The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1,000 megaphones to the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Provincial Health Authorities to strengthen health education efforts in Papua New Guinea's rural communities. At the official handover ceremony yesterday in Port Moresby, UNICEF Representative Dr Veera Mendonça highlighted the importance of the equipment in improving community outreach, particularly for maternal and child health. “The megaphones are intended to support efforts in strengthening community mobilization, increasing immunization coverage, and enhancing health promotion activities,” said Dr Mendonça. She emphasized that the devices would help deliver timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health education to remote areas. “While we have made commendable progress in reducing maternal mortality — from a high of 733 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 171 today — we must remember that this still means at least one woman dies every day due to complications from childbirth,” Dr Mendonça stated. She added that more than 60,000 mothers develop complications or disabilities annually. “These statistics are a stark reminder of the challenges we continue to face. Currently, 45 out of every 1,000 children do not survive their first year, only 56% of pregnant women access antenatal care, and just 32% of women deliver in health facilities,” she said. Dr Mendonça stressed the critical need for ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health services. The megaphone donation is part of UNICEF’s broader support to the Government of Papua New Guinea. In collaboration with the NDoH and key partners, UNICEF is also supporting initiatives to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, roll out a nationwide polio vaccination campaign in response to a recent outbreak, and boost routine immunization coverage. “We urge all Provincial Health Authorities to ensure these megaphones are distributed quickly to health facilities, where they can be used for health education sessions, outreach campaigns, and community engagement,” Dr Mendonça added. Receiving the megaphones on behalf of the NDoH, Mr. Ken Wai, Executive Manager for Public Health, expressed gratitude and recognized the impact the equipment will have at the grassroots level. “Every health clinic must get one of these,” Mr. Wai said. “We need to get out and tell people to be healthy. On behalf of every mother and child in Papua New Guinea, I say thank you!”

Veteran weightlifter Dika Toua headlined an unforgettable day for Team Papua New Guinea at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games on Friday, 4 July, as PNG’s athletes delivered a string of impressive performances across several sports with most notably in weightlifting, table tennis, va’a, and softball. WEIGHTLIFTING — 5 GOLD MEDALS Dika Toea, a legend in the sport, secured gold in her category, continuing her dominance on the regional stage and setting the tone for PNG’s medal haul. This led to 5 gold medals across both men’s and women’s weight classes. These performances solidified PNG’s reputation as a powerhouse in Pacific weightlifting. TABLE TENNIS — BRONZE & GOLD MATCH QUALIFICATION Brothers Geoffrey and David Loi secured bronze in the Men’s Open Doubles, with a dominating defeat over Tahiti in the playoff round. Meanwhile Para table tennis athlete Haoda Agari earned a straight-sets win over Tonga (3–0), qualifying him for the gold medal match in his division. VA’A CANOEING — BUILDING ON STRONG MOMENTUM While no races were scheduled for PNG’s va’a team yesterday, their silver medal from the Men’s V6 1500 m race from Wednesday 3rd of July continues to boost the national tally. This remains in strong contention with upcoming events like the V1 16 km endurance race, where paddlers aim for more podium finishes WOMEN’S SOFTBALL — FALLS SHORT IN BRONZE FINAL Team PNG’s women’s softball team gave a valiant effort in the bronze medal match against Micronesia but finished just short of a podium finish. Despite the loss, the team showed grit throughout the tournament and gained valuable international experience. CURRENT MEDAL TALLY (as of 4 July 2025) Gold Silver Bronze Total 7 10 12 29 This tally includes updated results from canoeing, weightlifting, table tennis, and other disciplines. Looking ahead today 5th July: More weightlifting finals to come Va’a long-distance V1 races resume 3×3 basketball and indoor volleyball continue Haoda Agari’s gold medal match in para table tennis Team PNG’s 4 July performance, anchored by Dika Toea’s golden lift, reflects the nation’s competitive fire and unity on the Pacific stage. With several days of competition remaining, the squad continues to chase excellence, pride, and medals for the red, black, and gold.

