New Caledonia looks set to claim another Pacific Games overall title as they consolidated their lead at the top of the medal tally. The French territory has won 13 out of the last 16 editions of the Games, with Papua New Guinea winning twice (1991, 2015) and Fiji once (1963 - inaugural). They lead in Honiara with 62 gold medals and a total haul of 142 - currently standing at 33 gold medals clear of second placed Australia, who have 29, and 35 gold medals clear off Samoa in third place. Another French territory Tahiti is on fourth place with 25 gold medals while Fiji has 12 gold to show for what they have achieved so far. Niue and Tokelau are the only countries yet to win any medals at the Games. Tonga leads netball campaign with two wins The Tongan Tala netball team lead the netball competition at the 2023 Pacific Games with two wins from two games as the sport rolled off matches in Honiara on Monday. The world number eight thrashed Niue 90-17 in the morning before holding off a Papua New Guinea comeback in their second game on Monday afternoon to win 62-54. Goal-shooter Unique Palavi led the Friendly Islanders scoring, dominating in the circles in both matches. Tonga Netball chief executive officer Salote Sisifa said the wins was what they needed to kick start their campaign for gold at the Games. "Grateful to the team for the wins. They played their hearts out there and to close the day with two wins is more than we can ask for," she said. [caption id="attachment_47660" align="aligncenter" width="1081"] The Fiji Pearls thrashed hosts Solomon Islands 90 – 25 in their opening Pacific Games match at Friendship Hall in Honiara. 27 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins[/caption] Tonga finished with a silver at the 2019 Pacific Games behind Cook Islands. The Cook Islanders started their title defense with a strong performance, thrashing Vanuatu 84 -13 in their opener. In Pool B the Fiji Pearls annihilated a spirited host side 90-25. Local fans did not worry about the scoresheet as they cheered each and every point the team managed to net. Samoa also started well with a big win over Norfolk Islands 73-14. All matches in Honiara contribute to the World Netball rankings for participating teams. Competition continues on Tuesday. [caption id="attachment_47661" align="aligncenter" width="1078"] Tongan Tala after the game against Niue on Monday, 27 November 2023. Photo: Tonga Netball[/caption] Siapo wins men's 100m ambulant New Caledonia's Felician Siapo has won the gold medal in the men's 100-metres ambulant at the Pacific Games. He won bronze in the event four years earlier. In the ambulant category, athletes' results are measured against their classification to determine their final placing percentage, with a higher percentage closer to 100 indicating a better ranking. Siapo clocked a time of 11.93 seconds and secured a placing percentage of 92.20 percent based on his F44 classification. PNG's Steven Abraham got the silver - the same result he got four years ago - and New Caledonia's Tom Lulait was third. [caption id="attachment_47662" align="aligncenter" width="1079"] The first heat of the men's 100m sprint at the 17th Pacific Games in Solomon Islands. 27 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins[/caption] Aussie leads heptathlon for women Australia's Mia Scerri is leading the women's heptathlon competition after Monday's opening events. Scerri won the 100m hurdles, high jump and shot-put events and placed second in the 200m sprint and is on 3,430 points. In second place is Papua New Guinea's Edna Boafob who beat Scerri in the 200m sprint, placed second in high jump and shotput and placed third in the 100m hurdles. She is on 2,899 points. Right on her tail is French Polynesia's Timeri Lamorelle, who totalled 2,538 points. She came second in the 100m hurdles, placed third in both shot put and high jump but dropped to 5th in the 200m sprint. The women's heptathlon continues this afternoon (Tuesday) at the National Stadium in Honiara with long jump up first at 3pm local time, followed by Javelin at 4.15pm and the 800m race at 6.30pm. Karo leads men's in decathlon Papua New Guinea's Iga Karo leads the men's decathlon event with 3,760 points after Monday's first round of events. At the halfway point Karo has come first in all events except for shotput where he finished third. New Zealand's Ian Thorpe tallied 3,299 points in second place after finishing second in four events and fourth in one. In at third place is French