Prime Minister James Marape has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of late Sir Charles Watson Lepani, KBE CBE OBE, a distinguished statesman, diplomat, and pioneer of Papua New Guinea’s post independence era. Sir Charles passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Port Moresby, surrounded by his wife, Lady Katherine Lepani, and son, Nathaniel Lepani, after a battle with stage four cancer. Prime Minister Marape said, “Sir Charles Lepani’s passing comes at a time when Papua New Guinea is preparing to celebrate 50 years of independence, making this loss even more significant. “Sir Charles was one of our most distinguished leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping PNG’s economic, social, and diplomatic policies in the years following independence. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Papua New Guineans. “He was part of PNG’s renowned ‘Gang of Four,’ alongside Sir Mekere Morauta, Sir Anthony Siaguru, and Sir Rabbie Namaliu — a group of visionary thinkers who helped craft the foundations of PNG’s governance, economy, and foreign policy during the country’s formative years.” Born on October 28, 1947, Sir Charles was a proud Trobriand Islander from Milne Bay Province, whose cultural roots anchored his lifelong dedication to public service. Prime Minister Marape highlighted Sir Charles’s pioneering roles in nation-building: “Following independence in 1975, Sir Charles became PNG’s first Director of the National Planning Office, where he helped shape development strategies for equitable growth. He went on to serve in key diplomatic roles, including PNG’s Ambassador to the European Union and High Commissioner to Australia, strengthening PNG’s international relations. “His leadership during PNG’s hosting of the 2018 APEC Summit as Director-General of the APEC Authority showcased his exceptional management and diplomatic skills. More recently, he chaired the Eminent Persons Group, developing PNG’s Foreign Policy White Paper, a document that will guide our future foreign engagements.” The Prime Minister said Sir Charles was a fierce advocate for equitable development. “Sir Charles always believed that the benefits of PNG’s progress should reach all Papua New Guineans. His calm demeanor, wisdom, and humility earned him respect both at home and abroad, and his contributions to our nation’s growth will never be forgotten. “As we approach 50 years of independence, we remember and honor the generation of leaders like Sir Charles who laid the foundation for our nation’s development. His legacy is a reminder of what true leadership and service to the nation look like.” Prime Minister Marape extended his condolences to Lady Katherine Lepani, Nathaniel Lepani, and the entire Lepani family. “Sir Charles’s life was one of selfless service and dedication to Papua New Guinea. His remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, Sir Charles. Your work for Papua New Guinea will never be forgotten.”

Under Prime Minister James Marape’s directive, all Papua New Guinean nationals must register with their national identification by September 16, 2025. PM Marape also directed that the National Youth Authority open and maintain a 24-hour call centre for the nation’s youth; and that all young Papua New Guineans forced out of the school system utilise the Facility for Open Distant Education (FODE) to complete their education. The Prime Minister made known the policy directions on Friday 10th, January during the launching of the inaugural PNG Youth Resource Week (YRW) in Port Moresby before a crowd of youth at Sir John Guise Stadium. The YRW was launched to create a platform of information and connection for the young men and women of the country caught out of the school system and the formal sector. It will work at linking the youth to the Marape-Rosso Government programs and initiatives such as FODE and TVET in Education; MSME, Labour Mobility, and recruitment into the disciplinary forces in Business and Employment; in Sports; and Arts & Culture. The YRW launched on Friday 10 January 2025, to coincide with the first anniversary of ‘Black Wednesday’ – the rampage and looting of businesses in Port Moresby last year 2024. This was to drive messages of strength and positive change among the youth. A full exposition will be held a month later in February where government agencies and private sector partners will be present to demonstrate services they have on offer for the youth and assist them to open up the links. The initiative is the Government’s response to addressing the escalating youth bulge in the country by connecting the young people for the existing programs initiative Marape-led Government since 2019. PM Marape called on government agencies led by the Department of Community Development Religion and Youth, and Department of Education to do more in creating clear and accessible pathways for the young people where they can easily access the available programs. He said, “We have many programs in education, skills training, small business development and labour mobility but they are not reaching you, our youth. Government agencies are failing to make these opportunities visible, accessible, and understandable so you can benefit from them. This will change now because you are very important for the future of our country." “Keep a look out for FODE which you can register in to complete your education. It will be at no costs at all to you as your government is paying for the fees. We also have SME; we have labour mobility; you can make money in agriculture; you can play sports and rugby league; you can make music and paint.” “All our young men must rise up and protect our women and girls and secure our communities." "Have hope. Feel energised. Reclaim your identity as Christian Melanesian Papua New Guineans and together we can build a better country,” said Prime Minister Marape. PM Marape made a call out to all youths to avail themselves at the YRW expo in February when it opens in Port Moresby and other centres when the YRW is moving around the country.

