East New Britain Governor, Michael Marum expressed his disappointment towards the recent incident of a school fight among students during their inter-school sports carnival in the city of Kokopo, as well as acknowledging police efforts in de-escalating the situation. He stated that what should have been a time of unity, sportsmanship, and celebration of youth talent has been stained by disorderly actions. “Such acts of violence have no place in our schools or communities. They undermine the values of respect, discipline, and pride that we, as a province, have worked hard to uphold.” “It is disheartening to witness young individuals, who symbolize the future of East New Britain, engaging in actions that jeopardize public safety and tarnish the reputation of their schools and our province as a whole.” He then commended the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) officers in Kokopo for their immediate response. "Their presence and timely intervention were crucial in preventing further harm and restoring order." Governor Marum also called on parents to take initiative in guiding their children to become responsible adults. "The foundation of good citizenship starts with strong parental involvement and moral guidance. He is tasking the province’s Education Board to evaluate the incident and take concrete steps—through policies, awareness, and stronger school partnerships—to ensure that such offences do not reoccur. “The safety and well-being of our students must remain a top priority.” He urged school administrations, parents, and community leaders to collaborate effectively in tackling the underlying issues of these incidents. “We need to guarantee that our sporting events are secure and significant for every participant and spectator.” “I encourage our youth to make prudent decisions, show respect for each other, and take pride in representing their schools and communities with honour.”