Polynesia's Timona Poareu whose had a mix bag of results with his best event being shot put in which he got first place. He has a total of 3,187 points so far. Decathlon covers all 10 track and field events over two days - the order of the first five events contested on day one is 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400 metres. Today's events are 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and the 1500m Karan wins 10,000 gold Fiji's Pacific Mini Games gold medalist, Yeshnil Karan, claimed the old in the men's 10,000m event. He clocked an impressive time of 32 minutes 32.30 seconds. Karan pulled away from the pack right from the opening rounds and kept his momentum going until the final dash home. But he was not able to break the Games record of 30:30:96s set by former New Caledonian runner Alain Lazare at the 1989 South Pacific Mini Games in Nukualofa, Tonga. Guam's Hugh Kent won silver in a time of 33:48:60s. Kent overtook the pack as he tried to stick close to Karan. He told the Pacific Games News Service that he was excited to win silver. "I'm very excited right now even though I can't feel anything, I'm very numb after the race. I did not expect to have received the results and win silver tonight," he said. "Overall, I wasn't thinking of my pace and what placement I was at. My idea was just to stick with the others, and once I saw they settled down, and I felt comfortable only then would I go. I was waiting for Karan to come over and overlap me, and from there I had someone to stick with in pace and it was very motivating." The 17-year-old also said winning silver in his first ever Pacific Games debut is a confidence-boosting start to his remaining events at Sol2023. "This is my first Pacific Games, and I don't usually run on a track for 10k. However, this win has really boosted my confidence and motivated me to win more medals in my upcoming races. I'm participating in the 5000 meters, which is usually what I'm comfortable in, and the half marathon." The bronze went to Papua New Guinea's Dilu Goiye Bob, with a time of 33:57.08s. [caption id="attachment_47663" align="aligncenter" width="1083"] Karan, middle, at the podium with his gold flanked by his closest rivals. 27 November 2023 Photo: Team Fiji[/caption] Tan takes out women's 5,000m Tania Tan of the Northern Mariana Islands has taken gold in the women's 5000m at the Pacific Games. She ran a time of 18 minutes and 8.69 seconds in the final. This was about 30 seconds ahead of second-placed Scholastica Herman of Papua New Guinea. New Caledonia's Deborah Kaboer was third. Melanesians dominate boxing Papua New Guinea and hosts Solomon Islands dominated day one of boxing. Pacific Games Media reported that PNG claimed five wins out of the 23 held at the Friendship Hall. The Solomon Islands team who won four, Samoa three, while New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Tonga won two each. Tahiti, Nauru and Niue claimed a win each in the ring on Monday. In the women's competition two-time Australian boxing champion, Tyla McDonald proved too strong for her Solomon Islands opponent, Tracy Koputu in the Women's 60kg Lightweight opener. PNG's dominance then followed with Allen Oaike (Featherweight 57kg), Jamie Chang (Bantamweight 54kg), Bid Inoino (Bantamweight 54kg) and Kantie Oaike (Light Flyweight 46-48kg) all winning their respective quarterfinal bouts to proceed to the semi-finals. Kendu Steven all but wrapped up PNG's opening day ring dominance by defeating hometown favourite John Isaiah Hairekoi in a tightly contested Middleweight bout to close proceedings on Monday. Hosts, Solomon Islands also succeeded on the night with four of their boxers earning victories - two of which saw them face off against their fellow countrymen to proceed to the next phase of the competition. Phineus Pitakoe defeated countrymen Mason Norman to proceed to the semi-finals of the Light Flyweight semis, Joshua Fafale O'oku saw off Petsy Seka in the round of 16 Welterweight bout, Osward Talaka defeated PNG's Wani Palme in their Middleweight round of 16 bout, and crowd favourite Maximillian Makana defeated PNG's Floyed Kunnopi to wrap up victories for the hosts. [caption id="attachment_47664" align="aligncenter" width="1076"] Boxing round of 16 - Nauru’s Gaissa Jones (blue) slips a jab from Samoa’s Jason Wulf. Gaissa won the 67Kg bout 3-0 by split decision. Friendship Hall, Honiara, 27 November 2023. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins[/caption] Shot put toppers Samoa, Tonga and New Caledonia were the top three at the women's 4kg shot put at the Pacific Games. Samoa's Nu'u Tuilefano took the gold with a best throw of 17.34 metres. Ataama Tu'uatafaiva of Tonga threw 16.37m for silver. Bronze went to Lesly Filituulaga from New Caledonia, with a best throw of 14.50m. Competition continues Games competition continues until Saturday, with the closing ceremonies scheduled for Sunday in Honiara. Football continues the all-important semi-finals in the men's competition. New Caledonia will take on Vanuatu followed by Fiji and the Solomon Islands. In the women's, Tahiti face Vanuatu followed by Solomon Islands against Tonga in the playoff matches. Touch rugby, tennis, sailing, boxing, powerlifting and taekwondo will also see competition continuing on Tuesday. Source:rnz.com

A week-long Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) training program was carried out recently in the East New Britain (ENB) Province by the National Fisheries College. A total of 26 seafarers successfully completed the SOLAS training program that was delivered in partnership with the ENB Provincial Administration, through the Provincial Fisheries Division under the ENB Provincial Government and National Fisheries Authority MOA for Fisheries Development and Management in the Province. The SOLAS training program covered essential skills and knowledge to ensure the safety and well-being of crew members and passengers aboard ships, encompassing a wide range of critical topics, including personal safety techniques, fire prevention and firefighting and survival at sea, first aid, and maritime security. The 26 cohorts of the SOLAS training Program were made up of individuals, representing diverse backgrounds and aspirations within the maritime industry. Some were career seafarers while others were aspiring seafarers, seeking to embark on maritime careers, but all of these individuals shared a common commitment to maritime safety. Fisheries Chairman in the ENB Provincial Assembly, Karl Baru said the successful completion of the SOLAS training demonstrated the competence and dedication of the trainees and highlights the commitment of relevant stakeholders to deliver comprehensive and high quality education and training programs. Upon completing the week long training program, each trainee was presented with a certificate in recognition of their achievement and commitment to maintaining maritime safety standards. Mr. Baru said under the leadership of Governor Michael Marum, the responsible government and the provincial administration, through the fisheries sector, will continue to co-fund with NFC/NFA and deliver fisheries training programs in the province. These capacity building programs will focus on small fishing operations, post-harvest operations, commercial fishing operations, fisheries business and fish farming. The aim is to equip farmers, fishers and fisheries officers with the necessary skills and competencies. The ENB Provincial Government and administration extended their gratitude to Mr. Ovia Tarube and the National Fisheries College for delivering the SOLAS training in the Province.

Despite criticism from the public about associations hosting fundraising nights to raise funds for their own benefits, the student associations in the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) are committed to their end of year projects and are keen on giving a helping hand in their respective provinces. The UPNG Manus Students Association’s Vice President Isaiah Ioate stated in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG that project ‘Karai Blo Chauka’ was part of an initiative to fundraise and purchase medical supplies and mobility aids for the people in the Manus Hospital in the month of November. “Karai blo Chauka’ was an initiative of the 2023 Executives of the Manus Students Association. At UPNG trying to give back to their home province.” “It reflects how we (Manus children) want to give back to our people.” MSA Executives had been in liaison with the Manus Provincial Health Authorities (PHA) and found out that the hospital had seven wards and only one run-down wheel chair that all the patients used. As such, they started to fundraise to purchase items for medical equipment and mobility aids. “We came up with the project as this year’s annual project. The Basic gist was to give medical and mobility equipment to the Manus PHA.” UPNG MSA 2023 executives, according to Ioate, had received donated medical