Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is backing one of the longest-running cultural show in the Highlands Region, the Goroka Show. This year will see the Goroka Show’s 67th Edition, which will run from the 15th to the 17th of September in Eastern Highlands Province and it is expected to draw more than 10 000 people, including numerous tourists, as it coincides with the country’s Independence Day Celebrations. CCEP’s Commercial Director Tim Solly expressed that they were happy to be the platinum sponsors of the Goroka Show, as a non-alcoholic beverage partner. “Coca-Cola is delighted to be associated with the various cultures and traditions that make up Papua New Guinea; and in that respect; we are proud to be a part of this cultural occasion to promote the diverse cultures from the people of Eastern Highlands province and the surrounding provinces.” He also commended the Show’s committee for continuing to host a successful event year in and year out, that has become a drawcard for visitors, both local and international. “Such a great achievement for the show committee, the provincial government and the people of Eastern Highlands for their commitment by upholding their cultural heritage over the last 66 years.” Goroka Show Chairlady Keryn Hargreaves said such a platinum sponsorship from CCEP allows them to host a grand show, with more than 50 cultural groups expected to converge on and perform at the National Sports Institute. “We are excited about our partnership and anticipate huge crowds over the three-day show with the culture of Eastern Highlands taking centre stage during this time.” The Goroka Show came about in the 1950s with the initial purpose to prevent tribal wars and foster peace with culture, by sharing customs and traditional experiences with both international and domestic travelers. During the three-day event, the tribes will gather for music, dancing, and showing off extraordinary displays of tribal rituals; a display that Coca-Cola and its Bottler, CCEP have been inter-twined in as well as the very fabric of PNG’s culture since 1904. Coca-Cola was also naming rights sponsor to last month’s National Mask & Warwagira Festival held in Kokopo, East New Britain as well as being the Diamond sponsor to the recent Enga Cultural Show.

The National Capital District Rugby Union (NCDRU) has recently introduced a new strategy of collecting player data and using that data for future purposes that might benefit the union. The NCDRU caretaker board has introduced online registrations for their people in the community which include the players, technical officials, administrators and medical officers. The union database was developed to enable the organization to know its clubs and players, not only in statistics, but also on a personalized level. Caretaker President Ms. Cybele Wari stated that there were several reasons why they had come up with this new system for their association as it will also help the association to know whether they are growing the sport. “The best organizations thrive because of the data they have access to. Sport is no different.” “Having the database ensures that the decision-making and planning processes of the Board, are well-informed, accurate, and relevant.” She stated that this system will also help the association to know whether the players are playing in the respective age-grade divisions to ensure an equal and fair playing field for all their players as well as monitor player fluctuations. “It also will help the association to know whether we are growing the sport, or if our numbers are dropping and perhaps the basic reasons why.” Ms. Wari also stated that this new system is beneficial statistically as it allows the association to confidently and accurately state its figures for members/population and the demographic it serves, as that is what prospective partners need when they are considering sponsorships. As the union caters to grassroots communities, she stated that it was a challenge as not a lot of people owned phones; therefore, she has started setting up at the field to register the players manually on match days. Meanwhile, the association currently consists of six Elite Men’s teams, four Women’s teams and four U20 teams all participating in the 2023 fifteens seasons as teams go into round three in the coming weekend. “The Association is currently under a caretaker Board that will facilitate the short 15s rugby season for our community, and thereafter, we hand over the reins to the permanent Board at the end of the year.

An oil tanker belonging to the Kurumbukari Group (KBK Limited) overturned in the early hours of Friday morning around 1am – 2am along the highway not far out from Madang Town. The tanker is a part of the fleet of oil tankers that the Kurumbukari group had launched in November 30th 2016. The Kurumbukari group limited is an umbrella company of the Ramu NiCo Landowners Association in the Madang Province. Villagers who witnessed the accident said they saw the truck zigzagging down the road seconds before it ran off the road at Bahorr, along the 4mile market to the Gogol Bridge area on the Ramu/Madang Highway. The driver according to local sources was suspected to have been drunk while driving, was rescued by the local boys and is said to have sustained minor injuries to his teeth and right arm. The driver later fled the scene of the accident. Security Personnel from the Raibus Security Company were the first responders on site and called for back-up as they stood guard at the accident scene. The tanker was finally removed and towed back to their main office in Madang. Meanwhile, this is the second road accident in this area of the Madang/Ramu Highway this year. Four months ago a PMV bus had collided with a truck along the same highway which lead to the death of one male passenger and several other passengers sustaining severe injuries.

