Tasminnie ISIMELI

The Bougainville Black Orchids have secured a $20,000 prize after winning the Cairns Sevens tournament, delivering a major sporting achievement that has been welcomed as a source of encouragement for Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited Managing Director Sarimu Kanu congratulated the team, its coaches, trainers and supporters, describing the victory as a shining light at a time when the country continues to face development challenges.Speaking during a presentation involving the Bougainville Rugby Union, Mr. Kanu said it had been an honour for Kumul Minerals Holdings to support the Black Orchids throughout their journey.He said the company's K450,000 investment in the union was aimed at creating opportunities for young people and demonstrating what could be achieved through discipline, commitment and the right support.“Discipline is a big part of gaining success,” Mr. Kanu said.He said the Black Orchids' achievement was not only significant for Bougainville but also carried a message for the rest of Papua New Guinea, showing that local sporting teams could reach higher standards with the right investment and preparation.Mr. Kanu said the team had provided an encouraging example of what could be achieved through sport, particularly in developing young people and creating pathways for the future.He also assured the union that Kumul Minerals Holdings would continue supporting the Black Orchids, while pointing to opportunities for bigger partnerships and development initiatives in the future.Member for Bougainville and Patron of the Bougainville Rugby Union, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, also acknowledged the company's K450,000 contribution, saying it had enabled the union to expand its player development programme and pursue opportunities that would otherwise have been difficult with its limited resources.One of the initiatives supported through the development programme was a two-and-a-half-week visit to Fiji, where players stayed with host families in Mokani Village, Nasori.The programme combined rugby preparation with cultural learning, community living and agricultural activities, including practical lessons in growing taro and cassava.Mr. Tsiamalili said the agricultural component was designed to help players understand how farming could create better economic opportunities for their communities, while also improving their knowledge of nutrition and athletic performance.“We need to be able to understand what food goes with what training,” he said.The players also gained exposure to Fiji's rugby development structures, receiving guidance from experienced rugby personnel, including Fiji Sevens coach Colin Nisau and former international player Jerry Tuai.Mr. Tsiamalili said Fiji Rugby had endorsed the programme and was willing to support further coaching, technical and administration courses for Bougainville rugby.The initiative was delivered through Game Plan Pacific, which focuses on developing athletes through a broader approach that includes personal values, community involvement, and practical life skills.Mr. Kanu said Kumul Minerals Holdings wanted to see the Black Orchids establish a standard that other sporting teams across Papua New Guinea could aspire to.He said the company looked forward to continuing the journey with the team and supporting opportunities that would allow the Black Orchids to build on their Cairns Sevens success.

Bougainville’s Black Orchids have secured an invitation to compete at the prestigious Coral Coast Sevens tournament in Fiji in January, following their impressive performance and victory at the Cairns Sevens competition in Australia.Member for Bougainville and Patron of the Bougainville Rugby Union, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, stated that the invitation is an important opportunity for the team to continue testing its abilities against established international opposition.Speaking during a visit to Kumul Minerals Holdings to acknowledge the company’s support, Tsiamalili confirmed that tournament organizers had contacted the Black Orchids following their Cairns success, reserving a place for the team at the January 13 and 14 competitions.He said the Coral Coast Sevens attracts teams from several rugby-playing nations, including France, England, the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.Many of the participating teams compete under development sides, although they represent national rugby programmes preparing players for higher-level competitions, including the World Rugby Sevens Series.Tsiamalili said the opportunity would expose Bougainville's players to a higher standard of competition and allow them to measure their progress against experienced international sides.He said the Black Orchids had faced difficult opposition in Cairns, including the Fiji Defence Select side, which had been regarded as one of the favorites to win the tournament.Despite facing physically bigger and more experienced opponents, Tsiamalili said the Bougainville team demonstrated that speed, fitness and a strong understanding of the game could make the difference.He said the team’s preparation in Fiji had played an important role in improving its performance, with players exposed to technical coaching and training with experienced rugby personnel.The Cairns' victory was also the result of years of development, with the Black Orchids progressing from struggling in their early national competitions to becoming a competitive team capable of winning major tournaments.Tsiamalili said the invitation to the Coral Coast Sevens showed that the team’s development journey was opening new opportunities beyond Papua New Guinea.He said the achievement had generated excitement among communities back home, particularly young people who could now see that Bougainville athletes were capable of competing internationally.The team is expected to use the upcoming competition to gain further experience and continue building its reputation in rugby sevens.“Our job has not ended. It's only just begun,” Tsiamalili said.