equipment and mobility aids from the City Pharmacy retail outlet in Lorengau from Ms. Cynthia Kewei of CHAUKA in partnership with its exclusive retail partner Jacks of PNG, as well as a K5, 000 grant from Kina Bank through their community support program and from the families from Manus as well who wanted to support the cause. Ioate stated that the total cost that covered the donated items including cost of shipping, was K19, 000. The Association helped deliver much needed medical equipment and mobility aids to the Manus Provincial Health Authority and the Manus Provincial Hospital. A combined total of 4 baby weighing scales, 12 pulse oximeters, 2 nebulizers, 2 oxygen flowmeters, 6 arm slings, 15 blood pressure machines/monitors, 11 glucose machines/monitors, 9 adult weighing scales, 12 digital thermometers, 4 otoscopes, 2 fetal Doppler with gels, 8 wheelchairs, 10 boxes of gloves and 2 pairs of crutches were donated to the Manus Provincial Health Authority and the Manus Provincial Hospital. “We would like to thank Mr. Francis Possy, the CEO of the MPHA, Mr. Daniel Kelesiani and Mr. Cosmas Lowangelo for receiving us and making time for this donation drive.” “We had to do something to help our people because the government couldn’t be at two places at once.” Meanwhile, Ioate added that it was a challenge getting the Manus students at UPNG to cooperate with the executives for the fundraising drives throughout the year but they are relieved that they managed to succeed with their initiative. “This experience has helped us to realize that we are able to identify what our people need and help in any way that we can.”

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is pleased with the turnaround in the performance of State-Owned Enterprises (SEO) since his government took office in 2019, and then went to work on them to improve their operations. Marape expressed his appreciation following the State-Owned Enterprises Minister, William Duma’s presentation on a comprehensive 16-page progress report to Parliament recently, on the reform program to Papua New Guinea's SOEs along with their respective performance and outlook for the current year. The progress report signifies a turning point in the revitalization of SOEs, marking a pivotal moment in Papua New Guinea's economic landscape. Marape underscored the dire condition of SOEs prior to his government's tenure, describing them as being in the "intensive care unit" in 2018. He acknowledged the exhaustive efforts of Minister Duma and Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) over the past three years in resuscitating the ailing enterprises. "In 2018, all of them were in the intensive care unit. Air Niugini, Water PNG, PNG Power Ltd, and all the others had massive problems," said Marape. "They were on the verge of going to the morgue when we pulled them back and resuscitated them." He emphasised the need for patience and recognition of the ongoing reforms, stating, "If someone has been sick for so long, do you expect him to get up and walk right away? Have some space and respect for the reforms that are taking place. They will not happen overnight." Expressing gratitude to Minister Duma and his team, the PM commended their dedication to steering SOEs on the path to recovery. He asserted that since assuming office, his government's primary focus has been to stabilise, invest, and foster the growth of State-Owned Enterprises. "Just because it has not been done before does not mean that it cannot be done," Marape said. "All it requires is competency, consistency, investment, and hard work." Reflecting on the progress made over the past three years, he acknowledged that life is gradually returning to all State-Owned Enterprises. While recognising that full efficiency may not have been achieved, he emphasised the positive developments aligning with the vision to rejuvenate SOEs for the benefit of the nation. Prime Minister Marape credited a robust policy programme for attracting support from global entities such as the World Bank, Australia, Korea, Japan, China, and other development partners. He highlighted that the SOEs are now starting to present full reports, indicating a positive shift in their performance. "This may be far from excellent; however, it shows that something good is starting to happen in SOEs," the PM said. Prime Minister Marape called on the public to use Minister Duma’s statement as a reference point to hold him and his team at KCH accountable for the ongoing reforms.

