Martha LOUIS

Six men were shot dead in Lae city after police chased a stolen bus used in a robbery at Eriku today. Lae Metropolitan Commander Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said the suspects hijacked a 15-seater bus at Miles. “They pretended to be passengers before holding up the driver and crew,” he said. “About 11 to 12 of them then forced the bus back to Eriku.” At Eriku, the gang robbed the I-One store. They took cash, cigarettes, Flex cards and Vodafone cards. The total value of the stolen goods is not yet known. Mobile Squad 13 intercepted the bus and chased it to Bundi camp. The suspects opened fire on police. “The bonnet of our vehicle was hit by bullets, and one officer was scratched on the hand by pellets,” Kunyanban said. Other units joined in. Six suspects were killed in the shoot-out. Two were seriously injured. About three escaped. Police recovered several homemade guns. Kunyanban said police will continue to track down those still on the run. “This is a strong message to criminals,” he said. “Police will not hesitate to act when public safety is threatened. Police will not tolerate criminals challenging them and have the right to be protected when they carry out their constitutional duties.” Lae has seen a rise in violent hold-ups in recent months. Police say investigations are continuing.

Papua New Guinea’s rice farmers are getting a boost thanks to Trukai Industries’ Smart Farmer Program. The initiative combines classroom lessons and field training, teaching farmers skills in water management, machinery use, pest and weed control, and post-harvest handling. Top participants also join a Smart Farmer Internship at Trukai’s commercial rice farm in Erap, Morobe Province. They receive agricultural tools, seeds, fertilizers, and ongoing mentorship. Since starting, over 1,000 farmers across PNG have been trained, moving many from subsistence farming to commercial operations. The program contributes to food security, economic growth, and stronger rural communities. Aina Davis, Trukai’s Agriculture Manager, said: “By equipping farmers with skills and resources, we’re building a sustainable future—one farmer at a time.”

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wau-Waria, Marsh Narewec says the Kaindi Road upgrade will help the district keep gold trade revenue local and attract small businesses. The National Government has provided K3 million and the district K2 million. Narewec warned the road is dangerous and difficult to maintain, but essential for local growth. “The Kaindi Road generates K40 to K50 million annually from just one gold buyer,” he said. Emergency works are underway, and new routes are being planned to protect the road from illegal mining damage. The road, also called the “Bull Track,” now takes less than two hours to travel, down from a full day.

Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec has praised small-scale miners for helping drive local development. He highlighted Yosi Mambu, who owns Hot Spring Alluvial Mining, for investing nearly K3 million of his own money to build a new road in Nemnem. “The people needed the road, and Yosi came forward with machinery and resources. No government money was used. We only facilitated the agreement,” Narewec said. The MP said this shows how miners can reinvest their earnings into businesses and services that benefit the community. “Instead of wealth leaving our district, we must reinvest here – in hotels, lodges, service stations, and infrastructure – to grow Wau-Waria into a modern town,” he said. Narewec added that other road works are ongoing, including maintenance from Pine Top to Wau town and realignment around illegal mining areas. “This is more than a road project. It’s the start of real development,” he said.

The Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is urging businesses across Papua New Guinea to boost their online safety. A free online program is now open to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, offering practical tips to protect data, devices, and staff from cyber threats. The training is run with the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Macquarie University, supported by the PNG–Australia Partnership. Up to 500 businesses can take part. LCCI President John Byrne said cybercrime is a growing risk for PNG businesses. “More than 60% of MSMEs use digital financial services, but most have no formal cyber safety training. This program helps protect both businesses and staff,” he said. The PNG Cyber Defender Program is fully online, takes three hours, and provides a certificate and digital badge upon completion. Applications close on 5th September, with courses running from 10 September to 10 October 2025. Apply here: pomcci.org.pg/cyber-defender-program-information

A grassroots cultural group in Markham is pushing ahead with its festival plans after successfully hosting a fundraising dinner in Lae city. The Kraang Festival Association Inc (KFAI) raised funds at Huon Gulf Hotel to help register the festival with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and stage the inaugural event in Markham District. Chairman Moxie Jerry Dzigin said the association was proud of the community support. “We hosted a successful dinner despite the lack of backing from the Markham District Development Authority. This festival is for the people of Markham and for preserving our identity,” he said. While disappointed at being excluded from the district’s 50th anniversary celebrations, KFAI said it remained committed to working with partners. Support has already come from Markham communities in Lae and Port Moresby, as well as pledges from Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Namah. The Kraang Festival will help bring people together and boost tourism in the district.

