The Trukai Fun Run kicked off this morning and in Port Moresby city, participants were up as early as 5AM and converged at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, a decent turnout. Also present at the event was NCD Governor Powes Parkop. Governor Parkop, thanked the corporate entities, government departments and state-owned entities who took the time to attend Trukai Fun Run 2025. He also acknowledged the support of Trukai Industries Limited over the years for supporting the communities, and also the role they've played in supporting PNG' athletes. Meanwhile, the younger participants later took pictures with the Trukai mascots Tru and Kai and after a brief warm-up session, the run began. The Fun Run commenced at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, made a turn at APEC Haus and finished off at Sur Hubert Murray Stadium once more.

As part of its continued commitment to education across Papua New Guinea, Theodist Limited recently donated 25 desks and 25 chairs to St. Mary’s Inaui Primary School in Central Province, helping to create a more comfortable and effective learning space for students as well as ease the pressure on teachers. The donation was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by Members of Parliament, Government Ministers, Department Secretaries, parents, teachers, and students. The event also marked the launch of several other important community projects in the area. Speaking at the ceremony, Theodist CEO Mr. Kumar Baliah shared the company's motivation behind the contribution. “Today is more than just a delivery of desks. It is a reaffirmation of the values we at Theodist hold dear: community, education, responsibility, and opportunity.” “These desks are tools of hope. When students have a desk of their own, it tells them: You matter. Your future matters.” He also acknowledged the importance of collaboration in supporting education in PNG: “We understand that government alone cannot meet every need. It is up to all of us, the private sector, the public sector and the people to work together. That is why Theodist is proud to partner in this small but meaningful way.” In addition to the furniture donation, the school recently purchased much-needed stationery and classroom supplies through Theodist, benefiting from the company’s school loyalty program, which allowed them to stretch their budget further and invest in critical learning tools. School Principal Lucy Isoaimo expressed her gratitude during the ceremony. “We are very grateful to Theodist not only for the desks and chairs, but also for their ongoing support to our school and the education sector.” “The special pricing for school orders has helped us save so much. Their customer service keeps us coming back. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.” The initiative is part of Theodist’s broader Education Support Program, which has been helping schools across PNG for over five decades. From providing essential classroom resources to supporting education-focused partnerships, the company remains a dedicated partner in shaping the nation’s future. Theodist believes every student deserves access to a quality learning experience. By providing resources like desks and stationery, schools like St. Mary continue to educate the next generation of Papua New Guineans. St. Mary’s serves students from nearby villages where access to essential classroom resources is often limited. Theodist continues to stand alongside communities throughout PNG in their efforts to build opportunity through education and create a better future for all.

Beliefs in sorcery has led to widespread violence known as Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), which often affects and women and other vulnerable individuals in Sumbu Province – part of this is due to the lack of scientific and medical education in local communities, which leaves communities relying on supernatural explanations for illness and death. In rural areas where access to modern healthcare is limited, many illnesses and sudden deaths are blamed on witchcraft, leading to brutal mob attacks and even killings. The lack of death certificates and proper medical records make it difficult to understand the true causes of death. Without this information, claims of sorcery can result in violence. Fr. Christian Sieland, a Bible scholar, also a local priest and administrator of the Kundiawa cathedral, states that sorcery beliefs are deeply entrenched in the psyche of both simple village people and educated individuals. To break the cycle of violence, experts agree that education in scientific and medical knowledge is essential. Local organizations like Caritas Simbu are also striving to raise awareness, but the challenge remains significant. Judy Gelua, Diocesan Coordinator for Caritas Simbu, emphasizes that widespread education is key. Ultimately, addressing the root cause of SARV requires a concerted effort to promote scientific knowledge, medical care, and community-based education.

