Nawaeb District in Morobe Province is on track to establish its 5 Year Development Plan and this was made known by Nawaeb District CEO, Mr Buds Botike recently during a site visit to Ologidu village. A team comprising of Officers from Nawaeb District Development Authority, Works Department and key Government Stakeholders from Waigani were also in the district for 5 days during the visitation. The visit was made to align the Nawaeb 5 Year Development Plan, with the soon to be launched National Government’s Medium Term Development Plan IV - 2023 to 2027. During the visit, Mr Botike announced to the people of Nawaeb that all Wards in all respective LLGs of the district will get funding allocations for specific projects they do and that is the direction Nawaeb MP Hon Theo Pelgen is undertaking. The CEO said this will now set the course for the new Nawaeb District 5 year development plan that will capture all priority areas of development for the district in this term of Government. He stressed that Nawaeb District Development Authority over the years lacked an aligned 5 year plan that was supposed to be in line with National Governments Medium Term Development Plans to work towards reaching development goals. “Hon Theo Pelgen, as chairman of NDDA has formed a working task force team who will be reaching out to the people at the village level." "And we will be visiting Ward by Ward to see first-hand what the development needs of the people are,” said Mr Botike. “The MP is focused that the Nawaeb 5 Year Development Plan has to be tied with Marape/Rosso Governments MTDP 4, thus this should enable every key projects in the district are developed during his term in Parliament. CEO Mr Botike reaffirms that he is now focused on travelling the full length and breadth of the district to get a complete outlook of each wards and properly assess development projects in each area. “We have already communicated with all relevant National Departments like National Planning & Monitoring, Finance and Treasury to align all plans of the district with national development goals and agendas,” he added. He further highlighted that as soon as all plans are finalized this year, the 5 year development plan will be launched to take effect for the benefit of the people of Nawaeb District. Meanwhile, Oligidu Village in Ward of Labuta LLG in Nawaeb will receive a K100, 000 water supply project and health facility and the CEO stated that the funding allocation of K100, 000 was already approved by the DDA and works are to commence as soon as possible.

2nd National Markets Convention kicked of this Wednesday, 19th of April 2023 and will end tomorrow 21st April 2023, with the theme “Building Back Better Markets:The Frontier of PNG’s Economic Recovery.” The convention was hosted by UN women which had 250 participants, including representatives of market vendors associations, market management authorities, including representatives from the provincial and local governments from the 14 market locations in Papua New Guinea. The market also attracted visitors from other neighboring Pacific Island countries. Foreign delegates from Market for Change programs in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu where part of the participants. This convention provided a platform for market vendors to reflect on the support they received during the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure they return to pre-pandemic income levels. It also showcased progress made towards restoring incomes, inspires local governments to improve operations, reflect on lessons learned, and to promote community-led models of market management and operations. UN Women is providing technical support for these markets in terms of hygiene, safety, women's participation, advocacy and leadership, market conditions, operations, and management conducive to vendors' earnings as well as accountable governance. Dr Joanne Loundes, Deputy Australian High Commissioner to PNG, applauded the convention, saying, the market sector has a central role in driving Papua New Guinea’s economic growth. “Australia is pleased to support UN Women and its work in PNG’s markets sector, to advance gender equality and women’s access to economic opportunities.” “Local communities also have a fundamental role in designing and delivering long-term, sustainable change and this community-led development is further strengthened when it’s backed by all levels of government.” Present at the 2nd National Markets Convention was Mr. Richard Stephen Howard Jr., UN Resident Coordinator, Papua New Guinea, He highlighted that there is a need to enhance the existing market structures and align them with the goal of bolstering the country's economy. “This requires establishing robust cooperative management while also granting women the freedom to advance.” “Empowering women is crucial to driving economic growth and by shifting power dynamics, we can create an environment that promotes women's empowerment and leadership,” he added. Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries shared her thoughts on the convention, Ms. Sana Dokopa, president of Gordons Market Cook Food Vendors Association. Sana said, “When the Safe Market Project came in 2013, they grouped us into an association and talked with the authorities of the National Capital District. We were put into a recognized market and now I have a space at Gordons Market to sell my goods.” Sana added that the informal economy is a steppingstone to change families, change the country, and achieve Vision 2050 of the country. Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Honourable Jason Peter, stated that this convention provides an excellent chance to collaborate and safeguard market space. He emphasized the need to carefully consider all the contributions made during the three-day event focused on the women's market convention. This 2nd National Markets Convention is supported by the governments of Australia and Japan in collaboration with the government of Papua New Guinea.

