The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched the Bilum Campaign and the 2021 State of the World Population Report in partnership with the National Museum of Papua New Guinea and Florence Kamel, founder of the Goroka Bilum Festival recently. UNFPA also shared the Preamble to the Constitution - for the first time available in both English and Tok Pisin with the Government, NGOs, media, and other partners at the launch ahead of PNG’s 46th Independence Day. Dr. Eric Kwa, Attorney General of Papua New Guinea, opening the Bilum launch declared: “The spirit of the Bilum Campaign is inspired by the preamble of the PNG Constitution. We declare that we, the People of PNG, acknowledge the customs and traditional wisdom of our people which has come down to us from generation to generation.” The purpose of the Bilum Campaign is to tell the story of women and reproductive health through the iconic woven string bags of Papua New Guinea (PNG) known as “bilums”. By giving voice to a female tradition, we focus on the deeper meaning of the bilum patterns that link specifically to women’s status and reproductive health. In doing so, UNFPA raises awareness about the urgent need to address gender inequality and invest in reproductive health services for the country to achieve its development goals. The campaign leverages the Preamble as part of haus man and haus meri discussions aimed at sparking conversations among the public about creating healthy social norms for a modern PNG. “We discussed things that used to take place around the traditional Haus Man values and tried to contrast what’s happening today with young PNG Men. There seems to be such a large disconnect between how men behaved 30 years ago and how young men or boys are behaving today. And we are trying to figure out where we may have lost these connections,” explained Governor Allan Bird, East Sepik Province and Member of the GBV Coalition and Parliamentary Inquiry. “The Preamble speaks of building on past wisdom and the need to harness science and new knowledge to create equal opportunities for men and women to safeguard PNG’s future as a modern nation. added Marielle Sander, the Representative UNFPA in Papua New Guinea, “The Constitution is the original sustainable development roadmap for PNG, so it is important that it is shared.”

In light of the country’s 46th independence anniversary, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel has made a call for government heads to do their part in fighting nepotism and corruption by refraining from making politically convenient appointments. Governor Muthuvel said as the country gears up for the independence celebrations, public servants are seemingly less interested and have lost the feeling of patriotism and sense of pride serving the country compared to the past. He said this is simply because corruption and nepotism have made people less motivated to do their job. “Nowadays, it has become all too common for appointments of wantoks just for convenience and not based on merit,” Mr Muthuvel said. “On the government’s end, we must do our part and not entertain politically convenient appointments from the Secretary down to the driver, but appoint based on qualifications irrespective of where you’re from.” “There must be stringent processes for recruitment and selection.” “Also, general knowledge and aptitude tests is one thing we should consider.” He further adds that it is important that the country has a robust public service mechanism in order for PNG to move forward.

The Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership in collaboration with the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) is supporting an initiative by the West New Britain Provincial Government to boost financial literacy. Fifty-one women and men from the Talasea District took part in a two-week intensive training on financial literacy conducted by the BPNG’s Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion Initiative (CEFI) - a component of the Cocoa Livelihood and Financial Inclusion Project. The Australian funded Cocoa Livelihood and Financial Inclusion Project aims to improve smallholder livelihoods through strengthening the business competency of farmers through financial literacy and business management training. Those certified are now able to train over 800 smallholder farmers from cooperatives and women’s groups across 12 Local Level Governments in the Province – which is consistent with the Provincial Administration’s vision to support farmers and businesses. The CEFI graduation ceremony was held in Kimbe and was attended by Governor and local MP, Francis Maneke; the Governor for Bank of PNG, Loi Bakani; and Australian High Commission First Secretary, Amanda Young. During the ceremony the Governor commended the Australian Government for backing his Government’s vision of empowering people through supporting financial literacy. Mr Maneke also commended the graduates for successfully completing the training program. “Through the CEFI initiative the number of people with formal bank accounts will increase,” Mr. Maneke said. “With this training, as the money you earn and save increases, you will be able to make more effective decisions for your businesses which in turn will drive our local economy”. Australia’s support to the District through the Cocoa Livelihood and Financial Inclusion Project includes cocoa husbandry training, construction of a commercial grade storage shed, construction of a dryer, and provision of rainwater tanks to provide irrigation for the planned 35,000 cocoa seedlings to be distributed among farmers in the District.

