AML ISI is PNG’s first comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) compliance software, specifically designed for the PNG market, designed by qualified lawyers from Papua New Guinea and Australia. Margareth Parua, Director of AML ISI Limited and prominent lawyer, highlights the platform’s importance of having our very own Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) compliance software. “Our program simplifies AML/CTF obligations for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBP) such as law firms, accounting firms, trustees and company directors and secretaries. Our software typically takes 8 minutes to complete so DNFBPs will spend less time on compliance and more time on their core business activities.” Ms. Parua also points out the risks of a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey Listing that if PNG were placed on the FATF Grey List, it would have a negative impact on PNG’s economy, businesses and resource projects. The impact could be severe, leading to more scrutiny on financial transactions, higher costs for trade and financing, and a loss of trust from foreign investors. This would be damaging for local businesses and the country. “The widespread adoption of an AML/CTF compliance program by companies in PNG could significantly impact efforts to keep PNG off the FATF grey list. Specifically, improved compliance across the corporate sector would strengthen the country’s overall AML/CTF framework.” “It could help in detecting and reporting suspicious activities, increasing transparency, and making the financial system more resilient against money laundering, financial crime and terrorist financing. All these measures would be viewed favorably by FATF and could contribute to reducing the risk of PNG being placed on the grey list.” Amira Ward, AML ISI Director and duel qualified PNG/Australian lawyer, emphasizes the software’s user-friendly features. “Our software is based on the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Act 2015. It makes the compliance process easier and much faster for financial institutions and DNFBPs. We created a solution to address the real challenges faced by PNG businesses and professionals.” Hubert Namani, President of the PNG Law Society, supports AML ISI’s initiative. “I think this is a great initiative and it has my full support. AML ISI’s compliance software will be a vital resource for our members and the business community.” “As President of the PNG Law Society we support best practices for our members and believe that this will also strengthen the integrity of PNG’s business sector.” AML ISI’s software generates comprehensive risk assessment forms and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance reports, for every transaction. These detailed reports are invaluable when the Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit (FASU) carries out audits. Financial institutions and DNFBP’s can visit amlisi.com to learn more about the software. Looking ahead, AML ISI plans to expand to other Pacific countries, including Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, in the coming year.

A recovery plan is important when focusing on restoration for any community that is affected by any disaster, thus the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) understand this and has taken a bold approach to helping the communities of Mulitaka landslide area in Enga Province. UNDP and the Enga Provincial Government have come together and officially launched the ‘Mulitaka Disaster Recovery Plan’, marking a crucial step towards recovery for communities affected by the devastating landslide that struck Maip Mulitaka Rural LLG on 24th May this year. The comprehensive recovery plan, which UNDP provided critical technical assistance in developing, was unveiled at the Ipatas Center in Wabag town on 13th November. UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth, in his address at the event expressed how pleased UNDP has been to provide vital support to the Enga Provincial Government to develop the recovery plan, which prioritizes restoring livelihoods, strengthening disaster preparedness, and ensuring long-term resilience against future disasters. "Our ongoing partnership with the Enga Provincial Government reflects a shared commitment to support those most affected, to restore hope, and rebuild lives of the people of Mulitaka and Enga Province.” “This plan focuses on the critical priorities for the recovery of those communities impacted by the landslide and will also take into consideration the broader long-term development goals for the province," he said. The plan outlines the provincial government’s vision for the recovery of those impacted by the landslide, as well as the framework for implementing it. Mr. Booth stated that the Recovery plan has a strong focus on supporting and increasing the resilience of most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disability. Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas KBE, GCL MP, at the launching of the Recovery Plan stated that the Recovery plan is a significant step forward for the people of Mulitaka and Enga Province. “The devastation of the landslide has greatly impacted our communities, with lives tragically lost and families displaced, and I commend UNDP and other UN agencies and donors who stood with us, providing critical relief and support on the ground.” “We are deeply grateful for their commitment and support.’’ The Recovery Plan document was officially signed by Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Mr. Nicholas Booth and the Provincial Administrator of Enga, Mr. Sandis Tsaka. Meantime, there to witness the signing were other key officials like Provincial Administrator and Controller of the Mulitaka Landslide Disaster, Mr. Kenneth Andrew; Mr. Robin Yakum from the National Disaster Center; and Mr. Jaman Yandam the Ward Councilor for Mulitaka Mangalo and the representative of the communities impacted by the landslide.

