Schools in Morobe Province will come to a halt tomorrow following the arrival of the casket of the Late Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Basil, in Lae, Morobe Province. This was the announcement made by the Morobe Education Advisor, Mr. Keith Taugui. Mr Taugui said schools from the two districts Lae and Huon Gulf will be taking part in the program for the welcoming of the casket of the late DPM Basil. “All elementary and secondary schools from these two districts will take part in welcoming the casket of the late DPM at Nadzab Airport where they will all be prepared and lined up before the casket arrives tomorrow morning.” He added that the students are now preparing for tomorrow’s arrival where each student will be holding flowers to escort the casket as the convoy proceeds tomorrow. Taugui also said that this was a sad moment for the people of Morobe, and as part of the students and staff paying their respect, all schools within Morobe Province will shut down classes for two days. "There will be no classes tomorrow and Thursday however schools will resume on Friday," Mr Taugui said.

Buk Bilong Pikinini will be launching seven of its' books come first week of August. These books will be launched under the “When I grow up” thirteen Book Series which will officially be launched during Book Week. This was the announcement made by BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson during one of their latest book launching at the BbP Tatana Library Learning Centre last week Thursday. As of last year, BBP have launched five books under this book series and will now launch seven more including; When I grow up I want to be an Engineer (EMPNG), Pastry Chef (Airways Hotel), Heavy Equipment Operator (Hastings Deering), Pharmacist/Nurse (CPL), Architect (Pacific Palms Property) and Banker (BSP). According to Resson, each book is written by a certain student of BbP and published by BbP based on the profession they aspire to be. “We would like to provide students a sense of privilege of how it is like in a work force and to inspire, motivate and educate them through this book series and the profession they feature in. That is why we created this book series because we want them to see themselves in the story they write.” According to Resson, BbP is aimed at providing children the knowledge to become fluent readers after completing their five to six months program at BbP. This includes learning to read and write and now with this Book Series put in place, hopes to boost their knowledge more. “After this year’s launching, we will now be working on more books to be published for next year’s book launching.” Under their thirteen Book Series, BbP recently launched one of their latest published book titled, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a Paramedic.’ The book was written by 5 year old Flimsep Flim, who was a student of BbP in 2020. He returned to help launch the reader together with the St John Ambulance team, the 2022 BbP student cohort and Tatana Island Community last week Thursday. BbP currently has a total of eleven libraries in Port Moresby alone with a number of them also located nationwide, and has been successfully been in operation for fifteen years.

Kupiano Secondary School in Abau District, Central Province, yesterday opened its' new double story male dormitory consisting of sixty four rooms which was fully funded by the Central Provincial Government. A total of 2.5 million kina was given towards the construction of the dormitory as well as other upcoming projects for the school including a four in one classroom, a girls' dormitory and six staff houses. The construction of the dormitory building took about two months to complete and was finally opened yesterday. Governor of Central Province, Mr. Robert Agarobe, stressed that the purpose of these projects is to create a pathway for better quality education and that starts with the learning environment for the students. “It’s not just about building a dormitory and building a classroom, it’s about structuring a pathway from start to finish and that is why human resource is important and so it starts with you the students. We invest in you for a better future.” “We must all understand that education is a function of the National Government and we the Provincial Government value this, therefore we make sure that our students get the quality education that they need. And with that I have allocated K2.5 million to Kupiano Secondary and another K2.5 million to Kwikila Secondary,” Mr Agarobe said. Agarobe added that this is just the start of what is yet to come for the school with more upcoming projects to be carried out now that funding has already been put towards the infrastructure of the school. “Quality education is not just about teaching in the classroom, it’s about where the students go to sleep, where the students study, where the teacher goes to sleep and where the teacher does his/her preparations for classes,” Agarobe added. According to Agarobe, this is the first phase of what the provincial government will be carrying out in the school which is the infrastructure of classrooms, dormitories and staff houses. The second phase that will be carried out will be the infrastructure of science and computer labs and an administration building. In addition to this, Agarobe said that the provincial government is looking towards building a new curriculum for all schools in Central Province. He said that the provincial plan now is to make sure that all schools are in line with Agriculture, tourism and sports and that is why the plan is to change all secondary schools into Agro Technical schools. “These are the plans that we are aiming to build for the students so that they are well aware and taught the basics at a secondary level before moving onto the tertiary level.” He also stated that for this year, a total of K8.3 million has been put into school fees alone for all schools within the province. The Central governor encouraged the students to perform well to the best of their ability and to make sure that the money invested is put to good use. Apart from the funding given to the school, Agarobe announced that with the newly built hospital at the Kupiano station, a total of fifty beds will be donated as well as a new Ambulance. "This is part of improving the livelihoods for the people of Kupiano starting from the children to the elders," he said.

