Prime Minister James Marape, has condemned in the strongest terms the brutal rape and murder of a woman at Watermark Estate in Baruni in Port Moresby, describing the act as inhumane, barbaric, and utterly unacceptable in the society. He expressed deep shock and outraged by this despicable crime and stated that no woman, child or citizen of the country should ever have to endure such horrifying violence. “This is not just an attack on one individual, but it is an attack on our collective sense of humanity and justice.” He assured the nation that the government will spare no effort in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice. “I have instructed our law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigations.” “The criminals responsible for this cowardly act must be caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Justice must be served, and I urge all citizens with any information to come forward and assist the police.” Meanwhile, he reiterated his government’s unwavering support for the eviction of illegal settlements that have become safe havens for criminals. He commended the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) for its ongoing efforts to dismantle these settlements, emphasising that law and order must be upheld in all communities. “For too long, certain areas have become breeding grounds for criminal elements who terrorise innocent people, businesses, and communities.” “This must stop! I fully support the efforts by the NCD Governor, Powes Parkop as well as the NCDC authorities to remove illegal settlements that harbor criminal activities. We cannot allow law-abiding citizens and businesses to live in fear.” He further stressed that evictions will be carried out in an orderly and lawful manner, with government agencies ensuring that those displaced are given proper support to relocate to designated areas and issued a strong and direct warning to those involved in this crime and all other criminal activities in the country. “To those who commit such horrendous acts, let this be clear, the government will come down hard on you. We will not allow criminals to think they can act with impunity. The rule of law will prevail, and every perpetrator will face the full force of justice.” “My government is strengthening our police force, improving our justice system, and enhancing national security to ensure that such crimes are dealt with swiftly and decisively.” Furthermore, a call has been made to all community leaders, churches, and citizens to work together with the police in addressing law and order issues, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility. “We must reclaim our communities from the grip of crime. I call on our people to report any suspicious activities and support the police with credible information. Those who protect criminals or refuse to cooperate with law enforcement are complicit in these crimes.” Moreover, the PM Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening law and order, increasing police presence, and ensuring that criminal activities are stamped out. “My government has already begun investing in boosting police resources, increasing manpower, and improving law enforcement capabilities. We will not rest until every Papua New Guinean feels safe in their own country; every woman, every child, and every citizen deserve to live in a society free from fear and violence.” In closing, PM Marape extended his deepest condolences to the family of the victim and assured them that the government stands with them in their time of grief. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family. No words can undo the pain they are experiencing, but I assure them that justice will be done. This is a defining moment for our nation to unite against crime, to take a stand against violence, and to build a Papua New Guinea where all citizens can live in safety and dignity."

Police Minister and Regional member of Bougainville, Peter Tsiamalili, stated that as the mandated regional member and as a proud uncle of newly crowned Miss PNG, May Torovi Hasola, has expressed disappointment to the derogatory statements that have recently surfaced on social media regarding her origin and that of her parents. Tsiamalili addressed this saying that such behavior is not only hurtful but completely unacceptable and has unequivocally condemned it. “May Torovi Hasola represents more than just herself; she embodies the hopes and dreams of young women across Papua New Guinea, particularly those in Bougainville.” “Her role as Miss PNG is a testament to her dedication, intelligence, and strength, and it serves as an inspiration to many, especially to the girls in Bougainville who have been affected by the challenges of our past civil unrest.” “These young women deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams with dignity and pride.” He urged all Bougainvilleans to remain calm during this time and expressed that as people continue to share posts via WhatsApp and Facebook, they must also recognize that perpetuating negativity only fuels the fire. He also stated that it is essential that all must take action to stop circulating harmful comments and allow the law to take its course. “Let us rise above this situation and remain the proud, intelligent, and humble people we have always been. Our flag, the UPE, symbolizes self-respect and discipline. We must always adhere to the values that make us stand apart as a region.” “By embodying these principles, we can foster a culture of respect and unity that uplifts us all. I assure you that this matter will be addressed with the full force of our cyber laws. We must not allow negativity and discrimination to overshadow the achievements of our youth.” He added that May's journey is a celebration of resilience and empowerment, and it is essential that the people support her rather than detract from her accomplishments. Furthermore, he called upon all Bougainvilleans to unite in celebrating May's achievements and to foster a culture of respect and encouragement. “Together, we can create an environment where every young person feels valued and supported in their pursuit of excellence. Thank you for your understanding and solidarity.”

