A Women’s group from Doromoku village, in Kairuku Hiri, Central Province, have recently launched their first ever Country Women’s Association Group (CWA) in their area and in Central Province as a whole. The CWA Doura Kabema’una Women’s Group, has officially become a branch of the Country Women’s Association which is a worldwide charitable organization. According to CWA National Council President of PNG, Rachel Gware, CWA aims to improve the conditions for country women and children and to try to make life better for them, especially to those living in rural and remote areas. She said the launching of the new group will improve the livelihood of women and their families. “With the establishing of the new group, they can now fully participate in activities and projects that CWA plans to carry out. CWA Doura association group will now appoint representatives to bring forth and lead the way for them.” “Every year we appoint two female representatives from each of the 22 provinces to go to Suva in Fiji to take up Home Economics training which will go on for nine months. Once they have completed training, they then come back to train the bulk of the women in their respective provinces.” According to the coordinator of the CWA Doura Kabema’una Women’s group, Helen Gorogo, she said that this was a proud moment for the women in the area to become part of an organization for the first time. Gorogo said that with the launching of the new group, they are now looking forward to the upcoming projects that CWA will bring to them. She said that projects such as farming, SMEs, health program trainings, early childhood development programs and such will also be introduced soon in the area to improve the livelihood of locals especially the women. “We are definitely looking forward to projects such as farming, SMEs, health training programs and such that will follow after this launching is complete. With some of these projects already put in place by some of our local mothers, we hope that CWA will boost the hard work of our mothers.” “In addition to this, we also hope that in terms of our health training programs, the CWA will help train our women who are willing to learn and help our community in the future.” Gorogo added that the launching is the first of its kind in the area and in Central Province as a whole to have a women’s group like this. “I am very excited to see our projects grow from a small scale to a larger scale and to most importantly improve the livelihoods of our locals, especially women.”

Warangoi Secondary School in East New Britain Province, will soon receive a new duplex for teachers’ houses. Principal of Warangoi Secondary, Mrs. Naomi Vuvu, said that the project has already started and should be complete by Term One of next year. Vuvu stated that, the total amount of funding put into this project is K464, 000 which came from students’ project fees. In addition to this, Vuvu said that a plan has been put in place to carry out two more duplex teacher’s houses and two new classrooms by next year. She said the reason being that many of the teachers in the school do not have accommodation near the school or within the school premises. “I would like as much as possible to have as many teachers’ houses as we can for the benefit of our teachers so that they don’t have to travel long distance to come teach.” “With one duplex currently under construction, we are now aiming for two more to be built so that each of our teachers’ can all have a place to stay within the school premises. As for the classrooms, Vuvu said that the school is working to introduce grade 7 into the school and to have classrooms for them built out.” “This way, it makes it easier for the students to move on to the next grade without having to transfer between different schools from high school to secondary school.” Vuvu concluded that the plan and budget for these two duplex houses and classrooms will be put together and presented to the school board before school resumes next year. [caption id="attachment_17933" align="aligncenter" width="644"] Students of Waragoi Secondary School in ENB. Picture source: Warangoi Secondary School FB page[/caption]

Each year CPL Group of Companies carries out a fashion competition aimed at giving an opportunity to upcoming designers to showcase their fashion talents. The program consists of the best design work created by those who have a passion for fashion and style. This year, CPL announced five of its lucky winners for the 2020 Design PNG competition. Amazingly, all five winners were male designers who were chosen for their best designs. The winners then launched their design collections, which took place last week Thursday at Jack’s PNG. LaForce Mand, was one of the winners announced for the Fashion competition. Mand, a 3rd year Human Resource student at UPNG, expressed how happy he was when he got the call from CPL regarding his win. “I honestly didn’t expect this, to be announced as one of the best designers and to launch my very own collection for the first time is a huge deal for me.” “Designing is something I do, since I also do freelance graphic designing on the side whilst studying at the same time.” “Designing is something that I am very passionate about. This is the first time for Mand to be called a designer. He said, to have his work recognized in the fashion industry has really boosted him to expand his work. “I have always been handy with a pencil; drawing and art is something I love since I was a kid.” “I am not a designer by profession as yet, but this is definitely something that I can continue on now that I have started someone.” Mand was amongst 330 other applicants who took part in the competition. Mand and four participants were fortunate enough to win the 2020 Design PNG competition. Founder & Chariman of CPL Group, Sir Mahesh Patel said the aim of these kinds of programs is to have upcoming PNG designers reinvent and make a difference in the fashion industry. He added that there are a lot of artistic people in the country whose work hasn’t been exposed yet. “We host the competition every year to bring together talented designers around the country. We create this opportunity by giving them a chance in the industry,” Sir Mahesh said. Sir Mahesh encouraged everyone to take part in next year’s competition. He stressed with these kind of talents, each individual can have their work carried out internationally. “People from all across the country, if you know that you got talent, do participant in the competition. At least it can be a learning

