The Board of Ok Tedi Mining Ltd announced that it has accepted the resignation of Managing Director and CEO, Musje Werror. OTML Board Chairman, Dr. Roger Higgins, made the announcement today. Dr. Higgins thanked Mr Werror for his contribution to Ok Tedi over many years, starting as a graduate trainee, working across all aspects of the business and culminating in his leadership of the company. He wished Mr. Werror every success in his next venture. The OTML Board will immediately commence the process to recruit the next Managing Director & CEO. In the meantime, Mark Thompson, who is currently the General Manager Major Projects, has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer until the permanent incumbent is identified.

Germany was knocked out of the 2022 World Cup on Thursday after a quite extraordinary finale to Group E, despite beating Costa Rica. At varying points of the two games, fans of Spain and Japan as well as Costa Rica and Germany each thought that their countries might be on their way to the knockout phase. Completely outplayed by Spain in the first half and trailing to Alvaro Morata’s first-half goal, somehow Japan stormed back to win 2-1 and top the group. Japan’s two goals – from Ritsu Dōan and Ao Tanaka – came in the space of three minutes early in the second half. Germany won 4-2 against Costa Rica, despite trailing at one point, but it wasn’t enough with Japan and Spain going through to the last 16. Germany coach Hansi Flick said the “disappointment is huge” for Germany’s squad. “In the first half I was disappointed and very angry at my team and how we allowed the opponent to come back,” Flick said, per Reuters. “We wanted to score three or four goals in the first half but then we made mistakes. If we had converted those chances, 16 of them. “But the tournament was not decided today for us. We did not have any efficiency at this tournament and that is why we were eliminated.” The conclusion to Group E means Japan will face Croatia in the next round, while Spain will play Morocco. The evening was momentous for another reason – Stéphanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match. Alongside assistants Neuza Back from Brazil and Karen Diaz from Mexico, the French referee was part of an all-female refereeing trio overseeing the match between Germany and Costa Rica. [caption id="attachment_31568" align="alignnone" width="1131"] Germany players leave the pitch after they failed to qualify for the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.[/caption] Everyone, catch your breath Nine goals, controversial VAR decisions, and the four-time World Cup winner dumped out of the competition at the group stage just as Germany were at Russia 2018 – these two Group E games will live long in the memory. Just hours after one European heavyweight, Belgium, had been knocked out, Spain and Germany faced the gauntlet, against Japan and Costa Rica, two teams that had been written off by most soccer experts as having little chance of reaching the last 16 before the World Cup started. Despite those predictions, this was an evening that began with the possibility that all four teams were capable of progressing to the next stage. Within the opening quarter of an hour of both games, both European sides looked destined to progress from the group. At the Al Bayt Stadium, Serge Gnabry headed home in the 10th minute to give Germany a vital lead as it battled to rekindle its hopes of qualifying after a poor start to its campaign when it surprisingly lost to Japan. Over at the Khalifa International Stadium, Morata headed home a sumptuous cross from right back César Azpilicueta to put Spain ahead. In doing so, Morata became the second player to score in his first three World Cup appearances for Spain, after Telmo Zarra in 1950, according to Opta. Following the goal, with both European sides sitting in the qualification spots, Spain and Germany dominated proceedings for the rest of the first half, with Spain enjoying 78% of the possession while Germany had 65% as they restricted the opposition team’s openings respectively. But the preeminence of the European teams was soon to be challenged – within minutes of the second half beginning in both games, the situation in the group had changed completely. As he did in the famous victory over Germany, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu used his substitutes masterfully, bringing on Dōan and his left-footed strike brought Japan level. Moments later, Tanaka gave the Samurai Blue a shock lead which threw the group into jeopardy. Tanaka’s goal didn’t come without controversy though. A VAR review ruled the ball hadn’t gone out of play before Tanaka tapped home the cross for a goal. [caption id="attachment_31569" align="alignnone" width="906"] Wataru Endo celebrates with teammates after Japan qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup.[/caption] Just when things seemed like they couldn’t get any wilder – and totally against the run of play – Costa Rica leveled the scores against Germany as Yeltsin Tejeda smashed home a rebound after Manuel Neuer couldn’t hold a powerful effort from Kendall Waston. But the mental maths for coaches, players and fans was only just beginning. Costa Rica took a stunning lead as Juan Pablo Vargas prodded home after an frantic goalmouth scramble to leave Germany trailing. With just over 20 minutes remaining in the two games, Spain and Germany – both recent World Cup winners – were in danger of going home. Costa Rica’s hopes were quickly dashed as a quickfire double from substitute Kai Havertz and a late Niclas Füllkrug goal ensured Germany – after a rollercoaster evening – would claim three points. However, Spain’s 7-0 win over Costa Rica in its first group game – thereby ensuring a healthy goal difference – was now proving a lifeline to Luis Enrique’s side getting out of the group and condemning Germany to finish third. Germany desperately needed a Spain goal to climb back into the qualification spots. But Spain was unable to break a resolute Japan defense down, and never really troubled Shūichi Gonda in goal, despite seven minutes of added time. After scraping through thanks to its goal difference, Spain coach Enrique was critical of his side’s performance. “I am not happy at all. Yes, we have qualified, I would have liked to be on top of winning this game. This was impossible because in five minutes, Japan scored two goals … we were out, we were dismantled,” Enrique said during a press conference, per Reuters. Source: CNN News

