Kerebi DAVID

Women in the Western province who are engaged in rice project, will benefit greatly from a Papua New Guinea (PNG)- Australia Partnership Incentive Fund grant of K38million given to the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) for the rice livelihood project. This rice projects is for supporting women’s groups and families to trial rice production for consumption and commercial purpose, was rolled out recently in Western Province. PNG-Australia Partnership also supports inclusiveness in community project and amongst the 2, 000 participants from Kavinaga in the Middle Fly District, is a woman living with disability, Diana Sendea, actively participating in her community’s rice project. Diana’s leg was amputated when she was a child, but she has never let her disability stop her from going about her daily life. “I am really happy with the project here and I feel empowered to help and give back what little I can to my community through this project,” Diana said. “Rice planting is new here and I am very happy with the knowledge shared on cultivating the different varieties of rice. It is good to see some families going into small scale rice planting as well, with the knowledge they have,” she said. Diana also mentioned that the project has also helped with cash flow, especially for the women who are now able to cater for themselves and their family’s needs. Diana assists with weeding in the lowlands, cleans around project area and helps sharpen tools. The Australian High Commission also highlighted that the project aims to scale up production and venture into processing and marketing at a larger scale. Through the project, communities are given trainings on improved food production techniques and family business management, received support for building sustainable agribusinesses, and they were also provided farming tools. Twenty project participants including 10 women, were trained on the rice farming cycle to ensure long term sustainability of project activities. Through the project, Incentive Fund has opened spaces for equal participation and engagement of people with disability like Diana in all activities, so that they can benefit from improved livelihood and economic opportunities as well. This applies across all project activities and infrastructure lifecycle, thus this includes ensuring construction projects and training courses are accessible and inclusive for people with disability. This is the same in all Incentive Fund Phase IV projects under the PNG-Australia Partnership, whereby people with disability are identified as priority participants in all projects and all partner organizations are encouraged to create spaces and include them fully in all activities and benefits, in a meaningful and sustainable way.

United States President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has approved and announced the United States (US) Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in partner countries including Papua New Guinea (PNG). The announcement and approval was given for country-specific plans for four countries and one region for implementation of the ten-year U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. The partners are: Papua New Guinea, Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, and the region of Coastal West Africa, which consists of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo. The strategy outlines a U.S. whole-of-government effort designed to foster and achieve better long-term outcomes through integrated diplomacy, development cooperation, and defense-sector engagement. It seeks to address challenges associated with conflict and instability in more effective ways than past stabilization efforts. The Strategy’s development followed in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses, and robust consultations with local populations and host country governments, peacekeeping and development organizations, and the U.S. Congress. The PNG country plan focuses on the prevention of conflict, including sustainable and equitable economic growth; more professionalized security forces; and building community capacity to more effectively prevent, mitigate, and respond to violence and conflict. Assistant Secretary Anne A. Witkowsky, who oversees the U.S Strategy globally in an interview with PNG Hausbung, stated that US will continue to collaborate with the PNG government, civil societies and local leaders to implement this initiative and adapt the changing circumstances. The Assistant Secretary highlighted three main objectives of the US strategy; The first objective is Building Communities Capacity to Prevent, Indicate or Respond to violence. This includes empowering women and girls and other marginalized groups to participate in all rounds of peace building. “This will also focus on building community resilience to dispute events such as climate change and promoting media freedom with those seeking accountability and justice,” said Witkowsky. The second objective is to Support Equitable and Sustainable economic growth in the next 10 years. “US hopes to promote and improve business environment with more transparent and responsible enterprises, one in which women and youth can have access to financial institutions and markets and skills to effectively use them,” Witkowsky added. In the Third Objective, Witkowsky highlighted that it is about supporting the Justice System and the Security Forces. “Within the Police and Defence force, we hope to see improved institutionalization, human rights principles and more women integrated into the force and also accountability for those involved in violent crimes and corruption.” She said that in this way security forces can continue to build trust among communities and US wants to be part of PNG’s growth as a leader in region. Assistant Secretary Witkowsky further detailed that US will roll out this strategy in two pilot provinces, these two provinces are Morobe and Hela. These provinces will be the places to start the theory of change and if successful, the US will potentially replicate the context in other provinces, and the US President has allocated a funding of US$10million (over K36 million) for the US Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. “PNG has an important role among the Pacific Island countries as a leader in regional economy, one with the history of democratic elections and presence in regional and international organizations; therefore, the United States will continue to collaborate with partners in the Papua New Guinean government, civil society, local leaders, and the private sector to implement the ten-year country plan.”  

Founder and Executive Director of the permitted –approved school, Kopkop College Ms. Maria Kopkop was recognised for her work in providing opportunities for more women to be educated in the country, when her school KopKop College joined in the National Women’s Day celebrations on Friday, 24th March, 2023 under the theme; Educate a Woman, Educate a Nation. Ms. Kopkop started her a little kindergarten school back in 1989 called Bambi International school and has since expanded the kindergarten school into a primary school and recently upgraded the school to secondary level of education with campuses located both in Port Moresby and in the New Ireland Province. KopKop’s Director of Support Services Ms. Mary Udu acknowledges Ms Maria Kopkop’s contribution to education and thanked her for her passion and continues support towards education and health for women in the country. Ms KopKop, simply known as Bubu Maria by all the students and staff, worked as a trained and registered nurse in infant welfare and midwifery in the rural parts of New Ireland and West Sepik province before starting up Bambi International , now Kopkop College. “Bubu Maria taught us that women are a stronghold of a family, a community, a country and bearers of human kind,” said Ms Udu. Ms Udu further highlighted achievements of Ms Kopkop’s life stating that Ms Kopkop expanded her skills by taking up a Masters in Women’s Studies at the James Cook Universaity in Townsville and then followed by Education Leadership Program with the Divine Word University in Madang. “The skills have helped her to do what she loves doing and that is serving you today,"Ms Udu shared with the students of Kopkop College. In all her work Bubu Maria has emphasised to the leaders of this nation that there is a great concern in health, education and opportunities for women to be treated as equal partners in our nation. "As Bubu Maria has taught us, we must continue to speak for our womenfolk, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters and aunties,’’ Ms Udu emphasised. “Bubu Maria built this institution not just as a school but the family of Kopkop College of which Bubu Maria’s motto reminds us all to ‘Listen to Learn and Learn to Listen." Meanwhile, Secondary school principal, Mrs. Roddy Abaddy said it makes her proud to be part of Kopkop College. "As a woman I'm proud to be part of this team because of Bubu Maria, the founder who believed and still believes that education is power for women."

A meeting between Air Niugini and Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) executives was held this Monday the 27th March, with the focus to create a mutual beneficial partnership for tourism growth across Papua New Guinea. During the meeting, Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon and PNGTPA CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo shared Ideas, discussed challenges and opportunities that may rise if they work in partnership, and how this partnership can encourage a more collaborative approach toward tourism development in the country. Mr. Seddon recognised PNGTPA’s efforts to restart tourism after years of uncertainty and restrictions and stated that Air Niugini is about to undertake a major investment program in its fleets thus this will improve reliability and expand their network. “Next generation aircraft will improve reliability and expand our network, for the benefit of our country." Seddon added, "These aircraft will be larger and more efficient." With Air Niugini offering to support greater access through a competitive range of airfares, TPA is willing to establish an MOU with Air Niugini to commit to a series of tourism initiatives that would build on existing products across the country, said the PNGTPA CEO Mr Uvovo. “Tourism grows local economies with substantial jobs growth therefore TPA is excited about the prospect of partnership if it benefits tourism SMEs and PNG tourism businesses."

The Kokoda Track Kickboxing Showdown, which was schedule to start from today 24th March to tomorrow 25th of March at the Bomana Correctional Service Training College outside Port Moresby, has been deferred to a later date. National Kickboxing Federation President, Mr. Stanley Nandex stated that the change of timing was due to circumstances beyond their control “The Showdown that is to go down this Friday and Saturday is being deferred and that is because this weekend, there will be a repatriation and funeral service for two CIS officers who have passed away,” said Nandex. The event for Southern Region kickboxing, was supposed to start the Federation’s programs for 2023, which would be the first after a long while since the Federation had to cancel its events from 2019 onwards, due to the COVID pandemic. Mr. Nandex sincerely extended his words of apology to all the participants, officials, sponsors and invited guest for the inconvenience caused. The Federation will reconfirm the change of date after making confirmation with the Correctional Service Commander on the use of their facility to host the event. A memo will be sent out to inform people of the conformed date. Nandex further urged all fighters to use these extra days to continue their trainings and prepare well for the showdown. Meanwhile, the other National Kickboxing Federation events coming up this year are the Highlands Regional Championship, which is set for April in Goroka. The New Guinea Islands event to be held in Rabaul in May and the Momase event locked in for June in Wewak.

