Papua New Guinea has a rich farming culture growing beautiful produce. However, very few children have seen cows or modern green houses where technology plays an important part in growing the produce. With the launch of “When I grow up – I want to be a Farmer” Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) is seeking to inspire children to consider a career in modern farming. This week 5-year-old Joshua, dressed in a full farming outfit and with other BbP children got the opportunity to visit the 9 Mile Farm to see how the produce is grown and understand all about cows and what dairy products are. BbP has published a series of books entitled “When I Grow up – I want to be a Teacher, - Pilot, - Store Manager, -Paramedic, - ICT Officer and - Farmer. These new books were first launched during Book Week together with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation which has sponsored the printing and shipping of the readers. A new set of readers are currently in production and will introduce a Banker, an Engineer, a Pastry Chef, a Nurse, a Pharmacist, a Heavy Equipment Operator and an Architect why photography by Roan Paul. Leanne Resson, BbP Executive Officer said: “We are grateful to Ilimo and 9 Mile Farm for their support to provide the children with vital insight into the world of modern farming. The children are so excited about their visit and we hope to have many more opportunities for field trips which are so educational and inspirational for them. Thank you also for always assisting with our events and providing the children with healthy locally produced snacks to power their learning.” Ilimo said: “In Papua New Guinea, teaching the next generation about the importance of local food & sustainability, and its impact on our future as a nation is vital - and has always been one the primary goals of Ilimo (under the Innovative Agro Industry group of companies). Through wonderful initiatives like this by Buk bilong Pikinini and other organizations, our children can learn and aspire to work in rewarding careers, especially in areas like food production and agriculture which have massive opportunities here in PNG.” [caption id="attachment_16722" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Louise Vuvut (Buk bilong Pikinini's Finance Manager) and young Joshua presenting Jana Salayau (Farm Manager) with the Buk bilong Pikinini Reader: When I grow up I want to be a Farmer.[/caption]

Over 660 owners of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have benefited from the National Government supported loan facility through BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) with over K90m funded as at 9th November 2021. According to BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming, since the announcement in May of the reduction of equity requirement from 30% to 10%, more SME owners have benefited from improved access to the credit enhancement loan. “This also included the change in the maximum loan amount from a maximum of K3m to K5m at a fixed low interest rate of 5% for a repayment period of up to 15 years,” Mr Fleming said. “Since the relaxation of requirement on equity, we were able to fund 667 SMEs with a total of K92.1m at an average loan size of K140, 000 from the K100m allocated to BSP under the CESL.” Mr Fleming added that there have only been a small number of defaults under the facility with the current level of delinquencies well within the banks acceptable thresholds. BSP Head of SME Jeffrey Singer added that apart from funding 667 SMEs across industries with retail and other businesses at 70% and in provinces with the Highlands and Momase regions combined at 65%, BSP also has 233 applications pending to the value of K57.9m. BSP SME Credit Enhancement Scheme Loan is open to all SME owners and it does include the ability to refinance existing loans.

Here at the Port Moresby Nature Park, we are very proud to have this group of individuals known as zoo educators! They play a huge role in inspiring the guardianship of Papua New Guinea’s diverse biodiversity through their creativity. It’s an exciting and varied role that some very passionate young people play. Zoo Educators give public talks, host fun activities, school education sessions, holiday activities and even other educational competitions as well! Our team of zoo educators are great at creating educational materials for a variety of age groups that visit Port Moresby Nature Park all year round. They use the surroundings of the park to connect children and visitors to the wildlife and flora. A zoo educator helps children understand the importance of taking care of the environment as it has a significant impact on the lives and welfare of animals. They also educate about the importance of conservation and animal care. Visitors can also learn the unique story about each animal as they take a walk around the zoo, or Wildlife Park with an educator. Through partnerships with Zoos Victoria and the International Zoo Educators Association, the Port Moresby Nature Park Education and Wildlife teams have undergone proper training and learning internationally through various exchange programs. This has enabled the team to localize education material accordingly to PNG Curriculum to suit students from both private and public schools. Having to adapt Zoos Victoria’s Connect, Understand, Act (CUA) Model, has encouraged so many young children to act responsibly and play their part in preserving our natural environment and the Park is truly grateful for receiving such support from its sister zoo, Zoos Victoria. With all the support and assistance given the Park’s educators, Port Moresby Nature Park’s Educators teach over 24,000 students every year!