Organizers of the prestigious Eastern Papua Community (EPC) football tournament have issued an official appeal to the corporate sector for sponsorship and financial partnerships to elevate the competition's operational standards, enhance team incentives, and reduce the financial burden on local families.Currently, the historic tournament—which has run since 1978—relies almost entirely on team affiliation fees and gate collections to fund its logistics, venue hires, and operations. EPC Tournament Director Taku Niebo stated that while the executive committee aims to offer competitive, attractive prize packages to participating clubs, the fulfillment of these incentives hinges on securing institutional corporate backing.The EPC executive committee has initiated formal outreach to several prominent corporate entities and is currently awaiting responses as they work to finalize strategic commercial partnerships for the upcoming season.A primary objective of securing corporate sponsorship is to eliminate the gate charges that spectators and players currently pay to offset tournament overheads. With robust private-sector backing, organizers intend to transition to a free-entry model for the public, making the event entirely accessible to the wider community."The tournament offers an unparalleled marketing opportunity for businesses to engage with a massive, loyal grassroots audience," Mr. Niebo said. "With more than 5,000 active players and thousands of spectators attending matches over the course of the competition, the EPC is an exceptionally valuable platform for companies seeking to market their products, services, and brands directly to families and communities."Mr. Niebo urged business houses and corporate organizations to view an investment in the EPC as both a high-return branding opportunity and a meaningful corporate social responsibility initiative. He emphasized that building strong public-private partnerships is critical to modernizing the event, maximizing benefits for participating communities, and sustaining the tournament's legacy for future generations.

Papua New Guinea’s premier reggae artist, Anslom, continues to expand his musical journey beyond borders. Driven by international collaborations, regional tours, and a deep-seated passion for the genre, Anslom is successfully introducing PNG reggae to global audiences while delivering powerful, socially conscious messages.Despite holding two university degrees and having numerous career paths available to him, Anslom chose a life dedicated to music. His leap into the international arena stemmed from a desire to challenge himself, navigate diverse markets, and absorb knowledge from global peers rather than remain comfortable with his local success."I didn't want to look back one day and regret not taking the opportunity to see how far my music could go," Anslom shared.This international drive has already seen him command stages across the Pacific, including recent standout performances in Vanuatu and Noumea, New Caledonia. For Anslom, the reception has been deeply encouraging, proving that his music maintains a powerful, recognizable resonance far beyond Papua New Guinea.To Anslom, reggae is far more than entertainment—it is a critical platform for storytelling, addressing everyday social issues, and fostering positive mindsets. He credits global icons Bob Marley and the late South African reggae legend Lucky Dube as his foundational influences."Lucky Dube particularly influenced me because of the way he used his songs to speak about life and the issues affecting ordinary people, rather than focusing solely on romantic themes," Anslom noted. This blend of meaningful lyricism, strong melodies, and authentic reggae rhythms heavily defined the trajectory of his own sound.Marking the next major milestone in his career, Anslom officially released his brand-new single, ‘Running To You’, on Friday 30th October 2026, across all major digital music platforms, alongside its official music video.The track serves as a core preview of his highly anticipated upcoming album, One Love, which has been in production since January at Irie Music Studios. Anslom highly commended the vital production contributions of Toxic, as well as the overarching support of the Irie Music Studios team. Final mixing and mastering for the project were completed in Australia.The creation of One Love served as an extensive collaborative experience with international heavyweights, including the legendary Aston Barrett and other veteran musicians. Anslom describes the process as a priceless exchange of musical wisdom, connection-building, and recording techniques."The collaboration process is not only about creating songs, but also about learning from one another and building relationships that can open doors for other Papua New Guinean musicians," he explained.Speaking on the inspiration behind the new track, Anslom revealed that ‘Running To You’ carries a dual meaning. "One interpretation is about relentlessly pursuing a goal despite challenges and setbacks. Another relates to relationships, deep commitment, and being there for someone no matter the circumstances. Ultimately, the message is about persistence, loyalty, and never giving up on what matters."With ‘Running To You’ now live, Anslom solidifies his footprint in the regional reggae scene while paving the way for the full launch of One Love. His journey is far from over, with more music, cross-border collaborations, and global stages on the horizon.‘Running To You’ and its official music video are available now on Spotify, YouTube, and all major digital streaming platforms.

