“Art is a spiritual journey for the attainment of divine self. Art and design are beyond mere passion - it is life.” These were words shared by local artist, Peter Elavera, who hails from a mix parentage of Kerowaghi, Chimbu Province, and Tovafiru, Kerema, Gulf Province. “I have been creating art and design since high school. It has since been 25 years of exploration, experimenting and exponential growth in art and design.” Elavera has partnered with South Pacific Brewery to feature some of his designs on the famous South Pacific Export Larger (white can), this year. The artist was born in Magarima, Hela Province in 1974 but was raised between Chimbu Province and Morobe Province, between 1974 and 1984. Towards the end of 1984 his father transferred to Port Moresby, where he has lived ever since. Elavera graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea’s Creative Art School, in 1995, majoring in Graphic Design and Communication. After ten years of formal employment, Elavera decided that a nine-hour office job wasn’t the routine he wanted to engage in. In 2006, he resigned from his then formal employment and ventured into establishing an SME to pursue his passion in art in 2019. “I realised that my creative and artistic prowess would become stagnant if I confined myself in formal employment – like a bird in cage.” Equipped with his skills in and armed with courage, Elavera established ToolBoox Production. “Being self-employed is conducive to my creative freedom to flourish – to explore innovative ideas. But that was the easy part. The hard part was to exercise discipline and stay focused, away from the attraction of social activities. “The best part about being an artist is that you get to enjoy countless moments of fascination, creative fun and an endless fountain of kaleidoscopic ideas. There is never a minute of boredom,” said the 47-year old artist. “Some highlights of my career: • Designer in the production of the 30-metre Jungle Faces Mural that was installed at the Jackson’s international airport arrival lounge. • My prized art/design work took 12 months to complete. The size included; 769 metres circumference, 102 concrete slabs measuring six metres in length and 2.5 metres in height, 1000 liters of acrylic paints and 500 pieces of drawings and design. That is what it took to conquer the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium “Unity Wall” mural painting – the culminating pinnacle of my journey as an artist. • Beer garden wall at SPB Lae. • SP Brewery Wall, Port Moresby • Can designs on the famous South Pacific Export Lager. “It’s an honour to see my designs on the SP Export Lager can. Knowing that the can is available not only in Port Moresby but throughout the country. This means my art will reach a wider audience. It’s a great feeling. “I am grateful to SP Brewery, through the SP Export Lager brand, to give me this opportunity to showcase my talent by featuring my designs on a premium beer product that has won international recognition. “Not a lot of Papua New Guinean artists get that kind of exposure nor experience so for me, it’s a great boost to my career.” Elavera also acknowledged the invaluable assistance from Kenny Aua, Titus Clement and Tom Joel for assisting with 26 artwork designs on the SP Export Lager Can Art Series. “In my journey as an artist, I had the privilege to rub shoulders and collaborate with prominent Papua New Guinean artists like Martias Kauage, Jakupa Ako, William Takaku, Albert Toro, Kilori Susuve, Fransisca Semoso, Gickmai Kundun, Martin Morububuna, Bob Browne (Grassroots comic creator), Steven Waine, Pius Wasi, Bail Greg, Dika Dai, Wamsi Ilau, Chief John Kasaipwalova, Nora Vagi Brash, Prof. Steven Winduo (literary artist) and Ruth Choulai,” added Elavera, when reflecting on his experience over the years. For the SP Export Lager can art series, these designs will be captured on the white can as a Limited Edition for only one year. So far, designs for East New Britain, Manus, NCD, New Ireland, Simbu, Central, Mt Hagen, East/West Sepik and Enga Province are currently out in market, throughout PNG. 16 other designs will be revealed later this year.

