Katrina ANGELI

Papua New Guinean entrepreneur and Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous craftsmanship and the work of more than 5,000 weavers, artisans and potters to one of the country’s leading fashion platforms.PNG Fashion Week 2026 was held from 18-19 September at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, featuring designers and creative talent from Papua New Guinea, Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Indonesia.Ejampi’s debut collection took place on Saturday’s signature main runway, Genesis, where her collection presented handwoven bilums, bilum shawls, handcrafted cane baskets and hand-loomed rugs as contemporary runway pieces.Inspired by Papua New Guinea’s people, landscapes and cultural heritage, the collection was earthy, elegant, bold and distinctly Papua New Guinean.“This opportunity is more than putting products on a runway,” Ejampi said. “It is about showing the world that Indigenous PNG craftsmanship belongs in spaces of fashion, design, creativity and luxury.”Born and raised in Sunuvi Village in the Dunatina area of Henganofi, Eastern Highlands Province, Ejampi’s connection to craftsmanship began during childhood.Her parents operated second-hand clothing shops across Papua New Guinea, while her late father, Ejampi Suave, introduced the family to carvings, cane furniture and traditional baskets.One cane basket purchased by her father in 1994 and given to Ejampi in 2004 remained with her.It was a lasting connection to the childhood experiences that helped shape her appreciation for handmade products and traditional artistry.Ejampi founded Lufa Basket in June 2022 and opened the brand’s first shop at Brian Bell Plaza in Gordons, Port Moresby, on 4 May 2023.Lufa Basket was a women-led Papua New Guinean social enterprise connecting more than 5, 000 Indigenous weavers, artisans and potters from the Eastern Highlands, Southern Highlands, East Sepik, Madang, Milne Bay and the National Capital District with local and international markets.The brand worked to transform traditional skills and cultural knowledge into sustainable economic opportunities while ensuring PNG craftsmanship was valued, preserved and passed on to future generations.“We don’t simply sell products,” Ejampi said. “We create opportunities, preserve culture and connect Indigenous craftsmanship with the world.”Among the most personal pieces in Ejampi’s PNG Fashion Week collection were the bilum shawl and Tulito bilum.Both designs took months of experimentation, trial, error and refinement to bring to life. Although this was Ejampi’s first runway, her journey was defined by enterprise, persistence, and an unwavering belief in her vision.She resigned from her job to run Lufa Basket full-time, invested in her own finances and resources, strengthened relationships with weaving communities, and travelled overseas in search of greater market exposure.“All the opportunities were created by me or sought out by me.”Her selection for PNG Fashion Week represented a major evolution for Lufa Basket- from a traditional craft-focused social enterprise into a contemporary PNG craft, culture and luxury lifestyle brand.When the collection’s final model left the runway, Ejampi wanted audiences to remember not only the beauty of the designs but also the Indigenous hands, stories and communities behind them.“I want audiences to remember that PNG craftsmanship is powerful, valuable and worthy of the world stage.”“I want them to see that our culture can be proudly preserved, creatively reimagined and transformed into opportunity.”Ejampi’s long-term vision was to open three Lufa Basket stores in Australia and two additional stores in Papua New Guinea.She also hoped to take the brand into Paris, Milan, London and New York, positioning bilums, cane craftsmanship and hand-loomed products within leading international fashion, design and luxury markets.Ultimately, she wanted her PNG Fashion Week debut to open doors not only for Lufa Basket, but for the thousands of craftspeople connected to the enterprise and the next generation of Papua New Guinean designers.“Ten years from now, I hope I can look back and say that PNG Fashion Week 2026 was a turning point.”“I want be able to say: I took the opportunity, and it created opportunities for others.”

