The Mt. Bosavi area is notorious for a lot of crime being committed, especially against women and girls like the recent kidnapping of school girls, and the reason for that is that there is no real police presence on ground to deter crime and uphold basic law and order. Mrs. Anne Hewago, the Nipa Kutubu Women's Council President said there is a need for police stations to be put in the area that borders three provinces; Hela, Southern Highlands and Western provinces. She said that because there is no police presence on ground, there is basically no police officers there to protect the women and girls, and the recent kidnapping of the 17 school girls in Mt Bosavi, is a big wakeup call to the state to at least have police officers stationed there. Mrs. Hewago gave an insight to the kidnapping of the 17 school girls stating that the 3 youngest were just 12 years old, and the rest were under the age or 16. “As a mother my heart aches with so much pain because I have daughters and to hear about this crime, I feel sick.” "Some of them are minor, they are innocent victims of an indescribable inhuman act." "This is not the first time, there are many unreported cases and stories and the government need to address this law-and-order issue now or it will happen again in another village to other innocent girls, not only in Bosavi, but places where there is no police presence." Mrs. Hewago added that these gun men kidnapped because of money and they will do it again. “They will attack again when the money they received runs out and this boils down to show that they have no fear, they are not afraid to attack again because they know that there is no law on the ground.” She further added that Bosavi needs a police station as soon as possible, and more police recruitments must be done so that police stations are built and more police men are deployed to places like Bosavi, and Hela province especially. “However, with police recruitment and training, it will take long and kidnapping will not stop, but there is one way we can help these people and that is through Community Policing, while we wait for the government.” "We have very young strong men in the villages, what they need are basic training for community policing so that these men can uphold law and order in their respective society.” “These men can protect the innocent and this must be promoted and encouraged so that the government of the day must beef up police personnel in each district and provinces through community policing." It’s not only that, she said even the health service into the area has been affected because of these criminals going around doing whatever they want. Mothers with complications during birth cannot go to the nearest referral hospital for help, health staff and even ambulance services are at risk of going into the area. “Because of law-and-order problems, government services to remote areas like Bosavi will decline or will not reach the people,” she said. "Law and order problem will cause public servants to pack up and leave and then many innocent lives will be at risk because they will not get basic services for health and safety". She is now appealing to the respective stakeholders, government and responsible authorities to recognize law and order issue as the paramount issue and give priority to address this now in the society before any other services.

The young men and women of Western Province can expect to continue their education through distance learning centers, technical colleges and universities, all thanks to the scholarship program being continuously funded through the partnership between CMCA Trust, the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML). OTDF, in partnership with OTML and CMCA Trusts, since 2015 has provided educational opportunities to students from the Preferred Area (Oksapmin, Telefomin, Olsobip) and Western Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Apart from other disciplines, priority is given to health, education, and agriculture. Every year over 300 students who meet the requirements are sponsored to take up studies, with an average of 100 students graduating. The focus on the selection and support is not on the quantity (number of sponsored students) but the quality in the selected disciplines. According to the Manager Program Services Sustainable Development, Mr. Andrew Mari, the Scholarship program has relieved the burden on parents and provided the opportunity for students to further their education, return and contribute to the development of the province and their communities. Higher education has enabled graduates to engage in formal employment throughout Western Province and the country. In 2020, the demand for scholarship positions increased due to raised program awareness. However, there was a slight decrease in scholarship positions due to more stringent selection criteria, with scholarships only awarded to students achieving a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA). Havini Vira, CEO OTDF, expressed appreciation for the well-managed Scholarship and Maritime support program. However, he acknowledged that effectively monitoring the progress of students after they graduate poses a challenge and believes there is scope for further improvement. 2, 585 Western Province and PAD students have been sponsored by OTDF through the CMCA Trusts and OTML since 2019. OTDF is committed to contribute to the development of human resource of Western Province and PNG.

