Quality data and assessment on the impacts of climate change is needed for the government to be able to draw money from the Global Climate Fund and address these impacts. Environment and Conservation Minister Wera Mori said this in response to Sumkar MP Chris Nangoi’s question on what the government has achieved through its’ participation at the recent global Climate Change meetings. Mr Nangoi said the impacts of climate change is very much experienced in his electorate affecting the island and coastal communities on Karkar Island as well as other communities around the country. “Since we have been attending global climate change meetings with other developed nations, are there any plans that are being discussed to address this?” Mr Nangoi asked. Mr Mori in response said the outcome of the recent COP26 meeting will be released in a ministerial statement however there are some outcomes that will be discussed regarding issues addressed. “Loss and damages of those communities that are impacted by climate change will be addressed by way of quality statistics and records being captured to be able to draw money that is being promised through the Global Climate Fund,” Mr Mori said.

While we understand that getting the vaccine is not compulsory we also take into account the safety of our employees and that of their families. Trukai is a family oriented company that has been supplying rice to the country for over 50 years. We believe that by encouraging our workers to be vaccinated, we intend on contributing to the decrease in deaths due to Covid-19. Although this virus is being transmitted communally, we would like our workers to at least be safeguarded by this as we value their contribution to our business. Trukai does not have a “no jab, no job” policy but we encourage our employees, especially those who are in jobs which allow them to come in close contact with our external clients, to be vaccinated as we consider them in high risk roles. While we value the freedom of choice to be vaccinated with our freedom of speech and the right to protest, we have to keep in mind that we have a business to run. As safety in the workplace is our utmost priority, we encourage workers to be considerate and to always look out for one another. The loss of human resources due to Covid-19 will negatively impact Trukai greatly. This results in a domino effect where the lives of our employees and their families; our farmers and their communities, families and rice projects; and other charity organisations that we support, through our corporate social responsibility program, will also be impacted negatively. Not only that but food security will be at threat as rice has now become a staple food for Papua New Guineans. Currently Trukai employs over 1000 workers. I appeal to our Trukai employees to think of their families, if not for themselves, to be willing to accept the vaccine as the decision that they make today will greatly impact their livelihoods.

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the Market for Village Farmers (MVF) this week (Thursday 18th November) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with seven (7) Partner Financial Institutions (PFI). The MoU will see the PFI’s partner with MVF in implementing the project in six targeted provinces, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, Eastern Highlands, Morobe and East New Britain. CEFI will facilitate the work of the seven PFIs through the establishment of the MoUs and provide technical assistance to the PFIs, with the support from an expert consultant to design and develop innovative financial products and services that meet the commercial and business financial needs of MVF target rural communities. CEFI and each of the PFI’s will develop a business development plan, including a three-year training plan, to build internal organization capacities and ensure that they provide affordable and diversified financial services to MVF target households and value chain players. PFI’s that signed the MoU, Bank South Pacific, Mi Bank, Women’s Micro Bank, People’s Micro Bank, Kada Poroman Micro Finance, Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loan Society and East New Britain Savings and Loan Society. CEFI Executive Director, Saliya Ranasinghe says, “Today is an important milestone for agriculture sector where financial institutions are committing to support and assistance. Farmers should not see the banks as a lending institution but an institution that provide range of financial services that are important. Banks are important partners in progress.” George Awap, Manager Financial System Development, on behalf of Bank of PNG Governor and CEFI Board Chairman Loi Bakani, says, “CEFI stands ready to work with the MVF project and the financial institutions to promote financial inclusion services with fresh produce farming communities in the six provinces.” “I want to thank the financial institutions for volunteering to take part in this innovative approach and the stakeholders for bringing the project to the business phase in Papua New Guinea,” said MVF Project Manager Robert Lutulele. FPDA (Fresh Produce Development Authority) General Manager Mark Worinu added, “This is a milestone achievement for the project and the important reason of the project is partnership because if you want run the supply chain you must have a strong support from the financial institutions.” Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) Acting Secretary, Stephen Mombi says “I am very happy to see the financial institutions coming onboard to support the project. The project will build partnership and identify key partners that will connect famers with the urban markets. I commend the seven financial institutions for taking the bold step to coming forward to provide financial services to this sector.” “We got a commitment not just to Papua New Guinea but to the agriculture sector. We will find a way to assist the agriculture sector. BSP is very happy to be part of this project and we are committed to making sure we can deliver it and continue the support to Papua New Guinea,” said BSP General Manager Retail Banking Daniel Faunt. CEFI is implementing subcomponent 2.2 of the MVF project which is focused on providing livelihood and financial literacy training and provision of innovative financial products and services to improve the lives of farming households in the six selected provinces in the Highlands region, Morobe and East New Britain provinces. The MVF project is valued at $USD38 million and is executed by the Government of Papua New Guinea  through the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and implemented by FPDA, with funding from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).

