100 kilometres from Kerema Town, Gulf Province, and is accessible by air or the river system lies Kapuna Health Centre.
Built and completed in 2019, the health centre serves about 35,000 villagers.
Of the 35,000 people who come to Kapuna every year, 150 patients now have a second chance of sight.
- CONTINUE ON PAGE 3
ENTRY FORM ON PAGE 2
Drop your entries at all CPL, Eliseo & Brian Bell outlets, Post Courier headoffice and Post-Courier kiosk at RangeView
Competition for NCD residents only
IN a month 16 ethnic clashes are reported in Port Moresby.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop has had enough. The Vagrancy Bill 2023 is ready to be presented in Parliament early next year. The law is designed to remove
persons who cannot live with other citizens and has no respect for public welfare, safety and security of other citizens Mr Parkop said when questions were raised by PostCourier on the weekend of violence in the city of Port Moresby. - CONTINUE ON PAGE 4
A PIH eye surgeon operating on a patient at Kapuna Health Centre.NCD Governor Powes Parkop. INSET: The final draft of the Vagrancy Bill ready to be presented in Parliament.
REGIONAL FORECAST
TUESDAY DECEMBER 5, 2023 TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 7, 2023
SOUTHERN
TUESDAY: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, becoming isolated by evening.
WEDNESDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
THURSDAY : Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
(Warning: Renewalstrongwindwarningexpected for Southern PNG/Indonesia border to Daru to Kiwai Islands to Kerema to Yule Island to Hood Point to Samarai Islands)
MAMOSE
TUESDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
WEDNESDAY: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
THURSDAY : Isolated showers and thunderstorms, becoming scattered by afternoon/evening.
(Warning: Renewalstrongwindwarningexpectedfor coastal waters of Finschaffen to Vitiaz Strait to Siassi/ LongIsland)
NEW GUINEA ISLANDS
TUESDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms.
WEDNESDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms.
THURSDAY : Isolated showers and thunderstorms.
HIGHLANDS
TUESDAY: Scattered morning fog, with scattered showers and thunderstorms, with areas of rain.
WEDNESDAY: Scattered morning fog, with scattered showers and thunderstorms, with areas of rain.
THURSDAY : Scattered morning fog, then scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
NB: SQUALLY OR GUSTY WINDS AREA EXPECTED IN SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS.
How to contact us
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Matthew Vari
Ph: 309 1032
Email:mvari@spp.com.pg
CHIEF OF STAFF
Miriam Zarriga
Ph: 309 1059
Email: mzarriga@spp.com.pg
BUSINESS EDITOR
Dale Luma
Ph: 309 1173
Email: dluma@spp.com.pg
SPORTS EDITOR
Simon Keslep Ph: 309 1068
THE French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a groundbreaking ‘country package’ commitment of US$100 million (K344 million) dedicated to preserving nature, forests, and mitigating climate impact in PNG.
And Prime Minister James Marape expressed his gratitude to France for their unprecedented contribution, which aims to achieve 30 per cent protection of land and sea by 2030 and a 25 per cent reduction in deforestation and forest degradation by 2025.
Papua New Guinea, known for having the world's third-largest primary rainforest and 7 per cent of the planet's biodiversity, is set to benefit from this transformative
GOROKA: Nelson Joe Ph: 76996961 Email: njoe224@gmail.com
CIRCULATION
Fax:
Ryan Morgan Ph:
Email:
Syndicate in antibiotic sales
BY STEVEN BUSIN
THERE is drug syndicate in PNG involved with illegal sales of drugs on streets in most towns within the country, and may include officers within the Health Sector, claims Bougainville Department of Health
Secretary Clement Totavun.
The ABG Health Secretary’s claim stems from a discovery of a numbered container of amoxicillin confiscated from a street seller in Buka town that was distributed by the National Department of Health’s Area Medical Store in Rabaul to Bougainville.
“Some drugs sold on the streets are actually government procured medicines, and we have done some work, it was confirmed that a container of medicine that we confiscated from the street had the same batch number, same as the batch number supplied by our medical store,” Mr Totavun said.
The Health Secretary concluded that “it means that some people have been
initiative. The ‘country package’ is seen as a significant milestone for PNG’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable forest management. This US$100 million commitment from France signifies a significant boost to PNG’s environmental conservation efforts.
The funding will support the establishment of a sustainable financing mechanism for forest biodiversity and contribute to scientific research and education in the country.
In a meeting on Saturday at the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP-28) in Dubai, French President Macron unveiled this financing mechanism to Mr
supplying medicine to the street sellers to sell to the public.”
As such, the ABG Health Department was treating this issue very seriously and is developing a policy to make street sales of medicines illegal and offenders without proper documentation to be arrested and jailed. The ABG Health Department is currently carrying out its investigations and any worker in the health sector found selling drugs to street sellers will be automatically terminated without warning.
Mr Totavun urged the Bougainville public to report any health worker seen selling drugs to street sellers.
“People need to come out and report to us any health employee selling drugs. We need evidence on when and where these drugs are sold, and if they have a phone take a photo of the actual transaction taking place and present to us,” he said.
The Health Secretary also urged the public not to buy antibiotics or any medicine from street sellers as they will most likely induce
Marape's representative, Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
Mr Marape personally expressed his gratitude to President Macron upon his arrival in Dubai, acknowledging France’s leadership in championing the cause of forest nations.
This announcement follows a series of meetings between Mr Marape and President Macron throughout 2023, including locations such as Gabon and Paris.
Earlier this year, PNG celebrated the launch of the K210 million European Union-funded Forestry, Climate Change, and Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Program in Port Moresby.
antibiotic resistance upon themselves.
“Most of these drugs are sold in packs of five capsules or less, which means it can only last for less than two days. A full treatment will need about 15 to 20 capsules for five to seven days treatment.
“The public is underdosing themselves and not fully completing their treatment and will self-induce antibiotic resistance to themselves.
“I don’t want Bougainville to go to a stage that one day we find ourselves having the highest levels of antibiotic resistance and that could prove to be very costly to the Health Department,” Mr Totavun said.
The Bougainville public have been directed to buy drugs only from trained pharmacists who will be able to correctly indicate the correct dosage, drug actions and their side effects.
The ABG Health Department together with Buka Town Council have been policing street vendors to discourage the sale of illegal drugs on the streets.
PRIME Minister James Marape and French president Emmanuel Macron and Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr. PICTURE SUPPLIED
Australian Defence Force to conduct fly-by
RESIDENTS of West Sepik, Western Highlands and Chimbu provinces have been advised of the flying activity to take place on Wednesday December 6, by the Australian Defence Force. The aircraft will fly through valleys travelling east from the vicinity of Telefomin towards Mt Hagen and Chimbu; before turning north towards Madang, and then eventually landing at Momote Airport on Manus Island.
Communities around Manus Island and Momote Airport may notice flying activity by up to three C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 232. The aircraft are from the Royal Australian Air Force, the United States Pacific Air Forces and the Royal Air Force.
PNG Defence Force personnel will assist Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel load and secure equipment used in Exercise Puk Puk being returned to Australia on the aircraft.
The ADF appreciates the support of the PNG government,
ONE of the three C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft pictured will be part of Exercise Global Dexterity 23-2. The three airplanes will be flying low over Telefomin, Mt Hagen and Chimbu.
PNG Defence Force and wider community, as it conducts Exercise Global Dexterity 23-2
Drug traffickers
A JOINT squad of Australian Federal Police and Royal Papua New Guinean Constabulary police officers had detained six Papua New Guineans in Daru and Port Moresby in late November and early this month on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine and illegal entry. Police officers from both teams provided information that five suspects were arrested in Daru on various dates, and one suspect was arrested in Port Moresby on December 1. It was also reported that the three people who were detained in Daru on November 21 for allegedly possessing meth showed up in court last week. After entering guilty pleas, two were found guilty for having in their possession meth and given eight years each in prison by the Daru District Court.
Two entered not guilty pleas to the charge of illegal entry, while only one entered a guilty plea and received an eight-year sentence. The other two, who entered not guilty pleas to the
in PNG airspace. This activity is subject to variables including weather and operational
availability of aircraft, and as such may be delayed or cancelled with little notice.
detained during joint ops
charge of illegal entry, will reappear in court on December 6 alongside the other two who were detained and charged on November 29 for allegedly having in their possession methamphetamine.
The person who was detained in the cell after being arrested and charged on December 1 in Port Moresby is scheduled to appear in court any time this week.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Special Operations
Donald Yamasombi expressed gratitude to the team of law enforcement officials for their dedicated efforts in apprehending the suspects, of whom two have been found guilty and the remaining ones will go on trial this week. Additionally, Mr Yamasombi said that the two who were found guilty would be transferred to Bomana for
detention.
DCP Yamasombi said that the three people accused of entering the country illegally had Australian Protected Visas as a result of the Treaty Agreement that the border villagers had. He said that a Papua New Guinean who travels to PNG and Australia and deals with such illegal substances gave them the drugs.
DCP Yamasombi forewarned individuals who are dealing with such that legal action will still be taken against them.
He emphasised the border issues that were previously disregarded and that served as the impetus for numerous illicit activities, including the smuggling of firearms and the trafficking of people and drugs.
He said that despite having few resources, law enforcement officials and other organisations, such as Customs, are making every effort to guard the border and detain those engaged in illicit activity.
Team of eye surgeons from city hospital bring gift of sight to Kapuna
FROM PAGE ONE
A TEAM from the Pacific International Hospital Eye Surgery have brought an early Christmas gift to the villagers. The team of five clinicians comprising two surgeons, two theatre nurses and one optometrist have undertaken this mission and brought with them items required for the outreach, including lenses, operating microscope, medicines, and consumables. By Wednesday December 6, 150 patients will be able to see properly, some will have glasses for the first time. Supported by Total, the team flew into Purari and sat on a boat for 3 hours further in-
land to Kapuna. The team said they chose Kapuna because it has never been visited by any eye surgery team and many villagers are suffering from avoidable blindness due to unaddressed cataracts and other eye ailments. In 2022, Kapuna was upgraded with the facilities, including a new emergency centre, dental clinic, birthing suits, operating theatres and 24-hour solar power. Other new facilities also include paediatric and maternity wards, as well as additional offices, water systems, hospital equipment, staff houses and kitchen facilities. Australia’s High Commissioner at the time, Jon Philp said:
“Providing high-quality health care in PNG is challenged by geographical remoteness, lack of access to clean running water, lack of equipment, and other vital resources that impact service delivery. This kind of support is especially needed in the farthest and most remote regions of PNG, such as the Purari Delta in Gulf Province where we are today.” He also highlighted that Papua New Guinea and Australia have a long-lasting commitment to strengthening PNG’s health capacity, infrastructure and service delivery through programs such as the Incentive Fund.
Representative of Gulf Chris-
NID BRONZE MEDAL
Guess we can attribute Robert Oa’s bronze medal in the hurdles at Honiara to the NID Office. Two weeks ago he had no card and could not get a passport. Great that NID came through for him and gave him his moment in the spotlight. But it’s a tongue in cheek medal for NID. If they can do it in this case why can’t they deliver for the thousands of citizens who have been waiting, in some cases, for months if not years. But thank you anyway and well done Robert!
READ A BOOK
How many books have our leaders read? Should we not expect that they are reading regularly to widen their knowledge? The average American reads five books a year (Trump supporters probably a little less). Doesn’t matter if it’s a physical book or online, broadening horizons and learning new ideas is the main aim. How many books will you read before you die? Maybe time to catch up?
BUILD OUR OWN
News that the Department of Education will seek bids to build their new Education Haus. Almost certainly the Government Office Allocation Committee will take the easy road and go with one of the numerous Chinese, Malaysian or Indonesian groups who seem able to secure land and throw up a multi-storey tower in a heartbeat. That’s one way to do it, but it leaves us with a long legacy of paying rent, or getting tossed out on the street when said rent is not paid. When will the government invest some of its own money and build our own buildings with reputable contractors so that the country actually owns the asset? If money is tight can’t we at least enter into a JV with a developer so we have some say in our own destiny?
RIGHT TO STRIKE
In the UK the Tory Party has just voted through an Anti-Strike Bill that bans strikes by public servants, a right they have had for 170 years. There is a public outcry before it goes to the House of Lords for ratification. What do you think? Should public servants be allowed to strike in PNG?
TOP COP 1
Just in time the government has announced that our Police Commissioner will be reappointed. But why is everything so last minute in these important appointments? With one day to go he still had no indication from government and no contract to sign - he still does not have the latter, PM. Can we get this sorted out immediately?
TOP COP 2
Our Police Commissioner will mean he is only the third COP to serve out a full term. That says a lot. But many will be disappointed. He has done a good job but the sentimental vote from the rank and file and the public is for Super Cop, Anthony Wagambie Jr. Would have been nice to see him get a chance at the top spot.
-PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg
tian Services and project manager for the Kapuna Hospital Project, Marshall McKean said during the opening that “years of hard work and dedication of many wonderful people and organisations has culminated in the completion of our fantastic new Kapuna Hospital.”
He said the project is “well suited to our mission to provide Christ-centered services to remote communities in the Gulf Province and throughout Papua New Guinea.”
The hospital was built at a cost of K10 million and funded through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership’s Incentive Fund in collaboration with Gulf Christian Services.
TEAM of Australian Federal Police interrogating the suspect apprehended.
Million kina man appears in court
THE man who allegedly misused more than K1 million belonging to the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority appeared in the Committal Court yesterday.
Vani Vaieke Vare from Gabi village in NCD, who was the Corporate Services, finance and administration director of NCDPHA, was charged with misappropriation, conspiracy and abuse of office.
Magistrate Danny Wakikura read out his charges and adjourned the matter to February 5, 2024.
He explained the committal process to Mr Vare.
“The adjournment period will give time to police to gather evidence against you. The presumption of innocence will always be maintained.” Vare’s lawyer informed the court that he would be
filing an application when the police evidence file is served to his client.
It was alleged that between June 1 and June 27, 2023, at the NCDPHA office at Gordon, Port Moresby, Vare misused K1,553, 638. 74 net payables for salaries. On the same dates, Vare allegedly conspired with three people to transfer the money.
On June 26, as the director of Corporate Services, finance and administration of NCDPHA, he abused his office to commit the offences.
On November 24, Vare was picked up by officers from the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption directorate and interviewed. He was then brought to Boroko Police Station where he was formally arrested and charged. Vare was released on a K7000 police bail.
Tyla Singirok wins Miss Bird of Paradise PNG
BY BONITA DUBA
THE end of one era now begins on December 3 with the crowning of PNG’s first Miss Bird of Paradise Papua New Guinea.
Tyla Singirok , 21, was crowned as Papua New Guinea’s new and first ever, Miss Bird of Paradise PNG.
Tyla who hails from Madang, East Sepik and Central Province had entered the pageant as Miss City Pharmacy 2023.
In addition to winning the main title of Miss Bird of Paradise PNG, she also received the awards for Miss Photogenic, Best Presented Topic, Best Stage Interview, Best Sarong wear, and Best Traditionally Inspired Design.
The inarguable Miss Bird of
Paradise Pageant was held on December 3 at Hilton Hotel with seven contestants raising their hands to win the new crown.
In her first speech as Miss Bird of Paradise PNG, Miss Singirok said:
“The crown is a crown of service. It is a pageant with service. With this platform, I will bring the best of Papua New Guinea with me. From all of 800 languages.
“All the cultures, the lifestyles and the traditions.”
Miss Singirok will be representing PNG next during the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant next year in Nauru.
Miss Sky Health & Medical Services Gloria Mabiria was the First Runner Up, and she was also given awards for Miss People’s Choice and Best Talent on stage.
has begun on November 6. The works will continue over the next six months for the installation of major drainage crossing just outside the Don Bosco School in Gabutu. The road will either be half closed or a full detour will have to be taken by vehicle owners.
Parkop to introduce Vagrancy Bill
FROM PAGE ONE
MR PARKOP said: “Such people have to be excluded and go back and live in their traditional settings as they have proven themselves to be unfit to live among everyone else.”
ACP Anthony Wagambie Jr has made it clear that police have been given the all clear to use necessary force when dealing with ethnic clashes and make mass arrests.
The Vagrancy Bill 2023 as sighted by Post-Courier has:
1. Removed the “exclusion powers” of police under the old Act and vested this with the Court.
2. Removed poverty as a basis for the exclusion orders. We have brought in what I can term as “municipal offences or wrongs” and the concept of “fit and proper person”. If offenders continuously breach municipal laws and commit offences that render them unfit to live in urban setting with people of other tribes and nationalities, etc. an application can be made to court after conviction or any other time to have such a person excluded from the urban centres.
3. The proposed laws place a duty on a person ordered by the Court to be excluded from the City to remove themselves. If they failed within a specified time they will be committing an offence of failure to comply with a Court order and they can be arrested and charged and sentenced to jail.
4.Proposed law is made universal so any Urban or municipal government can apply the law to their local setting. Mr Parkop further stated: “We are open to debate as we want to present a Bill that is workable and solves problems in the urban centres. Our people must learn to respect each other and respect the municipal governments, especially, public properties, rules, regulations and rates etc of the cities and towns.”
Mr Wagambie said: “It has become normal policing activity to attend to fighting all over the city, but predominantly within settlements. street thuggery where males of certain ethnic groups, walk around harassing people, or just being a nuisance. Law abiding citizens a fed up with such primitive behaviour.”
The end of one beauty era
HISTORY will now see Miss Josie Nicholas as the last Miss PNG Beauty Queen and as the bridge of the generation going into Miss Bird of Paradise PNG.
Miss Bird of Paradise PNG is now taking over the Miss PNG pageant that so many of us know. The Miss Bird of Paradise Papua New Guinea Committee chairperson, Anna Bais, in her welcoming remarks said that this pageant comes with a purpose and that the crown stands for service to others.
“As a young woman glows and grows through this pageant and flies higher with the Bird of Paradise, she is encouraged to lift others with her on her journey.”
She thanked Ms Molly O’Rourke and her MPIP team for their trust and confidence in handing over the prestigious Miss PNG Pageant to the Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant Committee two months ago. That night the theme for the
pageant was “Promoting leadership in inclusive growth”. It was a call to action and beckons the people to envision a future where leadership knows no bounds ,where every voice is heard, and dreams are nurtured.
The seven contestants for 2023 were Miss City Pharmacy Tyla Singirok (who went on to win the crown), Miss Sky Health & Medical Services Gloria Mabiria, Miss TISA Kilalea Tundu, Miss LJ Hooker Serena Moy, Miss Mi-Do Gold Buyers & Exporters Joan of Arc Solien, Miss Rural Electrification Rhoda Nanadai and Miss Kramer Ausenco & Frontier Equalities. Though Miss City Pharmacy won the
the
& Health
of
of
up was Miss LJ Hook Serena Moy. Finally, the third runner up was Miss TISA Kilalea Tundu.
NCDC wishes to advise residents living along the Karius Road from Kaugere to Vabukori in Moresby South that roadworks
ROAD CLOSED
title
Miss Bird
Paradise PNG,
runner up was Miss Sky
Medical Services Gloria Mabiria. The second runner
TYLA Singirok , 21, was crowned as Papua New Guinea’s new and first ever, Miss Bird of Paradise PNG.
THE seven contestants for 2023 were Miss City Pharmacy Tyla Singirok (who went on to win the crown), Miss Sky Health & Medical Services Gloria Mabiria, Miss TISA Kilalea Tundu, Miss LJ Hooker Serena Moy, Miss Mi-Do Gold Buyers & Exporters Joan of Arc Solien, Miss Rural Electrification Rhoda Nanadai and Miss Kramer Ausenco & Frontier Equalities.
Manning to be reappointed
BY JEFFREY ELAPA jelapa@spp.com.pg
POLICE Commissioner David Manning will be reappointed for a second term in office for the first time.
He will be the first police commissioner among the 18 police commissioners since independence to serve two full terms.
Prime Minister James Marape said in response to questions without notice from the Opposition leader Joseph Lelang who wanted to know
if the government would make a new appointment as the term of the Commissioner expired today.
The Opposition leader has also tasked the Prime Minister to tell the nation what level of leadership he is providing to address the rising level of lawlessness in the country.
The Opposition leader said given the rise in crime including the merciless killing that is going on in the country, what level of leadership and what action is the Prime Minister and his government providing or taking to curb the rising law and order issues in the urban centre like Port Moresby.
The Prime Minister in his response said the permanent
Powi warns government
BY JEFFREY ELAPA
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor
William Powi has advised the government to direct the K10.7 billion Development Budget to the sectors to fund the country’s development aspirations.
He warned that this capital investment program funding (K10.7b) should not be macro managed by National Planning but channelled to the sectors so they are held accountable on how they use the funds through their ministerial statements in Parliament.
“That is the way we will realise the development journey.
“While I commend our government’s intention to put the money into sector budgeting, I also want to warn the government on who chooses and picks the sector priorities. The National Planning must plan it properly according to the sector priority.
“I say this because, under the Connect PNG Program, a road in my province was funded straight from National Planning and my office was not consulted. When I asked the department, they said the project did not come through their department but the Authority to Pre-Commit (APC) came from Planning and Finance.
“I warn you, do not ever do that. This is a biggest waste and we need to correct this, all the K10.7 billion must go to the sectors and have all the Ministers held accountable through their ministerial statements in Parliament.
“There should be no more of this kind of wastage.
“Everything for Connect PNG
roads must go to the Works Department, so we can hold the Minister accountable. It must not go from National Planning and Finance,” the Governor said.
The Governor called on the Minister for National Planning to give full account of all the development funding.
“By the middle of this year, provide a detail funding of how much has been allocated and spent on the Connect PNG Program. Tell us how much you released to the education sector, the health sector, the law and order.
“You don’t need to spend anything from National Planning. You need to release it to the sectors and you come and report to country through the people’s House,” he said.
Powi said the second wastage is through the public service.
“Right now, the situation is this, there is a big waste and I want the government to take note of this.
“DPM is controlling the ceiling, now the payroll is controlled by Finance and there are people removing K200-K300 000 every pay week.
“This over spending in the Public Service through emolument is causing havoc in this country. This has been proven reasonable beyond doubt and I want the Public Service Minister to take note.
“To avoid this wastage, give the HR functions back to each provinces, and the DPM can control the ceiling, on how much it will cost. There is a lot things going wrong with Finance.
