Gulf police are the first provincial police command to have successfully implemented the new Controlled Substances Act, with Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Jeffrey Lemb highlighting its severe penalties, leading to recent convictions of 12 drug dealers sentenced to 30 years each by the Kerema District Court. “Unlike previous drug laws, this one carries penalties rivalling those of rape and murder.” “On this occasion, seven people go 30 years each for conveying huge amounts of marijuana.” This marks a significant crackdown on drug offenses, with previous convictions totalling over 300 years, underscoring the province's commitment to combating drug-related crime. In 2023, Gulf police had a similar major drug activity bust. “The first drug cases saw a combined conviction years exceeding 300 years in imprisonment (and) the current cumulative total for this court sentence is 281 years for the 12 defendants.” Among the 12 convicted individuals is Paulaus Ekali, from Sembirigi in Erave District, Southern Highlands who was arrested by Kikori police at Delta Market for possession of controlled substances, found with 13.5 grams of marijuana in a medicine plastic, in his bilum. Also among the convicted individuals are Able Kama and Samu Pup from Kiluwe village in the Hagen district of Western Highlands, apprehended with five blocks of marijuana weighing 8.35 kg concealed within four 50 kg tobacco bags, who were charged with drug trafficking on February 21 after their arrest on February 20. Both are married – Kama, a father of four and Pup has three children. Another individual, an unemployed father of one, Andabe Timothy from Tari-Pori in Hela, was found with 21 packs of marijuana for sale at K2 each, totaling 11.6 grams, resulting in his conviction for drug trafficking. Another prisoner is Ben Wa, from Niai village, Erave, Southern Highlands, an unemployed father of four with no prior conviction who was residing at Pepeke settlement in Kikori, when police apprehended him con February 25 between 7 and 8pm. Wa was charged on February 28 with trafficking a controlled substance when police discovered in his bilum two separate blocks of marijuana wrapped up in white A4 size papers weighing 185.2 grams, along with K520 cash from the sale of marijuana. Kikori police also apprehended some of these prisoners on board a 40-horse-powered outboard motor dinghy with 6.28 kg of marijuana. One of them is Waks Anu, an unemployed father of four, who was then residing in Bekona settlement in Daru, charged with dealing with a controlled substance under section 62 (3) (b) of the Controlled Substances Act 2021 and having said controlled substance under section 63 (3) (a). Police apprehended him on March 1 between 8 and 9 am at Titoti in Kikori. He was formally charged on March 3 at Kikori police station. Another prisoner is a street seller, Willie Osei, from Yanguri village in Erave, Southern Highlands, who was residing at Wabuda Kona in Daru, Western Province, and married with two children. He was charged with dealing with a controlled substance (marijuana) weighing 6.28 kg under Section 62(3) (b) of the Controlled Substance Act 2021. The other charges he was convicted on and sentenced to were dealing with a controlled substance under Section 62(1) (b) of the Controlled Substance Act 2021], and trafficking said controlled substance under Section 68(1) (b) of Controlled Substance Act 2021 and being in possession of said weighted controlled substance under section 63(3) (a) of Controlled Substance Act 2021]. Police said the offence took place at Titoti, Kikori between 8 and 9am on March 1, with police formally charging him two days later. Also among those apprehended and convicted were David Kende Reali, an unemployed 30-year-old from Idawi village in Hela province, and Gebbie Tangi, a 40-year-old driller at Habors Drilling Company in Hides, Hela Province, who has two children, and was the only one with formal employment among the prisoners, already earning a K2, 000 plus salary from his job. Additionally, Awai Omere, a 24-year-old unemployed resident of Kowabu village in Western Province, and Yalo Pima, a father of three from Tupiri village in Southern Highlands, were arrested and charged with drug-related offenses, further highlighting the widespread nature of the illicit drug trade in the region. Another prisoner, a father of three, Yalo Pima, from Tupiri village, in Mendi district in Southern Highlands, was residing at Kekea village in Kikori, when he was apprehended on January 26 and charged under Section 86 (1)(c) of the Controlled Substance Act 2021 for trafficking 46 rolled-up K2 packs of marijuana weighing a total of 33.2grams. Police found on him a black and yellow waist bag containing 46 K2 packs of marijuana wrapped with golden smoke papers and weighing a total of 33.2 grams, together with a sales cash of K156 from the sale of marijuana. Gulf PPC Lemb said court exhibits used to convict the prisoners, found by Kikori police included a black traveling bag containing 9 large blocks of marijuana wrapped in a white plastic wrapper and weighing a total 4.18Kg; a white bucket with green lead containing five (5) large blocks of marijuana weighing a total of 1.89Kg; a white bucket with white lead containing three (3) large rolls, two (2) medium size packs, 39 rolled K5 packs in exercise book pages and 14 rolled K2 packs in aluminium foil all containing marijuana and placed in a 1Kg roots rice plastic, all weighing a total of 0.21Kg. The 12 suspects were caught between 26th January and 1st March 2024 in Kikori District by Kikori Police, and following their successful conviction and sentencing, PPC Lemb reiterated his warning to people facilitating, conveying, or transporting to sell and distribute marijuana (controlled substances) that his police will continue to monitor Gulf and its bordering provinces. “We have a very dedicated bunch of personnel who stop at nothing to ensure that the bad people in society are caught, diligently dealt with, and put away from the society.” “Especially Kikori Police Station personnel who have tirelessly worked night and day to successfully put this group of criminals behind bars.” “As anyone can see, Gulf Province is not a favorable place to do the illegal drug business.” “They can either quit or take their business elsewhere.” “You come to Gulf to do your illegal drug business; you will regret it big time.”