58 women from across the country came together today at the Third Practice Parliament for Women which is being held in Port Moresby. The Practice Parliament, at Hilton Hotel, is being implemented as a partnership between the Independent Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC), National Parliament, Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) and UNDP. During the opening ceremony, DFCDR Secretary Mr Jerry Ubase stated: “We are all well aware that the 10th Parliament has become globally famous for having no women MPs at all in its membership. This is a shame for our country... I make a pledge today that my team at DFCDR will do better for our women – who make up half this country and whose voices have not been heard in national decision-making for too long.” The 58 women who are attending the training will undergo three days of skills-based training. This includes a half-day session with the Registrar of Political Parties, Dr Alphonse Gelu on how to prepare for election campaigning, drawing on resources from the new IPPCC and UNDP “Training Manual on Women’s Political Participation and Representation”. The women will also have a mentoring session with three former PNG women MPs – Dame Carol Kidu, Ms Delilah Gore and Ms Julie Soso – and one former Bougainville women MP, Ms Isabel Peta. The mentoring session will provide an opportunity for the participants to learn some tips and tricks of campaigning from the experiences of women who have come before them. On the last day, 17 March, 30 of the women will then participate in a mock parliamentary session which will provide an opportunity for them to hone their public speaking skills by discussing a range of policy issues, including debating a mock bill on freedom of information. When welcoming the women to the training Dr Alphonse Gelu, Registrar of Political Parties stated: “Although candidate numbers are rising – in 2012 we had only 135 women candidates, but in 2017 we 2 had 167 women contesting – our research shows that less than 4% of women candidates contested the 2007 and 2012 elections. Historically, women are less likely to be endorsed by political parties to run for National Parliament, even though the majority of MPs belong to a political party.” Dr Gelu went on to say: “My office recognises the inherent value of including women’s voices in PNG’s national legislature and other elected local assemblies. Because we wanted to help ensure we never again have a situation where no women are elected, the IPPCC and UNDP have been running mentoring programmes at the provincial, regional and national level to support potential women candidates and to connect them to political parties. This Practice Parliament is now the culmination of that work as we hope to showcase their skills to the public.” There have been some queries regarding how the Practice Parliament can help women before they have even been elected. The organisers have made clear that the idea of the Practice Parliament is to first train the women over three days on a range of policy issues relevant to their communities, as well on effective campaigning. These skills will be valuable, whether or not they successfully contest an election. The Practice Parliament itself then gives the women a chance to practice their public speaking skills by concretely debating policy issues of relevance to their voters. This helps build their confidence to have such discussions with voters at home and helps focus their minds on the election as a chance to discuss policy change ideas. UN Resident Coordinator a.i. and UNFPA Resident Representative, Ms Marielle Sander, when speaking at the opening, told the women participants: “It takes bravery to put your hand up, to actually say you want to participate in public life. I commend you all for your courage. I am pleased to offer the support  every UN person in this room, to help you develop your leadership potential through this training and the many other activities we implement across the country with women leaders working at all levels to make PNG a better, safer, more equal and more prosperous place.” The Practice Parliament for Women is part of the Women Make the Change Project, delivered by UNDP and UN Women and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

47 grade 12 students from remote villages in Oro and Central Provinces graduated from KTF’s Kokoda College on Friday after successfully completing their secondary studies under the FODE program. Now in its fifth year of operation, Kokoda College’s FODE program offers a second chance at education to those who slipped out of the school system. The College provides a pathway for those wishing to finish grade 12 or upgrade their exam results in order to pursue tertiary studies. Located in Kou Kou village at the end of the Kokoda Track, the College offers grade 9 to 12 studies to 180 students each year to students from as far afield as Alola, to the Northern Beaches and Tufi. Successful Grade 12 students proudly received their matriculation certificates from an official delegation including Ward 4 Councillor, Mr Sombiro; KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson; Kokoda Initiative Program Manager, Mr Patrick McCloskey and Kokoda College Principal, Mr John Yandawai. The excitement of the day is captured by KTF Head of Education, Martha Bentley: “The need for ‘locally-grown’ teachers and health workers has never been