More gold medals will be decided on Saturday as some of the team sports close off their competition. Taniela Rainibogi, Fiji's flagbearer at the opening ceremony, secured three weightlifting gold medals in the men's 157 kilogram category to lead his country's jump on the medal tally. Fiji were at 13th spot on Thursday with two gold, 11 silver and nine bronze but claimed four gold on Friday to climb up the ladder. Paralympic table tennis player Merewalesi Roden also claimed a gold in her final match, adding to Fiji's tally. But New Caledonia added another 14 gold to their tally from swimming, karate and archery. They raked in six more gold from karate on Friday. The way it is looking New Caledonia should be celebrating another top of the table finish next weekend as the Pacific's best. Australia, who was invited along with New Zealand to participate at the Games some years back, continues to hold to second spot ahead of Samoa. New Zealand also made their presence felt on Friday, jumping from eighth to sixth on the medal tally. They claimed a number of gold medals, their biggest from super heavyweight lifter David Liti. He battled Samoa's Enele Mao of Samoa in the 109+kg category at Maranatha Hall. Liti emerged as the champion, bagging the gold medal lifting 182kg in the snatch, 223 kg for the clean and jerk, and a total of 405kg in his first Pacific Games victory. "I am very happy; this is my third Pacific Games appearance and my first time to have won gold. I am super thankful for my coach and team," he told the Pacific Games News Service. "I am also thankful to the Samoa weightlifting head coach, Jerry (Wallwork), because you always bring out these new boys from Samoa, and they are always very good, and that's what keeps me having my honest work, and I don't like to relax too much." Iuniarra Sipaia of Samoa claimed three gold medals in the women's 87+kg senior category, and also won the Oceania Champion title with a 107kg snatch lift and 145kg for the clean and jerk. Competition ends on Saturday in football, rugby sevens, basketball and volleyball. That should bring in some exciting final clashes. Source: rnz.com

