PNG Prime Minister, James Marape says there has to be a practical measurement of progress being made between the United States and Pacific Island nations, including PNG, since the first US-PIC Forum Dialogue in 2022.
Marape encouraged the US to consolidate its place as a true and significant partner in the Pacific. By means of increasing its presence in the area of people-to-people and business-to-business exchanges between the two countries. As well as the greater South Pacific (Blue Pacific Continent).
He raised these comments in his opening Statement at the US-PIC Dialogue, chaired by US President, Joe Biden, at the Whitehouse in Washington.
“We are here today to measure how much we have progressed since our inaugural summit in September last year. Papua New Guinea comes to this Summit in 2023 from a much-improved relationship with the United States but that is mostly from the Security perspective, which we must step up on all other fronts,” said Marape.
He said in 2022, PNG’s trade volume with the USA did not exceed $300million.
“As PNG is closer and has more access to the Asian market, we know that the depth of any nation-to-nation relationship is usually anchored and balanced when there is more commerce and trade relationships,” Marape said.
Two Papua New Guinean Defence Force (PNGDF) Naval Officers are amongst 350 sailors, from the Chinese People’s Liberal Army, who sailed into Port Moresby onboard the Chinese Naval Training Vessel, Qi Jiguang.
Qi Jiguang sailed into the Fairfax Harbour and was welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Zeng Fanhua, employees of Chinese owned businesses and the Chinese community.
The two PNGDF midshipman are part of Qi Jiguang’s internship training involving five countries including Indonesia.
The two PNGDF sailors have trained and lived onboard the training ship in the last month.
Chinese ambassador to PNG Zeng Fanhua said the naval training ship, Qi Jiguang is the largest professional training ship with the highest level of modernization.
“It is a maritime military academic which is capable for hosting more than 400 naval cadet officers for internship training and taskings,” said ambassador Fanhua.
Qi Jiguang was commissioned into China’s Navy in February 2017 and has been sailing the Pacific and Indian Oceans conducting training.
Speaking through an interpreter, Rear Admiral of Qi Jiguang, Zhu Jianda, said in celebrating the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, Qi Jiguang set on the 4th of September from Quando to conduct training and goodwill visits to Indonesia, PNG and Fiji.
“Over 300 Chinese mission men carried out training with counterparts from five countries including PNG. During the training they had navigational training and professional training,” said Rear Admiral Jianda.
Rear Admiral Zhu Jianda addressing the crowd at the welcoming ceremony.
During the next three days, Senior officers from Qi Jiguang will be meeting with their counterparts in the PNGDF. The crew members will visit each other’s ships and both sides will be involved in fun sporting activities.
“All this activities are aimed at enhancing our mutual understanding, strengthen our mutual trust and deepen our friendship,” rear admiral Jianda continued.
Rear Admiral Zhu Jianda and PNG Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki being escorted to the welcoming ceremony area.
Speaking on behalf of the PNG Government, Defence Minister, Win Bakri Daki said China remains a key development partner for Papua New Guinea.
“PNG and China’s relationship goes back a long way where PNG benefits a lot from China’s infrastructure and economic and human development assistance, “said Minister Daki.
PNG’s Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki official address to the visitors.
One such infrastructure is the reconstruction of a military hospital at PNGDF’s Taurama Barracks by the Chinese government.
This is it’s second goodwill visit into Port Moresby after Qi Jiguang’s initial visit in 2019.
Papua New Guinea has lost another Member of Parliament in the space of two months with the passing of Dei MP, Steven Pim, on the 24th of September.
The late MP is a member of the People’s National Congress Party and died from a heart attack at a private hospital in Port Moresby.
Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang, said it is with a heavy heart that he is expressing his great sadness on behalf of his family, his electorate, and the Opposition side.
“I express my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, the people of Dei Open and the people of Western Highlands,” said Lelang.
Lelang said the late MP, showed charisma to restoring a sound government, accountability, and real service delivery to the lives of his people.
“Late Pim is a first time Member of Parliament and a shadow minister for Petroleum and Mining. He was appointed to various Parliamentary Committee’s including Public Works,” said Lelang.
Steven Pim was voted into the 11th National Parliament in the 2022 National General Election’s for Dei Open, as a PNC party candidate.
Pim’s untimely death follows the passing of late Gabriel Kapris, last month. Pim is survived by his wife Jennifer and four children.
Discussions on issues of climate change, sustainable and inclusive economic development and maritime security are priority issues that will be talked about in the US-Pacific Island Country (US-PIC) Summit held in the United States.
Before his departure on Sunday, Marape said the US-PIC Dialogue is an important meeting and PNG cannot avoid such an international engagement.
“For USA, we have not only stepped up (our relationship) in terms of our security aspect but more importantly a greater focus on commerce and trade and especially in the area of manufacturing,” said Marape.
A letter from US President, Joe Biden inviting PM Marape to attend the summit, states that;
“This Summit will be an opportunity to discuss how we can continue advancing our shared vision of a free and open, resilient, and prosperous Pacific”
The US President cancelled his visit to Papua New Guinea in May to attend to debit limit talks in the US.