“This is not right, it is overspending in millions, and if you look at it over the years, it’s millions of Kina wasted,” he said.
appointments committee has also made recommendation for his reappointment so Mr Manning will be signing his contract any time when his contract details are ready. He said he has shown leadership and he has met the necessary requirement to be reappointed Police Commissioner.
In related questions, the Prime Minister said the government has for the first time made intervention through increased budgetary allocations into the law and justice sector. He said for the first time, the number of judges have been increased and that comes with accompanied budgetary allocation.
The Prime Minister said
Corectional Services has received an increased budget support while the Magisterial Services has also received greater budgetary support from the government.
Mr Marape said funding support has been given for the safe city program of Governor Powes Parkop to making the nation’s capital a better place to live.
He said similar budgetary support, for the first time has been given to the Lae city municipal authority to address law and order in their city.
Mr Marape said the Police Department has received a huge budgetary allocation geared towards intervention programs to address the law and order in the country.
Duma: Budget framed to create more jobs
BY JEFFREY ELAPA
THE 2024 Budget of K27.3 billion is framed in a way to address five critical issues that will always haunt us as a nation, Minister for State Owned Enterprises William Duma said.
He said the five critical issues that exist and pose as major challenges for any government includes the need to create more jobs to cater for the ever-increasing graduates from the colleges and the universities.
“Any government, is always under pressure to create employment opportunities and increase the size of the economy,” he said.
Mr Duma said the other issue that is always confronting us since the country got independence is the ever persisting and entrenched law and order issues.
“While there is a large pool of educated elites in the country, these group of educated people
Bowada cannot be reinstated
MINISTER for Housing Kobby Bomareo said the appointment of Elizabeth Bowada expired on August 1, 2020, and she cannot be reinstated.
Mr Bomarei explained that Bowada’s acting appointment as managing director (MD) for NHC expired on August 1, 2020, and there were no subsequent acting appointments made by NEC for Ms Bowada to continue as acting managing director. He said when Mr Mokono was appointed as MD for NHC, there was no lawfully appointed acting managing director. Ms Bowada merely continued and held herself out as acting managing director up to the time of appointment of Mr Mokono.
“Hence, Ms Bowada challenged the appointment of Mr Mokono in the National Court on the basis that his appointment should have been initiated by the NHC Board, rather then by the Department of Personnel Management in accordance with the Regulatory Statutory Authorities (Appointment to Certain Offices) Act 2004 (“RSA”),” he said. He said in Mokono’s case, his appointment was initiated by the Department of Personnel Management under Section 13 of the RSA on the basis that there was a Board but it was considered dysfunctional because four of the directors, including chairman were dismissed by the Head of State. Therefore, no one would convene the Board meeting.
“However, the National Court found that the directors remaining on the Board even though reduced to 4 or 5 was above the quorum of 3 members required to constitute a meeting of the Board, hence, capable to meet to initiate the appointment process. Therefore, Section 13 of the RSA was not applicable. Hence, the initiation of the appointment process by Department of Personnel Management was unlawful in the circumstances. Therefore, the National Court quashed the appointment of Mr Mokono. Mr Mokono appealed to the Supreme Court against the National Court decision. On Thursday, November 30, 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by Mokono and confirmed the National Court decision invalidating his appointment as managing director.
“The National Court and Supreme Court did not reinstate Bowada for the simple reason that her appointment by the Head of State expired on 1st August 2020.”
seem to be outnumbered by many who are unlucky and they continue to create problems, and these areas (law and order) continues to take up large number of the country’s budget every year, instead of spending money in very important and critical areas like education and health.
Mr Duma said as a country, we have a large informal sector economy and the cost of doing business is and will always be high, therefore, the other major obstacles in attracting investors, both domestic and internationally.
“We know that we have a small economy, meaning we are not able to generate enough internal revenue to adequately look after our people, so this then forces us to look offshore to bring in money, through soft loans or normal loans.
“While we are compounded by the huge population, we do not seem to increase our revenue base, through
domestic business activities or by encouraging foreign investors to develop major projects in the country,” he said.
He said in the midst of the ever-increasing population, all governments, past and present, are unable to provide the best for the people, even when we have many resource project developments in the country.
“Sometimes, we are at the mercy of the development partners and foreign companies who have their own development agendas, which don’t seem to correspond to our development agendas.
“They have their own budget implications. We seem to be at their mercy, when they tell us that they are ready, then we go along with them.
“That is something many other governments is forced to deal with and this government is no exception,” he said.
BY JEFFREY ELAPA
THE Permanent Parliamentary
Committee on Plans and Estimates describes the government’s 2024 Budget of K27. 3 billion as peoplecentered budget and they expressed confidence in the 2024 Budget.
Committee Member of the Permanent Parliament Committee and Governor of Jiwaka, Simon Kaiwi said that like all developing countries, PNG has been threatened by many compounding challenges and risks such as the COVID-19, inflation, Ukraine war, poverty, inequality, debt, rising cost, and law and order situations, foreign exchange shortages, security, high cost and legal red tape also impacted businesses.
Mr Kaiwi said as part of the budget scrutiny process, the committee has realised the government’s focus on core principles including law and order, Connect PNG, education and
health, economic support funding and household assistance packages.
“This budget appears to be very people-centered, which is a promising sign. Therefore, we express our confidence in the proposed Budget of 2024.
“Although every plan has its own set of challenges, setbacks, and shortcomings, it is crucial that we work collaboratively, with transparency and ongoing communication in both sides of the House to make informed decisions that prioritise the well-being of our constituents.”
Mr Kaiwi said the committee noted that the projected total revenue is at K23.3 billion which is 18 per cent of the total GDP. Revenue is also projected to increase at a faster rate than economic growth to be around K34.7 billion by 2028.
In effect, the government is expecting total revenue (including grants) to increase by 48.5 per cent over the next four years.
EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird in Parliament last week.
lae daily
Morobe govt gives K3.5 million to address health issues
BY MARIE SONNY
THE Morobe Provincial Government yesterday allocated a K3.5 million towards helping Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MPHA) on health issues in the province.
The presentation was made to the CEO of MPHA Dr Kipas Binga yesterday by Governor Luther Wenge. He said K1.5 million will be given to MPHA to assist the Angau Memorial Hospital, another K1 million to
be given to Manolos Aviation and a K1 million for Wau-Waria Health Centre.
“Because the medevac has been helping us in delivering sick mothers and fathers from rural areas to bring them down to Lae to seek medical assistance,” he said.
“K1 million will be given to Manolos as we all will be working together to support our health in the province and the cheque is being processed to be presented next week
to Manolos Aviation.
“Another K1 million was given to Wau hospital in Wau-Waria District to be used.
“It’s a new district with thousands of people and many of them do not have road access to basic services.
“We must make sure we help them to maintain hospitals in the district.”
Dr Binga said that it is a timely help from the government as the province is going through health
issues with medicine supplies.
He said the money will be allocated to addressing some of the activities of the MPHA to the districts in 2024.
There are four district hospitals which are: Bulolo and Mutzing and Teptep and Braun hospital.
Dr Binga acknowledged Manolos Aviation for helping the rural population.
He said roads have not reached most rural villages, thus, Manolos continues to provide medevac ser-
Education gives Patrick hope
BY NATASHA WATAH nwata@spp.com.pg
WITH the hope given by the Department of Education to Patrick Maiku, he has successfully completed his Grade 9 despite his disability at the FODE Centre in Lae.
Patrick’s story was published by the newspaper mid-this year and grabbed the attention of the Education Department who willingly came down and gave him hope to continue his secondary education. He said with his previous stories that were published in the media, this gave him hope to continue on with his secondary education and he praised FODE for this great opportunity.
Patrick said despite him not having access to be educated as any able-bodied student, FODE gave him the chance to prove to the Department of Education and both schools that didn’t accept him that he can still do it.
“Because of my story that was published in the Post- Courier, I now attend FODE and I have completed my Grade 9 scoring a point of 2.624 as my result for this year.
“I will not promise you all about my next year’s result but I hope and
look forward to show Bugandi and Lae Secondary schools that I can do it, I am a disable child but I can do it,” he said.
Patrick praised FODE for the treatment they have showed him in providing the love, care and support and described it as the best school and decided that he will complete all his secondary education there.
Patrick said that he was happy to be part of the International Day of Persons Living with Disability because this is their day and he felt good to be part of this group.
He thanked the Member for Lae, John Rosso for the initiative of building an inclusive facility at Bugandi for such children like him.
“I am thankful to our Member for what he has done. It is through my story that other children with disabilities will now have access to be educated in any secondary schools in Lae,” Patrick said.
He said, with the current settings of the city, there are no infrastructures that is accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.
“When you look at the bus stops, police stations or even hospitals, and court house, there are no proper facilities for us and I would like to call onto the government to consider us as the first priority and help us by building facilities that can be accessible for us and also help us with transportation,” he said.
People living with disabilities celebrate their day
BY NATASHA WATAH
IT WAS an exciting day for people living with disabilities in Lae, Morobe Province, when they celebrated the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) yesterday at the Eriku Oval.
While everyone celebrated the day on Sunday December 3, Morobe Disabled Agency decided to give the chance to all people living with disabilities to come together and commemorate the day.
Despite the different forms of disabilities they have, they proved to their donor partners and agencies and everyone who came to witness the day’s events through their abilities in sharing their stories and activities throughout the day.
The theme for the day was “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities”.
Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC-PNG) Development practioner
Carol Sasa said as the main sponsor of the event their aim for this event is to bring together people living with disabilities (PLWD) and stake-
holders who work in this space.
“We like to shed light on issues that affect the PWD and look into what different stakeholders are doing and of course look forward to ways that we can collaborate some of the issues that they face in their daily lives,” she said.
“At ELC-PNG, we work closely with parishes to establish self-help organisations and so far, we have
about 17 groups.
“We are working towards increasing that number and the ultimate aim is to link these groups up with the districts and the provincial government for sustainability purposes,” Ms Sasa said.
She said it is important to be inclusive because persons with disabilities are a marginalised group of people and they face a lot of problems
vices and at times they do it out of their willingness to help.
“Roads have not reached our rural population that need government services and the helicopter is a vital part of this service and we thank Manolos for that,” he said.
He acknowledged St John Ambulance for their work around the city and appealed to the citizens of Lae to work closely with St John that provides a vital service to the residents of Lae and Morobe Province.
Dr Binga: Residents must work with Green Angels
BY MARIE SONNY
WITH the festive season approaching, the Morobe Provincial Health Authority has warned residents to refrain from violating operators providing services to the people.
Dr Binga made the call following a recent incident where an ambulance belonging to St John was attacked at Bumbu settlement on Sunday November 26 while following a call made to it’s dispatch unit.
“Please the St John Ambulance are there to help you people,” he said. “They are not your enemy.”
The ambulance upon arrival at the given location was slammed at three times with a hammer whilst trying to help the caller.
Chief Superintendent Mamose Regional Commander Anderson Poumb expressed concern stating that this would affect operations during their peak period of the festive season.
He said the Christmas period is one of its peak periods of operations where they allow two vehicles to operate 24 hours, however, due to the incident, only one will be working to respond to the 700 plus calls that will be coming in.
in terms of accessibility to services and opportunities that are rightfully theirs as citizens.
Ms Sasa said that their aim for advocacy in this area is to ensure that PLWDs are included in service provision and access to opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
Morobe Disabled Agency founder Morris Dangka said they celebrate this event annually and for this year, their visitors, donors and service providers have shown good support and have worked closely with them.
“We have seen so much support from our donors and service providers and also the provincial government and we are so happy to celebrate this day with them,” Mr Dangka said.
He thanked the sponsors, donors, stakeholders and every individual who supports in all possible ways and hopes to see more good things come next year.
The Morobe Disabled Agency Paralympians are preparing and looking forward to participate in the PNG Games in Port Moresby next month.
“Experiences from past two years during Christmas period we have been having a high number of cases,” said Mr Poumb.
“Despite the incident we will be running our normal operations and we will still be providing that emergency ambulance service and that prehospital care.”
He said SJA attends to about 20 cases in a day and has called out to the general public in Lae to refrain from the prank calls because that might hinder their chances to attend to more serious cases that may arise in this festive period.
Dr Binga shared the same statement and said: “I’m appealing that we reconsider our approach towards people who are trying to help us and we have to work together during this festive season.”
STUDENTS from the Morobe Inclusive Education Resource Centre singing the National Anthem to open the World Disability Day celebrations. -Picture: NATASHA WATAH.
PATRICK Maiku at the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities celebrations in Lae. -Picture: NATASHA WATAH.
Eleina to undergo surgery in India
BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG gsalmang@spp.com.pg
ELEINA Lainhai Saulep (pictured) was due for her sixth cycle of Chemotherapy last Sunday December 3, 2023. This is by far her 14th cycle of Chemotherapy since she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in March 2022.
According to the Saulep family, they have been having fundraisings all throughout this year to raise funds for her treatment overseas.
“Initially her treatment overseas was to be done in Singapore, however, we thank God Almighty for making a way for her treatment to be done in India with the amount we have raised in such a short time where surgery can be done.
All glory and praise to our living God. Therefore, we are going forward with taking her to India.
“This is the best option considering the circumstances at hand for our little warrior Eleina.”
Eleina is seven-years-old who is battling neuroblastoma, which is a cancer of nerve tissue.
She needs a lifesaving operation to remove the tumor which cannot be done in PNG due to lack of proper facilities. “In India, her case will be re-evaluated, followed by chemotherapy to shrink the tumour and then surgery to remove the tumour,” according to Eleina’s family.
The Saulep family will continue their efforts to raise funds for any further treatment she might need after surgery and they thank those who have assisted through prayers and contributions to Eleina’s medical funds.
They also thanked PostCourier for publishing Eleina’s story.
No funding to send Pap Smear testing samples to Australia
BY GRACE AUKA-SALMANG
THERE have not been any Pap Smear tests done at the Lawes Road clinic in the Moresby South electorate because there is no funding support to send the testing samples down to Australia.
National Capital District Provincial Health Authority deputy director Public Health Services Dr Robin Oge told this paper saying this year alone, not much screening was done but last year in 2022, about 222 samples were sent to Australia.
“For NCD PHA, we provide the staff in partnership with PNG Malaysian Association to send the samples down to Australia and then the results come back after a month or so.
“There is a lot of delay so women have to wait,” he said. He said that is the current
status of the Well Women’s Clinic at Lawes Road.
“If we have three screening centres in the three districts in the city, this would be helpful to the womenfolk,” he said.
He said screening 222 women is not enough but more should be done up to about 80 to 90 per cent of the at-risk population between the ages of 35 and 50 years old.
“The focus now should be on financing and resourcing the screening programs and usage of GeneXpert machine, instead of the Pap Smear, which is an old method.
“Prevention is based on two methods and there are vaccines for young girls and boys below the ages of 24.
“The HPV screening limitations still remains and that is the cost of the vaccine that is quite expensive.
“Therefore, there is limited
vaccines to hospitals in the country,” he said.
He said the vaccine is given to girls and boys as well because boys are the carriers of the Human Papilloma Virus.
“At Lawes Road Well Women’s Clinic, we use the Pap Smear method, which is an old method by using a brush to brush the cervix to collect cells for testing.
“However, we need to move beyond that now by using gene testing to test the HPV virus, This can be done through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
“By using these machines, the results can be given couple of hours later,” he said.
He said the procedure is not very complicated and it can be done by nurses and a qualified lab technician and not only doctors. “While for HPV testing, we have to send the
Each year, an estimated 400 000 children and adolescents of 0-19 years old develop cancer. The most common types of childhood cancers include leukemias, brain cancers, lymphomas and solid tumours, such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumours.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
Little Tony’s appeal for help
THE trend of childhood cancer is increasing and is affecting a lot of children regardless of age.
Childhood cancers can be curable, however, the likelihood of surviving a diagnosis of childhood cancer depends on the country in which the child lives: in high-income countries, more than 80 per cent of children with cancer are cured, but in many LMICs like PNG, less than 30 per cent are cured.
And for PNG not having a cancer facility, it is no exception.
Little Tony Dekena is a four-year-old boy from Tugiu village, Piano, Buin in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville suffering from an abdominal cancer.
Tony's illness started last year.
After continued visits being made to Buin District Heath Centre, he was finally referred to Buka General Hospital for further specialists’ assessment in October of 2023.
Since his admission at the paediatric ward ongoing tests have been conducted and doctors have advised little Tony's parents of his imminent referral to Port Moresby General Hospital for further specialist consultation.
Chief paediatrician at Buka General Hospital, Dr Mattias Tovilu has diagnosed little Tony with a mass in his abdomen which investigations suggests that he has a cancerous growth.
Little Tony's parents are subsistence farmers thus making the trip for him to seek further medical assistance outside of Bougainville has become very difficult for them.
This paper has come onboard to make an appeal to the general public on behalf of little Tony for assistance for his travel to seek medical attention and can be contacted on 675-74388759 675-79826750 Post-Courier Buka office.
samples to Australia and the funding support is by PNG Malaysian Association and is not fully funded by NCD PHA.
“For now, we should be focusing on screening and when we have more funding then, we can have more vaccines,” he said.
He said lifestyle changes like having limited number of sexual partners amongst males and females can also prevent this.
“The trend of lifestyle has really changed at this day and age compared to the days of our grandparents.
“The issue these days is that, people are having multiple partners.
“I think the churches role in this area is vital to raise the morals of society, their communities and encourage monogamy for couples to have one wife and one husband,” he said.
FOUR-year-old Tony Dekena from Tugiu village in Buin, AROB, suffers from abdominal cancer. He is currently admitted at the Buka General Hospital.
Supreme Court refuses prisoners bail application
BY MELYNE BAROI mbaroi@spp.com.pg
THE Supreme Court bench has refused a bail application from a prisoner who tried to convince the court that he was asthmatic but failed as the jail commander told the Court, that was not true.
The three-men bench consisting of Justices Sir Kina Bona, Vergil Narakobi and John Kaumi acknowledged the affidavit from
commander Yelly Ouifa including a medical report and added that regardless, giving the reason of being sick does not necessarily mean that a prisoner’s detention is unjustified.
This was in the case of 34-year-old former solider Harley Akoa from Erave in Southern Highlands, who allegedly murdered his wife in June this year, for refusing to take part in group sex with him.
The judges in handing down the decision noted arguments from the State prosecutions presented by lawyer Solomon Kuku who said, such grounds which includes
a prisoner’s security, health and constitutional rights are the responsibility of the Correctional Service.
“The Correctional Services Act clearly sets out the duties of the commander for CS to ensure that all inmates welfare are attended to,” Mr Kuku said.
Meanwhile, Mr Akoa who claimed that his family welfare and employment was also affected by his imprisonment, was unsuccessful in his bail application.
Mr Akoa, was alleged to have forced his wife and mother of his three children to participate in
group sex with him and other people at the Six-Mile single quarters PNGDF residence in the National Capital District. When she refused, he punched her then dragged her into a room and smashed a Captain Moresby alcohol bottle on her head, she died from the injuries. The matter was reported to police, Mr Akoa was arrested and charged for one count of murder.
It was noted that this is Mr Akoa’s second failed bail application after trying at the National Court.
Meanwhile, a trial into the death of his wife is yet to commence.
Practicing certificate fee structure maintained
BY BRIAN JEMEJEME
THE Council of the Papua New Guinea Law Society have made a resolute decision in maintaining the current fee structure for the lawyers’ practicing certificate for 2024.
During a reception welcoming the 19th Council of the PNG Law Society at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby last week, president-elect Hubert Namani said a special meeting was convened and deliberated on practicing certificate
fees and professional indemnity cover for 2024.
“Since our election, we made a resolute decision to maintain the current fee structure for the practicing certificates and insurance provider for the upcoming year - ensuring stability and continuity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Namani expressed his commitment to transform the society to par with law councils in the Commonwealth, particularly those of Australia and New Zealand.
“My vision encompasses a fundamental shift towards adopting the best practices, fostering a culture of impeccable organisational discipline and upholding accountability.
“I have taken note that the last annual general meeting took place in 2020, leaving a void in subsequent member activities. It is evident that there is much work ahead of us to take the Society to the right place,” he said.
He said the reception signifies more than just a social gathering
as it serves as an opportunity to reconnect, reset and embark on a transformative journey together.
“As president-elect, I extend an earnest invitation to you all to join hands with the Council and align ourselves with the global best practices and setting new standards going forward.
“I have full confidence in the capabilities of our Council members. We can position PNGLS to fulfill its mandate and add substantial value to every single member,” he said.
Uphold required professional standards
BY BRIAN JEMEJEME
“LET us always remember to practice ethically by upholding the required professional standards in every facet of our work,” said the president of PNG Law Society Hubert Namani.
Speaking at a reception welcoming the 19th Council of the PNG Law Society on Thursday in Port Moresby, he said ethics form the foundation of their profession, guiding our interactions with clients, colleagues and the judicial system.
“It is imperative that we maintain a high level of integrity, professionalism and accountability in all our actions.
“I acknowledge the contributions of many of our members who are actively engaged in nation building in various ways.
“Whether it is advocating for justice, championing human rights, or providing legal aid to marginalised communities, our members play a vital role in shaping the socio-legal landscape of Papua New Guinea.
“From facilitating continuing legal education opportunities, mentoring the bright minds of the next generation of lawyers, collaborating with the International Law Councils and the Bar Associations in the Commonwealth and in the regions to fostering networking and social events, our aim is to provide tangible and exceptional value to each member of the Society,” he said.
Kokopo market declared as model healthy marketplace
THE KOKOPO main market has been declared as the first ‘model healthy marketplace’ in Papua New Guinea on Friday.
The declaration is based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Department of Health’s (DoH) healthy island concept (HIC).
The concept of ‘healthy islands’ was developed in 1995 during the initial Pacific Health Ministers Meeting on Yanuca Island, Fiji.
WHO representative Nola N'drewei said Kokopo market is currently modelled as a healthy marketplace after fulfilling several HIC standards. The standards include water and sanitation, waste management, and general layouts and operations of the market.
She lauded the ENB provincial market authority for the careful management of market infrastructure and the overall layout of the market.
“Kokopo market, has been the model market for so long. People from abroad and within enjoy coming here because of the proper set up and well managed market.
“When you walk in, you know where to go which makes it convenient for both vendors and buyers,” she said.
People still admire the market and the city, she said, despite security concerns.
The market declaration follows a week-long training at the Gazelle International Hotel for environmental health officials and provincial market managers.
