On Monday, November 13, at 11:50 a.m. local time, the first group of Team PNG athletes and officials touched down at Henderson International Airport in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Leading the team was Chef de Mission Faye-Zina Lalo, who was greeted with warmth by His Excellency Moses Kaul, the Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands. When they arrived, Lalo and Ramona Padio, one of the flag bearers, were the first to be welcomed by the High Commissioner. 119 athletes and officials took the two-hour flight over. Lalo said PNG as the bigger nation in the Pacific is pleased to be part of the Games this year and help to make it a success through its participation. “Like the other nations at the Games this year, we will be doing our very best and we hope to finish high on the medal tally.” The women's football team captain, Padio, will be going for their sixth straight title and defending her gold medal from the last Pacific Games in Samoa. She affirmed her faith in her team and promised to put in a lot of effort to see their objective through. Senior members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, who are currently conducting operations in Honiara, were also present at the welcome party. Alongside them was Ase Boas, 2015 Pacific Games rugby league 9s gold medallist and former PNG Kumul five-eight player. Before the competitions start, the teams will use this week to settle in and complete their last training and preparations. The National Stadium on Honiara will host the opening ceremony for the games on November 19.

Anslom, PNG reggae singer and songwriter is on the rise thanks to the strong support of international reggae artists such as Aston Barrett Jr. of The Wailers, Big Mountain's lead singer Joaquin "Quino" McWhinney, and Third World singer AJ Brown. Anslom looks set to become PNG’s first international reggae superstar, with work currently underway on a 12-track album with The Wailers and a world tour with the Wailers and possibly other reggae greats like Maxi Priest, Big Mountain, and Third World in 2024. Not only is Anslom being recognized internationally in the world of reggae, but the PNG government is beginning to see how Anslom’s music can have a direct impact on the country’s tourism industry. Anslom was grateful for the support given by the National Government through the National Gaming Control Board. “This support will go on to promote PNG on the biggest tourism platform ever done before, via music because music is universal and far reaching.” When the album is released, Anslom's popularity will provide Papua New Guinea with a huge platform for tourism; this is a topic of discussion that has begun between Anslom's management in PNG and the USA. While on a familiarization tour in New York and Florida, USA, Anslom and his PNG producer, Emmanuel "Toxicmahn" Muganaua, are creating cutaways for music videos for the new album featuring The Wailers. Anslom's management in PNG and the USA have also cancelled all of the tours scheduled for the end of this year with a strategic focus on finishing the album with The Wailers The album with ‘The Wailers’ is songs about positive messages and spirituality. Meanwhile Lead singer of Third World, AJ Brown was looking forward to working with Anslom and stated that Anslom was poised to become a major player in the recording industry worldwide.

The Beatles have made a record-breaking return to No. 1 on the UK charts with their latest and “last” song “Now and Then” becoming the country’s top single. Released on November 2, “Now and Then” debuted on the UK’s Official Singles Chart at No. 42 the following day. Just over a week later, on Friday, the melancholic tune reached No. 1. The Beatles set a new record coming back 60 years and six months after their first UK No. 1, “From Me To You,” in May 1963, according to Official Charts, beating Elvis Presley’s span of 47 years and six months. It also comes another record-breaking 54 years after the band’s previous No. 1 hit, “The Ballad of John and Yoko,” in 1969 – overtaking English singer-songwriter Kate Bush’s 44-year gap between 1978 song “Wuthering Heights” and 2022 song “Running Up That Hill.” “BEATLEMANIA IS BACK,” wrote Official Charts in a joint Instagram post with The Beatles on Friday. Paul McCartney, the band’s bass guitarist, told Official Charts on Friday, “It’s mind boggling. It’s blown my socks off. It’s also a very emotional moment for me. I love it!” “Now and Then” features the sound of every member of the British rock group, including the vocals of the late John Lennon decades after he wrote it, as well as a guitar solo from the late George Harrison. This was a feat thought not to be possible after Lennon died in 1980. He wrote and recorded the song at his home in New York City in the late 1970s, and his wife Yoko Ono gave the demo to the remaining Beatles members in 1994. It took almost 30 years and the help of AI to complete the track. At the ages of 81 and 83 respectively, McCartney and drummer Ringo Starr have made The Beatles the oldest band to claim a UK No.1 single, according to Official Charts. “Now and Then” is the fastest-selling single of the year so far in the UK, with 48,600 physical and download sales in its first week, as well as 78,200 combined UK chart units across sales and streaming. The Beatles have the most No. 1 singles in the UK, with 18 – with only Elvis Presley in the US having more (21), according to Official Charts. Source: CNN News

