East Gate Karate Academy held its 4th Kyu Grading Ceremony on Sunday 15th, Dec 2024 - an event which graduates karatekas (karate practitioners) to the next color level belt. This day witnessed 27 students from various age groups get certified and advance to their new respective karate levels after demonstrating techniques of kihon (基本) - basics or fundamentals; kata (型) - form; and kumite (組手) - sparring. - White to Yellow Belt - Yellow to Orange Belt - Orange to Green Belt - Green to Blue Belt - Blue to Purple Belt - Purple to Brown Belt Speaking at the ceremony Sensei Julius Piku, described Karate as more than just a sport. "Apart from learning karate, martial arts training helps the children develop their confidence." Additionally, he stated that by 2025, the academy should be sending its students to competitions overseas. East Gate Karate Academy is located at Stratos Building, Level 1, Ekere, Savannah Heights, Waigani.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP), which offers a free Early Childhood Education program and library services to children throughout Papua New Guinea, raised money for the organization on Friday, December 6, 2024, by hosting an exciting Christmas Charity Golf Tournament with the kind sponsorship of Ela Motors. The Lane Lawyers team emerged victorious following an incredible round of golf, which featured an incredible Hole-in-One on the fifth hole by Greg Downer of ExxonMobil. The NWTL/Fonehaus donated a 75-inch Smart TV to the winning team. Two 50-inch flatscreen TVs sponsored by the Brian Bell/Sir Brain Bell foundation were awarded to MVIL, the "runner up" team that took second place. The 3rd prize was won by the Rotary Club of Boroko, who each won a Callaway Golf bag donated by Ela Motors. 13 additional prizes, went for categories like ‘closest to the pin’, ‘longest drive’, ‘the Tarzan’ (shooting the ball into the trees), ‘best shot’, ‘worst shot’ as well as the ‘water hazard’ (shooting the ball into the pond to unsuspecting resident crocodiles) was great fun for all. Support for additional prizes came from BNBM, CHM, Theodist, Hannah’s Beauty Box, BNG Trading, Kumul Golf Gear, Hilton Hotel, Trukai, Puma Energies, Panamex Pacific Ltd and Budget-Rent-A-Car. With sponsorship support from 9 Mile Farm, SVS Sweetheart Bakery, Waterfront Foodworld, CPL, and Alibi Bar & Grill, the participating teams had a healthy dinner prepared by the BbP team after meeting the BbP children and enjoying a delicious breakfast provided by SVS Sweetheart Bakery, Waterfront Foodworld, and Sanitarium. They also enjoyed "on-the-course" snacks from Lae Biscuit Company and Paradise Foods, bottled water, and drinks from CPL, Alibi Bar & Grill, Ilimo, and Sanitarium. Many participants praised the charity event as the "best organized" and "most enjoyable" they had ever attended, and BbP is thankful to Ela Motors for the opportunity to host it. BbP Founder and Chairperson, Anne-Sophie Hermann expressed her gratitude to their Diamond sponsor, Ela Motors. “We are so grateful to our Diamond sponsor Ela Motors for the amazing opportunity for us to host a second Golf Tournament in support of our programs and services for children’s education.” Thanks to a great “BbP family of donors”; Brian Bell Group of Companies, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, NWTL, Budget Rent A Car, Trukai, Supreme Industries Ltd, Sanitarium, Australian Export Consortia and Market 2000, Ilimo, 9 Mile Farm and Ela Motors coming together to support the event, players had a great time and were able to support BbP to welcome more children to attend its free Early Childhood Education program in 2024.

The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) collaborated to train officers from the PNGFA and representatives from ten forestry companies in Madang and Morobe provinces, on the updated PNG logging code of practice (LCOP) and planning, monitoring, and control procedures (PMCPs) for sustainable forest management. This training was finished as part of USAID's PNG Sustainable Landscapes project, a five-year, $15 million initiative aimed at lowering the factors that contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. The director of the USAID/PNG Environment and Energy Office, David Sean Burt, reaffirmed the US government's pledge to support PNG. “The United States is committed to helping the government and people of PNG to develop climate resilient livelihoods, to support the sustainable development of PNG's forestry sector and to protect Papua New Guinea’s unmatched biodiversity." Trainees included timber industry surveyors, planners, and supervisors. The training is part of PNGFA’s work to increase the environmental sustainability of the forest industry. The revised LCOP includes greater protections for forests and new tools to address climate change. Acknowledging USAID’s support to PNGFA, Alois Jenkihau, PNGFA Manager of Policy and Aid Coordination Branch of the Forestry Policy and Planning Directorate, stated that the training of the revised PNG’s Logging Code of Practice and the Planning, Monitoring and Control Procedures, will help to protect the environment, support the sustainable harvesting of timber and reducing impact of logging on PNG’s forest. “This is a milestone achievement with funding support from both USAID and JICA for the timber industry and the government to part-take in this significant event.” Masato Okabayashi, Chief Advisor JICA-PNGFA Forest Project commended this initiative. “JICA applauds the initiative taken by USAID-PNGSL to partner with JICA to co-fund and support the training of the revised logging code of practice to the Forest Industry Participants in Madang and Morobe.” “JICA intends to ensure PNG’s forest be sustainably managed to meet PNG’s sustainable development goals.” “JICA is hoping for continued partnership with USAID PNGSL and other development partners to support the capacity building of PNGFA and the forest industry in PNG.”

