The United States is providing immediate emergency assistance to communities affected by Mount Ulawun volcanic eruptions through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID is providing US $500,000 (1.85 million Kina) to meet immediate humanitarian needs and assist displaced families in safely returning to their homes when permitted by the government of Papua New Guinea. This contribution supplements existing USAID-supported disaster preparedness programs, through which USAID partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM) immediately deployed disaster response experts to assess evacuee needs in support of provincial authorities in West New Britain and East New Britain. Since November 20, multiple eruptions from Papua New Guinea’s Mount Ulawun Volcano have resulted in five deaths, affecting over 24,000 people and displacing over 16,000 people to evacuation centres in East New Britain and West New Britain provinces. Ash plumes rose at least 15,000 meters from the volcano, with lava and ash fall harming oil palm trees, water sources, household gardens, and properties in nearby areas. U.S Embassy Chargéd’Affaires Katherine Monahan expressed delight in being able to provide assistance. “Leveraging our humanitarian expertise, the United States is pleased to answer the request of our partner, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and support its efforts in response to eruptions at Mount Ulawun.” Long-standing USAID investments in disaster risk reduction programs in Papua New Guinea and throughout the Pacific are ongoing throughout the year. Since 2013, USAID has been assisting IOM in strengthening community-based disaster risk management planning, disaster preparedness planning, and safe shelter assistance. Recently, USAID provided US $500,000 in critical relief items such as shelter and water tanks in response to the Mount Bagana eruption in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The US military provided critical equipment and transportation to assist in the last-mile delivery of emergency relief to thousands of people in hard-to-reach areas at the request of USAID.

TotalEnergies EP PNG Ltd (TEP PNG) as operator of the Papua LNG Project, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG Unitech) for a tertiary scholarship program. The Unitech Scholarship program will be available to third-year students in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, Applied Physics, Communication for Development, Geographical Information Sciences, or a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture beginning in 2024. The first phase of the program will be open to 25 high-achieving students and will cover full tuition, round-trip airfare, full board and lodging, book allowances, and stipends. In addition, consideration will be given to students from the project areas in both the Gulf and Central Provinces, which are open to all Papua New Guineans. This was part of Papua LNG's National Content strategy to improve the skills and competencies of all Papua New Guineans in order to increase their employability for future projects and contribute to the larger PNG talent pool. The Project is committed to becoming a significant contributor to the country's workforce development in accordance with one of three key pillars: Promoting Employment and Training of Papua New Guinean Citizens. Building on its existing partnership with Unitech, senior executives from TotalEnergies, including Project Management, visited the campus in Lae earlier this August and were given a tour of the school of Engineering, including meetings with the various Department Heads. Additionally, TEP PNG donated six laptops, Cisco wireless controllers, routers, firewalls, and two VoIP phones to the institution in order to foster this relationship. Jean-Marc Noiray, Managing Director of TEP PNG, described the event as a watershed moment for both Unitech, as a beacon of higher education, and the Papua LNG project.

Amazing Port Moresby is expanding into the lucrative Chinese tourism market in a groundbreaking initiative to boost tourism and economic opportunities, with the city's efforts to attract Chinese visitors advanced significantly as it prepares for the inaugural flight from Guangzhou on December 20th. On November 23, the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop convened a critical meeting at Seoul Restaurant with key stakeholders such as the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chinese Association, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), tour agencies, and Amazing Port Moresby. This gathering was a watershed moment in the city's journey to becoming a popular tourist destination. This ambitious endeavor was made possible by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023 between Amazing Port Moresby and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). The MoU was centered on the development and promotion of the city's brand, "Amazing Port Moresby," as a multifaceted tourist destination, as embodied by the tagline "Million different journeys in one destination." The extensive dialogues held by Governor Parkop and Prime Minister James Marape with the Guangdong Government of China have contributed to the realization of this vision. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by China Southern Airlines is scheduled to make its symbolic inaugural flight to Jacksons Airport on December 20th. Governor Parkop shared the exciting news with representatives from the Chinese Association in PNG, the PNGTPA, and other key stakeholders during a meeting. He revealed that 40 Chinese government officials would be on board the inaugural flight, emphasizing the significance of this momentous occasion. To highlight the country's connectivity, an Air Niugini charter flight will take visitors to Alotau before returning to Guangdong. Governor Parkop emphasized the significance of making a good first impression on the visitors. He emphasized that Guangdong, with a population of nearly 127 million people, is an industrial powerhouse. He also mentioned that China ranks high on the World Tourism Index and Port Moresby's strategic location to Asia, as well as its proximity to Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Island nations, makes it an ideal destination.

