Melanesian News

05/07/2022

25/06/2022

13/06/2022

Just 20mins by boat from the Madang Resort is the 'Planet Rock'. Another Amazing Dive site that will leave you speechless. 🤯😍
Planet Rock is a particular area that interacts with an open river, which attracts predators and prey. 🐡🐟🐬🦈
Madang alone has over 20+ Dive sites that you can explore with your friends and loved ones----------------------------🤩
Book Now!!
Call 79991664
Email [email protected]

26/04/2022

The Madang Community has finally come together to commemorate the Anzac Day after two years of covid-19 restrictions which have made it impossible for the Dawn Service.
Leading the service was the Ode of Remembrance which quotes:
“THEY SHALL GROW NOT OLD, AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD; AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM, NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN. AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”
“LEST WE FORGET”
The ANZAC Dawn Service was held at the Coastwatcher Memorial Lighthouse and Cenotaph was erected to serve the men and women who lost their lives in both WW1, and WW2 and other conflicts including Bougainvillea and current Wars.

18/04/2022

Hello Family and Friends in and around Madang, Just a friendly toksawe.
Coming up on the 25th of April is the Anzac Day. All are welcome to attend the service. No fees apply. Come along and together we honor and remember the ones who sacrifice their lives for ours. 🥰
See you there!☀️

12/04/2022

Planning to have a Good Friday?🤩 We have just the plan for you! 🥳Spend your time cruising and swimming in Beautiful Madang🥰

12/04/2022

Coming up this SUNDAY 🤩🥰😍 Treat this Easter Holiday special and enjoy with your loved ones. Cruise with us to Bagabag boarding the Kalibobo Express and experience the Amazing Christmas Bay. Calls us now and book with MTS
phone 79991665
email [email protected]

07/04/2022

ANZAC DAY coming up🌈☀️🌻. Join us at kalibobo LightHouse to remember the fallen ones who have sacrifice their lives for us. All Welcome to join and commemorate. Free of Charge.

06/04/2022

More coming this Easter, explore the other 70% of the earth’s surface.🥳🤩🏝
Contact us for more info.
79991664 | [email protected]

05/04/2022

Wondering where and how to spend your 2022 Easter Weekend? Check This out 🥳🤩
We have Easter Activities and Cruises, Special Dinners, Harbor Cruise, Diving and The First Island ferry service aboard Kalibobo Express to Karkar Island. 🥳🤩
Contact us now.
Call 79991665 or Email [email protected]

04/04/2022

This Sunday,😍🤩 Join the Melanesian Tourist Service and Madang Resort Hotel on the Introductory Cruise aboard Kalibobo Express to KarKar Island for only K250. Lunch | Denotes stops for swimming and visiting villages.🥳
BOOKINGS WITH MTS | MON - SAT
CALL 79991665 | 79991661 | 71040469
EMAIL [email protected]

07/03/2022

Our First Newsletter for 2022 has finally been released_Jan-Feb Issue #25.
Below is a link to download a soft-copy for yourself.
https://issuu.com/madangresort/docs/issue_25_hr_publish
Read about our accomplishments and our plans for the future. 🤗
You can also send an email to [email protected].
"Our stories told just for you.

02/03/2022

Great News!!!😍😍
The Thailand customs have cleared the Kalibobo Express yesterday (March 01st) and now it’s on its way to Madang, Papua New Guinea.
MTS Ship Captain, Josevata Saukilagi who is currently in Thailand preparing the voyage has estimated to take 16 days at an economical speed of 10kts.
Kim Payne, David Henke, and Andrew Baguley, which are all Australian experienced seafarers, will accompany Captain Jovesa on this voyage.
Sir Peter Barter, the Managing Director of MTS said as soon as the vessel arrives, it will undergo a PNG NMSA survey since it’s been built to AMSA requirements.
"It is expected to take two weeks for it to be ready to begin its services, the MTS Marketing and Operations team are preparing packages to Kar Kar to attract tourists utilizing guest houses and local transport. Also, additional tours will be organized to Manus, the Sepik River, and East Sepik Provinces." Sir Peter Said.
The people of Madang and Kar Kar have expressed their excitement that at last, they can expect fast, safe and reliable transport to and from Kar Kar and Madang.
Pictures by Captain Josevata Saukilagi

06/12/2021

Our final Newsletter for this year has finally been released_Nov-Dec Issue #24.
Read about our accomplishments and our plans for the future. Send us a message with your email to receive your very own E-Copy today. 🤗
You can also send an email to [email protected].
"Our stories told just for you."

