The Basketball Federation of PNG (BFPNG) is excited to announce that they have extended the annual affiliations deadline of March 31st, to the 15th of April 2025. Back in 2024, BFPNG experienced a remarkable growth of 34 new affiliates. This showcased an expanding interest throughout the nation. This year the original deadline was set for the end of March; however, with the successful registration of 21 associations, the registration was moved to give more time for associations to register. BFPNG is urging all member affiliates to finalize their registration before the revised cutoff date. The BFPNG is committed to being transparent and accountable in all its deliverable by creating a safer and more inclusive space for all to participate meaningfully.

Collaborative efforts are making a tangible impact on healthcare services provided by the Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA), with several key developments this week underscoring the power of partnerships. The Papua New Guinea Emergency Medical Team (EMT) has donated an ultrasound scan machine to the Daru Provincial Hospital’s accident and emergency department. This contribution follows a recent supervisory visit by Dr. Garry Nou, Deputy Chief Emergency Physician, which was sponsored by WPHA. The EMT will continue to support WPHA by providing training for medical staff in emergency patient care. In another boost to healthcare services, the Public Health Division of the National Department of Health responded to a request from WPHA by donating a portable X-ray machine to Daru Hospital. Procured through World Bank projects, the CAD4TB X-ray pack utilizes artificial intelligence to aid in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and is designed for easy transport, allowing it to be carried as a backpack. This technology will enhance TB screening efforts in communities and will be deployed as part of WPHA’s Specialist Clinical Rural Outreach Program (SCROP). The machine was officially received by World Vision on behalf of WPHA. Further strengthening medical services in the province, the Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Limited (OTFRDFL) has provided a new ambulance to Daru Provincial Hospital. The vehicle was donated on behalf of the CMCA communities along the Fly River corridor. In a ceremony marked by celebration, OTFRDFL Chairman Ps. Steven Bagari presented the ambulance to the hospital’s caretaker manager, Dr. Timothy Danaya, as hospital staff and community members gathered in jubilation. Reflecting on these collaborative efforts, WPHA CEO Dr. Miriam Boga emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving progress. “The potential for transformation is inevitable when everyone brings their share to the table – individuals, communities, the organization and department, the local and provincial government, and development partners,” she said. These latest contributions highlight the growing role of partnerships in improving healthcare services in Papua New Guinea, ensuring better medical care and access for communities in need.

The 2025 National Tourism Expo and Conference is set for a two-day event from the 9th – 10th of April at the Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby under the partnership of Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), Papua New Guinea Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) and the proud Platinum Sponsors Mineral Resource Development Company Ltd (MRDC). This event is like no other with the theme ‘HONORING OUR PAST, TRANSFORMING OUR FUTURE: 50 YEARS OF PNG TOURISM’ a groundbreaking event highlighting the impact of tourism as the Nation celebrates its 5Oth independence anniversary. The conference will act as the catalyst for transformation in the tourism industry in Papua New Guinea, opening doors for closer insight by creating a platform for national and regional tourism experts, innovators, custodians and stakeholders. As the land of a million different journeys, there is no doubt that Papua New Guinea as the potential to become South Pacific major tourist destination and one of world's leading in the Tourism Industry. Now just days 9 days away, the confirmed number of speakers is 31, including 4 special guest speakers, Prime Minister James Marape, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Belden Namah, PNGTPA CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo and MRDC Managing Director Mr. Augustine Mano. Miss Bird of Paradise May Hasola and the 2024 World Hip-hop Dance Gold Medalist, Wan Squad will also make a special appearance at the conference showcasing their talents and cultural elegance. The conference is registering attendees and booths for business houses that are interested in being a part of this national tourism event. Registration closes on Monday the 1st of April, so for more information check the PNGTPA website National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025 | Papua New Guinea.