The challenges of remoteness are a daily reality for the teachers of Middle Ramu, Madang Province. Getting to the district from Madang town means a two-hour drive to the Usino-Bundi boat stop followed by an eight-hour trip along the banks of the winding Ramu River to the furthest village. Villages are mostly situated close to the river, but it can be a three-hour walk to reach communities further inland. Many schools in the district have limited teaching and learning resources, often relying on community volunteers to teach children given the lack of qualified teachers. But today teaching and learning is improving at remote schools through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership supported Together for Education project. The project is delivered by World Vision in collaboration with the National Department of Education, Child Fund, the Consultative Implementation, and Monitoring Council, Library For All and the University of Canberra. Last year at Annaberg Station, nearly 40 teachers from 19 Middle Ramu schools participated in a week-long Standards Based Curriculum (SBC) English Syllabus training which helped them understand how to better teach the English syllabus. Seven of the participants were Missingi Elementary School volunteer teachers who took part in the training to help their schools and communities. Theresita Saka had been volunteering at the school for three years and found the program to be an eye-opener. “I have never received such training before,” she said. “Now I understand very well how I can use the teachers’ guide and I am confident in my teaching.” Donatus Egimi, also volunteer teacher at Missingi Elementary, said the training helped him understand different teaching strategies and how to use them correctly. “I thought the only way to teach children to read was by giving them reading books,” he said. “The training taught us how to create teaching aids with materials to help the students learn to read. “I am very happy to receive this training and I am now confident to teach the English syllabus.” Other participants also grew in confidence and were more open to joining discussions as the training progressed. It also boosted their abilities to effectively use SBC scripted lesson plans in classroom teaching and assessment activities to enhance students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Middle Ramu District elementary trainer and coordinator Peter Atau was pleased to see the positive outcomes. “Teachers are now equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to teach their students,” he said. “I have seen how the teachers have embraced the concept of scripted lessons and how the training will help our children’s futures.”

Ivy Karue, 27, is the winner of the first national PNG ‘What’s Your Style?’ search by Lily PNG Women’s Magazine in conjunction with Cherish Boutique. The accounting/finance student at IBS runs an SME with her brother called Jossie’s Crafts (named after her late mother) where she sells Sepik baskets, bilums, bilum caps and other crafts from Wewak. Ivy describes her style as “somewhere between trendy and boho”, with her artsy look appealing to guest judge and fashion designer Natasha Tamanabae because: “We get a real feel for her personality from what she’s wearing and that’s what style is all about.” The runners-up are Inali Kurumbi, 24, from Mt Hagen with a ‘grunge-emo style’, and Cecilia Pirah, 28, from Port Moresby who accessorised well to create a ‘dressed-up meri blouse’ look. The three were chosen from about 200 entries and on Friday (September 10) were presented with K2100 worth of prizes at Cherish Lady Boutique at Vision City by owner Cherry Lin and Lily editor Margo Nugent. The prizes are a K1000 gift voucher for the winner and K500 vouchers for each of the two runners-up to spend at Cherish fashion shops or their affiliate stores, plus K100 worth of free copies of the new September issue #24 of Lily magazine. The competition was promoted by Lily Magazine via its social media platforms earlier this year, generating entries encompassing a wide range of styles – from traditional meri blouses, bilum wear and tropical island kaftans to graduation gowns with tribal motifs, and modern corporate wear. Ms Nugent said the vast range of styles made selection difficult, but it was those with a strong sense of who they were, and who boldly, confidently expressed this through their fashion choices, that made the winners’ list. Ms Tamanabae, who is a fashion show regular in PNG with Oro tapa-inspired collections under her label Baiwa, praised winner Ivy for taking a risk by pulling in different elements to make her look. “I’d like to see us all doing this more often, expressing our individuality through fashion, and seeing the confidence coming out,” she said. She also had encouraging words for runnersup Inali, whose ‘grunge’ look of boots, lots of denim and a graphic tee had stood out, and Cecilia, who had found a nice balance in accessorising her meri blouse with a floral hair pin, shell money necklaces and a Siwai (Bougainville) basket. The new issue of Lily – dubbed The Style Issue, and which went on sale last week – includes an overview of the three winners, along with 40 other entrants whose style impressed the judges. The style theme continues with a peek inside the wardrobes of three style leaders – Olympic athlete Rellie Kaputin, top model Alang Isaac, and singer in a girl band Tinzey Mau, while three of PNG’s biggest sporting stars – Dika Toua, Toea Wisil and Rose-Lee Numa – shine off the field in the high-glam fashion centre spread.