Marape said he is expected to meet with Biden for a bilateral meet aside of the main discussions.
“He’s (Biden) trying to organize a bilateral on the side, apart from the main PIC,” said Marape.
Papua New Guinea will host the Chinese Naval Vessel, Qi Jiguang for three days. A training ship that will be arriving in Port Moresby on Tuesday (tomorrow).
Qi Jiguang is on a midshipman training mission and departed Qingdao, China on the 4th of September. Two Indonesian and two Thai midshipmen participated in the internship training.
The Chinese Naval vessel sailed into Indonesia’s Port of Surubaya for the first time on 17th September. On a three day goodwill visit and departed on 20th of September.
The ship is expected to sail into Port Moresby tomorrow (26th of September). Stopping for a three day visit before continuing it’s journey to Fiji.
During these visits, naval officers onboard from five countries are expected to participate in the internship training.
For Papua New Guinea Defence Force, the Maritime Element will host the Chinese visitors. Beginning with a welcome ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at 10am at the Old PNG Ports Wharf.
Since 2018, PNG has hosted Chinese Naval ships almost annually, beginning with the Chinese floating hospital known as Daishan Dao or Ark Peace.
For Qi Jiguang, it will be the second visit into Port Moresby after its 2019 visit.
The visit to Indonesia, PNG and Fiji is part of the China’s International Military Cooperation.
This training aims to improve operational adaptability and capability of Chinese Naval Officer Cadets, strengthened Maritime Cooperation. And building mutual trust with the countries visited.
Qi Jiguang has recently visited other Asian countries on similar Goodwill visits. Including Vietnam, Philippines Thailand and Brunei in June.
The CPL Group is sending nine of its pharmacists to attend the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Brisbane, Australia.
This announcement coincides with the World Pharmacist Day. Which is observed on September 25th annually.
Head of City Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda said their participation demonstrates CPL’s dedication to delivering the highest quality in pharmaceutical care.
“We are thrilled to be sending this group of talented pharmacists to represent City Pharmacy at the FIP World Congress,” said Panda.
For this year, CPL is celebrating its Pharmacists who they say is dedicated to providing quality healthcare with City Pharmacy.
The week long congress kicked off yesterday and will run until this Thursday, 28th of September.
The FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical sciences conference is organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). It is an annual gathering of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from around the world. Providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and advancements within the pharmaceutical field.
CPL’s team of pharmacists are excited to be a part of this international symposium. It serves as an invaluable opportunity to stay at the forefront of pharmaceutical research, innovation, and patient care.
Conservation Officers and Rangers in Morobe province were participants in a program targeted at enhancing conservation efforts using a special software called SMART.
Known as Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Application, this software plays a unique role in monitoring wildlife, identifying threats, and optimizing patrol operations.
The participants in this training are from Yopno, Uruwa and Som River (YUS) Conversation area of Kabwum District. Which covers 162,683 hectares.
Robson Soseng, a Ranger from Lower Uruwa Range said, with the knowledge on how to transfer patrol data, they don’t have to travel to Lae to send data.
“I am very happy with the current addition and introduction of SMART Patrol Plans. I learnt earlier this year during a refresher. When I went away and practiced and now with the debrief, it helps even more to correct my mistakes and become better,” said Ranger Soseng.
The software training primarily focuses on tracking, analyzing, and reporting spatial data. It will provide critical insights for informed decision-making regarding specific locations.
Conservation officer of Upper Uruwa, James Jio says he now understands how SMART works. And also how the data rangers collect, will benefit the system as a whole.
“I am so glad as I get to learn how to deal first hand technical issues. Re-installing SMART Application, editing SMART packages and transferring it into my Rangers phone. Transfer data from their phones into our field laptop and above all, I can also do monitoring in the livelihood area as I have installed SMART into my phone,” said Jio.
Dillian Nason, the Research & Monitoring Coordinator of the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, facilitated a week-long training on the “Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool” (SMART).
“I believe this approach will reduce the long-term issue of communicating field data and devices with the Lae office. If all CO’s start attending SMART debriefs it will be better results ahead,” Jio continued.
Established in 2019, YUS remains Papua New Guinea’s inaugural conservation site.
It derives its name from the Yopno, Uruwa, and Som rivers. These rivers traverse the Huon Peninsula in Morobe Province. Predominantly situated in Morobe’s Kabwum District, the area is inhabited by approximately 15,000 residents across 50 villages.
This locale serves as a vital habitat for one of Papua New Guinea’s endangered tree kangaroo and the Huon or Matchie’s. A central focus in the Lukautim Graun Program.
A tough enough performance by the PNG Prime Ministers XIII gave a home crowd at the Santos National Football stadium something to cheer about. Despite the 18 points to 30 loss handed by the Australians to PNG, it showed that PNG had the passion to perform to their best.
The Australians came out victors but had to work hard for the win, a passionate crowd and a passionate performance by the PNG side left fans a little bit more excited despite the end result.
A handful of NRL fringe players and a collection of Hot plus Cup and Digicel Cup players, against a star studded NRL line up. What a match it was, proving PNG has a bright future ahead with the young side holding their own against the Australians.