16/08/2021

Sept - October | Issue #23
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Melanesian Newsletter
"Our stories told just for you."

Click the link below to download your very own copy...
👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇

https://issuu.com/madangresort/docs/issue_23_for_email_

or.. send us an email via [email protected] to receive your very own copy today.

28/07/2021

Headline: TropicAir assists Madang’s Air Services
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Dateline: Madang, 28th July, 2021
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TropicAir has commenced its scheduled flights from Madang to other airports said Mathew Brutnell, the airline’s Charter Manager.

Mathew said that the airline will concentrate on Lae as its primary route, but he said that this would be subject to the number of passengers booking from Madang.

“Currently, we are focusing on Nadzab route, at this point time loading needs to increase to justify the aircraft remaining in Madang.”

The small airline company had started of their scheduled flights to Lae, with the inclusion of Mt. Hagen.

TropicAir however, have started their Madang operations to a ‘rocky start,’ said Sir Peter Barter, a senior statesman from Madang.

“The flights earlier this week were very low, which means that we all need to work together to make the airline’s services known,” said Sir Peter. “Obviously, it is important for Madang to have an airline during the closure of the airport.”

The Madang airport is currently under closure as work on its Stage 6 upgrade continues, “with 680 meters length of runway available, this length is viable for Twin Otters and smaller aircrafts,” said Rex Kiponge, National Airports Corporation’s (NAC) Acting Managing Director.

The opening of the 880m runway will take place on the 14th of August this year, this will allow other airline companies to resume their services to Madang.

Air Niugini said that their DHC-8 (50-seater) aircraft will commence its operation when the 880m length of runway is reopened.

While work is carried out at the airport, HBS Machinery, the contractor currently contracted to the Madang airport extension, said that they are planning to reopen the runway on the 4th of August, however, this would be subject to weather conditions.

The Madang airport will see its final reopening of the full runway length of 1,570 meters on the 31st of October this year.

TropicAir will cease its operations after the completion of stage 6, said Mathew.

“TropicAir is primarily a charter-based company, servicing the resources sector as well as corporate charter and medivacs – there is no long-term plan after the airport continues here in Madang.”

---END--

For bookings please contact TropicAir at
E: [email protected]

12/06/2021

Australian High Commissioner Launches COVID Awareness materials
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Dateline: Sat 12th June, 2021
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The Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Jon Philp was recently in Madang to launch Melanesian Foundation’s ‘COVID QnA’ booklets.

The booklet was published and designed by the Melanesian Foundation and was funded by the Australian Government and Ok Tedi Mining Ltd.

The booklet created by the Melanesian Foundation was successful through the consultation of Prof Glen Mola, Papua New Guinea’s Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), various medical professionals and tertiary institutions throughout PNG.

During the launching on Friday the 11th of June, His Excellency Jon Philip had described the booklet as a necessary need to fight the false information that is misleading many Papua New Guineans.

“Materials such as the COVID booklet can dispel many false and misleading information that has already caused panic here in PNG.”

Melanesian Foundation’s Chairman, Sir Peter Barter also said that the booklet should encourage more people to be vaccinated.

“We need the country’s (PNG) economy to return back to normal, in order for us to do this, we must all get vaccinated immediately.”

“The booklet gives clear answers for various questions as well as dispelling fake news that we’ve all seen on Social Media,” said Sir Peter.

The gathering that took place at Madang’s Modilon General Hospital was also a part of the launching of the Oxford AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine roll-out in the province.

The High Commissioner was also pleased to receive his second dose of the vaccine, which he urged everyone present during the launching to get themselves vaccinated.