More gold medals will be decided on Saturday as some of the team sports close off their competition. Taniela Rainibogi, Fiji's flagbearer at the opening ceremony, secured three weightlifting gold medals in the men's 157 kilogram category to lead his country's jump on the medal tally. Fiji were at 13th spot on Thursday with two gold, 11 silver and nine bronze but claimed four gold on Friday to climb up the ladder. Paralympic table tennis player Merewalesi Roden also claimed a gold in her final match, adding to Fiji's tally. But New Caledonia added another 14 gold to their tally from swimming, karate and archery. They raked in six more gold from karate on Friday. The way it is looking New Caledonia should be celebrating another top of the table finish next weekend as the Pacific's best. Australia, who was invited along with New Zealand to participate at the Games some years back, continues to hold to second spot ahead of Samoa. New Zealand also made their presence felt on Friday, jumping from eighth to sixth on the medal tally. They claimed a number of gold medals, their biggest from super heavyweight lifter David Liti. He battled Samoa's Enele Mao of Samoa in the 109+kg category at Maranatha Hall. Liti emerged as the champion, bagging the gold medal lifting 182kg in the snatch, 223 kg for the clean and jerk, and a total of 405kg in his first Pacific Games victory. "I am very happy; this is my third Pacific Games appearance and my first time to have won gold. I am super thankful for my coach and team," he told the Pacific Games News Service. "I am also thankful to the Samoa weightlifting head coach, Jerry (Wallwork), because you always bring out these new boys from Samoa, and they are always very good, and that's what keeps me having my honest work, and I don't like to relax too much." Iuniarra Sipaia of Samoa claimed three gold medals in the women's 87+kg senior category, and also won the Oceania Champion title with a 107kg snatch lift and 145kg for the clean and jerk. Competition ends on Saturday in football, rugby sevens, basketball and volleyball. That should bring in some exciting final clashes. Source: rnz.com

