The PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) Unity Walk has reached Mutzing in Morobe province on Day 7 of the journey, covering 30 kilometres from Waterise. The Igam Team was warmly welcomed by the people of Markham and the members are now resting at Markham Valley Secondary School. “This is more than a walk. It’s a way for us to reconnect with our people and renew our duty to the nation,” said Captain Nerre Kispe, who is coordinating the walk. The walk, part of Exercise Antap Long, marks 50 years of PNGDF service and celebrates its role in keeping the country safe.…
Author: Martha LOUIS
A leading agriculture and manufacturing firm in Madang has stepped forward to help mark Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence. Carpenters Agriculture & Manufacturing Ltd has become a Silver Sponsor of the province’s Golden Jubilee, contributing K20,000 worth of goods to support the event. The donation, given to the Provincial Events Committee, will assist with preparations – especially in supporting the cultural groups who will take part in the anniversary shows and parades. Company Operations Manager Damith Fernando said Carpenters was proud to be involved. “It’s a national milestone, and we’re glad to be part of it,” he said.…
A new kind of teacher training is taking place at Waritzian Primary School in Markham District, Morobe Province. For the first time, teachers and staff are learning how to plan and prepare for school development by using simple tools and teamwork. The training is part of the 2025 school-based in-service program. Vanessa, one of the facilitators, said it’s about more than just skills. “We want the school to look smart and ready. That’s why we are building a grandstand and decorating the stage,” she said. The training uses everyday items like laplaps, staples, rubber bands, pins, and flowers. Teachers are…
Lieutenant Colonel Velmoore Kagena, Commanding Officer (CO) of the Engineer Battalion, has rejoined his troops on the National Unity Walk from Madang to Lae and will resume the walk starting on Day 6 of the journey. Major Alex Hengene, the Operations Officer, has been walking with the team from the beginning and is expected to complete the full distance. Their presence has boosted morale among the group. One of the toughest stretches so far was the 28-kilometre climb from Tapo Mountain to Usino Junction. The team completed the challenging route in just seven hours, with many saying prayer and teamwork…
The Morobe Provincial Election Office has confirmed that the tally board for the Kabwum Open by-election is being set up at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae. Election Manager Simon Soheke said polling is progressing well across the electorate with no major issues reported so far. He said polling teams in Kabwum are continuing their work, and two Mobile Squad units have been deployed to Indagen in Komba LLG to support security. Mr Soheke said, “Polling is running smoothly. There have been no disturbances and everything is on track.” Extraction of polling teams is expected to start on Wednesday,…
As Papua New Guinea come together today to honour its fallen heroes on National Remembrance Day, Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim delivered a deeply personal message about sacrifice, service, and unity. Baim, whose late father fought during World War II, said the day serves as a powerful reminder of the price paid for the freedom Papua New Guineans enjoy today. “I reflected on how far our nation has come,” he said. “My father once shared stories about standing alongside Allied forces on the shores of Morobe and Madang, they fought so we could live in peace.” The…
A fire has destroyed the Madang Teachers College printing office, leaving the school with a heavy loss estimated at around K1 million. It is believed that the fire broke out on the night of July 11, sometime between 9 and 10 pm has now left the school in dismay. A student who saw the incident, Pavel Joshua, said the fire began from an air conditioner unit and quickly spread to nearby papers and the walls. The printing office was a permanent building made from wood and cement, with iron roofing and full electrical wiring. It took almost two hours for…
Good news for students at Divine Word University—there won’t be any more deregistrations this year. DWU President Fr. Philip Gibbs said the university has now received the Semester One TESAS payments from the government. The HELP loan funds are also on the way, with about K3.06 million still expected. Back in June, around 800 students were mistakenly deregistered due to unpaid fees. But Fr. Gibbs said the issue was picked up quickly. “The deregistration of 800 students at the end of June was not supposed to happen. As soon as it was detected, most were re-registered the next day,” he…
Voting in the Usino-Bundi Gama by-election is moving forward, with polling teams reaching remote areas by helicopter and dinghy. Despite a few small issues, the Electoral Commission and police are working together to keep the process peaceful and fair. One argument between candidates was quickly handled by police. In places like Danagar and Banu, people have already voted. Their ballot boxes are now locked inside the Walium police station, as no proper storage containers were available. Police are still doing their job even though they haven’t received their allowances yet. Extra security teams from Lae are on the ground to…
Tensions flared at Walium Station over the weekend as Peter Yama, former Madang Governor and candidate for the Usino Bundi Gama seat, questioned why a suspended election officer was helping with the by-election. Yama and other candidates met with election officials to find out how someone facing serious allegations was allowed near the process. “This isn’t okay,” Yama said. “People want a fair vote, not more doubts. Trust in the system is already fragile.” The meeting wasn’t heated, but it was clear candidates wanted answers — and fast. Madang Election Manager Sponsa Navi responded, saying the officer had been told…