Kerebi DAVID

Over the last four years local civil society organization, The Voice Inc (TVI) has been strategically engaging with government and community organizations, civil societies and its network of leaders, building coalitions to progress policy and reform on some of Papua New Guineas most critical issues such as sorcery Accusation Related Violence, Youth Opportunities and Early Childhood Learning. Key to its efforts is the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) Course facilitated by the Havard Kennedy School of Government and offered through TVI’s Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP). The PDIA course is a challenging 12-week program which helps teams break down problems into root causes, identify entry points and act. The program has been delivered with governments and reformers around the world including LLCAP leaders in PNG since 2022. Through the PDIA, TVI has been able to engage with 112 local leaders who are community advocators, organizational executives, public servants and government secretaries among others. Speaking on behalf of TVI, Executive Director Maliwai Sasingian, shared that the organization has seen tangible results from engaging with the 3 Cohorts that have gone through this course. These engagements have led to key partnerships and strategic interventions that LLCAP actively supports. “Through the PDIA process, we have been able to mobilize and support key coalition actions such as our work to strengthen referral pathways and access to justice for survivors of SARV with key stakeholders on the frontline of addressing the issue in Kundiawa, Simbu Province.” “Through our continued engagement with this important coalition and learnings from the PDIA, TVI in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa, established a free SARV Legal Help Desk in 2023 with a fulltime lawyer to assist partners in progressing their SARV cases.” “This is among many examples of the utilization of key concepts within the PDIA course.” Meanwhile, Communications and Marketing Manager, Mr. Dagia Aka, also added that the PDIA Course is a 12-week intensive course, with a face-to-face session to kick off with Professor Matt ANDREWS in Port Moresby and then a 12 week of course with a self paced module to complete on canvas (The Havard motivated online learning system). It will be at least six weeks of taking action on team issues and then two online sessions, roughly halfway and at the end of the course as well as support from a TVI coach. In addition, other key partnerships to date that have come to fruition through the PDIA process include Memorandum of Understandings (MOAs) and Joint Workplans with the Department for Community Development & Religion (DFCDR) and the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA). TVI is pleased to announce the fourth iteration of the program and that the applications have opened on Friday the 11th of July and further information can be accessed by going to https://www.thevoicepng.org/pdia-cohort-4-application

Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP) and the Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) have signed an agreement for capability building, collaboration and to support the development of a future-ready workforce for Bank South Pacific (BSP) and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The MOU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on building talent, enhancing capability, and aligning academic outcomes with real-world business needs. As the country’s largest bank and the leading financial institution across the South Pacific, BSP Group Executive – People & Culture, Jonathan Harvey said BSP is committed to investing in its people and the next generation of leaders. “Today is more than a ceremonial moment, it represents a shared commitment between academia and industry to build a stronger, more capable workforce for BSP and Papua New Guinea.” The partnership will focus on three key areas: Internship training and student placement opportunities at BSP for IBSU students to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, capability-building sessions delivered by BSP staff at IBSU to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice and collaboration on curriculum development. "This is not just a student-focused partnership—it is also a capability-building initiative for our staff.” “It is the first of its kind for BSP, opening opportunities for our people to grow as trainers, mentors, and contributors to knowledge and skill building in BSP’s and PNG’s future leaders.” “By combining the strengths of industry and education, we can equip our young people with the mindset, skills, and experience they need to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the growth of our nation,” Mr Harvey added. IBSU Vice Chancellor, Ramachandran Arunachalam said this partnership highlights the mutual commitment to advancing educational excellence and developing innovation. “Through this partnership, we expect opportunities for our students to gain practical exposure to the financial sector and enhance their employability.” “This milestone represents a strategic alignment of values and vision between academia and industry, and we are confident that this collaboration will create meaningful pathways for improvement, skill development, and real-world engagement.” BSP acknowledged the leadership of IBSU for their shared vision and expressed commitment to a long-term, impactful partnership that supports national development and prosperity across PNG and the Pacific.