greater along and around the Kokoda Track. It is so exciting so see the Kokoda College FODE program helping to make that possible. Today, our Grade 12 graduates now have the option to pursue careers in education and health, and to go on to serve their communities. The flexibility of FODE, with its face-to-face learning at the College combined with self-directed study at home means people from remote villages, or with village or family commitments, can pursue their education. It truly is a second chance.” The Kokoda College is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and the Kokoda Initiative. The graduation was not the only celebration in Kou Kou on Friday, with the official opening of the village’s new preschool building. One of Oro Province’s only preschools has been operating in the local community hall for around eight years. Committed teacher, Gwen Harika, teaches 35-40 students aged between 3 and 5 years old, starting them on their lifelong learning journey. The dedicated double classroom means that classes will no longer be cancelled when important community activities and meetings are held, and Gwen hopes to double student numbers with the new space. The purpose-built classrooms have elements to promote early learning, including low desks, sand pits and play areas. It is appropriately called ‘Little Seedlings’, a place where young minds grow. The new classroom is the second preschool built by KTF in the region, with a similar facility opened in Gorari in August 2021. Both early learning schools were made possible with the support of US-based donors, Little Hearts Learning. Both celebrations reflect KTF’s ongoing commitment to accessible and quality education in the region, explains CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson: “With the global pandemic bringing the Kokoda trekking industry to a halt, the past two years have been unusually quiet on the Track, with communities adapting to their ‘new normal’. During this time, it’s been vital we adapt what we do to keep delivering education and other programs in the communities we have been partnering with since 2003. “Kokoda College is our ‘home’ and we’re committed to continue working with the communities from the mountains of Koiari to the beaches beyond in Oro and Central provinces. We’re absolutely delighted that we have been able to celebrate two incredible education milestones today with our students, friends, family and community.” Since the outset of the pandemic, KTF has worked with key stakeholders in the greater Kokoda catchment to: · Graduate 84 Grade 12 students from Kokoda College · Make 340 places available to FODE students at Kokoda College · Connect 2,069 households to solar energy, bringing a clean source of lighting and energy to the homes of 10,300+ people, including FODE students. · Support the operation of 15 aid posts in the greater Kokoda catchment, providing access to primary healthcare to 60,000+ people, critical when facing the threat of COVID-19 · Delivered 120,000+ COVID-19 supplies, including hygiene (soap, hand sanitiser disinfectant, tippy taps), personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, face shields & gowns) and medical supplies (paracetamol, thermometers) to 25 health facilities, 50 schools and two colleges. · Deliver individual personal protection packs (face masks and soap) to 3,000 people in Track villages from Naoro to Kovello through the ‘Protect-a-Porter’ Campaign · Train 60 Oro health workers in COVID-19 vaccine administration · Conduct integrated health patrols, including COVID-19 awareness and vaccination in the Northern Beaches and Kokoda catchment. · Support 14 schools with teacher salaries and resourcing, enabling elementary schooling to continue · Reach 3,000+ people with family and sexual violence education to combat family and domestic violence · Support the operations of Oro Province’s only Safe House for those leaving family violence · Implement a new sports-based program for adolescents, with 218 girls and boys participating in workshops on gender equality and health. “In this 80th year of that historic battle that forged the great friendship between PNG and Australia, we remain inspired by that friendship and the spirit of Kokoda well and truly lives on.” said Dr Nelson.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has advertised the position of the PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach. PNGRFL Chairman, Mr. Sandis Tsaka said that current Head Coach Michael Marum's third consecutive term as Head Coach of the National Men's Rugby League team ended on the 30th of December in 2021. ‘Coach Michael Marum has led the PNG LNG Kumuls coaching team in his role as the National Coach over the last 8 years with great distinction’, Tsaka said. ‘During his tenure as the National Head Coach from 2014 to 2022, the PNG LNG Kumuls have improved greatly in their international rankings to rise from 16th to 5th place’. The Chairman added that the PNGRFL Board in December 2021 approved for Coach Michael to continue in the role until a permanent appointment was made. ‘As such, in compliance with our governance and HR processes, the PNGRFL has sought to advertise the position’, he said. The Coach appointed will be responsible to prepare the national team for this year's planned international programs and take the PNG LNG Kumuls to the upcoming Rugby League World Cup in England this year in October.

