50th Anniversary

To express their gratitude, the festival organizers emphasised the critical role of sponsors in showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the Motu Koitabu people, and acknowledged the honour of celebrating this significant milestone alongside Moni Plus, recognizing the company's steadfast support since 2022.

Founded in 1998 as a financial intermediary, Moni Plus has emerged as a respected entity in the financial institutions market. Under the leadership of Managing Director Aho Baliki OBE, the company has continually expanded its services.

The significance of this milestone traces back to the institution's establishment on November 1, 1973, when it began operations as the central bank of Papua New Guinea, under the Central Banking Act 2000.

Sir Julius Chan, who played a pivotal role in the bank's early years, marked the occasion with heartfelt congratulations.

Sir Julius, who, at the age of 34, served as the country's first Finance Minister and assumed the role of Chairman of the working group responsible for the nation's currency, fondly reminisced about the bank's inception.

This year, as the school celebrates its 50-year anniversary, the focus on producing high quality education for its students remains its main priority.

School Principal, George Wek Kenega stressed that Gordon Secondary remains one of the best in the country in academic performance, discipline and conduct of both students and teachers.
“We not only produce high quality students, but we also have high quality teachers who give their best to the students,” said Mr. Kenega.

Celebrating 50 years means the school is one of the oldest in the country. Gordon Secondary School is also a pioneer in the secondary education reforms in the 1990s and has been a benchmark school.

Many have passed through its gates in five different eras.

Gordon High School then was the third school to gain secondary status in 1994. The school continues to strive in quality education guided by its;

Mission:

With God as our guide, we strive for excellence in learning, living and serving and;

Vision:

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will be joined by the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum at the virtual meeting based on the theme, “Security and Prosperity in Unity: 50 Years of the Pacific Islands Forum.”

The meeting recognises the remarkable 50 years of achievements of the Forum while providing an opportunity for the Pacific Leaders to engage in discussions on shared interests and priorities of the Region.

Michael Collins, 88, visited Florida's Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday. He marked the precise time - 9.32am - when their rocket took off.

Mr Collins had stayed in lunar orbit while his colleagues Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon.

Tuesday's meeting kicked off a series of commemorative events across the US.

Mr Collins was the only original member of the three-person crew at the event. Mr Aldrin, 89, did not attend, while Mr Armstrong, who was their commander, died in 2012.

Avabadina Primary School was established in the late 60’s and 2017 marks its 50^th Silver Jubilee.

Housing more than 500 students, starting from Grade 3 to Grade 8, the students celebrated in style as parents and teachers, as well as residents in the surrounding districts, joined in on the fun.

Avabadina’s board chairman, Victor Maggio, said it has been a long time coming for the school in terms of funding and infrastructure.

UNCDF is an investment agency for the world’s 48 least developed countries.

UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.

To mark this momentous milestone, the United Nations Papua New Guinea Office is hosting a celebration networking event with key stakeholders.

The event will be held at the Grand Papua Hotel.