As Papua New Guinea commemorates its 50th year of independence, Prime Minister James Marape has urged public personnel nationwide to take on the responsibility of providing the country with improved services. His remarks follow a visit to his electorate in Tari-Pori, where he met dedicated frontline public servants working in Hela Province. During his visit, the Prime Minister was moved to see several coastal families — doctors and other professionals — who have left the comfort of their home provinces to serve the people of Hela. He acknowledged their sacrifice and praised their commitment to nation-building. “These public servants are an inspiration,” Prime Minister Marape said. “They have chosen service over comfort, working in some of the most challenging areas of our country. Their dedication reminds us that public service is a noble duty, one that requires commitment, sacrifice, and a deep sense of responsibility.” The Prime Minister stressed that frontline workers across the country — including doctors, teachers, police officers, and administrators — need greater support from government agencies and senior officials based in Waigani. “We who are in head offices must rise to the occasion. Our work must be efficient and effective, ensuring that those on the front lines have the tools, resources, and support to carry out their duties. We must break the habits of complacency and serve with renewed purpose.” Looking ahead to the Public Service Dedication Ceremony on January 10, Prime Minister Marape urged all public servants to reflect on their roles and responsibilities. He reminded them that they are paid with taxpayers’ money to serve the people and must work tirelessly to meet the needs of the nation. “As we dedicate the year 2025 to public service, I ask every public servant, both elected and appointed, to reflect on your service to our country. Let us be the catalysts of positive change. Let us rise together for PNG.” Prime Minister Marape also took a moment to honor the legacy of past public servants who have contributed to the country’s development over the past five decades. “To those who have served Papua New Guinea faithfully over the past 50 years, we thank you. Your work has laid the foundation of our nation. Now, it is our duty to build on that foundation and serve our people better.” The Prime Minister emphasised that true nation-building requires collective action from all levels of public service. He called for a renewed commitment from everyone in government to leave behind personal comfort and serve the country with pride and purpose. “Don’t wait for someone else to do it — it starts with you and me. Together, we can ensure that Papua New Guinea continues to grow and prosper for the next 50 years.”

The Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine is in need of all blood types now to support patient needs at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). According to Assistant Nurse Unit Manager Sister (Sr) Juliet Ohuesaho, they have put out an appeal for urgent blood donations due to the high demand of blood needed during the festive season. She said it was not possible for them to go out and conduct their mobile blood drives because government departments and organizations were closed during the festive period. “It was not possible for us to go out and conduct our mobile blood drives because it's the holiday period. But the Sir Brain Bell Centre for transfusion Medicine was open for donations.” “And during the festive season, there’s an increase of patients going into the hospital who need blood, especially trauma cases.” Despite the Centre been open and a few of the patients’ relatives coming in to donate blood, they still need urgent donations of blood due to the limited stock they currently have. She added that so far, they have collected about 50 bags of blood since the 1st of January from people who have relatives admitted at the Port Moresby General Hospital. Sr. Ohuesaho is appealing to the public and all who are interested to donate and save a life to head down to the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine and donate blood. “I want to make an appeal to the public to donate. Christmas marks the time where Jesus was given to us, life was given to us. Blood is the most precious gift someone could give and that’s life. One hour of your time can mean a lifetime to someone. So come on down to the Centre and donate to save.”

