Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the transformative policy aimed at ending the practice of Grade eight and ten dropouts in Papua New Guinea, promising a future where every young citizen can complete their secondary education. The announcement by Education Minister, Lucas Dekena that there will be no more grade eight and ten dropouts as of 2027, marks a historic step toward ensuring equal access to quality education for all Papua New Guineans, regardless of their background or location. “Our government believes that education is the cornerstone of a prosperous, united, and resilient Papua New Guinea.” “By eliminating grade eight and ten dropouts, we are breaking down the barriers that have held back too many of our young people.” “High schools will be empowered to incorporate Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) along with Christian ethics into their curriculum, equipping students with not only a strong academic foundation but also practical life skills and ethical values.” “This approach ensures that when students graduate, they step into the world ready to make a positive impact with both their knowledge and integrity.” “Today, we are saying that no child’s dreams should end at grade eight or grade ten.” “We are investing in their future because we believe that our youth have the power to transform this nation.” Under the new policy, all students will have the right to progress from grade eight through to grade twelve, preparing them for tertiary education or vocational training. This change will bring an end to a system that has, in the past, left many young people in rural and underserved communities with limited options for their future. Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the new approach goes hand-in-hand with the government’s commitment to building a stronger education system, including the construction of new schools, recruitment of qualified teachers, and investment in educational resources. "We are laying the foundation of a smarter, healthier, and more connected Papua New Guinea.” “Education is the great equalizer, and we want every young Papua New Guinean to be empowered with knowledge, skills, and the confidence to create positive change,” he added. The Prime Minister also highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the policy, pointing to research that links education to improved employment, health, and social outcomes. “With every child we empower through education, we are planting the seeds of future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.” “They will drive the economic growth and resilience of this nation, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all Papua New Guineans.” Moreover, the government’s education reform aligns with Vision 2050 and is supported by partnerships with communities, international donors, and NGOs. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the necessary infrastructure, training, and resources are in place to accommodate all students progressing through their education journey. He further called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to join the government in fostering a culture that values and supports education. “Our success will be driven by our people’s commitment to this vision.” “Together, we must encourage our children to dream big, work hard, and embrace the opportunities education provides.” Furthermore, he expressed his optimism for a more inclusive, educated, and prosperous Papua New Guinea, where every child has the chance to achieve their potential. “We are not just changing policy; we are changing lives, shaping our nation, and building a legacy of opportunity and hope.” “This is our promise to our young people, our future.”

Pacific Industries Limited through its Pepsi brand announced the first draw event of the 2024 Pepsi "Thirsty for Merch" National Consumer Promotion (NCP) which was launched on October 14th at the Rangeview Plaza in Port Moresby city. This ground-breaking campaign, which took place at Stop & Shop Waigani Central and across participating centers nationwide, will see over fifty winners drawn and announced. Each winner will receive exclusive merch packs valued at K2, 500 from a total of more than 400 merch packs to be won nationwide, collectively valued at over One Million Kina (K1,000,000). Joining in the momentous event that took place last week Friday are local influencers, including Ms. Tyla Singarok, the reigning Miss Bird of Paradise and Miss Papua New Guinea plus PNG Kumul’s player Morea Morea. Their participation enhanced the excitement of the draw, alongside notable guests Rygene Tiu, GM of Stop & Shop Waigani Central and National Marketing Manager of Pacific Industries Ltd, Nathaniel Lepani. Lepani stated that with Pepsi’s teaser campaign kicking off this month with the involvement of some great PNG local talent and influencers, they really saw a growing excitement in the market and from the public, waiting with bated breath to see what exactly was the something big that Pepsi was building up towards. “When we launched the Thirsty For Merch promotion a fortnight ago, we saw this being actualized through engagement online, crowds flocking to stores around the country to get their Tupla Tasol cans of Pepsi to take part. And now we are excited to be conducting the first draw of the promotion; giving away 32 Merch Packs to some lucky winners here in Port Moresby.” “There are over fifty winners that will be drawn nationwide, ensuring that we’ll be seeing some pretty cool individuals wearing their varsity jackets, cool sunnies, listening to their favorite MMK and DJ Kainzy hits on their Bluetooth speakers and cruising around town!” In Port Moresby, 32 winners were selected, with additional winners in Hagen (eight), Lae (eight), Goroka (two), Kokopo (six) and Madang (two). Each merch pack contains seventeen exciting items, including sunglasses, socks, a tote bag, cap, T-shirt, Bluetooth speaker and headphones and a stylish varsity jacket. Each merch pack is valued at over K2, 500. This promotion not only offers prizes but also fosters community engagement and celebrates homegrown, local PNG talent. Following this initial draw, four more draws will occur leading into