Patients at Madang Provincial Hospital’s TB clinic can now wait more comfortably, thanks to chairs donated by Swire Shipping. Until now, many patients have had to sit on the floor or outside for long hours waiting to get treatment. Acting Executive Manager Mr. Johnmark Jeremiah said the chairs help both patients and clinic staff. “This contribution ensures people feel safe and supported while waiting for treatment,” he said. Swire Shipping Madang Agency Manager Mr. Oscar Atolik said the donation reflects the company’s commitment to the community. “We’ve been serving the Pacific for over 150 years. Giving back is part of our mission,” he said. The donation is one of several community initiatives by the company, including clean-ups and a planned blood donation drive. Mr. Jeremiah expressed hope for continued partnerships to improve healthcare in Madang.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Rai Coast, Kessy Sawang has boosted security in her district with three new patrol boats and a police vehicle. She said the move came after deadly piracy incidents, including one where 29 people were killed out at sea. “To protect our people, I bought patrol boats for Basamuk, Tapalili and Saidor, and also a new police car,” Sawang said. The boats cost between K40,000 and K60,000, while the police car cost K265,000. Sawang said the patrols are already making a difference by stopping criminals and allowing people to travel safely to markets, schools and towns. “This is about giving back freedom of movement to our people, who have lived in fear for too long,” she said.

Bugatti Junior High School in Ward 10, Astrolabe Bay LLG in Madang province, has a new classroom funded by the District Development Authority. Raicoast MP Kessy Sawang said the project will reduce overcrowding and help the school move towards full secondary status. “This is about giving our students better learning spaces and opportunities,” Sawang said. The DDA also funded a new principal’s office and other school facilities, while additional classrooms are under construction with support from the National Department of Education. Parents and teachers welcomed the new classroom, saying it will make it easier for students to continue their education locally.

Simbu police have arrested eight men from Enga Province for allegedly attempting to buy ammunition and bribe an officer via text messages. The arrests took place in Kerowagi earlier this week, following intelligence on their movements. Among those detained was a policeman attached to Mobile Squad 7. Superintendent Manzuc Rubiang said the suspects were monitored after allegedly offering money for bullets. “Our members caught them before anything serious could happen,” Rubiang said. Police seized a magazine of 5.56mm rounds, bush knives, sling shots, and two ten-seater vehicles used by the suspects. The men are in custody at Kundiawa Police Station while investigations continue. “This shows how far some people will go to get weapons. We will not tolerate this behaviour,” Rubiang said, warning others against illegal arms dealings. The confiscated items are being held at Mobile Squad 8 barracks in Kerowagi.

Madang Provincial Hospital is set to receive major upgrades after K15 million was released to improve its emergency department and other critical services. Work will begin once final approval is given by the external project steering committee, the acting Executive Manager Johnmark Jeremiah said. The project includes a standby water supply system, new Southern Cross water tanks, and additional generators to keep the hospital running during power or water outages. Swire Shipping has donated chairs to the tuberculosis clinic to make waiting more comfortable. “Patients were sitting on the floor or outside. We provided chairs so they can wait safely,” said Swire Shipping Madang Agency Manager Oscar Atolik. The hospital also expects equipment donations from the Mormon Church, including ambulances, operating theatre tools, and a sterilizer. Currently, only one of the four operating theatres is functioning. Renovations on ablution blocks and minor repairs are already underway with support from Madang Technical College students and local businesses. Jeremiah said the upgrades show how government funding and community support are helping transform healthcare in Madang.

Four women in Madang have been charged for breaching the Environment and Contaminant Act after complaints about loud noise at the Admin Compound. The women — Lina Chris, 29; Seasila Elias, 26; Roselyn Alex, 30; and another mother of three — were charged under Section 52(1) for creating noise that disturbed the community. Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, Madang’s Provincial Police Commander, said the law protects residents from noise pollution. “Noise may seem minor, but it affects families, students, and anyone needing rest. We will act on complaints,” he said. Police have set bail at K5,000 for premises owners causing loud noise after 10pm. Drinking alcohol on moving vehicles carries a K2,000 bail. All four women, with no prior convictions, have been released pending court proceedings.

