A cheque of K300, 000 from the East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Government was recently presented to Raburua Primary School to support the upgrade of its school infrastructure. The presentation was made on September 22nd following a submission made to the Governor’s office last year seeking assistance to improve the school’s facilities. Governor Michael Marum reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education, noting that similar support is being rolled out to schools across the province from elementary level institutions to tertiary colleges and universities. Governor Marum also highlighted the success of the ENB Scholarship Program, which has doubled its reach this year. The initiative, now in its second round of funding, has increased sponsorship from over 500 students in 2024 to nearly 1,000 students in 2025, benefiting East New Britain students studying in higher education institutions nationwide. He further announced that applications for the 2026 ENB Scholarship Program will open in November this year for students preparing to enroll in the next academic year.

The annual Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league clashes between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia will be held once again in Port Moresby, this time coinciding with the nation’s historic 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The matches are set for Sunday, 12 October 2025, at the Santos National Football Stadium. Festivities will kick off at 9am, when the Junior Orchids face the Australian Schoolgirls, followed by the Junior Kumuls taking on the Australian Schoolboys at 11am. At 1pm, the PM’s XIII women clash will take centre stage before the much-anticipated PM’s XIII men’s match at 3pm, which will headline the day’s program. PNG Rugby Football League Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, said the annual fixture provides invaluable opportunities for players on both sides. “These games always provide a pathway for players from both countries, and the opportunity this provides for our juniors and the school children from Australia is quite significant as many of them can get selected to the senior sides, to feeder clubs and possibly the NRL and NRLW.” Tickets are already on sale at participating Post PNG outlets, with prices set at: -Eastern Stand – K30 -North/South Stands – K50 -Western Wings – K80 -Grandstand – K120 All squads will be announced next week as preparations ramp up for what is expected to be an enthralling day for rugby league fans in Port Moresby. The Prime Minister’s XIII tradition began in 2005 with the men’s match, later expanding to include the women’s game in 2017 and junior fixtures in 2023. Beyond the action on the field, the annual clashes also serve as a platform to promote rugby league and humanitarian causes supported by the governments of PNG and Australia.

Special Olympics Papua New Guinea is celebrating the return of its athletes from the Special Olympics Regional Badminton Competition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bagging two medals — a silver and a bronze. In the Men’s Singles (Under 16–21) division, Roberto Napoleon scored silver for PNG. He later teamed up with Emmanuel Sevara in the Men’s Doubles (Under 22–33) category, where the pair earned bronze. In the Women’s Singles (Under 16–21) division, Azaria Mausen finished in 4th place, while Martha Ahwong placed 5th in the Women’s Singles (Under 22–23). In the Women’s Doubles, Azaria and Martha also finished in 4th place. Special Olympics PNG expressed pride in the athletes' performances and extended appreciation to Oceania Badminton, Badminton PNG, and Hannah Beauty Box for their support in making the trip possible. Special thanks were also given to coaches Dorna Longbut and Daniel Wesley, as well as the management team. The organization also acknowledged the support of Special Olympics Asia Pacific and Special Olympics Malaysia for contributing to the success of the regional competition.

The Motu Koita Assembly is proud to announce Peroveta Day 2025, a celebration of tradition, youth talent, and national pride, set to take place on Sunday, 28th September 2025 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. This year's Peroveta Day promises an exciting fusion of Peroveta performances and energetic youth showcases, bringing together communities to honour Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage and future. The day kicks off early with the Peroveta March, starting at 6:00 AM from Ela Beach (Era Kone) and making its way to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. The official program will begin at 7:00 AM, featuring a line-up of traditional songs, dances, and youth performances that reflect the spirit of unity and identity of the Motu Koita people. Running until 12:00 PM, the event also highlights local vendors, handcrafted art, and cultural displays from local SME stalls, giving attendees a taste of PNG’s creativity and entrepreneurship. More than just a cultural show, Peroveta Day is a call to celebrate culture, empower youth, and honour the legacy of independence. With the support of the National Capital District Commission and aligned with the national 50th Independence theme — “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future” — the event is expected to draw crowds from all walks of life.