Title: Heretic (2024) Director(s): Scott Beck & Bryan Woods Rating: R Genre(s): Psychological Horror, Thriller Duration: 1hr 5Omins Stars: Hugh Grant Sophie Thatcher Chloe East When two sister missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton from The Church of Latter-Day Saints respond to the inquiry of a gentleman, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), it soon becomes evident that Mr. Reed has something much more sinister in mind than just a discussion about religion. Heretic's characters' Sister Paxton, Sister Barnes and Mr. Reed are individuals with intriguing backgrounds upon closer inspection. Each person depicts reflects states of a person in their spiritual journey. Sister Paxton comes from a typical Mormon family; one of 8 daughters born and raised in a Mormon household in Utah (an American state that is the center of Mormon culture and influence). Paxton has very little experience of the outside world and her naivety is evident in her overenthusiasm in sharing the Good News with Mr. Reed. Her judgment is clouded by her passion in sharing her faith that she doesn't notice his unusual behaviors until it was too late. Paxton is the embodiment of a sheltered believer, one who hasn't encountered circumstances that challenge her faith. A polar opposite to Sister Barnes. Sister Barnes on the other hand is a convert originally from Philadelphia. She, an outsider who has seen the harsh realities of life and is more observant and mature. She immediately senses that something is wrong after Mr. Reed does not bring his wife out to meet them. Additionally, she asks questions and make statements that bring Mr. Reed's attention away from his engrossing conversation about religion. Sister Barnes is a grounded believer - one who believes in God but does not disregard facts. Her alertness to her surroundings is in direct conflict with Mr. Reed's manipulative tactics. Mr. Reed is one who is disillusioned by organized religion and zealous in proving his newfound philosophies to followers of any faith even if those methods go against moral values. Despite studying various religions overtime, he has since deconstructed his beliefs and is now focused on proving that all religions are controlling. Heretic may be offensive to religious groups as it portrays difficult discussions about faith, in particular about The Church of Latter-Day Saints. Additionally, it may trigger individuals who have suffered from religious trauma. Otherwise, for fans of psychological horrors and thrillers, Heretic could be a new addition to your favorites list.

To aid with disaster response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) received humanitarian relief supplies from the US government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The relief goods will be utilized to enhance the national response readiness of the Government of Papua New Guinea and will be pre-positioned at IOM's warehouse in Lae. In the case of a natural or man-made disaster, the relief supplies are enough to give over 10,000 individuals basic household necessities and life-saving emergency shelter. United States Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock stressed on the United States commitment to supporting PNG when disasters strike. “The United States is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea to ensure that communities are prepared when disasters strike and that affected individuals receive the emergency supplies and relief they need as quickly as possible.” “These supplies are pre-positioned in Lae so we can quickly deliver life-saving assistance to those who need it most.” In response to the Mount Ulawun eruption in West New Britain, the earthquake in East Sepik, the flooding in the Highlands, and the landslide in Enga province, USAID has contributed about 10 million Kina ($2.4 million) over the past 12 months. The handover builds on the United States’ commitment to strengthen national and local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters. The United States pledged to preposition USAID-funded disaster relief and humanitarian assistance supplies in PNG, and specifically in Lae, to enable prompt deployment during emergencies during a July 2024 visit by a U.S. interagency delegation made up of the Departments of State and Defense, the National Security Council, USAID, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The United States has given Papua New Guinea over 140 million Kina ($35 million) for disaster preparedness and relief since 2012. Throughout the year, USAID helps communities get ready for and deal with the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters. Eleven Provincial Disaster Centers nationwide get disaster risk reduction and preparedness assistance from USAID in collaboration with IOM.