Facing the severe effects of climate change, Papua New Guinea is seeking urgent support for the Pacific, as Prime Minister James Marape stressed the need for increased climate funding to aid smaller island nations, including PNG. In his recent live interview with BBC World News, Marape highlighted how climate change has intensified the challenges for Pacific Island countries, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of life. As Marape explained, PNG and other small Pacific nations face disproportionate impacts from a crisis they did not cause, yet they are not receiving sufficient climate finance to cope. “We didn’t cause this problem, but our people are paying a high price,” he said, emphasizing PNG’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and related fatalities. “This year alone, extreme weather events have caused landslides, leaving over 2,000 people dead from just one catastrophe." "Heavy rains have cost my country millions of dollars of damage to our roads and bridges that link to our communities,” he added. Marape described how rising sea levels have already displaced entire communities in PNG, such as those on the Carteret Islands in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The impacts, he noted, are being felt across the region, with small island states like Kiribati and Tuvalu facing similarly dire circumstances. “The reality of sea levels rising as a result of climate change impacts is not only a PNG experience but also for smaller island nations in the Pacific who have serious issues emanating from this,” he said. Recognizing the urgent need for financial support, Marape welcomed Australia’s renewed commitment to assisting Pacific nations with climate change adaptation. "We are working with Australia to access those funds for climate change mitigation,” he said, acknowledging the need for resources to aid in climate resilience. Marape has outlined specific areas where climate funding could make a difference, such as land reclamation projects, clean energy solutions, and water desalination efforts to assist impacted communities. “We are pushing for land reclamation, clean energy use, and desalination of water,” he explained. “I’ve been pushing for these on the global front to assist our neighboring small island nations like Kiribati, Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia, and even small islands in PNG like the Mortlock atolls, Carterets, and others.” At the recent Pacific Islands Forum held in Tonga, Marape reiterated PNG’s commitment to supporting climate adaptation for the region’s most vulnerable communities. He noted that collective action is needed to protect Pacific islands and ensure that their people can continue to thrive despite the growing climate challenges. “We are making our stand clear,” Marape said, “concerning the effects of climate change on small Pacific Island nations and how best they can be assisted.” As PNG strengthens its partnerships and calls for climate funding, Marape hopes that practical solutions can mitigate the impacts of climate change, safeguard communities, and secure the future of small island nations in the Pacific.

Every school -related decision matters, particularly when the voices making these decisions sit on a school board and are expected to represent the diversity of their community. Female participation on school boards in Papua New Guinea and globally has historically been limited, but efforts are being made to create a more inclusive, community-focused education system where women’s voices are proving not just valuable, but essential. The Government of Australia, through the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program, has put in place results-based financing grants through an initiative called Achieving Quality Education for All (AQEFA). Thus, all participating schools are required to have female representation on the school board, and for schools in Autonomous Region of Bougainville the requirement is 50 per cent female representation on the board per the Bougainville Education Act. One woman stands tall in the Kairuku District in Central Province, with her story or courage and influence in the education system, especially in decision making is Ms Bernadetta Oro. Ms. Oro having served as the Secretary of the Biotou Elementary School Board of Management in Kairuku District, Central Province for over 2 decades, Bernadette Oro is a strong advocate for greater female involvement on school boards. She is also the women's representative on the School Learning Improvement Plan (SLIP) committee. Bernadette's involvement on the board began with her desire to represent the women in her community. The SLIP is a school planning, budgeting and management tool and through her work with the SLIP committee Bernadette champions a vision of schooling that goes beyond academics. Her role ensures that community members, parents and external stakeholders have an influence in the direction of their schools. Bernadette’s commitment took her to a School Leadership Management workshop held at Mainohano Secondary School in May 2024, alongside senior teachers and other board members. Bernadette studied behaviour management, budgeting, leadership and operational strategies required to effectively implement the SLIP. The PIE-supported workshop gave her the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the school board’s decision-making processes. She returned from the workshop inspired to bring this knowledge to her peers, making her an invaluable asset to her school board. Bernadette reported that the training helped her to understand that a school is only as strong as the collaboration between teachers, parents and the broader community. For Bernadette, building on community engagement is central to a school’s success. After the workshop, she joined forces with church leaders, council members and local senior leaders to design a SLIP tailored to her school’s