The National Department of Health have been the proud recipients of over 20 sets of lifesaving ventilator accessories. These accessories have been obtained by the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) through the funding provided to them by Newcrest Mining Limited. These accessories include 10 Arterial Blood Gas analyzers, 20 Laryngoscopes, 5 ECG machines, 20 Pulse oximeters, 20 Patient monitors, 4 Clinical Chemistry analyzers with computers and reagents, 4 Ultra sound scanners, 20 Infusion pumps and 2 Gas flow analyzers. These will be distributed to hospitals around the country by the National Department of Health.  ‘‘UNICEF is extremely grateful for the generous contribution provided by Newcrest Mining that has allowed us to procure life-saving equipment such as these accessories for the country,” said UNICEF OIC Deputy Representative, Simon Jan Molendik. “As we continue the momentum of strengthening and improving the overall health system of Papua New Guinea, the availability of these essential accessories will not only improve our capacity in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic but will also provide life-saving support to patients suffering from severe respiratory distress,’’ Molendijk added. Whilst receiving the equipment on behalf of the Government, Dr Paison Dakulala expressed gratitude towards Newcrest Mining Ltd and UNICEF. “Thank you for your collaboration in supporting the country’s health system.” “This is a generous contribution that Newcrest is providing to support the procurement of our major hospitals which we were lacking for a long time,” Dr Dakulala added.

The largest suburb in Port Moresby is set to receive a major road construction after launching its groundbreaking ceremony today. Worth over K39 million, this four lane road construction will run through the The Modiriki Drive in Gerehu Stage Two all the way through to Taurama Avenue in Gerehu Stage Six.  As part of the NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s efforts to continue transforming the city he said it is only fitting that Gerehu receive a facelift for it is home to more than 100, 000 people and is the largest suburb in the Country. “Most residents are employed outside of Gerehu and facing traffic congestion on a daily, hence the importance of this road link,” said Governor Parkop. He also appealed to the people of Gerehu to take stewardship and ownership in this project and to take pride in taking care of the city. “If we take care of our area and its landscaping and beautification, then other smaller suburbs will follow suit and this will collectively result in a better and livable Port Moresby,” Parkop further added. Taking time of his busy schedule to witness this occasion was the Prime Minister James Marape who commended the Governor on a job well done. “Governor Parkop you are doing a good job in serving this city and giving back to the people, especially the taxpayers and for that I congratulate you in your leadership,” said the PM. Apart from that he addressed the crowd on other developing projects that the Government is working on to broaden their understanding. This four lane road will be constructed by the Phoenix Builders and will be completed in 18 months.

It is with great sadness that PNGFM Ltd (parent company of NAU FM, YUMI FM and LEGEND FM) learn and advise our listener’s, and past colleagues, of the passing of one of our own, the late Papa Heni Fuka. Well known and liked for his role as half of the duo in 93 YUMI FM’s “Kasty and Papa Heni Fuka Show”, the late papa Heni had a career with the company that spanned a little over 10 years.  Papa Heni started with 93 YUMI FM as a casual announcer on the 10th of August 2008 and had a colorful career in the industry, until his retirement and farewell, due to illness on the 14th February 2019. An emotional Turner Arifeae better known as “Kasty” shed a few tears reminiscing the journey with his co-host today. “Mi bin kisim papa kam long show blo mi long tuple reason, long showim sait blo yumi planti Papua New Guinean emi illiterate tasol yumi saveh sem lo displa na narapla long entertainment sait.” “Wanpla wik tasol long mekim show na mipla lukim olsem papa gat style blo em na interest tu long English.” “He had his own knowledge, he had his own sort of dictionary; every time mi tromoi wanpla hap tok, he would put is in his own words, long understanding blo em yet.” “Nobody is perfect in my eyes, that in his own words he said ‘Nogat wanpla emi pekpek lo eye blo mi.’ That took us to another level and into so many households.” Kasty added that Papa Heni loved people and he loved to make people laugh. Papa Heni’s was a success story, one of struggle and how he managed to overcome this and made sure to put a smile on his listener’s face. Even if he had problems, all he wanted to do was make sure he had a great show and make people laugh. Bikpla bel soreh blo mipla lo Mama Nita, olgeta family blo papa Heni – we had a great run together. The PNGFM Board, management and staff also take this time to extend our condolences to the family of late Papa Heni Fuka and we pray you rest with love and peace. Farewell Papa Heni – you will be missed.

