Kerebi DAVID

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia, Michael Schiffer, as part of an interagency United States Government delegation to Papua New Guinea (PNG), announced on the 16th of July that the United States, through USAID, is providing $3.5 million (PGK13,098,750.00) to support disaster preparedness in PNG. The United States Government delegation to PNG who arrived in in the country on Sunday 14th July was led by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and included representatives from the White House National Security Council, the State Department, the Department of Defence, and USAID. During the trip, U.S. Government officials also toured the Papua New Guinea National Disaster Center and met with PNG government officials and discussed U.S.–PNG relations, including disaster preparedness and response efforts. It is understood that PNG frequently faces extreme weather events and natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, storms, and volcanic eruptions; therefore, this funding will support USAID partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to build local government capacity to conduct rapid disaster assessments, implement disaster management strategies. The K13,098,750.00 funding will also go towards addressing gender-based violence in emergency contexts and expanding community-driven disaster preparedness for more effective disaster response. The funding will also enable IOM to preposition relief commodities for immediate distribution when disasters strike. Pre-positioned relief commodities have facilitated accelerated USAID relief efforts during previous disasters in Papua New Guinea, including flood and earthquake relief in March and April of 2024. The United States appreciates close collaboration with regional partners, including Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, in response to the recent landslide in Enga Province that affected nearly 8, 000 people. Other donors have also been urged to join in supporting the long-term resilience of the people of Papua New Guinea.

The Fubilan Catering Services (FCS) a landowner company from Ok Tedi was awarded the Outstanding Landowner Company Shared Value Performance 2024 Award during the recent PNG Resources Week. This award recognizes a landowner company for their outstanding performances in economic and social progress within their communities. Upon receiving the award, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) proudly congratulates this landowner company for its outstanding achievement. OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit stated that OTML is immensely proud of FCS for their outstanding achievements. “Their commitment to excellence in workforce development, health and safety, compliance, and community engagement aligns perfectly with our values thus we look forward to continuing our strong partnership and driving positive change together.” Mr Ilimbit further added that FCS’s winning performance and continuous growth and expansion in Tabubil as well as other parts of PNG is a milestone achievement and will hopefully inspire other Ok Tedi landowner companies to follow. Proud FCS General Manager, Unni Meetinay said this award underscores their ongoing commitment to creating shared value and fostering strong relationships with their clients in driving their strategies and visions. “It is definitely a proud moment for us as a Company and a testament to our commitment to community development and sustainable practices.” He further added that FCS’ economic activity ripples outward creating livelihoods and prosperity citing community support programs in business, sports and other development project initiatives. In 2023, FCS received three prestigious awards: The ‘Outstanding Local Workforce Champion Training & Development’ at the 2023 CANCONEX event, The ‘Industry Leader Health and Safety’ at the PNG & Australia Mining and Petroleum Investment Conference And the NASFUND’s ‘Most Compliant Employer – Account Maintenance in 2023’.

The United State stands committed to supporting the Energy Sector in Papua New Guinea and through this partnership people can expect to benefit more from the sector in future. On June 4-5, The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) sponsored a delegation of National Energy Authority (NEA) leaders from thirteen Pacific Island countries to participate in a USAID training for Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA) members on best practices for economic regulation of the energy sector. This activity took place as part of the Asia Clean Energy Forum at Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila. USAID Country Representative Nino Nadiradze reaffirmed USAID’s commitment to supporting the National Energy Authority, “The United States is committed to supporting the National Energy Authority in developing a robust enabling environment that will contribute to an efficient and sustainable investment climate in PNG’s energy sector.” The event brought together Pacific Island energy regulators who discussed the actions necessary to drive private investment in the energy sector. Other topics covered were consumer protection, ensuring the financial viability of utility operators, safety, regulating independent power producers, and introducing competition in power procurement. The training offered a platform for OPERA members to share common challenges faced by Pacific Island regulators and to learn from each other’s successes. The NEA delegation from Papua New Guinea was led by Managing Director Ronald Meketa. The PNG Energy Regulatory Partnership is an institutional strengthening program supporting the USAID-PNG Electrification Partnership (USAID-PEP) Activity which is a five-year partnership with the Government of PNG that contributes to PNG’s goal of connecting 70 percent of PNG’s population to electricity by 2030.

