PNG Fashion week is hosting its 2024 Runway this evening on the eve of the country's 49th independence anniversary, to celebrate showcase the work of local designers. The fashion show, which is now in its seventh year, has progressed and developed immensely and now for this year’s show, has collaborated with a designer and two models from Fiji Fashion Week who have also travelled to join in on this occasion. According to Director of PNG Fashion Week, Philma Kelegai, the reason behind the collaboration with Fiji Fashion Week is to lift their game; bring in the expertise as the fashion industry can contribute significantly to the economy of the country. “Fashion is a billion-dollar industry globally and we should take advantage of that in terms of economy. Push our brand further! Collaboration helps boost this industry as well as help our people grow and will also strengthen tourism.” With the collaboration, this will also help both the PNG local models and designers with the Fijians to learn a lot from an international standard and progress further from there, This is the main aim in which Kelegai has elaborated on to push the local talented ones out from their comfort zones and try something new and exciting. In addition to this, Fiji Designer, Temesia Tuicaumia, shared excitement on coming to the country to showcase some of what he has produced and share with other talented designers as well, especially the local ones. Tuicaumia will be focusing and showcasing particularly men’s wear in which he has always been a men’s wear fashion influencer. “With PNG Independence which is just the next day after our fashion show, what a great way it will be to showcase PNG on the runway.” Moreover, with the event’s theme, ‘Ascension,’ Tuicaumia shared sentiments upon reflecting on the theme in which he stated that the word, ‘elevate,’ was the first word that came to mind when thinking about the theme. He further stated that from one Melanesian nation to another, this is a great way and experience to share the different cultures both have. The runway show will have a total of eleven local designers as well as two international designers from Fiji and New Zealand that will be showcasing their collections on the night. Out of the eleven designers, three are emerging designers who will also be taking part for the first time in such a big event. Fifty models, including two international models from Fiji, will also be walking the runway. In addition to this, adding to the runway event, Air Niugini will be showcasing their new uniform during the pre-show before the actual event starts. The event is to take place at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby with the show to start at 4.30PM. Limited tickets are still on sale at the Rangeview Plaza, which is K500 for VIP in Row One and includes own bar. K300 for Row Two, K200 for Row Three and K100 for Row Four. Prizes for the winners will also be announced and given based on best performance. The top prize is K10, 000 to be awarded to the best designer of the night, K5, 000 for emerging designer and K2, 000 for innovation award, K2, 000 for the textile wool and K2, 000 for the model of the year. Another prize which will be included on the night is Air Niugini’s Excellence award in which Air Niugini will judge and decide on the winner. Air Niugini will be adding two prizes to the prize pool; one to award a designer, which is the Air Niugini Excellence award in which that designer will fly to Fiji to participate in the Fiji Fashion Week 2025. The other is the Excellence award, which is for a model to take part in the same event next year.

Telikom mobile users can now enjoy the convenience of purchasing 321 Lotto tickets directly from their phones using airtime credit. Through your Telikom mobile, you can purchase a ticket for the bi-weekly Wantok Jackpot draw for K3.50, with the chance to win up to K500,000 or try your luck with the Paradise Jackpot daily draw for K2.30, offering a top prize of K100,000. Both games also feature a range of prize divisions, providing more chances to win beyond the jackpot. Players must be over 18 years old to participate. 321 Lotto Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Egan, acknowledged the assistance of Telikom’s management, technical, product, and marketing teams for making it easier for customers to access 321 jackpot games via their mobile phones. Mr. Egan remarked: “With Telikom, we've opened up a whole new level of accessibility for our players.” “From the heart of the cities to regional areas that Telikom services, you can now purchase 321 jackpot game tickets with ease. Just recharge, dial *321#, and play – it’s that simple.” Egan further clarified that Telikom provides a convenient way for players to participate in 321jackpot games, but winning players must visit their nearest 321 Lotto shop or authorised agents such as Post PNG with their mobile phone ticket and valid ID to claim their prize. To buy a 321 Lotto ticket using your Telikom mobile, simply dial *321# and follow the prompts. The USSD menu will guide you through selecting your lucky numbers for both the Paradise and Wantok draws. A concierge fee of K0.50 is applied to each ticket purchased, reflecting the ease and convenience of playing via your mobile. After successfully purchasing a ticket, you will receive an SMS confirmation with your selected numbers and a unique ticket reference number. The Wantok Jackpot live draws are televised on EMTV every Tuesday and Friday at 8:30 pm. During the draw, 7 numbers are selected from a total of 36 balls. Results will be available on the 321 Lotto website and Facebook page, and Telikom customers can also check results by dialing *321#. 321 Lotto PNG is licensed and regulated by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) of Papua New Guinea. Telikom Limited has been approved by the NGCB as an official lottery agent for 321 Lotto.