A total of 16 boxers officially signed their Professional Boxer's contract agreement last week Friday. The contract was signed between the boxers, their managers and the Oceania Fight Promotions. Marketing Manager for Oceania Fight Promotions, Mr. Noel Sarei, said that the contract consists of a number of details such as the boxers’ terms and conditions between the three parties, the category they will be fighting under, the number of rums to fight, the name of their opponents and most importantly the prize money. “We at Oceania Fight Promotions, recognize boxing not only as a recreational activity but also an industry.” “We focus on building our youths to become champions.” “Our track record has proven hosting a total of seven local fights and four international events which gave us confident and strength.” Sarei added that with the company’s mission to address unemployment and poverty issues, the signing of the contract is seen as a significant milestone for participating youths, especially those in professional boxing. After the contracts are signed, the fighters will then proceed in training and preparing themselves for the upcoming boxing tournament. The Legend’s X-Mas Clash fight is a boxing tournament that takes place annually and will be held at the Sir John Guise Stadium this Sunday. Sarei thanked all the sponsors for their support in making these two events possible; the contract signing as well as the upcoming tournament. “I can confidently assure our sponsors and stakeholders that your sponsorship and association with us will increase your showcasing responsibility to the community.” He concluded by encouraging those out there who are interested in such sporting activities, to come forward and showcase their talents.

A new band in the music industry, the Eleven 35 boys took out the Yumi FM Musik Award Listeners Choice Song of the Year Award, thanks to their fans that voted for their song “Superman”. The 17th Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards 2021 Live on Radio recognized artists, songs, bands and producers of the year 2020 who worked tirelessly and managed to deliver to their fans amidst the COVID-19 situation the country. Eleven 35 was nominated in the Best New Artist of the Year category, however they missed out on that category but the listeners and their fans never gave up on the group’s hit single “superman”. Their song ‘Superman’ got the highest number of votes and requests on 93 Yumi FM for 2020. This is the first time Eleven 35 has won an award for the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards. “Winning the award for the first time is something new and exciting for us and winning an award for the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards is huge for us, just by knowing that we were recognized.” “This shows that we have done our part by doing something right for our listeners and for the PNG Music Industry as a whole.” Sky from Eleven 35 thanked all their fans as well as Yumi FM for making it possible for them to win the awards. “If it wasn’t for the fans, we wouldn’t have received this award, and with that we are thankful.” Sky said this was something to look forward and strive harder come next year’s Musik awards. “We are now preparing for two upcoming songs, one of them will be with Sai Kay which should be done and released early next year.” The group which started around July last year, have so far released 13 songs in total, Superman, being one of them. Superman which was released in November last year, has been a hit ever since. “Since PNG has good artists, our aim now is to create good music and to make sure that we keep this group intact by using our talents to sing and to be a part of the PNG Music Industry.” “This is just the beginning of what is yet to come and that’s starting off with this achievement and building on from there.”

Friends of POMGEN, a charity organization made up of business houses and others have been running an appeal as of last week at Waterfront Food World under the banner “GIFT A FRIEND”. A booth has been set up at the shopping center for anyone who wishes to gift a friend at any of the wards in Port Moresby General Hospital. The donation appeal will end on the 19th of this month, while the gifts collected will be donated to the hospital on the 20th -24th December. Founding Director of Friends of POMGEN, Ms. Naarai Banam said the gifts will be given to everyone from children to adults. “This is the time of sharing, so what a better way to give a gift especially to those who need it the most.” In addition to this, Banam said that Friends of POMGEN will also be selling merchandise such as mugs, key rings and other stuff. The merchandise will be put up for a sale once the new orders come in and are made available. “We the Friends of POMGEN continue to enable communities to be a part and be involved in helping and most importantly caring for our hospital.” She said the ‘Gift a Friend’ appeal is not the only appeal that Friends of POMGEN would like to do but they would very much appreciate it if more surrounding communities such as schools and organization can also chip it to help. “Any form of help would be appreciated and needed at this time, especially when we are approaching the festive season.” “We hope that once this appeal is over, we have enough to share with those ones in the hospital, especially those who don’t have loved ones with them during this time.” Apart from the appeal, Ela Murray was also one of the supporting communities who recently donated 200 Christmas gifts to the Children’s Ward. Banam encouraged everyone to help show their support during this festive season in buying and donating a gift to those in the hospital.