Prime Minister James Marape has reminded heads of Government departments and agencies to submit their annual reports by March 31, 2023, to show what they have achieved in 2022. He said yesterday (December 1, 2022) that this would ensure timely and regular checks and balances on Government departments and agencies. “All heads of Government departments and agencies are required to report back to us, by March 31, 2023, on what they have done for the country,” PM Marape said. “We will not tolerate any late reports and warn, in no uncertain terms, that failure to comply with this deadline will result in termination. “All reports, covering what they have done in 2022, should be handed in to the Chief Secretary’s Office. “We want to operate our country in a smarter, business-like, modus-operandi. “As the heads of departments and agencies give in their reports, we will get the Auditor-General to hire independent audit firms outside of Government, to check on the reports. “This is for the benefit of our tax-payers and the ordinary people of Papua New Guinea.” PM Marape said his Government was not a new one, but a continuing one, and all heads of departments and agencies should know what was required of them. “We want to do better for our country,” he said. “We are in the process of taking back our country and putting it back on the right road. “The people have given us their mandate and we want to do the right thing for them.”

Prime Minister James Marape has assured the traveling Papua New Guinean public that he would get the two ministers jointly responsible for Air Niugini to look into the possible review of fees and extra charges that the airline company is imposing upon tickets. The Prime Minister said while the Government cannot interfere with the costs of the tickets because of Air Niugini’s ‘cost structure’, fees and charges, however, could be looked at and he would get the ministers for State-owned Enterpise and Transport & Civil Aviation to look into the matter. Prime Minister Marape was responding to Member for Menyamya Hon. Solen Loifa yesterday (011222) in Parliament during Questions Without Notice when the Member asked for some reprieve in the fees the airline is charging on top of already-expensive airline tickets. “Air Niugini has a cost structure and requirements to operate at a certain level. For the ticket costs, we cannot influence too much. “ But if there is any space in giving relief to the public, we can ask Air Niugini. “For some of these fees associated to the ticket, I will get the Minister for State-Owned Enterprise and the Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation to see into these fees that are built into the costs. Then we will get back to the Member and the people,” PM Marape said.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced to the people of Papua New Guinea that a National Monitoring Authority (NMA) will be set up next year to ensure that the National Budget is implemented and that the Government’s visions and aspirations are realized. He said yesterday, fresh from delivery of the 2023 Budget on Tuesday (November 29, 2022), that the NMA would be comprised of bodies like National Research Institute, National Economic and Fiscal Commission, Transparency International, National Council of Churches and others. “We will also have representation of the Provincial Governors, Inter-Government Relations Department, and Central Agencies,” PM Marape said. “We will check and ensure that all intentions of the Budget are delivered to expectations. “We have just delivered the biggest-ever K24.5 billion Budget and we want to ensure that it delivers positive outcomes for the country. “We want to develop our country and not waste and squander money on unnecessary areas. “Our focus for 2023 is Law-and-Order, Education, Health, Infrastructure and Economic Development. “We want our people to develop their agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism and others instead of being overly dependent on oil, gas and mining.” PM Marape said the 2023 Budget had noble intentions for PNG and the NMA – with representation of the people of PNG - would keep a close eye on implementation of the 2023 Budget and others into the future. “We are also looking at getting professional auditing firms to audit Government books, and check Government programmes, to ensure that we are working for our people,” he said. “We are also looking at engaging independent recruitment firms to recruit police, soldiers, warders and public servants to ensure that we get the best young people without accusations of bias and nepotism. “We want the Budget to deliver for our people, instead of appropriating and spending without ensuring maximum return, as we have done for the last 47 years.”

