Many students flooded Vision City on Saturday with their Year 12 Certificates for a chance to pursue their education with The Institute of Business Studies University. The University set up an education expo to help students identify how to further their studies and what programs to study at IBSU. Assistant Manager Students Services Department Louise Auro said there are many students with good overall GPA who missed out selection to pursue their education at the tertiary level. “The reality is that there are year 12 students with good GPA’s that are still unable to secure spacing and continue their studies and that is why we felt the need to do this expo as a form of awareness that there is still an opportunity for them to pursue that bachelors with us at the IBSU.” “We have Diploma and Degree programs available and once we screen their year 12 certificates, we then issue them with a conditional offer letters and school fee invoice and then if they want to study with us, they come to the main campus at Mt. Eriama on Tuesday Next week.” IBSU offers Diploma and Bachelors in Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Economics and Development Studies and Information Studies. They also have Associate Degree for the mentioned Programs except for Economics and Development Studies. Miss Auro also made mention of the IBS Founders Scholarship which will sponsor 10 students this year. "This scholarship is open to any IBSU student that wants to apply, their only requirement is to maintain a good GPA and grades that will make them eligible to acquire this scholarship 1 year" At the moment, scholarship applicants for this year are still being screened by the committee.

The Eye Clinic of the Port Moresby General Hospital have received a donation of K3, 600 to go towards their patients who urgently need a cataract surgery. Donated by the Mrs Jenny Nades Krierngkomol, the wife of the chairman and founder of the Institute of Business Studies (IBS), Sir Mick Nades, through her See of Love Project, a project she started after her house girl (Hausmeri) suffered from eye problems and asked her for assistance to seek help. “It was after my house girl gave me a hug of appreciation for the assistance, I felt overwhelmed with emotions that made me want to reach out and help others, especially elderly people who might be in the same situation,” said Mrs. Nades Krierngkomol. “Papua New Guineans are kind and have a pure heart and I feel the need to help special needs people and the elderly people.” Under this donation, See of Love will sponsor one cataract patient per month this year to receive this much needed cataract surgery and if everything works well, they will continue to support.   Speaking of POMGEN’s Chief Ophthalmologist was Dr. Robert Ko welcomed this initiative saying any help to alleviate blindness is a great help indeed. “This is big help for our patients who really need a cataract surgery which is most common in our elderly people and I appreciate the See of Love and hope to see this initiative progress and advance,” said Dr. Ko. “Cataract patient selections to benefit from this donation will most likely be the elderly, travelling in from remote areas and have loss of eyesight to both their eyes,” Dr. Ako continued. “However these decision will be discussed by the Chief Ophthalmologist and all the workers in the eye clinic.”

Theodist Stationery Supermarket has continued in its efforts to positively impact communities in the country with a cheque donation of K25, 000 to the Cheshire Disability Services PNG recently. This donation that will provide these special needs students with stationary, books, printing needs and other school items to the sum of K25, 000 for this year 2021. Cheshire Board Member Kevin Buckby expressed his gratitude on behalf of the organization saying this donation was timely and that they really needed it. “I thank Theodist for such a generous donation for we really needed this,” he said. “The support we receive from the Government is quite small considering the costs involved in running Cheshire and it is only through such donations like this that we are able keep our work going and provide this service to the special need Papua New Guineans.” Theodist Development Manager Ryan Pini said they (Theodist) were very proud to assist Cheshire and give to these special needs children. “Such organization rely solely on Government funding and we are very proud to assist Cheshire and we value this very much,” said Mr. Pini. The Theodist Stationary supermarket has been supporting the Cheshire Disability Services since 2019.