Estapacifica has won three awards at the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards 2021 Live on Radio which was hosted last night on the Yumi FM radio station. The awards include Best New Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Artist of the year. Estapacifica was nominated under these categories for her most outstanding performance in the PNG Music Industry in 2020. The artist who hails from Southern Highlands and Eastern Highlands Provinces respectively is the first Female Artist of the Year to win the Artist of the Year award for 2021. In addition to this, Estapacifica's Gomohane was the top song that played for nine consecutive weeks on the Yumi FM radio station. Alongside Estapacifica, K-Dumen won the Song of the year as well as the JK award, Saii Kay won the Male Artist of the year followed by Snooks Wilson (Deh Deh sounds) who won the Producer of the year award. Tasik Yard was also amongst the other winners who won the Registered Artist of the year award followed by Eleven 35 who won the Listeners Choice song of the year. Every year the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards brings together hardworking local artists and gives recognition for their contributions towards the PNG Music Industry. This year, for the second time around, Yumi FM has brought another successful Awards Night Live On Radio and would like to wish all the artists a continued success in their musical careers.

The list of nominees for the YUMIFM PNG MUSIK AWARDS 2021 LIVE ON RADIO is out now and the winners will be announced tonight on the Yumi FM radio station. The nominees have been voted under each of the ten categories, including Song of the year, Best New Artist of the year, Best Male and Female Artist, Group/Duo of the Year, Artist of the year, Producer of the year, Registered Artist of the year, Justin Kili Award and Listeners Choice Song of the Year. The nominees have been recognized for their contribution to the PNG music industry in 2020. Estapacifica’s single Gomohane is amongst others who have been nominated so far for the Song of the year Award including K-Dumen & Roman Niemba’s Burum Ambi, Saii Kay ft Cammy Bee & Kronos with their song Frangipani SSM and Daniel Bilip’s Longwei Peren. Nominees for the Best New Artist of the Year include Eleven 35, Tuhiana, Estapacifica and Natz. McDonald Taylor, Jayrex Suisui, Mal Meninga Kuri and Saii Kay are nominees under the Best Male Artist category alongside Asi Vaname, Taita Maraga, Esatapacifica and RiiKah who have been nominated under the Best Female Artist Category. Group/Duo of the Year of the Year nominees include Stagajah and Chaddy Chad, Tasik Yard and Naps Safe, Extracts Band of Alotau, Kelly Bol and Tarvin Tounie, Archie Tarzy, Ragath Solomon and Hatred. Nominees for the category; Artist of the year include K Dumen, Estapacifica, Saii Kay and Tasik Yard. Late B-Rad is also one of the nominees for the Producer of the year award; Block Music. He is amongst others in the likes of Snooks Wilson (Deh Deh Sounds) and Weedy Boy (Blaze 1 Recordz) who have all been nominated for the Producer of the Year Award. As for the Registered Artist of the Year, the nominees include Tasik Yard and Saii Kay. Apart from these artists nominated under each of these categories, there are two more categories which will also be announced in efforts to recognized more local artists. The two categories include the Justin Kili Award and the Listeners Choice Song of the Year. According to Program Director of Yumi FM, Tuluan Vitz, the artists who are most voted and requested for by the listeners will be announced and presented their awards. “These artists are given awards based on their outstanding performances and contributions they have put in towards the PNG Music Industry.” “The event will be delivered live on air as well as on our Yumi FM social media page, giving our listeners a feel of the event in which they can take part in.” Tuluan Vitz has encouraged everyone to tune in tonight on Yumi FM starting from 8pm to 12 midnight to listen to the announcement of the best artists of the year.

Christmas came a little early for children at the Port Moresby General Hospital Pediatric Ward when Ela Murray International School today donated over 200 Christmas presents. The donations were initiated by a parent group committee called TEMIS. According to a parent, this was one of their ways in supporting the surrounding communities and one of them is giving back to children in the hospital. Melissa Belfrord who is part of the parent committee, expressed that this was the kind of support the school wanted to give especially during this festive season. “If it wasn’t for the help and support from the other parents, we wouldn’t be able to support our communities and with that I am forever grateful.” “We the parent group of TEMIS, feel so blessed to be part of a community supported event. We appreciate the work Friends of POMGEN does and with that, we are more than happy to support them.” According to one of the Founding Directors of Friends of POMGEN, Ms. Naarai Banam, this was an initiative that the students and parents wanted to share with other children during this pandemic time. Banam expressed her gratitude to the parents and students of Ela Murray for the support and effort into donating to the hospital. “We have about 203 children in both Ward 1 and 2. We will present a gift each to them as their early Christmas present" Banam said that this is the first year for the school to donate to the hospital and hopes that this can be done again come next year.

