World Chocolate Day - sometimes referred to as ‘International Chocolate Day’ or just, ‘Chocolate Day’ - is an annual celebration of all things, you guessed it, chocolate! World Chocolate Day 2023 takes place on the same date each year, on Friday, July 7th. World Chocolate Day is actually a relatively new event, first celebrated back in 2009. The date July 7th was specifically chosen, because it was on this day in the year 1550 that chocolate arrived in Europe. Here in PNG, some organizations also marked the occasion of World Chocolate Day 2023. Niunet PNG celebrated World Chocolate Day today here in NCD by distributing free chocolates to individuals and organizations. Members of Niunet drove around, giving out samples of locally produced Queen Emma chocolate. Head of Niunet Marketing Joseph Tutumang said that this is the first time this has been done and it also helps to give back to the people. “It was a hundred kina worth of Queen Emma chocolate.” “We specifically chose that because it’s produced in the country.” “When we do this, it helps the cocoa growers and small business and we want to give back to the country.”

St. John Ambulance (SJA) has plans of expanding and improving its services in Port Moresby and other parts of the country. SJA CEO Matthew Canon stated that expansion of its facilities will allow the organization to reach people who require access to ambulance services. “We’ve been operating ambulance stations in East New Britain, Morobe, Central and Chimbu.” “The plans at this stage are to establish stations in Gulf, Madang, East Sepik and also Western and Eastern Highlands.” Cannon further told PNG HAUSBUNG that the need for ambulance services is greater than the resources St. John currently possesses. “The demand for the service is higher than the funding that’s available to provide the service.” “We’re seeing so many calls that we don’t have enough ambulance personnel to send to those calls.” Cannon added though that despite the challenges, St. John is grateful for the support from the government and communities.

Newly established NGO Pikinini Pilai seeks to help children from marginalized communities through various physical activities and recently through a mobile library. Program Manager for Pikinini Pilai, Ms Vinzealhar Nen said the organization believes the needs of children and youth are very different. “We wanted Pikinini Pilai to focus solely on children between the ages of 6-13 years.” “We wanted to use this platform as a way to educate children on the importance of good health, good hygiene practices and good nutrition.” Pikinini Pilai incorporates many activities including yoga, kung fu, kickboxing, dance, and acrobatic acts to disseminate information. The NGO has also worked with other organizations such as RSPCA and Colgate to help run programs. “We have sessions every Mondays and Wednesdays.” “In each session we cater to about 70 or more children.” “On special occasions like Christmas and Easter the numbers can increase to more than 200.” Yet despite its success, Pikinini Pilai has its fair share of obstacles to face. Ms Nen stated that they’ve had to setbacks in terms of visibility and in trying to utilize manpower for their book drive. However, the organization remains optimistic as it seeks to serve marginalized communities. “Many of the children do not come from homes where they have access to toys and necessities.” “We hope to give them more than what we currently offer these kids.”

St. John Ambulance is looking to expand its programs that involve imparting valuable first-aid, lifesaving, communication and emergency management skills to youth and children. The organization has served the country for more than 60 years, and within that period have expanded their services to include training youngsters in emergency related skills. St. John Ambulance CEO Matthew Cannon in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG during their recent Open Day celebrations stated that they would like to see those numbers increase not just in Port Moresby but in other centers as well. “We provide trainings around 5000 high school students each year in first aid.” “We are expanding that now with our reservist volunteer program.” “We’ve revived the program to include a residential college training at our residential ambulance service college at Baruni.” “We want to see the numbers increase in Port Moresby, Lae and Kokopo.” Mr. Cannon added it was his hope that this will provide opportunities to those looking for full-time employment in the health sector.

With their aim in making a positive difference in Papua New Guinea’s communities, TISA house was more than happy to present a check of K35, 000 to support the PNG Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA), with part of this funding to go towards community-based projects within twelve provincial charters of the association. PNGAAA’s National President Kia-Henry Nema stated that the association seeks to engage educated Papua New Guinea’s to contribute their skills and abilities to helping communities in different community sectors. “PNGAAA is a membership association whose primary aim is to gather all the Papua New Guineans that have studied in Australia. We believe those are the people that we can rely on to contribute some specific skills or capacity in the area that the government, private sector or civil society would need. The association is trying to gather all the members to create a platform to be able to do what we can do.” Mr. Nema also said that part of their advocacy is to bring in members who are qualified for the PNGAAA to drive up membership numbers and activities that the association can support to leverage certain areas that has the capacity to serve. Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for TISA, Michael Koisen expressed delight in supporting PNGAAA and how their relationship with Australia is crucial for the country’s progress. He also added that this will not be the last time PNGAAA will receive support from TISA.

The PNG Power Savings and Loans Society Limited on Saturday 10th June 2023 announced an additional 10 percent declared interest for the 2022 financial year. PPSSLS Board Chairman Mr. Andrew Kavanamur in presenting his report, highlighted the key drivers that enabled the declaration of additional 10 percent interest. “The society recorded a net profit of K2.96 million compared to K2.65 million in 2021, an increase of 11.7 percent.” “Income increased by 7.8 percent interest from K4.98 million in 2021, to K5.37 million in 2022, correspondingly expenditure also increased by 3.8 percent from K2.32 million in 2021 to 2.41 million in 2022.” “In the share market, the Society’s Bank South Pacific share portfolio saw a slight improvement due to share price increase in 2022.” “BSP shares increased from K12.25 in 2021, to K12.41 in 2022, representing an improvement of 16 toea and generating a book value increase of about K255,000.00 from the Society’s K1.5 million shares.” Mr. Kavanamur added that the Society’s Assets grew from K53.9 million in 2021, to 56.5 million in 2022, highlighting an improvement of 4.8 percent. Correspondingly, he pointed out also that the net assets also increase from K29.8 million in 2021 to K31.1 million in 2022, an improvement of 4.3 percent. “The Society’s improvements that were achieved in 2022, is evident of the PPSSLS Board’s commitment to transform the Society in line with its objectives: - Revision of PPSSLS Corporate Governance Framework - Revision of PPSSLS membership policy and, - Development of a new PPSSLS Savings Account Policy Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the PPSSLS Board Mr. Polapan Kilangit, was given the honors by his Chairman Mr. Andrew Kavanamur, to officially make the announcement of the additional 10% interest, during its 34th Annual General Meeting, held at the Gazelle International Hotel conference room in Kokopo, East New Britain province. A total of K2.2m was credited into members’ accounts. Mr. Kilangit said said since 2019 after a declared interest of seven (7) additional interest was paid to the members, the Society continued to see increases in 2020 by eight (8) percent, 2021 with nine (9) percent, and 2022 now declared at 10 percent. Mr. Kilangit said that these increases show prudent management and investment decisions, made by the Board and Management of the Society. PNG Power Savings and Loans Society’s Manager Mr. Eliakim ToBolton was also pleased to announce another successful year for the Society when presenting his reports well. “We have been through many challenges in terms of the membership drive, the pressures of Savings and Loans competitors having direct impact on our membership, yet we have and still maintain our focus to grow the society.” “Growth by increase in membership numbers remains the key to ensuing the Society’s sustainability going forward.” “Whilst PPSSLS continues to generate good financial results, it must continue to push its membership drive a step forward.” “This increase in membership will enable an accelerated increase in capital (savings deposits), which will then allow for new products to be rolled out as planed with the ultimate goal of the Society better developing itself as a more relevant financial vehicle going forward for its members.” Also, during the annual general meeting, the Society also officially launched its new website for its members and others, who are willing to know more about the Society and its products. Members and the public can access it through the link: www.ppssls.com.pg and read more about the Society.

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.”