With the upgraded Vanimo Airport and new terminal building soon to open, the National Airport Corporation ensured the graduation of eight Aviation Security Officers after completing two weeks of the required Aviation Security Standard Training. The eight officers include six males and 2 females and they will be performing safety and security functions at the airport which includes airport security surveillance and passenger and baggage screening. NAC Managing Director Rex Kiponge while witnessing the graduation of these new officers, challenged them to take pride in their work and do it diligently. “You are privileged to be coming in as new officers to serve in the new terminal buildings and airport facilities,” Mr Kiponge said. “You are not any other security; you are aviation security officers. We have trained you well and we pay you well so I expect high work standards from you. You must know and understand Civil Aviation Rules Part 139 and Part 140 by heart and perform your role effectively guided by these rules.” Mr Kiponge said. In addition to the eight Aviation Security Officers, NAC has also recruited three additional staff at Vanimo including an Admin/Customer Service Officer, Terminal Attendant and an Aerodrome Maintenance Officer to boost the current staff strength there. Meanwhile, the new Momote Airport in Manus Province which is scheduled to officially open on April 8, 2022 also graduated its' first 8 Aviation Security Officers on March 3 with three additional staff.

Small & Medium Enterprise Corporation members participating in micro and small scale commercial activities will now have access to financial services through the Mama Bank after a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between SMEC and Mama Bank on Friday 11th March 2022. “When we educate or when we support women through such partnerships like this, we are educating or supporting the entire family, the community, district, province and the country.” “That is the foundation of development.” “We are viewing that supporting women is the way forward for the country,” said Managing Director of SMEC, Mr Petrus Ralda. The SMEC has given funding of K100, 000 as cash Security Guarantee to the Mama Bank to operate as security deposit for on-lending to the people that have undergone training and graduating through SMEC. The Mama bank through its branches around the country will offer lending products for micro, small and medium enterprises operating in targeted areas in the country. Both parties have agreed that lending will only be made available to income generating businesses such as tailoring, trade stores, fishing, poultry and arts & crafts selling. Mr Ralda said that 80% of mothers are living in the rural areas and SMEC will be providing capacity building programs to them starting from the wards. Once these mothers receive the training then they can have access to finance through the bank. They will be able to get a minimum loan amount of K1, 000 to a maximum loan amount of K5, 000. He added that they (SMEC) are excited to start this partnership and expand and perfect it along the way. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Mama Bank, Mr Gunanidhi Das said that this will help make way for people to have access to funds to enable them to play a more active role in the development of the economy.

