Lek Mak, meaning “footprint” in Tok Pisin, is more than just an album. It’s a vibrant celebration of Bougainville’s unique cultural identity, told through music, stories, and powerful community partnerships. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting project that was launched in Port Moresby. 1. It’s a Musical Footprint of Bougainville The album Lek Mak showcases the voices, songs, and stories of Bougainvillean artists. It’s a dynamic mix grounded in the island’s place, culture, history, and language. 2. Backed by Deep Collaboration This project was made possible through a strong partnership between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), the Australian Government, and Wantok…
Author: Aseneth WAIDE
In a crucial step towards improving emergency preparedness in schools and communities, the National St John Ambulance PNG (NStJA) together with the Morobe Division of Education and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation has successfully rolled out first-aid training across seven schools in Lae, Morobe province. This joint initiative, which has already reached around 280 students, is a vital effort in equipping young people with essential life-saving skills. Schools that have partaken in the program include Busu Secondary, Immanuel Lutheran, Lae Secondary, Markham Road Junior High School, Bumayong Lutheran Secondary School, Malahang Technical Secondary, and Taraka Junior High School. Additional schools such…
Papua New Guinea came together in solemn remembrance as the nation marked the 44th Remembrance Day, honouring the courage and sacrifices of its unsung heroes. Speaking at the official ceremony at Ela Beach, Port Moresby, Acting Governor-General Job Pomat gave a heartfelt tribute to the wartime generations, including the villagers who served as carriers, guides, medics, and protectors of the wounded. “Today, we pay our respects to those whose lives were affected by the war.” “The ordinary people from our villages who took part in battle, who carried the wounded, who carried supplies, and those who acted as lookouts or…
Today the country paused to honor the bravery and sacrifice of its servicemen and women, as the nation marks the 44th Remembrance Day with solemn ceremonies held across the country. The day commemorates those who served—and gave their lives—during times of war, particularly in World War II, when PNG became a key battleground in the Pacific. A modest crowd showed up today at Ela Beach for Remembrance Day. The venue was dotted with police officers, military personnel, scouts, media officers and of course the general public all set to mark the historic occasion. Some are taking the opportunity to live…
In a small but heartfelt ceremony recently, the National Cultural Commission farewelled three student interns who had completed a six-week attachment with the Commission. The event was witnessed by senior officers, staff members, and a guest lecturer from Pacific Adventist University (PAU). The interns included Daphane Mou and Movi’e Issac from PAU and Grace Mendai from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). While Mou and Issac completed their industrial practicum as part of their university course requirements, Mendai worked as a casual staff member during her semester break. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda,…
A major health outreach program will happen on Sunday, 27 July 2025, at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, offering free medical services city residents, thanks to a partnership between the Filipino Association of Papua New Guinea (FAPNG), the Philippine Embassy, and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). The initiative was formally announced during a press conference attended by key leaders including His Excellency Edgar Tomas Auxilian, Ambassador of the Philippines to PNG; NCD Governor Powes Parkop, FAPNG President Jonathan Plasabas, FAPNG Vice President, Arne Alfajardo and Consul Jomar T. Sadie. Ambassador Edgar Tom Auxilian expressed delight in marking…
Director: Dean DeBlois Cast: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost Rating: PG | Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Run Time: 2h 5min AN UNDERWHELMING OPENING SCENE BUT COMPENSATES WITH EPIC FIGHTS “Perfectly captures the animated versions’ light heartedness and adventurous spirit – with a touch of darker battles and complexity.” How to Train Your Dragon (live action) follows a young Viking, Hiccup (Mason Thames), and his quest to fit in with his larger Viking community, which leads to an unlikely friendship and alliance. Mason Thames delivers a solid portrayal as Hiccup. His awkwardness and flat toned, sarcastic delivery…
Pacific Re (PacRe), the only Pacific-owned reinsurance company, celebrated a strong year of growth at its second annual Client and Business Partner Cocktail Event. CEO Lolesh Sharma shared good news, announcing that PacRe’s income grew from K11 million in 2022 to K34 million in 2024. That’s a 52% increase in just one year, and the company is now aiming to reach K40 million in 2025. “PacRe now handles 25% of PNG’s reinsurance market, which is worth around K120 million.” “We’re proud to help build local skills, pay claims quickly, sometimes within 24 hours, and support clients from PNG all the…
The 2025 Southern Region School AFL Grand Finals will take place this Saturday, 19 July, at Murray Barracks AFL Oval. The games are part of AFL PNG’s Smart Start Niukick program and will feature Under-13 and Under-15 boys and girls teams. The schedule is as follows: 9:30 AM – U13 Girls: Gerehu Megpies Junior vs MW Gordons Kokofa Junior 10:30 AM – U13 Boys: Bavaroko Primary School vs MW Gordons Kokofa Junior 11:30 AM – U15 Girls: MW Gordons Kokofa Junior vs Gerehu Megpies Junior 12:30 PM – U15 Boys: MW Gordons Kokofa Junior vs Ted Diro Primary School The competition promotes youth development…
A new toll-free hotline, aimed at equipping girls across Papua New Guinea with vital health information, was officially launched today (Friday 18th, 2025) in Port Moresby city. Known as the Oky Toky IVR Service, the initiative is a collaboration between Save the Children, UNICEF, and the Government of Papua New Guinea, with funding from the Australian Government through its Indo-Pacific Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights COVID-19 Surge Response Program. By simply dialing ‘1565’ on any phone, girls can now access accurate, youth-friendly health information in Tok Pisin—making it accessible to those without smartphones or internet connectivity. The Interactive Voice Response…