A Chinese national who overstay his visa and work permit but continue to reside unlawfully and work in a retail outlet in Kimbe, West New Britain province was identified by Immigration officers during a week-long spot check operations in the province and was airlifted to Port Moresby and detained at the Bomana Immigration Centre (BIC). The Chinese man married to a local woman overstayed his work and entry permits by three (3) years. He was caught working as a retail manager in a shopping centre in Kimbe town and was escorted by Immigration and Police officers to Port Moresby and detained at BIC this week. Chief Migration Officer Mr. Stanis Hulahau cautioned foreign nationals not to rely on their PNG spouse with the hope that the marriage to local woman would guarantee access to reside and work in the country. “Your marriage with a local woman does not give you the right to reside, work or operate businesses without lawful entry permit. You must operate under the conditions provided in your visa and work permits,” Mr Hulahau stress. The Chinese national will be subject to further investigations before a decision is made for his removal from the country. The spot check operations targeting retail, wholesale and logging companies were conducted in Kimbe, Bialla town and at logging camps in Ulamona and Mekar. Almost 40 foreign nationals operating businesses and working in those areas were penalized for various minor beaches of their visa conditions. The spot check team collected over K150,000 in fines and penalties. “The spot fines and penalties imposed for the breach of visa conditions are prescribed under the Migration Laws and we apply them when the breaches are minor or not serious that does not requires removal,” Mr Hulahau explains. “However, we may arrest, detain and remove or deport non-compliant foreign nationals if they overstay their visa or conduct themselves in a manner that is criminal or serious under PNG laws.” Mr Hulahau says West New Britain is a significant contributor in terms of tax and levies from commercial and logging activities and there is still need to ensure compliance in all the sectors. Apart from the usual visa checks, the Spot Check team sighted non-compliance of other PNG laws in the two logging sites operated by Vanimo Jaya in Ulamona and Mekar in Bialla. The team reported unregistered fleets including heavy duty machineries and trucks that transports logs and passengers. Mr Hulahau says there are allegations of mistreatment and low salary rates reported by local workers at the two logging sites and he is urging respective government authorities to step up their efforts to make sure companies are compliant with the domestic laws. “My officers who goes out to carry out checks cannot charge or penalize non-compliant companies for breaches outside of the Migration Laws so I’m urging other State Departments/Authorities to step up their efforts in protecting our local businesses and workforce,” says the CMO. The Immigration led Spot Check operations in Kimbe was carried out with the support from PNG Customs and Police.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has reopened its Kerema sub-branch on 6thSeptember, 2021, after eight months of shutdown since 14th December, 2020, following  breaking and entering of the branch.   On 12th December, 2020, the BSP Kerema sub-branch was broken into by criminals with approximately K220, 000 in cash stolen. As a result of the theft, the sub branch was closed for all most 10 months to allow for police investigations to be carried out and for recovery of as much of the proceeds of the robbery as possible. BSP also had to carry out repairs to improve security at a cost of more than K200,000, with the Gulf Provincial Government providing financial support for the repairs and upgrade of security. In reopening the sub branch, BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said, “while BSP is pleased to return and resume services for the people of Kerema and the Gulf Province, this is the third instance where BSP has reopened doors due to theft and robbery at the local branch. Any further criminal act against Kerema 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 of 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,” said Fleming. He added that: “BSP is the only bank that has representation in Kerema, no other banks are willing to offer services in this province, or many other areas in PNG. We call upon the people of Kerema to support and look after the bank facilities that provide essential banking service for the community.” BSP Kerema is one of the 21 locations in PNG where BSP is the only bank operating and withdrawal of services would have a detrimental impact on the community. Not only does the bank provide banking services but also investments in supporting the development of the township through its annual community projects in health, education,  sports, culture and Financial Literacy.  Despite the cost associated with running 42 branches and 42 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 opening of a larger sub-branch at Namatanai, New Ireland Province, in July. The bank is actively working to open new banking centres in Eriku, Lae, and in Mt Hagen to cater for its high number of customers.    The Kerema sub-branch reopening its doors on 6th September, 2021, will provide essential banking services once again to the people of Gulf.  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 Gulf Province.

