A close call for Sali Inuga from Central Province as she nearly lost her life from a deadly Taipan bite but was quickly prevented, thanks to St John Ambulance’s mobile intensive care crew. The incident occurred in Sali’s village along the Magi Highway when Sali was attacked by a Taipan snake while she tending to her garden. Due to the snake bites’ high fatality rate, Sali’s life was already hanging by a thread. She was brought to Kwikila Hospital in critical condition, the clinic doctor and HEO sprang into action, administering anti-venom to counteract the venom's effects. But Sali's breathing was severely already compromised by snake’s venom, and she needed immediate advanced care to survive. Recognizing the urgency, the doctor at Kwikila Hospital called for help from the St John Ambulance mobile intensive care ambulance team crew. Two ambulance units rushed to the scene, equipped with a doctor, paramedic, and two ambulance officers. The challenge was daunting with Sali’s breathing at a rate of 40 breaths per minute. The snakebite venom had already caused partial paralysis of the muscles used for breathing. She was in a life-threatening respiratory state called hypercapnia. Unable to move properly, bleeding and agitated, she needed a risky medical procedure called rapid sequence intubation to take over the function of her breathing and keep her airway open. Dr. Arabella Koliwan stated that the procedure was complex and time-sensitive requiring skill and precision. “We have a very small window of only about 30 seconds to secure a breathing tube in her lungs, hence the St John doctor and paramedic had to act swiftly.” After a painstaking hour to resuscitate and intubate her at the Kwikila district hospital, Sali was stabilized and ready for transport. The St John team, along with the ambulance officers, ensured she received the meticulous care she needed during the difficult 2.5-hour journey from the district hospital to Port Moresby General Hospital. Meanwhile, Sali's husband, who anxiously waited at Kwikila Hospital, boarded the ambulance determined to be by her side. Throughout the journey, he witnessed the unwavering dedication of the St John medical team as they provided vital support to his ailing wife. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their commitment to saving her life. This rescue is just one example of the exceptional care provided by St John Ambulance and highlights the benefit of the mobile intensive care ambulance team – which provides entirely free care to all Papua New Guineans in NCD, Central and even parts of Gulf province. Snakebite emergencies are unfortunately common in this region, and St John Ambulance responds to hundreds of cases of snakebite each year. An estimated rate of 1,000 Papua New Guinean’s lose their life each year from snakebite – which is a preventable and curable condition. Snakebites not only have physical consequences but also cause emotional distress for the victims and their families. The dedication of the St John Ambulance team extends beyond emergency response. They conduct snakebite awareness programs in communities, educating people about snakes, and teaching first aid management. Through their first aid training programs, they empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognize snakebite symptoms, apply appropriate first aid techniques, and seek prompt medical assistance. St John’s collaboration with hospitals, provincial health authorities and medical professionals ensures that patients receive timely and specialized treatment and Sali’s life being saved was a testament to the importance of swift medical intervention and the unwavering commitment of these healthcare heroes.

Women and girls studying at the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences now have a new 40 bed accommodation facility. The thoughtfully designed student accommodation will provide a safe and supportive environment, allowing more women students to live and study on campus. The University also hopes the improvements will encourage more students to choose to become doctors and clinical practitioners through this school and persevere through to graduation. Funded by the Australian Government through an Incentive Fund grant, the accommodation will cater for 40 female students including those living with a disability. The facility has lounge areas, solar-heated hot water systems and kitchens. Australian High Commissioner Mr. John Feakes affirmed Australia’s support. “Australia is committed to investing in high-quality infrastructure that supports PNG’s objectives to improve education and health outcomes for Papua New Guineans, the bedrock of economic growth and prosperity.” The design process included extensive consultations with female clinical students to ensure that it aligned with the School of Medicine and Health Sciences' national Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy. It also reduces overcrowding in existing accommodations and will serve women undergoing medical residency. Secretary for National Department of Health, Dr Osborne Liko at the opening ceremony acknowledged Australia’s contribution stating that the much- needed accommodation will now cater for the growing number of female students enrolling in the medicine and health sciences programs. In 2001, Australia provided the University with an Incentive Fund grant to support capacity building in distance education across five UPNG open campuses nationwide, followed by a second grant in 2006 to deliver specialized training for nurses. Incentive Fund grants help eligible organizations improve service delivery and create economic opportunities in PNG, primarily by building essential infrastructure. Schools, health clinics, commercial buildings, markets, and other places may fall under this category.

