Dr. Noah Tapaua, the country’s first cardiothoracic surgeon, has been awarded with the Communion of the Asia Pacific Society of Cardiac award, marking a significant milestone for the country’s medical sector. Dr. Tapaua received the recognition on May 3rd at an esteemed ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, eliciting widespread applause and pride, particularly from the esteemed Governor of New Ireland, Sir Julius Chan. Governor Chan praised Dr. Tapaua’s accomplishments, highlighting the surgeon’s major contributions not only to Papua New Guinea but also to his beloved home province of New Ireland. He stressed the critical role Dr. Tapaua has played…
Author: Nathan KUMAN
Educational institutions in Madang Province, particularly Kusbau Primary school and Tusbab Secondary School, are dealing with severe funding delays that are obstructing their operational capacities and directly affecting students’ learning experiences. Mrs. Biel Towili, the Deputy Principle for Kusbau Primary School, highlighted the critical situation, stating, “We haven’t received the second quarter funds. It really affects the operation of the school.” The delay in the release of Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) funds has led to a shortage of essential supplies such as exercise books, papers for printing and stationeries causing disruptions in the learning process. This was also agreed…
Journalists and media professionals from Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently gathered in Port Moresby for a three-day investigative reporting training sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The workshop, held from May 1–3, 2024, focused on equipping participants with the skills needed to tackle illegal environmental activities and corruption while promoting sustainable natural resource management and climate change awareness. A diverse group of twenty-seven individuals representing PNG’s prominent news media outlets, universities, government departments, and non-government organizations immersed themselves in sessions covering investigative reporting techniques, media law, journalist protection, and media accountability. The training facilitated the sharing of…
Lae Tennis Club (LTC) recently concluded its highly anticipated team tournament, in a stunning display of skill and sportsmanship, crowning PAPINDO TRADING and CHEMICA as the new champions of their respective divisions. The Division A finals witnessed an intense battle between PAPINDO TRADING and BISMARK MARITIME. In a tight showdown, PAPINDO’s duo of Japeth Tulod and Chris Jose showcased remarkable resilience, rallying back from a 5-2 deficit to clinch the first set. Their teammates, Julien Banchetti and Chris Arreo, continued the momentum, securing the second set with finesse. With two sets under their belt, PAPINDO claimed the Division A grand…
The Electronic Receipts system has been implemented by the Department of Finance, the Bank of South Pacific (BSP), and the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG). This effort aims to streamline validation procedures, expedite payment experiences, and enhance control over tax collecting among government entities. The GoPNG Electronic Receipt system’s pilot phase began on Friday, May 3, 2024, marking a momentous milestone in the nation’s digital transformation. With the help of this innovative technology, consumers may pay online for government services digitally and receive electronic receipts directly to their phones or emails, eliminating the need for paper trails. Ms. Margaret…
The Port Moresby Arts Theatre has announced the launch of its latest program, the Youth Arts Program Plus. Targeting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17, this extension of the annual youth arts initiative aims to provide a platform for self-expression, skill development, and personal growth through dramatic arts. Nelson Kokoa, the Senior Coordinator at the Port Moresby Arts Theatre, revealed the program’s objectives. “Our goal is to introduce young individuals to the enriching world of theatre arts while promoting confidence and communication skills.” “Through engaging drama classes, we seek to equip participants with the tools they need to…
Prime Minister James Marape made a significant announcement this week in which he repeated the government of Papua New Guinea commitments to upholding the agreement to advance the results of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum and stressed that the process has not been abandoned. “Bougainville Affairs Minister Manaseh Makiba is now preparing all instruments for the Referendum results to be brought to Parliament,” Prime Minister Marape declared, underlining the government’s dedication to advancing the peace process. On Monday, April 22, 2024, the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) will host a much-awaited meeting. At this meeting, important parties such as Prime Minister Marape…
A major turning point for the company and the energy industry in Papua New Guinea was reached today when Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited announced its entry into the direct marketing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the “spot” market. Kumul Petroleum sold 144,000 cubic meters of LNG to PetroChina International Corporation Limited for Free on Board (FOB) terms. This deal, which was finalized this month, is the result of a February tender procedure and demonstrates Kumul Petroleum’s proactive use of its portion of the PNG LNG Gas Project’s LNG production. Speaking on this historic achievement, Wapu Sonk, Managing Director of…
Reiterating its commitment to fighting corruption in Papua New Guinea, the Community Coalition against Corruption (CCAC) recently called its first steering committee meeting for 2024. Important players from a range of industries attended the Tuesday’s meeting, which was held at the Holiday Inn Port Moresby. The steering committee stressed the urgent need for greater accountability in the distribution of public funds, particularly through the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and public procurement. The committee was co-chaired by Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) and the Media Council of PNG (MCPNG). “Corruption undermines the very fabric of our society, affecting the…
The police in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province (WHP), have arrested a couple of suspects involved in the sale of counterfeit cigarettes. The arrests occurred at an outskirt market in Top Town, just outside Hagen town, where authorities apprehended individuals engaged in the illegal trade. The case took a dramatic turn when the suspects attempted to bribe the arresting officer with a substantial sum of K2000. However, their attempts were turned down by the arresting officer, leading to further charges against them. Last week, law enforcement officers in Mt. Hagen made a breakthrough in combating the illegal sale of counterfeit…