“We must think of our families, friends and everyone in our community, we must all be vaccinated.”

Sir Peter, was also pleased to receive his second dose of the vaccine.

Many health workers were vaccinated, “this brings back hope for a town that’s primarily reliant on its beauty and its potential in attracting tourists,” said Sir Peter.

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08/05/2021

Our May - June Issue #22 is out now.

Click the link below to download.
https://issuu.com/madangresort/docs/issue__22__for_email_/s/12251620

12/04/2021

Melanesian Foundation assists in COVID-19 awareness
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Dateline: Sunday, 11th April 2021
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Madang’s non-profit organization assists in the publication of COVID awareness materials

Madang’s pioneer tourism company’s non – profit foundation, the Melanesian Foundation, recently assisted in the creation and publication of a booklet.

The booklet was written by Professor Glen Mola and was consulted with various experts from the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) and other medical experts.

Recently acquiring its endorsement from the office of the Commissioner of Police and the Controller, David Manning, the awareness materials and the efforts of the Melanesian Foundation was also commended by Australia’s High Commissioner, Jon Philp.

“I believe it is important to ensure people in PNG have access to reliable and accurate information to inform their decisions.”

“Community leaders, such as yourselves (Sir Peter) and many other health experts, can play an important role in publicly sharing accurate information about COVID-19 and the vaccine.”

Described as a piece of vital information that can dispel many ‘rumours’ surrounding the current global pandemic, Prof. Mola said that it is vital to give correct information to the public.

The booklet has been created with several frequently asked questions that have its response in both English and Tok Pisin.

“It is vital that the Tok Pisin materials such as these do go out to all organizations, including the educational institutes and churches, where people are still gathering in groups,” said Dr Livingstone, a specialist with PNGIMR’s Vector-Borne Diseases Unit.
Chairman of the Melanesian Foundation, Sir Peter Barter said that the COVID-awareness materials will be printed and ready for distribution in the coming weeks.

“We should expect the printed materials soon, in the meantime, we have already gone ahead and have distributed electronic copies to all our patrons, educational institutes, a few government organizations as well as church institutes.”

The materials that will be printed include an A2 poster, an A4 booklet as well as an A5 version of the booklet.

“It is vital that we do get these documents out to the general public as soon as possible, we need to make it known that this pandemic is serious,” said Sir Peter.

Prof. Mola conveyed his frustration, he said that people should stop reading fake information on social media.

“Health workers are also human beings, and many are getting depressed and frustrated by the continuous barrage of ‘bullsh*t’ that is appearing in social media.”

“Please help us to cope by not propagating conspiracy theories, by following ‘niupela pasin’ and by also listening to relevant authoritarian sources of information.”
---------------- END -------------------

Peter Leslie Charles Barter Madang Province News PAGE Madang Province News

31/03/2021

Dateline: Wednesday, 31st March 2021.
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Madang resort’s Niugini Dive Adventures (NDA) has recently welcomed its new Dive-logo.

Describing the new design as an upgrade was NDA’s Chief Dive Instructor, Nathan Yavala.

“It is a far better look than the previous logos, it has a deeper meaning as well.”

The new logo design was created by the Melanesian Tourist Services’ (MTS) Marketing Division.

Thomas Dedmai, MTS’ Operations Officer (who was also a trainee with NDA) said that the new logo is eye-catching.

“Apart from the old logo that we used; this logo is very attractive to look at.”

Nathan also said that the new logo unifies NDA with its other business subsidiaries.

“Now we share a common look that’s similar to MTS, Madang Resort and even Nuigini Discovery Cruises.”

MTS is already planning on creating new work-shirts with the new logo and will also use the same logo on NDA’s merchandise items.

MTS’ Marketing Division has now officially placed the new logo on NDA’s marketing materials and has changed NDA’s social media sites with its new identity.
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23/03/2021

23/03/2021

Historical resort upgrades its phone numbers
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Dateline: Tue, 23rd March 2021
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The Madang resort has recently joined Digicel’s Fixed Voice telephone connection.

