Kerebi DAVID

Lawrence Maril, a young man from Ward 3 in Matupit Island in Rabaul district, East New Britain Province tells his story of what it’s like to live around and look after the Hot Springs and the Mt Tavurvur Volcano. Lawrence said often very early in the morning the young boys from Matupit Island set out to go and dig at Rolova, a place close to the Mt Tavurvur Volcano to look for Guinea Fowl eggs (often referred to as Wild fowl eggs). They dig to a depth of about 3-4meters deep to look for Guinea Fowl eggs and before any tourist would come to visit the Hot Spring and Mt Tavurvur Volcano, these boys are already there at the hot springs with about twenty to forty Guinea fowl eggs. “We give these eggs to our mothers who then sell them for K3 and K4 to the local and international tourists who come to visit the Hot springs,” said Lawrence. “We ask if they want it boiled, then we assist them to boil the eggs by placing the eggs inside the hot springs and letting it boil, when its cooked we take it out of the spring, and it is ready to be shelled and eaten.” The hot spring is heated by an underwater volcanic vent, so they are careful not to burn their hands when handling the eggs in and out of the hot springs. He added that the yellowish grown colour on sand around the hot spring area and towards the sea is sulphur, so they are really careful around that area too. “Sometimes the visitors buy the eggs and take them back with them because one fowl egg is actually twice the size of a chicken egg.” “The guinea fowl eggs have their season that starts from March right through but come November towards the New Year and the first two months, January and February are the months when we struggle to find these eggs because those are not the months for the hens to lay eggs.” Lawrence further explained that the people of Matupit Island are like custodians to the Hot Spring and Mt Tavurvur, they look after that area and fend from the area. “The money we collect from tourists and visitors coming into the area and the money we make from selling the fowl eggs actually helps us put food on the table and helps to pay for school fees and other bills also.” He told PNG HAUSBUNG that for one visitor into the Hot spring area, they charge an entry fee of K5, and to climb up Mt Tavurvur they charge K50 per visitor and a tour guide will assist the climber up the volcano mountain, and all these money goes to taking care of their families. They also have their wives, sisters, and mothers come and sell their handmade crafts like, earrings, necklaces, and other crafts near the hot spring. Lawrence further detailed that, there are about 4 wards on Matupit Island and each month a Ward is assigned to take turn to look after the Hot Spring and Mt Tarvuvur and to come dig fowl eggs and sell them, so every month they rotate the wards and take turns. “We don’t make much but it’s enough to sustain us, but we are lucky when there are cruise ships that bring many tourists.” “Hot Spring and Mt Tavurvur is my life.”

⊇The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanization, John Rosso, today announced the launch of a comprehensive land rent debt recovery campaign. This project is aimed squarely at companies and individuals that have failed to meet their obligations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Land, Physical Planning and Urbanization, John Rosso, explained that the Department stands resolute against the neglect of annual land rent dues on state leases. “This isn't merely about nearing debts of half a billion Kina; it's a profound reflection on the companies and individuals who have turned a blind eye to their commitments and such negligence doesn't just dent our nation's financial structure but profoundly questions the ethical principles of those in default." In a demonstrative action of transparency, the Department of Lands and Physical Planning has, under Section 83 (7) of the Land Act 1996, gazetted and showcased on the eLands website (www.dlpp.gov.pg) the names of leaseholders with outstanding rental payments. “This list is a public testament and a stern reminder to those who have shirked their responsibilities.” This week will see the Department commence serving show cause notices, under Section 124 of the Land Act 1996 to these defaulters and these are not routine communiqués but critical calls to action. “Failing to heed these will leave the Department with no choice but to enforce more stringent and consequential measures up to and including the forfeiture of properties”, said Minister Rosso. Furthermore, the Department had contacted financial institutions holding mortgages over these properties, this request was to validate the details of defaulting lease holders and the department will also be meeting with these financial institutions in the coming weeks to ensure that all parties are well-informed of the consequences of noncompliance. “Any assumption that we would overlook these unpaid rents is gravely mistaken.” “The public disclosure and our intensified efforts confirm our commitment to accountability and action," Rosso affirmed. “All leaseholders are hereby put on alert to promptly address any land rent arrears.” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso further added that for convenience and clarity, all leaseholders are advised to visit the Department of Lands and Physical Planning’s website (www.lands.gov.pg) to register and link their properties on eLands and immediately clear any outstanding balances. "Do not be complacent; thinking you can delay until officers from DLPP arrive at your premises. Act with urgency by visiting eLands online, ensuring your properties are linked, and settling your outstanding dues.”