The PNG Tribal Foundation, a humanitarian organization, who has been in the forefront of addressing Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) and other forms of violence is continuing in this journey spreading light in the remotest areas of the country, especially in the Highlands Region. With little access to government services, PNG Tribal Foundation still provides daily support to survivors and victims of SARV. Last month alone up to date now, Tribal Foundation shows in its report that it has repatriated 27 people to safer areas and fed more than 100 displaced and affected locals. PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin confirmed that 15 locals who received threats from the relatives of SARV perpetrators in Banz, Jiwaka, were assisted to a safer place. The treaths were issued following referrals of four suspects to the National Court whereby one was arrested, thus which triggering retaliation from the suspects’ relatives last year, which has led to the SARV threats this year. Mean while 12 victims from Kerowagi District, Simbu Province, were also assisted and rescued after receiving threats from relatives of the suspected perpetrators who were arrested last week. The nature of the situation aroused following a death of a prominent local man back in year 2023 in Kombumogo village. “We also fed over 100 locals whom we look after affected by sorcery in their own communities through food rations we supply monthly, this work is carried out by our volunteers and human rights defenders on the ground,” Mr Bustin said. Mr Bustin highlighted that over K10,000 was spent within three weeks to provide daily support for victims, thus this included assisting police operations with fuel and paperwork, collecting eyewitness statements, medical reports, covering PMV fares, and securing accommodation to ensure victims were safely sheltered and fed. Mr Bustin also added that a woman allegedly committed suicide in Ona village, Kerowagi District, Simbu province after being accused of sorcery and Tribal Foundation assisted CID police by paying K500 in postmortem fees to help commence investigations into her death. Another suspect was allegedly removed from police cells by a policeman two weeks ago which Tribal is pushing for further police action. “We are calling on the government to step up and do more to help us with arrests and successful prosecution of perpetrators, as well as rescue and protection of victims throughout the country,” Mr. Bustin said. “Tribal Foundation needs help, we are an NGO, and we are doing the government’s job with very little support.” He added that the Foundation works closely with police, court officials, community leaders, churches, and safe houses in remote areas across the provinces. Mr. Bustin also confirmed that a SARV victim in Ihu LLG received support from the Tribal and will be filing a formal complaint with police in Kerema this week following an incident that occurred back in February. “We must hold SARV perpetrators accountable before anything will change.” The PNG Tribal Foundation is currently caring for more than 600 SARV and gender-based violence victims across the country, with the highest numbers in the Highlands region.

Six youth from the ATS settlement have been certified as qualified table facilitators under the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, following the successful completion of the Senisim PNG Program in their communities outside 8 Mile. Senisim PNG Port Moresby Coordinator, Agnes Andrias, said most of the participants, aged between 20 and 26, are out from normal education system and had been in the community until they joined the transformation table sessions in March. “The program saw young men become optimistic about their lives, stepping away from negative social activities and instead teaching good values to their peer groups,” Ms. Andrias said. “They completed the 11 core values using the booklets we provided, and now they are qualified to go out, form groups in their communities, and run the program changing the lives of others. “These youths are bringing change not just for themselves, but for others around them.” One of the newly certified facilitators, Shaun Goddy from Eastern Highlands, said the program has transformed his life. “I used to follow youths around the Erima settlement, committing petty crimes, but since I took part in the table sessions, I’ve learned about myself and about choosing good over criminal activities.” Shaun added that he anticipates the same for all the youths to be part of this program and change. The certified facilitators have been encouraged to return to ATS and continue the mission of Senisim PNG by promoting good values and servant leadership in their communities’ principles rooted in the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.