In a historic and joyful moment, the people of Vanimo, West Sepik, warmly welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis on Sunday, September 8, 2024, marking a memorable visit to Papua New Guinea. After celebrating a Eucharistic Mass in Port Moresby, Pope Francis made his way to Vanimo, where he was greeted by Member for Vanimo-Green, Belden Namah, and a large crowd of well-wishers. Namah expressed his gratitude for Pope Francis' visit, noting that Vanimo, often overlooked, feels blessed to have been chosen as a destination. "Your visit to Vanimo confirms all we have heard. We are humbled. We are pleased and blessed by your visit." “This land, the sea, and all on and in them are blessed by your presence. God’s people in this province and in this country are blessed by your presence,” Namah said, expressing the deep gratitude and excitement of the local people. Namah also highlighted the strong international ties that Vanimo shares, noting that visitors from Indonesia and workers from abroad were present. “We have friends from Indonesia and many visitors as well as workers from abroad here who are blessed by your presence. Missionaries from your own country, Argentina, have offered tremendous service to our community here and PNG’s first orchestra; the Queen of Paradise Orchestra, comes from here.” Namah’s speech touched on both the beauty and challenges of the region and spoke of the close bond the people share with nature, where Papua New Guineans are deeply connected to the land, animals, and plants. He said that the people depend closely on each other and cling to each other as they have done for generations, but also voiced deep concern over the impact of global warming and unsustainable resource use, which threaten this delicate balance. “This unity and security is now being seriously threatened by the effects of global warming and by the effects of unsustainable harvesting of resources and irresponsible use of them," Namah said, further emphasising the growing threat of climate change, by acknowledging the Pope's call for environment protection and sustainable development. “We are heartened by your description in Indonesia a few days back. You said the world is sick and that it has a high fever which needs love and tender loving care. You have humanized a global catastrophe in the making," Namah said, as he drew attention to the real effects of rising sea levels, which have already displaced people in the Cataret Atolls in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain. He called on industrialized nations to take responsibility for controlling emissions and pollution that harm vulnerable communities like Papua New Guinea. As Namah spoke about the country’s economic and environmental struggles, he expressed hope for divine guidance in facing these challenges. “We are asked to conserve our resources and our forests, and we can do that, but we need to survive economically,” he said, adding that the balance between survival and conservation is difficult but necessary. Namah praised Pope Francis for his courageous visit to Vanimo, expressing gratitude for the divine intervention the Papua New Guinea needs to overcome challenges, noting that a third of the country’s population are devout Catholics, and that Vanimo, often overlooked, feels blessed to have been chosen as a destination. "Your visit to Vanimo confirms all we have heard. We are humbled. We are pleased and blessed by your visit." “Your courage to make this trip, perhaps against the best advice of your doctors speaks volumes about what we must mean to you and that warms all our hearts. It teaches us much. Vanimo is the last post before Indonesia." "We, in turn, pray that God almighty will bless you here and in the balance of your trip and return you safe and sound to Vatican City, Rome." The Pope departed PNG on Monday, September 9th and is now in Timo- Leste, the next destination on his world tour.

