Apart from reported minor incidents, it was mostly a peaceful Christmas Eve in the city of Port Moresby as residents celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.The National St John Ambulance in Port Moresby stated that while alcohol-fueled disputes remain a concern during the festive season, there was an overall reduction in serious violence across the city; however, the only significant incident occurred at around 4:00am this morning at East Boroko, where an elderly man, identified as Paul Raymond, and his wife were involved in a domestic dispute that resulted in head injuries.According to the neighborhood watch members at the Nusa Street in East Boroko, both parties were intoxicated at the time of the incident. Emergency responders confirmed this, stating that the couple became involved in an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation on a public road. The victim was struck on the back of his head, while his wife also sustained injuries during the altercation.Neighborhood Watch members had to intervene and prevented the situation from worsening before taking both individuals to the Boroko Police Station.National St John Ambulance Officer, Daniel Afuti, who treated the injuries at Boroko Police Station, confirmed the injuries were minor and not life-threatening.“The patient sustained a minor blunt trauma to the back of the head. He was conscious, stable, but intoxicated,” Afuti said.Basic wound care was administered, and the patient was later handed over to police for further processing.Earlier in the night, ambulance crews attended a 9:30pm callout at Talai South Side, where the area was reported to be calm, with no major incidents recorded.A 12:45am callout from Taikone Iokea Community members assisted responders, and an adult female in her late 40s received medical attention.A further call was attended at around 4:30am in the ATS area, marking another routine response during the early hours of Christmas morning.St John Ambulance officers said the majority of cases attended across the city during the night were medical-related, including seizures and other illness-based emergencies, rather than serious acts of violence.With operation “Iron Star” continuing to play a role in maintaining order during the festive period supported by police, emergency services, and neighborhood watch groups, festivity celebrations in Port Moresby city remains largely controlled and peaceful.

The town of Mendi, the provincial capital of the Southern Highlands province was on fire over the weekend when two separate fire incidents burnt and destroyed business houses and properties on Friday and then on Saturday.Residents who witnessed the incidents alleged that electrical faults were to blame, and with the intensity of the fires, the authority on ground called for emergency assistance from the Mt Hagen Fire Service to stop the damage from getting even worse. The first fire broke out around 3:00am early Friday morning on December 19th, affecting business premises in the main Mendi Town area, including Pisggah Supermarket. Resident eyewitness living nearby said the fire spread fast, catching the town off guard while most people were still asleep. The second fire struck on Saturday night on December 20th between 7:00pm and 8:00pm in the evening, destroying additional buildings in areas including Emeck Bakery and Kopiri Supermarket. Once again, the eyewitnesses alleged the fires start from electrical problems, with power connections suspected as the trigger. However, authorities have yet to officially confirm the cause. The fires caused widespread damage to local businesses already struggling through a tough year. Meanwhile, the Mt Hagen Fire Service later assisted in extinguishing the fires, helping to prevent further spread. Security personnel were also credited for stopping the flames from reaching BSP Bank, which narrowly escaped damage while chaos unfolded around it. Authorities have yet released an official damage assessment, but the incident has left several business owners counting their losses just days before Christmas. As clean-ups continue, authorities are expected to assess the damage and look at ways to prevent a repeat of such devastation in the future.

Neighborhood Watch Groups have now been successfully established across all police stations in the National Capital District as part of Operation Iron Star, with community members actively patrolling their own streets alongside police in a strengthened push to deter crime this Christmas period.The update was confirmed by NCD Metropolitan Superintendent and Operation Commander Warrick Simatab, who said the formation of neighborhood watch groups marks a key operational phase of Operation Iron Star, officially launched on December 18 as the NCD Police Festive Security Operation. Under the community deterrence strategy, Police Station Commanders and Officers-in-Charge for Community Policing worked directly with community leaders and youths to establish watch groups across all 10 NCD police stations, including Port Moresby Central, Badili, Hohola, Boroko, Waigani, Gerehu, Gordons, and the 6, 7 and 9-Mile areas. Superintendent Simatab said the approach is simple but effective to stop crime before it happens by ensuring communities and police stand together. “These groups become the eyes and ears of the police,” he said. “When criminals see communities actively working with police, they are afraid to commit crimes. This is how we keep our suburbs peaceful and our families safe during Christmas.” The neighborhood watch rollout forms part of the wider Operation Iron Star framework, which includes high-visibility policing, strict enforcement of liquor and traffic laws, hotspot patrols and zero tolerance for disorderly behavior during the festive season. Superintendent Simatab also encouraged other suburbs that have not yet formed neighborhood watch groups to contact their local Police Station Commander.“If your area does not have a Neighborhood Watch Group yet, talk to your PSC or OIC Community Policing today. We want to work with you to take back our streets.” With Operation Iron Star now fully active, police say community patrols are a clear signal that Port Moresby is reclaiming its streets together. The operation will continue till the 6th of January 2026, with police and residents jointly working to ensure a safe, calm and respectful festive season across the capital city.