Air Niugini has been running town hall meetings in the country in preparation for the arrival of the country’s first Airbus A220 aircraft in about 60 days' time to mark significant change and success in the aviation industry, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon, continues to host staff town hall meetings, reinforcing the airline's commitment to transformation and readiness ahead of the arrival of its first Airbus A220 aircraft in September. The fourth session, held last week in Port Moresby city and streamed online, enabled participation from staff across domestic and international ports. These town halls are integral to Air Niugini's internal engagement strategy, focusing on preparing staff for the operational, technological, and cultural shifts accompanying the re-fleet program. "With just over 60 days until the first A220 lands at Jackson’s, significant efforts are underway to ensure both the airline, and our staff are prepared for the aircraft's Entry into Service (EIS)," said Mr. Seddon. "We are demonstrating collective collaboration, showcasing what Air Niugini can achieve through teamwork.” “It is not the first time Air Niugini has brought a new aircraft type into the fleet, so we have the capacity and experience to be successful,” Seddon added. Mr. Seddon acknowledged the dedication of employees across departments, highlighting the extensive behind-the-scenes work ensuring the airline is equipped to embrace a new era of aviation in Papua New Guinea. Staff were briefed on the airline’s progress in meeting key milestones for the A220’s EIS, with several deliverables already ahead of schedule. Training programs for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff are underway, ensuring all operational teams are certified and prepared for the new aircraft. "Our first two pilots, Captain Beverly Pakii and Captain Timothy Narara, have attained command on the A220.” “Currently, four pilots are undergoing training in Mirabel, Canada, with another six to follow.” Mr. Seddon also highlighted that twelve engineers have been engaged in extensive training with Lufthansa Technik in Port Moresby, and Singapore, and are now gaining on-the-job experience with QantasLink in Canberra. Airbus is also sending engineering capacity to Port Moresby as part of the program. He further stated that the cabin crew managers have completed the 'train-the-trainers' program in Zurich, Switzerland, with a second group about to undergo training in Melbourne. “Ground staff are also participating in intensive training in their respective areas, as I have always emphasized, it's no longer business as usual," Mr. Seddon stated. "We have a significant opportunity to enhance air travel for our country, we must proactively examine all aspects of our business to increase aircraft utilization, improve services, and deliver affordable, reliable travel. “There are many that will try to hold us back or talk us down, but change is inevitable. PNG deserves a modern, reliable, efficient air transport service, and Air Niugini will lead that charge, with the support of our shareholder, KCH, our Minister, and this Government.” “The A220 will replace the Fokker and Boeing narrowbody fleet and will operate across the country and the region." The town hall also provided an open forum for staff to raise questions directly with the CEO and management. Apart from the A220, questions were also raised on the possibility of introducing a dedicated domestic freighter to support cargo operations and addressing the ongoing challenges of consistent regional fuel availability. Mr. Seddon addressed each query, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication during this period of change. The CEO took time to explain the steps Air Niugini is taking to attract and retain employees. “Training is expensive, but there is a shortage of experienced, qualified engineers, pilots, and cabin crew across the industry, and our Air Niugini employees are highly sought after.” As Air Niugini prepares to welcome the first of its Airbus A220 aircraft in September, the airline reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and regional connectivity. The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort, marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

A total of 266 Grade 10 students from De La Salle Catholic Secondary School in Port Moresby city participated in the Senisim PNG Program on Monday 14th July 2025, under a partnership between the Education Department and the PNG Tribal Foundation. These 266 students are the first batch of students out of more than 1,000 students in Grades 9 to 12 who will take part in the Senisim PNG program. The Senisim program for students is a transformation roundtable focused on good values and servant leadership which is initiated by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. The program will guide students through values-based training via group sessions over the next 11 weeks, with the main sessions to kick start next week at the school. Senisim Pasin National Coordinator for Education, Mr. Manasseh Davey, said the school’s administration is excited to be part of the program. “We’ve started with the Grade 10 students, and the Grade 12s will join tomorrow Wednesday 16th July 2025, and we look forward to engaging the entire school in the coming weeks.” Allan Jim, First Secretary of the Education Department’s Guidance and Counselling Division for the Highlands and New Guinea Islands, highlighted the importance of such initiatives. “There is an absence of good morals and practiced values in schools, at home, and in society,” he said. “I am seeing students chewing betelnut and smoking in their uniforms at many schools, and as a parent, it worries me, therefore we need to improve the attitudes and behaviors of our children, our future generation.” Mr. Jim added, “I’ve gone through the training with staff from the Education Department, and we want every school to be part of this program.” Mr. Davey confirmed that De La Salle Catholic Secondary School is the fourth school to partner with the PNG Tribal Foundation and expressed optimism that more schools will join the program in the near future.

Air Niugini continues to be the angel in the skies flying sick children to and from heart operations in the country. This time around, Air Niugini helped flew nine children and their guardians home, after successfully undergoing life-saving heart surgery in Port Moresby city. The most recent group included three children from Tari in Hela Province, siblings Undialu  (8) and Rickson Philip (10), and their cousin Nathan Handape (10). On Friday, 11th July,2025, Air Niugini’s CEO Gary Seddon, along with senior executives, David Glover and Judy Kuk visited the children at Port Moresby General Hospital before they flew back to Tari on Sunday. All the children were born with heart conditions that needed urgent surgery. Mr. Seddon said, “We’re proud to play a small part in giving these children a second chance at life.” “The real heroes are the doctors, nurses, guardians, and the Operation Open Heart Foundation.” Mr. Seddon further acknowledged the other supporters of this tremendous program. Families and doctors thanked Air Niugini for their support, and speaking on behalf of them was Dr. Kone Sobi, Director of Medical Services. He praised the teamwork between local and overseas doctors, Air Niugini, and other sponsors. Dr. Noah Tapaua also thanked the airline for years of support, including helping to transport medical equipment. Last year, Air Niugini helped doctors travel around the country to screen over 700 children for heart problems and from that 700, 58 children were identified for surgery—33 for open heart and 25 for closed heart operations. Air Niugini has been supporting Operation Open Heart since 1993, from flying in medical teams and equipment, to raising funds and helping children in need.

