Author: Martha Louis

Sixty-six (66) students from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) in the city of Lae were recently engaged in a rigorous five-day boot camp training at the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Joint Forces Academy (JFA) at Igam Barracks. The comprehensive program encompasses leadership and character development lessons, team-building activities, problem-solving tasks, and physical training. This initiative, spearheaded by the PNGUoT’s Student Support and Facilities Center in collaboration with the PNGDF’s JFA, aims to cultivate discipline among participants. Capt. Moses Afuti, Acting Senior Instructor at the Officer Cadet Training Wing, underscores discipline as a learned skill acquired…

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Ramu NiCo Mine in Madang has once again provided medical supplies to the Ileg Health Center, which services over 20, 000 residents in the Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government (LLG) of the Raicoast district. The mining company’s Community Affairs department delivered the second quarter supply of medical drugs on Monday, as part of Ramu NiCo’s annual commitment to support health centers located near its operations. Gabriel Puap, the nursing officer and midwife at Ileg Health Center, received the supplies and expressed gratitude to Ramu NiCo for their consistent assistance, noting that the medical supplies would benefit the broader community, including…

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The National Government, in collaboration with Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK), has initiated comprehensive measures to support the coconut industry through structured Price Support and Freight Subsidy policies. KIK, under the leadership of Managing Director Alan Aku, has been instrumental in implementing these policies. Aku emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting white copra producers by providing essential resources such as dryer sets and processing start-up kits. This initiative ensures high-quality processed products reach markets efficiently, bolstering the economic prospects of coconut growers. KIK’s efforts extend to establishing and enhancing downstream processing facilities, particularly benefiting SMEs and MSMEs in coconut-growing regions. The…

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea has presented a speedboat to the Lutheran community in Manus Province. This gift, promised 14 years ago, includes an outboard motor and dinghy worth K35,700. Reverend Hans Giegere and John Yawing, Chairman of the July 12th Committee, handed over the boat to Pastor Otto Zidam and other church leaders at Nyada on the West Coast of Manus. The boat, initially promised in 2010, was delayed due to other commitments but was finally delivered this year. It will assist the Manus congregation in pastoral duties and evangelism, especially as members live in island…

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The Headmaster of Good Shepherd Primary School in Madang Province confirmed that the building housing the Junior and Senior Science Laboratories for the school was destroyed by fire on the morning of Friday 17th May. Mr. Ben Tamilong stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities, including the Police Criminal Investigation Division (CDI) at the Provincial Police Command (PPC). A team from the CID visited the site last Friday and will continue their investigations. The building included both the Junior and Senior Science Laboratories, serving students in grades 9 and…

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The recent flooding in the Bulolo District of the Morobe province has caused significant disruptions, flooding parts of Bulolo town and surrounding roads, and impacting local residents and communities. Over the weekend, the Bulolo District Development Authority (DDA) organized relief supplies to aid the affected areas in an effort to restore livelihoods. Bulolo MP, Sam Basil Jr., expressed concern over the situation. “It is unfortunate what has transpired and the aftermath it has had on our communities. The relief supplies will be distributed accordingly to our affected communities, coordinated by the DDA.” While the Provincial Disaster Office has yet to…

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Bulolo District Hospital, a level four healthcare facility, is grappling with a severe shortage of medical personnel, hindering its ability to serve the urban population of 9, 000 and patients from the Menyama and Wau-Waria Districts of Morobe province. Despite having essential medical equipment, including a standard laboratory, an X-ray machine, and an ultrasound machine since 2019, the lack of qualified doctors and technicians has left these facilities largely underutilized. Currently staffed by only 18 health workers, the hospital falls short of the 25 personnel, including at least one doctor, required to meet the healthcare needs of the region effectively.…

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The Wau Waria District Development Authority is shaking up the approach to youth programs. Rather than the usual focus on group activities like sports, they’re taking a new path. Local MP, Marsh Narewec stated their plan is to target individual youths, aiming to give them hope and job opportunities. Their goals are clear: they want to change mindsets and behaviours and give young people the skills they need for work. With youth unemployment a big problem, even the Prime Minister is paying attention. Narewec added they’ve found over 18,000 unemployed youths in the district, and they’re aiming to help 10%…

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Madang police have confirmed a tragic incident in Bogia District, Papua New Guinea, where five individuals, including a woman whose head was severed, lost their lives. Additionally, four people sustained injuries, and twenty houses were set ablaze. According to Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, Provincial Police Commander, the violence ensued when six armed men intercepted a passing motor canoe along the Ramu River. Believing the passengers were carrying vanilla and cocoa money, the armed group capsized the vessel, plunging all occupants into the water. Despite realizing their mistake, the armed men retreated to Korkam boat stop, leading to a confrontation with…

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Nestled amidst the landscapes of Papua New Guinea University of Technology, the Unitech Rainforest Habitat promises a unique and immersive eco-tourism adventure. Managed by dedicated conservationists and custodians of culture, this sanctuary spanning 3,000 square meters invites visitors to delve into the marvels of the rainforest while championing sustainability and community engagement. Led by Acting Manager Joseph Boi, the Unitech Rainforest Habitat stands as a beacon of conservation efforts in the region. Beyond its lush foliage and rich biodiversity, this habitat serves as a living testament to the imperative of safeguarding natural resources for posterity. Through guided tours and educational…

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