The National Parliament of Papua New Guinea is inviting Grade 11 students nationwide to participate in the National Essay and Poetry Contest, which commemorates the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The contest which launched on Friday 23rd May, will close on Friday 20th June. The central theme for both essay and poetry categories is: "PNG is celebrating 50 years of independence. What does independence mean to you and how do you envision PNG in 50 years' time?" Essay Category: • Language: Must be composed in English. • Word Count: Between 2,000 and 3,000 words. • Content: Students are encouraged to combine personal insights with research, which may include interviews with elders or analyses of history and literature. • Suggested Subthemes: Participants are invited to weave in subthemes like cultural pride, unity in diversity, leadership, or legacy. Poetry Category: • Language: Must be written in English. • Length: A minimum of 6 to 10 stanzas. • Structure: Each stanza should consist of at least 4 lines. Poems may be in free verse or follow traditional forms such as rhymes. Individual students can submit entries in one or both categories. For Individual Participants: • 1st Prize: K5,000 • 2nd Prize: K3,000 • 3rd Prize: K1,000 For the Winning School: • Plaque Award • Library Books Finalists’ Benefits: • National Program in Port Moresby: 24 finalists (6 from each of the 4 regions) will engage in a week-long program in Port Moresby in August 2025, marking the 41st anniversary of the official opening of Parliament House! • All-Expenses-Paid Trip: Finalists will be provided with return air tickets to Port Moresby, a daily allowance, and accommodation throughout the program, all covered by the National Parliament. • Publication Opportunities for Winning Entries. • Historic Capsule Contribution: Copies of all 24 finalist entries will be placed in a time capsule. This capsule will be interred with the presence of pioneering Members of Parliament and will be opened with their presence in 2075! Photographs are also to be included as items in the capsule. Key dates in Selection Process: Stage 1: Selection of top 6 entries in each school. • Deadline: Friday 27th June, 2025 Stage 2: Selection of top 6 entries in each province. • Deadline: Friday 11th July, 2025 Stage 3: Selection of top 24 regional entries. • Deadline: Friday 25th July, 2025 Students are encouraged to take part and showcase their literary skills, critical thinking and patriotism.

Westpac PNG recently announced its distinguished panel of judges for the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women (WOW) Awards. This year's judges exemplify excellence across various sectors, including civil society, business, diplomacy, the arts, and governance, truly reflecting the essence of the Awards that honor women who inspire, lead, and transform their communities. With a renewed commitment to celebrating remarkable women in Papua New Guinea, the WOW Awards in 2025 is privileged to be guided by the collective wisdom, integrity, and vision of five extraordinary judges namely Ruth Kissam, Taumaia Hellesoe, Dame Meg Taylor, Ngaiire, and Michelle Hau'ofa. Ruth Kissam, the Overall Winner of the WOW Awards in 2018, is a pioneer in the country’s civil society. Her relentless efforts in the not-for-profit sector have influenced policies and empowered communities throughout the nation. Recently appointed as General Manager of Corporate Affairs for Steamships, Ruth remains a strong advocate for positive change. Taumaia Hellesoe brings over 20 years of experience in banking operations, governance, and strategic execution within PNG and the Pacific as a seasoned leader in financial services. As the Head of Operations at Westpac PNG, she is recognized for her composed leadership and dedication to service excellence, ethical governance, and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. Dame Meg Taylor, a lawyer trained at Harvard, has held positions on the boards of Nambawan Super and the PNG Sustainable Development Program, and was the first female Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum. Her distinguished career includes important roles with the World Bank Group and as Papua New Guinea's Ambassador to the US, Mexico, and Canada. A prominent figure in Pacific diplomacy and climate advocacy, Dame Meg's lifelong dedication to public service and her ground-breaking accomplishments serves as an inspiration for generations of women. Ngaiire, an artist born in Papua New Guinea and now based in Sydney, has made a name for herself with notable performances at Glastonbury and the Sydney Opera House, as well as collaborations with renowned artists like Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Flume. Her third album, titled ‘3’, draws inspiration from her return to her PNG