The eastern parts of New Ireland Province were recently hit hard by high surges of King tides around mid January this year and has caused massive destructions to villages along the coastline. New Ireland Provincial Disaster Manager Mr Terence Taisa confirmed this, stating that this is the 3rd biggest disaster to hit New Ireland Province in recent years. Mr Taisa said due to Climate change effects, Island provinces have been the most affected and New Ireland province was hit with drought, typhoon and now king tides and it is very sad because there is basically no disaster plan in place for New Ireland to deal with such natural disasters. Locals have lost their homes, gardens, classrooms, roads and almost everything is under water, and this is a very difficult time for the people of East Coast, especially Namatanai and Kavieng Districts because everyone was not prepared for this disaster. Mr Taisa told PNG HAUSBUNG that a Disaster Committee was appointed to carry out assessment on the destruction and to provide report to the Provincial Administrator (PA) this week, however a meeting with the PA this week did not eventuate because the PA was caught up in other business and did not sit down with the Disaster Committee. “Based on the summary of the reports the members got on ground we can assess and deliberate on what actions to take however this could not take place because our PA was busy with other provincial affairs.” “If the meeting with the PA eventuated, I was looking at bringing up Development budget for disaster including the structure and disaster plan but sadly it turned out to be otherwise.” Taisa added that since independence New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office has never had a Disaster emergency plan in place that works online with the National Disaster Risk Framework so basically there is no direction when disaster strikes. He further stated that the Provincial Government has not step in to help with the cover for relief supplies and disaster assessment work and as left all the work to the District Level to help in this matter. As per the media report from the New Ireland Government News, New Ireland Governor Julius Chan stated that the Provincial Government is not in a financially capable position after it’s Provincial Budget was cut by the former treasurer by K40 million. Governor Chan added that with New Ireland having two senior Ministers they should be the first point of call when these types of disasters strike, because They know very well his government has been stripped off of K40 Million that would have helped to assist in times like this. Since 2021 a total of K124 million in royalties has been paid directly to the District Development Authorities of the two Districts and that is K49 million each and with no major impact projects on the ground including no financial reports sent to the Provincial Executive Council from the DDA’s two districts. With the royalties the two MP’s have access to, they need to have proper development policies in place to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of all New Irelanders. Right now, the Kavieng Redcross Branch Volunteers including other local volunteers are donating relief items to people affected by the king tides, like canvases, cooking and eating utensils, water containers, towels, blankets, ropes and spades and other basic necessities to help them get back on their feet.

Prime Minister and Treasurer James Marape had revealed that the National Treasury has approved K519.8 million budgets for East New Britain Province this week. Governor Marum and his administrators submitted the budget last Friday, 02nd February 2024 and the budget was approved on Monday 05 February 2024, by Prime Minister Marape as Minister for Treasury, pursuant to Section 141 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government. The budget totals K519, 816,185 with the highest allocation to Infrastructure development at nearly 38 percent of the budget. The general break-up into areas is as follows: Infrastructure – K196.8 million (37.8%), Education – K152.9 million (29.4%), Economic – K52.7 million (10.1%), Administration – K51.9 million (9.9%), Health – K33.5 million (K6.4%), and Social and Law & Order – K33.8 million (6.1%). Out of these, the provincial government will work with K274 million, District Development Authority will handle K206.8 million, and Local Level Governments, K38.8 million. National Government grants total K196,832,600 broken into Operational – K146.8 million and the Capital –of K50 million with the rolled over from the previous years is K12.3 million. Internal Revenue stands at K65 million. Prime Minister Marape commended the provincial government for raising its internal revenue and for maintaining its standard in service delivery. “I commend Governor Michael Marum and his provincial administration for submitting their budget, for working hard to raise their internal revenue and for maintaining East New Britain’s standard in service delivery.” “The National Government looks forward to working with them to expand more development throughout the province.” Marape also highlighted that the government will develop Tokua airport precinct and include a four-lane road to Kokopo, upgrade Kokopo-Rabaul highway and rename it Namaliu Highway in honor of late former prime minister. “We will also upgrade Pomio road, complete the east-west New Britain highway, upgrade the provincial hospital, and develop the East New Britain Special Economic Zone,” said PM Marape.