CPL Group is turning the festive season into action, rolling out nationwide promotions, hospital outreach, and a blood donation drive to give back to communities across Papua New Guinea mixing Christmas cheer with real-world impact.From cash prizes to hospital wards, CPL Group’s Christmas initiatives are hitting where it matters. At the heart of it is the Joyful Giving Program, delivering gifts and essential supplies to Children’s and Maternity Wards in provincial hospitals. Customers and CPL stores contributed toys, clothing, books, bedding, and personal care items, with each store adding K1,000 towards hospital supplies. Recent visits, including Mt. Hagen General Hospital, brought relief and smiles to patients in the Pediatrics, Special Care, Maternity and Children’s Outpatient Departments. Beyond gifts, CPL also focused on saving lives. City Pharmacy Medical Laboratory and Supplies led a blood donation drive, encouraging staff to donate during the festive season which was an initiative aimed at supporting hospitals when blood demand is traditionally high. Meanwhile, shoppers nationwide are feeling the Christmas buzz through CPL’s Cash Christmas Promotion. Launched on November 3 across all 37 CPL stores, the promotion features weekly winners and a total prize pool of K300,000. So far, more than K260,000 has already been won, with one final week remaining before the promotion closes on December 29th. CPL Group CEO Kee Lim said the initiatives reflect the company’s values beyond retail. “Christmas is about sharing joy and hope,” Lim said. “Through these initiatives, we aim to give back to our customers and communities in ways that truly matter.” Whether through cash rewards, hospital outreach, or life-saving blood donations, CPL Group’s festive season message is clear: Christmas isn’t just something to celebrate, it’s something to act on.  

The basketball did more than bounce last weekend in Aiyura in the Eastern Highlands province, it built bridges. The Aiyura Basketball Association (ABA) successfully hosted a three-day Friendship Basketball Tournament, uniting teams from the Momase and Highlands regions in a celebration of sport, skill and shared community.Held from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7 at Aiyura Green Valley, the tournament brought together junior and senior teams in Under-17 and Open divisions, with both male and female players taking part. Teams travelled from across Madang, Lae, Wau, Jiwaka, Goroka, Kainantu, Yonki and Aiyura, turning the valley into a regional hoop hub. Despite persistent rain preventing the completion of all finals, the atmosphere remained positive and competitive. ABA President Kevin Wal said the tournament was never about trophies alone. “This tournament is more than basketball,” he said. “It’s about strengthening connections between communities, giving young players exposure, and nurturing their passion for the game. Friendship and unity were the real winners.” Teams were accommodated at SIL PNG housing, which provided secure and comfortable lodging throughout the event. Visiting teams and officials praised the warm hospitality shown by the host association, reinforcing the tournament’s theme of connection beyond the court. In the Under-17 division, Eastern Pride Basketball Club (Goroka) claimed first place in the boys’ category, while ABA Girls topped the junior female division. In the Open Men’s division, Jiwaka led Pool A, followed by Walium and Lae City, while SIL Crusaders claimed first place in Pool B ahead of ABA Men and Yonki Men. In the Open Senior Women’s division, ABA finished first, followed by Wau Women and Jiwaka Women. All teams received certificates of participation, with cash envelopes distributed, SIL gift packs provided to players and officials, and Basketball for Good and ABA/FCA T-shirts handed out as part of the recognition program. ABA acknowledged the strong backing of K92 Mining as major sponsor, SIL PNG for venue and accommodation support, and the ABA management team for their commitment behind the scenes. President Wal said the tournament reflected the true spirit of basketball in Papua New Guinea—unity, resilience and shared purpose. As Momase and Highlands teams returned home, they carried more than results: they carried new friendships, renewed motivation and proof that sport still speaks the loudest when communities listen together.

