The 2022 Pacific Update conference, co-hosted by the Development Policy Centre and The University of the South Pacific’s School of Accounting, Finance and Economics kickstarted this morning at the Laucala Campus in Suva. The Pacific Update is the premier forum for discussion of economic, social, political, and environmental issues in the region. Delivering the welcome remarks, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia said the gathering reflected the commitment to continue deliberations, development, and research on public policy as the Pacific region adjusted its sails to navigate forward these important discussions. “These are important contributions towards USP’s commitment to shaping Pacific futures to ensure the sustainable development in our communities and in the lives of the people we serve,” he said. “Our focus is to work with all stakeholders and development partners, local and regional to deliver a means to advance progress towards addressing development challenges and achieving aspirations driven by our member countries.” Professor Ahluwalia added that in the pursuit of sustainable development goals, accountability and good governance must be promoted through all policy creations to amplify the voices of the community. “Good governance and accountability are considered key ingredients for sustained development and broader consultations improve the policy-making process and generate effective policies.” “At the same time, we need to be advancing women’s participation, particularly in leadership roles towards climate action and disaster management. Women living in the Pacific region are often disproportionately affected by the socio-economic impact of disasters largely due to climate change. “This is our Pacific journey, and it is our duty as custodians of Pacific futures to nurture and sustain our Pacific ways of resilience for our region.” The President of Nauru, His Excellency Lionel Rouwen Aingimea was also present this morning and delivered his opening remarks. “Whilst COVID-19 remains of critical concern, we must not lose focus on pursuing solutions to existing regional matters and development aspirations. We have to remain focused on delivering and providing development that empowers our people and makes our region stronger. I am confident that by working together we can create better conditions, stronger policies, and a more robust sense of institutional frameworks aimed towards a prosperous Pacific.” The first day’s panel discussion included gender equality, aid effectiveness and Fiji’s economy. The Pacific Update Conference continues until Thursday 30 June 2022 at the USP Laucala Campus. Sessions will focus on economic recovery, PNG economy, social protection, labour mobility, development, and social impacts.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Papua New Guinea Department of National Planning and Monitoring signed an Implementation Letter of USD $2.5 million for Strengthening Women’s Equality and Empowerment in Forestry in Papua New Guinea. The funding underscores the American people’s continued commitment to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific through our strengthened U.S.-Pacific partnerships for sustainable, prosperous, inclusive, secure, and democratically empowered societies. The Department of National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Koney Samuel countersigned the implementation letter on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea. The activity will enable women entrepreneurs to access supply chains and ecosystem service markets, develop women’s leadership in the forestry industry, and build women’s climate resilience. Deputy Mission Director for the Pacific Islands and Mongolia Betty Chung said, “This $2.5 million agreement represents the growing partnership between the U.S. and PNG, and reiterates to the PNG public how hard their government has been working to secure resources and partnerships for PNG’s development.” Secretary Samuel and Deputy Mission Director Chung also discussed the ongoing projects in Papua New Guinea through USAID funding, and reflected on the increased partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United States. Secretary Samuel said, “I'd like to acknowledge the support of the US government through USAID. I’m happy that USAID is stepping up to support different sectors including climate change, HIVAIDs, and the PNG electrification partnership to support PNG’s Development strategy plan 2030.” The funding will benefit over 250 women with enhanced livelihood opportunities in two provinces in PNG; reduce greenhouse gas emissions in at least 250 hectares of high-carbon areas; and reach a minimum of 15000 people through advocacy campaigns.

