December 1st marks World AIDS Day and it is during this time the people reflect on the risks of contracting this deadly disease and also the support for those living with HIV, and it's a time to also reflect on the efforts to reducing it and charting ways forward to protecting the people from it. For Papua New Guinea (PNG) the commemoration of World AIDS Day is a time to also reflect on the number of people living with the disease, where PNG has a total record of 77, 000 people living with HIV/Aids since the first detected case in 1987. According to National Department of Health (NDoH) National STI/HIV Program Manager Dr. Nano Gideon, the majority of the people infected are young, the productive age group ages 15-49 years old. These are people who are capable of contributing in various sectors towards the development of the country and the future of our nation. It is estimated that about 6, 700 new infections occurred in 2023, or about 18 new infections per day. And the annual number of deaths is not showing a decline. 1 out of every 100 pregnant women who are tested for HIV is HIV positive. The government has been committed since 2010 to provide free HIV medicines, test kits and condoms for prevention unlike other countries. PNG has over 300 HIV testing facilities and more than 160 ARV treatment facilities in all the provinces. PNG has a record of over 45, 000 people who are on ART and alive and are productive to the country. “Resource allocation has been very challenging. We need to archive National health Plan “95-95” by 2030. And that means, 95% of people who are positive within our population must know their status. They must come and do a blood test.” “The new testing kit that we are using can do two tests. It can test HIV & Syphilis together. So, once they are positive, 95% of those must be receive ART. At the moment we are reaching about 80%.” Dr. Gedion said, they will not know if someone is HIV positive unless they take the test. He is urging everyone to get tested to know their status or if they are exposed to the risk. “Testing should be among the key population and the young people. As well as anyone who wants to get the test because they are exposed to the risk. Knowing one’s status is calling for earlier detection and prevention.”

Attainment certificates were given to a total of 345 students from the Kiunga Technical Vocational Training Centre (KTVTC) in the Western Province's North Fly District. The Kiunga TVET held its 46th Conventional and Second National Certificates graduation on Wednesday November 27th, 2024, which have equipped both men and women in various trade skills for change in the province. These trade courses are Tourism and Hospitality, Refrigeration Mechanic, Carpentry, Welding, Plumbing, Mechanical, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Fitting, Auto Electro Mechanics, Commercial Cookery, Business Administration as well as Flexible Open Distance Education, providing a second chance of education to students. The graduation ceremony saw 287 receive certificates in trade courses while 58 students successfully completed their FODE studies Grade 10 and Grade 12. Speaking at the event, Kiunga TVET Centre Manager Andrew Yima congratulated all in their achievements in their education journey. He said the technical institution needs improvement in its teaching and learning facilities with more financial support so that students in Western can received quality education. “Financial support from organizations within the province helped completed this academic year. North Fly MP’s Scholarship Program, Middle Fly MP’s Scholarship Program, Star Mountains Education Foundation, and Nima Ara Women and Children’s Association under Waitri CMCA Trust region. Thank you all.” Mr. Yima said. He further said more funding support is needed to train and equipped students in this technical institution within the province. Both the graduands and continuing students have been urged to contribute meaningfully to the development in the province with skills and knowledge gain from technical institution. Graduand Cathy Elson, who graduated in plumbing, shared that this trade course is not only for men but women who can also take up pluming among others. “People say it’s a dirty work but in fact it is not. Like other trade courses, it is good. I wanted to work in male dominated field when I’m employed so we all can contribute for change.” she said. Another graduand Adamson Eki who passed out in Auto Electro Mechanics said Kiunga TVET has been the foundation equipping students in trade since early 1980’s providing job opportunities in local business contractor companies in the province. He encourages other students from Western to make use of education opportunities that are available within the province. Mr. Eki said, “Students make use of technical institution available in our province. Our province has more mineral resources so there’s always chances of trade related job opportunities and Kiunga TVET has provided that skill where now I have achieved my dream to become a mechanic.” Kiunga TVET Centre Manager Mr. Andrew Yima informed students and people within the province that the school administration will continue to negotiate with the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) to recognized and register this technical institution as one of higher technical learning college. Kiunga TVET is one of the largest technical institutions in Western Province, delivering both trade courses and FODE programs aimed at transforming lives and promoting international career opportunities.

