The Sumkar District Administration in Madang province is now committed in supporting its cocoa farmers in the Karkar island communities and mainland. District Administrator, Charles Katu, declared this during the singing of partnership agreement between three cocoa farmer groups and the World Bank through the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project Cocoa Component in Madang province last week, held at the Sumkar District Administration area. He stated that this program is good for the Madang communities that will give chance to every household to have a share to participate in the socio-economic activities for a better livelihood. “Since the inception of the projects, the government officers have been working closely with the farmer groups in mobilizing the farmers, establishing the lead partners and negotiating with the farmers and lead partners.” “I assure that the government will fully support these projects after the project completion in terms of sustainability in the long run. Sumkar District Authority is committed to support the projects moving forward.” “These signing agreements will become like a binding agent to bring us the government and lead partners and farmers to develop this program in the district.” Meanwhile, the officers on ground on the mainland are currently fully participating in the programs under the program manager in which he thanked his officers for participating and implementing this program, and now will be signing the agreement partnership. Katu further stated that there are lot of times that the people in the district ask for help from the district, but due to funding, sometimes the district help but not all the time. He commented that this funding from the World Bank to the three cocoa projects will greatly help more than 1, 000 farmers to boost cocoa production in the province. In addition, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Karkar Local Level Government (LLG), Ian Beb, acknowledged the PACD team and the lead partners in the island for their time and dedication. He said that this is a milestone achievement in the Karkar communities and mainland communities and urged the farmer groups to work together to implement this various cocoa projects successfully. Furthermore, PACD Cocoa Component Project Manager, Roland Kerina, congratulated the three farmer groups and their lead partners NGO Promotion Inc. from the mainland and Karkar Island, Biabi Enterprise Limited and Kulili Estate Limited with their joint partner and producer organizations. Kerina told the occasion that the funding will be channeled through goods and services such as cocoa seedlings, farming tools, trainings and other plans in the farmer group respective project plans. “Many other projects come and go without proper completion or only few benefits but with this project I assured you that this is a true project and PMU team will work closely with the farmer groups until completion.” He reminded the farmers that the team went through a tedious process in the last twelve months to identify the potential Lead Partners from a total of 61 Expression of Interests. However, only 26 passed through to the detailed project proposal phase and final 22 passed on to be assessed by the Projects Technical Appraisal Committee (TAC). This Committee is independent, which comprises of professionals, led by Mr. Paul Barker as Chairman. Following this appraisal ratings, the final list was recommended to the Cocoa Industry Coordination Committee. Meanwhile, the three in Madang province are fortunate that they have met the Word Bank guidelines and requirement and upon success, they will now be receiving funding worth more than K3 million to implement their projects.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) in its capacity as the Papua New Guinea Commonwealth Games Association (PNGCGA) will be staging a Gender Equity Workshop on the 18th of May. The meeting will be with its forty member and affiliate National Federations in attendance along with guests from various organizations specializing in gender equity, including Femili PNG, World Vision, the Department of Community Development and Religion, and the Department of Attorney General and Justice. This groundbreaking event, funded by the Commonwealth Games Federations Game Changer grant will enable the PNGCGA, through the workshop, to demonstrate the PNGCGA’s commitment to social responsibility, human rights advocacy, education, and positive lifestyles, specifically targeting individuals involved in sports. This includes elderly people, women, boys, girls, children, and those with disabilities who may be affected by gender-based abuse. With the rising trend of gender-based violence in many communities, the most vulnerable individuals bear the brunt of these abuses and therefore, the key theme of the workshop is to create a better and safer community for children. The workshop aims to develop an action plan that utilizes sports in partnership with invited organizations to address and create a safer community for children. This action plan is intended to be integrated into the annual calendars of the 40 National Federations from 2024 to 2029. PNGOC Secretary General, Desmond Kaviagu stressed the importance of the workshop in identifying referral pathways with participating organizations to assist victims of gender-based violence. He expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Games Federation for their support and the participating gender based experts in PNG. In addition, Iammo Gapi Launa, OBE, board member and Chair of the PNGOC Gender Equity Committee, also highlighted that the workshop aims to bring about a positive change in the operations of National Federations, as they join forces with the Papua New Guinea community to build a better and safer nation for everyone through the platform of sports.

