The Pacific International Hospital (PIH) and the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) have partnered to provide vital on the job training and practical experience for trainee nurses from PAU at the PIH facility at 3mile in Port Moresby. PIH Chief Operating officer Mr. Gaurav Anand said, this collaboration aims to enhance skills and knowledge of future healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of PNG. PAU Vice Chancellor Professor Teatulohi Matainaho expressed excitement as this is the first time, they have partnered with the hospital which will provide great opportunity for the students who will be engaged in the 12 weeks of training during the course of the year. “We have a program where the nursing students come up and spend at least 4 weeks during the course of their study. Its significant because they really have a good exposer to be in the hospital training. We want our students to ensure that they really understand the know how to apply their knowledge and work with qualified doctors and nurses in the real hospital settings,” said Pro. Matainaho. PAU Dean School of Health Science Dr. Isaac Joshua said, their biggest number of students is the nursing students with more than 80 students this year and as part of their curriculum, students have to accomplish 50% clinical and 50% theory work. “By working alongside experienced professionals, trainees will be better equipped to enter the workforce and contribute to the healthcare sector in Papua New Guinea.” Meanwhile, PIH Medical Director Dr. Aamir Siddiqui stated that the modern state of the art facility is equipped with advanced technology, providing an ideal environment for hands-on training. “PIH's team of highly skilled and experienced healthcare professionals will mentor and guide trainee nurses, offering invaluable insights and expertise.” “The comprehensive healthcare services offer a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments, allowing trainees to gain diverse clinical experience.” The program will focus on developing critical clinical skills, including patient care, medical procedures, and teamwork. The trainee nurses will gain hands-on experience in a real-world clinical setting, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

In typically forthright and uncomplicated fashion, Raiders legend Jason Croker declared ‘records are made to be broken’ as he prepares to pass the baton to Josh Papalii as the Green Machine's most capped player. Big Papa joined Croker on 318 games when the Raiders beat the Roosters 20-18 on Sunday night and will take sole ownership this weekend, fittingly on home soil at GIO Stadium. With the accolade set to be passed on in Round 14 when the Raiders host the Rabbitohs at GIO Stadium, the Canberra 1994 premiership-winner said while bittersweet, he’s proud to step down to one of the game’s all-time enforcers. “I’ve known him since 2010 when he first came to the club and he still hasn’t changed one bit,” Croker told NRL.com. “Back in 2010 I ran a labour hire company and he arrived in Canberra and asked for work when he was about 17, he didn’t end up working for us, but I just remember him being quietly spoken like he still is today. “He’s a really good fella, he’s been playing great footy so, he really deserves this at the end of the day.” Remembered as the ultimate utility, the Raiders Hall of Fame Inductee - also known in the rugby league world as 'Toots' - began his career on the wing in 1991, and 318 games later, had appeared at centre, lock, five eighth and second row. While he never got the opportunity to play with the Test and Origin forward after retiring from the NRL in 2006, Croker said Papalii’s tenure is all the more significant given his service up front. “Obviously I started on the wing and when I got a bit older I got a bit slower and moved towards the middle, but Josh has been in the forwards his whole career so that certainly makes it even more significant I think,” he said. “I remember early in his career particularly, he was a bit of a bowling ball, a bit like an Alan Cann of my days.” The former NSW Blues and Kangaroos representative said he had previously accepted his record was likely to be broken by fellow Crookwell local Jarrod Croker who also took the club’s all-time top try scorer accolade from his namesake in 2019. Croker, who continues to run a labour hire and recruitment business in Canberra today, said he is still a regular at the Raiders home games and is enjoying the atmosphere in the Nation’s Capital on the back of the team's recent run of form. [caption id="attachment_66326" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Josh Papalii with Jarrod Croker - the namesake who Jason Croker previously thought was going to break his appearance record for the Raiders. ©NRL Photosz`[/caption] “Obviously Jarrod was on track to smash the record earlier in his career but had a few injuries and setbacks,” he said. "So the record actually stood for a bit longer than I expected but I'm just as proud to see Josh get it because he's another really proud club member. “Records are made to be broken, and I know that I had a pretty good career and am happy with what I’ve done and grateful for my time at the club. “And it’s very special what’s happening around the club this year and all of Canberra wants to talk about the Raiders. "It's great at the moment when you go to the gym and people bail you up and want to have a chat about the club and how they're going, which makes you feel good and like you’re still a part of it.” Source: NRL.com