Alex Rimbao, one of the pioneer Grade 10 students from the recently upgraded New Erima Junior High School in Port Moresby city was the proud recipient of the Dux award during the school’s 27th graduation held today. The 19-year-old, who hails from the Wapenamanda district of Enga province, scored 3rd placing in Mathematics, 2nd placing in English and 1st placing in Personal Development, Science, Social Science, Business Studies and Agriculture. The youngster expressed great satisfaction over his performance. “After working hard, I’m very happy with the result.” He also shared challenging moments during his studies, much of which involved the difficulty in finances. “I live with my mother who is unemployed, and occasionally it was tough to find bus fare and also lunch money.” Yet in spite of this, the young man defied all odds and performed outstandingly in both Grade 9 and 10. Meanwhile, the external Dux award for Grade 8s was received by Jordan Bayu. Speaking at the graduation, New Erima’s Principal for the Junior High division, Dorothy Lapun, acknowledged the efforts of parents and educators in bringing the students this far in their academic life. “Achievement does not come through individual efforts, it is of, through and with collaboration from a team.” “No teacher alone can make a student become somebody in the future, it takes input from parents, from stakeholders and from students themselves; contributing one way or another to help a school or a student achieve something.” A total of 309 Grade 8s graduated alongside 98 Grade 10s.

Port Moresby residents can experience a lineup of Christmas events courtesy of National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop and his team from the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) this festive season. At a recent press conference at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Governor Parkop revealed a number of interesting Christmas events residents like the Carols by the Sea, the Whitecember Walk, and the Active City Combined Church Service. The good Governor said that the Christmas season is a time to spread love, kindness, unity, and peace as we celebrate the birth of Christ the Saviour. In order to make Port Moresby city a more habitable and peaceful, he welcomed the cooperation of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the Body of Christ Alliance, and the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC), all of which have joined forces with his administration to ensure a good festivity period in the capital city. “As Governor and host, I call for unity, reconciliation, and peace in our city as we prepare to come together on Sunday, 15th December." “When we unite and start practicing good deeds, we can fully realize the potential of becoming a better and greater city.” “Most of us are peace-loving and decent people. By coming together, we can discourage the unethical behaviors of the minority that hinder the city’s development and progress." PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, 15TH DECEMBER 2024 1. Combined Church Service •     Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM •     Venue: Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. •     A light refreshment will be provided for attendees. 2 . Whitecember Walk •     Start Time: 5:00 AM •     Location: From Ela Beach to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. •     Residents are encouraged to wear white to symbolize peace in the city. 3. Carols by the Sea •     Start Time: 5:00 PM onwards •     Location: Ela Beach. The event will feature Christmas dramas, choirs, performances, stalls, and markets, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

On Sunday, December 1st, youths from a number of wards in the Sinivit Local Level Government (LLG) of Pomio District in East New Britian (ENDB) province made amends with leaders and community members. Following a summons by Pomio MP Elias Kapavore, the youths turned themselves in with their guns at a surrender ceremony last month in Warangoi. This program is a follow-up to that event. In the midst of persistent lawlessness in the LLG that had gotten worse in recent months over the previous two years, the MP and National Health Minister had made a call. On the final day of a five-day crusade program led by the Governing Church and sponsored by other LLG denominations, the reconciliation ceremony took place. Church leaders like the head of the Governing Church and guest speaker Pastor Gerson Passingan, Senior Provincial Magistrate (SPM) Samuel Lavutul, Deputy Provincial Member and Sinivit LLG President Boniface Gerep, and other Ward Members in the LLG, as well as representatives from the business houses, the offices of the Pomio MP and Provincial Member, and other community elders and members of the public, attended the reconciliation. Pastor Gerson Passingan encouraged the Sinivit LLG community members to view this reconciliation as a step toward a better future for this LLG by quoting Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verses 1-2. "There's a season for everything. But seasons are not permanent, and thus when a season ends, everything ends with it. This reconciliation and surrender marks a new season. And everything in the old season such as the crimes you've committed against others in the community, ends today.” Senior Provincial Magistrate Mr. Lavutul used the occasion to make awareness on a number of laws and penalties for those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. He further educated youths especially, on the amended laws surrounding the cultivation and consumption of drugs like marijuana. "Under the Dangerous Drugs Act, for your information, the court fine has risen to K1 million with an imprisonment term of 40 years. So, if you are someone who plants or smokes marijuana, this is the penalty imposed by law.” But the SPM further advised that with the current trend in the abuse and use of marijuana, there won't be a court fine, only jail time. LLG President and Deputy ENB Provincial Member Boniface Gerep said that the ceremony is part of an ongoing process dealing with both the perpetrators and the victims within the LLG. "This is a reconciliation. But if you look at the message on the banner for this week's crusade, it talks about restoration and healing. So, on behalf of the government, I want to say sorry to our service providers like business houses, PNG Power Limited (PPL), schools and our hospital, for the crimes committed against their officers.” He also apologized on the absence of the Pomio MP and National Health Minister Elias Kapavore, and the Provincial Member Michael Marum, who are caught up in parliament. LLG Manager Pennie Maroro Junior advised that because it's an ongoing process, they will still attend to the victims, whose identities are known, as well as the whole youth population in the LLG. "We know that there is another group in this process, which are the victims. So, with the aid of the Open MP Kapavore, we will still assist the victims, some of whom have lost homes, been robbed by the criminals and even injured or lost family members." He said that there are short term and long-term efforts to address the ongoing issue with the increasing number of unemployed youths in the LLG. "For the short term, we are engaging youths under the 40 registered groups with the LLG's Community Development sector, to do grass cutting. In the long term, we are supporting all the youths in the LLG, with funded programs in the economic sector, apart from training programs through the Division of Community Development." Since it is the province's first program of its kind, the political leadership and staff of the LLG are still figuring out how to help and care for the youth population in the LLG in order to make sure the government takes them in and gives them the ability to support themselves in the long term. Youths from each ward donated a number of live pigs, bundles of taro, and bananas to various organizations, including Nukumal women, medical and educational facilities, the police, PPL, business establishments, and the offices of the Pomio MP and the Provincial Member.