A group of university students from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUOT), known as the UNITECH Lasallians and Friends Association, have launched a school awareness program aimed at inspiring and guiding current secondary students in Port Moresby. The program began on Thursday, July 3rd, at La Salle Technical Secondary School, where Principal Br. Anthony welcomed the initiative with heartfelt words: “It is good seeing students leading students in the right path. Thank you for taking your time to come out—this is the Lasallian way.” The team continued their awareness drive today, at Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, bringing with them personal stories, academic advice, and encouragement to students preparing for life after high school.  The UNITECH Lasallians and Friends Association is a student-led group at the University of Technology made up of former students from Lasallian schools, primarily De La Salle, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, and La Salle Technical Secondary. The group was founded in 2021 by Jubilee graduates and has since grown to include a broader Lasallian network. In an interview with Solange Dawana, an alumni of the association and recent Mechanical Engineering graduate, she said, “The association was formed to unite former Lasallian students now studying at UNITECH, and to live out the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community. One way we do this is by giving back to our former schools through programs like these." The awareness program, which was first held in 2023, gives secondary students insights into university life, academic expectations, and available courses at UNITECH. The visit also includes mentorship opportunities and encourages students to pursue higher education with confidence. “We know how hard the transition to university can be, especially in your first semester,” Dawana shared. “So, we introduce ourselves to the new first years and support them as big brothers and sisters—just like we were taught in our Lasallian education.”  Some members of the association currently on semester break returned home to take part in the awareness tour. They include: Jeremiah Lavai – Agriculture Graduate, Ex De La Salle Delaiah Hafmans – 2nd Year Forestry, Ex Jubilee Israel Daviaga – Final Year Agriculture, Ex De La Salle Walayson Iga – 3rd Year Mining Engineering, Ex Jubilee Natasha Anuma – Final Year Business in Accounting, Ex Jubilee Sean Lemeki - Civil Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee Leka Vagi - Electrical Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee Solange Dawana – Mechanical Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee The school visits have been warmly received by staff and students, with many expressing appreciations for the group’s commitment to community service and youth mentorship.

For Carolyn Solomon, who is among one of twenty fourth-year science students from the Pacific Adventist University (PAU), the Trukai Industries’ SMART FARMER Program is more than just a training course because it is a lifeline for the future of her family and her village. Carolyn is among 93 participants in the country for this program’s fourth batch at PAU. The 20-week irrigated rice farming program combines two weeks of classroom theory with 18 weeks of practical training in participants’ own communities. “After graduating from the SMART FARMER Program, I will go back to my community and teach my family and fellow villagers what I have learned.” “This training will help us not just grow rice for our own consumption but also generate income.” As a biological science major, Carolyn said the program compliments her academic studies while providing practical agricultural skills that are often not covered in a classroom setting. “These days, even with a degree, most people struggle to find jobs.” “So, for me, this training is very important. If I do not find employment straight away, I will still be able to grow rice, not just to feed my family, but to earn a living.” Additionally, Carolyn’s perspective reflects a growing mindset among Papua New Guinea’s youth and that practical, skills-based training is just as important as formal education in building sustainable livelihoods. The SMART FARMER Program is designed to provide participants with a foundation in rice cultivation, irrigation systems, crop management, and farm business planning. For final-year students like Carolyn, the program also serves as a practicum requirement. But for Carolyn, the goal isn’t just personal success. “I want to be a changemaker in my community.” “With what I have learnt, I can help others see farming as a real opportunity and would not be just something we do to survive, but something we can grow from.” With more graduates like Carolyn ready to return home and share their skills, Trukai’s SMART FARMER Program is doing more than training individuals, it is planting seeds for long-term transformation in rural communities across PNG.

Papua New Guinea’s Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team has claimed its first tournament win at Stop 3 of the FIBA Conference 1 series in Palau, delivering a landmark result for PNG and the Pacific sporting community. Since the competition began on 1st July, the PNG women’s side has consistently placed second, and their persistence was rewarded on Day 3 when they secured top honors in the daily standings. The result is recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as a gold medal win for the day, earning the team valuable ranking points on the FIBA 3x3 global ladder. However, the win does not count towards the Pacific Mini Games medal tally. PNG’s men’s team also took part in Stops 1 to 3, showing strong determination in closely contested matches. Although they were unable to secure a win, their efforts and sportsmanship were acknowledged by officials and spectators alike. This tournament represents a turning point for Pacific Island nations, as it introduces a direct qualification pathway to major global events such as the FIBA Youth Nations League and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is the first time such a route has been made available for teams from the region. Organized under FIBA’s 3x3 development framework, the tournament is aimed at developing elite youth talent across the Pacific. It is specifically targeted at under-18 athletes, offering a platform for exposure, competition, and ranking on the international stage. The series is divided into several “Stops” within Conference 1, all hosted in Koror, Palau. Each day concludes with a winning team based on overall performance. Cumulative points across the event impact both national team standings and individual player rankings. Results from the tournament will influence qualification for the FIBA Youth Nations League and are expected to play a role in team eligibility for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. FIBA Oceania says this is part of a broader effort to deepen its support for basketball development across the Pacific and build sustainable pathways to international competition.