A journalist says people in Papua New Guinea want action to violence - not just the usual condemnation from leaders. Another gruesome video is circulating social media from Enga Province, which has a recent history of tribal conflict. RNZ Pacific correspondent Scott Waide said people are calling on their leaders to act. "A lot of them are asking why we keep having this kind of violence in the province and being recorded on social media," he said. "Some people have been questioning why we've introduced anti-terror laws and yet it's being slow to be implemented in the district." He said the video came from Kompiam-Ambun, the electorate of former speaker Sir John Pundari. "There's been no political responses yet, the police have indicated that there are looking into it but the responses, as usual, will come a few days later. "They don't want [just] the usual condemnation; they want condemnation and action arrests." Waide said police have found it difficult to go into heavily armed villages and make the arrests. "We had an incident last week where a PNG Defence Force unit had to fight its way out of an ambush. "The total number of police killed so far since 2017, and I've counted this myself, is between 20 and 25 officers killed, either shot or stabbed or ambushed." He said the legislation is there to tackle the outbreaks of conflict. "They've increased the penalties for gun possession, illegal possession of firearms; they've increased the penalties for drugs. "It's not just the implementation; it's the resourcing that will allow for the implementation to happen, for the enforcement to happen. "It's a complex area that government is trying to deal with, but the results will take a few years." Source: RNZ.CO.NZ

The National St John Ambulance Council today marked a major milestone with the official opening of the new Lae Ambulance Station, made possible through the PNG–Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP). Construction began on 1st November 2024 and was formally handed over on the 7th of March 2025. The new station addressed long-standing infrastructure challenges by replacing outdated facilities with modern modular buildings tailored to support emergency ambulance services in Morobe Province. The upgraded station features enhanced utilities, improved security, and a combination of new and renovated infrastructure. The ambulance service is proud to be co-located with the National Fire Service at three stations across the country, reflecting their strong collaborative relationship and shared commitment to community safety. NStJA management extended their appreciation to the Papua New Guinea Fire Service for their valued partnership. The Lae Ambulance Station was established in 2022 following a request from the Morobe Provincial Health Authority and with support from the Lae City Authority. It provides services to Lae and the surrounding districts, including Nawaeb, Huon Gulf, and Markham. Since opening, the station has assisted over 20,000 people. In its first year, it responded to 2,823 emergencies. This increased to 6,624 in 2023, and to 10,681 in 2024. The upward trend in emergency cases reflects the increasing reliance of prehospital care in the province and highlights the importance of maintaining the station’s capacity to meet ongoing needs. Chief Executive, Matthew Cannon says, “The Lae Ambulance Station is the second busiest within the National St John Ambulance Service network, playing a vital role in emergency response for Lae and surrounding districts in Morobe Province.” The newly upgraded facility enhances crew safety, operational readiness, and the quality of care delivered to the community. Excellence in Emergency Care, Respect, Service. “This project represents a major step forward in our efforts to enhance ambulance services across Papua New Guinea. We are immensely grateful to the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership for their continued partnership and support in strengthening emergency medical systems for the people of Morobe.” Morobe Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Kipas Binga expressed his gratitude to NStJA for being a valued partner in delivering health services in Lae and the surrounding districts of Morobe Province. He stated that he looks forward to continued collaboration to strengthen health systems. He also acknowledged the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement with the Lae City Authority, supported by Lae MP John Rosso, as well as the ongoing financial commitment to annual operations. PNG-Australia Policing Partnership Assistant Commissioner Jamie Strauss acknowledged the work NStJA is doing in Lae adding that he was pleased that through this partnership they are able to support initiatives that directly benefit communities. The successful completion of this project highlights the value of collaborative partnerships in addressing infrastructure needs and advancing public health and safety outcomes in Papua New Guinea.

