Rigo MP and Minister for National Planning Sir Ano Pala paid tribute to the descendants of Reverend Dr. William George Lawes during the opening of Hula's 150th Anniversary celebrations, thanking the Lawes family for the role their ancestor played in shaping the community's history.Speaking before thousands gathered in Hula, Central Province, Sir Ano acknowledged Reverend Anthony George Lawes, the fifth-generation descendant of Dr. Lawes, whose arrival on Hula's shores in 1876 marked the beginning of a relationship that would influence generations of people in the area."Your great grandfather's visit here is the reason we are here today," Sir Ano said.He said while much had already been written and spoken about Dr. Lawes' arrival, the anniversary was about more than the history of one family, one village or one church."This story about Lawes is not just about the Lawes family history. It is not only about the history of this village, the United Church, or even the country. It is also a story about the destiny of ourselves as a people," he said.Reflecting on the events of 150 years ago, Sir Ano said he often wondered what Dr. Lawes may have written in letters back to England after first meeting the people of Hula.He imagined the missionary describing the people he encountered as welcoming, peaceful and hospitable, qualities that helped build a lasting relationship between the missionary and the community.Sir Ano said one message stood above all others during the anniversary celebration."Today my message is just one word, thank you," he said.As the Member for Rigo, Sir Ano Pala expressed gratitude to the Lawes family for the contribution made by Dr. Lawes in bringing Christianity and education to Hula and surrounding communities.He said the encounter between Dr. Lawes and the ancestors of Hula helped shape a legacy that continues to be felt 150 years later.According to Sir Ano, the values of faith, friendship, peace and mutual respect that emerged from that first meeting remain evident in the community today.As Hula celebrates 150 years since the arrival of Dr. William George Lawes, Sir Ano said the anniversary serves as a reminder that the actions of one visitor and the hospitality of one community can leave a legacy that lasts for generations.

A powerful drama performance reenacting the arrival of Reverend Dr. William George Lawes in Hula 150 years ago has reminded Papua New Guineans that one of the country's most significant Christian milestones was made possible not only by a missionary's journey, but by the hospitality of the people of Hula.The performance was one of the highlights of the opening ceremony for the United Church's 150th Anniversary celebrations held on Monday in Hula, Central Province.Presented by local church youth, the drama transported hundreds of spectators back to 1876, recreating the events that led to the arrival of the London Missionary Society (LMS) missionary on the shores of Hula village.The performance depicted Lawes travelling along the Papuan coast when rough weather began developing at sea. Seeking shelter before the storm intensified, he attempted to take refuge near Hirupara. However, worsening conditions forced his vessel ashore at Hula, setting in motion an encounter that would help shape the future of Christianity in Papua New Guinea.Youth performers reenacted the historic meeting between Lawes and the ancestors of the Hula people, portraying the moment villagers welcomed the missionary and listened to the message he brought with him.The drama highlighted how that first encounter laid the foundation for the growth of what would later become the United Church in Papua New Guinea, spreading first throughout Central Province before reaching communities across the nation.Among those witnessing the performance was Reverend Anthony George Lawes, the fifth-generation Lawes of Dr. William George Lawes.Like his ancestor, Reverend Lawes has dedicated his life to Christian ministry. Although the Lawes family originated from England before later settling in Australia, he said the connection between his family and Hula remains strong after 150 years.Addressing the gathering, Reverend Lawes expressed gratitude for the invitation to participate in the historic celebration."On behalf of the entire Lawes family, thank you for inviting me to be part of this celebration and to be welcomed here where such an important chapter in both our family history and the history of Hula began," he said.He reminded those gathered that the anniversary was not only about remembering his ancestor, but also about recognizing the people of Hula whose ancestors welcomed a stranger and helped make possible the spread of Christianity throughout Papua New Guinea."The story we celebrate today is not only the story of W.G. Lawes. It is also the story of the people of Hula. Without your ancestors' hospitality, courage, friendship and willingness to embrace the Gospel, the work that followed would never have been possible," he said.Reverend Lawes also reflected on his ancestor's vision of empowering local people to lead the church. He highlighted efforts to translate the Bible into Motu and establish training institutions for local pastors, teachers and church leaders.He said the flourishing churches, schools and Christian communities seen throughout Papua New Guinea today are the result of generations of Papua New Guineans carrying that vision forward.As celebrations continue throughout the week, the drama served as a powerful reminder that the history of the United Church is not solely the story of a missionary arriving on foreign shores. It is also the story of a community that chose to welcome him.One hundred and fifty years later, that act of hospitality continues to be remembered as a defining moment that helped shape the spiritual, educational and cultural history of Papua New Guinea.

