The recent 68th UPNG graduation saw many students graduate with flying colours and amongst the graduates was a young man from the Milaku clan, Koblaku tribe in Mul Village from the Gumine district of Simbu Province. Zebedee Gore Andrew who graduated on Friday 28th April 2023, with Bachelor in MBBS (Medicine and Surgery) has an incredible story of his own struggles in his education path over the years. His biological father Jack Mila Gore was a former village councillor and a LLG President of Gumine District, and when Zebedee was just a child, his father handed him over to be under the care of his elder brother a retired PNGDF soldier who went back home and became a PNG Bible Church pastor. Zebedee was raised by Pastor Andrew and his wife through a Church background, and he started his school in Sinasina Yongamugl district, then to Pabrabuk in Western Highlands. When Pastor Andrew came back to his village in Mul, Zebedee was brought back and enrolled at the village Primary school. Zebedee duxed the Primary School back at Mul, topped the grade ten examination results and continued to year twelve in Gumine Secondary School. He was selected for Science Foundation at the University of Papua New Guinea in 2019 and after foundation year he continued his studies at the Medical Faculty doing Medicine and Surgery. On Friday 28th April 2023, Zebedee Gore Andrew joined the rest of his colleagues and graduated with a MBBS at UPNG 68th Graduation. Reflecting on his journey, Zebedee said it wasn't easy for him and he shed tears as he reflected on the struggles, he had to overcome throughout his school journey. “The last two years of my study was not easy because I lost my elder brother who was a PNGDF Soldier and the year after I lost my biological mum, I had to drag myself through the last two years of my study,” he said. “I want to thank everyone who assisted me and was there for me through my darkest years and throughout my education journey, you are all my family and above all I thank my dad, Pr Andrew for his undivided support in all aspects of my life.” Zebedee’s dad, Pr Andrew Gore was the only parent and family member who flew all the way from Simbu province to witness the graduation and stated that the highlight of his service to God was seeing his son Zebedee graduate with Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery. “I am a proud dad to Zebedee who is someone full of humility, has so much respect, positivity and he is always obedient and today he made me a proud father because of his dedication to school and to God.” Pr Andrew further stated that he is a simple servant of God and God reward his son with a Degree to serve the people of Papua New Guinea and he thanks God for that blessing. “I am a pastor serving and saving lives for Heaven and my son Zebedee is now a Doctor who will be serving and saving lives too.” Dr Zebedee Gore is now the 2nd Doctor from the Koblaku tribe in Mul Village of the Gumini District in Simbu Province after Dr Kenneth Maima. Dr Zebedee is currently attached with Goroka Provincial Hospital doing his residency.

Community policing police officers and Police officers from Gordon police station on Sunday, April 30th, paid a visit to Eight Mile Last Block Settlement and had talks with people from Chimbu and Eastern Highland who had a confrontation earlier on after an Eastern Highlander died and several houses belonging to people from Chimbu were burnt to ashes. According to NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika, the deceased from Goroka allegedly became sick after he with someone from Chimbu some dog meat. “After his death his relatives alleged that the man died due to sorcery thus the relatives of the deceased man burnt down a number of houses belonging to Chimbu people in 8mile”. However, quick intervention by a team of Community Police under the command of Officer-In-Charge of the Community Policing Unit at Gordon, First Constable Dominic Benjamin prevented the fight from escalating further. “Community Policing Unit not only calmed the situation but further raised awareness on how police and the community can work together to address Sorcery Accusation Related Violence and other law and order problems that affects the community,” said Metsup Sika. The team also visited another ethnic group from Enga and Hela who also fought amongst themselves over the weekend after a man from Enga was found dead. According to Metsupt Sika, police are yet to establish facts surrounding his death however police are investigating the death and will take appropriate action once investigations are completed. Police boss Sika thanked the Gordon police officers for their proactive approach and for bringing policing service to the people in the settlements over the weekend. “Police presence in the settlements as well as awareness will deter crimes and prevent violence and physical confrontation and it is important to have police presence in hotspot areas.”