The East New Britain Provincial Assembly convened on the 3rd of this month at the Cardinal Degenhardt Convention Center at Vunapope in the city of Kokopo for its second meeting this year. This saw a total of nine papers brought in for deliberation, with eight supported and one withdrawn for further clarification. The papers tabled at the Provincial Assembly included; · 2024 LLG Elections, · ENB Tertiary Scholarship scheme, · 2024 National Census, · Adoption and implementation of relevant national village courts revitalized policy and strategies that are applicable to ENBP, · Proposed abolishment and establishment of new Land Mediation Divisions and Areas in ENBP, · Establishment of a Special Purpose Authority (SPA) for ENBP, · Recruitment and appointment of peace officers/police reservists, and · Enhancement of the operations and administrations of the Provincial Land Dispute Committee. ENB Provincial Member and Chairman of Finance in the ENB Provincial Assembly, Michael Marum in his communication, challenged members of the provincial assembly to be cautious in their dealings. He said that the government processes that are already in place are guides and that all of them must stand together and fight for transparency. “We began this year with the passing of the 2024 ENB Provincial Budget to the tune of K519, 816, 185. Most of the programs and projects funded in this budget were derived from the ENB SDP 2023-2033.” He further challenged the provincial administration to rise up and improve in its implementation, accountability and reporting systems for the benefit of the people. Meanwhile, Gazelle MP and National Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong, said that while development of vital services is progressing, the province also continues to face issues especially with law and order. He stated that lawlessness is now taking its toll on the once peaceful province. “We are stealing from our own people, businesses and impeding progress in our own communities.” He also applauded the decision to recruit a total 168 police reservists which will work alongside police officers to maintain law and order in the communities. “We continue to blame leaders for running our societies down. Our people have to understand that they are responsible for their own actions.” He urged members of the provincial assembly to unite and advance the development agendas of the province.

The East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Assembly has recently endorsed a program that will start this year to recruit, train, and appoint grade twelve school leavers as Peace Officers and Police Reservists in the province. The Provincial Administration will collaborate with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) to appoint a total of 168 personnel as Peace Officers and police reservists in an effort to ensure general law and order is maintained in their localities. Speaking during the second Provincial Assembly held last week, East New Britain Provincial Member, Michael Marum, said that once recruitment and training have been completed, each of the 23 Local Level Governments (LLGs) will each receive eight officers each. He stated that the critical shortages of police personnel in the province and across the country is also leading to a lack of effective and efficient policing in communities. The planned recruitment of peace officers aligns with the 2020 National Village Courts Policy and Strategy, as well as National Executive Council (NEC) Policy Decision No.320/2020 on Crime Prevention Strategy. Peace Officers are required under the Village Courts Act to apprehend criminals who have committed or are committing minor offences in their villages. Their responsibilities also include bringing criminals to the local court or police station and filing applicable charges, following additional investigation. Meanwhile, the provincial assembly also approved an estimated funding of K1.2 million to be allocated in the 2025 provincial budget for the training and monthly allowances for the Peace Officer/Police Reservist training. “Our province continues to witness a steady rise in law and order issues and therefore, presented here are strategies to address the escalating law and order issues. The way forward focuses on strengthening the LLGs and Wards to take control of their own localities,” said Marum. On the other hand, Rabaul MP, Dr. Allan Marat, said that the conduct of some police officers has degraded overtime and has further suggested that those recruited must be well trained. “If we want to push this idea, let's carefully examine those applicants so that they don't end up as some of our officers now.”

Minister for Education, Lucas Dawa Dekena, has announced that a total of K 212,497,575.00 million is now currently with the Bank of Papua New Guinea to clear and transfer to the commercial banks which will then be disbursed to school’s accounts soon for the second government tuition fee subsidy. Dekena expressed that on behalf of the schools under the National Education System, he thanked the National Government for its full commitment and support to the Ministry of Education by making the available the funds required to pay the schools in the second quarter. The payments will be made to each sector as follows: 1. All sectors (Elem/Prim/Sec/Voc/NSoE) – K134, 997, 575.00 2. FODE/SERC – K3, 000, 000.00 3. Project Fee – K40, 000, 000.00 4. Permitted Schools (One-off) – K2, 500, 000.00 5. Teaching and Learning – K32, 000, 000.00 In terms of payments made to schools, Dekena stated that many schools will not be getting their payments because of various issues to do with the closure of their bank accounts. “A total of 25 schools in Enga Province were put off the payments due to tribal fights and schools totally burnt down while nine schools’ accounts were closed after they were identified to have duplicate accounts.” Meanwhile, a total of 102 schools that had problems with their bank accounts will be paid during this quarter after these issues are sorted and fixed. In addition, the schools that submitted their data late will also be captured in this payment. A list of these schools will be made available to the provinces after the payment process is completed. “I call on the school administrations to spend the money on tangible resources including infrastructure development and support teaching and learning in their schools.” “School administrations must also provide quarterly reports to the Department, through the Provincial Education Offices in order to receive tuition fee grants.”

