West New Britain (WNB) province has become the third province to submit its 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Report (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), handing in both the 2023 and 2024 reports yesterday, Thursday 22nd May. Deputy Secretary for the Provincial and Local Level Services Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA), Mr. James Agigo, received the reports from Provincial Administrator Mr. Leo Mapmani on behalf of Secretary Philip Leo. Mr. Agigo emphasized the importance of timely and accurate reporting, noting that it is a legal requirement under the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG)…
Author: Paula DAVID
Connor Watson has turned to a pair of former Origin greats to model his game as he looks to develop into the Westpac NSW Blues’ match-winner in next week’s series opener. The versatile talent has made the bench utility role his own since making his State of Origin debut last year, following in the footsteps of Blues legends Craig Wing and Kurt Gidley as an impact player. Watson has come to appreciate the importance of his position in the side and revealed the duo have played a key role in his development into a representative player. “When I started playing…
The re- emergence of the poliovirus in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has prompted the National Department of Health to declare a public health emergency and urging parents and guardians to ensure little children are fully immunized against it. For the Central Province, the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. James Amini is urging parents and guardians to ensure their children—including those who are already fully immunized—receive additional doses of the polio vaccine to boost and prolong their immunity to the poliovirus. Dr. Amini confirmed that to date, no cases have been detected in the province. However, proactive…
Sporting icon Veitu Apana Diro, CBE, MBE, will take centre stage as the guest speaker at this year’s SP Sports Awards, to be held on Saturday, 14th June 2025, at the Crown Hotel. A legendary figure in Papua New Guinea’s sporting history, Diro has represented the nation with distinction across netball, basketball, and softball, securing gold at the South Pacific Games and competing in six South Pacific Games and three Pacific Mini Games throughout her career. She also played a key leadership role as part of the Commonwealth Games General Management team, further cementing her legacy both on and off…
A total of 36 finalists have been officially announced for the highly anticipated 2025 SP Sports Awards (SPSA), celebrating excellence across Papua New Guinea’s sporting landscape. The announcement was made today in Port Moresby by Mr. Warwick Vele, Chairman of the SP Sports Awards Selection Panel, praising the depth of talent and commitment shown by nominees from across the country. “This year, we were pleased to see a strong level of interest and participation in the nomination process. A total of 210 nominations were received across all categories 135 submitted online and 60 submitted in hard copy, with 15 of…
In a major move to promote peace and justice, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville recently held its first-ever Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) Forum in Arawa, Central Bougainville. Held in April, the forum brought together community leaders, law and justice agencies, churches, and civil society organizations, all dedicated to finding sustainable, locally driven solutions to combat SARV. The forum created a platform for participants to probe into the root causes of SARV, listen to stories from survivors and law enforcers, and explore ways to strengthen legislation and policies to combat this pervasive issue. Recognizing the cultural sensitivity surrounding SARV, the…
The National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the displaced Manam Islanders in Madang province and has also clarified recent claims regarding funding delays. Minister for Provincial Government and Loca-Level Government (LLG) Affairs Soroi Eoe, recently confirmed that the government has fully complied with court orders and financial obligations to the Manam Resettlement Authority (MaRa). Minister Eoe said the K10 million commitment pledged by Prime Minister James Marape in May 2024 has been released and disbursed to Manam Resettlement Authority in full early April with the stringent financial guidelines to ensure transparent and accountable use on priority areas in…
Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s strong commitment to improving the lives of children and young people across the country on the eve of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. In a recent high-level meeting in Port Moresby city with UNICEF, the United Nations, and key development partners, PM Marape emphasized the importance of delivering lasting, positive change for every child in PNG with UNICEF ready to support that mission every step of the way. The meeting brought together senior government officials, including NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion Jason Peter, to discuss…
Arawa District Hospital, a key healthcare provider in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, has made a major stride in improving maternity care through enhanced access to clean and safe water. As part of its commitment to community well-being, the hospital has benefited from BSP Arawa’s 2024 Community Project, ensuring that patients, visitors and staff now have reliable access to clean and safe water. Additional improvements-including backfilling the surrounding area with gravel to help maintain a dry, hygienic environment. This essential upgrade strengthens healthcare standards, supporting both medical staff and the wellbeing of up to nearly 30 mothers and newborns each…
Thirty-three Data Processing Officers in Kiunga, Western Province are currently participating in a week-long training program focused on data processing. The training which commenced on Friday May 16th, 2025, aims to equip Data Processing Officers (DPO) with advance skills and knowledge to update electoral accurately. Provincial Election Manager Max Paul said data processing training is important in updating electoral roll for the benefit of all villages and the people of Western Province. He said the updating of all the data is derived from the census conducted in 2024, therefore, the updated electoral roll will be used for the upcoming LLG…