The Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has remembering, and acknowledging the great work done by one of their pioneer members in the industry, the Late Igo Baru, who sadly passed on recently. A representative from the Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Malcolm Sabak in paying his tribute said Late Mr. Baru was the first registered pharmacist in PNG. Today, PNG has more than three hundred pharmacists, but Mr. Baru was the first, and for that the School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical society recognizes and appreciates Mr. Baru’s innovation and leadership in the field of science and pharmacy, which will continue to inspire those who choose this profession as a career to save lives. A work colleague from the National Department of Health, Manager Pharmaceutical Services Mr. Vali Karo also in his tribute said Mr. Baru was a special gift from Porebada village in the Central province to the health sector in Papua New Guinea. “As a Director of Pharmacy division, he ensured medical doses are distributed fairly and equally throughout the four regions in PNG.” “Mr. Igo Baru will be remembered as a champion with an indelible trademark in PNG pharmaceutical industry.” The Late Mr. Baru was a former Assistant Secretary for the National Department of Health and Director for Health Facilities and also a prominent businessman. He passed away on 05th January 2025 at the age of 69, whilst he was seeking medical treatment for kidney and heart complications. He was getting his dialysis from Port Moresby General Hosptial (PMGH) Kidney foundation, but sadly he passed away while waiting to return to Singapore for treatment. A man who has contributed immensely to the development of pharmaceutical sector that saved many lives in PNG was laid to rest at his village in Porebada, Central province last Thursday,09th January 2025. Mr. Baru Journey to the pharmaceutical industry began in the 1970s when PNG was still under Australian rule. After completing his secondary school at Badihagwa, he attained a scholarship to study in Port Moresby College of Allied Health Science in dispenser training. In 1976 he graduated as a pharmacist technician and was awarded the dux of the class. In 1979 he completed his matriculation studies at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). From 1986 – 1989 he received a scholarship to study Pharmacy at CLT, Heretaunga in New Zealand. He graduated as the first qualified PNG pharmacist.

There are at least 11 deaths associated with the Los Angeles fires, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Friday. Five of the deaths appear to be from the Palisades Fire and six deaths in the Eaton Fire, according to the office’s records. Authorities have warned they are unable to determine the full death toll from the fires until it’s safe for investigators to go into neighborhoods where there are downed power lines, gas leaks and other hazards. The Hurst Fire in northern Los Angeles County is now 70% contained. A Red Flag Warning for high winds is due to expire later this evening, making firefighters optimistic they can continue to gain ground on some of the biggest fires in the region. Here is the latest on where the fires across Los Angeles stand: Palisades Fire: 21,317 acres, 8% contained Eaton Fire: 13,956 acres, 3% contained Kenneth Fire: 1,000 acres, 35% contained Hurst Fire: 771 acres, 70% contained Lidia Fire: 395 acres, 75% contained

The Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province has produced record breaking results for the fourth quarater of 2024, with quarterly production of 53,401 ounces gold equivalent (“AuEq”) – the highest in the Company’s history. This was revealed by operator, K92 Mining Ltd. The Kainantu Gold Mine annual production had also reached a record 149,515 ounces AuEq, significantly surpassing the production guidance range of 120,000 to 140,000 ounces AuEq. Quarterly achievements include processing 96,614 tonnes of ore at a head grade of 18.0 grams per tonne gold equivalent, which is the highest head grade achieved since the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, K92 also achieved record metallurgical recoveries in the fourth quarter of 96.4% for gold and near-record recoveries of 94.7% for copper, with December achieving record monthly gold recoveries of 97.1% and copper recoveries of 96.1%. K92 is also advancing its transformative Stage 3 Expansion, which is designed to establish Kainantu as a Tier 1 Mid-Tier Producer. Construction is rapidly advancing, with approximately 70% of the growth capital either spent or committed as in December 31, 2024. Strong operational results in 2024 reinforce K92’s capability deliver on the upcoming expansions, which will unlock additional resources at Kora and Judd and significantly contribute to the economic development of Papua New Guinea while maintaining its commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and community development. John Lewins, K92 Mining’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that, “We are particularly proud of achieving record quarterly and annual production, significantly exceeding our guidance, and setting a solid foundation for 2025.” “Despite challenges earlier in the year, including a temporary suspension of underground mining due to the non-industrial fatal incident from mid-March to mid-April, we delivered consecutive quarterly production records, demonstrating resilience and operational strength.” Mr Lewis added that the achievement underscores the exceptional performance of our team and the quality of the Kora and Judd deposits. K92 Mining Ltd is looking forward to the commissioning of the new process plant which if scheduled to commence in late 2nd quarter of 2025.