Melbourne Storm players and coaches will share their training and coaching skills with schools and rugby league clubs in the lead up to its official NRL trial match to be played at Churchill Park in February. With tickets now available to buy in all Jacks of Fiji outlets and online, Storm confirmed activities being planned with Fiji NRL, local schools and the Kaiviti Silktails. The week of activities will include open training sessions, coaching clinics and school visits, while Fiji Bati Captain and Storm prop, Tui Kamikamica, will also visit his home village during the week with a number of Storm players. “I am extremely proud to be able to visit my village and to take some of my Storm teammates to my home in Somosomo,” Kamikamica said. All of Fiji is excited about having Storm and the Knights play this trial match and I can’t wait to see the kids and families at the match and the clinics. Tui Kamikamica “This is a very proud moment for our country. I hope it gives more kids the inspiration to play rugby league and maybe play for the Storm one day.” Kamikamica said. Fiji Airways will fly Kamikamica and his teammates to his home island of Taveuni, where they will meet with students and the local community. Storm fans will be able to watch the team train at Churchill Park on Wednesday afternoon, while coaches from local rugby league clubs will be given the opportunity to learn from Storm’s coaching staff in an exclusive clinic. Players will also visit local primary and secondary schools throughout the week as the team prepares for the first ever NRL match to be played in Fiji. Fiji National Rugby League CEO, Don Natabe, said having Storm play in Fiji will be a great boost for the sport in 2024. “The rugby league community is excited about having the Storm and Knights come to Fiji,” Natabe said. All of Fiji is excited about having Storm and the Knights play this trial match and I can’t wait to see the kids and families at the match and the clinics. Don Natabe -CEO, Fiji National Rugby League Storm also announced the Kaiviti Silktails will play a curtain raiser prior to Storm taking on the Newcastle Knights on February 24th. The Silktails curtain raiser will kick off at 12.30pm at Churchill Park, giving the Fijian locals a chance to see future NRL stars in action. “For any NRL club bringing a trial game of this level out into the Pacific region is truly amazing,” Kaiviti Silktails General Manager, Damon Spooner, said. “For Fiji, this is huge. As soon as it was announced the city of Lautoka has been buzzing. For the Kaiviti Silktails, who are about to enter the NSWRL Jersey Flegg U21 competition, the players, staff and board will be forever grateful to the Storm. “The ripple effect of having the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights in Lautoka, I believe, will inspire the next generation of elite Fijian players into pathways with local staff opportunities for years to come.” Tickets for the Storm v Knights trial match can be purchased in store or online through Jacks of Fiji starting from $10 FJD. Melbourne Storm is proudly supported by premium partner, Fiji Airways, with local partners Fiji Tourism, Sheraton, Raddison, Novotel, Tappoo Group and Fiji Water helping to deliver the trial match and community activities in Fiji. Source: NRL.Com

PNG Air has advised all its passengers and the traveling public of the bomb threat email that was circulated this morning to certain stakeholders in the aviation industry. This was disseminated in a media statement today. “As a third-party recipient to this email, PNG Air does not compromise on safety and takes this threat seriously.” “To mitigate this threat, across the PNG Air network, stringent security measures are now in place to ensure the safety of its passengers, ground staff, operating crew, and aircraft.” This will see all passengers will now be subject to pat down and bag searches as deemed appropriate by airline security personnel. Also, the airport apron and ramp area are sterile areas and will require Application for Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) red passes in order to be accessible. Additional security personnel have been stationed at areas identified as high risk to monitor and evaluate the severity of this threat and de-escalate the situation should the need arise. These measures will remain in place indefinitely until such time PNG Air can determine safe operations of its crew and aircraft and the threat reduced and cleared. Furthermore, PNG Air sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the understanding of the passengers and the travelling public during this time.

