Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa, in a strong public statement, pointed out that in order for the economy of this country to grow, more emphasis, support, and assistance should go to rural farmers. He said farmers are the primary money-making people. They make money and generate the income of this country. Mr. Pariwa was speaking at the Bates oval in the heart of Madang town yesterday in front of several thousands of people, mostly cocoa farmers from the rural districts of Madang and the town residents who gathered to witness the governor presenting a K1 million cheque to the Chief Executive Officer of the Cocoa Board, Jessie Anjen. The cheque presentation is for a major cocoa nursery roll-out program for bud wood and cloned cocoa seedlings in all six districts of the province starting this year and onwards. Governor Pariwa explained that the K1 million is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Madang Provincial Government and the Cocoa Board of PNG last July worth K1.1 million for the cocoa development program in Madang; however, the Provincial Finance Officer with the Madang Administration failed to release the amount. However, he said the next K100,000 would be released soon. Mr. Anjen acknowledged the funding by the Madang Provincial Government and stated that his officers would commit themselves to seeing the program achieve tangible results for the cocoa farmers who matter most in this development. The ceremony was attended by members of the Provincial Executive Council, Madang Town Mayor Peter Yalsy, Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Community Affairs General Manager of Ramu NiCo Mine Eric Kuman, and the Madang Administration’s Economic Sector Director Peter Sagerom. Other key figures from the Cocoa Board office in Kokopo also accompanied Mr. Anjen to Madang to witness the ceremony.

A female detainee in Madang is on the run after escaping from Beon prison last Friday. The escapee, 34-year-old Philomena Tisivua of mixed East Sepik and New Ireland was locked up four months ago for stealing and is awaiting court when she made her escape. Beon Prison Commander Jackson Gubag said in his 40 years of service, this is the first time a female has escaped from his prison. “At around 8am, the escapee was cleaning their prison compound and went over to dispose the rubbish at the prison dumpsite with three other female inmates, only the three female inmates returned except her,” said Gubag. He said they are currently investigating the matter, and they will be questioning the female guards on duty and also go through the visitor's logbook to see who visited the escapee in the past couple of weeks as they may possibly aided her escape. According to Gubag, Tisivua was locked up for allegedly stealing more than K100,000 from her employee, 4-10 Investment. She was given K160,000 to deposit at the bank but she only deposited only K57,000 and escaped with the rest of the money. She got on a PMV bus headed for Lae that day, bought all the seats and alcohol for the bus crew and they went to Lae to her husband. They bought a second-hand CR-V vehicle and went to Goroka. They were caught by police in Goroka and were transported down Madang, but the husband escaped along the highway after lying to relieve himself in the bush. Gubag spoke with manager of 4-10 Investment who gave details of the escapee and offered to help CS officers in the search and capture of Tisivua. “This is not the first she has done that, she has a record of stealing from her past employers,” said Gubag. The police and Madang community have been made aware of her escape and are encouraged to help report to police and CS officers if they have information about the female escapee's whereabouts.

Madang Provincial Finance Manager George Memke has come out publicly to call on the Provincial Administrator for Madang, Mr. Frank Tonges Lau, to release public funds marked for development but have been sitting in the bank for the last two years. Memke, who is also the chairman of the Provincial Procurement Committee, raised this concern in the centre of Madang town last Friday during the ground-breaking ceremony for the Madang town central business district road upgrading and sealing project. He challenged the administrator to release the funds for development earmarked for projects in Madang province and districts that are yet to be rolled out. Memke said some projects have been approved by the Provincial Procurement Committee and the Provincial Executive Council for work to begin; however, the Provincial Administrator is not releasing the funds. Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa said this issue delayed many development projects in the province. He said as a mandated political leader of the province, he has already secured funds, done the plan, drafted up policy, and had already passed the Provincial Budget for development in Madang province. However, the financial delegate, which is the Provincial Administrator, together with the Finance Director and Finance Officer, are not doing their part in releasing these public funds. He said a road project from Umerum in Usino-Bundi to Poata and all the way to Simbai in the Middle-Ramu district, which is a vital road connectivity for the rural masses, is still awaiting funds to be released by the provincial administrator. He blamed the actions of the Provincial Administrator and his Finance Director and Finance Officer, labelling them as ‘incompetent’ and ‘playing politics’ thus denying the people of Madang development and service delivery.