Life after work can be challenging for retirees. If you have savings parked with superfunds and other financial institutions like NCSL, you can be like Kevin Tombui who utilized his savings to establish a small business to financially support his family whilst providing transport services to the local community. Kevin Tombui shared his excitement with the Society after purchasing his vehicle through a NCSL  Poro Account withdrawal via the Service Under One Roof agreement between NCSL and Nasfund. Tombui, 59, of Passam in East Sepik Province, proudly showed the new PMV to NCSL’s Client Service Officer Noelyn Makmangi in Wewak. An excited Tombui, parked his truck outside the NCSL office to thank Ms. Makmangi and Nasfund Officers for the fast service between the Society, the Superfund and the car dealer to purchase the truck. He is among many other contributors who have benefited from the Service Under One Roof arrangement which has assisted to acquire assets such as houses, vehicles and small business start-ups. For NCSL, Kevin Tombui is the second contributor in East Sepik to use this service. Hillary Limeri from Rofundohum in Kubalia utilized the same service last year to build a house and buy a PMV. He now uses his PMV for transport services. Retired Tombui was a former employee of Kutmor Limited and encourages others to have their superannuation funds processed into Poro Account. “The process is fast and convenient.” Service under one roof agreement allows nasfund to process superannuation payments into NCSL’s Poro Account for members who have retired or left employment. This process facilitates creation of NCSL Membership Account and issuance of Poro Card for member. For more information on this article, please contact Ms. Louise Mary Kodor – Media & Communications Officer on 313 2055 or email lkodor@ncsl.com.pg.

Chairman of Inter-Department Election Committee (IDEC), Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu encourages Papua New Guinea to work with PNGEC to deliver a safe and prosperous National General Election. He also remarks on other nations that are currently supporting the country in delivering this election. [video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IDEC-TOKSAVE.02.mp4"][/video]

The ‘Grim Jordan’ paintings on exhibition at the Crowne Plaza Residences Port Moresby, are on display both within the hotel and at the Port Terrace Restaurant & Bar. The unique art pieces showcase a mixture of local traditional culture intrinsically woven into a contemporary and quite detailed impression of various characters. There are five pieces on display, and they vary in size from 60cm (w) x 120cm (h) to 100cm (w) x 150cm (h). Each painting has a unique tale based on the personal experiences and memories of the artist Jordan Morris’ life in Papua New Guinea. General Manager, Kahlia O’Shea said, “We are thrilled to provide a platform for young Papua New Guinean talent to showcase artwork. Our surrounds make a great backdrop for Jordan’s beautiful art.” The Crowne Plaza brand entails provision for an offering outside the traditional hotel experience. The paintings will exhibit at Crowne Plaza Residences Port Moresby for 12 months, interested buyers can view the pieces and collect the painter’s contact details at the Port Terrace Restaurant & Bar. In addition, the hotel has also recently opened its very own convenience store, The Wantok Shop. Crowne Plaza Residences Port Moresby staff submitted ideas for names and a vote was cast. When asked about the name, General Manager, Kahlia O’Shea said, “The Wantok Shop is quite fitting as it caters to tenants and guests within the compound and surrounding area. It’s a nod to the reciprocal relationship of favours between kin and community members.” The convenience store is open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm and offers groceries, hot food and convenience items for guests checking in for business. The hotel is looking at sourcing products that are difficult to find in Papua New Guinea and will post updates on their social media accounts as they stock items.

New Ireland, PPC, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat, confirms that Niu Ailan Polis is ready to ensure, security for the 2022 National General Election in the province is guaranteed. This was reiterated upon the arrival of the non-sensitive election materials in Kavieng recently. Niu Ailan Polis is on par with protecting election materials that is kept under police scrutiny. “When I received word about the arrival of the non-sensitive materials, I made it my business to liaise with the electoral commission and ensure, that there was police escort for the materials as they are dispatched to Namatanai," Nebanat said. He confirmed that a section of the Tomaringa squad was tasked to escort the election team to ensure the materials are safely delivered to its designated destination. He further stressed that the last thing he wants is for people to be raising eyebrows as to why there is no police escort while transporting election materials whether they are sensitive or non-sensitive. "We have to remain vigilant always in carrying out our duties in making sure this election is safe, fair and secure," Nebanat said. PPC Nebanat reveals that his operation order is all set with 2 sections from Tomaringa mobile squad already on the ground (here since end of last month for law-and-order sues) and a platoon plus from the PNG Defence Force expected to arrive later on this week. He said that the additional personnel from sister forces and units will be embedding into his command structure to give support to his 325 local police from the Province. Nebanat strongly warned candidates, groups and supporters with the intention to rig the election to refrain from that intent, as he will not hesitate to deal with this offence with the highest level of force to appropriately deal with such situations if and when they arise. New Ireland Assistant Election Manageress Ms. Annette Bais also stressed upon the arrival of non-sensitive election materials that this election is anticipated to be different from the previous elections with higher risks anticipated according to threat analysis. However, the New Ireland electoral office has confidence in the Niu Ailan Polis to ensure the election process comes to a successful conclusion and is carried out transparently and safely. She confirms that the arrival of the non-sensitive materials completes the necessary election materials required for polling as New Ireland prepares to join the nation in going into polls in a weeks' time. The non-sensitive materials include voting compartments, polling and voting stationaries, inks and toners, counting election forms and presiding officers' journals that totals to 93 pieces, 46 of which are for Namatanai Open and the balance for Kavieng Open electorate.

