Kerebi DAVID

The stray bullet wounding of National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) senior journalist Ms Gwendella Rea was quite unfortunate and it again exposed the precarious environment the media industry operates in. That is according to NBC Managing Director Mr Kora Nou in a statement. “I happened to be at the same hospital when Gwendella was brought in by PNG Power staff after she caught a stray bullet in her left arm from an unrelated incident in their vicinity”. “Along with PNG Power and NBC news staff, we ensured Gwendella was treated for her wounds after x-rays showed a fracture in her left arm and she was admitted for further observation.” He was relieved after visiting her, stating it could have been worse and she was just doing her journalistic work. “This again demonstrates the real danger that our media workers are exposed to in their daily pursuit for information to give to our people.” “I thank the quick-thinking officers of PNG Power for taking her to safety and then to Paradise Private.” Mr Nou further added that NBC will assist the police in their investigation in the coming days to bring the perpetrators to account for their actions. “However, our overriding care and concern is for Gwendella to ensure she recovers from this traumatic incident and receives the medical attention she deserves.”

The Commander of Indonesia's National Defense Forces says weather is proving a barrier to delivering aid to drought-stricken areas of West Papua. The long-lasting dry season and extreme cold weather caused crop failure in parts of Puncak District in Central Papua. Six people - five adults and an infant - have died. The authorities said access to the region is hampered by difficult terrain and threats posed by armed separatists. Admiral Yudo Margono told Antara News the aid distribution can only be conducted via air. Margono said when the weather improves personnel will immediately fly there to drop the aid off. He added that troops are prepared for any interception by armed independence groups. "I ensure that our troops are there to guard the humanitarian aid. There is one platoon there and a team from the National Police as well," he said. He noted that about 50 troops were prepared to guard the airport and the access to Agandugume and Lambewi. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency said in a statement the first shipment of aid will include food and milk. It said the disaster has affected about 3000 people in Agandugume sub-district and 4000 in Lambewi sub-district. Source:rnz.com

It was supposed to be an ordinary working day for us journalists as we set out for our news runs with PNG Power on site visits to Edevu Hydro and Moitaka Power Station at 8 mile, minutes outside of the Nation’s Capital, but the day took an ugly turn when one of our fellow journalists was hit by a stray bullet. This is the firsthand account of PNG HAUSBUNG senior journalist Kerebi David from location today. It was around 1pm when we were having our lunch under the trees after the Moitaka Power Plant visit. I was sitting almost a meter away from my colleague, the reporter who was hit, I stood up to get a bottle of water and when I came back to sit down, I heard 3-gun shots. I remember saying to my colleague, these must be gun shots and the next minute something just hit the very front of where we were. I could remember seeing something fast from the corner of my eye and then a bang and the next sec we had a reporter down. In my mind I thought some electrical fault had sent out shock waves or something, but then I felt my mouth and tongue was numb with some foul taste and I realized that my colleague was hit. Suddenly realising she was hit by a stray bullet, I screamed “stray bullet”, and ran. Every one of us ran but where to, we were shocked and confused, and could hear another 2 or 3 shots again. Then someone shouted, “take cover, lay down”, so I dived behind a rain tree. My body was shaking. In my mind I thought we, the journalists, were under attack or had been targeted. We stayed down on the ground for some minutes until there were no more sounds of gun shots, and the male reporters and the PNG Power employees ran to the reporter’s side to help her. The PNG Power bus was moved to where she was seated, while all of us made our way slowly to where the bus was. Someone took out his belt and tied it around left her arm; another tied a piece of cloth around her left arm where she was hit. Even now we are not sure what really happened or if it was shootout or whose stray bullet that was that hit the NBC journalist. A PNG power employee called the ambulance, but it took longer to arrive, so we convoyed out of Moitaka Power Station, and she was rushed to a private hospital in one of PPL’s vehicle. The incident itself was traumatizing and I can see it replaying in my mind over and over. What is now of concern is what is supposed to happen when such an ordinary job turns as scary as this one did. Companies hosting such events need to consider what security measures must also be taken when reporters are called out of the city. What replays especially is my mind and will most probably haunt me for a long time yet is the thought in those moments of my children and if I would go back home safely to them. Journalists are just like you, we are mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, friends, husbands, brothers, sons, and what happened today has reminded us of the fragility of life and just how precious it is. The thoughts and prayers of the PNG HAUSBUNG news team of NAU FM NEWS, YUMI FM NEWS and LEGEND FM NEWS are with our colleagues of NBC and our sister colleague, and we wish her a speedy and uneventful recovery.