roots and has garnered four ARIA nominations, marking a significant step into multidisciplinary art. In 2025, she is set to further expand her creative horizons with her upcoming large-scale show PAIA, premiering at VIVID Sydney. Michelle Hau'ofa, serving as the Chair of Callan Services National Unit and also as the Chair of one of PNG’s four superannuation fund Boards, brings a wealth of experience from her national leadership roles. Her dedication to the social and economic advancement of PNG is evident through her leadership in business and public health program delivery, where she has served on various boards across these sectors. The distinguished judges involved will contribute their insights, values, and personal experiences to the thorough selection process, ensuring that the 2025 WOW Awards continue to highlight the contributions of women across PNG who are making significant impacts in their respective fields and communities. Andrew Cairns, CEO of Westpac PNG, expressed his enthusiasm in regard to reintroduction of the WOW awards. “As we celebrate 115 years of banking in Papua New Guinea, we are excited to reintroduce the Westpac Outstanding Women’s Awards as one of our flagship initiatives that honors the strength, resilience, and brilliance of PNG women.” “The quality of our judging panel for 2025 reflects our commitment to recognizing the power of women’s leadership across all sectors of PNG society.” “We are privileged to have these outstanding individuals guiding the selection of the next generation of WOW Award recipients.” Nominations for the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women’s Awards will close on May 30th, 2025. Winners in each of the seven categories will receive a K5,000 grant along with a full year’s mentorship program with a Westpac leader. The overall winner of the WOW Awards will be awarded a K5,000 grant, a full year of mentorship, and the opportunity to attend a business conference in Australia, all sponsored by Westpac.

ACT NOW! and Jubilee Australia Research Centre are calling on a UN Committee to address human rights abuses in Papua New Guinea (PNG) linked to illegal logging. The organizations have submitted a formal appeal to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, requesting that it consider taking action during its upcoming meeting in August. The Bismarck Ramu Group has also shown support for this initiative. Eddie Tanago, ACT NOW! Campaign Manager has communicated to the UN regarding the damage done to customary land. "We have emphasized to the UN that there is widespread, ongoing, and irreversible harm to customary resource owners whose forests are being taken by logging companies." "These violations are systematic, institutionalized, and endorsed by the PNG government through two specific mechanisms: Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) and Forest Clearing Authorities (FCAs) – a form of logging license." “For over a decade since the Commission of Inquiry into SABLs, successive PNG governments have rubber stamped the large-scale theft of customary resource owners’ forests by upholding the morally bankrupt SABL scheme and expanding the use of FCAs.” “They have failed to revoke SABLs that were acquired fraudulently, with disregard to the law or without landowner consent.” "In the meantime, logging companies have amassed hundreds of millions, if not billions, in ill-gotten profits by effectively appropriating forests from customary resource owners through the use of FCAs.” The complaint also highlights that the abuses are hard to challenge because PNG lack even a basic registry of SABLs or FCAs, and customary resource owners are denied access to information such as: The existence of an SABL or FCA over their forest. A map of the boundaries of any lease or logging license. Information about proposed agricultural projects used to justify the SABL or FCA. The monetary value of logs taken from forests. The beneficial ownership of logging companies – to identify who ultimately profits from illegal logging. The primary motivation for foreign companies to participate in illegal logging in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is profit – it remains lucrative because importing nations and businesses are willing to accept timber that has been logged unlawfully into their markets and supply chains. “If they refused to take any more timber from SABL and FCA areas and demanded a public audit of the logging permits – the money would dry up.” “We hope that this UN attention will urge the international community to see this isn’t an issue of less-than-perfect forest law enforcement.”  “This is a system, honed over decades, that is perpetrating irreparable harm on indigenous peoples across PNG through the wholesale violation of their rights and destroying their forests.”

