Creagh said. “To help the club move towards a high-performing culture and an elite culture so we can be successful.
“Everyone who’s involved with the Dragons wants to win premierships. We want to be playing finals footy again and we want the club to be successful off the field as well.”
While progress is important in 2026, a small step forward won’t be enough to satisfy club bosses.
Watsford is desperate to see the Dragons change course as they look to put years of disappointment in the rearview mirror.
With stability on and off the field, the CEO is targeting a finals finish for both the men and women. That, he hopes, will provide a platform for a premiership charge in the years to come.
“We need to be better,” Watsford said. “That’s the phrase we’re implementing across the club. Be better tomorrow than we are today.
“Finishing 15th isn’t acceptable but there were green shoots coming through that showed us what this club can be. We have to be better in 2026 and then in 2027 we’ll be better again.“We’re not going to win a premiership overnight, but we’re genuinely on the journey now. I’d like to be vying for finals in 26, that’s absolutely within our grasp. We want both the men and the women to be climbing the ladder next year.”
Lodge signs shock contract with rival club
It’s understood Cowboys coach Todd Payten was concerned about the depth of his middle rotation and was impressed by the 110kg prop’s return from injury towards the end of the Sea Eagles’ season, where Lodge played the final eight games consecutively.
He is infamous for his arrest at gunpoint in New York after rampaging through a family’s apartment. The then-Tigers forward spent two weeks in the notorious Rikers Island Prison and was ordered to pay a reported $1.2 million in compensation to his victims. In a move many thought impossible, Wayne Bennett resurrected Lodge’s career in 2018, taking a gamble by signing him to the Broncos.
Lomax — who left the Parramatta Eels with the expectation that he’d sign a deal worth ludicrous money with the rebel competition – jetted to Perth on Tuesday for a meeting with Force coaches and staff, according to CODE Sports. However, in a brutal blow, he would be on less than a quarter of the money he left at Parramatta. It is understood he would earn around $150,000 a season, a far cry from the $625,000 he was on at the Eels.
The rep winger has also been exploring deals to play rugby in Europe or Japan, on what would be far more lucrative deals.
NRL chief Peter V’landys said he and Ryan Papenhuyzen would be welcomed back to the league after being hoodwinked by R360.
“Naturally, Ryan and Zac are most welcome to come back,” V’landys told AAP.“They were just victims of the mirage. (It’s) no surprise. Their current business model was never going to work. It’s a shame so many people were hoodwinked.”
However, it is far harder for Lomax to do so given he could only return to the Eels.
That’s because, as a condition of his release, he can’t play for another club until the 2029 season unless the Eels permit him to do so.So therefore, his only path back to the league in the next three seasons is in the blue and gold.And that is also looking like a long shot.
Jason Ryles is understood to prefer to spend the money freed up by letting him go on forwards and spine members, feeling outside backs are far more available and cheaper.
It is a message rugby league journalist Michael Chammas also echoed on Triple M.“I don’t think Parramatta are going to be (interested in getting Lomax back),” Chammas said.
“They think that money can be better spent elsewhere on the roster … There will be half a dozen teams who will fall over to sign Zac Lomax. And it’s not like he was on a huge deal at the Eels, what was it 650 – 700 (thousand).”
Zac Lomax
St. George Illawarra Dragons fullback Clinton Gutherson tries to evade the Broncos defence.
THE Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) Executive Board has approved a 50% reimbursement of levies to National Federations following Team PNG’s successful participation at the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games, where our athletes proudly represented the nation and achieved commendable results.
Gravity Engineering backs Waghi Tigers for Kande 9s tourney
MAL TAIME
GRAVITY Engineering Ltd Waghi Tigers Rugby League Club is among 44 teams that will battle in the Morobe Kande 9s in Madang, set for next week.
The competition is organized by the new Morobe Kandes franchise to participate in next year’s Digicel EXXONMobil Cup competition.
The competition is opening doors to potential players to join the Kandes training squad if they perform in the 9s competition.
The Tigers who were defunct for several decades, was revived recently and has since participated in the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) sponsored Ipatas Cup competition two weeks ago.
Eric Joseph and Wallace Paa who took the initiative to revive the club and got to the attention of many former players and followers, has sparked renewed interest and morale support for the team.
