Rabaul Town came alive on Saturday, July 27, 2024, as the Queen Elizabeth Park Rugby League Ground hosted its first game in 30 years. The Digicel Cup match between Rabaul Agmark Gurias and Lae Snax Tigers ended in a 14-all draw, marking a significant milestone since the volcanic eruptions of September 1994. Prime Minister James Marape praised East New Britain Governor Michael Marum for his vision and leadership in reopening Rabaul. “I commend Governor Marum for his leadership in the reopening of Rabaul, which has enabled the National Government to come in and assist going forward,” said Prime Minister Marape.…
Author: Joshua ARLO
Prime Minister James Marape congratulated the 30 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students who left for India yesterday (Saturday July 27th) on PNG Government STEM scholarships. This group marks the first of several departures, with another group set to travel to the United States of America (USA) next month and a third group heading to China in September. The 30 students, comprising 14 females and 16 males, excelled in their Grade 12 STEM studies in 2023 at the six National Schools of Excellence: Sogeri, Aiyura, Kerevat, Passam, Wawin, and Port Moresby. They are set to explore fields such as…
The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong, proudly announced the appointment of Mr. Noan David Pakop as the first Papua New Guinean to become the Director General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). This milestone was achieved during the 23rd Forum Fisheries Committee Ministers’ meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Mr. Pakop, hailing from Tilienu Island in Manus Province, will be the 10th Director General since the FFA’s establishment in 1979. This marks a historic achievement for Papua New Guinea, as it is the first time a national has been appointed to this prestigious position in the…
Housing challenges for police officers were a significant focus on Day 5 of the Commission of Inquiry into the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). Police Commissioner David Manning detailed the ongoing struggles with providing adequate housing for officers, which directly impacts their deployment and morale. Manning revealed that a large portion of police infrastructure is in poor condition. “An analysis… identified that 54 per cent of our existing infrastructure at that time across the country were assessed to be in poor to very poor conditions,” he stated. Moreover, 23% of the infrastructure was found to be non-operational, highlighting a…
Day 5 of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) on Friday, July 26th highlighted issues in deploying police officers across the country. Police Commissioner David Manning explained that new recruits and cadets are posted based on the needs of divisional commanders, who provide their requirements for additional manpower. “It is often best practice where divisional commanders put in their requirements for additional manpower,” Manning said. For cadets who move into leadership roles, the process involves assessments and recommendations to determine their suitability for various positions. These positions range from shift inspectors to police…
The home of softball in PNG, East New Britain is set to stage the 45th National Softball Championships this September. PNG Baseball Softball Confederation announced the theme, “BRING BACK SOFTBALL”, which aims to resurrect the code of softball in PNG. PNGBSC Interim President Mrs. Jenny Paak said it will be held from the 13th – 16th September, and is anticipated to have well over 20 teams participating. “As we look too rebuilding our code and administratively bring back order to the office,” she said. “The PNGBSC Interim Executives are working towards having a 5-year plan in place to align all…
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has faced scrutiny during the Commission of Inquiry into its operations, particularly regarding the January 10th events. Day 5 of the inquiry on Friday, July 26th, provided insights into the deployment, housing, and promotion within the force, revealing significant challenges and ongoing reforms. During the session, Police Commissioner David Manning discussed the deployment process for new recruits and cadets, addressing questions put to him by lead Investigator, Pondros Kaluwin. It was explained that after recruits complete their training, divisional commanders submit their manpower requirements, which are reviewed by the training and HR directors…
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird pledged a K100, 000 support to Utu Secondary School in New Ireland which is home to the Somare Memorial in the province. The memorial site was set up in front of a building that Sir Michael lived in during the 1950s, when he started his teaching career as a young teacher. The school since then has had special ties with Somare and given this unique connection between the first and second Prime Ministers, Governor Bird as Sir Michael’s immediate predecessor paid tribute to this great historical institution. Governor Bird said the funds pledged will come…
The President of the Papua New Guinea Law Society, Mr. Hubert Namani, has condemned the recent killings in the Angoram district of East Sepik province. “These heinous acts of violence are utterly unacceptable and have no place in our society.” “The Law Society stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this distressing time,” Namani stated. He urged law enforcement to respond promptly, emphasizing, “It is imperative that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.” “The rule of law must prevail.” Namani also highlighted ongoing violence in Enga and East Sepik, raising concerns about public safety.…
Abou MP Sir Puka Temu has called on the Government to consult more with provinces like Central Province before making decisions that affect them. Sir Puka criticized the Government for its negligent attitude towards Central Province. He pointed out a recent issue where funds meant for Gulf Province were misallocated without consulting Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta, who has taken the issue now to court. “Such decisions are against the law. When reallocating funds in the National Budget, there should be consultation and notice given to relevant stakeholders,” Sir Puka stated. He supports the Governor’s decision to take legal action…