Director: Itaru Mizuno Cast: Rinko Kikuchi, Kami Hiraiwa, Yoh Yoshida, Mai Shiraishi, Sosuke Ikematsu, Akihiro Kikuta Rating: PG │Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Mystery – Thriller, Comedy │Run Time: 1h 54min UNIQUE AND ALMOST HILARIOUS “Three words. Live action manga.” Two under paid cleaning ladies and an accomplice (Rinko Kikuchi, Kami Hiraiwa, Yoh Yoshida) decide to break into their boss’ house after suspecting her of tax fraud. Their actions soon come into collision with other individuals in a crazy and comedic twist. Trespassers put a spin on the daily lives of Japan’s cleaning ladies making them multifaceted individuals instead of just quiet, submissive hard workers. In the film, employees are stressed out about their wages – a living reality for many workers. Despite being exaggerated, giving these characters a realistic goal for robbing their boss makes them relatable as human beings. How the film’s narrative portrayed is also interesting as it utilizes the criteria of a typical Japanese manga. Unlike regular films which consists of the exposition, rising action, climax and falling action, Trespassers combines both simultaneously, which includes, each character introducing themselves followed by each person narrating their point of views in the background. Oftentimes it feels like a live action comic rather than a film. The shift in atmosphere in Trespassers is demonstrated through its settings. In the beginning, the film is quite somber and drab, emphasizing the harsh reality of the workers' lives. The scenery is urban Japan and also includes sneak peeks into the lives of the thieves. When the scene changes to the boss’ house, the atmosphere immediately shifts to one of fun and frivolity as the new surrounding is characterized by wealth and the color pink symbolizing feminine power. One of the shortfalls of the film is the stereotype of the perverted older man. Trespassers is no different. The character Mouri Takahiro (Akihiro Kikuta) is a creepy pervert obsessed with the young boss who used to work as a bikini model. Although the film minimizes the character’s inappropriate behavior, the stereotype remains – communicating a harmful message towards its audiences. In spite of the film’s flaws, Trespassers does have its unique charm. The comedic delivery of lines and crazy storyline is refreshing. Final Verdict: Trespassers is not for all audiences; however, it is entertaining to movie buffs and those looking for something distinctive. Rating: ★★★★ (7/10) Best enjoyed with snacks and zero expectations.

In case you haven’t noticed, Papua New Guinea has been making steady strides in film for a few years now. Some of the films that have stood out particularly stood have been films such as Ples Man, Nana and currently the upcoming Ples Man 2. Here’s a few things you should know about the latest edition to PNG cinema – Papa Buka: 1. Papa Buka explores the contributions of India during the Second World War Many Indian soldiers served in the British Army during the Second World War. A lot of these soldiers died and were buried in Papua New Guinea, but their contributions and impact are often overshadowed by those made by Australia, Britain, Germany and Japan. 2. The film utilizes more than three different languages Dialogues are delivered in Tok Pisin, English, Hindi and Bengali in appropriate contexts. Throughout the film different languages are used in different circumstances perfectly capturing the complex dynamics of navigating and overcoming language barriers in real-life. For instance, the two Indian historians often communicate in Hindi and Bengali when conversing with one another or with fellow Indians. However, when conversing with educated Papua New Guineans, they would switch to English. Papua New Guineans similarly would converse with their fellow countrymen in Tok Pisin but switch to English when conversing with the historians. 3. Papa Buka encourages women empowerment Over 60% of individuals involved in Papa Buka’s production were female. Additionally, according to the Papa Buka website, women played key roles in costume design, performance, coordination and cultural preservation, making Papa Buka, one of the few films to highlight gender inclusivity in creative leadership. 4. Much of the cast and crew had no prior experience on a film set The team involved in the production of Papa Buka consisted of 90% amateurs – folks who had never been involved in making a film before. Additionally, the film also acted as a training ground for youth and students. 5. It is considered the first PNG-India co-production Many companies, partners and government bodies were involved in the making of Papa Buka, not limited to NAFA Productions, Guru Foundations Inc, PNG Tribe Technologies, Department of Community Development and Religion, the National Film Institute of Papua New Guinea and the National Cultural Commission. Of course, there will be so much more to know about a film that is PNG’s first ever entry to the Oscars, but these are just a few.