Health is wealth, and if majority of any country’s population is sick then there cannot be any development or progress. This is where Papua New Guineas National Adaption Plan comes in to help address this issue in the face of climate change. The National Adaption Plan identifies that as a result of increase average temperatures especially in the Highlands Region of the country, it will be at risk of increased malaria infection rates, including those previously risk-free zone. Increased climate change hazard can also increase the government health budget. Mr Jacob Ekinye, General Manager for Adaptation and Projects Division stated that Climate hazards, such as rising sea level, drought, inland flooding, landslide and higher temperature is a dangerous health risk. “All these climate effects on the environment can cause and increase water borne and vector borne diseases in the country.” "This will also see very high number of diarrheal diseases and children will be of high risk to the disease." "There will not be any clean and safe drinking water too that will lead to more serious health problems." Therefore, the Climate change adaption plan for the health sector is very important to address the need of those who are at risk already and will be at risk soon, to give recognition to the role of health sector in the country in this time when the environment is shifting and changing. Mr Ekinye added that in order to address this, mobilizing climate finance is very important, and they have three sources; one is through the national budgetary process, where the Government of PNG must show ownership and commit funds to address this issue. The second way to source fund is through the Public Investment Program (PIP), provinces support increment program, DSIP and PSIP, and this is where all the local members and local government comes in to commit funds to help their local communities and support the work of Climate change adaption. Thirdly, to get help from the international community through the climate funds or adaptations funds and other facilities set by the international communities to address climate change in small vulnerable countries.

The people of Porebada village in the Hiri district of Central province should get assistance for damages caused to their livelihoods following the strong wind and heavy rain last month that destroyed a total of 40 buildings, including 4 classrooms. Over the weekend, the first fundraiser was organized to raise funds to go towards the rebuilding where a total of K300, 000 was raised in the form of cash and commitments made by local leaders and the people. Local Member for Hiri Koiari Keith Iduhu, NCD Deputy Governor and Motu Koitabu Chairman Dadi Toka Junior and President for Hiri Local Level Government (LLG) Haoda Rogea, were present at the fundraising event. Dadi Toka Jnr made a commitment of K10, 000 towards the fundraising. Hiri LLG and Special Purpose Authority also made a commitment of K100, 000 whilst Porebada Besena Associations made a donation of K10, 000 towards the fundraising. Member Iduhu also made another big donation towards the fundraising to assist with the rebuilding of the damaged properties. "On behalf of the Hiri- Koiari we are pledging K100, 000 to support you’re fundraising,” said Mr. Iduhu. Mr. Iduhu further stated that he held talks with ExxonMobil already to also get its assistance to rebuild the classrooms. Another major donation was done by State Investment Negotiating Team Chairman and former Treasury Secretary Mr. Dairi Vele. He donated K65, 000. During the fundraising event there were also other small cash donation from the communities within Porebada and the surrounding communities to come up with the total. The Porebada Disaster Committee is expected to raise a total of K1.2 million to help the families who have lost their homes during the bad weather and also rebuild damaged classrooms at the Porebada Primary school.  

With the current technical issues and delays to payments and services experienced by BSP customers recently, Bank South Pacific provided the latest update to customers and clients that they are meeting regularly with Banks of PNG to keep them informed of the progress in addressing these issues. “BSP acknowledges that many of our customers have been inconvenienced with delays to their banking services, receiving payments and interruptions accessing account information and BSP is addressing our technical issues and improving our operations under our new Banking System”, said BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson. "BSP would like to assure all clients and customers that their banking account records are secure." “We have made good progress clearing most of the backlog of the delayed domestic payments and BSP remains committed to processing all payrolls submitted this week, as per normal.” At the same time BSP would like to thank all customers for cooperating with BSP by repaying their recently overdrawn accounts. BSP also wants to make it clear that they have not imposed any penalties or interest on these accounts. While many of the changes to the new BSP Banking System are designed to optimise the efficiency of the banking processes, BSP stated they understand that some new features and changes have not been well communicated to customers. All customers are urged to visit the BSP Website for the latest Customer Notices and Product information and customers can also call the dedicated 24/7 Customer Service Team via the BSP Customer Call Centre to access support. “Our dedicated teams continue to work with our global vendor partners around the clock to address the technical issues and delays in processing payments, so our customers can obtain the service levels they deserve." All BSP 87 Branches, 320 ATMs, EFTPoS, Agency Banking, Mobile Banking and Internet Banking are available to serve all customers across PNG. BSP further sincerely apologised for the delays and inconvenience caused and thanked all customers for their patience and understanding.