First time in Port Moresby? You probably heard stories about it being unsafe and all. Well, I hate to break it to you, but it can be true if you don’t take a moment to get street-smart! Here’s 12 common sense and safety tips to help you navigate the city: 1. Get to Know Your Environment Familiarize yourself with your neighbourhood, regular faces, local shops, and safe zones. Know which areas are riskier during certain hours—and avoid them. 2. Establish Relationships Make friends in your area—security guards, neighbours, local vendors. Find common ground in conversation to build a sense of belonging and backup if needed. 3. Be Mindful of Your Body Language Move with confidence—act nonchalant, not nervous. Don’t look lost or too anxious, even if you are. 4. Communicate Often Be a talker. Strike up friendly conversations in safe settings—it can make you seem more approachable and less like a stranger. 5. Protect Your Valuables Don’t keep phones or wallets in your back pocket. Keep your bag in front and zipped up. Avoid holding your phone out in public spaces—especially in crowds or at bus stops. 6. Be Smart on Public Buses Only board buses that are at least half full, especially if you’re female. Avoid empty buses or (for females: ones with only male passengers). If you sense something suspicious, get off at the next stop immediately. 7. Use Taxis with Extra Caution Always sit at the back, behind the driver. Call someone immediately and give them the taxi plate number, time, and destination. Carry a small self-defence item, like a pen or pocketknife, discreetly (check local laws and safety first). 8. Car Safety Keep your windows rolled up, especially in traffic or slow-moving areas. Never open your car door for strangers. Be cautious of people pretending to be beggars—some may be trying to distract you for theft. If you think a car is tailing you, don’t drive home. Instead, loop through public areas or go to a safe zone. Tint your windows, especially if you’re a female driver, for added privacy and deterrence. 9. Dress Appropriately for Public Spaces Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or short, as it can attract unwanted attention or harassment. Dress for confidence, not confrontation. 10. Avoid Shortcuts at Odd Hours Stick to main roads, especially at night. 11. Keep Your Family or Housemates Informed If you're arriving home late, call ahead and let someone know. Have someone meet you or keep an eye out at the drop-off location. 12. Don’t Engage with Harassers in Public If someone speaks to you in a rude or inappropriate way, avoid responding or talking back (unless you absolutely have to). Walk away confidently. Arguments in public can escalate fast and become unsafe. Final Word: Living in an urban centre like Port Moresby requires balance — being alert, blending in, and standing up for yourself when needed. You don’t have to live in fear, but you do need to live smart.

In the Simbu province of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, where accusations of sorcery continue to claim lives and destroy families, the Catholic Church is playing a critical role in confronting violence and promoting peace through faith-based initiatives. Caritas Simbu, responded to 25 cases of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) in 2024 alone. According to local Diocesan Caritas Coordinator Judy Gelua, these incidents often involve gruesome mob attacks, particularly targeting women. Many cases go unreported due to fear and lack of support in remote communities. Bishop Paul Sundu, head of the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa explained that the violence goes beyond superstitious beliefs – presently it is the result of jealousy and greed – getting rid of their enemies, trying to cripple their success in business, education and politics by accusing them of sorcery. The Church’s response involves legal, educational, and pastoral outreach. In partnership with The Voice Inc., Caritas operates a legal help desk that offers pro bono support for SARV survivors. Of the 25 cases addressed in 2024, 15 were referred to the legal desk for further action. But beyond legal services, Church leaders emphasize the need for spiritual transformation. “A personal change of heart is needed.” “Cultural and spiritual formation, prayer, and fellowship are essential if men and boys are to change how they perceive women and human dignity.” Gender-based violence remains closely linked to sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV), particularly in cases involving older wives in polygamous households. When a man takes a younger wife, the older woman is often neglected, marginalized, and becomes an easy target. In such tense domestic situations, a sudden death or unexplained incident in the village can quickly lead to fatal accusations of sorcery against her. Support for survivors is growing but limited. The diocesan hospital in Mingende now offers space for the rehabilitation of women affected by sorcery violence. However, Bishop Sundu stressed the urgent need for a dedicated safe house near a hospital and police station. “We need government involvement to ensure safety and sustainability.” The Church’s efforts are also expanding into schools and health centers. Caritas Simbu regularly holds awareness sessions on human rights, peacebuilding, and legal protections for students, teachers, and community members. While police cooperation in Simbu has improved, particularly around sorcery cases, Church leaders say that long-term change depends on shifting mindsets. Fr. Christian Sieland, a local priest and Bible scholar, noted that beliefs in sorcery are deeply rooted in both educated and uneducated populations. “It will take more than one generation to overcome this.” Local organizations warn that broader social conditions—such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and political corruption—continue to fuel violence. With national elections scheduled for 2027, there are fears that tribal loyalties and vote buying will intensify tensions.

