The Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies (IPNGS), located on Angau Drive next to Nambawan Trophy Haus in Boroko, Port Moresby is approaching its 50th Anniversary and with this, will be revamped with new changes to its buildings. That’s according to Professor Don Niles, former Acting Director and senior ethnomusicologist in a recent social media post as seen on the National Cultural Commission Facebook page. Perhaps the most noticeable thing about the IPNGS building is the outstanding black metal sculpture on the outside walls and gates that depict an Orokolo Myth from the Gulf Province. This was a myth told by Sir Albert Maori Kiki, designed by Georgina Beier and executed by first year apprentice electricians and diesel mechanics and is a metal sculpture that continues to be a very distinctive feature of the IPNGS landscape. In 1977, IPNGS’s “temporary” building was officially opened, coinciding with the premiere of the film Gogodala: A Cultural Revival, by IPNGS filmmaker Chris Owen. But there were already plans for a new building, designed by architect Zbyszek Plocki. Sadly, adequate funding was never obtained, and additions and modifications to the original building have been slow and minimal since then. Over the years, outfitted shipping containers were added to safely store archival materials, and office space was slightly expanded to accommodate increased staff. IPNGS became a national cultural institution under the National Cultural Commission in 1994, but the grand structure envisaged to proudly reflect an institution focussed on documenting and safeguarding the cultural heritage of this country never materialised. But, as IPNGS approaches its 50th anniversary, there are some dramatic changes underway, particularly as the National Cultural Commission’s Executive Director, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, has prioritised infrastructural developments. The new changes will be overseen by the IPNGS Acting Director Mr. Christopher Puio and will include new offices and others planned. The archival and library facilities will also be expanded, updated and modernized. Many of the old housing and trees have already been removed to allow for the construction of a conference centre to showcase presentations, discussions and host gatherings on cultural activities by staff and local and international visitors. The Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies (IPNGS) was established as a National Cultural Institution under the National Cultural Council when the Cultural Development Bill was passed in the House of Assembly on 14 October 1974.

Secretary of the Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazard Management has dispelled rumors of an impending earthquake at around 11pm Tuesday night around the New Guinea Islands. Secretary Mr. Harry Kore said his Department through the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory is responsible for the monitoring of earthquakes and tsunami activities in PNG and the region. The Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) further advised that earthquakes cannot be predicted and no organization worldwide has ever predicted any earthquakes. Additionally, the source of information is not from a reputable organization and it's worth noting that PNG does not have a Natural Disaster Response Office. The PMGO is the only office that has monitoring instruments to monitor and assess earthquakes and tsunamis and however high-tech this equipment may be, it is unable to predict when earthquakes will occur. Therefore the information being circulated on social media is false and misleading however the Rabaul Volcano Observatory is monitoring the situation closely at this time. They also warn that whoever's responsible for creating and disseminating this hoax message will be dealt with accordingly.

‘Threads that Binds Us; Stories of the Bilum’ is a short video that features Florence Jaukae Kamel, more famously known as the Bilum Lady and has recently been named an Honoree in the 27th Annual Webby Awards. Speaking to pnghausbung, the Bilum Meri, Ms. Florence said she was pleasantly surprised by this news. “When I started out on this journey, it was very much a ‘brukim bush’ kind of thing, but I always had a vision to use the Bilum to do something right in society.” The 15 minutes long video shows the vibrant and captivating Bilum tradition and focuses on 5 particular patterns that tell the stories behind the designs and of the Bilum weavers. “The Bilum is very important in PNG, especially for women, as its designs connects all women in society.” The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the internet. “Even though it was unexpected, this is a great achievement, not just for women but for the whole country and I want to thank UNFPA, the Australian Government Aid Programs, the National Cultural Commission, Tourism Promotion Authority, as well as other partners like the National Gaming Control Board and our international visitors. “It is through this support that we are here today, that we have a market to sell our Bilums and for shedding a positive light on the work that we do.” ‘Threads That Binds Us; Stories of the Bilum’ is part of the UNFPA’s Bilum Campaign and was produced by Pidgin Productions.  