Ependa School of Evangelism in the Southern Highlands is determined to take in its 8th batch of students despite the tension and rumors of tribal conflicts as the school shares the border with a tribal fighting zone. Evangelist David Paki who was present to witness peace negotiation talks between the warring tribes from the wards of Map, in the Karints Rural LLG and Tente 2 in the Mendi Urban LLG, voiced his concern regarding the situation however, he was still optimistic about the school’s continuation. “The warring tribes have been using high-powered guns when fighting.” “The conflict lasted for a few days, but amount of damage inflicted was great – there were a lot of deaths in neighboring villages and burnt huts – because of this, peace negotiations were initiated.” “It was the innocent people caught in between the conflict who took the initiative to call for a ceasefire which resulted in the leaders of both parties and their allies agreeing to a temporary truce but how long that will last, we’re not sure.” “However, due to the nature of the school’s program, even if the fighting happens, we should be alright.” Currently the school is financed only on fees paid by the students. “If you or someone you know is interested in attending Ependa School of Evangelism, please let us know.” “If you could sponsor any participants or otherwise assist us in cash or kind that would be greatly appreciated.” The next group of students are to be recruited on Monday, February 12th for the school’s two-week intensive program which will end on the 23rd. For information, anyone may contact Evangelist David Paki on Phone/WhatsApp: +67574781935 or email: davidpaki@yahoo.com.

This Monday, the Remington Group announced the names of the candidates who have been successful in their applications to join their 2024 Technical Apprenticeship and Graduate Development Programs. Megan Bega, Chris Kuras and John Anthony were the successful applicants selected after a long and comprehensive screening process, with well over 200 expressions of interest being received for the Graduate Development and the Apprenticeship Programs. These three graduates will be attached to Remington’s Group Shared Services team on a rotational basis, working closely with our several business units, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of the business. Meanwhile, the Technical Apprenticeship Program will be taken by Esron Thomas, Leslie Pombo, Tonar Olk and Jack Kalogo who will be joining Remington Technology and FX Business Centre Service Teams as Apprentice Service Technicians. Remington Group’s CEO Peter Goodwin congratulated the candidates on their selection and commended their work ethic. “Their success marks the beginning of a transformative journey for them, and I am confident they will contribute significantly to our shared success.” “Welcome aboard, future leaders!" The programs are developed to provide an opportunity for recent graduates from universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to receive hands-on training and learning experience by providing them with exposure to both corporate and technical spaces. The trainees are then matched with an industry expert. Group HR Manager for Remington, Christopher Membung stated that both programs provide a pathway into building a meaningful career for successful applicants, if they commit to hard work and persistence. The Remington Group programs have attracted some of the best candidates that Papua New Guinea has to offer in their chosen fields of study.

Four (4) ATMs in Mendi Town were vandalized on the morning of Monday 5th February. This recent act of vandalism will see a total of 17 BSP ATMs damaged across the country since January 2024, further disrupting the BSP’s ability to offer banking services to the communities in Mendi. BSP Group General Manager Retail Daniel Faunt has expressed disappointment over the actions of individuals who damaged all four ATMs that were operational at the time. “It is disappointing to see that the damage has been made by members of the community with little regard to the needs of the broader Province.” “BSP is the only bank offering banking services, with an ATM access.” “BSP will use all necessary avenues available to hold all perpetrators accountable.” Faunt called on the Community Leaders, the people around Mendi town and Southern Highlands Province to work together, protect and support the banking services offered. “BSP does all it can to provide services to customers and non-customers alike around PNG notwithstanding the cost of doing so.” “This responsibility is carried by BSP disproportionately with other banks choosing only to operate where it is profitable to do so." It is understood that customers can still access cash from BSP Cash Agents and EFTPoS merchants. However, the destruction of the ATMs will continue to disadvantage the people of Southern Highlands.

King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, says Buckingham Palace. It is not prostate cancer, but was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. The type of cancer has not been revealed, but according to a palace statement the King began "regular treatments" on Monday (GMT). Buckingham Palace says the King "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible". He will postpone his public engagements and it is expected other senior royals will help to stand in for him during his treatment. No further details are being shared on the stage of cancer or a prognosis. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who has been at Waitangi Day celebrations, took to X to wish King Charles "a speedy recovery" on behalf of New Zealanders. The King, 75, returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk on Monday morning (local time) and the palace says he has commenced treatment as an outpatient. Although he will pause his public events, the King will continue with his constitutional role as head of state. He is expected to continue to meet UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak weekly and will also continue to receive and review official red boxes of government paperwork. There is a constitutional mechanism for when the head of state is unable to carry out official duties - in that circumstance "counsellors of state" can be appointed to stand in for the monarch. At present that includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew no longer to be called on as non-working royals. Prince William had also temporarily withdrawn from public engagements while he helped his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, as she recovered from "abdominal surgery". But it was announced earlier on Monday (local time) he would return to public duties later this week. The Duke of Sussex has spoken with the King and will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, BBC News has been told. The King was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds. He had a prostate procedure at a private London hospital more than a week ago. The King had chosen to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks, the palace said at the time. He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in issues about prostate conditions. For many types of cancer, the chance of getting it increases with age. UK figures suggest, on average each year, more than a third (36 percent) of new cancer cases were in people aged 75 and over. ​Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished the King a "full and speedy recovery", alongside Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Source:rnz.com