The United States Agency of International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power will be travelling to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in early August; she will be here from August 12-14, 2023. Her visit was announced by Prime Minister James Marape during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin recently. Administrator Power leads USAID’s global efforts to respond to the world’s most pressing development challenges, such as the climate crisis, food insecurity, and extreme poverty, while strengthening democracies, furthering women’s empowerment, and bolstering economies. Marape also stated that Administrator Power also helps to advise and assist U.S. President Biden as part of the National Security Council, the President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters. “Administrator Power is the third high level American official to visit PNG this year, following U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit in May and Secretary Austin’s visit last week.” “These successive visits underscore the United States’ commitment to PNG.” “Delivering on President Biden’s promise at the 2022 U.S.-Pacific Islands Summit, Administrator Power will officially elevate USAID’s presence in Port Moresby to a Country Representative Office covering PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.” Marape also added that in addition to the launch event, Administrator Power will visit USAID project sites and participate in a range of high-level meetings and public events with government officials, USAID partners, USAID staff and other U.S. Embassy personnel. “Power will also visit local leaders and communities including women and youth and will also visit private sector partners and meet with media representatives too.” USAID is significantly increasing their presence, programming, and partnerships in Pacific Island countries and deepening their engagement on shared priorities. Building on more than four decades of partnership, USAID works to advance the economic and social development goals of PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

The Cowboys could be without star centre Val Holmes for the rest of the regular season after he was charged with a Careless High Tackle in Sunday's loss to the Titans. Holmes' tackle on Jayden Campbell in the 20th minute at Cbus Super Stadium was deemed a Grade 2 by the match review committee and carries a three-game ban with an early guilty plea. Should Holmes fight the charge at the judiciary and be found guilty at Panel, he would miss four games. The Cowboys have a bye in Round 24 so only have four games left to play in the regular season. Source: NRL.Com

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Task Force Koa Moana 23 recently participated in a fire-starting class hosted by Papua New Guinea Defense Force Warrant Officer Class 2 Steven Baloiloi in Goldie River Training Camp in Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea is part of Task Force Koa Moana’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island partners through bilateral and multilateral training. The informal period of instruction was taught by Baloiloi, a native of Milne Bay Province and the PNGDF Warrior Wing Sergeant Major. According to Lance Cpl. Jalen McLean, a native of Baldwin, New York and a transmissions system operator with the task force stated that, the class was unscheduled, but very much appreciated by the service members. “Sergeant Major Baloiloi is a really nice guy,” said McLean. “We asked him for a coconut from their coconut tree and he said sure. He helped us get the coconut down. He cut the coconut and showed us the difference between the brown coconut and the white coconut and how to pick the soft ones and not the hard ones.” Additionally, Baloiloi taught the Marines and Sailors how to create fire using wood, coconut husks and coconut leaves. “You just need wood and friction,” said Baloiloi. “You need to learn how to make your own fire. Don’t bring a lighter when practicing perfecting the skill - you will become dependent on it, you must master it. Make your own fire!” Throughout the class, Baloiloi reminded the Marines and Sailors to watch for thick smoke as it is an indicator of fire. “It was fun, but tough and it was a great experience," said McLean. At the conclusion of the class, Baloiloi offered to host other basic survival classes for the Marines and Sailors over the remainder of their time in Papua New Guinea.

Twenty-five CPL staff who represented their various group brands has participated in a four-day training on Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS). These 25 CPL participants were awarded certificates after the completion of the 4 days training. The training was done considering a signed Memorandum of Understanding between the USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program and CPL Foundation in late 2022. Asia Pacific’s Regional Director for Clean Cities Blue Ocean, Mr. Renerio Acosta stated that the training covered essentials on proper waste segregation and types of plastics, valuable information gained on enhancing waste management at the store level and its benefits will further improve waste management techniques at CPL facilities. “The program included a one-day theoretical training on its waste analysis and characterization study program to expand participants’ knowledge on waste management followed by a 3-day practical training of its applications”. General Manager for Health, and Safety, CPL Group Mr Chester Selibu, said that as the retail sector contributes a substantial amount of commercial waste produced daily, the WACS training undergone by CPL staff is the start to employing effective solid waste management solutions for CPL and all its sub brands. “This will be implemented through CPL’s Health and Safety Department and will ensure compliance with ISO standards.” The training was facilitated by a 3-member team from Tetra Tech, USAID’s implementing agency for its CCBO program recently in Port Moresby to implement programs aimed at establishing an effective waste management system as well as building capacity for the retailer to apply the 3Rs (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle). It is understood that CPL was prompt to host training on Waste Analysis and Characterization Study due to the fact that Commercial waste account for up to 33% of the total waste generated in the Nation’s Capital, and the need for effective waste management solutions is required to cater for waste produced daily by businesses with a large waste footprint.

