Ms. Flare Namaliu signed on recently to City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Board of Directors as a Trainee Director. She is an information technology (I.T) professional with an expanse of wealth and experience is being tasked to help CP navigate the evolving digital landscape of the industry. In making this announcement, Chairman of the CPL Group Stan Joy also highlighted the significance of their Trainee Director Program. "This program identifies and nurtures aspiring directors, equipping them with the skills and confidence to excel in boardroom roles." He emphasized the critical need for skilled directors in both the private sector and the nation as a whole. Namaliu’s appointment marks a significant step towards greater diversity and inclusion within CPL's leadership. With her addition, women now represent three directors and one trainee director on the Board, demonstrating CPL's commitment to gender balance. This dedication extends beyond the boardroom, with over 50% of the Group's employees being female. "We are confident that Flare's talent and expertise will be invaluable to both the Board and management. Her extensive IT experience makes her perfectly suited to guide CPL through the ever-changing digital landscape, while her previous experience as a trainee director ensures she possesses the necessary skills to excel in this role." Namaliu's appointment signifies CPL's dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive leadership team, while simultaneously strengthening its capacity to navigate the technological advancements shaping the industry. With her expertise and experience, Namaliu is poised to play a key role in CPL's continued success and growth.

Despite the incident on New Year’s Day where St John Ambulance (SJA) officers were attacked by a group of men at Laloki in Central province, the ambulance service will continue to be provided to the area in times of emergencies. That was the assurance from the SJA Assistant Commander and Deputy Chief, Mr. Terrance Torea when speaking at a reconciliation ceremony held yesterday that was hosted by the Laloki community in the Vanapa Brown Local Level Government (LLG) area. Mr. Torea accepted the community's apology, and he was very pleased with the community leaders for extending their sincere apology towards SJA and the officers that were attacked on that day. “On behalf of St John, we accept your apology,” said the Assistant Commander. “We will continue our duty to provide emergency aid throughout Vanapa Brown LLG, we hope that you can assist us in the future to make our job easier and safer for the good of the patients we aid.” Meanwhile, Laloki Ward 1 Councilor Mr. George Girisa and President for Vanapa Brown LLG Mr. Wayne Iorive, both expressed their gratitude for the ambulance service that SJA provides and assured Mr. Torea that the community stands ready to assist SJA in any emergency cases at Laloki in the future. The community also pledged to hand over the culprits involved in the incident to police, so to face justice for the offence which they committed.

Situated at the small and peaceful coastal township of Vanimo, the health staff at the West Sepik Provincial Hospital attended to about 50 to 100 cases over the recent festive season. A nursing officer from the Accident and Emergency Department, who wished not to be named, told PNG HAUSBUNG that over the Christmas and New Year period the staff attended to a lot of alcohol related cases from brawls that resulted in a number of knife wounds and trauma cases. The nursing officer added that all knife wound cases were minor and all were treated and sent home except for one death on New Year’s Day, when one trauma patient passed away. “We managed to treat a majority of them, observed them to make sure they were stable before we discharged them from the hospital.” Apart from those major cases attended to, the hospital staff also attended to the normal cases at the outpatient during the festive period. “We had the normal cases that hospitals get on a daily basis- cases like diarrhea, malaria, food poisoning, flu and especially asthma in this dry weather.” Meanwhile, the nursing officer also urged the people to look after themselves during this time and to always complete their dosages of medication after they get treated at the provincial hospital. “If you sleep under a mosquito net you avoid malaria, do little things like this to help protect you and your family.”