The Kokopo Omorong Fisheries Project in East New Britain has successfully progressed into the next phase of development, focusing on the detailed design of onshore facilities and infrastructures. With the successful progress, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) signed a Project Consultancy Agreement with Amidal Management Limited on Monday this week (Jan 29). This agreement marks a crucial step forward in the implementation of the Kokopo Omorong Fisheries. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Provincial Administrator for Districts and LLGs, Mr Nicholas Larme, Chairman of the NFA Board, Mr Laurie William, other board members and senior officers from both NFA and East New Britain Provincial Administration. Mr David Amos, Managing Director and Consultant of Amidal Management Limited, presented a comprehensive work plan. During the event the NFA Managing Director Mr Justin Ilakani in his remarks emphasized the importance of the province taking ownership of the project and providing counter-funding support. He highlighted the need for collaboration between the NFA and ENBPA to ensure the successful implementation of projects outlined in the ENBPG/NFA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Deputy PA Mr Larme responded by affirming the commitment of the ENB Provincial Government to support the fisheries impact projects under the MOA. “This milestone signifies a significant step towards the realization of ENB’s vision for sustainable fisheries development.” Mr Larme also stated these projects are integral to the province’s long term development plan, as outlined in the ENB Sustainable Development Plan 2023 – 20233. “To demonstrate this commitment, the ENBPG through ENBPA will allocate funds as counter-funding support under the Development Grant.” Mr Larme further expressed his enthusiasm for the progress made in the project, stating it is a crucial initiative for ENB as it is not only promoting sustainable fisheries development but also provides opportunities for economic growth and job creation for the people. “The development of onshore facilities and infrastructure will enhance the province’s ability to process and market fisheries products, opening up new opportunities for local businesses and contributing to the economic growth of East New Britain.”

The students and teachers of Holy Rosary Primary School, at 6 Mile, NCD kicked off their 2024 academic year on a very high note on Monday 29th January, which saw the students commencing their classes with access to a refurbished ablution block, thanks to BSP Life PNG Limited. Through BSP’s Community Project, BSP Life PNG – the life insurance arm of the business, refurbished the school’s ablution block while the students were away on 2023 end of year break. Prior to this, all students were accessing the girls’ ablution block which highlights the urgent need for improvement. BSP Life PNG Country Manager, Nilson Singh and his BSP Life PNG team handed back the completed project to the school as they commence their 2024 classes. “It is with immense gratitude and pride that I stand before you today because at BSP Life, we recognize the transformative power of education, we believe that every child deserves access to a safe learning environment, and it is our responsibility as corporate citizens to support initiatives that promote this cause,” Mr Singh said. “This (BSP 2023 Community) project is not only about meeting a critical need but also reflects BSP’s core values.” “Through our partnership with Holy Rosary Primary School, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve,” he added. BSP Community Projects is undertaken annually nationwide by our Branches, Strategic Business Units (SBUs), and Subsidiary Branches, and are a testament to BSP’ commitment to giving back to the community. “Focused on Education, Health, Sports, Environment, and other community initiatives, these projects embody our values of compassion, integrity, and community engagement.” The teachers and students at Holy Rosary Primary School were thankful to BSP Life for the assistance. Headmistress Ms Gethrude Bade in her appreciation speech to BSP stated that the ablution block was one of their critical needs. Ms Bade highlighted that the school was about to bring to the attention of the NCD Education board, the state of their facility but BSP came at a proper time to their assistance. “It’s a huge relief for the school because male students can now have access to their own toilets instead of using the girl’s toilets and Teachers will also have access to their own toilets.” “This facility will go a long way for our 1,700 plus students,” said Ms Bade.

