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Prime Minister James Marape has declared that the suspension of 70 departmental and agency heads is a strict enforcement of long-standing accountability laws, dismissing claims that it stems from a new government policy.The Prime Minister clarified that the mass suspensions target public officials who failed to meet statutory duties requiring State entities to transparently report and account for public funds and resources.Prime Minister Marape made these remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, August 01st, 2026, in response to questions raised by Dei MP Desmond Kipa regarding the current status and legality of the administrative suspensions.The Prime Minister emphasized that the Constitution and various Acts of Parliament dictate clear, mandatory reporting timelines for public administrators.“These are not optional matters but requirements of the law,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “If you are responsible for public money, you must report.”To anchor the legality of the State’s intervention, the Prime Minister cited an extensive framework of existing legislation:The Constitution (including Section 187): Establishes explicit reporting obligations regarding public administration and judicial operations.The Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Governments: Mandates stringent, regular reporting from all provincial administrations.The Prime Minister’s Act: Outlines executive mechanisms to monitor government line departments through the Chief Secretary.The Public Finances (Management) Act & Public Services (Management) Act: Demands that comprehensive annual performance and financial statements be compiled and submitted on time.Prime Minister Marape expressed strong sentiments against successive governments for tolerating substandard reporting practices, noting that several suspended agency heads are repeat offenders who have neglected their reporting duties for multiple consecutive years.He questioned how agencies receiving millions of Kina in public funding could justify withholding performance data until the annual budget cycle.“As we mark our 50th year of Independence, it is time to break away from the bad habits of the past and get these fundamental principles right.”Issuing a stern ultimatum to senior bureaucrats, he warned that high academic qualifications and decades of experience mean nothing if basic compliance is ignored.“If you are not doing the job you are paid to do- particularly reporting on public finances and human resource matters- then please, do the country, your family, and yourself a favour and vacate the office.”Parliament was informed that the Office of the Chief Secretary and the Department of Personnel Management have formally initiated disciplinary and suspension proceedings against the 70 affected heads.Regarding the Right to Reply, affected officers have been formally served notices and must show cause to the Chief Secretary detailing why they failed their statutory duties.To maintain Interim Leadership, relevant line ministers have been instructed to immediately identify internal deputies to step up as acting heads, ensuring zero disruption to state services.For Further Updates, the Chief Secretary will release precise administrative details as the independent investigation progresses.Responding to further queries about why departmental heads are being penalized while ministers are not, Prime Minister Marape drew the line between elected leaders and career public servants.“Ministers are elected by the people. Public servants are appointed through established processes,” he explained.“Ministers can come and go, but administrative heads remain permanently, responsible for ensuring public funds are properly administered.”“I am paving the way for whoever becomes Prime Minister after 2027. We are taking the bull by the horn to ensure there is transparency and accountability.”The Prime Minister cautioned the suspended departmental heads to stop using politicians as political lobbyists to bypass the legal process or protect their positions.

Former gang boss Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been found guilty of orchestrating the murder of Tupac Shakur - the first conviction in a cold case that has intrigued hip-hop fans for nearly 30 years.The jury found him guilty of one count of murder with a deadly weapon for the rap superstar's death in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on 7 September 1996.Dressed in a black suit, the 63-year-old stood impassively in the Las Vegas court as the verdict was read, before saying he would appeal.During the trial, the court heard a recording of a police interview in 2008 in which Davis said he was in the car from which shots were fired but did not himself fire the bullets that killed Shakur.Prosecutors argued that although Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips street gang, did not himself fire the gun, he ordered the shooting and supplied the gun that his nephew Orlando Anderson used to open fire.Anderson died in an unrelated shooting in 1998, having denied involvement in the killing of Shakur.As the verdict was read out on Monday, Shakur's relatives held hands, some hugging and crying.Shakur was 25 when he was slain at the height of his career as one of rap's most influential voices. He has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.For 30 years, the case remained one of America's most famous cold cases, spurring countless conspiracies - but never a conviction, until now.Shakur's friends and family celebrated the verdict outside the court/ GETTY IMAGESDuring the trial, prosecutors said Davis had planned the shooting as retaliation after Anderson was involved in a fight with Shakur and his crew in Las Vegas just hours earlier.Shakur's murder happened at a time of intense rivalry between the East Coast and West Coast rap scene and amid gang feuds between the Bloods and Crips, which had deep roots within hip-hop at the time.His family appeared