specific needs. With a focus on budgeting within the SLIP’s 7 priority areas, the team worked to ensure that every Kina was strategically directed. Bernadette worked with board members to complete the SLIP and requirements under the AQEFA grant. Biotou successfully received its first AQEFA tranche in June and it was Bernadette had assisted in completing the grant acquittal positioning her school to receive a second tranche which will support completion of a classroom, purchase of water tanks and student health and nutrition awareness. While Bernadette has played an instrumental role in her school board, she notes that many women face challenges in school governance and leadership. Balancing family responsibilities with board commitments, navigating a male-dominated environment and advocating for community-centred programs can be demanding, but a community-minded women like Bernadette not only bring diverse viewpoints but are often in-tune with the needs and concerns of parents and students; this connection is essential to foster a more inclusive, comprehensive approach to education that benefits everyone.

The 7 story Southern Highlands Provincial Building has been closed for some time now as it is currently undergoing major renovation. The Provincial headquarter at the Aigiru Centre is taking on a major upgrade for its interior as well as exterior, thus all provincial government functions have ceased for operation in the province. Southern Highlands Provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr Peter Wapenda-Wari has highlighted that since the closure of the Provincial headquarter there was no direction for temporary office from the Administration, thus all offices are not functioning now, however the Human Resource and Treasury Office have been moved to Port Moresby and has been operating there. “The renovation started around June this year, however there was no memo or circular instruction from the Administrator for the temporary allocation of all office until the end of renovation, so we do not know where to function from." “All officers from all sections and divisions are scattered everywhere, plus we also do not know when the reconstruction of the office will end too.” Mr Wapenda-Wari added that the only two functional offices now are Treasury Office and the Human Resource officer, which is now under the control of the Department of Prime Minister. “The exterior part of the building is almost complete, and the contractor is working on the interior part of the building." Mr Wari extended great sadness and apology to the people pf Southern Highlands Province who have been hit by natural and man-made disasters this year and have been expecting help from the Southern Highlands Provincial Disaster Office but has not received any help. “We have no office to function from temporarily, plus our request for funding and logistics have fallen on deaf ears, so it saddens me that the Provincial Disaster office has failed to respond to victims and survivors of disaster in the province.” Hopefully the renovation is done in quick time so that we can do our work, because right now it feels like officers are getting paid for doing nothing and that is not right.

A joint announcement for the completion of the Angore Project in Hela Province was made today by the Minister for Petroleum, Hon. Jimmy Maladina, and ExxonMobil PNG Limited Chairperson and Managing Director, Ms. Tera Shandro, on behalf of the State and PNG LNG co-venturers, including Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), Mineral Resource Development Company (MRDC), Santos, and JX Nippon. Part of the original PNG LNG development plan, the PGK 5 billion Angore Project now unlocks a 1 TCF natural gas resource to supplement existing PNG LNG production levels. “This is an exciting development for Papua New Guinea’s LNG industry which, in partnership with ExxonMobil, has established a global reputation for excellence,” said Maladina. “Not only will Angore strengthen our current LNG production, it sends a clear message to our global investors that our fiscal and regulatory environment provide a sound foundation for future commercial LNG success as well,” he added. “The Marape-Rosso government is committed to working with developers to bring the next tranche of major natural gas developments as quickly as possible– including Papua LNG, P’nyang LNG and developments on the Eastern Fold Belt of the Gulf Province like the Wildebeest prospect." Natural gas produced from two Angore field wells has now been successfully commissioned and connected via pipeline to the existing PNG LNG Hides Gas Conditioning Plant in Hela Province. ExxonMobil PNG Limited Chairperson and Managing Director Ms Shandro remarked, “On behalf of our entire organization, I would like to express our deep gratitude for the support the PNG LNG Project continues to receive from the National and Hela Provincial Governments, our co-venturers and LANCOs, local Angore landowner leaders and the broader Angore community, without which accomplishments like this would not be possible.” “We are incredibly proud of the strength of the partnerships we have built here in Papua New Guinea, which we believe will only continue to deliver lasting, shared benefits." Celebrating its 10th year of production in 2024, the ExxonMobil-operated PNG LNG Project has solidified Papua New Guinea’s place in the LNG industry. Production has routinely exceeded the Project’s nameplate capacity of 6.9MTA by 30%, with a GHG intensity among the top quartile globally. It has produced more than 83 million tons of LNG for export primarily to Asia, and in the process has generated more than PGK 28 billion kina for the State of Papua New Guinea and its people. · 1 TCF Angore field successfully developed and tied into PNG LNG Project · PNG LNG Project production levels to be supported by up to 350 MCF/d volume · Marks exciting next phase of major LNG development for the country.