National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop and his City Manager Mr. Ravu Frank, just recently turned on the Christmas Lights at the Ela Beach, heralding in the festivity spirit into the city of Port Moresby, spreading the joy and cheer of Christmas to city residents. Since its modest beginnings at Unagi Oval ten years ago, the event—which was started by Governor Parkop—has become a beloved tradition every Christmas. In front of families, kids, locals, and a few foreign guests, Governor Parkop thanked the Port Moresby community for their tenacity and solidarity over the course of the year. "Everyone looks forward to this Christmas Lights ceremony, which has grown to be a significant tradition in our city's calendar." “It’s a beautiful way to welcome the festive season—a time to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones.” Governor Parkop encouraged residents to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. “Christmas is a time to reconcile, unite, and bring peace to our minds, spirits, and families. Let it remind us to embrace love, forgiveness, and togetherness.” Governor Parkop also extended his appreciation to the NCDC Board and current and past city managers for their continued support in making this initiative a regular feature of the city’s Christmas celebrations. He emphasized the significance of this festive season as PNG approaches its 50th independence anniversary in 2025, urging everyone to share love and foster peace across the city and the nation. The City Manager echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community and respect during this time. “The Christmas lights are more than decorations; they symbolize our shared values of kindness, generosity, and love.” He asked locals to take charge of the project, show consideration for the installations, and abstain from stealing or breaking the lights. Frank also expressed gratitude to the NCDC team, the contractor, and Governor Parkop for their hard work in planning and putting up the beautiful lights. The children's enthusiastic countdown with Governor Parkop was the Sunday evening's high point. Thousands of shimmering lights were turned on in Ela Beach and other sections of the city with a simple flip of a switch, changing the cityscape and making everyone there happy. The yearly Christmas Lights Ceremony, which celebrates POM as "one city, one people, one future," not only ushers in the holiday season but also acts as a potent reminder of camaraderie and community spirit. As the lights shine brightly on the evening of Sunday December 1st, they illuminate a path of hope, joy, and unity for all residents of the city this Christmas season.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) recently hosted a high-level visit of members from the Ministry of Education of Tonga. The visit took place at BbP’s Vabukori village Library Learning Centre sponsored by Steamships Trading Company and the Motu Koita Association. Mrs. Ileini Takeifanga (Chief Education Officer, Curriculum Development Unit), Mr. Eddy Fakahua (Education Officer, Assistant Director for the Primary Division), and Mr. Herbert Takeifanga (Director Primary Division) visited as part of their tour to explore Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs in Papua New Guinea. The team stressed that Tonga, as a Pacific Island nation, has made significant strides in improving literacy rates in recent decades. However, there are still areas where illiteracy remains a challenge, particularly in rural or remote regions, and among disadvantaged groups. Tonga, similar to Papua New Guinea uses English as its language of instruction, with a local tongue as the official language. In early education, bilingualism can occasionally provide difficulties, especially for young learners who may find English to be a foreign language. Although the quality of early education has improved, the nation still faces issues similar to PNG, such as inadequate teacher preparation, a lack of resources (such as play equipment and instructional materials), and overcrowded classrooms. The visiting team engaged with the children during their activities, watched a class taught by one of BbP's highly qualified instructors, and learned more about the organization's curriculum, which covers literacy, numeracy, inclusive education, digital learning, and nutrition education. All of this is done as part of the program to get the kids ready for school and increase their chances of performing at a high level for the rest of their lives. The team were greatly inspired by BbP’s program materials and resources and impressed by the school readiness shown by the 5-year-old children, who demonstrated their great reading skills, phonics prowess and classroom discipline. A child's future literacy abilities, general education results, academic accomplishments, and ability to transfer to higher education levels are all influenced by early literacy, according to international research. Both organized and play-based learning are incorporated into BbP's ECE curriculum to keep the kids interested and enjoying their educational journey. Starting strong is crucial because those who fall behind early often fall behind even more as they age. Thanks to the assistance of the Program's sponsors and donor partners, BbP was honored to host the visit and have the chance to highlight the organization's excellent learning environment, which is provided to kids at no cost.

