Emmanuel MAIPE

Good news for fuel consumers and the travelling public, Puma Energy has announced that fuel supply should be all good after the government intervened to enable the fuel distributor to access supply of fuel from overseas. “We thanked the prime minister, the Department of Prime Minister, the Treasury and government of Papua New Guinea for intervening with a temporary directive that will enable Puma Energy has the necessary access to foreign currency and financial services,” said Puma Energy Managing Director and Chairman, Mr. Hulala Tokome. “We trust all relevant authorities will work together to meet the commitments outlined in the directives and ensure there are no impediments to ending the rationing.” Following these latest developments, Puma Energy has moved to quickly return to normal the supply of fuel to consumers. “We will continue to work with Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and all relevant government authorities, under the support and leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister, to find long term permanent solutions that avoid disruptions in the future and ensure safe and reliable energy for Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Tokome. “We regret the inconveniences caused during this difficult time and look forward to continuing to serve the community.”

The sacrifices made by our forefathers during times of conflict, especially during the Second World War, should not be taken for granted or forgotten because their efforts brought about the freedom now experiences in the country, which is something that must be protected always. That was the message from the Governor General of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae when commemorating the 42nd Remembrance Day this morning at the Ela Beach Remembrance Park, Port Moresby. The Governor General said that the 23rd of July, the date marking Remembrance Day, is significant to PNG because it was on this day 81 years ago that Papua New Guineans serving under the Australian Army, made their mark in the defence of Australia and its territory, now PNG. “Today, 23rd of July is a unique day in Papua New Guinea’s history. It is the day in 1942 that a 35- men platoon from the Papuan Infantry Battalion for the first time in history, fired on advancing enemy forces at Awala village along Kokoda,” said the Governor General. “We gather here today to remember the sacrifice of these men; these men were simply performing a duty to serve.” Sir Dadae said their involvement in the defence in 1942 is the reason why PNG stands as a modern and rapidly developing nation today. “The foundation of our nation stems from the legacy of those we remember today, and it is our duty to ensure that there sacrifice continues to be remembered and honoured, making their legacy truly become our inspiration,” he said. However, he said the sad thing today is that the freedom that these Papua New Guineans fought for, is taken for granted and not honoured. “I say this in light of the current breakdown and lawlessness in our society today, ongoing ethnic violence in major urban and rural areas, gender-based violence, and official and institutional corruption.” Drawing on the inspiration from these brave Papua New Guineans’ service, the Governor General appealed to the people strictly observe, uphold Christian and ethical values in the communities and with that, he appealed to all Papua New Guineans to denounce all forms of violence, saying that a society that is free of crime and violence is conducive for good economic growth and development. “In commemorating the 42nd Remembrance Day today, may the legacy of our war heroes inspire us to put our country ahead of ourselves and do all we can to strive for lasting peace and harmony for our beautiful nation. God bless Papua New Guinea, lest we forget.” Meanwhile, the 42nd Remembrance Day commemoration was attended by heads of the diplomatic corps, the representatives of international organizations and agencies, and the public. This year’s Remembrance Day these is “Their Legacy, our Inspiration. Lest We Forget.

In light of current fuel supply shortage issue faced by Puma Energy PNG, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) is now calling on the wholesalers and retailers along with the suppliers of refined fuel to increase their coverage in the country, in the national interest of fuel supply security. The ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Paulus Ain said the recent announcement by Puma Energy to ration fuel supplies due to ongoing foreign currency challenges, is unsettling. Mr. Ain said this because the fuel market is open for competition and any new player can enter to join the existing ones in the country and provide the service to the consumers so long as they comply with the import parity prices. So, there is room for other fuel distributions expend coverage. He acknowledged the inherent challenges such as foreign currency exchange challenges that may act against import competition, including any other statutory requirements that may deter the entry of new players. He, however, is adamant that these challenges are manageable. He also acknowledged the efforts of Puma Energy and the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) in addressing the ongoing foreign exchange challenges faced by Puma Energy but said this should be an isolated matter without disrupting the supply of fuel. He said that any non- compliant issues should not be unnecessarily dragged onto the detriment of the consumers. “Whilst we cannot practically address the fuel supply issue at once, we can look at those challenges or barriers within our control and have them removed first. We can then manage other inherent and structural challenges as we go along,” said Mr. Ain. Mr. Ain also called on other government agencies to consider the importance of the country’s fuel supply security, by relaxing or removing any regulatory barriers under their oversight that is acting against national interests.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) as part of commemorating National Remembrance Day this weekend, will be holding a Dawn Service at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby to remember the fallen during times of conflicts and domestic duties. According to the PNGDF, the commemorative service will be in two parts, the first being the Dawn Service and the second part will be the main National Remembrance Day Service at the Ela Beach Remembrance Park. The Dawn Service at Murray Barracks will be conducted to commemorate Papua New Guineans who have bravely lost their lives in military operations and during the campaigns around the country dating back to the second World War in 1942 and the Bougainville Crisis in 1989. The service at the Ela Beach Remembrance Park will be coordinated by the National Events Secretariat (NES) and the Department of Prime Minister. The second part of the commemorative service will be hosted by the Chief of Defence (CDF) Major General Mark Goina and reviewed by the Governor General of Papua New Guinea H.E Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae. The National Remembrance Day will fall on Sunday the 23rd of July. The date is significant because it was on July 23rd, 1942, that a small number of soldiers from the PNG infantry battalion supported Allied forces in attacking a forward party of Japanese troops at Awala in the Kokoda region. This was a historic landmark in the country's history as it was the first time PNG soldiers had engaged in battle on native soil. It is for this fact that the date has become a focal point for this memorial day intended to remember the members of the PNG armed forces who have died on duty in the first world war, the second world war, and subsequent peacekeeping and law and order engagements within PNG and abroad.

