23 Community workers from all over Hela Province have acquired better skills and understanding on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support after attending a training facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund and UN Women PNG in Tari, Hela Province recently. The skills learned through the training not only better equip these individuals to provide mental health support to survivors, but also help them better manage the stress and vicarious trauma they experience in their line of work. The program aims to build the capacity of community workers to provide evidence-based counselling support. The project is part of United Nations Population Fund and UN Women PNG peace building efforts in the Highlands Region. Amongst the 23 trainees, was Mrs Jenny Martin, who was delighted to share her experience for the last 2 years giving counselling and help to women and youths. “Being a community worker is tough most times; especially in cases of gender-based violence were it is so easy for personal emotions to cloud judgements,” said Jenny. “Usually I forget about my own safety, or about hearing both sides of the story, and immediately take the side of the female survivor. I make judgements without considering that both parties need help especially psychosocial support!” Jenny who is a mother of three is a community worker with the Komo Learning and Empowerment Centre and a Public Officer with Komo Youths4Change and is committed to serving women and youths in her area and help survivors of violence. Jenny expressed how there is a huge gap in the mental and psychosocial aspects of a person's wellbeing, and that there was a big need for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support training for all community workers and frontline service providers. “This week has taught me a lot,” shared Jenny. “The most important learning has been Psychological First Aid and the four steps; Prepare, Look, Listen and Link.” “I especially have an appreciation for the importance of preparation because most times I do not take time to prepare myself or to take into consideration my safety”, she stated. “Through this training, I now know that in order to help others, I must ensure my safety first then the safety of others.” As a community worker, she shared that it is difficult to help survivors immediately, especially when their abusers demand for survivors to be returned to them and to not seek any form of help. Jenny mentioned that whenever a situation gets difficult, she always tries to identify if any one of the parties is showing more understanding and then she speaks to that person and redirects them to the Family Support Centre in Komo. “The Psychological First Aid training has helped me recognise that the law is better than retaliation. It is better to link survivors and perpetrators to the right place and right people, rather than taking matters into one's own hands, which is most of what is happening in Komo,” she said. Jenny mentioned that, there are about 28 community workers working with her at the Komo Learning and Empowerment Centre and she plans to take the lessons from the training back to her colleagues and empower them with the knowledge she acquired. “My aim is to support my fellow community workers so that we can work together to deal with the violence and attitude problem we see in our communities,” said Jenny. UNFPA and UN Women will continue to expand training for mental health and psychosocial support in the Highlands Region to address the critical lack of professional support available in the Region.

The PNG Government through the Climate Change and Development Authority recognizes the importance of blue carbon as the next best solution for greenhouse gas emission. Blue carbon is simply the term for carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems. You have probably heard that human activities emit (or give off) something called carbon dioxide, which contains atmospheric carbon. Climate Change and Development Authority is hosting a three days workshop with the purpose of understanding blue carbon activities that are taking place in PNG as well as the challenges , gaps and barriers. The Blue Carbon Workshop is facilitated by experts from key development sectors through panel discussions and presentations and streaming live on CCDA social platforms through these 3 days of workshop. The theme for the workshop is; “Identifying Blue Carbon Ecosystems as a source to enhance low carbon growth, climate resilience and sustainable development.” Ms Debra Sungi, Climate Change and Development Authority Acting General Manager said the Blue Carbon refers to the role of the coastal ecosystem particularly mangrove forest, seagrass meadows and tidal salt marshes and estuaries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to their capture of organic carbon dioxide. “The diverse ecosystems of PNG in the blue carbon space is not explored yet, so we don’t have data, that scientifically is to say that we do not know how much carbon content we have in a particular area.” “We have the biggest area and that is something the government acknowledges which is why the workshop is trying to bring together actors that are involved in the Blue Carbon space ‘’, said Ms Sungi. This workshop attracted academics, project developers, government agencies, NGOs and all those working in the blue carbon space coming together for this workshop. Ms Sungi stated that this workshop is simply getting all these actors together and establishing at the end of the workshop a framework on how best they can develop a policy that is inclusive, that is effective and can be implemented in our country, and that is that basic aim of the workshop. She also highlighted that two biggest developers that came on board are the Australian Government and the Government of Germany who are assisting CCDA in developing the policy of Blue Carbon thus providing equal support too. Sungi further stated that despite not having set up a policy framework, there is already work being done in the communities, in the provinces as well as at the national level. “So it’s best getting everyone here to the workshop so that we can develop this policy to address our commitment, our obligations and at the same time bring the nature base solution for climate change and also ensuring that we conserve, and restore coastal eco-systems for our people especially, our village communities along the coastlines.” Blue carbon activities are a type of nature-based solution that aims to restore, protect, and sustainably manage mangroves, seagrass meadows and tidal marshes. There are several blue carbon activities that are currently taking place in PNG. Such activities have contributed to reducing PNG Green House Gas emissions. So by the end of this workshop all stakeholders and partners should re-affirm their commitments to decide better, coordinate smartly and access resources actively in partnership towards developing a Blue Carbon Policy framework in PNG.