Prime Minister James Marape has extended invitations to Papua New Guinea’s bilateral partners to join the country in celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary this year. The invitations acknowledge the long-established ties and contributions these countries have made to PNG’s development over the years. During a meeting held yesterday with high commissioners and ambassadors from Australia, China, South Korea, the United States of America, France, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Philippines, Fiji, Solomon Islands, the Vatican, and the European Union, Prime Minister Marape extended verbal invitations to the heads of governments of these countries through their representative heads of missions. "I want to thank you individually as high commissioners and ambassadors and as esteemed representatives of your respective countries for having faith in our country. Your missions have played vital roles since 1975 to now when we are celebrating 50 years of nationhood," said PM Marape. "On behalf of my country and people, I extend our warmest invitations to the leaders of your countries to fully participate in and be a part of our celebrations." The Prime Minister added that formal invitations would be sent out in the coming weeks, also requesting support where possible. He expects full attendance by Pacific leaders, following a general agreement reached at last year's Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' meeting to have the leaders move from Solomon Islands to PNG after the conclusion of the 2025 PIF meeting. "We are holding our regional PIF meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in September this year, and soon after the PIF meeting concludes, we will have our leaders flown to PNG for the 50th anniversary celebration," he said. PM Marape acknowledged that many heads of government would be engaged in the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September. He has asked that governments consider sending senior representatives to join the people of PNG. At the meeting, Prime Minister Marape also highlighted the significant roles heads of missions have played in PNG's development. "Each of you plays a critical role in our country, which we greatly value. As my country prepares for our 50th anniversary, we want you to be a part of the celebrations and to see where you can help going into the next 50 years." He outlined plans to make PNG a safer country with a bigger economy, focusing on transitioning from primary to secondary and tertiary industries, with an emphasis on downstream processing and manufacturing. "We are a country that straddles the Pacific and South East Asia; therefore, we will continue to play a leadership role in fostering peace in the region. We have resources, including food and energy for our part of the world, and I am pleased to inform you all that my government is launching a 20-year road map for PNG this year. This will establish a precise pathway in hastening development, and every support your country can offer in these areas will be much appreciated," said Prime Minister Marape.

The suspect behind the murder of a police officer in Tari last month has been arrested and flown into Port Moresby city yesterday. Acting Commissioner of Police Donald Yamasombi said he was flown into Port Moresby for his own safety and will face the court here once he is charged. “I commend community leaders in Hela Province for their relentless efforts which led to the suspect voluntarily surrendering himself to PPC Hela Senior Inspector Robin Bore who also took the initiative of escorting the suspect into the capital,” said Acting Commissioner Yamasombi. The murder weapon, a pistol, was also brought to Port Moresby to be used as an exhibit in court. The slain policeman, late Constable George Lapon of Utupia village in Poroma, Southern Highlands Province, was attached to Mobile Squad 9 based in Hela Province when he was gunned down on December 20th, 2024, prompting a manhunt by police and soldiers deployed in the region. “I must applaud the community in Hela for their commitment and generosity, which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect involved in late Senior Constable Lapon’s murder,” said Yamasombi. Yamasombi, who is acting in Commissioner Manning's absence, said the constabulary will not disclose the suspect's name until he is officially charged. He also commended the police, soldiers, and the Hela community for working together, which led to the arrest of the suspect. Prime Minister James Marape also commended the Hela community for their cooperation in assisting police to apprehend the suspect, describing the community’s efforts as a powerful example of how citizens and law enforcement can work together to uphold justice, while also urging all Papua New Guineans to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. “I commend the people of Hela for not harbouring a criminal and for assisting police in bringing the suspect to justice. This reflects the growing maturity of our communities, showing that we do not tolerate violence, especially against officers of the law,” said Prime Minister Marape.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkachenko MP has congratulated long-serving diplomat, Her Excellency Ms. Winnie Kiap CBE, on the official announcement of her appointment as Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation. "Congratulations are in order for Her Excellency Ms. Winnie Kiap on this international appointment to office." "Her Excellency Ms. Kiap is a long-serving diplomat as Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom with accreditation to Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, South Africa, and Zimbabwe from 2011 to 2022, and rightfully so, we are proud of this recognition and appointment by the Commonwealth.” “With her wealth of experience in the public service before serving as one of Papua New Guinea's top diplomats, Ms Kiap was also recently an integral part of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) tasked with the review and drafting of the Foreign Policy White Paper." "We thank and appreciate member countries of the Commonwealth for the confidence and trust in our government's recommendation for this post and for the support in this appointment." The Commonwealth Foundation is an inter-governmental organization established by Heads of Government of the 56 member countries in support of the belief that the Commonwealth is as much an association of peoples as it is of governments; hence, Tkachenko said their recommendation is their commitment to the role of the Foundation. “The Commonwealth comprises countries working together for development, democracy, and peace and is a voice for small states and a champion for young people." "Papua New Guinea holds with high regard, the role of the Commonwealth Foundation and will endeavour to work closely in partnership with Her Excellency and the Foundation towards its goals and objectives for our people."