Title: Another Simple Favor (2025) Director: Paul Feig Rating: R Genre(s): Comedy, Thriller, Mystery, Crime Fiction Run Time: 2hrs Star(s): Blake Lively • Anna Kendrick • Michele Morrone • Henry Townsend When crime obsessed, social media star and newly published author, Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) gets invited to her ex best friend’s (Blake Lively) Emily Nelson’s wedding, Smothers is skeptical at first, considering that Nelson is not only a convicted criminal but also the subject in Smothers latest book. Could this be a perfect setup for revenge killing? Essentially, Blake Lively’s character, Emily Nelson gets out of prison to marry a mafia and seems to have moved on from any previous conflict with her former friend. However, multiple murders occur, and all clues point to her, except Nelson maintains her innocence. Another Simple Favor scored an average of 2 out of 5 stars in rating, which is no surprise as the movie is plain ridiculous. Almost like a badly written mafia romance crafted by a 15-year-old on Wattpad. It’s watchable at first until the second murder occurs which goes downhill from there. Comedy becomes mockery (almost). But if the director was trying to do that, congratulations because the movie performed outstandingly. The backstories of certain characters were unexpected and unwatchable. But you need to watch it to understand the story, unfortunately. It’s only redeeming quality was the moments of genuine friendship between the two main characters. But even that was quickly overshadowed by the nonsensicality in the rest of the film. The film uses crude jokes and dirty language which makes sense considering its rating. As well as LGBTQ+ themes. I don’t recommend this to anyone unless you’re a fan of parodies and crude comedy with bad plots.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has been the recipient of a generous donation of building paints worth K120,000 from DC Commodities Limited. This important contribution supports the company's dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the National Capital District (NCD). The paints will be utilized to improve the aesthetics and working conditions of healthcare facilities, fostering a more inviting and supportive environment for patients and medical personnel alike. The donation was officially presented by Mr. Damon Cragnolini, Director of DC Commodities Limited, to Dr. Robin Oge, Chief Executive Officer of NCDPHA. Dr. Oge, representing the Management and Board of NCDPHA, conveyed his thanks for this valuable support.  “It is always commendable when the private sector gives back to the community through investments in health and education.” “We deeply value this contribution and look forward to continued collaboration with our partners and stakeholders to strengthen health services in the National Capital District.”

A new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Learning Centre was opened at Boera Primary School in the Central province by ICT Minister Timothy Masiu marking another one of National ICT Authority's (NICTA's) Universal Access Service Connectivity Project giving ICT accessibility and services to the students. The facility included 20 computers, high-speed internet access, and a range of digital learning resources, designed not only to support academic excellence but also to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students. Member for NICTA Board, John Cholai who spoke during the launch stated that it was an honor and privileged to experience this milestone achievement. “This ceremony represents more than the opening of a building; it signifies a collective commitment and the power of partnership in empowering the next generation of Boera and ensuring that they're equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.” He expressed that learning resources have evolved over time into digital tools and ICT had brought significant contributions to learning and growth.  “In recent years we have witnessed the transformative power of information and communication technology from enhancing educational outcomes to fostering economic growth and social inclusion; ICT has become a cornerstone of modern development.” He further encouraged the students to make use of the facility well and to not look down on themselves and where they come from. “This technology gives you a window to the world and we would like you to open your minds to the possibilities out there.” “Don't think that we're just from Boera Primary school and you can only achieve so much.” “Amongst you are leaders, scientists, engineers, that may not only serve the country, but you may actually be able to become a world leader and specialist in the area of whichever line of discipline that you want to pursue.” “Don’t think that the future is not for you. You have the power, and you have the ability using this technology to move yourself and our country forward.”