emotional in court, his sister embracing a prosecutor after the verdict was read while others sat crying nearby.Outside, devoted fans of Shakur were similarly crying and cheering.Duane Davis during closing arguments at court in Las Vegas/ STEVE MARCUS / POOL / AFP via Getty ImagesThe key evidence in the case were Davis' own words, in which he repeatedly and publicly acknowledged being inside the white Cadillac from where the deadly shots were fired.He had told authorities about his role in Shakur's death during a secret 2008 police interview related to the death of fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G., real name Christopher Wallace.Davis elaborated further on his role in his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend.But his book and media interviews voided a protective agreement he had established with authorities that had blocked any criminal charges being filed, with the court ruling his police interview could be used in the murder trial against him.Source: BBC News

Alpha Insurance Limited has launched its “Protect What Matters Most” Homeowners Competition, with a Suzuki Jimny GLX now on display at Rangeview Plaza in Port Moresby.The campaign was officially launched on Friday, August 28, bringing together representatives from Alpha Insurance, Rangeview Plaza, media organisations and members of the public.The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting homes and household belongings through appropriate insurance coverage.As part of the promotion, one eligible customer will win a Suzuki Jimny GLX at the end of the competition, subject to the campaign’s terms and conditions.The competition runs from June 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with the winner to be drawn on July 15, 2027.To enter, customers must be at least 18 years old and either purchase a new eligible Alpha Home Protection Insurance Policy or renew an existing policy during the competition period.The policy must meet Alpha Insurance’s eligibility and underwriting requirements and remain active, with all applicable premiums paid, at the time of the draw.The Suzuki Jimny is currently displayed in the Main Atrium of Rangeview Plaza, where members of the public can view the vehicle, scan the campaign QR code, make enquiries and find out more about Alpha’s Home Protection Insurance.Alpha Insurance says taking the campaign into a busy public space is part of its effort to make insurance more visible and accessible to customers.The company has acknowledged the support of Rangeview Plaza, its media partners, participating organisations, staff, and others involved in organising the launch.The Rangeview Plaza activation will continue over the coming months, with Alpha representatives available at scheduled times to assist customers and provide information about the competition and insurance products.Through the campaign, Alpha Insurance is encouraging Papua New Guineans to consider protecting their homes, belongings and financial interests against unexpected events.

The Government of Papua New Guinea acknowledges the concerns recently raised by His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat regarding the HIV situation in our country.His call for renewed national mobilization is timely and reinforces the urgency of a coordinated national response.The latest national estimates indicate that Papua New Guinea may now have approximately 130, 000 people living with HIV, with an estimated 11, 000 new infections in 2025, which equates to roughly 30 new infections every day.These figures are deeply concerning and confirm why HIV has been recognized as a national crisis and public health priority.This increase reflects both ongoing transmission and improved testing, diagnosis, surveillance, and reporting, giving Papua New Guinea a far more accurate picture of the epidemic.Testing has more than tripled, rising from about 111, 000 tests in 2022 to over 388, 000 in 2025, and an estimated 73% of people living with HIV now know their status.Progress has also been made in expanding access to care. More than 62,000 people were receiving antiretroviral treatment in 2025.Nevertheless, this represents only about 57% of all people estimated to be living with HIV. Alarmingly, only around 30% of pregnant women living with HIV were estimated to have received treatment for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission in 2025.To turn these numbers around, the government’s HIV response centers on preventing new infections, ensuring people living with HIV are diagnosed early and started on treatment, and supporting them to remain on treatment long-term.Prevention remains critical to reducing new infections, while early and sustained treatment protects the health of people living with HIV and reduces the risk of onward transmission.Minister for Health Dr. Billy Joseph noted that in 2026, the government has increased its funding for essential HIV medicines and commodities to help ensure treatment is available; however, more needs to be done.He added that the National Department of Health (NDoH), with support from partners, is currently exploring the introduction of new and innovative HIV prevention and treatment options, including long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis.However, HIV is not solely a health-sector issue, and the government cannot address it alone. People must feel able to seek prevention, testing, and treatment without fear or judgement.Therefore, churches, faith-based organizations, workers, development partners, civil society, communities, people living with HIV, and their families all play a vital role.HIV is preventable, and HIV is treatable. With ongoing promotion, effective prevention efforts, early diagnosis, and sustained treatment, Papua New Guinea can change the trajectory of this epidemic.Furthermore, the government remains committed to ensuring that the declaration of HIV as a National Crisis translates into coordinated, adequately resourced, and measurable action across Papua New Guinea.