Football development and creating opportunities for young players remain key priorities for the Eastern Papua Community (EPC), as organisers look to build on the growing standard of competition.Tournament Director Taku Niebo says the quality of football has improved over the years, with more teams now participating and players bringing experience gained from organised town competitions.He says the improvement is noticeable among clubs whose players regularly compete in established competitions, although some teams travelling from their home communities still face challenges matching the playing standards of town-based clubs.Mr. Niebo says the EPC tournament provides an opportunity for players to test their abilities, gain experience and improve their performance against different teams.However, he believes developing football talent must begin at an early age, which is why the executive introduced a children's competition in 2004.He says the junior competition is an important pathway for children who are interested in football, giving them an opportunity to develop their skills and potentially progress into senior competitions.Drawing from his own experience of arriving in Port Moresby at the age of 17, Mr Niebo says sporting platforms can play an important role in providing young people with opportunities and a sense of belonging.He says expanding the children's competition and strengthening the overall football development program will require commitment and resources from the organising committee. Meanwhile, the 2026 tournament, which began on October 10, has attracted approximately 56 teams across the men's and women's divisions. The round-robin stage is expected to conclude next weekend, with the men's division scheduled to begin its knockout matches, while the women's division continues its round-robin fixtures.The competition suffered a tragic setback last weekend following the death of one of its players during play, resulting in the cancellation of the remaining matches for that weekend.Despite the challenges, the tournament continues as organisers work towards providing a stronger platform for both current players and future football talent.

The annual Eastern Papua Community (EPC) football tournament continues to serve as a cornerstone for community cohesion, bringing together families and cultural groups from Milne Bay and surrounding regions to reconnect through sport, culture, and local commerce.Established in 1978 by its founding members, the tournament originally launched as a platform to unite communities across Eastern Papua, including Milne Bay, Oro, and Central provinces. Over the decades, the competition has evolved and is now primarily centered around the Milne Bay community and families with direct ancestral ties to the province.Beyond the competitive football matches, the EPC has grown into a vital yearly gathering place for relatives and friends who are otherwise separated by professional and personal responsibilities throughout the year. The five-weekend event provides a unique social space to exchange ideas, share food, and strengthen traditional community relationships.Tournament Director Taku Niebo emphasized that the event's footprint extends far beyond sports."The beauty of this competition is that it brings everyone together," Mr. Niebo said. "Often, you won’t see your relatives due to busy work schedules, but this tournament allows us to rebuild networks.""It is also an important avenue for mothers and local vendors to generate income by selling food and local products on match days, driving social and economic empowerment directly within our participating families."While the tournament has maintained its prestige and athletic standard for over four decades, the current executive management is actively working toward an expanded long-term vision. Plans are underway to register and broaden the EPC framework to include alternative sports, such as volleyball, alongside wider community-focused and cultural programs. This evolution aims to transform the tournament into a comprehensive community platform that deepens relationship-building and cultural celebration.

Papua New Guinea’s climate change response must deliver lasting benefits for future generations, Environment and Conservation says Minister John Kaupa.Kaupa made the statement when he officially launched PNG’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), the country’s first Biennial Transparency Report, and the REDD+ Technical Annex.He said the launch marked a shift from developing climate policies to putting commitments into action, with government agencies, development partners, the private sector and communities expected to work together to achieve the country’s climate targets.Mr. Kaupa said PNG’s climate ambitions must go beyond protecting the environment and also support economic growth, improve access to electricity, reduce poverty, and strengthen communities against climate-related disasters.He said the country’s forests remained one of its greatest assets in addressing climate change, while climate resilience in agriculture, infrastructure, transport and health would be critical to protecting people’s livelihoods.The new NDC 3.0 also formally incorporates loss and damage for the first time, recognising the consequences of rising sea levels, climate disasters, and damage to ecosystems and livelihoods.However, Kaupa stressed that the success of the commitments would depend on adequate climate financing and practical support from international partners.Reflecting on discussions at a recent Pacific climate meeting in Fiji, he said countries needed to focus on implementation rather than repeatedly discussing climate change without delivering results.“We talked about delivery. We talked about actions. We talked about implementation. It’s not about talking,” he said.Kaupa said PNG would continue advocating for climate financing and concrete outcomes at international climate negotiations, ensuring that the country’s climate ambitions were translated into action.He said the ultimate responsibility was to protect the environment and build a better future for the next generation of Papua New Guineans.