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) has announced the commencement of the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) for the 2025 academic year. A total of 15, 889 awardee students have received the scholarship including; 5,251 first-year students selected via the National Online Selection System (NOSS). 631 non-school leavers meeting TESAS requirements. 10,007 continuing students enrolled in TESAS-eligible programs at registered higher education institutions (HEIs). The 2025 TESAS awards encompass first-year students selected through the National Online Application System (NOAS) and continuing students enrolled in all recognized HEIs, including universities and colleges. DHERST has acknowledged that some HEIs did not submit continuing student reports on time. Consequently, a supplementary TESAS list will be released in late March 2025 after the conclusion of semester one registrations. Institutions failing to submit reports on time are responsible for addressing their students’ concerns regarding TESAS eligibility. DHERST has also instructed that for the first year TESAS students, they have received their TESAS notifications via the NOAS MyStatus portal. Recipients must confirm their acceptance or decline as outlined in their notification. Those eligible for TESAS travel benefits will be notified of their travel arrangements (air, land, or sea) through the same portal. As for continuing students, those not listed on the TESAS award list should consult their respective HEIs for clarification. Self-sponsored students who have been awarded TESAS for 2025 are advised to check their travel itineraries with Air Niugini offices. Travel planners will adhere strictly to destinations provided by HEIs in the prior academic year. Meanwhile, the government through DHERST, has fully settled all outstanding TESAS arrears for the 2024 academic year and for this year, in alignment with the policy priorities of the Marape-Rosso Government, the National Budget 2025 has allocated an additional K10 million to TESAS. Disbursement of TESAS payments for Semester one this year will commence promptly upon the HEI’s full completion of student registrations. Furthermore, DHERST extends its gratitude to the National Government for its continued investment in higher education. "We also commend the dedicated efforts of HEI registrars, student data officers, and the DHERST team in ensuring the successful implementation of TESAS."

Service delivery, specialized staff and management, infrastructure, funding and the capacity to accommodate patients are some of the major challenges that Laloki Psychiatric Hospital in Port Moresby is currently facing. Laloki hospital, which is a designated Level 6 health facility, is barely operating at the standard level due to the many challenges it is facing. In terms of patient care, drug supply is also a major issue under the service delivery as often times, families of patients are advised by the hospital staff to buy the prescribed medication they need, however, are quite costly. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Laloki Psychiatric Hospital, Doctor Daoni Esorom, stated that the hospital has been going through a lot of these challenges since the Mental Health Act 2015 was passed in 2015 and certified on the 9th of February 2016. “The hospital has been overlooked in terms of funding and maintenance of the infrastructure and the physical state of the hospital has deteriorated rendering most of the buildings in the hospital to be condemned in which has been declared unfit.” Laloki is the only psychiatric hospital in the country which needs urgent action and a major restructuring of the hospital. According to Dr Daoni, a hospital assessment and survey was done in October last year, where it revealed that Laloki is operating at Level 3; however, is barely operating at that level though it is a designated Level 6 health facility. A total of six areas were assessed and surveyed including Patient Care standards, Leadership and Management standards, Human Resources Management, Management Information Systems, Environment and Mandatory Standards and Performance Improvement. “Out of the survey the total outcome stands at 26% which is a major problem. The total score, which is 26%, is way below 60% whereas 60% is the accepted level of satisfactory National Health Service Standards.” "The hospital needs major restructuring to increase its workforce, major infrastructure improvement and construction of new infrastructure. The urgent actions include, development of a corporate governance framework, development of clinical governance framework, service improvement plan, clinical service plan and a master plan for Laloki.” Meanwhile, Director of Medical Services, Doctor Ludwig Nanawar, stated that drug supplies are a big issue for the patients. Under the National Drug Catalogue, they get most of these specialized drugs from the Area Medical Stores, however, some of the specialized drugs needed are not in the catalogue; therefore, they have to purchase them elsewhere such as pharmacies, and with that is a challenge as it goes back to funding. Funding is an ongoing issue whereas when the hospital is unable to provide the medical drugs, families