Police in the National Captial District (NCD) are out in force this New Year's Eve both on motorized patrols and setting up roadblocks and check points. A look around Port Moresby city saw most of police check points set up later on in the evening, but for the 6- Mile police station, the officers there started theirs early at around 6pm. According to the action Police Station Commander (PSC) Senior Sergeant Gordon Wetty, his officers set up early because they have multiple locations within 6- Mile to set up further checkpoints. "At the roadblocks, we check for drink driving, offensive weapons and or any suspicious activities," said the action PSC. He explained that with the drunk drivers, they just detain them for the night and release them in the morning with a warning, however, if the drunks tend to resist or behave inappropriately, then they will be charged. Meantime, the main Erima check point, and roadblock saw a number of police officers doing vehicle checks where several cars were pulled over for drink driving. There were similar scenes at the Poreporena Freeway and Downtown Port Moresby and Ela Beach. Most of the police roadblocks will wrap up at 11pm with police officers to conduct motorized patrols into the streets and on the main roads to keep an eye on things and the city safe as everyone welcome in the New Year at 12midnight.

The people of Milne Bay province can expect work on their Gurney Airport runway to commence in January 2025, to start the New Year. According to the National Airports Corporation (NAC), the work on the airside of the Gurney Airport is part of the NAC airport upgrade works under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II). According to NAC acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Dominic Kaumu, this transformative project includes the resurfacing of the existing runway with hot- mixed asphalt and the upgrading of associated facilities to meet international safety and operational standards. “This work is expected to commence in January 2025 and run through to July 2025, subject to weather and or any unforeseen event that may affect the commencement and progress.” The traveling public have been informed as well that during this period of work on the airside, travelers may experience some disruptions, including the temporary reduction in aircraft sizes servicing Gurney Airport. NAC acknowledges that these adjustments may pose inconveniences, but they are necessary to ensure the timely and successful delivery of a safer and more efficient airport for the region. Nevertheless, the NAC stated that works will be undertaken in such as manner and timing where Regular Passenger Transport services into and out of Gurney Airport are not affected too much. The benefits of these upgrades, this including the initial work in 2024 with staff housing, terminal building works and fencing, will be felt for years to come, enabling Gurney Airport to serve as a critical gateway for economic growth, tourism, and improved connectivity for the people of Milne Bay province.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop meet with the Gerehu community recently where he addressed pressing issues and how the Catholic Church can work with the people to addressing them. On Saturday 28th December, Governor Parkop met with residents, Catholic Church sisters, youths and community leaders from Gerehu Stage 6 including representatives of other stages, to address those pressing concerns regarding infrastructure, law and order, unemployment, dilapidated school facilities, and a lack of essential government services. The meeting highlighted the significant contributions of the Catholic Church in Gerehu, which has been providing vital support to the community in areas such as healthcare and education, filling a gap where government services have been lacking. Community members expressed their gratitude for the Church's assistance but emphasized the urgent need for increased government intervention. Key concerns raised included: ● Deteriorating infrastructure, impacting daily life and safety. ● Insufficient law enforcement presence, leading to increased crime rates against the community and church workers. ● High unemployment rates among youth and adults. ● Poor condition of school facilities, hindering educational opportunities. ● Limited access to essential government services, including basic water supply and the need to light up dark corners of the city. Governor Parkop acknowledged the community's concerns and expressed appreciation for the Catholic Church and other religious organizations that have stepped in to provide crucial support where government presence has been insufficient. Governor Parkop told the community he will be taking all their concerns to heart and address them accordingly in the New Year 2025, going forward. The governor is committed to working with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to address some of the community's most pressing issues in 2025. Specific plans and timelines will be developed in consultation with the NCDC and his office working in partnership with the Gerehu community and the church for better development and positive changes. He told them, as a former resident of Gerehu, who has lived there for many years, he understands their concerns well and will do his best address them. This meeting underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government, community organizations, and religious institutions to address the challenges faced by underserved communities. The Governor's commitment to action signals a positive step towards improving the quality of life for residents of Gerehu. He also committed K40, 000 towards organizing committee as a token of appreciation to the community to use that money to organize a small Christmas and New Year’s program to end the year. Director of Directorate for Community and Social Development, Janet Haua and her managers were also present at the meeting and pledged their full support to work with the Governor. “We’re ready to work with you and deliver services to our people in 2025,” said Ms Haua.