As described by the Madang resort’s Technical Support and Communications Division, “this is the resort’s telephone service improvement project done to ensure that the call-congestion problem is resolved.”

“It will be monitored for a week to see if the issues of incoming and outgoing calls congestions are resolved and the return of the investment on this improvement be realized.”

Madang resort’s assistant manager, Vince Barubia, has described this change as an ideal improvement to improve the resort’s customer service.

“Now that we’re using Digicel lines, this will be much easier for any person to simply dial our number on their mobile phones.”

The resort’s reservations team can now be contacted via 7999 1664, whilst the resort’s front office team can also be contacted through 7999 1661.

The resort’s Technical Support team has also announced that this change will also be effective for the Melanesian Tourist Services’ (MTS) main office.

“MTS’ main office can now be contacted through 7999 1665 and its Marketing Division through 7999 1668.”

-Ends-

Madang Province News Digicel Peter Leslie Charles Barter Visit Papua New Guinea

22/03/2021

MTS congratulates its sponsored DWU Graduates.
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Dateline: Sat, 20th March 2021
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Madang’s pioneer tourism company congratulates its sponsored-graduates.

MTS was recently present during Divine Word University’s (DWU) 39th graduation ceremony, commending the achievements of three (3) graduating students.

MTS had sponsored Thomas Dedmai, Trevor Ledibo and Anton Selve, who was also a bronze medallist winner for academic excellence.

Present during the ceremony was Sir Peter Barter and MTS’ Operations Manager, Wesley Hantan.

Sir Peter said that he was proud of the hard work and the efforts that all three men had put into their studies.

Thomas thanked Sir Peter and the team at the Niugini Dive Adventures (NDA) for supporting him throughout his studies.

“I would like to thank Sir Peter and my close-friends, the dive instructors from NDA, they were always around to show their support both financially and the moral support that I needed to finish my studies.”

Thomas graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Trevor graduated with a Bachelors in Physiotherapy and Anton, a Bachelors in Communication Arts.

Anton and Thomas will work with MTS, whilst Trevor will pursue his residency at Madang’s Modilon General Hospital.

Sir Peter commended the efforts of DWU’s organization in delivering successful graduation despite the COVID protocols.

“Overall, I think the gradation was well presented and the team behind organizing such events should be commended, it was a success despite the growing number of COVID cases here in Madang.”

-Ends-

Peter Leslie Charles Barter Tommy Wasabist Dedmai Tewa Ledibo
Divine Word University Anton Selve Madang Province News

11/12/2020

For more info regarding the Kalibobo Express, please contact [email protected]

07/12/2020

MELANESIAN FOUNDATION DONATES K100,000.00

Dateline: Madang, December 4th 2020

The donation was presented to the Catholic Archdiocese during a Cocktail party at the Madang Resort Haus Win Restaurant.

The Christmas Cocktail party was hosted by the Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd (MTS) on the 4th of December to celebrate Christmas with 150 invited guests, which included Archbishop Anton Bal, Pastor James Palattao (and his family) of the Lutheran Memorial Church, business leaders and members of the Madang Community.

Sir Peter said that Christmas is a time to forgive as well as a time to give.

“It is my pleasure tonight to present a cheque for K100,000.00 to the Archbishop of Madang, his Grace Bishop Anton Bal, which I hope will be the first of many more donations to go towards the construction of the Holy Spirit Day High School to take care of the thousands of drop-outs due to the lack of space for grades 9-12.

The Melanesian Foundation was established by the Barter Family 30 years ago, during this time it had undertaken many projects, which included supplying more than 30,000 double school desks, the national health radio service as well as delivering hundreds of medivacs.

“It is not the intention to publicize these projects but in the case of the proposed High School we hope other companies and individuals will see this as an investment and seriously understand the importance of giving the children an opportunity to succeed in life,” said Sir Peter.
Sir Peter Barter, the Chairman of MTS Group of Companies and the Melanesian Foundation welcomed the guests and provided a brief history of the companies 53 years in PNG.

