The Pacific International Hospital (PIH) has become very attentive in providing the latest preventive advice on Prostate Cancer. PIH has generated awareness to provide informative material on Prostate Cancer and other cancers in the National Capital District (NCD) and the Highlands actively in line with the Laila Foundation. On August of this year, PIH Cancer case registry was presented at the (PIH) Oncology clinic with the arrival of Dr. Suresh Raghunath and his extensive experience and an array of professional qualifications that strengthen the Oncology Clinic. Prostate Cancer is very common for men reaching early 40’s. This cancer is very progressive when not detected early. It has consumed an alarming number of patients and victims. Prostate Cancer manifestation risks from family genes history or from arising ages towards forty years old and above. Lynch syndrome, Ovarian cancer and breast cancer can link to Prostate cancer through a family with Germline mutation of BRCA1, MMR, ATM, BRCA2 and CHEK2 genes, however, is adaptable to consume relative biological genes to develop. “The cautionary symptoms to alert you are called “LUTS,” Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. This mainly focuses on the frequency of urination. You must be alert and notice the fluctuation or disorder during urination. Seek medical attention while the disease is at a curable stage.” Therefore, PIH is now equipped to medicate high risk prostate cancer patients at its early stages. Patients can now undergo surgery, a scope of hormonal therapies and systematic therapies to contribute to treat the disease at PIH. In addition, PIH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colonel Sandeep Shaligram, stated that PIH continues to provide the best health care for the people and Dr. Suresh is a testimony to that commitment. “Dr. Raghunath’s expertise and commitment are anticipated to significantly enhance the hospitals Oncology Services and contribute to its mission of excellent patient care.” A training program was made to guide medical practitioners to identify symptoms, and of other common cancer to notify for early detection of the disease. It is very crucial to engage in yearly checkups especially for middle aged men to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Enga Province’s wide variety of small and large cultural traditions will now be expressed and showcased in an upcoming Cultural Festival. Kopen Village outside Wabag town is now looking forward to hosting the 2nd Annual Kopen Take Pii Festival and Eco-tourism conservation exhibition. The Festival will commence on the 11th-13th of October. The exquisite festival will be joined by the Enga Governor himself, Sir Peter Ipatas along with the National Cultural Commission (NCC), PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and other relevant stakeholders. This festival will coincide with the official opening of Haus Man (Cultural Tradition House for Wabag Men) and Cultural Research Centre, where traditional artifacts, tourism objects and products will be displayed. Chairman of the Kopen Take Pii Festival, Mr. Luke Lale expressed his gratitude towards all stakeholders for their support and introduced the Festival Program along with its significant objectives. “I would like to thank the Enga Provincial Government, NCC, PNGTPA, Development Partners and stakeholders for promoting such cultural festivals.” “The activities for this year’s program will include the opening of the Cultural Research Centre, followed by traditional Singing, traditional Sports, courtship, an Eco-Tourism Conservation Exhibition, a Bilum Exhibition, rituals, crafts, sand painting and a string band performance.” “The festival focuses on three objectives; to promote cultural diversity, encourage independent reasoning for young people and to facilitate access for all cultures.” The festival was created to implement the National Cultural Commission’s cultural policy of 2022-2023 focusing on protecting, preserving and encouraging all indigenous cultural resources, which are almost forgotten due to western and global influences.