Newcomer to the telecommunication market Vodafone PNG, who has been in operation in Papua New Guinea in just over 2 years is happy to announce a total of 25% market share in Telecommunication. Vodafone PNG, Regional CEO Mr. Pradeep Lal emphasised that Vodafone despite many challenges faced, in just a very short time, they were able to put up 800 Vodafone towers in the country. “Vodafone PNG currently secures 4 new locations, that will host about 150 more Vodafone sites.” As a mobile company with a vision, we are quite ready to take mobile penetration to around 80%, it is a very big task, but Vodafone is confident that in the next 12-24 months with all operators working together we are aiming the mobile network penetration to go over 80%. Mr. Lal added that most Pacific Island countries have a higher mobile penetration than Papua New Guinea. “Fiji has over 100% plus penetration, Vanuatu, Samoa and American Samoa all has 100% mobile penetration, Kiribati at 96% and Cook Island at 80%, so why is PNG left behind?” “We are determined, to have every market when linked then we have transformed the telecommunication sector.” Mr. Lal added that Vodafone is now working closely with the telecommunication sector which includes Telikom and Digicel thus to fast track the mobile penetration, all telecommunication providers need to share infrastructures to make it possible.

Vodafone Papua New Guinea is proud to announce its inaugural platinum sponsorship of K100,000 for the upcoming Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) Conference which will be happening on the 21st -22nd of this month November 2024 at the Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby. In 27 years of CPA’s operations, this year is a significant year because for the first time, CPA has secured its first ever platinum partner, Vodafone PNG. This partnership simply highlights Vodafone’s dedication to advancing the profession and fostering innovation within the broader business environment. Vodafone’s involvement as a sponsor extends beyond just financial support, it is also about cultivating an environment where learning is encouraged, ideas flourish, partnership are forged, and businesses thrive. As a leading telecommunication and technology provider, Vodafone is dedicated to empowering CPA Professionals and business leaders by providing information on cutting edge solutions that enhance productivity and collaboration. “Vodafone is committed to supporting business in PNG through their digital transformation journeys, enabling them to achieve greater operational agility, better connected employees and improved customer engagement." This partnership underscores Vodafones Commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the accounting profession and the broader business community. “We are thrilled to be the platinum sponsor of the CPA Conference,” said Mr Pradeep Lal, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone PNG. “By supporting events like this, we aim to contribute effectively to the community within which we operate and lead the conversation about how our suite of products and solutions can help PNG Businesses.” Mr Lal added that this conference provides a great platform for young professionals to learn from peers and experiences industry experts, collaborate, and support growth and development of the business sector . “We have various technology solutions including cloud services, data analytics and secure communication platforms that at designed to help businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately helping drive productivity." Speaking also at the sponsorship announcement was Mr John Varey , Conference Manager of CPA, who had great enthusiasm toward Vodafone PNG for this remarkable sponsorship. “We are delighted for this partnership with Vodafone PNG, this partnership highlights Vodafone’s commitment to supporting the accounting fraternity and contributing to the growth and excellence of the profession in PNG.” Mr Varey highlighted that this sponsorship was the first of its kind since their inception in year 1974, thus their journey has often been challenging, navigating without substantial government support but the dedication of their members has fuelled their growth and resilience. “Vodafone PNG generous platinum sponsorship comes at a pivotal time, will significantly enhance the success of our upcoming conference in Port Moresby this month, also in Kokopo, Goroka and Lae.” “With your support we can create a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and collaboration, empowering our members to reach new heights in their professional journeys”. "Together we look forward to a successful conference and partnership."

