After a very successful recent Solwara Reggae Tour in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Singer Island singer/songwriter Taina Gee said he is keen to return to perform again in the country. Taina, is well known for hit song collaborations with artists such as Sharzy, Sean Rii, O-Shen, and Betty Toea to name a few. Currently based in his home Solomon Islands, he is hopeful to make a return to PNG soon. Taina, who accompanied the Devandeh, Mossa and crew from Wantoks/DMP who were in the country last month, were blown away by the ecstatic reception they received. Apart from the tour, Taina was also promoting his recently released solo Album; Tu Kou, which is now streaming on all music plantforms. Although he did not get to perform any songs of the track, he was quite surprised by how much his fan base had grown. “I only performed my old songs but in PNG I’ve got a lot of fans out there, especially in Port Moresby.” “Lae was more or less the same.” He added that the highlight of his musical career was that he had the opportunity to travel overseas and perform on the regional and global stage.

Since Thursday last week, blackouts have affected police operations in Kerema town and have become a major concern for Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Jeffery Lemb. Although all may have seemed quiet over the Easter Period, PPC Lemb said they are now receiving reports from all over the Province. “The blackouts have greatly affected our operations in terms of reporting.” “We have been having trouble with filing and receiving reports from our stations and this is greatly affecting our performance.” He added they have been having difficulties sending reports to Police Headquarters but said that they are now receiving incident reports from outside town. “Thus far, 3 murders have been reported along with other minor cases.” The PPC further stated that right now, the police are expecting unreported incidents to come in and will be doing their best to attend to all reports coming in to the stations. Regardless, PPC Lemb said Easter operations had gone quite well, and they will be working towards ensuring that all cases are attended to.

“Police presence around the main crime hotspot areas in the National Capital District during the long Easter season has resulted in fewer serious crimes reported.” That is from the Metropolitan Superintendent for the National Capital District, Chief Inspector Silva Sika. Aside from this, Met Supt Sika did confirm several incidents that occurred over the weekend, he said so far, they have received positive feedback thanks to all the hard work put into ensuring the security of the citizens. “Tents set up all throughout the city by the police station commanders and their members who did motorist and foot patrols during the five-day operation that started on Thursday and ended on Monday.” Most of the crimes reported were minor offences regarding alcohol consumption with police being able to attend to them swiftly. He added that due to the proximity of each Mobile station at various hotspots around the city, his men were able to cover more ground and assert their presence, ensuring the safety of everyone. This would have not eventuated if the public had not behaved during the Easter period, which Sika highly commended. Furthermore, he issued warnings to drivers, especially service providers such as cabbies [Taxi Drivers] to be careful, mainly at night while driving around as criminals are now devising tactics to rob unsuspecting service providers. Sika also advised that people should not put themselves in situations that may lead them to be a victim of a crime.

Kikori Hospital in the Gulf Province is no exception when it comes to drug shortage, but for over a year and a half, they have been able to continue operating to service the people. Matron of the Hospital, Ladi Kalama said the hospital is facing quite a few challenges and shortage of medical drugs is on top of that list. The hospital, according to Kalama, receives most of its drug supplies from the Area Medical Store at Badili in the nation’s capital Port Moresby, but even when they do they don’t receive them on time to restock the supplies. “The hospital has been without drugs for almost one year six months since last year, and we haven’t received anything yet.” Kalama said the main drugs they receive come in the Go PNG Kits, this was more than a year ago and since then no other medicine has been received despite orders being placed. He said for this month’s report, he noted that this month the hospital is totally out of common drugs such as painkillers (Paracetamol) and Antibiotic (Amoxicillin) and other necessary medication that they really need to care for patients. “If we don’t get supplies within the next 3 to 4 months, we might be in a stage where we cannot be able to provide healthcare to our patients, in-patients and out patients as well.” He added that this is very much a huge concern for them.

