For the first time in decades, babies are now being delivered outside of the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), thanks to the opening of delivery services at Metoreia Urban Health Center in Hanuabada, Port Moresby city. This historic milestone represents a significant step forward in expanding maternal healthcare access in the city. The clinic recently celebrated its first successful delivery, marking the beginning of a new era for healthcare in Port Moresby. Metoreia Urban Clinic’s new delivery services aim to ease the heavy burden on PMGH, which has been the city’s primary facility for childbirth. Over the years, the growing population has placed immense pressure on PMGH, often resulting in overcrowding and delays in maternal care. The addition of delivery services at Metoreia Urban Clinic will provide expecting mothers with more options for safe childbirth, especially for those residing in nearby communities. The clinic is expected to serve hundreds of women annually, offering them quality care closer to their homes. A spokesperson for the clinic emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This initiative is about improving healthcare accessibility and ensuring that women can deliver their babies in a safe, comfortable, and less crowded environment.” The first baby born at Metoreia Urban Clinic was delivered successfully, signaling the clinic’s readiness to handle childbirth services. Health workers and local leaders celebrated this milestone as a symbol of progress in the city’s healthcare system. The opening of delivery services at Metoreia Urban Clinic is also expected to improve overall healthcare outcomes in NCD by reducing the strain on PMGH. By decentralizing maternity services, the city can better cater to the needs of its growing population. This development aligns with broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and services in Papua New Guinea. Authorities have emphasized the need for more urban clinics and rural health centers to ensure that all citizens have access to essential health services. The success of Metoreia Urban Clinic’s delivery services may pave the way for similar initiatives across the country, as policymakers and health officials seek to replicate this model to address the growing demand for maternal healthcare. For now, the clinic’s first delivery is a moment of pride and hope for the community, promising better healthcare access and outcomes for mothers and babies in the years to come. Metoreia Urban Clinic’s achievement represents a significant step forward in making maternal healthcare more accessible, and it is a development that will positively impact the lives of many families in Port Moresby.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has extended its support to the Foundation for Women and Children at Risk (WeCaRe), providing K300,000 in funding to enhance the foundation’s critical services in Port Moresby city. The donation will aid WeCaRe’s initiatives, including early childhood development, education programs, women’s support services, and assistance for individuals with special needs and those living with HIV and AIDS. Established in 2007, the foundation focuses on giving hope to young girls, vulnerable women, and children affected by poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Over time, it has broadened its scope to address additional community needs. During the cheque presentation, WeCaRe Founder and Patron, Father John Glynn, expressed his gratitude to OTML, stating, “Whatever we are doing here now, consider yourselves as OTML being a part of this because with your support, we are able to do what we are doing now.” Father Glynn commended OTML and other corporate entities for their commitment to supporting those most in need, whom he referred to as the 'turangus' (the people most in need). He also shared his vision of establishing a training center to empower young people to assist disadvantaged communities. Dexter Wagambie, OTML’s Manager of Corporate Affairs, applauded the foundation’s efforts and reiterated OTML’s dedication to community support. “OTML is a 100% PNG-owned mine and, as such, would assist where required to improve the livelihood of the people of PNG,” he said. OTML has a long history of supporting charitable causes, including the Cheshire Homes in Port Moresby and the Catholic Callan Services in Kiunga. The company’s ongoing commitment to community development reflects its dedication to enhancing the well-being of Papua New Guineans. This timely funding will enable WeCaRe to continue its essential services and expand its impact on those most in need.

The Paradise Foods embark on a heartening journey to spread joy and warmth to those in need as their way of giving back to the community. The Paradise Foods team in Mt Hagen city recently brought smiles and hope to the young patients at the Children's Ward of Mt Hagen General Hospital. On Friday, January 3rd, the team visited the ward, sharing laughter, kindness, and creating unforgettable memories with the children and their families. The visit served as a reminder that even during challenging times, hope and strength can prevail. The team's efforts uplifted the spirits of the young patients and their families, inspiring them to continue their fight. “As a 100% Papua New Guinean company, we find immense joy in contributing to the well-being of our communities,” stated a representative from Paradise Foods. “It's not just about providing delicious treats; it's about creating connections and fostering a sense of care within our larger Papua New Guinean family”. This initiative aims to bring smiles not only to the children but also to their families and the dedicated hospital staff. In the spirit of unity and compassion, Paradise Foods extends warm wishes to everyone for a New Year filled with smiles, hope, and shared moments of kindness.