At 35 years old, most people are planning careers, raising families, and chasing dreams. But for Samuel Somne, life has taken a sudden and terrifying turn. Diagnosed with a brain tumour, the once soft-spoken yet hopeful graduate of Pacific Adventist University is now fighting for more than just stability, but he is fighting for his life. Samuel hails from Injua Village in Nipa, Southern Highlands Province. He is a son, a husband, and a father of two young boys aged three years and eight months with a quiet determination rooted in faith, family, and his community. “I never imagined this would happen to me.” It started in 2021 soon after his wedding, that is when he began experiencing unexplained seizures. They came in the early hours of the morning, between 2am and 3am. At first, Samuel had no idea what was happening. “I would wake up sore, with body and joint pain. My wife, Florence, would tell me I had fitted in my sleep. But I did not remember any of it,” he recalls. For months, he brushed it off, trying to live normally. But between 2022 and 2023, while working on the Olympus Project, seizures started occurring in broad daylight. “I would be at the office, then suddenly black out. The next thing I knew, I would be waking up in a hospital bed,” he says quietly. “That was when I knew something was not right. I had to get a proper check-up.” The diagnosis was devastating as a brain tumour, unpredictable, aggressive, and dangerous. “When the doctor told me, I just went numb. I felt hopeless as my life was being taken away.” In early January 2025, after reviewing his MRI scans, a neurosurgeon at Port Moresby General Hospital referred Samuel for urgent treatment overseas. The tumour had grown significantly and was putting pressure on critical areas of his brain. The seizures have become more frequent and every time they happen it was more dangerous than the last. “I am considered high-risk now and usually collapse without warning.” “Sometimes I wake up and I do not even know how I got to the hospital. It is terrifying but I still have hope.” Initially, Samuel considered seeking treatment in the Philippines. But after hearing of a fellow Papua New Guinean who successfully underwent surgery in India, he decided to go there. “India has some of the best and most affordable neurosurgeons. I believe that is where my healing will come from.” However, while the medical path is clear, the financial journey is far from over. “For months now, I have been battling not just the tumour, but the cost of getting help,” he admits. “It has been heavy. I sometimes feel like I am carrying this weight alone.” He isn’t. Samuel’s story has moved hearts across his community and beyond. In an overwhelming act of love and solidarity, his family, brothers, and tribesmen have rallied to organize a Corporate Fundraising Dinner scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025. The goal is simple but very urgent to raise funds needed for Samuel to travel and undergo surgery in India. “This dinner is more than just an event; it is my only hope. And with support of my people, I believe I can make it, I believe I can live.” Time however is not on his side with his travel date already set for Thursday, July 25, 2025. “That date is fixed, and we are racing against time now. If there is a setback, it could cost me my life.” Amid the uncertainty still, Samuel remains anchored by a deep well of faith. “I believe God has not forgotten me. I believe this tumour can be removed and I believe when we all come together, I will get through this.” Samuel’s story is not just about illness, it’s about courage, it is about the community and above all, it’s about the power of hope. If you would like to support Samuel Somne’s medical fundraising campaign or attend the Corporate Fundraising Dinner, please contact: Mr. Luke Mongolap: +(675) 7080 4996 Mr. Samuel Somne: +(675) 7284 4887 Email: samuelsomne686@gmail.com