Prime Minister and Treasurer Hon. James Marape on Monday welcomed the positive update from New Porgera Ltd (NPL) regarding the Porgera mine's reopening. He conveyed his satisfaction with the announcement that the restart of Porgera is well underway and on schedule, with the first gold production expected in the first quarter of 2024. Expressing his appreciation for the concerted efforts of all parties involved, Prime Minister Marape stated that he wants to assure Papua New Guinea that Porgera mine is fully operational now, with first gold production underway. “This announcement by NPL not only signifies a pivotal phase in the Porgera mine's reopening but also underscores the government's resolve to ensure fair and substantial returns from natural resources for all stakeholders involved.” He also commended Barrick Niugini Ltd for its exemplary leadership in reinstating the operational status of the mine. “The mine being operational once more is testament to the negotiations between a world super major, Barrick Gold Corporation, and the National Government under the theme of ‘Taking Back More from Our Natural Resources’.” Marape reflected on the past arrangement of the Special Mining Lease (SML) 1, retired in 2020, where Papua New Guinea held a minimal stake and detailed the enhanced terms of the new agreement, stating that under the new arrangement, landowners and the Enga Provincial Government will have 15 per cent equity, 3 per cent royalties, and there will be no tax holidays by the mine. He emphasised the improved distribution of the project's benefits, with Papua New Guinea receiving 53 per cent and investor partners 47 per cent. Highlighting the financial implications of the project, Marape further noted the valuation of NPL and the potential for the State's share to be repaid within a promising timeframe, due to favourable market conditions. He gave emphasis to the strategy for financial contribution and recovery, explaining that the State, through Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd, contributed no cash for equity and will repay through earnings from its share. He reassured landowners of the government's dedication to inclusive and constructive dialogue, as demonstrated by the planned Landowners Consultative Forum in Wabag. Furthermore, Marape emphasised the commitment to addressing stakeholder concerns and equitable benefit distribution. “All position papers that have been received will be packaged and we will come and meet the landowners – either in late February or early March – and we will start negotiations on the split in total benefits for all stakeholders.”

New Porgera Limited (NPL) is pleased to announce that the restart of Porgera Mine is progressing well and is on track. First gold production is expected to be achieved in Q1 2024, as planned, and it is also subject to the Highlands Highway continuing to remain open with no further vandalism of project infrastructure. NPL General Manager, Chad Coulin, acknowledged the tremendous effort made by the NPL workforce and the support of the regulator and the Mineral Resources Authority to restart Porgera mine in compliance with the laws of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Following completion under the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement (PPCA) on 22 December 2023, the NPL team has stepped up and delivered outstandingly towards getting back into full production in Q3 as required by the PPCA. The critical path to full production is re-standing or replacing relevant towers along the Hides Transmission Line. In 2024 for the Porgera mine operations, there will be a spend of K2.7B (US$749m) (est.), which is divided between K1.6B (US$442m) of direct operating costs (including K613m (US$174m) that will be capitalized prior to restart) and K1.1B (US$308m) of capital. The expected export revenue from Porgera gold sales in 2024 is K1.8B (US$504m) which will assist in boosting PNG’s foreign exchange reserves and expenditure on PNG sourced goods and services are estimated to be over K600m during 2024. Over 3,000 Papua New Guineans will be employed by NPL by the end of 2024 with a payroll for the year of K150m (US$42.6m). Royalties which will be paid to landowners and the Enga Provincial Government, with the 0.5% production levy to Mineral Resources Authority will amount to K63.4m (US$18m). Withholding taxes and custom duties payable to the National Government are estimated to be K28.2m (US$8m) for 2024. NPL has already commenced payment of K4.6m in outstanding compensation fees for the period that Porgera was in Care & Maintenance and will shortly commence negotiation of the long-term compensation agreements with landholder agents. The sharing and division of project benefits such as equity and royalties among stakeholders, will be agreed at the Government managed Development Forum process and be recorded in a Porgera Project Community Development Agreement that NPL will be a party to. Under the Community Development Agreement, NPL will contribute through the Tax Credit Scheme to relevant infrastructure projects in the areas of health, education, roads and law and order. Law and order continue to be a challenge and NPL calls for all stakeholders to support restart operations by contributing to peace in the valley with no further vandalism of critical infrastructure.

