The Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim has passed away this morning at Pacific International Hospital (PIH) in Port Moresby city.It is a truly surprising and sad moment for his family and the people of Telefomin District of West Sepik province. Late Mirisim served the nation with unwavering dedication for over a decade until his passing this morning. During his time in politics, he held several key ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Forests and most recently Minister for Works and Highways under the Marape- Rosso Government. Throughout his career, late Mirisim championed infrastructure development and connectivity projects that transformed rural communities. Under his leadership, the Connect PNG Program advanced major national highways and missing link roads, improving access for millions of Papua New Guineans. His passing is a profound loss to Papua New Guinea. Mirisim will be remembered for his vision, leadership, and tireless efforts to improve the lives of his people. The passing of the late Member is the second this year of a sitting Member of Parliament. Just over two months ago, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge also passed away at the Port Moresby General Hospital on the 13th of September 2025.

Madang police have intercepted a vehicle carrying over 10 cartons of illegal fireworks, arresting five people — including a serving Mobile Squad officer and a man wanted for a triple murder in East Sepik Province.The operation, confirmed by Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim, followed intelligence about unauthorised movements of uniformed personnel into Madang and Bogia districts. Officers monitored the Bruce Jephcott Highway stopped the vehicle at Draivas Compound around 9pm on Sunday 30th November. The vehicle carried five passengers: a serving officer, a wanted fugitive, a bank employee, and two other men from Yangoru-Sausia district of East Sepik province, along with a female passenger. Police allege the group was attempting to smuggle the fireworks, reportedly destined for Southern Highlands province. The seized items, valued at more than K200,000, have been confiscated as court exhibits.“This was an important operation because it prevented illegal goods from moving across provinces and resulted in the arrest of a dangerous suspect,” Supt. Baim said. The wanted fugitive will be handed over to East Sepik CID detectives.All suspects are being held at Ramu Police Station, and the vehicle has been impounded. Charges under the PNG Customs Act are expected.Supt. Baim reminded officers to follow protocol when travelling outside operational areas and urged the public to celebrate safely during the festive season as police roll out operations under the code name Sain Abe 3.

Disruptions to health services at the Modilon General Hospital in Madang due to inconsistent water supply will now be a thing of the past with the commissioning of two new 120,000 litres Southern Cross tanks over the weekend by the Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa.The two tanks were purchased at a cost of more than K300,000 by the Madang Provincial Government through the Provincial Support Improvement Program (PSIP) funds under the leadership of Governor Pariwa. Madang Provincial Health Authority (MaPHA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Martin Daimen, said constant water supply interruptions into the hospital has been a long-standing issue which has really affected the operations of the hospital over the years and with the commissioning of the two new tanks, this is a relief for the hospital and MaPHA to ensure effective delivery of health services to patients. “On behalf of the management of Madang PHA, the staff, patients and partners I want to take this time to say thank you to our Governor,” Daimen said. “You started your duty and mandated role to play your part in the health sector,” he said. “Our theme in health, there is a saying that goes 'Health is everybody’s business,' so you are playing your part as a leader,” he said. “We acknowledge this assistance, as, a while back you came to commission the new children’s ward and within a few weeks you are here to commission another project you initiated under your leadership,” Daimen said. “People have been praying for an instrument to deliver their needs, and their prayers have been answered,” he said. “You fulfilled a lot, and we will continue to work with you,” Daimen said. “Health service is not easy, and we need stakeholders and partners to work with us to deliver effective health services,” Daimen said. Dr. Daimen added that in the health sector, there are pillars for service delivery in hospitals and some enabling factors that will ensure the smooth flow of health services and water is one of them. “Constant water supply is very important for service to continue on a daily basis,” he said. “Another enabling factor is electricity. Electricity must flow through the hospital 24/7 to ensure continuity of service. Apart from that we have infrastructures, physical infrastructures, static plants and medical equipment, these are enabling factors which will help us work with patients,” Daimen said. “Another is human resource. Health is a sector that is multidisciplined. Many sections have their own specialists. So that is a factor that when we have good workers, we see effective service delivery,” he said. “Some of these things are not within our control such as water and electricity but with your support, you helped us with our reserve water supply,” Daimen said. Dr. Daimen said the old reserve storage tanks built in the 1960s hold 180, 000 litres but those have deteriorated over time due to lack of maintenance and now with the two new 120,000 litre tanks, these can sustain the hospital for a month should there be any disruptions from Water PNG. MaPHA Board Chairman, Dr. Boga Figa, said the issues of inconsistent water and power supplies have really affected the hospital’s operations and the timely intervention by the Madang Provincial Government is a relief and MaPHA will now look at ways to address the issues with electricity. Madang Provincial Planning Director John Sigara said there will be a stakeholder meeting with Water PNG and PNG Power in the coming weeks which this long-standing issues will be discussed to see how best it can be addressed. The Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, who had previously purchased two 9,000 litres tanks on two separate occasions for the Modilon General Hospital from his own money said his aim is to see Madang change and move forward and progress in terms of much needed development and service delivery. “This shows how committed and dedicated my government is. If there is funding or not, sometimes we dig into our own pockets if truly we say that lives matters and it’s about the people of Madang,” Pariwa said. “Sometimes let’s go out of our way if we truly care to serve. In 2023 I bought a tank for the hospital and then last year I bought another 9, 000 litre tank,” he said. “These challenged me so now that funds are available, we allocated more than K300,000 for the two 120,000 litres southern cross tanks,” Pariwa said. “I believe that this is one of the legacy issues, a long outstanding issue of water supply disruptions. No proper standby water supply system for the hospital for its day-to-day use. Without water, how can we save lives and look after the sick?” he said. “Constant water supply will help us treat patients. Sometimes patients come and we can be able to treat them but because of no water supply and sanitation, it will affect their health, and they can contract other diseases,” Pariwa said. Governor Pariwa thanked the Joint Provincial Planning and Budget Priority Committee who have approved funding for the purchase of the water reservoir tanks when brought to their attention.  

