Prime Minister James Marape has commended Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey for his comprehensive Ministerial Statement to Parliament today on the ‘2020 Final Budget Outcomes (FBO) and 2021 Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Outlook (MYEFO) and the Way Forward’. He said Treasurer Ling-Stuckey’s presentation updated Papua New Guinea on the state of the economy during the ongoing war against COVID-19. PM Marape also commended the Budget Management Committee (BMC) spearheaded by Treasury and Finance for keeping “MV PNG afloat in rough seas”. “If they (BMC) hadn’t done this, we stood every possibility of sinking, but the Treasurer and his team stood strong,” he said. “There were so many lies and deceit spun by the Opposition that we relied on overseas advisors. “At the end of the day, Treasurer, Government and Cabinet made the call on key policy instruments.” PM Marape said there could be no more-important policy instruments than his Government’s Budgets of 2019, 2020 and 2021. “I, as Prime Minister and his colleague in Cabinet, commend the Treasurer as well as the Finance Minister (Hon. Sir John Pundari) and National Planning Minister (Hon. Rainbo Paita) for how we have run the country,” he said.

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the National Football Stadium is giving away free tickets to the Digicel Cup Match this Sunday (12 September) to anyone who receives their first COVID-19 vaccine at the clinic today. Martin Aihi, 38, from the Central province was excited to receive his free ticket to the finals game after receiving his COVID-19 vaccine at the ISOS Clinic, Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. Martin, who works as the facilities lead with Peuna in Port Moresby, said that COVID-19 is real and is in existence across the world, including in Papua New Guinea. He elaborated that the vaccine will protect himself and importantly his family from serious illness due to the virus. “I feel obliged to take the vaccine as my work involves a lot of interactions with people; both national and international communities who work to combat the virus at the National Control Centre and vaccine roll out facilities.” “I believe by protecting myself, I protect my family too.” Martin encouraged other Papua New Guineans to get vaccinated today. If you would like to receive a free ticket to the game this Sunday, head to the National Football Stadium Clinic for your vaccination (entry via gate 2). Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9am-12pm and 1pm – 4pm Sat: 9am – 12pm

WESTERN Province has seen 14 deaths in the past two weeks due to COVID-19, including one being reported this morning. Deputy Controller for the National Pandemic Response Dr Daoni Esorom, while addressing a virtual media conference this afternoon, said it is believed these are due to delta variant because of the behavior of delta variant. He said there is also a big surge going on in Western and West Sepik provinces. Positive COVID-19 samples from both provinces have been sent down to Australia for genome sequencing to determine whether these are delta variant cases. Also, of the 30 delta variant cases confirmed in the country so far, 22 have been reported from Western Province. Dr Daoni said tests have shown that the 22 delta variant cases confirmed last month in WP, seven (imported) in National Capital District and one locally-acquired case in Madang are linked to the type of delta variant cases being seen in Indonesia. He said this is a result of people not listening and crossing the border. Dr Daoni said compliance is a big issue in this country and urged that people listen and follow advice being given to protect them from COVID-19. These includes following Niupela Pasin. He said gatherings must be limited and says if the Provincial Health Authorities and provincial administrations do not advise against gatherings, including cultural shows in provinces they will be held accountable for the high surges of delta variant that is already spreading in the country. Apart from WSP and Western, there are also three other provinces experiencing high surges which are NCD, Eastern Highlands and Manus. Dr Daoni said experience in other countries have shown that delta variant is perculiar because it spreads fast and affects both old and young which is already being seen in the country. “If people don’t listen, we will have old and young people dying from COVID-19,’’ he said. "We can do so much, but compliance is a big issue in this country.'' Yesterday's virtual media conference, addressed by both Dr Daoni and Incident Manager for National Control Centre Dr Melinda Susapu also covered high hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccines and other related issues. #COVAX facility gave PNG's surplus vaccines to Vietnam #PNGIMR to begin doing genome sequencing starting next month #NCC to take over the national program on rollout of COVID-19 vaccines from National Department of Health #Awareness on benefits of vaccines to be taken to rural population #NCC assures business community that it will work with them to protect PNG's economy.

