Since 2012, the Port Moresby Nature Park has been supporting over 30 local artisans who supply to its gift shop, a unique variety of local art & craft items that it sells conveniently to its guests. Despite the set-backs experienced by business houses through Covid-19 flight and freight restrictions, the gift shop has been consistently stocking up its many gift items, promoting PNG’s culture through its various displays thanks to its network of local artisans. One such artisan who benefits through this community network is Mr Max Tuhi. Max hails from Morobe and resides in Port Moresby. He has been providing unique hand-painted side bags of which he supplies to the gift shop to sell at between K15 – K20 each. Max says he is happy to provide this service to Port Moresby Nature Park as it enables him to market his products to more people while at the same time, sustain his family daily. There are some very unique items for sale at the Nature’s Gift. One such item is the traditionally crafted mosquito coil holder which is supplied by another craftsman named Frank Eafeare. This new product has quickly become a favourite, not only for its favourable price but mostly because of its quality of being both environmentally friendly and fire-proof. Port Moresby Nature Park’s Guest Relations Manager, Ms. Grace Giaruva said she is always happy to see local craft dealers earn themselves some money to sustain their families through this difficult time through their sale here at the gift shop. “It is a win-win situation for both Nature Park and the local artisans. We are grateful for this community that we have created where we all support each other in driving business growth both individually and as an organisation”, stated Ms Giaruva. The Nature’s Gift shop sells a wide range of gifts and souvenirs for all ages with crafts from all regions of Papua New Guinea. Visiting the Nature’s gift shop and making a purchase ensures the support of local artisans as well as helping the Port Moresby Nature Park maintain its 30 acre gardens and welfare of more than 350 resident native animals. Port Moresby Nature Park’s mission is to promote the protection of PNG’s unique natural environment and cultural diversity. By visiting the park, you help support their education, research and conservation efforts.

ALL major hospitals in the country are barely coping as they respond to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. These includes the Mt Hagen General Hospital, Angau General Hospital, Goroka General Hospital and Port Moresby General Hospital. “We’re at the moment barely managing with the existing load. There are surges occurring in all the major centres,’’ said Dr Gary Nou, Team lead for Emergency Medical Team at the National Control Centre and NCC clinical lead Dr Scotty Kandelyo, who is also the country’s Deputy Chief Emergency for the Highlands and Momase regions. In NCD, the COVID-19 isolation facilities at Gerehu General Hospital and Taurama Acquatic Centre are also full. “Patients are lying everywhere. The situation is dire,’’ said the two doctors. They said there are so many patients, not just those seeking help for COVID-19 but also other illnesses and the situation with COVID-19 is overwhelming for the health workers. The NCC EMT is currently working on bringing into the country medical teams to help the already exhausted health workers in different parts of the country. On Saturday, five members of the Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AusMat) arrived in Port Moresby to do the groundwork for the engagement of their members. AusMat meets the entire cost of their engagement with no financial help coming from the Government of PNG. Dr Nou said the other team, UK Medical Team, is also sending a team and are currently working on their visas. “These are clinical teams comprising of senior specialists, nurses and all cadres of health workers that are needed in the response. They are needed everywhere in the country. Our own health workers are overwhelmed. They are burned out,’’ said Dr Nou. In this third wave of COVID-19 many health workers have died, further putting a strain on the existing manpower as well as the weak health system. Meanwhile, Deputy Controller of the National Pandemic Response Dr Daoni Esorom has reiterated his call to everyone in the country to listen and follow the Niupela Pasin, including wearing facemasks in public spaces; avoiding of crowds; washing of hands regularly with soap or sanitizing if there is no water; and physical distancing by 1.5 to 2 metres in public venues, including shops, markets and bus-stops. “I cannot but continue to say this that unless we all cooperate, the virus will continue to spread in our communities. We’ve lost so many people and we cannot continue like this. Please listen and follow instructions.’’ Dr Daoni has also expressed concern that as the holiday season is approaching and people go to their home villages, they may take the virus with them so he urges everyone to do whatever they can to ensure the virus does not spread to the rural areas. “If it does, we will not be able to help many people because many villages are not accessible by road transport in order for people to go quickly to the health facilities to seek help when they are sick with COVID-19. Let us all be responsible and do what we are being told to do: Follow the Niupela Pasin. Together we will beat this pandemic.’’

