Trends Beauty International has come on board the PNG Fashion Week platform as a sponsor to this weekend’s NGCB Paradise Runway. Advertising & Marketing Manager of Trends Beauty International Ms Rhoda Vere said they are delighted to once again partner with PNG Fashion Week to deliver a world class fashion event this weekend. Ms Vere further added that the company has always shown support to PNG Fashion Week especially for the POM Fashion Week events including the Grand Finale shows in the last five years where they provided hair and make up for PNG Fashion Week models. She further added that Trends beauty International has been in the hair and makeup industry for a very long time and have been doing so at a larger scale due to their capability and manpower which is inclusive of local make-up artists and hairdressers who have runway experiences. “These are the opportunities we use to get our local staff out there to experience what high end fashion is all about and we are grateful for the opportunity to do work with an international brand like PNG Fashion Week,” Ms Vere said. Operations Manager of Trends Beauty International Ms Sari Morante said their focus is to make the models look beautiful and confident so that they can better display the work of the designers. We will be focusing on making sure that the models are properly groomed so that they are confident to walk the NGCB Paradise Runway.” “It is also an opportune time for us to continue to expose our local makeup artists and in the process, help the young models to build their confidence within this space as well,” Ms Morante said. Marketing Manager Ms Vere also stressed that as part of Trends Beauty International’s corporate social responsibility, they are committed to supporting local fashion events such as PNG Fashion Week right down to events at the community levels. “The event itself is about promoting local designers and so part of our CSR and sponsorship, is in making sure that these models are properly groomed and looking the best and so what better way to bring together local makeup artists, local designers and local models into this one event and promote Papua New Guinea on the occasion of its’ 47th independence celebrations,” Ms Vere said. Ms Vere further added that there will be seven local make-up artists together with expat staff who will be providing hair and makeup for forty models who will be walking the NGCB Paradise Runway this Saturday night. The PNG Fashion Week second annual NGCB Paradise Runway will be taking place at the Hilton Hotel on Saturday the 17th of September.

The SME Elevate Series is a component of the POM City Market where a resource hub provides free business, finance, marketing and public relations advice from professional consultants. BSP was among the first Corporate organisation to come on board and support the series in 2021. On Saturday 10th September, 2022, BSP renewed this support with a cheque presentation of K10,000 to the Market Manager of POM City Markets, Marie Mapai. BSP NCD Area Manager Dennis Lamus said the bank is pleased to be supporting the SME Elevate Series at the monthly POM City Markets by offering BSP’s banking services to help SMEs grow their businesses. The BSP team also assist customers with Personal Account queries on BSP’s products and services. “You would have seen our teams come around to individual SME Booths offering BSP’s Digital Banking channels including our Mobile Merchant Service. SMEs who do not have access to an EFTPOS device are encouraged to sign up to become a Mobile Merchant, which is a more convenient service. SMEs are issued a Merchant Code which customers can easily make payments to via BSP Mobile Banking. “Under this sponsorship agreement, BSP will be at the next 11 monthly markets. For all your SME Loan queries, Account Opening and Mobile or Internet Banking Registrations, come see us at the POM City Markets,” Mr Lamus said

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today announced a record K9.7 billion tax revenue collection by the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC). He made the announcement as he prepares to travel to London for the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II and as Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate its 47th Independence anniversary on Friday, September 16, 2022. “I commend the sterling performance by the Internal Revenue Commission for the last eight months,” PM Marape said. “Papua New Guinea could not have asked for a better 47th Independence Anniversary performance indicator of a key State energy working its heart out. This record collection is the highest ever since 1975, and most importantly, highest collection ever in a tough year. “As of week ending September 9, 2022, the Internal Revenue Commission has collected around K9.7 billion with net transfers of K9.4 billion to the Waigani Public Accounts as projected by the 2022 National Budget. “This is a record achievement in a fiscal year, where IRC was able