Miss Bird of Paradise PNG (MBoP) was delighted to announce its collaboration with Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), one of the world’s leading account firms.  KPMG has come on board as the official accounting firm and scrutineers for the prestigious Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant, reinforcing both organization’s commitment to excellence, transparency and innovation. KPMG will play a central role in owning and managing the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG trust account, ensuring the highest integrity and accountability in all financial matters relating to the event. In addition, KPMG will be responsible for managing the event's financial records, ensuring the highest level of financial transparency. Anna Bais, MBoP Committee Chair explained the benefits of KPMG’s partnership with MBoP. “Through our inclusive education scholarship fund, the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant helps educate children with disabilities while giving young PNG women a platform to grow and be empowered.” “It is a privilege to have KPMG as a partner. Their participation guarantees that the Pageant will uphold the greatest levels of accountability, justice, and financial transparency. “We anticipate a fruitful collaboration that will enable Miss Bird of Paradise PNG to reach new heights.” KPMG Partner Brett McDermont expressed his delight in partnering with MBoP. “Miss Bird of Paradise PNG is a prestigious event that celebrates the beauty, intelligence, talent and culture of Papua New Guinea.” “Our partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting programs that promote inclusion and innovation and ensuring transparency and integrity in all aspects of the event.” The values of KPMG are completely aligned with the values and vision of Miss Bird of Paradise PNG. This partnership marks a major milestone in the short history of Miss Bird of Paradise PNG and bodes well for the positive impact it will have on the pageant and the communities it serves.

BSP has once again showed generous support towards the Operation Heart Program by presenting another annual donation of K100,000. BSP Corporate Sponsorship Manager Amelia Minnopu along with Community Partner – the Brisbane Broncos Management presented the cheque on behalf of BSP. to Kathy Johnston – Operation Open Heart Foundation Chairlady, as well as the CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr Paki Molumi and his team of Cardiac Surgeons, Ms. Minnopu stated that BSP was pleased to continue its assistance, totalling over K2.2 million since the year 2000. “We are pleased to support a program that not only saves lives but also strengthens the skills of our local medical team at Port Moresby General Hospital.” “We hope that our support will help surgeons continue to save lives and also provide a place for patients after surgery.” The program has assisted with surgical heart operations for the first 26 years. The Port Moresby General Hospital Cardiac Unit now has a specialized team performing closed heart surgeries, including Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) ligations, and Provincial Paediatric Cardiac Screening. This has extended to training local cardiothoracic surgeons and intensive care unit nurses. CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr Paki Molumi said Operation Open Heart has been a great success for this country. “Over 2,000 children have undergone surgeries to date, and they all lead normal lives and support the national economy." “We are grateful to BSP for their collaboration and visitation to Port Moresby General Hospital. The personnel are eager to advance this program.” The Operation Open Heart Program has given thousands of Papua New Guineans a second chance in life. The program that was a service is now a training program, led by Chief Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Noah Tapaua. Through the support of Corporate Organisations like BSP, the Operation Open Heart Team has visited over 12 provinces screening children who have undergone surgery by the local medical team.