Madang Police have launched a strong, full-force Christmas operation to control the rise in crime usually seen during the festive season.The operation, known as Sain Abe 3, was launched last Friday at the Madang Town Police Station, drawing more than 100 officers and community members.Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa opened the program with a call for shared responsibility.“Law- and- order is everybody’s business,” he said.Governor Pariwa also presented K500,000 to support police patrols and operations during Christmas and New Year. He urged business houses to back police work as part of their social duty.Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim thanked the Governor and said the funding will help police respond quickly to incidents during the busy period.Baim said Sain Abe 3 will be stronger than earlier operations, adding that after awareness and enforcement stages, this operation is a full-force push to restore discipline across Madang.He urged the public to work with police.“If you see something wrong, step in and act as a concerned citizen,” he said.Superintendent Baim also thanked reservists, the Community Policing Unit and local communities for their support.Business houses are already helping. HF Trading Ltd and Modilon Service Station donated K10,000 worth of fuel to support police mobility.Police will now increase patrols and visibility across the province to keep families safe throughout the festive season.

The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) recently witnessed the graduation of 24 new Ambulance Officers following their successful completion of a 12-week Ambulance Officer Level One Course at the National Ambulance Education College in Baruni, Port Moresby city.These graduates are equipped to uphold NStJA’s mission of serving the nation by delivering excellence in emergency care to Papua New Guineans in times of sickness, distress, crisis, or danger without distinction of tribe, class, or creed. They are ready to respond to emergencies, embody NStJA’s core values of Care, Agility, Respect, Excellence, and Service Above Self, and contribute to the health and well-being of communities across the country. The intensive training program combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on learning, covering the management of medical, trauma, and psychological emergencies. Recruits also undertook parade drills, bootcamp-style physical training, designed to build discipline, teamwork, and resilience which are qualities essential for the demanding role of an ambulance officer. In addition, they completed an advanced emergency driving course to ensure they can respond safely under varied and often challenging conditions. NStJA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kai Tane, congratulated the graduates, stating that these officers have undergone rigorous preparation to respond to emergencies, stabilize patients, and deliver timely, life-saving care. “They are ready to serve the people of Papua New Guinea with professionalism and dedication as they step into their roles as Trainee Ambulance Officers.” The graduates will now begin a nine-month Trainee Ambulance Officer placement, working alongside experienced ambulance officers to gain on-road experience and on-the-job training in both urban and remote settings. Of the 24 graduates, eleven trainees are from the National Capital District, while the remaining thirteen come from across the provinces: two from Central, one from Mt Hagen, two from East New Britain, four from Lae, and four from Unggai-Bena in the Eastern Highlands. This training program was made possible through the generous support of key partners, including ExxonMobil PNG, which funded the National Ambulance Education College, as well as the Marape/Rosso Government and the National Department of Health Emergency Medicine Office. Furthermore, their support enables NStJA to expand services and strengthen emergency care nationwide. Further support from the Australian Federal Police through the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP) has strengthened NStJA’s capacity by helping develop in-house ambulance educators, ensuring long-term sustainability in training future emergency responders. The National St John Council welcomes the 24 new officers as they begin their service to the nation, reinforcing NStJA’s commitment to delivering excellence in emergency care to the people of PNG.