The bodies of the four plane crash victims in Morobe province have been finally retrieved from the crash site, marked and put in body bags ready to be transported to Lae city tomorrow. This was revealed in a press conference hosted by Morobe provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr. Charlie Masange this afternoon. Mr. Masange said the forensics team have identified and marked the bodies. He said the families of the four are awaiting this news and will finally have them back tomorrow. The bodies will be taken to the Angau memorial hospital and a press conference is expected tomorrow from authorities on the retrieval.

The Papua New Defence Force (PNGDF) continues to be involved in the now recovery efforts of the North Coast Aviation BN-2 Islander that crashed into the Sarawaget mountain range on Sunday, 22nd December 2024. PNGDF dispatched a helicopter on Monday, 23rd December 2024 at 0900hrs to join other first responders including Manalos Aviation. Earlier that morning, a Manalos Aviation helicopter sighted the wreckage. The PNGDF crew flew to the site and tried to winch the crew down to the crash site. However, the weather closed in preventing this attempt. On Tuesday, 24th December 2024 a team from the PNGDF Special Forces were inserted into Sapmanga Airstrip a few miles from the crash site. The team tracked several hours to the crash site whilst also identifying a suitable Landing Zone approximately 1.5 km south-east of the crash site. Also, on Tuesday, 24th December 2024, a successful second attempt was made to winch down a PNGDF personnel and a medic from Manalos Aviation. They both confirmed that there were no survivors. The rescue operation had now turned into a recovery operation. At that point, only the pilot’s body was recovered. The weather closed in again preventing further recovery of the remaining bodies. On Wednesday, 25th December and Thursday, 26th December 2024, no aircraft was able to fly to the crash site as the weather prevented any flights over the Sarawaget Ranges. Finally, on Friday, 27th December 2024, the PNGDF helicopter with crew were able to bring equipment to the crash site and winch down 6 rescuers including 3 Long Range Reconnaissance members. Supplies and equipment were also brought to the Landing Zone. On Saturday, 28th December 2024, the weather cleared allowing for continued recovery operations. The PNGDF personnel, RPNGC Forensics and AIC investigators are on site; with others at the Landing Zone, with a small team back at Sapmanga Airstrip. The aim is for full recovery of all passengers from the crash site. PNGDF recovery operations will end when this is achieved. Be assured that the PNGDF has deployed considerable assets and personnel since Monday, 23rd December 2024. Deployed to Lae are helicopters and crew from the PNGDF Air Transport Wing; members of Long-Range Reconnaissance; support personnel from the Engineering Battalion which includes a doctor and a medic, and senior planners from HQPNGDF to assist Morobe Disaster center in this recovery effort. The PNGDF also activated its Force operation Centre at HQPNGDF who are providing support to those deployed. The efforts of the PNGDF and other agencies will be sustained despite the unfavorable weather conditions and the difficult terrain. There is no doubt the remaining bodies will be retrieved. “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and its agencies, I would like to give my assurance to the families, friends and colleagues of those lost in the tragic plane crash that PNGDF and other agencies will remain on the ground and will continue its support to the cause until the bodies of their loved ones are retrieved and the crash site is secured for our counterparts to carry out further investigation. I thank the PNGDF members who are in Morobe Province; other agencies and our local people on site for their efforts and service,” Minister for Defence Dr. Billy Joseph said. “During this time of bereavement, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those lost, may our God Almighty comfort them at this time.”

People in the Momase and Highlands regions don't have to travel far to Port Moresby city to get a passport or renew it, now that the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) has a new passport printing service center in Lae city. The ICSA has officially opened a new passport printing service center in its Lae Regional Office on Monday 23rd December 2024, signifying a transfer of services from Port Moresby to Lae. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Immigration, John Rosso, officially opened the new passport printing facility located inside the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority’s Lae Regional Office situated inside the Nambawan Super House at Top Town. Minister Rosso said Lae is the second largest city and has road links to other Momase provinces and the Highlands region and is an ideal location for people to easy apply and get their passport printed. He said this is a significant milestone achievement for ICSA and a perfect Christmas Gift to the people of Morobe and the neighboring Madang and Highlands provinces. Minister Rosso took the opportunity to print the first standard passport inside the new printing facility to signify the launch of this new facility. Following the opening, people who want to apply for a standard passport can lodge applications at the Immigration Lae Regional Office and the application will be processed and passport printed and issued to them. The Passport printing facility is an extension of the establishment in Port Moresby and the same standard operational procedures are followed. The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the requirements for obtaining a standard passport, emphasizing that people must correctly fill out the passport application form, attach two passport size identification photos, copy of your birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry Office and the receipt of the fee of K100. Mr. Rosso said people who need an urgent passport can pay the express fee of K300 to get their passport within 48 hours. “There is no need for you to travel to Port Moresby anymore. You can lodge your application here in Lae and get your passport printed here and released to you,” Minister Rosso said. The migration services offered at the Lae Regional Office will serve Lae residents as well as people in Momase, Highlands and New Guinea Islands.

