Kerebi DAVID

PMG Motors has made a significant donation of a brand-new vehicle to Businesses for Health Papua New Guinea (B4H)— a new project vehicle to support the important work of Businesses for Health TB & HIV project. This generous gift underscores PNG Motors' commitment to improving workplace health and productivity outcomes in Papua New Guinea and addressing the nation's high burden of Tuberculosis and HIV. The Businesses for Health TB & HIV project was established in response to the alarming and increasing rates of Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Papua New Guinea, which places immense strain on individuals, productivity, and the entire national economy. Worldwide the mantra for ending TB is that TB is preventable and curable, but here in PNG 5,200 people lost their lives to TB last year. Young people of working age make up most of the case of TB, so the loss of life is often the loss of a family breadwinner, and it is even sadder that in 2023, more babies were born with HIV. Loss of income devastates families and helps to drive conditions which TB loves – overcrowding and untreated coughs. The B4H project plays a pivotal role in raising awareness, providing training for businesses in better workplace management of cases, and facilitating initiatives to find cases of TB earlier and to promote the need to know one’s HIV status. The addition of this new vehicle from PNG Motors significantly enhances the project's capacity to reach workplaces, support our workplace-based TB wardens, and engage with businesses across the NCD. When our trainees save the life of an employee it sends powerful messages about TB prevention and the messages to families and their local communities. Dr Ann Clarke, project supporter at B4H, expressed their gratitude for PNG Motors' generous contribution, saying, "This vehicle represents a significant milestone in our recovery from the devastating impact of COVID on the TB response and our mission to end Tuberculosis and HIV.” “We are immensely thankful to PNG Motors for their support; our existing vehicle was donated to the Business Coalition against HIV and AIDS (BAHA) in 2013 and we have literally worn it out delivering HIV information, condoms and now education about TB, coughing and the better management of TB.” Dr Clarke further stated that the economy is in such terrible shape there no way they could ever raise enough money for a new vehicle, but with the new vehicle, they can continue to visit workplaces, support TB patients into the right services. It enhances their impact, and work toward a TB-free Papua New Guinea. PNG Motors has a longstanding history of corporate responsibility and community engagement. This donation exemplifies their dedication to playing an active role in addressing PNG deadliest infectious disease and social issues within the nation. Mr Steve Lane, Marketing Manager at PNG Motors, during the presentation of the vehicle stated that PNG Motors is proud to contribute to the Businesses for Health TB project. “We have seen our staff succumb to TB and the Cover your cough team present such a positive health message while also addressing Tuberculosis in Papua New Guinea.” “We are not just delivering a safe mode of transport. Our friends at Biz Print have ensured it is also moving billboard sharing the “cover your cough” message and Pacific Assurance mean the team are well insured.” The B4H team have taught us, “Coughing is not normal”, Coughing is a sign of disease, and coughs need to be checked for treatable TB. “This moving billboard means more awareness, and support where it is needed most -which is out on the streets of Port Moresby. We are committed to the success of this B4H and its role in creating a healthier, wealthier future for our nation,” said Steve. This generous gift of a new project vehicle from PNG Motors further strengthens the partnership between the private sector and B4H, demonstrating the profound impact that collaborative efforts can have on improving public health in Papua New Guinea,

The Melanesian Spearhead Group has appointed Fiji and Papua New Guinea prime ministers Sitiveni Rabuka and James Marape as special envoys to Indonesia to "address the West Papua issue", a move that has been welcomed by the Pacific Conference of Churches. The sub-regional group met for its caucus meeting on Monday (Cook Islands time) ahead of the official opening of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga, during which Rabuka proposed sending a representative to Indonesia to facilitate dialogue on the West Papua situation. Rabuka and Marape's mandate will be to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to discuss the pressing issue of West Papua. The MSG caucus reached a consensus that sending a ministerial envoy, as opposed to a bureaucratic-level envoy, would be the most effective approach to addressing the West Papua issue. "Earlier today, the Melanesian Spearhead Group Caucus appointed me as a Special Envoy to address the West Papua issue," Rabuka posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). "Alongside Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea (PNG), we've been tasked with meeting the President of Indonesia to discuss this pressing matter." In August, the MSG leaders failed to reach a consensus in Port Vila to accept the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's (ULMWP) bid to become a full member of the sub-regional grouping, defering the issue to the Forum Leaders Meeting. Vanuatu Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu said Rabuka and Marapae's appointment was "an additional measure" on the West Papua issue. "This is an additional measure agreed to by the MSG which supplements the existing decisions of PIF and MSG for an independent assessment by the UN Human Rights Commissioner and an MSG Leaders visit to West Papua," Regenvanu posted on X. The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) has said it "welcomes [the] Melanesian Spearhead Group move to engage further with Indonesia on the situation in West Papua and calls for an inclusive process of engagement that doesn't leave West Papuans out of the talanoa." General secretary Padre James Bhagwan said the PCC "the engagement of ULMWP as MSG Observers will need to be secured by PMs for this process to have legitimacy." However, the PCC is also calling for an imminent persons group, including civil society to accompany the process, for transparency. "The situation in West Papua will also be on the Agenda of the 12th [PCC] General Assembly, which begins in just over a week in Kanaky-New Caledonia," Padre Bhagwan said on X. The PCC General Assembly is expected to gather almost 200 delegates from 35 churches and 12 national councils of churches and regional faith organisations from over 18 Pacific Island countries and territories, making it the largest constituent assembly in the region, he added. Source : RNZ.com

