St. Paul’s Primary School in Lae city was targeted in a break-in, which allegedly occurred between 2-3 a.m. early this morning. The culprits used a metal rod to cut through the barbed wire before entering the school’s storage building. In one room, they stole timber, including 4 pieces of 2x4 timbers and 6 pieces of 3x2 timbers. In another room, they took a big deep fryer, a large rice cooker, a big esky, and a box containing the school’s stationery supplies. The school suspects that the nearby market may have been involved in the incident. Broken glass louvers were left on the ground, and there is concern about illegal marijuana trading in a neighboring property. Head teacher Mund Yalamu expressed his worry, saying, “We are doing everything we can to file a police report and address the security breach.” He also appealed to the nearby communities and the general public, urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and assist the police. “This is a learning institution where there should be respect and a sense of ownership by the communities,” he added. St. Paul’s Primary School, a Lutheran-run institution, serves 622 students and is located in the heart of Lae city. The building that was targeted is an incomplete classroom, with four rooms, which had been used as a storage space while awaiting its completion. The break-in has raised concerns about the safety and security of the school premises. Mr. Yalamu is in the process of filing a police report as authorities begin investigating the incident.

As the new sports season approaches, teams under the Lae Football Association (LFA) banner are intensifying their preparations with a strong focus on precision. Alex Toki, General Secretary and Games Coordinator for the LFA said it is important to complete thorough preparation plans for clubs such as Barra FC, Airco Owens, Pascal, and City United. According to Toki, ensuring precision in these preparations is essential for a successful season. “It’s important for teams to focus on precision as we prepare for the upcoming season. I’m supporting all teams during this period, helping them get ready for what lies ahead,” Toki said. He also mentioned that some players from clubs like Pascal and City United have already caught the eye of UNPL teams, which could be a sign of growing talent in the region. Toki confirmed that he would be playing for both Airco Owens and Barra FC this season, and both teams are expected to participate in the Women’s Conference League. Following his recent participation in the Paralympics, Toki believes his experience will help him evaluate players’ skills during the early season games. Looking ahead, Toki is optimistic about the season, especially with the League’s Grand Final approaching this Sunday. “We’re expecting a good turnout at the games. Everything should run smoothly, and I believe the finals will be peaceful and well-organized,” he said. After the finals, there will be a small prize-giving ceremony to recognize the efforts of the teams. While the prizes may be modest, Toki says it’s important to acknowledge the hard work and precision shown by the players. “We congratulate all the teams – Barra, Airco Owens, Pascal, and City United – for their dedication. Once the finals are over, we’ll sit down, review everything, and get ready for the second week of May when the season will officially begin,” he added.

Graduates from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) engineering programs can now hold degrees recognized internationally, opening doors to global job opportunities. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ora Renagi expressed excitement over this achievement but cautioned about potential downsides. While the accreditation allows graduates to work anywhere, it may also lead to a "brain drain" if there are not enough local opportunities to keep talent in the country. Dr. Renagi emphasized that "PNG must create more job opportunities to retain its skilled workforce." However, he also acknowledged the benefits of exporting talent, noting that many countries, like Moldova, thrive by sending human capital abroad while receiving financial returns. PNG UoT recently earned full accreditation for its five engineering programs through Engineers Australia, a member of the Washington Accord. This recognition has sparked positive energy on campus, with students and staff embracing the achievement. Looking ahead, Unitech is pushing to get all its programs accredited to international standards, and Dr. Renagi stressed the university’s commitment to turning research into real-world innovations and businesses. Through partnerships with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the ICT cluster, PNG UoT is creating pathways for students to transform ideas into startups. The IEPNG Annual General Meeting in Lae highlighted the need for innovation and the importance of retaining local talent for PNG’s future.

Madang Police received a boost to their operations on Saturday 26th April with a donation of supplies from Leon Hardware. Leon Hardware's General Manager Henry Chen and Sales and Marketing Manager Willie Weng handed over the items to Acting Superintendent Robert Baim outside the Madang Town Police Station. Baim thanked Leon Hardware for their support, highlighting that such contributions help the police overcome challenges and enhance their efforts in fighting crime. Chen emphasized that the donation was not just about supplies, but about building trust and supporting those who work to keep Madang safe. Councilor Saun Dambui also thanked Leon Hardware and urged other businesses to get involved, stressing that community safety is everyone’s responsibility. This donation strengthens the partnership between the police and the Madang community.