Two new Pacific Games swimming records were set on Thursday at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara as the 2023 Pacific Games rolls towards it first full week of competition. The day also saw 24 gold medals won and New Caledonia's dominance in the pool being disrupted again, although they continue to advance in their lead at the top of medal tally. New Caledonia's hold at the top increased overnight with their gold medal haul at 32 and their total haul of medals now standing at 80. Australia keeps the second spot with 23 gold and Samoa retains third overnight with 18 gold. A new Pacific Games record of 50.05 seconds was set by Cook Islands' Wesley Roberts in the men's 100m freestyle, breaking the record of 50.44 second, set by Stephane Debaere at the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby. [caption id="attachment_47585" align="aligncenter" width="1071"] Cook Islands swimming record breaker Wesley Roberts with his medal haul. Photo: Team Cook Islands[/caption] New record holder Roberts told the Pacific Games News Service it was a moment to savour. "I saw the record and one of the guys said that I didn't owe him $10 if I broke the record, so that was a bit of extra incentive but, again, everyone showed up tonight, which makes it more that more special and you want to get the job done. Me and my coach put a plan together and it paid off," he said. "I thought I could go close, my PB (personal best) was underneath the record, but you still have to get it done on the night and I was able to PB so that's the best time I've ever swam for the 100 free, so that's also really special and exciting and I'm just glad I could get it done for the Cook Islands." The second Games record was from New Caledonia, who clocked 1 minute and 39.24 seconds in the mixed 4 x 50m freestyle relay. They broke their own record set at the Pacific Games in Samoa, which was 1 minute 39.79s. Fiji claimed silver and Samoa bronze in the event. Other swimming winners In the women's 100m freestyle, Samoa's Olivia Borg claimed a new record and won her second gold medal for the night, stopping the watch at 58.60s. New Caledonia's Malou Douillard finished second with a time of 58.83 seconds and Fiji's Anahira McCutcheon (59.54) Borg picked up the gold in the women's 50m butterfly event as well with a time of 27.83 seconds, finishing ahead of New Caledonia's Lillie Freulon (28.01) and Douillard (28.30). The double-gold winner said she was not expecting the wins but was excited. "Honestly, I'm over the moon. I was not expecting this at all but I couldn't be any happier right now," she told Pacific Games Media. "I came into the Games just to have fun and so coming out with four golds is just amazing. I wouldn't have thought of it and I'm lost for words, but I'm just really happy. "Obviously coming here to represent my country, being here with all the other Samoan sports as well just means a lot, having the support by my family, and this is my first Pacific Games as well so I'm enjoying every single moment and I'm representing my family as well." Young Fijian Kelera Mudunasuoko won gold in the women's 100m breaststroke. The 16 year old Nadi student clocked 1 minute and 13.01 seconds in her gold swim aead of Cook Islands' Mary Connolly and New Caledonia's Manon Baldovini. Ethan Dumesnil of New Caledonia comfortably secure gold with a time of 24.31 seconds in the men's 50m butterfly. Federated States of Micronesia's Tasi Limtiaco took gold in the men's 100m breaststroke, with a time of 1 minute and 3.60 seconds. More medals are at stake in today's (Friday's) last events for swimming [caption id="attachment_47586" align="aligncenter" width="1069"] Kelera Mudunasuoko (middle) with her gold medal flanked by her fellow competitors Cook Islands’ Mary Connolly and New Caledonia’s Manon Baldovini. Photo: Team Fiji[/caption] What to expect today Weightlifting closes competition today along with archery. Medals will be decided in both competitions. Bastketball and volleyball are also entering their second last day of competition. Fiji and Samoa are dominating in sevens rugby at the National Stadium. The two Pacific giants are tipped to make it to the finals in the men's and women's competition but also face tough opposition from Tonga, the Solomons and Cook Islands. Fiji Rugby 7s men's team defeated American Samoa 55-0 in their first pool match while the Fijiana women's side beat Wallis and Futuna 29-0. Solomon Islands recorded a 22-5 win against Cook Islands in the women's competition, while the men's team had a 34-0 victory against Tahiti and a 29-0 win over Wallis and Futuna. In other women's matches Tonga thrashed Nauru 51-0. In the other men's matches Samoa beat Tuvalu 21-14 while Tonga hammered Nauru 46-0, with Papua New Guinea winning 62-0 against Tahiti. Karate enters its second and final day with medals on the table. Singles and mixed doubles events continue in tennis, while the women's and men's doubles begins today. Golf, sailing, table and football also continues. In football Tonga and Samoa will face off in their final pool, followed by Fiji v Solomon Islands. In the men's Cook Islands face New Caledonia Northern Mariana Islands takes on Tahiti. Finals in the event will be held on Saturday. Source: rnz.com

During a recent meeting hosted by the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) at Lamana Hotel, speakers and representatives spoke of issues affecting their various sectors and departments. Among those present was Mr. Kinsella Geoffrey, Executive Director for the National Training Council (NTC) and while presenting updates and recommendations on the National Training Policy 2022-2032, he spoke of mining labour improvements in relation to education. “One of our key aims of the movement of mine function to DHERST, in terms of registration of private training provided, is to ensure conformity and standards – that is the same skills, knowledge and teaching must be provided when it comes to private training.” “We want the same standards maintained whether you are in a public school or a private school.” Mr. Geoffrey further elaborated on how the NTC endorses resource projects to become more involved with the community. “NTC seeks within resource projects, their employment and training committee on behalf of the Department of Labour. “We chair these meetings, and in those meetings we push for these resource projects to not only train their staff, but to also get involved in the community, especially to those who are impacted by the mine.” “They must also provide scholarships or funding for training institutions for the host province.” He also stated that these mining companies must utilize the resources, programs and institutions within Papua New Guinea before sending individuals overseas for further training.