According to Rose Kavanamur, the environmental health manager at the Department of Health, the training has given market managers and EHOs the tools they need to look at methods to enhance the market setups in their respective provinces.
Meanwhile, Leonard Maing, chairman of the ENB Provincial Executive Council's community development committee, said that the province is pleased to take on the responsibility of maintaining the market’s image. He was speaking on behalf of the ENB Governor Michael Marum who is on official duty.
ROSE Samuel and Pauline James from Gunanur village with their produce for sale. The women said they are proud to be part of a model healthy market. -PICTURE : DIANNE WILSON.
US helps impacted communities
THE United States is offering immediate emergency assistance to communities affected by volcanic eruptions at Mt Ulawun in PNG.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided $500,000 (1.85 million Kina) at the request of the Papua New Guinea government to address the urgent humanitarian needs and help displaced families return home safely when permitted.
USAID’s contribution is in addition to their ongoing disaster preparedness programs.
Through their partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), disaster response experts were immediately deployed to assess the needs of evacuees and assist provincial authorities in West New Britain and East New Britain provinces.
Since November 20, several eruptions from Mt Ulawun have resulted in five deaths and affected over 24,000 people.
This has led to the displacement of over 16,000 people to evacuation centres in the East New Britain and West New Britain provinces.
The volcano has released ash plumes
reaching heights of at least 15,000 meters, causing damage to oil palm trees, water sources, household gardens, and properties in nearby areas.
In a statement, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Katherine Monahan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support the Government of PNG’s efforts in responding to the eruptions at Mt Ulawun, using their humanitarian expertise.
USAID has been investing in disaster risk reduction programs in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region for years.
Since 2013, they have partnered with IOM to enhance community-based disaster risk management planning, disaster preparedness planning, and safe shelter support.
Recently, USAID provided critical relief items, including shelter and water tanks, in response to the Mt Bagana eruption in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
They also collaborated with the US military to ensure the last-mile delivery of emergency relief to hardto-reach areas, at USAID’s request, benefiting thousands of affected individuals.
Church calls for govt intervention
BY FRANK RAI
A LOCAL church in the mining township of Porgera, Enga province, is calling for government intervention to contain security threats posed by an influx of people coming in from all over the country.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church of Porgera District has made the call to the Porgera Paiela District Administration last week after a thorough assessment through the church network.
In a letter to the district administrator Jerry Maku, the SDA church recommended for government intervention to boost security personnel due to the influx of people looking for job opportunities in the New Porgera Mine opening.
Church Pastor and Peace Advocator, Pastor Inia Yari and Church Elder
Kuku Pokoli said right after a fierce tribal fight that engulfed the entire district, people were returning to their normal lives but the influx of people has posed another security risk.
“We have observed that people are
Two dead, houses burnt in Tabubil
BY JIM JOHN
POLICE in Western Province have confirmed that several houses, trade stores, chicken farms, food gardens and vehicles have been burnt to ashes.
These items belonging to residents at the settlement especially Bak Corner and Koropa in the Star Mountains Local Level Government, North Fly District have been destroyed and burnt.
An ethnic clash between the Tari's and Engan that occurred on Saturday November 25th, 2023 had resulted in fights killing at least two people and others wounded.
Residents in these settlements have fled for their lives.
According to Western Provincial Police Commander for North Fly
Command, Chief Inspector Oena Afeke, police officers with the PNG Defence Force Kiunga based have contained the situation.
Police officers are currently camped in nearby villages in Tabubil and are continuing to monitor the situation.
"High number of joint forces, PNGDF and police are monitoring the situation and fights have been stopped. We want to ensure public safety is maintain and normal business operations in Tabubil and Western Province as a whole," he said.
Chief Inspector Afeke has condemned such fights saying it is the first of its kind in the history of Western Province for locals to experience such incident. He has warned people from other
Province including locals to observe and follow rules and laws governing the society to ensure normalcy and peace.
The president of Star Mountains LLG and principal traditional landowner of Tabubil plateau Borok Pitalok said this incident has posed threats to locals and businesses, therefore, those involved in fights will be dealt with accordingly. He has also called on the leaders of Tari and Enga provinces to liase with the Western Provincial Authorities to deport people involved in fights to their home provinces. Business operations in North Fly, Kiunga, Ningerum and Tabubil continues as normal as Police officers and PNGDF are monitoring the situation.
coming to town and moving around with bush knives and other dangerous weapons in public places. The risk is when they meet one of their enemies, a fight will break out again,” he said.
Ps Yari added that the Church request the disciplinary forces to maintain order at the township to avoid such disturbances and disorder.
The Church also raised concern on the road blocks caused by both natural disaster such as landslides and also by disgruntled supporters of candidates in the recent Lagaip Open Electorate Supplementary election.
“Recently in the past weeks of road blocks, we have observed that all store goods stocks are running low. With the limited basic food supply, prizes have increased. Also fuel shortage as well.
“This is due to the constant road block, both created by natural disaster and man-made disaster,” Ps Yari added.
He said government intervention is urgently needed to address the potential security risks and the continuous road blocks.
provinces residing in Western
ONE of the road blocks caused by a massive landslide since last week at the Porgera section of the Highlands Highway, stopping the flow of basic goods and service as of last Friday. PICTURE Courtesy of Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
HOUSES burnt to ashes in Bak Corner settlement in Tabubil last week.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023
Yes we support the Vagrancy Bill
AMAZING Port Moresby seems to be a genuinely honest attempt by the City Authority to make the city lively, loveable, and liveable.
But the truth is we are far from this amazing tag. Yes, amazing things do happen in the capital of PNG, but all the more for the wrong reasons.
Some of the most amazing things that happen on a regularly terrifying basis are tribal fighting and ethnic cleansing in the city.
Yes, the police figures don’t lie. If we go by those figures, that is about 15-16 ethnic rumbles per month, let’s be conservative and say 15 rounds x 12 months would be 180 fights between various warring factions before this year ends.
That’s stretching the imagination, but it is the unfortunate reality facing us because we have allowed ‘primitives’ to take over the peace and quiet of Port Moresby city.
There are groups of people who have no regard for law and order. We have groups of people who believe they are above the law. We have imbeciles who believe thuggery is a normal way of life. When fighting breaks out, the actions of these irresponsible warmongers also stretch the over stretched police resources too.
Then add the ambulances, fire engines, and police cruisers that have to respond to these calamities, and the nurses and doctors that have to treat these pointless casualties, it simply becomes a hugely meaningless burden on the city’s health services.
It’s mind boggling how certain ethnicities in the melting pot of Moresby seems to take out their tribal differences in the city without a duty of care to the wellbeing of the majority peace loving citizens.
We ask how did these imbeciles arrive in the capital? What are they doing here?
We have allowed our constitutional freedoms to be abused for too long.
As we near 50 years of independence, we need seriously consider if these freedoms have benefitted our country, and how have these wide range of freedoms shaped our nation.
We are angry and saddened as the country’s mouthpiece for more than 50 years, to bear bad news every now and then when crime befalls our citizens and ethnic tensions underlie our city’s underbelly in the most bloody ways.
So we are in support of Amazing Moresby Governor Powes Parkop’s plan to introduce a Bill in the next sitting of Parliament to address Vagrancy, Squatters, Unemployed drifters in Moresby and in other urban cities and towns around the country.
We have made this call in the past and we stand by our Governor and demand that the lawmakers in Parliament take this bill seriously when it is brought to Parliament.
The job of a politician is a legislator, that is a person who makes laws that should benefit the people, and profit the health of the country.
However, since 1975, we have been sending people who have absolutely no understanding of their roles and responsibilities as Members of Parliament, who go in there thinking they are only in there to bring goods and services to their voters.
Many enter parliament to build mini empires, others are interested more in travelling overseas, then back to their electorates, while many simply refuse to return to their districts.
This is one reason why their ignorant tribesmen and women flood into Amazing Moresby and Rainy Lae to search for them.
Perhaps, after the Vagrancy Act Bill, someone should also introduce a supplementary Bill that should make it law that politicians must live in their districts for six months of every year to familiarize themselves with their communities.
We find too many of these pollies in some of the most unsavory locations in Moresby and Lae.
We call on the ICAC to come down hard on these politicians in 2024, from the Prime Minister down to the common MP. Papua New Guinea deserves strong leadership, not weaklings and corrupt cowards.
Minj police cell unhygienic
THE toilets at Minj Police station cell is blocked by human waste and other refuse which needs an urgent maintenance work to fix it to make it useable or the health authorities will close down the Minj Police station.
While this is the case no supects can be detained to spend a night irrespective of the crime committed causing a simple arrest and charging process to become cumbersome and stressful.
This problem has affected police work in a big way. All the trivial complaints are directed to the Village courts and to mediate it out of Court while those involved in major crimes are detained at the Banz Police cell or are detained at the Barawagi or Baisu jail with warrants.
Given the situation, the female acting PSC at the Minj police station is doing all she could to get her neck above the water but the problem is serious and she
cannot put up with it any longer if funds from the Jiwaka Provincial Government and the Police Headquaters are not sent in quickly. The Minj police cell is owned by the Independent State of PNG and for the record Minj is the biggest Police command in Jiwaka Province.
The other adverse effects are that if the problem is not fixed within reasonable time it will force the Minj District Court into early recession and to make matters worse, some bad apples in the constabulary will be at it again asking money from the trouble makers before they can be freed. By the way money collect as Police bail will not be accounted for as has been the case in the past untill it was brought to the attenton of the Minj District court where some directions were issued for police to comply with..
ANDY BRUM, Angenmol-Minj
THE announcement of the 2024 budget has been heralded by the government as a representation of their strong economic credentials and as the Treasurer always does, it includes plenty of highlights of what the previous government didn’t do and how much he has had to fix.
But despite the work that goes into preparing the budget, the budget is the easy part.
The hard part and the part we are not good at is the implementation of any of these plans.
This government has become famous as the ‘giaman’ government.
Lots of tok tok, lots of positive spin, lots of ideas but very little action or implementation.
All of the increased revenue
UH BOSS, HE’S NOT DRUNK, HE’S DOWN WITH CHRISTMAS FEVER ARE THOSE MEDALS FROM THE PACIFIC GAMES?
BOSS IS THE NEXT MASCOT FOR 2031 GAMES
in the budget is the result of increased workers coming in to deliver these projects or it is simple population growth. But there is no government led job growth or development. All of the increased tax revenue comes from the commissioner squeezing more from the same handful of taxpayers. It doesn’t come from extra diligence or chasing down tax payers who aren’t doing the right thing.
Any successful developing country in the world is this way because their governments have led them to success. They have developed plans and implemented these plans successfully.
Over our 48 years, we have seen billions wasted on projects that went nowhere or money that was paid for an outcome that wasn’t delivered. We’ve seen politicians drive bigger
cars, own bigger houses and all of their children educated in foreign countries while at the same time, our hospitals have no nurses and our students have no books.
We have a debt crisis. All of our extra money is being used to fund our debt either now or in the years to come. We have a public service that is inefficient and full of nepotism.
Our problem isn’t the budget. It is our use of all the money that we have.
Rather than keep putting our hand out for more, why don’t we look at how we can deliver more, expect more, do more, include more people. Our country can be wealthy and healthy. We just need to implement what we say we will do.
ACTION FOCUSED MAN
Iobuna primary school historic moment
FRIDAY, December 1, will go down in history for Iobuna Kouba Primary School in the Hiri District, Central Province.
The school was founded in the 1980s. In order to get permission to demolish the building housing four blocks of classrooms, the community—especially the landowners—as well as the BOM of the school, students, teachers, and other stakeholders got together and gave food items and three live pigs to the appropriate land owners.
The event was a momentous occasion that, at its core, signifies a peace treaty and a decision to demolish one of the most recognisable buildings to have been built since the school’s founding in 1981. Now, the agreement ensures the building of a new When it becomes essential, the
long-standing structure that was conserved in relation to the ones that were erected can be demolished and replaced with a teaching facility.
The representatives of the chosen landowners characterised the occasion as both opportune and vital, given the school’s need to progress and meet expectations.
The BOM of the school, teachers, parents, and students all observed the momentous occasion, which cemented the mutual respect and understanding that had been neglected since the primary top system intercepted to bring forth such reconciliation.
The board members, the relevant clans, and the landowners who attended the event followed the school’s chairman, Mr Moses Koran, and head teacher,
Mr Joseph Buka, in this historic ceremony.
The current events pave the way for future plans and advancements for the school that will benefit local businesses, the churches and the Koari population, which is native to the area around the well-known Sogeri Road.
Despite pleas for cash or kind donations from the businesses and parents of the students, there were just a few parents and only a couple of businesses that donated food to support the program.
The administration of the school expressed relief that the much awaited programme had finally been finalised, paving the way for further advancements.
SCHOOL REP
Readers submitting letters and commentaries
Port Moresby filled to capacity
IT IS as sad and frightening for the working class and good people now in Port Moresby. There is hardly any space to move about freely and breathe good air in busy spots in the nation’s capital. Especially busy bus stops and street corners. That is as a result of no regulation and screening of people in the nation’s capital.
Port Moresby streets and public places are now taken over by village and unemployed people. Making it impossible for working class and decent people to go about with their movement and chores.
With so many unwanted people oc-
cupying Port Moresby streets these days. This makes it conducive for street thugs, rascals and street vendors taking advantage of the situation in conducting their eyesore activities.
This then makes it impossible for police to do their job effectively because of congestion, overcrowding and large population. NCD Police Chief, Governor Powes Parkop and PM James Marape should heed calls and repatriate village and unwanted people back to their place of origin.
PORT MORESBY PULAP PINIS
Relocate Gordon bus-stops
LAWLESSNESS is rife again at Gordon in the nation’s capital. People are so fearful and scared of going to Gordon because of the criminals that roam around freely there.
One contributing factor giving rise to the lawlessness in Gordons is the unorganised and cramped bus stops that can be seen all around the Gordons shopping area and also the uncontrolled and unhygienic street markets that litter the place there .
The bus stops and street markets
are the reason that attract criminals to frequent these hot spots to prey upon the vulnerable travelling public. I’ve witnessed so many petty crimes committed by young men upon the people and travelling public around the bus stop area.
City authorities must relocate the Gordons bus stop to the Unagi Oval where it is much more spacious to manage.
CONCERNED CITIZEN
Kids graduate from early learning
Email: yutok@spp.com.pg
Governor Parkop, inspect Gordon yourself
THIS letter is written specially for the Governor of NCD and the city police hierarchy to leave their comfort zone and go out and physically inspect and see for yourself the situation at Gordons.
The spot of interest you need to watch from inside your tinted vehicle is the area between the recently built big Desh Besh Supermarket and Gordens Police Barracks perimeter fence.
On a daily basis - this area is a place of nightmare.
THE Able’s Early Learning Centre in West Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, has once again hosted its annual graduation ceremony to mark the official closing of the 2023 academic year.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Rosa Joseph the Principal Director of the centre thanked the parents and guardians for their commitment and effort invested in nurturing their children and for sending them to school to develop their intellectual capacity at the earliest stage of their education journey.
She further acknowledged the teachers for their tireless effort invested in imparting knowledge to those young pupils.
She believes that those graduands are the future young change makers of this third world nation because in them we have doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers and so forth.
Finally, she advised the parents and guardians to look after their kids during the holiday and continue to raise them with Godly principles like we used to teach them in their respective classes. All in all, the official academic year ended on a high note and the school is now expecting a possible expansion in the number of intakes come next year.
SINE ABLE JOHN Banana Block, Goroka
Email: yutok@spp.com.pg
Mobile phones, wallets, bags, cash and other items are robbed by thugs syndicate at this area. An ongoing activity that takes place as early as 6pm and stop as late in the evening.
After the publication of this letter, a best way to keep this spot free of thugs and holligans.
City Police Chief must have 10-20 police officers stationed daily at this spot of interest and must question suspicious people.
Ask them where they live and
City residents, farmers from Central Province and other highway travellers and visitors are harrashed and robbed of their valuables at this hot spot.
what is their occupation in the city. If they want to play tricks, ask them to show their work identifications card.
It’s about time, police need to do foot patrol and question any young people roaming the streets.
The city is filled to capacity.
The working class and decent people can’t breathe or walk around at ease in good atmosphere.
Governor Parkop please pay visits to all busy stops including the concerned spot and see for yourself.
POLIS ASKIM
1 minute wok blo ol
Workplace harassment of women in Port Moresby
BY KINGTAU MAMBON and DAVID POKA
IN A recent survey of 96 employed women conducted by academics from the University of Papua New Guinea’s (UPNG) School of Business and Public Policy, 71% of respondents in Port Moresby reported encountering “discrimination and harassment” (hereafter referred to as workplace harassment) at their workplace.
that characteristic.
An odds ratio of one means that having a characteristic does not affect the likelihood of the event.
A value above one indicates a higher chance of an event occurring, while a value below one indicates a lower chance.
workplace harassment compared to those without such education.
Second, women who held or had ever held a leadership role had significantly lower odds of experiencing workplace harassment.
Women who held leadership roles were 182% less likely to experience
higher prevalence of workplace harassment than the private sector.
So, PNG is no different.
It should be noted that we can only explain a small amount of the total variation in harassment, as we lack data on age, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
This is a limitation of our
were 182% less likely to experience This is a limitation of our : results of a survey
The survey used the word “harassment” in a general sense, not specifying types of harassment such as sexual harassment.
In this blog, we analyse the same dataset to estimate the likelihood that women will experience workplace harassment based on their education level, marital status, leadership position, and sector affiliation (public or private sector).
Staff at UPNG and postgraduate and former students were surveyed to give a balanced representation of government, private sector and university employees.
Students also helped to distribute the questionnaires among women employees in their workplaces. Of the 96 respondents, 64 worked in the public sector (including 32 UPNG staff) and 32 in the private sector.
The ages of the respondents ranged between 20 and 55.
Most (75%) were university degree holders while others had completed secondary school or been to college.
56% of the respondents were married women while 44% had no male partner at the time of interview; the latter category includes single women, widows and divorcees.
The survey considered women who held or had ever held leadership roles, but it did not specify whether such roles were at the executive, middle management or junior level.
67% of the respondents held or had held leadership roles in their career.
To estimate the likelihood of experiencing workplace harassment, we ran logistic regressions that calculate odds ratios.
These show how likely it is that an event will occur given a particular characteristic of the respondents, compared to its likelihood without
Figure 1 shows the estimated odds ratios for workplace harassment of our respondents associated with various characteristics. The descriptive statistics and estimation results can also be downloaded.
Figure 1: Odds ratios for experiencing workplace harassment Education level, holding a leadership role and sector affiliation have a real effect on the odds of experiencing workplace harassment. These three were statistically significant at a 99% confidence level. Marital status was statistically insignificant.
Figure 1 illustrates two potentially protective factors with respect to workplace harassment.
The first is women’s university education. Respondents holding a university degree have an 11% lower likelihood of experiencing
workplace harassment compared to those without such opportunities.
Holding a leadership position means having more power in the organisation, thereby earning more respect from colleagues.
This finding is consistent with our finding above, regarding women with higher education.
On the other hand, the public sector seems to be a comparatively hostile environment for employed women.
Compared to women working in the private sector, those working in the public sector have a 14% higher chance of experiencing workplace harassment.
This result fits well with the literature.
A study conducted elsewhere found the public sector to have a
research. Nevertheless, our results are informative.
In summary, a woman’s likelihood of facing workplace harassment in Port Moresby is significantly associated with her sector affiliation (public or private sector), leadership role, and level of education.
Marital status, however, does not appear to have a significant correlation with the incidence of workplace harassment.
The most vulnerable group comprises women without university degrees, not holding leadership positions, and working in the public sector.
The PNG public sector has started to take action to ensure its workplace is more respectful for women.
The Gender Equity and Social
Inclusion Policy was launched in 2013, and more recently, the law and justice sector has increased its efforts in addressing workplace harassment.
In addition to providing support for all employed women, identification of the most vulnerable groups and tailoring workable solutions are important for reducing workplace harassment.
Empowering women through further education and creating an equal playing field for them to become leaders are also plausible ways to reduce workplace harassment.
Disclosure: This research was undertaken with the support of the ANU-UPNG Partnership, an initiative of the PNG-Australia Partnership, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views are those of the authors only.
This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org), from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University.
KINGTAU MAMBON is currently undertaking a Master of International and Development Economics degree at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, for which he was awarded a scholarship through the ANU-UPNG Partnership.
DAVID POKA is currently undertaking a Master of International and Development Economics degree at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, for which he was awarded a scholarship through the ANU-UPNG Partnership.
FINDING MARKETS FOR GOROKA PRODUCE
Kuli women farmers visit Kainantu
BY NELSON JOE njoe@spp.com.pg
THE Kuli Women Farmers Co-operative Society in Jiwaka Province is winding down their activities for the year 2023 with a visit to Eastern Highlands Province.
Around 52 out of 150 members of the co-operative society travelled for the first time as a group on November 27 to visit Kainantu, then to the Summer Institute of Linguistics at the Aiyura valley in Tailora-Gasup Local Level Government area where key agricultural and learning institutions are.
Team leader Serah Koim said the others were unable to join them due to financial constraints, however, it was an exciting moment for those who travelled. Among them were six very old people.
“They wish a group such as this was formed during their time,” Ms Koim said.
The Kuli Women Farmers Co-operative Society was formed two years ago and was launched on June 26, 2022, at Pimi Village in Jiwaka. Its purpose is to empower its members with skills through trainings.
Ms Koim took the initiative after observing that the women in rural villages still manage to provide food for the households and communities despite many responsibilities they have, despite lack of access to basic services and lack of education. Yet, agriculture is what women in rural villages are good at.
“So we need your 100 per cent support,” Ms Koim said.
The members contributed and bought 10 single boxes of bee hives and have received 200 orange seedlings from donors.
“We look forward to increasing the bee hives and farming activities.”
Charity ventures into downstream processing
MEMBERS of the Mercy Works in Chimbu Province are venturing into downstream processing of local food, spices and herbs.
Sister Maryanne Kolkai, director of Mercy Works, said Sisters of Mercy under the Institute of Australia and Papua New Guinea, are running several programs in Kundiawa-Gembogl and Kerowagi districts to involve locals to venture into life-changing opportunities.
One of these programs is downstream processing of local food, fruit, herbs and spices.
Some of the products selling in Chimbu are cassava buns, garlic cooking oil, different spice powders and other self-initiated products.