Port Moresby Nature Park today marked World Tree Kangaroo Day today, Wednesday May 21st, an event that raises awareness and recognizes the importance of the tree kangaroo in PNG and other regions. Present at the event was NCD Governor Powes Parkop. Governor Parkop, stated that World Tree Kangaroo Day has the potential to not only preserve our wildlife but also to bring income for the country. “World Tree Kangaroo Day has the potential to become a powerful global fundraising initiative.” “One that channels international goodwill into real underground conservation program here in PNG.” “I encourage all of us, let this day also be a catalyst for investment into PNG – investing in conservation, education, tourism, sustainable development that benefits both people and wildlife.” He added that the responsibility of conserving the environment and protecting our endangered species is everyone’s responsibility. “Conservation is not just the domain of scientists and park rangers; it is something that we all can be part of.” “As a business leader, a public servant, a village head, elder, member of parliament, policy maker; our actions matter.” “Choose to say no to hunting and endangered species.” “Choose to protect forests, not to just clear them. “ “Let's choose to learn, share, volunteer and educate. Every one of us has a role to play.” He challenged all Papua New Guineans to take World Tree Kangaroo Day as a national call to action – a day to help protect our wildlife.

Title: Somniphobia (2021) Director: Dillon Vibbart Genre(s): Short, Horror, Psychological Thriller Run Time: 25mins Cast: Chris Attoh • Tatajana Marjanovic • Atticus Hinckley A doctor with a special ability to visit people’s dreams assists a young woman to confront her terrifying nightmares. Sominophobia appears to be a regular horror film until it reaches the end. The young woman, Riley Rose is seeking therapy from a series of recurring nightmares, however, the most peculiar detail about her nightmares is that it’s the same dream every night. In her nightmare, a ghoul emerges from her closet and grips her arm leaving ugly bruises. She finds a Somniologist, Dr. Brady – a man with the ability to enter and experience other people’s dreams. As Dr. Brady visits Riley’s nightmare, he discovers that the real monster is not the ghoul in her dreams but her abusive boyfriend, Brian. Riley’s nightmares were the result of her suppressing traumatic memories of her boyfriend’s physical and psychological abuse. The bruises on her arms came from her boyfriend’s beatings. However, Brian manipulative tactics affect Riley to a point where she cannot pinpoint her abuser. Dr. Brady encourages Riley to escape from her abusive boyfriend. As she does, the ghouls from so many nightmares before coming to attack her boyfriend while he is still in Dr. Brady’s house. The film was so good, I wished it was a feature film instead of a short. It teaches that often times, the real monsters are in our own house, disguised as family, friends and most often partners.

The Port Moresby Nature Park is set to host its charity gala dinner on Saturday, May 24th, 2024, at Kutubu Convention Centre located within the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences. This gala dinner serves as a crucial fundraising event aimed at supporting their conservation, education, research, and community programs. Through sponsorship towards 'Charity Gala Dinner,' companies can enhance their brand visibility while demonstrating dedication to uplifting the community and safeguarding Papua New Guinea's distinctive flora and fauna for future generations. The park plays a vital role in protecting PNG's natural environment by bridging the gap between people and nature through recreation, conservation, and education. Their mission is sustained by the generous contributions of the public, businesses, government, and development agencies through sponsorships, donations, grants, and visitor admissions. According to Port Moresby Nature Park, maintaining facilities cost a quarter of a million per month. “More than K250,000 is spent each month on its upkeep, which includes caring for wildlife and plants, paying staff, and covering water, electricity, and security expenses.” “The park has faced difficult socio-economic conditions in the country, which have affected the level of sponsorship and support it receives for its annual operations.” “A major focus for the park is to achieve financial stability by creating self-generated income.” “As the top attraction in PNG, it welcomes between 135,000 and 150,000 visitors annually, with 98% being local residents.” “Organizing significant events for the public helps boost admissions and generate funds to maintain the park for everyone to enjoy.” Tickets are K10, 000 for a table of ten individuals and K1,000 per person. As the leading tourist destination in Papua New Guinea, the park is committed to protecting the nation's remarkable wildlife and plant life through engaging experiences.