Following a near death incident experienced by St John Ambulance (SJA) officers that occurred on New Year’s Day at Laloki in the Central province, the Laloki community today invited SJA officials to accept their sincere apology and to witness a community committed to handingover the suspects involved to police to face justice. The community meeting this morning was joined by Laloki Ward 1 Councilor Mr. George Girisa, President Vanapa Brown Local Level Government (LLG) Wayne Iorive, Hiri Koiari District Chairman for Law-and-Order Mr. Jeff Malewa and the SJA Assistant Commissioner (AC) and Deputy Chief (DC) of Ambulance Mr. Terrance Torea, and Regional Commander Mr. Philemon Jetro. The Laloki community elders, acknowledging the need of the vital services provided by SJA, strongly pledged to stop these acts once and for all. President Iorive stressed the importance of such service provided especially for a remote community and therefore, thanked the community for the initiative to reconcile with SJA so to ensure that they continue to get the ambulance service in times of emergencies. “Thank you very much to the community for this initiative to act on the matter,” he said. “On behalf of Vanapa Brown LLG, we apologize for these inexcusable and absent-minded actions and promise these culprits will face justice for their actions,” said Mr. Iorive. Mr. Iorive then appealed to SJA not to disregard their services to Vanapa Brown LLG and promised that the people are ready to assist them in any way to provide the service during emergency cases. Ward 1 Councilor Mr. Girisa expressed gratitude to the SJA representative for their presence and also apologized for the absent-minded actions from their youths. “We the community will play our part to bring justice on your behalf and hope that you can continue your good work to Laloki.” He then later urged parents to better discipline their children so to be more sensible and mindful of their actions, so to avoid such incidents and other forms of criminal activities from happening again in the future.

The 8th 2024 Public Service Dedication Service under the theme “Building the Nation in Unity through Service Delivery” took place this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium in the Nation’s Capital. The Prime Minister, along with members of Government, all joint Heads of Agencies and public servants from all Government Departments, in attending the Dedication Service. The Minister for Public Service and Nuku MP, Joe Sungi, during his Ministerial Message, laid out the cost of the public service from last year 2023. He said it cost the government an estimated K4.22 billion in personal emolument to ensure the smooth running of the public service mechanism. He said despite the shortcomings of the public service, come each fortnight, without fail and in a timely manner, the National Government always made sure that public servants were paid. Minister Sungi said public servants should not take this for granted. “We must adhere to the highest-level directives from our Prime Minister and seek heavenly counsel to reassess ourselves and see if we have served well and truly within the public service code of conduct.” He said public servants need to personally commit themselves to change from any bad habits like poor attire and attendance, laziness, and a bad and careless attitude, including that of seeking favors and not serving to the expectations of the positions they hold. “All Agency Heads need to be prudent in management and supervision and be vigilant and decisive as and when they deal matters that come with financial implications.” Agency Heads, according to Minister Sungi, have the mandated right and responsibility to develop their human resources. “Spend time in coaching, mentoring, counselling your insubordinates to perform better as we all strive modernize the public service through ICT.” He said it is also the responsibility of Agency Heads to conduct timely appraisals to recommend actions for improvement. “I thank you all for all your efforts in serving people. To those that have done well… please continue. And to those that haven’t done well… put in extra effort to serve people better.” The Public Service Minister also appealed to the public servants to share resources to minimize wastage. He also urged them all to take punitive measures to provide support, especially to those who serve in frontline public service, like teachers, health workers and law enforcement personnel, who serve the people every day. Minister Sungi rounded off his remarks, with well wishes and a prosperous New Year 2024 to all public servants across Papua New Guinea.