The member for Rai Coast and Minister for Labour & Employment Kessy Sawang recently announced the extension of the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) to 2025. Sawang said, the first DWCP was signed in 2008 and the relative consistency in the focus on successive programmes on the key priorities of Labour Law Reforms, Employment Creation, Skills Training Development, and Capacity Building of the institutions of Government’s social partners. “So there has been a consistent team in the Decent Country Work Programme that has come through. I am also pleased that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the government social partners which is the workers and employers’ reps supported my proposal to extend the DWCP 2022.” Minister Sawang stated that under her leadership, she reinvigorated the National Tripartite Consultative Council which was dormant for five years and met three times this year. “Some of the key things we discussed and got approval from the social partners is to extend the DWCP for a year so we can come up with a new one and also review the Minimum Wage after ten years.” She said, though the time frame has been extended, the priorities remain unchanged and that’s to refresh, rearm the team and accelerate the pace of implementation on the priorities that are yet to be completed. Sawang acknowledged the partnership between the Social Partners and the United Nations for their strong and constant support to the many ILO programs that are delivered in PNG. She also challenged the Social Partners and the Government to really improve in the areas such as: : Promote the reform of the Labour Law and labour administration in line with the international standards. : Promote productive and decent employment opportunities, particularly for young women and men, · The Labour Force Survey, · And creating 1million jobs : Promote more effective social dialogue and tripartite cooperation Labour & Industrial Relation Secretary, George Taunakekei, said the decision for the extension of the DWCP is a noble one as it allows concentration, focus and commitment for the team to see it through that the implementation of these priorities are carried out. “The continued commitment and support of ILO to provide technical and policy support is second to none and we are grateful to ILO for the enormous support in resources. We just concluded a long workshop on Social Protection as well as a workshop on fishing for our fishers." "The world of work continues to evolve and our capacity as a government mechanism to deliver continuously faced challenges but with the DCWP platform, we can deliver as one”, said Taunakekei.

Minister for Labour & Employment Kessy Sawang recently announced that the 2024 Minimum Wages Board (MWB) has commenced its work to review the minimum wage in the country. She said, the last review was conducted in 2014 and the MBW are currently conducting hearings from NCD, Central & Gulf province lead by Beverly The Government has allocated a budget of K4.7 million for the MWB of which K2 million has been received. This is based on a 100-day work plan for the establishment, appointment, and the conduct of the 2024 Minimum Wage Board Hearings. Sawang stated, “We know PNG faces considerable development challenges such as high population growth with a significant youth bulge, low labour productivity, high-cost structures and poor health and education outcomes. These are some of the things that have led to unequal opportunities for Papua New Guineans to participate in economic development and to benefit from economic growth.” She added that the Government has not sought to make any unilateral decision on a new minimum wage. There is a process set out in law to review and set minimum wages. It will be the MWB that receives submissions and considers them and makes an informed decision about an appropriate level for minimum wages. It's the MWB’s decision or determination that will be presented to the Government with four months time. MWB Chair lady Beverly elaborated further, stating that with the review underway, it is an open opportunity for employers, employees, workers and the general public to come forward to the board and lay their thoughts on the current minimum wage which is K3. 50. “The Board cannot carry this inquiry without persons that are affected by the minimum wage. We even had the ordinary security guard walk into our hearings to express to us what they are receiving.” She said, apart from the large employers, security guards in NCD are receiving K2.50 an hour, there’s a general consensus for an increase. “We are mandated by the Government to sit and give this opportunity to workers and business houses to come to us and talk to us about what is happening out there. We do not know unless you come and talk to us.” “I’m pleading to all employers, employees/workers to come to the board and speak to the inquiry that we are conducting. We covered NCD in 5 days, then to Central and Gulf province.” She added that, from their hearings to date, there are presentations on industry wages, sectoral wages and whole lot of things that are coming before the board. By next year, the Minimum Wages Board will travel up to Mt Hagen then to Goroka and Lae to carry out the next hearings where they are hoping to complete the hearings by the end of April.