Police in East Sepik Province have apprehended a murder suspect who was on the run since February 12th with the help of a community leader. The suspect is now in police custody. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari has extended thanks to community leader, Mr Sam Wafi of Kusambuk area who assisted police in the capture and arrest of a murder suspect. “The murder occurred on the afternoon of February 12 at Suaduogum village in Yangoru, East Sepik province.” “The apprehended suspect and another suspect attacked the deceased in his village and chopped off his hands; the deceased then tried to run away and seek help but was hit by an oncoming vehicle.” PPC Tammari further stated, “The deceased was rushed to Boram Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The deceased was identified as Late Nigel Hovi.” According to police investigation and briefing, the deceased and the suspect had an ongoing feud which eventually resulted in the murder on Sunday February 12, 2023. “The relatives of the deceased in retaliation have burned down eight houses including a church in the village of the suspected murderers.” PPC Christopher Tamari said he is grateful for Mr Wafi’s assistance because his help to apprehend the suspect has eventually helped to prevent further fights within the area. Mr Tamari further apologised to the affected communities for the late police response. He also conveyed sympathy and apology for the loss of life and the loss and damage to properties especially to the innocent victims. “Murder cases are being reported every week in all six districts of the province and serious crimes are being committed daily in Wewak, Yangoru Saussia, Maprik, Angoram, Ambunti-Drekirkir and Wosera Gawi.” “I am now calling in the people of East Sepik to respect one other, and to find the right ways to resolve problems instead of resorting to violence all the time.” Mr Tamari has added his reassurance to the people of East Sepik that police is always there to assist, therefore it is right to seek police intervention so that police and law can solve complaints and disputes to maintain community peace.

93 Yumi FM, the number one Tok Pisin Radio station in the country turned 26 years old yesterday. 93 Yumi FM, was established in 1997 on February 24th and is sister station to Legend FM 101 and 96 Nau FM. In 2019, according to an independent Tebbut Media Survey, Yumi FM broadcasting in Tok Pisin is the country’s top rated radio station by a large margin. It reached of 46% of the market over a 30 day period making it the top rated radio station. Everyday Yumi FM connects with millions of listeners and fans nationwide, playing all the hits from PNG local artists, updates everyone with the latest and factual news contents and offcourse has some of the best top PNG radio personalities that keep everyone company every day. One of the longest serving radio personality with YUMI FM, Kake Lareva Kasty in an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG stated that Life without music is boring and everyone needs music in their lives. Kasty who will be clocking in 24 years with the radio station said it is a great feeling to connect with the rest of the country everyday and knowing that you are the reason someone out there is smiling. “Behind every listeners smile is a best friend who puts it there, and that is me, your one and only Kake Lareva Kasty as well as my fellow announcers!” Kasty further said that music is a universal language that can connect everyone of all race and status, it speaks to the heart and the mind in every situation. “Na mipla long Yumi FM i hamamas long pleim disla olgeta music blong yu long harim over 26 years now”, said Kasty. “On behalf of the YUMI FM Poroman Crew, bikpla tok hamamas long yupla olgeta fans na listeners, yupla stap na mipla stap.” Kasty further highlighted that one of the biggest highlight for the radio station is going online whereby the PNG Community overseas can connect with their favourite Tok Pisin station and still listen to their local songs. "Believe in your dreams said Kasty, if you ever wish to work in a radio station especially here at YUMI FM and you can archive it. “I am living my dream, despite taking another route earlier on in life, I never gave up on my dream and here I am going 24 years with YUMI FM." "Radio is an amazing industry to be in and I am grateful to be part of Yumi FM and to the listeners who have being part of us for the last 26 years, we love you and give you our gratitude and we wish to continue this relationship for many more years to come."