The Scottish-Australian chef’s death was confirmed by his family, who said they were ‘devastated’ after he died on Sunday. Jock Zonfrillo, judge on MasterChef Australia, chef and author, has died at the age of 46. His family confirmed his death on Monday, saying “our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend” died on Sunday in Melbourne. No cause of death was given. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner. MasterChef Australia’s new season was due to premiere on Monday night, but Network 10 confirmed that it will not air this week. “With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,” Zonfrillo’s family said in a statement. “So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky.” Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who was a guest on the first episode of the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia, wrote on Instagram that he was “in total shock”. “We had the best time working together for this year’s MasterChef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him!” Oliver wrote. “Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful … Jock will be so very missed … I can’t believe I’m writing this…….” Several former MasterChef contestants including Laura Sharrad, Sarah Tiong, Depinder Chhibber, Minoli De Silva and Reynold Poernomo paid tribute to the chef on social media, with Poernomo saying he was “shocked” by the news. “... rest in peace chef, my heart and condolences to loved ones,” he wrote on Zonfrillo’s Instagram. Chefs Colin Fassnidge, Rosheen Kaul and Dan Hong also shared their sadness. “This is devastating,” wrote Hong, while former food critic Pat Nourse described Zonfrillo’s death as “incredibly sad news”. “We’re the poorer for his passing. Truly heartbreaking,” he wrote on Instagram. Network 10 and MasterChef Australia production company Endemol Shine Australia said in a statement that they were “deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss”. Peter Newman, chief executive officer at Endemol Shine Australia, said: “On set he was loved by the team and his passion for food and the show was infectious. He was also a brilliant champion for the contestants on MasterChef, always wanting the very best for them. He will be deeply missed by the entire MasterChef team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.” Born Barry Zonfrillo in Glasgow in 1976, Zonfrillo began working in kitchens as a dishwasher at the age of 13. He left school at 15 and started an apprenticeship at the Turnberry hotel, becoming one of its youngest-ever apprentices. Zonfrillo began working for celebrated British chef Marco Pierre White at 17, writing in his 2021 memoir Last Shot that he was homeless and addicted to heroin at the time. He was appointed head chef at Cornwall’s Tresanton hotel when he was just 22. Zonfrillo became head chef at Sydney’s Forty One in 2000, but was fired in 2002 after he set fire to an apprentice’s pants for working too slowly. Zonfrillo said it was a practical joke gone wrong. The 18-year-old apprentice, Martin Krammer, sued Zonfrillo and won $75,000 in damages in 2007. The same year, Zonfrillo declared bankruptcy. He then opened several restaurants in Adelaide, including Restaurant Orana, Street ADL, Bistro Blackwood and Nonna Mallozzi. Restaurant Orana was named Australia’s restaurant of the year by Gourmet Traveller magazine in 2018, and the following year in the Good Food Guide. It was awarded three hats in 2019 and 2020, but closed in March 2020. In 2019, he became a judge on MasterChef Australia – alongside Melissa Leong and Andy Allen – replacing the show’s original hosts Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan. Some of the stories in his memoir Last Shot were controversially disputed, with White saying that “almost everything he has written about me is untrue” in the chapters about Zonfrillo’s time in London in the 1990s. Zonfrillo’s claim that he had visited “hundreds of Indigenous communities” was also questioned. But Zonfrillo denied embellishing his life story, saying: “This is the story of my life. I’ve lived every minute of it, the highs and lows, and I stand by it.” “There’s no question that some of my book makes me look pretty unsavoury at the best of times. I carry the shame from those years, not pride, and it was a big obstacle for me to overcome when writing this book.” Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children. Source: The Guardian

Police have arrested 65 people for smuggling 50kg of drugs - some hidden in toothpaste tubes - into Vietnam.It follows last month's arrests of four Vietnam Airlines cabin crew found with the tubes in carry-on bags after a flight from Paris to Ho Chi Minh City.They said they were hired to transport 60kg of toothpaste but didn't know it was ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine. Vietnam is a major drug-trafficking hub despite having some of the harshest drug laws in the world.About half of the 327 toothpaste tubes the flight attendants were transporting contained drugs. Investigators said the women were unaware of their contents - they are currently out on bail.Police said this week that the 65 suspects had been arrested after they uncovered another six shipments of narcotics being smuggled into Vietnam via the same route.It is alleged they were directed by the same smuggling ring that hired the flight attendants.The 65 suspects are being investigated for various charges, including buying, selling, transporting and storing narcotics, local media reported.Police suspect the same syndicate often uses Vietnamese nationals studying and living in France to bring drugs into the country.Once the drugs arrive at Vietnamese airports, domestic delivery services transport them to an accomplice in Dong Nai province bordering Saigon.The drugs are then transported to multiple localities for distribution.Authorities say the amount of drugs seized via air routes into the country over the past three months has surpassed the amount of airborne drugs trafficked in the past five years combined.Ho Chi Minh City is a particularly attractive transit point for smugglers because of its proximity to neighbouring Cambodia.Those convicted in Vietnam of possessing or smuggling more than 600g of heroin or more than 2.5kg of methamphetamine face the death penalty. Production or sale of illegal narcotics above certain quantities is also punishable by death.Source: BBC