High Cost of living in towns and cities has forced many people into the informal sector to help sustain their day to day living. The situation is putting a major burden on the people especially for the people making a living in the informal sector. Mr. Simon Thomas a betel nut vendor at the Gordons Industrial area details how much of a struggle it is for simple street vendors. He stated that many of them left their village and have fled to the city because of tribal killings, they become refuge in the city and one can only survive through the informal sector because unemployment is high, and most youths and mothers are not skilled. He further explained that it is a struggle when they get chased around, beaten and their market items destroyed by the police and city authorities. Simon stated that when their market is destroyed, it’s another burden on top of the high cost of living, because they had to make the hard decision on how much left is to go to new purchase of supply and how much is to go towards food. But often, hunger is sacrificed in order to buy new supplies to continue their business because there are kids, mothers' and other members of the family who depend on that small market. “Government need to do something about the rate of unemployment and government also need to set regulations that protects the informal sector too because inflation is killing everyone, both the unemployed and the employed.”

Two judges were re-appointed by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission as judges of the National and Supreme Court of Justice today. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL,GCMG,KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea officiated the swearing of the two judges. The judges are Justice Ellena Vitata Batari and Justice Jeffrey Shepherd. The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has re-appointed Ellenas Batari as a Judge of the National and Supreme Court of Justice for a period of two years. Whilst Justice Jeffrey Shepherd was re-appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to be a judge of the National and Supreme Courts of Justice for a period of 3 years. This morning at the swearing in ceremony at the Government House, Justice Batari and Justice Shepherd recited before the Governor General the Declaration of Office, Declaration of Loyalty and Judicial Declaration. Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and other fellow judges of the National and Supreme Courts were present at the ceremony to witness the swearing in.

Everyone is facing financial crisis and every day is a struggle, especially when it comes down to affording a decent meal or paying for a service. The Kina has lost its value with the country experiencing high cost of living in terms of high price for goods and services. Even the employed say it’s a struggle because a fortnight’s salary of K300-K400 for average wage earners is not enough to take a family through to the next fortnight. If people employed are feeling the pinch of the high cost of living then, the unemployed population are probably finding it tough. The citizens are now calling on the government to start looking at measures to mitigate this issue on high cost of living. PNG Hausbung took to the streets and asked people on what their thoughts are in regard to the high cost of living and here are some with their responses.    

A policeman attached with Highlands Eastern Command is currently in police custody awaiting his time for appearance before the Committal Court in Mt Hagen District Court. The police man is charged with Dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm. Assistant Commissioner Highlands Eastern End Division Rigga Neggi highlighted that the police officer, who was attached to the Minj Police Station in Jiwaka province was involved in a traffic accident along the Minj road on Monday January 9th 2023. The off-duty Officer was under the influence of alcohol and on high-speed driving a Toyota Land Cruiser which collided with an oncoming Toyota Land cruiser which was also on high speed and its driver was also under the influence of alcohol. “A female passenger who was travelling with the off-duty policeman died in the accident due to injuries she sustained whilst other passengers on both vehicles sustained serious injuries,” said Assistant Commissioner Neggi. However, in a twisted turn to the story, the driver of the other vehicle was later found dead at Waghi bridge, provoking his relatives to believe that the off-duty policeman was responsible. “The other driver was a young engineer from Barola in Eastern Highlands Province, and upon hearing of the bad news, his relatives set up roadblocks at the Barola Mountain targeting people from Jiwaka and Western Highlands Provinces as well as harassing other members of the public who were traveling along the highway,” Mr Neggi said. A full independent investigation in to the death of the young engineer is now being carried out by an independent investigation team from the Western Highlands and Simbu provinces. Whilst investigation is underway ACP Neggi is appealing to members of the public who have any information of the incidents to come forward and assist police with the investigations In the meantime, ACP Neggi is appealing to relatives of the deceased to allow the law to take its course