The Mauberema Conservation, Agriculture & Cultural Show has just received their Certificate of Registration from the National Cultural Commission (NCC). This is welcoming news for the host, Mauberema Conservation, as they gear up to host the 4th Annual Show that will run from the 27th through to the 29th of September in the Sinesine Yonggomugl District, Chimbu Province. Head of Mauberema Conservation and Show Organizing Committee, Mr. Moses Kirikumul Kerry said this year’s show will be bigger and better. “For the past three years, we have been hosting this show, out of our pockets. But now that we have got recognition from the NCC, we will be able to request funding to host the show.” He gave a rundown of the activities of the three-day festival that will run under the banner and theme of “Together We Protect, Preserve and Promote Now for Tomorrow.” “27th of September will be the first day of the Mauberema Conservation, Agricultural and Cultural Show where we will do an official launch of the show, which will coincide with a Conservation Show.” Mr. Kerry explained that this will be followed by an Agricultural Show on the second day, the 28th of September where they will showcase their livelihood projects. “The third day and final day, the 29th of September, will be the cultural show, with cultural performances from within the Chimbu Province and some visiting performers as well.” Mr. Kerry said they wanted to host a show that was unique and focused largely on conservation and related work that they carry out. “We will be setting up display stalls, using only bush materials from the surrounding environment, visiting farm sites, as well as traditional ‘mumu’ and a host of other conservation, agriculture & cultural activities.” For now, the organizing committee and the Mauberema community are hard at work, setting the ground work, preparing the various venues for the three-day show, as well as trying to secure corporate sponsorships and assistance from the Provincial Government.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for East Sepik Province (ESP), Superintendent Christopher Tamari is very furious about the constant use customary way to resolve crimes committed, because all crimes committed must be dealt with by the law of the land. Mr. Tamari is appealing to government official and the ones in power to put a law disregarding customary compensations in crimes, because it lacks the appropriate disciplinary penalties for a crime committed. “These customary ways of compensation indirectly encourage citizens to commit more crimes, knowing that customary compensation can relieve them from lawful penalties,” said Mr. Tamari. He said serious crimes immediately call for serious attention. Crimes should not be compensated for with money but be dealt with by the law. Meanwhile, Mr. Tamari this morning also confirmed that of the 24 youths that surrendered to police in the Yangoru Sausia district on Friday 3rd September, included 2 suspects involved in killings. One suspect in the killing of a youth in Pagwi village and the other one for a murder at Matapau village at the border of East Sepik and West Sepik Provinces. “The police have a full house of suspects in custody, they will be charged under law and put away as it should be,” said Mr. Tamari.

Despite all the negative narratives about Port Moresby, there is a huge untapped tourism for Amazing Port Moresby. These were the sentiments of the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, during the signing of a milestone Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) recently. This MoU was to develop and promote the Amazing Port Moresby brand as a tourist destination under the tagline "Million Different Journeys in One Destination” and sets the foundation for both the NCDC & PNGTPA to share resources and, develop and promote the city's iconic sites, infrastructures and flagship events locally and overseas as tourist products. Governor Parkop explained that all other top tourism destinations worldwide have their own share of negative stories, but they also work vigorously to market and promote the positives of their locations. “The city's strategic advantage over all other tourist destinations countrywide is that Port Moresby is home to a thousand cultures, traditions, songs and dances in just one destination, a million different journeys in one destination.” He said Port Moresby has improved sports and travel infrastructure, beautiful seafronts, iconic sites, parks, thousands of cultures and tribes, and undulating hills. “We are also the gateway to the country’s thousands of tourists' sites and potential. Our success will benefit the entire tourism industry in the country. This is a great industry yet to be realized in its full potential. The whole country will benefit from this initiative, so it’s a welcomed development in this respect as well”.” The NCD Governor said the NCDC, along with development partners, have invested heavily in infrastructure to help propel tourism in development and economic growth, contributing to national outcomes. He also revealed that he will pay a return visit to China this year to tap into direct flight opportunities from Guangdong Province and major cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou in that Provinces to Amazing Port Moresby. Also present at the signing of this MoU was the Port Moresby City Manager Mr. Ravu Frank and PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Mossman Uvovo, who both shared similar sentiments that this partnership is the best way forward for the capital city. At the MoU signing, the PNGTPA also announced that they have purchased a boat to conduct island tours, outings and picnics.