The annual National Mask and Warwagira Festival for the people of East New Britain has come back this year and Bank South Pacific is proud to associate itself with the event as the silver sponsor. The National Mask and Warwagira Festival promotes the unique cultures of the Tolais, Baining and Pomios. The festival kicked off this week Wednesday and will end tomorrow Saturday 13th of July, 2024, in Rabaul. Kokopo Branch Manager Johnson Tetega in presenting BSP’s support of K10,000 to the National Mask & Warwagira Festival Committee on Wednesday 10th July, at the start of the event, stated that BSP is pleased to be supporting the event since 2011, thus it not only celebrates the unique mask cultures of East New Britain but continues to preserve and promote the cultures through its practise among the next generation. “BSP as a community and people’s bank is proud to support a cultural event that is important to the people of East New Britain,” Mr Tetega said. “BSP will be assisting customers at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Rabaul with personal banking needs – we will be available to open new Personal Accounts (Kids, Sumatin, Kundu and Plus Savers) register customers on Digital Banking services or attend to general enquiries.” Apart from supporting such festivals, BSP is proud to be serving East New Britain through our Kokopo, Rabaul, Kerevat and Palmalmal branches, 19 BSP Agents, 16 ATMs, 400+ EFTPoS and BSP continues to deliver 29 and counting Community Projects. “We have invested K790,000 in various Community Projects in East New Britain since 2009 and will continue to support where we can.” The festival commenced with the ‘Kinavai’ ceremony, which took place at dawn and features the arrival of the Tolai ‘Tubans’ and ‘Duk-Duks’ on canoes to the sound of drums and singing. At night visitors will be able to watch the Baining people perform ‘fire dances’, leaping barefoot in traditional dress through blazing bonfires.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has honoured two exceptional graduates from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) with the TPA Academic Excellence Award at a ceremony held on Tuesday 2 July, Port Moresby Mr. Harmson Waliya and Mr. Rendy Ono, both recipients of the prestigious award, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for TPA's unwavering support in their careers in tourism. The event saw attendance from UPNG's Head of Division Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dr. Joyce Jazmin-Rayel, along with her lecturers from the School of Business & Public Policy, including TPA staff. Harmson, who graduated in Business Management majoring in Tourism Hospitality Management, highlighted the positive impact of such initiatives on aspiring tourism professionals. "Such initiatives motivate us, the students, and I also see that the future of this industry is secure when partnerships and collaborations between the industry and institutions occur.” Mr Waliya stated that as a student, he noticed that there has been a missing link that needs to be connected and that the industry has been functioning on its own, and students have been studying independently. He also added that some things taught in class are different from what is happening in the industry, thus the initiative of coming together for a shared goal suggests that the industry is sustainable and growing, but it needs more effort. Waliya excelled during his studies, achieving top grades in the Tourism and Hospitality Management curriculum. He served as Events Manager for the 16th UPNG Tourism Convention, was a student leader in his church and is known for his strong moral character, and exhibited exemplary behaviour, setting high standards for classmates. He also completed an industry immersion at TPA, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his field. Mr Rendy Ono, on the other hand is a Professional Studies & Business Management Tourism & Hospitality (PSTHM) graduate, who described the program as a blessing. "I come from a teaching background and studied science, but entering tourism was a new experience for me.” Mr Ono highlighted that during his first step into the tourism space, he struggled but as he progressed in this area, he began to learn more and became fascinated about the industry. “If I had taken tourism in my youth, it would have been much better for me, but it's not too late, and I'm very happy for my second chance,” said Ono. He consistently topped the PSTHM cohorts and with him transitioning from a teaching background, he demonstrated strong tourism research skills, organized the 2nd UPNG Tourism Industry Seminar, and volunteered during the PNG Update 2022-2023. During the recognition and awards presentation, the Head of Division Tourism and Hospitality Management at UPNG, Dr. Joyce Jazmin-Rayel, was all praise for the two recipients. "I'm so glad and proud of both men, because the TPA Academic Excellence Award honours outstanding graduates in tourism and hospitality management from the university, both men have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, strong leadership qualities, and exemplary behaviour throughout their studies," said Dr. Jazmin-Rayel. Speaking also at the awards presentation was TPA’s Executive Manager for Corporate Affairs, Clair Kupo, who highlighted the importance of the program and acknowledged the graduates. "As part of the economic sector, we strive to do our best despite cash flow limitations.” “We are grateful for the program and our partnership with UPNG, which builds the capacity of tourism operators and those interested in tourism and hospitality management, including our own staff.”