PRIME Minister James Marape says Papua New Guinea’s partnership with Dr. Andrew Forrest and his company Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) is bigger than just hydro in Purari River and will encompass a huge set of projects worth billions of kina that must be appreciated and guarded by Papua New Guineans. He says the Fortescue Metals Group – through its subsidiary FFI – is seriously moving into futuristic clean energy and its scope is broader than just the Purari River systems but covering also Kikori and Strickland systems, and the geothermal sites throughout Papua New Guinea beginning in West New Britain Province. “I have met Dr. Forrest on a number of occasions and his interest in green clean energy in PNG is sincere and serious. Through his futuristic green energy subsidiary company, FFI is looking at harvesting up to 25 gigawatts of power for clean energy to sell to the world from our country, including migrating some of FMG industries into PNG. These are huge projects worth billions of kina. “I am utterly disappointed in a daily newspaper's misreporting and misrepresentation today. This is a newspaper company with nearly 30 percent of Papua New Guinean shareholding interest who continue to misreport, belittle and tarnish the work the Papua New Guinea government is doing no matter how big or small. For the journalist to always find negativity in innovation shows a shallow mind when the world is at this point moving into clean energy and new frontiers of technology. “I am a prime minister who is very excited about taking our country into new frontiers and breaking barriers that others think we as a country cannot do. This includes clean green energy, Information & Communication Technology, digital and cyberspace, the downstream of our raw resources in gold, gas, timber, fisheries, agriculture and so forth. “This direction is new and might seem impossible to some. This direction will affect the comfort many are used to and may have enjoyed during the status quo, but I will not be deterred from this course. The world will move in this direction in as far as energy is concerned, and Papua New Guinea is partnering FFI to pioneer this very source as part of our global response to climate change. “If we do not join, we will be left behind when countries of the world move away from carbon-based energy solutions and into green energy. “All or any company with proposals to do business in PNG are welcomed and can come in with their proposals. We can agree but due processes on compliance to all our laws on investments, regulations and national interests must first of all take place. "We will process all submissions, like the one from Botswa from Botswana, whom we are awaiting to return to us to advance their business interest in PNG. “The natural resources in PNG are plentiful, including those in the green energy space. Hydro and water resources abound in this country; we can fit any investor in any part of the country who wants to use our rivers and springs so and there is no clash or collision as alluded to by the Post-Courier. “The government has the interest of its people first and foremost and will do everything it sees fit to make sure these large-scale investments are done properly and fully,” said Prime Minister Marape.

11 year old Terrence Manu, a Grade 3 student at Goilanai Primary School in Alotau, Milne Bay Province is the pioneer recipient of the Mrs Joel Scholarship program worth K1,000.00 in school fee and stationary supplies. Mrs Joel Memorial Scholarship program is an initiative started this year by James Joel, the son of late Mrs Joel, a former teacher of Goilanai Primary who dedicated her entire life to teaching until her passing this year. "The scholarship program was introduced by myself to honour my late mun and is directly aimed at supporting unfortunate students of Goilanai Primary especially between grades 1-4, the classes that my mum taught," said Mr. James. Young Terrence's mother had heard about the scholarship initiative and had reached out to Mr James Joel to apply for the scholarship for her son. Terrence is the eldest of 3 siblings and had taken on the role as the man of the house when he, his mother, Maryanne Maso and his two younger siblings moved to Alotau at the age of 9. His mum had to leave her job in Port Moresby and moved her young family to Alotau due to personal reasons and they had no means of making an income but that didn’t stop him from excelling in school and helping his mum out at home. “What really moved me to apply for the scholarship was the act of great love of a son for his mother, caring on even after her death.” “When I applied, it wasn’t much of an application but more a sharing of how one son (a child) expresses his love for his mother in all aspects of his life (in character, academically) to another son (an adult) who's now honoring his mother's memory by blessing this child,” said Terrence Mother, Maryanne Maso. Mr James Joel came up with the idea of the scholarship to honour his late mother, who was a teacher at Goilanai Primary before she passed away recently. "It also gives me closure after losing my mum and so I decided to offer this scholarship as my way or remembering her and farewelling her as well," said Mr. Joel. “I received 10 applications from parents on behalf of their children.” “I chose Terrence because he has very good records; he is a high achiever, well behaved and helps his mum to make ends meet, said Mr James Joel.