Students of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School were the first of 50 schools in NCD to receive over 1000 handwashing soaps, thanks to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Funds (UNICEF) and Colgate-Palmolive in their collective efforts to promote regular hand-washing. According to Colgate Palmolive’s Retail Marketing Manager Rhoda Mojica there are 250 thousand hand soaps to be distributed in PNG with the official launching on Thursday last week at the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary school. “In response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we aim to make washing of hands a normal practice hence the launching of this special soaps specifically made for hand washing,” she said. Mojica also advised the students that the washing of hands should be a lifelong habit. UNICEF’s Wash Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist Pravin More said that through their program they have set up hand washing stations in 50 NCD schools and therefore took the initiative to distribute these soaps as well.   “Under our WASH program we have been supporting schools in promoting hand washing and so this handwashing soaps are timely and go hand in hand with the handwashing stations,” added More. Deputy Principal of the primary school Mrs. Mohe expressed gratitude to both UNICEF and Colgate Palmolive.

The Sesago Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals PNG Limited has donated a cheque of K30, 000 to the Port Moresby General Hospital to host its annual Christmas Ball. Sesago’s Marketing Manager Mr. Pradeep Panda in handing over the cheque, thanked hospital for their partnership and association for the past 10 years. “We work closely with the hospital not only in its supply of pharmaceutical needs but also in the celebration of activities such as World Diabetes Day, World Cancer Day and even arrange blood donation for the hospital,” said Mr. Panda. “And so this donation is a token of our respect and gratitude to the hard working staff of POMGEN who tirelessly provide the best care for their patients,” he further added. Receiving the cheque on behalf of the hospital was Director Nursing Services, Sister Carol Hosea, who also shared similar sentiments. Sister Hosea said that Sesago Healthcare has always been supportive not only in healthcare but the operation of everything and thanked them for their wonderful contribution which will go into making their Christmas Ball this year, a success.

A Non-Government Organization has donated over 3000 library books including teachers reading materials to two rural schools in the Tari-Pori district of Hela Province. Edauwi and Tukupauwi Primary school students and teachers were emotional and pleased to receive much needed items for free from the Hela Rural Development Foundation (HRDF). According to Founder and Chairman Eric Yawas this is an ongoing scheme by the HRDF to improve the illiteracy level in the remote Hela communities. “There is no improvement in the learning materials in most remote schools so it is through this that we try to improve their learning quality,” Yawas said. The foundation distributes quality reading materials, desks and chairs, whiteboards and anything to improve the students learning. “We connect with local community leaders, churches and school staff to find out more about the primary schools and what their needs are and then we donate from what we have,” Yawas added. Since the beginning of the program in 2019, 25 rural schools have received donations across the province and more than 12,500 students have benefitted from it. “We partner with other NGO’s like book4pngkids, Project Yumi also Oil Search to make all these donations possible,” he said.

The Censorship office through the Department of Finance has revised their Censorship fees and charges. The fees revised were the registration fees for the premises where the activity is being operated in and the classification fees especially in the case of imported movies. Initially gazetted on the 4th of June this year, the new fees however will be imposed on the 4th of January, 2021. According to Chief Censor Jim Abani, it has been a long time since anything has been done about the fees and charges. “For the last 10 years the fees have always been the same and it is timely for us now to make changes,” said Abani. He further added that this was a directive from the Government and as a Government agency they had to implement these fees and charges. However concerns were raised by the respective stakeholders especially since the increase of charges were perceived to be too much. One of them was Assistant Manager of Paradise Cinemas Ms. Pru Go who aired her concerns that her business was affected by Covid19 and also with movie downloading apps like Netnaija hence, such censorship fee increase would be a struggle.  The Department of Finance Review Office of Price and Charges Team Leader Monica Nita assured them that the prices will come under review every 12 months. “These changes have already been gazetted and is a legal document now but it is an ongoing process and fees and charges are subjected to scrutiny and will go under review it in 12 months” Ms. Nita said. In the meantime, she also advised all stakeholders to work together with the Censorship Office.