123 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded so far in the Eastern Highlands Province within the months of September and October this year. The figure given by the COVID 19 care centre in Goroka stands as of yesterday (Monday, October 18, 2021.) Meanwhile, Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr Joseph Apa said the two containers used by the hospital to keep the pile of bodies of people dying from COVID-19 is full to its capacity and they are currently looking at options to accommodate for that. “The main hospital morgue is not going to be used to keep those bodies, we will try to get an additional container to cater for that,” Dr Apa said. “The bodies we’re receiving do not only come from those that pass away in the hospital but from the communities as well and that’s where we have the issue with storage capacity.” He added that the bodies come from all the eight districts of the province. Picture courtesy: EHPHA Media Unit

Prime Minister James Marape has acknowledged the contributions of Middle Fly MP, the Late Roy Biyama, to Papua New Guinea. He said this in a brief address at the Fly River Provincial Assembly in Daru on Monday when delivering the body of late Biyama to Daru. Biyama, aged 54, a four-term Middle Fly MP since 2002 and a member of PM Marape’s ruling Pangu Pati, passed away on September 12. He was farewelled in Parliament last week with glowing tributes from MPs. PM Marape apologised to the people of Middle Fly, and Western, that he could not deliver the body home to Balimo. “On behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, we would like to pay respect to him (Biyama) for the services rendered to our country,” he said. “He was a gentle guy who talked less, but worked hard for the country, worked hard for his people, worked hard for his family. “He worked hard all the way to his passing.” PM Marape said he had asked Biyama to rest from his work, after he had fallen ill, but the Middle Fly MP continued to work until his passing. He said a classic example of this was the recent Porgera landowners’ meeting in Wabag, where Biyama accompanied the Western Governor and South Fly MP to express concern about tailings being dumped into the Lake Murray, Strickland River and Fly River systems. “This is testament of a leader who worked all the way, and sacrificed himself, for the betterment of his people and his country,” PM Marape said. “I came here, representing the greater people of our country, to pay respect to this giant of a man, humble as he was, whose heart was in the right place, serving his people until his passing. “We may not adequately fill in the vacuum at his home, his tribe, his district and his province, and his network of friends throughout the country.” PM Marape passed on the condolences of the ruling Pangu Pati, and on behalf of himself and his family, to Biyama’s family, friends, people of Middle Fly and Western. “May his memory live on,” he said. “May God bless his soul, his family, his people. “Rest in peace, brother.” Picture courtesy: Parliamentary Media Services

