A group of St John and PHA doctors and nurses completed training in advanced life support and trauma care. The training courses were facilitated by Parasol EMT in collaboration with St John Ambulance and the PNG Society of Emergency Medicine. The courses included Advanced Life Support Level 1 (ALS1), Advanced Life Support Level 2 (ALS2) and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS). The fifth day included an instructor course to prepare St John doctors and nurses to facilitate future courses in Papua New Guinea. Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) is the international standard of emergency medical care for patients suffering severe trauma. This internationally accredited course is taught in 64 countries around the world. This is the first time PHTLS has been taught in PNG, making PNG the 65th country to have introduced the PHTLS standard of care. Advanced Life Support is facilitated and taught using the Australian Resuscitation Council ALS program. It is a recognized course in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Europe. Who participated? A group of St John 21 registered nurses and four ambulance officers participated in the advanced life support course. Participating in the two advanced courses (ALS2 and PHTLS) were four paramedics,12 doctors, nine nurses, and two ambulance officer trainers. St John invited along doctors from the National Department of Health, East New Britain PHA, West New Britain PHA, and a senior emergency nurse from the NCDPHA who also participated in the ALS2 and PHTLS courses. What is ALS1? The ALS1 course is a one-day course aimed at providing health professionals with the skills and knowledge to manage the casualty in an immediate period of crisis until further medical assistance arrives. Tell me more about ALS2 and PHTLS… ALS2 and PHTLS courses are designed for registered health professionals working in the prehospital and emergency department settings. The advanced resuscitation and emergency surgical procedures taught in ALS2 and PHTLS include managing airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological emergencies. Who accredits the courses? Advanced Life Support levels 1 and 2 were facilitated by Parasol EMT, the leading provider of advanced resuscitation education in Australia. The president and senior representatives from the PNG Society of Emergency Medicine participated in the course and are seeking to recognize and accredit PNG’s own version of ALS 1 and 2. The Prehospital Trauma Life Support is a course accredited by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians in the United States. This was the first time this course had been performed in Papua New Guinea. Why are these courses important? Trauma is the third most common reason that Papua New Guineans call St John Ambulance for emergency medical care. Ambulance officers have a small window of opportunity to get immediate medical care to a trauma patient to save their life. This is referred to as the ‘golden hour’. The golden hour starts from the time when a patient suffers the trauma to when the patient gets the definitive critical stabilisation to save their life. This medical stabilization might include rapid blood transfusion or emergency surgery. What is next? St John Ambulance is working with the PNG Society of Emergency Medicine (PNGSEM) to introduce locally accredited ALS and PHTLS course in PNG. St John will run the training for doctors and nurses in the public and private sectors. PNGSEM and St John are being supported by the highly experienced training organization Edvoke and Parasol EMT and are going through the process of accrediting with the USA National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. The ALS and PHTLS training are being overseen by Dr Mangu Kendino, who is the Emergency Medical Specialist Doctor at Port Moresby General Hospital and the Chief Doctor for St John Ambulance PNG.  

The fight against corruption in Papua New Guinea can only be successful if each person and organization takes on the responsibility to strengthen their integrity. These were the sentiments expressed by Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) at the launch on Wednesday of the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategy 2022-2025. “If you ask any head of agency in Papua New Guinea as to what is the major impediment to their ability to deliver, they will almost certainly identify corruption as being a concern. And yet, there are almost no agencies that have developed an internal anti-corruption strategy to address this concern. The National Economic Fiscal Commission is one of the few state agencies that has taken on this challenge, with the launch today of their Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategy 2022-2025, and for that they must be applauded,” said Peter Aitsi, TIPNG Board Chair, in a media statement. The NEFC is established under the Constitution and defined under Section 117 of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments. The Commission’s overarching role is to advice the national government on economic and fiscal matters. In the launched Anti-Corruption strategy, NEFC has a strategic vision to be a leading institution built on integrity, professionalism and accountability that promotes an anti- corruption culture to ensure fair and equitable distribution of wealth to all Papua New Guineans. The objectives of NEFC’s Anti-Corruption & Integrity Strategy are based on four (4) key focused areas: 1. Strengthening & mainstreaming intergovernmental funding systems 2. Ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance 3. Promoting effective anti-corruption leadership and practices 4. Fostering an anti-corruption culture TIPNG signed a memorandum of understanding with the NEFC on 7th September 2021 to develop an agency-level anti-corruption strategy. This initiative is part of TIPNG’s Promoting Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategies (PAIS) Project funded by the European Union to strengthen public trust in national integrity institutions.