The St John Ambulance service in Lae had experienced a disappointing incident on Friday, 12 April where heartless perpetrators vandalized one of their ambulances, stealing vital equipment including an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and personal belongings of dedicated paramedics. This appalling act, according to a statement occurred when unidentified individuals broke into the ambulance while it was parked at the Lae Main Market area. Momase Regional Commander Anderson Poumb condemned the act stating that this act not only undermines the crucial service provided to the community but also endangers lives. “The AED is not just a piece of equipment; it is a lifeline for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a tool that can mean the difference between life and death in critical moments.” “We are urging whoever is responsible to return the stolen AED immediately to the Ambulance Station in Lae. “ Poumb said that it was disheartening to witness such behaviour after they had just completed an awareness program aimed at fostering community cooperation recently. “Our officers work tirelessly to serve the people in Lae, often facing challenging situations.” “The least that the community can do is provide a safe space for us to do our work.” “We implore anyone with information about the whereabouts of the stolen AED or the individuals involved to come forward and assist the authorities in their investigation.” Furthermore, St John Ambulance remains committed to our mission of providing emergency medical care to those in need. “We call upon the community to stand with us against such acts of vandalism and theft, which threaten the safety and well-being of us all.” Meanwhile a police report has been filed in Lae regarding the incident. The total estimated cost of the stolen equipment and items is approximately K21, 000 (with the Zoll AED pro alone valued at K15, 000 upon arrival in PNG).

Twelve drug dealers, caught in Kikori, Gulf Province, are each serving a 30-year jail term after being sentenced under the Controlled Substances Act of 2021. Gulf Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Jeffrey Lemb said the drug dealers were all caught between January 26 and March 1 this year by Kikori police. He said they were all convicted and sentenced by the Kerema District Court on various drug offences ranging from ranging from facilitating, conveying, or transporting to selling and distributing controlled substances – marijuana (cannabis sativa). Of the 12 suspects, five (5) were charged for selling and distributing controlled substances; the court gave them lesser penalties based on the amount they were dealing with. The other seven (7) were charged with conveying controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 and were sentenced to 30 years imprisonment at Bomana jail. From these seven (7), five (5) were charged with an additional charge of facilitating the movement of controlled substances and given an additional 10 years but will be served concurrently - meaning that these 10 years will be served within the 30-year imprisonment term. PPC Lemb said this should serve as a warning to any other person dealing with drugs and involved in the drug trafficking business. “People who are dealing with drugs or in the drug business should be seriously warned that the justice system will not be lenient on persons found guilty on this illegal activity.” “Gulf Police has its own share of problems like shortage of manpower and resources but we strive to achieve the maximum with what we got at our disposal.” “We have a very dedicated bunch of personnel who stop at nothing to ensure that the bad people in society are caught, diligently dealt with and put away from the society.” “Especially Kikori Police Station personnel who have tirelessly worked night and day to successfully put this group of criminals behind bars.” “The current Senior Provincial Magistrate Mr Francis Figu is also a fair but firm administrator of justice.” “He has shown in this instance that people who deliberately break laws to earn a living in this country must be dealt with strongly so that the message gets across to those who are dealing with dangerous drugs and those future dealers can be deterred.”