The National Government is now looking into settling long-owed payments for shares in the oil palm businesses in Milne Bay and Oro provinces, Prime Minister James Marape said yesterday (011222) in Parliament. Prime Minister Marape said this as he apologized to the people of Milne Bay and Oro for the inability of the past government to settle these overdue payments which he said have been outstanding for some 10 years. He was responding to Milne Governor Hon. Gordon Wesley who wanted to know if anything was going to finally come from the shares being held at Kumul Consolidate Holdings (KCH). Governor Wesley asked: “When will the National Government pay to the Milne Bay Provincial Government K52 million share payment from the previous oil palm company in Milne Bay that has been held with Kumul Consolidated Holdings for many years? For years, successive Milne Bay governors have been following up on these long overdue share payments currently held by Kumul Consolidated Holdings. We are aware that the NEC has resolved to make a payment of K52 million owned to the Milne Bay provincial government as share payments which have been outstanding going back decades.” Prime Minister Marape said in response: “I sincerely apologise on behalf of the past government, of which I was Finance Minister, and present government for the delay in remittance for what is due to your province. “Last year, we undertook to look at the history surrounding what is due to Milne Bay and Oro provinces as a result of the transfer of these oil palm shares, shares that are held in trust by KCH. “It was confirmed that the National Government owed the two provinces money in the transaction that took place dating back 10 years or so, if I am not wrong. “I want to assure you and your provincial government and the people of Milne Bay that you are owed these payments. “I give you my fullest assurance that at the earliest when we can put together something, we will send the money to you either in cash or kind. “Oro Province is also working with us. We owe them almost a similar amount. “There is a conversation going on that if KCH is not going to fully transfer the cash then we look at assets or something in kind for the provinces. “We welcome you to the Office of the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises to progress this matter for your people and province,” PM Marape said.

The Regional Youth Games for the New Guinea Islands has been postponed to 2024. The Games was initially agreed to be hosted in Kokopo in December 2022 following the success of the Inaugural Papua Regional Youths Games held in Alotau District, Milne Bay Province in April this year. However, the Games is now deferred due to the rise in Law & Order issues and prolonged drought in both East and West New Britain Provinces. Focus will now be shifted to consultations for the Regional Youth Games in the Momase and Highlands Regions earmarked for 2023. The RYG Council appeals to the youths in the NGI Region to register with the LLG Youth Councils in their respective districts to participate in youth sports associated activities and prepare well for the next Games in 2024. In that same year, the Southern Region will celebrate its second Games which will be hosted by Central Province.