Work on the Boram Airport extension in East Sepik Province will begin this year as the East Sepik Provincial Government (ESPG) Tenders Board has awarded the contract for creek diversion to enable runway extension work to proceed. This was announced by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird on his social media page. The Weraru Creek runs beside the Eastern end of the taxiway, hence the need for the diversion in order to extend it. Governor Bird said for the new terminal, it is now up to National Airport Corporation (NAC) to proceed with the tender in the next few months. The funding for the airport extension and terminal is funded by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan, which according to Bird, their loan conditions stipulates that they will not lend money to do work that is considered environmental damage. He said they have been requesting funding assistance from the National Government but have been unsuccessful. “ESPG wrote letters signed by me over the past 3 years to get money for this work, but these requests were denied by the National Government. ESPG is now paying for the creek relocation and the upgrade of the back road through to Perigo from saved funds. This is necessary so that our runway extension will commence after the building of the new terminal building,” said Governor Bird. He said the road going past the Wewak golf course and Boram Correctional Service (CS) facility will be permanently closed once the creek is diverted. “This is necessary due to the phasing out of the F100 and F70 by 2026, our runway will be too short to cater for B737 and A220 which PX is going to be using to service Wewak. I apologize for this delay in this work but unfortunately, the National Government refused to pay for the creek relocation all this time. "We also need the Boram Corrections Facility relocated. I hope the National Government will pay for that but just in case they won't, ESPG will have to bite the bullet and do it ourselves.” Bird thanked East Sepik Provincial Administrator Mr. Samson Torovi and the East Sepik Provincial Administration for their hard work behind the scenes to make this possible. “I also thank our national MPs who gave their approval for us to use some of our savings to proceed with this work. We apologize for not doing any groundbreaking ceremonies. Finally, I thank the people of Sepik for your patience during the delay period,” he concluded.

As Papua New Guinea (PNG) approaches its 50th independence anniversary, the nation reflects on its journey and looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities. The Minister for Labour and Employment and Member for Rai Coast District, Kessy Sawang, emphasized the importance of nation-building as a collective responsibility, urging every citizen to contribute to the country's progress. “Each of us have a task to play. Each of us has a responsibility. We love our great country Papua New Guinea and it is only together we can fashion a better Papua New Guinea for all,” said Minister Sawang. Highlighting the nation's unique cultural, environmental, and historical assets, Sawang called for unity based on shared values and a common identity. She stressed the need for inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered development, with a particular focus on creating decent jobs to lift citizens out of poverty. She said in the world of work; gainful employment remains the most pressing challenge, therefore, providing decent jobs offers the means to lift people out of poverty and vulnerability. According to a 2022 survey by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Papua New Guinea's employment rate stands at 97.6%, with an estimated population of 11.9 million in 2021 and an annual growth rate of 4.9%. However, only 5.4% of the working-age population holds formal jobs, indicating a significant reliance on informal employment. To address this, Sawang announced the commissioning of the country's first official labor force survey in 2025, aimed at guiding targeted policy initiatives for job creation. “This will provide us with valuable data to guide and shape targeted policy initiatives to tackle decent job creation. Our people want and need jobs with fair wages so they can provide for themselves in a dignified and honest manner. We need to boost wages, lower inflation and create safe workplaces free from occupational hazards, harassment and discrimination,” she said. She added that the government plans to release an updated job growth strategy, recognizing the private sector's role in job creation and committing to support through social dialogue with unions and employers. According to the her, the review of minimum wages is set to conclude soon and will offer protection against unfair wages, while new policies and legislation for National Occupational Health and Safety and updates to the Employment Act will aim to eliminate workplace discrimination and align with international standards. She further said empowering women and youths are central to the government's human development agenda. Sawang announced a review of the Independence Fellowship Scheme and the introduction of new competency and skills standards for trades. Efforts will also focus on bridging the gap between informal and formal sectors and supporting the transition from school to work. “Our Independence Fellowship Scheme will be reviewed and adjusted to support the development of skilled workforce. A refresh of competency and skills standards for trades will commence next year. I will continue to work on creating a bridge between the informal and formal sectors and to support the transition from school to work,” she said. Sawang called on all Papua New Guineans to fight corruption, strengthen the rule of law, and build a safer, more prosperous nation. “Together, we need to actively work to purge our government systems and country of corruption. This scourge is a menacing and an onerous tax on economic growth, development and democracy. Corruption is not only a sin of commission but also of omission. Each one of us must stand guard and fight against this. We have a responsibility to act against corruption whenever we observe it and not just turn a blind eye. As we start a momentous year and prepare to celebrate a milestone, let us also celebrate each other and all before us who have contributed to this great nation especially the workers of Papua New Guinea,” she concluded.