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited has just finalized its acquisition of additional equity in the PNG LNG Project from Santos Limited. KPHL managing director Wapu Sonk explains that under their agreement with Santos. KPHL made a part payment of US$352 million earlier this year, with the balance to be paid by December 2024, and KPHL is happy to announce that they have just completed this share acquisition, well before the end of the year. KPHL’s shareholding in the PNG LNG Project has now increased to 19.2%, including the 4.27% Kroton Equity Option shareholding, held for beneficiaries which are impacted provincial governments and landowner groups. Mr. Sonk highlighted that Kumul Petroleum having an increased shareholding in the PNG LNG Project is clearly of great benefit to the company and the country. “The project will be fully depreciated by end of 2024 and project finance fully repaid by 2026, which means this additional equity is expected to provide high returns immediately and strengthen KPHL’s balance sheet.” “For KPHL, the higher income from the PNG LNG Project means more ability for us to play a greater role in the country’s petroleum and energy sector as well as our ongoing support for nation-building development projects that will improve the lives of all Papua New Guineans.” “This acquisition positions the company to prepare to take up its mandated 22.5% equity in the forthcoming Papua LNG Project, whose FID is expected in late 2025, as well as other activities that the company continues to pursue.”

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has lost another Kumul, Josiah Tony Abavu, Kumul #244 who passed away on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at the Port Moresby General Hospital at the age of 38 after battling a long illness. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the football fraternity are filled with great sadness about the heart wrenching news that Josiah Tony Abavu, Kumul #244, had passed away. Late Josiah also known as “Josty” was born on 21st August in 1986 at the Port Moresby General Hospital to father Tony Abavu from Kagi and Mother Susie Hoveki Abavu from Efogi and comes from a family of 5 siblings and he was the 2nd born son. The eldest was sister Ruby, followed by his younger brothers Anthony, Bland who is a former PNG Hunter player, and youngest sister Doris. Josty as he was also known play his first football game at his first local club, the Crystal Lakers which back in year 2004, a team in the Koiari Rugby League Competition up in Sogeri, “Josiah’s passion to play rugby all began in Sogeri when seeing dad play for local club Crystal Lakers. He was a natural talented rugby player, and it grew within him, and he started playing in the center position,” his brother Anthony recalled. “He himself developed his skills in playing rugby and no one thought he would come through in developing and mastering his game, he liked watching NRL players like Greg Inglis. Through the love of the greatest sport of all, he broke through and caught us all by surprise – the rest is history.” Late Josiah played his first PNG Prime Minister’s XIII match against the Australian side in 2011 and went on to play his first game as a Kumul in the 2013 World Cup match against France in Hull in the United Kingdom in a nail-biting clash where he scored a try on debut as a winger and afterwards, he made 3 appearances in red, black and gold colors. PNG Hunters Head Coach Paul Aiton who played alongside late Josiah was also saddened to hear of his fellow Kumul’s death. “I’m sad…I reached out to Josiah because I wanted him to join our team. I know he is a great leader and person I wanted around the team…so I approached him late in the season,” Aiton said. Late Kumul #244 passed on in the presence of his mother and siblings at the Port Moresby General Hospital at the age of 38 after battling a long illness. He is survived by his sons Josh, Seke, Tony Jnr and Josiah Jnr, and his daughters Kendra and Rima. The PNG LNG Kumuls team management has confirmed the Kumuls will be wearing black arm bands this Sunday for the Pacific Championship match against Cook Islands in respect of the fallen Kumul. PNGRFL CEO Mr Stanley Hondina said, “On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, management and staff, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to late Josiah’s immediate family and friends, as well as to his former teammates on the loss of such a talented representative player. We wish them all comfort in this time of sorrow.” Rest in Peace Josiah Abavu – Kumul #244