In a historic first, the SWG Valley Hunters have booked their first ever Pepsi Capital Rugby Union grand final berth after beating the Harlequins in the men's preliminary match on Sunday 08th September 2024, 14 points to 10 at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. Both teams were brutal all throughout the first half forcing errors on both sides, seeing the Valley Hunters dominating to be the first on the score board. The match was tough between both teams giving Harlequins a chance to their first penalty with an unsuccessful attempt of a goal. The Valley Hunters hit back with a try by lock Gerald Maritua followed by a successful conversion, extending their lead to 11 - nil. Harlequins responded with a try in the last quarter of the first half, bringing the score to 11 - 5 in favour of the Valley Hunters. The Harlequins came out stronger in the second half of the game with a try prompting a brutal defence by the dominating Valley Hunters who were in the lead. The Harlies were on the attack all through the second half with several line breaks, but the Valley Hunters maintained their lead with a tight defence. The last two minutes of the game was bone-shattering as the Harlies strived for a turning point. The Valley Hunters maintained their stance causing the fulltime score to win 14 - 10, over the Harlequins. The Valley Hunters coach Frank Genia told PNG HAUSBUNG today that the boys have worked hard all year round. "They've worked hard all year and it's not easy to beat a team like Harlequins who, year in year out is playing in the grand finals, is a huge achievement." "They've got two weeks until the grand finals date, which is set for the 21st of September 2024." "We'll be preparing accordingly; we've got a couple days this week and of course we are into the independence where they (the boys) would have some time off with their families and then we'll get together next week for a couple of sessions and hopefully we'll be ready to go." The team was under a lot of pressure in the last 15 minutes of the game with a yellow card but with their scrambled defence, held back the opposing team until fulltime to claim the victory.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that he will respond to a petition by the students of the University of Papua New Guinea on September 13th, 2024, and not today the 9th of September, as initially scheduled. This is due to Prime Minister attending a significant meeting between Pope Francis and young people in Port Moresby, followed by a farewell to the Pontiff. On Friday, August 30, the Prime Minister received the students' petition and committed to providing a formal response by September 9. However, due to his commitments with the Pope’s visit, Prime Minister Marape has rescheduled his meeting with the UPNG Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and students to Friday, September 13, 2024. “Due to the Pope’s meeting with Catholic youths of Port Moresby, and the fact that I will later be seeing the Pope off at the airport, I’m asking the UPNG Students’ Representative Council that we defer the reply to their petition to Friday, September 13.” The Prime Minister confirmed a formal letter was sent to the UPNG SRC and the UPNG Council informing them of the change. He emphasized the importance of addressing the students’ concerns thoroughly and said he intends to involve Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu in the upcoming meeting to provide detailed explanations on key national issues. “The students’ petition concerns matters of national importance, so I intend to bring Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu with me to explain to the students where exactly the country is in regard to the economy, inflation, and other relevant issues.” He commended the students for their professionalism and maturity in the manner in which they submitted the petition. “We recognize students as an important voice of society, and there must be a proper response to their petition.” “I once again commend the UPNG students for the maturity in which they gave the petition to me at the end of last month.”