SP Brewery (SPB) officially opened its state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant in Port Moresby this morning. In his opening remarks, SPB Managing Director, Mr. Ed Weggemans expressed that it is a significant milestone for the Brewery, to have such a facility that underscores their commitment to sustainability and environment responsibility. “The facility will ensure that we minimize our ecological footprint and is in perfect alignment with one of SPB’s core values, which is care for people and planet.” Mr. Weggemans went onto explain that one of the primary functions of a wastewater treatment plant is the ability to remove pollutants from wastewater, before it is released into the sewerage system. “By treating wastewater, harmful elements are removed from or reduced to safe levels, minimizing health risks and ecological damage.” He said the plant is equipped with cutting edge technology, such as an advanced filtration system, that also employs natural processes, to efficiently process and purify the Brewery’s wastewater to the highest International quality standards. “The wastewater treatment plant comes after three years of rigorous planning and execution, delayed amongst other things, by the travel bans related to COVID.” SPB worked closely with the regulatory agencies in the country, to ensure compliance with International guidelines as well as local guidelines, with the SPB Managing Director offering up that the plant has been rigorously tested to guarantee effectiveness and efficiency. Mr. Weggemans, speaking on behalf of all of SPB’s stakeholders, expressed pride that they were able to open their new plant in the presence of representatives of the various government departments that are concerned with it. “This signals SP Brewery’s commitment to Papua New Guinea, the nation and Papua New Guinean people by resourcefully employing and continuous investment in upgrading the quality of our operations.” “Let’s raise a toast, to this achievement and to renew SP Brewery’s commitment to brew a better Papua New Guinea.” Plans are already in place to construct and open a wastewater treatment plant at the SPB in Lae, Morobe Province.

A Papua New Guinean youngster is on her way to being PNG’s very own violinist and hopes her story can inspire the younger generation of PNG to try out new things and discover their hidden potentials. 17-year old Charlene Sahoto who hails from a mixed parentage of Manus, Bougainville and Central province will most likely be going down in history as PNGs first Violinist. A grade 11 student previously at the Busu Secondary school in Lae, Morobe Province will be pursuing her dreams in music and the violin as she was accepted to the Fountainview Academy, a Music School in Lillooet, Canada. There she will be continuing her secondary studies as well as advance her skill as a future violinist. Charlene Started was first introduced to the violin in 2018 when she signed up for a two-week violin lesson with the Eyrie School of Music though a Facebook post here in Port Moresby. Further regular violin lessons in New Zealand from 2020 to June 2021 expanded her knowledge and love for the violin. “When we came back, I started teaching myself by watching tutorial videos on YouTube and that was when I realized that I loved the violin and that I could play it on my own.” She started playing the violin to as a challenge to learn an instrument that only a few people have interest in, and she hopes to be an inspiration to other Papua New Guineans who want to play the violin and other instruments that are both popular and not popular in the country. As most new things to us, some of the challenges she faced as a violin player in PNG is the feeling of non-acceptance of the sound or the sight of a person playing a guitar-like instrument on her shoulder, but this has not stopped her. “I think when I’m playing in public, people have never seen it before, so they don’t really know how to properly appreciate the performance.” Charlene has played in church and for her friends and has recently started warming up to public performances in the country. She recently played a violin rendition of the National Anthem at the Parliament State room for the Amazing Port Moresby 48th Independence Launch in Port Moresby Yesterday for guests. She has also had concerts at the Port Moresby Arts Theatre, the Kokopo Gazelle Hotel and in Lae to raise funds for her tuition fees at the Fountainview Academy in Canada in coming weeks. Her family will continue to raise funds for her tuition and Charlene appeals to anyone who would like to show their support on her journey to get in touch with her mom Carole Cholai on 74231226 for more information. Meanwhile Charlene is also a talented guitar, ukulele and harmonica player with and knows a little bit of piano. She further appealed to other young Papua New Guineas to just do what they love and too not be afraid to try new things. “Just ask Why not?”. “Do what you love. Everything is on YouTube and the internet.” “You don’t necessarily need a teacher to teach you.” “You never know what you can achieve by trying out new things.”