The National Energy Authority as the regulator, is mandated to develop policies and clear guidelines, do research and implementation of technologies in the Energy Sector, both in the electricity space and the refine petroleum products. That’s from National Energy Authority (NEA) Managing Director Mr. Ronald Meketa who said this as he outlined the country’s journey into achieving clean energy. Mr Keketa stated that the good news is Papua New Guines is not a Coal Burning country and about 40% of our total power generation is fossil fuel and 60% is hydro, so that makes Papua New Guinea to be in the 60% renewable power generation space. “The 40% refine, petroleum products are mostly diesel, heavy fuel oil and we have 2 new gas turbine power generation limits.” “In terms of technology now, we are switching from 100% diesel to a dual fuel system, meaning we now have generators that can switch between diesel and gas.” Mr Meketa added that the new power gas engine power plant at Papa is doing up to 50 mega watts, and they are using gas engines and those are the cleanest sort of technology available and it is currently in the ranking cycle. “We are already moving into that space and NEA as the regulator, we are focused on key policies, we already have the draft for solar policy, hydro power policies, geothermal policy and wind energy policy, we also working on hydrogen policy as well as clean green harmony policy.” Mr Meketa further highlighted addition policies that have already been drafted, like the Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) which is a new technology in terms of carbon storage. “Either we have the forest as the carbon sink hole or we extract CO2 from the air and pump them into a gas reservoir that can store CO2, and we are already applying that in PNG and we are not that far in terms of technology exchanges”. He added that unlike five years ago, we are now already stepping into having policy guidelines in place, so we are not at the back and trying to catch up on those advancements in technology. “With PNG having the 2050 vision already in place, given that 40% of our total power generation is based on transitional energy now and we are moving into that space we can achieve renewable energy in less than 10-15 years.”

The Matupit Island Communities in Rabaul District, East New Britain province, recently initiated a mangrove nursery as a community-driven effort to combat climate change under the theme “Greening the Future". The aim of the program was to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and promote their conservation. The newly established nursery is situated in Matupit Ward 1 and will distribute over 280 seedlings to other wards for planting along their respective beachfronts. The mangrove nursery program received support from the district administration under the Kombiu Local Level Government (LLG), which facilitated an integrated climate change approach incorporating the work of fisheries, agriculture, and climate change authorities. Witnessing this small yet significant occasion were officers from the provincial fisheries division, provincial climate change unit, district officials and the Matupit community. Speaking during the launching was the District Rural Development Officer Mr. Murphy Selep, who expressed gratitude to the district and Kombiu LLG management for their support in ensuring the successful completion of the project. Mr. Selep also commended the community for their active engagement and collaboration in establishing the mangrove nursery. Also, during the launching of the mangrove nursery program, the Provincial Climate Change Officer Ms. Maryanne Wariga also conducted a brief awareness outlining the effects of climate change and emphasized the significance of planting mangroves. She further highlighted their role as barriers against storms, prevention of soil erosion, enhancement of fishing grounds, and protection of the overall eco-system. Member for Ward 1 Mr. Waninara Vuia who was also present at the launching, also expressed gratitude to the Rabaul District Economic sector for their contribution towards meaningful community projects. Mr. Vuia encouraged community members to take ownership of the mangrove nursery initiative, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in environmental conservation. The launching program of the mangrove nursery in Matupit Island Communities showcased a commendable community-driven initiative to combat climate change, and also successfully raised awareness about the benefits of mangroves in mitigating the impact of climate change and protecting the local ecosystem.