A young private entrepreneur and community leader in Port Moresby, Mr Ben Dangima has called on the National Government to dig deeper into the current socio-economic facing the nation and urge them to solve it through appropriate policies and legislation amendment in Parliament. A concerned Ben Dangima stated that he was frantically sad to witness the unfolding of protest by disciplinary forces, unprecedented looting, riot in the nation’s capital that resulted in civilian deaths and loss of business the runs into billions of Kina, last week. He added that the Public Servants play an important role in implementing the National Government policies in serving the state and its citizens. Their needs in salaries and remunerations must be properly taken care of through the appropriate administrative procedures to ensure future incident of such magnitude does not happen again. “Our disciplinary forces, teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, accountants and other professionals serving in the public service by virtue of law are entitle to appropriate salaries that must not be tempered while current inflation and rising cost of living are putting extra pressure on them." “We have economic challenges that are the root cause of the outburst of the many upraising of social misbehaviours in our societies." “Port Moresby city population has grown to over one million since 1975, and the continuous migration of urban drift is because people are looking for a better life in the city thus this has also put government under stress to provide better public utilities, job creations and revenue making." Dangima further stated that it is a time bomb we are facing now, with mass youths remaining idle without opportunities and not engaging in commerce and business activities. Mr Dangima said that as responsible constitutional office holders, particularly the city hall that is responsible for taking care of its city residents, they have not done enough to address the socio- economic problems that have been building up and have now spilled out over time. He is now urging the city planners to seriously do an analysis assessment on the recent confusion and incorporate better plan to assist our struggling populace and the business communities in the private sectors and the public service. Dangima further explained that the National Capital District usually get a highest GST share annually and its revenues are about 9 times the average of all the Provincial government despite having a very narrow range of expenditure responsibilities. “NCD’s revenue is also very high compared to other large towns in PNG, therefore its important they are accountable to the use of all public funding; thus, it must be equitably distributed for the residents’ benefits." “While it is their regulatory responsibilities to provide municipal services and manage the city affairs, the needs of our simple people who are providing mass labour, doing small entrepreneurs, living in the settlements and in Motu Koitabuan villages must be met, everyone in the Nations Capital needs a fair share of benefits." When people are hungry and do not have enough money to buy food and survive, they sort to illegal activities and its time we must embrace respect, bring back safety and confidence to our city. "We are a nation of thousand tribes, we have survived as a sovereign nation in the last 48 years, this is our country, and we must continue to build our development aspiration with positive attributes, better policies and legislations." “It’s time now that the National Government need to put the interest of our people first and get the economic policies advisors heads and agencies rolling to create more revenue, address unemployment, address inflation, address foreign exchange issues and the devaluation of Kina that has contributed to the high cost of living in Papua New Guinea.”

The Bank South Pacific wishes to clarify key facts regarding media reports about Puma Energy’s decision to lo close its account with BSP, dated Monday 22nd January 2024. Bank South Pacific (BSP) in a statement today said that they had given Puma a 90 days’ notice to close its company account on 9th June 2023 BSP states that the reasons for BSP’s decision are known to the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit and have been communicated to the Government. At the request of the Government, BSP extended the deadline to 8 March 2024 therefore Puma’s account with BSP is currently operational. However, by 8 March 2024, Puma will have had nine months to act responsibly, and make alternate banking arrangements. BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson highlighted that BSP has complied with all State of Emergency Orders and has given Puma over seven months to secure alternate banking arrangements. “This is more than ample time, and currently the customer has the capacity to operate their company accounts with BSP, but this will end in March.” “We will work with Puma, like any customer, to facilitate a smooth transition to alternate banking facilities."