30 years into Operation Open Heart Program and Air Niugini has been a constant help to the program and it continues to do so again this year. Air Niugini once again provided in kind support to the annual Operation Open Heart (OOH) by flying Australian music legend, Daryl Braithwaite and his four-member band from Melbourne to Port Moresby, where they performed at OOH’s major fundraising event over the weekend. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon said the airline has been supportive of OOH since it commenced in 1993 by uplifting lifesaving medical equipment to assist Papua New Guineans especially children in need of complex heart surgeries. “Air Niugini is pleased to have the opportunity to participate in OOH that continues to save and improve the lives of hundreds of citizens with heart condition thus, we will continue to support this worthwhile program,” said Seddon. The fundraising dinner was attended by Hon James Marape PNG Prime Minister, Hon Justin Tkatchenko OOH Patron and Minister for Foreign Affairs, OOH doctors, nurses and health workers, the OOH organising committee and the many sponsors, including Air Niugini as well. Since the program Operation Open Heart program commenced 30 years ago, it has saved over 1,800 Papua New Guineans with heart problems, mostly children. Apart from giving children a second chance in life, this program also ensures knowledge and skill transfer between the visiting and the local medical teams. A team of volunteers including doctors, nurses and other medical specialists from OOH International in Australia visit Papua New Guinea every year for the operation, and they also provide training and support, particularly in surgery and post-operative care. Air Niugini is happy to continue to support this important, lifesaving program.

Wild West Boxing Club at Hohola 4, Suksuk Iamana Street, which started a little over a year now has about 15 fighters who are actively involved in the kick-boxing sport. Owner Mr Nelson Walen said it was his dream to change the mindset of young boys when he set up this club last year. Mr Walen who was a former rugby league player stated that in 2016 he switched sports when he injured his leg in rugby and took up kickboxing. Whilst in kickboxing, he made it to the Pacific Games, Samoa to represent PNG in the Heavy weight category, however he never flew to Samoa due to personal issues, and instead continued take part in kickboxing. Until recently, he registered a Security firm called, Durable Security Service Limited and with the establishment of his security firm he also came up with the idea that he needed young and strong boys who are well vested with skills of self-defence to operate his security firm. That was where the idea of creating a boxing club further developed. “I want my clients to feel they are safe and their property is also safe when they know that my boys have martial arts background." “This is also a dream I always had, where I can provide employment and a kickboxing avenue for youth who love kickboxing to grow their career in sports and also be employed at the same time.” He said Wild West Kick Boxing club started last year and they have already applied to IPA to be certified as a Kickboxing club but the process has taken time and they are still waiting to be registered. However this did not stop the club to continue their trainings and take part in competitions. The recent Kokoda Show at Bomana CIS Hall last month saw 5 of his boys who won 5 different fights and only 2 lost, and this was a highlight for Wild West Club despite being a very young club Walen added. “I could not be any prouder when five of my boys won the recent fights up at Bomama last month." “Currently we do not have any female train with us but we would love to have girls come and join the club." "Young women and girls or even those older who want to know kickboxing or just learn self-defence are most welcome to come and join Wild West Kickboxing Club located at Hohola 4". “With the rate of crime and violence against women and girls, it is important that they learn self-defence so they can later protect themselves.” Walen further highlighted the meaning behind the club name as he said, "Wild West is often referred to people from Enga Province, especially Laiagam and places from Surunki to Porgera which is known for tribal fights and many youths have died because of these long going tribal conflicts. “But instead of fighting and killing, I want boys from these areas to come join kickboxing, show case their talents and skills and travel places and have a better life in future." “I want youth from Enga especially Laiagam, Surunki and Porgera where tribal fights are common to drop the guns, stop killing, lift your fists and fight in a ring so they can have discipline, and better lives.”