of patients then purchase the prescribed medication themselves, which is quite expensive and, in most cases, are unable to purchase. “A medical drug that the hospital needs the most is called Benzhexol. This is used to counter the side effects of the medications that we use to treat mental illnesses. However, with the limited supply here, we give written prescriptions for families to buy if they can afford and if not, we just observe them and according to how they react, we give them if we need to with the limited supply we have.” Despite the challenges, Dr Ludwig said that the recovery rate is high as long as the patients take the right amount of dose as instructed by the specialized doctor and taken on time as well. The hospital currently has a total of 54 patients including seven females.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has announced a government allocation of K30 million to the University of Goroka (UOG) to rebuild and modernize critical infrastructure that was severely damaged by a devastating earthquake in 2022. The funding is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to improve educational facilities across the country and ensure that Papua New Guinea’s future educators are trained in a safe and conducive learning environment. Speaking at the recent UOG graduation ceremony this week, PM Marape highlighted the importance of the university as a national institution responsible for training teachers, while emphasizing the urgency of restoring its damaged infrastructure. “Today, the government has passed over K30 million for the University of Goroka to repair and complete infrastructure projects that were damaged or delayed due to the earthquake that struck the institution.” The earthquake, which hit parts of the Eastern Highlands Province in 2022, caused significant damage to UOG’s buildings, including student dormitories, lecture halls, and administration offices. Among the projects disrupted by the disaster is the construction of a seven-storey building and a modern auditorium, both of which are critical for accommodating the growing student population. “These funds will help the university complete the seven-storey building and the auditorium currently under construction. We have committed to ensuring these buildings are completed and opened before mid-September this year as part of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.” PM Marape also revealed that K10 million had already been issued to UOG to begin immediate repairs and restoration work after the earthquake, but a full engineering report indicated that the cost of rebuilding would exceed that initial allocation. “I have asked for a full engineering report on the damage caused by the earthquake. The university has already received K10 million to start restoration work, but it will require much more to fully restore and modernize the campus.” “UOG is an important institution for the country because it trains our future teachers. We must ensure that the learning environment for students is safe, modern, and conducive to quality education.” He further stressed that improving UOG’s facilities is part of the government’s broader vision to enhance the country’s education system, ensuring that future teachers are well-prepared to educate the next generation of Papua New Guineans. “We are not just rebuilding infrastructure; we are investing in the future of our nation’s educators. These students will one day go out and teach the next generation of Papua New Guineans. It is our responsibility to provide them with a world-class learning environment.” In addition to the K30 million allocated for UOG, PM Marape also announced a K3 million allocation for the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka, where the graduation ceremony was held. The funds will be used to give the institute a facelift, including upgrading sports facilities and improving infrastructure for students and athletes. “The National Sports Institute is a vital institution for sports development in Papua New Guinea. We have passed K3 million to give NSI a much-needed facelift. This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve institutions that are important for nation-building.” He concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting educational institutions across the country, ensuring that teachers and students have access to safe, modern, and well-equipped facilities.

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), has confirmed that the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) list for this year 2025, will be made known to the students via the DHERST website. Currently, the internal quality checks need to be done before awarding to the students who are eligible to be under TESAS. According to DHERST, the first-year students who have been selected through the National Online Selections System (NOSS), have already been informed of their statuses whilst the continuing student list should be made available when the TESAS Committee meets. Students’ confidentiality must be maintained; therefore, an official list/announcement will be made through the DHERST Website. An official media statement will be released later during the remainder of the week for further updates.

