Huon District MP Jason Peter has called on residents to use their resources wisely to invest in small businesses and build a secure future for their families and communities.Peter made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 600 participants from the Wampar Local-Level Government area in Huon District, who successfully completed a two-week program organized by the Huon District. He stressed the importance of responsible resource management and seeking guidance from God in all aspects of life and business. “Starting a business and using what you have wisely can lead to a good life. It is a blessing from God to recognize that everything belongs to Him,” Peter said. “The key is to understand how to grow your resources and manage them from day one. When you work with God, He gives you wisdom to succeed.” The MP also highlighted the value of partnerships and community support, saying trust and cooperation were essential for growth. “If someone is willing to support you or your business, accept it, especially when it comes from someone trustworthy,” he said. Peter also spoke about the need for stronger community and education development, particularly in remote areas. He outlined plans to improve school infrastructure and address classroom shortages. “By 2027, we aim to improve school infrastructure, so every child has space to learn. Many remote schools lack proper facilities, and as an advocate for education, I must help address these challenges,” he said. He encouraged communities to take part in development programs and support skills training initiatives, describing education as a key driver of long-term progress. “It is time to take action. Papua New Guinea has great potential, and together we can make meaningful progress,” Peter said.                  

Maternal and newborn deaths remain a concern in Madang Province due to ongoing difficulties in emergency medical retrievals from remote areas.Madang Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Martin Daimen said poor road access, limited transport options and lack of funding for helicopter medivacs continue to delay urgent care for pregnant mothers.He said while air evacuations are often the only option in critical cases, there is no dedicated funding, forcing reliance on aviation companies that provide services on a credit basis.Dr Daimen said discussions are underway with the provincial government and district authorities to seek long-term support for emergency air retrievals.In a recent response, two patients were airlifted to Modilon General Hospital and treated. During the same period, a stillborn baby linked to placenta previa and a man with a severe bush knife injury died while awaiting evacuation.Health officials say improving emergency transport is key to reducing preventable deaths in the province.

The National Airports Corporation (NAC) has announced temporary measures to help manage increased passenger traffic during this busy festive season.It states that for the Tokua Airport in East New Britain province, it will temporarily accommodate the new Airbus A220 aircraft operations starting today, Tuesday 16th December 2025. This is to allow increased airline services during peak travel periods. In addition, the NAC says it can facilitate temporary night flight operations at Nadzab, Wewak, Momote and Kavieng airports, subject to advance notice from airline operators. The NAC also acknowledged that night operations fall outside its normal operating hours and place additional pressure on resources, but says the measures are necessary to ease congestion and improve passenger movement. The NAC thanked airline operators and the travelling public for their patience and cooperation and apologized for any inconvenience experienced during the peak travel period.                            

The Australian Government’s continued support for healthcare in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has seen significant progress with the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) Project, which has been strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals working with critically ill and injured children across the country.Since 2018, the project has trained over 240 health workers in key cities, including Port Moresby, Lae, and Goroka, enabling clinicians to deliver life-saving care in paediatric emergencies. To complement this vital training, the APLS project team has recently procured 13 multipurpose monitors from a local supplier, which will be used in wards at the Port Moresby General Hospital and other provincial hospitals. These monitors are designed to assist healthcare workers in tracking vital signs and guiding clinical decision-making during critical resuscitation efforts. The decision to purchase the equipment locally not only supports the healthcare system in PNG but also underscores the Australian Government’s commitment to contributing to the local economy. The procurement was a clear demonstration of the Government's aim to ensure that its development assistance benefits both the healthcare sector and the broader economic development of PNG. As part of the APLS training, clinicians are learning how to use these vital signs monitors effectively, improving their ability to respond to paediatric emergencies. The monitors will play a key role in the delivery of hands-on, real-life scenario training over a 3-day course, equipping healthcare workers with the skills and confidence needed to manage critical paediatric cases. This is part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to improving health outcomes for women and children in PNG. The APLS project is a collaborative effort, supported through the long-standing partnership between the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS), with funding from the Australian Government.                       