A K3,000.00 cheque was presented to Sol- Nomane Karimui (SNK) Rugby League Association on Monday 10th April at the 6mile Incubation Centre. The cheque was presented to the Association by Mr Araisi Ninkama, Director for Ninkama Yoba and Associations Environmental Consultant. The principle sponsorship will go towards SNK Rugby League Association's bid to host a fundraising dance on 22nd April, 2023. Mr Ninkama at the presentation stated that this was his assistance to help the registration process and also as a token of his appreciation to his Salt Nomane family. ' Mr Ninkama further stated that the Principle of Ninkama Yoba and Associates will become the corporate sponsor of the new Salt Nomane Karimui Rugby League Association. Upon receiving of the sponsorship, Mr Simon Nuabo,former Chairman for NCD Governor's Cup, who is the founder and chairman of SNK Rugby League Association expressed gratitude towards Mr Ninkama for the timely support. "This association is formed purposely to support youth from my home district,SNK, who are squandering Port Moresby and give them an opportunity to have a career in Rugby League", said Nuabo. Nuabo further stated that the sponsorship will not only go towards the fundraising dance but also help with registering the association with IPA. " We want to register with POMRFL, secure a space on the event calendar so we can run tournaments similar to Governor's Cup for SNK and Simbu Youths here in Port Moresby, and when we are successful we want to take the next big step into registering Salt Nomane Karimui Rugby League Association as an entity in the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL)". Nuabo stated that there are many talents out there who are not given the proper time and space to expose their talents and he hopes that this initiative will benefit not only youths from his home district but those who have interest in Rugby League. "There are many career paths and opportunities, and we just need to create the avenue for exposure and this is exactly what this association is trying to do", he further added. If the bid to register with POMRFL is successful then, this could also benefit youths back at home in the long run Nuabo said.

Climate Change impacts are real and showing its aggression in PNG currently, hence the increased climate variability through temperature and precipitation, coastal erosion, saline intrusion and inundation caused by sea –level rise and a greater intensity of tropical storms. The effects of climate change are expected to affect agriculture, fisheries and forest which is approximately one fifth of the country’s GDP thus also providing for the livelihood of the majority of the country’s population. Because of the effects of climate change, the Adaptation and Projects Division of the Climate Change and Development Authority has launched a National Adaptation Plan recently to tackle climate change issues at the provincial level. ‘ Mr Jacob Ekinye, General Manager for Adaptation and Projects Division in a brief meeting with the media today stated that the Adaptation Plan will focus on the Provinces and communities and it will go by phases. The National Adaptation Plan will mainly focus on Agriculture, Health, Transports and Works. “Basically we will be looking at this four sectors because every year, in our annual budget, a big chunk of money goes into addressing those key areas,” says Mr Ekinye. With Agriculture about 80% of the population live in rural areas and rely on agriculture for their livelihood thus this is an important sector and Health is another important key area which is expected to see changes with increasing water borne and vector borne diseases that will arise because of climate change, the National Adaptation Plan is looking at addressing this too. With Transport and infrastructure, Mr Ekinye stated that all roads and bridges, airports and wharves must be sustainable, built in a way that can withstand the effects of climate change. “These are critical infrastructures were so much money is spent on, but we have to bring in the idea of climate change into these infrastructure developments so that they are sustainable and can withstand the climate impact,” said Ekinye. Mr Ekinye further stated that other sectors will also be included as time goes and as more ideas come in they will grow on this and evolve documents to meet climate change effects on different sector as time goes. The National Adaptation Plan is for 2022 to 2030 and by the end of 2030 Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) hopes to see a climate resilient community. “Because the on slot of climate change is immediate and if affecting everyone, you come up with different ways on how you can cope and adapt to the climate change effects so by 2030, everyone should know how to adapt and cope with changes brought by the impacts of climate change. ” However Implementation is the biggest challenge right now, because climate change came in to the scene a little over a decade back, so traditionally climate change has not being around said Ekinye. “It’s a new area for priority for government, so when we set it as priority we must allocate adequate resources to implement those priorities because we will need to come up with a budget, because in the objective of this plan we have networking, coordination, integration but most importantly we need to mobilize finance to get this on the ground.” Mr Ekinye added that mobilizing climate finance is very important, and they have three sources; one is through the national budgetary process, where the Government of PNG must show ownership and commit funds to address this issue that is really affecting our country. The second way to source fund is through the Public Investment Program (PIP), provinces support increment program, DSIP and PSIP, and this is where the local members and local government comes in to commit funds to help their local communities. And the third source of fund for the National Adaptation Plan is help from the international community through the climate funds or adaptations funds and other facilities set by the international community’s to address climate change in small vulnerable countries. Ekinye highlighted also that right now there are no climate change offices in various provinces to monitor and assess situation but by 2030, CCDA wants to see all sectors, from national and sub national level integrated climate change into their policies and plans. And all plans must align with the National Adaptation Plan and must be incorporated into provincial development plan so that climate change is not only addressed at the national level but down to the provincial level, district and all communities.  

