Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim is urging everyone in Madang to celebrate Christmas safely, responsibly and with respect of the law. In his festive message, he conveyed warm greetings on behalf of all policemen and policewomen, noting that Christmas often comes with increased pressure on law and order. He appealed to families, students and businesses to stay alert, avoid unnecessary risks and support policing efforts across the province. Superintendent Baim also issued a public advisory to guide citizens during police interactions, saying it aims to protect people’s rights and prevent corruption. He reminded the public to remain calm when approached by police. Citizens are encouraged to ask for an officer’s name, rank and station, and request a clear explanation for any action taken. He warned against offering money or gifts in exchange for favours, stressing that all fines, bail and payments must be done through proper processes with official receipts. Baim said motorists must not pay cash on the roadside and should only accept documented traffic notices. He added that a driver’s license is personal property and can only be taken through lawful, recorded procedures. He urged people to report misconduct through official channels and keep basic details such as time, location and the officer’s name to help the command act quickly. While acknowledging that most officers serve with honesty and dedication, he said public cooperation is vital to keeping Madang safe. Superintendent Baim wished every household a peaceful Christmas and a brighter New Year.

A long-time Madang resident, Ms. Tahnee Ling, has donated K6,000 worth of equipment and support to three wards at Madang Provincial Hospital, using funds raised through her ongoing small fundraising activities. The donation, made this morning, was supported by the Friends of Madang Provincial Hospital and was distributed to the Physiotherapy Ward (K3,000), Labour Ward (K2,000) and Surgical Ward (K1,000). Ms. Ling said the decision to donate was driven by the need to improve basic equipment and create a more conducive environment especially for the physiotherapy department.  “I have split the K6,000 so that K3,000 went to physiotherapy for the items they listed, K2,000 to the labour ward and K1,000 to the surgical ward,” she said. She also highlighted that this was not her first contribution to the hospital, noting that last year she raised K4,000 and donated to the Pediatric Ward. Ms. Ling thanked everyone who contributed in cash and in kind, making the donation possible. Senior Physiotherapist Mr. Isaac Wamingi expressed his appreciation while receiving the items.  “On behalf of the Physiotherapy Department, we would like to thank Tahnee and the Friends of Madang Provincial Hospital for organizing the fundraising and supporting us with these much-needed items,” he said. Hospital Executive Manager Mr. Jeremiah Johnmark said the donation will go a long way in improving patient care and working conditions for staff.  “Madang Provincial Hospital has been facing many challenges that have affected service delivery. This donation will help create a better environment for both our patients and staff,” he said. Mr. Mark also acknowledged the long-standing support of the Friends of Madang Provincial Hospital in improving medical services and thanked them for partnering in the donation. The donation was witnessed by Dr. Jiuth Gawi, Director of Curative Health Services at Madang Provincial Hospital and staffs.

The PNG Women in Agriculture (WiA) Development Foundation is currently hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the National Agriculture Research Institute in Morobe Province.The meeting is supported by the National Agriculture Research Institute and the Pacific Islands Farmers Organization Network. The election of the new executives and reviewing of the organizations Constitution are amongst the agender for these two days meeting. The AGM was opened on Monday 24th November 2025 by Director General of NARI Dr. Nelson Simbiken who encouraged the participants to elevate the organization and align its goals with the National Agriculture Sector Plan, advancing from subsistence farming to commercialization. “With its network of women in the rural areas, PNG Women in Agriculture is in a strategic position to empower women right at the primary school level into adulthood. “Empowering women, allows advancement in all sectors of social and economic development, directly impacting a community. “NARI has supported Women in Agriculture since its inception in 2007 and will continue with this support, especially providing an office space in all NARI Centres throughout the country,” Dr. Simbiken said. Australian High Commission representative Rubie Yamuna encouraged the participants to embrace partnerships and work together. She said PNGWiA must take advantage of NARI’s support through the regional Centres and prepare to partner with donor agencies. Participants at the AGM are registered members of PNG Women In Agriculture from across the country. Vice President of PNGWiA, Jacinta Berra acknowledged NARI for facilitating the AGM and called on the participants to embrace this opportunity for change and advancement. The AGM also paid respect to the late founding President Mrs. Maria Linibi who sadly passed on in June this year, Mrs. Linibi has played a major role in bridging many women and youth farmer groups to external assistance.