A 63-year-old man, who now has permanent scars on his body including a disabled arm, is now seeking assistance from police to assist him with his Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) case. 63-year-old survivor of SARV who was accused of sorcery and attacked on February this year in Kaivukavu village in the Kikori district of the Gulf province, visited the PNG Tribal Foundation in Port Moresby city where he gave his testament of what had happened to him back in February. The SARV survivor (name withheld) stated that following the death of a young woman on February 1st, in Kaivukavu village after a short illness, the relatives of the deceased then pinpointed the 63-year-old man as the sorcerer responsible for the young woman’s death. He said about 12 suspects, mostly youths, attacked him with knives. A medical report obtained from Port Moresby General Hospital showed injuries to his right neck, paraparesis, sensation loss to his right arm, and major injuries to his nose and his biceps. “My wife was assaulted too, even my house was destroyed including our 200 liters water containers for fresh water was also destroyed, my family was traumatized, and we still are living in fear,” he said. “These youths who attempted to kill me are still roaming the village freely, no police intervention, and as long as these youths walk freely my families' lives and mine are all at risk." He further added that all he needs now is for the law to take its course and perpetrators must be brought to justice. “We don’t want these perpetrators to stay in the village and cause any trouble again to the innocent villagers whenever there is an incident.” “We want police to go into the village and arrest these suspects, we have Glassman Bill 2022 passed in Parliament and let the justice system to take its course, telling others that there is law for sorcery,” he said. PNG Tribal Foundation has advised the SARV Survivor that every process taken of such incidents are to be reported to police with a formal complaint laid, then Tribal Foundation can assist and support victims in prosecution processes through helping police in getting paperwork done and other necessities to get the case investigated. Tribal Foundation will be working closely with the victim and his families on the case.

For decades the people of Porebada village, just about 30minutes drive away from the nation’s capital Port Moresby city, have been without proper water supply and sanitation. The village in the Hiri West of the Central Province is home to about 10,000 plus people and it's one of the four PNG LNG impacted villages. Boera, Papa, and Lealea being the others. Without any flowing streams, rivers or water supplies, these four villages in the PNG LNG project area have been struggling with water for decades. A long-time resident Mr. Paul Maima, who is from Simbu Province and is married to a Porebada woman and has been residing there for over two decades, describes the situation as a daily struggle. “The country is heading into the 50 years of Independence but sadly development aspiration is still lacking in some areas, and Porebada, which is just few minutes from the city is desperate for water supply and so are the other 3 villages here in the LNG vicinity.” “This village has a clinic, a primary school and a high school but day to day operation is a struggle when it comes to access to clean water and sanitation.” Maima added that back in the 80’s there was water supply into the village by Eda Ranu; however, with much development, town expansion, settlements, illegal connection and other factors, water supply was cut off totally. Mr. Maima is appealing to the relevant authorities and the government of the day to put water solution has the top agender when it comes to Landowner benefits for these impacted villages. Also speaking in regard to the water problem was the Porebada Besena Women’s group rep Mrs. Taboro Morea who highlighted the struggles women and girls face each day to get water. “We as the care giver and manageress of our homes spend most our times daily to look for water.” “Sometimes we make trips to town to fetch water from relatives, other times we are lucky when the water truck comes by the village but then we have to pay for every refill.” Mrs. Morea further added that there is bow water or well water; however, due to land dispute and the population, not everyone has access to the bow water. Bow water was only used for washing and laundry. “Couple of years ago, a K1billion funding was made by AUSAID for water pipes and water connection into the village, however to this date we do not know where this money has gone to and we have not seen pipes nor water supply,” Mrs. Morea further elaborated. “Papa, Borea, Lealea and Porebada, we are desperate for fresh clean water supply and proper sanitation and this LLG President elections, we are hopeful that whoever wins, they must all collaborate and put water and sanitation as the number one agender.”