This year was Buk Bilong Pikinini’s (BbP) first ever participation at the Morobe Show in Lae. Buk Bilong Pikinini was invited to set up a stall at the Theodist Education Pavilion at the Morobe Show on the 4th of November, 2023. BbP provided an information booth to make available knowledge about the organization’s free Early Childhood Education Program (ECE), enrolment dates for 2024, as well as the great impact BbP program has had on the children’s English literacy skills, numeracy skills and general awareness. The hundreds of kids who visited the BbP booth over the weekend also had the chance to buy books from the company's hugely successful "When I Grow Up - I want to be a" reader series, which features 5-year-old PNG kids in professional settings. Additionally, BbP had an exciting program for children and students which included a reading and activity corner that invited children to colour-in and think about what they want to be when they grow up. Leanne Resson, BbP’s Executive Officer stated that the organization wasn’t sure how their presence would be seen by the wider Lae community. “This was BbP's first time participating in the event hence we didn’t know what to expect but hundreds of kids and parents came to BbP to enjoy their time, and we couldn't be happier with their level of interest.” “We were thrilled to witness the children's excitement and enthusiasm about their future careers, spurred on by professional dress-up fun, and we sold so many of our educational books.” Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Founder & Chairperson expressed her delight over the turnout during the Morobe Show. “We were so glad to meet with so many parents and children from the Lae community and hear about their aspirations.” “Education provides people with the choice to pursue a career that interests them." "If you are uneducated other people will choose for you." “If children start thinking about their future from a young age, they are more likely to stay at school and complete their education.” She added that BbP were motivated by such a high interest in the organization’s ECE program and will be seeking to further expand in Lae. Currently BbP operates two Library Learning Centres in Lae. One is located at Lae Unitech and is sponsored by BSP Financial Group Limited and the other at Lae Showgrounds sponsored by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation.

Over the years, the Salvation Army through the Red Shield Appeal has maintained its original motto of “Heart of God and Hand to Man.” This year the annual Red Shield Corporate Lunch raised K100,000, through the sale of corporate, pledge and donations. Chairman of the Salvation Army Territorial Advisory Board, Rupert Bray (also the Managing Director of Steamships Trading Company), acknowledged corporate business houses who supported the annual corporate lunch held at the Lucky Lucky Restaurant within the Crowne Plaza Apartments in Port Moresby. “We talk of service, it may be a big ask to others, it's selflessly delivered, and there’s no expectation or reward to others.” Meanwhile, the Westpac Bank CEO Brett Hooker donated a cheque of K25,000, and acknowledged the good work of the Salvation Army in the country. “I am humbled, we may be businessman, we may command organizations with big resources.” “We do not do anything by comparison to many volunteers and officers of The Salvation Army.” All proceeds from this event go towards the Salvation Army social services programs in the areas of; Literacy, Feeding, HIV & Aids Support Services, Restorative Justice for Victims of Family and Sexual Violence; Juvenile Justice and Houses of Hope at Ela Beach, Kainantu, and JJC Lae.

People in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) displaced from the election violence from last year’s National General Election, are now fortunate to be getting much needed support from one of the world’s biggest organizations. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the financial assistance of USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), is working in partnership with the national and provincial disaster centres in the Highlands provinces to distribute food rations to vulnerable households who have been affected by election related violence in Enga, Southern Highlands, Hela and Jiwaka provinces from over a year ago – an incident which displaced several local communities. In the wake of the violence, food crop gardens and shelters were destroyed affecting the lives of many people including women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly. Mambu Gene, a women’s representative, shed tears as she recalled the hardships they dealt with. “We faced several difficulties and families had to forgo meals. We did not have enough money to buy food. It will take months to replant and harvest our crop fields that were destroyed during the fighting. Providing enough food to our families has been difficult. We are thankful for USAID and IOM for this assistance.” Another community member, Michael Kuman stated that this is the first time such assistance has been given to displaced persons. He also noted that the food rations would sustain the community until the upcoming harvest time. John Kupul, the Disaster Coordinator for Jiwaka Province, expressed gratitude to the US Government and the people for their support of the affected communities. He was grateful for the cooperation between IOM and the Jiwaka Provincial Disaster Center, which was made possible by USAID/BHA funding. Kupul stated that the lives of the most vulnerable groups will be significantly improved by this collaboration. By distributing two months' worth of food rations, IOM, working with USAID/BHA, has increased the food security of 5, 300 individuals from 1, 000 households in the provinces of Jiwaka, Enga, Hela, and the Southern Highlands.