An estimate of over 300 Australian Football League (AFL) players from across the country are expected to come together in Port Moresby city for their National Championships in November. AFL PNG Senior Football Operations Manager, Mr. Rex Leka said that the AFL teams from the provincial associations will be coming from all four regions of the country for the event. “Teams from Central province, NCD (National Capital District), Lae, West New Britain and East New Britain will be coming. Mt Hagen is yet to confirm their attendance,” said Mr. Leka. He added that they are expecting two teams each from the associations and that’s about 60 players and officials from each. Mr. Leka said the expenses for the teams to travel to Port Moresby, will be met by the respective associations; however, AFL PNG is looking to assist with the expenses whereby the associations can cover for the cost of travel and AFL PNG to cover for the accommodations. Mr. Leka then also explained that although the month of November has been marked for the AFL National Championship, an exact date for the start of the championship has not been finalized yet. Meanwhile, the National Championship is expected to be an avenue for the selection of players to form the National Teams for both men and women, to participate in the International Cup 2024 in Australia.

The Mahindra brand of vehicles from India will now feature more in the Papua New Guinea (PNG) market following the launching and showcasing of its new pick- up models in Port Moresby on Tuesday. To be distributed by the Boroko Motors dealership, the new models include the Mahindra pick- up single cabin and double cabin variants, Bolero pick- up range and the Supro Maxitruck. The Mahindra range of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) will arrive on PNG shores soon. Boroko Motors Dealer Principal, Mr. Tony Barlow said the vehicle range was designed for conditions similar to PNG and would make an excellent vehicle for business and for private uses. Boroko Motors, part of the WR Carpenter Group, is proudly the official distributor for Mahindra in Papua New Guinea, we are thrilled to be part of this partnership, said Mr. Barlow. This is an amazing brand entering the competitive market of Papua New Guinea. This brand will not only sell, it will excel. Mr. Barlow explained that the reason for Boroko Motors partnering with Mahindra is because the dealership has been inspired by passion, innovation and very deep understanding of transportation needs for people in business and personal individuals across the country in its decades of doing business in PNG. That understanding has been build up through our own involvement in many industries through the WR Carpenter Group and dealing with people all around the country, he said. We know what it takes for a brand and vehicle to be successful here and that is why were thrilled to have Mahindra joining us, with that in mind, Mahindra has the spirit of our company and of this vibrant country. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Inbasekar Sundraramurthi who attended the launching last night, said that it was a great moment for India as well because after a long time an Indian product of such caliber has been launched in PNG. He went to thank the PNG government as well for this launching because it also marks the significant partnership between PNG and India. It shows the exceptional leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, this follows the footsteps of the FIPIC Summit co- hosted by Indian Prime Minister and Prime Minister James Marape, said the High Commissioner. Prime Minister James Marape, who also attended the launching last night, said that this is part of ramping up PNG- India relationship, and went on to say that he hopes to see in the near future more PNG families owning one of these cheap, reliable and environmentally friendly vehicles. Marape also said that going into the future, he would like to see more car dealerships look into the space of greener and cleaner vehicles by looking into the space of electric vehicles entering the PNG market. The official launching of the new Mahindra range of vehicles took place at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby where stakeholders and partners of Boroko Motors attended, including the government.