Prime Minister James Marape has joined leaders in the pacific and the world to condemn the terror attack in Sydney, Australia and sends condolence as well to the people and government of Australia.“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I convey my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Australia following the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney,” expressed the prime minister. “This senseless act of violence has taken innocent lives and caused immense pain to families, friends and the wider Australian community. Papua New Guinea stands in solidarity with Australia at this difficult time, sharing in your grief and mourning alongside you.” “Australia is not only our closest neighbour, but a trusted friend and partner with whom we share deep historical, social and people-to-people ties. The loss felt in Sydney is also felt in Papua New Guinea.”“We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and reaffirm our commitment to peace, security and the protection of innocent lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, the injured, the emergency responders, and all those affected by this tragic event.”“May the families of those who lost their lives find strength and comfort and may the injured make a full and swift recovery.”

BSP Financial Group Limited continues to expand its digital services with its latest addition of a new Digital Branch at 9 Mile, Eliseo Plaza in Port Moresby city which was opened today, Monday 15th December.The soft launch of the 9 Mile Digital Branch expands the Bank’s footprint to 122 branches across Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific, marking another milestone in the organization’s ongoing investment in accessible and modern banking services. Retail Bank National Operations Manager – Dennis Lamus said strategically located to serve communities in Moresby North- East, the new branch will also support customers along Sogeri Road, the Hiritano Highway, Central Province and to an extent, parts of the Gulf Province. The 9Mile branch will be open five days a week (Monday – Friday), offering convenient access to BSP’s full digital banking suite, assisted self-service facilities, card services, Deposit ATMs, Account Opening and on boarding support for Mobile and Internet Banking. Head of Retail Modernization & Network Strategy - Tyron Niddrie, said the opening underscores the Bank’s commitment to improving banking access for underserved communities.“Our Retail Modernization program continues to bring digital banking closer to where people live and work. The new 9 Mile Digital Branch will provide convenient and secure services for thousands of customers in a rapidly growing part of Port Moresby,” he added. The Bank encourages community members and customers in the surrounding areas to take advantage of the new digital branch and the services it provides. As part of the Bank’s ongoing Retail Modernization and Branch Network Strategy, the communities of Tari and Minj are next in line for branch expansions.

Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyaban has extended Christmas and New Year greetings to residents of Lae, urging the public to celebrate responsibly during the festive season.He reminded residents that safe celebrations depend on respect for the law and consideration for others in the community.“Celebrate and enjoy the season but do so responsibly. Public cooperation plays a key role in keeping Lae safe,” Chief Superintendent Kunyaban said.He also commended police officers for their commitment and hard work, noting that officers remain on duty throughout the holiday period to maintain law and order.Chief Superintendent Kunyaban highlighted recent changes to police bail in Lae as part of efforts to reduce crime. Minor offences such as public drinking, loitering, and noise pollution now carry a police bail of K1,000, while general traffic offences also attract a K1,000 bail.He said driving under the influence (DUI) would be dealt with more strictly, with bail set at K5,000 or higher, and repeated offenders facing arrest and court action.“These measures are in place to discourage unlawful behaviour and protect the public during the festive period,” he said.The Lae Metropolitan Commander warned that alcohol abuse and reckless behaviour often lead to arrests and unnecessary hardship for families.Police will continue patrols across the city throughout the festive season and are encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity or concerns.

Angau Memorial Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department will scale down services during the festive season due to severe staff and medical supply shortages.Doctor in Charge, Dr. Alex Peawi, said only strict emergency cases will be attended to, while non-emergency cases will not be seen.“We are critically down with manpower and medical supplies, so we will attend to strict emergency cases only,” Dr. Peawi said.He urged the public to take responsibility for their safety during Christmas and New Year, a period usually marked by increased accidents and alcohol-related injuries.“People must learn to look after themselves during this festive season,” he said.Angau Memorial Hospital is the main referral hospital for Morobe and nearby provinces, and health workers are urging the public to celebrate responsibly and seek emergency care only when necessary.