The 150th Anniversary celebrations commemorating the arrival of Reverend Dr. William George Lawes and the introduction of what is now known as the United Church in Papua New Guinea (PNG), officially commenced today June 23rd in Hula village, Central Province.Among the distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony today were NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Rigo MP Sir Ano Pala, the NCD City Manager, and fifth-generation descendant of Dr. William George Lawes, Anthony George Lawes, who represented the Lawes family and amongst many other special guest  The ceremony began along the road leading into Hula Market before proceeding to the village's main celebration grounds. Upon their arrival, the guests were welcomed by a marching band comprising students from Hula SDA Pathfinder, Allan Jones Primary School, Alen Jones Junior High School, and Hod Point Junior High School.The procession commenced from Allan Jones Primary School, where the students escorted the official guests through the village and towards the main celebration venue. At the entrance to the grounds, the guests were formally handed over to the Police Band, which then led them into the main arena for the official opening proceedings.The celebration showcased the unity and strong faith of the Hula community, particularly within the United Church denomination, while honoring a significant milestone in the country's Christian history.This year's anniversary marks 150 years since Reverend Dr. William George Lawes of the London Missionary Society arrived on the shores of Hula in 1876, an event that paved the way for the establishment and growth of what is today known as the United Church in Papua New Guinea.The week-long celebrations officially began on June 23 and will continue with church services, cultural performances, historical commemorations, and community activities highlighting the enduring legacy of the church and its impact on generations of Papua New Guineans.A key presence at the opening ceremony was Anthony George Lawes, representing the Lawes family and the fifth generation of descendants of Dr. William George Lawes, whose missionary journey to Hula became a defining moment in the spiritual and social history of Papua New Guinea.

Chairlady of the 2026 Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Promotion Board, Dame Jean Lucilla Kekedo, DBE, DBStJ, CSM, has backed the challenge by Minister for Police Sir John Pundari for promotions within the force to be based on performance, integrity and merit rather than personal connections while also calling for recognition and inclusion of women within the Constabulary.Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Promotion Board at Police Headquarters as the board’s chairlady, Dame Jean said the board will remain committed to ensuring deserving police officers are recognized through a fair and transparent process.She acknowledged the Minister's call for the board to select officers based on their record of service and contribution to policing rather than connection or influence.“One thing you will know, Minister and Commissioner, is that I do not know any of those names on the list, the only way I assess those officers is by reading what they have done, reading their history and asking questions about their service.” Dame Jean said.Dame Jean said her role as Chairlady was to ensure the process remains impartial and focused on identifying officers who have demonstrated professionalism, leadership and commitment to duty.She said the board would carefully assess each recommendation to ensure deserving officers are not overlooked during the promotion process.The Chairlady also highlighted the importance of public trust in policing and said communities expect police officers who demonstrate integrity, discipline and professionalism.“As a woman, we want police officers we can trust, officers we can approach and speak with confidently, whether they are men or women,” she said.Dame Jean also called for greater recognition and inclusion of women within the Constabulary, noting that significant progress has been made over the years but more work remains to be done.She said government agencies and institutions must continue to consider the needs of women when planning facilities, accommodation and workplace environments.The Chairlady acknowledged the support of the Australian Government towards policing development and the advancement of women in leadership and professional roles within Papua New Guinea.Reflecting on her long association with the Constabulary, Dame Jean said she had witnessed significant changes in policing over the years and was encouraged by ongoing efforts to modernize the organization.She also praised the discipline displayed by officers and staff at Police Headquarters, saying discipline remains one of the foundations of an effective police force.Dame Jean said the Promotion Board carries a significant responsibility and pledged to work with fellow board members, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Nitma and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Policy and Planning Regga Neggi, to ensure promotions are assessed fairly and professionally over the coming months.The 2026 Promotion Board is expected to oversee promotion assessments across all ranks of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary during its 12-month term.