2023 Grand final for Lae School Rugby League Competition was played over the weekend Saturday 9th September at the Lae Secondary School field and gracing the students and their supporters was the Acting Prime Minister John Rosso. Rosso who was at the grand final stressed on the importance of junior development pathways through school league program. “It is not about winning the grand final. It is all about providing an avenue so you (student-players both boys and girls) can gain confidence, learn new skills and rules, and strive for better.” “So, one day you can represent us on a bigger stage.” Rosso is also the competition patron since 2020 and has been supporting the competition after being first elected in 2017 and thanked all the sponsors of the school competition and further pledged to increase the support for the competition through the Lae City Authority (LCA). “It is your parents’ tax money and not mine, I’m only managing it and if I see you continue to be disciplined and being good sports ambassadors, LCA will continue to support the program”. The Lae School Rugby League Competition is fully sponsored and supported by Ian Chow and Lae Biscuit Company, Adrian Chow and Prima Smallgoods and backed by LCA.

A four day consultative workshop started on Monday at the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) outside Lae, Morobe Province and the workshop is on how to use the Department of Implementation and Rural Development’s (DIRD) Bilum digital platform system. The Morobe provincial administration, Wau Waria and Lae district officials will be trained (hands on experiences) on how to enter real time data into the system. The newly created Wau Waria district in the Morobe Province will be the third district after Nuku and Wabag Districts in the country to use the Bilum Digital Platform to implement and report on its District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funded projects and activities. The Member for Wau Waria Marsh Narewec, MP said he accepted the Department of Implementation and Rural Development’s (DIRD) Bilum digital platform system because it will greatly help his district to implement and report on its development programs in a timely manner. Narewec highlighted this during the official opening of DIRD’s Bilum Digital Platform system consultative awareness and readiness for the Morobe leg rollout program in Lae recently. Mr. Narewec said every province and district must be accountable to what they received in terms of provincial and district services improvement program (PSIP & DSIP) from the national government for development and basic service delivery to their people. “I’ll be the first district amongst the new established districts in the country to use this digital platform system because we have no legacy issues, my district is a newly created district in Morobe province, and I want to start fresh”. “I am proud of this system, and I commend DIRD for developing a digital system and want to be transparent in every aspect of project management and financial accountability.” He added that the system itself will keep reminding them of their progress in the district in terms of administration operations, providing real time data on health, education, law & order issues and most importantly infrastructure development. “We politicians are here for five years only and will be gone when our term of Parliament expires, however such permanent reporting and monitoring systems must be developed and established for the district and province to implement and report on the huge development grants frontloaded to sub-national.” Mr. Narewec, who is an information technology (IT) expert himself further challenged DIRD to also accommodate public investment program (PIP) funds (development grants) received from the National Government through the Department of National Planning & Monitoring into the Bilum digital platform system so that what district or province receive can be reported on and ensure there must be physical monitoring because there are huge development grants under PIP being given to provinces and districts. The Digital Platform is basically being developed to the DIRD’s specifications (username) as required by Administrative Guidelines and Financial Instruction of the 2019 and the Government of Papua New Guinea’s new Digital Transformation Policy 2021. This Digital Platform is a cloud - based management system to develop a fit-for-purpose system to enable effective coordination, management and reporting of the output and outcome of Service Improvement Program (PSIP & DSI2P) in the country. The main goal of this integrated Bilum Digital Platform is for “Strengthening Good Governance though digital innovation in partnership with all stakeholders”.

