Kiura Yarti, a 52-year-old former police officer from Koropak village, was recaptured on Karkar Island after escaping from Beon Correctional Institution. He had been serving a 32-year sentence for willful murder when he managed to flee on March 27, 2024. Yarti’s escape was executed under the pretense of harvesting food from the prison garden, which allowed him to exploit the prison’s security measures. His background as a police officer in Madang Province before committing the murder offense made him particularly dangerous. This experience likely equipped him with skills and knowledge that enabled him to evade capture for an extended period,…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae city is at the forefront of cervical cancer treatment in Papua New Guinea, but challenges remain in meeting the demand for services. The hospital, which houses the National Cancer Centre, is currently struggling with a growing number of patients from Morobe and neighboring provinces. “We lack the resources and manpower to handle the increasing number of cervical cancer cases,” said Dr. Timothy Kink, a cancer specialist in Morobe Province. Efforts are being made to provide early diagnosis and treatment, but the limited availability of chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and specialist staff are key barriers.…
A specialist at the National Cancer Unit in Lae city has said that Morobe province has emerged with the highest cervical cancer rates in Papua New Guinea and is raising concerns about the provincial health system’s ability to address the issue. Dr. Timothy Kink said inadequate health reporting and lack of awareness have led to delays in identifying and treating cervical cancer cases. “Morobe is among the leading provinces in the number of cervical cancer cases reported. However, we suspect the numbers are higher because many cases go undetected due to poor health services in rural areas.” Health experts are…
A group of youngsters have developed an innovative way to source water for household use in the Morobe province. “Clean water is hard to find in our community, and it causes diseases like cholera and typhoid,” said Karen Abor, a Grade 11 student at Lae Secondary School, who is one of the members of that group. To solve this problem, youths from Tanam, Wampar LLG, created the “Pori Eco Drill,” a portable and affordable water drilling machine made from recycled materials like old car parts and steel pipes. “This invention has already helped communities in Kamkumung, Igam, and Markham Bridge…
A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged in Madang for the persistent sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl under his care. Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed that the suspect had been abusing the child over an extended period of time. The victim was brought to Madang in March 2024 by her cousin sister who claimed they wanted to care for her as they had no children of their own. The family resided on Bemion Street in Madang District. “From the time the victim arrived in Madang, the suspect began mistreating her, initially using sexual gestures…
Farmers in Markham District are calling for better support as they continue to face challenges in growing watermelons, a crop they have cultivated for over two decades. The President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association highlighted the district’s ideal growing conditions for watermelons, which are known to be sweeter than those from other parts of the country. “Markham District is perfect for watermelon farming, and our crops have been thriving here for more than 20 years,” said the President. However, a lack of reliable water supply is hampering their productivity. “Water is critical to our success, but we don’t have…
Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has called for stricter adherence to road safety measures following a truck accident near Naru Mountain on the Madang–Ramu Highway earlier this week. Baim said the accident highlights the dangers of overloading and unsafe practices by drivers, vehicle crews, and passengers. “Road safety begins with the driver and crew, but it also involves ensuring the vehicle is in good condition, the driver is alert, and loads and passengers are properly secured,” he said. The truck involved in the incident was reportedly overloaded with betel nut bags, with passengers sitting precariously on top…
Member for Lae and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, has dismissed calls to split the Lae Electorate, suggesting boundary realignment as a more practical solution. Rosso cautioned that creating new electorates would increase costs and administrative inefficiencies, diverting funds away from service delivery. Instead, he proposed extending Lae’s boundaries to include areas like Yalu, Igam, and up to the Erap River to ensure better services with fewer overheads. “More electorates mean more politicians and higher costs, but not necessarily better services. Realignment will provide the efficiency we need.” Rosso also expressed frustration over not being consulted on the matter, reaffirming…
The Madang Provincial Police have been commended for ensuring peaceful and safe Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations across the province. Madang Rapid Response Network Online Group Administrator, Mr. John Newton Ariku, praised the efforts of PPC Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim and his team for maintaining law and order during the festive season. “The police, under the capable leadership of PPC Baim, did an exceptional job ensuring safety and peace.” “Their visible presence, quick responses, and proactive engagement with communities helped prevent criminal activities and fostered a safe environment for everyone to enjoy the celebrations,” Mr. Ariku said. He acknowledged…
Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations in Madang Province were reported as quiet and peaceful, with no major incidents recorded, according to Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander. Superintendent Baim attributed the calm festivities to a strong police presence across the province, which deterred criminal activities and ensured incidents were quickly attended to. “Police were present everywhere, and this helped prevent crimes from happening. We managed to attend to all incidents reported,” he said. The police commander noted that the public showed improved behavior, with many demonstrating respect for one another by controlling loud music and lowering volumes…