The Digicel Cup Awards last night saw sponsors, players, team officials, supporters and invited guests gather at the Oil Search National Football Stadium to witness the awards presentation. Mr Tsandis Saka, Chairman of the PNGRFL thanked everyone who had been a part of the process in making the Digicel Cup to be what it is today and paid homage to leaders past and present who have contributed to the development of the game in one way or another. Mr Saka also thanked the major sponsors Digicel Group who have been supporting the game for 11 years now and said that PNGRFL is blessed to have such a reputable organization leading the way in growing and developing the game here in PNG. “Rugby league has grown from strength to strength over the years and to date it has become such a great platform to develop our young men and so it is only right that sponsors do get on board and support not just rugby but other sports as well around the country,” Saka said. He also thanked each of the Digicel Cup franchises with their players and management teams alike for staying true and committed towards staging a successful 2021 season. Highlight of the night was the awards presentation where a bulk of the awards went to players from the PRK Mendi Muruks as well as the Grand Final contenders the JPG Waghi Tumbe. Rookie coach Baundo Abba who took out the Coach of the Year Award said that he is thankful for the experience this year as it has taught him to step outside of his comfort zone to lead the boys this far. “As a young coach with no proper training on coaching skills, it’s been a great learning experience for me and at the same time a very humbling one for me as well, given that we are also a young province and to be here now in the finals is so overwhelming,” said Coach Abba. Four of his boys in the likes of Joe Frank (Centre of the Year), Tiger Emere (Prop of the Year), David Joseph (Half-back of the Year) and Supa Kokote (Lock of The Year) also took out awards. The other awards were taken by Joe Stanley of MoniPlus NCDC Vipers (Fullback of the Year), Junior Igila (Tryscorer of the Year) and Allan Simbiri (Goal Scorer of the Year) both from the Kroton Hela Wigmen team, Joshua Lau of Lae Snax Tigers who took out the Payer of the Year Award and Leon Undupia (Winger of the Year), Wesa Tenza (Hooker of the Year) and Nelson Yei (Second Rower of the Year) from the Mendi Muruks. All three boys from Mendi Muruks were unable to make it to the Awards Night due to delays in flight schedules. The Club of the Year Award went to the CPG Dabaris while Ms Lorna McPherson was given the “Full Time Reserve Award” in recognition of her tireless dedication and efforts in promoting the code of rugby league throughout the past 11 years.

It’s been over two months since we released news on our first, captive breeding of the Raggiana Bird of Paradise chick here at Port Moresby Nature Park. Born on the 27th June this year, our chick is a healthy bird, being fed lots of spiders, grasshoppers and other insects as well as fruit on a daily basis. We still don’t know the sex of the bird and it could take about 5 years for us to find out. This is when a male reaches maturity and starts to grow its beautiful plume feathers, highly valued traditionally in Papua New Guinea. Until then ‘Bosh’ as the bird is known, will be covered in brown feathers. Traditional ‘Bilas’ (costumes) have been part of PNG culture for generations. Specifically, bird feathers are the key components in the making of spectacular head dresses worn by performers from various provinces around the country. Apart from the Raggiana Bird of Paradise, there are other Bird of Paradise species that are hunted for their feathers such as the Lesser Bird of Paradise and the Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia. Some most sought after bird feathers come from the Pesquet’s Parrot and Papuan Lorikeet for their bright vibrant colours. More than one bird is required for one head-dress, creating a trend of overhunting birds in remote Papua New Guinea and prompting advocacy groups to promote sustainable traditional practices to preserve some of our gradually declining bird species. The ‘Lukautim Bilas Bilong Yu’ Campaign is a collaborative campaign carried out by the Port Moresby Nature Park and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Goroko. The campaign emphasises on the importance of preserving traditional costumes with the aim of decreasing the numbers of overhunting bird species in Papua New Guinea. With independence just around the corner, there will be a demand for traditional costumes around the country. It is advisable that as proud Papua New Guineans, traditional costumes are more significant when passed on from one generation to the next as ones tribal/clan heritage. For this reason, safekeeping of your traditional costumes, especially prized headdresses are very important. You can achieve this by following three simple practices:  Wrap your head-dress up in newspaper, making sure they have been aired out and dry after a performance;  Place your head-dress and other traditional costumes in a box with moth balls to keep unwanted pests away;  Keep your box of traditional costumes away from children’s reach and places that are moist. The ‘Lukautim Bilas Bilong Yu’ campaign is one of the many campaigns promoted at Port Moresby Nature Park as a way of educating the community in preserving PNG’s endemic wildlife for future generations. With current trends in the harvesting of birds of paradise for the use of feathers in head dresses, the population in the wild are not sustainable and we could lose some of the species that are heavily targeted for their spectacular plumage. Through bird breeding programs and such campaigns like “Lukautim Bilas Bilong Yu”, led by the park’s qualified and dedicated wildlife and education teams, the hope is to ensure their survival and protection for future generations. The Port Moresby Nature Park is an international welfare accredited zoo through the Zoo & Aquarium Association of Australasia and is heavily committed to conservation and education, research and most importantly, dedicated to protecting PNG’s wildlife.  