Bwagaoia Station on Misima Island in the Milne Bay Province will play host to the Samarai Murua Island Song, Music & Dance Festival at the end of this month of April, 2023. This was announced by the Samarai Murua Minister & Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Isi Henry Leonard at the launching of the event at the Grand Palace Restaurant in Port Moresby recently. “The launch of this festival maybe small but it is significant as it is a way forward to promoting our tourism programs and at the same time giving recognition to our culture, ourselves and our identity by packaging it and using it to promote tourism,” Minister Leonard said. This Minister reiterated that song, music and dance were universal across the globe and could be used to promote tourism in the country. He added that the islands in his district were all diverse in language and culture and this platform was an opportunity for the participants to showcase and express their identity. “I believe through this festival we will unite our people, to express themselves and celebrate our culture and identity through music, song and dance,” Minister Leonard said. The National Cultural Commission through Executive Director Mr. Steven Kilanda, has come onboard with K10, 000 to support this important festival that is expected to promote tourism in the Province. “I thank Mr. Kilanda and NCC for this funding and I will also call on the Milne Bay Governor for further support for this event.” The Chairman of the Festival, Dennies Keio, was on hand to the launching of the event and to receive the cheque from the NCC. The event is expected to attract an estimated 60 performing groups within Louisiade LLG, including a string band from the Bwanabwana LLG, as well as two bands and a dance group from Port Moresby set to participate and entertain the locals showcasing a diverse approach to the festival.  

Budibudi Island in the Samarai Murua District of Milne Bay Province was one of the worst affected areas after a cyclone ravaged through the coral seas and displaced people, contaminated water sources and food gardens and destroyed homes. This has prompted the Minister for Samarai Murua to make an appeal to the business on Misima Island for immediate relief in food and water among other necessities. He made this call when visiting owners of local and foreign business houses recently. “Businesses could help in providing rations of food and water supplies and send their invoices to the District Office for payments to be done. In this way the government through the district will give back to the business houses and maintain a steady cash flow and economy in the district.” So far, three business houses on Misima Island have come forward with immediate relief supplies in food and water rations among other necessities. Red Cross Medical supplies have also been shipped to the Island and fuel assistance has been provided for by the Milne Bay Disaster & Emergency Team in Alotau. “It is only proper for the government to give money back to the businesses operating in the district as they create employment for the people.” This past week saw a team made up of the District and Electoral Officers and Police Personnel from Bwagaoia Station on Misima Island travel out to Budibudi Island to deliver relief assistance. “I thank all the business houses for their prompt response to this call and for preserving in a challenging maritime district like Samarai Murua to set up and operate your respective business.”

The Port Moresby Racquets Club (POMRC) will be holding their Tennis Easter Club Tournament this long weekend, beginning today, the 8th to the 9th of April. Tennis Tournament Director & Head Coach for the Port Moresby Racquets Club Mr. Eddie Mera says this tournament will be an Open Mixed Doubles Tournament. “It is just something the POMRC decided to do for the members, as most of them are not going away for the Easter Holidays.” Come next week, the POMRC will see the Goodman Fielders International sponsored Skel Rice Tournament for the juniors take place from Friday the 14th to Sunday the 16th 2023. “Next week’s tournament is also a lead up to our kids travelling to Vanuatu at the end of the month.” “The tournament will be a mixed singles tournament. We have Under8s, 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s. It is all singles, so boys and girls can play in the tournament.” The Tennis Head Coach says if the kids do well in next week’s tournament, they will be selected to represent the country in an upcoming international competition. “At the end of the month, probably on the 28th or the 29th, we are bringing 13 or 14 kids to Port Vila in Vanuatu for the West Pacific Junior Championships. The West Pacific Junior Championships is a lead up to the Regional Championships in Fiji, where the kids will then have the opportunity to be part of the Pacific Oceania Team to tour Australia and New Zealand at the end of this year.