The Mt Bosavi region is located bordering Gulf, Western, Southern Highlands and Hela provinces. The Mt. Bosavi Region encompasses about two million acres of virgin rainforest. where the indigenous residents of the region’s widely scattered amongst 28 villages. Usually in seclusion and away from public eye, the area has now become the centre of widespread attention; both local and international following the recent abduction of a research group days ago. Locals in the Mt Bosavi Region living around the area where the hostages were being held are also attempting to communicate with the kidnappers to release the hostages. That's according to Mr Andrew Awabi, Chairman for Mt Bosavi Sustainable Agriculture Development Initiative in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG. Awabi further stated that locals in Bosavi are not only communicating for the release but are also safe guarding the hostages by making their presence known around the area. "The area where the hostages are held is in Fogo’Maiyu an isolated village at the border of Western Province, Gulf and Southern Highlands Province." “People of Bosavi living at Fogo’Maiyu have pleaded for the release but the kidnappers said they wanted K3.4million from the PNG Government before they do so.” said Awabi. Locals also claim there are about 21 men with high powered guns watching over the hostages while waiting for a response from the PNG Government. Mr Awabi said, “We want the relevant authorities to send in Police and PNG Defence to help bring these hostages to safety because these hostages are under heavy gun watch.” “Bosavi People are peace loving people and this incident is shocking to the people of Bosavi Region.” Mr Awabi further stressed that the people of Bosavi are willing to help authorities locate the hostages. "With no road access into Bosavi Region, the only possible way is via chopper or by foot if the authorities want to walk." He highlighted that the authorities will need to come to Mt Bosavi station and from there the locals can assist to direct authorities to Fogo’Maiyu where these hostages are believed to be held. Awabi added, "The people of Bosavi want to sincerely apologise to the families of the hostages and the entire country about what is currently happing in their area, stating that it is a first of a kind incident and they can only wish that the hostages return safe to their families by God’s will." Earlier this week, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Police Commissioner David Manning said he has been updated by Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Police Operations, Dr Philip Mitna, on negotiations to secure the release of the people that have been taken captive, with police authorised to use all necessary force to free those being held. He was responding to confirmed reports of people being detained by armed criminals in the vicinity of Fogoma’iu Village, Southern Highlands province. Commissioner Manning said, “I have been briefed on the situation in which one foreign national and three PNG university students are being held by criminals in the border region of Southern Highlands, Hela and Western Provinces." “This is a delicate situation and police, in coordination with other security elements, are engaged in an operation to enable the safe release of the people involved. This is a remote area and air support has been approved.”

People in the Southern Region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will continue to experience heavy rains despite the country now moving towards the Autumn season. The Director for the National Weather Service, Mr. Jimmy Gomoga, mentioned that the country has gone past summer period and is heading into the autumn season and by the end of March, autumn kicks in. He explained that due to the transitional change in the climate, the Southern parts of the country will continue to experience above average rainfalls then the rest of the country. “While the Southern part of the country will be wetter, the New Guinea Islands and some parts of the Highlands region should be expecting below normal rainfalls,” said Mr. Gomoga. Western Province, Gulf, Milne Bay Province and Central Province are some of the main provinces in the Southern Region that will be experiencing above average rainfalls. He also stated that the New Guinea Islands Region will be quite dry as well as some parts of the Highlands Region. Gomoga said Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands and West Sepik as the provinces that will be receiving less rain during this time. “The transitional period for the weather pattern will be from April to May and by the end of May is when Dry season should kick in." He further highlighted that there are no cyclone warnings despite the last strong winds that were felt. These gale winds were formed outside of PNG but in the Coral Seas going towards Australia and as a result of that PNG felt a bit of it especially in the Southern region. “At the moment it’s very quiet, however PNG National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and if any information regarding any system arises, we will let the public know as soon as possible,” said Mr. Gomoga. However, everyone is urged to still take precautions because the country is in the middle of the wet season. Gomoga stated that the Tropical systems may form and people should be aware of that and be on alert from weather warnings from the PNG National Weather Service.