to surpass its annual target in the space of only eight months. “Compare the first eight months of this year with first eight months of last four years: “IRC’s Tax Revenue Collections in 2022 was boosted by a windfall in the petroleum and gas sector directly related to the Russian-Ukraine conflict. The global supply constraint coupled with higher demand as a result of post-COVID normalcy has seen the price of oil nearly double in space of just 12 months. Total Mining and Petroleum Tax (MPT) collection in the first eight months of 2022 totalled K2.965 billion. “Whilst windfall from MPT is acknowledged, other taxes have also performed strongly in 2022 – a reflection of some of the transformational interventions introduced at IRC since 2019. “The average MPT collections for the past four years (2018-2021) was K379 million. “The average total collection for first eight months of the last four years was K5.657 billion. “2022 total collection for the first eight months, less the MPT windfall, is K7.163 billion. “A total of K1.5 billion in increase revenue not attributed to MPT windfall has eventuated in the last eight months of 2022. “Non MPT taxes have performed well above the average of the last four years. IRC is beginning to see the fruits of its revenue initiatives and will continue to strive on becoming a robust and efficient tax administration by 2025. ” PM Marape said some of the notable initiatives and their revenue gains were as follows: • Introduced stringent Goods and Services Tax (GST) verification for refunds. This resulted in 20 per cent increase in GST collection annually or K200 million; • Cessation of credit offsets of GST to pay Salary and Wages Tax (SWT) liability. This resulted in K30-K40 million plus /month or K500 million annually; • GST s65 was rolled out. This resulted in K200 million-plus in the last eight months; • Increased media presence and awareness via media, resulting in on time payment improvement; • Increased support to provincial officers for tax inspections and awareness; and • The overall taxpayer awareness, improvement in efficiencies, increase in compliance activities and use of technology, amongst others, has contributed towards the sustained improved performance of IRC since 2019. “The Marape Government is intentional in raising internal revenues, hence, this year the Government increased the budget of the Internal Revenue Commission,” the Prime Minister said. “In 2022, the Government provided K160 million. This is the biggest budget support ever for IRC. “I understand that IRC has initiated 32 major reform projects to transform IRC into a robust, modern and efficient tax administration by 2025. The Government will continue to support IRC in the next two years to ensure that those projects are implemented successfully. “The Marape Government’s focus is on growing the economy, raising internal revenue and reducing borrowing over time. “The Government has intentions to introduce the immediate tax reliefs to cushion the impact of inflation. “The Government is also work toward the Golden Jubilee Anniversary in 2025 where most of the taxes, especially Salary and Wages Taxes and Corporate Income Taxes, will be reduced. IRC is currently undertaking all these projects to establish a cohesive collection mechanism so that any reduction in tax rates (tax revenue forgone) will have revenue positive effect. “

Grand Papua Hotel – A Member of Radisson Individuals, Port Moresby Wins – World Travel Award – Papua New Guinea’s Leading Business Hotel 2022. The Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby is a proud winner of The World Travel Award 2022. The World Travel Award recognizes and celebrates the hotel industry worldwide, with votes cast by travellers, guests, and industry players. It is the first year the Grand Papua Hotel has entered The World Travel Award and we are proud to have been awarded the following: Grand Papua Hotel – World Travel Award – Papua New Guinea’s Leading Business Hotel 2022 “It is another prestigious milestone for the Grand Papua Hotel again this year to be recognized as a world class upscale boutique hotel providing a high-end product and services in Papua New Guinea”. Says Senior Vice President & Group General Manager Peter Laigaard Jensen Grand Papua Hotel is situated in Port Moresby’s Central Business District, and offers 161 upscale guest rooms, suites, and residences. The Hotel was built in 2011 and continues to provide a high standard in its products and services for business travellers and corporate guests who want an upscale hotel experience with friendly service. And not at least the newly opened roof garden concept on 15th floor with culinary delights open from Thursday to Sunday Peter Laigaard Jensen explains: “We continue to take pride in giving our guests reasons for coming back not only to Grand Papua Hotel but also to Papua New Guinea and Port Moresby – this award is dedicated to all our hardworking employees and loyal guests” The Grand Papua Hotel boasts an