On Saturday, 12th October 2024 between 10am-11am young Jessica Yori, an innocent 18-year-old girl from Salt Nomane Karamui District in Simbu Province was stabbed at Tabari Place Bus terminal. Late Jessica Enoch Yori, who should be in year 10 this year but was transferred out of school from Doliba Provincial High School in Simbu to Port Moresby because of family conflict back in Simbu was walking to the Tabari Bus terminal to catch a PMV when thugs approached her, snatched her bilum and phone, however she struggled with the thugs which resulted in her being stabbed on her upper left shoulder just next to her neck. All bystanders were not able to help her because none knew first aid, but a lone man who saw what was happening stopped a taxi and rushed Jessica to Port Moresby General Hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival due loss of blood. Just 1 week after her tragic death, Late Jessica’s funeral service was held over the weekend on Saturday 19th October, at the Dove Funeral Home Chapel and her body was flown to Mt Hagen on Sunday 20th October 2024. A convoy brought her body down to Simbu and further to her home in Perwi village, Sol Nomane Karimui, where she will is to be laid to rest. Late Jessica’s father Mr Enoch Yori told PNG HAUSBUNG that he only wants Justice for his daughter and will not retaliate despite having information of the persons involved in the murder of his daughter. Mr Yori further added that the City Manager, on the 26th of June 2023 launched the Boroko Precinct Transformation Project at Tabari Place. And promised a positive outcome in terms of improved safety, enhanced cleanliness, increased economic opportunities and ownership. However, this very place that is supposed to be a haven is now a place where thugs and criminals can kill and walk free. “My daughter, Jessica Yori was murdered in broad daylight in this very place that you guarantee the safety for women and girls.” "Where are the NCDC Urban Safety Police, that were supposed to be stationed at the bus stop for women and girls safety?” Yori said the only way to restore confidence and safety for all other women is to serve justice for my daughter, so that all other women can know that their lives matter even out on the streets. “Where were the so-called Bus top wardens, the NCDC Urban safety Police personnals, and do we even have CCTV cameras up around that area?” “Where is the K20 million committed by Prime Minister for CCTV in all hotspots?” “How many more mothers and daughters need to suffer from the hands of these thugs?” “As a father I am furious, I am broken, I am in so much pain because Late Jessica is my first born daughter and I believe that my daughter is a victim of the negligence of city authority and the government.” Mr Yori added that the government should equip and empower its agencies to execute their roles and responsibilities effectively for the benefit and safety of its people. On behalf of the grieving family they petition the municipal city authority, the NCD Governor Powes Parkop and the Prime Minister to; 1. Use the Take Back Boroko youths and Police on ground to work with the suspect family and bring the culprit to justice and must ensure that those who are harboring criminal must face the full blunt of law. 2. Pass the Vagrancy Act in NCD. 3. All Bus stop wardens must be well trained and fully equipped and stationed at all the bus stops. 4. Street sellers should be totally banned in Boroko area and other public areas. 5. All PMV Drivers & Crew should be trained and certify with First Aid that is to rescue their passengers in such situations 6. Bus service in the city should be run by NCDC and provide an all-female bus service. 7. CCTV Camera should be installed at all hotspot areas 8. Severe punishment for culprit involving in the murder and other similar cases in the city. 9. NCDC should now create 24 Hours Hotline Call Centre with well-trained and qualified 24 Hours Emergency Rescue Unit, Comprising of Police, Army, Warden, Fire Fighter, Doctor, Medical Officer and NGOs. “We the immediate family of victim are grieving and mourning the passing of our young daughter, and we condemn the brutal act committed towards our daughter and hope that going forward the city must become safe for all women and girls." Mr Yori added that after his daughter's burial, he and his family will continue the fight for justice for their daughter until the murderer is behind bars so that this city must be safe for all women and girls. In the meantime, NCD Governor Powes Parkop has released a statement condemning the killing and stated that with deep sadness and anger, a bright and promising life was cut short in its prime, and this is utterly heartbreaking, unacceptable, and