The PNG LNG Kumuls squad for the upcoming Pacific Test this month has been named. Kumuls Head Coach Stanley Tepend announced his 19-man squad ahead of the Pacific Test on the 25th of this month. Kumuls Head Coach Stanley Tepend said that all the players named he has been in contact with for the past few weeks and they are aware of the short camp coming up ahead of the test match against the Fiji Batis. “There’s six Hunters players that have been named, even though we haven’t been doing well but I feel that the players named have earned their position.” “We will all get into camp on Tuesday the 21st, we will assemble in to Campbelltown, so it’s just easier for us.” “Once we get into camp, we’ll have a light run on Tuesday, Wednesday is our big day, we’ll have two sessions, Thursday we’ll have a day off, then on Friday we’ll have the Captain’s Run and Saturday will be the game.” “We’re the latter game at 7.50pm, kick off time, that is.” Speaking on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka, and the PNGRFL Management, Chief Executive Officer Mr Stanley Hondina congratulated the 19 players that made the cut. Mr Hondina also congratulated Coach Tepend’s coaching staff which consists of David Westley (Assistant Coach), Paul Aiton (Assistant Coach), John Wilshire (Team Manager), Jeremy Hickmans (Head of Performance), Solomon Kuliniaisi (High Performance Trainer), Mong Tavol (Trainer), Tommy Butterfield (Media Manager), and Simon Morris (Physiotherapist). “The last mid-year test match the PNG Kumuls were involved in was back in 2019, after that we’ve had a quiet period attributed to Covid 19 and all the other challenges, but we are delighted that this event is coming up.” The Pacific Test will showcase the pride and passion of rugby league in the Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The upcoming double header of the Pacific Test will take place at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney, with PNG taking on Fiji, and Cook Islands to meet Samoa. Picture sourced:    

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is committed to providing a safe and conducive working environment for its employees and business partners. Managing Director and CEO Musje Werror made these remarks during the opening of the new Camp Administration office and a cafeteria in Tabubil on the 25th of May. The new office will improve camp and mess services that OTML provides for its workforce and visitors while the cafeteria provides light snacks and beverages for workers who prefer a light meal outside the mess opening hours. The new facilities are located near the main mess facility. The total cost of the project was US$1.2 million and included an upgrade of the mess parking area. Mr Werror commended the company’s Infrastructure Support Services (ISS) Department including Starwest Ltd for successfully completing the project. “Our camp facilities are old and are in need for replacement or refurbishment and we have commenced a renewal program which will include the replacement of a number of our old dongas commencing this year,” Mr Werror said. The Camp Administration office was officially opened by OTML Board Director and Chairman of the Kumul Minerals Ok Tedi Ltd Bonny Ninai and witnessed by other members of the Board, OTML management and camp residents, and business partners.

Team PNG is into training schedules as the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Pacific Mini Games looms this Friday and would like to share this statement. We have brought over a very strong contingent made up of our elite athletes from back home in PNG, the United States & Australia. At the moment, we are the largest contingent on the ground at 119 athletes and officials combined. Since our arrival last Sunday, our teams have gone straight into training. Team PNG is adamant in getting the finer details right and have kept their fitness and focus. Our Tennis teams consisting of our Pacific champions, Abigail Tere-Apisah and her nieces Patricia and Violet are getting as much court time as they can with their focus on getting their doubles combinations right. The men’s team of Mark Gibbons, Eddie Mera and Mathew Stubbings are jelling together with the prospects of medaling positive. For Golf, the trio of Slater, Xavier and Gideon are keeping tabs on their challenges faced at the Coral Ocean Resort course. Nestled on the far northern end of Saipan at an altitude of 33 feet, weather conditions can be tricky but our men are keeping their mental game on as they focus on their strategies. At the newly built Oleai Sport Complex, Team PNG is gearing for a dominant performance led by some of our finest athletes. Under watchful eyes of former PNG track legends, Subul Babo and Peter Pulu, the team began their first training session on Tuesday and according to Team Manager Kylie Martins, the team is looking good! Our para-athletes who have shown a lot of promise in their recent international outings are also focused and building their rapport as top performers. In weightlifting, our powerhouse Dika Toua has shown how much of an influence she is among the pacific community here in Saipan. Her energy and stamina is motivation enough for her fellow athletes to push on through. Finally, our Va’a athletes have not been the same following the flag bearer announcement. Team Manager Diavabu Boge Morea is certain, that this is indeed a motivating factor for them to push hard for the Games. The opening ceremony is this Friday with our Tennis team kicking off proceedings tomorrow at the American Memorial courts. Weightlifting and Va’a start their competitions on Monday June 20 while Golf & Athletics begin the next day, Tuesday June 21. Follow our Team PNG page on Facebook and Instagram for more updates as the competition progresses. Go Team PNG!!!