Students at Pirtop Elementary and Primary School now have a better place to learn, thanks to the opening of a new 4-in-1 classroom building, marking a big step forward for education in this remote island community. The project, led by Pamili Ministry Inc. and supported through funding from the Puma Energy Foundation, will benefit more than 180 students from Pirtop and four nearby villages. For many families, the new classroom means their children can attend school in a safer, more comfortable setting—without having to travel long distances. “This facility is a game-changer for children in the area,” said Licks Ramani, Technical Officer at Pamili Ministry Inc. “It’s more than just a building—it’s an opportunity for a brighter future.” The journey to completion began in August 2024, when four staff members from Puma Energy’s Port Moresby office formed a Charity Committee—a volunteer group supported by the Puma Energy Foundation. Their first mission: to support the construction of a much-needed classroom for the children of Duke of York Island. Despite challenges—such as transporting building materials by sea and sourcing timber all the way from New Ireland Province—the team pushed forward. Thanks to the strong collaboration between local volunteers, suppliers, and community leaders, the classroom was completed and officially handed over in April 2025. The Puma Energy Foundation and Pamili Ministry Inc. extended heartfelt thanks to the Duke of York Local Level Government, local hardware suppliers, and especially the hardworking youth from the area who helped make the project a success. Now standing proudly in the heart of Pirtop, the new classroom is more than just walls and a roof—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when communities and partners come together to invest in education and the next generation.

Tucked deep in the rugged terrain of West Sepik Province, the Maka community once faced steep challenges—low agricultural productivity, poor market access, and a lack of basic services where families struggled to afford education, healthcare, and even food, and for many, hope felt like a distant dream. Basic amenities like education, healthcare, and transportation were often out of reach which left local families to face constant hardship. Generations grew up with these challenges, with little hope of unlocking their community’s potential. Joseph, the Chairman of the Fugumi Cocoa Business Group, recalls those difficult times. “We wanted to start a business but had less opportunity to sell our produce,” which was of low volume and quality. Referring to challenge they face due to lack of income, he adds, “finding school fees was difficult [for us], and even [nutritious, protein-rich] food was hard to afford.” That future began to change with the arrival of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, a European Union-funded initiative implemented by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF, and UNDP. Designed to boost key rural value chains—cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries—the programme brought much-needed technical training, farming equipment, and market infrastructure to Maka. Farmers like Joseph received pest-tolerant cocoa seedlings, nursery tools, and training in sustainable, climate-smart techniques. Over 4,000 new seedlings were planted by 40 local farmers, breathing life into once-depleted cocoa blocks. “When I saw the new tools and materials, I was very happy,” Joseph remembers. But the support went beyond cocoa. In 2024, the Programme helped Joseph and Damia begin freshwater fish farming. With 400 fingerlings stocked in their first pond, the family soon expanded to three ponds, producing enough fish to feed their household and support other villagers. A major turning point came with the construction of the Cocoa Trade and Depot Facility in Vanimo, linking remote farmers to buyers for the first time. Regular truck trips now connect Maka with the provincial capital, enabling reliable cocoa sales and delivering essential supplies. “The trucks help us sell our cocoa,” says Damia. “I am happy.” Farmers have since built a local cocoa fermentary with Programme backing, allowing them to process beans locally and earn higher prices. The ripple effects are clear—improved incomes, better nutrition, and renewed community spirit. Damia, who now tends to their fishponds daily, captures the spirit of resilience that drives Maka forward. “Only my husband and I manage this work,” she says. “But we do it because we want a better future for our children.” To ensure this progress lasts, the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea has taken over nursery operations, while West Sepik Investment Ltd, the business arm of the provincial government, now manages the trade facility. These transitions are part of the Programme’s strategy for long-term sustainability—empowering local institutions to carry the work forward. As part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, EU-STREIT PNG is pioneering rural transformation in Papua New Guinea through climate-resilient farming, improved transport, and digital tools for real-time farming advice and weather alerts. These innovations are helping farmers reduce costs, boost productivity, and build more secure futures. Looking back, Damia is filled with gratitude. “Thank you for the fish and cocoa you brought,” she says. “We are very happy now.” From hardship to hope, Maka is rewriting its story—one harvest, one fishpond, and one child’s education at a time.