An almost quiet and peaceful Easter weekend on Daru Island was marred by the people and opportunists who gathered in a riot and caused major destruction to property in frustration over the death of a young man at sea recently. Assistant Commissioner of Police Border Command, Peter Phillip said this was after reports of a boat collision at sea causing the death. “Allegedly two (2) dinghies collided on Friday night, between the hours of 8 and 9:30pm. There was a passenger on one of the dinghies that fell off and got killed.” The deceased had sustained large lacerations from the propeller of the Dinghy, causing his death. The body of the deceased is currently being held at the Daru General Hospital. ACP Phillip advised that the riots that followed the next day (Saturday) was after word about the death reaching relatives of the deceased. He said this caused a huge ruckus when the relatives of the deceased and opportunists decided to march into town and destroy buildings and businesses the next day. “They mobilized and went up to town as early as 5am on Saturday but Police at the Daru Police Station spoke to them and they went back.” Even after Police had advised for the aggrieved family members to return home and wait till the commencement of the investigations, the rioters later returned and looted almost all shops in town, whilst attempting an attack on the Police station. Heavily outnumbered, the officers were forced to retreat to the barracks where they stood their ground till everything died down. At the moment, police have apprehended 4 suspects in the case of the Boat incident and investigation are soon to be underway.

Even though they are an associate association, they are looking forward towards full association this year. Wewak Football Association General Secretary, Mervyn Hambakumandara said the association may be attaining their full membership in the coming months. He said there are some requirements that they need to meet in order for them to attain membership, this includes running an association competition. Hambakumandara said they have been doing fine for the past three (3) years and for this year’s association games, they have started with close to 21 clubs taking part. “21 clubs have showed an interest in participating in the preseason. And one of our criteria for taking part in the WFA Season Proper is for clubs to take part in the Preseason.” Due to this, there was an increase in club participation in the preseason competition from last year. Hambakumandara said last year they had 16 clubs take part in both the preseason and proper season and that has now gone up to 21 this year. In the coming month the WFA will be kick-starting their 2023 proper season.

Easter is a time to celebrate the sacrifice of the Good Lord, but for some this year, that celebration may have reached another level. Congratulations to 5 mothers in the Kikori District of Gulf Province that delivered on the Weekend. Matron of the Kikori Hospital Ladi Kalama said although they may have been down on medical supplies, they have managed to successfully deliver all babies. “We had a very quiet Easter, but apart from that we had deliveries, we had about 5 deliveries.” Kalama said most of them were mothers from nearby villages. Kikori Hospital, much like others around the country is not exempt from lack of Clinical Drugs, but they managed to pull off an impossible feat in successfully delivering the fives babies. Kalama added that much has been talked about drug shortage around the country and for almost one and a half years, one could say that Kikori Hospital has been running on fumes. “The Hospital has been without drugs for almost one year six months now. Since last year, we haven’t received routine drug supplies.” Regardless of the lack of drugs, the commitment of those serving the people in the rural areas is nothing short of Heroism.

The minister for Information, Communication and Technology, Timothy Masiu has called on economic and non-economic sectors to support economic policies. He aligned his call with the Governments plans to kick-start the country’s economic growth through Special Economic Zones as seen in the recent passing of the Special Economic Zone Legislation. The minister says the recent amendment to the Investment Promotion Act consolidates the government’s efforts to streamline process and appetite for foreign direct investments while this years National Budget has put a strong emphasis on the SME sector. “The onus is now on other economic and non-economic sectors to support these economic policies. My Ministry is focused and tracking the digital transformation agenda.” Masiu adds that however, they have seen that the National ICT Act 2009 is fast becoming outdated given the emerging policy issues accumulated over 14 years. He says they must take stock and update the legal framework to create chances for people to grow with new investment opportunities. “In the case of my Ministry, we are interested in growing the telecommunication sector and slashing internet prices so that we support both foreign direct investment and SME growth.” He has instructed for a comprehensive review of the National ICT Act 2009 to be undertaken by the Technical Working Group within two months before we start giving options to government.

