Category: Kalang News

BY VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka

THE recent 16th Moni plus Bilum festival supported by the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) has gained momentum with the inclusion of the Cowrie Collection all the way from Finchafen in the Morobe Province.

The annual event coincided with the Goroka Show and Independence celebrations in Goroka last week from the 18th, 19th and 20th of September.

The event begun with the Bilum market, the bilum toktok and the Bilum Gala night and also showcased an authentic display of the bilum weaving traditional artwork of bilum weavers throughout the country hosted at the New Channel Inn in Goroka.

Goroka Bilum festival Director and Bilum Fibre Artist Florence Kamel, gave a rundown of the event yesterday, said this year marked a milestone achievement for the bilum festival with Moni- Plus claiming the naming rights of the festival, and also the highlight being the launching of the Cowrie Collection from Finchafen in the Morobe Province.

Ms Kamel said the festival first begun with the vision to preserve the bilum weaving skill as a traditional knowledge and artwork among woman specifically in Goroka and create a market place for bilum.

She said for a event that only begun with a K5 in 2009 the bilum festival has gained momentum and created 54 international market for bilums throughout the world that has directly generated an income for mothers.

The Runway collection on the Bilum Ball night included the awarding of the “bilum toktok” Natural Fibre and Acrylic Fibre category winners and the runway collections which included the “Golden Thread” collection, Kenny Collection, the Bird of Paradise Collection which coincided with the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations of the country and the Sisters Thread Collection.

The festival ended on Sunday with the bilum market which saw a collection of more than 500 bilums displayed.

Ms Kamel said that from the support received this year the Bilum Festival will be building a “bilum haus” in partnership with the J.K McCarthy Museum in Goroka and eventually a museum for bilums in Goroka to preserve the bilum weaving traditional knowledge and artwork for the womanfolk generations to come.

She said despite the major challenges in copyright of traditional artefact “bilums” like many traditional artefact and the bilum weaving skill is slowly losing its traditional originality and value and the knowledge must be documented and stored for generations to come.

Ms Kamel acknowledged the sponsors for this year’s bilum festival which includes the naming right sponsor of K150, 000, Pacific Trade Invest for its continuous support since the birth of the festival, Brian Bell, Kenny Collection among other local and cooperate business sponsors.

PICTURE CAPTION: BSP Acting General Manager for Corporate Banking, David Bishop.

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

BANK South Pacific is encouraged by the Pacific Tuna Forum’s focus on onshore processing and value-added strategies that create jobs and strengthen local economies.

These were the affirmative remarks from BSP Acting General Manager for Corporate Banking, David Bishop when presenting K100, 000 to the National Fisheries Authority yesterday as a Platinum Sponsor of the 9^th Pacific Tuna Forum in Fiji.

Mr Bishop further says, the Pacific Tuna Forum is more than just a conference, it is a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.’’

He further says, the sponsorships reaffirm BSP’s commitment to the sustainable development in the region, BSP is committed to more than just being a Bank, whether supporting small business, investing in infrastructure, or supporting forums like the PTF, it contributes to a better livelihood and a brighter future for everyone in the pacific.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority, Justin Ilakini, thanked BSP for its support, saying the partnership creates opportunities for prosperity in Papua New Guinea by bringing global tuna players to the region.

Ilakini said the Pacific Tuna Forum has been hosted across the region, including Papua New Guinea, and PNG continues to show leadership in uniting key stakeholders to showcase the Pacific.

The forum will be held in Fiji from the 14th to the 15th of October this year and is co-hosted by the Government of Papua New Guinea through NFA and the Government of Fiji, with responsibilities shared between both.

The Pacific Tuna Forum (PTF) is an initiative launched by the Government of Papua New Guinea through the NFA. Pacific Island countries acknowledge the importance of the PTF and have collaborated with PNG in co-hosting the event. These include Fiji, the Republic of Palau, and the Solomon Islands.

Mr. Ilakini said: “I am very happy that BSP and other partners have come on board to help us make sure the forum is successful staging for the ninth time.”

He added that NFA sincerely appreciates BSP’s K100,000 sponsorship, which reflects its commitment to initiatives that promote sustainable development and economic empowerment.

“Through platforms like the Pacific Tuna Forum, we aim to ensure the sustainable management of tuna resources, drive industry growth, and contribute to long-term economic prosperity,” Mr. Ilakini emphasized.