PAPUA New Guinea is calling on international partners to back its climate ambitions with accessible funding and technology, as the country moves to turn its forest protection efforts and emissions reduction targets into measurable results.Acting Managing Director of the Climate Change and Development Authority, Debra Sungi, made the call during the launch of Papua New Guinea’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), its first Biennial Transparency Report and the REDD+ Technical Annex.Ms. Sungi said achieving the country’s climate targets would require more than policy commitments, with financial support and cooperation needed across government, the private sector and international development partners.“We appeal directly to international financial institutions and bilateral partners to merge Papua New Guinea’s unwavering policy ambition with scalable, accessible climate finance and meaningful technology transfer,” she said.The NDC 3.0 sets out PNG’s climate priorities from 2025 onwards, including a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by 29 per cent by 2035, compared with 2022 levels.PNG is also targeting forest and land-use emissions removals of at least 17,000 gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, increasing to at least 18,000 gigagrams by 2035.Ms. Sungi said the country had already achieved its previous NDC 2.0 target of 10,000 gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent in land-use and forestry removals.She said the next challenge was to sustain that progress while ensuring climate action delivered benefits to local communities, particularly customary landowners and people whose livelihoods depend on forests.The REDD+ Technical Annex is intended to strengthen the measurement of progress in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, while supporting fair benefit-sharing mechanisms and high-integrity carbon markets.Ms. Sungi said PNG’s forests remained critical to global climate stability, placing the country in an important position in international efforts to address climate change.The NDC 3.0 also introduces loss and damage as a formal component of the country’s climate commitments for the first time, opening the way for a dedicated policy framework and efforts to access international loss and damage funding.Other priorities include climate-resilient agriculture, infrastructure and transport, as well as strengthening the health sector’s response to climate-sensitive diseases.Meanwhile, the first Biennial Transparency Report is expected to improve the tracking and reporting of national greenhouse gas emissions and progress towards climate targets.Ms. Sungi said transparent reporting was essential to building international confidence, attracting climate finance and encouraging private-sector investment.She warned that PNG continued to face serious climate threats, including coastal erosion and the impacts of El Niño, making coordinated action increasingly important.The three documents were launched together as part of PNG’s efforts to strengthen climate accountability, protect its forests and translate national commitments into practical action.