Madang has unveiled its official four-day program to mark Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary. The festivities begin on September 13 with Governor Ramsey Pariwa and invited guests officiating the launch. Events will then shift to Tusbab Beach with the arrival of traditional canoes, followed by canoe and water races. Over 50 cultural groups, including bamboo and string bands, will perform during the celebrations. Highlights also include the Ironmen swimming challenge, live music, and nightly fireworks by Queensland-based Foti International Fireworks. The final day on September 16th will feature the main Independence program. Organizers said security is assured, with police and disciplined forces on the ground. Gate fees apply from September 13th to 15th, but entry on Independence Day is free. Committee Chairman Sigi Beschel urged Madang residents to celebrate peacefully, calling the Golden Jubilee “a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Police in Madang have recaptured prison escapee Mr. Absolom Sua, who had been on the run for nearly five years. Sua, convicted of attempted murder, escaped from Beon Prison in 2020 and was arrested again in August this year. But days later, he broke out of Jomba Police Station with other detainees. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim said officers tracked him to Gavstoa Settlement after reports he threatened an elderly man while drunk. “When police moved in, he tried to attack them with a bush knife. He was shot in the leg and rushed to Modilon Hospital,” Baim said. Police confirmed Sua remains under guard and will face new charges. Baim urged the public to celebrate the 50th anniversary responsibly and to report any escapees still hiding in communities.

Madang police have launched Operation Golden Jubilee to provide security for Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations in the province. Provincial police commander, acting superintendent Robert Baim, said the operation would run for ten days and involve police, community policing units, security firms and Correctional Service officers. The fire service and medical teams will also be on standby throughout the celebrations. “We are well organized before the actual event. With the support of the community policing unit, security companies engaged by the Provincial Events Committee, and CS officers, we are ready,” Baim said. Large crowds are expected at Laiwadan and other venues. Baim said police would work with partners to maintain order. “With the support of CS, CPU and local security companies, yes, we are ready to contain the crowd,” he said. He stressed that police have no role in charging entry fees. “The gate fees are the sole property of the Provincial Events Committee. I am entirely responsible for the security of the event,” Baim said. Baim also warned officers about misconduct during operations. “I will not tolerate rogue policemen posting pictures on social media with beer in their hands while in uniform. I will deal with them and send them back to become village councilors, if necessary,” he said. A liquor ban will apply for the duration of Operation Golden Jubilee. Any curfew, Baim noted, would have to be declared by the Governor-General’s office.

Police in Madang will launch their Independence Anniversary Operations today, Monday 8th September, to ensure the Golden Jubilee is celebrated in a peaceful manner. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim appealed to the people to be at their best behavior. He also appealed to those prison escapees who are still on the run to have a change of heart and surrender themselves to police. “Don’t run. Come forward, face court, and start a new life as our country moves into the next 50 years,” he said. He warned anyone planning to cause trouble that the police will act quickly. Operations will target homebrew suppliers, public drinking, and loud music after 10pm. Baim urged families and communities to support the police and celebrate with pride. “Let us respect each other and enjoy this milestone peacefully,” he said.

Bougainvilleans living in Lae city went to the polls on Friday 5th September to take part in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) elections, but some of them were left disappointed. Polling was held at Lae Secondary School, with citizens turning out to cast their votes. However, some voters were frustrated when they discovered their names missing from the electoral roll. Morobe Election Manager Simon Soheke confirmed the problem and said it was not only happening in Lae. “It’s the same situation happening across the country,” he said. He noted that even some Bougainvilleans who had voted in 2019 were not listed this time. Despite the roll issues, Soheke said the polling was peaceful, with voters showing patience as officials worked through the process. The exercise in Lae was part of a nationwide effort to give Bougainvilleans outside the region the chance to vote in shaping the future of their government.

Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry could bring in more than K10 billion each year if the right support is given, says Coffee Industry Corporation Limited (CICL) Chief Executive Officer, Charles Dambui. He said coffee is a lifeline for thousands of families, and with stronger backing, it can become a major driver of the national economy. Mr. Dambui said CICL needs more resources to carry out its work, especially to recruit and place more extension officers in every coffee-growing district and Local Level Government (LLG) area. These officers are key to helping farmers improve their yields and practices. He added that building a reliable farmer database, tightening regulations, and enforcing quality standards are also vital. The long-term vision, Mr. Dambui said, is to lift production to over 3 million bags a year in line with the National Agriculture Sector Plan. “Coffee can take PNG forward if we get the basics right,” he said.