Stepping onto the signature Genesis runway at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, multicultural Pacific designer Mareva Josephine Bower delivered a deeply personal collection that bridged Samoan heritage, Australian upbringing, Christian faith, and a lifelong devotion to craft.Fresh from her debut at Paradise Runway in Brisbane, Mareva brought a radical shift in form to the PNG Fashion Week 2026 showcase on Saturday.Grounded in Australian desert tones, deep reds, burnt oranges, ochre yellows, earthy browns, and muted greens, the collection channeled the relaxed confidence of 1990s streetwear and the multicultural communities that shaped her youth.Through deconstruction, reconstruction, and tactical reconnection of garments, Mareva moved beyond her traditionally restrained style into a dramatic, playful expression of freedom and the courage to stand apart.Born in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised in Australia from age two as the youngest of eight, Mareva’s creative education began at home.Alongside her mother, Pauline Vandermade of Samoan, Dutch, and Tongan heritage, alongside pastor-leader roles and Samoan father Josephi, Mareva tracked everyday church attire, bridal wear, school formals, and White Sunday outfits across Sydney fabric houses.Those formative years anchored a core truth: clothing communicates dignity, care, and belonging.Her mother’s blueprint of faith, generosity, and discipline continues to guide Marèva, the label carrying her distinctive first name.Married to Maciu Abraham Bower (Fijian and Niuean heritage) and mother of four (plus two grandchildren), Mareva designs through the lens of Fa’a Samoa; family, humility, and service.Future collections look toward ancestral Samoan motifs and proverbs, celebrating a designer who finds her truest creative calm near the ocean.“I would like the world to know that I am different and I embrace it,” Mareva said. “I would not have it any other way.”Mareva described her selection for PNG Fashion Week 2026 as an opportunity of a lifetime and a moment her family would never forget.“PNG Fashion Week and being selected means so much to us and I am truly humbled that I got to participate in it.”Beyond the runway, Mareva hoped to facilitate styling workshops, share practical knowledge about clothing, and advocate for neurodiversity through fashion.Her long-term vision was to build a global brand celebrating Pacific identity while creating space for people to feel represented, understood, and free.“I design because it makes me feel aligned, connected and alive.”Far from a standalone milestone, her PNG Fashion Week debut marks a springboard toward collaborative global workshops, neurodiversity advocacy through fashion, and future showcases spanning Europe, Dubai, and the Middle East.As her final model cleared the Genesis runway, Mareva left Port Moresby with a clear challenge to audiences: be bold, take risks, and embrace their individuality.

The APEC Haus lit up on Friday night for Papua New Guinea’s very first National Kolos Runway, proving local fashion was about a lot more than clothes.Put together by PNG Fashion Week, the historic showcase put home-based tailors, community dressmakers, and small business owners front and center.Most of these creators worked out of their own houses and local communities, balancing family life with keeping PNG heritage alive through needle and thread.The goal was simple: show off local talent, put PNG-made work on the map, and help small businesses grow.Five designers brought their best work to the stage.Susan Kumulgo, 47, represented Simbu Province with Ruma Tailoring, showing the kind of steady, hard-earned skill coming out of the highlands.48-year-old Judy Judah, from Morobe, who showed work from Kumul Fly and Ambai Spice, proving local makers often wore more than one creative hat.At just 21, Rojenya Dorea from Madang Province showed why young people were changing the game with Simares Mer Tailoring.Another 21-year-old rising star, Abigail Mark from Morobe Province, brought fresh energy and sharp cuts with Lenke Tamoi Tailoring.Rounding out the first part of the program for the night was Shirley Awai, 52, who brought designs from Giftsilver Fashion Design, blending styles from Oro and Milne Bay.Every ticket sold went straight back into supporting these women, building up local brands, and backing the future of PNG fashion.