Many families affected by the recent floods in the Aroma Coast of Abau District, Central Province has raised concerns and dissatisfaction on how the relief supplies were distributed to individual families as well as dissatisfaction on the amount of relief food supplies provided to them. The Ward Member for Ward 2, Mr. Ila Pat Ila’ava, said that 4 wards in the Aroma Local Level Government (LLG) that where affected have jointly expressed disappointment on how the disaster relief supplies were not equally distributed among the households. “K60, 000 was given as disaster relief fund from the district to Aroma Coast llg, and these funds were used to purchase food supplies,” said Ila. “Sadly this money was not enough for the 4 wards, because if lucky, one family got a packet of rice, noodles or an EM Nau biscuit for one person.” Ila stated that this is very disappointing because the supplies was not enough, and this was due to the fact that there was no disaster officer on ground to make proper assessment of the situation. “There was no disaster officer from the district or the provincial disaster offices and I do not know where and how they got their data from to send such relief supplies.” “The disaster fund was K60, 000 but the food supplies bought were estimated about K2, 000 or less for each ward in Aroma.” Ila added that the disaster office has to come clear about where the rest of the funds had gone to. He further added that, most classrooms were under water because they were built on ground level, some live stocks were washed away and others moved to higher ground, but sadly all gardens were under water. Sections of the roads were under water, culverts were washed away and bridges damaged, thus affecting transportation of food supplies to the trade store, cutting of fuel and medical supplies as well. “This is not a new situation, every year around the wet season time, this is expected and the disaster office needs to be on its feet to address this.” “You cannot just seat in the office and call ward Councilors to go pick up relief supplies, this is not how the officer works.” Ila is now calling on the district and provincial disaster office to do its jobs correctly and every time a disaster occurs, disaster officers must be present on the ground to assess the situation, collect appropriate and accurate data then send adequate relief supplies to the disaster victims.

Prime Minister James Marape, MP, has extended an invitation to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to form a partnership with districts facing armed conflict hotspots. The objective is to mitigate armed conflicts and transform the approach to addressing and resolving issues within affected communities. During a briefing with His Excellency Georgia Georgantas, Head of Mission for the ICRC in Papua New Guinea on Monday, June 20, 2023, Prime Minister Marape extended the invitation. The Prime Minister gained insight into the ICRC's international mandate, which focuses on assisting individuals impacted by armed conflict. Mr. Georgantas informed Prime Minister Marape that their specific focus within the country is supporting those affected by tribal conflicts. They have identified conflict hotspots, particularly in the Highlands region. In the event of a conflict, they assess the damages and casualties before providing suitable assistance. With offices located in Port Moresby, Mt. Hagen, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the ICRC operates on multiple fronts. The Mt. Hagen office assists vulnerable individuals affected by tribal conflicts, while the team in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville aids in the recovery of missing persons from the Special Region. Mr Georgantas also mentioned that the recognition and ratification of the organisation by Parliament are crucial for expanding their work and acquiring additional assistance. Prime Minister James Marape expressed gratitude for the ICRC's work in the country and extended an invitation to collaborate with districts and churches. Emphasizing the importance of working with churches, he stressed the need to eliminate political interference to ensure effective assistance to those impacted by armed conflict. The Prime Minister further urged the ICRC to establish offices within his electorate. Given that his Tari-Pori electorate serves as the sole service center in Hela Province, it attracts individuals affected by tribal conflicts from neighboring provinces seeking services such as policing and healthcare. Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape proposed leveraging the Hope Institute, which supports women and children affected by violence, as a platform for collaboration with churches and the ICRC in Hela. Addressing the long-lasting trauma experienced by individuals affected by tribal conflicts, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of providing support and resources for essential counseling services. These services would focus on surviving armed conflicts and facilitating the reintegration of affected individuals into society. In addition, Prime Minister Marape offered to send church workers to receive conflict resolution training from the ICRC office in Mt. Hagen. Equipped with this training, these individuals can help resolve disputes amicably and peacefully, avoiding resorting to violence. Reiterating his previous statements, Prime Minister Marape condemned armed fighting as an ineffective means of addressing grievances. "There is no excuse for violence, and we do not condone it.” “Our traditions and cultures should not be used as a basis for propagating violence within society.” “We strive to eradicate violence from our communities." Prime Minister Marape concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to the ICRC for their work in the country. He assured Mr Georgantas that he would personally present their letter to Parliament for ratification during the August 2023 session.