Our odyssey began with a leap of faith. We, the Balimo Pathfinders, a group of young pathfinders with hearts full of purpose, embarked on a mission to attend the PNGUM iAnchor Pathfinder Camporee in Markham.  To fund our one-way tickets from Balimo to Hagen, we turned into resourceful entrepreneurs, selling recycled cans, kaukau, fish, and pineapples. We even hosted a concert in Port Moresby, receiving an outpouring number of support from people from all walks of life, both in Papua New Guinea and abroad. Your generosity helped us not only reach Hagen but also cover the costs of our road trip down to Markham. With backpacks filled with hope and pockets jingling with our hard-earned savings, we set off for Hagen. The journey wasn't easy. MAF planes, our only means of transportation, could only carry nine passengers at a time. It took us two weeks to ferry everyone to the camp, each flight a prayer whispered into the wind. Reaching Markham on December 14th, we faced another challenge – the road ahead was fraught with danger. We traversed roadblocks in Simbu and witnessed the unsettling aftermath of conflict in Kainantu. Yet, God shielded us from harm, and by 9:40 pm, we arrived at the campsite, weary but grateful. We spent our first night sleeping soundly in our trucks, eager to set up camp and embrace the weeklong spiritual gathering that awaited us. Knowing we had no way back, we surrendered to God's providence. Throughout the camp, our prayers echoed with a single plea – to find a safe and affordable way home. We had initially planned to take the long but economical route, traveling through Kagua, Erave, and Kikori before finally braving a six-hour banana boat ride back to Balimo. On the Friday before camp closed, a miracle unfolded. We received the exact amount we had prayed for – K15, 000! Armed with this newfound confidence, we clung to our original plan. However, God had other designs. As four of our team members fell ill, we were forced to reschedule our departure. Finding two trucks to transport us to Kikori on such short notice seemed impossible. Just as despair threatened to cloud our hope, a divine intervention arrived in the form of a phone call from Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). They assured us that God was in control and offered to fly us home at no cost, saving us from the arduous journey we had planned. As one of our Pathfinders once declared, "Jesus paid for our registration. He will take us to camp and bring us home," and He truly did! On January 2nd, we boarded the MAF plane, our hearts overflowing with gratitude. This unexpected act of kindness confirmed our faith and reminded us that God works in mysterious ways. We are back in Balimo, safe and sound, forever changed by the experiences and the overwhelming love we encountered on our journey. May our story serve as a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of faith, and a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, God's unwavering love guides us home. We carry with us the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible with faith as our compass.

“After over 20 years of failure, the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has learned from its mistakes of the past and is ready to kickoff Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in a big way this year,” were the words from the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru. “Our first two Special Economic Zones were Malahang in Morobe Province and Ulaveo in the East New Britain Province. These were followed by the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone and the Central Limestone Project.” “This year the Government is set to license the Rice Special Economic Zone, the Central Manufacturing Zone, the Sepik Plains Special Economic Zone, and the PMIZ,” said Minister Maru. Maru further stated that ministry is keen to support more Special Economic Zones especially in the agriculture space. “Papua New Guinea is still a net importer of bulk of our food including rice, chicken, beef, and lamb. Our Government is keen to ensure that we have all of that replaced.” He thanked Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape and the National Executive Council (NEC) for their support and that with the approval of K150 million in the 2024 Budget for State Equity. “We are ready to announce more Special Economic Zones. Some Special Economic Zones will be owned by the Government, some will be owned by the private sector, and some will be jointly owned by the Government and the private sector.” “Apart from the mining and petroleum projects, Special Economic Zones will be our major driver of sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We have learnt from the success of other countries like the Philippines, China, Thailand, and Indonesia and we are very keen on seeing more results this year for our country.” Maru further added that with the high level of unemployment of our young people in Papua New Guinea, Special Economic Zones will be the greatest creator of jobs and we look forward to aggressively implement the Special Economic Zone agenda of our Government. Meanwhile the minister also gave an update on the draft PNG SEZ Foundation Policy saying it was now ready for final revisions and for final stakeholder-consultations before it will be taken to Cabinet and launched together with the SEZ Masterplan. “We are excited about the unlimited opportunities that Papua New Guinea has to tap into our economic growth aspirations using Special Economic Zones as a major driver for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.” “We look forward to a very busy and exciting year as we start 2024 and we look forward to working very closely with the Provincial Governments and the Districts, and investors and strategic partners to implement the Special Economic Zone agenda of our Government.”