Puma Energy PNG has confirmed that it will begin taking steps to reduce its operations and fuel supply to customers ahead of the unilateral closure of its bank accounts by Bank South Pacific (BSP), scheduled for the 8th of March 2024. The decision comes after eight months of engagement with BSP and various authorities, including the PNG Government, Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and others. BSP has been unwilling to share their reasons for the planned closure of the bank accounts or to constructively discuss solutions. Puma Energy, however, has received no concrete evidence of wrongdoing from either BPNG or BSP in relation to its BSP accounts. BSP has close to seventy percent of the market share in PNG and currently banks the major exporters who are largely Puma Energy customers and are responsible for the majority of the commercial USD flows into PNG. As Puma Energy PNG is amongst the largest consumer of USD with an ongoing requirement of approximately US$50 million per month, BSP is currently the only bank out of Puma’s existing banking partners who is able to provide access to the financial services and FX needed to fully operate and supply fuel in PNG. As a result, Puma has unfortunately been forced to begin to reduce its operations in order to match the FX access of the remaining banking services that it has in PNG. In addition, Puma is now taking these steps as it is currently selling product that it will not be able to pay its suppliers for once its accounts with BSP are scheduled to be closed. In the interim, this will result in substantially reduced levels of fuel supply into PNG until a solution is found. Puma will only prioritize the supply to emergency services. Chairman and Managing Director of Puma Energy Papua New Guinea, Hulala Tokome, stated that they are deeply disappointed to reach this point despite their best efforts over the past eight months. “We have requested the Government of PNG to convene a taskforce so that the Government can ensure security of supply and limit the impact on the community and economy.” “Puma Energy remains committed to PNG and open to dialogue with all stakeholders to find an amicable and sustainable way forward to return to full operational scale and to secure fuel supply for the country.” Furthermore, Puma Energy is a committed partner in PNG, having invested over US$650 million in its operations since 2014 to improve energy security, affordability, and access across the country. Over the years, the company has employed over 500 direct skilled workers and created over 2,500 indirect jobs in PNG through its supply chain.

Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang, has praised the Australian authorities over the arrest of a Chinese woman allegedly involved in a drug smuggling plot which hit the headlines of ‘The National paper, dated 24 March 2023’. The lady’s apprehension has also revealed her linkages to business interests associated with certain political figures in Papua New Guinea. Lelang has now called on the Australian Federal Police to work with the Royal PNG Constabulary and Interpol to conduct more investigations into the transnational crime associated with the lady and awarding of contracts using Australian aid money for asylum projects and incidences of other transnational crimes. In addition, Lelang’s call are in line with serious allegations publicly raised by ‘Whistle Blowers; in the Australian Newspaper, ‘The Guardian’, late last year in which a statement called for the government to investigate the allegations on the massive abuse of Australian tax payer’s money earmarked for refugee upkeep in PNG under the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRA). “I don’t know why PNG authorities have not dealt with this matter, but I thank the Australian authorities for the breakthrough in the investigations and ask that you extend the net into PNG as well.”

The government has warned it will not hesitate to shut down social media applications and sites if there is continuous abuse and misuse of social media spreading fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in the country. Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, issued the warning citing significant evidence of serious abuse of social media spreading false information that led to destruction of properties in Port Moresby and parts of the country resulting also in deaths. “I have a statutory power under the National Information and Communication Technology Act 2009, to restrict access to social media sites and applications if this continues. “The Ministry of ICT has observed a sharp spike in the use of social media from the 10th of this month and many are misinformation and disinformation, and we will now give ten days effective yesterday, the 15th of January for people to adhere or face a complete shutdown of social media sites and applications for the duration of the State of Emergency.” He further stated that the discussions on social media that incite violence, destruction, spread of false information or confidential government information, opinions that are wrong or sends false information or are hearsay and defamatory, will be monitored and legal action taken immediately. Minister Masiu said national security, public emergency and public safety is critical to a secured nation and happy and safe country and urges all to work together to bring back normalcy to the country after a week of mayhem and destruction especially in Port Moresby. “I have instructed the agencies under my ministry to strengthen monitoring and report any abuses of social media to the police cybercrime unit to begin investigations, arrest and prosecution and also take down fake accounts and sites.” He said Papua New Guinea is a civilized country and citizens must abide by rules and laws and every citizen has a duty and obligation to ensure we progress to be a better country. He has also consulted with the ICT industry to ensure the safe and secure use of the internet and to work closely with my ministry and the regulator NICTA to ensure a safe and secure internet for the nation.