the festive season, giving everyone the chance to win their very own merch pack. With over 400 merch packs available, that's more than K1,000,000 (One Million Kina) in prizes up for grabs nationwide! The Pepsi "Thirsty for Merch" promotion started on Monday 14th October 2024 and will conclude on Sunday, 20th December 2024. Participation to enter the draw to get a chance to win is to simply purchase two or more cans of Pepsi or any of our product range, including Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda and Pepsi Max. Write your name and contact details on the back of your receipt and drop it into the entry boxes at all participating stores. Throughout the promotion, keep an eye out on PEPSI PNG promo teams at your favorite stores, dressed to impress in merch gear and showing you how easy it is to take part and WIN! Those that attended the First Draw event also had the opportunity to pick up two cans or more from the PepsiCo range and then brought them over to the promo team on site. They then had the chance to spin the wheel and instantly win some great merch items or free product. Furthermore, Pacific Industries Ltd., through its Pepsi brand, thanked everyone in attendance. For updates on this promotion and more, the public can like and follow the Pepsi PNG Facebook and Instagram pages.

The National St John Ambulance Service, accompanied by the National Department of Health Emergency Medicine Physicians, officially launched its Ambulance Clinical Practice Protocols as a smartphone app today. Marking a significant step forward in supporting high-quality prehospital care across Papua New Guinea, the development of this app was made possible by the generous donations raised by the staff of Deloitte Australia and its staff here in PNG during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Matt Cannon OStJ, Chief Executive of the National St John Ambulance Council, shared that in the past, the ambulance field guide and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) had to be printed, which was both expensive and difficult to keep up to date. Every time changes were made, new protocols had to be reprinted. Therefore, with the new Ambulance Field Guide and CPG App, this now makes it possible to have up-to-date protocols directly in the hands of ambulance staff. The App, which is called, ‘St John Ambulance PNG CPG’, operates on any modern android smartphone, providing a clear, medically approved instructions for managing a wide range of emergency conditions and simplifying the delivery of care. All guidelines are pre-approved by a panel of specialist emergency physicians, ensuring high standards of clinical safety and effectiveness. For doctors and paramedics, the new app includes an advanced medical care section, offering more detailed guidelines for advanced medical procedures. “We had to learn to modernize ourselves like other ambulance services in the region by moving to a platform that is sensible, practical and takes advantage of the technology that’s out there so we can deliver good quality care whether it be a first responder, ambulance officer delivering basic life support or a doctor or critical care doctor providing critical care and life support.” “Making the technology available for the health responders to have easy access and with that can now put in the palm of our hands the instructions that they need in their time of greatest need." Cannon also extended his heartfelt thanks to Deloitte PNG for their invaluable support and stated that the generous contributions from Deloitte’s staff and partners have been instrumental in the successful launch of this app. The project according to Cannon began years ago. He added that although the vision was there, the financial aid was not there to implement that vision. However, money was raised over the years with the great help from Deloitte making it possible to see a successful launch of the app today. Moreover, Cannon stated a disclaimer, meaning that health workers and professionals can use at their own risks. Meanwhile, Office Managing Partner for Deloitte PNG, Mr. Herbert Maguma expressed gratitude to the National St John Ambulance for their significant contribution to building safer and healthier communities. “This occasion marks a significant milestone in the journey towards improving health care delivery in PNG and Deloitte PNG is proud to have played a part in this important initiative.” “During the critical time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deloitte recognized the vital role that SJA plays as one of our frontline health care providers.” “This application represents more than just a technological advancement. It is a tool that empowers St John frontline ambulance with up-to-date information right at their fingerprints.” This app ensures that healthcare professionals, no matter where they are in the country with the support they need to deliver high timely care. “We are proud that the support from our Deloitte team has helped make this app possible, enabling the ambulance service to deliver high-quality emergency care, free for all Papua New Guineans.” While the app is principally for use by trained national ambulance staff and PHA Ambulance reservists, it is also available for free on the Google Play Store in Papua New Guinea. This means registered health professionals can access it as a valuable point of reference, subject to their own organisation’s clinical governance. It is also expected to be available on the Apple App Store in the coming weeks. “Deloitte’s partnership with SJA is grounded in our shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all Papua New Guineans. I also want to recognize the tireless efforts of the SJA team. Your dedication in saving lives often in the most difficult circumstances is truly inspiring.” Also present during the launching was Health Minister, Elias Kapavore who said that the launch of the Clinical Practice Guideline smartphone app marks a significant Step in the digitisation of healthcare. “I commend the National St John Ambulance for spearheading this important Innovation. The Government and the Health Department stand ready to support any future initiatives you pursue in advancing healthcare."