For Leo PauPau, a farmer from Buin in South Bougainville, last Friday was a milestone achievement for him when he received his certificate from the Trukai Smart Farmer Program, completing three months of training that changed how he farms. “Before, I worked on small plots about seven metres by seven metres,” PauPau said. “Now I’ve expanded to more than 120 metres by 60 metres. We can feed our families and sell rice for income.” The program taught him skills like managing water, using tractors and seeders, and controlling weeds and pests. Rice has become more than a crop for PauPau – it is now a business opportunity and a safety net for his family. Launched in 2022, the Trukai Smart Farmer Program combines classroom lessons with hands-on training. Over 1,000 farmers across PNG have taken part, receiving resources and support valued at K45,000 each. For PauPau, the certificate represents hope, opportunity, and a new chapter for his family and community.

Students at Pileh Primary School in Huon District have moved into a new double classroom handed over to the school on Thursday 21st August. Australian Consulate-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, said education must start with good facilities. “Children need safe places to learn. This classroom shows our commitment to supporting schools and communities,” he said. The school has 151 students, with 78 girls and 73 boys, but only a few teachers. Before the classroom was built, children often walked long distances to Markham Bridge Primary, sometimes giving up because of floods and rough tracks. Kanowski said the project was made possible through the AusAid program with funding also from the Morobe Provincial Government. He added that it is part of a bigger plan helping 35 schools with new desks and water tanks. Head teacher Yakam Lamu said the classroom is a big relief for the school. “We still need more houses for teachers and more classrooms, but today we are thankful. This gives our children hope,” he said.

Lae doctor Joseph Garap says cancer is rising fast in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and too many people are dying because they get help too late. Dr Garap has worked at Angau Memorial General Hospital for over 20 years. He said most cancer patients arrive when the disease is already at a dangerous stage. He once ran a mobile cancer clinic using his own money to spread awareness in rural areas. He gave out calendars with messages for school children. But the program ended due to lack of funding. “Cancer drugs and treatment are too expensive,” he said. “We need early checks to save lives.” He’s asking the government to invest in mobile health services so doctors can reach people before it’s too late. Betel nut chewing, smoking, and alcohol are causing more mouth cancers. Women in PNG also face high rates of cervical cancer. “We can’t wait. Early treatment saves lives.”

Ragiampun village in Markham District, Morobe, is celebrating after receiving new cocoa seedlings from Unitech’s SPISARD program. Youth leader Alois Yudah said villagers were happy. “The seedlings will help improve our cocoa and support our families,” he said. Recently, the team gave out 40 hybrid cocoa varieties to farmers in Ragiampun, Tumua, Wafimampun, Zumangurun, Intzir, and Ragidumpiat. These new seedlings are stronger, disease-resistant, and produce better beans, helping farmers grow more and earn more. The program also includes training on how to care for the seedlings and manage cocoa farms. Villagers hope that with these efforts, Markham District will become a model for sustainable cocoa farming in Papua New Guinea.

Heart screening in Lae city this week has found many children with heart problems, with doctors warning that young patients in PNG often arrive at hospital too late. Department of Health paediatrician, Dr Cornelia Kilalang, said many families don’t realize how common childhood heart disease is. Some cases are present from birth, while others develop after simple throat infections turn into rheumatic heart disease. “Heart surgery is one of the most difficult operations,” she said. “We stop the heart and lungs and use a machine to keep the patient alive. But too many children come too late. The key is early recognition.” Parents are being asked to watch for warning signs. These include babies who sweat while feeding, children who are underweight, persistent coughs, or fast breathing. In older children, painful joints, fevers or shortness of breath should raise concern. At Angau Hospital, Dr Winnie Sadua said the checks were important for Morobe. The Operation Open Heart Foundation runs the program with support from partners. They cover family travel and bring in overseas surgeons for difficult cases. Foundation spokesperson Jane Huka said, “These partnerships are making it possible for children across PNG to access life-saving treatment.”

Papua New Guinea has just one heart scan machine – a portable ultrasound that checks how the heart works and looks for problems like birth defects or damage from rheumatic heart disease. Dr Cornelia Kilalang, chief paediatrician at the Department of Health, said the shortage is putting children’s lives at risk. “Right now, PNG only has one. That’s not enough,” she said. She stressed that major hospitals like Angau in Lae city need more machines and trained staff to give young patients a real chance at survival. Early signs of heart problems include babies who sweat or get tired while feeding, children who fail to grow, persistent coughs that don’t get better with medicine, and older children with fever, joint pain, or shortness of breath. Meanwhile, the screening program at Angau Children’s Outpatient Clinic is in its second day. It is run by the Operation Open Heart Foundation with support from corporate partners. The free program helps identify children who need further care, but Dr Kilalang says every major hospital in PNG should have a heart scan machine so no child has to wait or die.