upscale setting and guest experience with the Grand Brasserie, the 15th Floor, Grand Bar, and Grand Café, Grand Spa, and the Executive Lounge located on the 15th Floor as well. Group General Manger, Radisson Individuals Peter Tudehope express his gratitude to all staff and management in Grand Papua Hotel. I am very pleased Grand Papua Hotel – A Member of Radisson Individuals are awarded as a best-in-class property” ABOUT CORAL SEA HOTELS Coral Sea Hotels is a part of Steamships Limited’s legacy and history in Papua New Guinea and offers a portfolio of midmarket and upscale quality hotels in strategic well-appointed locations throughout Papua New Guinea. As one of the first hospitality pioneers in Papua New Guinea, Coral Sea Hotels is part of the country’s rich history and culture and continues to play an active part developing Papua New Guinea with a diversified hotel product portfolio through people and the local environment, enriching lives, and guest experiences. Coral Sea Hotels gives guests reasons for coming back. The portfolio of urban midmarket and city upscale hotels, residences and apartments cater to today’s frequent travellers and local community offering authentic and international hospitality in a warm and friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Coral Sea Hotels owns, manages, and operates 8 properties in Port Moresby, Lae, Mount Hagen, Goroka and Kiunga.

New Zealand coach Michael Maguire is set to stick by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, despite the prop facing a three-match ban that may sideline him until the knock-out stages of the World Cup. The Kiwis travel to England on September 30 and Maguire will be hoping a warm-up clash with Leeds on October 8 can be included in Waerea-Hargreaves' suspension so he is available for the final pool match against Ireland. If the Leeds clash does not count towards the ban, the Roosters veteran would be unavailable until New Zealand’s quarter-final, which is likely to be against Fiji in Hull on November 5. Captain Jesse Bromwich, his Storm team-mate Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Raiders prop Joseph Tapine and Penrith’s James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota are expected to be among the other middle forwards chosen, so Maguire has depth at his disposal. [caption id="attachment_26527" align="alignnone" width="906"] JWH goes to the bin[/caption] The likes of Isaiah Papali;i, Marata Niukore (both Eels), Kenny Bromwich, Brandon Smith (both Storm), Erin Clarke (Titans), Braden Hamlin-Uele, Briton Nikora (both Sharks), Corey Harawira-Naera (Raiders), Griffin Neame (Cowboys) and Jordan Riki (Broncos) are also in contention for forward spots. However, Waerea-Hargreaves is a valuable member of the Kiwis squad and Maguire considers him to be a leader on and off the field, as does Sydney Roosters mentor Trent Robinson. He has played 32 Tests for New Zealand since 2009 and was a member of the 2013 and 2017 World Cup squads. Waerea-Hargreaves had played every Test since Maguire took charge of the Kiwis in 2018 until forced to missed June's mid-season Test against Mata Ma'a Tonga due to a hamstring injury. While Maguire would want all of his squad to feature in the pool matches against Jamaica, Lebanon and Ireland, he knows that Waerea-Hargreaves is passionate about the Kiwis jersey and will do everything to be ready to play when required. The 32-year-old demonstrated his ability to make an immediate impact after an extended time on the sidelines when he made his comeback in round 19 against Newcastle following seven weeks out due to the hamstring injury The Roosters won seven consecutive matches with their forward leader back in the team before being losing Sunday's elimination final against South Sydney, in which Waerea-Hargreaves was one of a record seven players sin-binned. He was charged with grade two dangerous contact for a head slam on Rabbitohs and England prop Tom Burgess and faces a three match suspension with an early guilty plea or a four match ban if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge. Burgess also faces a two-to-three match suspension for a high tackle on Roosters captain James Tedesco, who is expected to be named Australia's captain at the World Cup. The Souths prop needs his team-mates to make the grand final if he is to play another NRL match this season. Should the Rabbitohs lose to Cronulla on Saturday night England coach Shaun Wane is likely to seek to have the host nation's October 8 warm-up clash with Fiji included in Burgess's ban so he is free for the World Cup opener against Samoa. Source: NRL.com