The provincial education office in Penama province in Vanuatu says more than 15,000 students will be affected after the destruction of classrooms by Cyclone Lola across Ambae, Maewo and Pentecost islands. Deputy principal education officer of Penama, Christina Garuleo said there are more than 4000 students on Ambae, over 3000 on Maewo and more than 10 000 on Pentecost. Of those Pentecost suffered the most damage after its school buildings had already been wrecked by a cyclone in 2020. The principal of Melsisi School in Central Pentecost, Joseph Molkis, said all of his 400 students have already been sent home. [caption id="attachment_46759" align="aligncenter" width="1071"] Hundreds of students at Melsisi School have been sent home. Photo: Supplied / Joseph Molkis[/caption] The country was now entering the rainy and cyclone season and they could not take students back. He said they will stay at home until the start of the new school year next year, except for those with end of year exams. Molkis said Cyclone Harold in 2020 destroyed all the classrooms and since then pupils have been in temporary shelters fashioned into classrooms. After Harold the dormitories were re-usable once the louvre windows were replaced, but they have all been smashed again by Lola. He said they were still waiting for funding from the government intended for repairs after Cyclone Harold but now they were facing triple the cost. In the wake of Cyclone Lola schools in Shefa, Tafea, and Torba provinces re-opened on Friday but a more cautious approach was being taken in provinces severely affected by the cyclone, namely Malampa and Penama. [caption id="attachment_46760" align="aligncenter" width="1059"] Photo: Supplied / Joseph Molkis[/caption] In cases where damage was extensive, they were considering the use of other buildings to ensure a safe learning environment. The examination schedules, however, will remain unchanged but the Ministry of Education was exploring alternative measures to support students who may have suffered setbacks. Save the Children is setting up spaces for students to sit their final exams. The charity's work will include setting up child friendly spaces in evacuation centres, and temporary learning spaces, including for older students due to sit exams soon. Save The Children's Vanuatu country director, Polly Banks, said the trauma and impact of the cyclone will be taking a toll on young people. RNZ's correspondent in Vanuatu, Hilaire Bule, said the possibility of some distance learning facilities was being considered. Acting director general of MoET, Serge Lewawa, said it was important students facing exams resumed their education as quickly as possible. For those not in exam years, it would be better if they remained at home and teachers would provide them with home schooling packages. Alternatively, online learning could be provided. Schools were being asked to complete the Education Rapid Assessment Form by 1 November. Source: rnz.com

From the Pari Agreement during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris, France on 12 December up until today is 7 years and Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) has established the entire institutional and governance framework said Climate Change Development Authority General Manager Ms. Debra Sungi. She said the policy framework is not an easy task for Papua New Guinea because CCDA had to design policies that capture well the circumstances of our people given that such framework has to do with forestry and land issues, and these issues are very stringy given that in Papua New Guinea context that most land are customary owned. “Every person and stakeholders need to agree what goes down in the legislatives framework and policy." “But so far CCDA has managed to do all with the latest passing of the Climate Change management amendment ACT, this has given us the teeth to actually go ahead and implement the activities and the laws domestically.” With the upcoming COP 28 that will take place from 30 November until 12 December 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, PNG’s key priorities as a country is in issues surrounding loss and damages, fund mechanism and decisions that are designed to have processes that is very accessible to small Island countries including PNG. “Development outcome is while we transition into low carbon road economy, we want to ensure as well that we have the necessary capacity that they will allow us to transit." “Resilient is one aspect that is important too, people need to have the ability to adapt to other impacts of climate change and also change to build infrastructural systems that can stand the impact of climate change.” Ms Sungi further stated that most time often people ask how all these big international summits benefit someone in the village. “Basically all the programs run by the government are actually programs that are being agreed at the international level and they had to domesticate it back into the country.” “While those decisions are made are made at the international level during summits like COPs, we had to be there to ensure that those decisions capture the need and practicality of our country so that we come back and then domesticate it into policies so we can implement them.” During this coming COP 28, PNG CCDA is hoping that there will be more ambitions and more actions to be taken by the developed countries, global stakeholders so that the outcome must benefit all small pacific island countries including Papua New Guinea.