Jungle Online Marketplace is changing the retail landscape in PNG from having to physically visit multiple shops to a virtual marketplace that sells products from a variety of retailers and brands. Established in 2021 and trading as Jungle Online Marketplace brings sellers and buyers together. Demetri Allayialis, Chris O’Brien, Tom Bill and Michael Allayialis, Co-Founders of the business, created Jungle to give everyone in PNG access to the same products that would normally only be available in major cities. “Our vision at Jungle is to enable the widespread distribution of products to business and the public of PNG at cost-effective prices. With our optimised site, Jungle offers customers 24 hours, seven days a week, convenient method to order products for your business or for you personally from the safety of your establishment or home. Especially in these COVID times when it is harder for businesses to operate and customers to physically visit stores. In the future, we hope to be able to provide a huge range of in-demand products to the remotest places in this ‘land of the unexpected”, Demetri Allayialis – Co Founder of Jungle Online Marketplace. Jungle lists products from a growing range of retailers from popular local SMEs (especially women entrepreneurs) to large corporate brands such as Brian Bell Home Centre, RH Trading and Agmark Gurias. Instead of or as well as setting up their own online stores, retailers can utilize Jungles simple and effective online platform to advertise and sell their products. Customers can simply go to www.jungle.com.pg using a computer or mobile phone, shop and pay online and get purchases delivered or alternatively pick up from store. At present, Jungle can deliver to 22 towns and villages in PNG. Many customers are now looking at more accessible and quicker shopping alternatives, with easy payment options. Online payments are becoming a necessity for businesses who can provide pick-up and delivery services to customers. With BSP Pay on Jungle Online Marketplace, anyone with a BSP account can purchase items on Jungle. To find out how to register for BSP Pay please visit the BSP website www.bsp.com.pg. BSP Digital General Manager Nuni Kulu said, “The Payment Landscape continues to evolve at a growing pace with consumer needs and, or demands pushing for advanced convenience and cheaper options to purchase goods and services, household items, and utility payments. BSP understands that Digital adoption will encounter geographical dependencies considering the service availability and reach, specifically within rural PNG." "This financial gap provides opportunity to resolve payment constraints and connect buyers and sellers via digital commerce. Jungle online will avail online shopping to 1.4 million customers nationwide and will play a critical role in aiding digital adoption and influence consumer payment behavior in the 22 towns and villages where we expect to see an increased transition from traditional payments on to an alternate online payment service”. Online payments are a fast, convenient and secure for customers and improves business cash flow with real-time payments. Businesses interested in setting up an online payments page on their website or app can email BSP via servicebsp@bsp.com.pg or call 3201212/70301212.

Port Moresby General Hospital has suspended all clinical examinations indefinitely in the hospital with immediate effect due to the spike in COVID-19 clinical cases. PMGH's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi said apart from the increased number of cases the hospital is treating, the suspension of examinations will ease the unprecedented exertion of pressure on the already limited capacity the hospital can cater for. Dr. Molumi said this is also further in line with the hospitals circular earlier this month on the scale down of services at the Port Moresby General Hospital. "All undergraduate and Post Graduate Clinical Examinations are now suspended indefinitely with immediate effect," said Dr. Molumi. He said it is therefore important that all available resources, in particular clinicians, nurses and support staff be deployed in efforts to combat and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the hospital. "I urge full cooperation from everyone and for all to adhere to this instruction as we navigate through this extremely difficult situation."

Girls participation is education in the country will improve if the gender education policy is implemented well in the curriculum. This was the recommendation by PNGNRI in their recent research on challenges that hinders girls’ participation in education in PNG. NRI’s Research Fellow Jeremy Goro said although there are a number of policies and practices in place to support girls’ education, poor implementation of the policies is a hindrance. “The government, through the Department of Education, should intervene by implementing the Education Sector Strategy Plan 2010-2030 in an effective manner to remove all barriers to girls’ education and reviewing selection from primary to secondary school or by setting a quota system for females and males to access education,” Mr Goro said. “Teacher training programs and practices need to shift to gender-friendly pedagogy, including the implementation of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in teachers training curriculum.” He added that funding should be increased to establish gender units in schools to improve retention of girls. “Nonetheless, more research and awareness on the rights of girls to access education is required.”

PNG Ports has stepped in to help in the fight against COVID 19 in Eastern Highlands Province by donating to the Goroka Provincial Hospital life-saving equipment to assist health workers. Managing Director of PNG Ports Fego Kiniafa last week presented to the hospital two oxygen concentrators, 150 oxygen nasal cannulas, 10,000 facemasks, and eight pulse oxymeters. Mr Kiniafa said the situation at the hospital and province was indeed critical and so people must take care of themselves by making the right choices during the fight against COVID19. “It is a fight against an invisible enemy, a very difficult situation, one that is even testing our faith,” Mr Kiniafa said. “We at PNG Ports, sincerely hope that this assistance contributes to the fight against humanity’s common enemy.” “Our prayers are for the safety of those hard working and exhausted angels at the hospital,” Mr Kiniafa added. On hand to receive the donation were Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr Joseph Apa and Director Curative Services Dr Kapiro Kendaura. They both thanked Mr Kiniafa and PNG Ports for the timely donation which would go a long way in helping their staff save lives from the COVID19 pandemic.