Five people are dead and "likely more" have lost their lives, while at least 130,000 people are under evacuation orders and warnings. US states are sending in firefighting resources to bolster efforts on the ground. There are multiple active wildfires burning including the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire, the Hurst fire and the Woodley fire. Firefighters are facing enormous challenges across the grounds battling hurricane-force winds accompanied by drought conditions. Tens of thousands of people have been told by authorities to evacuate their homes because of the multiple fires burning in the Los Angeles region. The most recent mandatory evacuations orders came on Wednesday evening (Thursday afternoon Australian time) related to the Sunset fire, a new fire in the Hollywood Hills. That order was in place for Laurel Canyon Boulevard on the west to Mulholland Drive, with others in nearby areas warned to be ready to leave. Mandatory evacuation orders also remained in place near the Palisades fire west of Los Angeles, including parts of Santa Monica. People have also been told to leave their homes in the San Fernando Valley near the Hurst fire. Others were told to leave their residences in parts of Altadena because of the Eaton fire. A fast-moving fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills is threatening one of Los Angeles' most iconic spots. The Sunset Fire was burning near the Hollywood Bowl and about a kilometre from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The streets around Grauman's Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds were packed with stop-and-go traffic as sirens blared and low-flying helicopters soared by on their way to dump water on the flames. People toting suitcases left hotels on foot, while some onlookers walked towards the flames, recording the fire on their phones.

Fast-growing wildfires raging in Los Angeles killed at least two people, destroying hundreds of buildings, scorching hillsides and prompting officials to order some 70,000 people to evacuate. Fierce winds were hindering firefighting efforts and fuelling the fires, which have burned unimpeded since they began on Wednesday. The Eaton fire, east of Los Angeles near Pasadena, has grown explosively since it was sparked, covering more than 4047 hectares. Two fatalities were reported there, though officials did not have further details. Another blaze has consumed more than 5000 acres in Pacific Palisades, a picturesque neighbourhood in west Los Angeles County between the beach towns of Santa Monica and Malibu that is home to many film, television and music stars, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a press conference on Wednesday. More than 1000 structures have been destroyed there. The Hurst fire, in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley northwest of Los Angeles, had exceeded 500 acres. All three fires were 0 percent contained, officials said. A "high number" of significant injuries had occurred among residents who did not heed evacuation orders, Marrone said. Shaun Tate, 45, said he fled his home in Altadena, a Los Angeles suburb in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, at 4.15 am local time when he saw flames rolling towards his house. "I came out of the house because I heard something fly off the roof," Tate said at an evacuation centre in Pasadena. "We packed up the SUV and drove down here," he said. "I chose to save my laptop, my diabetic medication and a little bit of food." Officials warned that the gusty winds were forecast to persist throughout the day. "We are absolutely not out of danger yet, with the strong winds that continue to push through the city and the county today," Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. The winds have made it impossible to offer aerial support for firefighting operations, officials said, putting municipal water systems under immense strain. Residents were urged to conserve water use. "The fire department needs the water to fight the fires, and we're fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging," said Janisse Quinones, chief executive of the city's water and power department. The skies above Los Angeles glowed red and were blanketed by thick smoke as the sun rose on Wednesday (Thursday NZT). As the flames spread and residents began evacuating after the fires broke out, roads were so jammed that some people abandoned their vehicles to escape the fire. Emergency responders were going door to door to press evacuation orders. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday. President Joe Biden planned to visit a Santa Monica fire station for a briefing from fire officials on Thursday, the White House said. President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in two weeks, blamed Newsom's environmental policies for the disaster in a post on his Truth Social website. The Los Angeles region had been ripe for fire going into the fall, when seasonal winds arrive in the region, after consecutive wet winters created an abundance of grass and vegetation that turned to fuel during an intensely hot summer, climate scientists said. Approximately 100 of the 1000 public schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were shut down, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told the press conference. Pacific Palisades resident Cindy Festa said that as she evacuated, fires were "this close to the cars," demonstrating with her thumb and forefinger. "People left their cars on Palisades Drive. Burning up the hillside. The palm trees - everything is going," Festa said from her car. David Reed said he had no choice but to leave his Pacific Palisades home when police officers showed up at his door. "They laid down the law," Reed said. He gathered his most important possessions and accepted a ride from officers to the evacuation centre at the Westwood Community Centre. "I grabbed my trombone and the latest book I've been reading, which is my Jack Kerouac anthology here, because I'm a beatnik," he said, adding that he could see flames approaching his home. Pacific Palisades is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in the country. A typical home was valued at US$3.7 million as of the end of 2023, according to Zillow, more than all but four other zip codes in the United States. The fleeing evacuees included Hollywood celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore and Mark Hamill. In the Pasadena area, the Eaton fire engulfed homes, a synagogue and a McDonald's restaurant. Almost 100 residents from a nursing home in Pasadena were evacuated, CBS News said. Video showed elderly residents, many in wheelchairs and on gurneys, crowded onto a smoky and windswept parking lot as fire trucks and ambulances attended to them. Around 400,000 homes and businesses in southern California were without power on Wednesday, data from PowerOutage.us showed. "We're facing a historic natural disaster. And I think that can't be stated strong enough," Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County, said at the press conference. The fire singed some trees on the grounds of the Getty Villa, a museum loaded with priceless works of art, but the collection remained safe largely because nearby bushes had been trimmed as a preventive measure, the museum said. Before the fire started, the National Weather Service had issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions for much of Los Angeles County from Wednesday through Friday. With low humidity and dry vegetation due to a lack of rain, the conditions were "about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather," the service said.