A long-time member of NCSL , Aaron Miskaram is helping people around him, engaged in small business activities such as selling cooked food items, operating trade stores and small table markets, to open savings accounts with NCSL. Aaron, 39, from New Ireland Province, lives at Ensisi Valley in Port Moresby and operates the Miskaram family trade store. He went out of his way to assist people at Ensisi Valley, UPNG, Boroko, and 5 Mile areas to become members of NCSL . Aaron said he benefited a lot from being a member and wanted others to also save and enjoy the benefits of being a member. “I’ve been saving with NCSL  for a long time now and enjoy everything the Society offers, especially the 1% loan interest and monthly interest paid on our savings,” he said. “My mum is also a voluntary contributor with NCSL and enjoys all the financial benefits. “Having savings set aside assists in my time of need. The services are readily available through the e-channels which is very convenient and I want others around me to know about NCSL  so they too can make that important decision to save and benefit from its attractive range of products and services offered by NCSL,” he said. One woman who recently became a member through Aaron’s awareness now banks her sales profit from selling Aigir with NCSL every two weeks. Aaron is encouraging others engaged in micro and small to medium enterprise (SME) businesses who do not have any savings account to make that choice to financially secure their future with NCSL.

The major damage and dislocation of structural building infrastructures encountered by Wawin National School of Excellence in Morobe during the recent earthquake will not hinder the school from sitting the grade twelves(12) National examinations this year. This was a statement issued by the school's Deputy Principal Mr. Erick Kep. Kep made this statement on Sunday afternoon just after the 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Morobe, Madang and other provinces. The school encountered cracks and dislocation to roof ceilings, walls and stairs mostly built of bricks. Mr. Kep said grade twelves' national examinations is about four more weeks away and they will still accommodate their students who will sit for this national tests with the rest of the grade 12's nationwide. He stated that they have been working tirelessly to prepare their students for the exams and hence, will still allow students to sit the important tests despite the earthquake destruction that defaced the school infrastructures. He said the school will prioritize on the grade twelve examinations by using available and good condition classrooms to run the examinations.

EU-STREIT PNG started work on two additional farm-to-market access roads in Sandaun and East Sepik provinces totalling 56 plus km, to serve over 16,000 villagers, including businesspersons, women and school children, with improved access to towns, health posts and schools.  The International Labour Organization (ILO) under the EU Funded UN Joint STREIT EU-STREIT PNG has started major improvement work on two key Farm-to-Market Access Roads in Vanimo-Green District, Sandaun Province and Wosera-Gawi District, East Sepik Province. Connecting two Pasi and Krisa rural communities in Bewani-Wutung Onei LLG of Sandaun Province, this 25 km road will serve more than 3,000 rural population. Thirteen thousand plus villagers living in South Wosera and North Wosera LLGs, East Sepik Province, will also benefit from a road rehabilitation project started by ILO to improve the 31.6 KM Farm-to-Market Access Road connecting Patiko and Nuangawai rural communities, it includes 13,000 plus farming-dependant population who lives along this road. The roads rehabilitation and maintenance projects implemented by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme will provide safe, reliable, and climate-resilient transport infrastructure to cocoa, vanilla and fishery-dependant farming communities in the Sepik region, facilitating agribusiness nourishment, people, goods and crops movements and better marketing for locally produced agri-food products. “These roads are important since they help the trade and open business opportunities, market access and also help who provide services such as trucking and Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators for movement of people and goods,” said Mr Wesley Weli, Director of National Authorising Officer Support Unit, Department of National Planning and Monitoring. Likewise, these farm-to-market access roads are also a relief to villagers, particularly women and mothers who carry heavy loads and walk with their children for hours to the main highway to catch a PMV to town to sell their produce and get medical treatment. “These roads are very important also in terms of enabling socioeconomic indicators, including health, education, and financial services. These roads also help local businesses and movement along the roads. These projects are a win for all fronts, for all people living around roads,” explained Mr Weli. “We mothers feel the pain of carrying heavy garden produce as well as our sick children and walk this road for hours to the junction. If we’re lucky, we catch a PMV to town. If not, we walk back to the village and do the same thing the next day,” said Maria Mali, a mother of 11 children and grandmother of 12 grandchildren, living along