The fairy tale rise of an Australian sales executive to the upper ranks of European royalty is set to be completed later this month when Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth of Denmark becomes the country’s Queen Consort. The final stretch of Mary’s path from Tasmania to the Danish throne was cleared on New Year’s Eve by the surprise abdication of Queen Margrethe II, who announced that she will be stepping down on January 14. It’s an exceedingly rare move in Denmark, where a monarch hasn’t abdicated since 1146 when King Eric III gave up the crown to join a monastery, according to the Royal House. Margrethe’s eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, will become King, while his wife, Crown Princess Mary, will become the first Australian to become Queen, a development that has delighted her supporters back home. For many of Mary’s Australian admirers, it’s a fitting finale to a romance that famously began in a rowdy Sydney pub around the time of the Olympics in 2000. As the story goes, the two locked eyes in the Slip Inn, considered an unlikely place to find a Danish royal, much less the origins of a couple who would later become Denmark’s future King and Queen. Millions watched the couple get married in 2004. Two decades later, their ascension to the throne is expected to captivate audiences worldwide – from Copenhagen to the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, where Mary was born. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said in a statement on Monday that the state “could not be prouder of Crown Princess Mary.” “With her demonstrated humility, grace and kindness I am sure Crown Princess Mary will be embraced as Queen alongside her husband, King Frederik, once proclaimed later this month,” Rockliff said. “I look forward to watching the next generation, and Tasmania’s own-born Queen, lead Denmark’s future.” A royal abdication For the most part, Queen Margrethe’s New Year’s Eve speech covered the familiar territory of a monarch summing up the highs and lows of the year just passed. She touched on the tragedy of war, of innocent lives lost in Gaza, the spread of antisemitism and the importance of Denmark’s support for Ukraine. She spoke about climate change, the challenges of artificial intelligence, and the pride she has in her grandson, Prince Christian, who has just turned 18. Then the monarch turned to her own life and how recent successful back surgery had given her cause to think of the future. More specifically, she said she considered “whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation,” and she concluded that “now is the right time.” “On 14th January, 2024 – 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father – I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik,” Margrethe said. The announcement temporarily paused New Year’s celebrations in Denmark, as royal correspondents rushed to fill in the gaps. “Nobody knew,” Kristian Ring-Hansen Holt told ABC breakfast television in Australia. Juliet Rieden, editor-at-large for The Australian Women’s Weekly, said most Danes expected Margrethe to be in the job for life, much like Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled until her death in September 2022. But in hindsight, some decisions suggested that Queen Margrethe was preparing to step aside, Reiden told CNN. For example, her move to slim down the royal family and strip the royal titles from the children of her youngest son, Prince Joachim, and his wife, Princess Marie, who weren’t happy with the move and recently relocated to the US. “I think she did it so her son, Crown Prince Frederik, didn’t have to do it in the early stages of his monarchy, so she could get it all out of the way and then he could start with a fresh slate,” Rieden said. It also reflects the reasoning of a pragmatic monarch who wanted to present the royal family as offering value for money, led by two of their most popular members, Rieden said. “The royal family is running at 82% popularity in Denmark – these are the sorts of figures politicians dream about,” said Rieden. Denmark’s royals have a limited role under the country’s constitution, with power resting with parliament. Monarchs play an important ambassadorial role as well as signing off on new legislation. A popular royal Mary was born in 1972 to a Scottish mathematics professor and a British executive assistant. According to her official biography, she started her education in Houston, Texas before moving back to Hobart to attend school and university. Mary’s introduction to the working world included stints as an advertising executive and travel around Europe before she landed a role with a Sydney-based property firm. It was there that she met Frederik, a young Danish prince who she’d later marry at Copenhagen Cathedral in a lavish ceremony televised worldwide. Four children followed including Prince Christian, now next in line to the throne. Aside from being praised for her poise and fashion sense, Mary has gained a following for her staunch commitment to social causes through The Mary Foundation, established in 2007. “She’s a fierce advocate for the sexual rights of women and girls. She’s a fierce advocate for refugees. So she’s proved her worth as a serious role model and leader in Denmark, and I think Australia can be very proud of the sort of royal she has become,” said Rieden. Trips home typically generate local headlines but not all have been welcome. Late last year, media worldwide carried stories of Prince Frederik’s alleged romance with Mexican-born actress Genoveva Casanova. Casanova issued a statement vehemently denying the claims and threatening legal action against Lecturas, the Spanish magazine that published images of them on a night out. The Royal House hasn’t commented. “I think that that was probably an annoyance, one of those ‘never complain, never explain’ scenarios from the Danish royals,” said Rieden. “Nothing happened as far as they were concerned.” When the new generation of Danish royals ascend to the throne, there’ll be none of the pomp and pageantry that accompanied the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III last May. Details have not been confirmed but the Royal House says Queen Margrethe will abdicate at the Council of State, an advisory body for the monarchy. Rieden says on January 14 it’s likely the new King and Queen will appear on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace with the Danish prime minister, and perhaps also wave from Amalienborg, the royal family’s official residence in Copenhagen. “I think we will see Mary and Frederik on the balcony and I think we will see all of their family around them. And this will present the new modern monarchy of Denmark and I think it’s going to be a very powerful image,” she said. That is likely to increase interest in Mary in Australia, said Rieden, who added that putting the princess on the cover of The Australian Women’s Weekly magazine typically leads to higher sales. “She’s a very, very popular cover star. So I think that popularity can only increase now she is to become a Queen,” she said. Source: CNN News