Police in Simbu Province are reporting a relatively quiet start to the Easter Weekend, this Good Friday. Simbu Provincial Police Commander Epenes Nili said to kick start their operations, he had a briefing with all his frontline commanders on Wednesday, where he issued both verbal and written directives to all Police Station Commanders in the Province to conduct their own Mini Easter Operations. “We currently have insufficient fuel supplies, but this hasn’t hindered the Police operations in the city and my officers have continued their duties, especially along the highways leading into the Simbu Province.” PPC Nili also revealed that they had two incidents that occurred in the Provincial Capital but quick intervention by the Police, prevented both situations from escalating. “The first incident was regarding the appointment of the Provincial Administrator. There was group of disgruntled people that attempted to disrupt the peace by attacking relatives of the Governor. It was fortunate that police officers were already conducting the Easter Operations and they were able to bring this situation under control.” “I also personally intervened to tell the people that there is no reason to argue and fight and that we must all respect the wisdom in the NEC’s appointment of the new provincial administrator, as he is here to serve the people.” The second incident that the Provincial Police Boss reported regarded that of the petition of the Chuave Open seat. “We received intel that certain individuals were smuggling weapons into the province, to threaten witnesses. I want to assure witnesses in this court case that they will be protected, and Police will not tolerate any threatening of witnesses and court officials as well.” PPC Nili says his Police officers will continue to mount roadblocks on the highway and conduct foot patrols, to ensure that no illegal substances or offensive weapons are brought into the province and added that generally, the people or Simbu are peace-loving people and have they cooperate well with Police in maintaining law & order. He is also grateful to the Simbu Governor for prioritizing law and order and assisting police with additional vehicles to carry out their duties. “I want the people of Simbu Province to have a peaceful and blessed Easter. And if they require police escort to go to neighbouring province for their Easter church activities, we will be there to provide it.”

The Wafi-Golpu Framework Memorandum of Understanding in Port Moresby was signed by the Governor General Sir Bob Dadaii in Port Moresby on Thursday, following the approval by the National Executive Council. The signing of the framework is an important milestone as it now sets the guard rails for all the stakeholders to negotiate the mining development contract, and other agreements for Wafi Golpu project and will drive future agreements. “The Framework MOU contains the key terms and principles of the project on matters such as equity, fiscal structure which includes a raft of fiscal terms, licensing, non-fiscal terms including national content.” That’s according to Prime Minister James Marape. “We have demonstrated that we can negotiate better deals for our stakeholders without migrating to a new legislative regime.” The Prime Minister and his cabinet have noted the key terms agreed and embodied in the MoU for the Wafi-Golpu Project and the overall increase of US$1.1 billion in proposed State Benefits achieved by the State Negotiation Team from the previous negotiation rounds. “We have secured over 55% of the benefit split for the project and I want to appreciate our landowners, Newcrest and Harmony for giving respect to the country’s desire to get back more from our resources for our people." “The Wafi Golpu project is the largest undeveloped gold and copper deposit in the world, and will provide enormous economic benefits to the investors, the national and provincial government, the landowners, and the country as a whole.” The Prime Minister also recognized the critical role that the Morobe Provincial Government played in securing alignment with the national government to ensure that the project reach this point in the process. “Governor Luther Wenge and the Morobe Provincial Government have been solid in guiding the province and the landowners in seeking consensus for the state negotiating team to move quickly in securing this important deal for his province but for the country as well.” “NEC also approved the accelerated timeline for the SNT under the continued chairmanship of Mr. Dairi Vele and his team will continue to negotiate the formal agreements with the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture participants,” said Prime Minister Marape. Wafi Mining Limited and Newcrest PNG 2 Limited are equally registered holders of Exploration Licenses 440 and 1106 and the equal participants in the unincorporated Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV).

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has provided a report of the situation on the ground in the province via his Facebook Page. The Governor reported that 8 people have lost their lives in the first few hours of this earthquake due to their houses collapsing on them while they were asleep in their homes when the earthquake struck in the early hours of the morning on Monday 3rd April. 17 people were medevacked to hospital and are recovering. Governor Bird said more than 800 houses have been destroyed, although it is expected that this estimate may be higher, with most of the destruction in Angoram around the Black Wara Area, in Gawi & Ambunti. The Governor further mentioned that the initial danger has passed and they are hoping there are no more quakes in the immediate future. “Our priority is to help our people rebuild their lives." "So the most pressing needs are for temporary shelter, tools for rebuilding, cooking utensils, water containers, clothing, bedding, personal hygiene items for women and girls, fishing nets and other livelihood items.” Governor Bird added that he is grateful for to Frieda Mining and Samaritan Aviation for helping to move people around the affected areas and for evacuating those needing medical attention. In addition the Samaritan plane and a helicopter was supplied by Frieda Mine, as well as a number of dinghies and trucks were provided for to conduct the assessment. “This weekend we will finalize offers of help from the Australian, US and French governments along with the Red Cross who are keen to assist." "Frieda Mine has also offered significant support." "The PNGDF will also be assisting with logistics beginning next week.” “Given the size of our province and the remote locations of our villages we may not have covered every area fully in this assessment." "Hence we are still gathering information from ward councilors as they come in.” The Provincial Government has allocated an initial K500, 000 to be used in direct assistance to those affected. The Provincial Administrator will decide how best to use those funds. “We are grateful to our public servants, police, medical workers, ward members and LLG presidents for their response on the first day and for continuing to collect information.” “This is a difficult Easter for many of our people but we thank God that despite the significant destruction of homes, loss of life was less than we feared." "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who bore the brunt of the earthquake effects.” Governor Bird in his post, also said he had asked those affected to remain where they are and thanked the communities for sharing food and shelter in this difficult time. “Thank you everyone for a peaceful week and we hope the same for Easter and the coming weeks as we begin the relief eff