Pasi-Krisa road in Bewani-Wutung Onei LLG. Maria was part of about 500 villagers who celebrated the start of specific maintenance and Rehabilitation work on the Pasi Krisa road. She has been married for 45 years and shares the dilemma the women in the area face. She said there has been no proper maintenance on this road until the recent intervention by ILO under the European Union-funded STREIT Programme in Papua New Guinea. The two roads rehabilitation and improvement projects will be completed in 12 months which include scarifying and reshaping of existing surface, spot re-gravelling, construction of reinforced concrete cement (RCC) box and pipe culverts, and gabion retaining wall as well as installation of crash barrier at different locations. The works also include erecting traffic signs and signages to increase visibility and ensure safety of passengers. Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of Patiko-Nuangawai access road’s rehabilitation work, the EU-STREIT PNG Programme Coordinator, Dr Xuebing Sun said, “Road is the backbone of many rural infrastructure systems. Road provides assurance for the supply of the agricultural inputs, facilitates the delivery of the farm outputs to the markets, and assure your accesses to financing, health and education services. Road will also help you to strengthen competitiveness of your products in the market. Sincere thanks to the EU for its generous funding support, I am really happy that after one year, this road can reach you. I want to request for your active support, contribution, and participation to this road project as much as possible. Sustainability and long-term use of the road through effective maintenance rely on you; you are the ones who are going to use and own this road.” Calling on the community to support the road project, ILO’s Chief Infrastructure Specialist, Mr Shailendra Kumar Jha, said, “the contractor is willing to complete the whole roads with quality before the 12 months period, that will generate thousands of paid decent jobs for local community and youths, however community support and collaborations are must. The Road project will also transfer the skills to local youths for future use and employability.” This Pasi-Krisa (25 km) & Patiko-Nuangawai (30.6 km) are two out of 15 selected rural roads in the Sepik totalling 264 km in length for rehabilitation/specific maintenance by ILO to support the market access initiative implemented by the FAO-led EU-STREIT PNG to boost agribusiness activities and cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains for an improved income and cash flow for the rural sector. The roads will also support other agricultural, business, markets, services, inputs and social and community activities and facilities like schools, aid posts and health centres that are in dire need of better accessible roads. The EU-STREIT PNG, as a UN Joint Programme (FAO as the leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as partners), is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the country and the Pacific region. Being implemented in close cooperation with the National and provincial government institutions, research entities, civil society organisations, and private sector enterprises, the Programme aims to help improve the lives of the people from East Sepik and Sandaun provinces by focusing on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through improved economic returns and opportunities from cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains while strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers, including the business environment, and supporting sustainable, climate-resilient transport and energy infrastructure development.

Wawin National School of Excellence in Morobe is calling on relevant authorities to intervene and assess several damages caused by the recent massive earthquake and determine if the buildings are fit for use by students. The recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Morobe, Madang and parts of the Highlands Region and was even felt in other provinces on Sunday morning. At Wawin National School of Excellence, 10 classrooms, four laboratories and dormitories received damages as a direct result of the earthquake on the aging infrastructure. The classrooms and laboratories were the worst affected encountering huge cracks and dislocation of building structures. Deputy Principal Mr. Erick Kep said the school needed immediate inspection and guarantee of the relevant authorities whether it was safe for use by students and teachers. The school building was funded by the Japanese government and constructed by COVEC building construction 22 years ago. Most of the rooms joint structures have been dislocated by the continuous force of the quake. Roof ceilings and walls mostly bricks have cracks and have fallen off causing a safety hazard to students and teachers. The school took Monday off to clear out the structural remains and visible debris to allow for inspection.

