A mother with her four children in Kokoda were hospitalized after consuming poisonous mushrooms. The family began experiencing vomiting and diarrhea after about five to ten minutes. That’s the word from the Kokoda Memorial Hospital Community Health Worker & VCT Counsellor Alice Eroro. Ms Eroro added that that family could have died from the poisoning if not attended to on time. "There was no ambulance, so they contacted a local businessperson who helped with transporting them to the hospital." Every family member was put on IV drip while symptoms continued until morning. Antibiotics were then administered which improved their condition allowing them to be sent home after 24 hours.

A good number of students at the University of Papua New Guinea have decided to continue their petitions to the government by presenting two copies of legal documents to Hon. Luther Wenge and Prime Minister James Marape after protesting the signing of the Defence agreement between Papua New Guinea and the United States. Chairman of the student protest Mr Gordan Walimbu addressed the student body on Thursday morning saying that the protest was illegal. However he added, appropriate procedures must be followed. “The protest was illegal, but it was something we could do.” “Though, now that we are taking legal action, we have to follow the processes.” “What we have started has not finished.” “Our fight continues but we have to deal with this situation in a way that will result in a win-win for both the students and the government.” Both documents for further legal action are still yet to be signed by Student Representative Council President Luther Kising prior to being presented.

The University of Papua New Guinea’s Faculty of Creative Arts came alive last Thursday night thanks to the Music Division’s annual Jazz Ensemble. The event was held as part of an assessment for the third and final year students. Parents, children, lecturers, current and former students were some of those who attended the ensemble. Head of Music Division and specialist in Ethnomusicology, Mr. Francis Be, told PNG HAUSBUNG that jazz music came about as a result of cultural change. “Jazz is a consequence of historical events. It’s based on the experiences of those who have gone through some cultural change.” Mr. Be also said that music itself comprises of a culture and fosters the togetherness and interdependency of a community. “The music itself has a culture. You practice as a group, and you perform as a group.” “The significance of being in a group and being in a community is very important in music and that applies to the world outside. We all depend on each other.” He further stated that music is something that he and his students use to contribute to the community which in turn helps society as a whole.

Armed hold-ups are becoming a serious problem in Milne Bay Province. Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Ben Kua told PNG HAUSBUNG the number of hold-ups has been steadily increasing since the past week. “I have only 68 manpower available which is not enough. I sent a request to the Police Head Quarters for more manpower but then accommodation is another issue.” Police registered increase hold-ups that were mainly caused by opportunists who have been taking advantage. Another concern for police is Sea Piracy the Police boss stated. “There was a report filed last week regarding the killing of two sea pirates in which we are yet to receive and confirm the details of.” “The problem areas when it comes to Sea Piracy is mainly between Samarai and Esa’ala district.” Kua has issued an appeal for all community members to work together alongside the police to stop crimes in the province. “Everybody must respect yourself and each other, stop causing problems by committing crimes, because what you are doing, will not go that far for it will soon catch up with you.” “This issue is not only a matter for police but is also everyone’s business.”