Kupun Wisil, brother of Pacific Sprint Queen Toea Wisil says that his decision to join the JPG Whagi Tumbe coaching staff this season has truly paid off and he is excited at the prospects of a 2021 premiership win for his home team this coming Sunday. The athletics turned rugby league trainer has been working behind the scenes with coaching staff from a few other Digicel Cup franchises since 2013 with the most prevalent club being the Lae Snax Tigers rugby league club where he spent a total of seven years playing supporting roles to the coaching staff there. Wisil decided to take a break from his already budding athletics career in 2013 and switch codes to rugby league by becoming a member of the Lae Snax Tigers coaching team and has not looked back since. “In 2013, I decided to take a break from athletics and divert my focus to the game that every Papua New Guinean is so passionate about and has come to love and that is rugby.” “Before that, I had been representing the country in athletics since I first entered into sports at the Grassroots Games (now known as the Pacific Games) in 2003,” Wisil said. From 2016 onwards, Wisil has fully committed to the rugby league code and has been instrumental in assisting the Tigers win 3 premierships (2016, 2017 & 2019) and the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis win 1 premiership in 2018. Last year, Wisil took to the finals yet again with the Lae Snax Tigers however, they were unlucky for another premiership win as they went down to the reigning premieres the Kroton Hela Wigmen. This year, Wisil said that his coaching team currently being led by rookie coach Baundo Abba and Head Trainer Ezekiel Ben, has had a lot of work to do in terms of grooming the boys most of whom are unknown players making their debuts in the Digicel Cup. “Most of the boys on the team in the likes of Michael Tom who forms part of our forward packs and Bobby Joel who has been creating a lot of impacts off the bench, are only new and have had little experience as far as Digicel Cup is concerned and so we have have tried our best to train and discipline them into getting this far.” Wisil said having a young and inexperienced team this year, they were only looking to make it as far as the knockout finals however, having made it to the 2021 Grand Final is indeed a dream come true for the team. “When we started out this year, we challenged ourselves that we will make it as far as the finals only and then next year is when we will win the Digicel Cup because our team is still a fairly young team.” “However, things have turned out to be different for us and we now find ourselves having a chance at the Cup in such a short time,” Wisil stated. Wisil said he has full confidence in Joe Frank who has been with the JPG Whagi Tumbe since debuting in the Digicel Cup in 2015 that he will lead the boys to their first ever Grand Final victory and is looking forward to another great performance from the boys. The man who has been working behind the scenes of premiership winning clubs said that there is no secret to winning and that every win is a direct result of hard work in the form of training, commitment and discipline. Wisil further added that this Grand Final game is dedicated to the whole of Jiwaka Province and that they will get out there and make the people proud. “Jiwaka is only a few years old and it has taken us up to 10 years for us to have our own province.” “Just like we are a young province, we are going into the Grand Final as a young team to take on a more experienced team and so we are not taking things lightly,” Wisil said. “It is however our wish that our supporters and fans get behind us in the true spirit of the game and support as unified Papua New Guineans,” Wisil added. The JPG Whagi Tumbe will be led by rookie coach Baundo Abba and Captain Joe ‘6 cylinder’ Frank as they take on the crowd favourites Lae Snax Tigers in the Grand Final clash on Sunday. Photo credits: RJTotsia Photography&Media

Fostering a strategic partnership with the local communities’ results in meaningful development that benefits the whole community. The recent handover of a building for use by the Papa community as a resource center highlights what can be achieved by such partnership. “Collaboration between EMPNG and the Gas Resources Company, Veadi Koita Association , past and present ward councilors from Papa village, Laba Holdings and the local workers from Papa who Scott Sandlin. “ExxonMobil PNG is proud to do its part to support the people of Papa. The community now have a building that can be used for meetings, to carry out capacity building training and host other formal and social events.” He also added that since 201 5, ExxonMobil PNG has spent PGK 3 million on various community initiatives in Papa village. These community investments are focused on creating sustainable benefits in education, health, agriculture, the environment and opportunities for women. EMPNG has fostered strategic partnerships with local Papa schools to support the delivery of various training activities including a School Board of Management and governance training. In addition, EMPNG has constructed a staff house for the elementary school head teacher, conducted renovations to classrooms, built a new classroom for the Papa Community Pre-School, improved the Papa sub-health facility, and supported sewing training for the Papa Koita Magia (women's) group. "Our efforts in the community comes from a long legacy of commitment to supporting communities where we operate. We are happy to know that this common facility will benefit the wider population of Papa village and we trust that the Veadi Kiota Association will manage the facility Well," Mr. Sandline said in closing. The new building includes a pantry, office space, meeting rooms, and restrooms facilities, making it a very modern facility that can cater for various community events.