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) is proud to announce that one of its employees has joined more than 15 other participants from across the Pacific who are now eligible to graduate with a Certificate IV in Climate Resilience from Fiji’s prestige university. TPA’s Product Development Officer, Lemban Kaki has completed his final presentation assessment for the Certificate IV in Climate Resilience at the University of the South Pacific (USP), the assessment was conducted from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 June 2024. Mr Kaki, who is now back in the country, is to graduate come September this year at USP's Laucala campus in Suva, Fiji. Mr Lemban Kaki thanked TPA for its continuous support towards upskilling its employees. "I am truly humbled and would like to thank TPA who recognized the importance of this course and granted me approval to take leave for my participation.” “The knowledge and experiences gained will be integrated into my work, particularly in marine projects,” said Kaki. The Certificate IV in Climate Resilience was a six-month course designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to tackle climate challenges. The program was focused on practical applications and policy frameworks that are crucial to strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities and effectively address climate change issues. The course covers four key topics: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Resilience Projects, Institutional Frameworks in Resilience, and Hazards and Sustainable Practices in Resilience. The programme was sponsored by the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Program, jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden and delivered by USP through its Pacific Technical and Further Education. The program's purpose is to address the impacts of climate change, which have become a global concern, particularly for developing nations like the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The course was aimed to build capacity for mitigating climate challenges and implementing adaptation strategies, aligning with international agreements like the Paris Agreement. The topics covered in the course align with the goals and requirements of Papua New Guinea's Environment Act (2000) and Climate Change and Development Act (2015). Implementing climate initiatives in accordance with national laws and international agreements also aligns with the TPA's Environmental and Social Management Framework and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026. TPA’s Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Kennewton Kennedy, emphasized the importance of the knowledge gained through the programme. "Understanding climate change and reducing disaster risks is crucial and will be mainstreamed into our Products and Development Projects.” “This integration will ensure our initiatives are socially, environmentally, economically, and climate-friendly, thereby enhancing resilience, promoting ecotourism within the green industry space, and setting a positive example as a tourism authority in the country,” said Kennedy. During his week in Fiji, Kaki engaged in educational exchanges and delivered an interactive, practical presentation that was considered the best among all groups. His presentation combined theoretical knowledge with practical examples, demonstrating a strong understanding of the course concepts and effective mitigation strategies. TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, congratulated Lemban on his achievement commending him on his dedication towards his studies. “His successful completion of the Certificate IV in Climate Resilience is a testament to TPA's commitment to capacity building and sustainable development.” “The skills and knowledge he brings back will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of climate resilience projects in Papua New Guinea, aligning with national and international climate goals.” “I am confident that the knowledge gained, and experiences learned from the university will be translated and integrated into his work," said Uvovo.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) today presented a cheque of K300,000 in super contributions for the PNG Fisheries Observers to the Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) during a small gathering in Port Moresby. NFA’s Acting Managing Director, Leban Gisawa, when presenting the cheque, stated that the 240 Fisheries Observers and their families will benefit from the super contributions to the NSL Choice Super Account after they retire or leave their jobs. “The observers have savings for life after their tenure.” “It was through a consultant review in 2022 that paved the way forward with this new approach for all fisheries observers to commence contributing a six percent (6%) mandatory contribution from all their sea trips, including shore-based allowance, into their NSL Choice Super Account,” said Mr. Gisawa. “NFA has come to realize that promoting a savings culture among contracted fisheries observers is crucial.” Gisawa thanked the dedicated observers and emphasized that the observers’ commitment and hard work are vital because the data collected by an observer is central to most of the core functions of the NFA in fishery management, enforcement, and research. “The fisheries observer deployment at sea involves observation, surveillance and data collection from purse-seine tuna vessels with a coverage of five percent (5%) on longline fleets. “The observers are also placed in other fishery areas such as beche de mer and mud crab.” Meanwhile, NSL Chief Executive Officer Paul Sayer thanked the NFA, stating, that the NSL’s Choice Super is a voluntary product introduced in 2014 for Papua New Guineans who are not contributing to compulsory super under PNG’s current laws. “The 240 Fisheries Observers are Choice Super Members who enjoy services and benefits that are similar to compulsory Nambawan Super Members, including access to Nambawan Retirement Savings Account (RSA), over 150 discount partners nationwide, informative seminars, free Financial Literacy Training, and access to Nambawan Savings and Loan Society.” The PNG Fisheries Observer Program is one of the four sub-unit under Monitoring, Compliance, and Surveillance (Compliance and Enforcement, Surveillance, VMS/FIMS, Observer Program) Unit of the National Fisheries Authority.