Police in the nation’s capital are concerned over the number of illegal settlements popping up in the city when executing their duties. Most of these illegal settlements have been settling on land where landowners had been identified by the courts and eviction has occurred. The Acting Metropolitan Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang confirmed that the vacant land portion at Garden Hills that was evicted in December 2021, is now being occupied by settlers that may cause threat to the genuine people residing there. Mr. Mazuc Rubiang confirmed that makeshift structures have been erected in the area, and more people are moving in to settle there. He noted that these settlers are now operating illegal markets on the roadside, creating hazards for residents traveling to their homes in the Garden Hills area. "Since the court has identified the landowners, the police assisted in evicting the illegal settlers. Now, the landowners must take responsibility for their land by preventing further trespassing and finding ways to develop it. The Garden Hills Settlement has been a major issue in the past; after the eviction, there were fewer law and order problems in Boroko, Waigani Central, and surrounding areas. However, with the return of illegal settlers, those issues are rising again. Residents have filed many complaints against the settlers," said Supt. Rubiang. Rubiang noted that Police have been receiving daily complaints from settlements in the city, including Kipo, Two Mile Hills, Morata, and some new areas popping up in the suburbs. He urged landowners who have received titles to ensure they have the proper legal documents before seeking police assistance in removing illegal settlers. “I have noticed that many street vendors come from places where they do not have permanent residence, like the 2021 eviction site in Garden Hills. Because they lack permanent homes, they can easily move around and avoid accountability. We need to stop them from occupying land that belongs to others,” Rubiang said. He then thanked his police officers for their respond to report from Garden Hills, regarding settlers' criminal activities, roadside vending, drunkards disturbing residents, and even the ones the police had put fires from the settlers. “I want the landowners to come forward so we can discuss how to best remove the settlers. If we do not act now, their numbers will increase, leading to more problems in the future,” Supt. Rubiang warned.

The next Pacific Mini Games is coming up next year and the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is not wasting anytime in preparing to send a contingent from the country to Palau, where the games will be held. The Justification Committee has officially started the evaluation of Team PNG's sports and athletes for the upcoming 2025 Pacific Mini Games, which will be held in Palau from June 30 to July 9th. The committee aims to lay a strong foundation for the Games by ensuring that Team PNG meets eligibility and performance requirements. With 14 sports featured in the 2025 Palau Pacific Mini Games, Team PNG will participate in 11 of them: Archery, Athletics, Swimming, Basketball, Beach and Indoor Volleyball, Va’a, Table Tennis, Softball, Judo, Triathlon, and Weightlifting. However, after careful review, the Justification Committee did not endorse three sports due to non-compliance with the committee’s requirements. Full endorsements were granted to Basketball 3x3, Swimming, Table Tennis (including Para), Va’a, Beach and Indoor Volleyball, and Weightlifting. Athletics and Softball received provisional endorsements, pending the submission of executive meeting minutes and approval of their Selection Policy. Final decisions will depend on meeting these outstanding compliance criteria. National Federations must submit athlete details for preliminary endorsement before October 31st, 2024, for the committee to conduct review meetings from February 24 to 28, 2025. Although these meetings will not determine the final team composition, the first round of athlete selections will be completed by March 2025, with the final entry list confirmed by May 16th, 2025. Background checks will ensure that officials have no criminal records, and they must complete mandatory courses on Safeguarding, Anti-Doping, and Prevention of Competition Manipulation. Endorsable roles include Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, Assistant Team Managers, and Trainers. A core component of the committee’s endorsement process is the Selection Policy, which must clearly define transparent criteria for athlete selection. Sports bodies are also required to submit high-performance plans outlining strategies to prepare athletes for competitive success. Additionally, National Federations must provide comprehensive lists of athletes and officials, along with evidence of governance and compliance with the standards and regulations of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC). Sports not endorsed by the committee had until Friday, October 25, 2024, to appeal the decision through the Sports Disputes Tribunal. Chef de Mission, Kinivanagi Karo, will lead Team PNG at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. Participation is contingent upon meeting all outlined requirements within the designated timelines, ensuring that both athletes and officials are fully prepared to represent the nation.

