Jona Film Production, the crew behind the PNG film ‘Ples Man’ received a K10, 000 cheque generously donated by the National Cultural Commission (NCC), to support the local film industry and encourage the practice of cultural storytelling. Attending the press conference was the Executive Manager for Festival, Marketing, Cultural Development, and Art Industry, David Taim who was present on behalf of the Executive Director of NCC, Steven Enomb Kilanda, MBE, as well as Rama Undiapah, Director of Ples Man and upcoming film ‘Ples Man II’, Executive Producer, Spencer Wangere, cast and crew of Ples Man II, and NCC staff. Uniapah thanked NCC for their support in Ples Man II’s production, acknowledging their importance in enabling this project to be accomplished and explained that Ples Man’s sequel is a film that will address pressing issues in the country as well as honoring the founding fathers of PNG. "Tribal conflict, concerns pertaining to sorcery, women's empowerment, and rural development are the primary themes of the sequel.” “It will be dedicated to PNG's founding fathers.” He expressed his desire to see an end to sorcery related violence, through changing the future generations view on the matter, in spite of the fact that sorcery-related violence it has persisted for fifty years. David Taim acknowledged that filmmakers in the country require support in order for the industry to thrive. “Efforts to develop the film industry in Papua New Guinea are currently hindered by a lack of funding for local filmmakers, hence we are actively engaging with relevant authorities to emphasize the significance of the film sector.” “As the industry begins to take shape, there is an urgent need for increased government support and financial backing to ensure its growth and sustainability.” Meanwhile Spencer Wangere, Executive Producer of Ples Man II, emphasized their intentions of improving from lessons learned from the previous film. He called on businesses across the country to support Ples Man II by placing their products in the film. He highlighted this as a chance for companies to promote their brands while contributing to a significant national project.

Governor General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae has passed on his Easter message emphasizing faith with actions. “This week we join fellow Christians throughout the world commemorate the greatest sacrifice ever demonstrated on behalf of all mankind, the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2,000 years ago.” “This is a significant event to observe for the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ “himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness.” (1Peter 2:24).” “However, more than observance is required on our part as Christians. Of particular importance is how we demonstrate our appreciation for the gift of eternal life that we can look forward to, and which was made possible by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “It is one thing to make public declaration that we are Christians, yet another to demonstrate our faith by our actions.” He reminded citizens that according to the Bible, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17). Furthermore, when we reflect Christian values in our actions, we can positively change our communities and society for the better. Our homes and communities will be safer, peaceful, and harmonious for all citizens. “Each of us must take personal responsibility for our own actions and play our part in driving positive change in our communities, whether it be at home, at work, school and among friends and family.” “Our salvation in the Lord does not depend on others, family member, relatives, friends, our church elders or pastors, or entities or government and organizations, rather it is up to each of us to answer for our own deeds before God.” He acknowledged the hardships involved in maintaining one’s integrity. “We are faced with economic hardships, high costs of living, lack of employment opportunities, and lack of basic services in urban and rural communities are challenges we face on a daily basis.” “However, resorting to crime, civil strife, violence and dishonest exploitation for personal gain can only get one so far and leads to destruction. “Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.” (Prov 21:25)” He encouraged parents to teach their children the value of hard work, honesty, respect and kindness towards others and the environment. “How we conduct ourselves and the values we live by can shape our children’s lives and their future either for better or for worse.” “As we celebrate Easter this weekend, let us reflect on ourselves and make changes that show our Christian faith and gratitude for Jesus Christ's sacrifice. This assures us of our salvation and eternal life.”