The CPL board has come out to express its concern regarding the civil unrest and its effects on CPL, with Mr Stan Joyce Board Chairman of CPL Group highlighting that the seriousness of the current situation in PNG and the gravity of its impact. Mr Joyce stated that he is lost for words to describe the senseless criminal acts which have resulted in the destruction of 3 of their shops and the theft of merchandise on a scale never seen before in Papua New Guinea. He added that the rule of law is a prerequisite for operating a business in any economy and what everyone has observed currently is the rule of law being tested to a breaking point. “I am not going to comment on this issue any further at this stage other than to appeal to the majority of peace loving and law-abiding citizens of this God-Fearing Nation to stand up to the perpetrators of this lawless activity and say enough is enough”. “I have lived in Papua New Guinea for over 40 years and continue to believe most people are law abiding citizens.” He further added that CPL has been through more than its fair share of challenges over many years, from riots and fires, they have always prevailed, and they will do so again because we are resilient and determined to remain a proud PNG company. “One of the main reasons for our resilience is our staff who remained loyal and believe in the company.” “This was again evident in the way staff acted quickly to assist Management with protecting assets and taking care of each other,” he highlighted. “The Directors thank our staff from the bottom of our hearts; we know that without you we would be in a much worse situation.” Mr Joyce stated also that right now it is too early to tell how CPL will recover from this latest test to their viability and that there are many external factors out of their control. “But we have every intention of coming back bigger and better, so, at this stage, I would humbly ask you to remain confident in the future of our company”. Despite what had happened he added that people will still need to buy food, cloth themselves and obtain hardware, and that the Pharmacy will still be required to enable people to live better and healthier lives. He expressed gratitude towards the CPL Customers for the many well wishes that come into the stores and appreciates the way CPL do business and that boosted CPL’s confidence in the future. “We are proud to be a PNG company, we will continue to support our SME’s and local business and the broader PNG community including through our Foundation.” “We are all in this together and together we will prevail.” Mr Joyce elaborated more that right now the safety of all the people remains their number one priority and that CPL Board has zero tolerance for any activity that puts the safety of their staff at risk. “On behalf of CPL Board, I ask everyone at this time to take particular care in day-to-day movements as we keenly await a return to normalcy, God Bless PNG”.

CPL the biggest retail network in PNG, operating since 1987 faced its worst day on Wednesday 10th January 2024. In light of the civil unrest in the Nation’s Capital on Wednesday 10th January 2024, CPL group of Company suffered devastatingly, which saw Stop and Shop Rainbow and Stop and Shop North Waigani looted and burnt down in flames, whilst Stop and Shop Badili and Harbour City looted and destroyed. Despite the devastation faced by CPL Group, Sir Mahesh Patel, OBE, and his team decided to open few of their shops that were not destroyed in the unrest, Stop and Shop Waigani Central, Town, Boroko and Airways including City Pharmacy Waigani Drive (Showroom), Boroko and Vision City. On Friday, here at Waigani Central Stop and Shop the shop was crowded, carpark was full and the check out lines were very long into the aisle of the shelves. Customers expressed gratitude to CPL group for reopening of the Stop and Shop store despite what had happened to it's other Stop and Shop branches during the unrest. One shopper Mrs Oxy Olo expressed sympathy to CPL for the loss and at the same time mentioned that it is not only CPL as the company that suffered but hundreds of farmers,hundreds of families whose bread winners are employees of CPL group. "I feel sorry for our farmers who will be affected, whose produce will go to waste because CPL was their market." "People do not understand the extended damage done to thousands of families in the country who had depended on CPL for decades, and this is a very sad time for these families". Another shopper Mr Matthew Vari highlighted that we need to understand what CPL stands for, what it's stands for,for our simple farmers,what is stands for,for our people. "It has been our trusted household brands",he added. "I choose to shop at Stop and Shop for what it stands for and not because it's just a one stop convenient shop". He further added that CPL company like Bank South Pacific and other companies that give back to our communities have been supporting communities for many years and what has happened to them is very sad and uncalled for. CPL group Limited despite suffering the worst still stands tall and believe in supporting Papua New Guinea families as demonstrated, when they brought in their workers from their other shops that were damaged to continue employment in the reopened centres.