20-year-old Sherwin Tanabi from a mixed parentage of Busamang in Morobe and West New Britain and Manus provinces says the experience of debuting in the Digicel Cup at such a young age not to mention playing for a grand-final winning club like the Lae Snax Tigers is enough to motivate and inspire him in reaching further to achieve his dreams in life. The youngster who is currently pursuing a Diploma in Business Management at the Lae Polytechnic Institute has just completed his first ever successful season with the Lae Snax Tigers and has admitted that the experience has been nothing short of fulfilling. Back in 2017 when the Digicel Cup debutant made the decision to switch from rugby union to league, he was not quite expecting to play in the semi-professional rugby league competition let alone play for the champion Lae Snax Tigers rugby league team within just 3 years. “Every young boy playing rugby in Lae wants to make it into the champion team and so when I look back on my journey now, I realise that it happened so quickly for me and for that I am thankful and blessed,” Tanabi said. Tanabi said the journey to making it into the final cut for the 2021 Lae Snax Tigers team however has not been a smooth sailing one and has indeed been his greatest highlight so far. According to the rising rugby league star, he started off playing rugby union in 2016 for the Pirates rugby union club in Lae before deciding to commit full time to rugby league the following year. “My rugby union experience helped me so much when I did the transition to league as it made it easier for me to blend in so well.” “Playing union at least helped me with getting simple footwork right and speed which I really needed in playing league,” Tanabi said. In 2017 aged just 16 years, Tanabi who was doing his Grade 10 at Busu Secondary School, was already playing in the Lae Rugby League competition for the Royals under 20 team as well as playing for the schoolboys under16 team at the same time. Since then, Tanabi has played three seasons in the Lae Rugby League with the Royals rugby club, thus making it into the A Grade team in 2019 however, he could not continue playing rugby in 2020 due to the lockdowns caused by the pandemic. From 2017 onwards, Tanabi was also an integral part of the Northern Zone under 16 and under 18 schoolboys’ team which came out as runners up in the Zone championships in 2017 (under16) and then winning back-to-back grand finals in 2018 and 2019 (under18) resulting in a Player of the Tournament award for the youngster in the latter year. Apart from playing in town competitions, Tanabi also had his sights set on making his entry into the 4-time grand final winning team, the Lae Snax Tigers and so he pursued his passion further by taking part in the Snax 9s tournament in the hopes of making the pre-season training team. The youngster however did not get his big break until last year when he joined the Prima 13A Bulldogs rugby team to take part in yet another Snax 9s tournament. “Since 2017, I had been playing in the Lae Snax 9s tournament hoping to get a call up to the pre-season training squad however was unlucky from 2017 to 2019.” “Last year, I took part for the 4th time again in the Snax 9s tournament and that’s when I got the call I had been waiting for.” “Coach Stanley noticed me from there and so he invited me for the 2021 pre-season and now I have just completed my first Digicel Cup season,” an elated Tanabi said. The lanky, well-built second-rower who weighs in at 92kg said his biggest challenge has been in trying to gel in well with the boys who have had more experiences under their belt thus posing a real challenge for him to be fast and quick to learn and to play the game at the pace that has been set by the team. When asked why he chose to switch from union to league, Tanabi said, “I had to choose rugby league over union because I saw that there was a career pathway in league and if I did well, I could actually progress and have a future there.” Tanabi, a rugby superstar in the making, says that he has learnt so much from the club in his first Digicel Cup season and is looking forward to getting better and raising the level of his game next year and making great progress as an upcoming professional sports athlete. “This year alone, I have been blessed with the opportunity to run with the Lae Snax Tigers rugby team and not only that, I have experienced my first ever Digicel Cup win in my first Digicel Cup season so that’s huge for me.” “The Snax Tigers club is not just a rugby team but a place where champions are made and leaders are born.” “What I love about the team is the discipline and club culture which is exceptional at all levels, one of them being player development and preparing players for life outside of rugby as well,” Tanabi said. Young Sherwin said that he is thankful to the club for the financial support he has received as well as the flexible training schedules which have enabled him to continue with his studies and at the same time pursue his rugby league dreams. “This year, I played about 6 round games and also played in the major-semis which we won so all in all, I have had a fair amount of game time this year however, I am looking at exceeding my personal best and reaching my full potential come next year,” Tanabi said. Tanabi who just celebrated his birthday last week said that he is looking forward to the holidays however, he will still be training hard in preparation for the upcoming Snax 9s tournament. Images supplied