Eliseo Group has presented an additional K20,000 worth of shopping vouchers to the Grand Price winner for Christmas Promotion Mr George Kopaja who recently won the last GWM Power Utility worth K129,000 at Eliseo Makana at 9mile over the weekend. Mr Kopaja when receiving the additional K20,000 shopping voucher, stated that he did not expect any thing else apart from winning the vehicle. “The shopping vouchers worth over K20,000 is just unbelievable”. “Who gives a free vehicle and then another K20,000 voucher on top?” Mr Kopaja was speechless. “This is just too much and this actually goes to show that Eliseo does care about its customers.” Mr Kopaja who owns 6 trade stores highlighted that the voucher would help him to grow his small business, and the new vehicle will help in transporting his store goods and all this is made possible by Eliseo. “I thank Eliseo management for the kind gesture you have shown towards all Eliseo customers including myself.” Human Resource Director for Eliseo Group, Mr. Shu clarified that despite having 3 winners for the 3 vehicles, the K20,000 is only given to the last winner who is the Grand Prize winner of the entire Christmas Promotion.

The Bougainville House of Representatives had recently passed the 2025 ABG Budget, under the theme “Budgeting for Nation-Building”. The Budget Statement was presented in parliament, providing a detailed overview of Bougainville’s 2025 financial landscape by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Minister for Finance, Robin Wilson. Minister Wilson during the presentation of the 2025 ABG Budget emphasized the importance of the budget in charting a deliberate pathway toward Bougainville’s development goals. “We have set ourselves a very deliberate pathway, and this budget will assist us in walking this path together.” The total budget estimate for 2025 is K856.66 million, comprising recurrent and development grants from the national government, internally generated revenue, and re-appropriated funds from previous years. The revenue sources are detailed as follows: • National grants funding allocations: K486.51 million • Internal revenue estimates: K53.66 million • Cash balances from previous years’ allocations: K316.82 million Minister Wilson clarified however, that not all National Budget allocations will be remitted to the ABG due to the application of two different Organic Laws. ABG will receive funds as specified under the Organic Law on Peacebuilding in Bougainville – Autonomous Bougainville Government and Referendum 2002. The Expenditures are categorized into two main components: • Recurrent Expenditures: K196.51 million • Development Expenditures: K540.17 million Recurrent Expenditures/ Recurrent spending is allocated to the three arms of government and public sector salaries: • Executive Government: K46.0 million • Legislature: K44.8 million • Judiciary: K0.3 million • Salaries and allowances: K144.0 million (for public servants, teachers, and the House of Representatives) Development Expenditures / The development component reflects the ABG’s nation-building priorities and includes the Restoration and Development Grants (RDG) and inter-government funding commitments. Minister Wilson further highlighted that these allocations align with the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027. “The main spending areas of the 2025 ABG Budget focus on Bougainville’s nation-building priorities rather than restoration efforts.” “The Budget emphasizes strong economic policies and effective programs to build capacity and advance government plans for independence.” The development budget is distributed across seven strategic sectors: 1. Government, Public Service, and Independence Readiness Sector: K69.43 million (46%) 2. Law and Justice Sector: K14.38 million (9.6%) 3. Health and Education Sector: K10.97 million (7.3%) 4. Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation Sector: K0.2 million (0.1%) 5. Infrastructure Sector: K28.05 million (18.7%) 6. Economic Sector: K21.28 million (14.2%) 7. Social Sector: K5.7 million (3.8%)

A Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for Viti Levu, the Northern Division, Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups while a Flash Flood Alert is now in force for all low-lying, flash flood prone areas and small streams of Fiji. A Heavy Rain Alert is also in force for the rest of Fiji. The Weather Office says an active trough of low pressure which is associated with cloud and rain affects the Northern, Western and Eastern parts of the group. It is expected to gradually spread to the rest of the country by tonight. Meanwhile, Tropical Disturbance 02F has been downgraded to a Tropical Low and the Nadi Weather Office is closely monitoring the situation. Stay with us for updates.