CPL Group, a leading retailer and home-grown company, held a press conference today in regard to the recent civil unrest that occurred on Wednesday resulting in a number of their outlets being looted and burned down. The outlets including Stop n Shop Rainbow, North Waigani, Habour city and Badili were looted and burnt down by opportunists due to the alleged public servant increase in income tax. Chief Executive Officer of CPL Group, Navin Raju, said in light of the unfortunate series of events that took place in the Nations Capital, this has greatly affected 500 of their staff who are worried about whether they still have a job or not. He added with the shops now burnt down, this has seen people desperately running around looking for shops that are open in which are now seen lining up at smaller shops. Despite the unacceptable and outrageous acts from the opportunists, CPL has announced that they are in fact ready to resume business tomorrow, however, need assurance from the government that their business won’t be affected again. “We need assurance from the government, the police and the disciplined forces that they are going to provide us with security because right now we have staff who are scared for their lives,” said Raju. “We still have four other outlets that can provide service and we can still supply essential food as well as medical supplies that the people require but assurance is what we need before we can operate again.” With the amount of destruction done, Raju expressed that this has affected them as CPL is a PNG grown company and that its profits and benefits made, goes to helping those who are members of Nasfund and Nambawan Supa. “The question we ask ourselves is, they have looted our shops but why burn them?” “For this has been a total devastation on our part as a business.” Meanwhile, founder of CPL Group, Sir Mahesh Patel, also shared sentiments after expressing disappointment on what has happened. He said despite this, there were a good number of people from church groups as well as youth groups who have come forward to offer help in whatever way they can to CPL. “We really have good people here but what upsets me are those who have taken advantage and have ruined our reputation.” “We need to stand up together and fight this because this can’t happen again, and I don’t want it too either.” In addition, he also stated that the backbone of their company has always been their staff right across the country and is hard to see them affected by what has happened. CPL is not only known for its supermarkets, but also for its pharmacies, hardware stores, coffee shops and household and appliance stores and has always played a big part in providing essential and affordable service to many Papua New Guineans across the country.      

The Launching Program which was set to be staged at the old Kokopo Market in East New Britain for the 14 kilometre four-lane road to be officiated by Prime Minister James Marape, has now been deferred to a later date which will be announced. The decision was unanimously agreed upon by all ENB leadership due to the need to avoid any further escalation that may affect lives and properties. The launching was prepared for a five part Program to begin with a Guard of Honour by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Correctional Services at Tokua Airport, followed by the official launching program at the old Kokopo Market with presentations of Projects by the four districts the province. The decision for cancellation of today’s program is due to looting of shops which had occurred in Kokopo Town around 8am in which Fone Haus in the heart of Kokopo Town was completely ransacked while quick action by police deterred looters from looting Dima Trading in Omorong, Vunapope. Opportunists also attempted to loot Tropicana shopping center, however were deterred by police. Based on the decisions, the Senior Executive Management in consultation with the Provincial Police Hierarchy, has issued this information to the General Public. East New Britain Provincial Administrator, Mr Levi Mano, has also called on the general public to remain at home while shop owners have been advised to close indefinitely to allow police to monitor the situation. All shops in Rabaul and Kokopo are now closed until further notice. “All District Administrations and Local Level Governments must immediately engage with our people to ensure all people are grounded at home at this stage.” “There has been a temporary Curfew for the next five days from 6pm-6am Curfew to be imposed in our major towns of Rabaul, Kokopo, Kerevat and Palmalmal to assist police deal with this situation.” Meanwhile, the detail of the Curfew will be outlined by the Police Hierarchy and the public will be advised accordingly. This order is in force until further advise. Mano assured that safety is of paramount importance, therefore, everyone should remain in their homes at this time until business returns to normal.