The grade ten and twelve students of Maprik Secondary school in East Sepik province recently successfully concluded two weeks of the National Examinations that took place nationwide. The grade ten students who sat for their exams on the scheduled dates from the 7th to the 10th of October 2024 and the grade twelves from the 14th to the 18th of October, have each ended their exam week on a high note. This is according to Principal of Maprik Secondary, Mr. Alfred Akai, who told PNGHAUSBUNG how pleased he was with how the students carried themselves before, during and after the exams with no issues faced. “The students in both grades did well in terms of preparations and remedial classes so during the exam weeks, we didn’t have any issues at all with the students.” A total of 193 grade ten students and a total of 230 grade twelve students sat for the exams. Mr. Akai also confirmed that all students from both grades sat for the exams with no one absent and with that, he was happy with the turnout from the students. Students and staff will now await the marking of exams which will take place in the month of November for grades eight, ten and twelve. Meanwhile, the grade eight National Exams are currently taking place nationwide this week and will end tomorrow with the final paper, English Paper 2.

In another successful show, it was certainly one’s dream to deliver a wow factor to the audience and to all who attended on the night. Entrepreneur and Owner of Maku Gifts, Ms. Annette Sete, yet again delivered her second Lavagirl Xplosion Show or LGX Fashion Show at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city on the Saturday 19th of October. The event showcased a total of ten collections in honor of celebrating the 10th Anniversary of both Lavagirl and Maku Gifts. Each collection displayed on the night, each telling a story of the journey of Lavagirl and most importantly, portraying a cultural journey representing both provinces of East New Britian and East Sepik provinces of which Ms. Sete originates from. Cultural identity is something Sete creates her fabric styles from and that is exactly what she showcased in her culturally inspired collections. A special highlight on the night was the ten winners who won the recent Lavagirl competition to design a unique stylish piece of garment with a Lavagirl fabric design. Each winning designer displayed a piece each showcasing their designs paraded on the runway. Warlapang, Origins, Tabu, Kokonas, Recognition, Croc and Leather, Showtime, Xtra, Collabs (with Barata PNG) and Big City Lights were the different inspired collections that were showcased on the night. The collection, Tabu, which means shell money in Kuanua language, is a huge inspiration to Lavagirl which is used by the ‘tolai’ people of East new Britian province and plays a very significant role in their culture. “We developed the tabu print so tonight for that collection we wanted to show the culture of the tabu shells. With this collection, we predominantly want to make the tabu shine and we have showed that in our fabrics and the garment that we’ve sold.” “The story itself on the other hand, is about how this culture in Papua New Guinea has not died out like others. It is very strong, very vibrant and rich in the tolai culture. For us using the tabu shells itself and incorporating them into our brand, is a piece of identity for us at Lavagirl.” Ms. Sete later thanked all sponsors for their support in making this year’s 2nd LGX fashion show a success and thanked everyone including her team in making this an exciting show and to give everyone who attended the event, an opportunity to see how each collection telling a story and representing the significance of the culture in both provinces and regions.