Papa Community’s Health Centre sees about 40 to 60 patients per day covering communities from as far as Baruni, Tatana and even beyond Lealea to Kido, Manumanu and Gorohu villages. It’s need for a sustainable power source was recently met through BSP’s annual Community project initiative. The Waigani Banking Centre team, led by Branch Manager Samuel Okti recently donated a solar powered kit, now enabling the medical team to deliver crucial health services during power outages. Mr Okti along with project coordinator Gabe Gaoma and his team also donated chairs for the clinic’s use on Friday 20th December 2024, reaffirming BSP’s commitment to the communities through such annual projects. Papa Health Centre Officer-in-Charge, Zarrah Kihi thanked BSP for meeting the clinic’s need, stating that despite them operating during the day, they are often on standby most times at nights but are unable to work in the night when there is power outage. “This solar kit will help us attend to emergency cases at night, including pregnancy related emergencies, and we are also grateful for the new chairs donated by the bank.” “Thank you for enabling us to end 2024 with a positive change at Papa Health Centre.” Salvation Army Health Director to PNG & Solomon Islands Health Services Dr. Marco Herrera said Papa is the busiest location from its 28 clinics across the country and he thanked BSP for also giving the facility a fresh look of lime green paint. Damena Rei in representing the Papa Village Community said this donation by BSP is a significant step in the village quest for sustainable development and improved health service at the Papa Salvation Army health centre. “Access to reliable electricity is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for providing quality health care.” “The sustainable energy source will power medical equipment like Nebulizer and Oxygen and keep medicines at right temperatures and allow for extended hours of caring and ultimately save lives.” Mr Rei highlighted that the impact of BSP’s support extends beyond the walls of the health centre, thus it symbolises hope and resilience for the entire community.

Several roads in the Western Division are currently closed due to flooding while surface flooding is impacting portions of Kings Highway, but Queens Highway remains accessible. The Fiji Roads Authority is advising people not to travel to the Western Division due to heavy rain and flooding. In Sigatoka, Emuri Road, Ciri Road, Nabaka Road, Nasaucoko Road, Bukuya Road and Wauosi Road are closed. In Nadi, the Wailoko Road Junction, Mate Road, Narendra Singh Road 1st Crossing and Keolaiya Road Crossing are closed. Vaivai Road 1st Crossing, Saru Back Road, Navula Road, Vuda Back Road 2nd Bridge and 1st Crossing, Drasa Dam Road, Vakabuli Paipai Road, Nacilau Road 1st Cross Culvert, Buabua Road Junction, Matawalu Road 2nd and 3rd Crossing are closed in Lautoka. Varadoli Cemetery Crossing in Ba, Veisaru Road 1st Timber Bridge, Vunisamaloa Road, Vunisamaloa Flat, Votua Road, Maururu Road,Nadhari Road, Moto Road, Sorokoba Road, Moto Road, Toge Road, Koula Road, Namosau Bridge, the bridge on Rarawai Road are closed in Ba due to flooding. In Tavua Matacawa Road 1st Crossing, Dramasi Road 1st Crossing, Naseyani Road, Vitivanua Crossing No.1, Yaladro Road, Qalela Road 1st Crossing, Kings Road in Tavua and from Shop N Save to Yaladro Junction and Nadarivatu Road are closed. Balata Road in Tavua to Narara Road (1st and 2nd Crossing in Rakiraki) and Vitiri Road, Dreketi Road, Vunikavikaloa Road, Namunamu Road, Nakorotubu Road, Korotale Road, Barotu Road, Kings Road in Rakiraki, Vunitogoloa Bridge, Rakiraki Access Road are closed. Naqiri Crossing and Qelekuro Crossing in Dawasamu Road, Tailevu while Colata Coco Crossing in Korovou and Waisa Crossing along Nasaibitu Road are closed. Please exercise extreme caution when traveling on these roads, as there may be washouts and debris on the roadways. Source: Fiji Village