Two new Pacific Games swimming records were set on Thursday at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara as the 2023 Pacific Games rolls towards it first full week of competition. The day also saw 24 gold medals won and New Caledonia's dominance in the pool being disrupted again, although they continue to advance in their lead at the top of medal tally. New Caledonia's hold at the top increased overnight with their gold medal haul at 32 and their total haul of medals now standing at 80. Australia keeps the second spot with 23 gold and Samoa retains third overnight with 18 gold. A new Pacific Games record of 50.05 seconds was set by Cook Islands' Wesley Roberts in the men's 100m freestyle, breaking the record of 50.44 second, set by Stephane Debaere at the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby. [caption id="attachment_47585" align="aligncenter" width="1071"] Cook Islands swimming record breaker Wesley Roberts with his medal haul. Photo: Team Cook Islands[/caption] New record holder Roberts told the Pacific Games News Service it was a moment to savour. "I saw the record and one of the guys said that I didn't owe him $10 if I broke the record, so that was a bit of extra incentive but, again, everyone showed up tonight, which makes it more that more special and you want to get the job done. Me and my coach put a plan together and it paid off," he said. "I thought I could go close, my PB (personal best) was underneath the record, but you still have to get it done on the night and I was able to PB so that's the best time I've ever swam for the 100 free, so that's also really special and exciting and I'm just glad I could get it done for the Cook Islands." The second Games record was from New Caledonia, who clocked 1 minute and 39.24 seconds in the mixed 4 x 50m freestyle relay. They broke their own record set at the Pacific Games in Samoa, which was 1 minute 39.79s. Fiji claimed silver and Samoa bronze in the event. Other swimming winners In the women's 100m freestyle, Samoa's Olivia Borg claimed a new record and won her second gold medal for the night, stopping the watch at 58.60s. New Caledonia's Malou Douillard finished second with a time of 58.83 seconds and Fiji's Anahira McCutcheon (59.54) Borg picked up the gold in the women's 50m butterfly event as well with a time of 27.83 seconds, finishing ahead of New Caledonia's Lillie Freulon (28.01) and Douillard (28.30). The double-gold winner said she was not expecting the wins but was excited. "Honestly, I'm over the moon. I was not expecting this at all but I couldn't be any happier right now," she told Pacific Games Media. "I came into the Games just to have fun and so coming out with four golds is just amazing. I wouldn't have thought of it and I'm lost for words, but I'm just really happy. "Obviously coming here to represent my country, being here with all the other Samoan sports as well just means a lot, having the support by my family, and this is my first Pacific Games as well so I'm enjoying every single moment and I'm representing my family as well." Young Fijian Kelera Mudunasuoko won gold in the women's 100m breaststroke. The 16 year old Nadi student clocked 1 minute and 13.01 seconds in her gold swim aead of Cook Islands' Mary Connolly and New Caledonia's Manon Baldovini. Ethan Dumesnil of New Caledonia comfortably secure gold with a time of 24.31 seconds in the men's 50m butterfly. Federated States of Micronesia's Tasi Limtiaco took gold in the men's 100m breaststroke, with a time of 1 minute and 3.60 seconds. More medals are at stake in today's (Friday's) last events for swimming [caption id="attachment_47586" align="aligncenter" width="1069"] Kelera Mudunasuoko (middle) with her gold medal flanked by her fellow competitors Cook Islands’ Mary Connolly and New Caledonia’s Manon Baldovini. Photo: Team Fiji[/caption] What to expect today Weightlifting closes competition today along with archery. Medals will be decided in both competitions. Bastketball and volleyball are also entering their second last day of competition. Fiji and Samoa are dominating in sevens rugby at the National Stadium. The two Pacific giants are tipped to make it to the finals in the men's and women's competition but also face tough opposition from Tonga, the Solomons and Cook Islands. Fiji Rugby 7s men's team defeated American Samoa 55-0 in their first pool match while the Fijiana women's side beat Wallis and Futuna 29-0. Solomon Islands recorded a 22-5 win against Cook Islands in the women's competition, while the men's team had a 34-0 victory against Tahiti and a 29-0 win over Wallis and Futuna. In other women's matches Tonga thrashed Nauru 51-0. In the other men's matches Samoa beat Tuvalu 21-14 while Tonga hammered Nauru 46-0, with Papua New Guinea winning 62-0 against Tahiti. Karate enters its second and final day with medals on the table. Singles and mixed doubles events continue in tennis, while the women's and men's doubles begins today. Golf, sailing, table and football also continues. In football Tonga and Samoa will face off in their final pool, followed by Fiji v Solomon Islands. In the men's Cook Islands face New Caledonia Northern Mariana Islands takes on Tahiti. Finals in the event will be held on Saturday. Source: rnz.com

During a recent meeting hosted by the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) at Lamana Hotel, speakers and representatives spoke of issues affecting their various sectors and departments. Among those present was Mr. Kinsella Geoffrey, Executive Director for the National Training Council (NTC) and while presenting updates and recommendations on the National Training Policy 2022-2032, he spoke of mining labour improvements in relation to education. “One of our key aims of the movement of mine function to DHERST, in terms of registration of private training provided, is to ensure conformity and standards – that is the same skills, knowledge and teaching must be provided when it comes to private training.” “We want the same standards maintained whether you are in a public school or a private school.” Mr. Geoffrey further elaborated on how the NTC endorses resource projects to become more involved with the community. “NTC seeks within resource projects, their employment and training committee on behalf of the Department of Labour. “We chair these meetings, and in those meetings we push for these resource projects to not only train their staff, but to also get involved in the community, especially to those who are impacted by the mine.” “They must also provide scholarships or funding for training institutions for the host province.” He also stated that these mining companies must utilize the resources, programs and institutions within Papua New Guinea before sending individuals overseas for further training.