Sr Kolkai said through Mercy Works’ many initiatives to rebuild communities, many locals realise their talents and skills which encourage them to venture into business and other areas to sustain themselves. She said downstream processing is a milestone achievement for them.
Local trainer Gaberala Kawage said the programs and training initiated by Mercy Works contributed a lot to attitude change, self-discipline and self-reliance. She said villagers came from various backgrounds, literacy levels and age groups and are involved in small informal businesses in their communities.
Peter Ouga, a member of the Mercy Works, said they have started small with home-made machines to do downstream processing and urged people to help them by buying their products. He said buying local products helps in building the local economy.
MEMBERS of the Kuli Women Farmers Co-operative Society visiting the Eastern Highlands Province last month. PICTURE SUPPLIED.
LEFT: Gaberala Kawage, Peter Ouga and Maryanne Kolkai in their small factory at Miginde. PICTURE SUPPLIED
PNG provides prosthetics mentoring across Blue Pacific
THE Department of Health’s National Orthotic & Prosthetic Services (NOPS) team has provided a mentoring training to its counterparts in Suva, Fiji, in the past two weeks.
The NOPS team completed the training on Friday, December 1, in which they provided mentoring training on International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) prosthetic components to the Prosthetics and Orthotics Unit at the Rehabilitation Department at Tamavua Twomey Hospital in Suva, Fiji.
The mentoring training program is part of the
recommendations based on a pilot study held at the Prosthetic and Orthotic Unit that was carried out by Motivation Australia in 2021, which was funded by the government of Australia.
Thus, the Department of Health was approached to provide the mentoring training based on the its qualified prosthetist, its experiences and training in ICRC prosthetic components, including its high level of expertise.
Representing PNG, the Prosthetic Team comprising of Alfred Mataio Sasala (Prosthetist), Solo Wasop
(Prosthetist) and Almah Kuambu (Prosthetist) travelled to Suva to provide the mentoring training on ICRC prosthetic components.
The mentoring training commenced on November 16 and ended on December 1, 2023.
This program was supported by the government of Australia through Australia Facility based in Suva, Fiji, Interplast Australia & New Zealand and the Ministry of Health in Suva, Fiji.
The aim of the program was to train and upskill the technicians on how to fabricate and align a trans tibial and
transfemoral prosthesis using ICRC prosthetic components complying to prosthetic standards.
Such support will go a long way to ensuring the amputees are provided with prosthetic limbs that can make them move independently and improve the quality of life as well.
Four technicians from the Rehabilitation department at Tamavua Twomey Hospital in Suva, Fiji, attended the mentoring program.
There is now a plan to include other technicians in the Pacific region in such mentoring programs in future.
Relief supplies pour in
RELIEF supplies for the people affected by the Mt Ulawun eruption continue to pour in.
Last Friday the National Disaster and Emergency Service presented K100,000 to the West New Britain Disaster Controller and acting Provincial Administrator Leo Mapmani.
The Chinese Business Community has also assisted with relief supplies.
Since the eruption of Mt Ulawun, support and assistance has come from WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, Nakanai MP Francis Maneke, New Britain Palm Oil and BNBM.
Oil palm block owners suffer loss
CLOSE to 10,000 small oil palm block holders have been affected by the recent eruption of Mt Ulawun in West New Britain Province.
Reports from the province have confirmed that a total of 16,855 people have been displaced from their villages and are now in care centres at Bialla.
While most have sought the refuge of the care centres, many have chosen to remain at their blocks and are in need of relief supplies.
Sources in the province indicate that a total of 9095 from Kabaiya and Sol Block holders will not be harvesting their oil palm because their blocks have been affected.
“Soi Land Lease Settlement blocks has a total affected population of 5617 while Kabaiya Sections 8 and 9 oil palm block holders have a total affected population of 3478,” said the source.
RELIEF supplies from the Chinese Business Community are loaded onto trucks to be brought to care centres in Bialla. PICTURES SUPPLIED
DWU Jiwaka students win tertiary students debate
THE Jiwaka students of Divine Word University in Madang won the Jiwaka Tertiary Students Debate, organised by the Jiwaka Provincial Government.
The debate themed “Come you lots who are young, knowledgeable and energetic, let’s talk a way out for our mighty Tumbe with one accord”, was held with a colourful grand final last Saturday at Banz St
Anslem Catholic Parish.
The aim is to encourage students studying in institutions outside Jiwaka to come back and work in the province.
Madang (DWU), University of Goroka (UOG) and the University of Papua New Guinea students took part.
Students from the University of Technology did not take part be-
Communities urged to take ownership of public properties
BY NELSON JOE
PUBLIC properties are both blessings and a curse in host communities.
This depends on how every member of each community regard such properties.
The Eastern Highlands teachers appointment officer, Robert Williams, explained how the good or bad side of properties are determined at the first graduation ceremony of the United Pentecostal Assemblies of Papua New Guinea church-run Life and Truth Vocational School at Kefamo last Friday.
The school graduated 106 pioneer trainees with certificates in carpentry and business studies courses.
“It involves a lot of effort, time and resources to establish a school but easy to destroy it,” Mr Williams said. “Vandalism to school properties is
Principal tells graduands, failure is not the end
BY PEARSON KOLO
GRADUATING students and their parents were assured that there are no failures because students have learned how to read and write in the English language while in school.
This was mentioned by the Principal of Kombolopa Lutheran Primary School, Paki Raima, during their grade eight graduation last Wednesday in Baiyer River, Western Highlands Province.
Mr Raima told the graduands that none of them have failed because they can all read and write in English, which they were never able to do when they started their education eight years ago.
“Being able to read and write in English shows the students are literate.”
Mr Raima said those who do not make it to grade nine or further studies can still make use of what they have learned over the eight years of their education and still be successful in life.
common. Look after the schools because educational institutions bring both blessing and curse into the communities.”
He said this also applies to other public properties such as health facilities, infrastructure such as roads, bridges, communication towers, district administration buildings, markets and others.
Mr Williams said the establishments of such properties are funded by tax ayers money for the benefit of the people and vandalism of these properties leading to their uselessness denies their right to use them.
He urged the people to be mindful of this implication ensuing from the vandalism of these properties and alos urged them to embrace these properties and enjoy the blessings that come with them.
cause of late preparations with other sister institutions.
Jiwaka Provincial Education division administration officer Ali Tombil told the students that the debate competition was a successful one and assured them that the provincial government would sponsor the event every Christmas break. He urged them to open a bank account so that funds would be easily
deposited into the account.
In the semi-final debate, Team (UPNG) defeated (UoG) but was beaten by DWU. The debate competition was not all about winning, but about what each student can contribute towards the development of the province.
Mr Tombil challenged students to have knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
He encouraged the graduands to make use of what they have learned to make a better life for themselves.
He said most of the grade eight students will continue their grade nines at Kombolopa Secondary School, one of the oldest schools in the Western Highlands Province. Mr Raima wished the graduands well as they continue their education.
EASTERN Highlands teachers appointment officer Robert Williams giving his address. Picture by Nelson Joe
JIWAKA Provincial Education division admin officer Ali Tombil presenting the trophy to the Jiwaka (DWU) students association for winning the debate competition last Saturday. Picture MAL TAIME
Parents are the
best teachers for children: Guest speaker
BY PEARSON KOLO
PARENTS are the best teachers of their children and children who respect their parents succeed in education and life.
A guest speaker, Jack Beso, said this during a Grade eight graduation ceremony in Baiyer River, Western Highlands Province, last week.
“Students who listen and respect their parents will also respect and listen to their teachers and succeed in their education and life,” he said.
“God already knows what we would become even before we are born and that is why all a student has to do is to respect and listen to their parents, follow their instruc-
tions, and also do the same to their teachers in their schools in order to succeed in their education.”
Mr Beso also told parents not to be bad examples for their children as their children will always see and follow them.
“Parents must not gamble, drink beer, chew betelnut and smoke or do anything that is bad infront of their children,” he said. “Children see their parents as their role mobels and the parents must teach and show their children the best things in life to make their children better in everything.”
Mr Beso said all a student needs to do to succeed in their education is to respect and listen to their parents at home and teachers at school.
Ogelbang school not charging students
BY PEARSON KOLO
OGELBANG High School in the Western Highlands Province did not charge students any fees this year.
The school operated entirely with its tution fee free (TFF) funds and successfully completed the year with a graduation ceremony for its Grade 10 students last Thursday.
Ogelbang High School principal Tom Roma said this during the graduation.
“I can proudly say that Ogelbang High School is the only school in the Western Highlands Province and probably the entire country that did
not charge any fees to its students this year,” he said.
“Our students did not pay any project fees or any other fees for that matter for the whole of 2023 academic year.”
Mr Roma said the school followed government instructions not to charge any fees to students so we complied with it.
“My administration ran the school only with our TFF funds the whole of this year and also hosted our Grade 10 students graduation.”
He thanked the Western Highlands Provincial Education Bard and the leadership of Governor Wai Rapa
for giving Ogelbang High School, Secondary status starting next year.
“Ogelbang High School board and management and students thank Governor Wai Rapa and the provincial education executives for giving Ogelbang High secondary status next year,” Mr Roma said.
“Most of my teachers, including myself, have experience in teaching in secondary schools so we are prepared to get Grade 11 next year.”
He said most of their Grade 10 students this year will remain to do Grade 11 next year and Grade 12 the following year.
Hagen Park SDA church holds crusade
THE Hagen Park Seventh day Adventist Church has successfully completed a two-week crusade with the baptism of 25 souls who have decided to follow Jesus Christ’s footsteps.
The crusade was the first of it's
A GENEROUS donation of funds was recently made by the Office of Censorship PNG to Goroka’s Sinu Festival Committee in preparation for its mini cultural show scheduled to occur in December.
A K6000 cheque was presented by Chief Censor Jim Abani on Thursday Nov 30, 2023, and receiving the cheque on behalf of the committee and the National Cultural Commission (NCC) were Julian Mathew, chairlady and assistant Erolyn Pandan.
Also present to witness the occasion was Karen Gabby, manager Awareness & Publicity, Office of Censorship.
In his reference to the NCC and
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr Abani said the support was fundamental to preserving the nation’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.
“Office of Censorship is helping because this is where its policy lies, in protecting our culture and doing what is right for our people by ensuring it remains pure and uncompromised by contemporary lifestyles.
“PNG culture must maintain its uniqueness and values by remaining unhindered from modern norms that many assume to have no negative implications. The NCC is looking forward to collaborating very closely through this committee and its partners because this is an effec-
tive way of promoting our culture and encouraging the engagement of our young people,” Mr Abani said.
Ms Mathew described the show as an opportunity to learn and know what culture is all about.
“In 2022, we had the participation of seven local villages and students from the University of Goroka.
“This year 2023 we intend to involve more students, especially from primary schools because we want them to appreciate from a young age who they are.
“It’s about celebrating and respecting their identity and showcasing the traditional wonders of our local societies.”
kind that eventuated in the ples singing of Poroma family of Moge Anducks community near Mt Hagen last week.
The young community leader Jonathan Wain thanked Pastor Peter Pungi for preaching the final
message of hope. He said that communities and societies will change only if people change their mindset and live a positive life.
Mr Wain said people must do away with their bad habits, turn to God and attend church services.
GUEST speaker at Kombolopa Primary School Grade Eight graduation last Wednesday, Jack Beso, with a student. -PICTURE: PEARSON KOLO.
CHIEF Censor Jim Abani (left) handing over the cheque to Julian Mathew. Looking on are Karen Gabby (left) and Erolyn Pandan. -PICTURE SUPPLIED.
THE Hagen Park SDA Church choir sings a worship song at the crusade. -PICTURE SUPPLIED.
Bougainville diocese marks World AIDS day
THERE are 68 confirmed cases of HIV/AIDS in Bougainville with possibly 6800 contacts still yet to come in for testing and confirmation.
These are alarming figures for Bougainville and at an infection rate of 1 is to 10, Bougainville may possibly have about 68,000 persons infected with HIV/AIDS was the message drummed into participants at the World AIDS Day celebration in Buka last Friday.
In commemorating this event, the B’ville Diocese of Catholic Church Health Services PNG brought together the local communities, youths, and children to take part in the celebration, with their local theme ‘Stronim Komuniti, Daunim HIV’ at Hahela Parish in Buka.
“HIV and AIDS is a killer disease, and more awareness must go into our region to educate people, in all forms of lives, whether in the government, schools, and also in churches,” said the Minister for Police, and CS, John-Bosco Ragu.
He said: “Before a couple decides to get married, they must first do a test to know their status.”
The Secretary for B’ville Diocese, Ms Michaelyne also stressed on the
importance of having proper health facilities for people living with the virus, and also provide the services and medicines for earlier treatment.
“So far under the Catholic health services we have three main facilities sites - one here in Hahela, the other in Arawa and Buin,” she said. “Although, with the limited support, the officers with the commitment and passion they have continue to serve.”
Ms Michaelyne challenged the communities, youths, and every stakeholder to take responsibility in making sure the communities are aware of the risks, especially the younger ones at the ages of 10 to19 because these are the ones that are in these changing times and are at the higher risk of getting the virus if not responsible.
Twenty years ago, funding for HIV and AIDS was on the rise, however, as time went by the funds towards the basic facilities for treatment and awareness started decreasing as a result many of those who are in contact with the virus tend to have less attention when being referred to seek healthcare treatment.
The annual celebration of World
AIDS Day (WAIDSD) is an initiative from the WHO and UNAIDS in remembrance of those who lost their lives as victims and those who are living with this commonly known virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
This year’s global theme for World AIDS Day is “Let Communities Lead”.
ABG Minister for Police and CS, John-Bosco Ragu, speaking at the World HIV/AIDS Day.
Drinking water for people in centres
CLEAN drinking water for the people in care centres, recently affected by the eruption of Mt Ulawun, has become a major concern for the provincial disaster team in West New Britain.
Last week, a team from USAID visited the care centres at Bialla to make their own assessments on the operation of the nine care centres.
Provincial Disaster Controller Leo Mapmani told the team that water sources in all of the affected villages were contaminated.
USAID representative said the team is looking at how it can work effectively with provincial disaster office in rolling out their assistance.
“We are looking at the immediate needs of the people and resettling them,” he said.
“The representative said they will assist with emergency relief, sleeping protection, water and sanitation services.”
BY DIANNE WILSON
THE St John Ambulance (SJA) services in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, was boosted by the Digicel Foundation last Friday.
The organisation was proud recipient of the “Digicel Foundation-funded Ambulance, A333”.
St John Ambulance acting Regional Commander for New Guinea Islands Region Laiboi Laiboi thanked Digicel Foundation and said in times of emergency, every second counts and having a well-equipped Ambulance can make the difference between life and death.
“This ambulance is not just a vehicle, it is a symbol of hope, compassion and solidarity.
“It represents the spirit of collaboration between the private sector, the community and the healthcare system,” he said.
Mr Laiboi said that in a region as dynamic and diverse as East New Britain, where challenges can be as varied as the landscape in the surroundings, the importance of a reliable and wellequipped Ambulance cannot be overstated
“Whether it’s responding to a medical emergency in a remote village or providing timely assistance during natural disasters, the Digicel Funded Ambulance A333 will be a beacon of hope and a lifeline for those in need.
“On behalf of the St John Ambulance PNG management and the entire SJA Family here in Kokopo, Lae, Port Moresby and Central, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to Digicel Foundation for your continued support,” he said.
General Manager of Digicel PNG Kokopo Belinda Kanau appealed to the people of East New Britain to take ownership of the Ambulance as it is an asset that will help the people of the province.
“As beneficiaries of this donation, let’s respect St John Ambulance for its leadership and commitment in serving our people, especially those in rural PNG,” said Ms Kanau.
The donation of the fully-kitted Ambulance, including the paramedic training of staff was a worthy investment of K300,000 and is a continuation of the partnership between Digicel Foundation and St John Ambulance since 2020.
-PICTURE SUPPLIED.
‘New ambulance symbol of hope’
THE new Ambulance A333 ready for its first emergency run. -PICTURE DIANNE WILSON.
RELIEF supplies for the affected communities.
Coke studio collision two: Jnr vigi and Kronos
BY FIDELIS WASARI fwasari@spp.com.pg
THE World is rapidly changing thanks to new technologies and fresh, innovative ideas.
The digital age is shaping who we are and what we care out. Music is a massive part of this wave, grabbing Gen Z’s attention and pulling generations together.
Through music, unity can be achieved, which the global brand, Coca-Cola, is celebrating via its unique musical platform, Coke Studio.
Launching its new Collision series, CocaCola is bringing the most exciting emerging and breakthrough artists from around the
world together to create ‘Real Magic.’
These creative Collision parings bring together artists from different backgrounds, experience, languages, styles and genres, to show the “Real Magic” spark that happens when diverse artists and music collaborate. It shows the amazing things that can happen when artists stay true to their authentic selves and come together to create something new and special.
This concept came to life in Coke Studio Collision Two where Kronos, a seasoned artist, and Jnr Vigi, a budding musical duo, collaborated to create a musical masterpiece.
Their collaborative piece blended ‘Eh Vivi’ by Jnr Vigi with ‘Coco’ from Kronos’s latest album, creating a fresh and exciting new sound.
It was the first time the duo Jnr Vigi has collaborated with a power vocalist Kronos and it was a blessing and remarkable
experience for both of them.
“It was an honor and privilege to work alongside Kronos and learn from him. We’re so grateful that Coca-Cola, through its signature musical platform, presented us with the opportunity to learn from other genres and musical backgrounds,” said Emmanuel Ola (aka Min Jah Gan).
Big-name artists like Kronos are also filled with gratitude towards Coca-Cola ‘Coke Studio’ for opening another window for them support young musicians achieve their goals in music.
Kronos added, “I would like to use this platform to help new artists grow, build their confidence, and teach them how to write songs that interpret “real magic” but also to learn from them as well.”
Kronos, known for connecting diverse cultural backgrounds through his music, has found the collaboration with Jnr Vigi to be a truly magical moment.
Entrepreneur plans expansion
BY URSHULA JIM SAVAN
KNOWN for her superb customer service, Lillian Larivita Kunei was speechless when she was announced as the winner for the Informal Entrepreneur Award recently at the 2023 Ela Motors SME Awards.
After winning the Informal Entrepreneur Award, Lillian Larivita Kunei and her husband Vincent Wai are now planning expansion of their informal lamb flaps vending business – Lillian’s Lamb Flaps. She was presented with a dummy cheque of K5000 and plans to use the funds to expand her informal business with a facelift of her current marketplace.
“We will use the funds to refur-
MIBANK first deployed its MiCash Mobile wallet in 2011 and has over time built a loyal following of mainly rural customers throughout the country who use the MiCash mobile wallet to do their banking.
To service these customers, MiBank has a network of 16 branches and in excess of 250 agents throughout Papua New Guinea who provide deposit and withdrawal transactions from their client’s mobile wallets. These mobile wallets are bank accounts which can be accessed from the mobile phone.
Apart from deposit and with-
bish our market stall and to also increase our daily sales to meet the high demand of our loyal customers,” she said.
She added that as an informal entrepreneur, receiving this award has motivated her to open a bank account for her business with Mi Bank.
The couple started their informal market in 2021 by the roadside at Skidrow Street in the suburb of 7-Mile in Port Moresby with just the sale of betelnut, cigarette, biscuits and soft drinks. Since there was no other vendor at that time, they decided to sell cooked food and lambflaps as well.
“We never thought that we would come this far to achieve such recognition and award. We convey our
MiBank extends mobile banking services to rural communities
drawals MiBank’s clients can undertake a number of other transactions using their MiCash mobile wallet. These include balance check, mini-statements, airtime top- up, speed loans, superannuation payments, merchant payments, Instant Payment Transfers to Kina Bank, NCSL, and PMB, and domestic remittances within PNG.
MiBank’s CEO Tony Westaway stated “an indication of the acceptance of the mobile money by rural communites is that approximately K250 million kina has been transacted through MiCash Mobile Wallets 2023 year to date”.
heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers within 7-Mile and other suburbs in Port Morsby and Central Province.
“I was shocked and happy, tears rolled down my cheeks as I walked up to the podium to receive my award. There are countless people behind my achievement, especially my loyal customers in and around Port Moresby and Central Province, from as far as Gereka, Goldie and Hanuabada who continue to purchase from local SMEs like Lillian’s Lamb Flaps, thank you so much for your continued support,’’ she said. She also extended her gratitude to her cousin, Pamela Dumit for her encouragement and assistance to create her Facebook page to publicize her informal business.
MiBank agents are often comprise mixed businesses and trade stores in rural areas, but they also include district offices, local women community groups, farming co-operatives, commodity buyers. MiBank agents receive commission for assisting with the deposit and withdrawal transactions that occur through the use of a mobile phone, and in addition provide some digital literacy training to customers.
More information regarding MiBank products and services can be found at www.mibank.com.pg or you can ring their Call Centre on Digicel 16789 (free call).
Abus Na Kumu offers small business project for students
BY URSHULA JIM SAVAN
AS we approach the end of the school year, a local SME catering business based in Port Moresby has been getting many requests from parents and their schoolaged children for holiday jobs.
Abus Na Kumu is a young and thriving entity established in 2021.
The business is aimed at providing quality catering services, SME start-ups, supply chain networking and also focuses on the tourism industry.
The owner, Richard Mark said it was really encouraging to see more school-aged children and teens proactively looking for part time jobs with Abus Na Kumu now that school is almost over.
“With so many applications to join our team for holiday jobs, we are creating a Liklik Business Project so that kids remain productive during the holidays. The primary objective is to engage young people especially teens that are on school holidays to be productive,” he said.
Mr Mark said the Abus Na Kumu Liklik Business project provides kids the opportunity to generate money through their own business initiatives. They can have the opportunity to learn basic key principles about business and what is required to operate and manage their small businesses.
“Teens and kids must take an early interest in business. The basic mindset about being selfsustaining will provide the platform for more creative ideas and it’s also important for students to start saving money while they’re in school because a savings culture is necessary for financial
freedom. With financial freedom you are able to invest in assets or businesses,” he added.
He said instead of joining the SME, students can create their own small business starting with just K100. This initiative is designed to get students to be creative, plan, market and sell their products.
Students who are interested to participate will have to register their details by sending their business details to Abus Na Kumu so that they can monitor and evaluate the progress of the small business project during the holiday period.
The Liklik Business Project is open to students who are in grades 8 to 12 and Port Moresby residents only.