The people of the United States of America (USA) continue to show their commitment to Papua New Guinea’s development with the recent signing of funding assistance. The US through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Department of National Planning and Monitoring signed an Implementation Letter of US $20 million (PGK 71 million) for development activities in the country. The funding signifies American people’s continuous commitment to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific for sustainable, prosperous, inclusive, secure, and democratically empowered societies, thus strengthening the US-Pacific partnership even more. Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring Koney Samuel accepted the implementation letter on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea. At the signing event, USAID Acting Senior Developing Advisor Clay Epperson thanked Secretary Samuel for his partnership with USAID and the United States government on development activities. “USAID would like to convey our deepest appreciation of your leadership support to our development cooperation and we look forward to deepening our partnership in health, energy, and other areas.” In appreciation of the funding, Secretary Samuel added that PNG values the contribution development partners bring to complement PNG government’s effort under the Mid-Term Development Plan IV for the next 5 years. Secretary Samuel and Acting Senior Developing Advisor Epperson also discussed the ongoing projects in Papua New Guinea through USAID funding, and reflected on the increased partnership between PNG and the US. Moreover, the funding will support HIV/AIDS services for key populations in the country and electrification through USAID’s PNG Electrification Partnership (USAID-PEP).

Sinasina- Yonggamugl’s first member of parliament and Senior Statesman Sir Kobale Kale expressed gratitude towards the Marape-Rosso Government for the their leadership and vision in making Papua New Guinea (PNG) the Black Richest Nation and to Take Back PNG, through the Agriculture Sector. Sir Kobale was member for the district in the Simbu Province in the colonial House of Assembly from 1972 -1975; he is one of the last standing founding fathers of this nation who played a very vital role in the formation of the country’s independence. When PNG gained Independence in 1975, Sir Kobale continued out the remainder of his term from 1975 through to 1977 as the first member for Sinasina- Yonggamugl after Independence in the National Parliament. Sir Kobale was also Minister for Education during his term in parliament. He stated that despite the criticisms made by many Papua New Guineans on social media platforms in regards to the high cost of living being experienced today, they fail to see that the Marape-Rosso Government is the government that will revive and bring back stability in the economic development of this nation. Sir Kobale highlighted that agriculture is the vehicle to drive the country’s economy forward at a time where the COVID Pandemic, Russo-Ukraine War and Climate Change are having so much impact on the economy and the livelihoods of the people of this nation. “The agriculture sector has always been around since the ancestral time and even today it remains the main part of every life,” he said. “I never thought that I would live to see different ministries being created by any government of the day until Marape-Rosso government.” “The creation of the new ministries such as Ministry of Coffee, Ministry of Oil Palm, Ministry of Livestock and Ministry of Agriculture itself with the distribution of functions, is a milestone decision and achievement made to improve and recover the economy downfall, and the people of this nation need to realize this,” said Sir Kobale. He said that this is so because according to the World Banks Report, March 4th 2022; Agricultural production continued to be constant during the pandemic despite falls in the gold and LNG production. In that report Stefano Mocci, who is the World Bank Country Manager for PNG, stated that there is potential growth in the agriculture sector because it was not impacted much by the pandemic than the other sectors, which also reflected the additional government financial support to small –medium enterprise during the pandemic. Sir Kobale also expressed great satisfaction that agriculture industry is given priority in this government and he urges all ministries to support local farmers and SME owners in the agriculture sector, so to see them expand with the aim of reaching the world export markets.

Brisbane host South Sydney on Friday night looking to make it three wins in a row against their rivals with Adam Reynolds to clash against his former club for the second time in his career. The Broncos produced two wins over the Rabbitohs in 2022 including a Reynolds masterclass at Accor Stadium that left many pondering whether it was the right move by the Bunnies to let him go. However, with almost 12 months passing to the day it's fair to say both parties would be relatively pleased with how things have turned out ahead of this match. The Rabbitohs scored a crucial win against defending champions Penrith last week while the Broncos produced a first-half masterclass to beat 2022 runners-up Parramatta and continue their dominance on top of the Telstra Premiership ladder. With both sides deemed premiership contenders in 2023, a blockbuster match at Suncorp Stadium makes it one of the must-watch battles of the round. Source: NRL.Com