UNICEF has warned of the startlingly high rate of HIV transmission, about a 30% increase, from mother to child in Papua New Guinea (PNG). On World AIDS Day on Sunday 1st December, UNICEF in a statement revealed that an estimated 790 new child infections were caused by this problem in 2023 alone, endangering the nation's success in the fight against HIV. PNG is having difficulty preventing HIV transmission from pregnant women to their unborn children, despite notable progress in lowering HIV-related deaths—more than 33,300 lives have been saved since 2010 because to anti-retroviral medication. UNICEF states that more work must be done to address the situation, pointing to significant barriers in the form of gaps in diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services for expecting mothers. UNICEF’s Acting Representative in PNG, Kateryna Lytvynenko, described the situation as a call to action, saying no child should be born with HIV, Syphilis, or Hepatitis. “By expanding testing, strengthening healthcare systems, and increasing awareness, we can turn the tide and save lives - 30 percent transmission rate is unacceptable.” While testing efforts have improved, only 58,014 (23 percent) of pregnant women of 253,243 tested for HIV in 2023. Only one in five pregnant women know their HIV Status according to UNICEF. Testing needs to improve for Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) in the country. UNICEF is collaborating closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea and other partners to increase test kit availability, improve training for healthcare workers, and increase community awareness in order to address the issue. While public education initiatives are being conducted to lessen stigma and encourage expectant mothers to seek antenatal care, training programs are being implemented to ensure healthcare providers are prepared to give comprehensive care. According to Lytvynenko, the transmission crisis requires immediate investments in outreach and healthcare infrastructure. The organization cautioned that the problems are not limited to HIV, as hepatitis and syphilis also pose serious threats to the health of mothers and children.

The Waiting Hut Inc. formally opened on November 22nd, revealing its purpose to empower communities through affordable and sustainable healthcare solutions, marking a revolutionary step towards improving maternity and infant health in Papua New Guinea. In order to guarantee that rural populations have access to life-saving medical treatment, the organization is committed to establishing partnerships, supplying essential resources, and increasing public knowledge of maternity care. Co-Founder and Chairperson Dr. Freda Wemin elaborated on The Waiting Hut’s role. “Our mission is to bridge the gap in maternal healthcare by supporting rural facilities with vital resources like temporary accommodations, solar lighting, and essential medical supplies.” The distribution of "Baby Bundles" and "Mama's Packs" in 2016 marked the start of a grassroots project that has now developed into a recognized organization dedicated to tackling issues related to maternal and perinatal health. The Waiting Hut Inc. has broadened its influence by registering as an organization in 2021, offering waiting huts to pregnant moms, encouraging the use of modern contraceptives, and promoting prenatal care. In partnership with MAF Technologies PNG and MAF UK, The Waiting Hut Inc. has installed solar lights in 23 rural health sites since 2023, guaranteeing safer and more efficient birthing facilities. Through health and capacity-building initiatives, partnerships with groups such as New Guinea Highlands Coffee Exports Ltd, have further empowered women. David Hannon, CEO of New Guinea Highlands Coffee Exports Ltd, emphasized the importance of these partnerships. “We remain committed to supporting innovative initiatives that improve the lives of women and their families in remote communities.” The Waiting Hut Inc. is urging partners and donors to join its mission to cut maternal and perinatal mortality by 20% over the next three years. Plans to increase interventions, improve solar lighting installations, and fortify community engagement initiatives were presented by Ms. Pamela Krisimpa, co-founder and secretary. “Together, we can create a brighter future for mothers and newborns in Papua New Guinea,” The Waiting Hut Inc. is more than an organization—it’s a lifeline for women and families in Papua New Guinea. With the support of the community, government, and private sector, it is determined to ensure that every mother can thrive.