The Friends of Madang Provincial Hospital organization is gearing up for its annual fundraising climb, scheduled for October this year. Spearheaded by Vice Chairperson Interim, Ms. Pamela Eugenio, the organization, born out of personal loss experiences within the hospital, is dedicated to proactive support for the community and hospital. Eugenio explains, the focus of this year's fundraising efforts will be on the Early Detection Cervical Cancer Clinic and the Madang Provincial Hospital (MPH), crucial facilities heavily reliant on donations for operation. “The clinic serves women not only in Madang but also from Morobe and the Highlands region.” Despite financial hurdles, with each member responsible for their own trip expenses, the group aims to raise K100, 000. She says support is expected from local businesses, individuals, and organizations both locally and internationally. The fundraising timeline includes a climb in October, followed by a grace period for sponsors to fulfill pledges, reporting, presentation, and equipment purchase for targeted departments. She added that to ensure transparency, funds are managed through Bank South Pacific, with an Executive Committee overseeing decision-making. The organization's efforts are endorsed by the Madang Provincial Health Authority, with openness to collaboration with various entities. Since its inception in 2019, the organization has successfully raised over K110, 000, supporting MPH and other healthcare units. Meanwhile interested parties can contact the organization through their Facebook page or email or contact Pamela Eugenio at +675 8241 9020 for further information.

Madang police has reported a significant incident within the last 24 hours involving the death of an armed criminal during a thwarted armed holdup. Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent, Robert Baim, says the attempted armed holdup occurred between 06:15 am to 06:30 am at Madang Airport Road, opposite James Burns and the Yaul Manjuwat DCA Settlement, towards the Sewage Garden. Police Mobile 14 Northern Mobile Group (NMG) on rotational deployment with the Ramu Nickel MCC at Glass House for routine escort duty, encountered the situation at Kubai Junction. Approximately ten armed criminals, wielding homemade guns, bush knives, and wire catapults, attempted to ambush the Assert Protection Officer (APD) vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and fired wire catapults at the vehicle. Despite the vehicle being hit, the APDs maneuvered through the attack. Officers in the rear car witnessed the incident and swiftly responded. They engaged the armed suspects, closing in on them as one suspect aimed a homemade gun at an officer from a distance while another suspect had already attacked the first car with a wire catapult, lodging it in the left side door. Madang Transnational Crime and National Criminal Intelligence Units (TCU-NCIU) were alerted by Mobile 14, and upon arrival at the scene, confirmed the identities of the assailants and provided assistance to the wounded, who were transported to Modilon General Hospital Accident and Emergency. Approximately an hour later, Modilon Hospital Emergency Staff reported that the wounded suspect had succumbed to their injuries. The deceased body was subsequently taken to the morgue after being pronounced dead by a medical doctor. The deceased armed criminal was identified as Fabian Morris, aged 24, from Mundu village, Madang Province. Additionally, He was a known member of an organized gang group operating in Madang, known as ZULU 58, which includes members from DCA, BMR, Mero, Sagalau Abbitor, and Wagol Youths. The gang is notorious for major crimes in Madang town and its outskirts. Members of ZULU 58 typically bear gang patches or tattoos on their backsides, symbolizing their affiliation. Morris was a self-employed criminal who had a history of involvement in various criminal activities, including break and enter thefts, armed robbery, and armed holdups. While he had no previous convictions, he had several pending investigations against him. Furthermore, the Madang Transnational Crime Units and National Criminal Intelligence Units had been monitoring Morris due to his extensive criminal record until his demise during the foiled armed holdup. Meanwhile PPC Baim says this should serve as a warning to criminals attempting to defy the law, asserting that they will not tolerate such disrespectful behaviour toward the law-abiding citizens of the nation and have express their frustration, stating that they are fed up. “If individuals are armed, the police will not hesitate to take them down to prevent harm to innocent lives.”