THIRTY-Two (32) affiliated soccer clubs will go into poll to elect the new Manus Soccer Association executives this Friday (October 22, 2021). PNGFA Member Association manager Stanley Khanna said it would be a mammoth task for him and PNGFA Electoral Officer to conduct an AGM with big number of affiliated clubs. Unlike previous years, PNGFA does not have an independent body to vet election process but now under the leadership of John Kapi Natto as president all election process must go through vetting processes. He said only those associations with issues, the voting will be conducted by an independent body which is PNGFA Electoral body to show that there is transparency in handling those issues Khanna is wary of the pre-election challenges as he has received little information coming out of Manus provincial capital Lorengau on number of candidates vying for the executive positions including the ordinary committee positions. Incumbent president Jack Nawi Changau has been at the helm of the presidency role for the last two decades for Manus Soccer and have hinted that he would raise his hands to continue in the coming AGM on October 22. Mr Khanna urged all registered financial 32 clubs to get their act together to contact him as soon as possible before the October 22 Elective Annual General Meeting in Lorengau, Manus. He stressed Only financial and registered clubs have voting rights in the upcoming AGM and no one else. “In this meeting, we want one invited or nominated delegate only from each clubs as it will be limited only for those who have names. Others can attend as observers only space allow it. The election will be conducted accordingly and as stipulated under PNGFA article 30. Manus Soccer Association Competition Manager Peter Sakael said everyone is looking forward for the AGM on Friday to elect the new office bearers for the next four years. With its motto "Greater Community Participation" MSA shorter version of the competition is expected to play its final in January 2022. Mr Sakael said football is played all over Manus except the capital Lorengau town. He thanked PNG Football Association for conducting its Referee Course at Seleheu Bisakani Soparibeu LLG where 35 referees attended and six of them were women referees last month. Mr Khanna appeal to all Manus football lover to allow PNGFA electoral process to take place for a better soccer in Manus province. He said Mr Kapi Natto is working tirelessly to get all 9 provinces back into football family. PNGFA have already Vanimo and Alotau in the football family while they are still working to get Popondetta in Southern region and Hela and Jiwaka in the Highlands provinces. The onus is on Wewak who have yet to organize themselves despite attempts made by PNGFA to get them into the football family. Picture courtesy: PNGFA