Digicel PNG has once again reaffirmed its commitment to support PNG’s national rugby league teams, the PNG Kumuls (men’s) and the PNG Orchids (women’s) for the next three years from 2025 to 2027. Tarik Boudiaf, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digicel PNG said, Digicel PNG has long been a passionate supporter of Rugby League in the region. For over 12 years, the company has backed the sport at all levels from grassroots tournaments to the prestigious Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup. Digicel PNG values its ongoing partnership with the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), working together to drive development and excellence in the sport. “We are proud to stand behind our national teams—the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids. These sponsorships are more than a business decision; it’s an investment in empowerment, growth, and opportunity. We believe in supporting athletes who can inspire communities, pave the way for emerging talent, and raise the PNG flag across nations.” “This is not just a renewal sponsorship, it’s a new big step. We are providing an equal sponsorship to both teams because we believe in equal opportunity, equal exposer and equal support for all support athletes, regardless of gender,” said Boudiaf. Digicel PNG’s Senior Vice President Lorna McPherson said they have renewed their sponsorship of K6million for both teams. Each team is said to equally benefit K1million each for a year, for the next three (3) years. “One million a year for the next three years. So, the Kumuls and the Orchids will get equal because we want to make sure that men and women are equal, because that’s what it’s about and also, driving the women’s competition as well.” She said being sponsors of the national rugby teams is very important because as the leading telecommunications and mobile financial services provider, they believe in connecting people and bridging the gap where needed. She added that, rugby league is not just a game in PNG, but a symbol of unity where people come together and also creating that pathway for opportunities for Papua New Guineans across the country. “Just like our network that reaches the most remote parts of the country, our support for rugby league is about ensuring that nobody is left behind. From the highlands to islands, we are committed to covering all of PNG not just with connectivity but with opportunities, inspiration and hope.” This equal sponsorship will help to ensure that the women’s team has access to the same high-quality training facilities and increased visibility, helping to elevate the women’s game and inspire future generations of female athletes. Meanwhile, PNG Rugby Football League CEO Stanley Hondina acknowledged Digicel PNG for the support throughout the 15 years sponsorship. He said, among other corporate support sponsors that they get, Digicel has been and is still a big partner in their game. “They are the biggest investor, and they have support for rugby league from the grassroots level and up. There are schools and leagues and affiliates across the country which Digicel supports. Digicel is a proud partner and platinum sponsor of that partnership that we did for the first three years, and it came to an end last year and this is a new one.” He added that this sponsorship is special because it will take the teams into the world cup next year. Santos PNG Orchids Chairlady Celestine Ove said when the idea of a national women’s team came about, there was very limited support, with Santos-formally Oil Search, was the only primary financial partner for the team, but with a giant in the telecommunications industry invest in the women’s game since 2022 has been a boost to help, support and prepare the national women’s team for international games. “It gives me such great joy in seeing a giant in telecommunications company-Digicel, invest in the women’s game in the way it has since 2022 and more so, seeing equality been driven through the partnership and as they support both the PNG Kumuls and orchids. And their support not only supports the elite teams but the pathways as well.”

The newly established Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Children represents a pivotal step in advancing the untapped human potential and shedding light on child rights with 43% of the population under the age of 18 years old in the country. Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children said, her visit to the country is not to do a report but to find ways on how to advocate and action the rights of children and youths in the political agenda. “It is a testimony for me to see that there is strong commitment to that. Today you establish this Permanent Parliamentary Committee that it's really important to promote, monitor and to remind all the policy makers who have made a commitment to deliver and held accountable.” Dr. Najat said, the statistics presented show an alarming view of where the country is at and urged the committee to be careful when differentiating child protection and child wellbeing to not only address but take action and invest. “Child protection and wellbeing is not a check list. You have to ACT! It’s really how we can make sure that access to health and education is accessible.” She stated that, to ensure that the child is in a safe environment and has access to essential and vital services, parents need to be educated and empowered to be sure they have a good and safe living condition to provide for the kids. She added that PNG’s unique diversity is an advantage for the committee to bring together the community, religious leaders and all the people to them as part of the solution while empowering the target audience, the youth and children. “I saw that you have many programs, you are doing a lot. But just connect the dot. This is very important. You are over lapping. You have to see what services are needed and how people will have access to it.” She further stressed to the committee to see child protection and wellbeing as an investment and not additional expenses.