During the 12th graduation ceremony of Rarongo Theological College, East New Britain Province, renowned national figure Sir Moi Avei gave a motivational speech to the graduating class. Prominent attendees, parents, and the forty-five graduating students were present at the event on Sunday, November 19th when the 76-year-old Sir Moi Avei enthralled the audience with his powerful works. Renowned for his wisdom, integrity, and commitment to serving the country, he underlined the importance of the graduates' chosen paths while applauding the graduates' diligence and fortitude. “The future is yours; take it with both hands. Your success in making a difference is now entirely in your hands. Your parents will expect a tangible return from their investment.” Sir Moi Avei related his personal experiences, discussing the challenges he had faced and the lessons he had discovered along the way. He emphasized the significance of upholding one's moral principles and using education to further the common good. He commended Miriam Moses, a young woman from Milne Bay who successfully completed her Master’s Degree in Theology. Two other young women also graduated with diplomas in Theology. "In the years to come, I hope to see more of your sisters’ graduate with flying colours. Our forefathers heavily involved female participation in the economy," he said. The occasion saw the graduates receive their certificates and awards in theology but in respective different programs.

The Education & Training Sectoral Committee of CIMC (Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council) hosted its first meeting of 2023 on Thursday, November 16th at the Lamana Hotel. According to CIMC the meeting aimed to gauge updates on the government’s plans and initiatives in the education sector. Acting Secretary of DHERST, * was among those present. He addressed the quality and standards of in higher education and presented updates on plans implemented to improve higher education in the country. “I established the National School Development Agency with the intention of engaging the private sector into our TAFE and technical colleges and universities.” “The reason being the material and programs taught in these institutions were not relevant to the industry and it was out of date – from the 19th century.” “By law each TAFE or technical college must have people from the industry on the council to influence the policy making and must participate when developing the curriculum.” “Since this was implemented, I am pleased to report that this initiative is working well.” Professor Czuba added that the country is lacking quality high education and has not undergone much upgrade. “The system is supposed to guarantee a lot of quality graduates however, the system of education we inherited since independence is still the same.” “We have the PNG National Qualification Framework but it hasn’t been implemented yet.”

Bilum Books is currently in St. Francis Highschool in Nuku, Sandaun Province training a total of 166 Elementary School Teachers, with last week seeing 89 teachers receiving training. The teaching was all about instructing young children to read & write in English, in line with the National Department of Education’s (NDoE) English syllabus for Grades 1 & 2. Bilum Books Director Ray O’Farrell further elaborated on the training which was carried out in the beginning of this year. “This workshop explains the importance of Language Learning Strands in the PNG Syllabus: Speaking & Listening, Reading & Comprehension, Phonics, Common Words and Writing.” “We also explain how to use the Bilum Books Skills Based Curriculum, English Teacher Guides and Student Activity Books.” “Each school was given an allocation of books so that these teachers can return to their schools equipped with the training and the books to implement what they were taught.” The training and books are provided for under the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE), an agreement between the PNG Government and the Australian Government; managed by Abt Associations PIE and supported by the NDoE and the Provincial Divisions of Education (PDoE). O’Farrell added that the same training has been carried out in other provinces as well. “Currently, we are in Sandaun, but PIE has also been rolled out in Central, ARoB and Enga.” “Next week we will train similar numbers in Telefomin and Tekin.” So far a total of 3200 teachers have received training in 23 courses held in the various provinces.