Trukai Industries Limited (TIL) is continuing its mission to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through its flagship initiative program the SMART FARMER Program, a hands-on training program preparing hundreds of local farmers in irrigated rice farming. Now in its fourth intake at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) outside Port Moresby city and fifth batch overall since the program’s launch in 2022, the SMART FARMER Program combines classroom theory and community-based fieldwork aimed at increasing national rice production and reducing reliance on imported rice. The 2025 January intake (Batch 3) saw 51 participants, while the current Batch 4 at PAU includes 93 participants, among them 20 final-year science students from PAU completing their practicum. Participants come from across the country including, 23 from Milne Bay 18 from Western Province 12 from Gulf 2 from West New Britain The remaining participants from NCD, Central Province, and Popondetta “The training equips our farmers with the technical skills and knowledge to grow rice under irrigation,” said Thomas Tetu, Site Manager for Trukai Industries at PAU. “It’s about empowering people with the tools to feed their families, earn income, and become self-reliant.” The 20-week program is structured in two phases: Two weeks of intensive classroom-based theory, followed by 18 weeks of practical training conducted in the participants’ home communities. The curriculum includes four modules, Fundamentals of rice cultivation, Irrigation systems, the Rice growth cycle, and Farm business management. Upon successful completion, farmers are awarded a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming. The current batch will graduate this November. Since its inception, the SMART FARMER Program has trained more than 1,000 farmers, with sessions held in both Lae (through UNITECH) and Port Moresby (through PAU). “Farmers come from diverse backgrounds and bring various traditional farming methods,” Mr. Tetu said. “We focus on building a shared understanding, day by day, to achieve better outcomes together.” The program’s impact is already being felt in rural communities, with many graduates returning home to apply their knowledge and mentor others. However, Mr. Tetu acknowledged that challenges remain, especially in harmonizing farming practices and ensuring infrastructure such as water access is in place. To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old, have access to land near a reliable water source and be able to read and write. The SMART FARMER Program is fully supported by Trukai Industries under its Rice Development Division, aligning with the company’s long-term goal of promoting locally grown, sustainable food systems and reducing the country’s dependence on imported rice.

Police have arrested the owner of a company allegedly posing as a legitimate medical research firm, following an investigation into the misappropriation of K5 million allocated for COVID-19 research and testing. Detective Superintendent Robert Volo, Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD), confirmed the arrest, stating the company was not registered as a certified medical or pharmaceutical research institution. According to police, the company received K5 million in 2022 through the National AIDS Council Secretariat (NACS), intended for scientific research into COVID-19 treatments. Investigators claim the funds were misused, with no evidence of research or testing being conducted. Police allege the suspect registered the company in August 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and submitted a funding proposal to the National Executive Council. The NEC reportedly approved a total of K10.2 million for the project. Superintendent Volo said that K5 million was later transferred into NACS’s trust account for disbursement to the company. However, the investigation revealed that payments were redirected to individuals and service providers unrelated to medical research, including legal fees, hire car services, and private creditors. “The funds were clearly misapplied and did not go towards the intended scientific research. This was a deliberate act of fraud,” Mr. Volo said. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not released the individual’s name, pending further legal proceedings.

More than 12,000 people filled Sir Hubert Murray Stadium last night for the inaugural Meganesia concert, a dynamic musical celebration ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The event showcased a blend of traditional and contemporary performances from artists across Papua New Guinea and Australia, reflecting a shared spirit of cultural pride and regional unity. Young PNG talents Desiz and Jarahn thrilled the crowd with energetic sets, representing the rising generation of homegrown music stars. Their performances were met with loud cheers and solidified their growing reputation in the local music scene. Famous names such as Sai Kay and Justin Wellington brought star power to the evening, delivering crowd-favorite hits and engaging thousands in a stadium-wide singalong. Australian indie artist Yirrmal was among the featured international performers, bringing a unique sound to the Meganesia stage and highlighting the cross-cultural collaboration at the heart of the event. In his official address, NCD Governor Powes Parkop praised Meganesia as a milestone moment for national unity. “Meganesia is a celebration of shared heritage, identity, and aspirations,” said Governor Parkop. He thanked the Australian High Commission, NCDC, Amazing Port Moresby, and Gaba Musik for their support, and acknowledged the presence of iconic Australian band Yothu Yindi, which now includes four PNG members. He reflected on PNG’s journey since independence and emphasized the need to honor the past while inspiring future generations through culture and music. Prime Minister James Marape, also present, announced that a similar celebration will take place in September as part of the official PNG50 events. “A similar concert will be held on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of September to honor our artists, culture, and traditional dancers as part of our PNG50 celebrations,” he said. With overwhelming public turnout, cross-border artistic collaboration, and heartfelt leadership support, Meganesia has been hailed as a powerful cultural event setting the tone for the nation’s milestone Independence celebration later this year.