It wasn’t that long ago that Internet connectivity faded the moment one left a populated area like a city or big town – “no service” was the take-away message back then. But thanks to 3G, 4G and now 5G mobile technology, coupled with widespread installation of cellular towers in rural areas region-wide, that little message shows up much less frequently. Most importantly, the rapid spread of internet connectivity and mobile telephony, reaching into the most remote rural communities, has resulted in countless opportunities to help address chronic problems such as poverty, malnutrition and inequality. From farmers to fishers to herders, digital technologies are increasingly relied upon to help transform and enhance livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people each day. From a smart phone in the hands of a woman or man checking optimal conditions to sow a field, or band together to rent a drone for aerial assessments, to a herder checking the weather, to fishers finding the best places to cast their nets, digital technologies are becoming increasingly accessible, useful and affordable for those in rural areas. This paradigm shift offers great hope to get this region – and the world – back on track to meet the 2030 SDG deadline. While this digital revolution sweeping rural areas of Asia and the Pacific holds great promise, not everyone is benefiting equally. Indeed, in some cases, digital technologies can even be disruptive, or lead to unintended consequences by widening, not reducing, the digital divide if their implementations result in a loss of decent work. This needs to be addressed, and it’s in everyone’s best interests to do so. Policy makers in countries across the region do understand the added value, and they see the economic benefits digitalization of rural areas bring to their nations and people. Hence, investing in an enabling environment to ensure equal access is key to ensuring the benefits of rural digitalization are enjoyed more broadly. Digitalization of rural areas needed now – more than ever before. Indeed, the move to accelerate implementation of digital technologies, equitably across the region’s rural areas couldn’t come at a more important time. The global pandemic hit rural communities disproportionately hard – particularly with respect to individual livelihoods. Now, as we try to recover from the devastation of COVID-19, we are facing the highest prices for many basic foods – the highest we’ve seen in decades. Higher food costs hit poorer and marginalized communities the hardest, particularly in rural areas, as they must spend a greater proportion of their disposable income to feed their families. These challenges are compounding an already existing and alarming situation. Last year, prior to the inflation of food commodities, FAO and partners pointed out that many people – at that time – already couldn’t afford a healthy diet in Asia and the Pacific. By leveraging the advancements offered by digital technologies we can find ways to counter some of these and other devastating negative effects that already existed such as severe weather related events, droughts and floods. And that is happening. Some countries in this region are well on the road to digitalization of even the smallest and most remote villages and towns. And they have good examples to share with their neighbors. At the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), we’ve been following closely these trends, policies and initiatives of our Member Nations in the Asia-Pacific region. We know the full scale of their desire and determination to embrace, and fully harness, the potential of digitalization. For our part, FAO has pledged to assist in bringing together these existing good practices of our Members, and to create a space for others to share their digital solutions as part of FAO’s 1,000 Digital Village Initiative. A key component of this initiative is the Digital Village Knowledge Sharing Platform for Asia-Pacific that can act as a one-stop village square, where those working in the food and agriculture sectors can share their innovations and technologies with us all. A digital village isn’t necessary a small place. It is a concept – one that is inclusive, operational, country-led and fit-for-purpose to deliver solid benefits to people. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to make things better for everyone. Working together, and sharing together, this region’s digital village innovations and technologies can help lead us all to a world of better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind!