Tamiok Strike 23 is a bilateral exercise co-hosted by the U.S. Army and PNGDF at the invitation of the PNG government and Projects under the umbrella of Tamiok Strike 23. This will take place in Goldie River Training Depot in Port Moresby, Moem Barracks in Wewak, and Igam Barracks in Lae, until July 29. Lieutenant Colonel John Wani, Commander of PNGDF Engineer Battalion, and Captain Samuel Gest, Commander of the 95th Engineer Company, as well as Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Papua New Guinea Defence Force Soldiers celebrated the beginning of Tamiok Strike 2023 with a groundbreaking ceremony recently. The exercise involves approximately 90 U.S. and 150 PNGDF participants and aims to enhance combined interoperability capabilities through training and cultural exchanges. This exercise continues to solidify the U.S. and PNGDF partnership and advances security cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is the third in a continuing series of U.S. and PNG bilateral exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. Training focuses on stability operations tasks and engineer operations to build the capacity of the PNGDF. At the groundbreaking event Captain Samuel Gest stated that the groundbreaking ceremony is groundbreaking in two regards. “First, we are literally breaking ground, pushing dirt and pouring concrete. We are improving our surroundings.” “During this build we will sweat; it will not be easy, but our training and determination will allow us to succeed.” Captain Gest also stated that they are also symbolically groundbreaking for the first time in exercise Tamiok Strike history, and they are conducting a joint construction operation despite still learning how to operate and plan together; there is much promise between the two engineer forces. “Tamiok Strike 23 enhances readiness the PNGDF need to maintain a safe, stable, and secure Papua New Guinea.” The exercise also provides excellent opportunities for community, professional, and cultural exchanges that strengthen our partnership through shared learning and training. Training includes expert academic exchanges and professional development workshops that focus on stability operations tasks and engineer training at the company level and below. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of joint construction operations as well as a milestone for the exercise being the first iteration with additional joint construction operations. Tamiok Strike is a bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the combined interoperability of the Papua New Guinea Defence Forces and U.S. Forces, to increase partner capacity for conventional, complex, and future contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This is the second operation of Tamiok Strike in Papua New Guinea.

Ashfall from the erupting Mt Bagana in central Bougainville has collapsed several traditional houses. A cabinet minister in the government of the Autonomous region of Bougainville, Theonila Roka Matbob, said there is more than 7,000 people needing temporary accommodation because of the eruption. Mt Bagana, erupted for the first time in 11 years more than two weeks ago, depositing ash over a broad area, with lava flowing into the rivers surrounding the mountain. Matbob added that thick layers of ash have collapsed some sago leaf roofed houses in rural areas. "So that has contributed a lot to people having to seek shelter elsewhere, with the ash fall collapsing homes, where the ashes seem to be having a lot of weight added on to the sago palms that serves as the roofing." She further said there were more and more reports of eye and throat irritations because of the ash, while the ash was having a pronounced impact on water supply and crops. While about one thousand people have been evacuated to the camps at Torokina and Wakunai, due to the facilities being made available may have to be expanded because as many as 7,000 more may need assistance. The Minister said in the meantime the Bougainville government was providing food and non-food supplies to the victims. The mountain is continuing to erupt but the scale of the event has been reduced to level two from former level three. Source: Radio NZ

The President of the autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, says hundreds of people have been displaced by the eruption of Mt Bagana. The 1800 metres mountain, in central Bougainville, began erupting nearly two weeks ago. Toroama said all water sources were contaminated, leading to waterborne diseases. He said 19 primary and elementary schools have been affected and they have all been shut down temporarily. The president said ensuring there was sufficient food, water and medical supplies for the people is the top priority. "We have deployed our health officials to conduct an environmental assessment to ascertain the suitability of setting up care centers at Torokina and Wakunai respectively. "Natural disasters are volatile and may change at any moment. The welfare of our people is far greater than any one person who chooses to be ignorant in these circumstances," Toroama said. The Rabaul Volcanological Observatory said while the summit area remained obscured, there had been a pyroclastic flow, but that this was small and confined to riverbeds. This flow includes lava, ash and hot gases, and it means rivers originating from the volcano were contaminated. Toroama has thanked the Minister for Internal Security Peter Tsiamalili Jnr and the Minister for Information and Communication Technology Timothy Masiu for their responses to the disaster after they made funding available for supplies. He added that "the Australian Government has assured me that they will respond to the situation should it escalate". Source: RNZ.com

