A bulb onion farming project in the Markham District is helping villagers improve their livelihoods and farming knowledge through a unique collaboration. Led by the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT), the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), and the Markham Smart Farmers group, the initiative is training locals in bulb onion cultivation — a crop that has high market value and strong potential in rural areas. Local leader and farmer Charles Edward Narjo has been at the forefront of this effort, working closely with development partners to get the project off the ground. “Our aim is simple — to help families earn income and become self-reliant through agriculture,” said Narjo. Since the start of the program, more than 30 farmers have signed up, including young people, women, and older community members. The farmers are being trained in every stage of the crop cycle, from preparing the land to harvesting and post-harvest care. Field training is led by FPDA coordinator Jacob Koroa, who emphasized the importance of technical knowledge in ensuring successful harvests. “We’re guiding farmers on how to grow healthy crops and manage their farms effectively,” said Koroa. Participants say the program is already making a difference. Villagers who had never farmed before are now actively planting and maintaining their onion plots. Seasoned farmers are also learning new techniques and taking a more commercial approach to agriculture. Farmer Simon Fred has become a role model by helping clear land and encouraging others to get involved. Challenges remain — especially with water access during dry spells — but farmers are being taught simple irrigation methods to reduce risk. Narjo said that while the training has been effective, farmers still need better road access and connections to buyers to turn their harvests into cash. “This is a good start, but we must go further. People are motivated, and with support for markets and equipment, we can build a strong local farming industry,” he said. The partners hope to expand the project to other parts of Markham and surrounding districts, helping more rural communities take control of their economic futures. “The potential is huge,” Narjo added. “We’ve planted more than just onions — we’ve planted hope.”

After evading police for nearly three years, a man wanted for multiple armed robberies in Madang has voluntarily surrendered to the authorities just recently. Ethrel Mathew, also known as Scott Bradley Duh, gave himself up at Jomba Police Station on Thursday, May 22. Originally from Numboku Village in Kubalia, East Sepik Province, the 24-year-old was accompanied by family members and community policing officers from Zone 03 under the Madang Urban Local Level Government (MULLG). Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed the arrest and commended those involved in facilitating the surrender. “Mathew has long been identified as a member of the Sisiak 3-based Scorpions 58 gang, which has been linked to several major crimes in town,” said PPC Baim. His arrest follows ongoing dialogue and negotiations between the National Criminal Intelligence Unit (NCIU), the Transnational Crimes Unit, and Mathew’s relatives and community leaders. “This peaceful outcome was only possible because of the cooperation and support of his family and the wider community,” Baim added. Police have formally charged Mathew with two counts of armed robbery in connection to hold-ups at Happy Mart and Double Lion Investment stores last year. The charges fall under Section 386 of the Papua New Guinea Criminal Code Act. He has been released on police bail and is scheduled to appear before the court. According to police, Mathew has no previous criminal convictions. He was residing in the Wabam/Sisiak 3 area with his wife and two children during his time on the run. PPC Baim used the occasion to applaud the example set by Mathew’s family and urged others to consider similar steps for the good of their communities. “With Papua New Guinea nearing its 50th Independence anniversary, this kind of attitude change gives hope for a better future,” he said. “I encourage other families to take the same responsible approach and assist in handing over those who are wanted by police.” The police commander reaffirmed that strong partnerships between law enforcement and local communities are vital in addressing crime and building safer towns.

Community advocate Michael Earley is contesting the Ward 2 council seat in the upcoming Ahi Local Level Government (LLG) elections in the Morobe province, with a commitment to drive impactful change and amplify the voices of the people of Ahi. Earley, a resident of Butibam village, was officially nominated on April 25 at 10am at the Ahi LLG council chamber. His nomination was received by Assistant Returning Officer Rhode Ahi and witnessed by his wife. Running under the campaign theme “I Can Help You. Yes, I Can!”, Earley’s platform focuses on key development priorities including education, youth employment, landowner recognition, SME growth, and inclusive partnerships. Central to his agenda is improving access to education for the Ahi students. He has proposed a program to support students aiming to study abroad, particularly in Australia. According to Earley, he has initiated a potential arrangement with AusAID, where he would sponsor the first year of studies and AusAID would support the remaining years—provided the students maintain good discipline and performance. He also plans to assist young people interested in short-term training and skills development courses, which he believes are vital for increasing employability and self-sufficiency. If elected, Earley intends to work closely with the Lae City Authority and private sector partners to develop sustainable solutions to the issue of youth unemployment and to encourage broader economic participation in Ward 2. A long-time community volunteer, Earley recently coordinated the Rosso Lae Community Clean-a-thon on May 3rd and 4th. The event brought together schools, churches, businesses, and government agencies in a collaborative effort to clean the city and promote civic pride. Earley says his campaign is about giving back and creating opportunities for others. He believes strong, accountable leadership can open new doors for the people of Ward 2 and beyond.

