Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyaban has extended Christmas and New Year greetings to residents of Lae, urging the public to celebrate responsibly during the festive season.He reminded residents that safe celebrations depend on respect for the law and consideration for others in the community.“Celebrate and enjoy the season but do so responsibly. Public cooperation plays a key role in keeping Lae safe,” Chief Superintendent Kunyaban said.He also commended police officers for their commitment and hard work, noting that officers remain on duty throughout the holiday period to maintain law and order.Chief Superintendent Kunyaban highlighted recent changes to police bail in Lae as part of efforts to reduce crime. Minor offences such as public drinking, loitering, and noise pollution now carry a police bail of K1,000, while general traffic offences also attract a K1,000 bail.He said driving under the influence (DUI) would be dealt with more strictly, with bail set at K5,000 or higher, and repeated offenders facing arrest and court action.“These measures are in place to discourage unlawful behaviour and protect the public during the festive period,” he said.The Lae Metropolitan Commander warned that alcohol abuse and reckless behaviour often lead to arrests and unnecessary hardship for families.Police will continue patrols across the city throughout the festive season and are encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity or concerns.

Angau Memorial Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department will scale down services during the festive season due to severe staff and medical supply shortages.Doctor in Charge, Dr. Alex Peawi, said only strict emergency cases will be attended to, while non-emergency cases will not be seen.“We are critically down with manpower and medical supplies, so we will attend to strict emergency cases only,” Dr. Peawi said.He urged the public to take responsibility for their safety during Christmas and New Year, a period usually marked by increased accidents and alcohol-related injuries.“People must learn to look after themselves during this festive season,” he said.Angau Memorial Hospital is the main referral hospital for Morobe and nearby provinces, and health workers are urging the public to celebrate responsibly and seek emergency care only when necessary.

The Madang Provincial Police have extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the people of Madang, urging the community to celebrate safely and responsibly.Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, thanked residents for their cooperation and support throughout the year, saying community partnership has been key to maintaining law and order.He also acknowledged the support of Governor Ramsey Pariwa LLB MP, Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi, local Members of Parliament, and praised police officers for their dedication despite limited resources.Superintendent Baim reminded the public to celebrate responsibly, warning against alcohol abuse, reckless driving and unlawful behaviour during the festive period.Madang Police have encouraged the public to continue working closely with officers to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year.He concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tusbab Stallions Football Club will represent Madang Province at the National Club Championships scheduled to take place next week in Lae, Morobe Province.The Stallions secured their place in the national tournament after emerging as champions of the Madang Soccer Association competition and will now compete against leading club teams from across the country. In support of the team, the Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, through the Provincial Sports Office, provided K5,000 in funding assistance. The support was presented by Provincial Sports Coordinator Mr. Panchito Amepou, with team captain Richie Apisa receiving the funds on behalf of the club. Governor Pariwa continues to demonstrate strong commitment to youth development through sports in Madang Province, emphasizing the importance of exposing talented young players to higher levels of competition to create pathways for growth and excellence. “This support is about giving our young people the opportunity to be the best version of themselves by competing at the national level,” the Governor’s office stated. Madang Soccer Association representative Mr. Wadunah thanked Governor Pariwa for his continued support and commitment to the development of soccer in the province. The funding will assist the team with logistics and other travel-related expenses as they prepare for the championship in Lae

Sports for Development programs across Papua New Guinea marked International Human Rights Day on December 10th in Port Moresby, bringing together volunteers and development officers to highlight how sport promotes inclusion, equality, safeguarding and respect while recognizing the volunteers that are driving community change nationwide.The event united representatives from programs including NRL in PNG League Bilong Laif, Inclusive GymBad, One Netball, Hook in 4 Health and Basketball 4 Good. Participants gathered to reflect on the role sport plays in creating safer and more inclusive spaces, both on and off the field. A three-hour program featured a human rights documentary screening followed by interactive role-play sessions, allowing participants to explore real-life rights issues and practical community responses. NRL PNG Manager Cathy Neap said, “Human rights start within us through our actions and what we do or say in our homes, communities, and daily lives,” underscoring that everyday behavior is central to protecting rights. Volunteers were a major focus of the celebration, with organizers acknowledging their critical role in strengthening program delivery and community engagement across the country. Their efforts ensured that sport-based initiatives remain effective, inclusive and trusted at grassroots level. Team Up representative Lua Rikis said the occasion also marked the close of the 16 Days of Activism, describing it as a moment to reflect on collective progress. She explained that each action contributes to safer environments, encouraging continued use of sport to amplify voices, break barriers, and extend impact beyond the playing field. The event concluded with certificate presentations to volunteers by the Australian High Commission's Program Manager Mr. Milton Kisapai. As Sports for Development programs continue expanding nationwide, organizers say sport will remain a powerful platform for advancing human rights and building stronger, safer communities across Papua New Guinea.