Students from Sol-Nomane Karimui (SNK) District in Simbu Province who are attending various tertiary institutions in the country will have their school fee issues sorted out with assistance from their local member,  Francis Alua. Francis Alua has allocated a fund of K2million as school fee assistance that will go towards helping students who are struggling with tuition and boarding fees. Mr. Andrew McCarthy from the office of SNK District stated that  Alua also refuted an article in one of the daily newspapers this week that stated that his office did not allocated K12 million, saying that the information was wrong. “All stakeholders and the general public are advised to correct themselves on this misinformation, thus this clarification should put to rest any animosities on our member’s School fees Assistance,” said Mr. McCarthy. McCarthy further stated that the SNK District Development Authority is currently working on the breakup of these funds and once Form 11 is attached to the breakup of the funds and signed by the member any time next week, the assistance will then be distributed to various tertiary schools in the country. “Assurance to all parents and students that every students from SNK district will benefit one way or the other and the honorable member is committed and will continue to support human resource in the district,” said McCarthy.

Western Highlands Province is now seeing Talapia and Trout fish hitting its markets and supermarkets all because of the increase in freshwater fish farming in the province. Provincial Livestock and Fisheries Manager for Western Highlands Mr. Kevin Nemba said that for the past 2 years the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has been very supportive towards fish farming projects in the Province, thus  resulting in the boom of fresh water fish farming. “We have fish farms in all four districts in the province with focus on two main types of fish, Talapia and Trout,” said Mr. Nemba. “As for Trout we have now developed two main farms at the border of Tambul and Mendi, apart from Betty Heggins as the number one Trout fish farmer in the highlands we are now trying to expand production on Trout as well in WHP.” Mr. Nemba further stated that Tambul and Mul have more bigger fish farms and about 8 of the fish farmers have now entered into Small Micro Entrepreneur with their fish farming and that is a great achievement for these farmers. With about eight fish farmers now in the SME sector, the people of Western Highlands are enjoying the luxury of having fish for dinner because these farmers are now supplying Talapia and Trout to the main market, and big supermarkets in the province. “The focus now is to grow all small-scale fish farmers into SME owners and Provincial Livestock and Fisheries Department will continue to support these farmers with feed ling, trainings and equipment to grow freshwater fish farms in Western Highlands Province,” said Mr. Nemba.

The Mount Bosavi Region aims to become an Agriculture Hub for PNG, with many agriculture projects coming up this year through Mt Bosavi Sustainable Agriculture Development Initiative (SADI). Chairman for Mt Bosavi SADI, Mr Andrew Awabi highlighted that Mt Bosavi SADI is planning on turning garden plots and sustainable agriculture for food security into cash crop farms. “During the festive period, the people of Mt Bosavi were given both theory and practical trainings on various agriculture projects and by February we are looking at running our 2nd training." “By early February 2023, Mt Bosavi SADI will be conducting trainings on SME and book keeping so the people of Mt Bosavi can know how to manage the money they will be receiving from the agriculture projects." Awabi stated that the people of Mt Bosavi region underwent various trainings on seed handling to nursery and these trainings are to prepare them for bigger agriculture projects that will be rolled out this year. “Commercial Agriculture is the main focus for Mt Bosavi Sustainable Agriculture Development Initiative; apart from food security and the focus will be on cash crops such as Vanilla, Coffee, Cocoa and Potatoes.” With Potato, the Southern Highlands Provincial Government has gone into partnership with Mt Bosavi SADI and has donated seedlings to them to help them start potato projects. “SADI is also looking at Betel-Nut, we want to be the next location for betel-nut trade in the Highlands region." Betel-nut is and has being the most traded cash crop in the country for decades and Mt Bosavi SADI aims to make Mt Bosavi region the next destination for betel-Nut trade in the Highlands region. Betel-nut buyers in the Highlands often travel to Madang and even into Lae to purchase betel-nut but if Mt Bosavi SADI helps the people of Bosavi to create cash crop out of their betel-nut plots and turn them into plantations, they can be the next point for Betel-nut trade in the Highlands region. 2023 looks brighter than previous years because Mt Bosavi region will soon see a road link into the region after decades of being cut off from the rest of the country. Mr Awabi added that a feasibility study for propose areas for road link was conducted by members of Nipa Kutubu DDA last week scoping which part of Nipa Kutubu area will be the best place to create the link in to Mt Bosavi Region. He said there are two proposed areas, Muruma-Sisipia na Gava-Wana, but the preferred would be through Gava- and Wana because there are villages along that range unlike Muruma were there are no villages into the forest. Mr Awabi added thanks from the people of Bosavi to the new member for Nipa Kutubu Hon. Dr Billy Joseph who after so long has recognized the need for a road link into Bosavi. “We are hopeful the road link is done by this year or early next year so that our agriculture projects can find their way bigger markets outside of Bosavi. Meanwhile, Mt Bosavi SADI is also focusing on making Bosavi a tourism hub with recent frequent visits from tourists going in especially to visit the extinct volcanic mountain which home too many amphibians, insects, mammals and a number of endemic species and it aims to make money from tourism too. “Bosavi has the potential for Agriculture boom and tourism, and for decades nothing has being done to boost and grow these sectors." Mt Bosavi SADI is now focusing on releasing Bosavi’s full potential.