The St John Ambulance celebrated the National St John. Day in its 65 years of service in Papua New Guinea on Friday 24th June at their headquarters in Port Moresby. St John Ambulance has been supporting the local communities by operating and providing a free emergency ambulance service, first aid education and volunteers services. These have proven to be vitally important in improving our healthcare and supporting better health outcomes for the people of PNG. Chief Executive Officer, Matt Cannon in his speech to staff this morning urged staff to reflect on how you have contributed to the mission of saving lives and providing communities with excellence in health care and health education. “Take time to deeply reflect on the contribution you are making to the St John team and achieving our shared mission to serve others. You should be proud of the work do every day in saving lives” “Our sincere thanks to the supporters and partners of St John for their tireless efforts in aiding and supplementing the vital lifeline St John extends through its ambulance services.” The National St john Ambulance Council of PNG would like to congratulate and commend all its hardworking ambulance officers, staff, and volunteers in NCD and our regional stations around the country. “65 years in the country is a milestone success. Today should remind us of all the work we do and the service we provide for our fellow citizens of Papua New Guinea.” The St John day was commemorated with a staff luncheon and sporting fun games and activities for rest of the day.

On Sunday 25th June the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) learned that one container of empty metal ballot boxes for Southern Highlands that was being transported by the PNGEC logistics team to Hela was intercepted by the police in Mendi and is currently being held at Mendi Police Station together with containers of additional non-sensitive election materials. The PNGEC Commissioner Mr. Simon Sinai wishes to explain the circumstances of this delivery and to confirm that on 22 June 2022, he instructed that the PNGEC logistics convoy redirect two containers of empty metal ballot boxes from Southern Highlands to Hela and Enga Provinces for the following reasons: Due to an ongoing 2017 election petition, SHP was not able to access the containers to obtain non-disputed empty metal ballot boxes at the time of dispatch of strategic materials, therefore the PNGEC sent three containers of empty metal ballot boxes to SHP. Whilst these containers were in transit to SHP, approval to access the containers in SHP occurred and as a result the stock take of empty ballot boxes was confirmed. Accordingly, SHP would no longer need all three containers of empty metal ballot boxes that were being transported to SHP on top of the stocks in the province. During this time, the PNGEC identified that Hela and Enga Provinces required empty metal ballot boxes due to the delayed arrival of metal ballot boxes allocated to them. Therefore, I made a decision and instructed the convoy to redirect one container of empty metal ballot boxes to Hela Province and another container to Enga Province to ensure that these provinces will have enough ballot boxes when polling starts in these areas on 4th July 2022. Southern Highlands polling begins on 8Th July and a further planned shipment of empty metal ballot boxes is already on its way to arrive in time for polling. Sinai also states that there was no improper or unauthorized diversion of empty ballot boxes. Everything that was done was in accordance with his instructions and in line with his authority as the Electoral Commissioner. He says that sensitive election materials (such as ballot papers, ink, candidate posters and rolls) were not included in these containers. Sensitive election materials have already been delivered to the provinces primarily via air transport. PNGEC appreciates that the security of election materials is of upmost importance, and he wishes to thank the police for their efforts to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, whilst allowing PNGEC to clarify the instructions surrounding the transportation of those two containers.

