Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko has expressed sadness over the recent passing of late Sir Charles Watson Lepani, KBE CBE OBE. “Devastated to hear this morning (Saturday 11th January) of the passing of a highly respected Papua New Guinean who served his country with all his heart, and with great distinction – a Senior Statesman, a friend, brother – Late Sir Charles Lepani KBE CBE OBE.” Tkatchenko said, “Sir Charles was part of a group of young, esteemed Papua New Guineans who set out early in our history as an Independent nation to establish…
Author: Paula DAVID
Prime Minister James Marape has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of late Sir Charles Watson Lepani, KBE CBE OBE, a distinguished statesman, diplomat, and pioneer of Papua New Guinea’s post independence era. Sir Charles passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Port Moresby, surrounded by his wife, Lady Katherine Lepani, and son, Nathaniel Lepani, after a battle with stage four cancer. Prime Minister Marape said, “Sir Charles Lepani’s passing comes at a time when Papua New Guinea is preparing to celebrate 50 years of independence, making this loss even more significant. “Sir Charles was one of our most…
Under Prime Minister James Marape’s directive, all Papua New Guinean nationals must register with their national identification by September 16, 2025. PM Marape also directed that the National Youth Authority open and maintain a 24-hour call centre for the nation’s youth; and that all young Papua New Guineans forced out of the school system utilise the Facility for Open Distant Education (FODE) to complete their education. The Prime Minister made known the policy directions on Friday 10th, January during the launching of the inaugural PNG Youth Resource Week (YRW) in Port Moresby before a crowd of youth at Sir John…
As Papua New Guinea commemorates its 50th year of independence, Prime Minister James Marape has urged public personnel nationwide to take on the responsibility of providing the country with improved services. His remarks follow a visit to his electorate in Tari-Pori, where he met dedicated frontline public servants working in Hela Province. During his visit, the Prime Minister was moved to see several coastal families — doctors and other professionals — who have left the comfort of their home provinces to serve the people of Hela. He acknowledged their sacrifice and praised their commitment to nation-building. “These public servants are…
The Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine is in need of all blood types now to support patient needs at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). According to Assistant Nurse Unit Manager Sister (Sr) Juliet Ohuesaho, they have put out an appeal for urgent blood donations due to the high demand of blood needed during the festive season. She said it was not possible for them to go out and conduct their mobile blood drives because government departments and organizations were closed during the festive period. “It was not possible for us to go out and conduct our mobile…
From Ben Hunt returning to the Broncos to Zac Lomax making a highly anticipated move from the Dragons to the Eels and Clint Gutherson going the other way, the 2025 NRL season is full of intriguing storylines surrounding players seeking a fresh start at new clubs. Other big guns set to make big moves in 2025 include Panthers premiership heroes Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva, representative prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, promising big men Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May and proven performers Isaiah Papali’i, Addin Fonua-Blake, Val Holmes and Chad Townsend. Among the key off-season signing moves are: Storm fullback…
The National Saint John Ambulance received an emergency call in the early hours of Christmas Day at 03:06 AM about a woman in labour from Gelegele village in Kokopo, East New Britain. Ambulance officers Edward Kivung and Newman Vue were dispatched promptly to assist a 32-year-old expectant mother, Lydia, who was experiencing labour pains. Call takers reassured Lydia that a unit would be sent as soon as it was available. The caller met the ambulance on the roadside and guided the crew to the family home. Upon arrival, the ambulance team promptly assessed Lydia and transferred her to the ambulance…
The inaugural Rhinos Rugby Union 10’s tournament saw a total of 16 teams vying for the Sydney Wesley Cup, named after former Defence rugby legend and Pukpuks Coach Sydney Wesley, at the Bava Park in Port Moresby. According to Rhino’s Rugby 10’s Tournament Manager Jordan Seladi, the 10-aside concept is an initiative of the Rhinos Rugby Club bringing together emerging, current, and past players to come out and enjoy the camaraderie and build friendships in rugby, have fun and stay fit during the offseason. “When we started the Rhino’s rugby union team, we started it on the notion of keeping…
The Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital in the Rigo District of Central Province is set to welcome the New Year as they are prepared for the New Years operations. Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital Community Heath Officer Sister (Sr.) Ana Atop said, they have three (3) ambulance ready and on standby for the festive season. “We do have three ambulances on standby for emergency cases. One for the labour ward cases, which is a bus, and we have two other buses on standby for emergency cases.” Sr. Atop also made mention that they have enough stock of medical supplies to get them…
Christmas is a time of celebrating joy, peace and love and to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. At the Port Moresby General Hospital Labour Ward, sixteen babies were delivered by midday today on Christmas Day. Of the 16, seven were baby boys and the rest were girls. The first delivery was a baby boy who was born at 12:55 a.m. The total number of births for Christmas Day will be provided at a later date. Meanwhile, 41 babies were delivered on Christmas Eve.