The Minister for Information Communication and Technology, Timothy Masiu has announced that the Ministry is initiating a review for the Communication Technology Act. He says since it’s passing 14 years ago, the sector has undergone drastic changes and there is a need to look into it. “Since the passing of the National ICT Act 14 years ago, the ICT Sector has transformed drastically and there is an urgent need to take into consideration sector developments including critical digital infrastructure, data governance, cyber security, fintech, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and cloud technology. He adds that the telecommunications and broadcasting market and industry has seen such a large growth and there is a need to review their approach and options for the regulating spectrum management, market structure and others. Masiu added he has been taking different approaches under the current legislation, with respect to the current internet prices, to commence inquiries into to try to reduce both wholesale and retail prices but to minimal results. “I am of the view that the National ICT Act 2009 including the fundamental policies to which it is drafted upon requires a comprehensive review.” The Minister has now given directives for a technical working group to be established and jointly led and resourced by the Department of ICT and the National ICT Authority.

Overnight, as everyone went home to spend time with their families, our men and women in Blue spent the night watching over the capital Port Moresby. Acting upon directives from the Office of the Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika, NCD Police have started their Easter Operations and will be on full alert this weekend ensuring safety and security for citizens in the Capital. This will go on till the end of the long weekend. Police have strategically placed tents in various hot spots around the city with officers to work shifts, making sure there are officers on hand to attend to any situation. For Gordons, Police Station Commander, Inspector Gabriel Kini said they will try their very best to continue to provide much needed service to the public, but for now have taken on the challenge to be on full alert this period. Other parts of the city where tents have been set up include 2mile Hill, Gerehu Stage 3 [2-4 Market], Gordons Service Station, Wildlife and 9mile.

Prime Minister James Marape has hit back on comments made by social media Activist, Samson Komati’s critique of Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang’s performance at the open dialogue held at the University of Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister Marape stated that Komati’s message was unwarranted toward the national leader and highly disrespectful. PMJM went on to mention that there is no comparison between both men, adding Lelang is an economist by profession and a leader of high standing. “Never has Lelang compromised his work in politics in the last 15 years, and as Opposition Leader, he has worked with distinction saying No and offering alternatives from the Opposition side when he differs on matters of substance.” Lelang stands his ground many times by refusing to vote with Government on matters he differs on, and as a mature leader who has the interest of the country at heart, supports Government on matters of common ground. The PM mentioned that in the UPNG debate, the discussion were tailored in a way that in the end, there was no winners but issues of relevance to the country were outlined from questions raised by the student leaders. “I strongly condemn Samson Komati for his labelling of the Opposition Leader as not being fit to hold that office.” In a social media circulated outburst, Komati had said that Lelang’s discussions at the UPNG Students Union Debate between Prime Minister and Opposition Leader is one-sided whereby the Opposition Leader failed terribly to give confidence to the seat he holds. Leaders, including former Opposition Leader Davis Steven, have come out strongly condemning the disrespect Komati has shown toward Opposition Leader Hon Lelang in his social media attack.

Police in West New Britain have reason to believe that the hold up of the Lasibu Logging camp between Bialla and Kimbe may have been the work of someone working inside the camp as investigations continue. Though stretched thin, police are looking into a robbery that occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning that left a Foreign National dead and another injured. Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent, Peter Barkie says based on initial reports, thugs in the early hours of the morning, allegedly numbering up to 10 men armed to the teeth with home-made weapons stormed that camp in total darkness and robbed the camp, killing the foreign national in the fight that ensued. “According to eyewitnesses, it was dark, but they identified 10 men on a dinghy who managed to escape before the break of dawn.” Police were notified a little later and by the time they arrived at the scene, the suspects had made their getaway. At this staged it has been determined that they had escaped with 2 computers and a substantial amount of money, the amount yet to be disclosed. “This money was for the salary of the workers that live and work at the camp, which payments were meant to have been made that morning.” PPC Barkie added his belief that should that be the case, then it seems to be the case of an inside job.