The conclusion of the Pope's Holy Mass this morning in the Port Moresby city saw Pope Francis issuing his final message to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and to the Asia Pacific Region, highlighting the significance of peace amongst nations and nature. The Pope's message comes at a time when the region is experiencing geopolitical situations and tensions created by the major powers of the world, and climate change, which is impacting people in the pacific including PNG. "From this land blessed by the Creator, I would like to ask together with you, through the intercession of Mary most Holy, for the gift of peace for all people." "I ask this in particular for this great region of the world, Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Ocean, peace for the nations and also for creation. No to rearmament and the exploitation of our common homme. Yes, to the encounter between people and cultures, yes to the harmony of men and women and with creatures," said the Pope. "Maria- Queen of Peace, help us to be converted to God's plans, which are plans of peace and justice for the great human family." Pope Francis also called on everyone gathered to carry out the good work in helping those in need, especially the sick and the needy through the intercession of the mother of Christ. The Pope also during his sermon from the Gospel according to Mark, urged Christians to come closer to God through their faith in Jesus Christ. In addition, His Eminence, Archbishop Sir John Cardinal Ribat, thanked Pope Francis for his presence and for enriching everyone for his visit to the country. "I would also like to thank the spiritual leaders of Australia, New Zealand, as well as the Archbishop of Fiji for their presence as well as the Asian region and all missionaries who have come to join us," said the Cardinal.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, arrived at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby to begin the main event, Eucharistic Mass. He arrived at 7.40AM, beginning with a lap around the stadium in his popemobile to visit all faithful gathered to share this mass with him. The mass started as early as scheduled, between 8AM and 8.15AM. The mass is currently on at the stadium, with thousands gathered to witness and be part of this significant celebration. His Holiness will depart Port Moresby for Vanimo in West Sepik Province at 1PM as scheduled.

A few more hours before Pope Francis sets foot in Papua New Guinea and schools, churches and communities are truly gearing up to welcome him to the country. 35,000 people throughout the country have been confirmed to attend after registering, especially during the main event on Sunday the 8th of September 2024. His Holiness will arrive tonight at 7PM at the Jackson’s International airport where he will begin his visit on Saturday (tomorrow), 7th of September, starting with the Governor General’s residence, then followed by the APEC Haus then to Caritas Technical Secondary school and finally to Don Bosco Technical Institute. On Sunday the 8th of September is when the main itself will take place and that is to celebrate the Eucharistic mass with him at Sir John Guise stadium before leaving for Vanimo and returning to Port Moresby the same day. On his final day in the country, which is the 9th of September, he will then meet with just the youths at the same stadium where a youth festival will take place. This will see the youths from all walks of life coming to meet the Pope and share with him their struggles and hopes for the future. 18, 000 youths have registered to attend. For these areas that the Pope has been scheduled to attend, will see parts of the roads nearby will remain closed. According to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) advisory notice, parts of Morea-Tobo Road leading to the Jacksons International and the Kumul Fly will be partially or fully closed from 5PM to 9PM when he arrives tonight and when he departs on Monday, the 9th of September from 11AM to 2PM. For Saturday, 7th of September, Igau and Bava street will remain closed from 3PM to 7PM due to Pope Francis’ visit to Caritas School and Don Bosco Technical Institute. On the following day, which is the main event itself, expected closure of roads leading to and around the Sir John Guise stadium precinct from 12AM to 12PM and finally on Monday the 9th, is from 4AM to 12PM when the Pope visits the youths at the same stadium. According to Papal Visit Chairperson, His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, there will be Candlelight Welcome when he arrives; however, must not obstruct the motorcade but stand beyond on the footpath and must follow protocols. The Candlelight Welcome for the motorcade route will take place starting outside APEC Terminal, International Airport roundabout, End of Kumul Fly Over, Parliament Haus roundabout, Somare Foundation roundabout, Gordon Police Barracks roundabout, Courts roundabout, Five Mile Roundabout, Four Mile roundabout and Murray Barracks roundabout. These areas mentioned are where each Catholic parish will be stationed to stand and welcome him during the motorcade.

Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has issued a welcome message on behalf of the nation to His Holiness Pope Francis who will be arriving in Port Moresby tomorrow. His Holiness Pope Francis will be in the country on a four-day State Visit beginning tomorrow. Grand Chief Sir Bob said the visit of Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea is timely and is for all Christians throughout the country to embrace and come together in unity. “As a professed Christian country, we in Papua New Guinea warmly welcome the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to our shores.” “We have been looking forward to this visit for many months. As universal head of the Christian Church, the visit of His Holiness is not for those of the Catholic faith alone, but for all Christians throughout our nation.” He added that the visit of the Pope is timely and comes at a time when the country is facing many challenges. He said that this visit demonstrates the need for all Christians to come together in unity. Despite the cultural differences and varying beliefs, he stressed that the country must strive for unity and refer to receive His Holiness as our leader of the Christian faith. He further stated that the proposal to officially declare PNG as a Christian country is commendable and highlights that despite our vast cultural and religious diversity, we are united in the Christian faith which is a positive step for the nation and for future generations. “We are grateful for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and wish the Holy Father god’s blessings and guidance on this the longest and furthest tour he is undertaking to the Asia-Pacific region." Pope Francis will arrive in Port Moresby tomorrow and pay a Courtesy Call on the Governor General at Government House on Saturday the 7th of September 2024, before he embarks on a program of activities that include meetings with political, business, and religious leaders, leaders of Pacific Island countries, and visits to Catholic run schools and institutions. The Pope will travel to Vanimo on Sunday and host Holy Mass on Sunday and Monday in Port Moresby. Pope Francis is the leader of Roman Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome and is referred to as head of the Universal Christian Church. Furthermore, Pope Francis departs Port Moresby on Monday the 9th of September 2024 back to the Vatican City in Rome, Italy.

With two more days to go, His Holiness, Pope Francis will be travelling to Papua New Guinea where he will be visiting Port Moresby and Vanimo in West Sepik. The Pope who will be residing in the country for three days has the Catholic churches, schools and communities preparing for his visit before returning to the Vatican City in Rome, Italy. Archbishop of Port Moresby, His Eminence, Sir John Cardinal Ribat, shared sentiments of Pope Francis’ visit as coming to the country to help strengthen our unity. As the Vicar of Christ and the Head of the Catholic Church, he said that Pope Francis also comes as a blessing to help us also with carrying on in our spiritual lives and carrying out his work just like St Peter did in the bible. “Jesus himself told Peter, ‘And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church.’ Jesus gave the responsibility to Peter and that responsibility is very much alike with Pope Francis today.” “We are welcoming him to our nation, and I'd like to stress here that he comes as a person who is not in good health.” “Despite travelling in a wheelchair, he still decided to come and with a lot of issues and problems we are facing in the country, he still agreed to come.” His Eminence further stated that in the midst of all that the people are going through in the country and the issues and problems that the country is facing, is really a blessing for the people and in some way, uniting everyone as well as bringing peace to those who need it. The Pope’s visit also includes addressing the leaders of the nation as well as those Pacific leaders who will be attending this historical event as the Vicar of Christ and to bring a sense of unity among the leaders. “We unite with him in the great work that his leading us in continuing the work to our nation. With this, then helps to deepen our faith.” In addition, other churches will also be part of the visit, as well as other denominations and religions who are more than welcome to attend. Furthermore, Archbishop Ribat also acknowledged the support of the government in ensuring that this visit is planned and carried out well. The Pope sets foot in the country on Friday, 6th of September and will depart for the Vatican City in Rome, Italy on the 9th of September 2024.