A colourful groundbreaking ceremony was staged last Friday at the Madang main bus stop in the heart of Madang town. The ceremony witnessed Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa present a cheque worth K5 million to the Madang Provincial Works Manager, John Pora, to kick-start major upgrades of the Madang Central Business District (CBD) roads. Governor Pariwa, in his opening address, thanked the national government for Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) funds as this is where the money for the road upgrading comes from. He also clarified that he has not forgotten the major district trunk roads in the province, but said they will start with the provincial headquarters and then go out to the main roads linking the districts. “These roads would be funded later; however, we are starting with the Madang CBD because it is where shops and businesses are done and also people from the districts converge,” he said. Pariwa said the streets within Madang CBD will be upgraded and properly sealed, and pavements will be constructed for pedestrians to walk plus, streetlights will be added to light up the town. He also gave his commitment to have additional funding available to ensure the project is completed. The decision to upgrade the roads in Madang CBD was highly praised by Madang Town Mayor and Madang Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Kevin Murray. The K5 million project was given to the Madang Department of Works and Highways to carry out the major road upgrades.

Rita Goiye, a researcher from the University of Papua New Guinea is on a mission to help protect and restore Papua New Guinea’s coral reefs, which are some of the richest and most pristine in the world. This is according to a media statement from the Australian High Commission. Backed by a K100,000 Climate Research Grant from the Australian Government, Rita is investigating the environmental conditions affecting the survival and growth of corals in Bootless Bay in Central Province. On a hot November morning, Rita and her research team were on a boat near Loloata Island Resort, visiting the bay to check on coral nurseries. An essential tool for their work is an underwater multimeter, which can measure water temperature, oxygen levels, salinity, and acidity at the same time. Rita used a portion of her Climate Research Grant to purchase this equipment as well as to fund other research expenses. With the help of the underwater multimeter, Rita and her team can collect measurements at multiple locations and water depths in one trip, improving the accuracy and efficiency of their data gathering. Rita hopes the findings from her research will go towards developing coral restoration guidelines for PNG and help inform reef conservation work being undertaken by local non-government organizations across the country. [caption id="attachment_60332" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Picture courtesy of Australian High Commission's Public Diplomacy team[/caption] “It will provide guidance to local conservation practitioners back in the coastal communities by assisting them ‘step-by-step’ on how to manage coral nurseries and plant new corals at degraded coral reef sites,” Rita says. “This research will also provide scientific data to support policy development, inform climate action plans and promote evidence-based decision-making for climate resilience and conservation.” PNG has one of the world’s most extensive coral reef ecosystems, covering an estimated 40,000 square kilometers. They not only create a spectacular underwater environment but also provide a critical ecological habitat for marine life, support fisheries, boost tourism, protect coastlines, and sustain cultural and economic livelihoods for thousands of coastal communities. But Rita says PNG’s reefs are, like those elsewhere in the world, under pressure. “At a personal level, people can play a part to help protect coral reefs by reducing pollution, supporting marine conservation, practicing sustainable fishing, monitoring coral health, and raising awareness about the impact of climate change on reefs.” With more than 10 years of experience working in marine conservation, Rita admits it can be difficult. “It’s very challenging as a female working in this kind of environment.” “You have got to have a passion to work in conservation. There are safety concerns, and you are often spending days, weeks or even months away from family conducting research and doing conservation works where you do not have excess to mobile networks. It is a challenge.” Despite this, Rita relishes the opportunity to contribute to marine conservation and empower others to do the same. She is one of six current recipients of Climate Research Grants, which are provided through a partnership between the PNG Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) and the Australian Government.