As the SP PNG Hunters prepare to battle it out on home soil this weekend, Hunters coach Paul Auton said, the team is working hard on their defense to secure a win at home after going down to Blackhawks in Round 1o (R10) last weekend. “We have been focusing a lot more on our defense. Taking it from that game (R10), we had a few losses, but I feel as though they just out played us. We didn’t have the ball in the first 20 minutes of the game, so leading to this weekend’s game, we are working hard on our defense and making our tackles.” The Hunters will go up against the Northern Pride's this Sunday at the Santos National Football Stadium at 3pm. Coach Aiton further added that, as the team gears up for this weekend’s match up, a couple of changes have been made going into the Round 11 clash. “Unfortunately, Elijah Roltinga has been ruled out due to a suspension and Clent Lama comes into his side. His been working hard on his fitness levels to get back in and Emmanuel Anis makes his debut.” Aiton acknowledged the supporters and fans who turn up to cheer on and support the Hunters boys during every home game. “As usual, the ones that come every week. We are happy and thank you very much coming and supporting us as always. And for those that are thinking to come, please come and support us. I know the boys really appreciate it. I always hear it from the sidelines when the crowd gets behind us, you can you how the players play, they increase in speed and play, and I know the boys really appreciate playing at home.” Aiton confirmed that prop Koso Bandi and Benji Kot have undergone successful surgeries down in Australia after suffering ACL’s and are now back in the country and have started on their rehabilitation.

A public health expert is urging anyone travelling to places with a current dengue fever outbreak to be vigilant and take sensible precautions - but stresses the chances of contracting the disease are low. On Friday the Cook Islands declared an outbreak of the viral infection, which is spread by mosquitoes, in Rarotonga. Outbreaks have also been declared in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga. Across the Tasman, this year has seen a cluster of cases in Townsville and Cairns in Queensland. Last month a 12-year-old boy died in Auckland after being medically evacuated from Samoa, with severe dengue fever. Dr Marc Shaw, a medical director at Worldwise Travellers Health Care and a professor in public health and tropical diseases at James Cook University in Townsville, said New Zealanders travelling to places with dengue fever outbreaks should take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites but it was important to be pragmatic. "Yes, people are getting dengue fever but considering the number of people that are travelling to these regions, we have to be pragmatic and think about our own circumstances. "[Just] because you're travelling to the region, it does not mean that you're going to get the disease. "We should just maintain vigilance and look to protect ourselves in the best ways we can, and having a holiday in these regions should not be avoided." Shaw said light-coloured clothes were best as mosquitoes were attracted to dark colours. "They also tend to be more attracted to perfumes and scents. "Two hours on either side of dusk and dawn is the time most mosquito bites occur. Mosquitoes also tend to be attracted a lot more to ankles and wrists." But the best form of protection was a high-strength mosquito repellent containing the active ingredient Diethyl-meta-toluamide or DEET, he said. "The dengue fever mosquito is quite a vicious mosquito and tends to be around at this particular time of the year. It's good to apply a repellent of around about 40 percent [strength] and that will give about eight to 10 hours of protection." Dengue fever was "probably the worst fever anyone could get", he added. "Unfortunately, it tends to cause a temperature, sweats, fevers, rashes, and it has a condition which is called breakbone fever, where you get the most painful and credibly painful joints around the elbows. In its most sinister form, it can cause bleeding." Most people recovered from dengue fever, but those who caught the disease again were much more vulnerable to it, he added. "Under those circumstances, it is worthwhile discussing with a travel health physician as it is perhaps appropriate that they have a dengue fever vaccine, which is just out." Shaw said the virus would start to wane in the affected regions from now on as the Pacific region and Queensland head into the drier winter months. Source: rnz.co.nz