In the heart of Port Moresby city, a courageous man is fighting a battle. Mr. Jack Nambari, a 58-year-old elder from East Sepik, is confronting an exceedingly rare and aggressive form of blood cancer called multiple myeloma. His story is one of resilience, faith, and an urgent need for support as he and his family navigate this difficult journey. Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer where abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, pushing out healthy cells. This leads to severe complications like anemia, infections, and debilitating bone pain. In Jack's case, the symptoms first appeared as persistent backaches last November. When the pain refused to subside, his family took him to Pacific International Hospital (PIH), where further tests were ordered. After two weeks, the results came back from Australia confirming that Jack had blood cancer cells attacking his backbone. That news devastated the whole family. In March, Jack began his treatment, undergoing what doctors refer to as "cycles" of medication. Now on his third cycle, he is being treated with Temoside, a powerful anti-cancer drug that targets the brain tissue and stops the cancer cells from multiplying. Each injection costs K5,000, adding more financial pressure than Jack and the family are facing. “Dad is a fighter,” says his daughter, Miss Pethryn Nambari. "For the past eight months, he has battled through the pain and the loss of his balance and ability to walk. But nothing has stopped him from pushing forward with his treatments.” Despite the hardships they face daily, the Nambari family holds steadfast in their faith. Miss Nambari shares, “We believe that God is watching over us, and we have faith that everything will work out in His time.” Their faith has been a source of strength as they cope with Jack’s illness and the financial burden of his treatment. Jack Nambari’s fight is far from over, and the costs of his ongoing treatment are overwhelming. That is why Jack’s family is holding a Medical Fundraiser this Saturday 26th at the Gray Hauswin , Murry Barracks from 8AM to 6PM. The participation and contribution from those interested in helping with this fundraiser can ease this burden and provide Jack with a fighting chance. Every contribution brings hope and relief to a family that refuses to give up. By supporting Jack’s battle with cancer, this does not only help him but also stand with countless others who are facing similar struggles. An appeal and extended invitation has been made by daughter Pethryn to anyone who would like to contribute financially or help spread the word, is greatly appreciated as every bit of support matters. Together, we can make a difference and give Jack the strength to keep fighting.

The Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) has raised alarm over the escalating crime crisis in Papua New Guinea, revealing that 263 people, reported in the media, have been killed in the past year. During a media conference today, Transparency International PNG Chair and CCAC Co-Chair, Mr. Peter Aitsi called on leaders to take responsibility for the crisis and ensure public safety. The conference addressed the ongoing violence, which included recent killings in East New Britain, Enga, and Port Moresby. Mr. Aitsi emphasized that the loss of 263 lives is unacceptable. "This level of violence should not be tolerated in our communities or the country.” He further highlighted the urgent need for a unified response from the government and community leaders. Meanwhile, CCAC Co-Chair and President of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Neville Choi echoed these sentiments and urged police and community members to act decisively. He warned against the normalization of brutality shared on social media, and in turn emphasized the need for immediate action to stop the violence. The CCAC has expressed deep concern over rising crime levels, calling on the government and public officials to implement a comprehensive crime prevention strategy focusing on economic recovery, unemployment, and poverty. Aitsi further stressed the need for government intervention, stating, “It’s time for our leaders to step up and take full accountability for the problem and the issues we’re facing as a nation.” He said the government and relevant law enforcement agencies must acknowledging the crisis and implement necessary reforms to tackle the root causes of violence. Choi, also remarked that the graphic images of brutality shared on social media show a troubling trend of desensitization among the public. He said the media's role must be to provide timely and factual information to help deter violence and highlighted the necessity for transparency in government processes. Mr. Michael Guka, representing the PNG Council of Churches, lamented the situation, and stated, “Life is sanctioned by God. Only God will take life through natural means.” He called for collective responsibility among leaders to address the societal issues contributing to the violence. Furthermore, PNG Trade Union Congress National Women’s representative, Wilma Kosi, noted that the current lawlessness is not a sudden development. "There are other pressing issues in relation to how we take to this place where we are now. Where women, girls, minority groups are being assaulted in public places, on public transport, on their way to work, on their way to school. So this is not an overnight issue," Kosi said. "And current political leadership, current leaders in power, in community, in business, need to all come together. And who's going to take the lead?" "The leaders must be the political leaders who have been elected to represent the people. Workers pay revenue to this country." "Workers' physical, psychological, emotional health must be taken care of. Because without the labor force in this country, how can you be sure to go down the drain?" "The current statistics is very troubling. Because every time someone knocks on the door, they have the risk of getting assaulted and getting killed." "Now, part of our everyday greeting is be safe. What does that say? When you say be safe, instead of saying good morning, good afternoon, that greeting in itself speaks volumes." Aitsi concluded the conference by stressing the need for immediate action. “The action needs to start now. We can no longer wait.” The CCAC remains resolute in its call for government accountability and community action to combat the rising tide of violence and restore peace across the nation.