The PNG 3x3 Paradise Men’s and Women’s teams faced formidable challenges in their opening matches at the international competition in Singapore yet displayed commendable resilience and determination despite tough losses. In their first game, the Men’s team battled hard but fell short against Kazakhstan, suffering a narrow 18-16 defeat. Meanwhile, the Women’s team struggled against a dominant Indonesian squad, with Indonesia claiming a decisive 17-5 victory. Despite these setbacks, the Men’s team made a strong comeback, securing a well-deserved win against the Maldives with a final score of 21-15. Head Coach Gabriel Elavo acknowledged the resilience shown by his players during the matches but also highlighted areas for improvement. He stressed the importance of minimizing turnovers, avoiding unnecessary fouls, and exercising patience in decision-making. Additionally, Elavo noted that effective communication on defense and proper execution of set plays was essential to the team’s success moving forward. [caption id="attachment_63865" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Pic Courtesy Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea Inc: The Team Paradise Women[/caption] Elavo, however, remained optimistic and highlighted the positive aspects of the team's performance. These included composed play, the creation of scoring opportunities, and strong defensive efforts. Despite the early losses, Elavo believes the team has significant room for growth and improvement, these was the reflection on the team's overall performance. "We stuck to what was working for us as a group, but the opposition has been playing together for a while, and their familiarity with 3x3 basketball showed." "We competed really well after two losses, but we could’ve won if we had knocked down our open shots and cut down on turnovers." "I’m proud of the team for translating our training into the game, but we need to play in more 3x3 tournaments or competitions locally to gain more experience. There were rules we were unfamiliar with, and that cost us the game against Kazakhstan. But there is still a lot of room for improvement," he said. The team participated in a training clinic on Saturday, and a coaching clinic today. These sessions are expected to offer valuable insights and enhance the team’s preparation for their future matches. Coach Elavo also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to those who have supported the team throughout the journey. “I want to thank our major sponsor, BFPNG President Mr. David Peter, the BFPNG staff, the basketball community, our families, and most importantly, our team of VP Mr. Simon Dixsy, TM Ronnie Pomat, AC Michael Henry, and our players Sibona Kala (C), Moses Lune (VC), Ryan Tetemo, Moses Kairi, Betty Angula (C), Normalisa Dobunaba, Betinah Dobunaba, and Hannah Kalua.” As the PNG 3x3 Paradise Team continues their journey in Singapore, they remain focused and determined to bounce back in their upcoming matches. Their competitive spirit and commitment to representing Papua New Guinea with pride remain unwavering.

Commander for NCD/ Central province, Benjamin Turi responded to the scene of the Route Seven Buses that were on strike this morning, Friday 28th March 2025. The bus drivers and the bus crew called on the Moresby Northeast MP John Kaupa to take into consideration and immediately fix the road at Gordan's Bus stop area. Mr. Turi was present to address them this morning and spoke to the disgruntled bus operators, who physically went to the MP's house with photos and requested for them to immediately fix the road at Gordan's, Especially the Route Seven Bus waiting area. In response, Commander Turi stated that the MP had responded positively and will temporarily fix the road while waiting for the NCDC to secure a contractor to make permanent repairs to the affected area. Route Seven buses operating from Gerehu and Waigani to Gordons have raised concerns that the section of the road leading into Gordons Market and shopping center is in very bad shape due to continues rainy weather. This has placed a lot of vehicles at a greater risk. While the concerns are being raised most drivers also mentioned that their buses faced mechanical faults after going through those big potholes and even taking shortcuts through Gordons 5 residential area is restricted. Consequently, the bus drivers decided to stop work and let the authorities come down and address them because they are taxpayers, and most of the buses pay registration and insurance to the government, and they deserve better.