Port Moresby is maintaining a clean and organized appearance as police officers work around the clock to ensure that their limited resources are properly used to manage the populated city.Despite having fewer than a thousand officers, the force continues to manage more than a million people from different regions, both locally and internationally.Commander of the National Capital District and Central Province, Benjamin Turi, expressed his gratitude to the police officers operating under the leadership of Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab and Central Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle, praising their dedication to keeping the command in order.Commander Turi highlighted several efforts the police have done under his command by responding quickly to reported complaints, which has helped in defusing several tense situations.He said notable issues the command has responded to over the last two months include stopping a conflict between the Engan and Goilala communities living at Laloki.Police also conducted a clean-up at Gordons bus stop to minimize petty crime, executed a mass arrest of 70 students involved in a city school fight, arrested a suspect who assaulted a female Rabaul Gurias supporter inside the National Football Stadium, and carried out the mass arrest of 50 protesters from Enga opposite the Hilton Hotel.He said the incident at Laloki is under investigation, and some of the suspects have been apprehended in which has calmed the situation.He further added that the arrest of the 70 students has produced positive results; some have been convicted and paid fines, while others will appear in court soon.In addition, the clean-up at Gordons and around the city is ongoing, with assistance from the NCDC to clear street vendors and remove undesignated markets across the city.Commander Turi said that over the weekend, the man who assaulted the Rabaul Gurias supporter was arrested, and his police bail was refused.He stated that police also responded to a case resulting in the apprehension of 50 people who were unlawfully gathered opposite the Hilton Hotel.“I want to call on the people living in the city: when you are here, you must abide by the city laws and rules, as well as the laws of this country.”“What you do in your villages and respective towns might be different from Port Moresby, where we have laws in place, and we will not hesitate to enforce them to punish lawbreakers.”“We are trying our best to manage law and order in the city.”“My call now to the people in the command is to respect each other when traveling into Port Moresby or moving into Central Province.”“You all come here for your own reasons, and we will not stop you from coming, but all we ask is that you respect each other and abide by the rules and laws in place.”“The city must look clean and organized because we have people coming in from around the world. Those of you who break the law will be dealt with; accordingly, my officers have been doing this, and we will continue to do so.”He thanked his police officers for their tireless efforts and challenged them to continue performing their duties without fear or favor to keep Port Moresby and the Central Province safe.He reiterated that the top priority is maintaining order in the capital since Port Moresby serves as a mini-PNG.

Police units deployed at the Santos National Football Stadium in Boroko responded immediately on the afternoon of Sunday, 30th August 2026, to an outbreak of spectator violence and rugby hooliganism during a high-stakes match.While supporting stadium security personnel in managing fast-moving crowds, officers intervened to halt an ongoing assault on an opposing supporter.Order was restored swiftly as officers isolated the disturbance and apprehended a primary suspect on-site.Following the incident, police formally charged 30-year-old Delbert Paul, from Muntma village in the Mul-Baiyer District of Western Highlands Province, in connection with the unlawful assault of a Rabaul Gurias supporter, subsequently refusing him bail.NCD Police investigations remain active as officers review video footage and gather witness reports to identify and arrest all other individuals involved in the violent outburst.NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab strongly condemned the harassment of opposing fans and spectator violence in public sporting venues, emphasizing that lawlessness under the guise of sports fandom will not be tolerated.He warned that rival fans targeting opposing supporters threatens public safety, ruins the spirit of national sport, jeopardizes local competitions, and severely damages the country’s international image.He added that wearing team colors or holding a match ticket grants no immunity from criminal prosecution, cautioning that anyone engaging in violence at a sporting venue will be arrested and processed through the court system.With Papua New Guinea preparing to celebrate its 51st Independence Anniversary in just 15 days, as well as hosting the PNG Games in November, participating in the Rugby World Cup, and promoting the PNG 2028 NRL bid, the Metropolitan Command is urging all residents and sports enthusiasts in the capital to reflect on their conduct.Authorities are calling on the public to practice responsibility, enjoy the spirit of competition, and respect opposing supporters as law-abiding citizens.The command stressed the importance of demonstrating civic pride and unity during national celebrations to ensure public arenas remain safe for families and international visitors alike.

Argentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that "hurt" but "the time has come".The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.In a statement, Messi said he has given everything to the national side but now has "nothing left to give".He added: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply."I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team."I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance."Earlier in August, Messi said he was considering his future in football after the death of his father, Jorge, who died aged 68 following a long illness.The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he wrote his retirement message on 21 July, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in this summer's World Cup final.He added on Instagram on Monday: "Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced than before."His career will continue at club level with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, where he has a contract that runs to the end of the 2028 season.Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary. However, he was shown a straight red card less than a minute later, after he swung his arm and his elbow connected with full-back Vilmos Vanczak.Despite his tough start on the international stage, Messi went on to become one of the all-time greats, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.He is the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history, with 21, behind France's Kylian Mbappe (22), and second for goals in all internationals (125) behind his great contemporary and rival, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (146).Messi first retired from international football in 2016 before reversing his decision.That followed a defeat by Chile in the Copa America final, in which he missed a penalty in the shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years.Messi scored eight goals and registered four assists at this summer's World Cup.He took his career assists tally to 12 in World Cups, of which 10 have come in the knockout rounds. No other player on record has more than eight in total."Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years," he added in his message, addressing supporters. "I'm going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much."Now I'll be just one of you, always cheering and supporting from the sidelines."I'm leaving with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my team-mates, moments we'd only dreamed of."It was incredible to have experienced this with you all. I love you!"Source: BBC

Kundiawa town in Simbu province underwent a major facelift over the weekend as members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary took to the streets for a massive clean-up exercise.Led by the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Simbu province Superintendent Mazuc Maipe Rubiang, members of the Kundiawa police force and actively participated alongside his police personnel in a community clean-up exercise on Saturday, August 29th, 2026.This aimed at improving the cleanliness, orderliness, and overall appearance of Kundiawa town, with police vehicles being utilised to transport the collected waste to dumping sites.The initiative reflects the police force’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing and contributing positively to the development and maintenance of a safe, clean, and orderly urban environment.As part of the exercise, police personnel also conducted awareness among residents, market vendors, and business operators, encouraging greater responsibility in the proper disposal of rubbish and the maintenance of public spaces.PPC Rubiang stressed that maintaining a clean and orderly town is a shared responsibility that requires the active cooperation and participation of residents, businesses, market vendors, local authorities, and other stakeholders.According to PPC Rubiang, law and order is not about arrest only however this exercise was about changing the mindset of the people of Kundiawa.“A clean environment is essential to public health, community wellbeing and the attractiveness of Kundiawa as a centre for commerce and public services.”“A clean town is a healthy town, and keeping Kundiawa clean is everyone’s job, not just police or the council.”The police-led initiative also demonstrates the importance of strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies, government authorities, the private sector, and the wider community in addressing issues that affect the quality of life in Kundiawa.The community has been encouraged to sustain the progress achieved through the clean-up exercise by taking personal and collective responsibility for proper waste management and the cleanliness of public areas.“A clean, safe and orderly Kundiawa requires the commitment and cooperation of everyone.”