Organizations and Customers of Brian Bell now have the option to finance their goods and services through its Customer Credit Service (CCS) thanks to the renewal of their partnership with the Finance Corporation Limited (FinCorp Ltd). This will allow for customers and organizations that are signed up and registered with Brian Bells CCS to get goods and products on loan basis and pay over time. Brian Bell's Customer Credit Manager Jessinta Wagambie said they were happy to renew this partnership with FinCorp who align strongly with their values as well. “Because of these partnerships, Brian Bells’ CCS has been able to improve the way we service our customers and enhance customer experience enabling them to get quality items at a reduced rate,” she said. This partnership started in 2019 and will continue into 2023 and will see some significant changes to benefit Brian Bell's customers and clients. “The news changes are a reduction in the minimum employment period of 3 years reduced to 1 year employment, a reduction in 3 pays lip requirement to 1 pay slip, a reduction in the interest of 2.42 % to 1. 35% per fortnight to name a few.” She also added that this is one way they are trying to improve the lives of Papua New Guineans by improving the standard of living. “Brian Bell sells quality household items which we want to make affordable for average Papua New Guineans and to just improve their standard of living.”

The owner of one of the largest taxi service provider in Port Moresby City has just ventured into a new business with the grand opening of his K12 million Hotel recently in Henao Drive, 5 mile. The owner and founder of Comfort Taxi services, Mr. Nathan Milyo started the construction of the S & J Hotel 5 years ago on the land that once used to be his family’s residence and the base of his Comfort Taxis. “I ventured into this business of Hotel and Tourism with the hopes of continuing what I best did with my taxis, and that is to continue in serving the people.” “I take pride in honoring the small people, as long as I create employment opportunities for these people so they can have something to take back to their families than I am happy.” The man from Laiagam in Enga Province further added that he owes his business to his wife and 8 children. Governor of NCD Powes Parkop who was present for the official Ribbon cutting commended Mr. Milyo for being committed to his business goals and also being an inspiration to the people. “Mr. Milyo is a businessman that makes things happen and it was through his perseverance and determination that he has become a local hotel owner.” “He is a testament of committed Papua New Guinean who has dared himself to dream and pushed himself and his story will now inspire fellow Papua New Guineans.” The S&J Hotel right now employs 10-15 people and offers affordable rooms which include a deluxe single, deluxe twin, executive twin, premium twin, a cafeteria, a conference room and a swimming pool.

33 orphans and disadvantaged children between the ages of 6-10 from the remote Bundi area of Madang Province have made their way to Simbu Province to pursue their dream of being educated thanks to the support of the Kumura Foundation. These children from various villages in the Bundi some as far as the border villages of Jimi in Jiwaka walked for 2 -3 days just to reach Kumuras foundation. President Vincent Kumura said they then rest a night and then wake up early just to continue their pursuit of education towards Simbu. Under the Foundations “Educating orphans of Bundi” Project these neglected children are given a chance at education. President Vincent Kumura said this project was launched in 2019 after a research conducted that saw that most of these children were not educated due to the remoteness of their village and no family support. “There is no road access to this villages thus health and education centers are non-prevalent in these areas and the children that are affected the most are the orphans and children that are living so far in the remote areas that they do not have any form of access to developments.” “We evenly distribute and we get 60% children that are orphans and 40%, are children that are remotely isolated.” He further added that this is their bit to work towards the Government's national plan to “leave no children behind” in education hence they are playing their bit to support where they can. Kumura Foundation also expressed gratitude to the Brian Bell Foundation who has continued to support them yearly to ensure that these disadvantaged children get the education they need. This year, these orphans will attend the Dendlagu Primary School in Mt. Wilhelm area, Kundiawa Gembogl as boarding students.