Chef Julz Henao and Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp recently joined Papua New Guinean volunteers from the High Commission to prepare and taste traditional dishes from PNG’s four regions to celebrate Independence Day. After some taste testing, the team delivered the dishes to Cheshire Homes in Hohola, where more than 30 people living with disabilities and staff gathered for an Independence Day feast. In true PNG style, all four dishes featured coconuts (and lots of scraping). Representing the Highlands region, Willie Koi prepared a Western Highlands Mumu, cooking a whole pig marinated in ginger, garlic, onion, carrots and green fern in coconut milk. For the Momase region, Michelle Alung-Megiarni and Josephine Barrum prepared Nangu, a sago dish served with smoked fish and greens in coconut milk. The Southern region’s Delsia Sariman prepared Rabia Irara, a coconut creamed trevally in sago. Finally, Charmaine Sialis-Misiliu represented the New Guinea Islands, using heated stones to make an Aigir of chicken, aibika leaves, capsicum, bananas, and you guessed it… coconut! High Commissioner Philp enjoyed all of the dishes prepared so much he could not pick a favourite. “Papua New Guinea is the land of a thousand tribes. What better way to recognise that than to celebrate the food of Papua New Guinea. We know that every island, every valley, every province, every tribe has their own special food, and their own way of cooking things” he said. The High Commissioner even tried his hand at some of the steps in the cooking process but noted there was some room for improvement. “Clearly, I need to build my skills a bit more before I can make a perfect saksak dumpling ball like Josephine, but I’ll get there.” High Commissioner Philp thanked Chef Julz for coming along to help out on the day. “Our volunteer cooks from the High Commission worked very closely with Julz Henao, an amazing chef who has worked very hard to help educate the people of PNG about healthy eating, something that’s very important to us in Australia as well.” Chef Julz is currently working on the Eat Smart campaign, a nutrition education program for PNG. “The Eat Smart Campaign is the first of its kind in PNG. We’ve travelled to the regions and met some amazing farmers, and we’re going to be sharing nutritional education with the next generation of Papua New Guineans and school kids,” he said. Chef Julz said he was inspired by each of the local cooks, and the way they incorporated new cooking methods into traditional dishes. He was also proud to be able to share the healthy meals with the Cheshire Homes community. “It was really special to come to Cheshire Homes and share that moment with our fellow Papua New Guineans. Just to serve some food and sit around and talk while the community ate their Independence Day meal was very rewarding,” said Chef Julz. To conclude the event, High Commissioner Philp wished all Papua New Guineans a happy Independence Day with their families and friends.

NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop has called on all the city residents to dress in National Colours of Red, Black and Gold on this 46th Independence Day celebrations on September 16th. With momentum gaining for the actual celebration, he said National Capital District Commission (NCDC) had already dressed the city’s street light poles along selected major roads in the city with the National Flags. As the Governor of the City and the Chairman of the Municipal Authority, Mr. Parkop said that the city is ready to commemorate the nation’s 46 years of Independence. “Despite the limitation and challenges in light of the Covid- 19 pandemic in the city, we must be reminded to remain united as one city and one people with one future to celebrate our resilience, celebrate our pride and significance of our national sovereignty of our city of 1000 tribes,” said the Governor. He added: “As we commemorate our 46th Anniversary, I urged all the residents and the commercial property owners throughout the city to dress the exterior of their premises with PNG flags and do also dress in the red, black and gold colours”. He commended some who have already responded positively to the call. Governor Parkop also said: "Whilst the result of this collective effort to this call for the City Wide Independence Dressing, we will make the statement of Patriotism that will echo throughout the length and breadth of this land, igniting inspiration, aspiration, peace and unity amongst our people.” “It is equally important to acknowledge that as our nation enters into a new era of our sovereignty, and we will begin our journey without the guiding presence of our Late GRAND CHIEF SIR MICHAEL THOMAS SOMARE, the father of our nation. "As we commemorate its 46th years of Independence, may we also reflect on his leadership, honour his legacy and celebrate in oneness,” said Parkop.

The Central Provincial Government today paid up their registration to participate in the Southern Regional District Youth Games to be held in Alotau, Milne Bay Province from November 29 - December 8th 2021. Acting Provincial Administrator Francis Koaba presented a cheque of K5000 to Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation National Youth Sports Coordinator John D’siguria. Koaba said the among the five pillars that the Provincial Government has set up, one of them is to establish Sports in the province with an emphasis on Rugby League in the Province. He said with the recent acquisition of the Central Dabaris Rugby League franchise and the Central Dabaris Football Club, the provincial government has plans to ensure the development of talent within the province is retained and properly managed not only for Rugby League and Soccer but for other sports like Netball and others. He said Iarowari Secondary School has been identified as the academy for Rugby League while Kwikila Secondary School has been earmarked to host the Soccer academy. Acting Advisor for Community Development Mr. Henry Kavana also added that the districts participation at the games will be a stepping stone for talents from their districts to be identified at that level to be sponsored sent to an all-expenses paid academy training within the province. Mr. D’Siguria advised that so far 90 percent of the districts in the Southern Region have confirmed their participation with Oro Province being the first to complete all their requirements followed by Middle Fly, North Fly and South Fly from Western Province, followed by Kerema and Kikori District in Gulf Province. Abau and Rigo District in Central Province are yet to compile their registration while Esaála District from the host province, Milne Bay have completed their requirements with the other three districts to follow.