LeBron James unleashed his second 50-point performance in a week to spark the Los Angeles Lakers over Washington 122-109 but missed a historic NBA milestone. James scored 50 points on 18-of-25 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range, and was 8-of-8 from the free throw line while contributing seven rebounds and six assists to power a Lakers team that had lost nine of its prior 11 games. The 37-year-old forward, a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, scored 56 points last Saturday in a home win over Golden State. James had the first back-to-back 50-or-more Laker totals at home since the late Kobe Bryant in 2007. “We missed a lot of chippies, but we kept fighting, we kept defending, and I was able to hit a hot streak at one point,” James said. James was in a “zone” after hitting 17 in the first half, scoring 12 points in a row for the Lakers at one stage in the third quarter. “I just try to stay in that zone as long as possible,” James said. “I was able to hit a couple.” It was the 14th career 50-point game for James, tying him for sixth on the all-time list. But James finished two assists shy of becoming the first player in NBA history with 30,000 career points, 10,000 career rebounds and 10,000 career assists. James was pleased to get a hug during the game at one stage from his mother Gloria. “The fact she was here tonight was a treat for me,” James said. “She’s my biggest supporter, my biggest inspiration and my biggest love.” POP’S BIG MILESTONE San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich won his NBA record 1,336th regular-season coaching victory, with Dejounte Murray scoring 27 points to lift the Spurs over visiting Utah 104-102. Popovich, 73, has guided the Spurs to five NBA titles and was coach of the US Olympic squad of NBA stars that won a gold medal last year in Tokyo. He thanked former players, coaches, mentors and those who have backed the club during his tenure. “It’s just a testament to a whole lot of people. Something like this does not belong to one individual,” Popovich said. “All of us share in this record. It’s not mine. It’s ours.” The Spurs made 6-of-8 free throws in the final 14.2 seconds to hold off the Jazz (41-25). San Antonio improved to 26-41, one game behind New Orleans for the last play-in spot for the playoffs. Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. scored 42 points and Pascal Siakam added 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds to lead the Raptors to a 117-112 victory at Phoenix, dropping the NBA overall leaders to 53-14 on the season. Cameron Payne led the Suns with 24 points while Devin Booker added 22 for Phoenix, who still lead the Western Conference by 7 1/2 games over Memphis. Bam Adebayo scored 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds while Jimmy Butler added 24 points to spark the Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat over visiting Cleveland 117-105. The Heat improved to 45-23, stretching Miami’s lead in the East to 2 1/2 games over idle defending champion Milwaukee. Ja Morant scored 37 points and dished out eight assists to rally the Memphis Grizzlies from a 15-point second-half deficit to defeat visiting New York 118-114. Morant delivered his 24th 30-point game of the season and scored 15 in the last 12 minutes for his 12th double-digit fourth quarter of the campaign. Slovenia’s Luka Doncic had 30 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 113-110 victory at Houston. Boston’s Jayson Tatum had 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists to spark the Celtics over visiting Detroit 114-103. Jaylen Brown returned from a right ankle sprain to score 22 points for Boston (41-27). Trae Young had game highs of 27 points and 11 assists to spark Atlanta over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 112-106. Miles Bridges scored 26 points and Terry Rozier added 25 to lead Charlotte in a 142-120 triumph at New Orleans. Orlando’s Mo Bamba scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to spark the Magic over host Minnesota 118-110. SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

It is now four days until the K10, 000 Toti Soccer Cup kicks off in Lae City. The 2022 Lae Biscuit Company sponsored Toti Invitational Soccer Cup puts up a total of K10 000 prize money to the top four finishers. The cup winner cashing out K5, 000 followed by K2, 500 to the runner up and is scheduled to start mid next week on 16th March 2022. Third and fourth placings gets K1, 500 and K1, 000 prize money respectively at the end of the weeklong tournament. And interested teams are urged to pay up their K500 registration (per team) now and no later than next Monday-14th March 2022. Toti Soccer Cup Tournament Director Edrish Kumbruwah announced today reaffirming the tournament starts on 16th - 20th March 2022 at the Lae Football Association soccer grounds. Kumbruwah reminded that entries are limited and to avoid last minute hiccups all teams interested to participate have no later than Monday to pay up registration and get approval to take part. He said on the eve of the tournament (15th March 2022) all registered teams must meet up with the tournament Committee for orientation and presentation of sponsorship items at the LFA by 1pm in the afternoon. He said the actual tournament begins the next day (16th March 2022) to the end of the weekend. Given the registration deadline just days away, interested teams can pay cash at the Lae Biscuit Company head office along Unitech Road in Lae. Simply ask for Lorraine Gulopau at the front reception to make your payments. You can as well call Kumbruwah on mobile number 7069 6534 or email edrishkumbruwah@yahoo.com to register.