A new chapter in PNG singer-songwriter Chris Cobb’s life as he has unveiled new music that includes tracks recorded over five years ago but held back until now, as he sought the perfect moment for their release. "I was always waiting for the right moment, the right time, and the right video to accompany the songs... I've had two more children, relocated to Australia, and restarted my music career, realizing that there will never be a perfect time, so I decided to share these songs with the world.” His latest singles, such as "Pasifika Time," "Ta’ahine," "Poroman," and "Runaway Train," are now accessible on all major streaming platforms. These new releases signify a new step for Cobb, providing an authentic glimpse into his life and identity. So far, he has released four new tracks on Spotify, with more to come: Ta’ahine Pasifika Time Poroman Runaway Train. "Ta’ahine" is inspired by the true story of Cobb's first encounter with his partner, Tongan Australian artist Kalolaine Fainu. This romantic, laid-back track narrates the tale of a humble man from Morobe who falls for a mesmerizing Polynesian woman, featuring melodic hooks and a blend of English, Tok Pisin, and Polynesian phrases that radiate sincerity and charm. It serves as a heartfelt homage to island love and connection, resonating on both personal and universal levels. Meanwhile, "Pasifika Time," penned during the COVID pandemic when many were separated from their homes, serves as a poignant reminder that the island rhythm always beckons, no matter where life leads. This tender anthem captures the essence of island life—pulling taro from the fire, sharing laughter late into the night, and reuniting with family. Chris Cobb reveals that he co-wrote this song with Kalo, originally intended as a tribute to his late uncles, Kakas and Tadoi, who both died before reaching 40. “They played a significant role in my upbringing in Bulolo.” “This song honors the memories and love I hold for them, reminding me that one day we will reunite in heaven and stroll along the wara Bulolo, gathering taro by the fire at night.” The track 'Runaway Train' may initially appear to be a UK pop-dance hit, but its essence is deeply rooted in Melanesian culture. Co-produced by Cobb and the esteemed PNG producer Toxic Mahn (Emmanuel Muganaua), the song is inspired by Kaur, a traditional Bougainville sound characterized by bamboo flutes and ancestral chants. Both artists share heritage ties to Bougainville, and their collaboration on this piece became a journey of cultural rediscovery. While viewing a YouTube video of a traditional Kaur chant, they identified a recurring five-note sequence in a series of voice notes. These notes matched the major pentatonic scale, leading them to re-arrange them into the song's captivating melody. The outcome is a genre-defying track that fuses modern pop vibrancy with indigenous Pacific rhythms. Lyrically, 'Runaway Train' captures the tumult of the world and the desire to break free, crafted during the height of the COVID pandemic when uncertainty loomed large. Musically, it offers a trance-like experience designed to transport listeners from the chaos into a realm that is spiritual, ancestral, and profoundly connected. Chris Cobb, hailing from Bulolo in Morobe Province—endearingly referred to as 'cowboy country' in PNG—has returned to the music scene with renewed vigor after a self-imposed break. Now residing on the Sunshine Coast, he is cultivating a dedicated fan base in his new locale while maintaining a strong connection to PNG through his artistry.