After the revival of the team, the management sought sponsorship and Gravity Engineering Ltd came on board as the major sponsor
without hesitation. They also purchased new uniforms for the team.
Former player Malcolm Nombri assisted the team with the training rugby balls, kicking cones with water bottles, while Mosley Elly of (MVIL) also came on board as a minor sponsor to provide travelling t-shirts and caps for the players and team officials
This will be the second time for the team to participate in the competition under Alphonse “Utai” Kapil.
The aim of the team management is to unite the players and expose their hidden talent, as the pathway for rugby league is more promising at this point in time.
The Gravity Engineering Ltd Waghi Tigers have been placed in Pool C.
The competition will be played at Madang’s Laiwadan Oval.
Kapil said they have prepared for almost two months before having their first real hit-out durig the NGCB Ipatas Cup - Jiwaka leg.
Assistant team manager Harvey Tul said the team will travel the Highlands Highway, hopefully
tomorrow (Friday) or the following day to climatise the players and get them prepared for the opening match on Monday.
The teams in Pool A are Kupa Eels, LBC Bombers BBR Storms, EJM Murumbu Blacks, Wau Black Panthers, Madang Fox 2, Gravity Undiri United, 140 Club, Eastern Blacks, Tarangau Dwellers, Erave Hornbills and Beyond Dogs.
Pool B teams are BCL Kondo Eeast, Kisenepoi United, Poroma Pisgah Nuggets, SSS 5 Stars, Bismark House Keeping, Apan Dogs, KB Stars, 4.5 Raptors, Takara Tigers (DWU), Kafetina Highway Panthers and Vanimo Sandaun Kwilas.
In Pool C are, Ahi Rebels, Madang Fox 1, Goroka Kandes, Neps Murumbu Menjails, Gravity Engineering Waghi Tigers, Aidiku Enga Kaimos, Huon Gulf Brothers, Tabalu, KRX Kwila, Gornics Pirates and Busu Dust.
While in Pool D are, Mul Norths, Tume Brothers, Konoma Pride, Membi Tamba Spiders, NWC United, Coffee Connections, 1134 Brothers, TNT Brothers, Menim Seals, Kainantu Ice Cools and Tombel Fuels Butterflies.
National Federations that paid the K2,000 levy per athlete and official will receive a reimbursement of K1,000 per athlete and official.
This decision reflects PNGOC’s commitment to partnership with National Federations while ensuring the organisation maintains capacity to support future competitions.
The PNGOC has an established levy payment of K2000 for each athlete and official participating at the Games. Each National Federation participating at the Games are invoiced depending on how many athletes and officials are endorsed for their sport.
Levies are invoiced to National Federations, not to individual athletes. This is a fundamental principle of PNGOC’s operations.
National Federations are responsible for meeting levy obligations.
How each National Federation chooses to raise these funds— whether through sponsorships, fundraising activities, grants, or other means—is their decision and responsibility. This approach respects the autonomy of each National Federation to manage their financial affairs.
Athletes should not be directly required to pay levies as a condition of participation.
While National Federations may seek voluntary contributions from their athletes as part of broader fundraising efforts, the levy obligation itself rests with the Federation, not the athlete.
PNGOC’s policy is clear: we invoice National Federations, and National Federations manage their own fundraising strategies.
This distinction is important for transparency and to ensure athletes understand that their participation in Team PNG should not be contingent on personal financial capacity.
This year, the cost per athlete for the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games was approximately K11,000.
The K2,000 levy represented only 18% of the total cost, with PNGOC subsidizing the remaining 82%.
The K11,000 represents
international and domestic airfares (where applicable), full accommodation throughout the Games period, daily meals and athlete allowances, complete team uniforms and team kits and equipment, medical support and physiotherapy services, comprehensive insurance coverage, and team management and administrative support.
PNGOC’s commitment to National Federations was clear: if the full approved K4.1 million government allocation was received, levies would be reimbursed in full. While the government released K2 million in support—for which we are grateful—the full allocation has not been received to date.
The PNGOC confirms a full games report and acquittal was submitted to the PNG Sports Foundation on October 6th for the K2million funding support received.
