Power outages in Lae are making it easier for criminals to strike, police warn. Lae city police boss, Superintendent Chris Kunyanba said criminals take advantage of dark streets to break into homes and shops. “We use torches during patrols because the street lights aren’t working, which makes it harder to keep people safe,” he said. Residents should lock up tight, avoid going out at night, and report anything suspicious right away. “If we all work together, we can keep Lae safer during these blackouts,” Kunyanba added. Police are ready and watching closely as the power problems continue.
Author: Martha LOUIS
Ramu Valley Secondary School in Usino-Bundi in the Madang province has made history with its first Grade 12 class sitting the national written expression exam. The school opened in 2013 with just one classroom and two teachers — Mr. Dion and Mrs. Ceslyn Dion. It became a high school in 2014, graduating its first Grade 10s in 2018. Last year saw its first Grade 11s, and this year marks its first Grade 12s. The school now has 15 teachers and 10 classes. Deputy Principal Administration, Mrs. Ceslyn Dion, said the moment was a proud one. “It has been a journey…
Lae City will hold its second Rosso Lae Community Clean-a-thon from September 5 to 7, aiming to build on the success of its first large-scale clean-up earlier this year. The event, led by community members, brought thousands together in May to clean public spaces across the city. It was widely praised for encouraging civic pride and positive action. Clean-a-thon organizer Michael Earley said the upcoming event will again involve schools, churches, businesses, and local residents. He hopes to see the initiative become a quarterly activity from 2026. “I’ll be pushing for Honorable John Rosso, our MP and Deputy Prime Minister,…
Health workers from Papua New Guinea (PNG), the United States, and Australia are joining forces to bring free care to families near Igam Barracks in Lae city. The event is part of Pacific Partnership 2025, a program that sends doctors and nurses across the Pacific to support local health services. People came for eye checks, dental treatment, CPR lessons and women’s health education. Commander Krystal Chunaco, a US Navy nurse, said it’s about building strong friendships through health. “We’re not just treating people. We’re learning from each other and creating lasting connections,” she said. Dental teams from four countries —…
A police officer in Madang has been charged with the murder of his 22-year-old wife, Christel Salengwan, following an alleged domestic violence incident at their home in Sagalau, just outside Madang town. Madang Acting Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, confirmed the arrest and said the officer has been suspended from duty. “No one is above the law,” Baim stated. “I will not tolerate any form of compensation when a life is lost.” The officer, who is serving under the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, has appeared before the National Court and was released on bail as police investigations continue.…
Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has publicly condemned recent false media reports alleging that a helicopter was hijacked during the polling process in the Usino-Bundi by-election. He emphasizes that such misinformation is not only inaccurate but also damaging to Papua New Guinea’s international reputation. “Such unconfirmed reports must cease immediately. Journalists and media outlets have a responsibility to verify information before publishing. False reports undermine our nation’s integrity and credibility,” said Acting Superintendent Baim. “Reporters must be accountable. Our country’s image depends on truthful and responsible journalism.” Baim clarified that the helicopter was not hijacked. It landed…
It was a brief but meaningful encounter along the Highlands Highway when two teams with very different missions crossed paths—one walking to honour the country, the other chasing victory on the field. As the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers continued their Independence Walk from Mutzing Station on Day 8, they were met by the Snax Tigers rugby league team, who were making their way to Goroka for Sunday’s game. The Tigers didn’t just pass by—they stopped and shared a gesture of support, handing out biscuits to the soldiers before continuing on their journey. Captain Kispe Nerre, who leads the walking…
The United States Navy is working with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) at Lae’s Igam Barracks as part of the Pacific Partnership 2025 mission, in a renewed display of military cooperation and regional support. Nearly 500 U.S. personnel are in the country for the program, led by mission commander Lieutenant Drew Howard, working alongside Australian and South Korean forces. The partnership focuses on humanitarian assistance, health services, disaster response, and building capacity within PNG’s military systems. “In Lae, we’re working closely with PNG Defence Force doctors and dentists through community health initiatives at Igam Barracks,” said Lt. Howard.…
Police in Madang have arrested Usino-Bundi by-election candidate Mr. Manu Yafi Kuna for attacking another candidate’s team on Wednesday night. Kuna, from the People’s Transformation Party, and his supporters chased a car near the Surinam Oil Palm area. Inside the car were PANGU Party staff, including Jojolala Simpson, her sick two-year-old child, and two others. Witnesses said Kuna’s group tried to attack them with bush knives, breaking the car’s side mirror and pulling at the doors. One man tried to slash the driver. Police later arrested Kuna at his campaign house and took him to Madang. His younger brother, also…
Morobe Alluvial Mining Limited (MAML) has been officially relaunched, marking a new chapter in the province’s mining industry under fresh leadership and a key partnership with a Chinese contractor. This week, MAML signed an agreement with the Chinese company, supported by the Morobe Provincial Government, to restart alluvial gold mining operations in the province. After years of dormancy, the initiative brings renewed hope for local landowners and communities. Peter Seski, Executive Chairman of MAML, stated, “This achievement comes from the efforts of the new management. It’s about returning to the roots of Morobe Alluvial Mining and partnering with a Chinese…