Minister for Police Sir John Pundari has challenged members of the newly sworn-in 2026 Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Promotion Board to ensure police promotions are based on merit, performance and integrity rather than personal connections.Speaking during the recent swearing- in ceremony, Sir John Pundari said the ranks within the Constabulary must be earned through service, commitment and professional conduct.He reminded board members that their responsibility over the next 12 months would directly influence the future leadership of the RPNGC.“Rank is not a gift, it is trust,” the good minister said.“If you promote politics over patrols, you don't just insult one officer, you insult every cop in the country, even the one sleeping in a bush station with one bullet and no backup.”Sir John urged the board to recognise officers who consistently perform their duties and uphold the values of the Constabulary.“Promote the officer who arrests, not the one who attends. Promote the constable who says no to bribery. Promote the leader who bleeds with his men, not the one who hides in Port Moresby,” he said.The Minister said the country needed the right people in leadership positions within the police force to maintain public trust and improve policing standards.“Rank must mean safety for the people of Papua New Guinea, not seniority, not connections,” he said.“I challenge you, board members, every officer promoted must be promoted because he is the best, not because he knows the best.”Sir John said the Government continues to make significant investments into the Constabulary and expects those investments to result in stronger leadership, improved discipline and better service delivery throughout the country.He acknowledged the efforts of Police Commissioner David Manning and senior police leadership as well in driving police modernisation and strengthening training standards across the organisation.Reflecting on his childhood growing up in a police family, Sir John recalled the discipline and professionalism displayed by police officers during the years leading up to Independence.He said those standards should continue to guide the Constabulary as it works to strengthen public confidence and professionalism across the organisation.The Minister also reminded board members that deserving officers serving in remote and rural locations should not be overlooked during the promotion process.“I know there is one out there in the bush, working hard with the community and doing the best that he can. I pray that no one who deserves promotion is overlooked,” Sir John said.The Promotion Board was sworn in on Friday, June 19th at Police Headquarters, Konedobu, Port Moresby. The board is chaired by Dame Jean Lucilla Kekedo, DBE, DBStJ, CSM, and includes Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Nitma and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Policy and Planning, Regga Neggi.This board will oversee promotion assessments across various ranks of the RPNGC over the coming months.