Tropical Cyclone Lola has intensified to a category 5 super cyclone with winds close to its centre of 215 km/h, the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department says. Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office said red alerts have been issued for two more provinces as the category 5 cyclone Lola approaches the eastern islands. The Provinces of Penama and Malampa, like Torba and Sanma are on red alert - the highest alert level in Vanuatu - signalling a cyclone is imminent and that people need to stay in a secure shelter or other safe place. At 8am local time on Tuesday, the cyclone was 190km east of Sola and 180km northeast of Maewo, moving in a south direction at 4 km/hr. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department said heavy rainfalls with flash flooding were expected over low lying areas and areas close to river banks, including coastal flooding over Vanuatu group, on Tuesday and continuing on Wednesday. Very rough seas with heavy to phenomenal swells were expected over all Vanuatu waters. A Vanuatu Red Cross representative on Santo island, Shirley Johnson, told Morning Report at 5.30am local time they were so far experiencing some strong winds but said "it takes time for the strong winds to come in". However she said on Monday 20 to 30 people from flood prone areas were already being evacuated and people in the Banks Islands group in Torba Province and Penama Province were already experiencing very strong winds. "They also evacuated people to the evacuation centre just to make sure they're safe. "This morning I was not able to reach them, I will try to reach them to hear what the situation is because yesterday already they called and they said they were already experiencing very, very strong winds and also they have heavy rain." The National Disaster Management Office has convened an inter-agency briefing to plan the emergency response. Source: rnz.com

Mostly made up of young lads and youths from Enga Province, Enga Combat Kickboxing Club is the new club on the block that is producing some strong fighters. The team who is newly established with IPA Certificate still in process, has set a record for itself winning 3 major Kick boxing tournaments this year. Registering their latest winnings just late last month on 23rd September 2023 at the Kickboxing Showdown, raising of the champion at Bomana CIS Hall where 15 of their fighters took part, registering 13 wins and 2 losses resulting in Enga Combat Kickboxing Club winning the Cup for the Raising of the Champion Kickboxing Showdown. President Mr. Nelson Walen stated that the club is growing with more boys showing interest in Kickboxing and more boys putting and showing commitment in the sports. “We are Port Moresby Based Enga club, and this club is created for Enga youths, purposely to take them off from tribal fights, bad habits and give them a better chance in life.” Mr Walen said more and more youths are involving in tribal fights back home, and more and more are killed every day, and it is a sad that most do not get to reach their 30s or even travel to Port Moresby. “That is why Enga Combat Kickboxing Club is now on a mission to bring Kick boxing home and we want to try and use these sports to change the mindset of our youths at home.” However, the only problem right faced by the club is they do not have any sponsors; they have been keeping the club going, taking part in tournaments all from their own pockets. “We need sponsors to come on board and support us.” “We have plans to go home and run tournaments and run awareness, but someone has to push us.” “We are calling on our good Governor Peter Ipatas and all our local members and business elites of Enga to support us, and together we can change youths in Enga.” The club still needs to get its IPA Certificate which is in the process and they also need sponsors to come on board to support these fighters and also help the club. Walen is calling on all the youths in Enga Province including youths throughout the country, to throw away the knives, guns, stop killing, stop robbing and stop all bad habits and take up sports. “Put your fist up and fight in a ring where you get recognition, where you win money, where you can travel places and countries instead of wasting your life away, this is my challenge to all the youths.”

Prime Minister James Marape extends a warm welcome to the 150 international delegates from 14 countries that are set to participate in the upcoming World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) that is scheduled to take place from October 24 to 26, 2023, in Port Moresby. With a total of 500 delegates anticipated, Prime Minister Marape also extended a warm welcome to World Indigenous Business Forum executives and thanked them for their confidence in Papua New Guinea to host the 2023 event. The World Indigenous Business Forum presents a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange and economic collaboration, offering the chance to tap into the vibrant and diverse market landscape of Papua New Guinea. In addition to the international attendees, Marape expressed his enthusiasm for local businesses taking the opportunity to showcase their products, forge global connections, establish partnerships, and explore market prospects among the diverse group of countries who will be represented at the forum. This prestigious event has been organized by the Government under the leadership of the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, in collaboration with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). Prime Minister Marape commended the efforts of Minister Maru and NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, along with his dedicated team from 'Amazing Port Moresby.' Prime Minister Marape, while extending his warm welcome to the international delegates, extended an invitation for them to consider investing in Papua New Guinea. “I welcome you all to the most diverse indigenous country in the world, a place that combines the rich cultural tapestry of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian traditions with a vibrant embrace of Christianity.” “Our country boasts an extraordinary range of natural beauty, from stunning forest landscapes to pristine sandy beaches, valleys, and majestic mountains.” “We are blessed with an unparalleled marine biodiversity, serving as the world's foremost breeding ground for tuna, supplying 60 percent of the global market. Our potential in agriculture is unparalleled, and our tourism industry is yet to be fully explored.” “We stand as the Pacific's gateway to the flourishing Asian market!” “We extend a warm invitation to indigenous business delegates from around the world to explore the opportunities and partnerships available in Papua New Guinea." The World Indigenous Business Forum will commence with a grand opening ceremony hosted by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby team at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium today, from 5pm to 9pm.” The official forum proceedings will be inaugurated on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, by Prime Minister James Marape himself. The event will conclude with an official closing ceremony, which will be led by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby team at Ela Beach on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm.