The BSP Board has announced the appointment of its current Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ronesh Dayal as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), effective 1st January, 2023. In announcing this, BSP Group Chairman Sir Kostas Constatinou said, “further to the announcement on 3rd November, 2022, regarding the appointment of Mark Robinson as the new Group CEO, Mr Robinson is expected to take up his position on 1st March, 2023. In the interim, the Board has appointed Ronesh Dayal, Group CFO as acting Group CEO from the time of current Group CEO Robin Fleming’s departure on 31st December, 2022, until Mr Robinson arrives in PNG to take up his new role,” Sir Kostas added. Outgoing CEO and veteran banker Mr Fleming said: “Mark is excited about joining BSP next year and will be able to guide and lead BSP in the coming years. He is also looking forward to the go-live of Flexcube, our new banking system, and all the improvements in process. He is expected to arrive in PNG on the 1st of March as he has some unavoidable family matters that need to be attended to before he leaves the United States but he will come sooner than the 1st of March if all is possible,” Mr Fleming added. Mr Fleming’s tenure with BSP ends on 31st December, 2022, after 42 years with the bank

In an important symbol of our enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea, Chargé d'Affaires Joseph E. Zadrozny and Under Secretary of State for Management John Bass hosted Prime Minister James Marape, Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, and a broad spectrum of government officials, civil society leaders, heads of foreign diplomatic missions, and guests from the private sector, to dedicate the new U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby. The new embassy highlights the United States’ strong commitment to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the Indo-Pacific region. At the ceremony, Chargé d'Affaires Joseph E. Zadrozny closed by saying, “We look forward to continuing to develop and deepen our partnership and friendship with Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, from our base here in Port Moresby. The United States is committed to a strong, free, and open Pacific, and we will continue to work toward the shared progress and prosperity that will result from that strength, freedom, and openness.” The new campus is located on a 7¼ acre site in Harbor City, a new waterfront development adjacent to Port Moresby Harbor. It incorporates a combination of energy- and water-saving features that ensure the embassy is respectful of the region’s resources while providing a secure and sustainable space for the U.S. Mission. The $250 million dollar project is a symbol of our enduring commitment to supporting democracy, prosperity, and security in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. A model of environmental stewardship, the new embassy gives the United States an even more capable foundation to continue to develop and deepen our ties with the region. KCCT of Washington, with Krueck Sexton Partners of Chicago, Illinois, were the architects for the project, and FramacoInternational Inc. of Rye Brook, New York, constructed the campus, injecting an estimated $50 million into the local economy.

On 30 November, Deputy Secretary Annemarie Kona of the National Department of Education on behalf of the Minister for Education, and the Australian High Commissioner HE Jon Philp launched the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program at Papa School in Central Province. This new program aims to provide more children with access to quality inclusive education. The PIE program is an eight-year PNG-Australia Partnership funded program designed to improve access, equity, and student learning outcomes in the early grades. The program operates at the national and subnational level in four target locations Enga, West Sepik, Central and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. [caption id="attachment_31515" align="alignnone" width="906"] Children and dignitaries pose for a group picture after the official launch[/caption] The new program, designed in close consultation with the National Department of Education (NDoE) and key education stakeholders, aims to address limitations and challenges faced in early grade education and ensure more children attend school, including girls and children with disabilities. The program will do this through upskilling elementary teachers with dedicated in-service training, providing curriculum materials, books and supporting School Boards of Management improvement plans and support NDoE to improve data management to inform policy and planning. Deputy Secretary Kona speaking on behalf of Secretary Dr Uke Kombra who was called to Parliament with the Minister of Education said, “We are grateful for the ongoing support by the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership.” Ms Kona said the Department of Education was committed to the program as it aims to achieve quality education for all. [caption id="attachment_31516" align="alignnone" width="1008"] Australian High Commissioner with the heads of the sub schools (elementary, primary and high school) at the Papa School[/caption] Ms Kona said PIE is working closely with the Department to achieve quality education for all, upgrade teacher competency and improve student enrolment and retention. Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp said this investment by the Australian Government will support the PNG Government’s vision towards an educated population that will enable a literate, healthy and inclusive workforce that can contribute to the economic and social development of the country. The foundation of an educated population begins in the early grades. Mr Philp reflected that his own father was a teacher that supported early curriculum development in PNG and had highlighted to him how critically important good teachers are to learning. The PIE program will focus on critical elements to quality education in the early grades including teacher upskilling. High Commissioner Philp emphasised Australia’s commitment to support  greater representation of women at all leadership levels of our society, noting that potential future leaders were amongst the students of Papa School in Central Province. Central Province’s Governor Rufina Peter is one such leader. Deputy Secretary Kona thanked the Australian Government for their collaboration with NDoE and provincial departments of education to refine the approaches and systems to improve early grade education and align with GoPNG priorities and education as outlined in the NEP 2020-2029.