On Monday, November 13, at 11:50 a.m. local time, the first group of Team PNG athletes and officials touched down at Henderson International Airport in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Leading the team was Chef de Mission Faye-Zina Lalo, who was greeted with warmth by His Excellency Moses Kaul, the Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands. When they arrived, Lalo and Ramona Padio, one of the flag bearers, were the first to be welcomed by the High Commissioner. 119 athletes and officials took the two-hour flight over. Lalo said PNG as the bigger nation in the Pacific is pleased to be part of the Games this year and help to make it a success through its participation. “Like the other nations at the Games this year, we will be doing our very best and we hope to finish high on the medal tally.” The women's football team captain, Padio, will be going for their sixth straight title and defending her gold medal from the last Pacific Games in Samoa. She affirmed her faith in her team and promised to put in a lot of effort to see their objective through. Senior members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, who are currently conducting operations in Honiara, were also present at the welcome party. Alongside them was Ase Boas, 2015 Pacific Games rugby league 9s gold medallist and former PNG Kumul five-eight player. Before the competitions start, the teams will use this week to settle in and complete their last training and preparations. The National Stadium on Honiara will host the opening ceremony for the games on November 19.

Anslom, PNG reggae singer and songwriter is on the rise thanks to the strong support of international reggae artists such as Aston Barrett Jr. of The Wailers, Big Mountain's lead singer Joaquin "Quino" McWhinney, and Third World singer AJ Brown. Anslom looks set to become PNG’s first international reggae superstar, with work currently underway on a 12-track album with The Wailers and a world tour with the Wailers and possibly other reggae greats like Maxi Priest, Big Mountain, and Third World in 2024. Not only is Anslom being recognized internationally in the world of reggae, but the PNG government is beginning to see how Anslom’s music can have a direct impact on the country’s tourism industry. Anslom was grateful for the support given by the National Government through the National Gaming Control Board. “This support will go on to promote PNG on the biggest tourism platform ever done before, via music because music is universal and far reaching.” When the album is released, Anslom's popularity will provide Papua New Guinea with a huge platform for tourism; this is a topic of discussion that has begun between Anslom's management in PNG and the USA. While on a familiarization tour in New York and Florida, USA, Anslom and his PNG producer, Emmanuel "Toxicmahn" Muganaua, are creating cutaways for music videos for the new album featuring The Wailers. Anslom's management in PNG and the USA have also cancelled all of the tours scheduled for the end of this year with a strategic focus on finishing the album with The Wailers The album with ‘The Wailers’ is songs about positive messages and spirituality. Meanwhile Lead singer of Third World, AJ Brown was looking forward to working with Anslom and stated that Anslom was poised to become a major player in the recording industry worldwide.

The Beatles have made a record-breaking return to No. 1 on the UK charts with their latest and “last” song “Now and Then” becoming the country’s top single. Released on November 2, “Now and Then” debuted on the UK’s Official Singles Chart at No. 42 the following day. Just over a week later, on Friday, the melancholic tune reached No. 1. The Beatles set a new record coming back 60 years and six months after their first UK No. 1, “From Me To You,” in May 1963, according to Official Charts, beating Elvis Presley’s span of 47 years and six months. It also comes another record-breaking 54 years after the band’s previous No. 1 hit, “The Ballad of John and Yoko,” in 1969 – overtaking English singer-songwriter Kate Bush’s 44-year gap between 1978 song “Wuthering Heights” and 2022 song “Running Up That Hill.” “BEATLEMANIA IS BACK,” wrote Official Charts in a joint Instagram post with The Beatles on Friday. Paul McCartney, the band’s bass guitarist, told Official Charts on Friday, “It’s mind boggling. It’s blown my socks off. It’s also a very emotional moment for me. I love it!” “Now and Then” features the sound of every member of the British rock group, including the vocals of the late John Lennon decades after he wrote it, as well as a guitar solo from the late George Harrison. This was a feat thought not to be possible after Lennon died in 1980. He wrote and recorded the song at his home in New York City in the late 1970s, and his wife Yoko Ono gave the demo to the remaining Beatles members in 1994. It took almost 30 years and the help of AI to complete the track. At the ages of 81 and 83 respectively, McCartney and drummer Ringo Starr have made The Beatles the oldest band to claim a UK No.1 single, according to Official Charts. “Now and Then” is the fastest-selling single of the year so far in the UK, with 48,600 physical and download sales in its first week, as well as 78,200 combined UK chart units across sales and streaming. The Beatles have the most No. 1 singles in the UK, with 18 – with only Elvis Presley in the US having more (21), according to Official Charts. Source: CNN News