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) this morning, officially launched the Amazing Port Moresby Independence Festival to commemorate the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary. The Festival, which will involve a number of organized events by the Amazing Port Moresby team that will occur from the 14th-17th of September. The Amazing Port Moresby Independence Festival 2023 Program is as follows: 1. Craft Markets at Ela Beach 14th-17th September, 2. Unity Walk from Murray Barracks to Ela Beach 15th September, 3. Amazing Port Moresby Festival at Ela Beach 15th-17th September, 4. Craft Market at Unagi Oval 16th September, 5. Amazing Port Moresby Festival at Unagi Oval 16th September, 6. Amazing Port Moresby’s Festival of a Thousand Tribes at the Murray Barracks 16th September, 7. UPNG Cultural Show at UPNG Campus 16th September, 8. Flag Lowering at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium 16th September, 9. Independence Fireworks at Ela Beach 16th September, and 10. PAU Cultural Show at PAU Campus 17th September. Governor for the National Capital District (NCD) Powes Parkop said that the Amazing Port Moresby Festival was a warmup for the bigger celebration which is the 50th National Independence on September 16th, 2025. “September 16th is our day. It is the story of our people. The story of our country. Story of the past. Story of today, setting the platform for tomorrow.” “I want to emphasize the significance of this year’s celebrations and the innovative events that we have introduced that distinguishes this year’s events from the past and take them to another level.” Governor Parkop announced that the theme for the nation‘s 48th Independence; “Celebrating 48 years, Preparing for the Golden Jubilee in 2025”, sets the groundwork for our nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary. He also announced that the goal for this year is to celebrate independence, paving the way for our momentous 50th golden anniversary and to present our national event to such a standard and caliber, so that it becomes equally a tourist product that can be harnessed to create opportunities for the people. The venues for the celebrations are Ela Beach, Unagi Oval, Pacific Adventist University, UPNG and three new venues introduced this year are Murray Barracks, the Independence Boulevard and Bomana near the police college. Governor Parkop extended his Gratitude to the Murray Barracks commander for allowing The Amazing Port Moresby’s Festival of a thousand tribes. These additional venues will contribute to the expansion and diversity of this year’s celebration. This event is designated by NCDC to be an annual event. “It is to be a significant tourist attraction, a magnificent show of diversity of our culture converging in one location in one event.” “The innovation part of our events this year is aimed at igniting our sense of patriotism while unveiling the beauty of our culture and the resilience of our people which is amplified by the Amazing Port Moresby Independence parade designed to showcase our government, our nation and more importantly our people’s journey, achievements and advancements. Governor Parkop appealed to the people of this nation and its citizens to go out and take part in this year’s Independence Celebrations. “I want to encourage your active participation in this parade. Be it through a group performance, to come and walk, marching, showcase in the float and in the activities that you have been doing in your business or in your school. Each of us can come and make this independence parade a real patriotic parade and showcase the diversity but at the same time, unity of the people in our nation.” “As we march forward in unity, we celebrate our history, our milestones and our collective journey and with it, the challenges that we have overcome and to showcase and inspire us for an optimistic future.” Governor Parkop believes that this event will ensure the continuity of our cultures, our songs and dances that it will be something we can hold on to and cherish for the years to come, and he has urged Papua New Guineans around the nation to join in the celebration of the nation’s achievements no matter how big or small. He concluded with a recollection from his days as a student, the melancholic feeling of being unsure what the future held with enthusiasm and hope for independence. “I’m proud to be a Papua New Guinean. Despite all our trials and tribulations, challenges and whatever dramas we have, I can’t see myself being from another country. I’m proud and I’m ready to celebrate 48 years preparing for 50 years of independence in 2025.”