This Christmas will be bigger and better with Digicel giving customers more ways to win. From guaranteed Shake to Win daily, to a massive grand prize and other prizes and surprises in between, it means everyone can be a winner this Christmas with Digicel. Digicel is leveraging all of its apps, products and services, so that customers can be rewarded simply for being part of the Digicel family and the MyDigicel app will serve as the go-to place for all things prize related. Taking engagement to the next level, the more customers use Digicel’s suite of digital apps (BiP, D’Music, GoLoud, Loop, PlayGo and Billo), the more chances they get to win prizes this Christmas. With more ways to win, customers can be entered into the prize pool simply by buying a WoWi 4G LTE Extreme Smartphone, Topping K5 or More, Activating a 1TOK Prime Bundle, Shaking to WIN in My Digicel app or by using any three of Digicel’s digital apps daily. By doing any one of these customers will receive a chance to win daily prizes in the MyDigicel app, weekly prizes of K1,000 cash, Smartphones, Water Tanks and Gensets. Plus, Digicel customers will get a chance at winning one of three Grand Prizes of K20,000, K30,000 or K50,0000. Lorna McPherson, Senior Vice President of Digicel PNG said, “This Christmas, we’re excited to offer our customers more ways to win, and to make switching to Digicel worthwhile for non-customers. Most of our apps are available to anyone, regardless of the network they’re on, but of course we make it worth their while if they’re with Digicel. From our Digicel 1TOK Prime Bundles which gives dedicated free 1GB data daily for each of our digital apps, to the countless prizes on offer, this Christmas customers can win more with Digicel”. Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, whether that’s having a Christmas movie night with PlayGo, or rocking around the Christmas tree listening to a holiday playlist on D’Music or podcast on GoLoud, this season, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Ms. McPherson continued, “At Digicel, we’re all about keeping people connected to the people and things they love the most. We know the last two years have been difficult, so this holiday season, we’re looking to celebrate safely with friends and family. Chat more with loved ones on BiP, share more memories with them on Billo and read more on Loop to keep up to date with what is happening this festive season. We’re giving you more ways to win this Christmas, so stream more, watch more, listen more, talk more, read more, share more and store more on Digicel’s apps, so that you have a chance to win big this Christmas.” For more details on how to win big with Digicel this Christmas, visit the website at: https://www.digicelgroup.com/pg/en/offers2.html