A total of 115 grade 12 FODE students from remote Middle Fly villages in Western Province recently graduated from the Balimo College FODE Centre after successfully completing their grade 12 studies under the FODE program. Now in its third year of operation, Balimo College offers a second chance at education for those who (for various reasons) have slipped out of the school system. The College provides a pathway for those wishing to upgrade their exam results in order to pursue tertiary studies. This PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) education initiative is managed by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF). The successful partnership has enrolled 300 students from the Balimo catchment area in grades 9 to 12 each year. The College also operates two sub-centres in Morehead and Kiunga. The Balimo College FODE program is registered under the PNG National Department of Education. During the recent graduation ceremony, successful Grade 12 students proudly received their matriculation certificates from an official delegation including Mr Daniel Imowa, Middle Fly District Education Coordinator; Mr Kawe Biyama, Balimo Mayor; Mrs Juddy Aoae, SDP Program Manager; Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF CEO; the FODE program’s inaugural Principal, Mr Nauli Duwaba and current Principal, Mr Brian Wafia. SDP representative, Mrs Juddy Aoae, remarked: “Our vision is to see that all our programs have a lasting benefit for the people of Western Province. We work with our partners to empower the community to take ownership and do what they are capable of doing to improve their lives." "Today, the students have committed themselves to work hard to achieve recognised certificates that qualify them entry into higher education institutions in the country, including the Balimo College Teacher Training program." "Given this second chance of entry into secondary education, students and parents are encouraged to take this program seriously and work towards achieving their dreams. Many people from Western Province, especially in the Middle and South Fly districts have never heard of the FODE pathway, so it was a challenging time for our students who worked so hard to achieve what we are witnessing today.” During the graduation ceremony, the students performed a celebratory dance before the 2021 College Awards were bestowed, including: · Principal’s Award – Ms Helen Mowagi and Mr Abilo Dibo · College Dux – Mr Abilo Dibo, Ms Shebby Kutika, Ms Helen Mowagi and Ms Jessica Siwaeya · Most Improved Results (for upgraders) – Ms Gloria Melesa and Mr Kabase Paiwa · Community Peer Support Award – Ms Mudato Somono and Mr David Didiga Community Peer Support Award recipient Mudato Somono is one of two grandmothers who graduated yesterday. She said that graduating Grade 12 is “the best achievement of my life”. She also encouraged others “don't let your age hold you back”. As well as her academic performance, Mudato inspired staff and fellow students alike with her commitment to the College community, and volunteering to help maintain College facilities over the past two years. Balimo College graduates now have the opportunity to progress to tertiary studies in teaching and other professions, explains KTF Head of Education, Martha Bentley. “In an incredibly exciting development, those graduating from the Balimo College FODE program are now able to undertake tertiary studies right here at Balimo College. Thanks to SDP’s commitment to creating education opportunities in Western Province, the partnership worked closely with DHERST throughout 2021 so that Balimo College can now offer the PNG Diploma of Primary Teaching to students, the first institution in Western Province to offer this course. Our inaugural intake of 40 tertiary students, includes graduates from our FODE program. They have now embarked on a three-year study program in pursuit of their dream to become teachers in Western Province…. Balimo College is providing opportunities for people from Western Province to serve their communities as properly trained teachers.”