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) PNG recently conducted its inaugural session of the Great People Managers Program workshop on the 7th and 8th of April 2025, at their headquarters located in Lae city. A total of seventeen senior executives from various sectors of the company participated in the training, which was designed to provide both novice and seasoned managers with the necessary skills and assurance to lead and motivate their teams effectively, thereby enhancing outcomes for CCEP. Mr. Tim Solly, the Sales and Commercial Director at CCEP PNG, kicked off the workshop by motivating attendees and sharing experiences from his personal leadership path. "It's inspiring to see our managers so eager to grow and lead their teams with confidence.” "This program is a fantastic opportunity for us to build a stronger, more capable leadership team." The program is divided into two parts, with the second workshop scheduled for June. Participants found the two-day educational experience highly beneficial and are looking forward to the concluding segment of the training program scheduled for later this year. This marks the inaugural workshop organized by CCEP's Global Training Team, with facilitation provided by Peter A. Smith from Hemsley Fraser, an international learning and development organization. CCEP is dedicated to enhancing the growth and advancement of its employees, making sure they possess the necessary skills and opportunities to excel. As a prominent producer and distributor of locally made soft drink beverages within the nation, CCEP PNG remains committed to investing in its workforce and takes pride in assisting over 19,000 customers throughout the country in expanding their businesses.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) reaffirmed its commitment to early childhood education in Papua New Guinea by hosting another round of their Annual Refresher Training for 2025, which is being held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby with the kind assistance of ExxonMobil PNG. The refresher training which runs from April 7th to April17th caters for an additional10 teachers from four partner libraries in Tari and Kikori. This year's training brings together 54 committed educators, including 44 BbP teachers from Library Learning Centers in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, and Manus, with assistance from Santos. In order to guarantee that all of its teachers remain current with the latest developments and subjects in early childhood education, BbP's teacher training program includes refresher training as a fundamental element. The sessions aim to strengthen the teachers' capabilities, build confidence, and equip them with innovative strategies and tools to enhance classroom learning for PNG’s youngest learners. Topics covered in the first week included basic media coverage for teachers with basic photography and videography skills; Nutrition Education, BbP’s latest program launched last year, how to incorporate this into BbP’s existing curriculum, what foods are ideal for growing brains and how to give awareness to parents on this; and ICT on laptop skills, Microsoft Office, Gmail, Google Drive and BbP’s Digital Learning program through the BbP App and educational videos. Buk bilong Pikinini Executive Officer, Leanne Resson, expressed her gratitude towards ExxonMobil’s support. “We are grateful to ExxonMobil PNG, Santos for their support and all other partners - which allows us to invest in our teachers and, ultimately, the future of Papua New Guinea.” “This training is vital in ensuring that our teachers continue to provide high-quality, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences for the children who attend our Library Learning Centres. The program features an assortment of workshops and collaborative activities focusing on literacy, numeracy, ICT, digital learning, monitoring and evaluation, inclusive education, child protection, and classroom management techniques—all customized to the needs of early childhood teachers. BbP also had support from PNG Air for travel of teachers from Lae and Goroka. As well as Black Swan Security for vehicle transport. Buk bilong Pikinini remains steadfast to its mission of providing access to quality education for all children in PNG and empowering teachers to be at the forefront of this transformation.

Famous 93 YUMI FM radio personality ‘Kasty’ Turner Arifeae, was part of the cast in the recently screened NANA film, a work which highlights the brutal reality of sorcery-related violence and living conditions of street children. He explained that he took part in the production because of the powerful message behind the film. “I took the role of Bubu because I felt deeply about the troubles of sorcery accusations.” “Innocent women, innocent mothers are harmed by their own relatives and do not even feel safe in their own village just because of some rumors.” “It is not right to take the law into your own hands, taking it into your hands and ending someone else’s life.” Kasty added that during the film one of the most difficult parts about filming was getting the scripts right as well as certain parts of the shooting. “As someone who does a lot of radio shows in Tok Pisin, getting my dialogue right was difficult because it was an English-speaking film.” “But the hardest and most emotionally charged circumstance was the final scene filmed, when the little girls dies, and I cried.” “As a grandfather myself, this particular scenario was extra painful.” Kasty explains that he wishes to bring out the message of awareness, of false accusations in sorcery. “These beliefs and practices of the past are harmful and do not serve our societies well.” “It is terrible to let someone innocent fall into the hands of their enemies.” He challenges everyone to show respect to one another and to not be insistent on taking matters into their own hands.

To support Operation Open Heart Foundation’s (OOHF) mission of providing heart surgeries to children across the country, Theodist Limited recently donated two storage units to help the foundation better organize and manage essential medical supplies and equipment. Theodist Limited's National Sales & Marketing Manager, Kevin Anderson, communicated the company's continuous commitment to supporting activities that positively affect the community. “As part of our corporate social responsibility program, we are honoured to support OOHF in their mission to provide life-saving care to children in need.” “Their work continues to transform lives, and we are proud to play a small part in helping them deliver such vital services.” Jane Huka, the Director of Corporate Affairs of Operation Open Heart, expressed her gratitude, stating that such equipment was crucial for accessibility, storage and preservation of medical equipment. “The addition of these storage cabinets will greatly enhance our ability to organize and access the vital supplies needed for patient care.” “Proper storage ensures that all medical items are easily accessible, well-preserved, and ready for use, which is crucial in emergencies during surgeries.” “This, in turn, will allow our medical team to focus on providing the highest quality care to our patients without interruptions or delays.” For more than 30 years, OOHF has provided hope to families by offering vital medical care to children with heart issues, many of whom would lack access to such specialized treatment if not for the foundation's efforts. Theodist Limited has been an enduring advocate for health, education, and community-focused programs via its Corporate Social Responsibility Program, demonstrating the company's conviction in enhancing essential services that improve the lives of Papua New Guineans. Through community initiatives of this nature, Theodist seeks to promote a sense of unity and support for causes that advance the health and well-being of our nation.