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) through the Disaster and Emergency Services of the Department of Community Government, has elevated the call from the Papua New Guinea National Weather Services, placing Bougainville on Drought Alert status.This following increasing concerns over prolonged below-normal rainfall associated with the current El Niño event.Current climate information indicates between 80- 90 percent probability of below-normal rainfall across Bougainville during September- November 2026. The El Niño conditions are also expected to remain active through the remainder of 2026.The situation is being treated as an elevated drought and water-security risk, rather than normal seasonal conditions, with particular concern for water supplies, food gardens, food security, and remote island communities.Potential Impacts the prolonged dry conditions may place additional pressure on already vulnerable communities and could result in:• Further depletion of rainwater tanks and other household water sources;• Reduced agricultural and food-garden production;• Increased pressure on household food supplies;• Increased demand for emergency water assistance;• Deterioration of water quality;• Increased health and nutrition risks; and• Increased humanitarian and logistical requirements, particularly for remote communities.The ABG is particularly concerned about fragile outer-island communities, where limited access to alternative water sources, transport, and essential services can increase vulnerability to prolonged dry conditions.Priority areas for Monitoring are the Nissan-Atolls and other outer-island communities in Northern Bougainville will receive priority monitoring and preparedness attention because of their existing vulnerabilities and exposure to climate-related risks.Other parts of Bougainville such as South and Central Bougainville may experience differing weather patterns as compared to North and Nissan Atolls areas of Bougainville. However, the drought risk is being monitored across the entire Region. Communities may experience different levels of impact depending on rainfall deficits, the availability of water sources, crop conditions and household food stocks.The Directorate of Disaster and Emergency is coordinating with relevant Districts, Community Governments, and other Departments to strengthen preparedness and monitoring.Therefore, over the next two to four weeks, the following actions will be prioritized:1. Maintain HIGH WATCH status for drought and water-security risks through information from the PNG National Weather Service and localized monitoring.2. Conduct rapid assessments in vulnerable locations, particularly areas already showing signs of water shortages, crop stress or food insecurity.3. Strengthen weekly drought monitoring and reporting through Districts and Community Governments.4. Finalize the Drought Contingency Plan to identify priority preparedness and early-response actions for the ABG.5. Escalate monitoring and preparedness in RED-priority outer-island communities, particularly where declining water sources and food-security concerns are reported.The Department of Community Government and District Affairs has activated the monitoring and reporting from Community Governments, District administrations, sector leads in ABG, and partners to support the process to ascertain the situation in Bougainville over the following weeks as the PNG National Weather Services continues to provide the overall situation report.Meanwhile, communities have been encouraged to monitor household water supplies, protect available water sources, conserve water, monitor food gardens, and report emerging shortages or other drought-related concerns through their respective community governments and district authorities.The public must also follow official information and advisories issued by the PNG National Weather Service and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and to avoid relying on unverified information.The current operational decision is to maintain Bougainville at HIGH WATCH for drought and water-security risk through 2026, with RED priority monitoring and preparedness for fragile outer-island communities.Meanwhile, the department has emphasized on the current alert which is intended to support early action and preparedness though not all communities are experiencing severe drought conditions. However, the forecast indicates a heightened risk that requires early monitoring, assessment, and contingency planning before conditions deteriorate further.Furthermore, the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency will continue to provide updates as soon new rainfall, climate and community assessment information becomes available.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) through the Department of Mining and Petroleum (DMP), has completed regional stakeholder consultations in Central and South Bougainville regarding the proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026.The consultations commenced in Buin on Monday August 24th, for South Bougainville and continued in Arawa for Central Bougainville, providing an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to ask questions and learn more about the proposed Bill, as well as provide their views and recommendations.President of the ABG and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, officiated both consultations for South Bougainville in Buin and Central Bougainville in Arawa.He said the ABG remained committed to strengthening the institutions, laws, revenue systems, and administrative capacity required for Bougainville to effectively govern itself and deliver services to its people.President Toroama reminded participants at both consultations that their responsibility was to contribute their views so that the government could develop strong legislation that protects the wider public interests of Bougainville.He said the development of strong laws and institutions was an important part of Bougainville’s preparations for its political and economic future and encouraged people throughout Bougainville to participate in Government consultation processes.In Arawa, ABG Minister for Lands and Member for North Nasioi Henry Potabu, welcomed participants and encouraged them to listen, participate, and contribute constructively to the proposed legislation. He stressed the Bill would not only safeguard workers and improve safety standards