The public can expect no further increases or decreases in Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) buses and taxi fares for next year right across the country. The country’s consumer watchdog, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) in a public notice issued recently, informed PMV and taxi operators and the public that the maximum fares will remain the same in 2025. The ICCC’s notice also comes with a stern warning, warning all PMV and taxi operators operating in all licensed routes to comply with the maximum fares (with applicable concessions) that were applied in 2024, in 2025. The Commission further informed that the public could access to see copies of the National Gazette on the maximum fares for public transportation, which can be obtained from the Government Printing Office, the ICCC regional offices, the ICCC website at www.iccc.gov.pg or the ICCC official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/icccpng.

A man in Port Moresby city was shot by police on the leg on Christmas Day after he attempted to stab a police officer and tried to flee. According to police reports, the incident took place at Morata 2 when a police dog unit call-sign ‘Delta 112’ conducted motorized patrol and came across a group of drunkards consuming liquor in public at around 1pm. During the encounter the drunkards were dispersed, and it was during that time the suspect namely Jimmy Jamis from Southern Highlands province, swung a screwdriver towards one of the Police Dog Unit members to immediately stab him and get away. The suspect ran away soon after the attempt on the police officer’s life, however, members of the police unit quickly reacted and chased the suspect down towards Kennedy Estate on foot, where he was finally surrounded and was asked to surrender. The suspect refused to surrender and tried to run away again, and it was then that he was shot. According to police, the general behavior of the suspect was perceived to be an immediate threat to the officers, resulting in him being shot on his limb on reasonable grounds considering the situation and the threat at the time. The suspect was then taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital Emergency to be treated under police guard. Meantime, police also reported that the suspect is a known criminal. He has a record for harassment, threats and intimidation in public places. One incident committed by him was back in March this year when he attempted to rob a young female at the Gordons market area, he was apprehended and arrested for the crime then.

The Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, while acknowledging the significant role of the media in national development, urges media houses to continue to uphold ethics and standards in their reporting of news stories. The prime minister, when meeting with senior journalists and reporters on Monday 23rd December in Port Moresby city, said he wanted to see this legacy protected, maintained and passed on to following generations as the country faces 50 years of nationhood. However, the Prime Minister also called on the media to be more accountable, balanced and accurate in its dissemination of information. “We all have a role to play and the media, in as far as democracy is concerned, has a very important role in maintaining and preserving our democracy, and shedding light into spaces that light needs to be shed on,’’ said Prime Minister Marape. “As we face the 50th anniversary, let me place on record the government’s appreciation to all our news outlets and journalists who have served in our country’s media profession up till today. “No right-thinking government leader in a democratic nation will enter in the space of sabotaging freedom of media. Freedom of media must be maintained. “We live in a world that is now fast changing from what it was 10 years ago. Today, for instance, social media runs ahead of you. Social media is not a good reference point. You have to put your finger on real news that is released by our news outlets that has greater accountability.” Prime Minister Marape noted the challenges facing the media outlets in light of social media, highlighting his government willingness to work with the media next year on these areas and encouraged the Media Council of PNG to work with his government on these areas of concern. He also highlighted the need for the PNG media to work with Government more collaboratively in addressing issues affecting the country. He said as the Government continues to work at putting in reforms in the country’s democratic institutions, such as the police, higher courts and magisterial services, he wants to see more supporting role from the country’s media to strengthen these reforms. The Prime Minister said the responsibility before this generation of Papua New Guineans in all institutions and sectors to carry forward the work begun by Sir Michael Somare and his fellow leaders, is great.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Manolos Aviation, which led the Search & Rescue efforts into the crashed North Coast Aviation (NCA) aircraft, has confirmed that there are no survivors. In short statement posted on the Manolos Aviation social media page, the CEO Mr. Jurgen Ruh confirmed that their medical doctor onboard a PNGDF helicopter who was inserted into the terrain confirmed that no one survived the plane crash. The CEO also sends his condolences to the families of the deceased. Meantime, the first body retrieved from crash site of the North Coast Aviation aircraft in the jungles of Morobe province, has been transported to ANGAU Hospital mortuary in Lae city. The aircraft, believed to have been carrying the First Assistant Secretary of the Housing Ministry and other officials, was en route from Tewai Siassi district to Lae but failed to arrive as scheduled on Saturday 21st December. The North Coast Aviation aircraft was expected to arrive in Lae city at 10 a.m. Saturday morning but failed to do so, following a thunderstorm on Friday night.