Coca-Cola is proud to be confirmed again as the Grand Championship Sponsor for the 60th Morobe Show for thirty consecutive years. Coca-Cola Europacific’s (CCEP) Commercial Sales Director Tim Solly said the relationship between the Morobe show committee and Coca-Cola spanning thirty years is a testament of the commitment to promote the culture of Morobe and celebrate the role of agriculture across the country. “2023 holds special significance for us, as we celebrate 30 years of sponsorship with the Morobe Show Society and the local community in Lae.” “The heart of Coca-Cola Europacific’s operations sits here in Lae, Morobe province and we are proud to support the Morobe Show that not only showcases the vast agriculture industry in the province and the country, but also celebrates PNGs rich cultural heritage.” Solly said CCEP will also host ten lucky promotional winners who will experience the Morobe Show, with an all-expenses paid trip to Lae from November 3rd to the 5th, which was the grand prize from the recent ‘Refresh and Win’ nationwide promotion that gave consumers the chance to buy three cans of any Coca-Cola product, complete a token with their details to go in to either win a cash prize or go into the grand draw to win a trip to the show. “As the Grand Champion sponsor, we will ensure that our brands are accessible and enjoyed by event attendees and it also gives us the opportunity to talk about the CCEP Company from human resourcing, the quality of our products and our sustainability goals.” The CCEP has a proud and long history in the country having operated since 1904 and has continued to focus on promoting PNG's unique diverse culture. The Morobe Show is the major event in CCEP's 2023 cultural calendar and has sponsored the National Mask & Warwagira festival, the Enga Cultural Show and more recently the Goroka Show in September.

Taylor Swift has that thing that you like on Spotify. The streaming service announced over the weekend on social media that the singer had become “the most-streamed artist in a single day in Spotify history, and “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day this year. Swift replaced herself as the most-streamed artist record holder, a year after she captured the title back on October 21, 2022. Earlier this month, she and Jack Antonoff celebrated their song “Cruel Summer” hitting No. 1 on the charts – four years after its initial release. Swift has absolutely dominated the music industry this year. Her mega-successful tour has reportedly made her a billionaire and her concert film is setting records. Swift, apparently, never goes out of style.\ Source:CNN News

Westpac was thrilled to partner with Queenpads PNG, a local supplier of menstrual hygiene products through its Support Her Program, to promoted menstrual hygiene for its female employees. The program, initiated by Westpac, focuses on ensuring access to hygiene products for both its employees and residing in safe houses around PNG and embodies Westpac’s commitment to gender equity and women’s health. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Westpac PNG, Brett Hooker, expressed his excitement about the partnership. “At Westpac we are committed to creating a welcoming and encouraging work environment for our staff members. By addressing basic hygiene needs, programs like this one help to achieve more equitable results.” “We acknowledge that good menstrual hygiene plays a significant role in a woman's overall health and are dedicated to providing our menstruating workforce with the tools they need to celebrate their special days with dignity and convenience.” “Our partnership with Queenpads PNG enables us to extend our support to our communities by supporting a local social enterprise and directing products to women in safe houses through our buy-one-give-one program.” The owner of Queenpads PNG, a dedicated supplier of high-quality reusable menstrual hygiene products, also expressed her excitement about the collaboration. “Having Westpac’s support fuels this passion to do more for our women and young girls in PNG.” Westpac will provide a variety of period products to its menstruating employees as part of this program, ensuring that they have access to the tools they need to properly manage their menstrual health. Furthermore, for each product bought, a corresponding amount will be given to the safe houses taking part in the Support Her Program.