The Executive Board’s decision to reimburse 50 per cent balances two important responsibilities: honoring our commitment to National Federations while ensuring PNGOC maintains the financial capacity to prepare for upcoming competitions, including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Although the costs of goods and services have risen drastically over the years, the organization has made a conscious decision to maintain the levy at K2000 as we understand that most of our sports struggle to find support for their teams.
Where Government has supported our teams to the Games as per the required budget, National Federations have not had to pay levies or have had their levies refunded.
The remaining funds will be reinvested directly into athlete support and preparations for future competitions.
As a not-for-profit organisation, PNGOC does not seek to generate profit from levies—every kina is used to support Papua New Guinea’s sporting excellence.
Thank you to our National Federations for their partnership, to our athletes for their dedication and results, and to the National Government and PNGOC sponsors for standing with Team PNG across six decades. United, we continue towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games – Powered by Purpose.
National Federations to receive reimbursement: PNGOC Ipatas Cup reaching fever pitch
From the back page
Competition Manager Sam Koi yesterday confirmed that the Lisapeka Bulldogs will now prepare themselves for the finals in two weeks time.
“The Bulldogs from the eastern side of Goroka town are regular combatants in the Gahuka offseason competition and they will be a strong force for the Eastern Highlands in the finals,” Koi added. From the other challenges, in Enga, Prum Panthers were dominant Pool A winners, while for Pool B there is still deliberation between the Central Wanios and Panda Brothers.
Kulaka West and Pondo East. Koi said they are dealing with some issues for the Southern Highlands leg.
“The Morobe challenge got underway midweek and should be deciding the Pool A and Pool B winners by Saturday.”
He further said the Hela challenge will start on Friday and end on Sunday in Tari, to decide the Pool A and Pool B winners.
“Our aim is to complete all challenges by this weekend and prepare for the Gold Pass playoffs next weekend and then the finals the following weekend,” he added.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Once Pool B is decided, they will play-off for the Gold Pass for Enga, confirmed Koi.
For the Western Highlands leg, Young Stars and Kala United who won on for and against will playoff
for the Gold Pass.
The Jiwaka challenge will be between last years champions
The Waghi Tigers
The Eastern Highlands Ipatas Cup Gold Pass winners, the Lisapeka Bulldogs.
Dahabada Pool comp ends on high note
BY PAUL MAIMA
TAITUX 4 were crowned the champions of the 2025 Dahabada Pool Competition in Porebada village in Hiri-Koiari district in Central province.
The association hosted its inaugural competition in 2025 and has attracted 27 teams from the village. The pool association executives did the presentation of trophies, kitchen utensils, food, drinks, and cash presentation worth K20,000 to the winning teams, last week Saturday. The funding was raised by the association during the duration of the games.
The Pool Association patron Vele Tara and his wife Berverly Tara has thanked the 27 participating teams and congratulated the winning team.
“It’s the first time to host the pool in the village and we are very proud of the results.” Tara said.
In the Cup Division grand final Taitux 4 defeated Phelas 2. The Plate division Danger 4 defeated Sidi on 2 points. Dahabada pool competition executives are president Koani Lohia, vice president Dimere Arere, secretary Tara Gaiego, treasurer Beverly Tara and patron Vele Tara.
Tara wants to see bigger improvement in the competition in 2026.
“All affiliation must come with proper uniforms next year; most teams don’t have uniforms in this year’s competition.”
“I am urging all teams to be
professional and come with proper uniforms during next year’s competition because we are planning for more tournaments and bigger awards. “He said.
“The registration is K250 per team. We will be doing a tour to other centres to play like Lae, Wewak, Kimbe and Hanuabada Poreporena.”
“It’s great to see many young schools age children
NGI Snooker Open title up for grabs
BY BRIAN JEMEJEME
THE 2025 New Guinea Islands Snooker Open title is now up for grabs as the tournament begins today in hunt for a new champion. With defending champion Marcus Ng out of the snooker race, the making of the new champion begins amongst the 32 players at the San Remo Club, New Mosa Club and Mosa Community Club in Kimbe, West New Britain Province respectively.