PICTURE CAPTION: West New Britain Police Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Fred Kaiwa

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL
WEST New Britain Province commemorated its 50th Independence anniversary peacefully with no major and minor incidents reported.
West New Britain Police Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Fred Kaiwa shared to this newsroom that no major and minor situations were encountered during the 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations, throughout the province.

He said Police started their Special Police Operations on September 1st, and concluded on 21st September, a 21day operation.

Kaiwa said Talasea, Nakanai and Kandrian Gloucester had their celebrations one week prior to 16th September, 2025 with different celebration activities in each respective District Wards before the final culmination celebrations at each District Head Quarters.

“Police were deployed to each Districts to supplement local manpower which also include a ten-man Composite Team deployed to Bali/Vitu Islands, providing police presence, visibility and neutralize any treats before, during and after these celebrations” Acting Superintendent Fred Kaiwa said

The West New Britain PPC thanked the general Public of WNBP for their understanding and cooperation in ensuring a peaceful celebration to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of PNG.

A special thanks was also extended to the tireless efforts of Policemen and women for their commitments and dedication towards their duties and responsibilities in upholding the Law without fear, favour but with integrity.

PICTURE CAPTURE: NBCL Chairman, Darrell Seeto. Picture Supplied

THE Board of the National Banking Corporation (NBCL) today confirmed that the State, through Kumul Consolidated Holdings and the National Development Bank, has diluted its shareholding in NBCL to 52% following a successful phase one of a Private Placement.

 NBCL Chairman, Darrell Seeto said that a diverse group of Papua New Guinean citizens and Papua New Guinean owned business, have taken up new equity of K100m or 48% in the Bank in the first phase of the private placement.

Mr Seeto says, Phase two of the Private placement is underway and by the end of October 2025, it is expected that the State’s equity in NBCL will be further diluted to approximately 35%.

Mr Seeto further stated that the interest shown by experienced and sophisticated Papua New Guinean investors in taking up new equity in NBCL has been extremely positive and shows that these new investors have faith in the development and expansion plans of the Bank.

Meantime, the NBCL Board also said that it had adopted a strategy for the Bank to be competitive by servicing all market segments through an extensive branch network, such as Commercial, Personal, SME, Government and SOEs; Agriculture and Services; Rural and Urban; financially literate and financially illiterate.

Mr Seeto said: “NBCL is not here just to be another commercial bank; we are here to make an impact through financial inclusion and developing the financial sector.”

 The Marape Rosso Government has supported NBC from inception to its current status and recent announcements in the media in the past 2 weeks highlight the need for more competition.

 It is the government’s agenda to provide more competition in the banking and finance sector in PNG to ensure a more productive financial sector to the benefit of the people of PNG.

NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS PRIORITISED

THE Government has announced the deferral of the Local Level Government (LLG) elections to avoid a scheduling conflict with the upcoming National Examinations, ensuring students across the country can sit their exams without disruption.

The original LLG polling and counting period, set for 27 September to 17 October, overlapped with the National Examinations for Grades 10, 12, and 8, scheduled from 6 to 24 October.

The Electoral Commissioner is expected to release a revised election operations schedule, including updated dates for polling, counting, and the return of writs.

The clash sparked concern among education stakeholders, parents, and provincial leaders, prompting urgent discussions at the highest levels of government.

Two high-level meetings were convened, attended by the Acting Prime Minister, the Ministers for Education, Police, Administrative Services, and the Chief Secretary, State Solicitor, and the Electoral Commissioner.

Following these discussions, the Government resolved to retain the original examination schedule and defer the start of LLG polling to 25 October 2025.

In a statement released today, Minister for Administrative Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Constitutional Matters, Hon. Richard Masere said the decision was made in the best interest of students and the education system.

“While the LLG elections are a vital constitutional process, the education and future of our children must take precedence,” Minister Masere said.

“Deferring exams would create a ripple effect on marking, student selections, and admissions to higher institutions. The Government has taken a responsible approach to ensure both processes are preserved.”

Confirmed National Examination Dates:

• Grade 10: 6 – 10 October
• Grade 12: 13 – 17 October
• Grade 8: 20 – 24 October
• Revised LLG Polling Date:
• Commences: 25 October

By BRADLEY MARIORI

THE United Church Morobe Circuit Children’s and Youth Ministry will host a gospel concert in Lae called the Jubilee Gospel Concert.

The purpose of this concert is to raise funds for the Regional Youth Convention in Lae next year where United Church youths from all around the country will come to Lae to participate.

United Church Morobe Circuit Children and Youth coordinator, Ezekiel Hamau says they are planning to raise K15,000 to K20,000 to cater for the Regional Youth Convention.