Trukai Industries Limited has taken a major step forward in boosting domestic rice production, launching an expansion of its commercial rice farming operations with a groundbreaking ceremony held at its Erap farm in Morobe Province on Wednesday. The expansion saw the farm grow from its 100 hectares in 2024 to 300 hectares in 2025, with plans to further scale up to 600 hectares by 2027. This initiative reinforces Trukai’s long-standing role as Papua New Guinea’s top rice supplier, having served the nation for over five decades. The company is majority-owned by Australia’s SunRice Group and locally owned through the Pacific Balanced Fund (PBF), which represents over 22,000 Papua New Guinean unit holders. The fund is managed by interim trustee Weathermen Capital Advisors. Trukai remains the only rice manufacturer in PNG actively investing in agricultural research and development. It works closely with local institutions like the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) and Pacific Adventist University (PAU), aiming to build local expertise and strengthen rice farming across the country. The Erap farm plays a central role in Trukai’s efforts to enhance food security, promote climate-smart agriculture, and support rural development. The company continues to drive innovation in agribusiness, improve farm productivity, and support the resilience of local farmers. Trukai has already begun blending its first harvest of locally grown rice into its well-known Roots Rice brand, now available in markets nationwide. The expansion aligns with the government’s broader objective of establishing a modern and sustainable agriculture sector by 2030.

Students from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) have given an ultimatum to the Chief Ombudsman Commissioner, calling for action on key constitutional and governance issues. The Student Representative Senate (SRS) presented a petition on April 17th to the Ombudsman Commission (OC), following concerns raised during the Students’ Open Forum on March 26. The forum came after the government’s Facebook ban on March 24th. SRS President Brent Karol said the petition was based on verified information and reflects the views of the students under Section 19 of the Constitution. The petition has three main parts and was delayed due to the university’s graduation. Chief Ombudsman Commissioner Richard Pagen said, "The Commission is already working on all three concerns." Further stating that one issue is in court, another is being investigated, and the third is already being addressed. While responding to the students, Pagen also spoke about the impact of political instability and the need for reforms, including electing the Prime Minister directly. He also raised concerns about how MPs handle public funds and said public servants should manage those programs for better transparency. The presentation was originally planned for Friday, April 11th, but was postponed to April 17th as the university’s 57th graduation ceremony was held on the same day.

Morobe Governor Luther Wenge is calling for better and safer transport services in remote parts of the province after five people died in a plane crash in Sapmanga on Christmas Day. He made the call during a funeral service in Lae on Thursday, where three of the victims were officially handed over to their families at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Indoor Complex. “This tragedy should not have happened. People in remote areas deserve safe and reliable transport.” Governor Wenge said, urging the government to improve infrastructure. The crash killed five people, including the pilot. The pilot’s funeral was held earlier. Of the four remaining victims, three were handed over to their families by Tewai-Siassi MP and Housing Minister Dr. Kobby Bomareo. The body of police officer Napoleon Wagambie was handed over separately to Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Guinness, as the RPNGC will arrange his funeral. Governor Wenge sent his condolences to the families and called for action to prevent future tragedies. Investigations into the crash are still underway.

The Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has encouraged the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea to embrace the true spirit of Easter by promoting peace, unity, and reflection throughout the festive period. In a heartfelt Easter message, Acting Superintendent Baim conveyed warm wishes on behalf of the men and women in blue, while acknowledging the ongoing commitment of citizens in helping maintain law and order across the province. “This season reminds us of hope, renewal, and the importance of community." “Easter is not only a time of celebration but also a moment to reconnect with one another and reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful society.” He emphasized that unity across cultural and linguistic lines is vital to creating lasting peace, especially in the face of growing social challenges. “We are a diverse people, but that should be our strength." "Let us come together in harmony and allow our faith and values to guide our actions." The acting commander also urged the public to observe the Easter weekend responsibly, assuring residents that police operations would be in full swing to ensure everyone’s safety. “Our officers will be on duty throughout the long weekend to respond to any incidents and safeguard communities,” he said. “Please celebrate responsibly and look out for one another.” Looking ahead to the country's 50th year of Independence, Baim encouraged citizens to use this Easter as an opportunity to inspire positive change and set the tone for a more hopeful and united future. “Let this Easter mark the beginning of a better journey for all of us." “May peace, love, and joy be with you and your families.”

Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae city is set to become Papua New Guinea’s main centre for specialist medical care. According to Morobe Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr. Kipas Binga, the hospital will focus on treating cancer, heart conditions, and kidney problems. He said this progress relies on solid partnerships, more funding, and skilled staff. “We’re determined to bring much-needed specialized care to our people,” Dr. Binga said. One major achievement is the introduction of radiation therapy at Angau—the first in PNG. Dr. Binga said the delay was due to safety procedures, not a lack of money. Lab services are also being upgraded, with plans to hire a national pathologist and more laboratory workers. Dr. Binga thanked the Australian Government for keeping its funding promise under the health partnership. However, he said K15 million from PNG’s Government is still to be released. The PHA is aiming to raise Angau to a Level 6 hospital—on par with Port Moresby General Hospital. The hospital’s major redevelopment began under a joint PNG-Australia deal. Australia pledged up to A$420 million for new buildings, medical tools, and upgrades to the Lae School of Nursing. Since 2016, both governments have worked in stages, with Australia taking the lead while PNG sought its share of the funds. Health Minister Elias Kapavore said the partnership has lifted health services across PNG. In 2024, the Health Department renewed its deal with YWAM Medical Ships, which has delivered over two million services in rural areas since 2010.

Police in Madang have arrested a man accused of pretending to be the Acting Madang Provincial Administrator to mislead government offices. The suspect, 28-year-old Junor Kunda Kevin from Yandra village in Usino-Bundi, was taken into custody on Friday, April 11. Police say he sent a fake letter to the Provincial Treasury and BSP Finance in Madang. The letter claimed that Acting Administrator Daniel Aloi was not the rightful officeholder. Authorities later confirmed the letter was based on a court decision that had already been dismissed on March 7. Madang’s Acting Provincial Police Commander, Robert Baim, said the man’s actions were unlawful and could have disrupted key government operations. “He lied to gain control and confuse the system,” said Baim. “There are no ongoing court matters on this.” Kevin has been charged with impersonating a public official and is now in police custody. Police say others may also be involved as the investigation continues. Commander Baim urged the public to respect government processes and not spread false information.

The Morobe Provincial Health Authority is now urging a change in how health funding is used in Papua New Guinea. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kipas Binga said too much money is being spent on treating people who are already sick, while not enough is going into preventing illness. “Only a small part of the population needs treatment, but we’re spending almost the whole budget on them.” He also stressed the need to focus more on health education, early check-ups, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Meanwhile, Dr. Binga warned that conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are affecting more people, and action is needed now. To improve outreach, the PHA is looking at working with partners like the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. “The PHA is supporting the health workers, though I must admit, delays in housing and contracts are still a problem." Nevertheless, he thanked staff and the Morobe community for their ongoing support, adding that everyone has a role to play in building a healthier Papua New Guinea.

More than 1, 000 graduates were conferred with certificates, diplomas, and degrees at the recent 57th graduation ceremony of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) that was held at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae city. The event was a proud moment for many families, but it also stood out for another reason, the significant rise in female graduates. From a lone female student in 1980, Ms. Finkewe Zurenuoc and now Unitech’s Pro Chancellor, stated that the female representation has surged. This year, women made up 39% of the graduating class. “Women are not just joining traditionally male-dominated fields; they are excelling in them.” Courses such as Applied Physics, Applied Sciences, and Computer Science, all recorded female majorities whilst Business, Agriculture, and Communication & Development Studies also saw near equal or higher female participation. Moreover, the numbers reflect more than enrolment; they represent determination, equality, and progress. Ms. Zurenuoc also shared that the day was deeply symbolic compared to the past where the ceremony was of male dominance in her days when she had graduated. Meanwhile, University Chancellor Sam Koim whilst addressing the crowd, reminded graduates that their learning journey is only just beginning. “Your education is not only for your personal advancement. It’s for the transformation of your communities and for nation-building.”