From Ben Hunt returning to the Broncos to Zac Lomax making a highly anticipated move from the Dragons to the Eels and Clint Gutherson going the other way, the 2025 NRL season is full of intriguing storylines surrounding players seeking a fresh start at new clubs. Other big guns set to make big moves in 2025 include Panthers premiership heroes Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva, representative prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, promising big men Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May and proven performers Isaiah Papali'i, Addin Fonua-Blake, Val Holmes and Chad Townsend. Among the key off-season signing moves are: Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him in Melbourne until the end of the 2026 season. Roosters captain James Tedesco signed a one-year contract extension, ensuring his continued leadership and presence at the club until the end of 2026. The Dragons extending playmaker Kyle Flanagan for a further two years and securing the signature of Sharks utility Daniel Atkinson from 2026. On the back of his impressive return to the NRL in 2024, Bronson Xerri has inked a new deal with the Bulldogs through to the end of the 2027 season. The Rabbitohs signing playmaker Jayden Sullivan for the 2025 season after he was released by Wests Tigers. England international John Bateman is set to play a mentoring role for the North Queensland pack after signing a two-year deal with the Cowboys. Sharks captain Cameron McInnes extended his contract until the end of 2026 while prop Tuku Hau Tapuha inked a one-year extension to the end of 2026. The Dolphins extended the contracts of Fijian international Kurt Donoghoe and forward Connelly Lemuelu. with a one-year contract extension that will see him remain with the club until at least the 2025 season. The Knights have extended the contract of youngster Dylan Lucas until at least the end of 2027. Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki has signed a one-year contract extension through to the end of 2026. Storm captain Harry Grant has taken up his player option to stay in Melbourne until the end of the 2026 NRL season. Fijian international Marcelo Montoya will return to Belmore after signing a two-year deal with the Bulldogs. With the sensational season-opener in Las Vegas just two months away, here's a full rundown of the comings and goings at all 17 clubs for 2025. Official 2025 NRL squad lists See the official signings tracker hub

The National Saint John Ambulance received an emergency call in the early hours of Christmas Day at 03:06 AM about a woman in labour from Gelegele village in Kokopo, East New Britain. Ambulance officers Edward Kivung and Newman Vue were dispatched promptly to assist a 32-year-old expectant mother, Lydia, who was experiencing labour pains. Call takers reassured Lydia that a unit would be sent as soon as it was available. The caller met the ambulance on the roadside and guided the crew to the family home. Upon arrival, the ambulance team promptly assessed Lydia and transferred her to the ambulance to begin the journey to the hospital. During transport, it became apparent that Lydia’s labour was progressing rapidly, and the crew expertly assisted with the delivery of her baby in the ambulance. After ensuring Lydia was clinically stable, the crew transported her and her newborn son to the hospital for further care. In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the family decided to name the baby boy after the ambulance officer who helped deliver him, Newman. Reflecting on the experience, Newman shared, "it is such an honour to have the baby named after me, especially on such a special day."

The inaugural Rhinos Rugby Union 10’s tournament saw a total of 16 teams vying for the Sydney Wesley Cup, named after former Defence rugby legend and Pukpuks Coach Sydney Wesley, at the Bava Park in Port Moresby. According to Rhino’s Rugby 10’s Tournament Manager Jordan Seladi, the 10-aside concept is an initiative of the Rhinos Rugby Club bringing together emerging, current, and past players to come out and enjoy the camaraderie and build friendships in rugby, have fun and stay fit during the offseason. “When we started the Rhino’s rugby union team, we started it on the notion of keeping the forward’s fit. Typically, throughout the years we’ve seen, most of the tournaments are oriented towards the 7’s fixture, the young and fast players.” “But with coach Sydney Wesley's concept, we thought to create a tournament that’s oriented towards the forwards.” Despite the short notice, the tournament attracted a good number of teams and players for this first-ever 10s competition. “Based on the interest that we generated during the past two days; we are anticipating a better and bigger tournament next year.” While taking part in the 7s tournament they always value their strength in the forwards but over the years and with good like-minded people around the club has developed and transformed itself to where it is today. “This is the first tournament that they’ve staged, it’s like a trial and error but we have hope and belief that in the near two to three years it should grow." He added that should a bigger number of teams participate in the Rhinos tournament, the prize money will increase. The inaugural 10s tournament has 16 Port Moresby-based teams only competing in four pools with the top two in each pool proceeding to the top 8 cup playoff while the bottom two with playoff for the bowl. Since it's only a first-tens tournament, Seladi clarified that the winning teams and runners-up have little financial motivation because of their supporting sponsors, Pacific Islands International and S-85Ever Grand Ltd.

The Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital in the Rigo District of Central Province is set to welcome the New Year as they are prepared for the New Years operations. Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital Community Heath Officer Sister (Sr.) Ana Atop said, they have three (3) ambulance ready and on standby for the festive season. “We do have three ambulances on standby for emergency cases. One for the labour ward cases, which is a bus, and we have two other buses on standby for emergency cases.” Sr. Atop also made mention that they have enough stock of medical supplies to get them through the New Year’s period. And with that, they have scaled down their operations as per directions from the Central Provincial Health Authority. “We have scaled down our normal services just for seven days only. One health officer will be on standby for labour ward cases only, one in the outpatient, one in the emergency and the other will be ward.” Sr. Atop extended her New Year’s wishes to the people of Kwikila and urged the people to celebrate responsibly as this is a time to reflect and start anew.

Christmas is a time of celebrating joy, peace and love and to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. At the Port Moresby General Hospital Labour Ward, sixteen babies were delivered by midday today on Christmas Day. Of the 16, seven were baby boys and the rest were girls. The first delivery was a baby boy who was born at 12:55 a.m. The total number of births for Christmas Day will be provided at a later date. Meanwhile, 41 babies were delivered on Christmas Eve.

Hospitals around the country are prone to receive high rates or emergency cases during the festive period and to help minimize the load, the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) are working collaboratively this festive season to address the issue of patient congestion and to minimize waiting times at the Port Moresby General Hospital. The NCD PHA is taking responsibility for the management and treatment of Category 3 patients referred from PMGH to 6mile Polyclinic. As per the Interagency Triage Tool (IITT), Category 3 patients are classified as non-urgent cases that can safely await medical attending without immediate intervention. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of emergency service, streamline care, and ultimately improve the overall experience for all individuals seeking medical assistance.

People in the Abau and Rigo districts in the Central province have been urged to celebrate responsibly this festive season, due to the fact that the Abau District Hospital in Kupiano and the Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital scaling down their operations. According to Central Provincial Health Authority Director Curative Health Services Dr. Maru Garo, they have scaled down their operations at both hospitals to maintain their emergency services, labour ward, the inpatient care and the X-Ray services. He said, the scale down begins today, the 24th of December 2024 and will continue until the 2nd of January 2025. “We are scaling down the operations so the staff can concentrate on the emergency service because we are anticipating an increase of the number of patients that will be coming in, especially with trauma cases.” He said, with the scale down, only twelve to ten stuff members will be on duty during the festive operations. Dr. Garu further encouraged the people to take care of themselves due to the low supply of medical drugs as well at this time. “For quite a while now, our medical supplies have not been really coming in on time and that's from the Area Medical Stores. But for now, we’ve got our orders from Medical Store, and they’ve packed them, and they should be out by this week. We will then distribute them to the two hospitals.” Dr. Garo also extended his best Christmas wishes to all the people of Central province and urged for a trouble-free Christmas this year, urging the people to celebrate responsibly.