With exactly 23 weeks remaining before the scheduled issuing of writs for the 2022 National General Elections on Thursday, April 28 2022, Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is issuing a call on the National Government to take action and make a formal appointment to the position of Electoral Commissioner, and to ensure that this appointment is formalized in accordance with the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections. While Prime Minister Marape has restated his position during the Parliament sitting this week that the elections will proceed as planned, the long-standing vacancy at the head of the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) and the current acting arrangements may cause instability within the Electoral Commission workforce and as a result could disrupt planning and preparations for a successful delivery of the 2022 National Elections. TIPNG Chair, Peter Aitsi said with less than six months left before the issue of writs, the current leadership vacuum within the PNGEC should be a very serious concern for all stakeholders. “Simon Sinai was officially appointed Acting Electoral Commissioner following former Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato’s suspension in August of 2020,” Mr Aitsi said. “This acting appointment has since expired in February and was further extended in August this year, with no substantive appointment yet to be made.” He said the National General Elections represent a very significant logistical undertaking which should not be taken lightly. “As we have experienced in past elections, staging a national election in PNG is a complex and challenging exercise on many fronts, and so if we are to have any hope of carrying out the 2022 National Elections in a truly free, fair, efficient, and peaceful manner, the PNG Electoral Commission, as the lead agency, must be given ample time to put its house in order.” “This includes ensuring that an impeccably credentialed, competent, and qualified individual is appointed to lead the organization, confidence in the process to appointing the new commissioner, as well as the credibility and integrity of that person, will go a long way to restoring public trust, including the trust and confidence of intending candidates.” TIPNG’s call to action comes after a two-month-long silence from the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee (ECAC) headed by the PM, following the official closing of applications for the position of Electoral Commissioner on Friday 6th August 2021. “We (TIPNG) understand that a shortlist of applicants has been put together since the position was formally advertised in June this year. The legitimacy of this appointment must be upheld to the highest standards, as the outcome will ultimately underpin the integrity of the 2022 National Elections,” said Mr. Aitsi.

Papua New Guinea now has an operating Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) that will allow for oxygen to be produced safely on site at medical quality standards with a higher production capacity. The plant was officially commissioned on Monday, 15 November, 2021, and is the only operating plant in the country. Minister for Health Jelta Wong, said this will meet the demand for oxygen with the current surge in COVID-19 cases, announcing plans for an additional three plants to be installed in strategic parts of the country under the Marape-Basil government. Oxygen is a major component of COVID-19 treatment as the virus affects the lungs and causes breathing difficulties in moderate to severe cases. COVID-19 patients who are admitted to hospital in these categories will require oxygen. “Due to the current surge of COVID-19 patients, the requirement of Oxygen has increased by almost 200% in most hospitals. As part of meeting this demand, we have tried to look for other ways to supplement oxygen,” said the Minister. The PSA plant, constructed in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) through its donors and the Government of Papua New Guinea, will produce 40 to 50 cylinders per day. WHO Country Representative Ms. Anna Maalsen speaking at the launch said this was a direct result of a conversation last year between Hon. Prime Minister James Marape and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva. The PSA Oxygen Plants have been identified by WHO as a strategy to address oxygen shortage which has been a worldwide issue during COVID-19 surges. “To meet the demand of the current surge Papua New Guinea is experiencing, WHO is very pleased to be able to support Port Moresby General Hospital and the country with its first operating PSA Oxygen Plant,” said Ms Maalsen. "The plant will also offer PMGH an alternative source of supply which will reduce the dependence on suppliers in the long term as well as help reduce oxygen bills,” she said. WHO has been working with partners to fund the setting up of this plant as well as to provide the technical expertise and training to build up local capacity and maintain this plant. “If maintained properly, this facility can last up to 25-years,” said Ms. Maalsen. Hon. Jelta Wong thanked WHO for this initiative, which he said will help save lives, while urging Papua New Guineans to do their part to ease the burden on hospitals, by following Niupela Pasin measures and taking the vaccine available to them. PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi on behalf of the Board and Management of PMGH, thanked WHO for their support, as well as the Minister, the Government and all those involved in PMGH having the first oxygen generation plant.

Kandep MP Don Polye commended Prime Minister James Marape for taking time to listen to the issues raised by the protesters in Port Moresby this week. Polye said Mr Marape has shown the quality of good leadership in doing what he did, adding that in his 15 years of being a member, another good leader who displayed such quality was late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. He added that what turned out during the protest could’ve been nasty as seen in past protests that led to clashes with police. He said in the midst of the ongoing debate on COVID 19 vaccination, credit must be given where it is due.