Warriors star Reece Walsh has escaped conviction after being arrested on the Gold Coast and charged with one count of possessing a prohibited substance last month. The 19-year-old was arrested in Surfers Paradise on September 26 for disobeying a police officer’s order to move on. He was taken back to the station and found to be in possession of cocaine. Walsh attended Southport Court on Monday morning and according to News Corp has been placed on a good behaviour bond and fined $400, however no conviction was recorded. Shortly after the news of Walsh’s arrest emerged last month he and Warriors CEO Cameron George fronted the media via Zoom. A teary Walsh apologised and took accountability for his actions. “Last night I got myself into a bit of trouble,” he said. “I didn’t move on. That led to me getting arrested and taken back to the police station. Once I got back to the police station I got searched and I was in possession of a small bag of cocaine – which I had some during the night. “No-one else is involved in this. It is solely on me. I put my hand up – I should never have done it. It is a mistake I made. “I want to say sorry to sponsors, fans, the Warriors.” Southport Magistrates Court heard that Walsh swore at police and argued and pushed his friends away while they tried to escort him home. According to an ABC report, Police prosecutor Chris Freeman told the court that after Walsh’s arrest the NRL star repeatedly said “I’m not under arrest.” A reference from George and a report from Walsh’s psychiatrist were among the documents submitted by the teen fullback’s defence lawyer, Cory Cullen. “He’s embarrassed and ashamed of his actions and that remorse was raw and genuine,” Cullen said in court. Magistrate Ron Kilner acknowledged that Walsh had a promising career and hoped that this incident would act as a stern warning. “It would be a pity to see that spoiled by you taking illicit substances and racking up some sort of criminal history,” he said. “Hopefully this has been a timely warning and hopefully this is the last we see of it. “If you accept the benefits of being a professional footballer, you’ve also got to accept the responsibilities.” Walsh told the media outside the courthouse that he would repay the Warriors fans. “I’m just really embarrassed and ashamed of what happened,” he said. “I’m going to repay my family and friends, the club, the fans. “I’ll work really hard to bounce back from this and make sure something like this never happens again.” Walsh was sanctioned by the NRL earlier this month. He received a two-match suspension and a $5,000 fine. Source: foxsports.com  

The Government of Papua New Guinea and Barrick Niugini Limited (BNL) have welcomed the signing of the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement with both parties noting this as a crucial step towards the restart of mining operations at the Porgera Mine. The agreement was signed in a ceremony on Friday at Government House by His Excellency the Governor General Sir Bob Dadae on behalf of the State, Barrick Gold President and CEO Mark Bristow, and representatives of Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited and Mineral Resource Enga Limited. At the ceremony, Prime Minister James Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the early restart of Porgera mine with BNL as an equity partner and operator, and promised to ensure that BNL, as the investor, was provided the assurance required to move from care and maintenance to mine recommencement. “The Commencement Agreement is the master agreement that elaborates in detail the terms agreed in the historic Project Porgera Framework Agreement we signed in April. While other  agreements – such as the Shareholders Agreement, Operatorship Agreement, and the MDC – remain to be finalized, the Commencement Agreement provides a framework for their negotiation and will help accelerate progress on the remaining steps so that Porgera can be reopened,” Mr Marape said. The Prime Minister encouraged all stakeholders, especially the Porgera landowners and community, to unite and continue to partner with the Government and BNL to create the right conditions for mine restart, including in improving the law and order situation of the Porgera valley. “We look forward to the setting up of the New Porgera Project Company and for work to begin in preparation for the processing of gold ore at the soonest possible date. Porgera’s restart helps PNG get back more for our people, creating local jobs and contracts in partnership with one of the world’s leading mining companies,” Mr Marape said. Barrick CEO Dr Mark Bristow, speaking on behalf of BNL shareholders Barrick and Zijin Mining, called upon all parties to the negotiations to redouble their efforts and conclude the remaining agreements as soon as possible. “As we move toward starting up mining operations, our common task is to negotiate expediently and in good faith so that Porgera, a mine with enormous potential, can resume production and take its place as an engine of the PNG economy and contributor of foreign exchange once again,” Bristow said. The Porgera Project Commencement Agreement formalizes the terms of the commercial and financial arrangements contained in the Framework Agreement signed in April. These terms include the following: • PNG stakeholders and BNL will share the economic benefits generated over the life of mine on a 53/47% basis; • BNL will finance the capital required to restart the mine; • An increase in equity will be allocated to a broad group of landowners who are the customary owners of the land where Porgera is located; and • The State will retain the right to acquire the remaining 49% of the mine from BNL at fair market value after 10 years. Prime Minister Marape and Dr Bristow agreed that their negotiation teams would continue to engage intensively over the coming weeks to ensure that all remaining conditions required for the recommencement of operations at the Porgera Mine can be met as quickly as possible.