Madang’s main hospital is teetering on the edge of collapse as health workers raise alarm over chronic mismanagement, severe underfunding, and failing infrastructure. Acting Hospital Manager John Mark Jeremiah says the once-functioning referral hospital can no longer deliver safe and reliable services. Essential equipment like X-ray machines and anaesthetic tools are broken, sanitation is poor, and power and water outages are common. “We’re no longer meeting basic healthcare standards,” Jeremiah said. Doctors have reported being cut from payroll and evicted from staff housing due to unpaid rent. Financial records show that K25 million of the hospital’s K30.5 million annual budget is tied to wages, leaving only K6 million for all other operations in 2025. Staff have submitted an 11-point petition to authorities, demanding immediate emergency funding, restoration of clinical authority to doctors, and the release of delayed infrastructure funds. They have given 14 days for a response. Madang Open MP Bryan Kramer has pledged K2.3 million to address urgent maintenance needs and called the situation a national emergency. “This is a complete systems failure,” Kramer said. “Lives are at risk.” The Ombudsman Commission has arrived in Madang to begin investigations, and a public inspection of the facility is being planned. Health staff are now calling on the National Department of Health and Secretary Dr Osborne Liko to release emergency funds without delay. “This is no longer a local issue,” one health worker said. “It’s a national crisis.”

What was meant to be a simple trip to town turned into a nightmare for a woman and her 13-year-old daughter, after they were allegedly beaten by supermarket employees in an incident that has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The woman was taken to Madang Provincial Hospital’s emergency ward and treated for serious injuries. Her daughter, though not physically harmed, is under police protection while investigations continue. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Robert Baim said more arrests are expected following the detention of two suspects — David Junior, warehouse supervisor at Yaho Supermarket, and Micah Tandaku, a shop assistant. Both have been charged with assault causing serious bodily harm under section 340 of the Criminal Code and unlawful detention. “This is a matter we are taking very seriously,” Baim said. “The right thing to do, if someone is suspected of shoplifting, is to report them to the police. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands and physically harm another person.” According to the woman, the incident happened on Saturday, the day before Mother’s Day. She and her daughter had travelled from Utu village in South Ambenob Local Level Government (LLG), Madang District, to sell betel nut in town. They made K46 by midday and entered Yaho Supermarket to buy food. She purchased a 1kg packet of rice and walked with her daughter to the locker area, receipt in hand. Security guards allegedly accused her of theft after seeing her daughter next to a trolley containing store goods. The guards reportedly dragged them to the back of the store without allowing an explanation. Police have confirmed the girl is a key witness. Her statement is being handled with care due to her age. A female officer involved in the case said, “She is scared and shaken, but she’s helping us. What happened is being treated seriously.” Police have obtained a search warrant and declared Yaho Supermarket a crime scene. CCTV footage is under review to verify the sequence of events and identify all those involved. Commander Baim said everyone seen in the footage participating in the assault will be arrested, including the store owners, who are alleged to have allowed or encouraged the attack. David Junior admitted to police that he was wrong to take matters into his own hands. He claimed the woman and her daughter had been caught shoplifting twice before and said they had previously been made to "do some work" as punishment. “This was the third time, and I lost control,” he said. But Commander Baim was firm: “Even if they were caught stealing, the law does not permit vigilante justice. No one has the right to assault another person — least of all a woman and her child.” Baim urged the public to let police handle the case. “If you saw something or know something, come forward to the police — not to the media or social media. Help us ensure justice is done.” A full medical report on the woman’s injuries is expected later this week.