The St. John National Council Chairlady, Dame Jean Kekedo has stated that tougher laws need to be put in place to protect ambulance first responders so they can go about doing their job in saving lives. “That is why I, and many others, are asking parliament to please support the St John Ambulance (SJA) Bill going to parliament this week.” Dame Jean and the St. John Community are thankful to the Prime Minister, the Opposition for pledging their support for the bill and also thanked Sir Dr. Puka Temu for bringing the Bill to Parliament. This is following the unacceptable attack on two St. John ambulance officers that were attacked when responding to an emergency call at the Bumbu Compound on the night of Saturday, 25th November. According to a statement from SJA, at around 7pm Ambulance Officers Douglas Vanua and Victor Ombo, stopped at the scene to find the patient when they were approached by a male with a hammer. The hammer-armed male proceeded to swing at the ambulance and shattered the ambulance glass with the hammer inflicting significant damage. Although the officers managed to flee the scene in the ambulance without physical injury, both officers were in shock and traumatized by the incident. The repair work to the damage done to the ambulance would cost thousands of Kina and whilst this will go on, there will be one less ambulance operating in Lae City. “Based on the information available, at this stage we believe that the attacker made a false call to the ambulance service to lure the ambulance to the scene where his intoxicated rampage took place.” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St John Ambulance, Mr. Matt Cannon said that a suspect has been identified and a formal complaint has been made to police. “Despite many people calling for us to stop servicing the communities in which we are attacked, we simply cannot do that. We know that communities protect our officers.” “Communities need our help. The actions of one individual in a community should not put at risk the lives of all others. We will not let these cowards create a divide in our service.” Cannon mentioned that this incident highlighted the unique dangers that the St John ambulance men and women face in our communities every day. “Every day, St John responds to hundreds of genuine calls for help in our major city centers and into many rural parts of the nation too.” He added that over 4, 000 false calls are made to ambulance service 111 every day, which causes a hindrance for genuine calls getting through to the emergency hotline. Meanwhile, Dame Kekedo stated that there were no laws protecting ambulance officers despite St John being the only service of its type in this nation that is responding directly into communities for emergencies at all hours of the day or night. “St John Ambulances go places even the police would consider dangerous and they do this so that others may live, but there are no laws protecting St John officers specifically.” “There is no law making it illegal to false call the ambulance service, no law making it a specific offence to hinder an ambulance officer from performing their duties and there is no specific law making it more serious to attack an ambulance officer.” Dame Kekedo further added that there were no laws that enabled the ambulance service to see the exact location of the 111 caller at the time the call is made, so to help officers identify fake calls and also quickly locate casualties in rural locations without street addresses. Dame Kekedo also sent her sincere appreciation to police who responded to assist the ambulance team and the Lae city authority and Morobe Provincial Health Authority, who are providing direct assistance to both, respond to this incident and work together to prevent further such isolated incidents from occurring again.

The Revenue Protection Project (RPP) Team at PNG Power Limited (PPL) in its efforts to generate more revenue for the company, has come up with strategical concepts that will see a crackdown on illegal electricity users, starting in Port Moresby city. According to PPL Management, there are now additional manpower to the existing six teams, meaning that more visits by PPL to clients at any time are expected. The team hopes to identify 1, 000 electricity users before the end of December. PNG Power in a recent statement said that thirty-six electrical-linesmen have undergone an intensive three-day training on professional conduct and meter readings, and will be out in force to implement the task. General Manager-Retail, Kingston Albert has applauded his team for their consistent thriving to identify offenders. “PNG Power has faith in you for your commitment and competency. That is why the company has invested on its employees.” PNG Power is supporting the retail unit with ten new vehicles, five of which were assigned to other groups in the same business unit. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RPP, Nehemaiah Naris, is thankful and has stated that the RPP has received their five vehicles. “The RPP has been without manpower for quite a period of time and with the recent internal recruitment of new staff to the project, the team is now equipped to full swing.” “The team will be dedicated to four corners of the National Capital District (NCD) under the new exercise called, Meter Boxing.” Meanwhile, Naris is confident of his team and knows that the team would generate income for the company. “These are our existing customers who have already connected into our systems, but we are not realizing the full revenue potential from our customers. That is why we will have to go back and check each one of our customers.” He challenged his hardworking team to show honesty, dedication and commitment and urged everyone to give support to the team leaders.