The NGI Regional Basketball Championships are underway in Kokopo District after rain delays, with teams from East New Britain and New Ireland competing under the hosting of the Kokopo City Basketball Association, celebrating unity, resilience and the revival of structured basketball pathways in Papua New Guinea.The championships are hosted by the Kokopo City Basketball Association under the East New Britain Basketball Association, bringing together teams from New Ireland Provincial Sports and East New Britain. Despite heavy rainfall forcing a one-day delay, games officially tipped off on Wednesday, December 10, with organizers providing regular updates as fixtures progress. Persistent rain has continued to challenge scheduling, however organizers say arrangements are being made to ensure all games are completed on time. Special consideration is also being given to the Kavieng Basketball family to allow safe travel home ahead of the Christmas season, reflecting the cooperative spirit of the tournament. Interim President of ENBBA, Ms. Loa Oala, said the championships represent more than just competition. “We stand united to revive basketball and build unity through this sport,” she said. “With the resilience of our players, the commitment of our organizers, and the support of our communities, we are confident this championship will conclude successfully and leave a lasting impact.” Her comments highlight the broader goal of rebuilding basketball at the grassroots and regional levels. Basketball Federation of PNG President David Peter praised ENBBA’s leadership and outlined a renewed national vision for the sport. “Our strategic approach going forward will be provincial and regional competitions leading into national championships,” he said, explaining that future international selections will follow a provincial to national pathway. He noted that this structure had been dormant for nearly two decades and is now being restored through strong association leadership and passion for the game. Organizers say the NGI Regional Basketball Championships mark a turning point for the sport in the region, showcasing unity, perseverance and renewed direction. As games continue in Kokopo, basketball leaders hope the momentum will carry forward into stronger provincial, regional and national competitions in the seasons ahead.                           

Youths With A Mission (YWAM) reached ATS 694 Block in Port Moresby Northeast yesterday 16th December after an invitation from the ATS Youths For Change Movement, engaging young people in a settlement community where crime often feels like the easiest exit and purpose the hardest road.The outreach focused on youths growing up in environments where opportunity is limited and negative influence is constant. Instead of lectures, YWAM brought real-life stories, practical engagement and a grounded message that change is not abstract it is possible and within reach. Community women’s elder and leading voice of ATS Youths For Change, Damaris Bonga, said the visit strengthened ongoing efforts to steer youths away from crime. “YWAM’s programs and real-life testimonies show our youths that transformation, self-development and opportunity are possible,” she said. “This outreach reminded them that crime is not the only option.” Her remarks highlight how exposure to lived experiences can shift mindsets in communities where choices are often shaped by survival. More than 50 young people from broken homes, single-parent families and street backgrounds took part. Many with desire to stay away from criminal activities, negative peer pressure and excessive device use, choosing instead discipline, character growth and purpose-driven living. YWAM participant Dephney Valor Pukienei explained that the organization’s approach goes beyond inspiration to long-term action. “We don’t just talk about faith,” she said. “We believe in reaching people emotionally, mentally and practically. After someone finds hope, the next question is what comes next and that’s where training, service and real-life skills matter.” She said YWAM programs cover discipleship, leadership training, health, education, media, sports and community service to restore lives holistically. The outreach aligns with the goal of ATS Youths For Change to support youths, especially boys who fall out of the education system and are vulnerable to crime. YWAM Facilitators includes Joyce Namile Maiyene, Monica Anis, Hezron Ginmini, and Cheeryl Lyna Sil Gala shared testimonies and encouraged participants to join ongoing church and community programs. Dephney said the outreach is part of a shared vision to raise future leaders who will not only overcome hardship but return to uplift their families and settlements. With YWAM and ATS Youths For Change working together, more youths are being shown that purpose can outshout pressure and outlast shortcuts.    

Stop and Shop has launched Pacifika Smokehaus, its new mid-range meat brand, at Stop and Shop Central Waigani on Monday 15th December 2025 marking the first major in-store brand launch since the supermarket was acquired by Taylor Pacific from CPL.The launch signaled a new chapter for Stop and Shop under Taylor Pacific management, with Pacifika Smokehaus introduced as a fresh in-house brand aimed at balancing affordability with quality. Stop & Shop Marketing Manager Marjorie Singu said the brand was designed to make value easy to recognize while expanding customer choice in the fresh meat section. “Pacifika Smokehaus is a brand introduced under Stop and Shop to show our customers that, in addition to our existing chicken and lamb, we now offer quality beef from Ramu, marinated chicken cuts, and gourmet sausages,” Ms. Singu said. She explained that the range focuses on well-prepared meats at accessible prices, without compromising on standards. “Customers can find affordable meat, but also quality cuts they won’t easily find elsewhere at the same price point,” she added. Pacifika Smokehaus features beef sourced from Ramu, marinated chicken, lamb, and gourmet sausages, all positioned as convenient, ready-to-cook options for households. The Waigani Central outlet is the first store to showcase the brand within the PNG products section. Ms. Singu confirmed the brand will be rolled out across other Stop and Shop outlets nationwide as part of the company’s broader strategy under its new ownership. “Pacifika Smokehaus is a brand customer who will see across all Stop and Shop stores moving forward. This is just the beginning.” With the launch of Pacifika Smokehaus, Stop and Shop has set the tone for its next phase under Taylor Pacific, signaling more in-store innovation and expanded fresh food offerings as the brand is introduced nationwide.