Her Excellency Lady Emeline Dadae today visited sick children at the Children’s Ward of the Port Moresby General Hospital. Lady Dadae accompanied by staff of the Governor General’s Office, visited all the sick children at Wards 1B, Cancer Ward for Children, Children's Emergency and Children's Outpatient. Lady Dadae took time to greet the children and prayed with them and presented gift bags to each of the patients. Lady Dadae held sick babies in her arms and whispered comforting words to them, and at times overcome with emotion shed tears also. Lady Dadae said, she was delighted at the opportunity to visit the sick children which she was not able to do earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents and guardians remarked that they appreciated the visit by Lady Dadae and it meant a lot to them to see Lady Dadae's caring for and comforting their sick children. Lady Dadae is grateful for the kind donation of food items and children's toys from Best Gear Trading Limited which she presented as gifts to the sick children at the Children’s Wards.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has restored banking services in Henganofi District in Eastern Highlands Province  this week, after weeks of shutdown following a breaking and entering of the sub branch. BSP Kainantu Branch Manager Robert Jomino who confirmed the incident said, “the break and enter occurred during a blackout that night when intruders cut open the security wire to gain entry into the premises, but were unable to enter the building and left without any further damages.” This is the third time BSP Henganofi sub branch has closed its doors due to break and enter incidents. The bank is calling on all stakeholders, the local community to take care of the branch and its staff as it is the only bank willing to serve the people and residents of Henganofi District. BSP Group General Manager for Retail Daniel Faunt said, “While BSP is pleased to return and resume services for the people of Henganofi and the Eastern Highlands Province, this is the third instance where BSP will reopen Henganofi sub branch doors due to theft and robbery at this particular sub branch in the same year. Any further criminal act against Henganofi Branch will make it difficult for BSP to once again consider re-opening the sub branch.” “BSP sub branches in rural areas are increasingly becoming frequent targets for criminal activities, which not only cost money for BSP to repair the damage caused but also puts the provision of banking services at risk for customers who rely on BSP in their local communities,” added Faunt. He said: “BSP is the only bank that has representation in Henganofi, no other banks are willing to offer services in this district, or many other rural districts in PNG. We call upon the people of Henganofi and Eastern Highlands to support and look after the bank facilities that provide essential banking service for the community.” These most recent incident follows a spate of similar incidents across BSP’s network in 2022, due to law and order issues throughout the country. Such incidents come at significant cost to BSP. BSP sub branches at Kabwum in Morobe, Chuave in Simbu and Daulo in Eastern Highlands have all suffered from break and enter incidents this year. Meanwhile, Navo Sub- Branch in West New Britain is under indefinite closure and ATM service at Napa Napa has been permanently withdrawn, following attempted theft and destruction of the machine. Despite the cost associated with running and establishing new branches and sub-branches, BSP is committed to expand and extend its services to cater for the number of customers it has. Proof of its commitment to its customers was the recent branch in Lae – Eriku Branch opening and the ground breaking of new Telefomoin Hybrid Branch and the Mt Hagen – Dobel branch.