South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has confirmed a K5000 contribution to support preparations for this year’s National Mask and Warwagira Festival, an event that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of East New Britain. Scheduled to take place from July 9th to 12th in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, the festival is one of Papua New Guinea’s iconic cultural events, showcasing traditional dances, masks, and customs from across the region. SP Brewery’s Regional Sales Manager for the New Guinea Islands, Leon Schulz, said the company was pleased to assist. “This festival aligns with our goal of fostering unity and celebrating cultural diversity,” he said. “We are proud to play a small role in helping communities come together through such an important event.” Festival organizers acknowledged the support and highlighted the challenges of hosting cultural events without adequate funding. “Contributions like this go a long way in helping us preserve our cultural identity and pass it on to future generations,” a committee spokesperson said. As part of its involvement, SP Brewery will set up a booth at the event to promote awareness around responsible alcohol consumption. Only individuals over the legal drinking age will be permitted to engage with the booth for materials and activities. The organizers say this year’s festival will feature a variety of performances and exhibitions from local and international groups, drawing visitors from around the country and abroad.

For the first time in Pacific Games history, every national team participating in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau is supported by a dedicated safeguarding officer. This proactive move, led by the Pacific Games Council, signals a regional shift toward prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of athletes and officials. Complementing this initiative is the Safe Games Team, a group of four regional safeguarding champions representing Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Palau. Leading the team is Roshika Deo, Team Up’s GEDSI and Safeguarding Officer, who is also the Games’ official Safeguarding Team Leader. In a key step toward stronger collaboration, the Safe Games Team hosted a networking session today with safeguarding officers from across the participating nations. The session created space for sharing on-the-ground experiences, reviewing current protocols, and identifying opportunities to further strengthen safeguarding support during the Games. Among the standout advocates in this space are Milton Kisapai, a former elite athlete and anti-doping facilitator, and Delisha, a sports administrator and safeguarding facilitator. Both serve as safeguarding focal points for Team PNG, bringing with them years of expertise in athlete protection and clean sport advocacy. Together with local service providers, the Safe Games Team and safeguarding officers are working to raise public awareness and ensure clear, accessible pathways for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns. These coordinated efforts reflect a growing regional commitment to making sport safe, inclusive, and empowering for all.

A kaleidoscope of colours, rhythm, and reflection unfolded at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium yesterday 05th of July 2025 as Southern Region Day officially opened the month-long PNG Story celebrations in honour of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Under the uniting theme “One Drum, Many Echoes,” the Southern Region showcased the full strength of its cultural pride and creative expression, drawing crowds from across the city. Twelve singsing groups and six cultural string bands from the provinces of Central, Gulf, Western, Oro, and Milne Bay lit up the stadium grounds with traditional dances, chants, and musical storytelling as part of the day's program. The performances were more than entertainment as they were powerful expressions of identity and unity. However, it was a raw and moving stage performance that blended cultural and modern elements, titled 'Where Do We Go from Here?' by the Kove Arts Theatre Youths, that stood out—bringing the crowd to silence with its deep and timely message. Written and directed by Kove Arts Theatre Director and Founder Rodney Kove, the drama challenged Papua New Guineans to reflect on their collective journey after 49 years of independence and consider where the nation is heading in its next chapter. “These young people you saw performing, some of them live on the streets. I gathered them from all over the provinces. In two weeks, we wrote and rehearsed this play,” Kove shared. “They spoke from their hearts. It’s their story. It’s our country.” In a symbolic crossroads formation, the youths posed critical questions to public servants, politicians, and everyday citizens by urging unity, accountability, and compassion. “One of the lines says it all: ‘Our Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare placed us all in one basket called Papua New Guinea.’ That’s a reminder. We may have 865 languages, but we are still one nation. We must act like it,” said Kove. A banner displayed and carried on stage captured the central message: “UNITY IN DIVERSITY, WITH 865 LANGUAGES: YOUR COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY, OUR COUNTRY. GOD BLESS PNG.” The message was translated into four local languages representing each region—Bunja from Oro (Southern), Manus (Islands), a language from Momase, and one from Gulf Province, each highlighting inclusivity and shared identity. Kove continues to work with vulnerable youth through theatre, paying them for their involvement and nurturing their talents. “This wasn’t just a performance—it was healing, expression, and purpose. We have to look after our children now, before they end up on the streets. That’s what this play is about,” he added. While the drama left many in deep thought, the day overall was a joyful celebration of Southern identity. From the lively kundu beats of Gulf Province to the graceful canoe dances of Milne Bay, and the rhythmic storytelling of Central’s string bands, the Southern Region proudly echoed the PNG Story’s call for unity and cultural pride. As the PNG Story continues throughout July—with region days for Niugini Islands, Highlands, and Momase all stands, the message from the South is clear: Culture connects, and youth voices matter.