Westpac PNG is thrilled to announce a new addition to its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) across Papua New Guinea, with the commissioning of a new ATM at the Central Government Office (CGO) in Port Moresby on Friday 08th September 2023. This comes as part of the bank’s effort in enhancing banking and customer experience in serving the local community. The CGO frequented by hundreds daily, has been carefully chosen as a site for this bank collaborated with Ministry of Public Service to bring this facility to fruition, exemplifying its steadfast commitment to the people and the spirit of cooperation with government departments and stakeholders. Westpac PNG Chief Executive Officer, Brett Hooker said, this initiative builds on Westpac’s strategy to offer customers more ways to do their banking. “We acknowledge that the way Papua New Guineans are banking is changing however, access to cash remains important for most people.” “This ATM represents more than just a technological advancement. It signifies Westpac’s dedication to providing accessible and convenient banking solutions to the people.” Westpac is excited about the potential it holds for their customers and their community. In this digital era, Westpac understands the significance of delivering safe and accessible banking services to everyone. “This ATM is the embodiment of our commitment to innovation, customer- centricity and to further support economic growth.” “The commissioning of the new ATM signifies our commitment to work closely with stakeholders and extend our commitment to communities to develop financial solutions that cater to the needs of our people.”

Mama Polin Tau also known as Mama Pora was last seen at Morata 1 Community Hall on Saturday during a family gathering and has been missing since then. One of her son’s Pais Wiyap stated that they did not realise she was missing until later that night when she never showed up at home. “We live on Top Street and usually she goes for a walk and comes home but that evening she never did.” Pais mentioned that they have contacted all families and friends who have turned on Saturday at the family gathering but no one seem to know Mama Polin’s whereabouts. “We called all our families and even went to their homes, but no one has seen her and its now over 48 hrs.” A missing person report was laid today at the Waigani Police Station and pictures of her have been printed and will be placed on public notice boards. “Mama Polin is from Kandep, Enga Province and she is in her late 70s, she is brown skinned, short and slim in size, grey, white hair and dark brown eyes.” “She can hear Tok Pisin but is not able to speak Tok Pisin, she only speaks Engan dialect.” Pais appealed to whoever that finds Mama Polin to has seen her or with any information on her whereabouts to please contact her family as soon as possible. Her family can be reached on these numbers; 8138 1047/7888 0793/ 726 60447.

Director for INFOFISH Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy at the closing of the recent 8th Pacific Tuna Forum, highlighted in her closing remarks that the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum held over the two days from 6th -7th September was the largest gathering of delegations since the first Pacific Tuna Forum in 2007. She congratulated National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the Director Justine Ilakini for a successful hosting of the forum; and she further extended her congratulations to Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong and all delegates, sponsors and everyone who was part of the Forum. Ms. Anthonysamy stated the Asia Pacific Region is a region that produces over 50% of the Worlds Tuna production. “For such a region, we really need to shout louder about what we are and what we are producing.” She stated that the world out there does not know much and even many from the region are not aware of this forum even after the 8th edition of the forum since 2007. “We need to work together to talk louder so that we are heard better and promote more about the region and about the fisheries and about the tuna industry.” "Basically cooperating, because Tuna is more often underrated and undervalued, so we need to corporate and bring Tuna to the next level.” INFOFISH is an Intergovernmental Organization set up by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to provide marketing information and technical advisory services for the fishery products in the Asia Pacific Region and beyond. The 8th Pacific Tuna Forum was made possible through the partnership of INFOFISH and the NFA.

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Simon Kilepa has announced that the Second National Climate Change Summit will take place next week in Port Moresby. Kilepa said this summit will bring together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds engage in substantive discussions centred on the theme “Climate Justice and Social Inclusion”. “Papua New Guinea is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and changing rainfall patterns are already affecting the country’s both coastal and highlands communities, agriculture, and infrastructure.” “The injustice of climate change lies in the fact that our most vulnerable are impacted severely by changes they did not contribute to over the last century, and they are unknowingly bearing that cost.” Minister Kilepa stated that there is a need to clearly amplify the voices of the most vulnerable in a socially inclusive manner, to make the case for a justified response to the adverse impacts of climate change He added that there is also a greater need to accelerate access to climate finance to meet the country’s climate change priorities. “Exploring climate finance at the domestic and international level, through bilateral and multilateral sources, private and public, will be a key agenda at the summit.” “The outcome of the summit will help the country prepare its response to build community resilience, accelerate access to climate finance, reaffirm the country’s international commitments on climate change and strengthen stakeholder collaboration on climate action in PNG.” Minister Kilepa also thanked corporate entities and development partners who have come onboard to support the summit. These sponsors include Ela Motors, National Energy Authority, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Global Green Growth Institute, New Zealand High Commission, Australia High Commission, Newcrest Mining Limited, European Union and Vodafone. “Events of this magnitude come with its own financial and logistics challenges. For this summit, we are grateful to have these sponsors onboard to support. I also thank the management of CCDA and the Summit Organizing Committee for coordinating this Summit,” Minister Kilepa said.