The Madang Provincial Police have extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the people of Madang, urging the community to celebrate safely and responsibly.Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, thanked residents for their cooperation and support throughout the year, saying community partnership has been key to maintaining law and order.He also acknowledged the support of Governor Ramsey Pariwa LLB MP, Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi, local Members of Parliament, and praised police officers for their dedication despite limited resources.Superintendent Baim reminded the public to celebrate responsibly, warning against alcohol abuse, reckless driving and unlawful behaviour during the festive period.Madang Police have encouraged the public to continue working closely with officers to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year.He concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tusbab Stallions Football Club will represent Madang Province at the National Club Championships scheduled to take place next week in Lae, Morobe Province.The Stallions secured their place in the national tournament after emerging as champions of the Madang Soccer Association competition and will now compete against leading club teams from across the country. In support of the team, the Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, through the Provincial Sports Office, provided K5,000 in funding assistance. The support was presented by Provincial Sports Coordinator Mr. Panchito Amepou, with team captain Richie Apisa receiving the funds on behalf of the club. Governor Pariwa continues to demonstrate strong commitment to youth development through sports in Madang Province, emphasizing the importance of exposing talented young players to higher levels of competition to create pathways for growth and excellence. “This support is about giving our young people the opportunity to be the best version of themselves by competing at the national level,” the Governor’s office stated. Madang Soccer Association representative Mr. Wadunah thanked Governor Pariwa for his continued support and commitment to the development of soccer in the province. The funding will assist the team with logistics and other travel-related expenses as they prepare for the championship in Lae

Sports for Development programs across Papua New Guinea marked International Human Rights Day on December 10th in Port Moresby, bringing together volunteers and development officers to highlight how sport promotes inclusion, equality, safeguarding and respect while recognizing the volunteers that are driving community change nationwide.The event united representatives from programs including NRL in PNG League Bilong Laif, Inclusive GymBad, One Netball, Hook in 4 Health and Basketball 4 Good. Participants gathered to reflect on the role sport plays in creating safer and more inclusive spaces, both on and off the field. A three-hour program featured a human rights documentary screening followed by interactive role-play sessions, allowing participants to explore real-life rights issues and practical community responses. NRL PNG Manager Cathy Neap said, “Human rights start within us through our actions and what we do or say in our homes, communities, and daily lives,” underscoring that everyday behavior is central to protecting rights. Volunteers were a major focus of the celebration, with organizers acknowledging their critical role in strengthening program delivery and community engagement across the country. Their efforts ensured that sport-based initiatives remain effective, inclusive and trusted at grassroots level. Team Up representative Lua Rikis said the occasion also marked the close of the 16 Days of Activism, describing it as a moment to reflect on collective progress. She explained that each action contributes to safer environments, encouraging continued use of sport to amplify voices, break barriers, and extend impact beyond the playing field. The event concluded with certificate presentations to volunteers by the Australian High Commission's Program Manager Mr. Milton Kisapai. As Sports for Development programs continue expanding nationwide, organizers say sport will remain a powerful platform for advancing human rights and building stronger, safer communities across Papua New Guinea.

Mangarong Primary School, one of the most hard-to-reach schools situated on the borderlands between Madang and East Sepik provinces, received a significant early Christmas present last week; a cheque worth K200, 000 delivered by the Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa.Governor Pariwa travelled by helicopter to the school, nestled between the Ramu and Sepik river deltas, to personally deliver the financial assistance. The gesture was met with delight and profound appreciation from the teachers, students, and school board members. The air was filled with the rhythmic beat of kundu drums, echoing across a tributary of the Ramu River, and a colorful display of traditional regalia was presented to acknowledge the Governor and his delegation. Mid-year, Governor Pariwa visited Mangarong in the Yawar Local Level Government (LLG) of Bogia District to witness firsthand the challenges faced by children living on the fringes of government services. During that visit, he made a firm commitment to assist, underscoring his administration’s high priority on education and building the province’s human resources. School Board Chairman Mr. Andrew Kabai expressed his deep gratitude for the financial assistance, stating it would “greatly ease the burden of space” needed to accommodate the increasing number of school children. Kabai highlighted the historic nature of the occasion, noting that since Papua New Guinea’s independence, this remote area had never been visited by any political leader or Governor. “You are the first Governor of Madang to visit our remote area twice, and we are so grateful for your servant leadership,” Kabai stated. He also acknowledged Governor Pariwa’s tireless advocacy and prioritization of education throughout Madang province, regardless of location or circumstances. “His support to remote schools reflects a true spirit of servant leadership and continues to inspire positive change across remote schools in Madang province,” Kabai added. In addition, before presenting the cheque, Governor Pariwa displayed his commitment to transparency by publicly signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the board chairman, Andrew Kabai, and the Deputy head teacher in front of the assembled community. In his address, Governor Pariwa commended the local people for maintaining law and order and for their continued faith in supporting education within their area. He further emphasized that the community does not need police intervention as long as they maintain their faith in God and continue to attend church services.