As a new Artist starting off his career in the Music Industry, Stephen Pouru, 33, has so far released over ten songs since beginning his career last year. Pouru who also goes by the stage name, Rockye Wills, has always had a taste for rock music and loves nothing more than bringing Rock Music back into the country. Pouru comes from a mixed parentage of East New Britain and Manus and says that there is not a lot of rock music in the country, therefore has found his inspiration to bring out more of that in the music industry. “My aim now is to push for more rock music and to give it more air time. There used to be a hit in rock music in the past and with not so much of it now, I feel like it’s time we bring that back.” “I want to create music through rock for people to better understand the lyrics and the depth of the music. I hope it contains the audiences to open their eyes to listen to this music as well.” In an effort towards building his music career, Pouru will be hosting a concert at Jupiter Night Club in Port Moresby, with the theme of the concert being “Dark Metal Rock”. He said that the theme was set out to grasp the attention of the audience and to get more people into rock music. “During the concert, I will be performing my released songs as well as my new upcoming songs.” According to Rockye Wills, the concert will take place for two purposes. The first one is to push for more rock music in the country and the second one is for charity. “I’ve decided that my concert will also be a charity event, aimed to help a particular individual who does a motorcycle food delivery around the city and also gives to the homeless on the streets. I think that this is a great initiative and with that, I am planning to give half of what I’ve made to his service.” “It’s aspiring to know that someone shares what they have with others and to also make something out of a living for themselves.” In addition to this, Pouru encouraged all those who have the same passion as him, whether it’s about music, or art or even starting their own SME business, to pursue their dreams. He stated that being in a digital age, he encouraged those to put themselves out online more and to put technology to good use. “It’s not just about following the trend locally here but looking at how you can promote your service and products offshore as well." "That’s the piece of advice I would like to share with others who want to pursue something in life. I would also encourage those to find their passion.” Pouru is planning on one day hosting a rock music festival in Port Moresby as part of his aim in achieving his dream as well as to aspire others along the way in their walks of life. He also encouraged those out there who are passionate about something to pursue, and if successful, commercialize it so that at the end of the day, they are also able to pay their bills. Pouru so far has three upcoming songs, titled, Meri Papua, Tingting and Meri blo mi. Meri Papua has recently been released as of last week. The other two should hopefully be released before the concert.

Following the recent attack on the school campus by villagers from Ulagunan, the students of Kokopo Business College in East New Britain Province were transferred to the Covid Centre at Takubar for temporary shelter. According to the Deputy Principal, Mr. Memafu Sabadi, there is currently no one on the campus except for police personnel who are monitoring the situation. He stated that a meeting will be held today with the Secretary of DHERST regarding the status of the school and what plans will be carried forward. He said further comments cannot be made at this time until after the meeting has taken place. There has been no latest reports of the attacks on students except for the four students who were brought into the hospital earlier as a result of the attack. Sabadi added that students are traumatized by the incident especially for those who are from other provinces.