Without any road access, the farmers in Mt Bosavi region have been struggling to sell their produce to the outside market. Mr Andrew Awabi, Chairman for Mt Bosavi Sustainable Agriculture Development Initiative (SADI) told PNG HAUSBUNG that Mt Bosavi SADI has being carrying out Community Livelihood projects on sustainable Agriculture and development projects to the communities. As a result of much training and awareness, people of Bosavi have being doing large scale farming, both for commercial and sustainable purpose. “Sustainable farming has helped our people here but sadly the commercial crops are very hard to get out of the region to markets.” “People of Bosavi are doing large scale farming; there are big quantities of quality produce that needs to find its way to the market.” Awabi said that the farmers have being doing large scale farming with potatoes, Vanilla, turmeric, curry, vegetables, and they have even tapped into fish and crocodile farming but sadly with no road access all this produce will go to waste. “We need help to get all these produce to markets, therefore we are calling on the Fresh Produce Development Agency, Dept of Agriculture and Livestock as well as the Provincial Government to come to our aid and create a way for us to export our produce out of Bosavi to any nearest market or help find us a market where we can become their point of supply.” Awabi added that the Bosavi LLG must give assistance to the Framers of Bosavi too. Mt Bosavi SADI is looking at Making Mt Bosavi area the next major fresh produce zone and supplier to markets in the country and to export and we can only achieve this with help from the Provincial and National government and partners.

The Prime Minister’s 2023 Corporate Golf Challenge (PMCGC) will be staged in Lae, on the 7th of July and in Port Moresby on the 22nd of September respectively. With the Golf challenge coming up soon registration is now open to field teams for the Prime Minister’s 2023 Corporate Golf Challenge (PMCGC). The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee is now calling on organisations from both the public and private sector to register team (s) to support the annual Team PNG fundraising event. Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee Secretary General Auvita Rapilla is encouraging the business community in Lae and Port Moresby, and also around the country to come on board and support Team PNG by registering teams to participate in this worthwhile event. “All funds raised will go towards Team PNG’s participation at the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands in November 2023”. The Corporate Golf Challenge patronised by the Prime Minister, is a major fundraiser by the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee to support the country’s elite athletes selected for international representative sporting duties under the Team PNG banner to the Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. Rapilla added that their motto is to believe; excel and inspire generations’ to be involved in, as well as excel in sports. “With registrations now open, we welcome all organisations to take part and support our national team, Team PNG as we aim to inspire young Papua New Guineans who will be following the journey of our elite athletes at these upcoming games.” Chairman of Fundraising Committee Michael Henao again acknowledged the continued patronage of the event’s major sponsor The National and supporting sponsors Ela Motors, Theodist, Brian Bell Group, Trophy Haus, SP Brewery, Coca-Cola Euro Pacific and Media Partners. “As partners of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, you are important stakeholders that provide significant support to achieve the goals and objectives of Team PNG”

