Author: Martha LOUIS

Students from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) have given an ultimatum to the Chief Ombudsman Commissioner, calling for action on key constitutional and governance issues. The Student Representative Senate (SRS) presented a petition on April 17th to the Ombudsman Commission (OC), following concerns raised during the Students’ Open Forum on March 26. The forum came after the government’s Facebook ban on March 24th. SRS President Brent Karol said the petition was based on verified information and reflects the views of the students under Section 19 of the Constitution. The petition has three main parts and was…

Read More

Morobe Governor Luther Wenge is calling for better and safer transport services in remote parts of the province after five people died in a plane crash in Sapmanga on Christmas Day. He made the call during a funeral service in Lae on Thursday, where three of the victims were officially handed over to their families at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Indoor Complex. “This tragedy should not have happened. People in remote areas deserve safe and reliable transport.” Governor Wenge said, urging the government to improve infrastructure. The crash killed five people, including the pilot. The pilot’s funeral was held earlier.…

Read More

The Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has encouraged the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea to embrace the true spirit of Easter by promoting peace, unity, and reflection throughout the festive period. In a heartfelt Easter message, Acting Superintendent Baim conveyed warm wishes on behalf of the men and women in blue, while acknowledging the ongoing commitment of citizens in helping maintain law and order across the province. “This season reminds us of hope, renewal, and the importance of community.” “Easter is not only a time of celebration but also a moment to reconnect with one…

Read More

Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae city is set to become Papua New Guinea’s main centre for specialist medical care. According to Morobe Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr. Kipas Binga, the hospital will focus on treating cancer, heart conditions, and kidney problems. He said this progress relies on solid partnerships, more funding, and skilled staff. “We’re determined to bring much-needed specialized care to our people,” Dr. Binga said. One major achievement is the introduction of radiation therapy at Angau—the first in PNG. Dr. Binga said the delay was due to safety procedures, not a lack of money. Lab services are also…

Read More

Police in Madang have arrested a man accused of pretending to be the Acting Madang Provincial Administrator to mislead government offices. The suspect, 28-year-old Junor Kunda Kevin from Yandra village in Usino-Bundi, was taken into custody on Friday, April 11. Police say he sent a fake letter to the Provincial Treasury and BSP Finance in Madang. The letter claimed that Acting Administrator Daniel Aloi was not the rightful officeholder. Authorities later confirmed the letter was based on a court decision that had already been dismissed on March 7. Madang’s Acting Provincial Police Commander, Robert Baim, said the man’s actions were…

Read More

The Morobe Provincial Health Authority is now urging a change in how health funding is used in Papua New Guinea. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kipas Binga said too much money is being spent on treating people who are already sick, while not enough is going into preventing illness. “Only a small part of the population needs treatment, but we’re spending almost the whole budget on them.” He also stressed the need to focus more on health education, early check-ups, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Meanwhile, Dr. Binga warned that conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are affecting more people, and…

Read More

More than 1, 000 graduates were conferred with certificates, diplomas, and degrees at the recent 57th graduation ceremony of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) that was held at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae city. The event was a proud moment for many families, but it also stood out for another reason, the significant rise in female graduates. From a lone female student in 1980, Ms. Finkewe Zurenuoc and now Unitech’s Pro Chancellor, stated that the female representation has surged. This year, women made up 39% of the graduating class. “Women are not just joining traditionally…

Read More

Tension is still high in Madang’s Nagada area after two men were killed and several homes were torched during a violent clash between community groups last weekend. Madang’s Acting Police Chief, Superintendent Robert Baim, said the trouble began on Saturday night when two drunk men allegedly tried to rob a family. One of them, 26-year-old Russel Samson, was stabbed and died from his injuries. His accomplice was injured and is now in custody. Word of Samson’s death sparked revenge. A group from a nearby settlement travelled to Nagada early Sunday morning, armed with bush knives and iron rods. They attacked…

Read More

Madang police have arrested Francis Kumo, the former principal of Aiom Anglican Secondary School, on charges of abuse of office and misappropriation of school funds. This action follows a formal complaint lodged in 2024 by teachers and school board members, alleging Kumo misused funds and engaged in fraudulent activities from 2018 to 2024. Despite no longer holding the principal position, Kumo reportedly continued to access the school’s operating account. In February 2025, he allegedly withdrew K21,000 without authorization from the school chairman or administration. Investigators also noted a suspicious payment of K4,600 to HF Trading Limited for fuel, which school…

Read More

Road upgrades in the Wau-Waria District are moving forward, even with ongoing issues. Local MP Marsh Narewec said the district is serious about building better road access because the roads will help people reach vital services like clinics, schools, and markets. He said they want to bring real development, not just talk. “We want progress — not only power, but also roads, education, communication, and health,” Narewec said. The main project stretches over 30 kilometers from Bapi to Garaina Station. Other sections include a 6-kilometre road from Tori to Korua. The Biaru Kunai to Tourins Bypass is 3 kilometers long.…

Read More