NCD Governor Powes Parkop has congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly (MKA) Russel Simon Wavik following the successful conclusion of the MKA election's counting at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. Governor Parkop also passed the same congratulatory message to all MKA Member-elect (councilors) and the two Women Members for MK East and MK West. The chairman-elect secured victory with 6,589 votes, earning him the position of Deputy Governor for NCD by default, in accordance with the city’s governance structure. Governor Parkop acknowledged the election as a critical moment in the continued journey of the Motu Koita people — the traditional landowners of Port Moresby — towards greater visibility, representation, and development. “My vision for Motu Koita modernisation is already being realised, with improvements in infrastructure and socio-economic outcomes across indigenous villages,” he said. Paying tribute to outgoing chairman Dadi Toka Jnr, Governor Parkop said the unprecedented collaboration between NCDC and MKA has seen transformation in health, education, SME, infrastructures and decentralisation of NCDC functions to MKA. He hopes for a continued collaboration for the betterment of the indigenous villages. "The people have spoken and we must accept their verdict and choice." "I look forward to working with him to enhance the development of our Motu Koitabu people." "I had good working relationship with former Chairman and I want to build the same with Chairman-elect and new MKA Members." He commended election officials and security personnel for ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process. Governor Parkop also praised female candidate Beatrice Mahuru and others for their strong challenge in what has historically been a male-dominated political space. Looking ahead, he highlighted that MKA’s inaugural participation in the 2027 National General Election will mark a significant milestone in empowering the Assembly with a louder voice at the national level.

Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle and his police officers are calling on two leaders of Koiari who led an illegal protest on Tuesday, 23rd July, to surrender to the police for investigation. PPC Salle and his team made this call after receiving a complaint from the clans of lower Koiari, which include the Behori, Omani, and Narime clans, stating that the protest was illegal because one of the alleged chairmen of the landowners is not recognized by the government. He said the complaint had been registered, and the police are now calling on the two leaders to surrender. He said that as police officers, they are doing their job to attend to complaints and investigate to find out if the complaint is genuine. He mentioned that the three clans had stated that the two chairmen, namely Babea Tonia, who is purporting to represent Rodco Limited, a landowner company, and Steven John from SIDCO landowner company, should surrender to the police to clear the complaints raised against them. PPC Salle said that according to the three clans from the Lower Koiari Impact Zones, it was alleged that the company that Babea Tonia is heading is not recognized under the National Executive Decision in 2013. He stated that the NEC decision 356/13 did not mention anything about Rodco Limited, which Tonia is leading, being part of the NEC decision. "With that, we are now calling on both Tonia and John to come forward to clear the complaint that is now before us." "The complainant stated that the protest staged by Tonia, who was supported by John, is illegal because Rodco was not mentioned in the NEC Decision 356/13." "He said John is covered under the NEC decision, but his affiliation with Tonia is now in question, which they both need to come forward and explain." "We made attempts to call them to surrender on Friday, but nothing happened." "We are now humbly calling on the leaders to come to your Police Headquarters, which is the Central Provincial Police Headquarters, and clear this up because we cannot allow the people to suffer while benefiting from water and power," PPC Salle said. PPC Salle also called on the people to assist in providing information about the two by contacting him on his phone number 75518209 or any of the Central police officers. He said the water and power issue is a national issue, and this matter needs to be sorted out as soon as possible.