Christmas 2016

PM applauds country for safe celebrations

PM O’Neill made the comments as Papua New Guinea woke up to a New Year with minimal reports of disturbances over the festive period.

“People in communities right around our nation have been able to enjoy celebrations with family and friends and welcome in the New Year.

“I thank members of the public and community leaders throughout the nation for working together and enabling our people to enjoy time together."

Police chief thanks Lae residents

Wagambie Jnr says there were no reports of incidences and attributed the peaceful season to the behaviour of the residents.

"Police were out in full force, manning the streets on a 24-hour rotation,” said the metropolitan superintendent.

“Beats were done at Eriku, suburban police on patrol and the streets were so quiet.

“I thank the public for observing the season.”

He revealed that a number of drunkards were locked up but later released when they were sober.

"The same thinking must be extended towards the new year.

Teachers spend Christmas away from home

A concerned senior teacher in the province told Loop PNG that about 70 teachers are still waiting for their leave entitlements.

“We are all stuck here for Christmas and are very disappointed and not happy to be spending Christmas away from our families back home,” the teacher said.

The teachers didn’t get a positive response from the Division of Education Office on Friday, December 23, when they went to enquire about their entitlements.

“We were told verbally that accounts have been closed and funds will not be released until accounts are open.

Business as usual for informal sector

For mothers in the informal sector, Christmas means more income.  

So while some were starting their celebrations for the day, Jenny Maipe and Annette Zephaniah were preparing for the big sell of the year.

Like the rest of those in the informal sector, it was business as usual.

Both sell daily at the Kinakon roadside market, on the outskirts of Port Moresby.

While they both understand that Christmas is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Annette says it is one of those days they have many customers.

An impressive dramatisation of biblical events

Youths of the parish, in an effort to depict the gospel reading of the birth of Christ, acted out a musical drama by dressing up as Joseph, Mary, the three kings; even baby Jesus, whilst another group played their part as flocks of sheep.

This the first time the Gospel is being dramatised by the youths depicting the events that took place in the bible.

Main celebrant, Fr. John Auram, during the homily said Christmas is a time for sharing with family and friends, a time to escape the daily pressures of work, a time to spend with your children and a time to give.

NCD Governor’s Cup enters day two

Tournament coordinator, Sengelo Skonga, said the tournament has run smoothly so far since it started yesterday.

In the results today from Ipi Park at Hohola, Erima Wanderers forfeited NCC Carpets, D8 Mosquito Reds drew with Megusa Brothers 8-8, 2 Mile United def. Bandicoots 14-0, City Redbacks def. Marane Stoneville 12-0, JV Panthers drew with Southern Stars 10-10 and Urban Vikings def. Gordon Lizards 4-2.

The finals for the National Capital District Governor’s Christmas Cup will be played on December 31.

Perfect Christmas weather in NCD

It had been raining in the days leading up to Christmas. However, the morning of December 25 saw the sun shining confidently, allowing for uninterrupted outdoor Christmas celebrations.

AccuWeather.com reported a partly sunny day in the nation’s capital.

But the reading this afternoon warns for thunder showers, so if you’re still out there, make sure you have an umbrella on hand.

This may continue for the next few days so be prepared.

(The Adventure Park at 14-Mile, outside Port Moresby, today)

Three more Christmas babies for POM

The first was a baby girl from Central, born at 3.35am weighing 3.8 kilograms.

Next to follow was another girl from Morobe at exactly 6am, weighing 3.5 kilograms.

7.35am brought the arrival of a baby boy from a mixed parentage of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Sepik, weighing 3 kilograms.

Sister in charge, Hayley Kakito, said all three mothers had normal deliveries with no complications.

“We are expecting one more baby later this afternoon,” said Kakito.

Women and child injured in collision: Residents

This happened at Nine-Mile Makana, around 12am this morning, according to eyewitness Joseph Raiam.

Raiam and another two were on their way home when they saw the 5th element Ute speeding into town.

The driver, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, drove onto the wrong lane, heading straight into a 15 seater bus.

He says the driver of the 5th Element ran away, leaving behind the three injured passengers, believed to be from Milne Bay Province.

The three were assisted into a taxi and sent to the hospital.

Madang police on alert

The convoy of police vehicles with personnel around Madang displayed the strength and logistics which will be used during their festive period operations.

Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Jacob Singura told Loop PNG that the show coincides with their festive period operations as well.

"Our operations have just commenced after the show of strength. We have begun our operations and will go through to the New Year.

"Our main focus is to provide security for all our residents and the travelling public in and around Madang,” he said.