PNG Haus Bung

Wewak peace walk of sorrow for the late Grand Chief culminating in a public awareness on the History of the Grand Chief by Chris Hawaiembu Bais. Today Wewak town in East Sepik has come alive with people getting out in front of their homes and cleaning their communities.

Day 1 of this public holiday marks the first day of the national mourning period for late Grand Chief Rt Hon Sir Michael Somare. There is currently heavy police presence on the streets of Lae following looting attempts, rioting and stoning of vehicles by opportunists earlier today. Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said from as early as 7 AM this morning, opportunists from 2 mile to 9 mile congregated and attempted to loot shops along the miles area. Police intervention led to a confrontation with the crowd that had gathered, resulting in police being stoned and shot at with homemade guns. "We managed to push them back all the way to 4 mile but we still have a situation up there where they're stoning vehicles in places where we are not around in the miles area." Lae police boss Kunyanban added that similar incidents also unfolded at Bumbu, Chinatown Shopping Centre and Bumayong where opportunists tried to loot the shops there but were deterred by the quick intervention of police. "It's a total close town now. No buses, no shops are open so we are just monitoring the streets." Kunyanban further called on Lae residents to be more responsible and cooperate and work together with police to protect the city.

Day 1 of the national mourning period and Port Moresby city cab drivers turned up in numbers to convoy in motorcade down Sir Hubert Murray bearing on their windscreen “Late Grand Chief Somare” in red clay. The majority of shops were also closed today out of respect for Grand Chief Rt Hon Sir Michael Somare. Video courtesy of Eva Kuson in Port Moresby

The PNG Fashion & Design Week and Sesago Health Care Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding for duration of one year to strengthen their partnership. PNGFDW Founder and Director, Mrs Janet Sios that they are excited to sign the MOU to cement their relationship as a guide for both parties working within the provision of this agreement so they can collectively expand their products and services. “We are excited that Sesago has come on board to look at areas we can partner in and increase the opportunities for many of our designers. Mrs Sios further added that it is a small but significant partnership moving forward and we never approached any private organization in this manner we have with the Sesago group. “When we heard of their products that promote wellness, health, beauty products and personal care products, we saw that there was an area where we could partner and pursue some of the opportunities to empower many of our designers.” Sesago Health Care Marketing Manager, Mr Pradeep Panda said that their purpose for this Corporate Partnership between PNGFDW and Sesago was to express our intent or desire, to collaborate and promote each other’s business activities, development and growth in our products and services that we both can do in PNG. “One of Sesago’s key priority areas is to support the maternal and child health and women empowerment, and this is the part where we see the opportunity.” Mr Panda also said that the signing of the MOU is to focus on three key areas; To support local designers, Create Self-help Group for women and on Women’s Hygiene. He thanked PNGFDW for doing a wonderful job in building human capacity and said that this is just a beginning and they are looking forward to a long-term partnership.

21 children from the Alotau General Hospital Paediatric Ward were gifted with goodie bags and ice cream from the Paradise Foods Limited team and RokRok biscuit mascot. Nurse in Charge, Sister Judith Deuko said that this is a first-of-its-kind initiative by a local food company, and they are thankful to the team for visiting their ward, and lifting their spirits with these gifts. Paradise Foods Limited Sponsorships and Promotions Manager Nicola Ani who was on ground said that they are always aligning what they do with their Company Mission, Values and Vision and they strive to do this through their community donations, activations and putting smiles on the faces of those in their communities. The visit to the Alotau General Hospital prompted the Milne Bay Community Association (MBCA) and the Huhu-Tulau womens group to begin plans to fundraise to purchase a Lipid Analyser for the At-40 clinic. The Milne Community Association will be hosting 2 major fundraisers this year - Kapole Fest in June and a Kapole Stringband Night in December. In 2019, funds from the Milne Bay Night which was organised by the Association assisted the Huh-Tulau Women’s group to procure an eye scanner (Keratometer) for the At40 Clinic all the way from Calabasas in the United States. The purchase of the machine was made possible through a donation from the Milne Bay Community group in Brisbane.