After over a decade of not hosting a cultural show, the current Student Representative Council (SRC) of the country's oldest all boys school- De La Salle Secondary School, are reviving it with this year's event aimed at raising K350,000 for much needed infrastructure improvements.The cultural show is scheduled for July 18, 2026, and is being organised by the current Student Representative Council (SRC) as part of its "Give Back to the School" program. The event will be held at Sir John Guise Stadium under the theme "United In Culture, Strong In Brotherhood."The event marks the return of a major cultural gathering that has not been held at the school since the 2016 Lasallian Cultural Show involving Jubilee Secondary School, La Salle Technical College, and other Lasallian institutions from across the country. Before that, the school's previous cultural show was held in 2014 and organised by the SRC then.In an interview with De La Salle Secondary School Principal Ms. Annette Ingirin, she told PNG HAUSBUNG that the initiative reflects the students' commitment to leaving a lasting contribution to the school."The SRC has a Give Back to the School program. The purpose is to raise money to accomplish a certain project in the school," Ms. Ingirin said.She said the students have set a fundraising target of K350,000 or more, with the main project focused on constructing covered walkways connecting various sections of the school."Their project involves building shelters to connect different sections of the school to each other, so when it comes to rain or sunlight, we're able to move freely and go to the classroom, and teaching and learning can continue," she said.Ms. Ingirin said part of the funds raised will also support other priority projects, including upgrades to the school's assembly hall, which has served generations of students and continues to be used during National Examinations."The second reason is to complete other projects that we need to complete, such as putting a new roof on the assembly hall that's been around for more than half a century," she said.In addition to celebrating the country’s rich cultural diversity, the event will also provide an opportunity for former students to select the new heads of the school's alumni.Ms. Ingirin said the cultural show will serve as a time for the De La Salle alumni to establish a formal alumni leadership structure."They're going to elect the alumni leaders, and then all these leaders will come together and assist the school in our projects," she said.This year's cultural show will run from 8:00am to 3:00pm and is expected to attract students, parents, alumni, businesses, and supporters from across Port Moresby and beyond.Admission has been set at K20 for adults, K10 for students, and K5 for children under 12 years old.Businesses and organisations are also being encouraged to participate, with SME stalls available for K200, corporate stalls for K1,000, and vehicle passes costing K30 per vehicle.The event will showcase Papua New Guinea's cultural diversity through traditional performances, displays, food, and entertainment while supporting the school's fundraising goals.As the countdown to July 18 begins, the return of the De La Salle Cultural Show represents more than a celebration of culture, it is a student-led effort to reconnect alumni, strengthen school spirit, and invest in projects that will benefit future generations of students for years to come.

Outgoing Correctional Service Commissioner and newly appointed Deputy Commissioner for CS Corporate, Bernad Nepo, has called on media organizations to uphold ethical reporting standards, particularly on social media, while urging Correctional Service personnel to support newly appointed Commissioner Noel Sarei.Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Tuesday, June 16th, Nepo welcomed Sarei's appointment by the National Executive Council (NEC), describing it as a government decision that should be respected by all officers and stakeholders.Nepo used the occasion to address public speculation and misinformation circulating online following the recent arrest of 20 uniformed Correctional Service officers by police on June 12. The officers were reportedly intercepted at Rainbow Waigani while allegedly travelling toward the residence of the newly appointed commissioner.In his remarks, Nepo distanced himself from the incident and emphasized that he supports the government's decision regarding the leadership transition."I want to dispel some of that misinformation going out on Facebook or wherever," Nepo said."Correctional Service is in good hands."He urged officers throughout the organization to unite behind the new commissioner and continue supporting the institution's objectives."The same government that appointed me is the same government that brought him in. So, we have to have this kind of understanding with respect." Nepo highlighted.Addressing media representatives present at the ceremony, Nepo challenged journalists and social media users to report responsibly and accurately, warning against the spread of unverified information that could undermine public confidence in the Correctional Service.During his address, Nepo reflected on his two-year tenure as commissioner, highlighting what he described as key achievements despite limited resources. He said maintaining prison security and preventing major prison escapes remained among the Correctional Service's most significant accomplishments during his leadership.According to Nepo, those achievements were made possible through cooperation between Correctional Service officers, their families, prisoners, and the wider community.He stressed that effective leadership and unity within the workforce were essential to the organization's success and encouraged staff to continue working together under the new administration.Nepo concluded by assuring Commissioner Sarei of his support and the backing of senior Correctional Service officers, saying the organization would remain united as it transitions into a new leadership era."The public deserves the best from Correctional Service," he said. "We will stand as a united force with our new commissioner.”