In response to Kiriwina Goodenough and Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa’s question regarding the hold-up to open the rural airstrip on Kiriwina Island, Transport & Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt asked Mr. Tomuriesa to write a formal letter and address what he has done so far so that he can see where the hold up is and address the issue immediately. Tomuriesa said that they were able to complete the airstrip through the District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) funds and help from the Provincial Government. “We have completed the terminal and fenced the whole airstrip." "We got a contractor to roll the airstrip and even got Kasa to down on a hire strip there." "The delay is still there, and our people are still waiting." "Its Christmas now and our people would like to see planes flying into Kiriwina Islands for their benefit.” Tomuriesa added, they have waited for about a year to open the airstrip, and they have fulfilled all the standards. He is now urging the relevant ministry to deal with the hold-ups. Meanwhile Minister Schnaubelt said, “I think if you could formally write to me in relation to what you have done so far and write to me immediately and I will stand with you to see where the blockage is and address it.”

Nineteen (19) new National St. John Ambulance (NStJA) officers graduated on Wednesday 27th November after completing a demanding 10-week Ambulance Officer Level One Course at the new National Ambulance Education College in Port Moresby city. This milestone reinforces NStJA’s mission to serve the nation by providing excellence in emergency care to Papua New Guineans in times of sickness, distress, crisis, or danger, without distinction of tribe, class, or creed. NStA Chef Medical Officer Dr. Mangu Kendino said the 19 new officers will immediately join the team, working alongside seasoned ambulance officers to gain on-road experience and on-the-job training while responding to calls in both urban and remote areas. “Now that your part of the NStJA team, this is a critical time (festive period) and emergency medical care is quite expending and diversifying and we need to do more, and you will be there as the first responders.” Dr. Kendino stated that this course was not only prepared to manage emergency but it's also about instilling the qualities in teamwork that define a true professional, and that's to create compassion, teamwork and determination. “You have completed a challenging journey. One that's tested your knowledge, your skills and your resilience. You're ready to step into a role that carries immense responsibility and an opportunity for you to make a difference.” She encouraged the graduates to continue to look crisp as they did on their graduation ceremony and congratulated the 19 graduands on their achievement. The new graduates are poised to make an immediate difference, enhancing the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s jurisdictional ambulance service to deliver life-saving care to communities across the nation. The training program combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience, including managing medical, trauma, and psychological emergencies. Recruits also participated in parade drills, bootcamp-style training, and physical fitness activities to instill discipline, teamwork, and the endurance required for the challenging role of an ambulance officer. Additionally, they completed an advanced safe driving course for emergency responders to ensure they can respond safely to emergencies under varied and often challenging conditions. Matt Cannon, Chief Executive of NStJA said, “These new officers are now ready to serve Papua New Guinea as they step into their roles as Trainee Ambulance Officers. They have been rigorously trained to respond to emergencies, stabilize patients, and ensure they receive timely care. This is critical in a country where access to emergency services can mean the difference between life and death.” NStJA continues to play a pivotal role as the government’s jurisdictional ambulance service, ensuring the public receives professional and timely emergency medical care. Cannon also acknowledged the vital role of the National Ambulance Education College and its trainers. “Our ambulance education team has done an outstanding job in delivering high-quality training that prepares these recruits to meet real-world challenges. Their efforts are shaping the future of emergency care in Papua New Guinea.” The program’s success has also been made possible by the generous support of key partners, including ExxonMobil PNG, which funded the Ambulance Operations Centre, the National Government, and the National Department of Health Emergency Medicine Office. These collaborations ensure NStJA continues to expand its services and provide critical care to Papua New Guineans. Further support from the Australian Federal Police through the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP) has enabled NStJA paramedics to develop in-house ambulance educators, strengthening the organization's long-term capacity to train and mentor new recruits. The graduates are stepping into a vital role, serving communities in moments of crisis, from remote villages to busy urban centres. Their training ensures they are ready to respond to emergencies, uphold NStJA’s values—Care, Agility, Respect, Excellence, and Service above Self—and support the health of Papua New Guineans.

The Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) PNG 2024 pageant hosted its sponsors night over the weekend on Saturday 23rd in Port Moresby city, to thank and acknowledge all the sponsors for stepping up and supporting the ten (10) strong young women who are set to embark on the incredible Miss MBoP PNG journey. MBoP Deputy chair lady, Rubie Kerepa thanked all the sponsors for their unwavering support that has enabled ten beautiful women to come on board and inspire other young girls out there watching. “I want to thank all the sponsors for believing in the cause and thank you for gracing your hands to support our young ladies. I know that it is difficult now, we all know what our country’s challenges are going through but to come on board and dig deep into your pockets to support a cause that's not just about beauty but a platform that advocates for our children, especially those living with disabilities,” stated Kerepa. She said, the MBoP platform is also an avenue to support the young women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education. And just within a year, Kerepa stated that they have heard and had a lot of amazing stories and are excited about the pageants future and where it is headed. “We are committed to making sure that we give more potential and more opportunities for more girls to come on board and take this further.” She encouraged the ten contestants saying, “As you pursue your dreams, you are not forgetting the other little/young girls at the back. The miss Bird of Paradise is about uplifting each other up.” Kerepa acknowledged all the sponsors supporting the young ladies and also thanked KPMG for administering the MBoP account and Hannah’s Beauty Box for their hair and makeup. The ten contestants are as follows: · Miss Michaelyne Marum as Miss BNN Foundation 2024 · Miss Natalie Mwayawa as Miss Edible Planets Limited 2024 · Miss Caitlen Latumahina as Miss Kumul Communications Limited 2024 · Miss Getta Kambar as Miss Datec 2024 · Miss Christy Leslie as Miss Hannah’s Beauty Box 2024 · Miss Nevielly Kavop as Miss Popular Travel 2024 · Miss Yasmine Tabogani as Miss DataCo 2024 · Miss Jan-Khyara Sitapai as Miss Simberi Gold Company Limited 2024 · Miss Jerry Joyce as Miss IBS University 2024. · Miss May Torowi Hasola as Miss Paradise 2024

Central Governor Rufina Peter has reaffirmed that her government is committed to Integral Human Development through investments in the educational, physical, and spiritual development of her constituents. The latest one being the K1 million presented to Sir Moi Avei, the Chairman of the Metago Working Committee, for the advancement of Phase 2 of the Metago Theological Bible College. The presentation took place on Wednesday November 20th, 2024, at the college site along the LNG corridor in Central Province. The source of funding is the PNG LNG Provincial Development Levy. This funding is a critical step in fulfilling Governor Peter’s vision of investing in institutions that combine theological studies and academic excellence, fostering leaders equipped to serve both church and community. The Metago Theological Bible College is strategically located to benefit the province’s growing population and the surrounding LNG communities, underscoring the province’s dedication to empowering its people through education. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Peter highlighted the significance of theological education in setting and shaping the moral values of society in the current environment of increased and widespread violence and breakdown in law and order faced by many Papua New Guinean's nationwide. “With the issues and challenges facing the country today, we will start to expect the visibility of churches in contributing to addressing these bad behaviors while looking inward at the lives we live as an individual as a testament of our faith," said the governor. "The church really needs to stand up and stand out and say this is what we can contribute, the church really needs to stand firm and be the beacon of hope for all. It comes down to everyone doing their part; from the parents at home to the community we live in, our workspace and ultimately the church and the Metago Theological Bible College will be a beacon of hope and opportunity for Central Province, cultivating spiritual leaders and scholars who will contribute to our province’s growth and development.” The K1 million contribution is part of a larger plan to enhance the college’s infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories, and a library. This funding builds upon the achievements of Phase 1, which was completed at a cost of K6 million. The upcoming Phase 2 requires an estimated K17 million, with efforts underway to bridge the gap. Speaking on behalf of the working committee, Hiri Koiari MP Keith Iduhu shared an overview of the project’s progress and aspirations. “This project is a testimony of faith and perseverance. While Phase 1 laid the foundation, Phase 2 presents a tall order, but we are making progress. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to our vision,” he said. Former politician and elder statesman, Chairman Sir Moi Ave, thanked Governor Rufina Peter and the Central Provincial Government for the generous contribution which is a blessing for the Metago community and for the province at large. The investment made by the Central Provincial Government is not just an investment in infrastructure but in the lives of future leaders who will spread the light of knowledge and faith throughout communities. The project’s Phase 2 will build upon the foundation laid during its initial development, ensuring that the college meets national standards for theological education. The province continues to navigate the opportunities and challenges brought by resource development in the LNG corridor, and initiatives like the Metago Theological Bible College serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing economic progress with social and spiritual enrichment.