The iconic APEC House in Port Moresby came alive as Papua New Guinea’s annual fashion showcase officially opened PNG Fashion Week 2026. Hosted by Kurie Endopio, the inaugural Miss Enga Province and deputy Miss Papua New Guinea 2025, the vibrant opening night set the stage for a landmark event.Officially declaring the event open, Miss Enga welcomed guests with a clear vision for the nation’s creative identity.“Tonight, we come together to celebrate the extraordinary creativity, cultural identity, and fashion talent of Papua New Guinea.”“PNG Fashion Week is more than a runway. It is a national and regional platform that connects fashion with business, culture, tourism, employment, education, and economic opportunity.”Expanding on the industry’s strategic direction, Endopio highlighted “Fashion, Business, Culture, and Future” as this year's theme in guiding pillars, framing them as the bedrock for a stronger, more sustainable creative sector across Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific.The two-day event features the Pacific Fashion Markets, which was held today, tomorrow’s Pacific Fashion Summit, and three major runway showcases. The evening kick-started with the National Kolos Runway alongside the PNG Fashion Icons Show, setting an energetic tone before Saturday night’s signature main event, Genesis.The grand opening also acknowledged key institutional and corporate backing, with Endopio expressing sincere gratitude to the New Zealand High Commission for supporting the summit and fashion week, alongside the National Cultural Commission for promoting national heritage and expression.In concluding her remarks, Endopio reminded attendees of Papua New Guinea’s profound cultural richness, encompassing more than 800 languages and a thousand tribes.

Papua New Guinea’s higher education system continues to face significant challenges as thousands of Grade 12 school leavers compete for a very limited number of university spaces each year.Speaking to students, staff, alumni, families, and partner organizations of the Divine Word University (DWU) Port Moresby Campus, Charles Mabia, Acting Deputy Secretary for Policy and Quality Assurance at the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), praised DWU for stepping up to solve this national problem.Mabia explained how the university’s strategy over the last ten years has directly supported government efforts to open up more spaces for students while keeping standards high.He noted that the university expanded its footprint by partnering with smaller colleges and commended DWU for accomplishing many astounding achievements, especially in the area of implementing government policy on access and quality.“Affiliation is institutions having affiliation with Divine Word and amalgamation is Divine Word taking over institutions, and therefore that expanded student population, growth in terms of access.”This strategic expansion has created vital opportunities for both young school leavers and adults already in the workforce who want to upgrade their skills.Mabia highlighted the huge gap between the number of students finishing school and those actually securing a spot in tertiary institutions.“In the last five years, almost 30, 000 students passed out of Grade 12 and we have 50, 000 students getting enrolled in our various institutions. And how about others? Where are they?” Mabia asked.“In helping take in more of these young people, he added, "in terms of providing access, Divine Word has done a good job.”Looking to the future, Mabia stressed that digital learning will be key to reaching students in distant communities who cannot physically attend a traditional campus.“In the past, Divine Word created a platform to deliver ICT-enhanced education. Going forward for the next ten years, I know they have the capacity to do that.”“We know that Divine Word always thinks ahead, has a foresight, and would like to see the university deliver in the next ten years at that advanced stage.”The strong relationship between DHERST and DWU also directly benefits public service workers through flexible, part-time courses.“It was professional training for our staff, because we want staff to be on board all the time,” Mabia noted.“They put up part-time studies with the campus. That is why I committed to the campus for providing that opportunity for our staff, as well as other public service employees.”As the university moves forward, its primary focus remains on producing graduates who can step straight into helping build their local communities.Reaffirming the government’s long-term support, Mabia concluded that the university will always be here, and they are going to work with the government to drive access, quality, and relevance in the years ahead.

The Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has officially opened the Fourth Annual Legacy Leadership Symposium at APEC Haus on Monday, September 07th, calling on leaders across Papua New Guinea and the broader region to embrace self-discipline, moral integrity, and the timeless principles of servant leadership.Speaking on the opening day of the three-day event, Sir Bob welcomed delegates to Port Moresby by honoring the deep-rooted heritage of Pacific navigation and traditional alliance-building, linking ancient seafaring resilience with modern governance.He reminded attendees that leadership transcends formal titles or high office, highlighting that every individual hold power through influence.“We define leadership as influence, nothing more, nothing less,” Sir Bob said. “Granted, not every one of us here have political, professional, cultural, or religious task ahead of us.”“Yet, we all are leading because we are influencing someone. It could be our children, our relatives, our peers, church members, and communities.”He stated that the vision of the leadership symposium is to remind everyone of the importance of building leadership legacies that will continue to outlast in our vision.“Beyond envisioning our vision of a country of good and effective leadership, we must work towards it,” he stated. “The idea must be transformed from vision to reality. That is our challenge and calling.”Drawing on biblical teachings from the Gospel of Mark, Sir Bob pointed to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of servant leadership, emphasizing that true authority lies in elevating and serving others.“Christ did not just teach a hypothetical lesson on servant leadership, he lived it," Sir Bob noted. "He had followers, power and authority, and he performed miracles.”“Yet his greatest leadership exposition was his ability to make even the least among the people to feel valued and served.”“He showed us that the most powerful person of leadership and the greatest act of humility is serving others.”In a direct charge to public figures and community leaders, Sir Bob warned against compromising personal values for short-term gain, emphasizing that personal discipline is the foundational pillar of lasting leadership.“In order to become an excellent leader, you must first lead yourself. First, your leadership legacy must reflect the life of a leader that you are.”“You cannot expect a leadership change in your sphere of influence if your leadership values and character falls short.”“Set high standards and do not compromise your standards for quick cash, undeserved promotion or nepotism or any other dubious behavior that throws down on your leadership character.”Concluding his opening address, the Governor-General reminded delegates that positions of power are temporary, but the legacy left behind in people's lives on indefinitely.“Know this, this position will eventually end. The office we occupy will extend hence, and the titles will be transferred.”“But the impact of our leadership must transform our communities, our nations and our region for generations to come. And so, your greatest legacy is not in the office or position you hold, but in the people you empower and serve.”Hosted by the Pacific Legacy Leadership Foundation Incorporated (PLLFI), the symposium convenes in PNG under the core theme, “Servant Leadership: Building a Legacy through Service.”This year’s gathering follows previous regional voyages to Tonga in 2023, Fiji in 2024, and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025.The Legacy Leadership Symposium continues over the next two days at APEC Haus, bringing together regional leaders, policymakers, and community figures to address key challenges in regional governance and development before concluding on September 9th, 2026.

Opposition MP James Nomane, has declared the historic 2019 Bougainville Referendum results the “most consequential question” the national legislature will ever face.Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba formally tabled the referendum outcomes—which show a 97.7 percent vote in favor of independence- alongside the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework. Addressing the Parliament on Thursday August 27th, Nomane commended both the government and Bougainville leaders for bringing the issue to the floor, emphasizing that the decision demands absolute national unity, careful legal scrutiny, and respect for the constitution. He reflected on the historical context of a united Papua New Guinea forged by founding fathers like Grand Chief Michael Somare, while thanking former Prime Ministers Somare, Peter O'Neill, and current Prime Minister James Marape for their stewardship in keeping the process peaceful. Rather than rushing through the material, Nomane urged his fellow members to apply “pensive contemplation” to the aspirations of the Bougainville people and ensure consultations are carried out thoroughly across the country. Echoing the need for careful deliberation, Prime Minister James Marape stressed that the referendum results are not self-executing and that Parliament holds the ultimate constitutional authority under Section 342. “The decision is now formally before this Parliament, and we must respect the process that has brought this decision into our Parliament,” Prime Minister Marape stated, urging lawmakers to take adequate time for research and constituent consultation before a final vote is taken. The initial floor debate also featured contributions from other senior leaders, including Rabaul MP and Bipartisan Committee Chairman Dr. Allan Marat, who likened Parliament’s role to a midwife safely managing a transition, and Mt Hagen MP William Duma, who raised questions regarding the state’s constitutional framework. In addition, figures such as Sir John Pundari, Belden Namah, William Powi, and Peter Tsiamalili, also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and unity. Leaders have agreed to defer the matter to another parliamentary sitting to allow lawmakers to review the Melanesian Framework.