Prime Minister James Marape has commended the people of Porgera for a peaceful New Year’s Eve and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring long-term stability, safety, and prosperity in the region. “Porgera’s quiet and peaceful New Year’s Eve is a positive and encouraging sign for a community that has faced significant challenges in recent years. “As we mark the beginning of 2025, Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence, this calm provides a foundation for renewed hope and progress in Porgera.” Said PM Marape. He said the resumption of operations at the Porgera Mine in December 2023 has brought renewed economic activity to the region, stating that the mine is a key contributor to the nation’s economy and is expected to generate substantial opportunities for the local communities and the country at large. “The reopening of the Porgera Gold Mine is a milestone for Papua New Guinea.” “It not only revitalizes our economy but also provides livelihoods and infrastructure development opportunities for the people of Porgera and Enga Province,” he said. He acknowledged the lawlessness and illegal mining activities that have previously plagued the region, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining security and upholding the rule of law. “Stability is the cornerstone of progress.” “We have deployed additional security forces to Porgera to protect communities and safeguard the operations of the mine.” He further emphasized that lawlessness will not be tolerated, and the government will continue to act decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of our people. Prime Minister Marape urged the people of Porgera and Papua New Guinea to unite and work together to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the mine’s reopening. “As we celebrate our 50th year of independence, we must remember that our strength lies in our unity.” “Let us work hand in hand to build a Porgera that reflects the promise of a brighter future, a future defined by peace, development, and shared prosperity.” He also extended his gratitude to local leaders and community members for their cooperation and commitment to fostering a safer and more stable environment. “As we move forward, the government will continue to prioritize the needs of Porgera’s residents, ensuring that the benefits of resource extraction reach every corner of the community.” “Together, we will transform challenges into opportunities.”

The Madang Rapid Response Network (MRRN) issued its heartfelt commendation for the outstanding work of Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, and his dedicated officers who ensured peaceful and safe New Year's celebrations throughout the province despite challenges with limited logistical resources. The MRRN administrator Mr John Newton Ariku acknowledged the exceptional teamwork of the Madang police, underscoring their ability to maintain order and security in collaboration with local communities. Notably, the success of this operation was driven by the innovative efforts of the MRRN, which is an online platform designed for the efficient and immediate reporting of emergency cases. The MRRN platform allows the public to quickly report a range of emergencies—whether related to police, fire services, ambulance needs, disasters, or search and rescue operations. It operates through a single WhatsApp group that serves as a central hub for all emergency-related communication, making it easier for the relevant authorities to coordinate responses in real time. This proactive system ensures that critical resources and help can be mobilized swiftly across Madang Province, which is especially crucial in situations where every second counts. The platform also fosters transparency and coordination between the public and various emergency and security agencies, helping communities stay informed and safe. Since its inception on November 23, 2024, the MRRN has already demonstrated its effectiveness. The network successfully coordinated two search and rescue operations with the Madang Water Police and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). Through real-time online coordination by MRRN, two dinghies and their passengers were rescued—one in the waters of Astrolabe Bay and the other off West New Britain. These operations exemplify how the MRRN platform is already playing a vital role in emergency response, providing swift, effective communication and collaboration among the agencies involved. "I also want to sincerely thank Acting Superintendent Robert Baim for his leadership during the successful outcome of the Xmas-New Year Police Operations Saen-Habe II under his command. Despite facing limited logistics and dealing with a few reports of drunkards and noise pollution, the operation was a tremendous success, ensuring the safety and peaceful celebrations in the province.” “His team's dedication, especially during such demanding times, is truly commendable," said Mr Ariku. Mr Ariku also took the opportunity to extend a special thanks to the Community Policing Unit (CPU) members from each ward in Madang District and other districts across the province. Their unwavering volunteer efforts played a critical role in ensuring that communities at the village and ward levels celebrated in peace. "Without the tireless contributions of the CPU members, our villages and communities would not have been able to enjoy these celebrations in a peaceful and orderly manner. I salute each CPU member for their service and look forward to working alongside them throughout 2025.” In addition to the police, the MRRN also extended its gratitude to the Correctional Services (CS) officers from Beon Goal for their active involvement in maintaining security during the New Year's festivities. The disciplined and professional presence of all security forces contributed to an atmosphere of respect and order. Looking ahead, Mr Ariku highlighted that the Madang Rapid Response Network is currently working in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Madang, the Office of the Madang Governor, and the Office of the Minister for Internal Security to roll out the concept as a pilot project within Madang Province in 2025. This initiative will continue to strengthen the network's efforts to provide seamless emergency communication and improve the speed and efficiency of response efforts across the province. The Madang Rapid Response Network remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents by creating a unified communication channel, empowering local communities, and providing essential services in moments of crisis.