“More gun control action is needed to address the growing issue of national gun-related violence in the country.” This has been highlighted by Prime Minister James Marape and conveyed by Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko at the recent opening of the National Workshop on Coordination Mechanisms and Comprehensive National Strategy on Small Arms Control in Port Moresby. The Minister said there is great need for outcomes and action on National Gun Violence issues, when affirming political will to do so from the government as a result of assertions of instances of political sponsorship of weapons. “It is the big issue that we must all address together (and) if we're all thinking about the good of our country, then these political issues must come to a compromise.” “From these discussions and data collected on the ground, the UN organization will give us a full detailed report of their findings as well as recommendations for how we can best achieve effective reduction of gun violence.” “It’s not hard, we do not need to be rocket scientists to work out how to remove guns from the provinces.” He also spotlighted an extensive report which was put together by Retired Major-General Jerry Singirok in 2005 that highlights gun control measures. “If you read through it, it's only for our government to implement a lot of those recommendations which will help our police implement the removal of small arms and firearms throughout Papua New Guinea.” “Personally, in my electorate in Moresby South, we do have minor gun issues but mostly from home-made guns, not factory-made guns – and they're all usually alcohol or drug-related crimes.” “But we need to make a decision, we need to get an outcome and not talk about it anymore.” The Minister also expressed great gratitude to the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, the UN Country Team in the country, and the European Union for the support to the Government for the workshop. The workshop is organized under the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Initiative, jointly implemented in PNG by the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, UNRCPD, UNDP PNG, and UNFPA PNG.

“Porgera and other resource investments are important economic activities and BSP is pleased to return banking services to the mining township.” That’s from Bank of South Pacific Group General Manager Retail, Mr Daniel Faunt. The BSP Porgera Branch reopened its doors to customers on Monday 15th April 2024, one year after it was closed due to security issues. In a statement, Faunt said that the reopening of the Porgera Gold Mine will be a catalyst for continued economic growth following the mine’s closure almost two years ago. He confirmed that the Porgera Branch service offering will include 2 ATMs, 40 EFTPoS Merchants and one Agent. “Banking is an essential service – particularly in remote communities.” “As the only bank operating in Porgera, we call upon the community leaders to support the safety and wellbeing of our staff and protect our facilities to ensure it remains accessible to the broader community.” Additionally, He noted that when banking services were withdrawn in April 2023, customers were forced to travel to Wabag for commercial banking services. “Across the Enga Province, BSP services these communities via 8 ATMs, 224 EFTPOS facilities and 5 agents – in addition to the Wabag and Progera branches as well as Wapenamanda Sub-Branch.” Meanwhile the BSP Financial Group Limited is a leading Retail and Corporate bank with over 120 branches across the Pacific and operate over 80 branches across all provinces in PNG alone.

Police have been ordered by the Prime Minister to look into threats against Opposition Member and Member for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu following an official complaint Mr Iduhu laid with the office of the Commissioner of Police. The MP is reported to have received threats via his personal phone number, directed at his family. Prime Minister James Marape, has strongly condemned this, further denouncing any threats on Members of Parliament. “I have directed the police to thoroughly investigate these allegations and to prosecute the offender accordingly.” “My leadership has encountered challenges from Opposition leaders since June 2019, but prior to 2024, none have involved such severe threats,” he said, stressing the importance of a robust Opposition for effective governance. “We take these allegations seriously and will not overlook them.” “We have requested that the police diligently pursue this matter (and) while we welcome constructive criticism, threats against leaders are unacceptable.” “To my supporters: in my 18 years of elected service, including nearly five years as PNG’s Prime Minister, I have faced and learned from criticism.” “Criticism serves as a mirror, reflecting how we can better serve our nation.” “I urge you all to embrace diverse opinions and maintain tolerance.” Prime Minister Marape further addressed the issue of veiled threats and intimidation facilitated by unregistered SIM cards. “Politics should never serve as a pretext for harming individuals or our country.” “Our nation and its people are paramount and must live without fear of threats or intimidation.” “Regarding the issue of veiled threats and intimidation via unregistered SIM cards, I am advocating for mandatory registration of all phone numbers.” “This measure will enhance our ability to identify and apprehend criminals swiftly.”