Medical students from Divine Word University and three of their faculty doctors took part in a rural outreach program recently in Madang. The outreach was in partnership with Madang Provincial Health Authority who provided additional medicine and rapid tests kits. The outreach was done in Malala community in the Bogia district, which saw collaborative efforts together by the Catholic Health Service, Malala Health Centre, local church leaders who assisted to organize patients as well as the nutrition research participants. Under the clinicians’ supervisors, Professor Dr. Jerzy Kuzma and Dr Marcella Yeou, the year 4 medical students were able to examine and manage a number patients with various sicknesses. Another group including six staff from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science and two students conducted nutrition action research within the community. This included reporting on the mapping of nutrition status and behaviour and further discussions with the local community on effective and acceptable interventions on how to improve nutrition status of children under the age of 5 as well as pregnant women. The nutrition action research was sponsored by Bread for the World Organization. The initial study showed a high level of malnutrition among the children in Malala community. A postgraduate student in the Master of Public Health Program also had an opportunity to collect data for the Master thesis nutritional research. “Healthcare outreach programs are critical in addressing healthcare disparities and improving the health outcomes of underserved rural communities,” said Professor Dr Jerzy Kuzma. Professor Dr. Kuzma highlighted that such program can further help improve the overall health and well-being of the community. “Outreach program improves training in clinical and public health arenas by exposing medical students to hands-on patient experience and community health promotion projects in rural settings, showing them the opportunity for future career pathways.”

9 Hatchery farmers in the country will be given training on how to produce their own Fish feeds called the Sex Reversal Feeds for Tilapia (SRT). Mr Jacob Towa from Towa Fish Breeding and Hatchery in Western Highlands Province is one of the 9 Hatchery farmers who are here in Port Moresby to receive training from National Fisheries Authority on how to produce hatchling feeds. “SRT is the very first feed we give a hatchling when it comes out of the egg,” says Mr Towa. “These feed reverses the cyclone of a female genital development in fish thus developing all hatchlings to male only.” Mr Towa further stated that female fish tend to grow slow and small in size but male fish grow faster and bigger and its good for the market thus National Fisheries Authority is more focused on helping farmers grow male Tilapia fish. SRT Feed is quite expensive and often Hatchery farmers had to travel to Port Moresby and Aiyura in Eastern Highlands Province to buy new supplies. But thanks to National Fisheries Authority, the trainings these farmers will undergo this weekend will help the Hatchery Farmers know how to produce their own SRT feeds for their little hatchlings. “This is a critical training and it’s important in freshwater fish farming, because such training will cut down costs and help develop and freshwater fish farming in the country will start to boom.”

CPL Group through their Supermarket brand Stop and Shop is pleased to announce their partnership with Capital Rugby Union as Gold Sponsor for the 2023b season. The sponsorship is valued at K70, 000.00 and was officiated in a mock-cheque presentation at Stop and Shop Waigani Central shop by CPL Group Executive Officer Navin Raju and Capital Rugby Uninon Vice-President John Nilkare in front of Club players, competition management and the media. “CPL is happy to come on board this year with Capital Rugby Union as a gold sponsor.” “We see this as an opportunity to model teamwork and promote healthy and active lifestyles through sport and our brand Stop & Shop”, said Mr. Raju. “For any sport to do well, you need strong management behind the competitions such as the team behind CRU, and so we’re happy to support the competition”. CRU Vice President John Nilkare said, “We have ambitious plans and programs, but we can’t bring it all together unless we have sponsors behind us and CPL coming on board as a gold sponsor is fantastic news.” “Thank you, Navin and your team, and I can assure you that the funding will be utilized wisely to raise the standard of rugby and set a benchmark for associations throughout PNG which will make Stop and Shop proud.” Stop & Shop has always remained a family-focused supermarket in Port Moresby with eight shops city-wide and with the brand’s renewed focus to promoting active lifestyles, partnering with Capital Rugby Union further strengthens Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies campaign to provide the best quality products to customers, especially towards children and young adults. Capital Rugby Union (CRU) is Papua New Guinea and Port Moresby’s oldest and premier Rugby Union Competition, with five divisions and over 8 clubs participating, including women’s and junior competitions. The competition has seen improvements in recent years, capped off with a successful 2022 season. The 2023 season is now currently underway, played on weekends at Bava Park, East Boroko, and concludes in August.