Kwikila Health Centre in Rigo District, Central Province is faced with basic drug shortage. This was told to PNG HAUSBUNG by Health Centre Sister in Charge, Sister Anna Atop. Sister Anna stated that it is one month now since the health centre has been waiting for its fourth quarter supplies. “We cannot do much at this time because the basic drugs are finished, and we have been suggesting home remedies and writing prescriptions.” She highlighted that currently there are no major illnesses being reported to the health centre but only cough cases and that is due to high consumption of mango. “Its mango season and everyone is indulging themselves with mango but too much mango at one time can result in very bad cough, so people need to go easy on the number of mangoes they consume in a day.” Despite facing drug shortage at this time, the health centre has been managing all sick patients quit well. Sister Anna also stated that the health Centre is running very well at this time with two new female Doctors, one Clinical OIC and an Administration OIC who joined last year. “We were struggling with operation, administration and Doctor referrals but since they joined, we have been running our health service very well, with patients results coming out good and Health operations running smoothly.” Anna further added that the only major problem faced by the Kwikila Health Centre now is staff housing. “Not all workers are housed, plus the old houses need to be renovated.” A call is now made to the Rigo District and the Central Provincial Government to address the issues raised as soon as possible.

The second largest city in Vanuatu is preparing evacuation centres as it is directly in the path of severe tropical Cyclone Lola. The cyclone is already a Category 3 with winds gusting to 130km per hour and it could reach Category 4 by midnight according to the Fiji Metservice. Live updates on the cyclone's path: Vanuatu latest warnings Fiji Cyclone track map Luganville Municipal Council is working with the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office after advising people not to go into work today. The council's evacuation team spokesperson, Colenette Tapi, said community leaders are making sure people are prepared. "We are trying to get people prepared like stocking food and cutting down trees. "We are in a yellow alert. People should be at home and well prepared for the cyclone." People in the province of Torba, Penama and Sanma will be directly affected in the next 48 to 72 hours by hurricane force winds of up to 185km/h. Heavy rainfalls with flash flooding are expected over low-lying areas and areas close to river banks, including coastal flooding, over the Vanuatu group on Monday and Tuesday. Very rough seas with heavy swells are expected over all Vanuatu waters. Seagoing vessels are advised to take extra precautions. New Zealand MetService duty meteorologist Philippa Murdoch said the storm was a little ahead of the tropical cyclone season for the area. "This one is slightly early," she said. "The season usually starts at the beginning of November, but we've got all the right ingredients." Murdoch said these factors included warm sea surface temperatures and quite light winds aloft, which means there was nothing to break it up. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in New Zealand expects nine to 14 cyclones this season - nine being the long-term average. Four to eight of these are expected to be severe. NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll said El Niño had increased the risk. "El Niño, it does tend to enhance the risk for cyclone activity near and east of the International Dateline, so for countries like Fiji, the Cook Islands, and many in between." During El Niño 1982/83, there were 10 severe cyclones in the South Pacific.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on the Chinese government for its assistance in land reclamation, water desalination, and green energy initiatives to support small Pacific Island states that are currently facing the challenges of climate change. Prime Minister Marape, representing the Pacific Islands Forum, has proposed to China that countries with significant carbon footprints, such as China, should collaborate with smaller island communities and states to mitigate the effects of climate change. Marape who is in Beijing at the invitation of Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Development and Cooperation, a prominent event spanning yesterday and today has made this call to China. "I have consistently advocated for the preference of land reclamation over the relocation of islanders who are grappling with rising sea levels and the salination of their water and arable land.” "I have been a staunch proponent of this approach and hope that nations like China can partner with Papua New Guinea, offering resources like rocks, soil, and sand to support land reclamation efforts." During discussions with Chinese leaders, Prime Minister Marape also specifically highlighted Pacific Island nations such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Nauru and he further emphasised the importance of assisting islands and atolls within Papua New Guinea too, including the Cartarets, Mortlock, Nissan, Wuvulu, and many others.