Remington Technology in Papua New Guinea is the country’s premier print and document solutions provider, serving our country since 1948. Remington Technology is PNG’s only authorized Konica Minolta dealer, leading the way in creating strong partnerships with local businesses, by guiding them through their technology journey. Remington Technology understands the importance of proper training and so is committed to continuously training its people. RT Service Technicians, right across the nation are currently undergoing a Konica Minolta training workshop, which commenced last week, starting with Technicians from Madang, Lae and Goroka branches. This week Technicians from Mt Hagen, Kokopo, Lae, Kimbe and Wewak join training with Port Moresby Technicians. This training conducted in partnership with Konica Minolta will see Remington Technology's Service Technicians become more knowledgeable and better equipped to continue providing high-quality service and support to their valued customers. Visiting Port Moresby to conduct this training is Mr. Cornel Amarinei, Product Support Manager at Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Australia. Remington Group CEO, Peter Goodwin said; “We are 100% PNG owned, and our well-known shareholder strongly supports our stance around training Papua New Guineans. Remington Technology is proud to host our senior Konica Minolta Australia technical trainer over the next couple of weeks, as we deliver word-class training to our team of technicians, brought in from all around the country”. The training addresses topics on servicing Konica Minolta Machines like the Bizhub i-series, troubleshooting, firmware, virus scans, machine configuration, specifications and functions, user interface and more. This training will help improve product knowledge and equip the Service.

A delegation from the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) lead by the Board Chairman, Mr Ango Wangatau is visiting General Santos in Philippines to share and acquire fisheries knowledge and experiences in this particular region. General Santos is famously known as the "Tuna" city capital of Philippines and by visiting this region, it gives the delegates first-hand information and better ideas to best implement the Fisheries Strategic Plan 2021-2030 to achieve its goals. It boasts the modern fish port in Philippines and greatly supports the country’s revenue. The incorporation between the Government and Key Stakeholders were the driving force behind the successful growth of fisheries in General Santos, which was something that the NFA delegations experienced and would consider more when returning home. "Seeing is believing and we needed to come and see the sizeable scale and strength of this Fisheries industry in Philippines." "From here we want to incorporate the existing knowledge and experience of our Philippine counterparts to model and expand our own infrastructure in PNG," said the Chairman. The aim of the Fisheries Strategic Plan is to transform Papua New Guinea to be the "Tuna" capital of the Pacific. Therefore, visitation such as this is relevant to gain more experience from a country that has already been transformed into a Tuna capital. The delegates visited landing, grading and weighing and processing of Tuna, the fishing boats docking yard and had the opportunity to also see the biggest prawns and fish farm. These first-hand experiences gained from this visit will contribute towards PNG Fisheries preparation towards setting up of a downstream processing of all tuna caught in PNG and more job creation for the people. “We are here and have seen what is done with Fisheries in General Santos. “If it can be done here, we can also do it in PNG,” said Wang

With the end of round 8, there have been a few surprises that have taken the competition by storm. Sitting at the top of the ladder remains the Rabaul Agmark Gurias with 8 points after a surprising upset loss to second placed Kroton Hela Wigmen, going down to the mountain men, 18-6. The Central Dabaris fought hard to keep the Port Moresby Vipers at bay winning the game by a 4 point margin. The final score was 14-10. The Kimbe boys did well to put up a good competition to down the Gulf Isou by a final scoreline of 10-4. In the battle of the bulge, the Mt. Hagen Eagles swooped in to convincingly to snatch victory from the 10th placed Waghi Tumbe, who went down 22-14. The Eagles still sit at last place on the ladder with 2 points. Goroka Lahanis took down the defending champs the Lae Snax Tigers in a tight match up, seeing them off with a final scoreline of 14-12 on home soil. The Lahanis are now 8th placed on the ladder while the Tigers sit at 4th place, and finally the Mighty Mendi Muruks in a nail-biter dispatched the Enga Mioks at Wabag. The Muruks are sitting comfortably at 3rd place.

The Police Operations on the Tigak Group of Islands wouldn't have been successful, if it weren't for community partnership with peace-loving citizens from the island who stepped out of their comfort zone to take ownership of restoring peace in society. New Ireland PPC, Chief Inspector, Felix Nebanat commended the complainant and his family who fully funded the Police Operations without hesitation in the name of bringing Law and Order into his home. "This signifies true leadership character and the essence of having the heart for our women, children and the innocent citizens who are entitled to live peacefully in the safety of their home," Nebanat said. It is one thing to sit back and seek intervention but it takes courage for someone to take action especially against the odds. According to Police report the complainant has been providing his personal resource including boat, fuel, rations and accommodation on the island for the Police personal since the beginning of this operation. While the Niu Ailan Polis contributed with ration and fuel supplementary. Nebanat also thanked the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operation Mr. Anton Billie, the Divisional Commander NGI - ACP Perou N'Dranou, and Group Commander Islands Mobile Group, Cleopas Gayema for their prompt intervention in moving the re-enforcement team on time to beef up manpower for the local Police. For far too long this issue has been neglected, this incident should resonate a message to the neighboring island of New Hanover from which this lawlessness escalated from, to stop the ethnic clashes and let peace prevail before Police moves in. Other stakeholders were also commended for having trust and confidence in the PPC (Nebanat) by providing goods and services for the operations including Solwara Meri for transporting the re-enforcement team from Kokopo to Namatanai, Noah's Ark Transit for accommodation, Red Star Limited Kavieng for rations, KDDA and AME Hire Car Limited for transport plus other stakeholders and partners that have helped one way or the other. We are moving in the right direction in terms of SMART POLICING in partnering with the community and stakeholders," said PPC Nebanat.