The Teachers Personal Emolument Budget Framework Workshop commenced yesterday Monday 24th April in Port Moresby to capture teachers’ salaries and allowances in the budget. TSC Commissioner Operations Mr. Mike Maini Ugaia said that this is because the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has observed that the annual budgets only cover teachers’ salaries, but not their allowances; therefore, the workshop aims to minimize overflows as experienced in teacher Personnel Emoluments. TSC Chairman Mr. Samson Wangihomie stated that they hope to capture all the Personnel Emoluments including allowances, leave and the budget framework for the Provinces during the workshop. “Additionally, we should include unpaid salaries, allowances and leave entitlements,” he said. The first group that is attending the workshop is from the New Guinea Islands (NGI) Region. The Highlands Region will be next, followed by Momase and the Southern Regions. The Treasury Department and the TSC are co-hosting the Teachers Personnel Emoluments Framework and Budget Workshop. This workshop will end on the 05th of May.

“Street boys and girls who think there is no better life can turn to sports to change their lives.” That’s from Wild West Kickboxing Club Coach Bradley Nai. He told PNG HAUSBUNG that one sport that comes with strict discipline is kickboxing, and through kickboxing one can change and leave behind bad habits. “Kick boxing is like a religion, it changes individuals inside out, instils strict discipline and can clear your mind and free your spirit from whatever that has being holding you captive, in terms of bad habit and bad behavioural conduct.” Bradley who started his kickboxing career back in 2015 under Coach Nelson Samson at the Bomana CIS Gym stated that out of the 8 biggest fights he took part his has won 7 and drew 1. “I am a strong fighter, and my dream is to represent PNG in the World challenge one day.” “All this is achieved was through strict discipline, and I train every day to keep myself fit,” he added. After starting off his kick boxing career at Bomana CIS Gym in 2015, under Nelson Samuel, he went on to join the Desert Storm club, and later joined Team Gunapo at 9mile under Thomas Kagili. It was whilst journeying through these clubs he proved himself to be one of the best fighters winning all the fights he took part in. “One of my highlights was when I took out one of Mr Stanley Nandex’s student at a challenge at Sports Inn in Round 1 only,” he added with a smile. Bradley said his interest and passion for the sports has further led him to take up the responsibility to teach the younger generation including street youths’ martial arts. “I have helped to train kids and youths at Koki Fitness centre and also at Gordons Pilipino basketball complex.” Over the years he realised that he was coaching and training kids and youths and it was his hope to one day be given the chance to coach and train youth from Enga. “One of the brother Nelson Walen, who is also a kick boxer and from the same area in Enga opened up Wild West Kickboxing club at Hohola.” “I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, coaching kickboxing to youths from Enga, especially boys from Laiagam, Surunki and Porgera,” said Bradley. Bradley added that the Wild West Kickboxing club at Hohola, Port Moresby is a brand-new club and are now opening doors and invitations to young kids from 15 years up as well as those who are aimlessly squandering to come learn kick boxing.

Nawaeb District in Morobe Province is on track to establish its 5 Year Development Plan and this was made known by Nawaeb District CEO, Mr Buds Botike recently during a site visit to Ologidu village. A team comprising of Officers from Nawaeb District Development Authority, Works Department and key Government Stakeholders from Waigani were also in the district for 5 days during the visitation. The visit was made to align the Nawaeb 5 Year Development Plan, with the soon to be launched National Government’s Medium Term Development Plan IV - 2023 to 2027. During the visit, Mr Botike announced to the people of Nawaeb that all Wards in all respective LLGs of the district will get funding allocations for specific projects they do and that is the direction Nawaeb MP Hon Theo Pelgen is undertaking. The CEO said this will now set the course for the new Nawaeb District 5 year development plan that will capture all priority areas of development for the district in this term of Government. He stressed that Nawaeb District Development Authority over the years lacked an aligned 5 year plan that was supposed to be in line with National Governments Medium Term Development Plans to work towards reaching development goals. “Hon Theo Pelgen, as chairman of NDDA has formed a working task force team who will be reaching out to the people at the village level." "And we will be visiting Ward by Ward to see first-hand what the development needs of the people are,” said Mr Botike. “The MP is focused that the Nawaeb 5 Year Development Plan has to be tied with Marape/Rosso Governments MTDP 4, thus this should enable every key projects in the district are developed during his term in Parliament. CEO Mr Botike reaffirms that he is now focused on travelling the full length and breadth of the district to get a complete outlook of each wards and properly assess development projects in each area. “We have already communicated with all relevant National Departments like National Planning & Monitoring, Finance and Treasury to align all plans of the district with national development goals and agendas,” he added. He further highlighted that as soon as all plans are finalized this year, the 5 year development plan will be launched to take effect for the benefit of the people of Nawaeb District. Meanwhile, Oligidu Village in Ward of Labuta LLG in Nawaeb will receive a K100, 000 water supply project and health facility and the CEO stated that the funding allocation of K100, 000 was already approved by the DDA and works are to commence as soon as possible.