If you thought karate was just kicks and punches — well, you’d be wrong! It's actually a powerful tool for physical, mental, and emotional development. At East Gate Karate Academy in Port Moresby, Sensei Julius Piku and his team are helping children build a solid foundation not just in martial arts, but in life. Here are 8 benefits of enrolling in a karate program like the one offered at East Gate Karate Academy:    1. Builds Discipline and Focus Karate teaches self-control and helps in concentration. Children learn to follow instructions, stay focused during class, and develop good habits that carry over into school and home life.    2. Boosts Self-Confidence With each belt earned and skill mastered, children gain confidence in their abilities. The academy provides a supportive environment where kids are encouraged to believe in themselves.    3. Enhances Physical Fitness Karate improves overall fitness by building strength, stamina, flexibility, and coordination. It's a great way to get kids moving and active in a structured setting.    4. Promotes Emotional Resilience Karate acts as a form of emotional therapy for many. It teaches children how to manage frustration, overcome challenges, and bounce back from mistakes with a positive attitude.    5. Develops Self-Defense Skills Children are taught practical techniques that can help them stay safe if needed. More importantly, they learn the value of avoiding conflict and how to use self-defence rightfully.    6. Improves Social Skills and Teamwork Karate classes offer a great environment for kids to socialize, cooperate, and make new friends, while learning the value of teamwork and community spirit.    7. Provides Structure and Routine Consistent scheduled training helps children develop a sense of routine and commitment. This can help in time management and responsibility in other areas of life.    8. Offers Fun and Motivation through Special Events From friendly competitions to exciting demonstrations, the academy keeps learning fun and engaging, motivating kids to keep improving and enjoying the journey. Whether you're looking for fitness, self-defense, or personal growth for your child, East Gate Karate Academy’s kids’ program offers an empowering space for young learners to grow.

A grassroots menstrual health awareness campaign held by Queenpads in collaboration with its dedicated partners has successfully reached more than 600 schoolgirls and women in Alotau District, Milne Bay Province. This campaign provided crucial education and access to reusable menstrual products. Based on updates via social media, awareness sessions were held across five schools - Naura Primary School, Hagita Secondary School, Huhuna Primary School, Kebegiuli Primary School, and Ramhaga Adventist Primary School. Each school visit was coordinated by passionate local supporters committed to menstrual health education. Naura Primary School - 61 students including several mothers participated in the sessions, Hagita Primary School - more than 300 female boarding students, Huhuna Primary School 133 female students. female teachers, including mothers, Kebegiuli Primary School 54 female students, 3 female teachers, 1 male teacher including mothers, and Ramhaga Adventist Primary School- 73 female students, 2 female teachers. In all sessions, reusable Queenpads were distributed to participants. The awareness campaign not only distributed essential menstruation products but also opened up conversations around menstruation – a topic often left unaddressed in classrooms and households. A teacher at one of the schools remarked on the knowledge depth presented. “We teach in class but do not go into detail. This session gives us confidence to continue teaching the topic." The campaign was spearheaded on the ground by Anne-Shirley Kove with volunteer support from Shivonnie Sakme a Law Student at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). Queenpads acknowledges the efforts of individuals who assisted in making the awareness campaign possible, namely, Lelebo Betuela and Priscilla Waikaidi. As well as Maleta Tokwakwasi of ViLink Tours & Expedition PNG and Jessica Iropu of New Britain Palm Oil, Milne Bay Estate. Queenpads also thanks its partners Sir Brian Bell Foundation and CPL Foundation Inc. Organizers hope this initiative will inspire continued efforts to normalize menstrual conversations, promote awareness and prioritize the overall health and dignity of women and girls across the country.