The general public and relevant stakeholders are being called on to give comments and submissions regarding the proposed merger between Santos Limited and Oil Search Limited. The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) made the announcement today after it received the Authorization Application from Santos Limited last Thursday. Authorization for business mergers and acquisitions under Section 82 of the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission Act, 2002 (“ICCC Act”) is a statutory process through which businesses seek approval from the ICCC before proceeding with any business mergers and acquisitions that would otherwise raise serious competition concerns and potentially breach the ICCC Act. The Authorization process requires the ICCC to invite comments and submissions from all stakeholders on any proposed transaction that is under assessment. The public is also invited to provide comments and views on any likely public benefits and detriments this proposed merger, if it proceeds, may have on other businesses, consumers and the PNG economy at large. All comments and submissions are to be addressed to Mr. Paulus Ain, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the ICCC by or before Monday 22nd November, 2021.

Air Niugini is pleased to advise customers that due to high demand for Sydney flights, the airline will be operating three special flights from Port Moresby to Sydney and back, using the Boeing 767 aircraft. The flights, PX 4001/4002 will operate every Sunday, commencing on 28th November, followed by 05th and 12th December. These flights depart Port Moresby at 07:00am and arrive in Sydney at 11:55am with the return services departing Sydney at 12:55pm and arriving back in POM at 3:55pm. These are additional flights with Air Niugini maintaining its usual weekly scheduled Sydney service on Mondays. Continuation of additional flights beyond 12th December will be reviewed depending on demand. Meanwhile, PX 003/PX 004 from Port Moresby to Brisbane on the three dates mentioned (28th November, and 05th & 12th December) have been cancelled with passengers being moved to the next available flights. We also wish to remind our passengers that New South Wales (NSW) has already announced quarantine free travel for international arriving passengers from 1st November 2021. At present, only fully vaccinated passengers will be approved for uplift to Sydney.  Unvaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can return to Australia on PX003 to Brisbane, but will require 14 days hotel quarantine on arrival. Travel is initially limited to Australian citizens, permanent residents and special visa holders. We do expect this to extend to business travellers and tourists soon after. Parents , or parents-in-law of Australian citizens and permanent residents , who are fully vaccinated are now eligible to apply for approval to travel to Australia at https://travel-exemptions.homeaffairs.gov.au/tep From 1st November, there is no requirement to apply for approval to leave Australia, so long as you are fully vaccinated. Travel is expected to open to Papua New Guineans and other nationalities planning on traveling to Australia, for work, schooling, leisure or to catch-up with wantoks or friends in late December. Intending passengers are reminded that you must be fully vaccinated prior to being allowed to travel internationally including to Australia.   Hence if you do plan any international travel, we recommend you get vaccinated now to avoid disappointment. PNG Immigration has also recommenced online visa applications for those wishing to travel to PNG, whilst Papua New Guineans can apply online for tourist visas’s to travel to Australia, albeit as noted this pathway is not yet open for actual travel. Air Niugini continues to operate six flights per week to Brisbane, two flights to Sydney, four flights per week to Singapore, twice weekly to Manila, and twice weekly to Hong Kong. Flights to other locations remain suspended due to international border restrictions. All passengers departing internationally will still need to complete a negative PCR test at Port Moresby airport at time of check-in.  Access to testing closes two hours prior to scheduled departure.   Wearing of face masks in the terminals and on board the aircraft is mandatory, hand sanitisers are provided for your protection, and social distancing is followed wherever practical in order to ensure your international travel remains as safe as possible.