The National Court in Waigani dismissed an attempt by Ambunti-Drekikir MP Johnson Wapupai to have the Commissioner of Police served with contempt charges, deeming it an abuse of process. Justice John Carey not only dismissed the application on Saturday morning but also recommended Mr. Wapupai's lawyer, David Dotaona, be referred to the PNG Law Society for unprofessional conduct. This follows the National Court orders for the Police Commissioner and the State through the office of the Solicitor General to join the proceeding which contained ‘very serious’ allegations against Mr. Manning. The urgent application by Mr. Wapupai and a non-commissioned officer, Tinol Pakiapon, sought orders for Manning to be brought to court and charged with contempt of a district court proceeding. They were contending that Manning should be found guilty of contempt of a criminal proceeding at the district court in Waigani, on a warrant of arrest application filed by Detective Senior Sergeant Tinol. They were seeking to have Manning charged with contempt for the special orders he made on March 20th, claiming that the directive was issued after Manning became aware of a warrant of arrest against him concerning allegations of rape of a minor in Talasea in West New Britain on June 9th, 2000. They also sought to have Manning charged over the special circular he released called the Sensitive Investigations Board, which they allegedly impinged upon a matter under deliberation by the district court. Last week before Saturday morning’s court decision, opposing views over the matter were raised in local media. Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, had described the move as politicizing the Constitutional office of the Police Commissioner for the self-serving interests of an overly ambitious few, while Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa called for Minister Tsiamalili to ‘rein in’ the police commissioner, and further went on to call for Mr. Manning to step down from office in light of these serious allegations. Mr. Manning last week was reappointed for another four years in office.

Former Acting Managing Director of the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), William Lakain, received commendation for achieving significant milestones during his tenure, including the development of crucial national plans and guidelines. Minister for Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change, Simo Kilepa, praised Lakain's efforts, conveyed by his First Secretary Motsy David during Friday's handover event to newly appointed acting MD, Debra Sungi. Ms. Sungi will serve in this role for three months while the position is advertised to be filled with a permanent appointment. The small, but significant leadership transition handover ceremony was also witnessed by CCDA management. Mr. David, speaking on behalf of the Minister and the Government, thanked Mr. Lakain for his leadership over the last two years. “Despite challenges faced by the organization, CCDA achieved key milestones, such as developing the National Adaptation Plan, developing the National REDD+ Safeguards Guidelines, and amending the Climate Change Management Act (CCMA 2023).” “On behalf of the Minister and the Government, I commend you for your leadership.” In welcoming the incoming Acting Managing Director, Mr. David congratulated Ms. Sungi on her appointment, stressing she utilized her three-month term effectively, as determined by the National Executive Council. In response, a grateful Ms. Sungi outlined three priorities she hopes to achieve during this time. “First, is to ensure the establishment of a National Climate Change Board to provide an overall strategic direction for CCDA.” “Second is to conduct a revenue generation exercise through non-tax revenues and fees for the government to respond to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in communities.” “Third is to ensure the completion of CCDA restructuring to align with the Climate Change Management Act 2023 and enhance CCDA's capabilities.”

Chief Executive Officer of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr. Paki Molumi expressed immense gratitude to the 135th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, 65th Medical Brigade for their visit to the hospital and the experiences and skills that they have shared with the emergency, surgical and ICU teams. "We had a good visit from the first team that came to this hospital.” The first surgical rotation featured the 8th FRSD, a similar U.S. Army medical detachment organic to 18th Medical Command which is based at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, alongside its higher command, U.S. Army Pacific. “To the members of the second U.S. surgical team, thank you for coming back." Dr Molumi stated that PMGH is a level six hospital and is at the higher end of the referral system in the country and that it is progressing to become a specialist hospital. "We also have to provide primary and secondary care to a growing population." "We service the entire city of over 1 million." " There’s another province nearby with a population of over 300,000 — another neighboring province we serve with about 200,000 people so this hospital serves almost 1.5 million people.” At the most, being a singular hospital responsible for providing level four, five, and six services with limited resources presents a challenge that breeds innovation and keen stewardship of medical supplies while balancing the needs of patients. Additionally, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jasmine Dede, the mission commander representing 18th MEDCOM stated that they are working to continue these visits in to the hospital. “We are working with the team and the lawyers from POMGEN on an agreement so we can continue coming for quarterly visits.” Furthermore, Port Moresby General Hospital Director of Medical Services, Dr. Kone Sobi added that the agreement would be aligned with the established DCA and will help with specifying the health engagement in the workspace. Meanwhile this surgical rotation to Papua New Guinea is one of the numerous global health engagements the 18th Medical Command facilitates in support of U.S. Army Pacific’s overarching medical security cooperation strategy throughout the Indo-Pacific. 18th MEDCOM sets the Joint theater for medical operations while increasing its strategic posture by synchronizing and coordinating health service support and medical logistics across its more than 4,000 square mile area of responsibility.

