The USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) works with the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) to increase financial literacy in PNG, particularly rural and remote communities with an emphasis on women. Working together, CEFI and USAID’s LGP graduated 19 participants as financial literacy trainers on May 13 in Lae, Morobe Province. The 19 participants became newly certified trainers after completing an intensive five-day financial literacy “training of trainers” (TOT) could delivered by CEFI support of LGP which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Working together, CEFI and LGP already successfully certified 21 trainers in Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Morobe, and Simbu provinces and next plan to certify new financial literacy trainers in Milne Bay and Madang provinces. Expanding the pool of trainers for financial literacy promotes financial inclusion and security for people in rural and remote communities who otherwise cannot access formal financial services or start their own family or community based enterprises. USAID’s LGP-CEFI partnership focuses on strengthening financial inclusion in remote and rural areas in six provinces in Papua New Guinea (PNG): Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Madang, Milne Bay, Morobe, and Simbu. Through the financial literacy TOT, newly graduated trainers learn the basics of teaching others about saving, budgeting, and online digital finance. These skills are the foundation for creating new enterprises and increasing household and personal financial security, particularly for women. Importantly, the newly certified trainers deliver the kind of training required to open bank accounts with MiBank PNG, another LGP partner that develops mobile banking services specifically for rural and remote communities. After completing the financial literacy TOT course, Gregory Tepe said he now has the knowledge and skills to train others in financial literacy. In his role as a MiBank representative, as a newly qualified financial literacy trainer he is able to better serve both MiBank and MiBank customers and people in his community. “The most exciting thing for me is that this financial literacy training helps us include those who are now financially excluded!” said Mr. Tepe. Newly certified trainer Fredah Wele, from Wau-Waria District, said people in her local community make a reasonable living selling alluvial gold but struggle to manage their income to meet family household needs. “The cash flow is there, but they don’t know how to manage money. Now, I can help people in my community better understand how to manage money, so they have enough to pay for things like school fees and health costs,”, she explained. USAID’s LGP will provide financial literacy training to at least 1000 entrepreneurs, family business representatives, and women in PNG to help these people fully participate in the formal economy and access financial services like banking and small-scale village savings and loan schemes. A key aspect of LGP’s partnership with CEFI is that in return for the opportunity to become a certified trainer, each trainer commits to training at least 50 other individuals in their respective communities. Developed by USAID’s LGP, this cascading approach is expected to provide financial literacy training to at least 7,500 individuals in the coming months. Led by Cardno International Development, LGP works in partnership with PNG governments, a range of implementing partners, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations. USAID and its implementing partners are empowering people in rural communities to access economic opportunities that improve their livelihood prospects, thus reducing pressure on forest resources and helping protect PNG’s rich biodiversity for future generations.

The Surfing Association of PNG is in the planning stage to host the SAPNG National Titles in Kavieng, New Ireland Province this year. Following the 2017 PNG KUMUL World Longboard Championship event at Tupira, Madang Province, the SAPNG has been in regular contact with the World Surf League [WSL] to plan the second major event in Kavieng, NIP. According to SAPNG President, Andrew Abel, SAPNG alongside the WSL are also looking at a major planned event for March 2023. “Of course 2022 NGE is the main focus of 2022 and once things have settled and the government in place and we know who are the respective National and provincial Government leaders, we can then start formal process,” he added. In the meantime, the SAPNG is in the process is planning a two week window event to stage the for the National Titles, from which 2 athletes will be selected [1 male & 1 Female] as wild cards and 2 reserves [1 male & 1 Female] will be additional to represent the country against the visiting WSL surfing athletes from around the world. The second week of the window will be the staging of the planned 2023 PNG KUMUL World longboard Championship which the SAPNG surfing athletes will compete. SAPNG has 11 clubs around PNG and one in Central Bougainville. All clubs have qualified ISA accredited surf coaches and judges. SAPNG supplies surf boards and training material including online courses hosted by the International Surfing Association (ISA) which SAPNG has been member of for last 33 years.