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) celebrated the country’s 50th anniversary alongside World Patient Safety Day with a powerful address delivered by Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paki Molumi. In his address, Dr. Molumi reflected on the hospital’s journey over the past five decades, its challenges, remarkable achievements, and outlined a bold vision for the future of healthcare in Papua New Guinea. Founded in 1955 with the completion of the Walter Strong Wing and just 350 beds, PMGH has grown significantly to become Papua New Guinea’s Level 6 National Tertiary Referral, Research and Teaching Hospital. Early infrastructure developments included the McGregor Wing, Red Cross transfusion service, ICU, nutrition, rehabilitation, and infectious disease units—boosting capacity to 700 beds by the mid-1970s. Post-independence, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) contributed major infrastructure, but Dr. Molumi acknowledged that since then, no major infrastructure developments have occurred, even as demand has surged due to population growth and limited regional hospital capacity. Despite these limitations, PMGH now delivers services not only to the National Capital District but also to Central Province, Gulf, and beyond, often serving as the only accessible high-level care provider in the absence of Level 5 hospitals in these regions. Dr. Molumi highlighted how 85% of PMGH's resources are used for primary and secondary care—limiting capacity for specialist services. However, under national directives and leadership, the hospital has responded: Interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery programs have been established, including the first Papua New Guinean-owned cardiac bypass surgery. First kidney transplant in PNG has been successfully performed, with patients returning to work and economic productivity. Stroke reversal therapy is now possible with a functioning stroke retrieval program. Other specialist areas expanded include neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology, obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, paediatrics, ENT, radiology, pathology, and physiotherapy. Dr. Molumi commended the teams for their dedication. “These are not just services, but lifelines.” A key highlight is the Comprehensive Cancer Centre; a flagship infrastructure project launched in 2019. Funded by the PNG Government and supported by Kumul Petroleum Holdings (K10 million), the centre is nearing completion with: Advanced technologies including two linear accelerators, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine, and chemotherapy units. Phase three is 80% complete, with commissioning expected in early 2026. Future plans include bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy, clinical research labs, and a national cancer registry. Dr. Molumi unveiled the hospital’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, built on a comprehensive infrastructure master plan, including: Redevelopment of the Walter Strong and JICA wings to meet international standards. A new Women’s and Children’s Hospital with design and location finalized. A Centre for Eye Health to be commissioned in August 2026. Strategic focus on developing local health expertise through new curriculums in clinical and pediatric oncology, intensive care, and internal medicine. Recruitment of international experts on fixed-term contracts to train local professionals. Emphasis on competitive fees to retain top talent in PNG. To support this transformation, Dr. Molumi proposed a Specialist Hospital Act to replace the current Public Hospital Act, giving PMGH financial and operational autonomy. This would enable the hospital to engage in revenue generation, public-private partnerships, and sustainable funding mechanisms. Marking World Patient Safety Day, Dr. Molumi underscored the urgency of creating a culture of safety, not just slogans. Global statistics show that 134 million adverse health events occur annually in low- and middle-income countries due to unsafe care, resulting in 2.6 million preventable deaths. “Let us be known not just as a hospital that heals, but as a hospital that protects.” The hospital also launched a clinical roadshow to showcase the work of every division and their vision for the next 50 years. School students from the National Capital District and Central Province were invited to inspire interest in medical and allied health careers. “This is more than an exhibition. It’s a declaration of our future.” As the hospital steps into its next 50 years, Dr. Molumi emphasized that the future of health care in Papua New Guinea lies in innovation, compassion, and safety. “PMGH is not just building facilities—we are building futures.”

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) has received vital support from the High Commission of Canada to boost its ‘One Health’ program in Papua New Guinea. This contribution will help expand TKCP's work with the Morobe and Madang Provincial Health Authorities, as well as other health organizations, to promote and localize the One Health approach throughout the YUS Conservation Area on the Huon Peninsula. The YUS area is remote, with many communities lacking basic social services such as medical care and health education. To address this gap, TKCP has adopted a holistic approach to conservation, integrating health and environmental solutions. The One Health program aims to empower local communities with knowledge, skills, and resources to tackle health issues like nutrition, respiratory illnesses, hygiene, sanitation, and water quality, in alignment with PNG’s National Department of Health. In 2024, TKCP conducted extensive community discussions across the YUS area, gathering feedback on how to manage the conservation area and improve health outcomes. This process led to the redesign and relaunch of the One Health program, which focuses on women's health and local leadership while maintaining the ecological integrity of the YUS region. The Acting High Commissioner of Canada to PNG, Manon Dumas, along with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Manager Alex Croyle, visited Lae to meet with TKCP Executive Director Modi Pontio. They discussed the project's goals, including training village birth attendants, distributing safe delivery kits, and conducting family planning educational talks during a planned visit to YUS in November. Pontio explained the long-term goal of the project. “We aim to empower YUS community members and health workers with the tools and knowledge to safeguard human health by maintaining a healthy relationship with their local environment and natural resources.” Dumas expressed her support for the initiative. “Canada shares PNG’s commitment to biodiversity, and we are excited to see the positive impact of this project.” “The comprehensive approach adopted by TKCP is exemplary.” “Work is already underway to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Morobe Provincial Health Authority to further address the pressing health needs of YUS communities.” For more information about the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, visit www.treekangaroo.org.