Papua New Guinea’s Health Minster, Jelta Wong, MP, has roundly condemned reckless and misleading claims by his predecessor on the number of people losing their lives to COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea. Minister Wong said the Member for Pomio, Elias Kapavore, MP, and the Opposition are peddling fake news and showing a total disregard for the lives and safety of Papua New Guineans. "The statement by the former Health Minister about the number of people recovering from COVID-19 is wrong,” Minister Wong said. "This follows similar claims made by foreign anti-vaccination activists in other countries that have been discredited. "The death rate Tor C0VID-19 is not one per cent as the Opposition claims with his misleading figure that 99 per cent of infected people have recovered. "The anti-vaccination activists refuse to admit what everyone of us knows, and that is there are many people dying from C0VID-19 who are not included in official figures." "These are deaths where the body was not tested, was not accurately reported because of community fears or the death was not reported to health authorities." "The Morobe Public Health Authority has advised that the recovery rate for infected patients is as low as 90 per cent, meaning 10 per cent of COVID-19 patients have died." “According to these nonsense figures peddled by Opposition, the COVID-19 death rate in Papua New Guinea is lower than countries such as Germany which is a country with one of the best medical care systems in the world." “I hope that Mr. Kapavore, a medical practitioner and former Provincial Health Authority CEO, does not really believe the claims he is making and stop misleading our people. "The Opposition should stop downplaying the COVID-19 infection threat as cases continue to rise, and stop politicising vaccines because right now we are staring death in the face." The Health Minister further expressed his disappointment in the Mr. Kapavore appears to dismiss any death occurring as a result of COVID-19. "One of the concerning parts of the statement by Mr. Kapavore is that he appears to dismiss the loss of Papua New Guinean lives as unimportant." "Every man, woman, child that dies from COVID-19 in our country is another precious life lost." "Every vaccinated person is another life saved and the Opposition should stop this mischief that is causing people to be hesitant and lose their life if they delay vaccination." "All leaders need to respect the lives and health of our people, and not be misled by anti-vaccination activist."

Equal Playing Field’s inaugural Youth Leadership Summit will take place from the 15th – 19th November 2021. The first of its kind event will see close to 100 young men and women from seven centers across the country, including National Capital District (NCD), get together to share ideas and knowledge on youth related topics. The week-long event will be physically hosted in Port Moresby for 30 youths, while the other centers will be virtually connected. These are Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), East New Britain, East Sepik, Southern Highlands, Milne Bay, Morobe and Hela. According to Youth Leadership Summit donor and sponsor United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this arrangement was made following assessment of the risks large gathering would have posed on the participants in terms of Covid-19. Equal Playing Field’s Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Joseph, said the idea of going regional was to create an equal chance for the youths from the outside centers. With the measure not allowing gathering of more than 20 people, the summit host has taken it on board to see the event through and at the same time complying with the provided measures. Joseph, further reiterated that even though running the regional summit may not fully capture the main aim of the summit to create an interprovincial network amongst the youths but the organisers have other options to link all the youths together. Joseph said this summit aims to create an avenue for the young men and women to get together and share ideas, information and discuss how they should strengthen their programs. With the theme, ‘Strongim yut, Strongim nasen’ EPF aims to give an opportunity to the youth to learn and build themselves up instead of waiting for free handouts from agencies, donors and governments. Joseph said they (youth) have the resources and skills and all they need is training to help them realise their potential to do more using what they have. “The youth have the potential to advocate on sensitive issues within their communities, issues that matter to them like gender-based violence and climate change. The 2021 Youth Leadership Summit is funded by the European Union and the United Nations through the Spotlight Initiative.