Four lucky winners of the Roots Rice Win Your Home promotion walked away with the brand-new homes following the major draw that took place in Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen and Kokopo cities on Thursday. This promotion began on October 7, 2024, and ended February 28, 2025, with consumers purchasing a 10kg Roots Medium Grain Rice bag, in the hopes of securing a lucky entry ticket found in selected bags. They then filled out the entry form before dropping it into an entry bin at any of the 406 participating stores across the country. The major draw initially scheduled for the 12th of March was then deferred due to transportation delays with third party service providers. Trukai Industries confirmed all entries were received by Friday 21st March and announced a new draw date on the same day. And yesterday the much-anticipated draw took place in 4 stores, one in each region. Lae at Raumai-18, Kokopo at Echo Supermarket, Mt Hagen at Tininga Rainbow Supermarket, and in Port Moresby was at Stop & Shop, Central Waigani where the draws took place. Hundreds gathered at the 4 locations, eagerly anticipating the draw, with the Trukai team adding to the excitement with fun games and prizes to entertain the waiting crowd. The grand prize was on everyone’s mind as they witnessed the draw of a three-bedroom Bumbu Range Kit Home valued at over K132, 000 and the master of ceremony was YUMI FM Radio Personality Kasty, who announced the names of the winners. The winners are, Southern Region Winner: IAMO RIGANA Momase Region Winner: MADILA JOHN Highlands Region Winner UKUT INAKO New Guinea Islands Winner: PAULINE SIMAHUN Trukai Industries Regional Sales Manager for the Highlands region, Peter David, thanked all Roots Rice consumers for their participation, and the individual outlets who supported the promotion. “We recognized the growing demand for housing in both urban and rural areas and wanted this promotion to give our loyal Roots consumers a real opportunity to own a house of their own,” he said. Trukai Industries Marketing Manager Peggy Maha extended her congratulations, highlighting the positive responses to the promotion despite the delays in the final draw. “We thank our customers for their patience and understanding over the last two weeks, as they have waited for us to confirm a draw date. We are happy that all entries were received, and all participants across the country were given a chance to win this kit home. Our consumers are very important to us, and we are proud, knowing that we have made a difference to the lives of four Papua New Guinean families today. Once again congratulations to all our winners,” said Maha.

The Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Marsh Narewec, has assured the country that democracy remains strong despite concerns surrounding the recent Facebook shutdown. He said this after the Committee issued a 24-hour summons to the Commissioner of Police, the CEO of NICTA, and the Secretary for DICT to clarify their roles in the shutdown and ensure proper coordination among agencies. The Committee found that: 1. The shutdown was triggered by threats and online violence. Anonymous users on Facebook were inciting violence, leading the Police Commissioner to invoke Section 16 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 to restrict access. This was a temporary restriction ordered through mobile service providers, not a complete ban. The Committee noted that NICTA and the ICT Minister were not informed beforehand, as there was no legal obligation to do so under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024. 2. There is no regulation or standard operating procedure (SOP) for executing the Counter-Terrorism Act in the ICT sector. The Committee expressed concern over the lack of coordination among key agencies. It has directed the DICT Secretary to lead policy development in collaboration with NICTA and RPNGC to establish proper guidelines and procedures. 3. Social media needs regulation, but not through total bans. The Committee firmly opposes a complete ban on social media and instead calls for better regulation through policy and legislation. The Digital ID Project and social media Policy are seen as critical solutions for regulating online content without violating free speech. The Committee has directed DICT to fast-track these initiatives and called on the Treasury Department to release funding for their implementation. 4. PNG should align with global standards in cybercrime prevention. The Committee has urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs to expedite PNG’s accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. It also called for stronger collaboration between Police Cyber-Crime Unit, NICTA, and DICT to combat fake news, misinformation, cyberbullying, and harassment. Committee Views and Directives 1.The Committee has directed the DICT Secretary to take charge of policy matters in the ICT sector by working with NICTA and RPNGC to come up with a regulation for the Counter-Terrorist Act 2024 as way for executing the Act and Collaboration among different line agencies 2.The Committee has directed DICT to fast tract Digital ID Project and the Social Media Policy. 3.The Committee has called upon the Treasury Department to release funding for Digital Funding Project and Social Media Policy as way to counter fake news, misinformation, cyber bullying, cyber harassments and cybercrime on the social media space. 4.The Committee has called for the Minister of Affairs and the Minister for Information Communication and Technology to fast tract the PNG accession to the Budapest Convention on Cyber Crime by getting Cabinet Approval and bringing the submission to the Parliament for endorsement in the Next Parliament sitting in May. Now the Committee has explicitly stated that it will not support any ban on social media including total ban or partial ban. Instead, other means must be applied to regulate social media properly without impending free speech. Also, the committee has called for the different agencies in the ICT sector to work in collaboration and have regular consultation. So, the committee will continue to provide oversight in the work of the line agencies including, Police Cyber – Crime Unit, NICTA and DICT and to make sure that the relevant laws are working for the people and not against them.