Local Farmers and their root crop produce were the highlight of the City Pharmacy Limited’s Crop Festival celebrated on the weekend as they displayed proudly their crops for shoppers and by standers. This Root Crop Festival is a month long initiative that was launched on Saturday and will end on the 28th of February, in support of local farmers who produce these roots vegetables. This initiative will see all Stop N Shop outlets in the Nation’s Capital sell roots crops like sweet potatoes, Cassavas, taros, Carrots etc, produced by these hardworking farmers from the Brown River area and Sabusa in Central Province. CPL Groups CEO Mr. Navin Raju said PNG farmers produce some of the best root vegetables that are sourced from the richest and most organic soils. “The journey from the garden to the grocery bag is something we (CPL) cherish as we source them from throughout the country,” Mr. Raju said. “Not only are we supporting these local farmers by buying their local roots crop produce but through this festival will create an avenue for these local farmers to network with other customers and potential clients as well.” One farmer Max Suingi from Goilala who displayed his fresh produce of Cassava’s during this festival expressed his gratitude to CPL for their support throughout the years. “I engaged myself with CPL after I heard that they were looking for local farmers to buy fresh produce from and I approached management and since then for the past two years I have not only supplied cassava but a variety of greens, pumpkins and any produce they need,” Mr. Suingi said. “The support they give us words cannot express, they make it is very convenient and save our time when they buy our produce in bulk.” “Our fresh produce is paid for immediately by SnS and we do not have to go sit at the markets and sell for days on end just to sell everything and make some money,” he added. Stop N Shop supermarkets have been supporting local farmers throughout PNG for 6 years now since its inception in 2015.\

The Leprosy Disease has been around since ancient times and most Papua New Guineans only knowledge of the Leprosy disease is through the Bible, apart from that, they have no knowledge of its very existence in the country right now. Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs, and skin areas around your and is likened to tuberculosis (TB) because it is airborne and is spread through water droplets and just like TB, it is curable once treated. In commemoration of the World Leprosy Day on Friday 5th February 2021, the National Department of Health and the Leprosy Mission PNG hosted an awareness at the Gordons Market in Port Moresby to highlight the disease and the fact that it is curable and medication available and is provided for free at the hospitals. Speaking on behalf of NDoH Secretary was the Departments Manager Disease Control Dr. Lucy John who said that most times it was the stigma of leprosy that cause problems in communities. “The main message we want to get across is that this disease is curable and the medication is available in the hospitals across the country,” Dr. John said. “Communities must be educated on this and report all cases to the hospitals because the medication is free and the victims of Leprosy must not self-stigmatize but rather go for treatment.” If left untreated till late, Leprosy is most likely to cause permanent damage on a person’s body including severe disfigurement and disability. The Leprosy disease exists currently in 6 provinces; the National Capital District, Central, Western, Gulf, Sandaun and the East New Britain. These provinces have been urged to advocate for this disease in their communities and Health workers must be proactive when diagnosing the disease too.

The Cheshire Disability Services in Port Moresby got a timely assistance today in the form of a cheque of K9, 980 along with other donated goods from the Hilton Hotel. This was part of the Hilton Hotels community service assistance under their global community support program called the Blue Energy scheme, they did the Carols under the Stars last Christmas and to raise money to support these children with special needs. The proceedings from this event was K9, 980 and that with other goods were given over to the Cheshire Disability Home today. Cheshire Board Member Mr. Kevin Buckby said that it is through such generosity that they are able to continue serving the community and these special needs people. “It is only through this kind of generosity that we manage to run such operation that supports thousands of special needs Papua New Guineans,” he said. “If we are not here to support these special needs people than there is no body.” Mr. Buckby also said to have such a big hotel business support them was encouraging. General Manager of Hilton Hotel Ryan Mikkelson said the Hotel was proud to be part of Cheshire disability homes and it is their hope to strengthen communities through such donations. So far the Cheshire homes have four programs they run and they are Residential Care, Inclusive Education, Community-based Rehabilitation and Young Voices.