A murder suspect who was on the run for some time now was captured this morning during a dawn raid in Tambul Nebilyer District in Western Highlands Province.Following a tip off, police from Kagua, Southern Highlands Province conducted a dawn raid this morning at Wamugl village in Togoba, Tambul Nebilyer District of Western Highlands Province, which resulted in the capture of a murder suspect who had gone into hiding there after fleeing from Southern Highlands Province. According to Constable Jonah Kosen from Kagua Police, they conducted the raid at 4:30am this morning and apprehended the main suspect of a recent murder case at Tiapili village, in Erave LLG of Kagua Erave District, Southern Highlands Province. Police say the suspect Mr. Solomon John of Tiapili village had gone into hiding in Togoba, Western Highlands Province after the brutal murder of late John Weinoko also from Tiapili village last month. The suspect now joins two others who were already in police custody. "To our people in Kagua Erave, if you run from your problems, you will only create more problems, and when you think you can run, you will never hide.” “To the Tiapili community and the immediate relatives of late John Weinoko, Kagua police has lived up to their promise, justice will be served," said Constable Kosen.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Ministry of Education, through its Department of Education and in collaboration with other relevant ABG departments and agencies, has worked diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of Bougainvillean students studying at the University of Goroka in light of the security situation.The ABG Administration has been coordinating all response efforts by the Autonomous Bougainville Government to oversee all actions relating to the safety, support, evacuation, and repatriation of our students, led by the Chief Secretary Mr Kearnneth Nanei. "The safety, support, evacuation and repatriation of our Bougainville students at the University of Goroka have been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the ABG through the President Ishmael Toroama, Vice President Ezekiel Massatt, Members of the Bougainville Executive Council, and the National Members; Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, Member for South Bougainville Timothy Masiu, Member for North Bougainville Francesca Semoso, and the Member for Central Bougainville Jimmy Miringtoro," the ABG Minister for Education Robin Wilson said. The ABG now provides the operational update on the repatriation exercise highlighting that the ABG Department of Education will complete the repatriation of the Bougainvillean students studying at the University of Goroka this week. The repatriation exercise has been conducted over a one-week period beginning on the 17th of November and the last lot of 9 students left Goroka yesterday Monday 24th November. A total of 68 Year One, Two and Three students have been successfully repatriated from Goroka and of the 68 students, 47 are on transit in Port Moresby awaiting their flights home to Buka this week, 21 students have been safely repatriated to Bougainville and are now with their families and communities. This repatriation program is being led by the Ministry of Education through the Department of Education, working in close collaboration with other ABG departments and agencies. The ABG reiterates that the safety and well-being of all Bougainvillean students remain paramount throughout this operation. “We want to assure parents, families, and the wider Bougainville community that the ABG has taken all necessary steps to bring our students home safely by the end of this week,” Minister Wilson said.

The Wapenamanda tribal violence between the Yakuman and Yangakuni tribes in Enga province remains ongoing despite the signing of Peace Agreement in Port Moresby Last week.The longstanding violence between the two rival tribes has prolonged from August to now November forcing Law Enforcement authorities to pursue and eliminate further conflicts and protect the innocent lives affected. Although the Upper Highlands provinces of Southern Highlands and Hela remain relatively quiet for the past few weeks, Wapenamada still remains intense despite the presence of Police and Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) efforts to eliminate further violence. Heading into Wapenamanda yesterday Sunday 23rd November, reinforcements from both the Special Operations Contingent-Mobile Squad (MS) 2 and Wapenamanda-based PNGDF personnel were led by Commander of the Special Operations in the Upper Highlands, Anthony Wagambi Jnr. Despite the signing of the peace agreement with the Yakuman tribe who are from Wapenamanda station, the Yangukim tribesmen launched a surprise attack a day after on Saturday 22nd November 2025. Moreover, personnel from the security force, including police and soldiers based at Wapenamanda acted swiftly to protect government facilities and brought the situation under control. Tribesmen fired shots at the security forces who returned with warning shots to bring the situation under control. Reinforcements of security forces led by Commander Wagambi converged into Wapenamanda early Sunday morning and assisted to quell the situation between the two warring tribes. Commander Wagambi’s reinforcement team from the Special Operations remain the whole day at Wapenamanda and returned to their Command Base in Mendi last night.