The East Coast Football Club (ECFC), a newly established soccer club based here in Port Moresby will be hosting their first ever Corporate Fundraising Dinner at the Lamana Hotel Grecian Ballroom on Thursday 9th September to raise much needed funds for the club and its’ activities. Managing Director and President of the East Coast Football Club, Mr Shannon Andrew said this Corporate Fundraising Dinner is intended to raise funds for the 2021 – 2022 Soccer team registration and association activities, culture and educational programs within the club, academy programs for kids under 10 years and the 2021 ECFC Annual Charity Drive and Contributions. The East Coast Football Club was established in 2017 and since then has grown into a football club that is currently participating in the Port Moresby Soccer Association in Division 2. “As young as we are, our vision is a very unique and ambitious one, to be the most attractive and competitive football organization in the pacific by 2026,” said Mr Andrew. Mr Andrew said “we believe in sports (in our case soccer) now more than ever as it is evolving into not just being a competition, but a great way to engage a consumer, engage someone running a business and also is an amazing platform to drive certain campaigns throughout the community.” He added on that one of their programs set for this year under the ECFC Kids Academy Program will be launched in October this year and will run annually with the support of coaching materials from Papua New Guinea and Australia. “ECFC aims to be the first football club in PNG that is committed to building its’ soccer academies out of Port Moresby and Lae and with direct pathways to competitive football carnivals in Australia,” Shannon said. He added that also this year, ECFC under their Annual Charity Drive and Contributions will bring together family, friends, fans and partners through its platforms to support a worthy cause. “2021 has prompted our support to the ‘I Care 4 U’ Charity Organization run by a generous couple, George and Krystal and the charity is dedicated to giving abandoned babies from the Port Moresby General Hospital a second chance in life.” Mr Andrew added that TE PNG has come on board as the Official Naming Sponsor, Lamana Hotel as the Official Hotel & Venue Partner, NP & LEV Production as the Production Partners and Vakaloloma a proud sponsor. For interested Individuals or business houses/companies who would like to support, Tickets are going for K300 and a table of 10 is K3000. Dress Code – Formal. For more information on tickets, you can contact 72207661/75961358 or you can email ecfcmagicians@gmail.com

The Vice Chancellors Cup grand final match that was called off due to bad light on Monday August 23, 2021 at the UPNG oval in Port Moresby will be replayed this weekend. PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina in a statement said the rematch between UPNG Pythons and Unitech Spartans will be played as a curtain raiser to this Sunday’s Digicel Cup grand final at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. “The teams will have an opportunity to play in a world class stadium and in front of an expected huge crowd and will be televised ‘live’ via TV Wan throughout PNG from 12 noon on Sunday September 12, 2021,” Hondina said. “The ‘live’ telecast will continue throughout the afternoon for the Digicel Cup Grand Final between Lae Snax Tigers and JPG Waghi Tumbe.” He said: “We have shared values and will work together with these institutions to see how best we can develop and build good young men and women into the community. “Our vision is all about discipline, teamwork, commitment, hard work and for all to be successful.” Hondina said starting this year, the PNGRFL fully recognises and sanctioned the institutional competitions. “We are happy to support this cause and showcase this relationship to a wider community,” he said. The PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Board has committed its support to seeing the VC Cup grand final replayed. “PNGNRLC is pleased to give the UPNG and Unitech teams this opportunity to showcase their talents and potential, Chairman Adrian Chow said. “Stars such as Justin Olam and Jokedi Bire who played for the Lae Snax Tigers while attending Unitech have shown that the same qualities of discipline, commitment and goal setting are required to excel in studies and sport.” VC Cup tournament co-ordinator Max Andrew on behalf of the organising committee said they were grateful to the PNGRFL and the PNGNRLC for the support in organising to replay the grand final. “When the game was called off due to poor lighting, both teams were declared dual winners,” Andrew said. “However, we are thankful for this opportunity to see a fair game to be replayed and a winner declared to claim the 2021 Vice Chancellors Cup.” The VC Cup grand final replay between current holders Unitech Spartans and UPNG Pythons kicks - off at 12 noon at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday September 12, 2021. The Digicel Cup grand final kicks - off at 3.00pm later in the day. Picture courtesy: MIALOLO PICTURES