Teams from the government, church, civil society and private sector are now developing new ways to solve policy problems using an innovative approach that was developed at Harvard University and brought to PNG by The Voice Inc (TVI). The teams gathered this week for a check-in session as they near completion of their 12-week course, called Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), offered as part of TVI’s Local Leadership for Collective Action Program (LLCAP) supported by the Australian Government. Teams include the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR), the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Simbu provincial government, civil society and Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa. Each team works with TVI and Harvard Kennedy School’s Building State Capability program to analyse and strategize on how best to act on a complex policy problem including youth opportunity, corruption and sorcery accusation related violence. The check-in session allowed teams to share key learnings from the last 10 weeks of their participation in the PDIA course. The session allowed them to further engage with other members of their cohort and government authorizers. Also present during the session was Department of Community Development and Religion Secretary, Jerry Ubase commended TVI on offering PDIA as a tool for developmental leaders to critically look at the root causes of problems affecting Papua New Guinea. “The PDIA has also allowed me to assess how my department operates and encouraged me to empower my team to effectively carry out their responsibilities.” “As an authorizer who has participated in the course, I hope that TVI can offer this program to more government agencies within the country.” Director of the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, Diane Kambanei and Director General of NYDA, Joe Itaki are also leading teams in their areas of Gender Based Violence strategy implementation and youth policy reform. The PDIA program is delivered by Professor, Matt Andrews of Harvard Kennedy School, who has seen the approach work in more than 150 countries around the world, all facing similar challenges to PNG. The teams will complete the PDIA course in two weeks, the third cohort to join TVI’s Local Leadership and Collective Action Network, a growing group of reform minded leaders supporting policy reform on ten critical issues in seven provinces across PNG.

Cocoa farmers along the Teo-Buin to Sipotavai feeder roads in Tinputz area of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) will soon travel in comfort with their cocoa bags and other agriculture produce to the markets. Road infrastructures are one of the top priority services linking people and basic essential goods and services and with good roads anything is possible. The Teo-Buin Sipotavai 5.80km upgrade and sealing project is under the World Bank funding the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project Management Unit - Cocoa Component (Cocoa PMU), which operates under the Cocoa Board of PNG. The official awarding and signing of the contract were signed on the 16th of October 2024 at the Technical Services Conference in Tinputz. The K6.9 million road project was awarded to Raibro Construction Limited through tender by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Tendering Board. A contract was then signed between the Cocoa Board of PNG through the PACD Project Management Unit and contractor Raibro Construction Limited. Representing ABG was Chief Secretary, Keanerth Nanai, Ralito Mitra on behalf of Raibro Construction Limited and PACD PMU-Cocoa Project Manager, Roland Kerina. Speaking during the signing event was, Cocoa PMU Project Manager, Mr. Kerina, who spoke on the Agriculture Feeder Roads as one of the components under the PACD project that aims to improve access to value chains and markets for farmers through rehabilitation and maintenance of priority feeder roads, paths, or other small transport infrastructure. "Apart from the road project, there are three cocoa partnerships in AROB that involved a total of 1, 500 farmers and that the Bank will fund cocoa seedlings, tools, trainings to the farmers to plant cocoa and when the cocoa is ready, will then take it to the market.” “This will improve their lives that is the main object of the PACD project, and the roads are attached to that so the farmers can have access to the market.” “We are happy today that in the long run in the process of awarding the contract, we say thank you to the Bougainville Tenders Board the process is now complete with the signing.” “Today signifies that it is a win-win situation for the more than 800 farmers or people in Tinputz.” Meanwhile, on behalf of the ABG Government, ABG Chief Secretary, Mr Nanai thanked the World Bank, the PACD PMU and the Cocoa Board of PNG as well as the technical services to have been nominated to have this important road project. He expressed that this is a very significant occasion especially when tapping into this program where the government is not reaching in terms of rehabilitating feeder roads throughout AROB. “We are so grateful that the World Bank has seen our needs as a priority in terms of our farmers and this road will greatly help them in bringing their commodities to the outside world.” “This will be a real benefit for the communities, the government infrastructure and facilities and most importantly, the farmers.” He added that in AROB cocoa is a very important cash crop for them and this year alone the people have received so much from cocoa alone and putting a feeder road through the World Bank funded is a bonus in terms of complementing the cocoa farmers. Furthermore, Nanai congratulated Raibro for having successfully being awarded the contract commenting that Raibro has been doing a very good job throughout AROB and they are qualified and has brilliant performance record delivering quality work.