The inaugural Youth Resource Week has seen an overwhelming response, with thousands of young people in Port Moresby turning up to collect their accreditation passes today 23rd of March at the Sir John Guise Stadium, but this massive turn out forced organizers to extend the pass collection period to Tuesday 25th to accommodate the growing number of attendees. Currently, 18,000 plus youths have already registered, and the number is expected to reach 20,000 before Tuesday, as registration remains open online until Wednesday. This was confirmed by Ursula Gorea, Youth Resource Week Stakeholder Relations. And then she explained that the pass collection process has been structured alphabetically to ensure smooth traffic control, with participants from A to J collecting their passes in one area and K to Z in another. Youth Resource Week is an initiative designed to connect young people with opportunities in education, employment, and skills training. The event is being led by The Event Agency, which is led by the Founding Director Ms. Naarai Banam in response to Prime Minister James Marape’s Campaign, which aims to mobilize youth. "We are not just handing out flyers," said Ursula Gorea. "We are identifying real opportunities and bringing them onto one platform. When young people walk in, they don’t just get information—they sign up for skills training, employment pathways, or volunteer programs that set them up for the future." The event is in partnership with the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) and has seen participation from various organizations. One of the key partners is the DFM Model Agency led by Ms. Leilanie Konjip, which has provided brand ambassadors, many of whom are university students, to assist with accreditation passes and registration. Corporate entities such as Santos Limited and the BSP Financial Group Limited have also come on board, seeing Youth Resource Week as a strategic opportunity to engage with young people. The organizers are actively reaching out to more companies, particularly in referral pathways such as second chance education, LMU and MSME to name a few, to further expand job placement and skills training programs. Despite skepticism from some organizations unfamiliar with the concept, the overwhelming turnout suggests that Youth Resource Week has the potential to become a major annual event. The initiative was born out of the need to provide solutions for the growing number of disengaged youths following the Black Wednesday unrest early last year. Seeing the opportunity to help engage the youths, Banam and her team took the initiative to create a structured platform for youth development. "This is just the beginning," Ursula stated. "We may not see the full impact now, but in the next three to five years, Youth Resource Week PNG will transform lives by giving young people real opportunities to build their future." As the event continues, organizers remain committed to expanding partnerships with both local and international organizations, ensuring that more young people have access to the resources they need to succeed in life.