The Mt Bagana eruption in the Papua New Guinea autonomous region of Bougainville is starting to affect crops and there are fears it could impact sources of drinking water, according to reports. Mt Bagana, which is 1800 metres tall, began spewing out ash and lava on July 7, and the government is issuing daily updates on its response to the volcanic activity. The government said it was a mild eruption, at level three, on a five level scale. Reports from locals is that the ashfall has covered vegetation, destroyed food gardens and contaminated rivers and streams used as the primary water source. On Monday, villages in a number of districts close to the volcano were ordered to move to safety. The government said all relief efforts were being coordinated through their disaster management teams. It said it was important that all people in the impacted communities in both Wakunai and Torokina continue to move from their villages to the district stations respectively. This is to allow District Disaster Management Teams to have oversight and better coordination to move efficiently, carefully and quickly if required. Food and water supplies will also be distributed at the main camp areas at the Torokina and Wakunai stations respectively. The government said the affected communities are strongly urged not to use the contaminated water for drinking, cooking or washing. It warned even if a water source was ash free, the water must be boiled first. "The ABG Department of Health has activated their Health Emergency Response unit and will mobilise necessary support and medical supplies to be deployed to Torokina and Wakunai tomorrow (Wednesday)," New Dawn FM reported. The caretaker chief secretary Esther Usurup said that "district health clinical officers on the ground at Piva in Torokina and Ruruvu in Wakunai have been instructed to monitor and report on a daily basis the diseases being reported at the clinics especially diarrhoea and other water borne diseases, plus any reported cases of eye or respiratory infections." 'Smoke is everywhere' Theresa Jaintong is a community leader in Arawa, which is a significant distance from Mt Bagana and well outside the zone the government has ordered to be evacuated. Jaintong said Arawa was feeling the impacts of the eruption. "The impact we are facing now is the ash from the volcano. It's really clouding up," she said. "The smoke is everywhere, and the fear is we depend entirely on water tanks, because the running water for Arawa town is not treated so that is going to have an impact on our drinking water." Torokina Disaster coordinator team leader Boniface Wadari said two days after the government order to evacuate some people were yet to move. "Basically, some of them feel that it is not really a big problem but it's part of life. They need to get more information." Wadari said the disaster team has received financial help from two national cabinet ministers, the MP for regional Bougainville and the MP for South Bougainville, along with the ABG. He said this money is being used to get water and food for the evacuees. Geologists from the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory have undertaken an assessment of the seismic activity in the area. Source: rnz

The country’s leading superannuation fund, Nasfund has partnered with one of the leading healthcare providers in the country to conduct Health Talks on Cervical and Breast Cancer Awareness in the workplace. Through this collaboration between the National Superannuation Fund Ltd (Nasfund) and Pacific International Hospital (PIH), more than seventy (70) staff of Nasfund based in both Port Moresby and the branch operations who joined in via Zoom attended the session today on Friday. Chief Dr Mathias Sapuri, an author and publisher of more than 60 books with 35 years of clinical experience conducted a comprehensive health talk, that ensured all staff members are equipped with vital knowledge about cancer prevention, detection, and early intervention. Nasfund in realizing that cancer remains a significant health concern for its staff, members, and community in Papua New Guinea has prioritized the promotion of cervical and breast cancer awareness as part of its ‘’Staff Wellbeing Program’’ that is spearheaded by the Talent & Culture division. By partnering with Pacific International Hospital, renowned for its commitment to healthcare excellence, the Fund aims to empower and educate its staff members, providing them with the necessary tools to make informed decisions regarding their health. Present for the session, Dr. Mathias Sapuri, an eminent figure in the field of women's health, led the discussions that covered a wide range of topics, including risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, treatment options, and the importance of regular check-ups. The sessions also included Q&A segments, and the distribution of informational materials, enabling employees to deepen their understanding of breast and cervical cancer and its prevention strategies. Commenting on this initiative, Nasfund’s General Manager Talent & Culture, Vincent Lialu, expressed his enthusiasm. "At Nasfund, the health and well-being of our staff are of paramount importance.” “By getting into partnerships with key institutions like Pacific International Hospital and PNG Cancer Foundation while bringing in the expertise of Dr. Mathias Sapuri, we are taking significant steps to raise awareness about cervical and breast cancer to ensure our staff members are empowered with the knowledge they need to protect their health including their families and the communities we serve.’’ Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Sharma who was also present during the session thanked Dr Sapuri and the PIH medical team, for an informative and interactive session on how to deal with medical issues along with the importance of preventative and regular medical checks. He reiterated, ‘’Nasfund understands the importance of prioritizing staff wellbeing to ensure that our employees are not only financially fit but medically fit and remain healthy to better serve our members.’’ “Through this ‘Staff and Wellbeing Program’, Nasfund continues to prioritize the health and welfare of its staff members, by fostering a supportive work environment.”