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has officially suspended the membership of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) with immediate effect, following a board meeting that was held in October of this month. This decision comes as a response to significant administration, governance and compliance issues, including the recent suspension of PNGRU by Oceania Rugby. The suspension has been enacted due to the PNGRU's failure to address concerns highlighted in a show cause notice issued by PNGOC on July 15, 2024, relating to their withdrawal from the Monaco Olympic Qualifiers. The PNGOC did not receive a response by the requested deadline of July 22, 2024. Additionally, Oceania Rugby's decision on September 5, 2024, to suspend PNGRU further underscored the non-compliance concerns. As a result of this suspension, PNGRU loses its rights and privileges as a member of PNGOC, including voting rights, access to funding, and participation in Team PNG and PNGOC sanctioned activities and multi-sport events. To regain membership, PNGRU must resolve the compliance issues with Oceania Rugby and adhere to their directives, achieve reinstatement as a member of both Oceania Rugby and World Rugby, develop and submit an action plan addressing administrative and governance shortcomings and submit to the annual audit of compliance requirements for the years 2023 and 2024. President of PNGOC, Emma Waiwai, emphasized the importance of good governance and effective administration as vital components for sporting success. "The recurring administrative and governance failures within PNGRU represent a significant deviation from these principles. We urge the federation to take immediate corrective action to restore its reputation and trust with all stakeholders," she stated. PNGOC remains committed to supporting the development of sports in Papua New Guinea and calls on PNGRU to implement necessary reforms swiftly to secure their reinstatement with their world and regional body for the betterment of the code and its athletes.

Pepsi PNG under Pacific Industries Limited, yesterday launched its “Thirsty For Merch” National Consumer Promotion at the Rangeview Plaza shopping mall in Port Moresby. The promotion will go on for a total of nine weeks and will be carried out nationwide in participating shops and outlets. According to National Marketing Manager of Pacific Industries, Nathaniel Lepani, the purpose is to basically branch the promotion out to the public as well as highlighting a certain aspect of this country in which he is proud about. During launching saw the presence of a number of local influencers, including Wild Child, who is also known as Jenny Tan, DJ Kainzy, and well-known local music artist, Mal Meninga Kuri Lepani stated that Pepsi PNG are proud to involve these local talents and local influencers in this campaign in which helps to introduce and showcase what this promotion is about and how easy it is for Papua New Guinea consumers to take part in this campaign. “This is a nationwide wide promotion, so everyone is welcome to take part." "Not forgetting, this is one of our major promotions for Pacific Industries and for Pepsi as well.” In months leading up to the launching of this promotion, Pepsi PNG have released some exciting teasers running online and on TV in which this campaign is all about showcasing local talent and engaging proud Papua New Guineans in a fun and rewarding way. Pepsi has now given everyone a fantastic opportunity to win merchandise packs valued at K2,500 each with over 400 merch packs up for grabs and that is more than one million worth of prizes to be won nationwide in PNG. Upon entering the draw, just purchase two or more cans of Pepsi or any of the Pepsi range, including Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, or Pepsi Max. Write your name and contact details at the back of the receipt and place it in the entry boxes in any participating shops. In addition to this, for every fortnight throughout the promotion period, Pepsi will be drawing more winners to be able to win themselves a merch pack. As for merch packs, each pack contains seventeen items from sunglasses and socks to a tote bag, cap, t-shirt, and even a varsity jacket. To kick start the launching, Pepsi PNG had a special opportunity at Rangeview for anyone who shopped at Rangeview Grocer yesterday 14 October, to buy two cans of Pepsi and bring back to the promo team to win themselves an instant prize after being given a chance to spin the wheel. Furthermore, Pepsi, as well as Pacific Industries, gave a special thank you to the Rangeview Mall management and Rangeview Grocer for allowing the opportunity to host this exciting event. The promotion which started on the 14th of October, will end on the 20th of December 2024.