There is now a new internet payment platform developed by Kina Bank to make payment of bills, mobile phone credit top- ups and electricity credit recharges easier for the people. The ecommerce payment platform called “Pei Beta” is a product of the Kina Bank and is now available on the internet for people to register and enjoy the services that it offers. Speaking at the launching of the Pei Beta payment platform this morning in Port Moresby, Kina Bank Country Head Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Lesieli Taviri, said that the new payment platform is pretty much a free of charge service and is available to even people who bank with the other commercial banks. “It’s an opportunity for us to offer our fee free services to customers outside of Kina Bank, so you don’t have to have a Kina Bank account or Kina issued card to be able to top up your mobile phones or pay for your easy pay,” said Ms. Taviri “It is available to all customers, all they need to do is to create their account, activate account and they will have access to their services.” She said the current services available on the platform include mobile top- up, PNG Power easipay and bills payments; however, she said that they will be adding a couple more new services and features to the payment platform going forward. Ms. Taviri further explained that the Pei Beta platform can also be accessed by people living overseas to make payments here at home. “So, you may have wantoks who are living overseas, instead of them sending you the money to your account and then you pay for your top- up or your mobile phone, they can get on to Pei Beta and they can pay for your mobile phone and top- up there. It’s one step less and obviously its fee free and accessible to anyone, not only Kina Bank customers.” Pie Beta is now available online for people to register by simply going to www.peibeta.com and select Create Account from the Home or Login page to register and create an account.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) members in the city of Mt. Hagen were privileged to learn more about their superfund during an awareness session that was hosted for the 200 Nambawan Super employers and members from the Western Highlands Province and around the Highlands Region. The engagement follows on from the Fund’s 2023 Employer Conference hosted last week in Port Moresby and is the first of several regional engagement activities that will be delivered in 2023. This is part of the Fund’s ongoing efforts to deliver more information and awareness regarding superannuation, the Fund’s performance and activities, and improve the accessibility of our products and services for all our Members across the Country. NSL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paul Sayer remarked, “These regional engagements are crucial for NSL’s progress as a profit to Members Fund, as it allows us to interact and hear firsthand the needs of our Members throughout the country.” “It also allows our Management team and Board Directors to have productive dialogue with our Members about how we can continue to improve our products and services to better meet their needs”, he added. The engagement saw NSL’s Senior Management present on initiatives that the Fund is undertaking to improve Member and Employer services as well as to continue generating strong returns over the long term. Presentations included information on important Member information and updates on Branch and service improvements; Customer Experience initiatives that aim to improve the Member experience across every touch point; Branch, Contact Call Centre, Employer Relations activities; the importance of Member Data collection and Member uptake of value-added services; and the utilisation of Digital Services such as SMS, Mobile App, and other online services. While in Mt. Hagen, NSL’s Board and Management also toured a number of potential investments within the Region, where NSL’s Chairman Mr. Reginald Monagi and Deputy Chairwoman Dame Meg Taylor also met Western Highlands Province Governor Wai Rapa, to discuss NSL’s activities within the Province and viable investment opportunities that the Fund may consider on behalf of its Members. Mr. Monagi added, “These engagements are valuable as they reinforce the Board’s commitment as Independent Trustee Directors to ensure that Nambawan Super abides by the principles of good corporate governance and operates with no other purpose other than to serve the interests of members, by protecting and growing their savings.” NSL hosted the engagement and awareness session on Friday, 14th July.

The Youth Council members in the North Fly district of the Western province are now in a better position to help deliver youth development programs in the district after completing a Youth Leadership Training program just recently. The training was facilitated by National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) in partnership with Justice Stability Services for Development, which focused on delivering basic leadership skillsets to equip and help youths manage their youth councils and members. The participants also managed to successfully develop their first ever youth council constitution draft during the training. North Fly District Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Greg Isau in his keynote speech, announced that the NYDA will be invited to do more awareness on its National Youth Policy 2020-2030 and some of its national programs at a special forum to be hosted by the district, which is why the training was important. Justice Stability Services for Development Advisor, Mr. Andy Philip pledged their support for youth development and to emphasize the need to collaborate and work in partnership between the various government agencies and administrations to create more opportunities for young people to be empowered. The Youth Leadership Training was conducted from the 03rd of July to the 07th of July at Bugum Lodge in Kiunga. The District Youth Development Council members received their certificate of attendance after completing the training.