Being blessed with an opportunity in life to pursue her education, Daisy Pupdi, a mother of five was one of the many graduates who graduated yesterday at the University of Papua New Guinea's 67th graduation ceremony. Pupdi who comes from Western Highlands Province, shared her proud moment of achieving what she dreamt about accomplishing and that was to major in Human Resource Management. As a working mother juggling both family and work commitments as well as her studies, she finally achieved and received her degree in Bachelor of Business Management and Major in Human Resource Management. Pupdi gave an insight into her educational journey which took her twenty-two years to accomplish her goals as a student and to finally complete her studies. “In 2002, I upgraded my marks at the Open Campus and from there I attended International Training Institute (ITI) in 2005. I got a job at Trukai Industries after completing my studies at ITI and then took up a job at the Institute of National Affairs which I am currently at now.” “Whilst working at INA, the organization assisted me in my education. I successfully completed my studies in 2019 however was not able to graduate the following year due to non-payment of my graduation fees as well as outstanding school fees.” After two years, Pupdi finally graduated with flying colors yesterday at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex Stadium, witnessed by her husband, father and family members. Pupdi’s father who travelled all the way from Mt Hagen to witness her graduation, expressed how happy he was that she finally saw this day coming. “Mi kam lo Moresby lo lukim hatwok blo Daisy wer mi bin lukim hatwok blong em igo na nau em pinis na nau graduate. Olgeta pikinini graduate em mi kam lo witnessim tasol.” (I came to Moresby to see Daisy’s hard work finally being paid off in which I have seen her working hard and now has finally graduated. I am here to witness my children’s graduation.) “Mi hamamas na tok tenk yu lo God, em givm pawa lo mipla olgeta na mipla e hamamas. Mi tok tenk yu lo u Daisy, usat e hatwok na nau kism bigpla samting. Mi tok tenk yu lo u tu man blo Daisy usat e stap wantem em na helpim em na e pinis nau.” (I am happy and thank God who provides us with the ability and with that we are happy. I thank Daisy who has been working hard and now she has finally achieved something great. I would also like to thank her husband who has been supportive of her and that she is finally done.) Pupdi’s husband who was also there to witness her special day, has always been supportive of her education and her dreams. Johnny Yep, shared how it was a momentous occasion for the family that Daisy finally got to complete her studies. “After the birth of our recent child, I had to help take care of the baby while Daisy carried on with her studies. And now that she has done that, I as the head of the family am very proud and excited that she managed to pull through and getting her degree.” Johnny also shared the challenges of coming from a Highlands background where men normally see women as people who do all the work. He added that men usually take a free ride on things mainly done by the women especially in the homes and in communities. “It’s about time we tell a different story that challenges other men to be able to support their wives and to create a positive impact in the homes and in the community as well. This way we give equal opportunities to women and I am proud that I was able to do so and with that I am happy.” In addition to this, Johnny has challenged other husbands out there to also support their wives. “If your wife wasn’t able to complete her studies and the interest is still burning in them to further their education, then it would be good to give them that support. If they are already in the work force, that is a chance for them to get an increase in their salary which is a good investment." He added that at the end of the day, the outcome of all the hard work done comes back to the home to support the kids and the husband, therefore has encouraged other men to do the same. With that, despite her many challenges, Daisy encouraged those out there who are in the same situation as her not to give up but to continue pursuing their dreams. She thanked all those who supported her in her journey including husband Johnny, her children, her father, her employer, and all those who stood by her.

The University of Papua New Guinea yesterday celebrated the first of its' graduation ceremonies marking the 67th Graduation at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex Stadium in Port Moresby. Yesterday was officially the first day in which the University began its graduation ceremony, starting off with the School of Business and Public Policy. A total of 397 students graduated with flying colors, witnessed by parents, sponsors and guardians. According to Guest Speaker, Sir Charles Watson Lepani, the school has provided students’ tools to help them navigate in their four years of studies for their next journey which will help them establish their professional careers. He added that this year was also significant because majority of the students who graduated and will graduate in the coming days are females. “After successfully completing your four years of studies, the pathway for you now is to use your knowledge and tools wisely to enhance your well being for your future endeavors.” During the event, Lepani shared with the graduates a brief background regarding their field of study and also provided them an insight about the functions of Public Policy in the country. He stated how Public Policy can have an impact on people’s best interest when it comes to political leadership and public policy making and how much impact it will have on them regarding the trust they have in these leadership. He added that this is the time for the graduates to make a change and to take their success to the next level given what they have learned in the institution. Chancellor of UPNG, Robert Igara, on the other hand commended and congratulated the graduates as well as the hardworking staff of the School of Business and Public Policy for their tireless efforts in making this day possible for the students. “As you end one journey, you will now continue and commit yourself to excellence in opening another chapter in your life. You must continue to learn and improve yourself as growth is unlimited for you.” Igara said that this was a privilege to be awarding the graduates who are now ready to serve the nation and the people. He encouraged the students to continue in pursuing their journey. “An achievement today is an example of intellectuals and leadership portrayed that you and I must see and continue to pursue in the next chapter of life despite the challenges.” “Many challenges will be faced, however, this the only way to overcome it is to face them and that is what will help you to continue to pursue your goals in life.” The Graduates from the School of Business and Public Policy has the largest number for this year with 148 females and 149 males who graduated. The Graduation is scheduled to go on for this week, ending on Friday 29th with the School of Natural and Physical Scinences.