ncsl is pleased to support local business through its EFTPoS terminals and recently extended its services to Abus Na Kumu, a popular local SME engaged in cooking and catering delicious home cooked meals ranging from local food to international recipes such as rice and stews, BBQ and salads among many others. Abus Na Kumu is a Tokpisin term in English which means protein and greens an actual delicacy loved by Papua new Guineans. Founder Mr. Richard Mark was delighted to become a merchant for ncsl to facilitate payment transaction for its cooking sessions and Pop Up markets in Port Moresby. Installation of the terminal meant customers can make payment using any commercial bank card besides poro card itself. Richard Mark said this was a significant step for them as they aim to deliver the best service to their customers. “ncsl terminals suits our business as many of our customers are locals and ncsl members. Our target is low to average income earners, many of them save with ncsl and this facility will make payment a lot easier for them and for us.” He continued on saying, “We are happy to accept payments made via the EFTPoS and encourage other SME’s to do the same for their customers.” ncsl Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Presley Semi said ncsl is proud to support SMEs. “The recent partnership with Abus Na Kumu demonstrates ncsl’s commitment and is in line with National Government objectives to drive growth in the SME sector. “There is a range of SME products currently available including deposit and loan products, including electronic banking services like EFTPOS terminals. The Installation of this terminal brings the number of ncsl terminals nationwide to over 300 with many merchants showing interest said ncsl eBanking Manager, Ms. Vavine Iamo. Iamo had earlier said businesses who wish to use ncsl terminals can contact eBanking to install terminals subjected to terms and conditions.

Police Commissioner David Manning is standing by the integrity of the recent recruitment drive for the police reservist program, saying it was done professionally and with the intention to engage the best people for the job. Mr Manning said the reserve police recruitment was abused for so long. When he became Commissioner of Police he stopped the program and designed a revamped process that excludes nepotism, bias and corrupt practices. Mr Manning said to improve the impartiality and perceptions of the integrity of the whole process, critical functions of the recruitment process were out-sourced to an independent private company. “I am standing by the integrity of the recruitment process. Those making the allegations of corruption within the process must now back up their allegations,” Mr Manning said. He explained that the allegation that 16 names in the interview listing were not in the original eligible candidates listing was urgently audited on November 8 when it came to light. The results show unequivocally that the allegation is false. Every one of the 16 names was in the eligible list. “Therefore it would seem that the allegations are just stunts employed by people who have not met our criteria. These are definitely not the sort of people we want in the Police Force. “There was also an allegation that telephone calls and text messages soliciting payments in response for favourable selection outcomes were levelled by several candidates. I confirm that the allegations are being taken very seriously and I directed yesterday immediate investigations to identify the culprits behind these,” Mr Manning said. Mr Manning further explained that the NCD/Central Reservist selection centre (RSC) commenced on November 1 this year at the Bomana National Centre of Excellence and was done in three stages: credential screening (1 & 2 November), testing (3, 4, 5 & 6 November) and interviews (8 to 12 November). Mr Manning said candidates who failed at any stage were dropped from the process. Only those candidates passing successfully through every stage will be considered for Reservist Police Training. “We have determined that if the final number successfully completing the process exceeds the original target of 130, we will consider increasing the intake above the 130 level,” he said. Prior to the commencement of the RSC, the names of 1,161 eligible candidates were published in The National and Post-Courier newspapers. The same list was distributed via the RPNGC’s email distribution group and placed on the RPNGC and NCD/Central Police Facebook Pages. To improve the impartiality and perceptions of the integrity of the whole process, critical functions were out-sourced to an independent private company including: • The initial filtering of applicants against the eligibility criteria; • The marking of test papers; • Oversight of candidate interviews; and • The compilation of results, scores and name list at the completion of each stage. Stage One: Screening of credentials Due to Covid-19 concerns and the requirement to maintain groups of persons at 20 or below, the 1,161 were allotted, 150 to one of four 1 ½ hour time periods on November 1 and 2. In this way numbers were successfully controlled and Covid-19 compliance maintained. Two hundred and fifty (250) of the 1,161 eligible candidates did not show up for stage one and were automatically dropped from the process. In addition, another 131 candidates (from the 1,161) did not provide adequate documentary evidence of their eligibility and were dropped from the process. As such, 780 eligible candidates progressed to stage two, which was the testing stage. Stage Two: Testing During stage two, 780 persons were tested across three and a half days. They were seated in groups on chairs that were socially distanced by the selection centre staff. Entry at the beginning of the test sessions and exit at the end was controlled to ensure no mingling of numbers of people greater than allowed by the Covid-19 measures. All candidates sanitised their hands upon entry to the test hall and all wore face masks covering mouth and nose. Of the 780 persons tested, 333 achieved pass marks. The test papers and required pass marks were as follows: • Test Paper 1: Integrity and Aptitude Tests. The pass mark for the integrity questions was 5/5 (100%) and for the aptitude questions 12/23 or 52%; and • Test Paper 2: Reservist Entrance Test. This paper contains a written test and eight true/false questions. The required pass score is 8/11 or 72%. Stage Three: Interviews and fingerprinting All 333 candidates who have reached this stage are to be interviewed by a panel consisting of two RPNGC recruitment staff and one member of the private company. The member of the private company’s role is to ensure that the scoring methodologies are applied consistently across candidates. The scores for each candidate will be compiled and collated by the private company. After a candidate is interviewed, they will have their fingerprints taken. These will be used to cross- check against the RPNGC’s records and to commence the processing of Police Clearance Certificates. Final Selection Decisions Those candidates that pass through the selection centre and obtain a Police Clearance Certificate would be considered for a place on a Reservist training course. The decision as to whether they will be selected for training will depend upon: • The aggregate score achieved in the selection centre and the minimum cut off mark determined for the final selection decisions; • Whether the candidate passes a medical examination paid for and obtained by themselves prior to the start of training; • Whether they pass a physical training test at the prelude day to the commencement of the Reservist Training course; and • If there are enough training places for all selected candidates. “In conclusion I again reaffirm my confidence and trust in the integrity of the recruitment process that we have engaged for the Reservist Police branch of the Constabulary. Those making the serious allegations are urged to assist us by providing statements to support their allegations and enable us to take appropriate action if we need to,” Mr Manning said.

