A 22-year-old man from Oro Province has been sentenced yesterday, Thursday, October 10th, to 20 years imprisonment for growing cannabis sativa or marijuana. The prisoner, Sobert Pandawa, from Sorovoi Road 7 along the Gona Highway in Oro Province was found guilty for cultivating canabis after standing trial on October 7th before Senior Court Magistrate Albert Daniel based on circumstantial evidence provided by police witnesses. Pandawa, was also fined K500, 000. His conviction comes after police discovered cannabis plants hidden among garden flowers while pursuing murder suspects on August 11th. Pandawa was found at the scene, questioned, and later arrested for…
Author: Joshua ARLO
West New Britain (WNB) Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel has raised serious concerns about funding shortages hurting many provinces in Papua New Guinea (PNG), including his. He is worried that the delays in receiving funds from the National Government may be due to the fact that he and his province are in the Opposition. “The WNB Provincial Government has only received 30 percent of its appropriated funding per the 2024 national budget so far.” He pointed out that the last funding received was five months ago in April, which has led to major issues for the province. “Since then, there has been…
The National Court has dismissed a case brought by former prisoner, David Pokarup, who claimed that he was unlawfully detained for more than three years after his due date for release. Pokarup (plaintiff) had filed a human rights case against the Commissioner of the Correctional Service and the State (defendants), seeking damages for his alleged unlawful detention from March 21st, 2020, to December 28th, 2023. Pokarup argued that his continued detention violated sections 37, 41, and 42 of the Papua New Guinea Constitution, which cover the right to full protection under the law, protection from unjust acts, and the right…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape extends his warm congratulations to the government and people of Fiji as they celebrate their 54th Independence anniversary today. “On behalf of the government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I convey our heartiest commendations to Fiji for 54 years of democracy and congratulate them on their Independence anniversary, which is being celebrated this Thursday, 10 October 2024,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Fiji gained Independence in 1970, and we acknowledge the role early Fijian leadership played in contributing to our own self-determination,” the Prime Minister explained. “Fiji’s five-year nationhood earlier to PNG and its…
Papua New Guinea’s Basketball Federation (BFPNG) is excited to host the “Her World, Her Rules” (#HWHR) campaign this Saturday, celebrating the UN International Day of Girls. This campaign is usually celebrated annually on October 11th; however, this vibrant event will be held on October 12th, in Port Moresby at the Taurama Aquatic Indoor Centre from 9 am to 1 pm. The #HWHR campaign, backed by EuroLeague Women and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), focuses on empowering young girls through basketball on and off the court, by providing advice and funding for several actions taking place as part of its global…
Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr, in his capacity as Parliamentary Leader of the United Labour Party (ULP) and Shadow Minister for Transport, Civil Aviation, and Correctional Service, has raised concerns over a new Bill aimed at amending the Essential Services Act. The Bill, introduced by the Minister for State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), seeks to prevent disruptions to essential services such as water, electricity, and transportation. However, Basil argues that the Bill undermines the Ministry and Department of Labour and Employment, which are responsible for managing industrial relations in the public sector. Basil acknowledges the importance of improving service delivery but…
A WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Planning Workshop is currently underway for Rabaul and Pomio Districts of East New Britain (ENB) province, aiming to tackle water, sanitation, and hygiene issues. Running from October 7th to 10th at the Rabaul Hotel, the workshop is conducted by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring’s WaSH Project Management Unit. National WaSH Coordinator, Takele Tuna, explained that the workshop’s purpose is to guide both districts through WaSH planning processes, ensuring alignment with the MTDP IV and setting clear targets to improve WaSH facilities. Both districts recently conducted WaSH Enumerators Training and carried out a…
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…
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…
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…