Papua New Guinea-born representative star Xavier Coates believes the young talent coming through the nation's pathways will ensure the NRL's newest team is competitive from the outset. Coates, who made his Test debut for the Kumuls in 2019, is expected to be one of the main recruitment targets for the PNG NRL team, which will join the Telstra Premiership in 2028. The Storm star, who was a member of the Kangaroos team which won the Pacific Cup, will only be 26 years old when the first premiership match is played in Port Moresby. Current Kumuls players are expected to be offered the opportunity to play for the foundation team as the PNG franchise focuses on homegrown talent. Among those likely to be on the recruitment list are halfback Lachlan Lam, hooker Edwin Ipape (both Leigh), centre Rodrick Tai (Warrington) and outside backs Nene Macdonald (Salford), Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby (both Cowboys). Yet, many of the potential PNG team are yet to play at NRL or Super League level, including fullback Morea Morea, who made his Test debut in November against Cook Islands, and Kumuls hooker Judah Rimbu. Morea, who is on a train-and-trial contract with the Cowboys, was the 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup rookie of the year, while Rimbu has signed with Castleford after winning the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup player of the year award. Others identified by PNG head of elite pathways Joey Grima for selection in the 2024 Junior Kumuls or PM's XIII who are expected to be ready for the NRL by 2028 include: centre Phillip Coates (Broncos development contract) centre Sam Stephenson (Titans development squad) middle forward Cooper Bai (Titans development squad) hooker Finley Glare (plays for PNG Hunters) prop Vane Manuma (plays for PNG Hunters) halfback Bradley Orosambo (training contract with PNG Hunters) five-eighth Giaro Voro (plays for PNG Hunters) prop Emmanuel Balio (training contract with PNG Hunters). “There's so much talent in PNG who don't get much media attention in Australia so it's pretty cool that they are getting these opportunities," Coates said. “I'm really proud of the nation as a whole and I’m really proud of those boys who are stepping up and performing really well for them." Coates, who moved to Queensland at a young age, represented PNG in 2019 and brother Phillip appears destined to follow in his footsteps after playing for the Junior Kumuls side which drew 22-22 with the Australian Schoolboys in October. Stephenson - who is contracted to the Titans along with Bai, the son of PNG legend Marcus Bai - was selected for the Australian Schoolboys in 2024 after playing for the Young Kumuls in 2023. “They've got some really good homegrown talent up there and they earned my respect back in 2019, when I went into my first camp," Coates said. "I was a fresh 18-year-old and I was quite nervous, and a bit scared to be honest, but they brought me in like I was their little brother. “I'm really appreciative of what the Papua New Guinea and the Kumuls have done for me, and I'll continue to be." Class of 2028 Finley Glare (hooker, age 21): Spotted playing for Lae and featured in the majority of games for PNG Hunters last season. Sound knowledge of the game and exciting out of dummy half. Phillip Coates (centre, age 18): Younger brother of Storm winger Xavier Coates. A giant in stature, he creates opportunities with his huge frame and rugby league IQ. Has an incredible ability in the air and is also a strong defender who dominates his opponents. Currently contracted to Brisbane Broncos. Sam Stephenson (centre, age 18): Played for the Junior Kumuls in 2023 and Australian Schoolboys in 2024. Contracted to Gold Coast Titans for the next three seasons. A powerful and strong running back. Bradley Orosambo (halfback, age 19): Selected in the PNG Schoolboys team after winning player of the tournament with Lae. A cheeky and dominant player who executes plays well. He is also an excellent kicker of the ball and strong defender. Was chosen by SP Hunters coach Paul Aiton for a pre-season training opportunity with his Hostplus Cup squad. Emmanuel Balio (prop): Hails from Mt Hagen, Western Highlands. An aggressive player who received lots of praise for his performance with the Junior Kumuls against Australian Schoolboys. A player who can play big minutes and leads with his actions. Plays for PRK Mendi Muruks in the domestic Digicel Exxon-Mobil Cup competition and dominates his senior opponents. Vane Manuma (prop, age 19): Among the tallest players in PNG, Manuma has a massive frame that allows him to create opportunities with the ball. Comes from a remote village in Aroma, Central Province. His ability and potential earned Manuma a training contract with the SP Hunters and his willingness to learn and grow as a player make him an ideal prospect. Gairo Voro (five-eighth, age 21): Hailing from a remote fishing village in Abau District, Central Provence, Voro looked up to Darren Lockyer as a junior. An aggressive defender, who possesses patience and excellent skills with the ball, Voro has the ability to play anywhere in the backline. A leader on the field, he is currently contracted to SP Hunters. Cooper Bai (middle forward, age 18): Son of PNG legend Marcus Bai, Cooper has been rewarded with a contract with Gold Coast Titans. A syndesmosis injury ruled Bai out of contention for the Junior Kumuls but he has representative experience with Queensland U19s. A real steward of the game, Bai will get his opportunities through hard work and rugby league IQ.