Reflector PNG Plus, a modest company started by Washington "Tony" Taureka, has emerged as a ray of hope and resiliency in a world that is frequently controlled by corporate giants. Located in the center of Central Province, this company was founded in 2015 and specializes in critical road safety products such retro reflective materials for signs and reflectors, also called cat's eyes, which are installed in the middle of the road. The company credo of Tony, a talented craftsman from Lalaura in the Abau district, was to combine local expertise with international technology in order to create a successful enterprise. But the journey was not without its difficulties, as is the case with many small businesses. Year after year, Reflector PNG Plus fought to gain ground in an industry often overshadowed by larger corporate entities that secured most contracts. "In the beginning, the doors were shutting on us.” “But I knew deep down that if we stayed true to our vision and worked hard, our moment would come." His persistence finally paid off when the National Capital District (NCD) awarded him a significant contract this year to install reflectors on a critical stretch from the Kumul Flyover beginning near Jackson’s airport to the roundabout near the Moresby Theatre of Arts and then to City Hall in Port Moresby. The importance of this work cannot be overstated; the reflectors and LED markers significantly enhance visibility on the roads, which is critical for the safety of motorists, particularly in low-light conditions. “For me, this is more than a job—it's about saving lives." "With the increasing number of vehicles in Port Moresby, we must do everything we can to ensure safety on our roads during the day and night.” Reflector PNG Plus is not just about business; it symbolizes the power of hope, resilience, and community. Tony expressed heartfelt gratitude to key figures such as NCD Governor Powes Parkop and City Manager Ravu Frank, recognizing their faith in his vision. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Tony Taureka’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance. It shows that success is not merely a result of luck but rather an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. "Stay determined, keep learning, and never lose hope," he advises fellow small business owners. "Change may not come overnight, but with patience and persistence, your vision can illuminate the path forward." Reflector PNG Plus serves not only as a model of entrepreneurial spirit but also as a reminder of the importance of community-focused innovation in ensuring safer roads for all Papua New Guineans.

The upcoming canonization of Blessed Peter Torot, is a historic moment for Papua New Guinea and also the Pacific community. Today at the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) in Port Moresby city, members of the Catholic Church took the opportunity to explain the process involved in canonization. One of the speakers present at the discussion was His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, Vice President, CBC of PNGSI, who spoke humbly of the work of the early missionaries which eventually led to the present event. "Hundreds of years ago, the missionaries came, and they sowed a seed of faith." "Today as a reward for their hard work and sacrifice, we had a committed lay person who chose to offer himself to God as a saint." Steps to Canonization: *Request for canonization    Initiated five years after the person's death by the local community    Local Bishop reviews evidence and witnesses *Determination   Bishop sends a report to Rome for further study  Theologians scrutinize the candidate's life and virtues *Beatification (To be given the title Blessed before Saint)   Requires proof of a miracle, except in the case of martyrdom   Blessed Peter Torot was declared 'blessed? without a miracle due to his martyr status "Once the beatification is over, to make someone a saint, we need to have, proof of miracle." "In Papua New Guinea's case, it was a different, as our culture is an oral Culture. Hence there was hardly any documentation of a miracle." "But in our hearts and minds, we have no doubt that through the intercession of Peter Torot people have been healed of their sickness." This was communicated to the Pope, who also saw proof in consistencies of the accounts of Peter Torot's practices in faith while he was still alive, as well as the stories that were collected from PNG and Solomon Islands. Meanwhile, no official date for the canonization has been confirmed yet.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Goroka, in conjunction with the student body had sent word to the government, requesting an open dialogue with the students regarding pressing national issues. The SRC marked April 7th for Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and the Police Commissioner to attend a meeting at the University of Goroka campus to receive the students’ petitions. SRC President Joshua Sua, stated the importance of communication during these times. “This meeting is essential for ensuring that the concerns of the students and the wider community are heard and addressed.” “We believe that collaboration and communication are vital in finding solutions that benefit all citizens of Papua New Guinea.” He also stressed that students may hold a strike if their request for a discussion goes unheard. “Should if our request for an open dialogue go unheeded, the University of Goroka Students will take a stand, by refusing to attend classes starting Monday, April 7th, 2025.” “This action will serve as a demonstration of our commitment to advocating for the needs of our community and the future of our nation.” He made a call of urgency to the government to address the students in their petitions. “The students at the University of Goroka are united in this cause and will not waver in our pursuit of justice and accountability.”