The PNG Kapuls arrived back home over the weekend following a successful campaign in the 2024 MSG Prime Minister's Cup tournament in Honiara, Solomon Islands where the boys took home the title. Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology and Sport, Kinoka Feo, has come out to congratulate the PNG Football Team, the Kapuls, for their victory. “The Kapuls demonstrated remarkable focus and determination, bringing home the title with a performance that every Papua New Guinean can be proud of,” Feo said. The Kapuls claimed the title after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Vanuatu on Saturday, showcasing exceptional sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Minister Feo praised the team for representing Papua New Guinea with pride and resilience. The victory followed a thrilling 3-2 triumph over the host nation, Solomon Islands, last Thursday. The win against the reigning champions, supported by their passionate home crowd, boosted PNG’s confidence and set the stage for their final push. Earlier in the tournament, PNG opened with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands Development Team and secured a 1-all draw against Fiji, keeping them in contention for the title. With New Caledonia withdrawing from the competition, the winner was determined by points accumulated during the round-robin matches. This year’s win marks a significant comeback for the Kapuls, who finished fourth in last year’s tournament in Noumea, New Caledonia. Minister Feo acknowledged the team’s improvement, calling it a “memorable performance.” Due to commitments in Sydney for the recent PNG Investment Week, Minister Feo could not attend the tournament’s opening. However, he noted the symbolic significance of the Kapuls’ success alongside the historic announcement of PNG’s entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028. “Our PNG team entering the NRL in 2028 is more like a Melanesian team entering NRL so our fan base can be spread as far as Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu who are contesting the MSG Prime Ministers Cup,” Feo said. Looking ahead, Minister Feo announced that PNG will host the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup as part of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. “This will be a special event for PNG, and we aim to make it a memorable one,” Feo stated. The Kapuls’ victory is a proud moment for Papua New Guinea, underscoring the country’s growing presence in regional sports and its potential to inspire future generations. As the team prepares to defend their title on home soil next year, their success serves as a testament to the unifying power of sports in PNG and the wider Melanesian region.

The Young Elites Nokondis Program is an initiative led by the tertiary students from Eastern Highlands Province (EHP), was officially launched with the goal of fostering unity and giving back to the community. The program is spearheaded by President Leeben Benson, a fourth-year student at the University of Papua New Guinea, and seeks to bring together Eastern Highlands students from various institutions across the country. Beberth Kanaku, a third-year Bachelor of Education student at Pacific Adventist University and the program's media officer, highlighted the initiative's four main components: cleanup campaigns, community awareness, a tertiary education expo, and a rugby tournament. “This program aims to unite all tertiary students of Eastern Highlands Province and provide a platform to give back to our communities,” Kanaku said. “For too long, we’ve only mingled with students within our own institutions, but now, we’re creating opportunities to connect with others and make a meaningful impact in our province.” The program was launched on December 14th, 2024, at Goroka Youth Centre Hall. The rugby tournament, dubbed the "Young Elites Nokondis Cup," is expected to feature 8–10 teams in its inaugural year. While initial plans aimed to include 20 teams from various tertiary institutions. Some schools received late notice and contributed to cleanup and awareness activities instead. Kanaku shared that the program also aims to inspire younger generations. “Through the tertiary expo, we want to guide primary and secondary school students to focus on their ambitions. Using rugby as a motivational tool, we’re sending the message: ‘If you want to participate in well-organized events like this, work hard and make it into a tertiary institution.’” The program faced significant challenges, including financial constraints and student cooperations. As a self-funded initiative, the team relied on K200 registration fees from participating teams to cover expenses. “It wasn’t easy, but as our guest speaker, Mr. Jurere Marco, said during the launch, ‘You gotta start somewhere, somehow.’ That’s what we did,” Kanaku admitted. Despite the difficulties, the cleanup campaign in Goroka started on Thursday 19th of December, was a success with a lot of positive feedback from the towns’ residents. Town authorities showed their support by providing gloves, garbage bags, and dump trucks, while locals offered water and refreshments to the students. Looking ahead, the program has long-term goals to address social issues within Eastern Highlands communities and promote peace and development. “This is just the beginning. We’re building a foundation for something greater in the years to come. Our goal is to create a positive impact and inspire change,” Kanaku said. The Young Elites Nokondis Program exemplifies the determination of Eastern Highlands students to unite, lead, and contribute to their communities. Through its various initiatives, the program aims to leave a lasting legacy in the province while inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams.

Two murder suspects involved in two separate killings over the weekend in Central province have voluntarily surrender to the police, thanks to the strong community engagement led by the Central Police Commander and local leaders. Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed the arrests, emphasizing the critical role of public cooperation in resolving these two cases. The first suspect, a man from Tapini in the Goilala district, turned himself in after allegedly killing his wife on Saturday at Martin River in Kairuku district. He surrendered at Goldie Junction in the presence of village leaders and police officers. PPC Salle said the suspect is now in custody at the Fifteen Mile Police Station and is being questioned. The second incident occurred on Sunday night, with the suspect fleeting the scene after the murder was reported to the police. Responding officers urged the suspect to surrender during their investigation. By Monday morning, the suspect who is also from Goilala district, communicated his intention to turn himself in through the village leaders at Laloki. He surrendered without resistance in the presence of the police and local leaders and is now detained at Fifteen Mile Police Station. Chief Inspector Salle commended the police officers, community leaders and the members of the public who facilitated the two suspects’ peaceful surrender. “This is a step forward in our fight against crime," he said. The two suspects are expected to face charges accordingly as investigations continue.