The three member 2026 Police Promotion Board has been officially sworn in and will now begin its work reviewing and assessing officers for promotion across the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for the next 12 months.The swearing- in ceremony was officiated by Police Commissioner David Manning today at the Police Headquarters at Konedobu, Port Moresby city.The Promotion Board will be chaired by Dame Jean Lucilla Kekedo, DBE, DBStJ, CSM, who was appointed by Minister for Police, Sir John Pundari.Joining her on the board are Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Nitma and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Policy and Planning Regga Neggi, both appointed by the Chairlady.Giving the keynote address, Minister for Police Sir John Pundari reminded the board members of the responsibility entrusted on them and the need for integrity in all promotion decisions.“You have taken an oath of office for the next 12 months. Remember, board members and the esteemed Chairlady, that the nation will be watching you.Ask yourself one question before you stamp that file. If my daughter was kidnapped in Lae tonight, is this the officer I want hunting that kidnapper? If the answer is no, Chairlady and board members, do not promote him,” he said.Sir John also called on police officers nationwide to remain committed to duty regardless of recognition or visibility.“To every policeman right across this nation, you must know this. The oath of service that you have taken is to serve your people.Your Commissioner may not see the service that you provide. Your immediate boss may not see you doing the right thing and ensuring justice for those who deserve it.But you must know one thing. There is a God in Heaven who loves this country and its people. He is watching you, and in His own way, He will reward you,” he said.He further urged officers to maintain integrity in service and ensure promotions are based strictly on merit.“Rank must mean safety for the people of Papua New Guinea, not seniority, not connections,” Sir John said.“I challenge you, board, every officer promoted must be promoted because he is the best, not because he knows the best.”He said the Government continues to invest heavily in policing and expects ongoing improvements in professionalism, standards, and service delivery across the Constabulary.Commissioner Manning reaffirmed that promotions will be conducted in line with established criteria and through a structured assessment process covering all ranks.He said the Constabulary remains committed to building a modern, transparent and accountable police force capable of meeting national expectations.The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the Promotion Selection Board’s work, with members now tasked to assess officers under the Constabulary’s 2026 promotion cycle, including reviewing existing promotion recommendations and selection documentation.Commissioner Manning said the promotion process will be conducted in stages, with officers assessed based on merit, performance and demonstrated service.“It is about delivering a police force in which this country can be proud of; a police force that is modern, transparent and accountable,” he said.He stressed that promotions will not be automatic, but awarded only to officers who consistently demonstrate discipline, commitment and professional conduct.With the board now sworn in, it will begin reviewing promotion assessments and recommendations under the 2026 promotion cycle in the coming months as part of the Constabulary’s ongoing reform agenda.

With just a few weeks remaining before Semester Two begins, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) says it has activated contingency measures to prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño after the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service officially declared El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific.The weather agency confirmed this week that El Niño conditions are now established and are expected to persist until at least the end of 2026, with forecasts indicating a strong to very strong event comparable to the 1997/98 and 2015/16 El Niño episodes.Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay, said the university has already implemented measures to minimize disruptions should dry conditions affect essential services on campus.“We are not sure if El Niño is coming or not. There are some indications that El Niño is heading towards Papua New Guinea, although weather patterns are always very difficult to predict.”“UPNG is fully prepared for an El Niño event. We have purchased a number of water tanks to prepare us in case the El Niño effect disrupts our water supply.”Professor Findlay said the university is also exploring additional water sources through bore development to strengthen water security on campus.“We are exploring water bores. We also have contingency and reserve redundancy for our electrical supplies.”The Vice Chancellor added that UPNG has strengthened its digital infrastructure to ensure learning and administrative services remain operational during any disruptions.“We have redundancy for our internet supplies; we have two separate connections for our main internet, and then we have a third redundancy for our internet supplies.”He said the university has already developed comprehensive contingency plans and remains ready to respond should conditions worsen.“The university has already developed contingency plans for El Niño should El Niño come to PNG, so we're ready.”Historically, El Niño brings prolonged dry conditions, higher temperatures, reduced stream flows, frost in higher altitude areas, and an increased risk of drought across many parts of PNG.Furthermore, the National Weather Service has urged communities, government agencies, businesses, and institutions across the country to begin preparations for extended dry weather conditions as climate models continue to indicate the likelihood of a significant El Niño event.UPNG’s early preparations place the institution among organizations taking proactive steps to reduce the potential impact of water shortages, and service disruptions should dry conditions intensify in the months ahead.

