Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has unveiled a new Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) signboard in the province, ahead of the 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations of both the RPNGC and Papua New Guinea. “This is a proud moment for the RPNGC in Madang. The signboard is more than a symbol—it reflects our commitment to serving the community and being part of the national celebrations,” Baim said. The ceremony also marks the start of major upgrades to police infrastructure in Madang. The old police station will be demolished and replaced with a new station fully funded by the Australian Government, while temporary offices will house staff during construction. Baim confirmed that the Jomba Police Station will also be rebuilt, along with a larger cell block to improve detention facilities. “These developments will enhance our operations and improve community confidence,” he said. The upgrades are expected to be completed in the coming months, strengthening the police presence and services across the province during this historic period.

The Member for Rai Coast, Kessy Sawang, has announced a K50,000 allocation to strengthen police and security operations across the district during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations. The funds will be distributed among police units and local level governments (LLGs) to maintain peace, particularly in areas with security concerns. “Under my leadership, we have allocated K50,000 to the police and security,” Sawang said. “Of this, K10,000 will go to Saidor police, K10,000 to Ileg police in Astrolabe Bay LLG, K10,000 to Ramu Sugar police, K10,000 to Nayudo LLG, and K10,000 to support Basamuk water patrols addressing sea piracy.” The patrol boat between Basamuk and Madang town is a key focus. Sawang noted that full-time patrols will protect coastal communities from piracy and ensure safe passage. The funding will also support enforcement of the district’s Good District Local Policies (GDLP) and security bylaws during the four-day Independence program from September 13–16. “Our priority is to make sure communities are safe and people can celebrate freely. This is a proactive step to prevent crime,” Sawang said. She urged the public to cooperate with security forces during the milestone celebrations.

A fleet of 22 canoes from Patalok village, Karkar Island, is making its way to Madang town ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations. The journey, led by Darius Wari, showcases the village’s rich maritime traditions and fishing heritage. “These fishermen have spent their lives on the water,” Wari said. “For the 50th Independence, we want to show our skill and endurance by paddling 32.9 nautical miles from Karkar to Madang. Each canoe represents one province, showing unity across our nation.” The canoes were specially crafted for the occasion and follow traditional trading routes from Karkar to Madang. Historically, villagers traded clay pots, garden produce, coconuts, and sing- sing items along this path. Wari noted the journey also honors Evangelical Lutheran Church missionaries who once traveled these waters carrying gospel messages. “The trip celebrates our identity, our culture, and our connection to the sea,” he said. The Karkar paddlers are expected to be a highlight of the four-day Independence festivities, demonstrating endurance, cultural pride, and community spirit.

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.