The U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea was pleased to announce that starting April 17, 2024, visitor visas (B-1/B-2 visas) issued to Papua New Guinean citizens traveling to the United States will be valid for a maximum of six months with single entry. “B-1/B-2 visitor visas for Papua New Guineans were previously valid for a maximum of one month with single entry.” “This update is reflected in the revised visa reciprocity schedule.” “This update does not impact the validity of any B-1/B-2 visas issued prior to April 17, 2024.” According to a statement, this change will bring immediate, tangible benefits to Papua New Guineans visiting family members, attending conferences, and engaging in tourism in the United States by enabling PNG nationals to apply for their visas several months in advance of their travel. “This change will also enable U.S. Embassy Port Moresby’s consular section to make visa interview appointment times available for applicants to schedule more than a month in advance.” Visitor visas are valid for 12 months with multiple entry remain an option only for qualified short-term business visa (B-1) applicants for an additional fee. “As of April 17, 2024, 12-month, multiple entry visas are no longer available for tourist visa (B-2) applicants.” Meanwhile through visa services to millions of customers each year, the Department of State promotes travel and tourism, facilitates the flow of regulated labour, enables business travel and investment, protects national security, and contributes to key U.S. economic sectors and supports thousands of U.S. jobs. For more information on this, the U. S Embassy has urged people of PNG to see the revised visa reciprocity schedule on travel.state.gov for more information.

The Papua New Guinea Squash Rackets Federation (PNGSRF) celebrates the outstanding achievements of its junior athletes at the prestigious Australian Juniors Open (AJO) and the Oceania Junior Championships (OJC) held in Melbourne, Australia. In a field of nearly 300 juniors hailing from various continents including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North America, and the South Pacific, the PNG contingent showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournaments. At the Australian Junior Open, held from Monday, April 8th to Thursday, April 11th, Ethan Kriebisch, competing in the U11 Boys category at the age of 10, demonstrated his prowess by securing the 9th position in his second appearance at the event. Meanwhile, Timonaliz Alarcos Kriebisch, competing in the U13 Girls category at the age of 11, claimed an impressive 6th place in her second consecutive AJO participation. Additionally, Gabriella Cox, making her debut at the AJO, exhibited promising talent by finishing 21st in the U17 Girls category. Transitioning to the Oceania Junior Championships from Friday, April 12th to Sunday, April 14th, the PNG juniors continued to excel on the international stage. Ethan Kriebisch, participating in his third OJC, replicated his performance from the AJO by securing the 9th position in the U11 Boys category. Timonaliz Alarcos Kriebisch, also competing in her third OJC, elevated her performance further by clinching the 4th position in the U13 Girls category, marking a significant achievement. Additionally, Gabriella Cox, making her debut at the OJC, impressed with a 20th place finish in the U17 Girls category. Reflecting on the success of the PNG junior squash team, Lady Anna Togolo, representing Papua New Guinea Squash Rackets Federation, expressed enthusiasm about the invaluable experience gained by the athletes from participating in elite competitions such as the AJO and OJC. “The experience gained from attending these elite competitions is part of our long-term strategy to take podium positions at the 2027 Tahiti Pacific Games”. She stressed that these experiences are essential to the federation's long-term plan to qualify for the Tahiti Pacific Games podium in 2027.

The Papua New Guinea Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) recently congratulated and hosted a small but significant ceremony in recognition of three staff members who graduated from Divine Word University under the tuition fee support from PNG Ports Corporate Sponsorship Scheme. The PNG Ports Corporate Sponsorship Scheme was specifically designed to aid staff with full or partial financial aid for undergraduate and post graduate studies at any recognized tertiary institution in PNG and abroad. Team Leader-Standards and Licensing in the Maritime compliance Division of PNG Ports Tobias Goimba, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, among two female staff from Motukea Port Operations Team, Stella Manau and Molong Kilol, Both attaining a diploma in Business studies. The Sponsorship program scope covers enrolment, registration and tuition fees, travel boarding and lodging fees and other study requirements. It inspires improve job related skills, personal development, and the empowerment of staff. PNG Ports Officer in charge Ian Hayden-Smart, commended the three staff graduates for their milestone achievement while enduring work commitments, also sharing that it is a strong example for the colleagues to follow. Furthermore, stated that this development initiative demonstrates the commitment of PNG Ports to continue to invest in its staff and the valued principle of improvement through development career opportunities, to fulfill the ever-changing business demands. In turn, ensuring the company has the capacity to perform continued success and future contribute to upskilling and developing the workforce in the country. On behalf of the three graduates Mr. Goimba expressed thanks to PNG Ports for the continuous support throughout the duration of the course each graduate undertook. Also mentioning that it would not have been possible without the financial support by PNG Ports. “We are determined to bring this newfound knowledge and skills back to PNG Ports and contribute productively in our respective roles to the overall success of the company”. According to Date, a total of 47 staff have received tuition fee support under PNGCL Corporate Sponsorship Scheme. Among the 47, 15 have successfully completed and graduated in various study programs with the rest still in progress.