The agriculture sector is expected to yield a critical target of a K30 billion growth in the country’s economy by 2027, which will see the creation of a million jobs in the sector alone. This ambitious goal was announced by Prime Minister James Marape during the closing ceremony of a two-day Department of Agriculture and Sub-sector Agencies Meeting in Port Moresby. Key figures in attendance included Agriculture Minister John Boito, Oil Palm Minister Francis Maneke, and Agriculture Secretary Dr. Sergie Bang, alongside leaders from various agricultural commodity boards. Prime Minister Marape told them that this anticipated milestone achievement is in line with the country’s Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) IV for 2023-2027. “If, in four years, you have not contributed to growing the economy by K30 billion, then you have wasted Papua New Guinea’s time and the occupation you are holding today.” “By the end of this year, I’ll be asking all of you to give me statistics of how much you have produced in your sector.” He said people are already seasoned practitioners of agriculture, and own land which can be used for commercial agriculture, but with more policy and funding support from all provincial governments and the National Government, the sector will be pivotal for national development “Resources should not be an issue (as) you have the policies so allow the private sector to come into this space,” PM urged agricultural leaders. PM Marape also underscored the potential for agricultural activities to help create up to one million jobs by 2027. “Agriculture can mobilize the one million people envisaged by MTDP IV in pursuing economic activities.” Addressing differing views on employment, the prime minister pointed out that his administration’s approach is creating economic activities where all involved can benefit, unlike the Western view. “The Western mindset of creating jobs is someone in a paid designation." " Papua New Guinea’s mindset, especially my government’s mindset, is creating economic activities.” He likened the Opposition’s employment views to that of the Western mindset, criticizing the Opposition on its ‘limited views’. “The Opposition’s proposed alternate Prime Minister’s view of a job is someone behind a desk.”

The Marape-Rosso government has put in more resources and money into the agriculture sector. In a statement, Prime Minister James Marape underlined that under his administration, the government has spent more than previous goverments in the the agriculture industry. He pointed this out when speaking at the closing of a recent two day Department of Agriculture and subsector agencies meeting in Port Moresby. He said his administration has been pushing towards delivering significant outcomes in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan 2023-2027. “Other than my government, no government has provided and focused more on agriculture and SME’s in the last three to four years,” said Prime Minister Marape. Present during the meeting were Agriculture Minister and Secretary John Boito and Dr, Sergie Bang, Oil Palm Minister Francis Maneke and heads of and representatives of agriculture commodity boards. The Prime Minister, who is also holds the treasurer portfolio, discussed with leaders his aim for agriculture sector to excel to achieve tangible results. “All of you know my line of thoughts and my conversations in agriculture which are not for me to repeat all the time.” He stressed that they all needed to get out and do the work, and stop continuously having these repeat conversations on the same issue. “All of us are not new to this conversation.” “For me, going on five years now, I do not want continuous talking." “Let’s get out there and achieve outcomes.” “May this be the last discussion.” He now wants to see the results of progress towards achieving the goals outlined for the agriculture sector, specifically also on export figures in this space. “The next time, I want results posted up on the board."

The KPHL PNG junior tennis team demonstrated their abilities at the West Pacific Championships in Fiji, showcasing their talent and commitment in an amazing presentation. Under the guidance of their committed helper and mento Diana Hasavi and sustained by their undying love for the game, the young athletes made a lasting impression in Fiji. "First of all, the kids are looking forward to this trip," Hasavi remarked, emphasizing the anticipation and enthusiasm among the team members, particularly the under 12 boys who had been training thoroughly for twelve months. Their hard work and determination paid off as they dominated the competition, earning awards and admiration from their peers. Reflecting on the tournament, Hasavi expressed immense pride in the team's resilience and performance. "They dominated, they brought the goods, we're so proud of them," she exclaimed, highlighting the significance of their achievement in a fiercely competitive field that included havy weights like Fiji and Vanuatu. The PNG team comprised a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, with numerous under-12 players making their debut on the international stage. River Jordan Hakena and Timothy Koliwan, both first timers in the under-12 division, shared their excitement and happiness at participating in the tournament. "It was a fantastic learning experience," remarked Hakena, while Koliwan expressed pride in the team's accomplishments. Among the standout players was Nepheline Leah, a formidable force in the under-16 category, who returned to competitive tennis after a time away. Confident in her abilities, Nepheline reflected on her journey to Fiji and the challenges she overcame with self-belief and determination. Nepheline said, "It hasn't been easy, but my passion for the sport and my drive to succeed kept me going," inspiring fellow athletes to pursue their dreams. Nepheline’s views were confirmed by Hasavi, who emphasized the importance of nurturing talent and keeping a winning mentality. Looking ahead, Hasavi outlined the team's future plans, including preparations for the Pacific Oceania Junior Championships and potential opportunities for international exposure.