All Stop N Shop outlets in the nations capital, Port Moresby, are back in business after experiencing a system outage this morning that lasted until late this afternoon. Central Waigani's SNS Management said their outlets had a forced closure early this morning after learning about the outage to their Pronto software turning away hundreds of Port Moresby customers. Branch Manager Checheng Pambuai confirmed with PNG Hausbung that their services have been restored fully and apologized for the minor inconvinience caused to their valued customers. While Pambuai sympathized with the customers, she has not disclosed details of the system outage neither blamed the on-going blackouts in the city, to be the cause of the outage. STOP N SHOP SHUTS DOORS OVER SYSTEM OUTAGE Central Waigani's Stop N Shop branch in Port Moresby was caught up with an unexpected early morning outage to its Pronto software to start the week, forcing closure to its business as early 7am. Waigani Stop N Shop Branch Manager Ms. Checheng Pambuai said that the system outage was beyond their control, but are hopeful the shop can rectify the outage in real time and open for business again. “We were ready to open around 7am this morning when we realised our system was down, so right now our IT guys are on it and we hope to open soon,” said Ms Pambuai. [caption id="attachment_37757" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Customers at the Central Waigani Stop N Shop had to be turned away due to an unexpected outage this morniing. Picture by Kerebi DAVID[/caption] "Central Waigani is the biggest Stop N Shop branch in the country and seeing our customers turning up frustrated is very disappointing." “The system outage has affected all SNS branches throughout Port Moresby, except for their Badili outlet." Ms Pambuai further stated that, CPL group of companies as well as the management of all SNS stores in the city sincerely apologizes to their valued customers for the inconvenience caused today. “We don’t know how soon but we can assure our valued customers that we should be open for business very soon.”

The newly refurbished accomodation block at the Taurama PNG Defence Force Barracks in Port Moresby was opened today by the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell and Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina. The accommodation block was refurbished through the longstanding PNG-Australia Defence Cooperation Program and will house 100 PNG Defence Force personnel. The project is an important continuation of Australia and PNG’s cooperation on PNG security infrastructure. From major infrastructure projects under our Joint Initiative at Lombrum Naval Base, to the construction of new accommodation, Australia and PNG are focussed on ensuring PNG defence infrastructure is fit for purpose. “Australia is proud to support PNG to deliver infrastructure projects that improve the living and working conditions of the hardworking men, women and families of the PNG Defence Force,” said General Campbell Australia and Papua New Guinea share a close defence partnership and continue to work together through the Defence Cooperation Program to meet Papua New Guinea’s defence and security priorities.

Bank South Pacific has distanced itself and strongly denies any association with any online investment or scam activities and will not be liable for any transactions with any such individual, groups or associations. That is the response from BSP Group CEO, Mark Robinson in response to queries raised regarding fast money schemes and scams including pyramid schemes that are largely facilitated via Facebook or any other online platforms. BSP wants to make its stand clear that they are not associated with all the online money scams. “While there have been individuals, groups or associations portraying to be associated with BSP or its employees by using the BSP Logo to scheme unsuspecting individuals on Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS texts or Email to invest, deposit or transfer funds in exchange for a higher return; the BSP Group maintains that it is not associated with such scam activities and will not be liable for any transactions with such individuals, groups or associations,” Mr Robinson said. With increased fast money schemes and scams including pyramid schemes, there has been a demand on BSP VISA Classic Debit Cards and as a responsible bank, BSP has put in place additional requirements for new customers to meet when applying for a VISA Classic Debit Card because BSP VISA Classic Debit Cards can be used at ATMs globally. “Most of our customers get lured into investing in these fast money schemes so additional measures like provision of a passport on application and questions surrounding customer intent to apply for a VISA Debit Card are put in place to protect their savings”. Mr Robinson advises all to avoid being scammed and to never accept an offer straight away. Everyone is urged to do research and seek independent advice especially if it involves significant amount, time and commitment. “Do not send money to someone you do not know or trust because it is difficult to recover your money from a scammer. Awareness education is important; if you spot a scam, spread the word to your family and friends. Always be alert - Scammers will target you anyhow, anytime and anywhere,” said Mr Robinson. In addition, Bank of Papua New Guinea also continues to warn the public to be cautious and avoid doing business with fast money schemes. The Bank strongly advises the public against putting money in fast money schemes, as they are illegal and fraudulent. People who place their money with promoters or agents of these money schemes risk losing their hard earned money.