In the lead-up to tomorrow’s, World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Businesses for Health PNG (B4H) along with University of Papua New Guinea Medical Faculty students took to the streets of Port Moresby city, delivering high-impact TB awareness displays at the city’s busiest traffic locations. This bold initiative shines a very bright light on the Tuberculosis epidemic. TB is Papua New Guinea’s deadliest infectious disease, and biggest reason for admission to hospital. The displays drive home the message that TB is not only a health crisis but a major workforce issue. Last year alone, PNG recorded over 45,000 new cases of TB, with the majority affecting young people of working age and children. TB is particularly concentrated in the country’s business hubs—Port Moresby and Lae and it is a serious threat to workforce productivity and community well-being. [caption id="attachment_63561" align="aligncenter" width="2098"] The all women Team from Businesses for Health Lorrie Tapora, Ann Clarke, Teresa Koratsi, Sharlonica Lung, Lowen Sihare[/caption] “With so many TB cases affecting workers or their children, Tuberculosis is a huge workforce health and productivity issue,” explains Dr. Ann Clarke, Project Director at B4H. “This year, we’ve taken that message to the streets. Literally Street-side and during peak hour traffic to reach thousands of commuters with crucial TB information.” In a first for B4H, the project recruited University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) medical & health students to join the campaign. These future doctors played a key role in delivering highly visible, engaging street-side and holding bright yellow placards with clear, powerful messages about PNG’s growing TB epidemic. The students positioned themselves at Moresby’s most congested intersections at Waigani, inside Vision City, and downtown at peak hour. The awareness was done by displays to capture the attention of thousands of commuters stuck in traffic. [caption id="attachment_63563" align="aligncenter" width="2364"] B4H and Students at Vision city on Saturday March 22, 2025[/caption] Jordan Alphonse, a 5th-year medical student who led his fellow students in coordinating the effort with B4H by ensuring that the students were well-supported by providing snacks, water, safety support, and transport costs, thanked the generosity of its partners and sponsors. Teresa Koratsi, B4H’s Workplace TB Coordinator, praised the students’ dedication. “We’re absolutely delighted with our student helpers. They took their classroom knowledge and rapidly became experts in delivering short, sharp TB lessons to commuters. Their energy and commitment were outstanding.” Shoppers at Vision City and commuter’s downtown were equally engaged, receiving TB brochures and having the opportunity to ask the students questions. [caption id="attachment_63562" align="aligncenter" width="2098"] Traffic Spot Display by one of the UPNG Med Faculty Student[/caption] “We didn’t expect to share so much information with people in cars and on PMVs,” said 4th year Pharmacy student Bailyn Bale. “It felt great to see so many people thank us. The bright placards and conversations really made an impact. The people really appreciated our work today.” This campaign’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of key partners. Lorrie Tapora, B4H organizer, acknowledged their contributions. “We are so grateful to Jordan, UPNG Med Faculty, BizPrint for printing our materials, Paradise Foods for snacks, G4S for providing street-side security, and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, who funded our banners, materials, and even bus fares for the students. It’s been a fantastic few days, and together we’ve made a real difference in raising awareness of PNG’s TB crisis.” To conclude the 3-day awareness, tomorrow afternoon B4H and the MedFac students will be alongside the traffic outside the RPYC from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

The Basketball Federation has recently announced the significant appointment of former national representative player Gabriel Elavo as the Head Coach for the PNG 3x3 team that will be heading to Singapore for the Asia Cup Qualifier. Gabriel Elavo is celebrated as one of the finest shooters in Team PNG history that has a remarkable mark in the basketball landscape by representing and playing as shooting guard. Over the years, his contributions on the court have been pivotal, showcasing not only his incredible shooting skills but also his exceptional understanding of the game. After an illustrious career filled with achievements and accolades, he made the decision to retire from national duties in 2022, following the FIBA Melanesian Cup. Elavo's unwavering commitment, relentless dedication, and extensive wealth of experience in the sport will undoubtedly serve as invaluable assets to the PNG 3x3 team. His insights and leadership are expected to elevate the team's performance to new heights, inspiring the players to reach their fullest potential as they compete on the international stage. The Basketball Federation is excited about this new chapter in the team's journey and are looking forward to the impact that Gabriel Elavo will bring to PNG 3x3 side as they gear up to represent the country on the international stage.