On this small business project, students will have to do the following;
Create your own business page on Facebook
Equity start-up with K100 Market and promote your product
Post all your menu and location
Provide sales reports to Abus Na Kumu team per week
Provide evidence of all expenses and sales
Grow savings in 30 days
Mr Mark said short-term trainings and sessions on business, cashflow, marketing and products will be offered to the students who participate.
He added that they would like to see kids actually going a step further and registering their business after this small business project. The Liklik Business Project commended on December 1 and will end on December 31, 2023.
Sarakolok MiBank agent in West New Britain Province. PICTURE SUPPLIED
Nasfund undergoes duplicate accounts merging process
NASFUND in a recent move to strengthen the accuracy of member information has recently initiated a 'call-out exercise' that commenced in late October 2023.
The call-outs are done to targeted Nasfund members nationwide who have been identified as having potentially multiple or duplicate accounts.
Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Sharma said this initiative is part of the Fund’s ongoing efforts to verify members with potentially multiple accounts within the Nasfund database and to assist these members in undergoing a merging process to consolidate these accounts.
‘’We are working to verify members who may have multiple accounts within our database, collect the required information to help consolidate these accounts, and help members understand the importance of maintaining only one Nasfund account.
As a Fund, we also understand that the circumstances around the creation of multiple accounts vary across the membership hence we encourage members and employers to verify internally with the information they have before requesting for a new number.’’
Members with multiple accounts are encouraged to complete a Multiple Accounts Merging Form so all their accounts can be consolidated, to bring together all the details from the respective accounts thereby increasing years of active contribution.
Mr. Sharma further stressed that the accumulated years of active contributions can have a positive impact to tax on super-
annuation, build-up on balance, and access to Housing Advance eligibility.
He concluded by encouraging members and employers to cooperate with our call-out and survey representatives by answering questions accordingly. To uphold confidentiality of member information, all calls will be initiated only through 7373 3000 or 7676 6000 and members are advised to refrain from disclosing any details outside of the standard questions asked.
Members are also encouraged to visit any nearest Nasfund branch with a valid ID so they can be verified and assisted if they believe they may have duplicate accounts based on the following;
1. Being a Nasfund contributor and noticing deductions on their payslips but are unaware of their Nasfund membership number.
2. Being employed by more than two different companies in the last 5 years.
Members who are aware of their Multiple Accounts can do the following:
1. Download the Multiple Accounts Merging Form from the Nasfund website: https://nasfund.com.pg/newsresources/forms/
2. Complete the form and attach letters from your current employer and previous employers (if any) along with a valid ID and other requirements listed on the form.
3. Submit the completed form at any nearest Nasfund branch or email to; membermaintenance@nasfund. com.pg
TEAM Leader Marketing, Raela Wari assisting members at the Santos Mine Site to complete a Multiple Accounts Merging Form.
Soil and water – Asia-Pacific’s bread and butter
JONG-JIN Kim FAO Assistant Director-General.
HERE, in the world’s most populous region, there is a crisis slowly unfolding that involves the earth beneath our feet. The soil that has been producing the food we eat and supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of farmers and others, is under threat.
Often referred to as the "Skin of the Earth," soil acts as a silent steward, supporting the production of 95 percent of the food we eat in this region. It retains water, serves as a habitat for animals, and plays a key role in regulat-
ing our climate by storing more carbon than all the world's forests combined. But the ability of our soils to provide these ecosystem services are increasingly threatened due to decades of soil degradation and water scarcity, caused by overuse and misuse.
Soil and water rely on each other, and that’s critical to feed a hungry world. Here, in the AsiaPacific region, some 90 percent of our freshwater is consumed in agricultural activities alone, considerably more than the 75 percent used by agriculture, on average, worldwide.
Yet, more than three-quarters of the Asia-Pacific population is now grappling with water insecurity. Much of this has been caused by mismanagement of our water and soil resources. Unsustainable practices have exacerbated the situation, contributing to the loss of biodiversity in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and further challenging the resilience of agrifood systems facing extreme weather events. The fact that soils are not a renewable resource makes their preservation an even more urgent matter: it can take up to one thousand years to form one centimetre of soil, and this same centimetre can be destroyed in only a few minutes through careless acts of degradation. In order to better understanding
the close relationship between soil and water, is a critical necessity for countries to work domestically and cross-borders to ensure wider sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
There are answers
While pressure on this soilwater-food nexus is increasing, reversing the degradation is still possible. But we all need to take responsibility. We all need to act. Together, we must promote soil and water management at all levels. We can all do our part by changing habits to preserve fresh water each day. Meantime, policy makers and other stakeholders can collaborate in implementing sustainable soil and water management practices. This involves planning and action to ensure more efficient use of fresh water, promoting sustainable use of fertilizers and pesticides, employing appropriate irrigation methods, including the ways we drain and pump water, and pay more attention to monitoring related data – such as soil and groundwater salinity levels. Indeed, all land users, particularly farmers and smallholders, need training in sustainable soil and water management and that means inclusive access to technology transfer. Implementing sustainable soil management practices is both possible and crucial for transform-
Importance of World Soil Day
WORLD Soil Day is an international observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural environment.
It highlights the need for sustainable soil management practices to protect and preserve this valuable resource for future generations. Officially, it was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 about the significance of soil as a vital resource and has since become an annual event to promote soil conservation.
Participating in World Soil Day provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of soil conservation and sustainable practices. This may include;
Education and Awareness: Learn about soil conservation and its impact on food security, biodiversity, and climate change and
sharing this knowledge with others.
Soil Restoration: Participate in local soil restoration projects or tree planting activities to help improve soil quality and prevent erosion.
Advocate for Sustainable Agriculture: Support policies and practices that promote sustainable farming, reduce soil degradation, and protect natural ecosystems.
Engage in Gardening: If you have a garden, use organic gardening methods that benefit soil health, such as composting and mulching.
This year’s theme for world soil day is ‘Soil and Water, A source of life’. The day aims to emphasize the essential role of soil in providing food, supporting ecosystems, and mitigating climate change, as well as the need for responsible soil management.
ing our agrifood systems, making them more resilient to extreme climate events. By doing so, our soils can become richer in carbon and can hold more water, benefiting the interconnected relationship between soil, water, and plants. This not only improves the overall health of the region's environment, but also enhances its ability to mitigate the effects of climate change. Research has found that Asian soils have the capacity to sequester 180 megatonnes of carbon per year, if sustainable highcarbon input soil management practices are adopted.
World Soil Day
Addressing soil degradation requires comprehensive domestic and international efforts involving government policies, research initiatives, and awareness programmes. Initiatives like the Glinka World Soil Award and the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award, launched by the Government of Thailand, acknowledging the late king's dedication to sustainable soil management and its role in food security and poverty reduction, serve as exemplary models of localized endeavours. These efforts aim to recognize and encourage sustainable soil practices, fostering awareness and responsible management. Indeed, it is why we circle the 5th of December on our calendars
each year to mark World Soil Day, to remind everyone of soil’s importance to us all.
Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Global Soil Partnership, strives to enhance soil governance and promote the practice of sustainable soil management for food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable development.
In a world hungry for solutions, FAO is sowing the seeds of sustainability, emphasizing the importance of understanding, and addressing the complex nexus between soil health, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and essential ecosystem services.
In doing so, we aim to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all.
As we navigate the multiple challenges of recovery from the pandemic, conflicts, and the need for systemic agrifood systems reform, celebrating World Soil Day should extend beyond 5 December, calling for collective action and a daily commitment to safeguard the Earth's lifeline – our soil. It’s literally our bread and butter.
New Zealand supports tripling global renewable energy
DUBAI: CLIMATE Change Minister
Simon Watts says he will provide an update on New Zealand’s stance on a global renewables pledge when he lands in Dubai at the end of the week.
Although he declined to say whether he would sign the pledge, Watts said the government backed the underlying goals of tripling the world’s renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
New Zealand was one of only a few OECD countries missing from a list of more than 100 signatories promising to accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency, which was launched at the COP28 climate summit over the weekend.
Watts leaves for Dubai on Thursday and will attend the tail end of the summit from 8-12 December.
He said he understood the pledge’s targets were global in nature, leaving flexibility for individual countries to tailor their approaches.
That means New Zealand could sign up, even though National’s policy of doubling renewable energy by 2050 is substantially less than the pledge’s global goal of trebling by 2030.
“We have reviewed that specific pledge and I’ll look to be proving further updates on that when I arrive on the ground on Thursday,” Watts said, adding that it is a global pledge and obviously New Zealand’s
starting point is very different from many other countries.
“But it is consistent with our coalition priorities to double renewable energy by 2050.”
New Zealand has a substantially higher share of renewable electricity than most other signatories, including Australia. However, the country will need to expand supply to electrify cars, buses, trains and industrial processes that currently burn fossil fuels. At a previous climate summit, New Zealand signed a methane pledge to reduce global methane by 30 percent by 2030, despite similarly not planning to make that level of cuts here.
Again, the pledge was to support a global aim, leaving room for different national paths - in that case, deeper cuts to fossil fuel methane
and shallower cuts to agricultural methane (New Zealand’s major methane source). New Zealand’s target is cutting methane by 10 percent by 2030.
This summit, dozens of oil and gas companies promised to get methane leaks from their operations to zero by 2030. However, the companies attracted criticism for focussing on operational emissions, when it is carbon dioxide from their products that most urgently needs to plunge to limit global heating. Watts said his key priority at the summit would be working with other countries to push for an ambitious consensus outcome on energy.
He said New Zealand felt the effects of extreme events during devastating cyclone Gabrielle this year.
- RNZ
Forum SG Puna bullish on COP28 opportunities
DUBAI: PACIFIC Islands Forum
secretary general Henry Puna said from Dubai on Sunday that he is encouraging the dozens of Pacific representatives at COP28 to remain optimistic that a good result is achievable from the two-week summit.
This is despite former Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine’s resignation late last week from a key global climate advisory committee and early conflicts emerging over the Pacific Islands’ demand for a phase out of fossil fuels and the
COP President’s pushback on this central climate issue, Puna, speaking to journalists by Zoom Sunday afternoon, said some view the annual climate summit known as COP as “a talk fest” with little impact. Speaking to island representatives in Dubai Saturday night, Puna said his message was “let’s not lose hope. Through our advocacy we’ve made so much progress.”
He cited the success of the Paris climate summit in 2015. “The Pacific was at the forefront” in Paris, which set the global target of 1.5C that is
still the global benchmark for climate action.
“We can’t give up,” Puna said. “Who are we doing this for? Our people who have entrusted us with this work.”
But former President Heine late last week resigned as a member of the COP28 Advisory Committee, saying the COP president’s support for oil and gas interests “undermine the integrity of the COP presidency and the process as a whole.”
In an email at the end of last week to COP President Sultan Al Jaber,
the United Arab Emirates climate envoy, Heine said “fossil fuels are at the very heart of the crisis that the COP process is designed to address. I was therefore deeply disappointed to learn that the role of COP presidency has been used to promote oil and gas interests.”
In announcing her resignation from the advisory panel, Heine said, “The world is watching and will be on high alert for an outcome that leaves loopholes and caveats, or fails to set us on a path to a 1.5C future.” - RNZ
Pacific experts navigate optimism with caution Palau President urges global unity, action
DUBAI: EXPERTS and officials from the Pacific region have provided their perspectives on the developments related to the Loss and Damage (LND) Fund during COP28 in Dubai.
The creation of the fund is acknowledged as a significant achievement, but stakeholders stress the importance of careful consideration as discussions proceed.
Forum Secretary General Henry Puna expressed cautious optimism, stating, “That’s a wonderful development. The Pacific has been working for LND for so long, and finally, to get over the line in Sharm-el-Sheik last year was a milestone achievement. But there is caution here; the devil is in the details.
Our negotiators will keep a very close eye on that to ensure the Loss and Damage facility is aimed at the nations and states that really deserve it.”
Fiji’s Chief Climate Change negotiator, Amena Yauvoli, shared, “The adoption is a great victory for Pacific SIDS, SIDS, and all developing countries, given the many decades we’ve been pushing for it. Fiji was deeply instrumental in putting our issues in the final agreement. That’s the cause for celebration amongst us when it was adopted.”
Karlos Lee Moresi, Pacific Islands Forum Programme Adviser – Resilient Development Finance, discussed the funding’s implications: “Now that we got the funding, we started talking about the how, how the resources are going to be mobilised. - PACNEWS
Quick news
COP28 FOCUS
DUBAI: Tongan King Tupou VI has delivered a powerful speech at COP28 in Dubai that emphasised the need for urgent and collaborative action in addressing the impacts of climate change. In his address, King Tupou VI highlighted the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), expressing disappointment that COP28 might not be the anticipated milestone moment due to slow progress on the Paris Agreement.
LOSS AND DAMAGE FUND
DUBAI: In a decisive moment at COP28, Small Island States clinched a historic win, but as the celebrations echoed, shadows of doubt lingered over the fund’s ability to truly deliver for the most vulnerable. Anne Rasmussen, the Chair of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), spoke exclusively to Pacific media, revealing the highs and hurdles following the historic decision at COP28.
NZ YET TO JOIN PLEDGE
DUBAI: Countries at UN climate talks have promised to take major strides forward in tackling global warming in a new renewable energy pledge. New Zealand is yet to join them. More than 100 countries - including Australia - have signed a pledge promising to treble world renewable energy use by 2030, at COP28.
NZ AND WEST PAPUA
DUBAI: PALAU’S President Surangel S Whipps Jr (pictured) on Friday delivered a powerful message emphasising the urgent need for global unity and concrete actions to combat the climate crisis.
Addressing the distinguished audience, including COP28 President Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell at the COP28 plenary in Dubai, President Whipps expressed gratitude for the hospitality of His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and emphasised the significance of the conference with its record-breaking participation.
President Whipps highlighted the unique challenges faced by Small
Island Developing States (SIDS) like Palau, emphasising their minimal contribution to global emissions but disproportionate suffering from the climate crisis, which he referred to as an ocean crisis.
“Our ocean feeds us, protects us, and defines us. We must protect it in return,” stated President Whipps.
He announced Palau’s commitment, alongside the Pacific family, to manage 100 percent of their ocean and protect at least 30 percent, stressing the global benefits of a
healthy ocean.
Drawing on Palauan wisdom, President Whipps introduced the concept of ‘bul,’ emphasising the importance of pausing harvesting to allow the ocean to heal.
He shared a success story of the bumphead parrot fish, demonstrating the positive impact of conservation efforts on marine ecosystems.
President Whipps called for global respect for nature’s limits, highlighting the consequences of disregarding these boundaries—floods, droughts, heat, famine, and death.
Urging the mobilisation of at least US$100 billion (K373.6 billion) annually to support the most vulnerable, needs accessible funds. - PACNEWS
AUCKLAND: New Zealand’s government should confront Indonesia over its alleged human rights violations in West Papua, human rights activists and West Papua independence activists in Aotearoa say. The UN Human Rights Council has reported the human rights situation in West Papua has deteriorated, citing reports of torture and mass displacement.
MURDER TRIAL
CHRISTCHURCH: Crown prosecutors in the Angela Blackmoore murder trial have described evidence against the pair of co-accused as “overwhelming”. Closing arguments began at the Christchurch High Court on Monday in the second trial of David Hawken and Rebecca Wright-Meldrum in front of Justice Rachel Cunningham, for the murder of the Christchurch woman on 17 August, 1995. - Agencies
Vanuatu communities fed up with mosquito invasion
PORT VILA: THE Penama Provincial Health in Vanautu has been deploying people on Pentecost to help locals combat the threat from mosquitoes.
A staffer of Lolowai Hospital, Sir Sumptoh, told the Daily Post that a team he is part of has been distributing mosquito nets to overcome what he calls a “mosquito invasion”. He said a ship dropped them off on the western side of Pentecost, with mosquito nets on their backs, and because of damage from Cyclone Lola, they had to trudge across fallen trees to reach the eastern side of the island.
“The connection between west and east of Pentecost is still difficult due to the fallen trees that were unrooted by the Tropical Cyclone Lola and we have put hours to clear our passage in order to reach the eastern part,” Sumptoh said. He said they have to hire people
in the western part of Pentecost to carry 34 bags of mosquito nets for the people in the eastern end of the province, which took them a day. Penama healthofficers arrived at Levetlis area on Wednesday to distribute the nets to the communities of Vanmwel, Lewawa, Lalda, Lebati and Lalbung, he said.
The president of a disaster committee for five communities Dominic Tabi thanked the government for the nets. Tabi said there were so many mosquitoes residents have been burning fires day and night to discourage the insects.
“[The] eastern part of Pentecost is populated also by mosquitoes due to so many rivers and water sources but we never had mosquitoes like this time after TC Lola.
“During the day and night we have to burn fire in our homes to protect us and mainly the children from mosquitoes bite.” - RNZ
SIMON Watts
Philippines identifies suspects after bombing at Sunday Mass
MANILA: PHILIPPINE police have identified at least two suspects in the bombing of a Catholic Mass that killed four people, a regional police chief said on Monday, vowing to hunt down those behind the blast, which was claimed by Islamic State militants.
The bomb went off on Sunday during a service at a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city left in ruins in 2017 by a five-month military campaign to end a bloody occupation by Islamic State loyalists that had triggered alarm across Asia.
”(We have persons) of interest, but the investigation is still ongoing. In order not to preempt the investigation, we will not divulge the names,” regional police chief Allan Nobleza told GMA News, adding that one of the suspects was linked to a local militant group.
The United States condemned what it called a “horrific terrorist attack” and said it stood with Filipinos in rejecting violence, joining a chorus of support from countries that include Japan, Australia, Britain, China and Canada.
“We mourn those killed in the attack, and our thoughts are with the injured,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in statement.
Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for Sunday’s bombing at Mindanao State University, shortly after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said “foreign terrorists” were responsible. Marawi is in an area known as Bangsamoro, an underdeveloped Muslim re-
LANAO Del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr looks on as law enforcement officers investigate the scene of an explosion that occurred during a Catholic Mass in a gymnasium at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Philippines, December 3, 2023. PICTURE REUTERS
gion in the predominantly Catholic Philippines, that has for decades battled with lawlessness, separatist violence and clan conflicts, prompting concern that it could become fertile ground for extremism. Military chief Romeo Brawner on Sunday said he suspected the bombing could be a retaliatory attack as it had followed operations against local extremist groups in the southern region of Mindanao. The military recently said it had
Falling birth rate concerns Kim
SEOUL: NORTH
Korean leader Kim Jong Un (pictured) has called for efforts to tackle the isolated country’s falling birth rates, describing the challenge as “everyone’s housekeeping”, state media KCNA reported on Monday (yesterday).
Kim made the comments during an event for mothers in Pyongyang on Sunday. ”Preventing a decline in birth rates and good childcare are all of our housekeeping duties we need to handle while working with mothers,” Kim said at the event.
The United Nations Population Fund estimates that as of 2023 the fertility rate, or the average number of children being born to a woman in North Korea, stood at 1.8, amid an extended fall in the rate during recent decades.
The fertility rate remains higher
than in some of North Korea’s neighbours, which have been grappling with a similar downward trend.
South Korea saw its fertility rate drop to a record low of 0.78 last year, while Japan saw its figure drop to 1.26.
The dwindling birth rates in South Korea have caused a shortage of pediatricians, while one city is hosting matchmaking events to boost birth rates.
North Korea, which has a population of about 25 million people, has in recent decades also had to contend with serious food shortages, including deadly famine in the 1990s, often a result of natural disasters such as floods damaging harvests.
The North Korean leader thanked mothers for their role in strengthening national power.
“I too always think about mothers when I have a hard time dealing with the party and the state’s work,” Kim said. - CNA
killed a senior operative from Abu Sayyaf, a group notorious for kidnapping and piracy that has aligned itself with the Islamic State. Abu Sayyaf’s late leader, Isnilon Hapilon, was Islamic States anointed “emir” in Southeast Asia and mastermind of the 2017 occupation of Marawi, which led to the deaths of more than 1000 people during a five-month war, among them fighters from multiple countries. Hapilon was killed by a sniper.
The military said it had also conducted two operations in Mindanao on Friday and Sunday against Dawlah Islamiya-Maute, a group that joined Hapilon in taking over Marawi in 2017, seeking to turn it into a Southeast Asian “wilayat” –or governorate - for Islamic State. Xerxes Trinidad, a spokesperson for the military, said it was aware of Islamic State’s claim of and responsibility and was trying to validate it. - REUTERS
Taiwan president urges people to vote for peace
TAIPEI: TAIWAN President Tsai Ing-wen appealed to voters on Sunday (Dec 3) to think of what had happened to Chinese-controlled Hong Kong when they cast their ballots next month, saying peace must be backed up with a commitment to boost defences.
Taiwan prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan 13 as China, which claims the island as its own territory, ramps up military pressure to assert its claims, including two major war games around the island in the past year and a half. China and Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), have cast the election as a choice between war and peace. China detests Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its presidential candidate, Vice President Lai Ching-te, calling them dangerous separatists.
Addressing supporters at a campaign rally for Lai in the capital Taipei, Tsai said the opposition was using “alarmist talk” of war and peace. “I want to ask you all here, does anyone want war? Look at Hong Kong and think of Taiwan. We don’t want Hong Kong-style peace. We want dignified peace.”
Hong Kong, a former British colony, was returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of wide autonomy under a “one country, two systems” framework, which China has also offered to Taiwan - with little support on the island.
Beijing in 2020 imposed a tough national security law on Hong Kong, which it said was vital to restore stability after the city, a global financial hub, was rocked for months by sometimes violent anti-government and anti-China protests in 2019.
-CNA
Quick news
CHINA-BELARUS TIES
BEIJING: China is willing to continue strengthening its strategic cooperation with Belarus, President Xi Jinping was cited as saying after meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday (Dec 4). Xi also said China is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with Belarus in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the official news agency Xinhua said.
ERUPTION KILLS HIKERS
JAKARTA: Eleven hikers have been found dead near the crater of Indonesia’s Marapi volcano after it erupted over the weekend, rescuers say. Three people were rescued on Monday. The search for 12 others missing has been suspended due to a small eruption. There were 75 hikers in the area at the time of the eruption but most were safely evacuated.
YOON CABINET
SEOUL: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is likely to announce a major cabinet reshuffle as early as Monday, with as many as 10 ministers including the finance minister set to be replaced, Yonhap news agency reported. The transport and labour ministers may also be changed, Yonhap said, citing unidentified sources. The financial regulator head could also be replaced, the Korea Economic Daily reported.