The Port Moresby International Airport’s Domestic Terminal will soon have a new Baggage Screening System in place which will minimise the passenger queue being experienced during travel peak times at the terminal. This project is progressing smoothly and is anticipated for completion in September 2022. “Most of the work has been done at the back of house where the system is being set up. We are now awaiting two new baggage screening machines to be shipped to Port Moresby at the end of August this year to be installed and to be ready for use beginning in September 2022,” NAC Managing Director and CEO, Rex Kiponge said. “Once this system is up and operational later this year, it will free up entry into the terminal, minimise passenger queuing and ensure free flow and processing of outbound passengers as well as tenants,” Mr Kiponge added. The new baggage screening machines cost three-point-two-million Kina (K3.2m) and were funded by the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program. The Back of House Baggage Screening Project will replace the existing machines which are more than twenty years old and have become obsolete. Mr Kiponge added that this is part of NAC’s plans to improve Jacksons Airport facilities and services to cater for the growing population and the increasing demand for air travel. In April this year, the existing baggage screening machine at the front entry of Jacksons Domestic Terminal which is more than 20-years old had broken down due to wear and tear and is awaiting repair and maintenance very soon. To ensure business continuity, NAC had relocated another baggage screening machine from one of our other terminals to process security baggage screening at the domestic terminal. Due to only one operating-screening-machine at the entrance of the Domestic Terminal at this time, traveling public and tenants will experience a bottleneck situation at the domestic terminal thus creating congestion in the processing of baggage and passenger screening as they enter the terminal during morning peak hours. NAC would like to appeal to out-bound passengers at Jacksons Domestic Terminal to support us and the airlines during this time by coming to the airport early in preparation for check-in to avoid the rush hour. In addition, we would like to appeal to the passengers that once you are in the terminal awaiting your flight, please try as much as possible to remain in the terminal to avoid congestion. NAC sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused and would like to appeal for your patience and understanding as we work together with all stakeholders to effectively manage the large movement of out-bound passengers during the morning peak hours.

An elated 23-year-old Dylan Habitein who resides at 8-Mile, Port Moresby, won himself a Toyota Corolla last Friday. The Toyota Corolla was part of a Win A Toyota Corolla promotion run by South Pacific Brewery (SPB) and Boroko Foodworld. The promotion started during Easter and ended last Thursday. The promotion required customers from Boroko Foodworld’s liquor outlet to purchase any SPB product to enter a draw. Habitein was one of many customers who purchased SP Brewery products and participated in the promotion. His receipt was picked in a draw on Thursday 19th May 2022 and the Toyota Corolla presented to him, the next day. Present to witness him receive his prize were SP Brewery Sales staff, Boroko Foodworld staff, media, and his sister Geralda Habitein. “I thought someone was pulling a prank on me when I got the call from SP Brewery,” said Dylan, who hails from East New Britain and AROB. “I didn’t expect to win. The products we purchased were to celebrate my big sister’s graduation from UPNG. “Thank you so much SP Brewery and Boroko Foodworld.” Dylan plans to start a hire car business with his Toyota Corolla.

Commissioner of Police David Manning says the mainstream media is a key enabler for the security forces in delivering a free, fair, and safe 2022 national general elections. Commissioner Manning made this comment during a “meet and greet” session between the media and the senior hierarchy of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Mr Manning the security forces can deliver a safe and successful election in partnership with the media. He said the security forces would be more effective in providing security for the elections with the help of the media in disseminating correct and timely information. The “Meet and Greet” with the members of the media and the senior police officers coincided with the presentation of the body worn cameras by the PNG Australia Policing Partnership Commander Jamie Strauss to the Constabulary. The events were held at the Police Officer’s Mess at the Centre of Excellence in Bomana in the National Capital District. The informal meet and greet and presentation of body worn cameras was attended by Deputy Commissioner Operations Mr Anthon Billie, Assistant Commissioners, Commander Strauss, senior officers of the constabulary, the PNGAPP and the members of the media. Mr Manning was pleased to receive the body worn cameras which he said would allow police personnel to be more accountable and improve their performance.

Chief of Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina said smaller Pacific countries like Papua New Guinea benefit momentously from Combined Joint Training especially when it comes to supporting and delivering government intent. “One example of such training was APEC 2018 when bilateral partners came and trained PNGDF personnel to support Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in delivering of APEC in respect to security of the leadership summit,” General Goina said “Another example of such training was deployment of PNGDF Force Elements to Solomon Islands in 2003 to quell civil unrest. PNGDF personnel were trained alongside Australian Defence Force and other Pacific Countries prior to deployment in Solomon Islands,” said Major General Goina. Major General Goina made this statement whilst speaking at the Land Forces of the Pacific Symposium and Exposition (LANPAC) held in Honolulu, Hawaii from the 17-19 May, 2022. The Chief of PNG Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina was invited on the second day of the Symposium to be a member of panel to present on Combined Joint Training in the Indo-Pacific region. In his presentation, he also acknowledged the continuous and unwavering support of bilateral partners such as Australia, United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia and China among others who have always been supportive and still continue to maintain presence and engage in various capacities with PNGDF. (LANPAC) is an event where Senior Army and Land Forces Leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region discuss and share valuable insights and affirm cooperative commitments to the region. Topics discussed in the symposium included Deterring Aggression through Joint and Coalition Readiness, Role of Land Forces in Deterrence, Strategic Environment; COVID-19, Climate Change & other Catastrophes; Lessons for Future Preparedness and Preparedness to meet Future Challenges amongst others. The event also served as catalyst for discussion on individual perspectives, common challenges and collective opportunities where Senior Military Leaders of twenty-six countries within the region of Indo-Pacific attended including Australia, NZ, UK, Japan, Germany, Israel, and Canada. Apart from the LANPAC Symposium, there were one to one bilateral talks with bigger Allied partners including NZ, the United Kingdom, Deputy Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka and General Charles Flynn, the Commanding General of United States Army Pacific. The Chief of Defence Force and his party returned home yesterday.

Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider, National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has partnered with one of the country’s biggest business solutions, print technology, and service-led organization, Remington Group, to provide more value for Nasfund contributors. Through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program (MDP), Nasfund members can now enjoy the following discounts from services across Remington Group’s three business units; 12.5% discount on all Konica Minolta small office & home office devices from Remington Technologies nationwide, 15% discount on all FujiFilm small office & home office devices from FX Business Centre, and 10% discount printing, banners, business cards, photos & Corflutes from BizPrint & Scan. Remington Group CEO Peter Goodwin said this partnership is one that seeks to provide more value for Nasfund contributors, especially during this challenging economic environment. “Since 1948, Remington Group has developed an extensive portfolio of businesses. We are pleased to offer these discounts exclusively to Nasfund members, through our three business units, Remington Technologies, FX Business Centre, and BizPrint & Scan. Nasfund members are required to show their Nasfund membership card to benefit from these discounts. This offer is available immediately, nationwide, for the next 12 months.” According to Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia, he welcomed the Remington Group as its latest discount service provider to the Nasfund membership. “We thank Remington Group for coming on board the Fund’s MDP to provide discounts to our contributors. This offer certainly provides more value for our members, especially during these challenging times. We encourage our members to take advantage of this partnership, to save more while you work today. We are committed to supporting our MDP partners, as we work together to provide value for our members while they work, so that they are ready for tomorrow.”

The Equal Playing Field University Action Group (UAG) are setting boundaries and consent in Mahuru Village here in the Nation’s capital. The UAG is currently facilitating their first community intervention here in the Nation’s capital in their first community, Mahuru village, which will culminate to a mini celebration on the 28th of this month. “The program started on the 14th of April and we will be hosting a Graduation ceremony this Saturday, the 28th of May," said Media Liaison Officer Natalie Cholohei. She also added that the UAG are students from the University of Papua New Guinea. They UAG had planned on expanding to other universities but due to issues with funding, they had to work within their budget. "This is the first time they have gone out into a community to facilitate their programs as they have only been working with schools," Ms Cholohei said. "So far they have covered all topics in the EPF Manual, which includes topics that cover positive behavioral change in the community with 24 youths attending the program." The program, Project Badiri Youth, was initiated in April this year and is now in its final stages, having been run for almost six weeks.

22 candidates have nominated so far as of 4pm this afternoon to contest the Gazelle Open seat in East New Britain Province since the opening of nominations last Thursday. Gazelle Open Returning Officer John Wartovo said of the 22 who nominated, 20 are males with only two female candidates. Among those who nominated includes current MP Jelta Wong who is endorsed by the United Resources Party and former MP Malakai Tabar who was endorsed by the National Alliance Party. “We are expecting more than 30 candidates to be nominated by the end the nomination period at 4pm on Thursday,” Mr Wartove said. “So far, so good, the supporters who turned up for their candidates nominations have behaved responsibly and we also made aware to them to respect their fellow contestants when going about with their campaign activities.” The nomination for Gazelle Open is taking place at the Gazelle District Administration headquarters at Kerevat.

Prime Minister James Marape is expected to appoint Lands and Physical Planning Minister and Lae MP John Rosso to the position of Deputy Prime Minister when he returns from a business trip in Australia later this week. PM Marape departed Port Moresby this morning to Brisbane to open the 37th Papua New Guinea-Australia Business Forum and Trade Exposition. Before departing, a small press conference was held in the lobby of Departures of the Jackson International Airport. The Prime Minister revealed that he and the State Negotiating Team will also meet with representatives of the Wafi/Golpu Project to progress the project. In his absence from the 23rd of May 2022 to the 25th of May 2022, the Minister for State Enterprises William Duma is the Acting Prime Minister and upon Prime Minister James Marape's return, he will complete the formalities to appoint the Minister John Rosso as the new Deputy Prime Minister, in honour of the Late Sam Basil. Minister for State Enterprises William Duma, Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso and Minister for Public Service Joe Sungi were at the airport to see the Prime Minister off to the Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo.