The Managing Director and Chairman of Puma Energy Papua New Guinea, Hulala Tokome has announced in a media statement that the company will commence fuel rationing in the country as of Thursday the 5th of October, 2023. The nation’s fuel giant regrettably has been left with no option but to commence fuel rationing to extend remaining fuel stock due to the lack of sufficient foreign exchange funds in US Dollars being made available to the company by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) in the month of September. Tokome announced that this has set restrictions on the company’s ability to purchase fuel products on the international markets to meet the fuel demand in Papua New Guinea. “Puma Energy must commence the rationing of fuel to extend the availability of remaining stocks for emergency services, hospitals and critical infrastructure, such as power generation.” “We have taken steps to inform our customers to limit the impact on their business and the community as much as possible.” Meanwhile Puma energy further sincerely apologized to its valued customers as the company was urgently attempting to work with all its stakeholders with intent to return fuel supply activities back to normal as soon as the issues were resolved. “We apologize for the inconvenience and sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited signed sponsorship agreements today with the Cheshire Disability Service and City Mission PNG, to providing assistance to continue their work within the community. Colgate Palmolive General Manager, Mr. John Woods stated that standing firm on their brand of belief that every child and their families deserve a future they can smile about. “Colgate will continue to be a strong supporter of initiatives that raise awareness of oral health and other health-related issues in the country, which include advocacy against gender-based violence and promotion of inclusivity among communities.” Woods announced that the Cheshire disability Service, a non-government organization that works with and empowers Persons with Disabilities (PWD) for an inclusive and productive society, will be receiving their support for the service and will focus on the facility that is based at Hohola, Port Moresby. The Home currently houses 15 residents who each have different disabilities and extends to the education program that aims to provide quality education for children with and without disabilities. “Further support will include Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) Kits and programs for the Cheshire Home Residents and the Inclusive Early Childhood Care and Education Program.” Colgate Palmolive, according to Woods, will also be supporting City Mission PNG’s Haus Ruth in Port Moresby and Haus Claire in Lae, whose work focuses on providing services not limited to shelter, media coverage, legal fees, counseling and social services, but also to those affected by Gender-Based Violence. Woods stated that Colgate’s support will be a combined total of K455, 000 over the next three years with K130, 000 to assist the Cheshire Disability Services and K325, 000 to assist City Mission PNG to support their two facilities. “This will also include monthly supplies of much needed oral, personal and home-care products to enable the smooth operation of these facilities.” Meanwhile, according to Woods, the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures is Colgate’s global school health education program, which has positively impacted over 2.5million PNG Children since its inception in 2010. “Looking towards the future, our aim is to maintain a long-term relationship with the Cheshire Disability Service and City Mission PNG to ensure a brighter future for all.”

Prisons in the country are facing limited resources to house inmates and with more people being found guilty if crimes and sent to the prison facilities, this limited resource is now a major concern. These include items like beddings not enough to cater for inmates and prison cubical spaces to accommodate the high number of inmates. This situation has forced Papua New Guinea (PNG) Correctional Services (CS) to move prisoners for their better care and security. The Buimo Prison in Lae Morobe Province, which accommodates almost 1, 000 prisoners is one such facility facing this issue, and is in a critical stage of being exhausted of its resources. The Port Moresby CS facility at Bomana is another, which is currently overflowing with 700 to 800 prisoners and still taking in new inmates to serve their time. CS Commissioner Stephen Pokanis stressed that it is important to maintain services and reduce the number of inmates through most appropriate lawful acts. “There are a lot of national and provincial development projects that tend to exhaust the nation’s budget. This I understand and intend to use whatever resource I have sufficiently,” said Mr. Pokanis. “Buimo Prison now is transporting prisoners to the highlands prisons because it is unable to accommodate more.” He also added that the number of convicted criminals and inmates on remand are equally high in the prison facilities; therefore, he said the courts must process the cases of the ones on remand quicker so that the ones found not to be guilty of any crime, can leave and make up space.

The police investigation into apprehending the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) students responsible for the burning of the school’s property during a recent protest, has led to over 50 students arrested and charged. The students were charged for multiple offences including arson, issuing threats, assault, and intentional property damage. More arrests are expected to be made with investigations continuing. Police Commissioner David Manning was furious with the violent behavior portrayed by the university students themselves during the protest. “The country is fed-up of wild and ignorant behavior of youths especially students who think the law will not hold them responsible because they are students,” said the Police Commissioner. “We expected a more sensible and productive rally from an educated group. They know more than others, especially the appropriate and lawful channel to settle any grievances.” The UNRE Student Representing Council (SRC) who were leading the senseless and violent behavior will also face additional charges. “We are throwing the book at the soon to be former students who were involved in burning and destroying properties. The students should feel ashamed, and their families, districts and provinces would feel disappointment and embarrassment about what they have caused. “ Commissioner Manning promptly addressed the East New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Janarius Vosivai to proceed to arrest and charge students who continue to break laws. “I warn any accomplice who seeks to complicate police investigations, will be charged with obstruction. Students who were involved should turn themselves and face consequences for their actions.” “Students, see this and use as an example if you break the Law, so be warned that you will be charged if you are caught breaking the law and arrested,” said Commissioner Manning.