It’s on again, the Hohola off- Season (HOS) competition in Port Moresby city at the Ipi Park, where over 40 teams will be participating in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Round 1 of the competition kicked off over the weekend with 38 men’s and 10 women’s teams to play in the duration of the off- season competition. HOS Games Coordinator, Mr. Omega Nari stated that the goal for the officials committee is to involve as many youths as possible to make Hohola a haven for young athletes to find common grounds through rugby. “We want to create a society for youths through rugby to encourage a fit and healthy lifestyle and to prepare themselves with healthy habits in life,” said Mr. Nari. HOS will carry out 12 games, 6 under- 20 and A-grade matches every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and including Monday’s if necessary. Totaling to up 48 games every weekend. The teams participating are stretched out from Morata, Waigani, Ensisi, Tokarara, Hohola, 4mile, Gordons and 2mile. Meanwhile, the official opening today brought a tremendous number of youths from all parts of the city to witness and participate. Mr. Nari also appealed to organizations who would like to financial support the competition, to feel free to get on board because this a program to develop youths in rugby and in life.

Police in Lae in the Morobe province have arrested and charged a woman for the murder of another woman this week and investigation is now on to identify if there were other suspects involved in this murder case. The Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Mr. James Luan said that the law is there to protect everyone and anyone breaking it, will be dealt with accordingly by the law. “This is a democratic country, so you may do as you please. But we have laws that protect ourselves and others and once violated, can change situations very fast, so we must be mindful of this,” said Acting PPC Luan. Another incident reported in the Morobe province this week, was a fatal road accident that happened on the Markham Bridge involving a Toyota Land Cruiser crashing on the bridge. Two people were killed and the other passengers were left injured and traumatized. Acting PPC Luan stressed that the festive season is upon us and that the public should be vigilant during this season because there will be excitement in the air and incidents can happen. “This end of year hype excites crime to happen; therefore, I appeal to the good citizens to be vigilant and cautious of their movements and whereabouts during this time.” Furthermore, Mr. Luan stressed that normal police operations during the festive season will be carried out with road patrols and checkpoints set up to maintain law and order. The Acting PPC also urged the public to celebrate the festive season responsibly and stay out of trouble.

Corporate houses and affiliates of Bel Isi PNG, joined in to support the Walk to Eliminate Violence Against Woman, Gender-Based Violence and Abuse on Woman and Children, which was held this morning at the Konedobu Oval in Port Moresby. Among the distinguished guest panel was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Santos Foundation, Jodie Hatherly, Managing Director of Steamships, Rupert Bray, and Country Chair for Santos PNG, Leon Buskens and the National Capital District (NCD) Governor and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee, Powes Parkop, who were there to witness and led the walk. “This morning I just want to amplify that we need to put forward attention into addressing violence against women, all forms of violence and I want to call upon everyone to equally put attention to promoting gender equality.” “On behalf of the city and the permanent parliamentary committee on gender equality, women empowerment (GEWE) and sorcery accusation related violence (SARV), I want to commend Bel Isi and all its affiliate members, especially all the corporate staff who turned up this morning for your commitment to take action to end violence against women and equally to address the wider gender-based violence.” “Despite all of our efforts (to spread awareness), the rise of GBV and violence against women still remain high in our country, even so that some are going deep into the Sorcery Accusation Related violence.” The governor stated that everybody needs to do their part in this cause, commending the corporate affiliates of Bel Isi PNG and the Santos Foundation for leading the way. He added that on his part as the chairman of the committee, he would push to get the government to walk the talk on preventing gender-based violence in the work force. “You all are doing well in the corporate center, enforcing code of ethics so that the work places are free of violence against women.” He further added that there were symptoms of inequality and the lack of parity between men and women and the parliament through the Committee has made that statement very clear. “We have dropped the reference to GBV to shift our attention, energy and resources to promoting equality and women empowerment.” “Ultimately, everybody respect each other as men and women, boys and girls and we will reduce violence against women and gender-based violence.” Meanwhile, there was a total of twenty-five companies and organizations that were affiliated with Bel Isi PNG, Santos Foundation and Steamships that supported this walk. They include PNGAus Partnership, FemiliPNG, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), Bank South Pacific, G4S, NCDC, Air Niugini, Brian Bell Group, Westpac, Total Energies PNG, PNG LNG, UNDP, Buk bilo Pikinini, DT Global, The World Bank, Australian Awards, Easy Skill and PNGFM.