Panthers supremo Brian Fletcher has set the record straight around off-contract stars Api Koroisau and Villiame Kikau and is adamant both players will remain at Penrith next season. NSW Origin player Korisau and game-breaking backrower Kikau are both off contract with the premiers at the end of 2022 with rival clubs currently open to table offers for 2023 and beyond. Panthers CEO Fletcher told Fox Sports the premiers still view Koroisau and Kikau as vital members of Penrith’s premiership-winning roster and the club has no plans to release them early. “From our point of view it’s similar to the Matt Burton situation from last season – they’ve both got contracts with Penrith for next year and we see them as important members of our squad,” Fletcher said. “The other clubs can all come in and offer them whatever for 2023 and beyond but they’ll be at Penrith next year. “We’re happy to have both of them as part of our club and we’ll continue working through the negotiating process beyond that. “There’s no rush, we’ve got them both under contract for 2022.” Like all clubs who win a premiership, the Panthers will be feeling a salary cap squeeze. The Wests Tigers have signalled an interest in signing Koroisau but are pushing for the Blues Origin player to be released a year early so he can switch to the Concord-based club in 2022. The Tigers are also cashed-up with a $1.2 million war chest for 2022. Korisau won a premiership under Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire at South Sydney in 2014 and the pair remain close. The Panthers hooker also enjoys a close rapport with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary. Which is where it gets interesting. Penrith and the Tigers have been sworn enemies ever since Cleary walked out on Wests Tigers at the end of 2018. So the Panthers will be in no mood to show the Tigers any sort of favour by releasing Korisau a year early. North Queensland Cowboys have also gone on the record signalling an intent to make a major play for Kikau for 2023. The Panthers famously went to war with the Bulldogs over the signature of Matt Burton earlier this year and dug their heels in. Burton ended up being a key member of the Panthers premiership-winning roster playing primarily in the unfamiliar position of left centre. The Panthers have already seen Burton and Tyrone May move on from the grand final victory over South Sydney.