Air Niugini is saddened by the untimely passing of their Chairman, Sir Kostas Constantinou, OBE. Sir Kostas who was 66 years old died on Saturday afternoon, leaving behind an indelible legacy at Air Niugini. Sir Kostas served as Chairman of Air Niugini for the last five years, until his death and during those times, Sir Kostas presided over numerous initiatives that positioned Air Niugini as a symbol of excellence and reliability in Papua New Guinea and beyond. His strategic vision, coupled with a profound understanding of ‘doing business in PNG’, steered the airlin through challenging times. Times such especially the covid pandemic in 2020 through 2021 – which decimated the airline industry, and the 2018 aircraft incident at Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia. Air Niugini is acutely aware of the abundant time and energy Sir Kostas expended across multiple industries – from banking to oil and gas. His influence and vision have been of benefit to Air Niugini, and we now continue to progress our turnaround, building a more sustainable, reliable, and accessible airline for the advancement of the citizens of Papua New Guinea. Beyond his professional achievements, Sir Kostas was known for his kindness, humility, and deep commitment to the people of Papua New Guinea. He was a philanthropist at heart, supporting numerous charitable causes and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those less fortunate. On behalf of the management and staff of Air Niugini, our deepest sympathies are extended to the family of Sir Kostas, including his children Constantia, Andrea, George and Theo. During this difficult time, we request that the privacy of Sir Kostas' family be respected. Air Niugini will provide support and assistance to his family in their time of grief, and we will ensure that his memory is honoured in a befitting manner. The loss of Sir Kostas is felt deeply by everyone at Air Niugini, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends and colleagues particularly those in his personal businesses within the Constantinou Group, who have lost a remarkable individual. Sir Kostas' exceptional legacy and his passion for aviation will continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate the future of Air Niugini. Air Niugini remains fully committed to maintaining its operations and striving to deliver outstanding service to our valued customers. The Board of Directors, together with the executive team, is dedicated to continuing Sir Kostas’ vision and ensuring a seamless transition in leadership. Sir Kostas will forever remain an integral part of Air Niugini's history, and his remarkable legacy will endure. We are grateful for his profound contributions and the immense impact he had on our airline and the wider aviation industry. The entire Air Niugini family mourns his loss, and we will honour his memory by upholding the principles he held dear. Minister for State Enterprises William Duma LLB LLM CMG MP stated that Sir Kostas was a capable, experienced, intuitive Chairman and brought substantial gravitas to the Board of Directors of Air Niugini. “I know his presence will be sadly missed. Air Niugini is in a period of restructuring and fleet replacement; with Sir Kostas’ death, I will ensure that appropriate support is provided to the company.” Meanwhile, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon said, “The Chairman was well known amongst the staff of Air Niugini, across our network. To many of them, this news will be difficult to reconcile. To help us all through this time of grief, we must celebrate the achievements and remember the legacy of the life of the man that was lived.”

Following the release of the International Atomic Energy Agency (iAEA) report and the independent analysis that it presents, Prime Minister, James Marape has extended Papua New Guinea’s consent for the controlled release of treated water from the power station that was destroyed by the tsunami that followed the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources, Jelta Wong has confirmed that the National Fisheries Authority has also reviewed the international Atomic Energy Agency (iAEA) Review of Safety Related Aspects of Handling ALPS Treated Water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan. “Prime Minister and I have raised concerns with Japan’s Prime Minister, and other agencies, that the release of the water could harm regional fisheries so we sought independent analysis of scientific data,” Minister Wong said. “Any discussion on nuclear material will always spark heated debate, so it is important that we approach the issue with caution and have full view of the facts.” Minister Wong said the Government of Japan has taken our concerns seriously and promised Pacific island Nations that we will have the full technical information for our consideration. “Papua New Guinea has taken a very cautious approach and initially opposed the release of the water without independent analysis of scientific data by third party laboratories.” “The iAEA review has now provided the technical data that the Prime Minister and I have been waiting to receive.” Wong added that from the information contained in the iAEA report, we have confidence that this treated water meets globally accepted standards and will not harm regional fisheries. “As stated by the Prime Minister, PNG is satisfied with the technical information that has been released by the iAEA and the Government of Japan.” “We agree that the controlled release can proceed so long as there is ongoing testing and independent analysis, and if there is any increase in risk, that further water release will be stopped immediately.” Wong highlighted that the there will be a long an ongoing monitoring which will include additional analysis report on base line on environmental samples taken water around where the treated waters being release is being treated . In the development of the report, the IAES oversaw the collection of the treated water samples taken from the Advanced Liquid Processing System treated water expected to be released and comparisons of the data from the samples taken of the treated water were undertaken by third –party laboratories that are members of the Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environment Radioactivity (ALMERA). “Testing of the treated water samples was done in laboratories in Switzerland, France, and United States of America as well as a laboratory in the Republic of Korea.” Minister Wong confirmed that Papua New Guinea will continue to consult with partners, including other Pacific Island Nations and Japan as well as the IAEA on what is now a serious matter in the Pacific region. “We are all custodians of the resources of our oceans and seas that are not only the source of our livelihoods but rather our home today and for our generations to come.”