The streets and roads of the National Capital District were generally quiet and mostly empty today as most people stayed home for Christmas Celebrations today. However, despite the empty streets and roads, ATM machines at some shopping centres that were open today had long queues. Shoppers doing last minute shopping for Christmas packed the few shops that were opened today, and the few shops that opened today had very long queues at the checkout counters today. Even the parking lot spaces were all full, with vehicles lining up to secure the next available spot at the car park area. However, despite the business of the shopping centres, when you get on the road its quiet and empty again. With the Royal Papua New Guinea Police and the PNG Defence Force working together this festive season, most people who often cause nuisance were not seen out and about on the streets. Even the Gordons area was quiet and peaceful, despite the busy scenario where many people went in to do market shopping and shopping for live chickens for a typical PNG feast, the place was trouble free. The work put together by Police, PNGDF and the City Wardens has resulted in the fairly quiet and peaceful Christmas in the Nations Capital thus far. We can only hope it remains that way for the Christmas night as well.

With so much regret, the Transport and Civil Aviation Minster Walter Schnaubelt has announced tragic news regarding the plane P2 -SAM. Minister Schnaubelt highlighted that the rescue and medical team finally reached the crash site of P2- SAM, and doctors have confirmed that there were no survivors. “It’s now confirmed that all five passengers on board including the pilot died on impact when the plane ran into the thick forest and mountainous terrain en-route to Nadzab airport, Lae around 10:30am on the 22nd of December, 2024.” “As Minister and all agencies under my portfolio, we grieve with the family of the deceased and pass our sincere condolences to those families who lost loved ones on this tragic flight between Wasu airstrip and Nadzab airport, Morobe province.” Minister stated that the Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has commenced an investigation into this occurrence (reference: AIC 24-1003), in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Minister has outlined brief facts surrounding the tragic incident: A Britten Norman BN-2B-26 Islander aircraft, registered P2-SAM, owned and operated by North Coast Aviation Limited, departed Wasu Airstrip at 10:12 am on a single pilot charter flight with four passengers on board, en route to Nadzab, with an estimated arrival time of 10:47 am.  At 10:30 am, the NiuSky Pacific Limited’s Aviation Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) received a distress signal from the aircraft. An emergency Distress Phase was subsequently declared, and the ARCC was activated to conduct the Search and Rescue (SAR) of the aircraft. The signal included a Position Update Alert with coordinates in the Sapmanga Area, Morobe province. He added that in coordination with NiuSky Pacific Limited, a search was conducted with the assistance of an air operator (Manolos Aviation) based in Morobe. Unfortunately, due to the weather in the area, the search had to be discontinued and resumed the next morning, Monday 23 December 2023, and the accident site was located at 8:52 am. “A team of investigators was deployed on Monday 23 December 2023 to Lae to conduct investigations out of the North Coast Aviation's base and conduct on-site investigation activities.” “The Aviation Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) is continuing its efforts in rescue and extraction coordination.” According to North Coast Aviation Limited’s passenger manifest, there were five individuals on board the said aircraft: the pilot and four passengers. “It is with deep regret that I inform you that all five individuals on board have been confirmed deceased.” Minister clarified furthermore that the wreckage was partially consumed by fire. In addition to this, the wreckage is in a challenging terrain with high altitude and dense vegetation further complicating extraction efforts. The AIC is conducting assessments to determine the feasibility of entering the site for investigation. “The priority is the extraction of the victims, which must be completed before further investigation activities can proceed.” “If extraction efforts continue to be challenging due to the conditions at the site, the wreckage may need to be cut open to recover the bodies.” Minister further added that should this also prove difficult or impractical, an airlift of the main wreckage to a more accessible location will be considered to facilitate the extraction process, thus, to support this effort, the AIC has engaged a pathology expert with experience in aircraft accident sites to travel to Lae and assess the layout and condition of the victims. Additionally, a senior investigator will evaluate the structural integrity of the aircraft to determine if an airlift is feasible. These steps are critical to ensure a respectful and thorough handling of the victims and to enable the AIC to carry out its investigative responsibilities effectively. Given the challenging terrain and the specialised resources required for victim extraction and wreckage handling, the AIC anticipates significant logistical and operational costs. These include deploying trained personnel, engaging specialised equipment, and ensuring on-site safety and efficiency. “In this regard, we respectfully seek the government’s intervention to request additional funds for the AIC to properly conduct the on-site investigation and manage associate logistics” Additional support and funding are vital to ensure the integrity of the investigation and to fulfil our mandate under Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation he said. “You may recall a similar fatal accident involving the same operator, aircraft type, and vicinity on 23 December 2017, while this historical context is noteworthy, the AIC emphasizes that no direct association has been made between the two events at this stage.” “Our investigation will meticulously examine the circumstances and contributing factors of the current occurrence to ensure valuable lessons are derived for future safety improvements.”