During the 12th graduation ceremony of Rarongo Theological College, East New Britain Province, renowned national figure Sir Moi Avei gave a motivational speech to the graduating class. Prominent attendees, parents, and the forty-five graduating students were present at the event on Sunday, November 19th when the 76-year-old Sir Moi Avei enthralled the audience with his powerful works. Renowned for his wisdom, integrity, and commitment to serving the country, he underlined the importance of the graduates' chosen paths while applauding the graduates' diligence and fortitude. “The future is yours; take it with both hands. Your success in making a difference is now entirely in your hands. Your parents will expect a tangible return from their investment.” Sir Moi Avei related his personal experiences, discussing the challenges he had faced and the lessons he had discovered along the way. He emphasized the significance of upholding one's moral principles and using education to further the common good. He commended Miriam Moses, a young woman from Milne Bay who successfully completed her Master’s Degree in Theology. Two other young women also graduated with diplomas in Theology. "In the years to come, I hope to see more of your sisters’ graduate with flying colours. Our forefathers heavily involved female participation in the economy," he said. The occasion saw the graduates receive their certificates and awards in theology but in respective different programs.

The Education & Training Sectoral Committee of CIMC (Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council) hosted its first meeting of 2023 on Thursday, November 16th at the Lamana Hotel. According to CIMC the meeting aimed to gauge updates on the government’s plans and initiatives in the education sector. Acting Secretary of DHERST, * was among those present. He addressed the quality and standards of in higher education and presented updates on plans implemented to improve higher education in the country. “I established the National School Development Agency with the intention of engaging the private sector into our TAFE and technical colleges and universities.” “The reason being the material and programs taught in these institutions were not relevant to the industry and it was out of date – from the 19th century.” “By law each TAFE or technical college must have people from the industry on the council to influence the policy making and must participate when developing the curriculum.” “Since this was implemented, I am pleased to report that this initiative is working well.” Professor Czuba added that the country is lacking quality high education and has not undergone much upgrade. “The system is supposed to guarantee a lot of quality graduates however, the system of education we inherited since independence is still the same.” “We have the PNG National Qualification Framework but it hasn’t been implemented yet.”

Bilum Books is currently in St. Francis Highschool in Nuku, Sandaun Province training a total of 166 Elementary School Teachers, with last week seeing 89 teachers receiving training. The teaching was all about instructing young children to read & write in English, in line with the National Department of Education’s (NDoE) English syllabus for Grades 1 & 2. Bilum Books Director Ray O’Farrell further elaborated on the training which was carried out in the beginning of this year. “This workshop explains the importance of Language Learning Strands in the PNG Syllabus: Speaking & Listening, Reading & Comprehension, Phonics, Common Words and Writing.” “We also explain how to use the Bilum Books Skills Based Curriculum, English Teacher Guides and Student Activity Books.” “Each school was given an allocation of books so that these teachers can return to their schools equipped with the training and the books to implement what they were taught.” The training and books are provided for under the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE), an agreement between the PNG Government and the Australian Government; managed by Abt Associations PIE and supported by the NDoE and the Provincial Divisions of Education (PDoE). O’Farrell added that the same training has been carried out in other provinces as well. “Currently, we are in Sandaun, but PIE has also been rolled out in Central, ARoB and Enga.” “Next week we will train similar numbers in Telefomin and Tekin.” So far a total of 3200 teachers have received training in 23 courses held in the various provinces.

On Monday, November 13, at 11:50 a.m. local time, the first group of Team PNG athletes and officials touched down at Henderson International Airport in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Leading the team was Chef de Mission Faye-Zina Lalo, who was greeted with warmth by His Excellency Moses Kaul, the Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands. When they arrived, Lalo and Ramona Padio, one of the flag bearers, were the first to be welcomed by the High Commissioner. 119 athletes and officials took the two-hour flight over. Lalo said PNG as the bigger nation in the Pacific is pleased to be part of the Games this year and help to make it a success through its participation. “Like the other nations at the Games this year, we will be doing our very best and we hope to finish high on the medal tally.” The women's football team captain, Padio, will be going for their sixth straight title and defending her gold medal from the last Pacific Games in Samoa. She affirmed her faith in her team and promised to put in a lot of effort to see their objective through. Senior members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, who are currently conducting operations in Honiara, were also present at the welcome party. Alongside them was Ase Boas, 2015 Pacific Games rugby league 9s gold medallist and former PNG Kumul five-eight player. Before the competitions start, the teams will use this week to settle in and complete their last training and preparations. The National Stadium on Honiara will host the opening ceremony for the games on November 19.