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robin Oge has officially presented the Clinical Services Plan of the New Provincial Specialist Hospital to the Governor for National Capital District Hon. Powes Parkop and the District Development Authorities of NCD. The proposed hospital is to be built at Tete in Port Moresby Northwest district. The clinical service plan covers all necessary clinical services and support services that will be provided at the new hospital. The hospital is readily accessible to patients and is informed by energy sustainable principles. Governor Powes Parkop has approved the Clinical Services Plan for the proposed level 5 Provincial Specialist hospital for NCD. He further emphasized that all future plans for the construction and expansion of other Health Facilities in the National Capital District must be properly planned to meet the standards. The Chairman for NCD Provincial Health Authority Mr. Daniel Waswas said that the Health Service plan will help fulfill the vision of National Capital District Commission to deliver effective health Services in the NCD. Mr. Waswas has acknowledged the support from the Governor Hon. Powes Parkop and District Development Authorities of NCD. The CEO for NCD PHA Dr. Robin Oge said the proposed State of the art level 5 Provincial Specialist Hospital as presented in the Clinical Service Plan will cater for Secondary and Tertiary care services. Dr. Oge said that the hospital will serve as a crucial referral hub by receiving patients from level 2,3 and 4 facilities within NCD, Central Province and Gulf Province. “The most complex and sub-specialty cases will be referred to Port Moresby General Hospital, allowing it to carry out its role as the National Tertiary Referral Hospital,” said Dr. Oge. This will reduce the burden at PMGH because it is overwhelmed with patients seeking primary health care services. The hospital will also support all health facilities across NCD through outreach and serve as a vital training ground for future health professionals. The boards and management of NCD Provincial Health Authority is working towards improving the health service delivery in the National Capital District through improving health facility infrastructure and collaboration with National Capital District Commission and the three District Development Authority of Port Moresby.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) has taken strong and decisive action against PRK Mendi Muruks and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis for their involvement in an all-in brawl that occurred in the Round 13 of Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match, in Lae, on Sunday. The PNGNRLC match review committee has charged 9 Players totalling 53 weeks in suspension from the match. Additionally, 3 officials from both clubs have been breached under the Code of Conduct and suspended for between 12 and 18 months for their involvement in the incident. Separately PRK Mendi Muruks and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis have been fined a total K50,000. The Match Review Committee found that 20 minutes into the second half of the match Levai Andrew was high tackled by Jero Kunda, in which a penalty was awarded, before a scuffle occurred between the players and several punches were exchanged between players. The Match Review Committee then noted that club officials left the bench area and became involved in the incident with the players. The nine players include five PRK Mendi Muruks players Junior Thomas, Robert Gigmai Jr, Richard Mautu, Levai Andrew and Finely Peter. The other four players from Bintangor Goroka Lahanis include Ishmael Peter, Jero Kunda, Nelson Opri and Sipa Kaupa have all been charged. The three club officials include PRK Mendi Muruks Trainer Francis Moya, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis Physio Therapist Willfred Kimagl and Assistant Coach Niko Upilee have all been breached. Both clubs have been fined K25,000 each and will be given 7 days to respond to the breaches. PNG NRLC has a zero tolerance towards violence on the field and those that behaviour in a way that occurred on Sunday will be heavily sanctioned. This a strong reminder to all Clubs that foul play and behaviour of this type is not acceptable. PNG NRLC is focused on improving the standards of the game to ensure it improve and grows.