Save the Children in partnership with Digicel Financial Services Limited recently worked together to reach 2,016 people in 339 households in disaster prone areas in the Morobe province as part of disaster preparedness work. A total of K161,760 was distributed in the Mumeng and Watut local level government areas of the Bulolo District reaching a total of 2,016 men, women, youth, and children. This follows a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with Digicel Financial Services Limited and Save the Children in October last year to work in partnership on Mobile Cash Transfers. The MOA paved way for Save the Children beneficiaries to receive cash support on their mobile phone using Digicel’s CellMoni. CellMoni Supervisor for Momase Region, Anne Unage says, “We thank Save the Children for using CellMoni to do Cash and Voucher Assistance [CVA] with communities in Bulolo. The partnership enables beneficiaries to receive assistance in a faster and transparent way and to be financially included. We are grateful to our partners such as MiBank and our authorised CellMoni Agents in Bulolo for facilitating cash withdrawals to the beneficiaries and their families. CellMoni is a digital wallet from Digicel that allows everyone to avail for digital payments without the need to have a formal bank account. With CellMoni, customers can make cashless transactions to do bill payment, airtime top-up and send, receive and withdraw money using their Digicel phone. The Mobile Cash Transfer is part of Save the Children’s Disaster Preparedness work under its CVA project supported by the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to have mechanisms in place to help families following a disaster like a landslide, cyclone, earthquake, or pandemic with cash payments for essential items. Save the Children Humanitarian Manager, Isimel Tuembe says, “This is the first distribution in rural communities. We had challenges but turned them into successes in the end.” “Apart from cashing out, beneficiaries were also able to open accounts with MiBank and that is a success for us because MiBank is also reaching out into the communities in terms of transferring funds from Digicel Cell Moni to MiBank then using the MiBank card to access funds and that is a success for us. And going forward we would like to use that relationship where Cell Moni has with MiBank in other provinces.” Prior, to the distribution’s community sensitizations were also conducted in the district to ensure people understood the purpose of the activities by the Save the Children and CellMoni teams. Selection of these communities were done in collaboration with the Morobe Provincial Disaster Office. The pilot in Morobe Province demonstrates how private and non-profit organisations can collaborate successfully for digital cash disbursement in Papua New Guinea.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) and the Ok Tedi Mining & Allied Workers Union (OTAWU) signed a new Industrial Agreement on the 19th of May allowing for the implementation of additional benefits that will address the long-term welfare of OTML employees and their families. The new 5 Year Industrial Agreement will be implemented from 1st January 2023 and will be in effect until the end of 2027. The previous Industrial Agreement signed in 2019 was valid for three years. The new Agreement was signed following two-days of consultations between OTML’s Management Team and the OTMAWU Executives. Acting President of the OTMAWU, Kevin Onde, thanked the OTML Management team for honouring the MoU signed on 9th December 2021 for extending the terms of the 2019 Industrial Agreement and paving the way for the new agreement. “The wishes of the Union members have been heard and will soon be materialised in the coming months. The consultation has ended on a high note with a gain for all employees. It is a milestone achievement in itself for the company and the employees where maturity was displayed in the last few days, and the results are now tangible,” said Mr Onde. OTML Managing Director & CEO, Musje Werror, said it was a historic achievement, one that would not be possible without the positive culture in OTML. “Over the last 3 years we started to build on the trust and respect between management and the workforce and to strengthen our culture which is demonstrated by the successful discussions and the signing of the Industrial Agreement in the same week.” Mr Werror also acknowledged the efforts of the workforce over the last two years, which had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant challenges brought on by the pandemic the Company was able to generate PGK 1 billion in dividends for its shareholders over this period. “I look forward to the continuous support from the workforce to realise our Vision 2025 and make Ok Tedi the best mining company in PNG,” added Mr Werror. The 2023 Industrial Agreement was co-signed by Acting Manager Industrial Relations, Mr Wala Iga, and witnessed by Industrial Registrar, Ms Helen Saleu, in Port Moresby. Ms Saleu commended the Ok Tedi Union citing the recent negotiations and the signing was a benchmark achievement for all unions and their management teams in the industry and country. She said, “The Ok Tedi Union and Management should be used as role models for other union negotiations and industrial agreement discussions in the future. The trust and respect shared by the OTML union and management has led to this successful and mature negotiation and the signing showcases a genuine relationship bond with the employees and the management aligned with achieving a win-win outcome for its employees and the Company.”