PNGFM Limited farewelled a total of seven (7) enthusiastic and vibrant youths under the 2024 Urban Youth Employment Project II (UYEP) in which six of them successfully completed their internship program at PNGFM. The youths were farewelled on Friday the 10th of January after completing a 65-day internship program in which they got to experience for the first time working in an organization. With no work experience, the youths were privileged enough to work in the different departments of PNGFM including Sales, IT and Engineering, PNG HAUSBUNG (news department), Total Events Company (TEC), Finance and Admin department. Spokesperson and UYEP youth, Clive Maion, shared sentiments as one of the youths and trainees who was privileged enough to work at PNGFM. “As an unemployed youth, I heard about this project initiative to help youths like me have a purpose in life and with that I decided to apply by filling out a form provided for us by UYEP to have us registered. From there, we were then shortlisted for an interview before carrying out the different training courses.” “The first training was a 5-day course called Champions for Change followed by the second course called Basic Life Training Skills which was carried out for ten days. After successfully completing that part of the training course, we then did a 30-days Civil Works which is just general works carried out in NCD where we did projects like building footpaths, stonewalls and doing cementing.” After successfully completing all three of these training courses, the youths were then eligible for a 65-day internship program where over 300 youths were categorized in different groups and from there, the seven youths from the UYEP intakes of 2024 were selected to work at PNGFM. According to Maion, little did he know how PNGFM operates apart from the obvious which is talking and interacting on air. For each of the interns, they took turns working in each department for two weeks before rotating to the next, from which they gained some fair knowledge. “Working for the first time in an organization was scary, but when we joined PNGFM, we felt like we were one of them (the employees). They treated us equally; taught us well and with that, I have learnt a lot personally as PNGFM made our internship run smoothly since we started in October.” “Now when I decide to apply for a job later, I now have the confidence and a fair knowledge as to working at an organization. This is also good for my reference as it will now add a bonus to my CV and be able to move onto the next chapter.” In addition to this, Maion personally expressed joy working specifically in the Sales, IT and Engineering and in the PNG HAUSBUNG department. His biggest highlight in Sales was learning about how paid advertisements are run on air, which the company earns and makes money from. “As for PNG HAUSBUNG, I got to go out with other reporters from the newsroom to collect stories, do interviews and from there, I had the opportunity to write my own stories which were published on the PNG HAUSBUNG website. “I was privileged enough to go through an opportunity like this, and with that I am grateful to UYEP for this great initiative in giving youths like us a second chance in life and to PNGFM for the great experience in working in an organization.”

Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang province is now preparing for the 2025 Academic Year with registrations to begin on the 3rd-7th of February 2025. President of DWU, Professor Father Philip Gibbs stated that registrations will be carried out for a week whereas for anyone who wishes to register after the scheduled registration dates will be considered a late registration. “There are two sets of payment that students will have to pay to study, and that is the Tuition fees as well as the Board & Lodging fee (for residential students only).” The On-Registration fee which comes under tuition fees, must be paid by all students by the 31st of January 2025 in order to register. Fr Gibbs said that the On-Registration fee is 70% of the full fee cost which is what the students must pay before the deadline. In addition, Fr Gibbs made mention that the non-school leaver list is not yet available at this time, however, it should be posted early next week. Once it is out, the list will be posted on the university’s website. Meanwhile, in terms of TESAS funds, Fr Gibbs confirmed that for last year, the university had received the second semester funds in November and December 2024 which was a total of one million eight hundred and thirteen thousand kina (K1, 813, 000). He added that as for this year, the university will be able to allocate the funds for this year’s first semester once they get the names list from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST). “Currently, we do not know when we will receive TESAS funds for this year.” To know more information regarding the 2025 Fee Schedule, students can access the DWU website.