Anslom, PNG reggae singer and songwriter is on the rise thanks to the strong support of international reggae artists such as Aston Barrett Jr. of The Wailers, Big Mountain's lead singer Joaquin "Quino" McWhinney, and Third World singer AJ Brown. Anslom looks set to become PNG’s first international reggae superstar, with work currently underway on a 12-track album with The Wailers and a world tour with the Wailers and possibly other reggae greats like Maxi Priest, Big Mountain, and Third World in 2024. Not only is Anslom being recognized internationally in the world of reggae, but the PNG government is beginning to see how Anslom’s music can have a direct impact on the country’s tourism industry. Anslom was grateful for the support given by the National Government through the National Gaming Control Board. “This support will go on to promote PNG on the biggest tourism platform ever done before, via music because music is universal and far reaching.” When the album is released, Anslom's popularity will provide Papua New Guinea with a huge platform for tourism; this is a topic of discussion that has begun between Anslom's management in PNG and the USA. While on a familiarization tour in New York and Florida, USA, Anslom and his PNG producer, Emmanuel "Toxicmahn" Muganaua, are creating cutaways for music videos for the new album featuring The Wailers. Anslom's management in PNG and the USA have also cancelled all of the tours scheduled for the end of this year with a strategic focus on finishing the album with The Wailers The album with ‘The Wailers’ is songs about positive messages and spirituality. Meanwhile Lead singer of Third World, AJ Brown was looking forward to working with Anslom and stated that Anslom was poised to become a major player in the recording industry worldwide.

The Beatles have made a record-breaking return to No. 1 on the UK charts with their latest and “last” song “Now and Then” becoming the country’s top single. Released on November 2, “Now and Then” debuted on the UK’s Official Singles Chart at No. 42 the following day. Just over a week later, on Friday, the melancholic tune reached No. 1. The Beatles set a new record coming back 60 years and six months after their first UK No. 1, “From Me To You,” in May 1963, according to Official Charts, beating Elvis Presley’s span of 47 years and six months. It also comes another record-breaking 54 years after the band’s previous No. 1 hit, “The Ballad of John and Yoko,” in 1969 – overtaking English singer-songwriter Kate Bush’s 44-year gap between 1978 song “Wuthering Heights” and 2022 song “Running Up That Hill.” “BEATLEMANIA IS BACK,” wrote Official Charts in a joint Instagram post with The Beatles on Friday. Paul McCartney, the band’s bass guitarist, told Official Charts on Friday, “It’s mind boggling. It’s blown my socks off. It’s also a very emotional moment for me. I love it!” “Now and Then” features the sound of every member of the British rock group, including the vocals of the late John Lennon decades after he wrote it, as well as a guitar solo from the late George Harrison. This was a feat thought not to be possible after Lennon died in 1980. He wrote and recorded the song at his home in New York City in the late 1970s, and his wife Yoko Ono gave the demo to the remaining Beatles members in 1994. It took almost 30 years and the help of AI to complete the track. At the ages of 81 and 83 respectively, McCartney and drummer Ringo Starr have made The Beatles the oldest band to claim a UK No.1 single, according to Official Charts. “Now and Then” is the fastest-selling single of the year so far in the UK, with 48,600 physical and download sales in its first week, as well as 78,200 combined UK chart units across sales and streaming. The Beatles have the most No. 1 singles in the UK, with 18 – with only Elvis Presley in the US having more (21), according to Official Charts. Source: CNN News

Miss Bird of Paradise PNG (MBoP) was delighted to announce its collaboration with Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), one of the world’s leading account firms.  KPMG has come on board as the official accounting firm and scrutineers for the prestigious Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant, reinforcing both organization’s commitment to excellence, transparency and innovation. KPMG will play a central role in owning and managing the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG trust account, ensuring the highest integrity and accountability in all financial matters relating to the event. In addition, KPMG will be responsible for managing the event's financial records, ensuring the highest level of financial transparency. Anna Bais, MBoP Committee Chair explained the benefits of KPMG’s partnership with MBoP. “Through our inclusive education scholarship fund, the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant helps educate children with disabilities while giving young PNG women a platform to grow and be empowered.” “It is a privilege to have KPMG as a partner. Their participation guarantees that the Pageant will uphold the greatest levels of accountability, justice, and financial transparency. “We anticipate a fruitful collaboration that will enable Miss Bird of Paradise PNG to reach new heights.” KPMG Partner Brett McDermont expressed his delight in partnering with MBoP. “Miss Bird of Paradise PNG is a prestigious event that celebrates the beauty, intelligence, talent and culture of Papua New Guinea.” “Our partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting programs that promote inclusion and innovation and ensuring transparency and integrity in all aspects of the event.” The values of KPMG are completely aligned with the values and vision of Miss Bird of Paradise PNG. This partnership marks a major milestone in the short history of Miss Bird of Paradise PNG and bodes well for the positive impact it will have on the pageant and the communities it serves.