Air Niugini Destinations Loyalty Program proudly welcomes onboard Rapopo Plantation Resort in East New Britain Province as the recent inclusion to its program. This brings the total Destinations corporate partners to 12. The airline’s General Manager Commercial Services, Mr Dominic Kaumu welcomed Rapopo Plantation Resort to the program highlighting Air Niugini’s commitment to focus on the domestic market and promote local tourism. The two-year partnership provides Destinations members the opportunity to earn and burn loyalty points when staying at Rapopo Plantation Resort either for business or leisure. Rapopo is also offering exclusive discounts to our Destinations Executive Club members. Mr Kaumu said, “Air Niugini is working with the hotel industry to encourage individuals to take trips and enjoy the diversity and beauty of Papua New Guinea.” “Each time a Destinations member visits Rapopo, they earn points, which can then be redeemed for airline tickets or goods and services from our other corporate program partners. “We want to provide Air Niugini customers an exciting way to earn points whilst enjoying the experience at our beautiful domestic destinations,” Mr Kaumu added. Rapopo Plantation Resort Manager, Darryl Viray said, “We are excited with this partnership.  It would be a pleasure to showcase our resort domestically and internationally.  Our motto is “to strive for excellence”. Viray added that Rapopo was the first in PNG to be awarded as 2018 Trip Advisor’s Best of the Best Hotel in the South Pacific and also Trip Advisor’s Travelers Choice awardee from 2015 – 2021. Air Niugini’s Destinations Loyalty Program was launched in August 2009 as PNG’s first Frequent Flyer Program with currently over 123,000 active members. Please visit the Air Niugini Destinations website www.destinations.com.pg for more information on similar partnerships with other hotels and organisations in the country and how you can earn more points.

Newcrest Lihir is using a new training simulator to boost its Heavy Equipment Operator training program and to ensure that trainees and operators learn and practise skills in a safe environment. Senior Specialist – Mining Systems, Yanzan Aki, said the new simulator, PRO4-B, is optimised for surface mining and comes with different kits for various equipment training. So far, 40 employees have gone through the practical simulator training for shovels, diggers and haul trucks using the PRO4-B. “PRO4-B training simulator has a curved, seamless 180-degree visual experience, allowing trainees to view hazards and external objects expected in actual operations. It also gives trainers control to view and administer training sessions. Essentially, the simulator allows for current virtual mine site views, which can be updated regularly to depict the actual mine environment,” Mr Aki said. Mine Trainer Philip Libai said the simulator is enhancing the training process, making it more robust and efficient, and is assessing trainees at a level deemed competent for heavy equipment operations. “Another good thing about the new model is it offers training schemes that can be effectively tailored to meet specific site operating practices and requirements. The data it captures is also important because we can use it for improvements that will enable efficiency,” Mr Libai explained. Superintendent – Production Engineering & Planning, Noven Giuna, said the simulation-based operator training approach is also improving training delivery in Lihir. “Previously, we used real machines or fleets to train new hires, and that was challenging, especially with production targets to meet every day. As a result, new hires went through a prolonged training program,” he said. Mr Giuna praised site (Lihir) and Newcrest corporate teams for ensuring that PRO4-B training simulator got successfully launched despite several COVID-19 pandemic challenges. He said Lihir Mine department’s training approach reflects Newcrest’s strong commitment to promoting safety, production and reliability. “The new model is providing safe and efficient training for new trainees and allowing current operators to do refresher trainings. As a business, we are empowering our local people with exportable skills using latest training platforms,” Mr Giuna highlighted. “Newcrest continues to bring in new technology for training purposes to Lihir to help our people be their best in their roles. Ultimately, that makes us a safe and sustainable business operating in Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Giuna.

One of the major challenges limiting the growth and expansion of innovative enterprises in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is lack of skills and knowledge, author of PNG NRI’s Spotlight Volume 14, Issue 10, says. Innovation using new technology and methods of production requires knowledge, skills and capital, but many entrepreneurs lack these inputs, says Dr. Elizabeth Kopel, PNG NRI’s Informal Economy Program Leader and Senior Research Fellow. “This partly explains the lack of diversity in activities, leading to oversupply, strong competition and poor sales which are recurring themes. This evidence raises the need for policy interventions to be strategic and holistic, from different entry points to address a range of different issues simultaneously,” she stated. “A good starting point for intervention to promote innovation and diversification would be to support informal enterprises established by trained people with specialised skills and those with a spark of originality.” These enterprises are most likely to grow, become sustainable and transition to formal SMEs; thereby, contributing to achieve the SME policy target of reaching 500,000 SMEs by 2030. Other challenges, highlighted by Dr. Kopel, that limit these enterprises include: lack of finance, shortage of technical and material resources and need for better access and connectivity.