Papua New Guinea’s first-ever Oscar entry film ‘Papa Buka’ had its Grand premiering on Thursday night 18th September 2025 at Paradise Cinema, Vision City, Port Moresby. The premiering marked a double celebration as not only as an Oscar entry but also comes two days after the country celebrated its 50th Independence Anniversary. Directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Dr. Biju (Bijukumar Damodaran), Papa Buka is a collaboration between Papua New Guinea and India. The production team included Neolene Taula Wunum (PNG), Askay Kumar Parija, Pa Ranjith, and Prakash Bare (india). The cast also included talent from both India and PNG: Ritabhari Chakraborty and Prakash Bare (India), Sine Boboro, an 85-year-old whose role has been celebrated globally and John Sike (PNG). The music score was by Grammy-Award winning musician Ricky Rej. The film explored the untold connection between PNG and India during the second world war – a time when many Indian soldiers who served in the British army lost their lives and were buried in PNG – countless unfortunately unidentified. The film blended Tok Pisin, Hindi, Bengali and English dialogues brilliantly reflecting its intercultural themes. Individuals present included: Prime Minister James Marape, Governor for WNB, Sasindran Muthuvel, U.S Ambassador to PNG, Ann Marie Yastishock, Executive Director for National Cultural Commission, Steven Kilanda, High Commissioner of India to PNG, Ambassador Rajeev Kumar and other dignitaries. In his address, Dr. Biju shared his pride in representing PNG on the global stage. A medical doctor turned filmmaker, has won over 47 national and international awards and has been a key figure in many film festivals worldwide. He expressed gratitude for the support of the Papua New Guinea government and cultural institutions, calling this submission “a humble privilege.” Papa Buka is now being screened at Paradise Cinemas, Vision City as of 19th September 2025 to the general public.

Director: Dr. Bijukumar Damodaran Cast: Ritabhari Chakraborty, Prakash Bare, Sine Boboro, John Sike Rating: PG│ Genre(s): Drama │Run Time: 2h HEARTWARMING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING “Papa Buka (2025) is a film produced not just for an audience with a complicated history during the second world war – who better to tell the story than India and Papua New Guinea (PNG).” When two Indian historians Romila Chatterjee (Ritabhari Chakraborty) and Anand Kunjiraman (Prakash Bare), travel to PNG Romila reveals a much more personal reason for her visit which is to find the remains of her maternal grandfather who served as a soldier in PNG. Acting and dialogue between Chakraborty and Bare flows effortlessly, capturing a natural friendship between a couple who understands and supports each other well. The utilization of Tok Pisin, English and Indian languages in appropriate settings was executed well, reflecting real life circumstances between how people with languages barriers will communicate. The character Sike (John Sike) acts as the translator between Chakraborty, Bare and Papa Buka, communicating in English to the two historians, translating what Papa Bua says in Tok Pisin. The film also captures the beauty of PNG’s village life: traditional singing and dance, remote villages, traditional cooking and even in Papa Buka’s odd habits of seeking rare birds in the jungle. The only shortfall to the film would be monotonous delivery of the Papua New Guinean cast, understandably so due to the lack of experience. Yet in spite of that, the inexperience adds to the film’s charm, showcasing PNG in its rawness. Final Thoughts: Papa Buka will no doubt capture hearts with its unapologetic portrayal of the realities of history, culture and life as a descendant and result of the Second World War. Rating: ★ ★ ★ ⯪ (7/10) Best suited for: Indigenous populations who wish to have their stories told.