within the mining industry but would also contribute to developing the laws and institutions required for Bougainville's future.In South Bougainville, ABG Minister for Police and Member for Wisai Constituency Willie Masiu, similarly encouraged the people of Bougainville to participate in Government consultations and contribute their views to the legislative process. Minister Masiu reminded participants of the importance of supporting Bougainville’s ongoing political journey and said their contributions to the proposed Bill would assist leaders when the legislation is eventually considered by the Bougainville House of Representatives.The proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026 seeks to establish a modern, Bougainville-specific legislative framework for occupational health and safety across the mining sector. The Bill provides for mine safety and health management systems, prevention and management of workplace hazards and risks, worker participation, competency requirements, incident reporting and investigations, mine inspections, compliance and enforcement, and stronger regulatory oversight of mining operations. It also seeks to align Bougainville’s mining safety framework with recognized international practice while taking into account Bougainville’s own circumstances and the need to protect workers, landowners, and surrounding communities.The Department also presented proposed amendments to the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 relating to the prosecution provisions of the Act. The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen the legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of offences and improve the Department's ability to effectively enforce Bougainville’s mining laws.The consultations were attended by chiefs, women, youth, veterans, public servants, community representatives and members of the general public. For the Central Bougainville, representatives from the mining and exploration companies operating or proposing mineral related activities in the region also attended the consultation.Participants welcomed the development of a dedicated mining occupational health and safety framework and the strengthening of existing laws, and further and raised questions, comments and recommendations on various provisions of the proposed Bill and how the legislation should operate in practice.Consultations on the proposed Bill will continue in North Bougainville next week.The Department of Mining and Petroleum has also invited interested stakeholders and members of the public to provide written submissions on the proposed Bill no later than Friday, September 4, 2026, via email: cgerio.domer@abg.gov.pg Feedback received through the regional consultations and written submissions will be considered in finalizing the proposed Bill before it progresses through the government’s legislative process.

The Pacific’s biggest music competition has returned for 2026 with ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Break on the search for Papua New Guinea’s best original talent.Kicking off on Friday 28 August, artists have until midnight on Wednesday October 21, to enter their original tracks with the winner receiving an all expenses-paid trip to Australia to perform at WOMADelaide; Australia’s largest international music, arts, and dance festival.The winner of Pacific Break 2026 will be revealed on Thursday, November 12, 2026. PNG’s powerful vocalist Danielle made history as the first female winner of Pacific Break in 2022 with her song Fight.Since 2023, PNG’s Ragga Siai, Asi Vaname, Taz, Tarvin Toune, Kazibuda, Raylinda, Mereani Masani, Darkaside, Jay Sint, and Tyron Scott, have all reached the finalist stage of the competition.This year’s judging panel will be looking for authenticity and creativity across diverse genres, and includes Papua New Guinean-born Australian neo-soul star Ngaiire, Australian-based Fijian artist Joji Malani, WOMADelaide Associate Director Annette Tripodi, alongside ABC Radio Australia music presenters Hau Lātūkefu and Sose Fuamoli.According to Malani, he stated, “I am looking for artists who want to weave in their own stories and tell things to the world, to a global perspective but in a way that represents who they are, their culture, their family in the most authentic manner without trying to be like anything else. You can be influenced by things out there, but I’m interested in authenticity.”Echoing this sentiment, Fuamoli added, “Last year we saw a number of new genres represented, and I would love to see artists playing with form and style continue to feel confident in submitting. I am looking for strong personalities, strong voices and strong storytelling!”

Seventy students from different schools in Port Moresby have been convicted by the Boroko District Court for inciting unsanctioned school fights in the city.The students were convicted on Friday by Boroko District Court Magistrate Sandy Tiankin and each ordered to pay a K200 fine. Their bail money was converted to cover the fines.The court also ordered the students to serve a six-month good behaviour period, during which they must not commit any further offences.National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab welcomed the court’s decision, saying it sends a strong message to students involved in school-related violence.He urged students to focus on their education rather than becoming involved in groups that engage in fights with students from other schools.Met Supt Simatab said parents, guardians, and sponsors make important sacrifices to support students’ education and urged young people not to allow peer pressure, rivalry or social influence to ruin their future.“Choose discipline. Choose respect. Choose education over violence. Your future is worth far more than one fight.”He said a further 20 students classified as adults are expected to appear before the Boroko District Court in relation to the fights.Met Supt Simatab warned that police would continue arresting students involved in inciting fights, saying the latest case could serve as a precedent for dealing with groups involved in school violence.Police will also work with school management teams to address students involved in such behaviour, including possible disciplinary action by schools.He also called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for disciplining their children at home and strengthening positive behaviour before they go to school.