The Minister for Sports and Higher Education, Don Polye today announced the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Men’s National team that will take part in the second Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup that is scheduled for October in New Caledonia. The PNG Kapuls side will be defending their title this year in Noumea, New Caledonia after winning the inaugural MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Vanuatu last year. Head Coach Harrison Kamake, who took the PNG Team last year to Vanuatu is looking forward to bringing this year’s team to New Caledonia. The Kapuls team is set to fly out on the 5th of October for the tournament, which will kick off on the 8th to the15th in Noumea. The PNG Kapuls Squad Players Names and Position Divisions are as follows: Goal Keepers 1. Dave Tomare 2. Charles Lepani Midfield 3. Emmanuel Simon 4. Yagi Yasasa 5. Joseph Joe 6. Pala Paul 7. Orbert Simon Forwards 8. Ati Kepo 9. Kolu Kepo 10. Rex Naime 11. Raymond Guneamba 12. Nigel Dabinyaba 13. Santo Manu 14. Tommy Semmy Officials 1. Head of Delegation-John Susuve 2. Head Coach- Harrison Kemake 3. Assistant Coach- David Muta 4. Team Manager- Gari Moka 5. Goalkeeper Coach- Godfrey Baniau 6. Physio- Jimmy Kepas 7. Technical Advisor- David Aua Minister Polye stated that this team is also training in preparation for the upcoming Pacific Games in Honiara in the Solomon Islands this November. He also said that this team must be held together for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as this is a good team that is made up of experienced and upcoming young players. “PNG Football has had its share of issues in recent times, and I hope this team will go and erase some bad images of PNG Football. Because this is a regional government initiative, the PNG Sports Foundation is in charge while the player’s names were recommended from the Papua New Guinea Football Association.” “On behalf of Prime Minister James Marape, and the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, we wish the PNG Kapuls all the very best to defend the title as the MSG Football Kings.” Meanwhile, Minister Polye said the MSG Sports Committee is also discussing the Women’s division of this as well as the inclusion of other sports into the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup in the coming years

The University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) investigation to apprehend students responsible for burning vehicles have been confirmed. Over 50 students have been arrested and charged with more arrests are yet to come. Over 50 student individuals with multiple charges such as, arson, making threats, assault, and intentional property damage. Police Commissioner David Manning stressed the disrespect and violent behaviour practiced by none other than, “UNIVERSITY STUDENTS”. “The Country is fed-up of wild and ignorant behaviour of youths especially students who think the law will not hold them responsible because they students.” “We expected a more sensible and productive rally from an educated group.” “They are academically know more than others, especially the appropriate and lawful channel to settle any grievances.” “What was in the head of these students who were given a higher opportunity for education but behave unethically as a University Student Body during the rally,” said Commissioner Manning. He said this included the UNRE Student Representing Council (SRC) who were leading the senseless and violent behaviour and will also face additional charges. “We are throwing the book at the soon to be former students who were involved in burning and destroying property.” “The students should feel ashamed, and their families, District and Province would feel disappointment and embarrassment by what they have caused." Commissioner Manning promptly addressed the East New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Janarius Vosivai to proceed to arrest and charge students for arrest who continue to break laws. “I warn any accomplice who seeks to complicate police investigations for arrest will be charged with obstruction.” “Students who were involved should turn themselves in and face consequences for their actions.” “Students see this and use as an example; if you break the law, so be warned that you will be charged if you are caught breaking the law and arrested.” “University campuses are respected and the nations pride and opportunity, owned by the people of our nation, how dare these students treat our country with such contempt.”

The Gugu Hire Cars Rabaul Softball Tournament is currently underway at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Rabaul, East New Britain (ENB) province after opening on the Thursday 28th September. The tournament is timely as it supports the Rabaul Softball Association’s efforts to revive the code. The 21 teams are participation in both the men’s and women’s division, coming in from Rabaul, Kokopo and Gazelle districts. The tournament will end on Sunday. The tournament garnered support from major sponsor Gugu Hire Cars who gained the naming right, and other sponsors EQF Band and Coastal Shipping. ENB Governor, Michael Marum has also supported the tournament. The first day of the tournament also attracted some former and big-name softball stars in East New Britain who also came to witness the games. Rabaul Softball Association President Bernadette Payoe said she was thrilled with the attendance on the first day, saying that it has been a long struggle of trying to get the teams together to get the tournament off the ground. She acknowledged the kind gesture of the sponsors in supporting the tournament as part of their community obligations. The Rabaul Softball Association hopes that the conclusion of the tournament will see the start of the season proper at the Queen Elizabeth Park, which is the home of softball in ENB.

