Author: Joshua ARLO

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has raised serious concerns over the K800 million price tag for the new Level 5 Specialist District Hospital to be built in Port Moresby’s Gerehu suburb. The groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital was held on Friday, October 4th, led by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, and attended by Prime Minister James Marape and Health Minister, Elias Kapavore. In a strongly worded statement, Bird questioned why the cost of the Gerehu hospital is so high compared to similar projects in other parts of Papua New Guinea, such as the Boram Level 5 Hospital in Wewak, East Sepik…

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The Penrith Panthers cemented their place in NRL history by defeating the Melbourne Storm 14-6 in a hard-fought 2024 Telstra Premiership Grand Final at Accor Stadium. With a crowd of 80,156 fans in attendance, the Panthers delivered an impressive performance, securing their third Premiership title in four years. Melbourne Storm took the early lead with a Harry Grant try in the 22nd minute, but Penrith quickly responded with tries from Sunia Turuva (26th minute), Liam Martin (38th minute), and Paul Alamoti (60th minute). Nathan Cleary added a conversion to seal the win. Liam Martin’s standout performance earned him the prestigious…

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Prime Minister James Marape will attend the National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final today Sunday, October 6th in Sydney, Australia. He was invited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a gesture that highlights the strong ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Grand Final, featuring the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers, comes at a crucial time for PNG as the country is making a bid to join the NRL competition in 2028. Prime Minister Marape sees PNG’s NRL bid as more than just about rugby. He believes it can bring unity to the country. “Our bid to…

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In an inspiring speech on October 4, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) John Rosso reaffirmed the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Programme. Addressing a farewell luncheon for 54 students from Papua New Guinea’s six national schools of excellence, DPM Rosso praised the transformative power of STEM, stating that “it is key to unbundling knowledge for our nation.” These students, 26 women and 28 men, are embarking on a life-changing journey to prestigious universities in China, funded by PNG Government STEM scholarships. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Chinese Ambassador to PNG, H.E.…

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Team Rabaul’s athletics squad excelled at the NGI Regional Youth Games in Kavieng, New Ireland, securing five gold medals and three silver medals on Thursday, October 3rd. The one-day track events at Utu Secondary School showcased the athletes’ incredible talent and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impression on the competition. Among the standout performers was Pauline Taule, 23, from Matupit in Kombiu Ward, who dominated the 100m race to secure a gold medal. In the thrilling 4x100m relay for females, Ronlish Bongoi, 22, from Malaguna 1, teamed up with Fredlyne Kamrai, 20, from Nakanai, WNB, and Nancy Malamut, 23, to display…

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Twelve new officers of the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) were sworn into the public service during a ceremony in Port Moresby on Friday, September 27th, according to DPLGA Secretary, Philip Leo. These officers completed a week-long training program at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG). DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo, who had addressed the new officers during the graduation ceremony, encouraging them to be “agents of change in the Department.” “You have to commit yourself to the oath you recited to be agents of change. You have to nurture good habits like arriving early…

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A new format called “Fortnightly Performance Assessment” (FPA) has been introduced in the Border Command to evaluate the daily performances and conduct of police officers. Assistant Commissioner Border Command, Perou N’Dranou, stated that this approach aims to ensure the foundational aspects of policing are addressed, allowing for better assessment of what officers are doing, when they report to work, and their expectations in their operational areas. Previously implemented in the New Guinea Islands (NGI), Mr. N’Dranou found the approach effective and is now applying it within the Border Command. During his first official parade in the North Fly Police Command…

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Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Border Command, Perou N’Dranou, has called on stakeholders in the North Fly Command of Western Province to stop misusing the police force for personal interests. During his first parade in Kiunga on Tuesday, October 1st, ACP Perou emphasized that police officers are not security guards and should not be deployed without proper authorization from the Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs). “You police officers cannot be used as security guards anymore. I hear a lot of unauthorized deployments for self-interest, and such must cease immediately because I am enforcing the Fortnight Performance Assessments on your daily deployments,” he…

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The Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA) recognizes that climate change and development projects have significantly contributed to increased internal displacements in Papua New Guinea. Due to the rise in natural disasters and tribal conflicts, a well-structured and humane response is also crucial for ensuring protection and assistance for affected individuals and communities. With that purpose, on Thursday October 3rd, DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo led a one-day validation workshop in Port Moresby, aimed at finalizing the draft National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy. This policy is essential in providing guidance and solutions for the challenges faced by displaced…

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Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and President for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, today announced the appointment of a mediator for the Bougainville peace process towards its independence aspirations. Sir Jerry Mateparae, former Governor-General of New Zealand, has been appointed as an independent moderator to help mediate the Bougainville peace process. His role is critical as Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Bougainville continue to work through complex issues following the 2019 referendum, in which 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voted for independence. Both President Toroama and Prime Minister Marape expressed confidence in Sir Jerry’s impartiality and expertise. Prime Minister Marape…

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