The Chinese Government through its embassy in Port Moresby has donated K2.78 million to Papua New Guinea to support its COVID-19 response efforts. The cheque was handed over to the Controller of the National Pandemic Response and Police Commissioner Mr David Manning by Chinese Ambassador Zeng Fanhua last Friday. This took place in a small ceremony, following a meeting he had with the Prime Minister James Marape, and Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Jelta Wong. Mr Zeng said China extends its sincere sympathy to the government and people of PNG who is going through a new wave of COVID-19. “Papua New Guinea is a good friend and a partner of China. Mutual help in difficult times has built a deep friendship between our two countries,’’ he said. Mr Zeng also said China will never forget that at the beginning of the pandemic in China, Prime Minister James Marape sent a letter to President Xi Jinping on behalf of the government and people of PNG to express their support to the Chinese Government and people. He said Mr Marape had also hosted a luncheon for people to donate and raise funds to support China’s COVID response and this donation is to reciprocate that help as well as to express China’s friendship to PNG. “To express our friendship to PNG and reciprocate your help, today on behalf of the Chinese government, I present a donation of 5 million RMB (about 2.78 million Kina) to Prime Minister, to support PNG’s COVID-19 response efforts,’’ said Mr Zeng. Mr Zeng said in addition to the funding, China would be also donating medical equipment to PNG including ventilators, oxygen generators and oximeters which will arrive in PNG soon. “China will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with PNG in areas such as fighting pandemic and public health governance, and promote the building of a global community of health.’’ This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and PNG. Mr Zeng said in the past 45 years, the two countries have always treated each other equally and with respect, and supported each other on issues involving the respective core interests and major concerns, maintained peace and stability in the Pacific region, and promoted regional development and prosperity. “China firmly supports PNG in taking a development path that suits its national conditions and will continue to provide assistance for PNG’s economic and social development as we can,’’ he said. “China’s relationship with PNG is at its best history, with a solid foundation and broad prospects. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to work together with PNG to increase the benefits for our peoples, promote common development and prosperity.’’

Twenty managers from various agencies in the transport sector have been empowered with new skills to communicate effectively, be innovative and drive change as leaders in their organisations. This follows the successful completion of a pilot leadership training program by a nationally owned firm, WINGS Education, supported by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership through the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP). The Certificate IV Leadership and Management program on Leading for Change in the Workplace was designed for the PNG transport sector to help managers address today’s leadership challenges during a time of so much change and enhance their capabilities as leaders in their respective areas of work. As the first group to pilot the program, the 20 participants were challenged to unpack communication strategies, reflect on drivers of change and indicators of success. Participant Javero Kefe, a manager at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, described the course as an added skill enhancer that will empower her to make a greater impact in the way she builds and retains motivation in her team. “Training is a part of my leadership role, and it must be inclusive so one’s team is equipped with the right tools for their job engagement. This training has seen an improvement in my communication skills where [I have recognised] that feedback is a positive enhancement, and it increases staff motivation by realising the value they hold in the team,” said Kefe. The Leadership and Management training enables Papua New Guinean public servants like Kefe to boost their leadership skills and consequently influence innovation in their agencies. The PNG-Australia Partnership is supporting agencies in the sector through a range of capacity development programs including the Leadership and Management course. Following TSSP’s open tender of the program, WINGS Education was successful against an international field in getting the contract to implement the program. This enabled WINGS Education to gain accreditation of the course making it the first ever Leadership qualification to be recognised through the National Training Qualifications Framework in PNG. Previous TSSP trainings in PNG have been delivered through international companies. With support from TSSP, WINGS Education has designed the Certificate IV Leadership and Management program for the PNG transport sector and its local staff, ensuring that the content fits the Papua New Guinean public service context. “We are breaking boundaries, as PNG women who are writing our own courses and designing and facilitating training; and asking our participants to think differently about possibilities to drive change. Our training is participatory, and we aim to build accountability, ownership, and sustainable practice through it. We are proud of our partnership with TSSP who was prepared to pilot this innovative leadership course,” said Karen Mitchell, Founder and Director of WINGS Education.