Two veterans sealed a season of hope with for the SP PNG Hunters with a try to end a quality 30-18 Intrust Super Cup victory over finals-bound Tweed Seagulls at Bycroft Oval today. Prop Stanton Albert had three Tweed tacklers hanging off him in the 71st minute when he freed his arm to pass to playmaker Ase Boas for a try that pushed the Hunters clear of the Seagulls. The visitors gained a late try but this was a game that belonged to the Hunters. Gilmo Paul and Emmanuel Waine scored in the opening 15 minutes to lay the foundation for a Hunters team desperate to finish strongly in a season that has featured the Intrust Super Cup debut of 12 players. That experience will stand the Hunters in good stead next season with the green shoots coming through in impressive wins in recent weeks over Northern Pride and Tweed, which both entered the last round in the top eight. The Hunters brought the strong crowd to their feet today with some classic moments of flair. Boas chipped and regathered in the 60th minute when Tweed expected him to drive a clearing kick down the field. He found a flying Wane for a try that will be among the season’s highlights. Boas also landed a rare 20-40 kick that caught Tweed by surprise while another raid through the centre of the field, including two regathered chip kicks, almost resulted in a try. This was the Women in League round and PNG coach Matt Church paid tribute to the wives and partners of his players who have remained at home while the Hunters have been based for almost seven months in Queensland. “There has been a lot of sacrifice this season from everyone involved with this campaign including those who remained at home,” Church said. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team for how they finished off the season. We spoke about wanting to get on the plane home being proud of how we finished the season. We did that today by playing probably our most complete game of the year. “So much has happened and we’ll take a lot of benefit from this season.” The Hunters applied pressure through a kicking game highlighted by Boas’ 20-40 kick which was believed to be the first of the Intrust Super Cup season. The ball rolled to the Seagulls’ 20-metre line such was the length of the kick. The Hunters also caught the Seagulls by surprise on the stroke of halftime with a clearing kick that would have put them in prime attacking position if not for the siren. “We wanted to apply that pressure today and we managed to do that at important times,” Church said. “And there were also some great moments of attack that helped us. We tend to play well in front of big crowds and we had plenty of supporters today that we wanted to thank.” The Seagulls entered the game as one of four teams tied in places second to fifth, desperate to win to claim a top-four berth. They trailed 20-4 at halftime but clawed back the margin with a try in the 53rd minute. But Wane’s try from Boas’ chip-kick gave the Hunters a handy margin and a chance to take a deep breath as their season wound to a close. SP PNG HUNTERS 30 (Emmanuel Waine 2, Gilmo Paul, Epel Kapinias, Solo Wane, Ase Boas tries, Boas 3 goals) bt TWEED SEAGULLS 18 (Lee Turner 2, Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, Will Brimson tries, Tevin Arona goal) at Bycroft Oval.

The Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby is a proud winner of two International Hotel Awards in the Asia Pacific region for 2021/2022. The Asia Pacific Hotel Awards recognizes and celebrates the hotel industry worldwide, with votes cast by travelers, guests, and industry players. It is the first year the Grand Papua Hotel has entered the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards and we are proud to have been awarded the following: Best City Hotel for Papua New Guinea Highly Commended Award for Luxury Hotel category for Papua New Guinea “It is a prestigious milestone for the Grand Papua Hotel to be recognized as a world class Upscale Hotel providing a high-end product and services in Papua New Guinea”. Says Robert Cohen – Hotel General Manager of the Grand Papua Hotel. Grand Papua Hotel is situated in Port Moresby’s Central Business District, and offers 161 upscale guest rooms, suites, and residences. The Hotel was built in 2011 and continues to provide a high standard in its products and services for business travelers and corporate guests who want an upscale hotel experience with friendly service. The Hotel General Manager Robert Cohen explains: “We continue to take pride in giving our guests reasons for coming back not only to Grand Papua Hotel but also to Papua New Guinea and Port Moresby – this award is dedicated to all our employees and guests” The Grand Papua Hotel boasts an upscale setting and guest experience with the Grand Brasserie, 15th Floor by Chef Krisna, Grand Bar, and Grand Café, Grand Spa, and the Executive Lounge located on the 15th Floor.