Recently 160 students graduated from the Kokoda Fode College and the ceremony was attended by Oro Governor Hon. Gary Juffa with other dignitaries from education and health and the Deputy Head of Australian High Commission Amy William. This event marked a significant milestone in expanding educational opportunities for students in one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote regions. The Kou Kou Community came together to celebrate this milestone, as 160 Grade 10 and 12 students from Kokoda College graduated and celebrated alongside their school mates are the 65 grade 9 and 11 students that will be progressing on with their next year studies. Kokoda College continues to be a vital education hub, providing pathways for students to complete their high school studies or upgrade their marks for further education and employment. The success of the college is built on the strong partnership between KTF and the Kou Kou community, embodying the spirit of mateship and sharing commitment to education. The College receives support from critical donors and partners including the PNG and Australian Governments via Governor’s office and PNG-AUS Partnership, and Australian philanthropy and fundraising. Among the graduates were inspiring individuals such as Maggie and Thomas, KTF health workers from Kokoda Hospital now pursuing nursing studies, and Aron, a teacher at Alola Elementary School, upgrading his teaching qualifications. Their dedication to their professional development and service to their communities highlights the transformative impact of education. The event was attended by Hon. Gary Juffa MP, Governor of Oro Province, alongside Hon. Sheldon Deilala, MPA Sector Chairman for Health, Education, and Physical Planning, Hon. Allan Jogioba, MPA Appointed Chief representing Oro Province, Conwell Barai representing the Kou Kou community, Cecelia Gangai, Oro Provincial FODE Coordinator, and Amy Williams from the Australian High Commission. The ongoing support of the Australian Government through DFAT and the Australian public, Kokoda College continues to foster opportunities for higher education and employment, shaping a brighter future for students and their communities.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has officially announced the details for its 70th Graduation Ceremony, set to take place at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium from Monday, April 28, to Friday, May 2, 2025. Graduands and stakeholders are urged to comply with the university’s regulations regarding payments, attire, and attendance to ensure a smooth and successful event. To be eligible for graduation, all students must settle their K260 Graduation Fee by Friday, April 11, 2025. Additionally, students with outstanding boarding and lodging fees must clear their dues by Friday, April 4, 2025 to be considered for graduation. Payments must be made strictly via Internet Banking to the designated UPNG accounts: Graduation Fee: UPNG General Fund Account No.: 1000583572 Graduation Attire Fee: UPNG Trust Fund Account No.: 1005374648 Late payments, cash transactions, mobile banking, or overpayment adjustments will not be accepted, and graduands must include their full name, student ID, and program when making payments and present a verified receipt to the Bursary Trust Fund Officer before collecting graduation attire. The Public Relations and Event Management Office (PREM) will oversee the distribution of graduation attire. Specific requirements apply based on the degree level: Bachelor’s Degree: Gown and hood Honours Degree: Gown and deep hood with ribbon Postgraduate Degree: Special gown and deep hood with ribbon Master’s Degree: Special gown, deep hood with ribbon, and mortarboard Diploma Graduands: Gown only All gowns and hoods will be in Adonis blue, with distinct ribbon colors distinguishing schools and programs. The collection of graduation attire is strictly from the PREM Office and must be completed by Friday, April 25, 2025. Rehearsals will be conducted at the UPNG Drill Hall on April 23-24, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. Graduands are encouraged to check the UPNG website for their respective school’s schedule. The graduation ceremony will span five days, commencing daily at 9:00 a.m Graduands must arrive before 8:00 a.m., as late arrivals will not be allowed into the venue. The official order of school graduations will be published on the UPNG website and in the media. STRICT CONDUCT GUIDELINES The university has reinforced strict regulations to ensure a dignified ceremony: No correct attire, no participation. Graduands must wear the official UPNG-approved gown and hood. No intoxication. Any individual found under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry. No late entry. Graduands arriving after 8:00 a.m. will not be permitted to participate. Self-arranged travel and accommodation. Graduating students must make their own arrangements for transportation and lodging. For any inquiries regarding graduation, students can contact the Graduation Team, Student Administration via Telephone 326-7604 / 326-7321email: graduation@upng.ac.pg This milestone event marks another proud moment for UPNG as it continues to uphold academic excellence The university urges all graduands to adhere strictly to these guidelines to ensure a memorable and seamless graduation experience.