Mangarong Primary School, one of the most hard-to-reach schools situated on the borderlands between Madang and East Sepik provinces, received a significant early Christmas present last week; a cheque worth K200, 000 delivered by the Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa.Governor Pariwa travelled by helicopter to the school, nestled between the Ramu and Sepik river deltas, to personally deliver the financial assistance. The gesture was met with delight and profound appreciation from the teachers, students, and school board members. The air was filled with the rhythmic beat of kundu drums, echoing across a tributary of the Ramu River, and a colorful display of traditional regalia was presented to acknowledge the Governor and his delegation. Mid-year, Governor Pariwa visited Mangarong in the Yawar Local Level Government (LLG) of Bogia District to witness firsthand the challenges faced by children living on the fringes of government services. During that visit, he made a firm commitment to assist, underscoring his administration’s high priority on education and building the province’s human resources. School Board Chairman Mr. Andrew Kabai expressed his deep gratitude for the financial assistance, stating it would “greatly ease the burden of space” needed to accommodate the increasing number of school children. Kabai highlighted the historic nature of the occasion, noting that since Papua New Guinea’s independence, this remote area had never been visited by any political leader or Governor. “You are the first Governor of Madang to visit our remote area twice, and we are so grateful for your servant leadership,” Kabai stated. He also acknowledged Governor Pariwa’s tireless advocacy and prioritization of education throughout Madang province, regardless of location or circumstances. “His support to remote schools reflects a true spirit of servant leadership and continues to inspire positive change across remote schools in Madang province,” Kabai added. In addition, before presenting the cheque, Governor Pariwa displayed his commitment to transparency by publicly signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the board chairman, Andrew Kabai, and the Deputy head teacher in front of the assembled community. In his address, Governor Pariwa commended the local people for maintaining law and order and for their continued faith in supporting education within their area. He further emphasized that the community does not need police intervention as long as they maintain their faith in God and continue to attend church services.

Buk bilong Pikinini has received more than K50,000 from the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program to fund hygiene, nutrition and safety upgrades at the St Steven Library Learning Centre and St Steven Elementary School in Lae, benefiting children, teachers and families in the Miles community.The grant was announced on December 11th by Australian Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, and formally presented during the St Steven Library Learning Centre graduation ceremony earlier this month. The funding supports essential infrastructure improvements aimed at strengthening learning conditions and student wellbeing. Upgrades include the installation of a new water tank and communal sink to improve access to clean water, hygiene resources to promote healthy school environments, and solar lighting to enhance safety across the school and parish grounds. The project also includes training and teaching materials for Buk bilong Pikinini’s Nutrition Education Program for both teachers and students. Mr. Kanowski said the initiative reflects Australia’s focus on education-based partnerships. “Strong local partnerships are at the heart of Australia’s support in Papua New Guinea,” he said, explaining that investments in school infrastructure help create safe and engaging learning spaces for children to grow and succeed. Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, Anne-Sophie Hermann, said the project will help address health and nutrition challenges facing PNG children. She explained that improved hygiene facilities and nutrition education will reduce illness-related absences and support better learning outcomes in a country where malnutrition remains a major concern. The graduation ceremony also celebrated 90 students completing the program, highlighting the impact of community partnerships on early education. Buk bilong Pikinini says implementation of the upgrades will continue into next year, as partners work together to further strengthen learning environments in Lae.

The Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, is inviting the Government of the People's Republic of China to invest more in Madang Province. Governor Pariwa extended the invitation to the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to PNG, His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang, during his official visit to Madang last Friday, December 12 to deliver 2000 solar-powered lightings to be installed in Madang Town."I invite the Chinese Government to invest more in Madang Province," Governor Pariwa said. "Madang is where you've tested your investment and you have seen the success through Ramu Nickel and Cobalt mine," he stated. He assured that he looks forward to holding hands with China in a collaborative partnership to progress trade and investment opportunities. "I must state that the only major development partner for Madang is China through MCC," Governor Pariwa said.He further stated that in the country Madang has contributed much to the economy of China through the Ramu NiCo Project. "We have a shared interest and that's Ramu NiCo and we have a shared future because of Ramu NiCo," Governor Pariwa stated.  He further stated that as long as Ramu NiCo remains, Madang and China would continue to work together.The Governor was blunt in arguing that other provinces and cities in the country seem to be getting huge assistance from China particularly Port Moresby, Mt. Hagen, Lae and others yet they are not contributing any of their resources to China compared to Madang. This is quite unfair. Going forward Governor Pariwa stated that China must focus its attention on assistance and support to Madang because Madang is hosting the Ramu Nickel mine which is the only Chinese mine in the country and also in the Pacific. Governor Pariwa also acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited, Wang Zhou, at the occasion. The Madang Governor said he would hold hands and work together with Ramu NiCo on the extension and expansion of the mine, but the interest of the people of Madang must come first."You must comply with the laws and regulations that the country has in place," Governor Pariwa said. "We will work together and finalize that, and all parties must be in a win-win situation," he stated.He further stated he wants to work in collaborative cooperation and partnership and the relations between Madang Province and Pintang County in the Fujian Province of China would be based upon the foundation that MCC has already built."I am looking forward to more cooperation, not only China giving to Madang. We have already given our nickel and cobalt, but we are also looking at giving our coffee, cocoa and other agriculture resources through our sister-city arrangement between Madang and Pintang County," Mr. Pariwa said.  He said going forward Madang needs to light up and he thanked the Chinese Government and its people for donating two thousand solar-powered lights to Madang."Together with China, Madang will see more lights. Not only in solar-powered lightings, but more investments in other sectors of the economy, so I look forward and must say a big thank you to the Chinese Government," Governor Pariwa said. Ambassador Yang thanked Madang Province for looking after Ramu NiCo.Mr. Yang said in Madang Ramu NiCo is the bond and bridge for a closer relationship and also wants to see that friendship maintained through people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Yang said he believes Ramu NiCo will comply with the mining regulations of this country and fulfill its corporate social responsibility to bring more benefits to the people of Madang and become an important bridge for both PNG and China.

Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, has supported the Madang Softball Association with K10,000 to host the Governor’s Cup Softball Tournament, scheduled from December 25th to 28th.The funding was officially presented at Yabong Field by Madang Provincial Sports Coordinator, Panchito Amapou, on behalf of the Governor.Madang Softball Association President David Takaili thanked Governor Pariwa for his continued commitment to softball and sports development in the province, describing sports as an effective tool for positive youth engagement during the festive season.“Thank you Hon. Ramsey Pariwa and the Madang Sports Office for the funding support,” Mr. Takaili said.He said twelve (12) teams have already confirmed participation in the tournament and extended an invitation to teams from Ramu Sugar and Yalium to take part, as both areas have established softball associations.Mr. Takaili added that the funding will greatly assist the association in successfully running the tournament and preparing for the upcoming season.Governor Pariwa’s ongoing support for sports is part of his broader commitment to engaging young people in positive activities and keeping them involved in sports as a way to reduce involvement in criminal activities.

Two urban clinics in the city of Port Moresby are now in a better position to provide better health care service to the people, all thanks to a timely donation by the Kina Bank.Kina Bank’s Asset, Investment Management and Strategy (AIMS) team recently donated essential medical and office items to both the St. Therese Clinic in Hohola and Lawes Road Urban Clinic in Konedobu. The donation included medical equipment such as thermometers, blood pressure monitors, hand sanitizers, face masks, gloves, glucometers with strips, weight scales, as well as cleaning supplies like air fresheners and disinfectants. In addition, the clinics received office essentials including chairs, tables, standing fans, manila folders, A4 paper rim, and two refrigerators. Boge Dikana, General Manager of Kina Investments and Superannuation Services, said the clinics have served his family and many others for years despite operating with limited resources. “We saw the conditions these clinics work under and knew we had to support them so they can continue providing quality care to our communities,” he said. Sr. Joslin Kulin, Clinic Manager at Lawes Road Urban Clinic, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kina Bank stating “Kina Bank is the first to assist us. We lack so much equipment to treat our patients. God saw our need and used you to bless us at this time of the year.” The AIMS team, along with other business units at Kina Bank, raised funds and contributed personally to give back to the communities they serve.

For coffee farmers in Nabak, the poor condition of the road to Lae is more than an inconvenience—it’s a daily struggle that threatens their survival.Farmers like Martin Kisu spend hours carrying heavy coffee bags from remote villages just to reach transport. “We work hard to grow quality coffee, but without proper roads, we can’t get it to market. Every step is a fight,” he said.In upper Nabak, hundreds of farmers manage hundreds of thousands of coffee trees, producing hundreds of bags destined for the Homestead Coffee Factory in Lae. Partnerships with Homestead Coffee and the Coffee Industry Corporation have opened markets, but poor roads put all of this at risk.District Program Manager Nelson Darina said the road from Bumayong to Misiyawang, which effectively ends at the village, urgently needs maintenance. “Even though Lae is close, communities struggle to access markets, schools, and basic services. This road has been neglected for years, yet it is vital for the people of Nabak,” he said.Local families pay high transport costs or walk long distances to survive. For Nabak farmers, the road is not just infrastructure—it is the lifeline that keeps their families fed and their communities alive.

A young father in Lae is pleading with the public for help as a mysterious breathing sickness slowly takes away his ability to live a normal life.Thirty-year-old Chris Ankik first struggled to breathe in late 2021. Four years later, his condition has become so severe that even walking a few metres leaves him gasping for air. Cold weather, smoke or stepping inside a poorly ventilated building can trigger attacks that feel like asthma, but no doctor has been able to explain what is happening.Chris said the sickness has taken away his independence and left his wife to carry the full weight of providing for their family. “I depend on her for everything now,” he said.He has visited clinics, health centres and hospitals, done X-rays, sputum tests and even tried TB treatment. All results were negative. Overcrowded emergency rooms meant he often left without answers. One health worker told him they did not know what else to do for him.Chris now urgently needs a CT scan, lung function tests, an ultrasound and specialist checks. These tests are available in private clinics, but he has no money left.He fears his condition will become life-threatening without help.