Some Pacific nations are feeling the bite of El Niño through dry conditions, while others in drought get relief through above average rainfall. The southern Cook Islands has received below average rain for the last six months, despite rain last week. Meteorological Service director Arona Ngari said dry conditions are affecting the whole of the southern group, including Rarotonga. "What is normal for us is about 100 to 200 millimetres of rainfall per month, but that has actually gone well below 50 percent of the norm," Ngari said. The met office had asked the community to conserve water, he said. In Fiji, Nadi received less than a third of its normal December rain and Suva had received half of the average. Fiji Meteorological Service acting director Bipen Prakash said even though there had been some rain, it was still significantly less than was normally expected for December - the peak wet season month. "We expect this trend to continue," Prakash said. "We expect that generally we will have drier than usual months ahead, we may get a bit of rainfall every now and then with passing troughs of low pressure or tropical cyclones." Although there had been significantly less rain it had not yet been called a drought ,which, he said, was a decision that involved multiple stakeholders. NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll said over the last three months Fiji, Tonga, New Caledonia, the Southern Cook Islands and Wallis and Futuna, experienced the driest conditions, while other Pacific nations were experiencing below average rain. But island groups along the equator, such as Kiribati - which had been in a drought - had now experienced above normal rainfall. Kiribati Meteorological Service's Ueneta Toorua said all four manual weather stations, including the capital and Tarawa Island, recorded above normal rainfall for the month of December 2023. "There is a high chance that groundwater and water tanks have been recovered from high rainfall over the last few months," the Kiribati met office chief officer said. "But noting that rainfall has been significantly low over the last three years, it might also take a while to fully recover, especially in islets where freshwater and water catchments facilities are limited." Toorua said above average rainfall was expected to continue over the next three months. 'Feeling the effects' NIWA's Noll said El Niño had so far behaved closely to what had been expected. "We were anticipating that some of the islands off the equator in the South Pacific, as well as some of the islands in the northwest Pacific, would experience below normal rainfall or a higher chance for below normal rainfall and that has come to fruition. "There are definitely several islands that are probably feeling the effects of low rainfall over recent months as well as maybe building water stress in some of those islands due to the low rainfall." So far, there had been three tropical cyclones this season, with severe tropical cyclone Lola arriving in October before the official start of the cyclone season. Noll said big El Niño events in 1982/83 and 1997/98 also had early starts to the season. More cyclones are predicted for the Pacific during El Niño. He said it was important for the Pacific to be prepared for more cyclones, with the majority reaching the Pacific in February and March. "We've been about a month now, as of early January, without a cyclone. "However, cyclone season does run through the end of April in the region. "There may be a renewed risk for cyclone activity toward the end of the month and that is certainly something that all Pacific islands will need to remain vigilant about." Noll expected the El Niño conditions would last until at least May. "There can be a lag between when the ocean moves into neutral and the atmosphere starts to behave in a more of a neutral manner, so it wouldn't surprise me if conditions in the Pacific Ocean in the atmosphere did maintain an El Niño-like flavour into the middle part of 2024," he said. Source:rnz.com

NCSL is pleased to launch its new look and improved website today Friday 05, January 2024 at its Head Office in Port Moresby. The website is designed to provide an enhanced and user-friendly experience for its valued members. NCSL understands the importance of staying ahead in providing accessible and convenient financial services and in line with its digital transformation, the new website aims to meet the needs of its members by offering a seamless online platform to explore a range of financial products and services. Some key features of the website include: 1. Enhanced User Interface: The new website has a modern and intuitive design, making navigation easy for users. With a clean layout and user-friendly interface, members can easily find the information they need. 2. Accessibility: The Modern User Interface principles embrace inclusivity, ensuring the website is accessible to users with disabilities. This not only aligns with NCSL's values but also expands the organisation's reach and fosters a more diverse and engaged audience. Irrespective of your device, the new NCSL website site will prioritise the viewing of information within the perimeters you have on your screen. 3. Savings Calculator: We are also pleased to have a savings calculator on the revamped website. The innovative tool will assist users to make informed financial decisions and achieve their savings goals. It is designed to provide a simple and user-friendly way to estimate their potential savings over a period of time. 4. Loan Application Availability: Applying for a loan has never been easier. Members can now apply for loans on the website without logging into their Member Online Portal. It also features a loan calculator to assist members make their financial decision. This saves time and effort creating a friendly experience for our members. 5. Updated Content: The new website includes a dedicated section with informative articles and resources, covering various financial topics and member experiences, ensuring members can make informed decisions about their finances. NCSL Acting CEO, Keith Raimo at the launched of the websites stated that, “We are excited about the launch of our new website because it is the first step in our digital transformation initiatives to be rolled out in 2024.” “Our website is a key touch point when dealing with our members and we believe this website revamp will lead to easier accessibility and provide a convenient medium for our valued members who would like to have access to all of our service.”