The leading distributer of Pharmaceuticals in PNG has just ventured into retail with the opening of its new pharmacy in the Nation’s Capital today. Sesago Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals have been a wholesale distributer for the past 10 years but today marked a significant development in the business with the opening of Discount Pharmacy. Sales Manager Mr. Pradeep Panda said there was an imbalance of the ratio of the population to the number of existing pharmacies leaving a gap in the market. “There’s about 70 pharmacies in a PNG and our population is close to 9million and because of this gap we have decided to create the Discount Pharmacy to fill this gap,” Mr. Panda said. He also said that the establishment of the Discount Pharmacy will increase the competition in the market and enable customers to receive the best thus benefitting. “Where there is competition, quality is produced so we (Discount Pharmacy) aim to provide quality drugs at the right price,” said Mr. Panda There is also a nursing station at the Discount Pharmacy that provides Medical checkups for free and will prescribe medicine accordingly. “This is to make it convenient for anybody that might feel sick and visit our Pharmacy and also it’s much easier to get prescriptions here as well.” Discount Pharmacy also plans to expand throughout the country. Sales Manager Mr. Pradeep Panda said there was an imbalance of the ratio of the population to the number of existing pharmacies leaving a gap in the market. “There’s about 70 pharmacies in a PNG and our population is close to 9million and because of this gap we have decided to create the Discount Pharmacy to fill this gap,” Mr. Panda said. He also said that the establishment of the Discount Pharmacy will increase the competition in the market and enable customers to receive the best thus benefitting. “Where there is competition, quality is produced so we (Discount Pharmacy) aim to provide quality drugs at the right price,” said Mr. Panda There is also a nursing station at the Discount Pharmacy that provides Medical checkups for free and will prescribe medicine accordingly. “This is to make it convenient for anybody that might feel sick and visit our Pharmacy and also it’s much easier to get prescriptions here as well.” Discount Pharmacy also plans to expand throughout the country.

Underprivileged children who have been salvaged from the harsh living conditions of Port Moresby and given a second chance in life by a local charity organization and NGO have many more reasons to smile following a kind donation of K25, 000 by a Stationary Shop in the city. Theodist Stationary Supermarket presented today a timely K25, 000 cheque to support Life PNG Care and its ongoing program of taking care of underprivileged children. The charity organization based in Gerehu, Port Moresby, which focuses on impacting the lives of unfortunate children through education were pleased with the donation saying it was a kind and timely gesture. “We have three main programs that we run for our 400 children that are currently under Life PNG and to receive such a support like this will boost us in achieving our objectives,” said Director of LPNGC, Mr. Collin Pake. “It is our vision to impact these underprivileged children through education and also to guide them in the right path so they become better people for PNG’s tomorrow.” He also confirmed proudly that LPNGC has 6 of their children in tertiary institutions across the country. Theodist’s Business Development Manager Ryan Pini in handing over the cheque said it is not the first time Theodist has assisted LPNGC but have been doing so since 2017 because of the great work they have been doing. “It is very important to us (Theodist) to support LPNGC because of what they do for the disadvantage children in this country,” said Mr. Pini. He also added that it is only through education that PNG can move forward.

A partnership between NCD and Southern Highlands Province has seen the birth of the SHP Hope Cup Rugby League challenge which gets underway this weekend starting Friday in Mendi. “To bring peace, harmony and unity to our people in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province is the main purpose of the SHP Hope Cup,” said NCD Governor Powes Parkop whilst giving an update on the event this week. Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers and Motu-Koita Lakatois are two teams from Port Moresby who will grace the three-day challenge with their participation in Mendi. To be held this weekend from the 22nd - 24th January, the SHP Hope Cup is an initiative between NCD governor Powes Parkop and SHP Governor William Powi that started in 2019. “It is a partnership that NCD has with the Southern Highlands “It was scheduled to happening during last Christmas and New Year but due to the Political Impasse and the passing of our former PM, it did not eventuate,” said Governor Parkop. “However we are happy that this one-off game is finally happening this weekend in Mendi.” According to Parkop, this initiative is not just for SHP but is rather a platform to promote peace in the area. “Rugby League is a powerful platform in the country and what better way than to use it to promote important virtues to our people in Mendi and also the entire nation,” he said. The main rugby match will be held on Sunday, which will see matches between the Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers, the PRK Mendi Muruks, the Motu-Koita Lakatois and other local teams in the Province and region.