The driver of a Kana Construction Company truck involved in a serious accident with a police vehicle at Barakau has surrendered to authorities, Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed. According to PPC Salle, the driver was brought in by Kana Construction management and is now in police custody. He will be interrogated and formally charged pending further investigation. The accident occurred on Saturday, July 14, around 2:00 PM along the Maggi Highway and involved a Kana Construction Company truck and a police vehicle. Five police officers, including the driver, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital. Kana Construction Managing Director Roxon Undi assured police that the company will fully cooperate with the investigation. He said the company is committed to supporting police efforts and expressed sympathy for the injured officers. “This was an unfortunate accident,” Undi said. “These officers were working closely with us during our operations, and we are grateful for their service. We will support the investigation process in any way we can.” The driver, who initially fled the scene out of fear, has since admitted the incident was accidental and has agreed to cooperate with police. PPC Salle commended the company for its transparency and the ethical conduct shown by both the driver and the company’s leadership. “Kana Construction has acted responsibly in handing over the driver. We will now let the investigation take its course,” he said. Witness statements have been collected, and accident examiners will soon inspect both vehicles involved. PPC Salle urged all parties to leave the vehicles untouched for proper assessment. “We respect the process, and we’re working to ensure this case is handled according to the law.” The case remains under active investigation.

A call to action has been made by Fiji’s Media Editors regarding online abuse and cyberbullying faced by women in media — whether they are journalists, personalities, or working in the other fields. This comes due to the lack of effective enforcement under Fiji’s current Online Safety Act. Speaking at the Women in Media Inaugural Conference, Communications Fiji Limited’s News Director, Vijay Narayan says the organisation has lodged some complaints to the Online Safety Commission concerning abuse faced by women at CFL, but there has been no update. He says that even when the name of the abuser is provided, no action has been taken. Narayan stresses that true organizational resilience starts at the top — with the board, and pointed towards good values that you never compromise, strong risk management systems and well-tested Human Resource policies. He also urged stronger risk strategies to tackle technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and called for life skills sessions to help media workers cope with rising stressors, including drugs, mental health, and social pressure. Fred Wesley, Editor-in-Chief of The Fiji Times says one of the key barriers is the failure to recognise and appreciate the contributions of women in journalism. He says Human Resource policies often aren’t tailored for the realities women face — especially when it comes to parenting, maternity leave, and balancing family responsibilities with newsroom demands. He adds there is a need to understand the moral, physical, mental, and psychological differences women face — and build policies around that. Felix Chaudhary, Acting General Manager of News and Sports at the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation says real change starts at the top — and that if leadership supports women and fosters an open-door policy for reporting problems, that influence will extend throughout the entire newsroom. Stanley Simpson, Director of MaiTV and General Secretary for the Fijian Media Association says 15 years ago there were no gender policies in place and very little support for women facing abuse or tough work conditions. He says there were cases of domestic violence, and women came to work with physical injuries, and he had to take action himself — calling in husbands and reading them the law. Simpson also says there was no legal support for journalists during politically difficult times, and women were especially vulnerable. He has called for the introduction of a clear women’s policy for all media organisations. The Women in Media Inaugural Conference is being held at the Grand Pacific Hotel and will conclude tomorrow. Source: Fiji Village

Top women journalists, media workers, civil society voices, and regional delegates will meet in Suva tomorrow for the inaugural Women in Media Conference 2025, to share their experiences and push for a more inclusive and supportive media industry in the Pacific. The two-day event is being held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, bringing together voices from across the Pacific to discuss key issues under the theme “Resilience in a Rapidly Evolving Media Landscape.” Co-founder of Women in Media and President of the Fijian Media Association, Rosi Doviverata says the conference reflects their mission to empower women in media — both nationally and regionally— by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and support across borders. She says this will be an empowering session for all media personnel as they hear and learn from some of the most inspiring voices in the Pacific. Broadcast Corporation of Niue (BCN) multimedia journalist, Esther Pavihi says she is looking forward to discussing the challenges faced by women in media with others from across the Pacific during the conference. She says one of the key issues currently facing her country is a lack of people willing to work in the media industry. Pavihi adds that, while in Fiji she has observed a larger number of women working in the industry compared to men — a reflection of the resilience of women who are not just telling stories but living them. She says it is also important that men's voices are heard, as the challenges will always exist and require action from both men and women to make the industry a better and more supportive place to work. General Secretary of Fijian Media Association, Stanley Simpson says the event provides a platform to unpack the challenges women face in the newsroom — challenges that are often overlooked. He says he has seen women who were ahead of their time, who broke barriers, and who were on the front lines — highlighting women journalists who bore the brunt of crackdowns during coups in the country. He adds there is often an assumption that women in the newsroom are the most powerful, but behind that are layers of vulnerability that are rarely acknowledged, and the conference is a safe space to bring those issues forward. Source: Fiji Village

The world and Catholics throughout the globe now have a new Pope. The Conclave voted in Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new head of the Catholic Church. Prevost takes the name Pope Leo XIV (14th). Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea's Cardinal, Sir John Ribat, was one of the members of the Conclave that took part in the vote of the new Pope. Robert Prevost, 69, will be the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter. He is the first American to fill the role of Pope, although he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru, before becoming a bishop there. Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Although he moved to Peru three years later, he returned regularly to the US to serve as a pastor and a prior in his home city. US President Donald Trump has called the election of the first American pope a "great honour" for the country and said he looks forward to meeting him.

The Vatican has confirmed today that Pope Francis has passed away today Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his home at the Vatican. The Pontiff recently spent his final weeks in hospital with an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Pope Francis' last appearance was at Saint Peter's Square yesterday on Easter Sunday giving mass to the mass of catholic Faithfuls. The Pontif's recent visit to Papua New Guinea was in 2024. Announcing the news today (21 April) camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Ferrell said: "At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father." His funeral will take place within six days, and then - in contrast to most of his predecessors - Francis be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood, rather than in the grottoes beneath St Peter's.

Prime Minister James Marape retains his seat with parliament voting for him with an overwhelming majority of 89 to 16, surviving yet another VONC by the Opposition. PM Marape, will now continue his term until 2027 now that he has the 18 months Grace period working for him after this unsuccessful VONC.