Dr. Kone Sobi, the Director of Medical Services at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), has highlighted the urgent need for modernizing the Children’s Emergency Department (CED), pointing out that the current building has served the community for decades without any major structural upgrades.Speaking on behalf of PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi during a press event marking the Sir Theo Foundation’s funding support earlier this week of K2,076,982.75 in new infrastructure commitments towards the department.Dr. Sobi noted that the initiative represents a major milestone in improving healthcare services for pediatric patients across the National Capital District, Central Province, Gulf Province, and the nation as a whole.“This is a significant moment for us, not just because we are breaking ground on a building project, but because we are investing in the health, safety, and future of our children,” Dr. Sobi said.“The Children’s Emergency Department facility where we currently stand is well over 30 years, approximately 40 years old.”“For many years, we just served our children with limited resources and without major activity.”Prior to late 2019, the facility operated as the Children’s Outpatient Department (COPD) with restricted operating hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, attending only to minor illnesses and injuries before directing after-hours cases to the main adult emergency department.However, since transitioning to a full 24-hour Children’s Emergency Department in late 2019 and early 2020, patient volume has surged significantly.“Since moving to a 24-hour service, CED has seen up to 20, 000 visits by children every year.”“And 30 percent, or three out of ten children who attend the Children's Emergency Department, are admitted to infection wards, surgery, the children's ward, and other facilities like newborn care.”He noted that these figures demonstrate both the growing demand driven by an expanding urban population and the high level of trust in the public places in the hospital’s dedicated medical team.Doctors and nurses work around the clock in shifts to treat a wide range of conditions, spanning from fevers and infections to acute trauma and life-threatening emergencies.Acknowledging the resilience of healthcare staff who have operated under challenging conditions, Dr. Sobi stressed that the upgrade will serve as a much-needed boost for both personnel and patients.“The renovation is timely. It is positioned not only to improve the physical environment, but to boost staff morale and restore confidence in our community.”Dr. Sobi expressed deep gratitude to the project’s main supporters, specifically acknowledging Chairman Sir George Constantinou Jr. and representatives of the Sir Theo Foundation for sponsoring the initiative, alongside Lamana Development Limited, the contractors managing the renovation work.“As we launch these renovation initiatives, let us remember that we are not just renovating walls and floors, we are renovating hope.”“We are creating a space where healing can happen faster, where staff can work with dignity, and where every child who walks through these doors knows their importance.”On behalf of the PMGH Executive Management, Dr. Sobi concluded with high expectations for the development, expressing confidence that the project will be completed safely, on schedule, and to the highest standard.

The streets of the nation’s capital came alive as the Divine Word University (DWU) Port Moresby campus launched its pre-celebration activities for the institution's 30th Anniversary, marked by a large and vibrant motorcade that took place through the city.The motorcade served as a public and first series of activities towards the university’s official anniversary date on August 21, signaling 30 years of academic excellence and national development since gaining university status in 1996.Accompanied by Traffic Police and the Road Traffic Authority (RTA), a convoy of over 30 vehicles-ranging from buses to decorated open-back trucks, this saw a major city route stretching from the campus through 4 Mile, Boroko, Manu, Sabama, Badili, Ela Beach, Downtown, Hohola, Tokarara, Waigani, and Gerehu over the course of two-and-a-half-hours.“The turnout and participation were simply excellent,” said Mr. Sheperd Kia, Chair of the DWU 30th Anniversary Committee for the Port Moresby campus.“We had nearly 450 participants, including over 120 full-time students, Flexible Learning Centre (FLC) students, 37 staff members, along with our dedicated alumni, families, and friends of the university. Everyone was proud and the spirit of teamwork was truly inspiring.”A highlight of the procession was its creative theme, which divided participants and decorated vehicles into three historical phases: past, present, and future.“The overall theme focused specifically on the journey of the university,” Mr. Kia explained. “The ‘past’ section honored the early missionaries who came to Papua New Guinea and established our institution as a high school back in 1968, leading up to its institute phase and eventual recognition as a full university in 1996.”“Our students dressed in traditional attire, put up banners, and represented these eras with immense pride."The motorcade took place on Saturday, August 15th, following a Thanksgiving Mass held earlier as part of the broader commemorative events.Beyond highlighting the main campus in Port Moresby, the public awareness drive serves to represent DWU’s affiliated campuses across the country, uniting the entire university community under one banner.Mr. Kia said that the main 30th Anniversary celebration will take place on Friday, August 21, at the Taurama Aquatic Centre, where the public is invited to join in the festivities.The celebrations will conclude with a corporate fundraising dinner on Saturday, August 22, at the Dynasty Restaurant located at Vision City.“The proceedings and money raised from the corporate dinner will directly support the construction of our new staff accommodation building, which is currently underway.”“This motorcade was our way of letting the public know that Divine Word University is celebrating 30 years of impacting lives, and we welcome everyone to join us as we mark this significant milestone.”