Four ministers and their respective secretaries have been tasked this week by the Prime Minister to immediately come up with an implementable plan to begin mobilizing the youth of the country. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has directed that this plan be drafted and be ready for launch by the end of next month with a submission to Cabinet in the next three weeks. Minister for Community Development, Jason Peters; Minister for Commerce & Industry, Win Daki; Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government (LLG) Affairs, Soroi Eoe; the new Minister for Administrative Affairs, Richard Masere; as well as respective departmental heads and the national statistician have been asked to work together to come up with a workable set of strategies that can address the increasing youth bulge in the country. PM Marape has urged the leaders to look at engaging the Public Service branches in the districts right down to the Ward levels to immediately register all young men and women of the ages of 15 years to 40 years as the first step to implementing the plan, while a Cabinet submission will also be made for a National Census this year. The PM called the meeting with the ministers, departmental heads and the national statistician on Tuesday afternoon to trigger some action within this long-neglected area of Youth Development, which comes under the Department of Community Development. A major concern coming from the Department for Community Development highlighted at the meeting was the need for an effective mechanism that could create pathways for youth development, directing young men and women into focus areas of government such as MSMEs, Agriculture and the renewable sector. Strategies being considered are the full engagement of churches into the program to help develop character among youths, the establishment of a national youth service for the same purpose, and the creation of pathways into employment and self-employment. Under the recently-launched Medium Term Development 4, the National Government has pledged to create a million jobs over the next five years and hit a K200 billion economy also by this time. Secretary for Planning, Koney Samuel said on Tuesday that his department must now work with the Department for Community Development to relook at the National Youth Policy and try to have it capture what is contained in MTDP4. A team is currently working on the National Compulsory Service Program within his department. Marape wants all PNG youths to be registered through the NID, mobilized through conducting the National Census, and into becoming police, defence force and CIS reservists. A labour mobility program is also currently being negotiated with Australia for PNG youth to work on farms in Australia. PM Marape stated that the events on the January 10th in the nation’s capital was a signal to the government that it is not conscious and actively doing something to address this increasing youth bulge. “Government must work to find the solutions for society. If not then we are all wasting our time,” “We want to link the youths to become economically productive. Our definition of employment is that our youth must become productive.”

While most state schools throughout the country have already started their 2024 academic year, the same could not be said for Utmei Secondary School, who has deferred its registration for two major reasons: issues with water & electricity and urgent dormitory renovations. Utmei Secondary School’s Administration told PNG HAUSBUNG that currently the power and water supply issues are being addressed. “The school’s electricity supply has been out since September 2023. PNG Power is presently working on restoring it, which should happen, hopefully by the end of this week or next week.” “We only have a generator set as our power source.” “As for water, the school gets its water supply pumped from underground.” “We’d like these two issues to be fixed before we start the school year. By next week, classes should resume.” Additionally, the boys’ dormitories are currently undergoing renovation. In regard to the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy, the school stated that they had problems receiving the GTFS fees from 2023. “In term 3 and 4, we did not receive the full amount – normally we receive over K200, 000 in subsidy, which was in term 1 & 2, however in term 3 & 4 there was probably a miscalculation and we received only K36, 000 (third quarter) and K80, 000 (fourth quarter).” “These financial setbacks from last year have since affected us till now.” Registration according to the school’s administration for 2024 starts and ends as follows. • Saturday (3/02/2024): Grade 9s & 11s (Boarding students) • Sunday (4/02/2024): Grade 10s & 12s (Boarding students) • Monday (5/02/2024): All day students

In marking this year’s International Day of Education this week, ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG), the operator of the PNG LNG Project, emphasised the importance of investing in education to drive economic empowerment for all Papua New Guineans. Through partnerships with its stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, the company aimed to compliment policies implemented by national and provincial governments and also support school and teacher programs in an effort to build strong foundations for learning and development. ExxonMobile PNG’s partnership with Hides Gas Development Company Ltd (HGDC), Hela Provincial Government, Hela Education Services, and the Department of Education, led to the recent opening of a new science laboratory at the St. Pauls Komo Catholic Junior Day High School in Komo, Hela Province late last year. As a result, the school was elevated to becoming the first secondary school in Komo. Chairperson and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG, Tera Shandro, spoke on the importance of education in communities. “Educational investments can transform lives, strengthen families and communities, and financially empower individuals.” “For these reasons they are a key pillar of our social investment strategy in PNG.” “The new Komo science laboratory will now provide opportunities that were previously unavailable for more than 400 students to learn in fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).” “We believe this will not only enrich their studies but also open new career opportunities for them.” Komo LLG President and Hela Deputy Governor, Charles Haluya supported ExxonMobil PNG and other development partners in developing education in the country. The St. Pauls Komo Catholic Junior Day High School science lab is just the latest example of ExxonMobil PNG’s long-standing commitment to strengthening education in Papua New Guinea. Since LNG Production commenced in 2014, the company has invested more than K18 million in educational initiatives ranging from refurbishing and building classrooms and teacher housing, to teacher training, to the supply of books, sports equipment, and educational materials across its Project areas.