A four-day showcase of Papua New Guinea’s cruise destinations and tourism opportunities presented a strong conclusion presented by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) during the 2024 Sea-trade Cruise Global Event in Miami, Florida, in the United States. In attendance, PNGTPA’s Policy & Planning Division Executive Manger Ingrid Kuman expressed the incredible value of promoting PNG at Such a prestigious event. Ms. Kuman shared that PNG’s commitment through participation efforts over the years in this prestigious travel trade event has improved significant developments in the country cruise tourism industry, especially with high level networking with cruise professionals from all over the world. Investing in cruise tourism in a decade long commitment has presented a momentous increase in cruise liner and expeditionary ships visiting the country between 2014 and 2024. Over a hundred tourist ships visited Papua New Guinea in 2023, the MS Nautica arrived in Port Moresby in early April 2024 being the most recent. According to PNG’s Visitor Arrival Records of the previous year, a total of 31,321 visitors arrived by cruise vessel into PNG. Ms. Kuman emphasized that PNGTPA, other partner agencies and stakeholders will continue to nurture cruise tourism in PNG while present. PNG’s exhibition booth presented stunning portraits, images, videos, and information brochures regarding cruise destinations in Milne Bay, East New Britain, East Sepik, Morobe, Port Moresby and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Ms. Kuman shared while present at Sea-trade Cruise Global she and her team proudly exhibited PNG’s diverse cruise Destinations to the world, and meeting cruise professionals who are keen on helping us grow our cruise tourism. The Sea-trade Cruise Global was a massive success and provided a massive opportunity for Papua New Guinea to pique the cruising interest of more than 11,000 attendees, as well as the 2,700 plus Cruise Line Executives at the event. The PNGTPA is a member of the prestigious Australian Cruise Association, one the largest and most well-connected cruise tourism organizations in Oceania, in which fellow members include Tourism Fiji and New Zealand Travel.

The National Parliament Clerk has highlighted the absence of a clear procedural framework for presenting the referendum results for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) in Parliament. A two-day workshop held in Lae aimed to address the aftermath of the Bougainville referendum and its implications for Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament. This workshop was part of the Parliamentary Partnership Agreement between the two bodies. Mr Kala Aufa says, this collaborative effort seeks to bridge the gap between parliamentary bodies regarding the handling of the referendum outcome for AROB. “It marks the second workshop in a series of efforts, with the first focusing on laying groundwork before the referendum.” “Discussions between the National Executive Council (NEC), the Minister's Office, and the Bougainville Affairs Ministry are ongoing to draft a sessional order outlining the process.” The recent workshop proposed new orders and ideas to guide the Minister in tabling the referendum results for debate on the parliamentary floor, possibly in May. “The aim is to initiate parliamentary debate and potentially form a committee to examine the results.” He says the outcomes of the workshop are expected to facilitate progress towards Bougainville's path to independence and stimulate constructive debate within Parliament. Ultimately, the goal is to enable Members of Parliament to engage in substantive discussions on the referendum results, highlighting the need for resolution of existing disagreements to pave the way for parliamentary debate and decision-making. Meanwhile, continuing this collaborative dialogue aims to foster a constructive and inclusive approach to addressing the referendum results within the parliamentary framework.