a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague our city. Parkop stated that the continued harassment, violence, and loss of life faced by women and girls in Port Moresby is not just tragic - it is intolerable. “As a city, we have committed ourselves to making Port Moresby a safe and livable city for all, with a special focus on the safety of women and girls, this is not merely a goal—it is a moral imperative.” “Over the years, we have invested heavily in projects and programs aimed at ensuring the security of our residents, but this recent tragedy underscores that there is much more work to be done.” Governor Parkop said the horrific incident is a setback, particularly in Boroko, where they launched the Boroko Transformation Program last year, alongside the Bus Stop Warden Program. “It was a mistake to discontinue these critical initiatives, and I take full responsibility for that. I am announcing the immediate reinstatement of both programs.” Additionally, Governor Parkop highlighted that he is moving forward with urgency to implement the Safe City CCTV Program, which has been approved in the National Budget. “I have requested the immediate release of funds from the Treasurer to ensure swift action, and a competent company will be engaged without delay to install CCTV cameras across high-risk areas, providing an extra layer of security for our residents.“ “The Boroko Transformation Project and Bus Stop Warden Program will be reinstated and extended to key areas, including Boroko, Tabari, Gordons, Waigani, Koki, and 2 Mile.” Finally, Parkop added that the upcoming Women’s Summit and Expo, scheduled for November 9-13, will be dedicated to finding real, lasting solutions to the challenges facing women and girls in Port Moresby. “Together, we will work towards a future where every woman and girl in our city can live without fear and with the full dignity and respect, they deserve.”

Papua New Guinea is truly well-positioned for the future – one where LNG will have an even larger presence in the global energy mix. These were the sentiments shared by ExxonMobil Senior Vice President of Global LNG, Mr. Peter Clarke, as he shared his insights on the success of Papua New Guinea’s LNG industry and the bright opportunities ahead as a keynote speaker at Kumul Petroleum Holding Limited’s Petroleum and Energy Conference held recently in Port Moresby. “With proximity to market and high-quality resources, PNG can continue supporting regional demand for decades to come, with Asia Pacific countries set to be core natural gas customers, and in the process help these countries meet their energy security and emissions reduction goals.” He added that through the PNG LNG Project, PNG has demonstrated the ability to deliver reliable supplies to customers. “When the first shipment of Papua New Guinea’s LNG set sail on the Spirit of Hela to Japan in 2014, and PNG entered an esteemed club of LNG exporting nations, no one could have foretold what the future would bring.” “But with the benefit of 10 years of hindsight, I can confidently say that through the strength of our partnerships, we have exceeded all expectations and together, we have firmly established Papua New Guinea’s global reputation for excellence in the LNG industry.” Clark further highlighted that in just its first decade of operations, the PNG LNG Project has generated tens of thousands of jobs and strengthened PNG’s economy and has engaged 155 local businesses, including 10 LANCOs in the production phase, and invested 6.8 billion kina in PNG with these businesses. “Along the way, we have helped to deliver more than 27 billion kina back to the State of Papua New Guinea and its people.” ExxonMobil and its co-venturers’ investments in the country continue today, with multiple works currently underway to bring new volumes online and further strengthen PNG LNG’s production levels. ExxonMobil is also pleased to announce that the P’nyang LNG co-venturers are currently progressing its concept evaluation phase, thus this phase is critical to ensure that the design to develop this proven 4.6 TCF resource is as capitally efficient as possible which is particularly important given P’nyang’s remote location. “Thanks to our close partnerships with the national and provincial and governments, our co-venturers including Mineral Resource Development Company and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Total Energies, Santos and JX Nippon, our LANCOs, local communities and landowner leaders and other business partners – we are incredibly excited for LNG’s next decade and beyond in Papua New Guinea.” “Together, we have built a resilient, successful and globally respected LNG industry in PNG.”