Prime Minister James Marape, this afternoon offered his congratulations to Rainbo Paita on becoming the alternate PM nominee and showed his appreciation to the Opposition for getting the forms filled correctly as required by Section 145 of the constitution and the Standing Orders Section 130. This followed the speaker and clerk announcing that this 6th motion filed by the Opposition met all requirements as ascertained by the Private Business Committee and the opposition’s nominee named as Rainbo Paita. “Tomorrow morning, the name will be placed on Parliament notice and by operational of law, Parliament will adjourn to next Thursday when the motion is then voted upon.” “Prime Ministership is not my birth right. It belongs to our people.” In a Parliament of equals, MPs will decide on who is best to serve in that office and with that Prime Minister Marape said that he is here by operation of Section 63 invitation of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPAC) law to form government because Pangu under his watch returned 39 MPs after the 2022 National General Elections. However, he stated that the constitution allows for a Vote of No Confidence after eighteen months and since February this year, the country has been impeded by those who want to lead or form government. “It's good now that we deal with the VONC, so the country and all investors and development partners know on the issue of the national leadership mandate.” “I have had the privilege of being the chief servant for 5 years now, it was never easy five years, but I don’t blame anyone, I take all the blame as the person at the last chain of command.” “And if I continue next Thursday, we will continue the restorations and reconstructions we have embarked upon since May 30th, 2019.” “In this constitutional process, our MPs will decide if Hon R Paita can do better than me on all challenges our big country goes through at present and into the future. I ask people of all divides in our country that as leaders ponder over the question of who can shepherd our country into 50th anniversary of our country and beyond next year, I ask our people to remain United as one people one nation one country.” “Politics is temporary, but a better country must be our permanent aim.” “On this note, I once again commend Rainbo Paita; he has talent, and I pray that God’s will for our country prevails. Daniel, Chapter 2 verse 21 and 22 say that God appoints and dethrones.” “May God’s will for our country, always prevails for our beloved country.” Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape encouraged all his supporters, family and Pangu followers, to not take personal offense as leaders are bound by dictates of the country’s constitution and God’s given freedom of choice to decide for themselves. He asked that all respect the alternate PM candidate Rainbow Paita and the opposition. “A strong opposition is good for our democracy.

A total of 129 graduates received their certificates last Friday, 30th of August 2024, during the 2nd mid-year graduation held at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) in Port Moresby. The cohort of 2024 certificate course participants graduated under the following certificate programs including National Certificate in Government Leadership and Management, National Certificate in Accounting, National Certificate in Human Resource Management, National Certificate in Local Government Administration and National Certificate in Information Technology. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SILAG, Mr. Michael Babore, congratulated all graduates on successfully completing their six-month course before attaining their certificates. He stressed that SILAG aims to nurture and produce excellent public servants who can perform well in the public service for the future. “When you first started here, I advised you all to be professional, to display leadership and that there must not be any issues with you, and I am thankful for how you turned out and you will be good leaders in the years to come.” He also commended all trainers for a job well done in providing the skills and knowledge that is much needed in the respective areas of the public service workforce. Based on the theme, ‘We have come a long way, unlearning and relearning from personal relevance to life relevance,’ Chairlady of SILAG Board and Secretary of the Department of Personnel Management, Taes Sansan, shared with all graduates to understand fully the theme and to apply it in their lives, especially in the workforce and organizations they work in. “I want all of us to really understand the theme, understand the meaning of the theme and when we leave this place, we can then go back to our organizations and think on how we can improve then on after receiving our papers.” “The existence of SILAG can best be described as the quest for finding its relevance in a greater and local objective of providing efficient training to our public sector. We are here because we have a purpose to be here, and we must make that purpose known to all of us and to the country.” “We have come a long way and all of us seated here have strong ethics and characters that dictate who we are and what we intend to do in the future. In your workplace is where we promote diversity, inclusiveness and equity and with that, must go one step further in advocating the values of practicing these virtues.” In addition, Sansan further stressed on the knowledge, skills and attitude that the graduates have acquired from the institution and with that, must transform them so that they can go back and help transform their organization to build a better version of themselves and they can contribute more effectively and meaningfully to the greater good of their workplace, community and country. Meanwhile, Sansan also announced that they are also in the process of preparing an Amendment Bill under the Public Service Management Act with two reforms and one is to make the courses at SILAG compulsory for public servants to take and two, under the Marape-Rosso government Medium-Term Development Plan 4 2023-2027 policy, is for SILAG become a university by 2027. With that, she also stated that they are all working hard in ensuring that the policy comes into operation.