A landmark health partnership between the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and Pacific International Hospital (PIH) has been formally signed, unlocking expanded healthcare access, discounted medical services, and nationwide preventive health programs for thousands of students, and the staff and their families.The three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday, Thursday June 18th, 2026, at PIH’s 3 Mile facility in Port Moresby and will take effect on July 1st, 2026.The agreement brings together two major national institutions to strengthen early intervention, emergency response and long-term wellbeing across the university community.UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay said the partnership is a major step in improving healthcare access for students and staff.He said many students previously faced delays in accessing critical care.“This agreement is a practical step toward improving health outcomes and strengthening wellbeing services across our university community,” Findlay said.He said the partnership will reduce barriers to emergency and specialist treatment.PIH Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Shaligram said the initiative is focused on fast and reliable access to healthcare services.He said the collaboration strengthens both emergency response and preventive care delivery.“This ensures rapid and effective access to quality healthcare for the entire UPNG community,” Shaligram said.Under the agreement, students, staff and their families will access emergency care pathways, specialist referrals, discounted consultations and structured campus-based health programs.PIH will provide weekly psychosocial counselling, optometry services, fortnightly dental screenings and monthly hearing tests at the UPNG Waigani campus.The program also introduces structured referral systems between UPNG clinics and PIH facilities to improve emergency response times.UPNG staff and dependents will receive a 20 percent discount on specialist consultations while students will receive a 50 percent discount on selected general practitioner, gynaecology and paediatric services at PIH medical centres in Waigani and Rainbow upon presentation of valid identification.UPNG Health Services Director Dr Christopher Kinip said rising health challenges among young people and working adults make preventive care more important than ever.He said conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stress related illness and anxiety are becoming more common within the university community.“This partnership will help shift healthcare delivery from reactive treatment to early intervention and ongoing health education,” Kinip said.The agreement also includes regular preventive health programs focused on early detection, counselling and health awareness campaigns.The MOU is set for an initial three-year term with provisions for renewal depending on future healthcare needs.Both institutions say implementation will begin from July 1, 2026, with services to be rolled out progressively across campus.The partnership is part of a wider effort to strengthen institutional healthcare collaboration in Papua New Guinea, with a focus on prevention, access and early response.