Papua New Guinea’s Under-23 Men’s and Women’s 3x3 Basketball Teams have left our shores for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau along with Team PNG. The national squads will represent PNG in both the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2025 and the Pacific Mini Games, scheduled to run from 29th June to 9th July. The games will bring together more than 1,500 athletes from 24 Pacific nations, competing across 12 sports. Team PNG is placed in Conference 1, alongside Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Vanuatu, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The 3x3 competition will be held across two courts with a structured format that includes multiple match “stops,” rest days, and finals scheduled for the last day of play. The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) confirmed that a Technical Committee Meeting will be held before the tournament to finalize logistics and ensure adherence to FIBA 3x3 international regulations. In a statement, BFPNG extended its gratitude to athletes, their families, and supporters, including sponsors like Kumul Mineral Holdings Ltd, for their ongoing backing. “We are confident our teams will compete with pride, passion, and sportsmanship,” BFPNG said. The federation encouraged fans to rally behind the young athletes as they took the national flag onto the international court.

The Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant Papua New Guinea (MBOP PNG) has officially expanded to Morobe Province, marking a significant milestone in its mission to promote provincial representation as the nation prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence. In a signing ceremony held on Wednesday, 25th June, the MBOP PNG committee formalized a Memorandum of Agreement to launch the Miss Bird of Paradise Morobe Provincial Pageant – the second provincial pageant established under MBOP PNG in 2025. Western Province was the first, launching its pageant earlier in May. The Morobe committee will be led by Chairperson Jennifer Baing and Treasurer Carolyn Suckling, who will oversee preparations for Morobe’s inaugural provincial pageant. Speaking at the ceremony, MBOP PNG Chairperson Anna Bais commended the leadership in Morobe for joining the national platform. “As PNG prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence, this is a significant time to ensure that all Papua New Guinean women are represented on this prestigious platform,” said Bais. “We are a platform with a purpose—one that empowers women and acts as a voice for the most vulnerable in our communities.” She added that MBOP PNG's national growth strategy prioritizes increased provincial participation in the lead-up to the national pageant this December. The first-ever Miss Bird of Paradise Morobe Queen will take the stage later this year, as part of a larger effort to showcase diversity, culture, and empowerment from across the provinces. MBOP PNG extended its best wishes to the Morobe committee and welcomed their commitment to elevating women’s voices at both the provincial and national levels.

In yet another successful year, Jacks of PNG today announced six of its 2025 Design PNG Competition Winners as well as the launching of the 50th Independence Collection at Jacks through a fashion show in collaboration with PNG Fashion Week. The winners for this year’s Design PNG Competition are Igo Marcs Willie, Hayavi Ikati, Analis Wokam, Shila Mulina, Sebastine Luka and Melky Watubang. This year, the competition carried an extra layer of significance, celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence. In addition, Jacks of PNG made this year’s design competition different whereas it introduced two separate tiers to make the Design PNG competition even more special and inclusive including, tier one, which featured established male and female designers with four winners each receiving a participation prize of K2, 500 each. The second tier was dedicated to rising stars; students from primary, secondary or tertiary institutions, with two winner receiving K2, 000 each. This new structure gives an opportunity to celebrate both seasoned talent and nurture the next generation of designers in PNG. Product Designer of Jacks of PNG and a winner of the 2022 Design PNG Competition, Mr. Louis Sivina, said that the aim of this competition, is to give artists a platform to showcase their talents and abilities. This he said serves as a potential source of income as well for the participants and promotes a wider participation from artists across the different provinces. Jacks of PNG are committed in inspiring and supporting the creative and design journeys of the participants in which their unique talents strengthen the community. “In the past, we had three winners, however, this year we now have six winners who have won in this year’s competition so that we can get to see other designs from around the country.” “To all participants, we thank you for your boldness, your creativity, and thank you for sharing your design journey with us.”