The 2026 National Budget will be presented in Parliament tomorrow, but the prime minister has already hinted a budget mark that is more than K30 billion, and one that will maintain the government’s fiscal and service delivery focus. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape in a press statement said the 2026 National Budget, to be delivered on Tuesday by Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, will maintain the Government’s steady fiscal direction, strengthen essential services, and reinforce the long-term development priorities under MTDP IV and the national Reset PNG@50 programme. For the first time, the National Budget will pass the K30 billion mark, with over 88% of it funded from domestic revenue — achieved without raising taxes. The Prime Minister said the government’s fiscal position reflects the success of its disciplined long-term planning.“This Budget is fully aligned with the Government’s 13-Year Budget Repair Plan, which lays out a clear pathway to reduce debt, strengthen revenue, and restore long-term fiscal stability. We remain firmly committed to this plan. Our debt-reduction programme is tracking on target, and in 2026 we will record one of the smallest deficits in our nation’s recent history — bringing us much closer to a balanced budget by 2027.“Our domestic revenue performance continues to improve, not because we are introducing new taxes, but because the size and activity of the local economy are expanding. The increased volume of collections reflects real economic growth and stronger compliance across the system.”Prime Minister Marape emphasized that this year’s Budget is not aimed at dramatic shifts or surprises, but rather consolidating gains made over the past five years while responsibly managing inflation and supporting frontline services.“The 2026 Budget will present no surprises. It maintains stability, consistency, and disciplined planning. We are staying the course to ensure effective services and responsible growth,” he said.Prime Minister Marape also said the recurrent expenditures will be prioritized towards core services in 2026 ensuring salaries, goods, and services are fully supported for key priority areas. He noted that the Government is committed to protecting core public services so that schools, hospitals, police, and frontline agencies continue to function without disruption.He also confirmed that the GST relief on essential household items, introduced last year to great success, will continue to the end of 2026.“This measure remains in place because easing the cost of living for families is a priority, and we have already accounted for it in the Budget,” he said.

Papua New Guinea's trades sector is undergoing a transformation; from construction sites to shipping vessels and factory floors, women are increasingly taking on roles that were once inaccessible to them.Recently, the Meri Save Trades program celebrated its two-year milestone, highlighting these changes and demonstrating how inclusive workplaces are contributing to both business growth and national development. The program, run by the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, and supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand, works with businesses to create respectful work environments and open up new career opportunities for women in industries that have traditionally been male dominated. Since its launch, Meri Save Trades has partnered with 19 companies collectively employing more than 15,000 people, including Steamships, Brian Bell Group, Paradise Foods Limited, Pacific Industries, TWM, Rhodes PNG, National Capital District Commission, Air Niugini, Swire Shipping, Hebou Constructions, and Ruswin Integrated Solutions. These companies have introduced policies such as paid maternity leave and stronger grievance systems, helping women succeed in technical roles. Evonne Kennedy, Executive Director of BCFW, stated that creating respectful workplaces is beneficial to women, businesses and the country. “Through Meri Save Trades, we’ve seen companies take real steps to make that happen.” Providing women with equal opportunities in trades and technical fields can boost Papua New Guinea's economy and foster safer, more efficient workplaces. By investing in women's skills, businesses not only bridge gender gaps but also unlock significant growth potential. Currently, women represent just 31 percent of PNG’s employed population, and increasing access to trades and technical roles can help close this gap, strengthen businesses, and enhance national productivity. The event also featured the Meri Save Trades Photo Exhibition, which highlighted the inspiring stories of women excelling in construction, shipping, and manufacturing

A significant milestone was recently achieved in Take Anda, Wabag, with the official swearing-in of the long-awaited Mulitaka Resettlement Authority (MRA) Management Board.The event, organized by the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA), signals the start of coordinated restoration and development efforts for the Maip-Mulitaka community. The ceremony began with a prayer, followed by speeches from senior government officials. Representing the National Government, Philip Leo, Secretary for DPLGA, highlighted the importance of peace, unity, and community responsibility in guiding Mulitaka toward a positive future. He urged local communities to take ownership of reconciliation efforts and to abandon ongoing law-and-order issues, ensuring that the Government’s restoration interventions effectively reach the people. “We must put aside our differences and work together in collaboration so that National Government services reach Maip-Mulitaka without hindrance. Real change begins with the people.” Secretary Leo further urged the 19 elected Council Ward Members to take a proactive role in promoting peace and stability, ensuring that the Mulitaka resettlement program moves forward smoothly. He stressed the importance of the Mulitaka community supporting the Authority and collaborating with the Board Members to help resettle displaced families and rebuild key infrastructure. Enga Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka echoed these sentiments, calling on all groups to prioritize peace and stability in order to facilitate the rebuilding of Mulitaka. Secretary Leo further challenged the 19 Council Ward Members-elect to take a leading role in restoring peace and stability so that the Mulitaka resettlement program can progress without disruption. He highlighted the need for the people of Mulitaka to embrace the Authority and work together with its Board Members to resettle displaced families and rebuild essential infrastructure. Enga Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka echoed similar sentiments, calling on all factions to restore peace and stability for the sake of rebuilding Mulitaka. “Let us leave behind law-and-order problems and embrace the Government’s restoration initiative. The future of Mulitaka depends on unity.” Afterwards, the newly appointed members of the Mulitaka Resettlement Authority Management Board were officially sworn in and signed their Oath of Office. They were sworn by Senior Provincial Magistrate Aple’e Michael in pack crowd, witnessed by 19 newly elected Ward Members, Enga Provincial Administration officials, security forces (police and Defence), stakeholders and development partners. Those sworn in include: · Mr. Saki Ipata – Chairman, Mulitaka Resettlement Authority · Mr. Sandis Tsaka – Provincial Administrator, Enga Province / Delegate · Mr. Leo Philip – Secretary, DPLGA / Delegate · Mr. Lusete Mann – Director, National Disaster Centre (Ex Officio) · Mr. Jerry Maku – District Administrator, Porgera-Paiela (Ex Officio) The swearing-in represents a significant step in establishing a functional leadership structure to guide and coordinate resettlement and restoration programs for affected communities in Maip-Mulitaka.

Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Soroi Marepo Eoe, CMG, MP, has commended most provincial governments for adhering to reporting requirements and submitting their 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA). Under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG), all provincial governments, excluding the National Capital District (NCD) and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) are required to submit their APPRs for the preceding year by June 30. Minister Eoe explained that each year, the National Government allocates funding to provincial governments to support service delivery across six Minimum Priority Areas (MPAs) including: 1. Governance, 2. Education, 3. Health, 4. Works and Transport, 5. Law and Justice, and 6. Primary Production He stressed that compliance reporting on the MPAs strengthens, accountability and builds trust between provincial governments and the people. “This enhances relationships and instils confidence in service delivery.” Meanwhile, Secretary of the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Philip Leo, confirmed that seventeen provinces have submitted their reports, with only Central, Western and Morobe provinces yet to submit. “Once these remaining reports are received, the Minister will table the consolidated outcomes in Parliament next year,” Secretary Leo stated. On 27 May 2025, Minister Eoe presented the Annual Provincial Performance Reports for the years 2018–2022 in Parliament. This was the third presentation of its kind since the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments was enacted in 1995. “Over the past decade (2014-2023), only ten provinces have consistently submitted their APPRs.” “In the last five years, only seven provinces met the June 30 deadline, while thirteen submitted late or failed to submit altogether.” Moreover, Minister Eoe also clarified the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling which invalidated Sections 51-53 of the OLPLLG relating to the withdrawal of powers, functions and finances. “The ruling does not prevent the government from holding individual leaders and bureaucrats accountable following investigations.” “The National Government maintains the authority to conduct audits on provincial governments, district development authorities, and local level governments.”

The PNG Tribal Foundation and the Central Provincial Government have entered into discussions to restore essential education opportunities and medical services to the children in remote Dorobisoro Village in Mt. Koiari area of Central province. The village, which has been without government services and accessible only by small planes for decades, recently gained attention following the official opening of the Ghost Mountain Expedition; a trek led by American and Australian trekkers, supported by the PNG Tribal Foundation. This revealed a severe lack of resources and a profound hunger for education among the children. As a direct result of the expedition, PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin met with Mrs. Marybrenda Kasokason, the Central Provincial Government’s acting Education Division Advisor, on November 12, 2025. Mrs. Kasokason confirmed the provincial government’s full support under Governor Rufina Peter's leadership. “We are definitely in support of the efforts Tribal Foundation is putting to have come onboard in partnership with us and we will make sure education opportunities are given to the children who have potential.” Meanwhile, Mr. Bustin emphasized that the Tribal Foundation's involvement is not for business, but for the people to benefit and to make a difference along the trail. The teams have agreed to visit the non-operational school along the trek route next month for an assessment of the school and local clinic. In addition, the discussions also involve the Education Department with a focus on how the government can best support the return of essential services to the villages along the trail. The Dorobisoro Village is situated along the track used by American soldiers during World War II in 1942 and has long struggled with access to basic services. With these ongoing talks, there is hope for a brighter future for the children and community of Dorobisoro.

Seven female final-year students from the University of Technology (Unitech) were among those recently certified as facilitators of a leadership program run by the PNG Tribal Foundation in Lae, Morobe province. All female final year students who are studying Mathematics and Computer Science, Geographical and Information Science, and Science and Food Technology, completed an 11-week journey focused on values and servant leadership through the Senisim PNG transformation table sessions. Ten women from the Nganalaka Catholic Community in Bitkapuk, Gazelle, also received certificates. Lead facilitator Jenitha Wale described the program as very impactful, noting it prompted deep reflection on character, attitude, and purpose among participants. “Many of us became more positive, confident, and mindful in how we interact with others,” said Ms. Wale, adding that her own experience as a first-time facilitator taught her to lead with patience, empathy, and confidence. She said the students have expressed interest in starting the tables and bring in more students and youths on teaching values and transforming minds of the future generation. “Since I am completing my final year at Unitech, I hope to facilitate another group wherever I move next hopefully at my future workplace.” About ten tables are currently underway in Port Moresby, Lae and Kokopo who are also facilitating their tables. The Foundation urges interested organizations, groups, association, families, schools to come onboard and be an agent of change for this country by joining the program.