WITHDRAWING SOLDIERS
NEW DELHI: India’s government has agreed to withdraw its soldiers from the Maldives, the Indian Ocean archipelago’s President Mohamed Muizzu said on Sunday. Muizzu won the presidential election in September, having campaigned to alter the Maldives’s “India first” policy and promising the removal of a small Indian military presence. “In the discussions we had, the government agreed to remove soldiers,” Muizzu told reporters.
TERROSITS BLAMED
MARAWI: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned a deadly bombing on Sunday (Dec 3), blaming “foreign terrorists”, as police and the military strengthened security in the country’s south and around the capital, Manila. At least four people were killed and at least 50 injured after a bomb exploded during a morning Catholic Mass in a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city in the south of the country besieged by muslim militants for five months in 2017. Fragments of a 16-mm mortar were recovered at the scene, senior police official said. - Agencies
Prominent Hong Kong activist moves to Canada after two-year silence
HONG KONG: ONE of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy activists, who was jailed as part of a China-imposed security crackdown, said on Sunday she had left Hong Kong for Canada after pressure from authorities left her with mental health issues.
Agnes Chow, 27 - a core member of a now-disbanded group of younger activists, including Joshua Wong, who helped drive Hong Kong’s prodemocracy movement - said on her Instagram account late on Sunday that she had left Hong Kong for stud-
ies in Canada. Their group, Demosisto, dissolved hours after Beijing passed a sweeping national security law in 2020.
The law has stifled the pro-democracy movement and led to more than 280 arrests, drawing criticism from some Western governments that the legislation is a tool of repression. Beijing says the law has brought stability to Hong Kong after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. Chow’s posts - her first public comments since her release from prison in June 2021 - detailed how she had
remained under “supervision” from the authorities. Chow was sentenced to 10 months in jail in Nov 2020 over an unauthorised assembly charge. She was later released on bail on the condition she check in with police regularly, and her passport was confiscated as she faced an alleged national security charge, along with others including pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai. Chow said it was as if the police wanted to remind her that she hadn’t regained her freedom, and to “not try to do anything”. She said
the pressures led her to be diagnosed with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. “Several emotional illnesses put my body and mind in a very unstable state,” added Chow.
Reuters could not reach Chow, who arrived in Canada in September, for comment.
Hong Kong police in a statement on Monday condemned Chow’s “irresponsible behaviours that blatantly challenge law and order” and urged her not to be a fugitive for the rest of her life.
Chow said it was only this year, af-
ter she was accepted by a university in Toronto, that the police agreed to return her passport if she travelled to the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
The trip included visits to Chinese tech major Tencent and a “patriotic” exhibition on China’s achievements.
“I was forced to go to mainland China in exchange for the opportunity to study abroad,” she wrote. Chow was due to report to Hong Kong’s security police this month but decided not to return out of consideration for her personal safety and well being. - REUTERS
Paris attack near Eiffel Tower leaves one dead, two injured
PARIS: A GERMAN man has died and two others, including a British man, have been injured in a knife and hammer attack on a street in central Paris.
The attack occurred near the Eiffel Tower shortly before 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on Saturday.
A 26-year-old French man was later arrested, and anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation.
Prosecutor Jean-François Ricard said the suspect had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group (IS).
Mr Ricard told a briefing on Sunday that the suspect Armand R, a French national born in France to Iranian parents, made the pledge in a video posted on social media.
He converted to Islam aged 18, the prosecutor said, and was imprisoned in 2016 for four years after making plans to travel to Syria to join IS.
Police said he was supposed to be following treatment for psychiatric problems. Mr Ricard added that the suspect had been under surveillance for suspected extremism and that three associates, including members of his family, had been detained for questioning.
Earlier, it was revealed that the victim killed in Saturday night’s attack was a German tourist who worked as a nurse. France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said the victim was with his wife when he was attacked and fatally stabbed on Quai de Grenelle.
He said the wife’s life was saved by the intervention of a taxi driver and that the suspect fled across a nearby bridge spanning the River Seine.
After crossing to the north side of the river he attacked two more people: a French man aged around 60 and a 66-year-old British tourist who was hit in the eye with a hammer. - BBC
Commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea
RIYADH: THREE commercial vessels came under attack in international waters in the southern Red Sea, the US military said Sunday, as Yemen’s Houthi group claimed drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels in the area.
The Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance following missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territory, according to US Central Command.
Yemen’s Houthi movement said its navy had attacked two Israeli ships, UnityExplorerand Number9, with an armed drone and a naval missile.
A spokesperson for the group’s military said the two ships were targeted after they rejected warnings. - BBC
Israeli forces pushing into south Gaza
GAZA/CAIRO: ISRAELI ground forces are pushing into southern Gaza, after three days of heavy bombardment.
Initial reports from Israeli army radio effectively confirmed Israel has launched a ground operation to the north of Khan Younis.
The BBC has also verified images of an Israeli tank operating near the city.
The head of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) later told troops the IDF was also fighting “strongly and thoroughly” in south Gaza.
Lt General Herzi Halevi was speaking to reservists from the Gaza division about military objectives and the IDF’s killing of Hamas com-
manders.
He told the soldiers: “We fought strongly and thoroughly in the northern Gaza Strip, and we are also doing it now in the southern Gaza Strip”.
An IDF spokesman later confirmed Israel “continues to expand the ground incursion” across all of Gaza, including troops “conducting face to face battles with terrorists”.
Since a week-long ceasefire ended on Friday, Israel has resumed a large-scale bombing campaign on Gaza, which residents of Khan Younis have described as the heaviest wave of attacks so far.
The seven-day truce saw Hamas release 110 hostages being held in
Gaza in return for 240 Palestinians being released from Israeli prisons.
On Sunday morning, the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for several districts of Khan Younis, urging people to leave immediately.
Israeli authorities believe members of the Hamas leadership are hiding in the city, where hundreds of thousands of people have been sheltering after fleeing fighting in the north in the early stages of the war.
A UN official has described a “degree of panic” he has not seen before in a Gaza hospital, after the Israeli military shifted the focus of its offensive to the south. - BBC
HONOUREES IN THE ARTS
WASHINGTON: Washington celebrated singer Dionne Warwick(seated right), comedian Billy Crystal (seated middle), Bee Gees member Barry Gibb (standing right), rapper and actress Queen Latifah (standing right), and opera star Renee Fleming (seated left) on Sunday at the Kennedy Centre Honours, the top US honour for achievements in the arts. President Joe Biden lauded the work of the five performers during a reception at the White House before the show. - REUTERS
MURDERS ON QUEENS
NEW YORK: A man wielding a steak knife killed four members of his extended family, including two children, at a home in the Queens borough of New York City early on Sunday before being shot dead by police, authorities said. The New York City Police Department said a girl called to report the incident in Queens’ Far Rockaway neighborhood and said “her cousin is killing her family members”. The suspect, a 38-year-old, stabbed two police officers who responded to the scene, police told reporters. One of the officers then shot him dead.
COUP FOILED
BISSAU: Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo said on Saturday that gunfire and clashes that had erupted in the capital of the West African nation on Friday were an attempted coup. “I can assure you that the events of December 1, 2023, are yet another attempted coup and those responsible will suffer serious consequences,” Embalo told journalists after arriving from Dubai where he was attending the COP28 climate summit.
MORE SHELLING
KYIV: Fresh Russian shelling killed at least three people including an elderly man in a village garage and a woman beside a city bus stop, Ukrainian officials said, as President Volodymr Zelenskiy reported “intense battles” at dozens of frontline locations. “Russian occupiers once again shelled Kherson,” Zelenskiy said, referring to the southern, port city on the west bank of the Dnipro River, abandoned by Russian forces late last year but now regularly shelled from the river’s eastern bank.
FAR-RIGHT PARTIES MEET
ROME: European far-right parties met in Italy on Sunday vowing to reshape the European Union after next year’s European Parliament elections, toughening the bloc’s approach on immigration and softening its climate policies to protect jobs and industry. Parties from around a dozen countries gathered in Florence, galvanised by last month’s general elections in the Netherlands, which handed a surprise win to Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration Freedom Party.
LULA IN BERLIN
BERLIN: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva landed in Berlin on Sunday for the first Brazilian-German government consultations in eight years as Latin America and Europe’s largest economies seek to revive ties. Lula has jetted across the globe since returning to office in January, trying to restore Brazil’s global standing. - Agencies
Venezuelan voters reject court’s jurisdiction in dispute with Guyana
CARACAS/GEORGETOWN: VOT-
ERS in Venezuela rejected the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) jurisdiction over the country’s territorial dispute with Guyana and backed the creation of a new state in the potential oil-rich Esequibo region in a Sunday referendum.
The court this week barred Venezuela from taking any action which would change the status quo in the area, which is the subject of an active case before the ICJ, but Presi-
dent Nicolas Maduro’s government went ahead with a five-question “consultative” referendum. All questions passed with more than 95 per cent approval, according to electoral authority president Elvis Amoroso, who said at least 10.5 million votes were cast for ‘yes’ but did not confirm the number of voters.
Some political and security analysts have called the referendum a show of strength by Maduro and a test of support for his government
ahead of a planned 2024 presidential election.
The court said in April it had jurisdiction, though a final ruling on the matter could be years away. Venezuela has said the issue should be resolved by the two countries. Maduro cheered the “total success” of the vote late on Sunday.
“The Venezuelan people have spoken loudly and clearly,” he told a cheering crowd.
At issue is a 160,000 square km
(61,776 square mile) region that is mostly thick jungle. Venezuela reactivated its claim over the territory in recent years after the discovery of offshore oil and gas.
“The purpose of (Maduro’s) government is to send a message of strength to Guyana,” Central University of Venezuela politics professor Ricardo Sucre said, adding Maduro is also thinking of potential oil and gas developments. The maritime border between the two
countries is also in dispute. There was no organised campaign against the referendum and analysts expected voters who opposed it to stay home. There are more than 20 million eligible voters in Venezuela. Reuters witnesses visited voting centres across the country - many had few or no people waiting in line. In Maracaibo, in the oil-rich state of Zulia, poll workers told Reuters that turnout was low. - REUTERS
AN ISRAELI military tank rolls near the border with the Gaza Strip on Sunday
Asia shares turn mixed, gold tops $2,100 an ounce
SYDNEY, REUTERS: Asian shares were mixed on Monday while gold spiked to alltime peaks above $2,100 at the start of a busy week for economic data that will test market wagers for early and aggressive rate cuts from major central banks next year. In particular, the US November payrolls report on Friday needs to be solid enough to support the soft-landing scenario, but not so strong as to threaten the chance of easing. Median forecasts are for payrolls to rise 180,000, keeping unemployment steady at 3.9%. Many analysts suspect risks are to the upside, with Goldman Sachs tipping 238,000 including a chunk of workers returning from strikes, and a jobless rate of 3.8%. There was also still a risk the Israel-Hamas war could widen into a broader conflict with three commercial vessels coming under attack in the southern Red Sea. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) was still up 0.4%, led by gains in South Korea and Australia. Japan’s Nikkei (.N225) dipped 0.4% as the yen extended recent gains. Chinese blue chips (.CSI300) eased 0.2%, while the country’s central bank set another firm fix for the yuan. Trade figures for China are due later in the week with the recent trend being softening exports to the US overshadowing gains in Asia. EUROSTOXX 50 futures and FTSE futures were a fraction firmer. S&P 500 futures dipped 0.1%, after finishing at a 20-month high on Friday, while Nasdaq futures lost 0.2%. The S&P 500 is up 19% for the year so far and just 4% away from its all-time peak.
Over K2.4B invested in PNG by Puma Energy
PUMA Energy has invested over US$650 million (About K2.4 billion) in PNG since 2014.
During a recent visit by Puma’s chief executive officer Hadi Hallouche where he met with government and business leaders, he re-affirmed Puma’s commitment to supporting PNG’s growth through the ongoing supply of vital fuel products.
In light of recent fuel issues affecting customers nationwide, Mr Hallouche explained that these meetings were to discuss sustainable solutions that will work amicably for all parties in
the industry.
“Puma Energy is fully committed to PNG.
“We’ve invested in and upgraded our operations, and we’ve grown and trained a highly skilled local workforce. We are proud to contribute to PNG’s economy and success,” said Mr Hallouche.
Puma currently operates the only storage, logistics and distribution network capable of supplying fuel nationwide.
The company currently employs 500 skilled workers, the vast majority of whom, including management, are local.
It has also created an additional 2500 indirect jobs in PNG throughout its supply chain.
“We are committed to PNG’s future; however, I cannot stress enough the seriousness of the current short-term issues and the problems they can potentially create.
“We will continue to work closely with BPNG to manage the current FX challenges, however, we urge BPNG and BSP to work with us in maintaining our banking relationships.
“We remain solution focused and committed to addressing any
TotalEnergies awards first EPC contract for Papua LNG
TOTALENERGIES EP PNG (TEP PNG) Ltd, has announced the first engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) contract for the Papua LNG project.
The contract was awarded to Vinci Construction Terrassement
SpieCapag Niugini Limited (VCTSC) for the Upstream Early Works and Infrastructure Package.
The contract value was not given to this paper with a Total representative stating that this were: “Commercially sensitive information that we unfortunately cannot release.”
The announcement was done during TotalEnergies inaugural supplier forum in Port Moresby
yesterday, with businesses in PNG receiving comprehensive information on project packages during the Early Works period. Along with the latest news of the project, VCTSC deputy project director Jean-Paul Chauvin, gave an in-depth presentation of the company, the expected scopes of work and the various business opportunities available for interested local suppliers.
In addition, representatives of VCTSC, TEP PNG and local job portal site WAN PNG highlighted the planning, strategy and platforms available for recruitment. The forum was an opportunity for providing supply chain management organisations
from the public and private sector an opportunity to meet and network, providing Papua New Guinean businesses with valuable insights and access to the Papua LNG project. Similar to the Early Works Information Session held earlier in May in both Port Moresby and Lae, Papua New Guinean business houses received up-to-date information on the Papua LNG project, its procurement process, key packages and upcoming tenders in 2024 for the project. Attended by local suppliers, as well as the wider business community in PNG, the event was also streamed live online for those abroad who were not able to attend in person.
concerns,” added Mr Hallouche. Following the government’s Taskforce to investigate the fuel issues in the country, Puma Energy believes it has resolved previous issues with BPNG on documentation requirements and now is looking forward to working with BSP to confirm ongoing banking services.
Puma as a business works with over 50 banks around the world to support its operations across over 30 countries worldwide.
These banks include some of the most stringent and globally recognised financial institutions.
Harmony boss to share industry insights
HARMONY Gold Mining Limited chief executive officer Peter Steenkamp will be a keynote speaker at the esteemed 2023 PNG Resources & Energy Investment Conference.
This prestigious event marks a significant milestone in the mining industry’s calendar, gathering the most influential minds and leaders in the field.
Mr Steenkamp, with his impressive 44-year tenure in the mining industry, is poised to share his extensive knowledge and unique insights at this international platform.
His session titled “The Harmony Perspective” is highly anticipated by industry experts and attendees alike, promising to offer valuable perspectives on the sector's future, particularly in the development of major projects like the Wafi-Golpu gold project.
The PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy, the host of the conference, has expressed immense enthusiasm for Mr Steenkamp’s participation.
Recognising his leadership at Harmony Gold, they anticipate that his presentation will significantly contribute to the discourse on mining and resource development, particularly in the Pacific region.
The 2023 PNG Resources & Energy Investment Conference is set to be the largest of its kind since the Chamber’s initiation of these gatherings. It will host over 1500 attendees, including business leaders, investors, and policymakers.
Significantly, Mr Steenkamp is one of three global CEOs to confirm attendance, highlighting the international importance of the event. In addition to Mr Steenkamp’s keynote address, Harmony Gold will further have a strong presence at the conference.
CEO Peter Steenkamp.
ATTENDEES participating at TotalEnergies Supplier forum yesterday in Port Moresby. - PICTURE SUPPLIED BY TOTALENERGIES.
PHILIP SIAGURU
DrPhillipSiaguru
BYGONE GOOD YEARS II
PUBLIC Service working habits and dynamics began changing early 80’s. The independence advocates felt a sense of achievement. However, they were soon overwhelmed by the “new guard”. There was a hasty move away from the field tested standard bureaucratic procedures. This was a move to take “short-cuts and hasten change,” as required by the independent constitutional review. The normal public service ethos and modus operandi was suppressed and the “old guard” which were seasoned and trained public servants were elbowed aside.
A troop of young externally schooled political advisers filtered in. The seasoned public servants trained to man the service deliverance processes set in place to help the newly independent Papua New Guinea were ignored. At the time, there were many highly competent but perhaps naïve people around. This was accepted as a desirable move to strengthen the competency of political leaders and to promote nationhood. However, over time it led to “ethnic favouritisms which created loop-holes where all sorts of pseudointellectual advisers coming out of the “stones” began to influence Politicians.
By late 80’s early 90’s the demarcation between Legislature and Executive began to blur. There was an increasing ambiance amongst the less educated politicians that the bureaucracy was too powerful, controlling and independent, and not leaning to political expectations. The Legislature basically refused to accept that most of them had little or no experience in public policy or organisation management. By late 90’s and into the early 20’s more people entered parliament with some education. A sentiment of “know-it-all” grew, and that further tensed the rift between the Legislature and Executive even more. Public resources increasingly became controlled by politics rather than written public policy, and politicians began involving themselves in administration and project management, and wanted to control senior appointments of Heads, Chairman of Boards and Councils as well as demand funds for electorate development without adhering to filling in the appropriate PIP Forms and Accountability Expense Claims.
Seasoned public servants began losing professionalism and sound work ethics eroded with time. Young qualified graduates that joined the public service felt they “knew it all”. That wanted to be at the top without learning about the procedures and systems of procurement and accountability. With increasing Wantokism, it became easy to be promoted without appropriate and sufficient knowledge and experience level in the 90’s.
Politicians themselves being less educated began looking at “the FRONT COVER OF GRADUATES”, and since by then they had influence in appointments at senior management positions, began influencing processes to put their wantoks in those positions. These people were ill-equipped to guide professional practices. Today, many top positions in the public service are occupied by incumbents who have had no exposure at all to the old work ethic and culture, and believe that the current flawed practices of corruption and help-yourself to be the norm.
Many Public Servants in the current stage has become CRISS-CROSSERS. Some recognizable names keep popping up in media reports for being appointed to different Boards. Many more sit on Boards so that they get first hand information to report back to the Politician(s) that appointed them. They contribute zero directions to the purpose of the Board and Agencies they are appointed to.
When Self-interest drives the nation combined with the continuing long-standing pressures of PNG’s wantok system, the trends toward cronyism and political interference in public administration will influence the newer breeds of politician or public servant to be rapidly absorbed into a “Me first, country second” approach to their roles, a trend which has yet to be arrested in Papua New. Some dedicated expatriate experts who were committed to the country remained in contracted line positions. They were speedily shifted to offline, advisory support roles and responsibilities during the 1990s. They can still be heard as distant and lonely voices, but only providing advice through the media. No Legislature or Executive ever listens and hear them out. ….final part next reading.
NiuSky Pacific to build digital towers
NIUSKY Pacific Service Limited is embarking on new key developments in the air service space.
One of these development initiative includes the establishment of digital towers which the company aims to progress in 2024. Acting managing director for NiuSky Pacific Service Limited (NPSL), Jordan Imal made this known when highlighting NiuSky's mordernisation program undertaken since 2014, as well as its new development initiative targeted for next year, 2024.
NPSL Mordernisation has undergone significant transformation through a comprehensive mordernisation program involving the mordernising and upgrading
AmCham Coral Sea appoints board
of every aspect of its operations. NiuSky has completed the installation of its CNS/ATM system in PNG with the latest communication navigation surveillance and the air traffic management systems.
Some of the achievements under the modernisation program include the integration of the Air Traffic Management System (ATM); The latest state of the art Voice communication System (VCS). The system is called frequentist, specially known as DCX3020X and provides a safe critical air to run or ground to ground communication in its most reliable form; Voice Recording and Playback system; The Microwave link network; Common Aeronautical Virtual Private network
THE American Chamber of Commerce Coral Sea (AmCham) has appointed its new Board for 2024.
The appointment of the board took place during the second AmCham Annual General Meeting on November 23, at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences.
Partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Peter Burnie was elected president of the AmCham Coral Sea for the next 12 months.
Joining him on the board, is Ian Clough, chairman of the Brian Bell Group as vicepresident, Dianne Peliokai, partner at Deloitte as treasurer, and John Nilkare, corporate affairs manager & company secretary for South Pacific Brewery as AmCham Coral Sea secretary.
General manager Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences, Ryan Mikkelson, Geoff Lawrence from Twenty20 Energy Systems and Tim Solly, Sales and Commercial director at Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners join the board as Membersat-Large. Serving as founding members in the greater AmCham Coral Sea board, are Rupert Bray, managing director Steamships Group, Duncan Lowe, Sales and Recruitment manager at AirSwift, Ces Iewago, Partner at KPMG and Lee Dula from ExxonMobil PNG Limited President-elect, Peter Burnie thanked members of the AmCham Coral Sea upon his appointment.
“The AmCham Coral Sea has been successful in its first 12 months of operation.”
Agency undertakes AROB costing study
THE National Economic and Fiscal Commission is undertaking a Cost of Services Study (CoSS) for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) for the year 2023.
The purpose of the costing study is to identify the cost-of-service delivery in Bougainville.
National Economic and Fiscal Commission advisor Allan Cairns said NEFC does costing studies for all the provinces in a period of five years intervals, excluding the AROB.
Mr Cairns said the reason why Bougainville was not part of the previous studies is because it has special arrangement systems.
Given the special arrangements with PNG, NEFC is being tasked to conduct a separate cost of services study for its government.
The cost of services study for AROB covers the discussions on the progress made in the drawdown of powers and transfer of functions from the government of PNG to AROB, what are the cost of government in AROB, what functions and costs remain uncertain, and how does the situation in AROB compare to similar provinces in terms of infrastructure and services.