In a country where there is an increasing number of lawlessness among our youths who have resorted to cheap alcohol and drugs, it is very difficult to raise a young man without the negative influence from his peer groups on the street. Parents, church leaders, schools and community leaders are struggling to tame this generation but it keeps getting worse by the day unless the youths are engaged in something positive they love doing and sports for Papua New Guinean youths is an alternative. A former professional boxer Nelson Kosipi has seen how this generation is wasting away to cheap alcohol, drugs, unhealthy food, lack of discipline and has decided to come up with a boxing club aiming to get youths and kids off the street and away from activities that pollute their minds and destroy their body. Kosipi’s boxing club is known as the House of Pain Boxing Club and it’s located in Waigani where youths from Morata, Waigani, Gerehu and NCC have become part of this club. He is currently coaching 50-60 youths from as young as nine years of age to 26 years of age. The club members are slotted into three divisions as per their age and weight. The first division is called the Cadet, which is made up of youths as young as 8-15 years of age. The second is the Novice division consisting of 16 - 19 years of age and the final division is the senior division comprising of youths from 20 -26 years of age Kosipi has so far seen an improvement in his team members’ boxing skills. He said it is just a matter of helping them finding out who they are and building them on from there. “I decided to take up the initiative of creating this boxing club for youths specifically those living in Waigani, to give them a chance to do something good for themselves.” “I made the decision to take them off the street and into the ring so that they can take part in something good such as sports and not illegal activities that includes drug consumption and so forth.” He said the club has so far helped the youths in doing something productive in their lives instead of resorting to bad habits. “Boxing can also help develop and mold them into being someone better in the future.” “My aim right now is to build up new boxers, to become the next Martin Beni and Jack Willie in Papua New Guinea so that they can become good role models for their community and also for the country.” The House of Pain Boxing club is among six clubs currently taking part in the North-East Boxing Tournament. The tournament which began a month ago, takes place every weekend at ATS. The House of Pain has so far won 38 matches and will be going into the semi- finals which are set to take place this weekend. In the event that the team members win the semi-finals this weekend, then they will be able to proceed to the grand finals which will be on the 4th-5th of December.

The Accident & Emergency department at the Madang Provincial Hospital has recorded 74 Covid-19 positive cases for the last three weeks after carrying out a total of 203 tests. Emergency Physician, Dr. Juith Gawi, said swabs were done on patients who presented themselves with COVID-19 symptoms at the outpatient area. He said the department has seen a surge in the number of cardiovascular diseases like stroke, chest pain and treatment failure malaria. “Since October the Madang Provincial Hospital had recorded 74 positive Covid-19 cases and 25 Covid-19 deaths, while 55 Covid-19 patients were discharged from the A&E department for home quarantined." "They were then followed up by the surveillance team while some came back for review through the A&E department and had recovered.” Gawi said. Gawi added, the hospital is still working to have its isolation ward fully functional for covid-19 patients thus most of the covid19 patients were also kept at the A&E department. “The A&E department has a 15-bed capacity that normally gets patients from all districts of Madang."  "For now, Covid-19 patients are being admitted and treated in the A&E Department.” Furthermore, he said it is risky for the hospital to nurse Covid-19 patients in the same department as the non-covid patients while waiting for the isolation ward to be up fully functioning. The hospital has tried to help the situation by partially separating them for now. The biggest challenge they are currently being faced with is bed limitations and lack of manpower due to the recent strike by nurses in the country. “Another challenge is the mortuary which is full to capacity." "There are a number of unclaimed bodies that caused the mortuary to be full and we are unable to accommodate other bodies coming in.” He added, they are also faced with the challenge of adequate Oxygen supply for all the patients. "The department has two multi-facet oxygen concentrators that can supply oxygen to eight patients only which is four patients to one concentrator." However, despite the decrease in the number of Covid-19 cases, the department is still seeing more patients turning up with Covid like symptoms.

Nominations are now open for the Listener’s Choice Song of the Year Award for the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards 2021. According to the Program Director Mistiq, listeners will be given this week to vote for their favorite song from 2020 into this year. Nominations have opened as of yesterday start today and will close on Sunday 28th of November. The Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards will take place on the 4th of December where Yumi FM will announce the most nominated artists who are voted the most by the listeners. The awards night will be aired live on Yumi FM from 8pm to 12am. The Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards consist of eight categories including the Listeners’ Choice Song of the Year Award, and listeners are encouraged to vote for their favorite song before Sunday. Nominations and votes can be posted on the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards Facebook page or can call NAUFM or Legend FM on 73738817 to put in their vote.