“When we invest in young people, we invest in our nation’s future.”This was the statement made by National Statistician Mr. Alfred Mokae, who officially opened the World Population Day 2026 at APEC Haus following a morning walkathon through the Nation’s Capital on August 12th.His address delivered a clear message to government leaders and policy planners: Papua New Guinea’s massive youth population is its greatest strategic asset but leveraging it will require replacing political assumptions with hard, reliable data.With over half of the country’s population under 35 years of age, PNG sits at a pivotal tipping point.Mr. Mokae framed the youth demographic as an urgent national priority that demands immediate, evidence-based intervention.“The demographic dividend is not automatic,” Mr. Mokae emphasized. “It must be created through deliberate investment in education, health, skills, employment, and awareness for young people.”To build the foundation for those investments, the National Statistical Office (NSO) is rolling out key data gathering operations nationwide.Active field surveys including the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), will provide important evidence on circumstances and aspirations on the country’s population.According to Mr. Mokae, these targeted operations pave the way for the upcoming National Population and Housing Census, which NSO officials plan to execute using modern digital collection tools to reach even the most remote, isolated communities.“The NSO is committed to making the Census more modern, inclusive, digital, and efficient while ensuring that every person and community is counted.”“The Census must not simply be another counting exercise; it must become a strategic national investment in the future.”A key technical focus of this reform is integrating incoming census datasets directly with existing state infrastructure, such as the National Identification (NID) Program.Supported by key partners like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr. Mokae stated that the NSO’s broader modernization agenda aims to build a strong statistical system that directly drives public policy, infrastructure development, and budget allocation.As Papua New Guinea looks toward its economic future, the NSO’s mandate serves as a reminder that meaningful national progress begins with accurate numbers.He concluded stating that by fulfilling the aspirations of PNG’s young population, this requires public and private institutions alike to anchor their strategic planning in solid, verifiable evidence.

Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang province, is preparing to mark a major milestone scheduled for August 20th-22nd, 2026, as final arrangements take shape for a comprehensive multi-day program.The event will also celebrate the official launch of its new five-year Strategic Plan alongside the institution’s expanding footprint across Papua New Guinea.The celebrations will begin with a special Mass on the eve of the official opening, bringing together invited delegates, church figures, and academic leaders.The first official day will feature a keynote address, a faculty exhibition highlighting campus research, and academic presentations, leading into the formal launching of the DWU Strategic Plan for the next five years.To symbolize sustainable future growth, delegates and staff will participate in a campus-wide tree-planting activity ahead of an evening gala dinner.Reflecting on the institution’s growth, DWU President Professor Fr Philip Gibbs highlighted the university’s expansion from its original base in Madang to establishing a presence across four other provinces.“When we look back at our journey, particularly over the last fifteen years since integrating St Mary’s School of Nursing and Kabaleo Teachers College in East New Britain, our goal has been to broaden access to tertiary learning,” Professor Gibbs said.“Today, DWU’s reach spans the country, including the steady progress at Holy Trinity Teachers College in Mount Hagen and our affiliation with the Bougainville School of Nursing.”The second day of the event will combine Alumni Day and Founders Day, honouring the foundational contributions of the Divine Word Missionaries and the Holy Spirit Sisters.Activities will include the announcement of the Alumni of the Year award, panel discussions featuring alumni speakers, a networking lunch, and a high-level meeting of Vice Chancellors from universities across the region.The day will conclude with a student-led Diversity Night showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the student body.The final day will open with remarks from the guest of honour, followed by a cultural show, live band performances, and official closing addresses, concluding with a dinner for students and staff.Professor Gibbs reiterated that structural expansion goes hand-in-hand with upholding educational standards across all campuses.“The physical developments emerging across our campuses are essential, but infrastructure must serve a higher purpose.”“As we unveil our roadmap for the next five years, our central focus remains delivering high-quality education grounded in values, ensuring our graduates are equipped to meaningfully serve the nation.”Meanwhile, celebrations will also take place in the other respective campuses in the country, including Rabaul, Wewak, and Port Moresby.