The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) has kick started its school climate change awareness at the beginning of this month as a lead up activity towards the Second National Climate Summit which will be in September. The program targets secondary schools in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province and is aimed at driving awareness of climate change in schools. CCDA’s National Communication Acting Manager Erick Sarut said 22 secondary-level schools will be visited in June and July to carry out awareness about climate change. “The climate emergency is a race we are losing, but is also a race we can win through education and awareness”, said Mr. Sarut. “The secondary awareness program is to educate our young, future leaders on what actions we should take to address the climate emergency because we are the first generation to feel the impacts of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.” He added that by raising awareness about climate change, students can develop a deep understanding of the challenges they will face and the importance of taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Schools that have being visited by CCDA so far are Gerehu Secondary School, St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, and Don Bosco Technical Secondary School. There are other 18 schools both in NCD and Central Province to be visited to deliver similar awareness this month. The school awareness program is also a key step in raising public awareness about the upcoming Second National Climate Change Summit. This is an important calendar event for CCDA to be hosted from the 12-13 September 2023 in Port Moresby. During the school visits, students and staff were informed of how they can participate in the Summit. “One is through an Inter-School Debate Competition, the Competition which will be held on the 11th of September 2023, for Secondary Schools in NCD and two schools in Central Province to register to participate.” “The Inter-School Debate will be cantered around the theme; “Promoting Climate Justice and Social Inclusion.” “So far from the school visits, the feedbacks from the students and staff have been positive.” Mr Sarut further stated that the positive feedback and interest from the students is an indication of how important the awareness on climate change means to them and how programs like the school debate competition are crucial to their learning. “On behalf of the Management of CCDA, I thank officers from CCDA, who are also the members of the Summit Organizing Committee for leading this awareness and I also thank the school administrations for accepting our invitation and giving us time to visit their School to deliver the awareness.”

The Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association is now preparing to carry out poultry and farming awareness and training in the Lower Asaro , in Daulo, Eastern Highlands Province. The training will kick off today. President for Highlands Framers and Settlers Association in PNG, Mr Wilson Thompson said the association has identified 40 farmers in wards 5, 6 and 7 from lower Asaro who will be participating in this trainings. Mr Thomson stated that these trainings and awareness will be based on the practical side of farming. “These trainings will be more practical, we will have a day or half the day on awareness and basic introductions and guidance to poultry, bee, vanilla, coffee and spices farming and arts and crafts and the rest will be practical, on the field training.” Mr Thompson further stated that the farmers who have started their own projects will be given support and technical skills step by step. “These trainings will see technical support from Department of Agriculture and Livestock, NAQIA, DPAI and Highlands Framers and Settlers Associations.” “Often time farmers see or hear others do something and they try it out themselves without proper knowledge on how to really take care of their farming project, and this is where we come in now.” Thompson added they have done this kind of projects since 2020 and have helped farmers in the Central Province, Ramu, Jiwaka, Chimbu and now Eastern Highlands Province, here in Daulo. “We are basically just doing community empowerment and engagement programs to encourage, inform and guide farmers to achieve market goals.” “We will be teaching farmers how to grow their produce or poultry, when and how to feed, identify pest or disease and all basic facts on how to do farming correctly.” This is for the start in Daulo and we are look to expand to all parts of Goroka after we finish here in Daulo. “We are running such same training at Karuvu High school for the people of Okapa, and will visit Henganofi, Lufa, Kainantu and further down to Yonki also.” Thompson also highlighted that all poultry farmers who are interested and have been asking to be part of such training, you chance will come next month. “July 15th, the Poultry Association in Goroka will be hosting one of its biggest training and awareness program in Goroka and interested Farmers who want to be part of it can state your interest through the WhatsApp group go see Mr Jonah Buka at the Goroka DAL office to register.”