Mr Cairns said, according to study findings, part of the costs for the Bougainville government is tied up to the National Government given most of the AROB government’s functions are still with the National Government. “Cost of services like Education, Health, Transport, Works, Civil Aviation, Ports, Water and Power are partly tied up to the National Government,” he said.
vertical commonly known as CRV; the Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS) which is now being used by Niusky Pacific Limited; and a Secondary Surveillance radar at 7 mile in Port Moresby.
NPSL Mordernisation program basically is a program with the objective of transforming the company holistically to achieve a vision to be recognised by the aviation industry as a leading air navigation service provider within the Asia Pacific region. Mr Imal said most of this program has been successful and NPSL is embarking on new developments to further improve its services in the next year going forward.
NAC redevelopment of the aerodrome infrastructure
THE National Airports Corporation (NAC) has been undertaking rehabilitation and redevelopment of aerodrome infrastructure in the country.
NAC acting managing director Jospeh Kintau acknowledged that over the years, NAC invested primarily to meet safety and security compliance requirements for existing operating aircraft.
“The need for expansion of infrastructure, has always been inhibited by a lack of consistent fleeting strategy and plans from major users of airport infrastructure.
“Whilst we noted the global trend in designing of aircraft for fuel efficiency and introduction of new age aircraft, there was no specific position taken by the industry, in particular Air Niugini, for NAC to use as guide for infrastructure investment planning,”
Mr Kintau said.
He said over the next two years, NAC will invest in refurbishment and redevelopment of the Port Moresby international and domestic terminals to provide a more efficient and quality of service for a better customer service experience. However, the long-term plan would require large investment of over K3 billion to extend the runway by an additional 800 metres, parallel taxiway connecting both ends of the runway and rapid exit taxiways to accommodate the future medium and long haul aircraft.
“With this understanding, I am pleased to say that NAC, now has a definite infrastructure strategy that incorporates aircraft fleeting requirements for the future, including ANL’s requirements. This infrastructure policy provides the parameters for the design and construction of our airports that are designated for different aircraft operations. For example, our policy on Port Moresby International Airport has operational specifications for the A380 aircraft,” Mr Kintau said. NAC is committed to pursuing the government vision to make Port Moresby International Airport, a port of transit for east-west and north-south. This includes the development of infrastructure to international standards that will create connectivity for the Asian markets as well as a transitional hub for east-west and north-south routes.
The NAC Infrastructure Strategy also includes Nadzab, Tokua and Mt Hagen to accommodate full operations of B767 and A330 aircraft. For the rest of the jet airports, the policy is to accommodate the Code 4C aircraft which include the A220 and the B737. Mr Kintau said these developments will require collaboration with both the operators as well as the regulator in regards to safety and security compliance, particularly where the infrastructure is not able to fully meet the operating requirements of the aircraft.
DR
If you feel that you have an important question on anything in relation to business that you want direct responses on please send them through to dluma@spp.com.pg or call 3091173.
THIS week’s business help desk highlights the Governments Revenue developments plans and outlook for 2023 and 2024 through highlighted through the K27 billion 2024 budget plan.
ACCORDING to the Economic and Development policies
Volume 1 themed “Securing Our Future” Chapter 4 on revenue, the global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures that have adversely impacted economies around the world in 2022 have eased in 2023 with international commodity prices declining. However, prices are still at elevated levels compared to pre-COVlD-19 period.
As a commodity-exporting country, the high prices have benefitted PNG through higher export receipts. Notwithstanding, PNG still needs to develop a more balanced revenue structure by reducing the reliance on nontax and commodity-based revenues.
Already there has been a decline in non-resource revenue as a share of GDP from 15.9 per cent in 2018 to 14.7 per cent in 2023, which implies the need to develop a more balanced revenue structure and broaden revenue base.
To address these challenges, a sustainable revenue collection framework anchored with more predictable, equitable and efficient revenue policies are needed to finance the ongoing demänd for funding social and economic programs. PNG has put in place a new Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) 2023-2027.
The new MTRS aims to improve PNG’s revenue framework through strengthening the existing tax policies, updating tax legislations, and improving tax administrative capacity. This will contribute towards improving the country’s investment climate and enhance private sector development through a more equitable, fairer and efficient tax system.
REVENUE IN 2023
Total Revenue and Grants for 2023 is estimated to grow by 10.1 per cent to K20,403.3 million (18.3 per cent of GDP) from the 2022 outcome.
Tax revenue remains the major contributor at 80.0 per cent of total revenue or 14.7 per cent of GDP. This is driven by favorable commodity prices, improved business profitability and high employment and wage growth.
Non-tax revenue collection is expected to increase its share of total revenue from 3.3 per cent in 2022 to 10.1 per cent in 2023 due to higher mining and petroleum dividends.
Tax revenue is estimated to slightly decline by 0.8 per cent to K16, 320.7 million taking into account the actual collections up to end-September for both direct and indirect taxes.
Taxes on Income and Profits are estimated to decline by 5.1 per cent to KIO,683.3 million.
This is driven by the reduction in Mining and Petroleum Taxes (MPT) and the Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT).
The MPT is expected to increase but not at the same level as in 2022 due to the moderation in global crude oil prices averaging at USD80.O per barrel in 2023 compared to
USDIOO.O per barrel in 2022.
In addition, DWT is estimated to fall by 33.5 per cent to K452.8 million. This is a result of lower earnings compared to a one-off gain in 2022 which has increased DWT collections.
The reduction in MPT and DWT will be offset by an expected increase in Personal Income Tax (PIT), Company Income Tax (CIT) and Interest Withholding Tax (IWT).
Tax on Goods and Services is estimated to grow by 13.7 per cent to K4,882.1 million in 2023.
The higher growth in this category is due to the abolition of the fiscal relief package introduced by the Government in 2022 to address the rising cost of living.
Growth in this indirect tax is supported by the total Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is estimated to increase by 22.7 per cent to K3,036.1 million from the 2022 outcome.
This reflects the increase in private consumption and consumer prices. Both the domestic excise and import excise recorded a growth of 15.8 per cent and 7.2 per cent, respectively.
The increase in domestic excise is attributed to the restoration of excise on fuel products and the reduction of the excise indexation rate on tobacco and alcohol as introduced in the 2022 Budget. Both export and import duties are expected to decline by 22.1 per cent and 11.8 per cent, respectively. This indicates a decline in the demand for PNC’s round logs and the broad trade activities.
Non-tax revenue is expected to surge by 237.0 per cent to K2,057.4 million largely attributed to higher dividend payments from Kumul Minerals (Ok Tedi) and Kumul Petroleum (PNG LNG) totaling K382.5 million and K600.0 million, respectively.
This is a result of favourable commodity prices. Meanwhile, revenue from Statutory Authorities and Agencies is estimated to increase reflecting the implementa-
tion of the Non-Tax Revenue Administration (NTRA) Act 2022 since the third quarter of 2023.
REVENUE IN 2024
PNG’s tax revenue is expected to increase by 14.5 per cent amounting to K18,694.8 million or 15.3 per cent of GDP in 2024. This level of revenue is expected amid the anticipation of global commodity price moderation and the dissipation of pent-up global demand.
The non-tax revenue is expected to increase by 21.2 per cent to K2,494.0 million or 2.0 per cent of GDP. Thus, the Total Revenue and Grants is projected to increase by K2,990.8 million amounting to K23,393.8 million or 19.1 per cent of GDP.
TAX REVENUE
Taxes on Income and Profits
Taxes on Income and Profits is projected to increase by 16.6 per cent to K 12,455.6 million in 2024. This represents 66.6 per cent of total tax revenue. The increase is attributed to improvements in the PIT, MPT, DWT, CIT and IWT, supported by.strong economic growth.
Personal Income Tax (PIT) is expected to increase by 12.2 per cent to K4,341.0 million in 2024 driven by a favourable economic growth outlook, strong employment growth and improved tax compliance efforts by IRC. Furthermore, the resumption of Porgera mine is also expected to improve collections.
Company Income Tax (CIT) is expected to grow by 23.7 per cent to K3,761.2 million in 2024 representing 23.2 per cent of tax revenue.
This is underpinned by continuous strong corporate earnings on the back of robust nonresource sector growth and the corporate tax rate of 45.0 per cent levied on the commercial banking sector in 2023. Mining and Petroleum Tax (MPT) is expected to increase by 17.3 per cent from K3,025.6 million in 2023 to K3,550.0 million in 2024. This represents
GROW
INVEST
THE NATIONAL BUDGET: IMPLICATIONS FOR INVESTORS AND THE STOCK MARKET
PAPUA New Guinea's economic landscape took centre stage last week as Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey unveiled the national budget, a comprehensive financial roadmap that outlines the government's revenue, spending, and deficit projections. Investors and the stock market, always keenly attuned to the pulse of economic policies, are now dissecting the budget's implications for opportunities and risks.
19.0 per cent of total tax revenue. The increase is driven by the anticipated increase in oil price to USD80.0 per barrel in 2024 and higher production volumes anticipated from the PNG LNG project and some of the mines.
The total MPT revenue is expected to be offset against the tax credit arising from the over assessment of MPT in 2023. While this is an upward revision from the 2023 levels, it is low compared to the 2022 levels and is mainly reflective of moderation of oil prices in 2024. In 2024, DWT is expected to increase by 9.5 per cent to K496.0 million. The increase is attributed to strong economic growth and the ongoing DWT payments from non-resident companies and individuals.
DWT, along with other minor direct taxes such as the Interest Withholding Tax (IWT) and Non-Resident Insurer Withholding Tax (NRIWT) is expected to return to its positive trend level.
Taxes on Payroll and Workforce
Training Levy collection amounted to K1.9 million by the end of September 2023. These collections levied on payroll and work force are continuing to be an income stream from the delayed filings from 2019. However, the tax was repealed in the 2018 Budget.
Taxes on Goods and Services
Tax on Goods and Services is estimated to increase by 9.6 per cent to K5,349.1 million in 2024. This increase in revenue is supported by steady consumption and trade growth.
Total GST collection is projected to increase by 6.6 per cent to K3,236.4 million representing 17.3 per cent of total tax revenue.
The increase is attributed to the IRC’s ongoing tax compliance and enforcement efforts in implementing Section 65A to suppliers or service providers to Government Departments and State-Owned Enterprises. The strong consumption resulting from economic growth is expected to support the gain in overall GST collection.
Inland Excise is projected to increase by 13.1 per cent to Kl,326.4 million in 2024 representing 7.1 per cent of total tax revenue.
Domestic excise will be driven by an increase in consumption on excisable items. In the 2024 Budget, the Government is making the Tier-2 tobacco excise regime permanent to continue the fight against illicit tobacco products and also raise revenue.
At the core of investor interest lies the forecasted revenues of PGK23.394 billion, an essential metric that provides insight into the government's expectations for economic growth and sustainability. Investors often view revenue projections as a barometer of the country's fiscal health, as higher revenues can signal a robust economy with increased business activities. For stock market participants, this can translate into potential growth opportunities across various sectors.
However, the forecasted spending of PGK27.377 billion prompts a closer examination. The government's expenditure plan is a critical factor for investors, as it indicates the areas where capital will be injected. Increased spending on infrastructure, healthcare, or education can stimulate economic activity, benefiting companies in these sectors. Conversely, excessive or inefficient spending may raise concerns about fiscal responsibility, potentially af fecting investor confidence.
The projected deficit of PGK3.983 billion is a key measure for investors, reflecting the government's borrowing requirements to cover the gap between revenue and spending. While deficits are common in national budgets, the magnitude and the government's strategy for managing the deficit are crucial considerations for investors. A well-managed deficit, channelled towards productive investments, may not necessarily deter investors. However, a large and poorly managed deficit can signal financial instability, prompting caution among investors and potentially impacting the stock market.
The budget's relevance to investors extends beyond the headline figures. The allocation of resources to specific sectors can create investment opportunities or challenges. For example, increased spending on renewable energy may attract investors eyeing the growing global trend towards sustainability. Similarly, investments in technology and innovation may become more appealing if the government prioritizes these sectors.
Currency stability is another factor investors closely monitor. The national budget plays a pivotal role in shaping monetary policies that influence currency value. A stable, accurately priced currency is generally favourable for investors, providing a predictable environment for investment decisions. Any indications of currency volatility in the budget or related policy measures may trigger reactions in the stock market, impacting the valuation of stocks and affecting investment strategies.
Furthermore, the government's commitment to regulatory and institutional reforms is crucial for investor confidence. The budget speech often outlines policy initiatives and reforms that can streamline business processes and enhance the ease of doing business. Investors appreciate a transparent and investor-friendly regulatory environment, which can positively impact stock market performance.
Papua New Guinea's national budget is a financial compass for investors navigating the country's economic landscape. The revenue, spending, and deficit projections, along with sector-specific allocations and policy commitments, all contribute to shaping investor sentiment. As investors digest the implications of the budget, they will make strategic decisions that can influence the stock market's trajectory in the coming fiscal year. The government's ability to balance fiscal responsibility, stimulate economic growth, and create a conducive investment climate will determine the long-term impact on investor confidence and the future wealth of the country.
Investing in shares on PNGX is an ideal way to grow your wealth by investing in PNG.
PNGX recommends discussing your investment objectives and needs with a stockbroker or qualified financial adviser. In PNG, you can either contact JMP Securities Limited (enquiries@jmpmarkets.com) or Kina Securities Limited (wealth@kinabank.com.pg). The information in this article is general in nature and you should take care to inform yourself about the specific characteristics of a particular investment before making a decision to invest in it.
TREASURER Ian Ling-Stuckey and Finance and Implementation Rainbo Paita walking out of the budget Lock up last month.
– PICTURE BY DALE LUMA
As
Others
Talking
Although, being a Cancerian, you’ll have felt the influence of last Sunday’s Full Moon well before it took place, and will have dealt with numerous issues, there’s still bound to be fallout from it. Unsettling as it’s been, you’ve
You don’t think of yourself as being demanding until you realise, to your surprise, what others are willing to put up with. Yet, bizarrely, you’re about to discover one particular situation in which you’re compromising, but are unaware of it. Actually, once it was really important, but that’s no longer the case.
While every sign is influenced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, the fact it’s your ruler can lead to greater confusion, especially in personal matters. What’s more, because this particular cycle is taking place during a period of dramatic change in the world around you, even relatively simple arrangements could shift, and shift again.
For ages you’ve been thinking about, and trying to gather facts that would define the source of certain persistent difficulties. And there’s no better time than now to discuss what you’ve observed with those who’re involved. While their initial reaction may not be enthusiastic, they’ll soon be thrilled with what they learn.
On Sunday the 3rd, the communication planet Mercury began one of its regular cycles of retrograde movement. While this occurs several times a year, because it’s in Sagittarius, some of the confusion typical of this period is bound to apply to matters of a personal nature, and could prove surprisingly illuminating. Obviously you can’t ignore pressing issues. But you can acknowledge that since there’s no avoiding the influence of the current unsettling planetary activity, there’s little point in struggling to organise things in detail. In fact, the more flexible both arrangements and your attitude are, the easier it will be, now and later.
and in
process triggers a new, and powerful, cycle.
Liverpool’s match winner
FOOTBALL: TRENT Alexander-Arnold scored an 88th-minute winner as Liverpool mounted a stunning late comeback to beat Fulham in a seven-goal thriller at Anfield.
Trailing 3-2 in the 87th minute, Liverpool equalised as Wataru Endo scored his first Premier League goal and seconds later Alexander-Arnold completed the turnaround.
Alexander-Arnold had helped Liverpool open the scoring in the 20th minute when his free-kick ricocheted off the crossbar and in off Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.
Former Red Harry Wilson equalised four minutes later before Alexis Mac Allister restored Liverpool's lead after 38 minutes with a stunning long-range strike.
Kenny Tete netted Fulham's second equaliser in first-half injury time and Bobby De Cordova-Reid headed the Cottagers into the lead in the 80th minute.
Fulham had looked set to end Liverpool's 13-month unbeaten home record in the Premier League. Instead, the Reds kept up their perfect record at Anfield this season and cut Arsenal's lead at the top to two points.
Marco Silva's side stayed 14th. No team has won more points from losing positions (15) than Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
Not only did Jurgen Klopp's side pull off a heart-racing comeback, they did it with four brilliant strikes.
Reffell scores hat-trick
RUGBY UNION: TOMMY Reffell scored a hat-trick as Leicester Tigers thrashed Newcastle, leaving the Falcons winless and bottom of the Premiership table.
A first-half Reffell double, and touchdowns from Matt Scott and Jasper Wiese, earned Tigers a bonus point as they led 26-3 at the break.
Wales flanker Reffell completed his treble after the break as Tigers eased to a third successive win.
Ollie Hassell-Collins and Mike Brown wrapped up the victory with late tries.
Victory lifts Dan McKellar's Tigers up to seventh in the table, while Newcastle's heaviest league defeat of the season leaves them eight points adrift at the foot of the table.
Exeter needed a second-half fightback to overcome the lowly Falcons a week earlier, and a bright start by the visitors had them leading after 12 minutes.
But a penalty from Brett Connon, who came in as a late replacement for Louie Johnson, was all they had to show for their relentless early efforts.
And their lead lasted just three minutes, as Reffell crashed over from a maul for the game's first try in cold and wet conditions at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Reffell went over again out wide after Scott punched through a gap and dived over for Tigers' second try on the half-hour mark.
Wiese collected a loose ball from an attempted pick-and-go near the line to complete the first-half dominance with the five-pointer that earned Tigers just their second try-scoring bonus point of the season.
It was from another maul that Reffell added his third and Tigers' fifth try of the day after the interval.
Newcastle were down a man, following Pedro Rubiolo's sin-binning for a high tackle, when HassellCollins went over, but even with a full complement they could not deny Brown a last-gasp score on a miserable day for the side from the North East.
Referee criticised on social media
FOOTBALL
MANCHESTER City striker Erling
Haaland has criticised referee Simon Hooper on social media over a controversial decision late in Sunday's dramatic 3-3 draw with Tottenham.
The Norway forward was incensed with Hooper after being denied the opportunity to play an advantage in the closing moments of a thrilling Premier League match at Etihad Stadium.
Haaland was one of several City players to remonstrate with the official and he continued his protests after the game by reposting a clip of the incident on X, formerly Twitter, with the comment "Wtf", which is offensive slang.
The incident that angered City happened when Haaland was fouled in the fifth minute of stoppage time, managing to regain his footing to swivel and send Jack Grealish clear. Hooper initially appeared to acknowledge the infringement and wave play on, but then blew his whistle to pull play back for a City free-kick.
The decision brought protests from the City players and criticism from pundits.
"I think it is an absolute shocker. I really do," said Jermaine Jenas on the BBC's Match of the Day 2.
"I'm not sure what Simon Hooper is thinking. It's clearly a mistake but it is a monster of a mistake in my opinion."
His fellow former England mid-
fielder Leon Osman said: "It's a huge mistake - there is no getting away from that with the technology we have but I have a slight bit of sympathy. He held his hands up straight away.
"But this one mistake is all that people will want to talk about."
"The problem I have is that we've had so many situations where play is allowed to go on," said former City defender Micah Richards on SkySports.
"If you're in doubt, just leave the play to go on and you can always bring it back. That's why City will feel aggrieved."
While fellow pundit Jamie Carragher said the referee "just panicked", former Manchester United captain Roy Keane added: "It's a
Quick news
HOPE STARS FOR INDIES
SHAI Hope’s sublime century led West Indies to a stunning four-wicket win over England in the first one-day international in Antigua. Hope smashed 109 not out from just 83 balls as the hosts chased down 326 to win with seven balls to spare. Needing an unlikely 106 from the last 10 overs with five wickets left, captain Hope was supported by Romario Shepherd’s 48 from 28 balls. Hope then finished the chase in style with three sixes in the 49th over. England were firm favourites at the halfway stage on a tricky pitch that was offering uneven bounce and turn for the spinners.
BRISTOL MOVES UP
THE Bears raced Bristol produced a scintillating display at Ashton Gate to win 51-26 and condemn Gloucester to a sixth straight Premiership defeat. to their bonus point with tries by Max Malins, Ellis Genge, Harry Randall and Fitz Harding before Louis Rees-Zammit replied on half-time. Randall and Joe Batley extended the lead to 41-7, but Rees-Zammit and Jamal Ford-Robinson’s double restored pride. However, Harry Thacker had the final say as Bristol moved up to seventh.
O’SULLIVAN STILL CHAMP
RONNIE O’Sullivan says it is “bonkers” to have won the UK Championship for an eighth time, 30 years on from his first triumph as a 17-year-old in 1993. The world number one’s 10-7 victory over Ding Junhui on Sunday saw him become the oldest UK champion, two days before his 48th birthday. It was the Englishman’s 40th ranking title and his 22nd Triple Crown success since turning professional in 1992. “I feel a more complete player now than ever,” O’Sullivan said. “I’ve got better, I feel like I got better in many ways. I started off pretty raw. I was all right when I first turned pro and I lost my way. It’s bonkers to be still playing and winning tournaments at the age of 48.”
MANAGER TO BE SACKED
PAUL Heckingbottom is set to be sacked as Sheffield United manager within the next 24 hours. The Blades, who lost 5-0 at Burnley on Saturday, are bottom of the Premier League with five points after losing 11 of their opening 14 games. Appointed permanent manager in November 2021, Heckingbottom guided United to the top flight with a second-place Championship finish last season. Former manager Chris Wilder is among the leading contenders to take over. Following the defeat at Burnley, Heckingbottom criticised the club for making “financial rather than football decisions” by selling key players in the summer.
‘HERO’S
SEND-OFF’
RUGBY LEAGUE: BACK in the Concord rehab room after three offseason operations, Brent Naden is hoping for better fortunes in 2024 after an injury and suspension-filled campaign.
Limited to just eight NRL games last season, the premiership-winning centre struggled with his inability to help save the Wests Tigers from slumping to a second-straight wooden spoon.
But as the club and Naden desperately look towards a new year, it is clear the charismatic strike centre is still bringing the optimism and energy to the inner west.
“It was a pretty frustrating season. I only played eight games so it was a year full of injuries and a couple of suspensions in there too," Naden told NRL.com.
“For me personally, it hasn’t been lonely as much as it's been frustrating because I couldn't be out there with the boys and it's such a slow process.
“But I've tried to stay positive, I think the physios are sick of me
already and it's only week two of pre-season.
“They've bounce me around between them...‘you take Nado, no you take him,' I give them a pretty hard time but it’s all for a laugh. I think they’ll be hoping to see me back out there more than anyone.
“But I'm excited to put my best foot forward. Do all my rehab, train hard, do all the right things and come back for 2024. A bit like a fresh start I suppose."