BSP has once again showed generous support towards the Operation Heart Program by presenting another annual donation of K100,000. BSP Corporate Sponsorship Manager Amelia Minnopu along with Community Partner – the Brisbane Broncos Management presented the cheque on behalf of BSP. to Kathy Johnston – Operation Open Heart Foundation Chairlady, as well as the CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr Paki Molumi and his team of Cardiac Surgeons, Ms. Minnopu stated that BSP was pleased to continue its assistance, totalling over K2.2 million since the year 2000. “We are pleased to support a program that not only saves lives but also strengthens the skills of our local medical team at Port Moresby General Hospital.” “We hope that our support will help surgeons continue to save lives and also provide a place for patients after surgery.” The program has assisted with surgical heart operations for the first 26 years. The Port Moresby General Hospital Cardiac Unit now has a specialized team performing closed heart surgeries, including Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) ligations, and Provincial Paediatric Cardiac Screening. This has extended to training local cardiothoracic surgeons and intensive care unit nurses. CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr Paki Molumi said Operation Open Heart has been a great success for this country. “Over 2,000 children have undergone surgeries to date, and they all lead normal lives and support the national economy." “We are grateful to BSP for their collaboration and visitation to Port Moresby General Hospital. The personnel are eager to advance this program.” The Operation Open Heart Program has given thousands of Papua New Guineans a second chance in life. The program that was a service is now a training program, led by Chief Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Noah Tapaua. Through the support of Corporate Organisations like BSP, the Operation Open Heart Team has visited over 12 provinces screening children who have undergone surgery by the local medical team.

This year was Buk Bilong Pikinini’s (BbP) first ever participation at the Morobe Show in Lae. Buk Bilong Pikinini was invited to set up a stall at the Theodist Education Pavilion at the Morobe Show on the 4th of November, 2023. BbP provided an information booth to make available knowledge about the organization’s free Early Childhood Education Program (ECE), enrolment dates for 2024, as well as the great impact BbP program has had on the children’s English literacy skills, numeracy skills and general awareness. The hundreds of kids who visited the BbP booth over the weekend also had the chance to buy books from the company's hugely successful "When I Grow Up - I want to be a" reader series, which features 5-year-old PNG kids in professional settings. Additionally, BbP had an exciting program for children and students which included a reading and activity corner that invited children to colour-in and think about what they want to be when they grow up. Leanne Resson, BbP’s Executive Officer stated that the organization wasn’t sure how their presence would be seen by the wider Lae community. “This was BbP's first time participating in the event hence we didn’t know what to expect but hundreds of kids and parents came to BbP to enjoy their time, and we couldn't be happier with their level of interest.” “We were thrilled to witness the children's excitement and enthusiasm about their future careers, spurred on by professional dress-up fun, and we sold so many of our educational books.” Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Founder & Chairperson expressed her delight over the turnout during the Morobe Show. “We were so glad to meet with so many parents and children from the Lae community and hear about their aspirations.” “Education provides people with the choice to pursue a career that interests them." "If you are uneducated other people will choose for you." “If children start thinking about their future from a young age, they are more likely to stay at school and complete their education.” She added that BbP were motivated by such a high interest in the organization’s ECE program and will be seeking to further expand in Lae. Currently BbP operates two Library Learning Centres in Lae. One is located at Lae Unitech and is sponsored by BSP Financial Group Limited and the other at Lae Showgrounds sponsored by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation.