In a response to a series of questions regarding the “Connect PNG Infrastructure Development Program” raised by various Members of Parliament including member for lalibu Pangi, Peter O’Neil, the Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim gave a progressive update on the floor of parliament today. Minister Mirisim said, since their government took office in 2019, they developed the 20-Year Connect PNG Program to immediately deal with the threats of the growing deferred maintenance that would require K45 billion in replacement costs. “At the same time, we want to meet the countries future demands by embarking on a long-term vision to connect the entire country with 100% road connectivity by 2040.” He said, to date, approximately 3, 500km, which accounts for 21% of the total 16, 200km of strategic highways, have been upgraded to a good condition. This achievements represents over 38% of the phase 1 target of 4, 200 km. The government has spent a total of K2.2billion over the last 4 years on the main highways, almost 50% of the total expenditure at K1 billion on the 60% share of projects funded by loans and donor grants, including the ABD funded 10 years highlands highway improvement program. He said the uninterrupted implementation of the 20-year program is supported by sufficient funding guarantee, and the program targets and the funding annual allocation of 5.6% of the annual budget, are legislated by an act of parliament. “We are not running the Connect PNG on an ad hoc basis as many assume, but we are doing so in full compliance program limits provided by the act of parliament.” He further stated that, they are 100% focused on increasing road access and connectivity by upgrading, expanding, developing and maintaining the existing 16, 000km of road as well as constructing the major missing link roads of 1, 800km. “Only in this way will we, as a nation, connect the unconnected, reach the unreachable and unlock economic potential in the landlocked regions identified in the vision 2050.”

The up-and-coming football club, East Coast Football Club (FC) recently received a timely financial donation of K12, 500 from the FX Business Center on Tuesday this week. The East Coast Football Club, under the leadership of Managing Director Shannon Andrew, has emerged as a pioneer in junior football development in PNG. With a focus on nurturing young talent through partnerships with schools, the club aims to elevate the standard of football in the country and establish strong international connections within the sport. Mr Andrew expressed his pride in this partnership, stating, "I'm extremely proud that our club is the first football organization in PNG that is focused on junior football development, with a vision to compete at the highest level and to establish international partnerships.” “This sponsorship from FX Business Centre empowers us to revolutionize the way football is perceived in PNG, and soon the Pacific." Andrew added that ECFC is passionate about football excellence and is fortunate to have corporates like the Remington Group and FX Business Centre supporting its vision, providing confidence in the sporting code in PNG. FX Business Centre is an important member of the Remington Group of Companies. The Group is well known for its commitment to supporting the growth and development of future generations of Papua New Guineans through education, sport, and other learning activities, and recognizes the potential of youth football in fostering positive change in communities. CEO for Remington Group, Peter Goodwin said, “We do our very best to stay in touch with things that matter to Papua New Guineans the most and one of the things that matter to Papua New Guineans, is the future opportunities for their young people and children.”

Star fullback Latrell Mitchell has been named as the new captain of the Indigenous All Stars for Friday night's All Stars clash with the Māori. The 26-year-old will take over captaincy duties in what will be his sixth All Stars appearance after last year's skipper and Rabbitohs teammate Cody Walker was ruled out due to a calf injury. A proud Biripi, Wiradjuri, Worimi and Gumbaynggirr man, Mitchell said the All Stars competition and opportunity to lead his teammates 'means everything' to him as a player. "To lead my people is an honour that I don’t take lightly both on and off the field," Mitchell said in camp this week. “This week we celebrate our culture and get to go and express that in front of the whole nation. This is much more than a game to us. "I feel content, I feel like a lot of things are going right and it has been really good to come into this camp and express who I am and fill the cup up for the rest of the year." While Mitchell has captained the Rabbitohs on two occasions in 2022, Friday will be his first experience leading the Indigenous All Stars but coach Ronnie Griffiths knows his side is in good hands. “Latrell is a pillar in our community, his work away from the limelight is unheralded," Griffiths said. "A magical player who will go to the nth degree to make sure the All Stars camp is a success and leave a lasting impact in community.” Source: NRL.Com

The Central Province now has a representative on the NCDC Board. Acting Provincial Administrator Edward Kila was sworn into office last month at the City Hall Boardroom by Senior Magistrate Peter Balus from the Waigani District Court as required by the NCDC Act on the composition of the NCDC Board and relating to the representation of the Central Provincial Government. In a simple but significant swearing in ceremony Mr. Kila vowed to represent the people and the government of the Central province truly and willingly on the NCDC Board. Mr. Kila said, “We (Central and NCD) are divided by provincial boundaries otherwise we share the same landmass which we need to develop.” “We have many things in common and I am glad that Central province is having a say in the development of the city.” City Manager Ravu Frank in welcoming his Central Province counterpart said, the participation of the Central province on the NCDC Board through the Administrator is required by the NCDC Act and it resonates the emphasis on good working relations between NCD and Central province. “With the representative from Central province in the board now, I am already assured of a productive working relationship with the management for prudent results in service deliveries and developments in the city.” The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy NCD Governor and MKA Chairman, Dadi Toka Jnr and the Member for Moresby North East John Kaupa including the executive management of NCDC. The Deputy NCD Governor is looking forward to a closer working relationship with Central province on development issues affecting both provinces and having a direct input from Central province will add detail and value to discussions. He said, it’s an indication of two government bodies working together and the Central Provincial Administrator being part of the NCDC board is a timely intervention. “Involvement of people with calibre of such brings to the Board and NCDC quality and experience and we look forward to his participation on the NCDC Board.” The Central Provincial Administrator joins the 3 open members of NCD and the Motu Koita Assembly Chairman on the NCDC Board under the Chairmanship of the NCD Governor Powes Parkop. Representatives from Motu Koita, women, settlements, youths and the trade unions are pending appointment to complete the composition of the board.

Prime Minister James Marape recently expressed the Government's stance on the potential vote-of-no-confidence against his leadership, as the National Parliament is set to reconvene today. Emphasizing respect for the democratic process, he, however, criticized what he termed “frivolous and opportunistic” attempts to undermine his administration. PM Marape highlighted the opposition's intent to propose a no-confidence motion following the expiration of the 18-month grace period last Friday. “We will respect those who want to initiate a vote-of-no-confidence against my leadership,” he affirmed. He underscored the importance of adhering to the due process under Section 145 of the National Constitution, which governs the procedure for a no-confidence vote. “The due process will facilitate those who want to invoke Section 145 provisions of our National Constitution.” He also announced that the Pangu Pati National Convention has urged a closer examination of Section 63, related to the invitation to form a government, and Section 145 of the Constitution. This approach aims to ensure that any no-confidence motion is based on substantial grounds rather than being motivated by short-term political gains. “This is so that only serious proposals emerge instead of ‘frivolous and opportunistic’ attempts.” Furthermore, the government plans to reinforce the role of the Parliamentary Opposition, enhancing the democratic dialogue within the legislature. In a reassurance to the economic sector, Prime Minister Marape affirmed the stability and longevity of the current government, encouraging the business community and investors to have confidence in the government's continuity. “I assure investors and the business community that the Government is stable and is here to stay.” Additionally, Marape appealed to the populace to trust the political process to their elected officials, cautioning against the distractions of social media and public dissent. “I also urge our people to leave politics to politicians.” He further stated that, “They must realize that MPs are mandated by their people to be in Parliament, and they should not be wasting time playing politics on social media and on the street.”

Titans forward Jacob Alick has withdrawn from the Indigenous All Stars squad due to an ankle injury. The Titans released a statement saying that the 24-year-old back-rower had suffered a syndesmosis injury at training on Thursday and would miss the match in Townsville. The PNG international has begun rehab as he works to return for the start of the NRL season. New Cowboys skipper Reuben Cotter has ruled himself out of the Harvey Norman All Stars match due to recent head knocks. Having starred for the Indigenous side in 2021 and 2022, the Australian representative made the difficult decision to withdraw from next Friday's match, being played on home turf at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. While disappointed to miss out, Cotter said he didn't want to risk missing Round 1 of the season after suffering several head knocks last year. "I had a couple of little head knocks towards the back end last year. That’s the main reason why, I just didn’t want to put myself in that position," Cotter told media on Thursday. "And looking at it from a club perspective I want to be there in the opening rounds. "I still might be involved if they want to have me and I’ll go in and see the boys." Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam will also miss out on his chance to represent the Indigenous All Stars due to a niggling groin problem. "I just had to manage my load a bit," Mam said this week at a media conference to announce his new five-year Broncos deal. "It is just a little niggle in my groin. It really is not too serious. "I will be back on the field at the end of the week." Source: NRL.Com

The Sea Eagles have extended back-rower Ben Trbojevic for a further three years, through to the end of the 2027 season. Since making his debut in 2021, the 22-year-old has played 26 games for Manly after coming through the Sea Eagles Pathways Program. After capping 12 first-grade games last season, Manly coach Anthony Seibold said Trbojevic is pushing for a starting spot in 2024. “Ben has already made further strides forward this pre-season. He is pushing for a starting position as it stands,’’ Seibold said. “We want to reward Ben not only for the improvement in him but also where we think he can go to over the next three years. "By extending Ben out for a further three years, it means we have got guys like him, Tolu Koula, Haumole Olakauátu, Taniela Paseka, Josh Schuster, as well as Jake and Tom Trbojevic, all here for the next period of time." Source; NRL.Com

The rising law and order issues and service disruptions in the country have muted business confidence. This is according to BSP Financial Group’s Quarter 4 of 2023 Pacific Economic & Market Insights report. BSP’s Group General Manager for Corporate Banking, Peter Beswick, said “The sequenced depreciation of the PGK/USD mid-rate beginning in May, added to the unease in the business community, with questions being raised on whether the timing was right for the PGK/USD depreciation in 2023.” The Business sector outlook grew optimistic towards the end of Q4 2023, as news of Porgera mine’s recommission and signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Papua LNG in 2024 sparked positive business sentiment. Mr. Beswick added, “the events that transpired on 10th January 2024, severely impacted business sentiment and serves as a reminder of the rising law and order issues PNG face, as the lack of employment opportunities, continuing urban migration and rising cost of living create a focal point for unrest.” He further outlined that there are emerging concerns of political uncertainty, as the vote of no confidence becomes permissible in February and remarked that whatever the outcome, government must work towards repairing business confidence and deliver on their announced “Black Wednesday” relief package. Mr. Beswick concluded that the signing of the Papua LNG FID will be important in boosting business morale and be the trigger point for an extended investment super-cycle for PNG.

Routine Immunization is everybody’s responsibility! As the country aims to reach the immunization coverage target of 65% by the end of this year, the National Health Department, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other donor partners this week launched the Routine Immunization Took Kit to educate more Papua New Guineans on the importance of immunization and to also, bring the coverage rates up. National Department of Health Secretary Dr. Osborne Liko stated that Immunization is one of the most beneficial and cost-effective public health interventions available and is a key to primary health care: saving lives from vaccine preventable communicable diseases that affect primarily children. Therefore, immunization service provision is one of the most important preventive health activities conducted by the National Department of Health. “Papua New Guinea has faced the challenge of suboptimal Routine Immunization (RI) coverage for too long.” “The fact that only 50% of our children received the essential vaccines last five years is a matter of great concern.” “It is imperative that we recognize the barriers that have led to this situation and collectively work towards overcoming them.” “However, despite these challenges, we must also acknowledge the progress we have made in immunization.” Measles Rubella, Polio and Vitamin A campaign conducted last year reached about a million children below 5 years of age with these essential vaccines and Vitamin A, which is 71% of the total children below 5 years of age. “With the support of partners, we were able to expand cold chain to over 92% of health facilities (800+ HFs) and we used real time reporting of MR campaign through use of mobile application from all provinces.” Additional vaccination drives are planned in 2024 to reach missed children with routine vaccines. Child Health Record Book (CHRB) has been updated and 600,000 copies have been printed for distribution nationally, so that these are available to end user free of charge, which will further facilitate efforts to improve routine immunization. NDoH Acting Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Manger Martha Pogo, said with the aim to reach the coverage rate of 65% by this year, the country should have targets to archive to measure the team’s performance in immunization to see if they are lacking behind or on target. “So, by 2030, we should have a coverage rate of 80%.” “Now we are in year 2024 and we should be 65% but we are currently at 40% so that means we are behind.” She said that, with the launch of the Routine Immunization Tool Kit, this will be the key tool to help them advocate and roll out the routine immunization program. Parents and care givers are the target population that need to be educated in order for the child to be vaccinated. “Many parents believe in differing norms and don’t get to see that immunization saves lives, and we are talking about our kids here, and that needs to be addressed so that parents and care givers bring their kids in for immunization.” The tool kit covers a range of items which includes, a new Child Health Record Book, vest, shirt, bag, umbrella to advocate the importance of immunization.