Ever thought about starting your own coffee shop one day? Well, here are some steps to follow that were highlighted at the recent Coffee Workshop. These are seven (7) steps to follow according to Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd overseas representative, Mick Wheeler.   1. Understand Why You Want to Start a Coffee Shop The first step is clarity. Why do you want to get into the business of running a coffee shop? Passion alone isn’t enough—your motivation should align with realistic goals and expectations. 2. Know the Challenges Involved Wheeler emphasized that running a coffee shop is not as easy as it may seem. It requires being ruthless, disciplined, and focused qualities not everyone realizes are vital when starting out. 3. Choose the Right Location “Location is one of the most important elements to determine whether you are going to be a success or not,” Wheeler stated. A poor location can ruin even a great concept, while a strategic spot can attract consistent customers. 4. Explore Different Entry Points You don’t have to open a full-fledged café right away. You can enter the market at various levels—from a small street vendor to a high-end coffee lounge. Each comes with different risks and needs. 5. Know the Risks and Pitfalls The workshop aimed to prepare participants for the real risks—financial, operational, and market-based. Common pitfalls include poor planning, inadequate budgeting, and underestimating daily operational demands. 6. Track Your Money Daily Wheeler stressed the importance of daily tracking—how much money you make, how much you don’t, and which products sell best. This helps manage costs and understand profitability. 7. Plan Your Finances and Your Marketing Participants were encouraged to think through how they would fund their business, manage cash flow, and market their coffee shop. Without a clear financial and promotional plan, even high-quality coffee may be overlooked. The International Coffee Organization study conducted in 2022 and 2023, noted that domestic coffee consumption in PNG is on the rise, especially among the middle class. This signals opportunity for local entrepreneurs who understand both product quality and consumer needs.

A total of fifty-three participants took part in a two-day workshop in early June that aimed at equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and know-how to set up and manage a coffee shop. The training was facilitated by Mick Wheeler; the Coffee Industry Corporation’s (CIC) overseas representative and began after a domestic coffee consumption study conducted between 2022 and 2023 by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in partnership with CIC. According to Wheeler, the workshop was designed to assist individuals, helping them understand not just the opportunities, but also the challenges involved in opening a coffee shop. “Many people think running a coffee shop is easy, but in actuality, it is far more complex. You have to be ruthless, disciplined, and very clear about what you want to achieve.” “You have to assess how you’ll finance your shop, how to conduct marketing as well as understand what the common pitfalls are.” One key focus was on location, which Wheeler emphasized as one of the most important factors in influencing the success of a business. He also encouraged participants to consider various entry points into the business — from street vending to working in high-end cafés — emphasizing that while the environments may be distinct, the business principles remain unchanged. "It’s about managing your costs, figuring out your top-selling items, and knowing exactly how much you earn, and what you’re losing daily." The initiative aligns with findings from the recent ICO report, which showed an increase in domestic coffee consumption in PNG. The report highlighted an increase in the use of local coffee and a shift in consumer preference toward roasted and ground coffee.