Businesses for Health (B4H) is preparing a visually impactful campaign for World AIDS Day 2025, culminating in a hand-painted Red Ribbon Walkway stretching four kilometres from the Royal Papua Yacht Club up the Poreporena Freeway in Port Moresby.The Red Ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness, will guide Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and business leaders to G4S Haus, Konedobu, for this year’s CEO HIV Lunch & Learn on Monday, December 1st. Today, Sunday November 30th, the B4H team and volunteers will paint approximately 400 bright red AIDS ribbons, placed every ten metres along the main pedestrian corridor that passes banks, coffee shops, and major business houses. The ribbons will be created using water-based, non-permanent, and washable paint, ensuring an environmentally responsible display. By sunrise on World AIDS Day, thousands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) workers and pedestrians navigating Moresby’s notorious traffic jams will encounter the hundreds of ribbons. Dr. Ann Clarke, Chair of Businesses for Health PNG, said that they hope the red ribbons spark conversations amongst the passengers and pedestrians. “The ribbons are a reminder of the millions of lives lost to AIDS, the need for kindness in support of those affected by this lifelong, but now treatable infection.” “Most importantly, we trust our younger commuters will be challenged to talk about how to protect themselves, their sexual partners, and future children.” PNG now has 120, 000 people living with HIV, the highest number since the start of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. The situation is critical: New HIV infections have risen sharply, with 11,000 people infected in the last year. Infections are particularly high among babies, young people, and women. Businesses, workplaces, and community leaders have a crucial role to play in stopping the spread of sexually transmitted infections. World AIDS Day remains a vital day to reflect, recommit to talking about sexual health, and act together to provide education that protects workers, families, and future children. B4H specifically aims to promote discussion about the need for testing, encourage safer sexual practices by using condoms, and remind everyone that HIV is preventable, treatable, and manageable. “With the right kind of leadership and visibility from everyone, we can end HIV in PNG.” Meanwhile, the CEO HIV Lunch & Learn, supported by G4S and the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce, will bring together leaders from across the business community. The session at G4S Haus, Konedobu, will focus on key areas for action: Trends in HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis in PNG. Innovations in testing and treatment. Workplace responsibilities for health, safety, and wellbeing. Action organizations can take to reduce new infections among their workforce and support affected employees. Businesses for Health acknowledges the commitment of PNG’s business sector in raising awareness, supporting staff, and strengthening workplace health programs.

The BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has further improved the service it is providing to its loyal customers with the launching of new features that is set to ease customer experience.Last evening in Port Moresby city, that launching took place at the Hilton Hotel where BSP announced further improvements to customer service with new affluent customer propositions designed to place customers at the centre of the bank’s service model. Group CEO Mark Robinson said the new affluent customer proposition was part of a multi-million-Kina investment by BSP to improve services for all customers. Mr. Robinson said: “We want all our customers to have access to efficient and responsive financial services by ensuring they have access to the right level of expertise and benefits.“Our new affluent customer proposition provides tailored customer solutions with the right level of expertise, responsiveness and financial guidance. To support this, we are making a significant investment in improving our service channels and strengthening our relationship-driven approach.”With the launch of the new customer model, BSP now offers clearly defined service levels through BSP First, BSP Gold and BSP Green, delivering more efficient, convenient and personal service for all customers.“As part of the new affluent proposition, BSP is moving to proactive financial and personalized services based on anticipating customer needs and deepening relationships.“This includes dedicated relationship management, exclusive branch service access, competitive interest rates and personalized financial solutions to support customer needs.“We are also introducing a new range of benefits for BSP First and BSP Gold customers through a partnership with DragonPass, an exclusive travel and lifestyle privileges programme. This includes access to 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, airport Fast Track services, international travel insurance, global concierge services, discount dining and spa treatments, and invitations to exclusive events.”