Sri Lankan pop sensation Yohani made her highly anticipated debut in Papua New Guinea this week, delivering not only an electrifying performance at the Musical Extravaganza at The Stanley Hotel & Suites last night, but also a heartfelt visit to Brown River that touched the lives of a community often overlooked. Best known for her viral hit “Manike Mage Hithe”, Yohani who is signed under India’s most subscribed YouTube label, T-Series was the headline act for the high-profile, charity-based concert organized by the Sri Lanka–Papua New Guinea Friendship Foundation (SLPNGFF). The event was the culmination of a week-long campaign aimed at raising funds for vital health services and outreach programs in rural PNG. But her impact wasn’t only felt under the stage lights. Just days before the main event, Yohani visited the Brown River community on Thursday, 3 July, offering something deeper than entertainment. Joined by the Sri Lankan pop-rock band The Infinity, their visit featured an intimate acoustic set, including a stripped-back cover of “Price Tag” by Jessie J sending a powerful message about compassion and connection through music. Children and families in the village were left inspired and uplifted by her presence, especially given that for many, this was the first time meeting an international artist face-to-face. The visit was part of SLPNGFF’s humanitarian outreach, a core pillar of the foundation’s ongoing work in PNG. On concert night, Yohani’s entrance onto the Kokoda Ballroom stage was met with deafening applause. She opened with her signature mix of Sinhala ballads, pop anthems, and newly released tracks from her latest album, blending South Asian sounds with international pop beats. The show’s emotional peak came when she teamed up with PNG’s star Rhée Gial for a rousing duet of Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin. The performance was more than nostalgic because it was symbolic, capturing the harmony between visiting and local artists. Another standout moment came with her energetic cover of “ATP”, the 2024 global smash by Rosie and Bruno Mars. Backed by Infinity, Yohani’s vocals soared over a rich wave of pop-rock instrumentation, creating a soundscape that had the crowd on their feet. The SLPNGFF Musical Extravaganza wasn’t just a night of lights and music, but it was a corporate humanitarian initiative with clear objectives: Delivering healthcare support to underserved rural communities Promoting child nutrition and maternal wellness Encouraging cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea The night ended with Yohani voice echoing far beyond the ballroom—carried into homes, into communities like Brown River, and into the hearts of a nation that embraced her not just as a performer, but as an artist in solidarity.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1,000 megaphones to the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Provincial Health Authorities to strengthen health education efforts in Papua New Guinea's rural communities. At the official handover ceremony yesterday in Port Moresby, UNICEF Representative Dr Veera Mendonça highlighted the importance of the equipment in improving community outreach, particularly for maternal and child health. “The megaphones are intended to support efforts in strengthening community mobilization, increasing immunization coverage, and enhancing health promotion activities,” said Dr Mendonça. She emphasized that the devices would help deliver timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health education to remote areas. “While we have made commendable progress in reducing maternal mortality — from a high of 733 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 171 today — we must remember that this still means at least one woman dies every day due to complications from childbirth,” Dr Mendonça stated. She added that more than 60,000 mothers develop complications or disabilities annually. “These statistics are a stark reminder of the challenges we continue to face. Currently, 45 out of every 1,000 children do not survive their first year, only 56% of pregnant women access antenatal care, and just 32% of women deliver in health facilities,” she said. Dr Mendonça stressed the critical need for ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health services. The megaphone donation is part of UNICEF’s broader support to the Government of Papua New Guinea. In collaboration with the NDoH and key partners, UNICEF is also supporting initiatives to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, roll out a nationwide polio vaccination campaign in response to a recent outbreak, and boost routine immunization coverage. “We urge all Provincial Health Authorities to ensure these megaphones are distributed quickly to health facilities, where they can be used for health education sessions, outreach campaigns, and community engagement,” Dr Mendonça added. Receiving the megaphones on behalf of the NDoH, Mr. Ken Wai, Executive Manager for Public Health, expressed gratitude and recognized the impact the equipment will have at the grassroots level. “Every health clinic must get one of these,” Mr. Wai said. “We need to get out and tell people to be healthy. On behalf of every mother and child in Papua New Guinea, I say thank you!”