The Motukea Port of PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) played host to the Federal Member for Cunningham, New South Wales, Alison Brynes on a recent visit to Papua New Guinea. According to a statement, Cunningham’s Federal member was in the country to take on the famous Kokoda Track, outside of Port Moresby had used the opportunity to visit the Port of Motukea, where she was taken on a tour and observed operations at the Motukea International Terminal (MIT), which is operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI). She serves as the Co – Chair for the Australian Parliamentary Friends of Ports, a group which plays a leading role in providing a bi – partisan forum for Australian Parliamentarians to engage with stakeholders in the Australian Maritime Port Industry and supply chains. In welcoming Ms. Brynes to the Port, Officer in Charge of PNG Ports, Ian Hayden – Smart stated that it was a privilege to have a Federal Member of the Australian Government visit the port and see firsthand, the strides PNG Ports has made in the development of its infrastructure and the facilities available in one of the biggest ports in Australia’s closest neighbour. “PNG Ports is the recipient of substantial amount of funding from the Government and people of Australia through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).” “These funds are earmarked for the rehabilitation of a number of our community service obligation (CSO) ports, in which the Port of Motukea directly supports,” he stated. “The Ports of Motukea, Lae and Kimbe are the big three that are profitable while the other 12 ports are operated as CSO ports.” “Regardless of this, we are committed to ensuring all our ports are operational and fit for purpose to continue to contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the nation.” Hayden – Smart while acknowledging the CEO of ICTSI, Mr. Robert Maxwell for hosting the small delegation at the MIT facility, stated that the introduction of ICTSI through a 25-year concessional agreement has seen greater efficiencies at the Port of Lae and Motukea, such as quicker vessel turnaround among other improvements, which has allowed for the efficient movement of cargo in and out of our two major ports. Furthermore, Brynes who also represents the port community in Port Kembla, one of the busiest ports in Australia, was given an insight on Port Operations in Papua New Guinea, the challenges faced, and the plans PNG Ports has in place to meet the demands in maritime trade. Meanwhile the visit by Brynes signifies the role ports can play in strengthening not only relations between port communities and authorities, but also building and maintaining bilateral relations with traditional and new trading countries.

The Lae City Authority (LCA) has officially assumed control of the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae from the PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF). The transfer of ownership follows the execution of a five-year lease agreement between LCA Chief Executive Officer, Robin Calistus and PNGSF Chief Executive Officer, Albert Varatau in October 2023. Acknowledging the milestone, Member for Lae and Chairman of the Lae City Authority board John Rosso expressed gratitude to Minister for Sports Don Polye for facilitating LCA's management of the facility. He emphasized the commitment to utilize the stadium for the betterment of Lae residents and Papua New Guinea as a whole. "It has taken a couple of months to finalize the lease agreement details, and I want to assure you that we will collaborate closely with the PNGSF to enhance and maintain the stadium," stated the Deputy Prime Minister. Rosso highlighted LCA's track record in managing parks and recreational spaces across the city, underscoring the allocation of funds to ensure the efficient operation of the stadium. In an official handover ceremony, LCA CEO Robin Calistus announced that the LCA board has sanctioned an operational budget to facilitate the transition, including the appointment of new management to oversee the facility. Furthermore, LCA now oversees the entire indoor and outdoor stadium facilities, encompassing the netball and volleyball courts adjacent to the Lae Rugby League ground. Meanwhile this move aligns with Deputy Prime Minister Rosso's vision to revitalize Lae, fostering an environment reminiscent of its prosperous past where families can enjoy safe and peaceful recreational spaces.

Renowned Papua New Guinean journalist Scott Waide has called for a thorough review of journalism programs taught in universities, asserting that the current curriculum often fails to align with the demands of the industry. Waide emphasized that crucial aspects of modern journalism, such as utilizing platforms like TikTok and managing social media content, are largely overlooked in academic settings. During a weeklong training session attended by 13 journalists from Morobe and the Highlands region, organized by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Media Development Initiative, Waide highlighted the disparity between classroom teachings and real-world practices. He emphasized the need for a curriculum that incorporates multimedia journalism and investigative reporting techniques tailored to the digital age. The training, aimed at addressing the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, was initiated in response to the growing demand for better-prepared journalism graduates entering the workforce. Waide, along with other industry experts, stressed the importance of imparting fundamental journalism skills to young professionals, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern media landscapes. Through collaboration with the ABC, a specialized training template was developed and refined to cater to the needs of aspiring journalists, whether they are recent graduates or individuals transitioning from other fields with the objective to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of journalism principles and practical skills essential for success in the evolving media landscape. Meanwhile the call for an overhaul of journalism education underscores the critical need to bridge the gap between academia and industry practices, ensuring that aspiring journalists are adequately prepared to meet the challenges of today's media environment.