2nd National Markets Convention kicked of this Wednesday, 19th of April 2023 and will end tomorrow 21st April 2023, with the theme “Building Back Better Markets:The Frontier of PNG’s Economic Recovery.” The convention was hosted by UN women which had 250 participants, including representatives of market vendors associations, market management authorities, including representatives from the provincial and local governments from the 14 market locations in Papua New Guinea. The market also attracted visitors from other neighboring Pacific Island countries. Foreign delegates from Market for Change programs in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu where part of the participants. This convention provided a platform for market vendors to reflect on the support they received during the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure they return to pre-pandemic income levels. It also showcased progress made towards restoring incomes, inspires local governments to improve operations, reflect on lessons learned, and to promote community-led models of market management and operations. UN Women is providing technical support for these markets in terms of hygiene, safety, women's participation, advocacy and leadership, market conditions, operations, and management conducive to vendors' earnings as well as accountable governance. Dr Joanne Loundes, Deputy Australian High Commissioner to PNG, applauded the convention, saying, the market sector has a central role in driving Papua New Guinea’s economic growth. “Australia is pleased to support UN Women and its work in PNG’s markets sector, to advance gender equality and women’s access to economic opportunities.” “Local communities also have a fundamental role in designing and delivering long-term, sustainable change and this community-led development is further strengthened when it’s backed by all levels of government.” Present at the 2nd National Markets Convention was Mr. Richard Stephen Howard Jr., UN Resident Coordinator, Papua New Guinea, He highlighted that there is a need to enhance the existing market structures and align them with the goal of bolstering the country's economy. “This requires establishing robust cooperative management while also granting women the freedom to advance.” “Empowering women is crucial to driving economic growth and by shifting power dynamics, we can create an environment that promotes women's empowerment and leadership,” he added. Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries shared her thoughts on the convention, Ms. Sana Dokopa, president of Gordons Market Cook Food Vendors Association. Sana said, “When the Safe Market Project came in 2013, they grouped us into an association and talked with the authorities of the National Capital District. We were put into a recognized market and now I have a space at Gordons Market to sell my goods.” Sana added that the informal economy is a steppingstone to change families, change the country, and achieve Vision 2050 of the country. Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Honourable Jason Peter, stated that this convention provides an excellent chance to collaborate and safeguard market space. He emphasized the need to carefully consider all the contributions made during the three-day event focused on the women's market convention. This 2nd National Markets Convention is supported by the governments of Australia and Japan in collaboration with the government of Papua New Guinea.

Health is wealth, and if majority of any country’s population is sick then there cannot be any development or progress. This is where Papua New Guineas National Adaption Plan comes in to help address this issue in the face of climate change. The National Adaption Plan identifies that as a result of increase average temperatures especially in the Highlands Region of the country, it will be at risk of increased malaria infection rates, including those previously risk-free zone. Increased climate change hazard can also increase the government health budget. Mr Jacob Ekinye, General Manager for Adaptation and Projects Division stated that Climate hazards, such as rising sea level, drought, inland flooding, landslide and higher temperature is a dangerous health risk. “All these climate effects on the environment can cause and increase water borne and vector borne diseases in the country.” "This will also see very high number of diarrheal diseases and children will be of high risk to the disease." "There will not be any clean and safe drinking water too that will lead to more serious health problems." Therefore, the Climate change adaption plan for the health sector is very important to address the need of those who are at risk already and will be at risk soon, to give recognition to the role of health sector in the country in this time when the environment is shifting and changing. Mr Ekinye added that in order to address this, mobilizing climate finance is very important, and they have three sources; one is through the national budgetary process, where the Government of PNG must show ownership and commit funds to address this issue. The second way to source fund is through the Public Investment Program (PIP), provinces support increment program, DSIP and PSIP, and this is where all the local members and local government comes in to commit funds to help their local communities and support the work of Climate change adaption. Thirdly, to get help from the international community through the climate funds or adaptations funds and other facilities set by the international communities to address climate change in small vulnerable countries.