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and Expertise France under the European Union-funded Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Programme, which is aimed at protecting and conserving forestry and biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The EU-FCCB Programme is an EU-funded initiative to support a development model that reconciles forestry, climate change, and biodiversity with sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive green growth at national and pilot subnational/community levels in PNG with three implementing agencies, Expertise France, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The MOU reaffirms the collaboration and partnership between the two entities, as witnessed by the European Union Delegation to PNG, Ms. Monica Vazquez Pablo and Ms. Manau Renagi, and representatives from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM). It will establish the framework for collaboration over the next four years of the FCCB Programme, underpinned by an annual action plan for each year of implementation. Mr. Jude Tukuliya, Acting Managing Director of CEPA, affirmed the importance of CEPA in spearheading the biodiversity component of the EU-FCCB Programme. “This leadership role extends beyond the scope of the MoU, encompassing the steadfast commitment to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals stipulated by the PNG government.” He further highlighted the imperative to actualize the MoU's requirements and turn them into tangible actions that directly benefit the community. Mr. Tukuliya also conveyed a strong willingness to leverage the knowledge and expertise offered by the EU-FCCB Programme, partnering development organisations, and relevant government entities engaged in forestry, climate change, and biodiversity preservation initiatives. "We are excited about the signing of the MoU as it will signify the start of the collaboration, particularly in terms of organisational and institutional support, subnational pilot programs, and the enforcement of the PA Act to help enhance conservation efforts and protect forestry and biodiversity," stated Mr. Alaric Vandeberghe. "Improving the capacity of relevant national and local officials and stakeholders on sustainable livelihood options and business model development will also be a key part of implementing the MoU activities."

Lack of delivery of quality health and education services across Papua New Guinea is simply the lack of proper planning at the district level, community advocacy organization ACT NOW has described this as a critical failure that is undermining all service delivery. Research by community advocacy organization ACT NOW has revealed that two-years on from the last national election, just one quarter or 25% of Districts have published a five-year development plan for 2023-27. “Good planning is essential for the delivery of quality services,” said ACT NOW Information Coordinator Cathy Tukne. “It is shocking to see that despite Districts now receiving K20 million a year in Service Improvement and Infrastructure funding, most do not have a clear roadmap for how they are using the money.” Ms. Tukne further added that this lack of planning is a major reason for deteriorating local services and the suffering endured by the communities. ACT NOW stated that the lack of proper planning across most Districts also undermines transparency and accountability, with both the general public and key governance institution left in the dark about the management, monitoring, and utilization of District funds In June 2023, ACT NOW launched the DDA Watch website with the intention of improving public access to District information and encouraging greater participation in the monitoring of service delivery, however ACT NOW has been shocked to find that only 7 District plans are publicly available and that 75 Districts out of 96 have yet to announce a plan for 2023-27. “Sadly, no District has yet published an annual budget for 2023 or 2024”, said Ms Tukne. “While we commend the 21 Districts that have launched a plan, we are calling on them to ensure the plans are available to their constituents.” “Meanwhile, we are urging the Department of Finance to stop sending money to those Districts that have yet to produce a plan.” Compounding the problem with a lack of planning, ACT NOW has found only 40 districts have filed an acquittal of their spending with the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) over the last 12-months. “Only 24 of those acquittal reports were for spending in 2023 or 2022, the other 18 were for earlier years.” Ms Tukne also added the lack of acquittals raises serious questions about financial accountability at a district level, highlighting that it is the responsibility of government to address these concerns head-on to ensure effective service delivery and good governance so it can deliver meaningful development. She further stated that members of the public must do their part by ensuring they demand better of their MPs and public officials. ACT NOW is urging everyone to visit the DDA Watch website to find out what documents are available for its district and to use the scoring and comment function to make their voices heard.