Lawlessness in the East New Britain Province (ENBP) is fast becoming a major burden on the health care system. This was the concern raised by a medical doctor in the Rabaul District, who suggested more cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities to curb escalating lawlessness and promote safety, to minimize this seemingly, unnecessary burden on the hospitals. Dr. Kauve Pomat, a pediatrician with the Rabaul Provincial Hospital, said this state of lawlessness, has caused an upsurge in trauma cases that are overwhelming hospitals, by depleting their limited resources and overworking hospital personnel. “The surgical unit is receiving trauma cases daily. The trauma is human inflicted and is something that can be stopped if there is a collaborative approach.” “This year, I have done 35 post mortem cases with another 7 still to be done and this is just November. That means there are almost four to five deaths weekly.” He said the numbers are alarming and the communities and government need to acknowledge that this is a concern that needs immediate attention. The doctor stressed that effective crime prevention strategies are needed to improve security measures and foster a sense of community safety. These strategies will also ensure that the provincial health system is not burdened unnecessarily and will allow health workers to provide timely and efficient care to those in need.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) 20 Days of Human Rights Activism was launched by the Department for Community Development in Partnership with Morobe Provincial Administration, development partners in UN Women, UNICEF and the National Office of Child and Family Services at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae, Morobe Province. This is an event that focusses on addressing all forms of violence against women, girls and children. The launching drew together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, development partners, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), church representatives, student and local stakeholders. Presentations and speeches including heartfelt poems by school children were the main features during the launching, which coincided with the recent celebrations of International Children’s Day. Morobe Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services Mr. Robin Bazzinuc expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the National Government and development partners in hosting the event in partnership with the Provincial Administration. He extended an official welcome to dignitaries, invited guests, and participants, culminating in the official launch of the 20 Days of Human Rights Activism. The UNICEF Country Director Dr. Claudes Kamenga was also in attendance at the launching. He represented the development partners and acknowledged the government’s commitment, pledging ongoing support for its initiatives. He emphasized the significance of children’s right enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda, echoing that no child be left behind. The Director of Family PNG, Danga Ilava, spoke on behalf of Civil Society Organizations, shedding light on the challenges and concerns faced by children in the region. The Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter, concluded the launching of the event by acknowledging the concerns and challenges raised and highlighted the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Children as the way forward. The closing of the event saw the signing of the Stakeholders' Recommitment to the Convention on the Rights of Children, solidifying the collective commitment between the government, development partners, and NGOs to uphold and safeguard the rights of children in PNG.

A couple will be celebrating their son’s birthday by feeding the homeless to kick off the month of December and Christmas, the season of giving. Glenda Sevua and her Husband Paul Babau will be celebrating son, Jamie’s 2nd birthday on Sunday, 3rd of December, giving out hot meals to the homeless people along the streets of 4mile, Boroko in Port Moresby. “We see a lot of people during our walks and sometimes we give them food,” she said. “We want to feed at least 50 to 100 people with the meal we will be cooking on Jeremy’s birthday.” Glenda and her little family live at the 4mile Yumi Yet real estate and often take afternoon and night walks around the area and see a lot of these people laying down in the streets because they don’t have anywhere else to go. The initiative is to give something to those who are unfortunate this festive season as well as donate to those who are in the hospital. “We have our families and we are living in comfortable places but what about them?” “We’re going to be celebrating with our families and friends and they will have no one and might not even have a something for his Christmas, that’s why we want to help.” Glenda spoke of how baby Jeremy is a baby that they had been praying for and were blessed with and were happy that they celebrated his first birthday. “We celebrated his first birthday last year and we decided that for this year, we would celebrate his birthday by giving to the unfortunate.” If you would like to help Jamie feed the unfortunate and would like to donate in cash or kind or you would like more information, do not hesitate to contact his parents, Glenda and Paul on 7070 3168 / 74633950.