Veteran weightlifter Dika Toua headlined an unforgettable day for Team Papua New Guinea at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games on Friday, 4 July, as PNG’s athletes delivered a string of impressive performances across several sports with most notably in weightlifting, table tennis, va’a, and softball. WEIGHTLIFTING — 5 GOLD MEDALS Dika Toea, a legend in the sport, secured gold in her category, continuing her dominance on the regional stage and setting the tone for PNG’s medal haul. This led to 5 gold medals across both men’s and women’s weight classes. These performances solidified PNG’s reputation as a powerhouse in Pacific weightlifting. TABLE TENNIS — BRONZE & GOLD MATCH QUALIFICATION Brothers Geoffrey and David Loi secured bronze in the Men’s Open Doubles, with a dominating defeat over Tahiti in the playoff round. Meanwhile Para table tennis athlete Haoda Agari earned a straight-sets win over Tonga (3–0), qualifying him for the gold medal match in his division. VA’A CANOEING — BUILDING ON STRONG MOMENTUM While no races were scheduled for PNG’s va’a team yesterday, their silver medal from the Men’s V6 1500 m race from Wednesday 3rd of July continues to boost the national tally. This remains in strong contention with upcoming events like the V1 16 km endurance race, where paddlers aim for more podium finishes WOMEN’S SOFTBALL — FALLS SHORT IN BRONZE FINAL Team PNG’s women’s softball team gave a valiant effort in the bronze medal match against Micronesia but finished just short of a podium finish. Despite the loss, the team showed grit throughout the tournament and gained valuable international experience. CURRENT MEDAL TALLY (as of 4 July 2025) Gold Silver Bronze Total 7 10 12 29 This tally includes updated results from canoeing, weightlifting, table tennis, and other disciplines. Looking ahead today 5th July: More weightlifting finals to come Va’a long-distance V1 races resume 3×3 basketball and indoor volleyball continue Haoda Agari’s gold medal match in para table tennis Team PNG’s 4 July performance, anchored by Dika Toea’s golden lift, reflects the nation’s competitive fire and unity on the Pacific stage. With several days of competition remaining, the squad continues to chase excellence, pride, and medals for the red, black, and gold.

A group of university students from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUOT), known as the UNITECH Lasallians and Friends Association, have launched a school awareness program aimed at inspiring and guiding current secondary students in Port Moresby. The program began on Thursday, July 3rd, at La Salle Technical Secondary School, where Principal Br. Anthony welcomed the initiative with heartfelt words: “It is good seeing students leading students in the right path. Thank you for taking your time to come out—this is the Lasallian way.” The team continued their awareness drive today, at Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, bringing with them personal stories, academic advice, and encouragement to students preparing for life after high school.  The UNITECH Lasallians and Friends Association is a student-led group at the University of Technology made up of former students from Lasallian schools, primarily De La Salle, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, and La Salle Technical Secondary. The group was founded in 2021 by Jubilee graduates and has since grown to include a broader Lasallian network. In an interview with Solange Dawana, an alumni of the association and recent Mechanical Engineering graduate, she said, “The association was formed to unite former Lasallian students now studying at UNITECH, and to live out the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community. One way we do this is by giving back to our former schools through programs like these." The awareness program, which was first held in 2023, gives secondary students insights into university life, academic expectations, and available courses at UNITECH. The visit also includes mentorship opportunities and encourages students to pursue higher education with confidence. “We know how hard the transition to university can be, especially in your first semester,” Dawana shared. “So, we introduce ourselves to the new first years and support them as big brothers and sisters—just like we were taught in our Lasallian education.”  Some members of the association currently on semester break returned home to take part in the awareness tour. They include: Jeremiah Lavai – Agriculture Graduate, Ex De La Salle Delaiah Hafmans – 2nd Year Forestry, Ex Jubilee Israel Daviaga – Final Year Agriculture, Ex De La Salle Walayson Iga – 3rd Year Mining Engineering, Ex Jubilee Natasha Anuma – Final Year Business in Accounting, Ex Jubilee Sean Lemeki - Civil Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee Leka Vagi - Electrical Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee Solange Dawana – Mechanical Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee The school visits have been warmly received by staff and students, with many expressing appreciations for the group’s commitment to community service and youth mentorship.