The Milne Bay Community Association (MBCA) recently commenced its community activation program in Milne Bay with a first-of its-kind visit to Lelehoa Primary School, in Ahioma Ward of Alotau district, in collaboration with the Huhu-Tulau Women’s group and Paradise Foods Limited. The team organised a Fun-Day event at the school with a donation of boxes of Gala ice cream, Em Nau, Oro and chocolate cream biscuit and Gold Nuggets courtesy of Paradise Foods Limited. School Head Teacher, Ms. Didi Israel, she said that over 400 children attended the school from the nearby wards Ahioma and Nigila, and expressed her gratitude to the Milne Bay Community Association Inc. for choosing the Lelehoa Primary School to conduct this community activation. In addition to the donations, the students had their first experience playing in a bouncy castle set-up by the Paradise Foods Limited team. The visit also involved a performance by two (2) members from the Extracts of Alotau (band) – Derek Dotaona and Jeremiah Araea, who entertained the children with a few of their songs and positive messages during assembly. The team then proceeded on Middletown were they visited the Alotau General Hospital Paediatrics ward after lunch the same day.

Family, friends, acquaintances and fans alike gathered at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex on Friday in a moving funeral service, dubbed "The Final Showcase", to pay their last respects to PNG music icon, the Late Bradley 'Twinkle Fingers' Ralewa, better known as B-Rad. Mereani Mesani, Derol Wange Jnr and Johnny Yawari were among members of the PNG music industry who were in attended at the service and were given the opportunity to share their experiences in tribute to their late friend and colleague during the service. Along with friends and relatives, all present for the service were allow to view and bid their final goodbyes to the late Ralewa. Among the pallbearers was one of late B-Rad's oldest and closest friend, Webstar Do'o, who in his tribute shared sentiments of the two having grown up together and the late Bradley's musical talents from an early age. "When I first saw you at Gordon International playing the keyboard, I knew then and there that you were going to be a great musician," recalled Do'o in his tribute. "Your talent was meant to be shared not only by us, but by the country and the world." "It would have been selfish to keep you to ourselves." "You have changed local music and have set a standard that generations will follow." The body of the Late Bradley Isaac Ralewa is yet to depart Port Moresby for Popondetta, Northern, where he is to be finally laid to rest.

Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has expressed profound sadness and grief at the news of the passing of the nation’s Founding Father Rt. Hon. Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. The Governor General was informed of the passing of Rt. Hon. Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare by his doctor at midnight on Friday night. “It is with a heavy heart that I learnt of the passing of our Founding Father at the early hours of Friday morning." "It is a very sad day for Papua New Guinea. We have lost our national treasure, our national icon in Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare." "He was one of a kind unique not only to our nation but to the world as well." "His footsteps and legacy those of us who have come after him will never be able to fulfill." "We as a nation owe so much to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare." "His dream and vision for an independent and united Papua New Guinea has brought us to where we are now." "He led a group of likeminded patriotic Papua New Guineans and brought our nation to self governance and independence without war and bloodshed." "That on its own is a significant milestone to achieve at such a young age of 39 more than 45 years ago.” “Grand Chief Sir Michael devoted his life and service to our nation up until his untimely passing." "In this time of grief and sorrow, may we also honour and celebrate Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and inspire our children and generations to come the legacy of our Founding Father." "Lady Emeline joins me in conveying to Lady Veronica, Arthur, Bertha, Sana, Dulciana and Junior and grandchildren and great grandchild of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare our deepest condolences we pray that the Almighty comfort and keep you during this difficult time.” “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall, give me at that day…” 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)”

I was sad to hear about the death of the Founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. It is also very humbling to recall that he called me 'Siti' while the late Ratu Sir Penaia called me 'Buka', and the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was more formal and called me 'Colonel', 'Commander' then 'Prime Minister. I requested the PNG High Commissioner in Suva yesterday to convey my message to Port Moresby; Your Excellency. Please convey to His Excellency the Governor General, The Honourable The Prime Minister, Her Majesty's Government of Papua New Guinea, The Honourable Leader of the Opposition and all Members of Parliament, the Chiefs and the people of Papua New Guinea, my sincere condolences on the passing of the former and Founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare. Sir Michael was one of the most prominent figures in the struggle of the newly Independent States of the Pacific Region, for recognition by the International Community, in the wake of the withdrawal of the Colonial Powers following the end of World War 2 and the subsequent waves of Independence Conferences and struggles in the Pacific, Far East, Caribbean and African former colonies. He was a fervent advocate for Independence for Papua New Guinea and became its first Prime Minister at Independence in 1975. He had multiple Terms as Prime Minister and was a strong advocate for Pacific Regionalism, being instrumental in the formation and the early years of the Pacific Islands Forum and the subregional organisation, the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Sir Michael along with other prominent Pacific Islands Leaders also contributed greatly in the formation and discussions with African, Caribbean and Pacific Leaders to form a Marketing Bloc to negotiate favourable Trading Conditions and Prices for commodities traded in the competitive Markets of the West like the EEC (later EU). He was a great friend of Fiji, and forged that friendship with Fiji's own Founding Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who sent a strong Fiji Government Team to help with the preparations and celebrations of PNG Independence in 1975. Vale, great son of the Pacific and Grand Chief of the loving people of Papua New Guinea. Farewell 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord..'