The recent two- day 8th Pacific Tuna Forum ended on a high note in the city of Port Moresby where the Minister for Fisheries, Jelta Wong said the Forum was an ideal platform for discussing issues relating to the sustainable Tuna Fisheries arrangement and development. Minister Wong said that the participation of the Fisheries Ministers from the Pacific Island countries and heads of regional organizations ensured great recognition was given to the Pacific Tuna Forum. “The high level of presentation witnessed during the last two days, was a testament to genuine commitment for our speakers and moderators to share their knowledge and experience.” “It also reflects that the program put together by the National Fisheries Authority and INFOFISH captures relevant issues in the tuna fisheries sector.” Wong added that he hopes that all participants were able to take some key lessons back and can implement them in their own organizations and companies. “The forums provided an opportunity to reflect on what can be done and to harness our corporative plans, improve our competitiveness and increase the retention of the global value of tuna resources on the Blue Pacific Continent.” Wong further expressed sincere appreciation to the companies and organizations that have joined in to sponsor the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum. He further highlighted that the two days of the forum was two days of “Unity for Pacific.” “Time has changed for the good, now comes the time when all Pacific countries work together to make sure we get greater participation.” “To all the Tuna Industry players, we are not here to dictate but for partnership, grow the pacific region, because there is a reason and there is hope and that is why we want to grow.” Meanwhile, the 9th Pacific Tuna Forum will be held in the Fiji Islands in 2025.

At the opening of the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum this week, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Mr Henry Puna addressed the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum delegates. As the keynote speaker Secretary General, Mr Puna stated that he was very pleased to be able join all the Pacific Island leaders and stakeholders from around the globe in the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum. “Indeed, it is wonderful to be back here in this great land of Papua New Guinea – a nation rich in resources and opportunities that can propel the future of our region.” “It is no secret that we, your Pacific family, have learnt so much and will continue to learn from your leadership and unity on the issues that matter most for our Blue Pacific continent.” This year’s conference theme, “Strengthening tuna sustainability and industry development in the Blue Pacific Continent, through increased innovation, partnership and participation,” speaks to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. “ I am from an Ocean State – for us in the Cook Islands, it is from the Ocean that we derive our history, and our connection to each other – our culture – our livelihoods and our being as Pacific peoples and as custodians of nearly 20% of the earth’s surface, our future as a region lies in our Pacific Ocean”. He said importantly, the theme shines through in this Forum and added that the innovation and ideas everyone will share, the best practice and challenges on everyone’s agenda, and the way this event is structured goes to the core of partnership, participation, and collaboration. “These are key to ensuring a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Pacific, but as many here will appreciate, how best we rise to the future often depends on how we’ve learnt from the past.” “I have been in the region my whole life and over time I have worn many different hats that have including that of a Fisheries Minister as well as Chair of the FFC so, I can appreciate the vision and tenacity of those leading the Tuna fisheries sector, whether it be in management, science, negotiations, industry, or the setting of policy.” Puna further thanked those at the remote forefront of compliance work against IUU fishing – the Fisheries Observers. “It is your work that makes a sustainable tuna fishery in the Pacific, possible, your efforts, linked to the aspirations of this industry event, will help to ensure the success of the 2050 Strategy’s long-term approach to working together as a region, and as countries and territories, communities and people of the Blue Pacific Continent.” He further added that economic prosperity is core to 2050 strategy, but the ocean and its resources will underlie the regions prosperity. “For far too often, our region has been looked upon as “the whole in the donut” and our history as a region has seen our Ocean used by major countries as a nuclear testing ground, or more recently, the perfect abyss for nuclear wastewater.” But the tides are turning as a region, he highlighted in his speech that it is time now take hold of the future and potential that the Pacific Island people have. “And in this respect, may I congratulate the people and government of Papua New Guinea and Hon. Minister Jelta Wong and your team for hosting the recent Fisheries Ministerial in East New Britain, to set ambition and action for Pacific nations securing a larger part of the tuna value chain for our Blue Continent”. “Truly, this endeavor demonstrates initiative and resilience in the face of the climate emergency our Forum Leaders have declared, and I note that the outcomes of your deliberations will be presented to Forum Leaders at their Rarotonga meeting and wish you all the best in this endeavor.” He also added that the ability to leverage and generate economic prosperity from the natural resources including the ocean goes hand in hand with addressing the most significant threats and complex challenges including: (i) Climate change and rising sea levels; (ii) Rising debt levels; (iii) Global economic fragmentation; and of course (iv) Geo-political contestations. “Question is, how can we use this era of influence to capitalise on the resources and strengths that we have as a region, to address the key challenges of our time?” “As I mentioned earlier, I firmly believe that the future of prosperity lies in our ocean – its fishery and its resources.” If there is one theme in the 2050 Strategy that drives home the global context of all coastal states, it is the Ocean and Environment thematic area and it recognizes and defines our geography as large ocean states but also sustains our economies, cultures, and way of life.