The United States was among the many countries that offered its congratulatory messages to Papua New Guinea on its 50 years of Independence. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Port Moresby to commemorate this historic milestone and reaffirm the strong relationship between the United States and Papua New Guinea. Deputy Secretary Landau, during the visit, emphasized the United States’ commitment to strengthening economic ties, improving infrastructure development, and deepening defense cooperation with PNG. Admiral Paparo spoke on the strategic importance of PNG in the Indo-Pacific and the shared values that underpin the partnership between the two nations. On September 15th, Prime Minister James Marape and the Deputy Secretary signed a Framework for Strategic Cooperation, formalizing mutual priorities for the future of our bilateral relationship. The Framework encompasses economic, commercial and digital collaboration, as well as critical minerals and infrastructure development. At the same time, the framework reaffirms existing mechanisms, like the Strategic Partnership Dialogue and the 2023 Defense Cooperation Agreement. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence, the delegation joined the Prime Minister and other senior officials at the official flag-raising ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock, spoke highly of the moment 50 years ago when the PNG flag was raised for the first time. “Papua New Guinea’s journey over the past 50 years has been remarkable, and the United States is honored to have been a steadfast partner from the very beginning.” “Together, we will continue to build on our shared values and work toward a prosperous future for the people of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.” While in PNG, Deputy Secretary Landau and Admiral Paparo participated in the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Roundtable, with Ambassador Yastishock moderating the discussions. The Roundtable engaged leaders from across the Pacific to discuss the United States’ commitment to the region and shared priorities. Deputy Secretary Landau described U.S Presence in the Pacific. “U.S. engagement in the Pacific is broad.” “From unexploded ordnance remediation programs in Papua New Guinea and beyond, to recent capacity building, infrastructure, and security programs across the region.” The visit also featured significant events, including the groundbreaking of DGCI’s $498 million U.S.-funded fuel storage facility, made possible through the 2023 Defense Cooperation Agreement. These efforts highlight the United States' ongoing commitment to supporting PNG's economic development, resilience, and regional security. As Papua New Guinea celebrates this historic milestone, the United States looks forward to strengthening its partnership and furthering shared objectives for peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Landau and Prime Minister James Marape have signed a Framework for Strategic Cooperation, setting the course for bilateral collaboration over the next 50 years. The signing ceremony, which took place in Port Moresby, marks a significant step in strengthening the enduring partnership between the two nations, encompassing a wide range of sectors from defense to digital innovation. The event was attended by Admiral John C. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock. In her remarks, Ambassador Yastishock highlighted the long-standing relationship between the United States and Papua New Guinea, which dates back to 1975. "The United States has stood with PNG since day one, in 1975." "This framework builds on five decades of cooperation based on shared values and a shared vision of the future." The strategic framework outlines a comprehensive approach to advancing mutual priorities in several critical areas, including economic development, digital technologies, infrastructure, and the extraction and processing of critical minerals. Recognizing Papua New Guinea’s rich natural resources, the document highlights the role of U.S. private sector investments in the extractives industry, with a specific focus on sustainable development, community engagement, and investment competitiveness. The agreement also emphasizes cooperation in bolstering Papua New Guinea’s cybersecurity framework, promoting trusted technology, and enhancing the country’s overall investment climate to attract greater U.S. private sector interest. Deputy Secretary Landu added that as part of the broader partnership, the framework sets the stage for continued collaboration on defense, maritime security, and law enforcement initiatives, underscoring the growing importance of U.S.-PNG defense ties in the Indo-Pacific region. "We are not just strengthening our defense ties but also laying the groundwork for innovation and economic prosperity that benefits both our nations.” In addition to the economic and technological priorities, the framework reaffirms existing defense cooperation agreements, including the 2023 Defense Cooperation and Shiprider Agreements. These initiatives, alongside the Strategic Partnership Dialogue scheduled for 2024, reinforce the two nations' shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges. The timing of the signing is particularly symbolic, as it coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, which was formally recognized by the United States on September 16, 1975. On that day, U.S. Ambassador Mary Olmsted was among the first to officially recognize the newly independent nation in a ceremony held in Papua New Guinea's Parliament. The framework not only celebrates the rich history of U.S.-Papua New Guinea relations but also sets a forward-looking agenda aimed at ensuring shared prosperity for the next five decades.