Road accidents in and around Port Moresby have seen a sharp increase in the recent weeks, raising concerns for public safety as the Christmas season approaches. Authorities and emergency services are calling for caution as reckless driving, speeding and alcohol consumption contribute to the growing number of incidents. According to initial reports, the National Capital District and Central Province have recorded multiple accidents on major highways and inner-city roads. The rise in accidents has already claimed lives and caused injuries, with hospitals reporting an uptick in emergency admissions related to vehicle collisions. In a recent incident near Nine Mile, a collision between two buses resulted in several injuries with passengers being rushed to Port Moresby General Hospital. Witnesses cited speeding and overtaking on a curve as the cause of the accident. In another case along the Hiritano Highway, a private vehicle veered off the road, reported due to driver fatigue, leaving one passenger critically injured. Acting ACP NCD/Central Province, Benjamin Turi confirmed that two police vehicle and more than five other vehicles had been involved in accident since November 27th, 2024. Mr. Turi said that most of the accidents were caused by drivers who were under the influence of alcohol and over-speeding. “The public, including police officers must remember that we have only one life and should be considerate of those in the vehicle when driving. The driver must also think of those who are with you and the vehicle that you are driving. It's best to be sober while driving,” said Commander Turi. With many families preparing for holiday travel, the public is reminded to be responsible and prioritize safety over haste. Authorities recommended planning trips during daylight hours, checking vehicles for roadworthiness and avoiding overcrowding in public transport vehicles.

The Assistant Governor for Financial Systems Development and Innovation of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), Mr. George Awap delivered a powerful speech during the first ever Financial Inclusion Policy Forum recently in Port Moresby, highlighting the importance of improving policies to achieve the goal of financial inclusion. Speaking to a diverse audience, including CEOs of financial institutions, provincial government representatives and development partners, Mr. Awap highlighted the importance of financial inclusion as a cornerstone for economic growth and social empowerment in Papua New Guinea. Mr. Awap reflected on the journey of financial inclusion since its introduction in 2012, emphasizing the challenges posed by PNG’s vast geographical landscape, limited infrastructure and a large unbanked population. He acknowledged the central bank’s collaborations with financial institutions, non-governmental organizations and donor partners in driving initiatives such as financial literacy programs, gender equality campaigns and digital financial services. The forum also provided an opportunity to review the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023 – 2027 that was launched earlier this year. This roadmap outlines ambitious goals, including reaching two million unbanked individuals by 2027 and promoting sustainable finance through green initiatives. Mr. Awap explained that the strategy promotes partnerships, capacity development and technology innovation to build a more inclusive financial ecosystem. Additionally, the recently introduced Green Finance Policy was discussed as a framework to integrate environmental sustainability into PNG’s financial systems. This policy seeks to foster education and awareness about green finance, ensuring that it supports both the economy and environmental resilience. Despite significant progress, Mr. Awap acknowledged the persistent challenges such as financial access disparities and literacy gaps. However, he affirmed BPNG’s commitment to address these issues through expanded financial services, innovative solutions and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders. “Financial Inclusion is not merely an aspiration; it is a catalyst for economic growth, poverty alleviation and social empowerment,” said Mr. Awap. He concluded his speech with a call to action for all stakeholders to intensify efforts in bridging financial gaps, ensuring that no one is left behind in PNG’s journey toward a secure and prosperous future.

The Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Said Zaidansyah, addressed the inaugural Financial Inclusion Policy Forum at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city this morning, emphasizing ADB’s dedication in financial inclusion in PNG. Mr. Zaidansyah outlined ADB’s longstanding efforts to improve access to finance, which is critical for reducing poverty and promote economic growth in PNG and other developing countries. ADB has been actively supporting PNG’s financial sector for over 20 years, with initiatives like Microfinance and Employment project (2001 – 2010) and the Microfinance Expansion Project (2011 – 2019), which enhance financial literacy and building capacity for financial institutions and developed industry standards for microfinance. These projects have contributed significantly to the growth of microfinance in PNG, enabling institutions like Microbank to serve over 500,000 clients across 12 branches. Mr. Zaidansyah also highlighted NDB’s work in digitizing financial services such as their collaboration with MiBank to enhance access to finance for the MSMEs. Additionally, ADB has provided training for women entrepreneurs through the Women Innovative Vibrant Enterprises initiative for economic empowerment and inclusivity. Despite these achievements, Mr. Zaidansyah acknowledged the two-thirds of PNG’s population remains unbanked. To address this, ADB plans to launch a new program in 2025, aligned with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023 – 2026. This initiative aims to reform financial systems, increase digital infrastructure, enhance financial literacy and target underserved groups such as women and youth. ADB’s commitment to financial inclusion also extend to policy-based support and private sector development initiatives. These efforts include collaborating with PNG’s National Development Bank to improve MSME banking practices and easy access to credit. Concluding his speech, Mr. Zaidansyah reaffirms ADB’s dedication to foster financial inclusion in PNG and for future collaborations to create more inclusive financial landscape. Meantime, the Financial Inclusion Policy Forum started this morning with a lot to talk about, including the improving on policies like the Financial Inclusion Policy 2023- 2027 and the Green Finance along with the implementation programs. Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) Governor, Eliabeth Genia encouraged all participants, including partners and stakeholder of the Bank and the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) to put their heads together and provide meaningful solutions to increasing financial inclusion in PNG by banking the huge majority out there that is still unbanked.