Prime Minister James Marape has praised the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for their diligent efforts in policing operations across the country. He acknowledged the significant results achieved, particularly in the continuous confiscation of illegal drugs and other substances, both locally and transnationally, despite the limited resources and challenges faced by the force. His comments came after news of a major PNG police operation that resulted in the seizure of K200 million worth of cocaine, marking the country's largest drug bust to date. “This demonstrates that despite criticism and limited capacity in terms of personnel and equipment, our police are working very hard to get the job done. There is enormous potential to enhance effectiveness and protect our nation from threats and illegal transnational activities occurring near our borders.” “The National Government is committed to supporting and building up our police force. Training has resumed at Bomana, which is a positive step forward. From the current 5,000 police personnel, we aim to double that number to a 10,000-strong force soon.” PM Marape further noted that his government is now prioritizing improvements in several areas, including community policing, rapid response, investigative capacity, anti-terrorism operations, prosecution capabilities, and the overall functionality of the police force. “When we assumed Government in 2019, we inherited an aging police force. For a population of over 10 million, we had only about 4, 500 officers, which is inadequate by today’s standards. We are now modernizing and equipping our police force and working closely with bilateral partners such as Australia and Indonesia to bolster our capacity and effectiveness." In addition, there is now an urgent need to address issues such as guns, drugs, and transnational crimes, which pose a serious threat to national security. With that, he stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity to combat money laundering, drug trafficking, and other significant transnational crimes. In a stern warning to those involved in drug-related activities, he stated that, if one is caught, the law will deal with that individual accordingly, and the courts will convict as required. This he said applies equally to foreigners living in PNG who are involved in such illegal activities as well. While welcoming foreigners who come to invest, live, work, or study in PNG, the Prime Minister stated that those found engaging in transnational crimes would face full legal consequences within PNG borders, including potential imprisonment. “I want to commend the Police Commissioner for the excellent job he is doing, managing the force well despite the many challenges. Our police, with limited capacity, continue to perform. As we approach our nation’s 50th Anniversary celebrations next year, we are determined to have a police force that reflects the future of our country.” Furthermore, he addressed the rising concern of drug-related crimes in Papua New Guinea, calling for tougher laws and harsher penalties. “Drug peddlers will now be dealt with more seriously, and the Government is considering life imprisonment for those convicted of serious drug-related crimes.” “We will increase police efforts in dealing with drug-related cases and expand our prison capacities to accommodate drug convicts. We are also working to ensure that serious drug offenses, including those involving transnational crime and foreigners, may result in life imprisonment as the maximum sentence. Our laws will be toughened to combat these offenses.” A warning too was issued to young people to stay away from drugs and stressed for a peaceful society for all. He concluded by urging all citizens and residents to be law-abiding. “One of the greatest contributions you can make to this country is to respect the law and help maintain peace.”

The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) and the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signifying the start of a partnership in delivering public service training programs to the staff of PMGH. This partnership aims to enhance, promote and develop a mutual dialogue and cooperation between both parties and to deliver the best training for the staff of PMGH and for the staff to be fully equipped with the knowledge they will now acquire through this training programs. The cooperation between both sides will also strengthen in the areas of capacity-building interventions, innovative learning design and delivery, collaborative civil service-learning programs, research and development, technical and financial resource sharing, workshops and seminars hosted at the national and sub-national levels in the common pursuit of the social and economic development of Papua New Guinea. Chief Executive Officer of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr Paki Molumi, stated that this MOU partnership is important for a Level six (6) National Tertiary, Referral, Research and Teaching hospital as they now progress towards expanding most of their services. The partnership will enable SILAG to provide skill-gap training to the staff of the hospital, especially the middle management. He made mention that the hospital has a five-year corporate plan 2025-2030 that needs to be aligned well with the government’s plan and