Wokbung Wantaim

Connecting PNG and the World, One Wave at a Time Today, 13 February 2024 is the World Radio Day. Here is one for this day! Even where there is no road, bridges, jetties, airfield, radio can connect a people thousand miles together in one space and time, bringing a sense of togetherness. Even where there is no electricity to power up lighting, radio can bring information to far and wide raising awareness and bring a light of hope. Here in Papua New Guinea, amidst the lush rainforests and rugged mountains, radio remains the lifeline, the voice that unites and informs. This isn't just a romantic notion. The power of radio has been demonstrably proven throughout history: **1. WW2: Defying Nazi Lies, London Calling:** During the darkest hours of World War II (1939-1945), amidst Nazi propaganda, BBC Radio's "London Calling" became a beacon of truth for occupied Europe. Broadcasts in multiple languages offered news, hope, and a sense of unity to those resisting tyranny, prov...

Bridging the Communication gap - EQUIPING REMOTE RURAL WOMEN WITH AN AM-RECIEVER RADIO. Don't underestimate the crackle: Why AM radio thrives in the age of the internet In a world buzzing with high-speed internet and endless digital streams, it's tempting to dismiss AM radio as a relic of the past. Yet, amidst the sleek smartphones and ubiquitous Wi-Fi, AM radio quietly continues to play a vital role, especially in the forgotten corners of our world - the remote rural communities. While internet connectivity might seem like the ultimate information gateway, the reality is starkly different for many. In remote areas, the internet remains a distant dream, leaving communities isolated from the information wave. This is where AM radio steps in, its simple technology transcending limitations. Powered by a humble hand crank, it delivers news, education, and entertainment, bridging the communication gap and empowering those often left behind. AM radio's relevance lies in its acces...

  The old radio can still connect PNG's Rural Heart. Something the current desire for modern tech advancement still struggles to get it right. Source: Alamy photos Remember those evenings in the 90s when you visit the village, bathed in the warm glow of the fire under the smoky thatched roof? You all gathered around the fire, and the gentle hiss of your uncle's kettle sings a counterpoint to the crackle and pop of the AM/SW radio as he wrestles the dial. Suddenly strange foreign languages flitting by, then the sweet relief of that familiar voice – NBC National, NBC Morobe. Your uncle hushes everyone, hoping to catch news relevant to him, his village, maybe even a teacher's posting or a health notice. Simple, yes, but it worked. Everyone, even in the most remote corners, knew when to tune in, creating a shared space for vital information. Fast forward to today. Communication has exploded, a cacophony of options – FM stations, pre-loaded USB drives, the siren song of social m...

Many Papua New Guineans, like citizens across the globe, view politics through a narrow lens, focusing solely on immediate, tangible outcomes. We cheer for leaders who deliver roads, schools, and jobs, mistakenly believing these are the sole markers of political success. But like an iceberg, the true influence of politics lies beneath the surface, shaping our culture, language, way of life, and even our core identity in ways we often fail to recognize. Let me tell you about a fascinating experiment conducted on a grasshopper that sheds light on this hidden influence. The experiment involved a common grasshopper, known for its impressive jumping ability, typically reaching heights of about one meter. The researchers placed the grasshopper in a transparent container with specific dimensions: 15 centimeters high. This seemingly innocuous container would become the grasshopper's world for the next 24 hours. At first, the grasshopper hopped freely within the container, attempting its us...

  MV Ialibu: A Ship's Name Rooted in Faith but met with controversy The MV Ialibu, a vessel owned by ELCPNG and operated by iroks limited, is more than just a ship. For those who don't know its story take the name as a source of controversy when it was first launched back in 2019 but for those who knew, the name always stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lutheran missions in Papua New Guinea. Initially, the choice of "Ialibu" for a seafaring vessel raised eyebrows. After all, Ialibu is a landlocked mountain region, 2,000 meters above the waves. Whispers of political influence swirled, linking the name to a hefty government donation by then-Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who represented the Ialibu/Pangia district. It was O'Neil who donated the 10million kina of public funds and as expected the rumors of controversy in naming the ship. But the name ialibu was more than just a political electorate. The story goes deeper, beyond whispers and controversi...

Oh Lae City,  a rainy gem in the core of Huon Gulf,  nested right in the midst of three rivers, a scenic stand. Pouring from the skies all year, it's rainy Lae, feeding Busu, Markham and Bumbu flowing into the Gulf,  maintaining Lae's greenish majestic awe.  From the east, Busu river, narrow and fast, Flows with speed, a force commanding into the Huon Gulf, from the Waeng/Nabak heights down.  From the West, Markhamm river, mightly wide and slow, Winding its way throgh the valley, a gentle ebb and flow out to maus Markham. Bumbu river, right through Lae city, A lifeline for the urban dwellers. It pours down keeping the 3 rivers flowing. Oh Rainy Lae! WGuti / 18 Jan 2023 *********** Image source (LCA website) : https://lca.gov.pg/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Lae-4-1500x650.jpg

Papa! Happy Fathers day to you in Heaven.  The moment I close my eyes  I can clearly see your smiling face.  I can clearly feel your embrace.  I can clearly hear your heartbeat.  Thou you were called home.  You are more closer to me than you were alive. Only a blink of an eye away,  only a heartbeat away.  Not a day gone by I don't miss you.  As long as I breath & my visions are clear,  I feel your moments still fresh in my life.  And it keeps me going.  Your unborn grandkids will only hear of your stories but I promise you;  they will feel your presence through my being as a father to them.  That I was raised by a good father to be a father.  Happy fathers day Papa!

She was a dazzling sight to see,  Sailing the seas so gracefully. But on that fateful day 2nd February 2012,  The sea took her away from us, so fleetly.  The waves were rough, the winds did howl,  The Queen was tossed, and then did founder. Many lost their lives, and their souls did drown, Leaving loved ones to forever ponder.  We remember those who were lost at sea,  Their memories will always be. The Rabaul Queen tragedy, a tragedy,  That will forever be a part of history.  Though the ship has sunk, and is no more,  The love and memories will endure.  For those who perished on that fateful shore,  Will forever be remembered, and adored.  Rest in Eternal Peace ol Wantok! ******* WGuti / 2nd February 2022

Motown - they revolutionize music in the 70s Was curious about what Motown means and spent last Friday evening over coffee reading on it. The name is synonymous with hit songs of the 70s and 80s in the US. It was quite a fascinating read about "Motown", it was a recording company in the city of Detroit, US in the 60s-80s that revolutionize music. Bringing together and creating a unique sound for the first time; they forged the R&B which a black type of music and the pop music which more of white type of music. The Motown unique sound heard for the first time in that era did immensely contributed to end the racism because it wasn't just producing a unique blend of R&B and Pop, it was producing most of the top hits songs of all time, and it was at the peak period of civil rights movement in the US. When the Motown come on the radio or when they play live, both the white and black come together. Though many of the lyrics were not political in their message but the ...

  seeing you all soar with joy for your country breaks my heart with joy and sadness this is your country this is your land my wawas if your abungas (my papa's generation) already sold you without knowing what they did i, your uncles, aunties, papa na mama we owe it to you to take it back for you i am not going to just sit and watch while they rip your hopes for the future i will have to stand up for you and i am standing up if i don't, i am a coward be it, my name be known or not that is not matter but my heart is to see you reign reign and dominate what God has bestowed for you your beautiful PNG it's yours love you my wawas It's your day! photo: my independence day fun with these kids @ Balob Teachers College  by Wguti@2021 16/09