Papua New Guinea Oncology Nurses Association President, Peter Fore, is urging women to seek immediate medical assessment upon noticing any unusual changes in their breasts, warning that delaying a diagnosis makes clinical treatment far more difficult, invasive, and costly. Speaking on Friday, Mr. Fore, an oncology specialist with experience in the United States, said early detection and timely referral were important in helping patients access appropriate cancer care. He said women should not ignore breast changes or rely on repeated courses of antibiotics and painkillers without establishing the cause of their symptoms. “Cancer does not respond to antibiotics; it responds to cancer treatment,” Mr. Fore said. He explained that symptoms could persist or return after medication, making it important for patients to seek professional medical advice if a problem continued. Mr. Fore said the cancer treatment journey could be lengthy, sometimes taking six months to a year, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment plan required. He said women should consult health professionals for assessment, particularly if they had a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Depending on a woman's age, symptoms and individual risk, doctors could recommend an ultrasound scan, mammogram or other appropriate investigations.Mr. Fore explained that mammograms could help identify suspicious changes in breast tissue, including abnormalities that might not be noticeable through physical examination alone. He said further assessment was necessary when screening identified a suspicious finding, allowing doctors to determine the appropriate next steps.Mr. Fore also stressed the importance of following the correct referral pathway so patients could move from initial assessment to diagnostic testing and treatment where necessary. He said cancer awareness should not be limited to October, which was observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, because cancer affected both men and women throughout the year.Mr. Fore said continuous public education was needed to encourage people to recognize warning signs, seek medical advice early and understand the importance of regular health checks.He encouraged women to take their health seriously and avoid waiting until symptoms became severe before seeking medical help.Depending on a patient's age, specific symptoms, and hereditary risk factors, medical professionals utilize specialized diagnostic tools to catch abnormalities early:• Mammograms: Crucial for identifying suspicious changes in breast tissue, including deep abnormalities that cannot be felt through a manual physical examination.• Ultrasound Scans: Frequently used to investigate localized lumps, especially in younger women with denser breast tissue.• Biopsies and Referrals: Executed immediately when screening flags a suspicious finding, ensuring the patient moves rapidly from initial assessment to active treatment.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is stepping up efforts to break the silence surrounding breast cancer, urging women across police workplaces, barracks, and local communities to access early detection screening services.Officer-in-Charge of Police Welfare, Inspector Susan Rumints, stated that the constabulary’s Pinktober activities specifically target women who lack vital health information or feel uncomfortable discussing the disease due to cultural taboos.According to Inspector Rumints, the high turnout for this year's awareness sessions reflects a growing commitment among women to support one another and champion proactive health practices.“A lot of women have been involved in these activities because we feel that breast cancer directly impacts us. We want maximum participation to drive this campaign forward,” Inspector Rumints said.The campaign specifically aims to empower women who may be silently battling the disease without seeking medical aid.“We are trying to empower women in our communities—especially those who are unaware of the sickness, those who are illiterate, and those who are living with it but are too afraid to speak out,” she added.Inspector Rumints noted that fear, stigma, and lack of information remain the biggest barriers preventing women from seeking timely medical attention. The Pinktober campaign actively challenges these hurdles, reminding women that cancer does not discriminate.“Some women feel too shy to talk about it. Our message to the ladies out there is simple: breast cancer can happen to anyone,” she stressed.Rather than waiting for severe symptoms to appear, Inspector Rumints urged women to take immediate initiative by booking regular health check-ups and utilizing available diagnostic services, including mammograms and Pap smears.“Do not wait until it is too late. Go for check-ups. We are using this Pinktober platform to spread this life-saving message both within the constabulary and to the external public,” she said.The RPNGC has extended its awareness outreach beyond female uniform personnel to include families, dependents, and residents living within police barracks. Inspector Rumints emphasized that safeguarding the health of the constabulary's community aligns directly with its core mandate.“The police force has a clear social and moral obligation to ensure security and safety—and that includes the health and well-being of our people,” Inspector Rumints concluded.Medical experts maintain that early detection and timely clinical assessment remain the most critical factors in successfully managing and surviving cancer. The RPNGC urges all women to dismiss fear and embarrassment, consult health professionals, and prioritize their health screening today.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is looking to expand cancer awareness activities in police barracks and surrounding communities as it strengthens its participation in the annual Pinktober campaign.Chief Inspector David Terry said the constabulary’s fourth annual Pinktober activity yesterday provided an opportunity to raise funds while encouraging police personnel, their families and the wider community to take cancer awareness seriously. The walk began at Murray Barracks and ended at Boroko Police Station, where fundraising activities were held to support the Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Ward at Port Moresby General Hospital.Chief Inspector Terry said the campaign was particularly important because policewomen and the families of police personnel had been affected by cancer.He said the constabulary wanted to use its existing welfare awareness activities to spread the message about cancer prevention and early detection.“Yes, we will have awareness in the barracks. Also, spread the love, if you like, outside the barracks,” he said.However, he acknowledged that the constabulary did not have confirmed figures on the number of policewomen affected by cancer since the campaign began.Chief Inspector Terry said documenting those cases could form part of future plans as the initiative continues to develop.He also highlighted the role the campaign played in strengthening relationships between police and the communities they serve.He said activities that brought officers and residents together outside law enforcement could help reduce fear and build public confidence in the constabulary.“Through this avenue, we can also connect with the people,” he said.Chief Inspector Terry said the constabulary will continue to develop the campaign with support from the media, corporate organisations and the wider community.He said the aim is to expand the initiative in coming years, combining fundraising with greater awareness of cancer and the importance of early detection.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is on track to surpass the K90,000 milestone raised last year for vital national cancer support services through its annual Pinktober fundraising campaign.Chief Inspector David Terry announced that the constabulary successfully executed its fourth annual Pinktober campaign yesterday. The event commenced with a charity walk from Murray Barracks to Boroko Police Station, aimed at raising critical funding for both the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Ward at Port Moresby General Hospital.Chief Inspector Terry emphasized that the campaign holds profound significance for the constabulary, as cancer continues to directly impact policewomen and the immediate families of police personnel.“Cancer is a deadly disease that affects a vast number of women across our country," Chief Inspector Terry stated. "Tragically, many of our own dedicated policewomen have also fallen victim to cancer. This cause hits very close to home for the force."The major fundraising drive at Boroko Police Station featured a wide array of activities, including Pinktober T-shirt sales, community barbecues, live entertainment, and formal financial pledges from corporate organizations and civic-minded individuals.Chief Inspector Terry confirmed that the commemorative T-shirts completely sold out during the event, though the final total of funds raised is still being tallied. Last year, the constabulary generated nearly K90,000, which was split evenly between the two beneficiary organizations. He noted that all donations from this year’s drive will be strictly reconciled before a formal presentation ceremony early next week.In his concluding remarks, Chief Inspector Terry made a passionate appeal to the public, the business community, and families nationwide to step up their support for cancer services through financial donations and independent fundraising initiatives.“You simply do not know if or when a member of your own family might be affected," he urged. "It could be your wife, your daughter, or your sister tomorrow. Community solidarity is absolutely paramount to helping the PNG Cancer Foundation and Port Moresby General Hospital continue their life-saving medical work.