A thirty-five-year-old man, Robert Richard is an inspiration to his community at one of the biggest suburbs of Port Moresby, in Gerehu. Topping the class of 155 Reservists at Bomana in Court filing, Richard passed out with flying colors at Bomana Police Training College to volunteer and provide community policing, and assisting the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary during the 2022 National General Elections. He was recruited under the new reservist recruitment drive by RPNGC, intake 1 of 2022. Richard comes from a mixed parentage of Southern Highlands Province and Chimbu and is married with three children. Richard is Public Servant who works at the Department of Personnel Management as the. Acting Manager Provincial Autonomy & Coordination Branch, under the Legislative and Administration Reforms Division. The branch was created in 2019 to look after legislative and administrative matters of three Provinces who have received greater autonomy; Enga, New Ireland and Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Richard sees the Reservist program as a stepping stone to be a role model in his community, and bring change and positivity. “I have lived at Gerehu Stage 4 almost my entire life, and I have grown up witnessing criminal activities, petty crimes, all sorts of violence, and I thought this would be the opportunity for me to be a good example in my community to help young ones live a good life,” said Richard. Robert and his colleagues have undergone six weeks of intensive training, sworn oaths, and have received police regiment numbers, powers bestowed to perform a regular police duty. “This is a lifetime achievement for me. I’m happy DPM has allowed me to be part of a reservists’ program. We have received basic training on election operations, parade marching drills, court filing and presentation in court, introduction to homicides, and conducting traffic roadblocks,” he said. Richard is posted at Gerehu Police Station, awaiting Police Call-Out, working his shift job at the station and full-time job at the same time. On his first post to Gerehu Police Station, Richard has seen a lot of arrest being made, with no court file entries. He said because of his high performance at Bomana Police Training College in Court Filing and topping the class, he used his skills to help police enter court files. “I thought the recruitment will be to beef up police man-power during the elections only, but I’m amazed at the kind of training offered. I learnt to be open minded, disciplined, upholding the spirit of team work, and is part of the bigger team to make 2022 NGE a safe, free and fair elections,” said Richard. He said while still at Gerehu Police Station, he would like to do more community policing, and also use his skills to impart knowledge to police personnel to file better police reports and court files so that crimes can be addressed. Public Servants who will be involved in the 2022 National General Elections will be assisting RPNGC over the period of May 12th to July 29th, as according to DPM Circular No.06 & 07 of 2022 on the release of public servants to assist the Electoral Commission and RPNG conduct the election.

Police Commissioner David Manning reinstated Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop as the Deputy Commander Highlands Eastern-end during his visit to Mt Hagen last week. Commissioner Manning was in Mt Hagen to assess the highlands region security preparations for the 2022 national general election. Mr Manning said the reinstatement of Mr Tondop is in the best interest of the Constabulary and the nation during this time that needs good leadership and stability. Commissioner Manning said, “As leaders we must not let our ego and emotions take precedent. We have a duty to serve the people and it needs a collective effort from all of us. Therefore, I want to officially announce that Mr Tondop is now reinstated as the Deputy Commander Highland Eastern-end. I have no ill-feelings or reservations against him. We are custodians of this institution and whatever administrative decisions and actions we make must be in the best interest of the Constabulary and its people. “The changes we made since taking up the Commissioner post are aimed to install vibrant leadership, and command and control within the Constabulary that has been lacking over the years. I am satisfied and confident that we will provide the expected security overlay for the 2022 national election with the commanders that we have across the country.    Mr Manning welcomed Mr Tonpdop and directed him to assist Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Rigga Neggi and work with provincial police commanders to deliver a free, fair and safe 2022 general election in the highlands region.