Today marks exactly two (2) weeks since the landslide in Enga Province and the process for evacuation and relocation of affected communities has started already. In an interview with Enga Provincial Administrator Sandi Tsaka, he highlighted that the evacuation and relocation exercise in itself is another challenge faced by his administration. Tsaka said the land slide has not only affected the communities in its impact zone, however due to the fact that the landslide is still very hectic, the initial impacts zone of the landslide has grown significantly in size, further villages down the hill and others on adjacent arears are also affected by the movement of not only mud, debris and rocks but also by the obstruction of the creeks and rivers. “This is a huge risk, and that is part of the reason why we have not been able to mobilize heavy equipment and engineers on sight to start any excavation work to assist community that have been affected.” Tsaka added that they already have a Geotech team on the ground and they have had assistance from the Department of Mining and Geohazard. “We have Geohazard team on the ground from the Dept of Mininig and they have provided preliminary assessment on what they believe is not only the cause but the ongoing risk of the landslide.” “We have a team from New Zealand and Australia who had been doing aerial reconnaissance of the place.” Based on the initial decision reports, the Enga Provincial Government has made some decisions to mobilize people on site to start the work for clearing the disaster zone, including the people living downhill from the landslide and the adjacent communities on the sides of the disaster area that were initially thought to be not affected by the landslide were asked to evacuate them as soon as possible because they are also at very high risk. “We started the process of evacuation as well as relocation of these communities and it is another challenge in itself.” Enga is known for tribal fights and tribal enemies, and despite this challenge, Mr Tsaka said they are encouraged by the neighboring villages, despite their ethnic tensions everybody has been receptive in this time of disaster. “Impacted communities have been assimilated in the neighboring communities, and there is also Care centers set up on both sides of the landslide for people to evacuate to.” The landslide disaster has been declared a State of Emergency thus the Papua New Guinea Defense Force has taken over every exercise on the ground. “The disaster is under Government statutory and policy regulations comes under the Defense force.” “Right now, we have a full contingent of engineers and medical officers from PNGDF who have already mobilized and have been on the ground assisting all victims.” Mr Tsaka highlighted that all the efforts from search and rescue to recovery, evacuation exercise, relocation, emergency exercises, aid, relief assistance, technical and medical responses would not be possible if it was not for all the first responders who came forward to help. “The people of Enga and I are grateful for the support coming from all the International partners, domestic partners, provincial governments, private companies, friends and families.” “Your level of support shown to the people of Enga has been significant and we thank you for that.” Tsaka also extended his heart felt gratitude to the Enga Provincial Health Authority who also was one of the first responders providing emergency and medical assistant and has set up Care center camps on both sides of landslide.

Bank South Pacific is pleased to have its Community Partner – Brisbane Broncos in Port Moresby again this week to launch the banks’ 2024 Financial Literacy Program in schools. BSP Retail GM Daniel Faunt was happy to welcome Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, Skipper Adam Reynolds and other club representatives to Port Moresby on Monday 3rd June 2024. Faunt explained that BSP partners with such reputable club Brisbane Broncos as both organizations share similar core values and community commitments. The partnership with Australian National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos as a community partner has helped reached over 3,000 school- aged children in selected schools through its financial literacy program since 2020 and in overall, BSP’s Financial Literacy Training in communities has covered 25,000 plus participants since. “We are excited to have Reynolds visit this year, as we all know PNG has a lot of Brisbane Broncos fans.” “The essence of his visit is to highlight the work we are doing in the communities through our Financial Literacy programs that target school-aged children and our community initiatives.” “Through that love for sports and rugby, we hope to inspire and excite the next generation of leaders to start that financial journey and develop that savings culture while young,” Faunt added. The Community Partnership also focuses on engaging with small medium enterprise owners and the bank’s leadership management development program. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said the club’s community partnership aligns with BSP’s having run programs like the Broncos First Nations Program and Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy programs that targets students.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide an additional K2 million for emergency humanitarian assistance based on needs identified in Enga Province last week. The additional funds now bring to total K4million as part of U.S. contribution to the Enga relief effort. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock stated that by listening to the community and following their lead, the United States is supporting the people of Enga Province as they recover from this tragedy. “This increase in funding is in direct response to what USAID experts heard and saw in Wabag and Mulitaka last week.” “We are tracking the situation closely to ensure that relief efforts and supplies are coordinated and get to where they are needed most.” USAID’s relief efforts will include logistics support, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance disaster response experts travelled to Wabag and Mulitaka last week to coordinate relief efforts with PNG government agencies including the National Disaster Centre, the Enga Provincial Government, humanitarian partners, and other donors to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and tailored to the needs of communities affected by the landslide.