Police in the East Sepik province is on the hunt for a murder suspect who killed a young man from Pagwi village in the Wosera-Gawi District just recently. According to the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Christopher Tamari, the deceased was a young man believed to be in his 20s. PPC Tamari and his team are working around the clock to apprehend this killer and bring him to justice for the crime he committed. “We are still investigating the whereabouts of the killer,” said Mr. Tamari. Meanwhile, in another incident reported by police in East Sepik, a man is now in the custody of police after he was picked up for wounding another man at the Suain village along the North Coast area. Apparently, the perpetrator and the victim are neighbours in the village. Police have captured the suspect, and he will be brought in for questioning before any charges can be laid on him. However, Mr. Tamari is concerned that locals want to resolve matters on their own and do not want to engage police to attend to disputes, fights and other crimes committed in the communities. “It is sophisticated to enforce the Law when tradition or customary ways are already involved in these serious matters,” said the PPC. Tamari said this because local communities are taking matters into their own hands but are unable to maintain control resulting in deaths, hospitalization, injuries and the destructions of properties.

Mothers, divorced, widowed and illiterate women who are part of the Church of Hope Women’s Ministry in Busu Compound of Ahi Rural Local Level Government (LLG) of Nawaeb District, received SME assistance recently. The SME assistance that included three sewing machines and ten rolls of material, will allow these disadvantaged women to get into SME activities to empower and sustain themselves. This assistance was made possible through support from the Nawaeb District Development Authority (NDDA) and was presented to the Church Women’s Representative Mrs. Rebecca Michael, by their Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen. Mrs. Rebecca Michael appealed to the women to look after the support from the MP and district as the NDDA will carry out an assessment and consider extending this support further in the community. “This is a sustainable support that is destined to allow you all to be self-sufficient, so that you can support your family, children and even community.” Meanwhile, the local MP Pelgen said the support is an avenue to empower the women in their community and families in financial support. “The support is to upskill the ability of the church members to go into small business so that they sustain church activities and at the same time, their household.” He said the district is keen to enrich the livelihood of its people and under his administration, they will reach out to the people through SME budget allocations. “My Governments target is to put money back into the lives of the people right at grassroots level especially the mothers who take care of their respective households.” The Women’s Ministry are also being assisted by MP Pelgen, to attend a Church Convention in Australia and he has urged them to be good ambassadors of the Nawaeb District and the country at the Church Convention.

Farmers in the Sepik Region will now have access to ICT Services, after the set-up of Resource Centres in West & East Sepik. The set-up of this Resource Centres was done by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme bringing in a new era ushering in a new era of digital empowerment for local farmers. The Project Officer for ITU-STREIT Mr Kanagat Alyshbaev said these resource centre provides farmers with tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the market and help them to contribute to the economic development of their country. "The resource centres signify a dynamic shift towards a more connected and empowered agribusiness landscape. By harnessing the potential of digital tools, we are not only enhancing the capacities of local producers and MSMEs but also supporting rural communities." The Resource Centres will enable farmers to have access to and know how to use digital technologies for enterprise development; market information on prices, demand, and trends; access to e-marketplaces and e-commerce platforms; support to the formation of new and strengthen of existing farmers' groups and cooperatives; and advice on production, marketing, and financial management. The resource centres also connect farmers with buyers, exporters, processors, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chains. The establishment of these four Resource Centres in areas that have problems accessing ICT Services signifies a significant stride towards boosting rural development and agri-enterprise in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Sepik provinces, these resource centres are located at Brandi Secondary School (Wewak) and Wosera Secondary School (Wosera) in East Sepik, and Don Bosco Technical Secondary School (Vanimo) and St. Ignatius Secondary School (Aitape) in West Sepik. By collaborating with public schools to host these Resource Centres, through a public-private partnership approach, will ensure these resource centres are sustained and also nurtures a sense of ownership within the local community.