The final year students in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), will be hosting a 2022 UPNG Graduation Bash on the 30th of this month. The graduation bash will be a main fundraiser leading up to the MBBS Ball Night which will take place in November. According to MBBS final year student and Fundraising Chairperson, Raymie Aua, the purpose of this fundraiser is to give back to Port Moresby General Hospital as a token of appreciation for facilitating their training by donating much needed medical equipments such as Drip stands, portable ultrasound machines and more. He added that all donations will be presented during the Ball Night. “The MBBS Ball night is an annual event that has taken place for many years and has been a tradition for MBBS students who come to study at UPNG.” “During the night, we the final year medical students not only will donate the much needed equipment but will also swear the Hippocratic Oath, in the presence of our immediate families and distinguished staff from both the University and hospital and is the highlight of the night.” Aua explained that the oath embodies a code of medical ethics that is traditionally taken by those about to begin medical practice and is an oath taken by medical students worldwide prior to commencing work as doctors. In addition to this, Aua said that the 2022 MBBS Ball Night is a significant one because it is the 50th Anniversary of the first ever Ball Night that took place back in November of 1972. He said this year, they hope to host a memorable night encompassing the great achievements that have been achieved by PNG doctors and also celebrating the newest doctors entering into the PNG healthcare workforce. “The Ball Night is hosted and funded by us the students and we have been raising funds since our second year of studies. Apart from our main fundraising which will take place on the 30th of this month, we will also be hosting other small fundraisings until the Ball Night.” Aua has appealed to the general public to support in kind and if interested to do so can contact him on 75958247.

The new Eda City Bus Service initiative by the National Capital District Commission had begun transporting commuters on their scheduled route runs this week in Port Moresby. The Launching of the new Eda City Bus Service took place on Monday at the Apec Haus under the initiative of the NCD Governor, Honorable Mr. Powes Parkop and the National Capital District Commission. The Eda City bus officially started its services Wednesday this week after the major launching on Monday at the back of almost a decade of planning and implementation. Acting City Manager, Mr. Ravu Frank, said that this is one of the biggest decisions and accomplishments ever made in the commissions’ history to venture into public transport. He stated that this was a huge task on their path to commercially venture into the public transport service. “As part of our initial trial, we will learn how to implement and sustain the data we get that will help us plan our vital policy transport. We’re taking the public transport very seriously as a result we will be investing into the visibility of finding viral solutions for the public transport in the city.” “We are committed to venture into the public transport in the city and to roll this service out in the coming months by integrating all the interested PMV operators.” Frank said that with a total of eight buses under Eda City Bus Limited, only five buses will be used to start off with and that they will continue to invest for the addition of more buses. According to Franks, these bus services will be assigned to seven routes by the city's Road Transport Authority (RTA) and will follow a strict scheduled displayed at each of the bus stops. “On completion of the trial, we will be sitting with the RTA to reform the routes with the intention to provide the service that is needed by our city residence.” “We are now in the process of drawing up certain basic expectations in order for us to provide quantitative data to the interested PMV operators to team up with Eda City Bus. We hope to bring in as many PMV operators into our structure.” In addition to this, NCD Governor Mr. Powes Parkop stated that the upbringing of this bus service in the city is part of NCDC’s Urban Development planning which took ten years to plan. He said NCDC continues their aim in creating an efficient, sustainable, reliable and safe public transportation system for the everyone. “We have two phases for what we have planned for our bus service, the first one, will have selected routes to run the service which will be Cash base system. Passengers will be required to pay cash when travelling on the bus.” “From there, we will monitor, assess and move on to phase two which will then be a cashless service. This will see the introduction of a ticketing system for users which will progress onto having smart cards for the payment and use of the service. We plan on introducing the use of mobile phones with specific apps to fully support this venture, bearing in mind that what we do in the city must be of global standard.” Parkop added that the NCDC transport division will be managing the bus service and ensuring that an efficient system for the people is safe and that it is on time. “With the advantage of the bus service, this will save, increase productivity, fuel efficiency, reduce air pollution and reduce traffic congestion. Commuters will also be given less stress in the sense that they don’t have to drive their vehicle to work and end up being stuck in traffic which can be very stressful for most.” Parkop also gave credit to the PMV operators and thanked them for their continuous contribution to the people of Port Moresby. As part of his appreciation towards them, Parkop encouraged the public operators to be partners with the Eda City Bus Service. “Following the introduction of this new bus service, NCDC will set up a business entity called Eda City Bus Limited. Though will be initially owned by NCDC, diverse shares will be distributed to the public operators involved in this service.” He added that the requirement is to maintain and obtain the service and that the bus runs on time as scheduled by RTA with NCDC prepared to subsidize on a monthly basis. Parkop thanked all stakeholders and corporate partners for their support in making this happen and hopes that this service continues to help the NCD residents.