Digicel PNG in its efforts to supporting education in Papua New Guinea, has launched through the Digicel Foundation a brand-new educational television show called “Be Lit.” At its official launching and roadshow this morning at the Vision City Shopping Mall in Port Moresby city, Digicel Foundation PNG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ms. Serena Sasingian said that this new initiative shows their focus on continuing to invest more in education for the next generation of Papua New Guineans. “Be Lit stands for Better Literacy, it’s our education TV block that we have going on TVWAN,” she said. “Digicel PNG saw the need to invest in education through our Foundation. So, on television everyday now you will be able to see television shows from the Da Vinci channel that we have acquired and also from providers around the world.” The CEO added that they have also produced their own TV show called “Numbers World” and also an early learning show that they will broadcast soon along with other educational shows. “We as a nation need to make sure that we are investing in our children and they need to know that they can achieve the dreams they have in their hearts,” Ms. Sasingian added. Digicel PNG has invested K169million into education, health and the social sector in its 15 years of operation in the country, and from that funding support, Digicel Foundation has delivered over 680 classrooms for a number of schools in the country. Meanwhile, the new "Be Lit" educational block will start going on air next week Monday 17th of July on TVWAN channel one and will run weekdays from 9am in the morning to 3pm in the afternoon。

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Friday 14th July to make way for a Joint Venture (JV) partnership between the State and the RD Group, marks a turning point for Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the fisheries industry. Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, said that for far too long PNG has only been giving out licenses to fishing companies to come into PNG waters, fish and take about 80% of catch from the country’s waters to canneries and processing plants in other countries. “We have not learnt to fish in commercial fishing boats, we have no master fishermen. Effectively, our country has been a rent collector and a spectator in this very important resource for a very long time,” said Minister Maru. “Our goal is simple; at some point we want to see 100% of our catch caught and processed in Papua New Guinea. This will result in the creation of 10 more processing plants and employ Papua New Guineans.” That is why the MOU signing was important because the RD Group already has fish processing plants in Madang and has been operating in the country for 28 years now, which means it would be easier to establish as larger operation in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as JV partners in commercial fishing. The MOU signed in Port Moresby aims to negotiate commercial terms for the State and RD Group to set up a Joint Venture (JV) company to initially fish and process all the catch in a new possible cannery within the Pacific Maritime Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang as a SEZ. “We will work together with the State Negotiation Team to come up with an agreement that suit both parties and I’d like to hope that the conclusion of three months, both parties through the State Negotiation Team will arrive at an agreement that we are both happy with.” Minister Maru later thanked Prime Minister (PM) James Marape for the support for this major project that has eventually resulted in the signing of the MoU between the State and RD Group. “This is about taking back PNG, this is about creating 50, 000 jobs, this is about processing all our fish on shore, and maximizing the benefits for our country.” The MOU was signed between the Ministry of International Trade and Investments (MITI), Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), National Fisheries Authority (NFA), and the RD Group.

The National Government has signed a Memorendum of Understanding (MOU) with RD Tuna Corporation that will see in the near future more locally owned fishing boats fishing within the waters of Papua New Guinea (PNG), creating more employment opportunities for the people. The MOU signed this morning in Port Moresby aims to negotiate commercial terms for the State and RD Corporation to set up a Joint Venture (JV) company to initially fish and process all the catch in a new possible cannery within the PMIZ in Madang as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, who had been negotiating with RD Corporation, said that this MOU is a big achieve for the government. "This is a historical initiative of the Marape- Rosso government to go into domestication of the fishing industry where out of these negotiations we could for the first time have a large fishing company to fish our own waters with PNG owned fishing boats and our fishing crew, " said the minister. "This will result in us one day having our own master fishermen and owning and participating the full value chain of the industry to maximize our returns for our fisheries , including creating many jobs for our young people. " After signing the MOU, the State Negotiation Team will meet with the RD Team to commence the negotiations. The members of the State Negotiation Team are: 1. Mr. Issac Lupari (Chairman) 2. Mr. Daniel Rolpagarea- State Solicitor (Deputy Chairman) 3. Dr. David Kavanamur- Managing Director of KCH 4. Minister Kessy Sawang (Madang Representative) 5. Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa 6. NFA Managing Director Justin Ilakini 7. Acting Secretary Department of International Trade and Investments, Mrs. Jacinta Warakai Manual. The State Negotiation Team will have three months to complete the negotiations and report back to the National Executive Council (NEC) with a proposal that both partners are happy to advance the JV agreement to set up the proposed new JV fishing company. "The contribution to the State to the JV company can both be a cash equity injection and the PMIZ land, and the contribution of RD Corporation would be the fishing boats they own, their wharf, office, and cold storage facilities at Vidar. This is of course subject to valuation and negotiation, " said Maru. Minister Maru added that the JV company is expected to create employment for 50, 000 people. The MOU was signed between the Ministry of International Trade and Investments, Kumul Consolidated Holdings, National Fisheries Authority, and RD Corporation.