The Pacific International Hospital (PIH) in Port Moresby city held its annual Christmas celebration yesterday, Saturday 13th December at Vision City Dynasty Restaurant, honoring staff and dignitaries while reflecting on the year’s achievements, reaffirming organizational values, and spotlighting resilience, community service and the hospital’s role as a leading healthcare provider in Papua New Guinea (PNG).The event opened with PIH leaders welcoming staff and guests to a festive programmed focused on togetherness, gratitude and recognition of collective effort. Reminding attendees that the Christmas season is not just about celebration, but also about community spirit and generosity, values integral to the hospital’s mission of compassionate healthcare. PIH’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Colonel Sandeep Shaligram reflected on the dedication of the hospital’s workforce, noting how staff have excelled amid uncertainty and operational challenges throughout the year. He highlighted the hospital’s culture of perseverance, reminding everyone that the strength of the institution lies in its people rather than its infrastructure. Long service, hard work and commitment to quality care were acknowledged as foundational to PIH’s success.Mr. Sandeep Shaligram also addressed criticism faced by the hospital, framing it as a sign of growth and resilience rather than a deterrent. Using the metaphor of an eagle soaring above detractors, he encouraged staff to focus on delivering high standards of care, asserting that PIH continues to offer quality services at competitive costs compared with other private healthcare providers in PNG.He said the hospital's growth in a growing private health care sector, underscores PIH’s role in expanding access to advanced medical services and championing innovation, even amid systemic challenges.The celebration reaffirmed PIH’s commitment to excellence in healthcare and community impact. As the hospital looks ahead, Mr. Sandeep Shaligram emphasized continual growth, quality improvement, and the shared goal of expanding healthcare access across the country with all grounded in the unity and dedication showcased at the Christmas gathering.

Coca-Cola Papua New Guinea has donated PGK 43,000 to the National St John Ambulance Service through its Green Angels Appeal, supporting ambulance services nationwide while also spreading festive cheer to frontline staff and volunteers in Port Moresby, Lae and Kokopo during the Christmas period.The donation was announced at National St John Ambulance Office at 3- Mile on Friday December 12th, with this fund directly towards helping the purchase of new ambulances and strengthen emergency response services during the busiest times of the year. Coca-Cola PNG also hosted Christmas celebrations for St John staff and volunteers, providing food, music, refreshments and games to recognize those working through the holidays. Senior Manager for Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola PNG, Rachel Nainggolan, said the initiative was about recognizing people who put community first. “This holiday season, Coca-Cola wants to recognize and reward those in our local communities who selflessly give their time to care for others,” she said, highlighting the company’s intention to give frontline workers a moment of rest and appreciation amid their demanding schedules. National St John Ambulance Chief Executive Kai Tane welcomed the contribution, noting it goes beyond financial support. “This donation will help us enhance our services and ensure that we are prepared to respond promptly to emergencies, especially during the busy festive season,” he said, emphasizing that community partnerships are critical as emergency callouts continue to rise across the country. During the event, Mr. Tane also outlined the growing pressures facing ambulance services, including increased emergency responses, limited ambulance availability in some provinces, and safety risks to crews. He then appealed to the public to protect ambulance teams, particularly during the festive season when demand and risks are highest.

