Kerebi DAVID

Sinasina- Yonggamugl’s first member of parliament and Senior Statesman Sir Kobale Kale expressed gratitude towards the Marape-Rosso Government for the their leadership and vision in making Papua New Guinea (PNG) the Black Richest Nation and to Take Back PNG, through the Agriculture Sector. Sir Kobale was member for the district in the Simbu Province in the colonial House of Assembly from 1972 -1975; he is one of the last standing founding fathers of this nation who played a very vital role in the formation of the country’s independence. When PNG gained Independence in 1975, Sir Kobale continued out the remainder of his term from 1975 through to 1977 as the first member for Sinasina- Yonggamugl after Independence in the National Parliament. Sir Kobale was also Minister for Education during his term in parliament. He stated that despite the criticisms made by many Papua New Guineans on social media platforms in regards to the high cost of living being experienced today, they fail to see that the Marape-Rosso Government is the government that will revive and bring back stability in the economic development of this nation. Sir Kobale highlighted that agriculture is the vehicle to drive the country’s economy forward at a time where the COVID Pandemic, Russo-Ukraine War and Climate Change are having so much impact on the economy and the livelihoods of the people of this nation. “The agriculture sector has always been around since the ancestral time and even today it remains the main part of every life,” he said. “I never thought that I would live to see different ministries being created by any government of the day until Marape-Rosso government.” “The creation of the new ministries such as Ministry of Coffee, Ministry of Oil Palm, Ministry of Livestock and Ministry of Agriculture itself with the distribution of functions, is a milestone decision and achievement made to improve and recover the economy downfall, and the people of this nation need to realize this,” said Sir Kobale. He said that this is so because according to the World Banks Report, March 4th 2022; Agricultural production continued to be constant during the pandemic despite falls in the gold and LNG production. In that report Stefano Mocci, who is the World Bank Country Manager for PNG, stated that there is potential growth in the agriculture sector because it was not impacted much by the pandemic than the other sectors, which also reflected the additional government financial support to small –medium enterprise during the pandemic. Sir Kobale also expressed great satisfaction that agriculture industry is given priority in this government and he urges all ministries to support local farmers and SME owners in the agriculture sector, so to see them expand with the aim of reaching the world export markets.

Brisbane host South Sydney on Friday night looking to make it three wins in a row against their rivals with Adam Reynolds to clash against his former club for the second time in his career. The Broncos produced two wins over the Rabbitohs in 2022 including a Reynolds masterclass at Accor Stadium that left many pondering whether it was the right move by the Bunnies to let him go. However, with almost 12 months passing to the day it's fair to say both parties would be relatively pleased with how things have turned out ahead of this match. The Rabbitohs scored a crucial win against defending champions Penrith last week while the Broncos produced a first-half masterclass to beat 2022 runners-up Parramatta and continue their dominance on top of the Telstra Premiership ladder. With both sides deemed premiership contenders in 2023, a blockbuster match at Suncorp Stadium makes it one of the must-watch battles of the round. Source: NRL.Com

The Teachers Personal Emolument Budget Framework Workshop commenced yesterday Monday 24th April in Port Moresby to capture teachers’ salaries and allowances in the budget. TSC Commissioner Operations Mr. Mike Maini Ugaia said that this is because the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has observed that the annual budgets only cover teachers’ salaries, but not their allowances; therefore, the workshop aims to minimize overflows as experienced in teacher Personnel Emoluments. TSC Chairman Mr. Samson Wangihomie stated that they hope to capture all the Personnel Emoluments including allowances, leave and the budget framework for the Provinces during the workshop. “Additionally, we should include unpaid salaries, allowances and leave entitlements,” he said. The first group that is attending the workshop is from the New Guinea Islands (NGI) Region. The Highlands Region will be next, followed by Momase and the Southern Regions. The Treasury Department and the TSC are co-hosting the Teachers Personnel Emoluments Framework and Budget Workshop. This workshop will end on the 05th of May.

“Street boys and girls who think there is no better life can turn to sports to change their lives.” That’s from Wild West Kickboxing Club Coach Bradley Nai. He told PNG HAUSBUNG that one sport that comes with strict discipline is kickboxing, and through kickboxing one can change and leave behind bad habits. “Kick boxing is like a religion, it changes individuals inside out, instils strict discipline and can clear your mind and free your spirit from whatever that has being holding you captive, in terms of bad habit and bad behavioural conduct.” Bradley who started his kickboxing career back in 2015 under Coach Nelson Samson at the Bomana CIS Gym stated that out of the 8 biggest fights he took part his has won 7 and drew 1. “I am a strong fighter, and my dream is to represent PNG in the World challenge one day.” “All this is achieved was through strict discipline, and I train every day to keep myself fit,” he added. After starting off his kick boxing career at Bomana CIS Gym in 2015, under Nelson Samuel, he went on to join the Desert Storm club, and later joined Team Gunapo at 9mile under Thomas Kagili. It was whilst journeying through these clubs he proved himself to be one of the best fighters winning all the fights he took part in. “One of my highlights was when I took out one of Mr Stanley Nandex’s student at a challenge at Sports Inn in Round 1 only,” he added with a smile. Bradley said his interest and passion for the sports has further led him to take up the responsibility to teach the younger generation including street youths’ martial arts. “I have helped to train kids and youths at Koki Fitness centre and also at Gordons Pilipino basketball complex.” Over the years he realised that he was coaching and training kids and youths and it was his hope to one day be given the chance to coach and train youth from Enga. “One of the brother Nelson Walen, who is also a kick boxer and from the same area in Enga opened up Wild West Kickboxing club at Hohola.” “I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, coaching kickboxing to youths from Enga, especially boys from Laiagam, Surunki and Porgera,” said Bradley. Bradley added that the Wild West Kickboxing club at Hohola, Port Moresby is a brand-new club and are now opening doors and invitations to young kids from 15 years up as well as those who are aimlessly squandering to come learn kick boxing.

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.