U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Ann Marie Yastishock visited Port Moresby General Hospital and saw the work of U.S. Army doctors, nurses, and medical specialists who are sharing best practices, learning, and helping patients over the next 10 days as part of a U.S. Army surgical rotation. Members of the 135th Forward Resuscitative and Surgical Detachment, 65th Medical Brigade, arrived at Port Moresby General Hospital on April 8, 2024, and are working side-by-side with their Papua New Guinean medical peers for nearly a week and a half. The detachment consists of physicians, orthopaedic and general surgeons, various nursing specialists, and Army medics which included U.S. Army Lt. Col. Stephen Watt, an anaesthesiologist, and the acting detachment commander for the team from the 135th FRSD who said it was a privilege to serve the people of PNG. “We are all very excited to be here … we feel very privileged to serve and treat the people of Papua New Guinea.” “We’ve already been sharing knowledge, conducted some classes, (and) exchanged best practice information with them.” Port Moresby General Hospital and 18th U.S. Army Medical Command are currently working on establishing an agreement to extend the U.S. Army’s partnership with the hospital on a long-term basis. This surgical rotation was facilitated by the Defense Cooperation Agreement which was signed in May 2023 and ratified in August 2023. Ambassador Yastishock met members of the detachment who are helping make a difference in the lives of the South Pacific nation’s citizens. “I want to say a huge thank you for the tour and for allowing us to come in and meet your staff but also this opportunity to meet the team from the U.S. Army.” “I was very impressed with the areas of the hospital that we saw — the emergency room, the surgical unit, the ICU — and really just how well the staffs have been working side-by-side with each other.” “Not only working side-by-side but exchanging those important areas of medical services — that is really the whole point of this rotation.” The detachment rapidly integrated with the hospital’s staff while learning its processes and procedures in less one day. “We’ve been very impressed with the medical care we’ve seen from the medical staff here,” he said. Furthermore, the short amount of time the staff and his unit has spent together has already produced learning opportunities from both the Port Moresby General Hospital staff and the U.S. Army medical team. “We really appreciate the opportunity to observe the care that we’ve seen them provide to patients who have experienced conditions that we don’t traditionally see at our home hospital.” Meanwhile this is the second surgical rotation. The inaugural rotation took place in December 2023, less than six months after the Defense Cooperation Agreement between the governments of Papua New Guinea and the United States was ratified.

PNG has received the green light for its agricultural produce to enter China, as both countries look into expanding trade relations. This follows an announcement by Prime Minister James Marape about China lifting all biosecurity issues on PNG’s agricultural produce. The significant revelation was made during the closing ceremony of the two-day Department of Agriculture and Subsector Agencies Meeting held in Port Moresby on Friday, April 12, 2024. He describes it as a ‘landmark development’ that now ‘signifies a new era of opportunity for Papua New Guinea's agricultural sector, opening doors to expanded trade relations with one of the world's largest economies. Prime Minister Marape said details regarding this development will be disclosed in the forthcoming visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to PNG. This is a follow on from a series of high-level bilateral meetings between both countries. Prime Minister Marape had met with Chinese President Xi Jinping last October in Bejing on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. President Xi had reaffirmed China's commitment to enhancing cooperation with PNG and expressed China's willingness to strengthen its enduring friendship with PNG and to enhance political mutual trust. He also pledged to expand cooperation across various sectors to benefit the citizens of both countries. Prime Minister Marape said, "We will be announcing that biosecurity issues have been completely lifted (and) any produce from PNG can now find its way to the Chinese market.” “If any countries in the region are slow to changing their bio-security standards, China has opened their markets to us." The prime minister also used the opportunity to issue a challenge to the agriculture sector, urging heads of various commodity boards and agencies to escalate production to meet the burgeoning demand in the Chinese market. "The challenge is: Do we have the production to meet the demands of the Chinese market?”