PNG Fashion & Design Week has received a sponsorship of K10, 000 from the Sesago Healthcare Ltd for its inaugural Virtual Runway 2021. Founder & Director of PNG Fashion & Design Week, Mrs Janet Sios sincerely thanked Sesago as its first Corporate Sponsor and partner towards the annual fashion show. “The PNGFDW has taken a creative approach with the fashion show arranged virtually in compliance with the COVID-19 national measures.” She further added that the PNG Fashion & Design Week runs two main programs annually, the capacity building program which focuses on training in the design fashion areas, financial skills and marketing and branding. “The second program is the fashion Runways where our designers are given the opportunity to showcase their designs on the runway for greater recognition.” Mrs Sios said that these comprehensive training has been supported by PNG-Australia Partnership for the last three years and has been very successful. “We have trained more than 800 locals including 76 Persons with Disabilities in the last five years.” Meanwhile Sesago Health care Marketing Manager, Mr Pradeep Panda said that it is a privilege for Sesago Health Care to partner with PNGFDW and we are part to support them and come on board. “After a meeting with Mrs Sios and her team, we have understood the good and great work that they have done for the skill enhancement and human capital development in this country.” He added on saying that he was surprised to see that PNGFDW have trained 862 people and out of those, 72 are people living with disabilities and they have trained them in Graphics, Designing and a lot of other aspects.

Papua New Guinea reported 47 new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Friday 26 February, increasing the country’s total cases to 1,275.  The latest cases were reported in West Sepik, West New Britain, East New Britain, Central, East Sepik and in the National Capital District.  In NCD, of the 26 case reported, 17 are males and 8 females with ages ranging from one to 66 years old. At the time of testing, 21 cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19 whilst five were asymptomatic. Four of the 26 positive case came into contact with previous positive cases. Twelve cases were reported in West Sepik of which six are males and six are females with ages ranging from 22 to 70 years old. Three cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19 whilst nine were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Ten out of the 12 cases reported, came into contact with previous positive cases. Four cases were reported in East Sepik. One male and three females with the oldest being a 68 year old have been tested positive. One case was showing symptoms of COVID-19 whilst the other three were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Three new cases have been reported in East New Britain. Two cases are male and one Is a female with ages ranging from 28 to 42 years. Both West New Britain and Central province reported a case each in the last 24 hours.  A 33 year old male is the latest to be confirmed positive in West New Britain.  He was showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. In Central province, a 50 year old female health worker has been tested positive. She was experiencing sore throat, cough and muscle aches at the time of testing. The country's COVID-19 stands at 1,275 with 12 known deaths.  Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces Confirmed Cases NCD 468 Western Province 323 West New Britain 196 West Sepik 126 East New Britain 38 Madang 35 New Ireland 23 Eastern Highlands 13 Western Highlands 13 Central 13 Morobe 9 East Sepik 9 Enga 3 Milne Bay 2 AROB 2 Hela Province 1 SHP  1 TOTAL 1,275 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 12,209,815 including 421,407 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 2,490,776 of which 10,508 were reported in the last 24 hours.

People of remote village ammuSamura & Kuranumbura in Obura wonenara district (Eastern Highlands Province) remembering our late Papa blo Country Sir Michael Thomas Somare in their own cultural way of mourning. Somare is a true Nationalist, His death shakes the nation. #Brukimtulait Bethuel Isaiah on the passing of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare – Story taken from Facebook showing PNG mourning: Source Elizah Palme