Theodist Limited once again supported the Bomana Prison Rehabilitation Program through its donation of crucial stationery supplies, displaying Theodist’s ongoing commitment to supporting education in the country. According to Theodist, the donation reflects on their belief in giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Kevin Anderson, National Sales & Marketing Manager at Theodist Limited, said he was proud to be able to help with educational initiatives. "One way we're assisting in improving communities is by supporting this program." "We think everyone has the capacity to change and develop, and the Bomana Prison Rehabilitation Program is performing vital work," he said For more than a decade, the Theological Society's leader, Pastor Simon Kuman, has operated a Bible school within Bomana Prison. He expressed gratitude to Theodist for their assistance, which has been very helpful to his students. "It means a lot to the inmates, many of whom told us after last year's contribution that they haven't had access to basic supplies like this for years." In addition to teaching religion, the Bible School assists inmates in learning to read and write as well as other skills they will need after they are released from jail. The curriculum has been so successful that 19 offenders were able to read and write for the first time when they graduated last year. There are now 200 male and female inmates in the program, 40 of whom are enrolled pupils, and 10 Correctional Services Officers who are involved in the larger project. Theodist's donated stationery will support the inmates' academic and personal growth, providing them with the means to better their life. Theodist is dedicated to promoting literacy and education in Papua New Guinea.

The United States Army’s Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO) team is thrilled to announce the progress of their ongoing training with the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF). Over the past two weeks, the SATMO team has been conducting intensive training in Small Unit Tactics (SUT) and Advanced Medical Skills at the Goldie River Training Depot and Murray Barracks. Master Sergeant (MSG) Hans Moeller II, a member of the SATMO team, expressed the team's enthusiasm. "The Team from the US Army’s SATMO is excited to be back in PNG training with 1RPIR (1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment) in Small Unit Tactics and Advanced Medical Skills.” “This continues training from last year aimed at enhancing PNGDF’s leadership and capabilities at the tactical level and PNGDF’s ability to respond to disasters and provide critical lifesaving aid to the populace.” “This training is both challenging and rewarding, but we know the PNGDF is up to the challenge.” The first two weeks of the four-week training program for the PNG MTT medical team have been successfully completed. Both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) were the primary focus of the training, which included thorough tests of all necessary abilities. Through thorough teach-back sessions, the 13 pupils showed that they could instruct others. Foundational ideas, electrical therapies, respiratory emergencies, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, cardiac arrest, post-cardiac arrest care, and patient assessment were all covered in week two. The students are now prepared for the train-the-trainer program's Limited Primary Care component. There were 38 students enrolled in the SUT course, which was dubbed the "Warrior" Course. The squad has made great strides in spite of obstacles like the intense floods close to the Goldie River Training Depot. During a Range Day, which marked the end of Week 2, students practiced shooting the MAG58 (M240) on a tripod and a bipod. The second week also covered training for all weapons systems, combat casualty care review, casualty collection point and helicopter landing zone seminars, and high angle/low angle casualty evacuation. Battle drills and the planning of field training exercises will be the main emphasis of the next week. As we commemorate 50 years of Papua New Guinea's independence and 50 years of US-PNG diplomatic ties in 2025, this training program is an important aspect of the US' ongoing assistance for the PNGDF.

The National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS) presented a cheque worth over K65, 000 to the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) to assist with the welfare of children and families. Acting Director for NCOFS, Jerry Wap commended the Catholic Church for their work in family well-being and child protection in the country. He stated that where the government falls short in addressing issues of child welfare, the churches are there to assist. “Child protection is everybody’s business; we say it's everybody’s business because regardless of our age or sex, we are a member of a family.” Wap reaffirmed the NOCFS commitment to the protection of children. “As the Acting Director for the National Office of Child and Family Services, I want to promote the protection of children in the country.” Vincent Sobo, Deputy National Catholic Education Secretary, thanked NCOFS for their support. “We would like to sincerely thank the National Office of Child and Family Services for the cheque given to the National Catholic Family Life Commission, CBC.” “What you have given to us is a great testament for silent majority families which the Catholic Church is supporting in our country today.” He described the partnership between the government and the church as a way forward to restore the trust and peace in society. “In the future we would like to continue to strengthen our partnership in collaboration with government, especially National Office Family Services to address social issues of Child and affecting our families and children in our society.” He further emphasized the importance the family unit within a country. “The family unite is the fundamental pillar for the country.” “Without family, a country cannot exist. Everything in life begins with a family. We cannot fix a country without fixing our family.” “Therefore, we must first and foremost address our issues at family level.” “Today's society is the reflection of our family background.”