“I first came up with the Catholic Mission in Aitape and then joined Territory Airlines, later Talair.”

“It was during this time I became aware of the tremendous tourism potential, which ultimately culminated in my wife and myself establishing Talco, later Melanesian Tourist Services followed by the purchase of the historic Hotel Madang, which remains the oldest operational hotel in PNG, now renamed Madang Resort, Kalibobo Village and a number of tourist vessels including the Melanesian Discoverer and the Kalibobo Spirit.”

Sir Peter said that despite the interesting PNG history and the ups and downs on the country’s economy, nothing had prepared his company from the challenges posed by COVID-19.

“The travel industry throughout the world has resulted in an almost cessation of international travel, even domestic travel, we see a trickle of domestic tourism beginning to re-emerge, but I do not expect and international travel to return till 2023.”

Sir Peter also said that he was mindful of the effects that the pandemic would have on his staff, “most of them have been with us for more than 30 years now.”

“Apart from cutting costs, we have embarked on domestic marketing and this effort is now beginning to pay dividends with a slight but promising increase in occupancy levels.”

Our cruises to the Sepik River have also been adversely affected and in 2020 we have operated just one cruise, but in 2021 have a number of cruises and charters already fully booked and providing the restrictions are lifted we expect to operate at least one cruise every month aboard the Kalibobo Spirit.

Despite the challenges we have experienced in 2020, we have taken delivery of a new 4x4 deluxe tourist bus which has remained in storage since January. We take delivery of a new multi-purpose barge which will carry a double cab, or 30 passengers and 30kts and in July 2021 we will take delivery of the Kalibobo Express which will provide fast, safe daily ferry service to Kar Kar and outlying islands.

--END--

01/11/2020

Presenting our November Edition. Issue #19.

Send us a message with your email to receive this new edition.

Call: 4222655 or
Email: [email protected]



Peter Leslie Charles Barter

27/09/2020

Tourism Company Assists a launching Bundi Festival
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Dateline: Madang, 24th September 2020
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Chairman of the Melanesian Foundation and the Managing Director of the Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS) commended Vincent Kumura’s initiative and efforts in successfully hosting their first-ever Bundi Komba Festival.

“It would have been good to see representatives of the Provincial Government here today, but nonetheless, Vincent and his team from the Kumura Foundation and the people of Bundi are really to be thanked for their efforts.”

Sir Peter was speaking during the launching of the Komba Festival at Yandera in Bundi on Tuesday the 22nd.

Vincent Kumura, the Chairman and the founder of the Kumura Foundation, thanked Sir Peter for his tireless efforts in supporting the foundation.

Sir Peter, through his support for the Kumura Foundation, chartered a helicopter from HeliNiugini and travelled to Yandra with Andrew Yamai, the First Assistant Secretary for the Minister of Tourism and Steven Kilanda, the CEO of the National Cultural Commissioner.

Sir Peter also said that he will continue to support groups like the Kumura Foundation that use Tourism as a venue to promote the culture of the people.

Also present during the event was Gerard Philip, the owner of Trans Niugini Airlines and Betty Higgins, a local Bundi woman and the owner of Betty's Lodge at the base Mt. Wilhelm.
Steven thanked Sir Peter for his kind gesture, “without his assistance, I don’t think I would be here today.”

“I’d like to thank our senior statesman, Sir Peter, for his assistance in providing me and the First Secretary (Andrew), accommodation at the Madang Resort, a Hire Car and chartering the helicopter to be here today.”

Steven also said that there is a money issue with the PNG Government, “money is an issue, which means that Sir Peter’s assistance is a blessing.”

The event was a success with many groups performing their traditional dances and certificates were also presented to several singing groups that were now registered under the National Cultural Commission in PNG.

Sir Peter was also saddened that Yandera, like many other remote places, it did not have proper roads.

“I can tell you all today, that if there was a proper road system, there would be thousands of people here today.”

The group led by Sir Peter returned back to the Madang Airport on helicopter.

Vincent was pleased to see Sir Peter and his team from MTS, “I am always honoured to see Sir Peter, his tireless efforts in supporting people and promoting tourism in PNG has always been an inspiration to me, my team and the people of Bundi.”