Maikeli Radua, one of the pioneers of Communications Fiji Limited's iTaukei language speaking stations, VITIFM has passed away after a tragic car accident in Nadera yesterday afternoon. Police say Radua who was residing in Kinoya, is believed to have lost control of his vehicle causing it to veer off the road, whereby he sustained injuries. He was rushed to the Valelevu Health Centre by bystanders where several attempts made by medical officials to revive him were unsuccessful. Investigators will await the postmortem examination results to confirm Radua’s cause of death. Communications Fiji Limited waited for the family to inform their close relatives before releasing this tragic news. CFL Chair, William Parkinson says this has come as a terrible shock to the entire CFL family and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Parkinson says Maikeli was a presence on radio in Fiji for nearly 30 years, starting in the very early days of VITIFM and working his way up to leading the VITIFM team for a period and being an amazing presence on radio and social media. "We are just recalling all the different catchwords and phrases he had with each individual around the organisation. And I imagine across the country there are so many people who will be grieving today as they think about him. His humour was legendary. He had fans ranging from presidents to rugby players to market vendors. It really went right through the nation and across the world with the Fiji diaspora. His jokes which he told perhaps too often sometimes, over and over again, but they were famous jokes that were very good jokes, and they were worth repeating. The numerous times he did tell them, and I think they will go on for a long, long time as a legacy to him. There were songs written about him, so, I mean there was so much that he contributed. But I think the most important thing we need to remember in these times of sorrow is that he brought a lot of joy and pleasure to people's lives. And I think that's the way he would like to be remembered. So, we will miss you Maikeli. We really will miss you. Rest in peace and don't worry, we'll be looking after your family." [caption id="attachment_63855" align="aligncenter" width="450"] One of the pioneers of CFL's iTaukei language speaking stations VITIFM, Maikeli Radua[/caption] CFL General Manager, Charles Taylor says Maikeli was a big part of the success of VITIFM, having been there from its early days. Taylor says Maikeli was very well-liked by our listeners and online followers. He says the team at CFL are overcome with shock at the news of his passing and our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with his wife, Maria and the family right now. Maikeli was 50 years old. His funeral details are yet to be confirmed. Rest In Peace Mike.

The Minister for Information and Communications Technology Timothy Masiu has called for Collaborative Approach on Sensitive Cyber Matters. “This morning, following a meeting with senior executives of the National Information and Communications Authority (NICTA), and the Department of Information and Communications (DICT) I wish to address recent concerns around Facebook access in PNG taking my cue from a statement issued overnight by my colleague minister for Police. Commissioner of Police has powers under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024. As Minister, I also have emergency powers under the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009. However, I reiterate that these statutory powers on either side are anchored by constitutional constraints and there must be conditions precedent before these powers are exercised,” Mr. Masiu said. He said Cyber is a domain that requires coordinated efforts across government bodies, and sensitive matters must be handled through a collective approach to ensure national security and public trust. “Collaboration in the cyber domain is important. For instance, the Department of ICT and NICTA have been currently working with the Office of Censorship since 2023 in implementing a standing NEC directive to filter internet content, and this will soon be followed by collaboration with other partners on implementation of policies covering media development, social media, and digital ID. As Minister responsible, I reiterate that NICTA is a regulator largely responsible for licensing operators, mainly telco operators and internet service providers that provide over-the-top services including Facebook and WhatsApp. Preliminary exchanges overnight with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, indicate that there was no outage from Meta's end over the last 48 hours. To narrow down to the root cause of unsatisfactory access to Facebook during this period, NICTA is now called upon to initiate an investigation into the matter,” Mr. Masiu said. He said last week; the Department of ICT and NICTA joined the Office of Censorship and the Police at the briefing called by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications. “At the briefing, the Committee was informed that in the long-term, PNG is also preparing to join the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. As Minister responsible, I will be taking a joint policy submission to NEC seeking endorsement for parliamentary ratification to both international conventions. The implications of a decision by PNG to join international cybercrime treaties will include amending existing or passing new legislation to implement international cybercrime laws within PNG to strengthen PNG's ability to combat cybercrime. I urge all relevant government bodies and stakeholders to commit to a collaborative process that ensures the security and resilience of our nation's cyberspace in light with our international obligations,” Minister Masiu said.