OK Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) have donated a cheque of K300, 000 to the Port Moresby General Hospital to assist with the establishment of the PNG Cancer Treatment Facility. OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Musje Werror, said that the money was raised by the employees and business partners of OTML through their “shave for cure” fundraising drive last month. “It is through this contribution that we (OTML) recognize the issue the country has in treating and fighting cancer,” he said. “We have lost a superintendent and a long serving hospital staff to breast cancer this year.” “We know the expense, the anxiety and the stress of going overseas for treatment is not easy and that’s why we want the facility to be up and running,” he added. Port Moresby General Hospital Chairman Mr. Peter Graham, and the hospital CEO Dr. Paki Molumi, were both present to receive the cheque donation. The dummy cheque presented by OTML Managing Director and CEO Mr. Musje Werror (left) to the hospital’s Chairman Mr. Peter Graham (right) Mr. Graham thanked OTML for their timely generosity which will indeed help the new cancer ward. “We are just incredibly grateful to receive a cheque of K300, 000 which will go into setting up the facility for a mammogram to diagnose and treat breast cancer, and also an ultrasound machine for the younger women who come in for check-ups.” Mr. Graham added that there is no cancer center operating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to date. “By the third quarter of next year, we should have a functioning Cancer Treatment Facility in PNG.” Dr Molumi also made some remarks saying that the money will help the hospital’s cancer center have all the services, so that cancer patients do not have to move around for treatment. “The cancer center in PNG is currently fragmented with one part of the facility being in Lae and patients do not have the one stop shop service.” “This facility will have more of a holistic approach, one stop shop, early diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and all services at one place,” Dr Molumi added. Common cancers in the country are Head-neck cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer which have a 90% survival rate when diagnosed early.

The PNG Fashion and Design Training week has officially commenced its 13 day program in Kavieng, New Ireland Province yesterday.   PNG Fashion and Design Week founder Mrs Janet Sios said due to the Covid-19 pandemic all their programs started a little late.   PNG Fashion & Design Week Founder Mrs Janet Sios Their trainings started late in September this year; however, they had managed to do trainings in Port Moresby, Alotau and Goroka successfully, with Kavieng being the last training for this year.  “We have trained 36 people in POM, 42 in Alotau, 37 in Goroka and in Kavieng, we have 42 already signed and ready for training.”  She further expressed her gratitude towards the PNG-Australia Partnership for funding the event for the last three years.   Mrs Sios also thanked the New Ireland Provincial Government under the Community Development Unit who stepped in to assist and support the current training in Kavieng.   “This training workshop helps prepare our new fashion designers for the runaway at the end of the year to showcase what they have learnt,” said Mrs Sios.  “Not only are they trained in Fashion Design but also receive training in Marketing and Financial Skills.”   “Apart from the 9 days training in Fashion Design, 2 days are given to learning of Marketing skills and another two days for Financial Inclusion strategies which will help the designers to be confident in really getting into business in the Fashion industry.”  Moving forward, the PNG Fashion and Design Week will be partnering with the National Youth Development Authority to roll this event out to more districts.  Mrs Sios urged all others who are interested in the fashion and design training to talk to their provincial and administration leaders to contact the PNGFDW and they will be there to roll out this new emerging industry. 