A 30-year-old man from Chuave in Chimbu province is now detained at Kundiawa police for stabbing another man to death for taking his K5. Chimbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang confirmed that the incident happened on May 9th at Laiya village, Siane LLG, Chuave District. According to the police report, the deceased, who is identified as Oscar Joseph, was with the suspect when the argument regarding the K5 led to his death. Police officers in Kundiawa were later informed of the incident, visited the crime scene, and apprehended the suspect, who has been charged and detained at the police station awaiting his court date. In another incident, also in Chuave, the first wife of a man stabbed his second wife with a kitchen knife, who also died, and the body is now at Kundiawa Hospital. According to the police report, the wives of the man had an argument regarding a coffee garden, which the first wife claimed was hers, and the second wife was found picking the coffee berries from. "The first wife, who was not happy with that, approached her in the coffee garden and started an argument that led to a fight. In the process of fighting, they fell down and rolled off down the ground, going down the mountain in the coffee garden. While rolling, the first wife pulled out the kitchen knife and stabbed her. She died due to loss of blood," PPC Rubiang said. PPC Rubiang added that she was taken to Kundiawa police station, where she was charged and detained in the cell. He said both suspects are now detained at Kundiawa police station, awaiting their court date.

A coordinated police operation in Saidor Station, Raikos District in Madang has led to the arrest of five men and the seizure of a large quantity of marijuana destined for West New Britain, police confirmed last weekend. According to police reports, officers in Saidor acted on a tip-off on April 27 and intercepted two suspects at Lagap Beach who were allegedly transporting 14 kilograms of compressed marijuana. The two, identified as Alex Yango, 27, of Wab village, and Kenny Ismael of Gaptamon, were believed to be en route to Kimbe to sell the drugs on the streets. The confiscated marijuana, which police estimate has a street value of K200, 000, was secured as evidence, and both men were taken into custody. Meanwhile, a separate incident the following day resulted in the arrest of two more individuals. Lai Cherubim, 26, and Prope Mumukau, 31, were caught during an undercover police operation while allegedly selling two grams of marijuana for K50 to a buyer at Saidor Station. All five men were detained and later transported to Madang Town by a team from the Provincial Police Headquarters. They have since been charged under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 and will appear in court in the coming days. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, commended the swift action by officers and urged communities to remain vigilant. “This operation is a strong reminder that the trafficking of controlled substances has serious legal consequences.” “We are working closely with local communities to stop the cultivation and distribution of marijuana, particularly in areas like Nayudo LLG, which is becoming known for illegal drug farming.” Police say the region's cool climate and fertile soil make it ideal for marijuana cultivation and are calling for stronger community involvement to prevent further youth engagement in the drug trade. Investigations are currently ongoing.

Police have revealed that it was a case of an accusation of theft that led to the assault and abuse of a mother and her daughter at the Yaho Supermarket in Madang over the weekend. Police say the incident happened between 11:30am and 1pm after the woman bought a 1kg bag of rice and met her daughter at the store’s locker area. A security guard who saw this, accused them of trying to steal goods worth over K100. Despite the mother denying the claim, she and her daughter were taken to the back of the supermarket and allegedly beaten by employees. Further police investigations today later revealed only two suspects were involved in the assault and abuse of the two females. The two accused—supervisor David Junior and staff member Micah Tandaku—were arrested and charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm and unlawful detention. “This kind of violent behavior by shop employees is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim. The suspects are being held at Jomba Police Station while investigations continue. The victims are closely assisting the police with the investigation with additional information to help their case.

Madang Police are boosting their response to a surge in highway robberies, with efforts now underway to make travel safer for both motorists and nearby communities. Despite working with limited resources, police are rolling out new strategies and appealing to the public for support. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim said officers are increasing their presence along high-risk stretches of road, including the Nauru section and the corridor between Usino Junction and Naru—areas frequently targeted by criminals. “Our officers are now conducting regular patrols and manning key checkpoints,” Baim said. “We’re also planning to strengthen operations at the Mano Quarantine Checkpoint, a critical point for monitoring movement along the highway.” In addition to manpower, police are considering the use of technology, such as surveillance cameras and improved communications systems, to better track criminal activity. However, Baim acknowledged that ongoing resource shortages remain a challenge and urged community members to be part of the solution. “Criminals are taking advantage of mobile phones to track our patrols and alert each other, which makes it more difficult to catch them,” he said. “We need the public to work with us and report anything suspicious.” Baim stressed that community members often hold valuable information that could lead to arrests. “There are people who know who’s behind these attacks. Speaking up could prevent further crimes and help protect lives and property,” he added. He also pointed out the difficulty of prosecuting offenders without solid evidence or eyewitnesses. “If suspects aren’t caught red-handed, it takes time to gather enough proof for court. That’s why we need witness statements,” Baim said. The commander also raised concern about individuals who may be indirectly supporting criminal activity by buying or benefiting from stolen goods. “That kind of behavior only undermines our work. We ask the public to refuse stolen items and cooperate with investigations,” he said.