A boat from Baluan Island, which left Loniu Bridge in Lorengau Town late on Friday night that never made in to back Baluan Island, was found with all its passengers and crew safe and sound. After receiving words from families at Baluan Island that the boat never arrived on the island last night, Mr. Bab Korup, the person behind the search and rescue team, sent out alert message and called for a search party. Mr. Korup said a search party was sent out this morning to find the missing boat, however they received words that the boat was found on Lawes Island just  south of the main land. “The boat never went missing. Due to bad weather condition the skipper decided to pull up on Lawes Island where the passengers and the skipper and his crew spent the night”. Mr. Korup said it was a smart move by the skipper that prevented what could have been a disaster.  Mr. Korup assured family and friends that everyone is safe and they have continued on their journey this morning and have reached Baluan Island. Mr Korup is appealing to all skippers to stop overloading their dinghies and also to stop the normal routine of travelling in the evenings through into the night. “Weather is bad, and overloading and travelling by night can only lead to accidents at sea and even worse, “said Mr.Korup. He urged everyone travelling during this bad weather to take refuge on nearest island villages if the weather is really bad and also to travel by day so it’s easy to see clearly where to go for help in the middle of the ocean in times of danger.

The country will be expecting cyclone conditions especially with the mild La- Nina conditions experienced in the waters around Papua New Guine (PNG) and the Western Pacific region. The PNG National Weather Service Director Mr. Jimmy Gomoga stated that there will be many tropical cyclones expected to form around the Coral Sea and the Solomon Sea. “When tropical cyclone hits, we will see its impacts on the southern coastal parts right up to the tip of Papua New Guinea in Milne Bay Province,” said Mr. Gomoga. “People should now be looking out for warnings because we are already in the tropical cyclone season as well as the Wet Season.” The National Weather Service is on watch everyday monitoring the different weather patterns and also monitoring the severity of the weather. Mr. Gomogo also assured the general public that in the case where a tropical cyclone is approaching PNG, the National Weather Service will issue warnings three days before it hits. He is urging everyone to be on alert and to prepare for tropical cyclones.

Wet Season in the country is now in full swing with more rainfall to be experienced in the Southern Region. That is according to the National Weather Service Director Mr Jimmy Gomoga who said the Wet Season in the country kicked off in early November and in full swing by the 12th December. Right now we are in the summer season and also in the full swing of the wet season. “The North West Monsoon has fully established itself across the country with the North West winds coming in strong over the last few weeks, thus this has caused a lot of rain fall." Mr Gomoga added that the amount of rainfall experienced in the different parts of the country is due to the climate conditions over the Pacific Oceans. "Our country is experiencing a mild La-Nina situation in the ocean and when this happens; Southern Region becomes wetter than normal." Mr Gomoga further highlighted the different range of rain fall patterns currently happening and more expected to come. He added that with the La Nina Conditions, the Southern Region became wetter than usual, receiving above average rainfall, however the New Guinea Islands Region has being receiving below average rainfall over the last 6-3 months and will continue to do so while the Highlands Region that is receiving average to below normal rainfall will continue to do so for the rest of the rain season. The National Weather service has predicted that the rain season will be short lived due to the La-Nina conditions which will ease of by early January or February. "When that happens we should see dryer conditions beginning to set in by March or April with the return of Dry season at the end of April."" In the meantime, the National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for the Southern Region. “The National Weather Service is currently monitoring the situation and will advise if flash floods will occur, but there are likely to be flash floods especially in our city, NCD due to the design of our drains" He urged all motorists to take extra precautions during rainy days as there will be flash floods, and all houses near drains or low land are urged to move to higher ground for safety reasons. "All are urged to heed to all warnings from the National Weather Service during the full swing of the wet season."