Families, relatives, and Paiam community in Porgera joined in a protest on Friday after a warring clan killed a father of five on Thursday, calling for the declaration of a State of Emergency (SOE) immediately. Local Porgera community called for immediate action from authorities as more innocent lives will be lost as a result of the ongoing tribal conflict between Nomali and Aiyala clans, where the spill-over of the conflict is continuing to impact lives and vandalism of properties in almost entire Porgera valley as security forces are exhausted. Families and relatives of late Martin Yandare from Paiam grieved while marching to Paiam police station to express their grief and resentment as an innocent life was taken while looking for food at his garden. They said they will not take revenge on losing one of their family and clansmen but called for government to address the continuous violence within a 7-day period of notice. In support of the protest, local leaders and activists banded together on behalf of Paiam and the entire Porgera community, calling for the immediate declaration of SOE as the first step toward resolving the ongoing violence in the host locality of the Porgera mine. Paiam Village Court Magistrate, Was Liko said the ten clans of Paiam do not engage in tribal conflict because they had signed a pact with God. However, a spill over of a fight that started at Kairik part of the valley has done more damaged in the Paiam community and called on government to declare SOE before the current situation escalates to further destruction around the valley affecting the restart of the mine. “The 10 clans of Paiam do not engage in tribal conflicts as this area was dedicated to God. My area is completely destroyed now. The state properties and the township are damaged. Community members are displaced. This conflict is affecting the entire Porgera valley and the neighbouring regions. Population decreased and the people who are here are scared to go into gardens because there are gunmen ravaging gardening areas in the bush. “I appeal to the Prime Minister and the Provincial Governor to declare a SOE immediately. This mine is on the verge of restart but how will the reopening of the mine proceed if this continue? Declare state of emergency first and law and order issues will follow”, Mr Liko said. Also sharing similar sentiment, one of the prominent local leaders of Porgera and Paiam town councillor, Kensary Lawaipa said innocent lives have been buried, and properties and government facilities within Paiam mining township have been destroyed and this will continue unless the security force on the ground is boosted. “The clans of Paiam are the custodians of Paiam mining township. There is a high school, an international school, hospital, village 1, 2 and 3, bank, police station; these are the facilities of Papua New Guinea being taken care of by the 10 clans of Paiam. But a severe destruction has occurred already within the surrounding community of the Paiam town. Homes and business properties have been destroyed. “Man, women, youth, and children, are killed everywhere. The number of people killed in a day is seven (7), and 13. These are not animals. These are human beings. “This is Papua New Guinea’s mine. This is the revenue generator of the country. Where is Marape Government? Where is Governor Sir Peter Ipatas?” Mr Lawaipa said. On behalf of the Porgera mine landowners, Lease for Mining Purposes (LMP) Chairman, Timothy Andambo said a joint effort by all stakeholders of the mine, including the landowners, is required to address this ongoing violence in the local communities. “The current situation has to be controlled, and we need collaborative and corporative efforts from everyone including landowners, government at the national and provincial levels. And we need serious actions done now and immediately. “From the landowners’ perspective, we are actually working with an emergency committee which has been established by some volunteers, that comprises of the police, the military, the church groups, some youth groups, and some village leaders, so we’re working with those groups to actually to come up with short term and long term action plans. Before anything happens, what we’re asking for is ‘cease fire’ and to get ‘cease fire’ done we need military and SOE declaration immediately”, Mr Andambo said. A joint security forum was held a few days earlier before the protest, security forces including Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the police said security effort is exhausted and want the local leaders including the people to take responsibility of the ongoing violence in the valley. The ongoing tribal war between Nomali and Aiyala clans began over payments of a Digicel tower at Kairik. This conflict emerged when the first wave of fight destroyed lives and properties around Kairik, Palipaka and some parts of Paiam in March, then re-emerged in May, causing terror and more destruction to the remaining properties within the vicinity of the Paiam township, killing more than 17 people, including the recent killing at Paiam, and others outside the based-conflict zone.