Naden is no stranger to testing times in rugby league having gone from one wooden spoon club to another after switching mid-season from the Bulldogs to the Wests Tigers in 2022.
Playing under six different NRL coaches in three seasons – including four in just over 18 months at Wests Tigers – is not something Naden had given much thought to but made him hopeful for more success and stability in the future.
"I’ve never really thought about that until now but having been around a couple of different clubs
the last few years there has been lots of change," he said.
"All of those coaches have been very different and good in their own way but Benji is different because he could probably still play.
"So I’m very excited to play under him, he's been in the game so recently so has a really fresh understanding of how it all works.
"He knows how to build a game, what it takes to win games and all that hard work and training that goes not that."
The bright spot for Wests Tigers fans in 2023 was the emergence of rising star Jahream Bula, who made his NRL debut just two weeks after Naden dislocated his shoulder and five-eighth Adam Doueihi tore his ACL on Easter Monday.
The 27-year-old Naden said the rookie fullback came as an important morale booster for the club and a player he's desperately excited to link up with on field in 2024 after connecting away from footy. -NRL.COM
MITCHELL Johnson has questioned whether former Australia team-mate David Warner should be given a “hero’s send-off” in the Test series against Pakistan. Warner, 37, has been named in Australia’s squad for the first Test, which starts on 14 December in Perth. Johnson pointed to Warner’s poor recent form and his central role in 2018’s ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering scandal. The former fast bowler queried why Warner appeared to have been able to “nominate his own retirement date”. Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine said Johnson had made “great points” about Warner’s form, but Australia batter Usman Khawaja defended Warner, saying “no-one’s perfect”.
MEDJEDOVIC WINS TITLE
Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic became the sixth winner of the Next Gen ATP Finals after a five-set win over France’s Arthur Fils. The 20-year-old world number 111 recovered from letting two match points slip in the fourth set before winning 3-4(6-8) 4-1 4-2 3-4(9-11) 4-1. The tournament is the seasonending event for the top-ranked male players aged 21 and under.
ERLING Haaland could not hide his dismay at referee Simon Hooper’s decision to pull the game back. Picture: Getty Images
PAPUA New Guinea Squash Federation has sent its seven best junior development players from the Port Moresby Racquets Club to Tauranga in New Zealand on Saturday Decem-
ber 2 to compete in the New Zealand Oceania Juniors Championship with squash New Zealand Poiatu Aotearoa Festival of Squash starting today, December 5-7. At such a young age, exposure and experience are much needed and play a major role in an athlete's success.
The squad will be competing in the junior division as well as getting first-hand experience watching the NZ Open and World Squash Federation men’s teams competing
Governors cup launched in prison
RUGBY LEAGUE: FOR the first time, the Bomana prison male inmates will be part of the annual NCD Governors Cup rugby tournament in the prison.
The tournament was launched last Friday at the Bomana jail outside Port Moresby and will be played within the prison compound in their respective divisions.
The inmates were thrilled with the excitement of that initiative knowing that they were not left out in prison and were allowed to be part of a bigger sporting event outside of the cell blocks.
The National Capital District Governors Cup director and former inmate Billy Aki was overwhelmed with tears of joy while speaking to his ex-inmates.
“I am proud to be here and launch the tournament in prison for the first time.
“The purpose of this initiative is to educate inmates in building healthy mindsets and to change for the better.” Aki presented a trophy and rugby balls, and announced a cheque of
Southside off season kicks off
RUGBY LEAGUE: PORT Moresby South electorate officially launched its off-season rugby league competition on the weekend with support from the NCDC Social Service Department.
The tournament returns to the dusty and rough pitch of Kone Oval with 24 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams participating. A total of 32 teams will be battling it out for a title in the men’s A grade, B grade, and women’s division.
The off-season rugby league competition in the Moresby South electorate has been keeping youths busy and occupied with no room for petty crimes.
This year 2023 Moresby South electorate off-season rugby league competition received generous funding from the NCDC social service department through the leadership of director of Community Services Janet Haua.
As part of the Commission social service work, NCDC has come on board to support the offseason competition with sporting accessories.
Ms Haua officially kicked off the off-season competition at the famous Kone Oval at Konedobu on Saturday December 2, 2023. NCDC has realised the importance of community sports and has come on board to support sports at the grassroots level and build future sporting icons, and as well as keeping youths busy this festive season.
K5000 to the inmates at Bomana to kick off the Governor’s Cup rugby tournament.
The commanding officer for the Bomana Facility, Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa expressed his words of gratitude and appreciation towards the Governor of NCD and Mr Aki for the initiative of recognising the inmates to be part of the event.
“We are happy to see one of our former inmates being part of the greater organisation coming and giving back to our prisoners, that only shows us the dedication to discipline and a big thank you to the office of the Governor for involving the prisoners,” Oiufa said.
The female inmates were left out due to funding and tournament director Billy Aki is knocking on the Governor’s office to increase funds up to K350,000 to cater for everyone.
The NCD Governor’s Cup rugby tournament will kick off on December 11 with 64 teams in and around the city.
in the open division. The five PNGbased players are: Bowen Parua, Talitha Fabila, Andre Awui, Denzel Romanong, and River-Jordan Hahena met up with their two Australian base teams Timonaliz Alarcos Kriebisch, Ethan Kriebisch in Brisbane before travelling to NZ.
For Parua and Fabila this will be their first time travelling out of PNG and competing at an international level.
“It was an honour and a privilege to represent PNG abroad and we
are prepared to give our best,”said Fabila.
Fabila is also part of the KPMG Elite Girls Squad preparing for the 2027 18th Pacific Games in Tahiti.
The squad will be coached by the PNG No1 ladies and Oceania Women’s open No3 Amity Alarcos.
This would not be possible without the support and sponsorship from Moni Plus, Swire Shipping, Kumul Holdings, Vision Engineering, TCB Travel, Port Moresby Racquets Club, and the parents.
During the official opening, Ms Haua said: “Sports is seen as a tool to drive changes in the community, and this year NCDC had decided to step on board and be part of the community sports development and also development sports in Papua New Guinea.” Apart from the team within the electorate, the tournament is now inviting teams from other electorates to take part.
-BY FIDELIS WASARI
PORT Moresby Racquet Club Junior development players that will be participating in the New Zealand Oceania Juniors Championship, (from left) Bowen Parua, Andre Awui, River-Jordan Hahena, and Talitah Fabila. Photo by Fidelis Wasari
COMMANDING officer for the Bomana jail, Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa (standing in front third from left) and Billy Aki (standing in front third from right) surrounded by the inmates during the launching of the Bomana Governors Cup rugby tournament at the Bomana jail compound.
WHP Governor’s Cup kicks off
BY MEROLYN TEN tenmerolyn@gmail.com
RUGBY LEAGUE
WESTERN Highlands Governor's rugby league cup officially kicked off on Saturday at Kombolopa Secondary School in the Mul Baiyer district.
The kick off was officiated by Mul Baiyer MP Jacob Maki and Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa including the co-ordinator for the cup Samuel Maniat.
The tournament will run for six weeks. “The main purpose behind organising this tournament is to engage youths in sports and keep them away from illegal activities like drugs and stealing,” said Governor Rapa.
He said all the MPs of Western Highlands have realised that most of the youths were not doing what they are supposed to be doing.
He said they have agreed to host the competition to create a platform for youths to come out from illegal activities. “We are building a platform for rugby in WHP. We want to see talented players to go miles,” Rapa said.
“Mt Hagen is slowly becoming
a better place because leaders in the province are in unity.”
Rapa said the competition will also help in selecting the Mt Hagen Eagles side to represent the province in the Digicel Cup in 2024.
Maki said he will continue to support rugby league in his term as MP. Brian Bell Mt Hagen
SOCCER: OCEANIA Football
Confederation (OFC) can confirm the host locations and dates for all competitions to be held across the region in 2024.
Following on from a successful 2023, a total of 19 events will be held in 2024, including Qualifying tournaments and National Playoffs.
The Women's Olympic Football Tournament - Oceania Qualifier, is the first competition of the year and will be held in Samoa in February, with the winner qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Tonga returns as an OFC competition host for the first time since 2017, with three tournaments taking place in the Kingdom.
Futsal is again a prominent fixture on the calendar with the inaugural OFC Futsal Women's Nations Cup being hosted in the Solomon Islands and the OFC Futsal Men's Champions League returning for the first time since 2019, hosted by New Caledonia.
The second edition of the OFC Women's Champions League will be held in the Solomon Islands in March, with the OFC Men's Champions League tournament being played in Tahiti in May.
Following on from the success of hosting the OFC Men's Champions League for the first time in 2023, Vanuatu will host the prestigious OFC Men's Nations Cup in June.
Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™ 2026 - jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA - also begins, with FIFA to conduct the draw in July.
Women's Olympic Football Tournament - Oceania Qualifier -
Samoa | 7-19 February
OFC Men's Champions LeagueNational Play-off - 8 February - 16 March
OFC Men's Champions League -
Qualifying - Tonga | 17-23 February
OFC Women's Champions League
- Solomon Islands | 10-23 March
OFC Men's Nations Cup -
Qualifying - Tonga | 20-26 March
OFC U-19 Men's Championship
- Qualifying - Vanuatu | 9-15 April
OFC U-16 Men's Championship -
Qualifying - Tonga | 13-19 April
OFC Futsal Men's Champions League - New Caledonia | 23-28 April
OFC Men's Champions LeagueTahiti | 11-24 May
OFC U-16 Women's Championship
- Qualifying - New Zealand (OFC Home of Football) 14-20 June
OFC Men's Nations Cup - Vanuatu | 15-30 June
OFC U-19 Men's ChampionshipSamoa | 7-20 July
OFC U-16 Men's ChampionshipTahiti | 28 July - 10 August
OFC Futsal Women's Nations Cup
- Solomon Islands | 18-24 August
FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Oceania
Qualifiers MD 1 & 2 - Samoa 2-10
September
OFC U-16 Women's Championship
- Fiji | 8-21 September
FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Oceania
Qualifiers MD 3 - New Zealand & Vanuatu 7-15 October
Qualifiers MD 4 & 5 - New Zealand & Papua New Guinea | 11-19
November
branch manager Scott Burridge said such a competition will see potential players reaching the highest level in rugby league.
To conclude the event, Governor Rapa presented K500,000 to support the tournament.
MP Maki also made a commitment to support each team in his district with K5000.
Off-season comp bans POM based players
BASKETBALL: IN light of recent men’s basketball national basketball team’s selection, the National Souths Basketball League has banned all Port Moresby based basketball players from participating in its annual tournament.
President Silas Nicky made this known after expressing his frustration in the manner used by the Basketball Federation of PNG to select its men’s national team to the Pacific Games.
“We’ve waited for the BFPNG to apologise to one of our NSBL products, Colin Pine who was dropped at the last minute but to no avail,” he said.
Nicky said there has been a lot of concerns raised on the issue on social media but the ignorance from the BFPNG has left him and NSBL executives with no choice but to make this stand.
He clarified that players that have no origin from the Highlands and in particular Southern Highlanders will not be allowed to participate.
“We have allowed everyone, whether you from Highlands or coastal to participate in our tournament but I think its time that we stop this,” Nicky said.
He said NSBL has been the only active annual offseason basketball competition in the country where a lot of raw unidentified talents were being exposed but since its affiliation to BFPNG and bringing the game to Port Moresby, majority of the players were from Port Moresby.
“We’ve seen this long before but have been lenient and allowed
everyone to participate, however this will not happen again,” Nicky said.
He said NSBL will put in their eligibility criteria in the next tournament which he is planning to bring up to the mainland in one of the Highland’s province.
“I have not met with the patron to decide this yet but I am thinking of bringing the game back to one of the towns in the mainland provinces,” Nicky said.
When asked why he came up this decision to stop Port Moresby based players, he said: “I think we’ve had enough of this nepotism at the national level and some of our boys who are great ambassador of NSBL were never being selected.
“The example is Colin Pine. Pine got selected and did everything to be in the final team but was dropped at the 11th hour.
“He’s surname was printed on one of the playing jerseys for the 5x5 men’s national team and was worn by another person.
“This is a slap in the face of Pine, NSBL and many of his followers. He is our NSBL’s product and we will stand by him no matter what,” he said.
“We will not allow Port Moresby based players to participate. Other players in other centres can but not Port Moresby,” he said.
Nicky said the Highlands boys and girls residing in Port Moresby are eligible but if you are not from one of the mainland provinces, you will not be allowed to participate.
Kimbe Pirates sail to victory
RUGBY UNION: KISERE! Kisere!
Kimbe Pirates the name that is synonymous with the old-time rugby sevens kings in Kimbe Rebels have lifted the fourth leg of the KPHL Super 7s series trophy and K10,000 prize money as the champions by defeating Southern Chiefs 19-17 at Sir Hubert Murray stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The legacy has lived from Kimbe Rebels to Kimbe Pirates.
Skills have been passed on from the big names who left and the few who have stuck around like Tonny Ponda and Henry Liliket to groom the upcoming players.
The Pirates of Kimbe, West New Britain led by Dominic Anis sailed across the Bismarck Sea to Port
Moresby after claiming the Bilas Peles 7s in Kavieng displaying classic sevens rugby throughout the three-day tournament.
The team to beat consisted of the best seven’s union players like current PNG pukpuks forward Dickson Morrison, John Paul Mango, Paul Tono, and Max Vali.
The sweltering heat of Sir Hubert Murray Stadium didn’t stop the Pirates from winning all their pool games.
They proceeded on to the cup finals taking on the big city boys Southern Chiefs.
Chiefs started well with an opening try from the far-right wing but that could not stop experienced Pirates flanker Paul Tono to return the favour.
Young star Lawrence Lamond successfully kicked the conversion from the wing and a try from the veteran Max Vali put Pirates in front 12-5 into halftime.
The Chiefs came back stronger in the second half scoring two tries but could not hold off breakdowns resulting in turnovers from Pirates. A late try from Chris Benjamin next to the goalpost sealed the victory 19 -17.
Kimbe Pirates are now looking forward to the inaugural Morobe Kandes nines in Lae, Mororbe province.
Southern Chief's women’s team claimed the women’s title after defeating Bialla Lasimas.
-BY FIDELIS WASARI
WESTERN Highlands Governor Wai Rapa and Mul-Baiyer MP Jacob Maki at the Kombolopa School field.
KIMBE Pirates players lifting the trophy after defeating Southern Chiefs 19-17 in the 4th leg of the KPHL Super 7s Series in Port Moresby. -PICTURE: FIDELIS WASARI
Mungkas claim Pom soccer title
BY FIDELIS WASARI fwasari@spp.com.pg
SOCCER
MUNGKAS FC women’s team claimed the Port Moresby Soccer Association premier women’s division title by defeating University FC 1-0.
An impressive defensive start from Mungkas within the first 10 minutes kept University away from their 20 yards.
Mungkas continued to hold their defense tight while striker Olivia Poroa struck numerously over and off target leaving the University backline under pressure.
Digesting the pressure and slowly twisting the game flow around is how good the University midfielders are.
Just minutes before halftime, attacking midfielder Davina Nau's free kick outside of the 18 yards got the University fans on their toes as the ball flew just an inch over the crossbar.
A strong first half from both
teams saw them going into halftime scoreless.
Mungkas returned from the second half with more ball possession and scoring opportunities were presented right on the striker's boot but timing was not on their side to take the shots.
More pressure was applied to the University backline but they managed to hold their defence and support from the crowd boosted the side.
University FC defensive midfielder collected return balls from her backline and switched play to find a gap and options to score but these opportunities were missed.
However, with six minutes remaining till the final hooter, Mungkas flanker Fostina Bia forced a penalty on the left side of the pitch.
All hopes were on captain and last defender Vali Aipi.
With so much experience and confidence, Aipi sank the ball through the back of the net with a left shot. University fought back hard to equalise the score but time was not on their side.
The grandfinal matches were witnessed by Governor Powes Pakop and his delegation.
Father proud of son’s achievement
FROM BACK PAGE: THE Pang fam-
ily have not only flown the PNG flag high in mixed martial arts but also support through sponsoring rugby league teams like the Paga Panthers of Port Moresby rugby league as well as with one of their siblings, Christian, who gives back to the sport of basketball.
For Adrian, he has been an ambassador for PNG in MMA and has always wrapped himself with the PNG flag to show his love of representing PNG.
Seeing his son stepping onto the ring gives him (Adrian) the inspiration that the next prodigy of the Pang family is passionate about carrying on the legacy in sport as well as showcasing the red, black and gold colours on the international stage.
“I was so inspired to see my son Xi’an wanting to represent our countries of origin on his fight shorts.
“I have worn our nations flag on my shorts all over the world for 20 years and he told me that he must carry on the Pang Family tradition.
“He fought a very tough opponent (Tuan Nunai of Samoan decent) and battled through early adversity to get the victory,” said Pang. His advice to his son was always about controlling emotions in and out of the ring, stay focused and imposing will. He told his son that it is all about himself inside the ring and not about a game of wait and see.
When asked in 10 years’ time where does he see his son’s progress in mixed martial arts, Pang said; The future is bright for Xi’an in whatever he chooses to do. He is a very bright student at school, he is humble and a kind person.”
“He is currently the QLD Judo state champion and his dream is to make the Olympics for judo which is here in Brisbane in 2032. I believe he can make it and my job as a father is to make him a better man than I ever was” The traits of martial arts were instilled in Xian when he was growing up.
“I have taught him martial arts since he was a baby. I never forced him into it as this can have a detrimental effect on young kids.
“I let him want to do it himself starting him in TKD before moving him to Judo. He now moves between training Judo & with me at Integrated MMA which is one of Australia’s most successful MMA gyms.” Pang recalled the fight between his son and Nunai as a hard fought and evenly contested. Young Xian also received congratulatory message from his grandfather, James Pang all the way from Port Moresby.
“At the end of the match it was my son who pushed harder to get the win even though they were both tired from the war they were having.
“This will only make both of the boys stronger and already Xi’an can’t wait to fight again.”
“My father James Pang is so proud of his grandson and that he wants to test himself in the ring at such a young age.
“He always instills on him to fight to win and never give up despite any adversity that comes our way,” said Pang.
LEFT: ADRIAN Pang (left) and his son, Xian, after a Muay Thai fight that he (Xian) won in Australia.
-PICTURE SUPPLIED
7
60.39, 8 Soa
10
66.10, 9 David
87.65. 5
1
37.29, 4 Simeon Paul 38.02, 5 Lovelyn Robert 43.54, 6 Henry Horou 44.09, 7 Joseph Woka 44.11, 8 Trudy Roberts 48.04, 9 Ann Clarke 48.04, 10 Simon Nutley 55.37. 3 KM: 1 Yoba Mathew 13.53, 2 Lockland Joikari 13.59, 3 Noa Taga 14.06, 4 Charlie Martin 14.25, 5 Jesina Wesley 14.33, 6 Linda Gosky 14.50, 7 Esra Bruce 14.58, 8 Ben Kunda 15.09, 9 Micky Paul 15.26, 10 Sedric Bruce 15.35, 11 Tony George 15.48, 12 Amoa Peter 15.53, 13 Jerry Jack 16.22, 14 Tim Omundsen 16.59, 15 Titus Tobia 19.43, 16 Paulus Opus 22.24, 17 Paul Simoen 23.18, 18 David Lea 25.49, 19 Graeme O’Flaherty 30.24. Registrar: Giri Sanata. Timekeeper: Philip Bade. Next weekend: Sat 9 December, 4.30 pm, University of PNG, Waigani: 2.8, 5.6 & 11.2 km.
35.07, 2
3
42 teams kick off Kande 9s
RUGBY LEAGUE: LAE kicked off Kande 9s rugby tournament yesterday at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium with 32 confirmed teams. The tournament is aimed to give more opportunities to young talents to showcase their skills in their bid to participate in the Digicel Cup.
Tournament director Joel Ambrose is encouraging all PNGNRLC teams to send their scouts to identify talent from this tournament which will run for a week.
“This is a first of its kind and we are trying to bid for a spot in the 2024 season of the PNGNRL competition so if granted, we will have a squad picked from these games,” he said.
“We think Lae has a lot more talented players to be part of the Digicel cup.”
He said the schedule is to have all pool games from day one (Monday December 4) to day five (Friday December 8) and then finals on Saturday and Sunday (December 9-10). Entry fees will have adult fee as K2 and K1 for kids whilst security will be tight.
32 teams have been confirmed to play in four pools with one POM team, 21 Lae teams, a Mt Hagen team, a Kundiawa team, a Kimbe team, two Jiwaka and Mendi teams each and a team each from Wabag and Wau. Teams have come in from Port Moresby, Highlands and majority from within Morobe.
The winner will win K30,000 as first prize money, K15,000 for second place, K10,000 for third place and the fourth place winner gets K5,000.
Saturday and Sunday’s finals will see live performance from local artists in the likes of Daniel Bilip, Fisix, McDonald Taylor and Kande Dwayne.
-BY MARIE SONNY
PORT MORESBY ROAD
Claudio Pievrini
Gor
Denniston 87.65,
Eddie Joe
KM:
Buda Awowari
Charlie Jack 36.01,
Tony Aitsi
MUNGKAS FC women’s team celebrating victory. INSET: MUNGKAS FC women’s captain Vali Aipi receives the winning trophy from NCD Governor Powes Parkop. -PICTURES: FIDELIS WASARI
Kimbe pirates win 4th KPHL 7s title
SEE STORY ON PAGE 38
Pirates invasion
Another Pang emerges in mixed martial arts
BY SIMON KESLEP
XIAN Pang, the son of MMA (Mixed Martial Art) champion
Adrian ‘The Hunter’ Pang, is proud to represent PNG at the international stage.
Xian recently won a Muay Thai fight against a Samoan opponent and proudly wore a PNG and East New Britain designed shorts during the fight.
“Xian is very proud to represent PNG and my hometown of ENBP flags on his fight shorts. I have told him about our life growing up in PNG.”
“Xian is proud to be of PNG heritage and asked to carry the pride of our country with him into battle as I have done,” said the father, Adrian Pang.
-CONTINUE ON PAGE 39
PAUL Tono acrobatically dives over to score a try for Kimbe Pirates. PICTURE: FIDELIS WASARI
XIAN Pang (right) taking on his opponent, Tuan Nunai, during a recent Muay Thai fight. PICTURE SUPPLIED