The two- day Pacific Tuna Forum 2023 (PTF 2023), a paramount event in the world of marine conservation and fisheries management, is currently underway at the Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby. The PTF 2023 gathering is known for its profound impact on the sustainable management of tuna resources and preserving the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) as the region contributes almost 60% of the global tuna harvest. PTF 2023 has drawn international attention as stakeholders come together to address pressing challenges and chart a course for the future of the Tuna Industry. The Forum is organized by INFOFISH and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) including other regional organizations in the Pacific. The 8th Pacific Tuna Forum will unite all these voices in "Strengthening tuna sustainability and industry development in the Blue Pacific Continent through increased innovation, partnership, and participation" at all value/ supply chain level. With the health of the world's ocean facing unprecedented challenges, this forum becomes an essential avenue for collaborative dialogue and action. There are five key themes to be discussed in this forum: 1) Sustainable Fisheries Management, 2) Ecosystem Conservation, 3) Climate Resilience, 4) Market Access and Trade, 5) Indigenous and local knowledge. The Forum will showcase technological innovations and best practices that can drive the fishing industry's efficiency and sustainability while reducing its environmental impact. As the world faces an increased need for collective action to protect the oceans and sustain vital marine resources, the PTF 2023 emerges as a beacon of hope and collaboration. The decisions and agreements forged during this event will contribute significantly to the sustainable management of tuna fisheries and broader health of our oceans as well.

Fisheries and Maritime Resource Minister Jelta Wong with seven Pacific Island Fisheries Ministers and other senior officials in the Pacific arrived in Kokopo, East New Britain over the weekend to attend the Pacific Islands Ministers East New Britain Initiative Dialogue. The meeting is scheduled to take place today, Monday September 04th at the Gazelle International Hotel, and this dialogue will prepare Pacific leaders to have one voice in the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum, which is set to take place from the 6th to the 7th of September in Port Moresby. The theme of this East New Britain Initiative is, “Our Fish, Our Future- by the Pacific for the Pacific. At the arrival of the high profile delegates, Minister Wong highlighted that the initiative is to create more wealth for the Pacific Island Countries, to control the stock of fish which is the Pacific’s own resource. “Tuna is a growing resource, and it is a migrating resource that moves from one place to another in the Pacific Ocean and every year we lose in illegal, unreported and unregulated Tuna close to about US$45million.” “Because of this we want to tap into ways and initiatives to stop this illegal fishing in the Pacific region.” Wong stated that the initiative is to control the Tuna stock so that the world would know that we are united in the Tuna Industry, so that they cannot come and pick off one by one any Pacific Island country. Furthermore, National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Managing Director Mr. Justin Illakini added that the ENB Initiative provides a platform for all Fisheries Ministers in the Pacific to have the opportunity to dialogue amongst themselves to address two important key issues. The first key issue is Climate Change, to look at practical ways of implementing and informing the Forum Leaders on development aspirations and how they can continue the Tuna Industry in the Blue Pacific Continent. The second key issue is to tap into opportunities to maximize economic returns from the Tuna resource. “This Pacific Islands Ministers East New Britain Initiative Dialogue provides a platform for all Pacific leaders to have the opportunity to have a voice in speaking from their own national level to see how all Pacific islands can collaborate as a region to drive the Pacific Island Interest in the Tuna Industry.”