Abau MP Sir Puka Temu has called on the government to fix the underlying issues PNG Power is faced with amidst the ongoing power outages experienced in the National Capital District and provincial centres around the country. He made this call in parliament this week based on a report by the media highlighting the issues that he said needed answers to. Sir Puka asked the Prime Minister James Marape for his government to attend to this issue by appointing a board for the State Owned Entity, carry out an internal audit and offset the debts PNG has with independent power producers. He said while there are so many other issues that need to be attended to, he believes the Marape government can attend to this issue now and ensure this issue is resolved. Mr Marape in response said since taking office in 2019, his government has placed its focus on four SOE's, inclusive of PNG Power, to carry out reforms and improve their business operations. He described PNG Power as a “sick organization” that requires special care and the government is well aware and working on addressing its issues.

Eastern Highlands students attending tertiary institutions in East New Britain Province have made a purchase of 50 oxygen cylinders for the Goroka Provincial Hospital through a fundraising drive they had initiated in mid-October this year. The payment of K9, 354 was made to BOC Limited in Lae on Monday through Bank South Pacific. Leader of the student group Mr Hako Fuke told this newsroom that his fellow students at Vudal initiated the idea and the other students from Vunapope Nursing College and Kokopo Business College joined on board in their wheelbarrow push initiative. Mr Fuke who is a 3rd year Bachelor of Sustainable Tropical Agriculture student at the University of Natural Resources and Environment said they started the wheelbarrow push in Kokopo, then to Rabaul and to Kerevat where the police, community leaders and NBC East New Britain provided support and assistance in making the campaign possible. Although requests to business houses for help did not turn out positive, the students thanked the public throughout the province for their contribution to a worthy cause. Mr Fuke said the student body came up the initiative after some of them lost their relatives and friends to the COVID 19 outbreak back in the province.

During the 92nd meeting of the USP Council, held virtually between 11th and 12th November 2021, the USP Council farewelled its Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr. Winston Thompson. Mr. Thompson was presented with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his longstanding service to the University. USP Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia speaking from Nauru wished the outgoing Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council well on his departure on the conclusion of his second term on 31st December 2021. “I speak on behalf of the senior management team and want to thank you for your service at the University. It is a small gift that we want to present to you on behalf of the Council and management and I hope the next phase of your retirement will be fruitful,” he said. The Pro-Chancellor, while addressing his last Council meeting as Chair, said he was honoured to serve the University as its Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council. “This is my last meeting in the Council and I honour the privilege to chair the Council for the past six years. It has been progressive during this period with the University’s considerable challenges. I wish the future Pro-Chancellor every success in the role of Chair of Council,” he said. The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council expressed his sincere gratitude to the Council and Senior Management Team. “That was completely unexpected but it is greatly appreciated. I would like to thank the Vice-Chancellor and the Senior Management for this gesture. It is a memento that will find a prominent place in my accommodation,” he said. The Deputy Pro-Chancellor & Deputy Chair of Council, Professor Pat Walsh thanked the outgoing Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council for service to the University. “Chairing the University Council is always challenging and it has been a particularly challenging one as you have noted over the last year or two. Thank you for your contribution and I wish you well for the future,” he said. USP Students Association Representative, Mr. Viliame Naulivou said, “We acknowledge the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr. Winston Thompson and the Council for working closely with the Association to ensure that we are all well informed on the matters relating to the University”. Mr. Thompson was first appointed in 2016 and re-appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council of USP on 1st January 2019, for a further three-year terrm. He also served for 9 years as Chair of the University Grants Committee from 2006 to 2015