A total of 338 grade nine students from Jubilee Catholic Secondary graduated under the leadership program under PNG Tribal Foundation yesterday in Port Moresby city.Jubilee Catholic Secondary Principal Mrs. Barbara Miles said a pilot school for Senisim PNG program by Tribal Foundation successfully completed the 11 weeks program and allowing 338 grade nine students to obtain the values as good citizens in the country. “You have explored essential values you’ve gone through the tools you will need build a meaningful life as you step forward.” “I urge you to apply these core values like integrity, respect, responsibility, empathy and resilience in your daily lives,” said Mrs. Miles. Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin said the students were privilege to undergo leadership program where directors, managers and CEOs of companies have gone through the same program to lead and inspire others in their leadership roles. Mr. Bustin challenged the students to make right choices in their lives if they want to be successful in life. Deputy Principal Janet Sengi said Education Department focuses more on academic curriculum and not value based programs to teach the young ones as agent of change for the country. Jamie Griffin, student representative said the two values stood out for him during the 11 weeks table session was empathy and resilience. “We forget to put ourselves in other situations and we turn to judge and that is empathy many of us lacked and resilience is the power of our mind how we think and behave reflects everything about decisions we have make,” Jamie said.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) recently received a major boost from Credit Bank, one of its long-time partners – a dummy cheque of K25,000 to support the cost of warehouse space.This support was crucial, as having reliable warehouse facilities allows BbP to store more books and efficiently distribute them to schools and Library Learning Centres across Papua New Guinea. Buk bilong Pikinini Executive Officer, Leanne Resson, emphasized the importance of Credit Bank’s ongoing support towards BbP. “With Credit Bank’s support, Buk bilong Pikinini is able to securely store reading books, teaching resources and essential learning materials, ensuring they are well managed and ready for distribution to our library learning centres and schools across the country.” “This support strengthens our ability to continue delivering quality literacy programs and meaningful learning opportunities for thousands of children every day.” Credit Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Danny Robinson, also shared remarks during the presentation. “Credit Bank is proud to continue supporting Buk bilong Pikinini and the incredible work they do to build strong foundations in early childhood education.” “We believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and reach their full potential. “ “By supporting BbP, we are helping ensure that more children across PNG have access to books, safe learning environments and the essential resources they need to succeed.” Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) expressed its gratitude to Credit Bank’s senior management team, including the Head of Group Strategy and staff, for attending the ceremony and supporting this important initiative. BbP thanked Credit Bank for their generous contribution and for joining in the celebration at the UPNG Library Learning Centre. With literacy rates in PNG still low compared to other Pacific nations, it's crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate in providing access to quality education, high-quality materials, and motivating teaching resources for children. Through partnerships with organizations like Credit Bank, Buk bilong Pikinini is able to offer high-quality early childhood education and robust after-school programs, ensuring thousands of children have daily access to learning opportunities that wouldn’t be possible without such support. This includes providing access to books, guided reading sessions, literacy activities, and creating supportive learning environments that inspire a love for reading and learning from an early age.

A financial literacy training ending today hosted by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), has trained thirty-three women from the Kaugere JT Women’s Association.The program started on the 26th of November, aiming to empower participants with improved budgeting and saving skills also assisted in ensuring all 33 participants opened bank accounts. Deputy Secretary Warren Marape, speaking on behalf of Secretary Jerry Ubase, addressed the importance of financial discipline. “People with financial knowledge are people who have financial discipline in how they manage their money, both in spending and saving.” He also presented the account-opening fees to Evelyn Charlie, the Port Moresby Branch Manager of Mama Bank, to support all participants. Charlie and her team helped the women with registration and account opening, and a team from MiBank will also assist with this process. The main goal of opening accounts is to include the 80% of the unbanked population in the country's informal economy. Cecilia Wrondimi, Assistant Director of the Informal Economy Section, thanked the participants for attending and encouraged them to apply their new skills. On behalf of the JT Women’s Association, Rose Hagua expressed gratitude to the department for organizing the training and urged participants to fully utilize the opportunity. The retail training is being facilitated by the Informal Economy Section of the Department (DFCDR).