The Inaugural Momase Regional Youth Games (MRYG) is entering into its finals today after teams took part in four days of hectic competition, but some codes are yet to reach the finals due to issues with venues and weather disrupting their matches. The Touch Rugby competition is the only code that has completed its regular rounds and will host the final rounds today while Basketball, Volleyball and Soccer are yet finish their regular rounds and reach their finals. Basketball code is expected to complete all their regular rounds today before the closing ceremony on Saturday, 30th September. Competition Director Charles Morola said that despite having only one available basketball court, the minimum number of entries from district teams have made their matches bearable throughout the tournament. In Volleyball, a number of games were suspended due to rain that disrupted their games mid-competition. The weather further affected the competition progress when the down pour continued throughout the day. RYG Tournament Director Andre Ikufu assured players that they will have to use the available playing courts to complete their regular rounds and head into final round of games. The soccer code has already secured another venue at the Madang Teachers College which will add to the two other soccer pitches already available at Laiwaden for their competition games. With a total of 40 teams and over 90 games, organizers say that soccer will need more than the three fields that are currently at their disposal to complete their matches on time. Meanwhile, despite the rain, the Inclusive Sport code were able to get their matches underway as soon as the weather let up. There were a good number of prospective talent that were also on display during the one day tournament which had competitors come all the way from Karkar, Sumkar and Bogia.

Minister for Labour and Employment and Member for Rai Coast District, Kessy Sawang made a stop-over to the Ileg Court House at the Ileg Government station during her visit to the people of Rai Coast where she made some observations and comments. Minister Sawang emphasized the importance of being accessible and understanding to the needs of the people whom she represents when she made an electoral visit during the independence week to the people of Rai Coast Madang. On this visit, Minister Sawang learnt that the Ileg village court did not have a proper building as an office and courthouse and was currently operating under mango trees and this has raised security concerns for the safety of the court officials when hearing cases in an open space. Village court officials also took this opportunity express to Minister Sawang their concerns about not having received their payments regularly and on time. Minister Sawang assured the Ileg village court officials that she would take their concerns seriously and follow up on them. She also emphasized that the role the Village court plays in delivering justice at the community level was very critical and that it will be an area of focus for her. Despite the village court officials apologizing for not receiving the Member in an official manner and reminding Minister Sawang of her status as minister, she responded by stating that she considered herself employed by the people and believed that leaders should be relatable to the community they serve. Meanwhile, this visit to the Ileg Village Court Officials, highlighted Minister Kessy Sawang’s visit to her people where their concerns about infrastructure, security and payments were discussed and their Minister expressing her commitment to addressing these issues.

The CPL Group Foundation continues to break barriers surrounding the importance of feminine hygiene and health and in commemoration of Papua New Guinea’s 48th Year of Independence, they ventured into Wewak in the East Sepik Province to highlight the significance of the menstrual hygiene for women and girls. In Partnership with Queenpads PNG Limited, CPL Foundation has served a vital role in sponsoring this awareness campaign that aimed at educating women, young girls, and the boarder community, which included men as well. The campaign also aimed at stressing the importance of open dialogue and proper practices in menstrual health hygiene. The team embarked on a comprehensive outreach program and managed to cover the prominent secondary schools in Wewak urban and have seen results that are truly remarkable. The program’s target demographic included students, working individuals, and adult community members. Critical topics such as hygiene, health, and the efficient utilization of both reusable and disposable pads were discussed in these enlightening sessions and to date, the outreach initiative has positively impacted over 1, 500 participants, spanning across both genders. Meanwhile, these reusable pads can last up to 5years and are sold at select City Pharmacy outlets nationwide This initiative demonstrates the CPL foundation’s enduring commitment to the betterment of women and girls’ lives across Papua New Guinea.