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In the face of transportation hurdles that have hindered police mobility in Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim has rallied for collaborative efforts between business entities and law enforcement to sustain police presence in the region.

Baim has emphasized the necessity for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures due to the looming threat of opportunistic crimes.
“It’s really affecting our mobility, but with the help of a few business houses and supportive police allies, they have been assisting to at least show police visibility around,” remarked Baim, shedding light on the ongoing challenges confronting law enforcement in the province.

Recognizing the constraints imposed by transportation obstacles, Baim has urged businesses to bolster their security protocols, cautioning against potential exploitation by opportunists. He has underscored the risk of delayed police response to incidents under such circumstances, stressing the imperative of increased vigilance within the community.
“Opportunists might take advantage of the situation and commit acts that police might not respond to promptly,” cautioned Baim, highlighting the significance of proactive measures in mitigating security risks.

Despite the adversities, Baim has reassured the public of the police force’s preparedness to tackle any criminal activities. He has affirmed the unwavering commitment of law enforcement personnel to uphold law and order, while urging cooperation from residents in safeguarding their communities.

The concerted efforts between business establishments and the police epitomize a unified approach towards addressing the security challenges prevalent in Madang. Baim’s proactive stance underscores the pivotal role of community engagement and collective action in ensuring public safety amidst logistical constraints.

Furthermore, the repercussions of fuel rationing have extended to operations at the Jomba police station, where suspects detained in cell blocks are being managed amidst logistical constraints.

Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander, disclosed that the fuel shortage impacting police mobility has also affected the management of detainees at the Jomba police station. Despite these hurdles, Baim has assured that the police force is diligently working to uphold essential services, including the management of detainees.
“The fuel rationing police are managing at the moment has also impacted operations at the Jomba police station, where suspects detained in cell blocks are being managed,” affirmed Baim, addressing the additional strain imposed by fuel shortages on law enforcement activities.

Baim’s proactive approach and collaboration between stakeholders serve as a beacon of hope in navigating through the challenges posed by transportation constraints, reaffirming the collective commitment to maintaining security and order in Madang.

Air Niugini’s Fokker jet services into Madang province has resumed today.

The airline company announced a downgrade of its services to Dash 8 operations yesterday after sections of the Madang airport runway was damaged by the earthquake over the weekend.

Following successful repair works conducted on the runway by the National Airport Corporation, Fokker jet services have resumed.

Meanwhile in Western Highlands all Fokker and Boeing 737 flights into Mount Hagen remains downgraded to Q-400 services due to repair works at the Kagamuga runway.

In a previous statement released by Air Niugini in September, the airline company stated that the National Airport Cooperation aims to have the runway improved within two months by taking advantage of the favorable weather before the start of the festive season (peak period).

With the temporarily closure of Wapenamanda airport in Enga, Kagamuga remains the busiest airport in the Highlands Region serving hundreds of people from Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Enga, Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces.

For the people of Aronis village along the North Coast of Madang, it is difficult to measure the rate at which their cultural practices are being lost every year.
 
Like many communities in Papua New Guinea, traditional knowledge is held by the older generation and passed on to the young through word of mouth.   It is ‘living’ knowledge and ever-evolving.
 
But these days, knowledge is passed on only to those willing to listen and that number is dwindling.   

When Barbara Gigimat, an Aronis elder initiated the Food and Culture Festival in August, she brought together people who were custodians of different kinds of knowledge.  It was the first time in many years that the richness and diversity in the small community were presented and appreciated.
 
“Previously, we thought our culture was dying out slowly. But now, we realize that the decline is happening very quickly,” she says.  “Many of our old people are dying and they’re taking their knowledge and wisdom with them.”
 
On the road leading to the main village, many of the young men are drunk on cheap homemade alcohol.  They represent part of a bigger problem. The breakdown of traditional systems of governance and family units over half a century has seen a rise in social problems.
 
The young men and women are not being guided as they would have been in the past. Many come from families who have returned to the villages after their parents retired from active employment. They are forced into an unfamiliar environment and many bring back influences common in the lower social classes of Papua New Guinea’s burgeoning urban population.
 
Others are absorbing the full brunt of development coupled with poor education and a lack of opportunities.
 
“We initiated this festival because of the young men and women.  We are tired of having to deal with alcohol abuse and the troubles associated with it. We have to pay compensation when our boys fight with people in neighbouring villages,” Barbara says.
 
“We realized that if we don’t address these problems, they will continue to worsen.”
 
At a small in the middle of the village square, Andrew Fei, a food security trainer explains the traditional cropping calendar that is still in use today.
 
He teaches people about the seasons and weather patterns. He is reviving aspects of traditional knowledge lost over the years.
 
“Traditionally, our ancestors didn’t live on the coast. They lived in the hills. This was so they would observe the sun and plan their planting cycles.  They didn’t just plant all year round.”
For this festival, Barbara and the planning committee wanted it to be a local affair without any tourists.

“If we brought in tourists, we will be obliged to look after them. They would be a distraction.  Many of the participants will not be actively passing on the knowledge they possess to the kids.”
 
Barbara hopes to have more people join future festivals.
 
“The need to pass on knowledge and to document the wisdom we have had become critical. As the older generation passes on, we will be left without the guidance that young people need. It is, therefore, crucial that more people are involved in this effort.”

Barbara Gigimat – Organizer, Food and Culture festival.

Ramu NiCo Management Limited (RNML), through its Community Affairs Department, has chipped in to support a local rugby union team – the Newtown Jabaris.

RNML has supported the Newtown Jabaris with jerseys purchased straight from the dealer Tati Sports, at a cost of over K5000.

Formerly known as the Newtown Malabeks Rugby Union 7s Club, the team is made up of youths in their late teens and early 20s from Malabor Street, in the Newtown residential area of Madang Town.

RNML’s Assistant President and General Manager, Health Safety and Environment, Mr Jason Jia, prior to making the cheque presentation said that the company will continue to support youth activities in Madang, and are happy to assist such sporting initiatives.

Team Captain Dunstan Kaluwin expressed gratitude to Ramu NiCo for the assistance and said the team will wear the new jerseys in the Mayor 9s Tournament, which is currently underway.

The tournament started on the 3rd and will run through to the 25th of September, a four-weekend tournament for both men and women at the Ron Albert Oval in Madang Town.

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