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred yesterday around 1.03pm in the waters of Central Gazelle, not too far from Kokopo, East New Britain Province. The Acting Assistant Directory of the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory, Mr Mathew Moihoi said that due to the depth of the earthquake, the waves have travelled as far as Buka Island, and also in parts of West New Britain. “The occurrence of the earthquake is not related to the volcano but was instead triggered by a tectonic movement. Though the earthquake was quite big, it is hard to predict at this time the enormity of the shock it posed.” “We at the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory, will be continuously monitoring the situation and will advise the public for further information should there be a need for precautionary measures to be taken.” Moihoi said that there is no possibility of a tsunami and that no damages or injuries has been reported at this time. He added that the public will be advised to be on the lookout for unusual movements or occurrences on the island.

A partnership between St John Ambulance and CPL Group will see the distribution and retailing of St John’s first aid kits across all CPL outlets particularly in the Pharmacy section CPL's thirty plus Stop & Shop outlets around the country. This partnership was made possible yesterday at the CPL Headquarters with the trust that St John’s supplies will reach communities where CPL outlets are located. According to St John Ambulance CEO, Mr. Matthew Cannon, this is the first of its' kind partnership between the two parties. He said that CPL will be selling a range of First Aid Kits nationwide to all centers. Cannon added that the aim is to reach those who find it difficult to obtain first aid kits in and outside of Port Moresby and so now with the partnership, St John is able to reach all areas of PNG where CPL operates. “We couldn’t be happier with partnering with CPL, an organization going nationally for their quality and reliability. This partnership is about getting lifesaving products across to people who need it and as we know first aid saves lives so when initiated quickly, it is more effective." “This partnership will also help the ambulance service continue and to provide vital free emergency response and transport to Papua New Guineans across the country.” CEO of CPL Group, Navin Raju, said that this was a great partnership signed to sell quality first aid kits provided by St John Ambulance. Raju added that in the past CPL has been selling first aid kits and now CPL is getting one designed for different purposes rather than having one simple first aid kit available. “Every toea raised from selling these kits helps St John raise some vital funds. Therefore we are more than happy to contribute towards their initiative to raise these funds.” Raju commended St John Ambulance for their commitment and work and is looking forward to having all these products available in all CPL outlets across the country.

The Holiday Precinct (Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Holiday Inn’s Cassowary Park last Friday. The commitment was sealed with a sponsorship in kind to the value of K57, 675 and handed over to Moresby Arts Theatre (MAT) President Bob Stanley by IHG PNG’s Area General Manager, Mauro Leone and Holiday Inn Precinct Hotel Manager, Rashmi Tulsiani. According to the Area General Manager of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Leone, this was part of Holiday Inn’s support in boosting the Arts Program especially for youths. Leone added that Holiday Inn has assisted Moresby Arts Theatre for about four years now and hopes to continue that support to see an evolution mainly in the Youth Arts Program. “Communication is the key and in order for it to grow, it should be showcased through shows like these. On top of this, we want to see an improvement in the level of communication as well as promoting culture through acting,” Leone said. President of Moresby Arts Theatre Mr. Bob Stanley said that the Youth Arts Program has been created to give youths a chance in expressing themselves by giving a taste of what it it's like to be on stage. He added that through this exposure, he hopes that they might stay on for the next play hosted by MAT, therefore it is fundamental that the youth arts program is being given the support it needs. “Every July & August, we invite year nine students from all of the NCD schools to participate in the Youth Arts Program. COVID hit us pretty hard recently but prior to that, we had 800 to 850 students take part in the 6-week program,” Stanley said. “Our first upcoming Youth Art Program for this year will be an “Enchanted Isle” which will take place here at the Cassowary Park at Holiday Inn. The event will be a 3-day play and so far students from 15 different schools in NCD have signed up to join the Program,” Stanley added. In addition to this, Stanley has announced that MAT will soon have a new multi- purpose hall built especially for any recreational events. He said that this was one of the most significant projects for this year that MAT has been given. Stanley further added that approval has been given already by the NCD building permit to construct the new hall. and that constructions should start at the end of the year. The Moresby Arts Theatre was established in 1912 as a small dramatic club in Port Moresby. Since then, it has grown remarkably to become a beacon of light for the dramatic arts in Papua New Guinea, playing host to over 300 shows, countless events and craft markets. MAT continues to provide a culturally conscious venue for all Papua New Guineans.