Prime Minister James Marape today (September 13, 2022) announced 12 Vice-Ministerial allocations, in line with his Government’s focus on ‘Growing the Economy’ and ‘Strengthening Internal Security’. He made the announcements before he left for London to attend the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II. Of the 12 Vice-Ministers, four will be directly assisting PM Marape, in his role as Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning. The four Vice Ministers assisting PM Marape are: •  Jimmy Maladina (Office of State Negotiations); • Finoka Feo (Strategic Planning); •  Muguwa Dilu (Constitutional Matters); and •  James Nomane (Planning PIP Budgeting) The other eight Vice-Ministers and their allocations are: •  Solen Loifa (Treasury); • John Boito (Finance and Implementation); •  Kessy Sawang (International Trade and Investment); •  Miki Kaeok (Works and Highways); •  Thomas Opa (Petroleum and Energy); •  Raphael Tonpi (State Enterprises); •  Graham Piniau Rumet (Cocoa and Copra); and • James Donald (Mining and Border Issues). “The four Vice-Ministers have been given specific tasks to assist me, likewise, the other eight Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said. “We are timebound and want to achieve results “It is not just a ceremonial office they are holding, unlike the past, and they have been given specific tasks just like Ministers. “We expect the Vice-Ministers to achieve in the tasks that they have been given.” PM Marape said Ministers’ jobs were so “wide and huge” with Papua New Guinea not being like it was back in 1975, especially population growth. He said when he returned from his international tour-of-duty, he would sit down with individual Ministers and Vice-Ministers, and tell them what was expected of them. “All Ministers have already been given Key Result Areas, and when I return, I will sit down with them and the Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said. “Likewise, when I come back, I will meet all Governors at a Governors’ Forum and engage with them on what they must do. “We will focus especially on provinces being less dependent on Waigani for finances, with more focus on agriculture, downstream processing of forestry, fisheries, tourism and other businesses. “I want provinces to step up in these areas and take ownership of businesses instead of just being spectators and waiting for handouts from Waigani. “This will complement our focus on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in all provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. “This, I believe, will really jumpstart our economy.”

Trukai Industries Ltd was recently recertified for meeting a global standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems under the ISO 45001:2018 standard. Trukai Industries CEO, Alan Preston said that Trukai continues to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards with an aim to achieve zero harm in its everyday operations. “At Trukai we pride ourselves in ensuring that safety is our number one priority, our aim every day is to ensure our employees, contractors and stakeholders do their job in a safe manner at any Trukai site and go home safely to their families at the end of the day.” Mr. Preston added that, “This strong safety culture also guarantees we continue to produce the highest quality products for the people of PNG.” The purpose of the ISO 45001:2018 audit was to determine the organisation’s safety management system, the capability and effectiveness of the management system and meeting the set criteria of this standard. The audit was also to ensure that there was continued compliance with customers, statutory and regulatory requirements. This year Trukai Industries after being certified in 2019 was due for recertification and was recently audited in August this year. The rice company had once again met the international safety standard and obtained an approved updated certification of the ISO 45001:2018. Trukai Industries General Manager for Operations and Risks, David Newton said that this recertification is a great achievement for the organisation and confirms that Trukai Industries’ Safety Management System complies with international standards. “The significance of the achievement of being certified to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) demonstrates the commitment Trukai Industries has towards providing a safe workplace where the risk of illness or injury to workers or customers is minimised or eliminated,” said Newton. The audit is conducted annually to ensure continual compliance and adherence to the set criteria of ISO 45001:2018 and also to prepare for a recertification audit which is conducted every three years. Trukai Industries had undergone an audit of the ISO 45001:2018 standard in 2019 when transitioning from OHSA 18001 to ISO 45001:2018 certification. It was carried out by SAI Global, an external certified organization which issued approval of the ISO 45001:2018 certification in 2019. The company’s recertification to ISO 45001:2018 standards of implementation paves the way towards fewer workplace injuries and illnesses through proactive approach, hazard identification and risk assessment. As a result, this leads to improved health and safety for all employees, visitors and contractors who visit any Trukai Industries sites nationwide.