With only three (3) weeks of matches left in the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) tournament, week two (2) of the competitions ran smoothly this weekend as the ladies played their best to secure spots on the ladder. In the women’s division pool-1, Bomatu FC beat Kula FC 1-0 in a close contest and FC Mix Tribe closed off another game with a win against Galea on Saturday 23rd November 2024. Bomatu FC came off to a good start and had more ball possessions but were fended off in many goal attempts after strong defence plays from Kula FC blocking their attempts. Both halves of the match saw no promise for the teams to secure any points in the game but after a silly foul was flagged by the referee in the last minutes of the second half, Bomatu took the advantage and secured their first win of the season through a penalty shot. Meanwhile, reigning champions FC Mix Tribe came out victorious again after taking down Galea 2-0. Despite the burning sun, both teams played their best. Galea FC put up a good fight by only allowing FC Mix Tribe to score two goals in each of the halves. After round one of the competitions, the women’s pool-1 progressive ladder is as follows: 1-FC Mix Tribe 2-Galea 3-Kasamadagi 4-Bomatu 5-Kula 6-28 Plus

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has responded to the Prime Minister’s concerns about his prudent management of K100 million in his provincial budget. ESPG Bird stated, “Unfortunately, I don't read the PMs public statements anymore because they are mass produced and quite frankly, not worth reading. So, I missed this one until someone pointed out that I should respond. Apparently, I hit a raw nerve somewhere to attract the ire of the PM.” “Unlike PM JM, I believe in transparency and good governance. So when project funds come to the province we ensure they are spent in the right places.” He said, the Provincial Government does not have the luxury to misappropriate funds and pass a supplementary budget to legalize the misappropriation at the end of the year. Thus, they also hardly receive any PIP funds, but when they do, Bird stated that he insists on Public Servants using the funds for the benefit of the people following the Public Finance Management rules, so funds are not stolen or misappropriated. ICAC made a statement earlier this year that up to K5 billion a year of public funds is misappropriated in PNG annually (The National, September 26, 2024). “Thankfully that misappropriation did not occur in ESP”, said ESPG Bird. “Just this week, the Ombudsman Commission directed an investigation into a payment listing that looks a lot like ‘thank you’ for political support costing the country over K250 million.” “I wonder how often this practice has occurred under the management of our good PM?” “PM JM knows very well that the work of MPs is oversight, not micromanagement. Implementation is the work of the Public Service. It's not my job to award contracts, supervise work or raise cheques.” “Perhaps because he is micromanaging the country, he expects all MPs to do the same. Some of us are trained in management, we know where the boundaries are, I have never once interfered with the operations of any public servants in ESP” “I let them do their job. They can be slow, and I don't like it, but I won't give them a list of people to pay.” Meanwhile, Governor Bird said, in terms of service delivery in ESP, the following services need significant improvement. They are: 1. Law Enforcement, 2. Electricity supplies, 3. Water supplies in town, 4. Lack of Foreign exchange, 5. Lack of fuel supplies, 6. Maintenance of National highways He said, “last time I checked, these are all National Government responsibilities: not Provincial.” “On that note, let me say how pleased I am that NEC will be awarding the tenders for our Sepik Roads soon. I hope the tender amounts will be paid into a trust account to ensure the contractors get paid and not have them waiting at DOW for many months to be paid as is the current practice.” “So can the PM kindly spell out which Provincial Government responsibilities we have failed to deliver on?”, said Governor Bird. He further stated that instead of worrying about K100m that they have been carefully ensuring does not get stolen or squandered because of lack of Implementation, perhaps PM Marape should be more concerned about the billions of kina that are going missing every year under his watch. “I also fail to understand how PM JM tries to equate leadership with how much money you can spend. Is he saying that if I blindly spent all K100m I would’ve done a good job? Perhaps this is the practice in Hela province.” "Since it is common knowledge, our good PM is selectively managing all warrants in Treasury and the cash in Finance, I am sure he knows precisely who is getting paid and when," said Governor Bird. “He can start by coming clean on the K250m that is now under investigation by the OC. And perhaps he might care to shed light on how hundreds of millions were paid to Paraka Lawyers under his watch and direction without clearance from the Attorney General, without tender and without contract.” He said, worrying about a province being careful not to waste limited funding without due process should be the least of his concerns. “If anything, he should be pleased that ESPG under my watch respects the rule of law, protects public funds and ensures they are spent as intended, for the public good. Not paying out cronies and political supporters using questionable invoices and documents. Let me repeat, implementation is the responsibility of the line department, in this case the ESPA.” All funds have been committed for expenditure and now that the PM is interested in these funds, I am certain the ESP public servants will make haste in spending the money according to the proper rules and processes. Governor Bird said, his responsibility remains governance and oversight. Not implementation. If the Sepik people had issues with his management of the province, they would not have elected him with an absolute majority in 2022. “I didn't need warlords with guns, intimidation or stuffing of ballot boxes to achieve that outcome.” International donors prefer to work with an honest and transparent government, and therefore, ESPG continues to enjoy the confidence of international donors and partners. “I am proud that even while PNG is regarded as one the most corrupt nations in the world, the ESPG does not share that distinction.