In last year’s snooker open titles, Ng defeated all his opponents before nailing Kavieng’s Djourne Fong in the grand final and came out number 1 as champ. Without him (Ng) in this year’s
Toks Nest United, Nikints Dragons in MNWRL grand final
RUGBY LEAGUE
THE Moresby North West Rugby League 50 Plus grand final is set to be a huge season ender between the Toks Nest United of Tokarara and Nikints Dragons of Morata on Sunday at the Kone Tigers oval. MNWRL president Yanga Harupa said both teams have come some tough matches to reach the grand final and he hopes the players and the supporters ensure they complete the season on a high note.
“This is our second season under the MNWRL banner and we want to maintain a good record with the way we conduct ourselves, as we want to progress each season.
“I thank and acknowledge all the clubs for their patience this season,” Harupa added.
NCDC Sports Foundation chairman Billy Aki congratulated both teams for reaching the big stage and hopes they play in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Aki further said the the MNWRL has so much talent amongst the suburbs and firmly believes scouts for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup should be able to pick up one or two players from the grand final teams to consider on their playing roster for the pending 2026 season. The Nikints Dragons team:
snooker open titles, Nathan Fong who came 3rd and Marcus Rahman who finished fourth will be up the hook making sure Fong does not take vengeance to become 2025 champion.
Meanwhile, President of the Kimbe Cue Sports Association John Sitapai confirmed that for the first time the Women’s Snooker Open title has been included.
“Yes, we have introduced the first Women’s Open title. It will be exciting to see who the first woman would be to win the title,” Sitapai said. 2024 Best Female awardwinning player Waisina Laho will be up in arms against other finest players in hunt for first women’s title.
Open title: Lyndon Gorie, Saija Ope, Godfrey Muriki, Edward Nuabi Jr, Pokawin Waninara, Benson Kavai, Nathan Fong, Marcus Rahman, Djourne Fong, Ryan Glen, Monty Fong, Joe Chan, Kametan Sibunakau, Chris So’on-Wai, John Sitapai, Ryan Tafi Sapau, Benson Kavai, Sammy Param, Gabby Sapak, Garry Logo, Quinton Wibeawa, Samuel Maniet, Mot Kule, Enoch Mopango, George Marup, Saiyobu Moyabona, Tyrone Kapigeno, Henry Hetunou, Freddy Matthies, Allan Brewster and Donnelly Wangipari Women’s category: Annie Sitapai, Maxwelline Ganubella, Lydia Tunian, Jessica Oa, Helen Samuel, Keryanne Kasare, Waisina Laho and Jennifer Marup.
participating to boost discipline and sportsmanship. “He said.
Patron Tara has acknowledged the Hanuabada experts in the pool for their consistent support in this year’s competition.
The best players for 2025 were; Koani Vagi, (Kedi) Raka Mea (Brobro) Peter Vele (Waga), Raka Mea (Indies), Solo Tom (Taituks), Hane Vele, Ester Gau, Imelda Vaburi, Tara Mea, Iga Koani.
Poima Wilson
Sam Ponto
Timothy Rai Imbuni
Elthon Tonny
Nathaniel Naria
Asiah Tani
Taitux 4 2025 Champions with the Premiership Cup.
Patron Vele Tara (left) awarding player of the tournament male Solo Tom
Without defending champion Marcus Ng (right) this year, the onus is now on Djourne Fong (left).
Clubs from the Port Moresby North West rugby league comp.
LISAPEKA BULLDOGS THROUGH!
DOGGIES FROM SEIGU CLAIM FIRST IPATAS CUP GOLD PASS
By JOHN PANGKATANA Rugby League
THE seven mainland provinces of the Highlands have turned the screws in the race to qualify for the National Gaming Control Board Ipatas Cup. So far the Eastern Highlands has confirmed the first Gold Pass winner to the second stage in the Lisapeka Bulldogs, after they edged Lapun Olix Lapuns 16-12
gpp in the play-off at the Sir Danny Leahy Oval at Lopi. CONTINUE PAGE 62
Ipatas Cup comepetition manager Sam Koi
com K
The Moresby North West RL 50 Plus grand final is set for the Sunday at the Kone Tigers oval. Pictured (from left) are Nikints Dragons captain Kevin Yanda, NCDC Sports Foundation chairman Billy Aki, MNW RL president Yanga Harupa and Toks Nest United captain Raymond Pepo promoting the trophy they are playing for. SEE STORY PAGE 63. PICTURE JOHN PANGKATANA