Matthew Perry, the beloved actor who starred as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” has died. He was 54. Police in Los Angeles are investigating Perry’s death, a law enforcement source told CNN. There is currently no foul play suspected, the source said, however, the incident remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division. Perry died in an apparent drowning accident at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times, citing law enforcement sources. “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family,” Warner Bros. Television Group said in a statement to CNN. “The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.” Representatives for Perry did not return CNN’s requests for comment. Beginnings Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to an actor father and a journalist mother, Perry went to live with her in Ottawa, Canada, as a youngster after his parents split. Growing up, Perry pursued his passion for tennis and became a top-ranked tennis player in Canada. Like his father, the younger Perry also developed an interest in acting after moving to Los Angeles when he was a teen to live with him. Perry’s first credited role was a small part in the drama “240-Robert” in 1979. From there other bit parts came his way in shows including “Charles in Charge,” “Silver Spoons” and “The Tracey Ullman Show.” His first film role was while still in high school, playing opposite River Phoenix in the 1988 film “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon.” The year before the film’s release, Perry starred in the sitcom “Second Chances” (later renamed “Boys Will Be Boys”), about a man who dies and returns to earth to mentor his younger self, played by Perry. The series failed to find its audience, but Perry continued to land more high profile roles in TV projects including “Growing Pains,” “Who’s The Boss” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.” ‘Friend’-ly fame But it was being cast as affable and sarcastic Chandler on the sitcom “Friends” in 1994 that made him famous. The quirky role earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2002. He also enjoyed four other nominations for the prestigious TV acting award, including two for his turn as Joe Quincy on “The West Wing.” (“Friends” was a production of Warner Bros. Television, which is owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.) [caption id="attachment_46778" align="aligncenter" width="1117"] Matthew Perry, left, at the 30th Annual People's Choice Awards Sunday, January 11, 2004, in Pasadena, California.Mark J. Terrill/AP[/caption] On “Friends,” Perry starred alongside Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow in the comedy about a tight knit group of friends living in New York City. The group became fixtures of NBC’s unparalleled “Must-See TV” lineup, encountering a level of fame rarely seen in television or anywhere else. Off screen, the actors became as close as their characters on the show, and famously negotiated together to become some of the highest paid actors on a television series at the time. The show helped bolster Perry’s career and he soon landed roles on the big screen in 1997’s “Fools Rush In,” “Almost Heroes” in 1998 and “The Whole Nine Yards” in 2000. While “Friends” was his best known TV series, Perry also starred in “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Mr. Sunshine,”and “The Odd Couple.” Perry’s memoir In November 2022, he published a memoir titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir.” In it, Perry revealed that his opioid abuse led to a colon rupture when he was 49. Doctors gave him a two percent chance of survival, he wrote, and he was in a coma for two weeks followed by months more in the hospital. The actor required 14 surgeries to help repair all of the abdominal damage, and he admitted to having gone to rehab 15 times over the years in hopes of kicking his drug addiction. “What I’m most surprised with is my resilience,” he told People last year, in reference to the book. “The way that I can bounce back from all of this torture and awfulness. Wanting to tell the story, even though it’s a little scary to tell all your secrets in a book, I didn’t leave anything out. Everything’s in there.” Perry was candid about his struggles with addiction, which he battled even at the height of his career. “I was taking 55 Vicodin a day, I weighed 128 pounds, I was on Friends getting watched by 30 million people—and that’s why I can’t watch the show, ’cause I was brutally thin,” Perry said in a CBC interview last year. “I didn’t watch the show, and haven’t watched the show, because I could go, ‘Drinking, opiates, drinking, cocaine,’” he said. “I could tell season by season, by how I looked. That’s why I don’t wanna watch it, because that’s what I see.” Perry began dating literary manager Molly Hurwitz in 2018 and the pair got engaged in 2020. They ended their engagement in 2021, with Perry saying in a statement at the time, “Sometimes things just don’t work out and this is one of them. I wish Molly the best.” Tributes The verified Instagram account for “Friends” posted a heartfelt tribute to Perry on Saturday night, writing, “We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all.” Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler’s on/off again girlfriend Janice on the show, wrote on her Instagram, “What a loss.” “The world will miss you Mathew Perry,” she continued. “The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.” Selma Blair, who also appeared on “Friends,” called Perry her “oldest boy friend” on her Instagram. “All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty.” Michael Rapaport, who played Gary in four episodes of the show, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that Perry was “Always so nice, cool, chill & talented.” He added, “You are a part of American Culture and will live on forever.” Perry’s “Odd Couple” costar Yvette Nicole Brown wrote on X that the show’s “family suffered a great loss today. The entire entertainment world has.” She also wrote that Perry “was a sweetheart who deserved more peace in this life. 54 is too young to go.” Perry is survived by his parents and siblings. Source: CNN news