The acquisition of additional equity increases PNG shareholding in the LNG Project, according to the State-Owned Enterprise Minister William Duma, in response to the finalization of the finance arrangements for the purchase of an additional 2.6% equity in the PNG LNG Project. A please Minister Duma said this acquisition will have a long-term benefit for the country. “I am glad that Kumul Petroleum has been able to raise sufficient funds for the purchase of an additional 2.6% interest in the PNG LNG Project from Santos.” The Minister went onto outline that the longevity of the PNG LNG Project, saying that it will be using the existing PNG LNG Project plant to earn a tolling fee from processing gas from the forthcoming Papua LNG Project. “I would like to thank the joint venture partners of the PNG LNG project for their cooperation in allowing this transaction to proceed.” “Financing documentation for this equity acquisition arrangement will be complete by 31 January 2024.” “The transaction is in line with the Marape-Rosso Government’s strategic ‘Take Back PNG’ approach to development of the country’s natural resources.” Duma said although this exercise had taken longer to wrap up, the acquisition of additional equity was important to ensure greater national long-term income foundation LNG Project that will benefit the State directly. “It will also enable Kumul Petroleum to strengthen its balance sheet and cash flow to participate in the Papua LNG Project, develop its operated petroleum licenses and expand its developmental and nation-building activities.”

In a heartbreaking incident at Murinas Bridge in Middle Ramu District, Madang Province, on January 1, 2024, Bobby Marau, a dedicated member of the Community Policing Unit (CPU), lost his life in a fatal traffic accident, as reported by Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent, Robert Baim. The unfortunate event unfolded at approximately 5:00 PM and involved a white Toyota Hiace 15-seater bus, owned by Mr. Snowi John of Ramu Sugar. Damian Misob of Rempi village, NCR, who was identified as the son of the late Senior Constable Ben Misob, was behind the wheel of the ill-fated vehicle. The tragic accident claimed the life of Bobby Marau, a resident of Chunggrimbu in Arabaka LLG, Middle Ramu District, and a highly regarded CPU officer who had volunteered to assist the police in maintaining peace within the community. The untimely demise of Bobby Marau has left the community and his colleagues in mourning. The Middle Ramu District Police Department extends sincere condolences to the Marau family and the entire community of Chunggrimbu during this challenging time. The incident also resulted in injuries to two passengers, Joe Salo (36) and Adolf Misob (23) from Sempi village, Rempi NCR. Both injured individuals have been transported to Modilon General Hospital for medical attention. Preliminary investigations led by PPC Baim suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle while approaching Murinas Bridge, causing it to veer into a drain. Tragically, the accident was found to be alcohol-related, according to law enforcement officials on the scene. Misob, fled the scene immediately after the incident and is currently in hiding. Despite this, law enforcement has identified him, and efforts are underway to apprehend him. An arrest will be made promptly following the completion of the post-mortem examination on the deceased. Meanwhile the Middle Ramu District Police Department appeals to the community to provide any information that may assist in locating the driver. Additionally, it underscores the importance of refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