A pilot program in the Northern Territory, Australia, has provided 14 childhood educators from Papua New Guinea opportunities to acquire new skills and enhance their existing qualifications. The educators have been working at early childhood centers in the regional centers of Alice Springs and Katherine through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) pilot. The ECEC pilot is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to tackling Australia’s workforce shortages in rural and regional areas, thus it also ensures workers develop long term skills and expertise that will strengthen their own domestic labor markets back home. The Papua New Guinean educators graduated this month from a preparation program, which build on their existing qualifications in early education to support their transition into an Australian workplace. PALM scheme worker and educator Ms. Shirley Mogi says the pilot provided the opportunity to build on existing experience in and knowledge of the sector. “Here in Australia, you have something already set for the early childhood level, whereas for Papua New Guinea we have a lot of private schools, so everyone comes with their own philosophy, their own approach to early childhood.” “We need human resources to go back and educate the young people of PNG”. “For Australia to be very welcoming to open their doors to accommodate, it’s a really big honor for us,” she said. The educators will work in childcare centers for up to four years under the long-term stream of the PALM scheme. There currently are over 2,000 PALM workers from PNG in Australia working in sectors including meat processing, agriculture, and aged care. Australia is committed to supporting PNG’s economic development objectives by increasing opportunities for PNG through the PALM scheme. The pilot program was supported by PNG Labour Mobility Unit.

Progress on a vital cocoa infrastructure project in North Bougainville under the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project has been welcomed by Prime Minister James Marape, reaffirming his government’s commitment to empowering rural farmers and rebuilding essential market links. The 5.8-kilometre Teobuin–Sipotavai feeder road in Tinputz, North Bougainville originally built in the 1950s by local cocoa cooperatives—is now undergoing full rehabilitation through a K6.9 million contract awarded to Raibro Construction Ltd. The project, which commenced in November 2024, is expected to be fully completed by September 2025. Funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea with support from the World Bank and delivered through the Cocoa Board of PNG under the PACD Program, the road serves one of the highest cocoa-producing areas in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, directly benefiting over 2,000 farmers. “This is more than a road project—it’s a bridge to prosperity for our rural cocoa farmers,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Through PACD, we are connecting remote communities to the economy, reviving agriculture, and restoring dignity to hardworking families.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the road will dramatically reduce transport barriers, improve access to markets, and enable farmers to increase income through higher cocoa sales. He acknowledged the legacy of the original road, built by local initiative nearly 70 years ago, and said the Government now has a duty to honor that legacy by ensuring modern, all-weather access. “We are rebuilding what our people built before independence—this is the meaning of PNG at 50: restoring what matters most,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Feeder roads like this are national assets that unlock rural potential.” Prime Minister Marape also commended the Cocoa Board, the Department of Agriculture, Bougainville administration, and local farmers for working together to revive not only infrastructure but also cocoa production across the region. “The Teobuin–Sipotavai road is a lifeline for Bougainville’s future. It is our duty to extend this lifeline across all rural districts, ensuring our farmers are connected, productive, and proud contributors to PNG’s development.” The PACD Project supports a wide range of initiatives in Bougainville, including nursery support, cocoa budwood gardens, extension services, and training for farmers across the region.

Prime Minister James Marape has travelled to Fiji on Saturday 21st June,2025, to attend the annual Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit. His attendance is to reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s continued leadership and commitment to Melanesian solidarity, diplomacy, and cooperation. This year’s summit, chaired by Fiji, brings together leaders from the MSG member countries— Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia) — to discuss a range of shared priorities including climate action, trade, regional security, and decolonization efforts. “Papua New Guinea is a founding and senior member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and remains steadfast in advancing Melanesian cooperation,” Prime Minister Marape said ahead of his departure. “This summit allows us to unite around our common challenges and aspirations and speak with a stronger collective voice as a region.” The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was established in 1986 to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties among Melanesian nations. It has since become a key platform for collaboration on trade, sustainable development, regional diplomacy, and cultural identity. Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to return to Port Moresby on Monday evening, 23rd June 2025, following the conclusion of the meeting. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will assume responsibilities as Acting Prime Minister, and Prime Minister Marape expressed his full confidence in the Deputy Prime Minister to lead government business during this short period. “I have every confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Rosso to maintain stability and continuity while I attend this important regional meeting,” Prime Minister Marape said.