City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Group and IBS University have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening human capital development in Papua New Guinea through education, skills training, and employment opportunities. The collaboration was made official on Wednesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Port Moresby. Signed by CPL Group co-founder and Chairman Sir Mahesh Patel, OBE, and IBS University Vice Chancellor Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, the partnership is designed to bridge the critical gap between academic learning and the realities of the workforce by equipping students with job-ready skills and real-world experience. It focuses on providing practical training and career pathways in key sectors such as retail, pharmacy, and logistics. Sir Mahesh Patel described the initiative as a reflection of CPL Group’s long-standing commitment to national development through investment in local talent. As part of the MoU, CPL Group will provide internship opportunities and graduate job placements for IBS University students. The company will also support the enhancement of academic programs through guest lectures and industry insights. Additionally, the two institutions plan to collaborate on community outreach initiatives to promote youth empowerment and social inclusion. IBS University Vice Chancellor, Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, highlighted the challenges many graduates face when transitioning from education to employment. He stated that the partnership with CPL would help bridge this gap by providing students with practical experience and the confidence required to thrive in the modern job market. The collaboration is being recognized as a strong example of how the private sector and academic institutions can work together to strengthen the national workforce and contribute to both social and economic development.

Title:The Life List (2025) Director: Adam Brooks Rating: PG-13 Genre(s): Romantic Comedy, Drama Run Time: 2h 5m Star(s): Sofia Carson • Kyle Allen • Sebastian de Souza A TOUCHING FILM OF SELF DISCOVERY, BUT STUMBLES INTO CLICHÉ The Life List is a heartwarming film of self-discovery in adulthood – a treat for young adults experiencing quarterlife crisis but rather cringey with its execution of romantic dialogue. Alex (Sofia Carson) goes on a journey to fulfil her teenage bucket list, as per the request of her late mother. She uncovers family secrets, finds romance and finds herself. Carson delivers one of her most emotionally grounded performances yet. She captures the inner tension of someone who’s lost touch with who they are—grieving not only a loved one, but a version of herself she thought was not necessary for her present life. Her portrayal is subtle but moving, particularly in moments of solitude and reflection. However, the film loses its edge when it comes to romance. The plotline is painfully predictable: Girl meets charming guy, falls to fast, faces heartbreak then realizes her true love was the “kind quiet one” who was there all along. An overused trope and unfortunately, The Life List doesn’t bring anything fresh to it. Even worse, the romantic dialogue is sappy and cringe. Lines are overly sentimental and lack authenticity, making some scenes feel forced than genuine. It detracts from the meaningful emotional arcs the film tries to build, at times. That said, the film is not without its charm. It’s visually comforting, refreshing and healing to the soul. The message about living a fuller more intentional life will strike a chord with many viewers – especially those who feel a little lost in life or a charting new path. Final Thoughts: The Life List captures hearts with a touching theme of rediscovery and a strong lead performance. But a predictable plot and corny romance prevents it from being truly memorable. Rating: 6/10 Best enjoyed with a cozy blanket, great food and not-so high expectations for originality.

The people of South Bougainville are expected to benefit from the construction of the long-awaited Buin Market following the signing of a K12.8 million project contract. At a formal ceremony recently held at Government House, the contract was signed between the Papua New Guinea Government and KPT Engineering Ltd, the company awarded the project. Fully funded by the South Bougainville District Development Authority (DDA), the initiative marks a crucial investment in local commerce and economic self-reliance. Representing the State, Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae formally executed the agreement, joined by Department of Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba and KPT Engineering representatives Charles Sim, Charles Jachwa, and Acezel Lauc. The project is scheduled for completion within 12 months. The Buin Market's development represents more than just a construction achievement—it is a project focused on the community, designed to enhance livelihoods and support regional commerce. Once it is finished, the market will serve as an essential center for farmers, vendors, and small business proprietors, improving their access to wider commercial networks, including trade across borders with the Solomon Islands. Secretary Holemba commended South Bougainville MP and Minister for ICT, Timothy Masiu, for advocating for this initiative. He referred to the market as a "strategic investment" that aligns with the Medium-Term Development Plan IV and is part of a larger vision to yield genuine economic benefits from ongoing infrastructure developments in the area. He also emphasized that road infrastructure managed by the government does not produce income by itself, underscoring the need for investments in social infrastructure—like markets, fisheries, and agriculture—to yield economic benefits from road projects. With construction now set to begin, the Buin Market promises to be a game-changing development for South Bougainville—supporting local enterprise, strengthening trade ties, and laying foundations for long-term economic growth.