More awareness is necessary to be conducted within the New Guinea Island (NGI) Region to around the use of Cannabis Marijuana. The selling, trading and consumption of Marijuana within the NGI region has risen drastically in the past year 2023. That’s from the Open Bay logging company site community leader Mr. Tony Kebo who stressed that serious awareness operations should be done so people can be educated on the dangerous long-term permanent effects of Marijuana when consumed. Also, to educate locals by introducing the new law implemented by the National Parliament if caught in selling or consuming of drugs. Mr. Kebo stated 2023 was a bad year due to Marijuana cases being the most common cases and prolonged as a law-and-order issues in West New Britain (WNB) and other provinces within the NGI Region. He said he hoped to see more awareness on this matter to also remind the community of the serious threat of this addictive drug and the crucial penalty if caught associating with the distribution or consumption of Marijuana. Meanwhile WNB provincial government spent over K5 Million towards law-and-order issues in 2023. Cape Gloucester South Coast of WNB community leader Mr. Maxwell Rima stressed that Law and order issues have consumed 1 quarter of the provincial budget for police allowance, accommodation, logistics, and other. According to Mr. Rima, the provincial government was luckily rescued by the two well established oil Mil Company’s financial support from East New Britain Palm Oil Limited and Hargy Oil Palm limited. Mr. Rima believes the law-and-order issue has been a burden to the WNB provincial government and suggests using the provincial funds in a more effective strategy to tackle the law-and-order issues in 2024.

In a major operation executed in the past 48 hours, Madang Base Police at Mano Check Point successfully intercepted a substantial quantity of drugs, resulting in the arrest of a male suspect. The operation took place at the Mano Quarantine Check Point, located in Ward 07 of Asterolob Bay Local Level Government and Ward 18 of Usino LLG in Usino Bundi Goma District, Madang Province. On Wednesday morning, between 0600hrs and 0700hrs, police personnel deployed at the Mano Check Point conducted routine stop-and-search procedures, leading to the inspection of a vehicle. The identified vehicle, an Isuzu Dyna Truck labeled "13W," was heading to Karkar Island, Madang Province, from Lufa in the Eastern Highlands Province. Upon a thorough search, officers discovered a significant quantity of marijuana concealed within a green bag/cabbage bag. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Ben Joel from Kemase, Lufa, Eastern Highlands Province, admitted that the confiscated items were cannabis, intended for transportation to Karkar Island. The total quantity amounted to 160 packs, weighing approximately 10.204 kg, with an estimated street value of 1600.00. Ben Joel, 33 years old, originally from Kemase in Ward 05, Yagareya LLG, Lufa District, Eastern Highlands Province, is currently located in Kemase & Matre, Karkar Island. Married with one child, he is self-employed and has no previous convictions. Following the interception, Ben Joel was promptly apprehended, charged, and is currently in custody at Jomba Police Station for the possession of dangerous drugs. Madang PPC Acting Superintendent Robert Baim highlighted, "Since the enforcement of the Control Substances Act in Madang in March 2023, a total of 96 arrests related to drug offenses have been made.” “Out of these, 61 individuals have been convicted, with three recently receiving 10-year sentences in hard labor. Thirty-two cases are still pending." Meanwhile on December 5, 2023, the Madang District Court convicted three male defendants on maximum penalties of five and ten years, depending on the quantity of drugs in their possession. The convicted defendants, Elvis Kote (10 years), Lucas Alphonse (5 years), and Joe Kenny (10 years), are currently awaiting commitment warrants at Jomba. This operation underscores Madang Police's commitment to enforcing the Control Substances Act, sending a clear warning to drug producers, smugglers, and users to exercise caution in their illicit activities.