Former Queensland forward Joe Ofahengaue’s impending move from Brisbane to Wests Tigers is set to spark a transfer merry-go-round in coming days. He has already updated his social media profile to describe himself as "ex Brisbane Bronco Player #212". Ofahengaue, who made an unexpected appearance at the Broncos' first pre-season training session under new coach Kevin Walters on Monday, is finalising the terms of a release from the Broncos to join the Tigers. Neither club has made an official announcement on the switch but it is likely to occur over the weekend. The move will enable the Tigers to end an impasse with prop Josh Aloaia before his scheduled return to training next week by releasing him to Manly. Brisbane are also likely to replace Ofahengaue with versatile former North Queensland forward John Asiata, who is unsigned and has been linked with a number of clubs for next season. [caption id="attachment_1349" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Source: @joe_ofahengaue/instagram[/caption] Joe Ofahengaue has updated his Instagram profile to say he's a former Bronco. Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis indicated earlier this week that a resolution to the stand-off with Aloaia was expected soon and it is believed securing Ofahengaue as a replacement would trigger his release. The Tigers last week signed former NSW centre James Roberts on a one-year contract with the option of a second year – a low risk deal that could prove to be a bargain if he regains the form that earned his Origin selection in 2018. Another former Blues star James Tamou, who captained Penrith to the minor premiership and a grand final appearance, is the Tigers' main recruit and the club has also signed highly rated young Parramatta forward Stefano Utoikamanu.​ Source: NRL

A remarkable Jack Welsby try after full-time snatched an 8-4 grand final triumph for St Helens to leave James Graham in tears as the former Bulldogs and Dragons prop bowed out as a Super League winner. With the game at Hull's KC Stadium appearing headed for extra-time, 2018 Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson attempted a 35-metre field goal that hit the uprights as the full-time siren sounded. Welsby, 19, led the chase and dived to ground the ball just before the dead-ball line to break the hearts of Wigan coach Adrian Lam and his players and spark wild celebrations for Saints. It was Graham's first premiership triumph since 2006 with St Helens and he has played in seven grand final defeats since – including two with Canterbury in 2012 and 2017 – and he now ends his career as a winner. "I am just overwhelmed. I am genuinely moved," Graham told Sky Sports after "It's hard to put it into words. If you read about it in the papers you would think it was a cartoon. It is unbelievable. You couldn't have scripted it better, for us anyway. "I am gutted that we can't celebrate with the fans, and our friends and families, but we will have our time. It has been an honour to play for St Helens." Saint coach Kristian Woolf, the man behind Tonga's rise at international level, paid tribute to Graham after overseeing back-to-back grand finals wins for the club in his first season in the Super League. "He is an outstanding person first and foremost," Woolf said. "What he gets out of his body every single day … you see him rock into training on a Monday sometimes and you don't think there is any chance of him playing on the weekend because he can barely walk and he gets himself through. "He is very hard to keep out of a session and he just gives us absolutely everything he has got every time he takes the field. Source: NRL

The National Control Centre (NCC) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has sent a team of experts to West New Britain (WNB) to support the response amidst the increasing number of cases reported in the province. To date, WNB has recorded 42 COVID-19 cases, the third-highest number of cases in the country next to National Capital District (NCD) and Western Province. The team composed of experts on clinical management, infection prevention and control, surveillance, laboratory, risk communication and community engagement is working with provincial counterparts in contact tracing, case investigation, testing, training health workers and engaging with communities. Meanwhile, rapid response teams are also deployed to other provinces and areas with reported cases such as at Loloata Island Resort. As of today, Thursday 26 November, the country’s total number of COVID-19 cases has reached 645, including seven known COVID-19 deaths. Sixteen of the 22 provinces in the country have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Based on case investigation and data verification, two of the cases reported on 25 November have been re-classified from NCD to Central. To date, NCD has 354 confirmed cases while Central Province has nine cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: ProvincesConfirmed CasesNCD354 (2 reported on 25November re-classified asCentral cases)Western Province204West New Britain42Eastern Highlands13Central9Morobe6East Sepik3Enga3East New Britain2Milne Bay2New Ireland2West Sepik1Southern Highlands1AROB1Hela Province1Western Highlands1TOTAL645Source: National Control Centre Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 59,481,313, including 463,730 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 1,404,542; of which 9,989 were reported in the last 24 hours.