Prime Minister James Marape has on Monday reaffirmed the capacity of Japan in upholding international standards while it rehabilitates radioactive wastewater from its destroyed Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. PM Marape said he had faith in former prime minister Yoshihide Suga and current Prime Minister Hon. Fumio Kishida as both leaders have given their assurance that Japan was doing everything in its power to maximise the safety of the wastewater and would not allow its release until safety has been confirmed based on scientific evidence. “Japan has been working on the handling of ALPS-treated water with its safety as the top priority.” “I have been advised by both leaders that the release of the water is being conducted in accordance with all standards – both domestic and international – to comply with the highest safety regulations for human health and the health of the environment.” “Both leaders have assured me that Japan would never allow the discharge of the water until and unless safety has been confirmed by scientific evidence.” “Japan’s work to treat the wastewater has been continuing over the last 10-or-so years since the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in March 2011.” “It is best that the treated water is released in a controlled manner than if the radioactive wastewater is left to accidental leakage or other such unplanned exercise.” “I am also pleased to note that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been working with the Government of Japan to rigorously review the safety of the wastewater for release.” “For us in the Pacific, our position is the same as it always has been – a Free Nuclear-Waste Pacific.” “Papua New Guinea is of the view that Japan – with its high compliance to international standards and regulations – is meeting the requirements in managing nuclear waste, and is at the point where, if it is confident, it can safely release the treated water back into the natural environment, it should be allowed to do so,” said Prime Minister Marape.

The STEAM Fair 2023 was held recently by Kopkop students at their school here in NCD. STEAM education is a teaching approach which combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, and is designed to encourage discussion and problem solving amongst students. Under the theme “Enhancing Innovative Learning through STEAM Education”, students were able to showcase a variety of projects ranging from soap-making, tie-dying, building, designing, electrification and painting. Students were put into groups and had to work together as a class to create, design and build a project relating to all that they had learned in their lessons. During the recent STEAM Fair, Department of Higher Education Research and Technology Minister Don Polye who was a guest there, spent time listening, observing, and discussing with the students on the different projects they had on display. Minister Polye said that Kopkop College reflects a vibrant school environment that nurtures young minds and helps them develop practical life skills at an early age. "I'm proud of Kopkop College, looking around I can see the methods that your teachers are teaching.” “I can see confidence, I can see art, I can see innovation here, I can see the country here and I support STEAM. Let us all raise our young people to become better Papua New Guineans.” “I commend Ms. Kopkop and her teachers for all they are doing to support STEAM education in PNG,” said Minister Polye. Meanwhile, Primary School Principal, Mr. Satchell Ben, said that the passion shown by the students for a wide array of topics shows that Kopkop College has some of the most talented and intelligent students in class. “This should challenge the students that we are fortunate to have embraced the STEAM program in a time when the world needs science to solve most of life’s problems.” STEAM or science, technology, engineering, and math were initiated by the National Government in 2019. This was followed by the implementation of a home-grown STEM curriculum taught in the six schools of excellence, which prepares selected students to become leaders in their respective fields internationally. Its recent successor, STEAM, now incorporates art that allows students a wider opportunity. Kopkop College Secondary School Principal, Mrs. Roddy Abad added, “Here at Kopkop College we do our best to bring out creative thinking in our students through innovative learning so that they can relate to real-life situations and are able to see and ask the right questions.”