----END----

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd6TcL8LKKI&feature=youtu.be

The Bundi Komba Festival is a unique festival that shows some of Madang's vibrant culture in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This festival was officially launched on...

19/08/2020

Madang's Health Authority visits Rural Island
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Madang’s Health Authority, it’s executives, board members and clinical staff from the Madang’s hospital has recently travelled to Karkar to attend a commissioning ceremony at the island’s Lutheran Hospital.

The Madang Provincial Health Authority’s (MPHA) CEO, Fidelis Waipma travelled aboard the Melanesian Tourist Services’ (MTS) Kalibobo Spirit, with Dr. Martin Daimen, Dr Charles Kalana, Pastor Komora Salum, Maggie Pidik, Kikimbe Bernard, Joe Agavi and Modilon’s Orthopedical Doctor, Dr David Pahau.

The trip to Karkar was organized by MTS’ Managing Director Sir Peter Barter.

Fidelis Waipma thanked the people of Karkar for organizing the ceremony and said that the authority will make rural areas as their main priority.

“I’d like to thank the people of Karkar and the people of Sumkar in making this event possible and I can assure you all that the authority will make rural health centres such as Gaubin their main priority in delivering proper health services.”

Dr Waikesa Kalala, the CEO of Gaubin Hospital said that the invitation for the authority to attend the ceremony at the island was done to show the new Provincial Health Authority the need for proper health services.

“Thank you, CEO and your board members, for making time to come all the way here to Gaubin, we need you all to see what we the Karkar people and the Sumkar district are dealing with in terms of medical facilities.”

Dr Charles Kalana, a member of the MPHA board added that the people of Madang should be proud that their province was the first province to initiate a transparent and working Provincial Health system.

“The idea was initiated by Sir Peter back when he was the Health Minister and it is good to see that this system works and it is transparent, meaning that all funds will go towards serving the people.”

Sir Peter had the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) act passed in parliament during his time as the Minister for Health.

Sir Peter congratulated the Board on their appointment, but he also expressed great disappointment that it had taken so long for the PHA act to be established in Madang despite being the architect during his time in parliament.

“This delay has resulted in the quality of health services in the Province deteriorating due to lack of health awareness, low rates of immunization, lack of funding to support the maintenance of most health facilities in the Province and the list goes on.”

Sir Peter also said that the event and the MPHA Board meeting was fitting that it took place at Tscharke Memorial Gaubin Hospital.

“It is a clear example of the blatant neglect shown by successive Provincial Governments. I myself have had a long association with Gaubin for 50 years when Edwin & Tabitha Tscharke not only built the hospital but went on to serve the health needs to the people which today exceeds 80,000 people.”

Dr Edwin Tscharke established one of the first Church Health Worker schools in PNG and has grown to locations throughout Momas and the Highlands region as you move around Momase, “many of these workers remain the prime delivery of health services in rural areas, many of who have not been paid for the past 3 months yet continue to serve the people,” said Sir Peter.

Sir Peter said that the lack of funding was not isolated to Gaubin, “most Christian Health Services have not received funding and this is simply not acceptable, especially when we all witness misuse of money.”

Sir Peter and through his foundation, the Melanesian Foundation, has in the past funded the reroofing of Gaubin Hospital, purchased several X-Ray Machines, Ultra Scanners and assisted with medical supplies and medivacs.

“I am witnessing a dream coming true, which if responsibly implemented, will see an improvement in the health care of not only those in rural areas but most of every people living in remote and rural areas,” said Sir Peter.

Sir Peter also added that during the Pandemic caused by COVID19, it is essential that any funds available are used in the best interest to undertake awareness and general testing of the virus.

“We need to all know the status of COVID19 in Madang, in the event the virus establishes itself in the rural areas and settlements, the results could be disastrous.”



Madang Tourism Industry Association Peter Leslie Charles Barter David Jah Blum

10/08/2020

Enjoy August with our latest Issue #18 Newsletter.
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