In past years it would spell doom for most that gathered for the match, anticipating an Australian demolition of PNG but on Saturday, the momentum was with the PNG side from the get go. With just four minutes into the match a cross field bomb within the Aussies 20 meter line by captain Kyle Laybutt was fumbled by Cody Walker and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, allowing Nene Macdonald to pounce on the loose ball.
A huge pop as the crowd erupted in cheer, for almost a minute you could not hear yourself speak. PNG taking an early lead. PNG held their own in the next 10 minutes but Australia came back as sure enough, a string of passes led to Murray Taulagi, stepping three defenders back infield to stroll in for the visitors first points.
By then the scores were tied 6-6, and PNG were mounting on an impressive defense led by captain Kyle Laybutt whose tackling technique was on show throughout the match. Despite the defensive effort by the home side, Australia extended their lead seven minutes before half time. An inside ball by Tom Dearden found Hudson Young running through a hole in defense just 10 meters off the try line.
A successful conversion ending the first half 12-6 in favor of Australia.
The second half saw PNG score first at the back of strong runs by the forwards, Junior Rop’s carry in the Australian’s 20 meter line forming the catalyst for a try. Hooker Judah Rimbu handing an inside ball to forward Cruise Ten to muscle his way over for a four pointer.
A successful conversion tying the scores once more at 12 all, the Australians took control and for the next 20 minutes scored through Alofiana Khan-Pereira in the 58th minute and Cameron McInnes in the 61st minute, extending their lead to 24 points to 12.
But it would be Epel Kapinias who would rekindle the fiery PNG side with just 10 minutes of play remaining. A short grubber by hooker Judah Rimbu between the uprights pounced on by Epel for the try.
A successful conversion led to a 6 point deficit for the PNG side trailing 24 points to 18. It seemed PNG would end the match at this score line but just seconds out from full time, Australian fullback Tyrell Sloan managed to end the match with a converted try, ending the fixture 30 points to 18 for a strong finish for the Aussies.
Zac Laybutt with the boot finished 3 from 3 and Australia’s Zac Lomax finished 5 from 5.
Kyle Laybutt, a man of few words, let his game do the talking. As Captain he simply put the win down to a great effort by the team. His guidance in the seven jersey proved to be pivotal in their attack. His mixture of long kicks and spiral bombs was hard to take on the full by the Australian backline.
“So proud of the boys. We went in there to make things happen and we did. We got a lot of young players coming through like my brother Zac and Treigh Stewart, and (I) can’t wait to see what’s ahead of us,” Laybutt said.
Hundreds of people in South Bougainville gathered at Panakei to participate in the 2023 Siwai Cultural Show.
The show hosted annually is a unique way of showcasing the traditional heritage of the Siwai people and provides an economic spin off for the locals.
Chairman of the Siwai Tourism Association, Peter Siunai, said next year it will be called the South Bougainville Show and will include sing-sing groups from Bana, Buin, Torokina and Wisai areas.
“Siwai is very special and the reason being that we have gone through all sorts of problems from bad weather due to continuous rains in the last four months causing bad roads, flooding and shortage of food. However, today is very special for us because for the first time, we have a dry day with the sun shining and your presence here to celebrate with us is a blessing,” said Siunai.
South Bougainville MP, Timothy Masiu who also wore the hat of Patron of Siwai Cultural Show said despite the Siwai cultural show delayed due to bad weather, people worked together to maintain and celebrate their culture.
“Your culture and traditions is very unique and I challenge you all to maintain it and use such events to showcase your culture. Because you are the image of Bougainville that reflects our relationship and identity through culture,” said Masiu.
This is the fourth show since it began in 2019. With the aim of showcasing the diverse culture and traditions of Siwai people of South Bougainville.
A workshop meticulous designed to empower committee members of small business groups and cooperatives was concluded in Aitape, West Sepik Province.
The week-long information session facilitated through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, attracted 45 participants.
Topics talked about in the workshop include critical business management elements for small businesses, business plan preparation, analysis of group’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis), cash flow projection, preparing profit and loss statements, and record keeping.
Participant Donald Mulo and chairperson of Koumete Business Group said he picked up vital skills from the workshop. “The knowledge we gained is very useful, and the workshop assisted us in financial management and bookkeeping, which will help me greatly in managing my group’s business,” said Mulo. Through the EU-STREIT Programme, similar trainings are conducted in rural communities in tho hope to foster the growth of MSME’s in the Sepik region with representatives from the Cocoa Board, the Division of Agriculture and Livestock, the Division of Commerce and Industry, and the Fisheries Office. The involvement of government sector gives participants real-life cases and sector-specific insights into the learning experience, making it highly relevant to the participants and dynamic.
Facilitator, Ayurzana Puntsagdavaa, said FAO is contributing to sustainable development I. The Sepik Region through equipping agripreneurs with vital kills, knowledge, and practical tools.
“The workshop takes a very flexible and demand-based learning approach whereby the depth and speed of training is accordingly adjusted based on the needs of the participants. Participants are also highly encouraged to learn from each other, given such a workshop intentionally brings together a well-mixed group with varying experiences in cocoa, vanilla, and fishery businesses,” said Puntsagdavaa