Prime Minister James Marape and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop met this week to initiate discussions on the planning for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and related activities. The meeting is preliminary to a full stakeholders’ meeting to be held on Monday, 6th of January 2025 when PM Marape, Governor Parkop and Minister in charge of National Events, Justin Tkatchenko, meet with representatives from all agencies involved in planning and executing the activities for this milestone event. The Prime Minister stated that he is in discussion with Governor Parkop to have the National Government and the municipal government on the same page in respect to the planning of activities for the 50th anniversary “We also discussed the PNG team to the NRL which we will launch very soon, and we will also draw up an entire program for the year.” He said that planning will comprise major events lining the year and leading into 16th September 2025, which will terminate at the end of the year in December. February will see the launch of the PNG NRL team, which PM Marape said would coincide with major school and youth programs for students and the youth. “We are expecting up to thirty world leaders from all parts of the world to join us. All Pacific leaders have given the indication to join us on 16 September as well.” “August is designated for the churches to hold a big program on revival, reconciliation among our people. On 30th August 2025, is a reconciliation event with those who lost loved ones on Bougainville as a result of Bougainville crisis. This will also involve the police and defence force and will be held in Bougainville.” Furthermore, PM Marape intends to have the PNG Games in Southern Highlands with NCD who has agreed to be on standby as host. “We are, however, fully committed to making Southern Highlands game-ready by September with the games ending by early September so that the athletes can return in time to participate in the 16 September celebrations.” Moreover, he said that the Education Department would also be brought into the planning to align the school calendar with the activities for the year. “It will be a busy year for all of us right through. I ask our people to keep a look out for the announcement and activities coming through.” A full announcement will be made after the stakeholders' meeting next week.

For the month of December 2024, a total of 1,118 deliveries were recorded at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Labour Ward. This is as per a media statement from PMGH today. In welcoming the New Year, PMGH Labour Ward delivered a total of 38 babies on New Year’s Eve with a baby boy recorded to have been clocked in the heaviest weighing 4.5kg. As of midday today, New Year babies stood at fourteen babies delivered with more expected to be delivered by the end of the first day of the year, 2025. All births were recorded to be live births and of the fourteen babies, the baby with the heaviest weight was 4.6kg. The total number of babies delivered on New Year's Day will be provided tomorrow.

With the opening round of Pre-Season Challenge matches a little over a month away, NRL.com takes a look at the injury news for all 17 clubs. The Cowboys suffered a cruel double blow just before Christmas with back-rower Heilum Luki and outside back Tom Chester both suffering ACL injuries at training. The Cowboys confirmed that star back-rower Luki would have surgery in January and miss the entire 2025 season. Townsville local Chester has endured a terrible run of injuries in recent years, with an ACL injury also cutting short his season in 2023. Since making his debut in 2022, the outside back has featured in 12 games for North Queensland. Champion forward Jason Taumalolo had surgery in early December to repair a Lisfranc injury suffered playing for Tonga in the Pacific Championships, with a return to play timeline to be determined in January upon his return to training. Storm superstar Cameron Munster believes he will be fit for the Round 1 clash with Parramatta on March 9 at AAMI Park as he continues his recovery from hip surgery. Munster had surgery on both his hips following Melbourne's NRL grand final loss to Penrith and missed Australia's victorious Pacific Championships campaign. The Origin five-eighth is undergoing rehabilitation to strengthen his glutes, groins and hips and won't start running until February. “I’m pretty frustrated. I’ve been inside for a while and I want to be able to get back out there and run, but I’m optimistic," Munster said in early December. "I won’t be able to run until February. I’m doing everything I can to fast track it but [the fitness staff] are not going to push as hard as I want to go.” “I will be ready to go by round one - which is me pencilling myself in. "I’ll be hopefully running and doing full contact by February, hopefully even get a trial game in but we’ll see where we are at.” At the Panthers, champion No.7 Nathan Cleary is racing the clock to be fit for the trip to Las Vegas in Round 1 after off-season shoulder surgery. Cleary sustained the injury in the closing stages of Penrith's Round 24 clash against Melbourne and missed three matches before returning for the opening week of the finals against the Roosters. Hamstring and shoulder injuries restricted Cleary to just 13 games in 2024 but he defied the pain to lead his club to a historic fourth straight premiership. Cleary's teammate Paul Alamoti suffered a suspected dislocated elbow during Tonga's loss to the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final in November. Clive Churchill Medal winner Liam Martin was ruled out of Australia's Pacific Championships campaign after succumbing to injuries picked up throughout the NRL season. Martin played through the Panthers' grand final win with shoulder and rib problems revealing after the game he had painkillers every week from Round 4 to cope with the pain from a debilitating shoulder injury. Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray underwent surgery in November for a wrist injury sustained while in camp with the Kangaroos. Murray suffered the injury during training in the lead-up to Australia's 22-10 defeat of New Zealand in Christchurch, ruling him out of the final against Tonga. South Sydney officials said the operation had been a success. The Test and Origin forward's wrist was immobilised in a cast for a six-week period, after which a rehabilitation program has been implemented. Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes (neck) and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) both missed the Kiwis' Pacific Championships campaign but should be good to go come Round 1. Marshall-King's Dolphins teammate Connelly Lemuelu had a shoulder reconstruction and was looking at a five-month rehabilitation period, which would have him back for the pre-season trials. New Zealand did not select Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee), Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Moses Leota (shoulder), Briton Nikora (ankle), Kayal Iro (hamstring) and Te Maire Martin (neck). Brown suffered a partial ACL tear in Parramatta's final game of 2024 and is being integrated back into full training. He was expected to return to unrestricted training post-Christmas. His Eels teammate J'maine Hopgood isn't expected to resume training until February after undergoing a knee operation. Hopgood, who missed the second half of 2024 with a back injury sustained in Origin I, underwent an arthroscopy to resolve the knee issue that has been hampering him. At the Dragons, star recruit Val Holmes is progressing well and has transitioned into team training after suffering a broken fibula in the Cowboys' semi-final loss to the Sharks. He will be available for the club's first trial. Fullback Tyrell Sloan has suffered a stress injury in his right foot after developing pain whilst training. He is expected to commence rehab running after Christmas and will be available for the club's first trial match. To view the complete NRL Casualty Ward, please visit the hub page.

The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) service today presented certificates to a total of 109 participants who successful took part in the Community First Aid Training organized and hosted by NStJA. The training took place from the 11th to the 17th of December 2024 with a total of seven sessions each that the participants took part in. This is the first of its kind training that NStJA had initiated purposely for both taxi and PMV bus drivers, however, members of the community also showed interest in taking part in training. Manager for Communities Programs of NStJA, Zoe Saulep, said that there was a good turnout of participants who joined to be part of the training, especially from the community members. “Though the training was purposely for both taxi and PMV bus drivers, we didn’t really receive a lot of responses from them, so we decided to include some of the community members as well as some members of the security personnel; that being the police force included.” “As the first of its kind, there is no other organizations that have done something like this and so it was a really good opportunity for the members of the community to be part of it to learn some new skills especially to help people who are in need and when there is an emergency.” In terms of emergency cases such as motor vehicle accidents, or whether a woman is in labor, this training will help equip them with the basic knowledge they need to save another life. "It was a good learning experience for them and also really fun where they were able to interact more, and I hope that we can expand this program to other areas in the years to come.” In addition, with the hope to extend more to other provinces in the future, funding is also important for them to carry out training programs such as this. Meanwhile, Saulep thanked the support of Sir Brian Bell Foundation in making this initiative possible. Apart from this, Saulep mentioned that NStJA have a number of programs that they are also carrying out such as the first aid in school program which has been running since 2018. This has seen a total of more than 10, 000 students across seven provinces in the country that have taken part in this school program. “With more additional support, we’re able to extend the program to other rural parts of Papua New Guinea where first aid is needed because first aid saves life.”