Madang has unveiled its official four-day program to mark Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary. The festivities begin on September 13 with Governor Ramsey Pariwa and invited guests officiating the launch. Events will then shift to Tusbab Beach with the arrival of traditional canoes, followed by canoe and water races. Over 50 cultural groups, including bamboo and string bands, will perform during the celebrations. Highlights also include the Ironmen swimming challenge, live music, and nightly fireworks by Queensland-based Foti International Fireworks. The final day on September 16th will feature the main Independence program. Organizers said security is assured, with police…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Police in Madang have recaptured prison escapee Mr. Absolom Sua, who had been on the run for nearly five years. Sua, convicted of attempted murder, escaped from Beon Prison in 2020 and was arrested again in August this year. But days later, he broke out of Jomba Police Station with other detainees. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim said officers tracked him to Gavstoa Settlement after reports he threatened an elderly man while drunk. “When police moved in, he tried to attack them with a bush knife. He was shot in the leg and rushed to Modilon Hospital,”…
Madang police have launched Operation Golden Jubilee to provide security for Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations in the province. Provincial police commander, acting superintendent Robert Baim, said the operation would run for ten days and involve police, community policing units, security firms and Correctional Service officers. The fire service and medical teams will also be on standby throughout the celebrations. “We are well organized before the actual event. With the support of the community policing unit, security companies engaged by the Provincial Events Committee, and CS officers, we are ready,” Baim said. Large crowds are expected at Laiwadan…
Police in Madang will launch their Independence Anniversary Operations today, Monday 8th September, to ensure the Golden Jubilee is celebrated in a peaceful manner. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim appealed to the people to be at their best behavior. He also appealed to those prison escapees who are still on the run to have a change of heart and surrender themselves to police. “Don’t run. Come forward, face court, and start a new life as our country moves into the next 50 years,” he said. He warned anyone planning to cause trouble that the police will act…
Bougainvilleans living in Lae city went to the polls on Friday 5th September to take part in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) elections, but some of them were left disappointed. Polling was held at Lae Secondary School, with citizens turning out to cast their votes. However, some voters were frustrated when they discovered their names missing from the electoral roll. Morobe Election Manager Simon Soheke confirmed the problem and said it was not only happening in Lae. “It’s the same situation happening across the country,” he said. He noted that even some Bougainvilleans who had voted in 2019 were…
Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry could bring in more than K10 billion each year if the right support is given, says Coffee Industry Corporation Limited (CICL) Chief Executive Officer, Charles Dambui. He said coffee is a lifeline for thousands of families, and with stronger backing, it can become a major driver of the national economy. Mr. Dambui said CICL needs more resources to carry out its work, especially to recruit and place more extension officers in every coffee-growing district and Local Level Government (LLG) area. These officers are key to helping farmers improve their yields and practices. He added that…
Madang town came alive on Saturday as residents, schools, and community groups joined a cleanathon ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations. Governor Ramsey Pariwa also took part, working side by side with provincial officers, students, and church groups. His presence, organisers said, showed leadership and support for community-driven action. The cleanathon, organized by long-time resident Eugene Wanai, saw 18 groups participate. Divine Word University sent students and paramedics, while Kusbau and Holy Spirit Primary schools also joined. Health workers from Modilon Hospital, the PNG Institute of Medical Research, and other groups added their efforts. Mr. Wanai said the…
Transgogol Secondary School in Madang is struggling to meet the needs of its growing student population. Principal Ivan Nivirity said the school is short on classrooms, dormitories, power, and water. “The main generator broke down in 2023. We now rely on a small 5KVA generator for the office and solar power for the rest of the school,” he said. Water has been a long-standing problem. The school’s ablution block was condemned from the start. To cope, the science lab has been turned into a boys’ dormitory, while the computer lab is now a classroom. The school has about 1,000 students…
As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Divine Word University (DWU) is planning for the future. DWU President, Fr. Philip Gibbs, said the university is guided by its Vision. “DWU will be the leading university, in the Catholic tradition, committed to integral human development in PNG and the Pacific region,” he said. Fr. Gibbs said DWU aims to expand its academic programs and research initiatives. He added that the university also needs to tackle challenges such as using new technologies, becoming financially self-reliant, and connecting more with its alumni. DWU has produced many professionals across PNG and the…
Polling for Bougainvilleans living outside Bougainville has been pushed back by a day. Morobe Election Manager Simon Soheke confirmed voting for the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) General Elections will now take place on Friday, 5 September 2025, instead of Thursday. He said the delay was caused by the late arrival of ballot papers and other polling materials. “The elections have been rescheduled to Friday, 5 September, due to the late delivery of polling materials. We apologize for the inconvenience,” Mr. Soheke said. In Morobe, polling will be held at the Lae Secondary School Hall from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.…