The residents of Port Moresby city along with the New Ireland community honored the late Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan, GCL GCMG KBE PC, MP, at the State Funeral Service at the St. Mary’s Cathedral. The moving service was attended by dignitaries, family, and citizens. The service reflected on his lifetime in public service and leadership. The funeral mass, led by Bishop Otto Separy, featured hymns by the Kavieng-Lorengau Choir, with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Ceremonial Guard escorting the casket. In their eulogy, Sir Julius’ children, Mrs. Vanessa Chan Pelgen and Mr. Toea Chan described their father as…
Author: Jordan VELA
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is set to transform police accommodation across the country, ensuring improved living conditions that uplift morale and enhance professional performance. Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Mitna highlighted this commitment at the groundbreaking ceremony for ten new duplexes at Mirane Barracks in Chimbu Province on Friday. “Much of our existing police barracks infrastructure is in dire condition, and we must act swiftly to rebuild,” Dr Mitna stated. He explained that land ownership issues remain a major obstacle, often slowing progress in key locations. However, the RPNGC remains determined to push forward…
OK Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) recently welcomed more than 500 students to its annual scholarship orientation session at the Kiunga Vocational technical Center in Western Province. The orientation was aimed at guiding both new and returning students through the expectations, policies and processes of the OTDF scholarship program, which supports education opportunities for youths in the region. Led by OTDF scholarship officer Miss Shemila Kasi and her dedicated team, the orientation provided clarity on scholarship requirements and offered practical advice to ensure students make the most of their academic opportunities. The session served as a foundation for the 241 new…
PNG Air informs customers that flights to Kieta and Buka in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will be reduced due to the ongoing issue of fuel shortages. Currently, services will decrease from twice a week to once a week for both destinations. However, the airline company says it is actively seeking solutions to minimize disruptions and restore full operations as soon as possible. The fuel shortage, which has impacted airlines across the country, is beyond PNG Air’s control. Despite this, the airline remains committed to maintaining services and ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely. PNG Air deeply regrets the inconvenience…
The official state funeral program for the Late Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE, PC, MP, continues today in Port Moresby as the nation mourns the passing of one of Papua New Guinea’s most distinguished leaders. Day 1: Repatriation from Kavieng to Port Moresby The program commenced on Friday, January 31, 2025, with the transportation of the Late Sir Julius Chan’s casket from Kavieng to Port Moresby. At 12pm the casket was taken to Kavieng Airport, where a brief ceremony was held before its departure. The casket was placed on a chartered flight at 1pm and arrived at…
CPL Foundation Inc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education by donating three branded tents to Arise and Shine Early Childhood Learning Centre in Waigani. This donation will enhance the learning experience for over 70 children, aged 2 to 14 years, currently enrolled in the school, spanning from kindergarten to grade 5. Founded in 2019 by Dorcas Maiyap, a passionate early childhood educator from East Sepik Province, Arise and Shine was born out of a desire to create opportunities for young learners. Ms. Maiyap was inspired by a remarkable teacher during her own schooling and later pursued studies in early…
The Valley Hunters Rugby Club has secured Hilton Hotel & Residences Port Moresby as its official venue partner for 2025, reinforcing a shared commitment to community engagement and sports development. Henry Elas, President of the Valley Hunters Rugby Club, is a passionate advocate for using rugby to develop young athletes into leaders. “Our partnership with Hilton represents more than sponsorship, it’s a shared vision to make a lasting impact both within our club and in the wider community,” said Elas. This collaboration aligns with the club’s mission to nurture talent, build character, and create opportunities that extend beyond the game.…
UN Women’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Christine Arab, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering support for Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) leadership in advancing gender equality during her four-day visit. Christine Arab, a key advocate for women’s rights, met with national leaders and stakeholders to discuss PNG’s progress and challenges in gender equality. Ms. Arab said, “Papua New Guinea has made commendable strides in women’s empowerment, from legal reforms to economic inclusion, the nation is demonstrating its commitment.” Her statement aligns with PNG’s recent policy advancements, including strengthening laws to protect women’s rights and expanding opportunities for female entrepreneurs. During…
Hilton Port Moresby’s sixth annual Christmas Under the Stars for Charity has raised PGK 35,134 to support the We Care Foundation and the Well Women’s Clinic. The funds will help provide essential services for women, children, and marginalized communities. General Manager Ryan Mikkelson expressed his pride in the event’s success and said during the press conference on Thursday, “We’ve been running this fundraiser for six years now, and each year, it grows”. “We’ve raised over PGK 100,000 in total, and this year’s amount is our highest yet. It’s heartwarming to see the community, our sponsors, and our partners come together…
Miss Papua New Guinea (PNG), May Torowi Hasola, is set to represent the nation at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The regional event, running from 2 to 7 February 2025, brings together contestants from across the Pacific, celebrating culture, leadership, and advocacy. Crowned in December 2024, Miss Hasola is the second representative from the Miss Bird of Paradise Papua New Guinea (MBOP) Pageant to compete for the prestigious title. She is passionate about promoting strong family values and advocating for vulnerable groups, particularly people living with disabilities. Through the Miss Pacific Islands platform, she hopes to…