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi stressed that PMGH will assist the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) where necessary to ensure that the newly established Metoreia Health Centre is fully functioning to relieve PMGH. This after clinical coordinators from PMGH, in collaboration with staff from the NCDPHA, conducted a tour of the Metoreia Health Centre, a Level 3 hospital located in Hanuabada, recently. The tour was led by NCDPHA CEO Dr. Robin Oge and PMGH Director of Medical Services Dr. Kone Sobi, who inspected each room, focusing on equipment and facilities dedicated to maternal and child health services. Dr. Sobi commended all contributors to the development of the health centre. “I acknowledge everyone who contributed to making this facility a reality. It is a small step in the right direction for health care delivery in the city and the country as a whole.” “In particular, we are most grateful to the Australian government for funding this project and all leaders who contributed to this development,” stated Dr. Sobi. Meanwhile, Dr. Molumi added that this initiative was to strengthen the patient referral pathway to reduce the load at PMGH. Dr. Robin Oge thanked PMGH for their support and said he looked forward to working closely with the clinicians to improve health services. Once the health centre is operational, it will significantly improve access to health services for the residents of Hanuabada and nearby communities. The tour concluded with a visit to the 6-Mile Clinic to inspect the newly constructed tuberculosis (TB) clinic and ward.

The Indonesian Navy Hospital Ship KRI, Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-911, provided free medical examinations and treatment to many citizens of the nation's capital. The event began on Monday, November 18, and lasted today, Tuesday, November 19, at the old Container Wharf. According to Yohana Alesia Kadakolo, a student working on the ship, the hospital ship visited the Solomon Islands first then went to Fiji, Vanuatu and then to Papua New Guinea. “All Papua New Guinea citizens are welcomed to come here for free general medical checkup or want dental checkup. We visited four countries.” “PNG is the last. So we went to Solomon, second is Fiji, Vanuatu and the last one is PNG.” “So, from here we are going back to Indonesia.” The services include general exams, dental care, CT scan, X-Ray and many more. The navy medical stuff on board attended to the people quickly and effectively while also checking that their needs are met. For the last two days, more than 500 individuals from various backgrounds came to the ship for quick and effective examinations and care. Two mortuaries, separate wards for men and women, more than five surgical rooms, a CT scan, an X-ray, a dental room, and many other facilities are all included in the hospital ship. The hospital ship will depart tomorrow Wednesday, 19 November for Indonesia.