implemented properly; however, the senior executive staff at the hospital need proper skill gap training to fully implement the corporate plan. “This is the first corporate plan we have had for this hospital, which means over the years we haven’t had a plan put in place and we have been performing without knowing where the job for the day is leading to.” “Therefore, today’s occasion is important; signing up with the key agency, SILAG, who is involved with training public servants, so that we understand that bigger government plans and how that leads to the activities we do each day.” The middle managers of the hospital are doctors who only know how to treat patients, and it is a challenge for them individually when it comes to the management part of the job which includes, project proposals, reports, appraisals and working within the Public Service Management Act 1995. Dr. Molumi also said that the end result of this partnership is to make sure all the managers of the hospital are trained and prepared to contribute effectively and meaningfully to the development of the next five-year corporate plan 2025-2030. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of SILAG, Michael Barobe, acknowledged the CEO and the hospital management for having the confidence and trust in SILAG to deliver the public service training programs to the hospital staff. “SILAG’s sole responsibility is to assist with capacity building in the public service and making sure that public servants who undergo training at SILAG are competent when they go back to their jobs.” He said the decision for PMGH to partner with SILAG at this time is crucial and important, as it is now a government policy for those who wish to join the public service to first have a certificate from SILAG. The Institute is training public servants from entry level to executive level. In addition, he stated that SILAG understands that the staff from PMGH are experts in the medical field; however, they need skill-gap training to up-skill them to implement policies and manage the hospital and staff within the public service guidelines, and that is where SILAG will step in to assist. He assured the Port Moresby General Hospital Management that SILAG stands ready to deliver training programs that will be beneficial to the daily operation of the hospital. “The institute will work closely with other government agencies and training partners, with particular emphasis on improving public sector performance at all levels of the government. The institute will competently manage our people, resources, and affairs within robust governance frameworks.” The rejuvenation of PILAG to SILAG will contribute immensely towards the government achieving its strategic priorities under both the PNG Vision 2050 and the Medium-Term Development Strategy. He added that SILAG is ready to deliver training at the workplace.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is now making a final call for nominations for the 2024 Papua New Guinea Sports Hall of Fame. This prestigious event that was first initiated in 2011, honors the legacy of individuals who have excelled in sports, recognizing their contributions to the development of sports in Papua New Guinea. This year marks the 8th edition of the Hall of Fame, which currently features a total of 23 distinguished inductees: 1. Sir John Kaputin (Athletics) 2. Edward Laboran (Athletics) 3. Nigel Cluer (Swimming) 4. Salita Pitpit (Athletics) 5. Tumat Sogolik (Boxing) 6. Jackson Seeto (Weightlifting) 7. David Seeto (Weightlifting) 8. Oe Ivaharia (Athletics) 9. John Kokinai (Athletics) 10. Raki Leka (Athletics) 11. Naomi Polum (Athletics) 12. Kenneth Hopkins (Boxing) 13. Kea Kapulu Schwarz (Netball) 14. Charles Martin (Swimming) 15. Iammo Gapi Launa (Athletics) 16. Geua Tau (Lawn Bowls) 17. Sibona Oka (Weightlifting) 18. Tau John Tokwepota (Athletics) 19. Joseph Turia (Soccer) 20. Veitu Diro (Basketball & Netball) 21. Robert Stewart (Rifle Shooting) 22. Takale Tuna (Athletics) 23. Wavala Kali (Athletics) PNGOC has announced that if you know someone who deserves to be inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame, then nominations must be submitted by this Friday, September 27th, 2024. As for the Nomination Criteria, nominees must meet the following requirements: first is the Retirement Status, must be retired from competition for five years or more. Next is the Record of Achievement; must have made significant accomplishments, including medals and records. Followed by Representation; must have represented Papua New Guinea at various international levels. And lastly, is Influence and Contribution; has made notable contributions to sports and communities. Furthermore, for those who wish to nominate, they can be from the National federations, individuals, and the general public. All are welcome to submit nominations. In order to nominate, a nomination form must be downloaded from the PNG Olympic Committee website at pngolympic.org. The completed forms can then be emailed to the PNGOC events team at events@pngoc.org.pg or dropped off at the Olympic Haus, Lahara Avenue, 4 Mile, Port Moresby. For more details, visit the PNG Olympic Committee’s social media pages for instructions on online nominations. Don’t miss this chance to honor those who have made significant contributions to sports in Papua New Guinea.