For Carolyn Solomon, who is among one of twenty fourth-year science students from the Pacific Adventist University (PAU), the Trukai Industries’ SMART FARMER Program is more than just a training course because it is a lifeline for the future of her family and her village. Carolyn is among 93 participants in the country for this program’s fourth batch at PAU. The 20-week irrigated rice farming program combines two weeks of classroom theory with 18 weeks of practical training in participants’ own communities. “After graduating from the SMART FARMER Program, I will go back to my community and teach my family and fellow villagers what I have learned.” “This training will help us not just grow rice for our own consumption but also generate income.” As a biological science major, Carolyn said the program compliments her academic studies while providing practical agricultural skills that are often not covered in a classroom setting. “These days, even with a degree, most people struggle to find jobs.” “So, for me, this training is very important. If I do not find employment straight away, I will still be able to grow rice, not just to feed my family, but to earn a living.” Additionally, Carolyn’s perspective reflects a growing mindset among Papua New Guinea’s youth and that practical, skills-based training is just as important as formal education in building sustainable livelihoods. The SMART FARMER Program is designed to provide participants with a foundation in rice cultivation, irrigation systems, crop management, and farm business planning. For final-year students like Carolyn, the program also serves as a practicum requirement. But for Carolyn, the goal isn’t just personal success. “I want to be a changemaker in my community.” “With what I have learnt, I can help others see farming as a real opportunity and would not be just something we do to survive, but something we can grow from.” With more graduates like Carolyn ready to return home and share their skills, Trukai’s SMART FARMER Program is doing more than training individuals, it is planting seeds for long-term transformation in rural communities across PNG.

Papua New Guinea’s Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team has claimed its first tournament win at Stop 3 of the FIBA Conference 1 series in Palau, delivering a landmark result for PNG and the Pacific sporting community. Since the competition began on 1st July, the PNG women’s side has consistently placed second, and their persistence was rewarded on Day 3 when they secured top honors in the daily standings. The result is recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as a gold medal win for the day, earning the team valuable ranking points on the FIBA 3x3 global ladder. However, the win does not count towards the Pacific Mini Games medal tally. PNG’s men’s team also took part in Stops 1 to 3, showing strong determination in closely contested matches. Although they were unable to secure a win, their efforts and sportsmanship were acknowledged by officials and spectators alike. This tournament represents a turning point for Pacific Island nations, as it introduces a direct qualification pathway to major global events such as the FIBA Youth Nations League and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is the first time such a route has been made available for teams from the region. Organized under FIBA’s 3x3 development framework, the tournament is aimed at developing elite youth talent across the Pacific. It is specifically targeted at under-18 athletes, offering a platform for exposure, competition, and ranking on the international stage. The series is divided into several “Stops” within Conference 1, all hosted in Koror, Palau. Each day concludes with a winning team based on overall performance. Cumulative points across the event impact both national team standings and individual player rankings. Results from the tournament will influence qualification for the FIBA Youth Nations League and are expected to play a role in team eligibility for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. FIBA Oceania says this is part of a broader effort to deepen its support for basketball development across the Pacific and build sustainable pathways to international competition.

At 35 years old, most people are planning careers, raising families, and chasing dreams. But for Samuel Somne, life has taken a sudden and terrifying turn. Diagnosed with a brain tumour, the once soft-spoken yet hopeful graduate of Pacific Adventist University is now fighting for more than just stability, but he is fighting for his life. Samuel hails from Injua Village in Nipa, Southern Highlands Province. He is a son, a husband, and a father of two young boys aged three years and eight months with a quiet determination rooted in faith, family, and his community. “I never imagined this would happen to me.” It started in 2021 soon after his wedding, that is when he began experiencing unexplained seizures. They came in the early hours of the morning, between 2am and 3am. At first, Samuel had no idea what was happening. “I would wake up sore, with body and joint pain. My wife, Florence, would tell me I had fitted in my sleep. But I did not remember any of it,” he recalls. For months, he brushed it off, trying to live normally. But between 2022 and 2023, while working on the Olympus Project, seizures started occurring in broad daylight. “I would be at the office, then suddenly black out. The next thing I knew, I would be waking up in a hospital bed,” he says quietly. “That was when I knew something was not right. I had to get a proper check-up.” The diagnosis was devastating as a brain tumour, unpredictable, aggressive, and dangerous. “When the doctor told me, I just went numb. I felt hopeless as my life was being taken away.” In early January 2025, after reviewing his MRI scans, a neurosurgeon at Port Moresby General Hospital referred Samuel for urgent treatment overseas. The tumour had grown significantly and was putting pressure on critical areas of his brain. The seizures have become more frequent and every time they happen it was more dangerous than the last. “I am considered high-risk now and usually collapse without warning.” “Sometimes I wake up and I do not even know how I got to the hospital. It is terrifying but I still have hope.” Initially, Samuel considered seeking treatment in the Philippines. But after hearing of a fellow Papua New Guinean who successfully underwent surgery in India, he decided to go there. “India has some of the best and most affordable neurosurgeons. I believe that is where my healing will come from.” However, while the medical path is clear, the financial journey is far from over. “For months now, I have been battling not just the tumour, but the cost of getting help,” he admits. “It has been heavy. I sometimes feel like I am carrying this weight alone.” He isn’t. Samuel’s story has moved hearts across his community and beyond. In an overwhelming act of love and solidarity, his family, brothers, and tribesmen have rallied to organize a Corporate Fundraising Dinner scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025. The goal is simple but very urgent to raise funds needed for Samuel to travel and undergo surgery in India. “This dinner is more than just an event; it is my only hope. And with support of my people, I believe I can make it, I believe I can live.” Time however is not on his side with his travel date already set for Thursday, July 25, 2025. “That date is fixed, and we are racing against time now. If there is a setback, it could cost me my life.” Amid the uncertainty still, Samuel remains anchored by a deep well of faith. “I believe God has not forgotten me. I believe this tumour can be removed and I believe when we all come together, I will get through this.” Samuel’s story is not just about illness, it’s about courage, it is about the community and above all, it’s about the power of hope. If you would like to support Samuel Somne’s medical fundraising campaign or attend the Corporate Fundraising Dinner, please contact: Mr. Luke Mongolap: +(675) 7080 4996 Mr. Samuel Somne: +(675) 7284 4887 Email: samuelsomne686@gmail.com