The funds raised will be used to cater for the convention which will be held during the schools’ term two holiday in July next year (2026).

Hamau says the purpose of the concert is not only to raise funds but to gather the Body of Christ in Lae City and Morobe to come and support and also enjoy with their friends, family, and children.

“As we are into our 50th Anniversary, I think it’s a new start, new begining for plus gospel artists and I think next year we might move to Port Moresby to host a bigger one there,” says Hamau.

The concert will feature gospel artists like Calvin Suamani, Bobby Matom of the New Voice of Bulolo, Grace Jeff and Ezekiel Hamau himself.

The concert venue is at the Duncanson Hall at the University of Technology campus from 3pm-8pm on Oct 11 with drop off provided.

BY MARTHA LOUIS

THE Madang Provincial Hospital has received a generous donation of food rations from the Madang Provincial Events Committee. The donation, handed over on Wednesday, comes from surplus supplies from Madang’s 50th Independence celebrations.

Chairman of MPEC, Siegfried Berscel, said the committee wanted the goods to support the hospital and its patients. Acting Hospital Administration Services Manager, Moses Lolale, thanked the committee, saying the supplies will help feed patients for about a month.

The donation ceremony was attended by Madang Town Mayor Peter Yalsy, hospital staff, MPEC members, and students from Madang Technical College who helped offload the rations.

This gesture highlights the strong partnership between event organizers and health services, ensuring resources are put to meaningful use to benefit the community.

THE Supreme Court has granted former Lagaip Open MP, Hon. Aimos Joseph Akem permission to review a National Court decision that voided his 2022 election win.

Akem’s election was declared invalid by the National Court on grounds of undue influence and bribery, which created a vacancy in the Lagaip Open seat.
On June 4, 2025, his legal team applied for leave to allow them to seek a higher review of the decision.

Justice Allen David, ruled in favour of Akem, granting him leave.
This means his case can now proceed to a full hearing before a three-judge Supreme Court bench.

Justice David explained that the decision was only on whether the case could be reviewed.

The main hearing will come later, where the Supreme Court will decide if the National Court ruling should be quashed, set aside, or remain in place.

Akem’s lawyers said the next step will be to prepare and file the review book, which is part of the court’s administrative process before the full hearing begins.

PICTURE CAPTION: BSP Acting General Manager for Corporate Banking, David Bishop presents the cheque today to NFA Managing Director Mr Justin Ilakini.

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN
BSP Group of Companies has presented a cheque of K100,000 to the National Fisheries Authority, as a Platinum Sponsor for the upcoming 9th Pacific Tuna Forum.

The forum will be held in Fiji from the 14th to the 15th of October this year.

BSP Acting General Manager for Corporate Banking, David Bishop, said the Pacific Tuna Forum is more than just a conference — it is a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. He added that it will bring together governments, industry leaders, and communities to shape the future of tuna fisheries in the Pacific.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority, Justin Ilakini, thanked BSP for its support, saying the partnership creates opportunities for prosperity in Papua New Guinea by bringing global tuna players to the region.

Ilakini said the Pacific Tuna Forum has been hosted across the region, including Papua New Guinea, and PNG continues to show leadership in uniting key stakeholders to showcase the Pacific.

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

BANK South Pacific (BSP) and Comrade Trustee Services Limited (CTSL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to make superannuation services faster, simpler and more secure for Papua New Guinea Defence Force members.

The signing yesterday saw an agreement established to allow members bank statements to be shared directly and securely between BSP and CTSL. This removes the need for members to visit BSP branches just to obtain statements when applying for partial or full withdrawal of their superannuation contributions.

CTSL’s General Manager Member Services, Freddy Manihoru, said the arrangement will ease processes for more than 6,000 members.

“Our focus is always on our members. By removing the need for extra paperwork and branch visits, we are giving them back valuable time while ensuring they receive a smoother and faster service,” Mr Manihoru said.
BSP’s Group General Manager Retail, Ronesh Dayal, said customer convenience and security are central to the bank’s service delivery.

“At BSP, we care about our customers and continue to make banking simpler. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to put people first by making financial services and retirement processes easier, faster and more secure,” Mr Dayal said.

He added that the MoU ensures customer information will be handled with the highest standards of legal, operational and technological care.

Through this collaboration, BSP and CTSL are reducing barriers and improving the customer journey, ensuring Defence Force members can access essential superannuation services with greater ease and confidence.