Title: P Diddy: The Rise and Fall (2025) Director: Eddie Hutton-Mills Producer(s): Eddie Hutton-Mills • Amelia Ellis Presenter: Yinka Bokinni Genre(s): Documentary Run Time: 59 mins Interviewees: Shayna Marie • Roger Bonds • Gene Deal • Amy Debois • Melvin Coleman • Precious Muir P Diddy: The Rise and Fall is an unsettling documentary by BBC which follows Yinki Bokinni on her mission to explore the rise behind one of the USA’s biggest pioneering hip-hop mogul and cultural force as well as his fall from grace, Sean Combs a.k.a P Diddy, Diddy and Puff Daddy. While the ongoing case of P Diddy battling allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking is disturbing enough as well as previously facing accusations of various acts of violence and sexual misconduct ranging from grooming to rape, Bokinni takes it even further, interviewing individuals who were close and part of Diddy’s inner circle. First interviewee, former model, Precious Muir, paints a vivid picture of P Diddy’s white parties. Recounting the time, she was invited and encouraged to attend Diddy’s parties in exchange for better opportunities for networking. A brief but disturbing account. Obviously Precious knows more but is afraid to speak out due to safety concerns. Amy Debois, former editor of Honey magazine, discusses hip-hop culture and the treatment of women in the industry during the 90s, sharing her own experiences of sexual abuse by powerful individuals and using humor as a coping mechanism. Music producer Melvin Coleman a.k.a Mel Love, tells his harrowing account of being potentially drugged as a teen and later molested by an older employee of Diddy’s while he worked as an intern for Diddy. But the most interesting and ironic part comes when Bokinni speaks to Gene Deal, former Head of Security of Bad Boy Entertainment, Diddy’s music company and Roger Bonds, Diddy’s former bodyguard. Both men recognized the unique chances working with Diddy offered, yet they also saw his dark characteristics. Deal noted Diddy’s decline due to drug use but denied involvement in inappropriate behavior or seeing abuse footage. Bonds admired Diddy for hiring him despite his record until he witnessed the abuse of Diddy’s ex, Cassie Ventura. The documentary gives off an urban-centric vibe coupled with the seriousness of its rotten underbelly. In a way it feels like a hip-hop music video but it’s a film. Old footage and images from the 90s to the early 2000s bring authenticity to a documentary about hip-hop, also emphasizing a time when hip-hop culture was at its peak. The film falls short where interviewees refuse to go into details about their experiences. Although participants were willing, they were still recovering from the damage they received many years ago at the hands of Diddy and Bad Boy Entertainment as well as the shock some had when hearing about the allegations against him. On the other hand, we discover the drive behind Diddy, his goals, his ambitions and the type of man he is behind the cameras. I’d say the film had a lot of aesthetic appeal but not so much information to reel in a viewer, partly because the Diddy case is ongoing. It leaves you in an unsatisfied position.

IBS University and Kassman Taekwondo Club recently signed an MoU at IBSU campus at 11 Mile, an agreement to promote sportsmanship, discipline and to support two taekwondo Olympians, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman for the next Olympic Games. Present at the signing was PNGOC Secretary General, Mr. Desmond Kaviagu, Founder of IBSU, Sir Mick Nades, Edward Kassman from Kassman Taekwondo Club as well as PNG's Taekwondo Olympians, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman. Sir Mick Nades was confident in the athletes’ abilities to perform in upcoming competitions. “IBS University plans to support them – it’s a calculated challenge or dream." “By providing adequate training to these two Olympians, they will be prepared to compete in the Olympics.” “Last time they qualified through a wild card, but I believe that in the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games, they should be rightfully selected as eligible athletes.” “I am confident they will achieve this.” Secretary General of of the PNG Olympic Committee, Mr. Desmond Kaviagu emphasize on the importance of support not just for popular sports, but for others that are often neglected. “These athletes are the next generation of inspiration for PNG." "We have always seen companies in PNG just sponsor team sports.” “Everyone’s supporting rugby league, but there are more sports in Papua New Guinea; karate, sailing, surfing – these are amazing sports and avenues out there for us to take advantage of.” “At the National Olympic Committee, we get funding from the government, from corporate sponsors, from great donors, which we're grateful for.” “But we spend that funding across all the different sports, hence that limits how much investment and opportunity we can put towards enhancing our preparations and medal participations." “Now, this time, it's a targeted approach.” Meanwhile Edward Kassman from Kassman Taekwondo Club, echoed similar sentiments and thanked IBS University for their support. He also expressed his determination to see taekwondo bag a medal for PNG.