The National Control Centre for the governments COVID-19 Pandemic response is still in full operations says Deputy Pandemic Response Controller, Dr Daoni Esorom. Despite the recent closure of the NCD Provincial Health Authority of COVID-19 activities in NCD, the center, is still in operation releasing daily updates that are circulated widely and managing the national pandemic response. The NCC has 11 clusters fully in operation these includes Incident Management, surveillance &rapid response, laboratory, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), Niupla Pasin, Clinical Management, Infection, Control and Prevention, Vaccine and testing, Partner Coordination, Provincial Response Coordination and Call Centre. The Laboratory team recently activated MT Hagen PCR laboratory and conducted trainings with support from WHO and other key partners working with NDoH, NCC and CPHL. Mt Hagen has successfully performed the first batch of testing with 15 samples. These samples will be referred to CPHL for confirmation and genomic sequencing at Doherty Institute. All Highlands provinces are encouraged to continue testing per national testing algorithm, and refer samples to Mt Hagen or CPHL as a surge laboratory. Meanwhile The Risk Communication & Community Engagement (RCCE) teams at both National and Provincial levels besides rolling out of the Health Care workers training in Gulf, Madang, West Sepik and East Sepik have also supported awareness and dissemination of preventive practice messages to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the election period. The distribution of the COVID-19 IEC materials by POST PNG is in progress with support from UNICEF. Over 70% of the pprovinces and 22 partners have received their IEC materials consignments. The remaining deliveries are being monitored closely. In Northern pprovince (8) participants (health-care workers) received their COVID-19 vaccination. The Oro PHA successfully conducted a one-week long Provincial Training of Trainers for COVID-19 for 36 participants with support from NDoH, Save the Children and UNICEF. These trainers will roll out the Health Care worker training in Oro. According to PNG’s COVID update as of 19th June 2022, PNG has officially reported a cumulative total of 44,691 confirmed cases of COVID-19 including 658 COVID-19 confirmed deaths. There were 30 new confirmed cases reported during the week, with all 27 cases from Enga, East New Britain, National Capital District (NCD) and Hela. From week ending June 24 Covid-19 vaccination over 277,913 people are fully vaccinated, and over 337,243 people have been vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The country is generally experiencing low testing for COVID-19 at the moment.

The Rita Fylnn Complex (RFC) is opened for COVID-19 testing and other services in the National Capital District (NCD). Deputy Controller for the National Pandemic response Dr Daoni Esorom clarified that the complex was opened on the June 16, 2022, after a meeting with the NCD Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Team and the Sports Foundation CEO. During the meeting, I have given directives for them to open the complex. So, there is no issue with the RFC and it is opened and the workers from NCD PHA were directed to go in there and continue to operate their COVID-19 services. The Pandemic Controller David Manning had also directed the PNG Sports Foundation to open the RFC to ensure the COVID-19 services continue to be provided at the FRC in a directive dated 21 June 2022. I have had several discussions with the Sports Foundation CEO to see how best NCC and other partners can support the Sports Foundations to rehabilitate the facility as part of our COVID-19 recovery roadmap. And I reiterate again the Sports Facility is opened. Its now the responsibility of the NCD PHA to continue on the services there including all the other COVID-19 services in other health facilities in the city. According to PNGs COVID-19 update as of June 24, 2022, there were 30 new cases reported in the last 7 days. Enga has reported 27, Western Highlands has reported 1, East New Britain 1 and NCD 1. There is a new cumulative total 44,691 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in PNG with 658 cumulative confirmed deaths and 30 new confirmed cases reported in the week 13 – 19 June, 2022. Over 277,913 people are fully vaccinated, and over 337,243 people have been vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Electoral Commissioner  Simon Sinai says 2022 National General Election campaigns will end this week and public rallies and campaigning will officially stop on Friday 1st July 2022 and voting commences next Monday. He said candidates have this week to polish up and do their final campaigning and get their message to their voters. Mr. Sinai said all campaign activities including movement of people and staging rallies will end on Friday and urge candidates to observe and respect our electoral laws by removing loud hailers and speakers mounted on their vehicles after Friday in readiness for polling which starts on July 4th 2022. The commissioner said polling will not be conducted on Saturday and Sunday (July 2-3), as these are considered days of worship and is protected by law. "Unlike the past elections, we have seen a generally peaceful election campaign this year, though there were some minor disturbances disruption in some parts of the country. This simple demonstrated that our people are becoming more aware and understand what election is more about.  They know who they want to vote for and already decided on their preferences. And that's the beauty about Limited Preferential Voting system we have, where are voter has three different choices of equal value." he said. The Commissioner said fighting for support and territory  became a major issue in the past under the old First Past Post System , However, the current LPV System has done away with the problems of the past and laid a strong foundation for both the candidate and  supporters to work together and share their preferences , so a popular candidate wins through the elimination process and or on first preference count. Mr. Sinai said polling stations through the country will open on Monday 4th of July and voting will commence at 8am with the formation of two separate lines for male and female voters. "Gender split in both the voter roll and the polling booths are the first since Independence and it is done purely to protect the rights of our female voters to ensure they have a fair say when it comes to voting without intimidation and undue influences ," the Commissioner said. Mr. Sinai appeal to the voters to take ownership and respect the process and allow voting run smoothly wihtout any problems.  