Trukai Industries Limited (TIL) is continuing its mission to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through its flagship initiative program the SMART FARMER Program, a hands-on training program preparing hundreds of local farmers in irrigated rice farming. Now in its fourth intake at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) outside Port Moresby city and fifth batch overall since the program’s launch in 2022, the SMART FARMER Program combines classroom theory and community-based fieldwork aimed at increasing national rice production and reducing reliance on imported rice. The 2025 January intake (Batch 3) saw 51 participants, while the current Batch 4 at PAU includes 93 participants, among them 20 final-year science students from PAU completing their practicum. Participants come from across the country including, 23 from Milne Bay 18 from Western Province 12 from Gulf 2 from West New Britain The remaining participants from NCD, Central Province, and Popondetta “The training equips our farmers with the technical skills and knowledge to grow rice under irrigation,” said Thomas Tetu, Site Manager for Trukai Industries at PAU. “It’s about empowering people with the tools to feed their families, earn income, and become self-reliant.” The 20-week program is structured in two phases: Two weeks of intensive classroom-based theory, followed by 18 weeks of practical training conducted in the participants’ home communities. The curriculum includes four modules, Fundamentals of rice cultivation, Irrigation systems, the Rice growth cycle, and Farm business management. Upon successful completion, farmers are awarded a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming. The current batch will graduate this November. Since its inception, the SMART FARMER Program has trained more than 1,000 farmers, with sessions held in both Lae (through UNITECH) and Port Moresby (through PAU). “Farmers come from diverse backgrounds and bring various traditional farming methods,” Mr. Tetu said. “We focus on building a shared understanding, day by day, to achieve better outcomes together.” The program’s impact is already being felt in rural communities, with many graduates returning home to apply their knowledge and mentor others. However, Mr. Tetu acknowledged that challenges remain, especially in harmonizing farming practices and ensuring infrastructure such as water access is in place. To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old, have access to land near a reliable water source and be able to read and write. The SMART FARMER Program is fully supported by Trukai Industries under its Rice Development Division, aligning with the company’s long-term goal of promoting locally grown, sustainable food systems and reducing the country’s dependence on imported rice.

Police have arrested the owner of a company allegedly posing as a legitimate medical research firm, following an investigation into the misappropriation of K5 million allocated for COVID-19 research and testing. Detective Superintendent Robert Volo, Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD), confirmed the arrest, stating the company was not registered as a certified medical or pharmaceutical research institution. According to police, the company received K5 million in 2022 through the National AIDS Council Secretariat (NACS), intended for scientific research into COVID-19 treatments. Investigators claim the funds were misused, with no evidence of research or testing being conducted. Police allege the suspect registered the company in August 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and submitted a funding proposal to the National Executive Council. The NEC reportedly approved a total of K10.2 million for the project. Superintendent Volo said that K5 million was later transferred into NACS’s trust account for disbursement to the company. However, the investigation revealed that payments were redirected to individuals and service providers unrelated to medical research, including legal fees, hire car services, and private creditors. “The funds were clearly misapplied and did not go towards the intended scientific research. This was a deliberate act of fraud,” Mr. Volo said. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not released the individual’s name, pending further legal proceedings.