What started with a firewood oven, a wheelbarrow, and a handful of female inmates with little baking experience has grown into one of Bomana Prison's most successful rehabilitation programs, culminating in the purchase of a new 15-seater bakery bus worth K126,000.The bus was officially launched on Tuesday, June 16, by Bomana Correctional Service Commanding Officer Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa and Assistant Commissioner for Southern Region Timbi Kaugla.The Female Wing Bakery began in 2019 as part of the inmates' rehabilitation program under the supervision of CS Officer Caupol Everlyn Ovoi. At the time, no more than 10 female inmates made up the bakery team.With little baking experience, a firewood oven, and a wheelbarrow used to transport baked goods around the Bomana community, the women started small but remained committed to learning and improving their skills.Ovoi said most of the women had never attended a baking school and relied heavily on online learning."Every year we have new female inmates joining the bakery section while the old ones go out, so most of our training comes from YouTube tutorials," she said.As rehabilitation programs within the Female Wing continued to grow, a truck was provided in 2020 to support activities including sewing, gardening, and the bakery. The additional transport helped improve operations and contributed to increased sales.In 2021, One Tribe Australia visited Bomana and provided practical training to inmates in various rehabilitation sections, including baking.Following the training, the bakery expanded with the addition of an electric oven. Production increased and sales improved, allowing the bakery to supply products not only within Bomana but also to nearby communities.The bakery's growth also enabled it to support other rehabilitation projects within Bomana Prison. However, transportation remained a major challenge as the available truck was shared among several rehabilitation programs.Revenue generated through rehabilitation programs is deposited into the Prison Industry account, which supports inmate rehabilitation activities and operational requirements. Funds from the account were later approved for the purchase of the Female Wing Bakery's new 15-seater bus.Commanding Officer Yelly Oiufa said he had spent considerable time seeking approval from Headquarters for the release of funds to purchase a dedicated vehicle for the bakery section.He said progress was made after Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo took office."For a while I had been pleading without any response from Headquarters. Then Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo took office, we were in talks, and after the decision was made, we submitted the quotation. Today the Female Wing has its new bakery bus," Oiufa said.He also acknowledged the support provided by the outgoing Acting Commissioner."I would like to represent Bomana Prison Camp in thanking outgoing Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo and acknowledge his contribution. I also wish him success in his new role within the Correctional Service."Assistant Commissioner for Southern Region Timbi Kaugla praised Bomana Prison Camp for its rehabilitation efforts and the positive transformation taking place among inmates."Your hard work has been rewarded. Now you can see the bus as the result because some of the work is becoming self-sustaining, and Bomana isn't what it was in the past," Kaugla said."I want to thank the inmates and all the officers in Bomana for this positive change and also the leadership of Commanding Officer Yelly Oiufa."The new bus now stands as a symbol of years of commitment, learning, and rehabilitation by the Female Wing Bakery section, which grew from humble beginnings into a program capable of supporting itself and contributing to the wider rehabilitation efforts at Bomana Prison.

Correctional Service Portfolio Minister Joe Muli has called for unity within the Papua New Guinea Correctional Service (CS) following the appointment of Noel Sarei as the organization's substantive Commissioner on Tuesday, June 16.Speaking during the appointment ceremony, Minister Muli urged senior officers and staff throughout the Correctional Service to work together as the country moves towards the 2027 National General Election.He said while governments and ministers may change, public servants remain responsible for implementing government policies and ensuring services continue to function.“For us ministers, we are only here to make policy, but it is up to the heads of departments and public servants to carry out the groundwork.”“It is not only the Prime Minister or ministers who move the country. It is the public servants and department heads who implement policy.”The Minister said unity across key state institutions, including the Police, Defence Force, Health, Education and Correctional Service, remains critical to national development.The appointment of Commissioner Sarei also marks a significant milestone for the Correctional Service, with the National Executive Council playing a direct role in the appointment process.Outgoing Acting Commissioner and newly appointed Deputy Commissioner Corporate Bernard Nepo, echoed the Minister’s call for unity, saying the organization can achieve more when officers work together.“In any organization, when there is unity, you are able to achieve a lot,” Nepo said.Nepo also urged officers to use social media responsibly and avoid making comments that undermine the organization's leadership.“When I became a Commissioner, there were comments saying I was not eligible for the role and referring to me as a junior inspector. It all depends on a person's knowledge.”He said such comments create unnecessary division within the organization and damage the image of the Correctional Service.Furthermore, he stated that he fully respected the government’s decision to appoint Commissioner Sarei and pledged his support to the new leadership.“Three months ago, I heard there would be a new appointment of a Commissioner, and I said whoever is appointed, I am willing to work under them.”Commissioner Sarei now assumes leadership of the Correctional Service on a four-year term as the organization focuses on strengthening rehabilitation programs, improving operational capacity and enhancing service delivery across the country.The ceremony also highlighted a common message from the Minister, the incoming Commissioner and the outgoing Acting Commissioner that unity, professionalism, and cooperation will be essential to the future direction of the Correctional Service.