The twenty-six members of the Tongan Legislative Assembly will choose the country's new Prime Minister, through secret ballot, in a special sitting in Nuku'alofa on Christmas Eve. The Speaker Lord Fakafanua confirmed that the names of two contenders were received by the Clerk's office when the nomination deadline closed at 4.30pm on Monday, December 23. He said parliament will sit at 10am on Christmas Eve, when the sealed nomination envelopes will be opened and the nomination procedures takes place, before the actual vote is taken. The 17 Peoples' Representatives and nine Nobles Representatives will then vote in a new Prime Minister, to replace Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned on December 9. The two nominees are reported to be Dr 'Aisake Eke and Dr Viliame Latu. Dr Eke, who filed a motion of no confidence against Hu'akavameiliku late last month, is believed to have the backing of 14 MPs, including three Nobles. His nomination was handed in by Tongatapu 2 representative, Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi last Friday. Dr Latu, a current Cabinet Minister, has been nominated by the current government. His name was registered by Vava'u 14 MP, Mo'ale 'Otunuku. To become the new prime minister one of the nominees must win at least 14 votes. Interim Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu was asked by RNZ Pacific, if he and other government ministers supported Dr Latu, to which he replied, "everything will be known on Tuesday". There were earlier claims that all 26 MPs had agreed to back Dr Eke. It is something Lord Fakafanua said would have been ideal but that depended on whether the 17 Peoples' representatives could unite. He said the constitution allows for a government of national unity. Lord Fakafanua said if no one is elected as Prime Minister on December 24, Parliament will have to sit again on Friday, to hold a second round of votes. Speaking to Tonga TV in Nuku'alofa at the weekend, Lord Fakafanua said the Nobles traditionally voted together as a block and it would be easier if the 17 Peoples' representatives stood together as a united group. "It is common knowledge that the Nobles representatives work together as a block," Lord Fakafanua said. "The ambition is for the 17 Peoples' Representatives to also work together with the nine Nobles," he said. The MPs will vote by secret ballot, with his Majesty King Tupou VI expected to confirm the new Prime Minister later Tuesday. The new prime minister will lead Tonga into the next general elections. scheduled for November 2025.

Police in Port Moresby continue to receive support from business houses this festive season as they continue the good work in keeping the city safe, this time receiving support from the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The NGCB in partnership with its stakeholders, the gaming site owners, generously donated food items to all police stations in the city to support police officers celebrate Christmas. This Christmas initiative is designed to support the hardworking and dedicated police officers as they prepare for their Christmas celebrations and to express the Board and its stakeholders’ heartfelt appreciation for their commitment throughout the year, ensuring communities are safe. The holiday season is a time for giving, gratitude, and community spirit. The police officers work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our communities and neighborhoods, and on many occasions, sacrificing time with their own families. NGCB Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Imelda Agon said the NGCB aims to bring a sense of joy and festivity, allowing the law enforcement officers to come together and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. “We recognize the invaluable service that our police officers provide every day, and this donation is a small token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe, often put their lives on the line for our safety,” Ms. Agon said. Police Station Commanders (PSCs) from other police stations also shared the same sentiments echoing their appreciation for receiving such donation from NGCB. “As for Waigani Police Station, this is the first time we have received a huge donation of food items, and I take my hat off to the NGCB CEO Ms. Imelda Agon and the Management for their thoughtfulness and generous heart,” Waigani PSC Bill Werike said. All PSCs upon receiving the donations, assured the public that all police officers will ensure the communities celebrate the festivity in the true spirit of Christmas, and urged the public to work closely with the police in upholding law and maintaining peace and order in the capital city.