Five murder suspects in Wapenamanda are expected to surrender to the Mediation Team and security forces today at Wapenamanda district office, following their involvement in the killings during the height of Wapenamanda tribal clash. The mediation team carried out a successful negotiation with the warring tribes, led by acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (a/ACP) Western End Joseph Tondop and Special Operations Commander Anthony Wagambi Jnr. With maximum manpower and firepower from both police and PNGDF under the management of both acting ACP Tondop and Commander Wagambi Jnr, the team successfully confronted the battlefields of the two warring and armed tribes. Speaking to the Itoken tribesmen at Takaipus village outside Wapenamanda, Mr. Tondop pointed out that no one benefits from continuous fighting, killings and destruction of important government and church-run installations. “Your women and children do not have a future when you choose to fight, kill and destroy important government and church-run facilities in Wapenamanda.” a/ACP Mr. Tondop told Itoken tribe members. “Security forces comprising police and soldiers are here to protect installations that will benefit your women, children and yourselves today and into future. Take ownership of these important service installations,” he said. Meanwhile, Mr. Tondop informed the warring tribes especially the Itoken tribe that their inclusion in the National Court Peace Agreement Signed in Port Moresby, and the security forces deployed under the Special Operations led by Commander Wagambi Jnr, are here to enforce the new Anti-Terrorists Act. “The new law is targeting those who carry dangerous and high-powered firearms and persistently cause fear and terror in communities.” “The overall Peace Agreement signed by leaders Minister Miki Kaeok representing the Yangukim tribe and Danny Kati representing Yakuman tribe also covers your tribe and other neighbouring tribes,” a/ACP Tondop explained. The warring Itoken tribesmen agreed for peace on conditions that the opposing Yakuman tribe surrender suspects that opened up on them at the polling booth during the LLG elections. Moreover, Commander Special Operations Anthony Wagambi made it clear to all warring tribesmen that law enforcement under his command is here to enforce the new Anti-Terrorists Act recently passed by Parliament. “Only a unit of the special operations comprising Mobile Squad MS2 based in Mendi assisted by PNGF soldiers have been at Wapenamanda for a month providing security on government and church-run facilities,” Mr. Wagambi explained. Furthermore, he commended members of Mobile Squad MS2 and their counterparts from PNGDF for holding ground and maintaining control for the past few weeks.

The Sumkar Tertiary Students Union (STSU) has successfully concluded a six-day education awareness program across schools in Sumkar District, reaching more than hundreds of students and inspiring them to pursue higher education. The program, which began on 17 November 2025, brought together tertiary students from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), University of Goroka (UOG), Divine Word University (DWU), and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech), who worked together as one team to mentor and motivate students. STSU Representative and DWU Madang student team leader, Nicholas Gamuna, described the program as a major success and praised the high level of student engagement.  “We are happy to say that this six-day awareness has been very successful. Students asked questions, participated actively, and showed strong interest in their future. This gives us hope for the next generation of Sumkar,” Gamuna said. During the week, the team visited Talidig High School, Mirap Primary School, Karkar Secondary School, Ilu Bangme Primary School, Anul Lutheran High School, and Dangsai High School. They delivered sessions on study discipline, career guidance, university life, scholarship opportunities, and course selection. Gamuna said the main aim of the initiative was to encourage students to take responsibility for their education and begin planning their careers early.  “We wanted students to understand that education is not just about passing exams but about preparing themselves to serve their district and country as future leaders and professionals,” he added. The union expressed its appreciation to Hon. Alexander Suguman for providing K5,000 in financial support, which helped cover transportation, materials, and logistical costs for the program. The team also thanked school administrations, teachers, and local communities for warmly welcoming and supporting the initiative. Allan Mulido, a third-year student from the University of Goroka, shared his hopes for the program’s impact.  “I hope this awareness will bring positive outcomes, and in the future, I hope to see more teachers, doctors, and engineers from Sumkar,” he said. Darius Wasida, a representative from the University of Papua New Guinea, also reflected on the experience.  “The six days were challenging because it was the first time Sumkar tertiary students came together to carry out an awareness like this, but we managed to complete it successfully,” he said. STSU described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening human resource development in the district and building a brighter future for the next generation. The union also announced plans to make the program an annual activity, with intentions to expand to more schools and include donation drives in the future.