Isaah Yeo will captain the Westpac NSW Blues in Origin I, while Mitchell Moses has won the five-eighth spot and prop Max King was named for his representative debut. Laurie Daley has named his first Blues side since returning to the coaching role this season and has stuck closely to the team which won last year's series for the Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium on May 28. Yeo takes over the captaincy from Jake Trbojevic, who was unavailable after suffering a head knock in Townsville on Saturday night and will start at lock in place of the injured Cameron Murray after being on the bench last season. Moses edged out his 2024 Origin II and III halves partner Jarome Luai to play alongside superstar playmaker Nathan Cleary. However, the biggest selection surprise was King, 28, on the bench for his Origin debut - joining his grandfather Johnny King, an NRL Hall of Fame inductee, as an NSW representative. Dylan Edwards retains the fullback jersey ahead of James Tedesco, while Daley has shown faith in wingers Brian To'o and Zac Lomax, who have both played one match since returning from injury. As a result, there was no room for Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic. Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton are the centres, as they were in last year's emphatic Origin II win at the MCG, while Cleary returns after missing the second and third match of the 2024 series through injury. Moses was his replacement, and he will now play alongside the superstar playmaker at five-eighth. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Nathan Cleary will be partnered by Mitchell Moses in the halves for NSW in Origin I ©Grant Trouville/NRL Photos[/caption] The forward pack of Yeo at lock, second-rowers Liam Martin and Angus Crichton, props Payne Haas and Mitchell Barnett, and hooker Reece Robson all played in Origin III as NSW regained the Shield. Interchange prop Spencer Leniu and utility Connor Watson were also members of the winning Blues side, while second-rower Hudson Young returns after being dropped for the series decider. Murray, Trbojevic and Bradman Best were all unavailable from the team that played in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium, while Luai was overlooked. With injury concerns over Haas (quad) and Stephen Crichton (groin), Daley has named forwards Stefano Utoikamanu and Haumole Olakau’atu and centre Campbell Graham in an extended 20-man squad. The Maroons team will be announced on Monday morning, but Canterbury officials have confirmed that veteran utility Kurt Mann, who plays as a middle forward for the Bulldogs, would be the club's second Origin debutant. The Maroons have lost secondrower Tom Gilbert (pec muscle) and winger Murray Taulagi (calf), while fellow outside back Selwyn Cobbo is in doubt with a wrist injury. WESTPAC NSW BLUES SQUAD 1. Dylan Edwards (Penrith Panthers) 2. Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers) 3. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs) 4. Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 5. Zac Lomax (Parramatta Eels) 6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels) 7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) 8. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors) 9. Reece Robson (North Queensland Cowboys) 10. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) 11. Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers) 12. Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters) 13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Penrith Panthers) 14. Connor Watson (Sydney Roosters) 15. Spencer Leniu (Sydney Roosters) 16. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders) 17. Max King (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs) 18. Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 19. Stefano Utoikamanu (Melbourne Storm) 20. Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) Source: NRL.com

Subsistence taro farmers from remote Rebafu village in Sialum Local Level Government (LLG), Tewae Siassi District, are showing strong interest in moving toward commercial production through potential partnerships with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI). Susan Emunare Geoba, from Rebafu village in Sialum LLG, Tewae Siassi District paid a visit to the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) on Wednesday (22/05/25) after hearing about NARI’s interests in Taro. Hailing from a very remote part of Morobe Province, she managed to bring with her three samples, including a Yam. From her village in Rebafu, it took her a day of walking, to reach the coast before boarding a ship to Lae City. “For the villagers, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to walk to the coast. I reside in Lae, so I don’t have the same stamina to walk that fast,” giggled Susan, but added she enjoys going to the village for free and an abundance of fresh produce. Susan proudly boasts of the size of Taro in her village, making reference to the height of a 50cm cooking pot and about 20cm wide. Coming from one of the most isolated areas of Morobe Province, Susan’s journey to Lae was a testament to her determination. She carried with her three large root crop samples, including taro and a yam, all grown in the rich soils of her village. “The Taro is so heavy I managed to bring only three samples,” proudly exclaimed Susan, despite the burden of weight. “Taro is significant in our culture. It signifies wealth and earns respect among villagers. Taro has great value in customary obligations such as Pride Price. “Every household has a taro garden, so we have a surplus. We are willing to work with NARI to see how we can expand on the production and find a cost-effective means to transport the taro out.” Susan highlighted a major barrier, which are poor infrastructure and high freight costs that makes it difficult for rural farmers to participate in formal markets. Her visit included a meeting with NARI’s Director General, Dr. Nelson Simbiken, who welcomed the dialogue and acknowledged the immense potential in Morobe’s taro sector. Dr Simbiken acknowledged that Morobe grows some of the best taro species in the country including NARI’s Taro, NT1 through NT7. He echoed similar concerns of road infrastructure, transport, and freight as major hindrance for commercialization in rural areas. “People are excited now and they want to supply taro but an issue for us is freight excess. We want to come up with a freight subsidy scheme for Morobe Province so that we can bring taro from the outskirts of Morobe. “We are expecting some funding assistance from the government, for freight. Once that happens, we can be able to assist farmers like Susan who will help to meet the supply demand,” said Simbiken.