For the first time in Papua New Guinea, and in the Pacific Region, a national guideline is being developed that considers the potential of condom programming in contributing to sustainable development, putting the rights, needs and aspiration of all sexually active individual at the center. The guidelines are being developed for the National Department of Health and the National Aids Council. Facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Comprehensive Condom Programming Strategy (CCPS) Strategic & Result Framework Workshop held last Friday had important stakeholders discussing the future of CCPS in PNG by contextualizing the strategy into PNG and reviewing how best the strategy can be implemented across the country. UNFPA Deputy Representative Rena Dona said the Comprehensive Condom Programming is part of a 10 step strategic approach, an approach developed by the UNFPA in 2011 to scale up condom comprehensive programming. “This document is useful because it encourages multi-stakeholder participation,” said Ms Dona. “Most importantly, the ultimate responsibility for decision making and implementation is in the hands of National partners.” “Male and female condoms are key in protecting people against sexually transmitted infections including HIV and is the best approach for both family planning and prevention of HIV and other STDs. It is like a two prompt objective.” According to the Acting Director of National Aids Council Secretariat, Mr. Tony Lupiwa, condom promotion has always been the main HIV/Aids prevention program in Papua New Guinea, but usage is not sustained, there are problems with availability of condoms and their transportation to every community. “There was a need for a guideline in the country to ensure the sustainability of condoms and the access to them by everyone,” Mr. Tony said. “Condoms have always been around and it is through such guidelines as the CCPS that we can best identify how to improve availability and access. We must review, finalize and then disseminate this strategy to the rest of the country.” “Condom programming is not just about preventing STIs, including HIV and unplanned pregnancies, it’s about giving individuals the freedom to decide how to protect themselves and plan for their future.” This strategy will also be taking into consideration existing HIV programs ensuring they are being supported and implementing partners will be working closely with NDOH & NAC. The components of the Strategy will include capacity programming of HIV, the Condomize Campaign which begins in POM & Alotau in September, and mobile and family planning clinics. It is designed to not only align itself to government priority development plans but to be considered as a strategy for population policy and programmes aimed at achieving poverty eradication, sustained economic growth, human resource development whereby comprehensive protection and support are central to strengthening families. The expected outcome following the CCPS is to reach a consensus that will result in a framework from 2022-2031. Once the strategy is approved and endorsed by the government, the NAC and NDOH will own the strategy and have it implemented through Provincial Health Authorities and other NGOS that provide SRH programs. “The PHA’s will be implementing it at provincial, district and community levels, NGOs such as World Vision, Marie Stopes, FHI 360, Catholic Health Services, and other private sectors that deal with SRH programs. “