Village court magistrates in parts of Papua New Guinea say they have worked without pay for over 11 years, even though they continue to serve their communities. One of them is James Imas from Ragaimpun village, Umi Local Level Government (LLG) in Markham District, Morobe Province. Imas has been a village court magistrate since 2007. He said that in the beginning, they were getting K50 every three months, but since 2013, payments stopped. “For the past 11 years, we haven’t received any allowances,” Imas said. “We keep giving our bank details and spend our own money to get bank statements.…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Disagreements over landownership have once again delayed vital agreements linked to the Kainantu Gold Mine, halting the flow of royalties and development benefits to nearby communities. The delay stems from ongoing legal disputes between local landowner groups, which have yet to be resolved due to a vacancy in the Land Titles Commission (LTC). The appointment of a new chairperson is still pending, preventing the Commission from progressing with landowner identification. Mining Minister Rainbo Paita confirmed the setback, noting that while one court matter had been resolved, another was still being challenged. “The Commission can’t make any decisions without a chair.…
Law enforcement in Madang has been strengthened with the addition of nine newly trained probationary constables. The fresh recruits were officially welcomed this week by Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, who highlighted the importance of the new officers in tackling crime and maintaining order. “They arrive at a crucial time. Their contribution will enhance policing and help us better respond to community needs,” Baim said. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Police Commissioner David Manning and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) leadership in addressing police staff shortages across the country. The new constables will be stationed…
One man is dead following a car accident outside Madang, with police suspecting alcohol may have played a role. The fatal crash has sparked fresh warnings for motorists to be cautious as election-related travel, picks- up. The accident occurred just after midday on Wednesday, June 12, near Alemo Junction on the Bruce Jeff Cott Highway, around 21 kilometres from Madang. The vehicle, a brown Toyota Landcruiser from Madang Office Suppliers, was returning from Walium with four people on board when it ran off the road. Police say the driver tried to overtake another vehicle but lost control while merging back,…
A partnership between churches, communities and government in Morobe’s Markham District is bringing hope to rural education — and Waritzian Primary School is leading the charge. The school, located near Wateraise Junction, is being groomed to become the district’s first junior high school under Papua New Guinea’s evolving 1-6-6 education model. Markham MP Koni Iguan said the change is part of a long-term strategy to expand access to quality education. “We are not just building a school. We are building a quality school, with shared values and strong support,” he said. The Markham District is working with seven church groups…
Kennedy Erinuka is the only health worker serving remote communities on the border of Markham and Yus in Morobe Province. Since 2011, Kennedy has treated hundreds from a small aid post he built himself in Kikiapa Village. He serves people who walk for hours—some a whole day—for basic medical help. He left the Lutheran Health Services in 2013 to work under public health. His aid post has no electricity, no staff, and limited supplies, yet he treats children, assists in births using a phone light, gives out medicine, and runs vaccine programs. When outbreaks occur, Kennedy hikes to remote villages…
Four (4) students from Naweab Lutheran Secondary School in Morobe province are expected to be formally charged following a break-in at the girls’ dormitory last week, police say. The Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Jacob Singura said eight (8 people, including outsiders, entered the dormitory’s common area during night study hours. The group reportedly stole mobile phones that the female students had left charging. “There were about eight of them. Four students have been apprehended and will be processed today,” Supt Singura confirmed. The remaining suspects are still being tracked as police continue patrols and investigations at the school.
Students at Ragiampun SDA Primary School in Morobe’s Markham District have turned classroom lessons into real-life solutions by building a small market to support their families and community. Led by assistant teacher Mr. Jacob Sani, the Grade 7 class took on the project as part of their “Making a Living” subject under Basic Technology. They learned practical skills like measuring, planning, and basic construction—working as a team to bring the idea to life. “For years, mothers sold food on the ground without proper hygiene,” Mr. Sani said. “We wanted to change that.” With support from the school, students helped design…
A group of armed men attacked Nawaeb Lutheran Secondary School on Thursday night. They entered the female dormitory and held the students at gunpoint. A Grade 10 student said the girls had just finished their exam and were inside the dormitory. She said the men stole their phones and started beating them with sticks and knives. The attackers locked the dormitory doors, and the girls screamed for help after after which male students and staff responded and chased the men away. Eight injured female students were taken to Angau Hospital and a male student was also hurt while trying to…
Raikos Secondary School in Rai Coast District of Madang province is facing growing pressure as more students enroll each year. Deputy Principal for Administration, Bangan Siwo, says the school has more than 1,000 students from Grade 9 to Grade 12 this year. But there are only 30 teachers — three short of the number needed. This means one teacher is looking after around 56 students. Subjects like IT, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Music are not taught. Mr. Siwo says this is because the school does not have the right classrooms or facilities. He said the general classrooms are enough,…