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG), in partnership with FIBA Oceania, has celebrated the success of its pilot WiLEAD program in the Hela Province, which drew 93 participants aged 10 to 25 from five council wards in the Lower Waghi LLG, Margarima District.The initiative, delivered under Hoops for Hope by emerging leader Hannah Kuwimb, is part of the broader WiLEAD (Women in Leadership) program designed to empower women and youth through basketball. Kuwimb described the program as a positive transformative experience for the youths in the community as it teaches them in making life choices and shows them the pathways in basketball. “I strongly recommend this program to be delivered annually until our communities are fully confident in making positive life choices, understand the rules and pathways in basketball, and develop solid skill sets that can help them grow both on and off the court. With ongoing support, we can build a generation of confident, informed, and empowered young leaders.” Participants showed discipline by adhering to program rules, including bans on bush knives, smoking, and sales within the program area. Their eagerness to learn and punctuality impressed Kuwimb the organizing team. “I was quite impressed to see the hunger and interest each individual showed. Their commitment in arriving early and their eagerness to learn gave me confidence that there is a 100% possibility of change in this part of the community,” Kuwimb added. Although more young people wanted to join, limited space capped participation at 93 with the largest age group represented was 15 to 19 years, considered a critical stage for shaping positive change. The FIBA WiLEAD Program is a women’s leadership initiative across Oceania, designed to identify and support emerging female leaders in basketball. The programs goal is to teach Skill Development by Building leadership, communication, and sports administration competencies that includes Confidence Building by Empowering women to take on higher leadership roles in Networking and Visibility. This program elevates women’s roles in governance, coaching, officiating, and advocacy like BFPNG Program Quality Lead Delisha Koime who described the pilot as “one of the first steps in the right direction” for women’s leadership in PNG basketball. WiLEAD is more than a training program-it is a strategic advocacy tool for gender equality in sport. It aligns with broader initiatives such as PacificAus Sports, which support regional collaboration and capacity-building. The success of the Highlands pilot signals a growing movement to empower youth and women through basketball, positioning Papua New Guinea as a leader in inclusive sport development across Oceania.

PNG has achieved another milestone in its digital transformation journey with the launch of the country’s first Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Platform hosted on the PNG Government Cloud, developed by local technology firm Kumulsoft Limited in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).The platform, designed for both public and private sector organizations, centralizes the management of fixed assets, properties, leases, fleets, inventories, and documents. It aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency across institutions, addressing long-standing issues in public fund management such as financial leakages and delayed reporting. Speaking at the launch, Hon. Marsh Narewec, Member for Wau-Waria Open and Co-Founder of Kumulsoft, reflected on the company’s origins and its mission to empower Papua New Guinean innovation. “When you have challenges, you innovate,” he said. “Paul picked a particular challenge within the whole of government process and system, and he wanted to solve it. That’s how Kumulsoft began. While we were developing this, we talked about SME ownership, about PNG businesses competing with big foreign companies. We wanted to raise our hands and say: We can do this in our own country.” Narewec said Kumulsoft’s evolution from a small Windows-based software to a fully cloud-hosted SaaS platform reflects the power of local innovation and resilience. Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr, Minister for Police, Leader of Government Business, and Acting Minister for ICT, commended Kumulsoft for its pioneering contribution to the government’s digital modernization agenda. He revealed that the Auditor General’s analysis from 2015 to 2019 showed that nearly 48% of public institutions had unresolved fixed asset management issues worth a combined K3.7 billion. “That’s K3.7 billion that could be going back into classrooms, hospitals, and roads,” he said. “Because of inefficiency, that money was being lost through the system. This platform directly tackles that problem, ensuring every asset is visible, traceable, and protected.” Tsiamalili said the Kumulsoft launch aligns perfectly with the government’s broader Digital Government Act 2022 and the Digital Transformation Policy spearheaded by DICT. He added that the platform will integrate with upcoming national digital systems, including the Digital ID ecosystem, interoperability platform, and digital procurement systems. “This is precisely what the Prime Minister envisioned a connected government where data drives decisions and technology empower integrity,” Tsiamalili said. “Kumulsoft represents the best of Papua New Guinean innovation proudly built here, powered by local talent, and driven by national purpose.” Kumulsoft CEO Raul S. Shah said the platform was developed entirely in-country by Papua New Guineans, offering local support and scalable solutions tailored to PNG’s needs. “Between 2015 and 2019, audit reports identified billions in unverified or mismanaged assets across public institutions,” Shah said. “Kumulsoft closes that gap by digitizing the entire asset lifecycle and giving management teams instant visibility and control.” Hosted securely on the PNG Government Cloud, the platform ensures zero downtime, automatic updates, and strict access control. It also offers 30-day free trials, digital training, and flexible subscription options for government departments, state-owned enterprises, and private businesses. The launch was attended by government officials, development partners, and industry leaders all recognizing the platform as a step toward data sovereignty and local technology leadership. “This launch represents more than technology,” said Shah. “It’s a step toward national data sovereignty and local innovation leadership. We’re proud that PNG is not just using global solutions but creating its own.” Organizations can register at www.kumulsoft.com or join the Melanesia Asset Community (MAC) on LinkedIn for shared knowledge and updates in property and asset management.