The 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Football Conference successfully ended on Monday 5th February in Port Moresby with an intense 2 days of NRL education and assessment delivered by Matt Harrison of AFS Group, which resulted in the candidates receiving the first ever Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNG RFL) Sports Medical Trainer accreditation. This demonstrates the importance of game administration and our clubs’ commitment to players’ safety and their wellbeing. The conference opened with Franchise Managers participating in a 2-day workshop focusing on commercial opportunities, financial reporting, shared standards setting, compliance, governance, player safety and player welfare and policy improvements. The Head Coaches Conference from February 2nd - 3rd was facilitated by Joe Grima, Manager of High-Performance Coaching, to educate coaches on how to utilize technical and tactical coaching, the game analysis system, standard setting, pathway development and live coaching which included observing the Hunters’ interclub trial match on Saturday. “I am really pleased that the recent two-day Digicel ExxonMobil Cup coaching workshop was highly successful, with enthusiastic engagement from our coaching staff.”   The provided materials, coupled with follow-up opportunities, promise a lasting impact on the PNG coaching program. Our coaches' commitment reflects a dedication to continuous improvement within our game in PNG, especially pleasing if we become the NRL 18th Team,” Grima said. The purposefully designed conference provided the clubs with the greatest opportunities to prepare for the 2024 season and encourage club professionalism. Mr Tony Archer, Competition Governance Manager, said, “This conference is a demonstration of the importance and investment that the game is making in driving club professionalism in our competition to improve the standards.” “This is the first step in ensuring that we work closely with our clubs, develop the skills and opportunities for all within the game.” “We place players’ safety, coach development, and strong franchises at the forefront of our ambition to achieve club professionalism in our Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition in 2024.” “Our clubs have been provided with education and tools that are equivalent to the NRL.” Meanwhile PNGFRL CEO Mr Stanley Hondina said, PNGRFL is constantly striving to improve the standards of the game across the country. “This conference is a part of how we provide opportunities for those in rugby league to improve as coaches and managers, but also as people.” “We are focused on family and the community, that we will provide our players a safe environment through training.” “The large infrastructure investment in game analysis, medical infrastructure and improving the sustainability and strength of our clubs links directly with our strategic objectives.”

The Divine Word University has kick started registrations for the 2024 academic year on Monday 5th February at the Madang Campus. Divine Word University President Father (Fr) Philip Gibbs, emphasized the importance of registering to become part of the university and how students can actively participate because of their commitment. “You are making a commitment that for a certain time you will commit yourself to something. Today we start registration for 2024 at DWU.” “By putting your names and paying fees you are committing yourselves to the next four or five years and the University by accepting their names and their fees is committing itself to you,” Fr Gibbs said. Vice President Academic Affairs, Prof Iwona Kolodziejczyk in welcoming the students said the academic journey they are about to start with the registration marks a significant chapter in their lives, one that is laden with opportunities for intellectual exploration, personal development, and the cultivation of critical thinking skills. She said the university experience is not merely about acquiring information, however, it is about fostering a deep understanding of diverse subjects, honing analytical abilities, and embracing the challenges that accompany intellectual inquiry. “Throughout this academic year, our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing you with a rich and engaging learning environment.” “Our rigorous curricula are designed to challenge and inspire, encouraging you to push the boundaries of your understanding and think critically about the world around you,” Prof Iwona said. “As you embark on this academic endeavor, remember that success is not solely measured by grades, but by the depth of your engagement with the material you will study, your commitment to collaboration, and your resilience in the face of academic challenges.” We encourage you to make the most of your time here, both inside and outside the lecture room.” She encouraged students to get involved in student organizations, engage in research, participate in extracurricular activities, and take advantage of the numerous resources available. The registration will run from 5th to 9th February with the launching of the Academic year on Friday.

A joyous moment for students and teachers of Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School in the Hula village, Rigo District of Central province after receiving their newly built double classroom donated by John Swire & Sons Ltd (Swire) through the Swire Philanthropic Fund. John Swire & Sons Ltd is a privately held company with a long association with PNG through its shipping arm, Swire Shipping, and for the last 50 years as a major shareholder in flag-carrying local conglomerate, Steamships Trading Company Ltd. Finance Director of Steamships, Michael Scantlebury, shared that this project was a collaboration between Steamships staff and concerned members of Hula Village. “Steamships has a long-standing relationship with the Hula Community which formed out of our staff regularly visiting this area for kite boarding. Through this recreational activity, we learned of the plight of this school. This began conversations to explore options for how we could contribute towards the school’s redevelopment. Eventually our proposal was supported by Swire, who asked Steamships to lead the delivery of the project on their behalf.” Months of community engagement and planning were followed by building construction which started in November 2023 and completed on 31 December. In accepting the keys to the new classroom, Kilavigi Ruga the School Board Representative of Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School thanked Steamships and Swire for recognising the need within the community. “For many years, we’ve experienced funding challenges to carry out the repair and maintenance of our school classroom, but out of that difficulty, we’ve received this blessing. The partnership with Swire and Steamships enabled us to implement the changes required since the education restructure and improve our school facilities for the benefit of our children.” The total project value is K250, 000 which covers a rural double classroom with teachers’ office space in between, 30 students’ desks, 2 teachers’ desks, chairs and shelves, blackboards and pin boards and freight, cartage and building contractor costs. Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School is the first beneficiary of the Swire Education Infrastructure Programme (SEIP) fully funded by Swire and implemented by Steamships. The objective of the programme is to provide access to basic education for school communities in PNG through the provision of education infrastructure. This programme aligns to the major outcome areas of the National Education Plan 2021-2029 supporting the government’s agenda to provide adequate school infrastructure to cater for the education structure change and infrastructure providing environments that are conducive to learning.