South Pacific Brewery’s Port Moresby brewery was pleased to announce that on Friday 19th, January 2024 reached a significant milestone of 1500 accident-free days. This accomplishment demonstrated SP Brewery’s commitment to a safe working environment. SP Brewery’s Safety Manager, Geraldine Makui congratulated the POM Brewery team and reminded them to continue to prioritize safety. “I’m thankful for the POM Brewery team for your commitment to safety." "Let us continue to commit to and improve workplace safety to make sure we all go home safe each day.” To commemorate the day Safety Chat and reward and recognition were held to remind the team of their journey and commitment to safety.

As the academic year draws near for most schools in the country, Ependa School of Evangelism in Southern Highlands; not your regular academic institution has already begun training its students. According to Evangelist David Paki, classrooms were constructed the in 2021 and completed construction in 2023. Once the classrooms were completed, he started the training in May 2023 and has continued into 2024. Depending on attendance, the school trains between 5-20 students from the highland’s provinces and Morobe Province. Mr. Paki said this two-week intensive program that takes place every month, was created with the intention of teaching interested individuals on how to prepare and present well-structured sermons to an audience. “Many laymen who are passionate about preaching lack theological education.” “Therefore, when it comes to presenting a prepared sermon, they become confused and unsure where to begin – anyone who is interested, I gather them together and help them prepare sermons.” Mr. Paki added that the people who attend his school come from all walks of life. “Although my initial target audience were laymen seeking training, people from different backgrounds, ages and careers started attending as well.” “We’ve had teachers, villagers, tribal war lords and drug addicts attending; and it has also become sort of a rehabilitation centre as well.” When asked about challenges, Mr. Paki mentioned that finances are an issue as he relies solely upon the K200 fee students give, which in turn pays for their food and keeps the school running. He is also the only instructor teaching his students. Yet despite these challenges Paki and his students remain enthusiastic. Mr. Paki stated that once the students leave, they spread the word, encourage others to attend and sponsor those attending. “There’s been a steady increase of people who are educated to a degree within the country; therefore, the standard of sermons presented must also increase to meet the demand of the people.” Mr. Paki added there’s been a growing interest towards his program and people from other regions are interested in establishing similar institutions both within the country and overseas. He is also working on a textbook for his program.

The United Church of Papua New Guinea (Highlands Region) recently held their 14th Children & Youth Ministry Convention under the theme: I HAVE COME TO RESCUE MY PEOPLE, in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province. The weeklong program started on Tuesday 2nd of January and ended on Saturday the 6th, which included guest speakers from various parts of the province and a peace march within the tribal fighting zone. An approximate total of one-thousand young people who attended had come from many different highlands’ provinces including Simbu, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands, Enga and Hela. Regional Coordinator, Reverend Sam Topsy, further elaborated on the program’s theme and its message on the lives of young people. “Our theme was taken from Exodus 3:8 (ESV) [... I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey...] where it talks about God rescuing and delivering his people.” “The message to the youths was that we are part and parcel of the Lord’s rescue mission – wherever you go you must be involved, and we also encouraged young people to get into institutions that enable them to partake in the Lord’s rescue mission.” “The Lord is here now to deliver his people, so he needs a vessel to be used, like Moses in the Bible. We are valuable in the Lord’s work both here in the country and in other parts of the world.” Rev. Topsy related the message back to the circumstances that people in Southern Highlands have faced regarding tribal fights which contributed to a lack of development and services. “The location where we hosted the convention is a fighting zone, and they have been fighting for so long, and because of this conflict there are no education and health services reaching the people – people clash over trivial matters –they do not know or understand the gospel well, therefore they need to be to be rescued from spiritual death.” “Once that happens, we will see services reaching the people.” He also thanked the Member for Mendi Munhiu, Hon. Raphael Tonpi for his financial support and provisions towards the program and says his actions perfectly captured the convention’s theme of rescue. Meanwhile Superintendent Minister and Convention Host, Reverend Sao Tapun commented that in spite of costs gained from the program, the rainy weather and walking distance, the people enjoyed the event. “We started off well and we finished off well, there were no accidents, no deaths – people opened their hearts to receive God’s word and souls were saved.” Notable speakers mentioned included Chaplain of the University of Goroka, Rev. Daniel Paraide, Regional Evangelist, Weston Kuling, and National Evangelist, David O’Paki.