A coastal village in the Balopa Local Level Government (LLG) area of Lorengau district in Manus province, has been left isolated and facing a humanitarian crisis after massive volcanic pumice covered its shores, making it impossible for the people to travel by sea since Wednesday, June 03rd.This situation is the direct result of a recent underwater volcanic eruption that occurred in the Bismarck Sea causing large sums of floating rocks out into the sea.Volcanic pumice is a highly porous, lightweight volcanic rock formed from gas-rich, rapidly cooled magma during explosive eruptions.For the residents of Baon village, the physical appearance of this eruption has effectively brought daily life to a complete standstill, locking down their main transportation and cutting off vital lifelines.The amount of pumice along the Baon shoreline has reached a thickness of approximately 2.5 meters, extending outward into the sea with a radius of 40 to 50 meters.This barrier has trapped local watercraft, leaving the community entirely landlocked.Communications have also broken down severely, drastically complicating efforts to coordinate relief or relay messages to authorities from the affected area.A community member of Baon village Mr. Simion Siwer, told PNG HAUSBUNG that since Wednesday, the people have been unable to travel with a dingy out to sea and back.“We are just stuck on land, and communication is also a major problem. On the shores, the water is filled with thick pumice that covers the sea starting from the shores out to a radius of 40 to 50 meters.”For the people of Baon, the inability to launch their dinghies hits at the very core of their survival.Maritime travel is a daily necessity, and this causes a huge challenge for residents attempting to access health care, secure store goods, and engage in commerce.With the coastal waters completely obstructed, the community is facing an immediate crisis regarding medical emergencies and essential travel to town.Beyond the transport lockdown, the volcanic debris has affected the local economy as well as nutritional security.The village relies heavily on fishing as its primary source of food, financial income, and market trading.Because no rightful authorities have yet arrived to inspect the water quality or sample the marine life, villagers are terrified to fish near their own reefs, uncertain if the sea or the fish stocks have been dangerously contaminated by toxic volcanic elements.“Since dinghies are our main transport and traveling by sea is our daily travel, seeking medical care or travelling to town is going to be a huge challenge for us.”“In terms of fishing, we cannot travel by canoe or even hook because we do not know if the sea or the fishes are infected because a team has not yet come to assess the situation.”To secure protein and keep families fed, the villagers are forced to trek over land to neighboring areas such as Solang ward.Located within the same LLG but situated roughly two to three kilometers away, Solang remains uninfected by the pumice drifts, allowing for safe line and canoe fishing.However, transporting fish back to Baon over land adds physical labour to a community already under immense strain.The financial burden worsens each day since being affected by the volcanic pumice. Normally, the sale of garden produce in the Lorengau town market provides the cash necessary to purchase the protein and other necessary household good they need.Now, to get crops to market, farmers must carry their garden produce all the way to Solang ward, negotiate with local residents, or hire boats at a high cost to get their produce to town to sell and back which adds more restraints.“We survive on fish for food, marketing, and income,” Mr. Siwer emphasized.“Since we are stranded, cannot travel into town to sell our garden produce and receive cash to at least buy ourselves protein, we have to carry our garden produce all the way to Solang.“We have to negotiate with them or hire a boat to bring those produce to town and then return, which all costs money.”On behalf of the community, Mr. Siwer has issued an urgent public appeal to provincial disaster management authorities and rightful national leaders for immediate intervention.While garden staples remain available for the time being, the community’s nutritional balance is affected without access to marine protein or affordable market routes.In addition, the community is also calling for immediate logistics and transport assistance to handle medical emergencies, alongside direct food and protein relief.The people of Baon have stressed that until an assessment team officially arrives to clear the water or declare the local fish safe for consumption, they will continue to face these daily challenges, hoping to receive assistance soon.