A video titled ‘Threads that Bind Us; The Story of the Bilum’, featuring PNG Bilum Fiber Artist and Bilumwear creator/weaver/designer Florence J Kamel has received international acclaim by being named an honoree in the 27th Annual Webby Awards. The Webby Awards, conducted by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, is the leading international award honoring excellence on the internet. The UNFPA initiated Threads That Bind Us is an honoree in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category. Speaking of this achievement was the UNFPA Country Representative Marielle Sander, who said this is an exciting achievement and a platform to showcase the exceptional artistry of the Bilum weavers. “UNFPA is very proud of our collaboration with the Goroka Bilum Festival." "Papua New Guinea has enthralling stories to tell and this recognition from the Webbys tells us that these stories resonate with global audiences.” She added that the UNFPA is looking forward to sharing more of these stories in 2023. Threads That Bind Us was produced by Papua New Guinea-based videography team Pigdin Productions and featured Florence Jaukae Kamel, sharing the story behind some of Goroka’s bilum patterns. The short documentary was the cornerstone of UNFPA’s Bilum Campaign, which explored issues of adolescence and sexual and reproductive health represented through the hidden meaning woven into the pattern of these everyday, iconic, string bags.

The Tourism Promotion Authority has allocated funding to rehabilitate the formerly named Raun Raun Theater in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. The Raun Raun Theater is now known as the National Performing Art Troupe (NPAT) and was originally in a traditional Highlands styled round house. This is the first time that the NPAT is being given a new facility since its establishment in 1975. The Director of the NPAT Mr. John Dua explained that the once popular Raun Raun Theater had gone through tough times in the last couple of years and at one staged, faced being demolished. It was under the leadership of the National Cultural Commission Executive Director Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, with support of the Tourism Promotion Authority with funding of K300 000, that the NPAT was saved and there are ongoing efforts being made to revive this once very active cultural institution. Mr. Dua said the new building would be very welcome as it was high time for a more modern and stable structure to be erected in the place of the traditionally built structure. ‘Since, I became the Director of NPAT, I have operated out of a container officer for the past two decades." "But our dream has finally become a reality and funding has been made available to construct a new double story office complex.” The newly constructed NPAT complex is nearing completion and will be opened in the near future.

The Minister for Bougainville Affairs Mannaseh Makiba, expressed regret and deep disappointment over the unwarranted and inappropriate comments over the status of the Buka Airport, made by the Member for Ijivitari, David Arore at the Buka Airport recently. It was even more disappointing as the Ijivitari MP was in Buka, by invitation of the Minister Makiba, as part of the delegation of the 11 National MPs who visited to observe the 4th ABG House of Representatives 1st meeting this year and also meet with the ABG leadership. “Our visit and meetings were well intended and the delegation left Buka on Thursday except Mr. Arore who stayed back on his own accord and while leaving Buka on Friday, caused the incident.” The mobile phone video record of the incident has been circulated widely on social media and captures David Arore berating the state of the Buka Airport. While supporting the Autonomous Region of Bougainville’s President’s statement over this incident, Minister Makiba mentioned that it is not helpful when leaders make such reckless and insensitive statements about Bougainville and its development concerns publicly without regard to the importance of the issues at hand. Minister Makiba said it is understood the Prime Minister and the National Government have given top priority to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Constitution through which the National Government and the ABG leaderships have a very good and cordial working relationship. “I asked Arore to apologize to the ABG and our people of Bougainville. I regret this unfortunate incident and sincerely apologize to the President Ishmael Toroama and Bougainville and the people of Buka and Bougainville for Arore’s inappropriate conduct.”