A Chinese national has been convicted by the Lae District Court on multiple charges, including illegal discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, and assault. The court also revoked his K12,000 bail, which had been granted only days earlier. Mr. Li Deshang, 56, originally from Guangxi Province in China, appeared before Magistrate Nasiling Bingtau, who found him guilty on all charges after reviewing the evidence presented. Li was transported from Buimo Prison for the proceedings, where the charges were read and interpreted in court. Although he pleaded not guilty through his legal representative, Philemon Yama of Myles Legal Service, the court proceeded to deliver a summary judgment. Yama argued that his client acted in self-defence during the incident and that the firearm, which belonged to someone else, was only in his possession temporarily. He also insisted that a full trial was necessary for Li to properly contest the charges. Police prosecutor Senior Constable Emma Waliu refuted the defense's claims, stating that Li was intoxicated during the incident and had no license to possess or use the weapon. She argued there was no credible threat to his safety that justified his actions. Magistrate Bingtau ruled that the evidence did not support claims of self-defense and emphasized that Li had acted recklessly while under the influence of alcohol. He said the circumstances did not warrant a full trial and suggested that the defense consider appealing the verdict in the National Court. Speaking outside court, Yama confirmed he would discuss the possibility of an appeal with his client. According to police reports, the incident occurred on April 15 in Eriku, Lae, where Li discharged a firearm during an altercation with two business associates. Li remains in custody and will reappear in court on May 7th for sentencing submissions.

Lae city residents are coming together this weekend for the inaugural Rosso Community Cleanathon, a grassroots clean-up drive sparked by growing concerns over litter in public areas. The initiative is spearheaded by Michael Earley, Deputy Chair of the Lae District Peace and Good Order Committee, who said the campaign is about changing attitudes and encouraging people to take pride in their surroundings. “This isn’t about getting paid — it’s about working together to make Lae cleaner and healthier,” Earley said. The Cleanathon is set to become a twice-yearly event, with another clean-up scheduled for early September. To mark the effort, colorful flags will be displayed around the city, celebrating unity and civic pride. Primary, secondary, and tertiary schools have been invited to take part, following a directive from Morobe Provincial Education Advisor Keith Tangui. Students in grades 6 to 8 will lead school participation, while local businesses and organizations are encouraged to get involved in uniform. Support has also come from the Lae Fire Service and JVPNG, and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso — who is also Lae’s MP — has pledged to join the clean-up in the top town area. School groups will clean areas outside the central business district, while businesses and volunteers will focus on the city centre. The concept emerged from conversations among Lae ward groups and concerned citizens eager to take action. Earley made a public appeal for better behavior, especially urging public transport users not to litter or spit from buses. “Being a responsible citizen starts with simple actions,” he said. “Let’s change our mindset and make Lae the green city it deserves to be.” He also dismissed any speculation about political motives, reaffirming that his involvement is driven purely by community spirit. Businesses interested in supporting the event are encouraged to donate gloves, rubbish bags, snacks, or drinks for the volunteers. The Cleanathon is entirely voluntary, with no payments involved — just shared responsibility and hope for a cleaner future.

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to helping Papua New Guinea strengthen its agriculture sector. Australian Consul General, Mr. Brenton Kanowski, speaking at the Trukai Smart Farmers graduation in Erap last Thursday, emphasized Australia’s support for PNG’s push towards agricultural independence. “Australia is here to support PNG’s agricultural growth,” Kanowski said. “Through private investment, community initiatives, and research programs, we are working together to build a stronger future for PNG.” Kanowski highlighted the role of Sunrise, the Australian company behind Trukai Industries, in investing in PNG and empowering local farmers. Programs like Grow PNG, funded by the Australian government, are training smallholder farmers to supply more produce, boosting food security. Australian agencies, including ACIAR and CSIRO, are also collaborating with local institutions like the PNG University of Technology to support research benefiting PNG farmers. “These partnerships are key to helping PNG farmers grow more, earn more, and strengthen the country’s economy,” Kanowski added. Australia continues to partner with local communities, driving agricultural development across the country.