When people from the Carteret Islands began to relocate to the Bougainville mainland it meant more than just leaving their homes and communities, they also needed to find new livelihoods. Life on Bougainville presented different challenges and opportunities compared to their native atoll, which has become less habitable due to rising sea levels and reduced access to fresh water. Gardening was one activity that required new skills – both for subsistence farming and agricultural cash crops like cocoa. Undeterred, a group of women from the Carteret came together to form a cocoa farmers cooperative called Bougainville CocoNet. In 2017, Bougainville CocoNet was among 25 farmers groups awarded a grant through the first phase of the Bougainville Partnership Commodity Support Facility (CSF), supported by the Australian and New Zealand Governments. “We are women from the Atolls,” said CocoNet member Rose Samsi, “we did not know how to manage or how to work in cocoa blocks.” “The project has really helped us as individual mothers to be able to fend for our families.” “We are able to make extra money to pay school fees for our children and our families’ diets have changed because we have extra money to buy food.” The CSF grant provided much needed training in cocoa farm management and financial literacy. It also brought new equipment and seedlings to help the farmers apply their new knowledge. CocoNet chairperson Ursula Rokova said the CSF grant encouraged the executives and farmers to work collectively. “I'm a woman and am happy that the community is working with me, especially men,” Ms Rokova said. “We have the support of other women, men and youths and the people within our community are working together.” Maria Kamin, also a CocoNet member, said women who received training on cocoa block management are more independent and are sharing their knowledge with other women, men and youths. “This project has brought many good things in our families,” she said. “There is great respect from both men and women for the executives that are leading the cooperative and among men and women members.” While the first phase of CSF grants concluded in 2021, a second round of grants totalling K10 million commenced this year which prioritises the creation of economic opportunities for women. Through the project, families are supported to increase their incomes which can be invested in businesses, property and children’s education. This, in turn, can help improve livelihoods for individuals, and build stronger communities and broader based economic development in Bougainville.

Minister for Information and Communications Technology Timothy Masiu has welcomed news of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) decision to give formal written consent on the transfer of license rights to Telstra as a result of the proposed acquisition of Digicel Pacific, and particularly on Digicel Pacific’s associated companies namely, Digicel PNG Limited and Hitron Limited. “The procedure to arrive at the decision by NICTA is governed by the enabling legislation and is done without ministerial influence or input. I am pleased to note that the procedure has now been exhausted and that a decision has been made and that the government and our people and Digicel and Telstra for that matter can now move forward with the business of delivering telecommunications goods and services to all corners of the country.” Minister Masiu took note of Telstra’s commitment to continue to maintain all existing services and networks, and to continue to maintain all existing services and networks, and to continue the charitable work in early education delivered through the Digicel PNG Foundation. “It would be ideal to anticipate a change of ownership without disturbing the standard and level of service required and I would like to think that our people and the businesses that rely on Digicel’s goods and services will not even notice anything.” “I understand that with the NICTA announcement, the due diligence process leading to full acquisition and transfer of ownership to Telstra is now well advanced and nearing completion. Until then, Digicel will remain until the acquisition is completed.”

The Department of Education has congratulated Jiwaka Province for achieving 100% retention rate in both Grade 9 and 11 this year. The current National Education (NEP) Plan target is that by 2029 all children should complete 13 years of uninterrupted education or training and that major identified barriers are gradually removed. According to the NEP 2020-2029, there is now no institutional barrier, such as a public examination, in place to stop any child who has entered the preparatory grade from completing grade 8. “The national examinations will be phased out over time however, a standards monitoring test will be given to help monitor the progress of students, or lack thereof, so teachers can also improve or adjust their teaching,” Dr. Kombra explained. Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra said Jiwaka Province has expanded its secondary school sector which has resulted in this achievement. “On behalf of the Minister for Education, Hon. Jimmy Uguro, MP, I congratulate Jiwaka Province for this important milestone. I also call on other provinces to do likewise so that we can improve the quality of education attained by our people,” the Secretary said. He also congratulated Western Highlands, Enga, Hela, Simbu, Eastern Highlands, Central, and East New Britain for close to achieving 100% retention rates in Grades 8 to 9 and 10 to 11. Meanwhile, Dr. Kombra also congratulated all the other provinces for close to achieving 100% retention rate in basic education but challenged them to do more for secondary education. “I appeal to all our political leaders and other development partners and stakeholders to assist provinces to build more infrastructures to accommodate the increased number of students in the next 10 years. The more infrastructure developed will also reduce class sizes and improve teaching and learning standards,” Dr. Kombra said.