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September 2023

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Toroama Speaks on PNG’s Independence

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Ishmael Toroama

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama said Bougainville’s stand for an independent nation will never be compromised and his people have stood on the forefront of the battlefield to protect their people from oppressors, and they have stood yet again on the forefront to make peace.

“Our aspiration for independence is not merely based on figures on paper but it is based on the human struggle of people and our history. We recognize that the Bougainville Process is an ongoing process that remains to be settled by the legal framework that governs it.” said president Toroama.

Toroama’s reflection on Bougainville’s Independence comes on the eve of Papua New Guinea’s 48th year of Independence.

As Bougainville continues to endeavor on it’s own path to self-determination, Toroama acknowledged that they are still a part of Papua New Guinea.

“It is within these sentiments that I wish the Government and people of PNG happy celebrations on the eve of the 48th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s Independence. By the grace of God, Papua New Guinea and Bougainville can mutually coexist as brothers defined only by an international border in the near future,” he said.

Toroama said the Late Great Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare had always described Bougainville as an integral part of Papua New Guinea and that statement could not be any truer.

“During the formative years of this country, Bougainville and our political leaders played a vital role in securing and guaranteeing PNG’s independence on September 16, 1975,” said Toroama.

But as president of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama went on to say that was from a historical standpoint, it is undeniable that Bougainville was an integral part of Papua New Guinea.

“Our resources gave the economic guarantee for independence and the founding leaders supported Sir Michael through the establishment of governance systems that formed the basis of Papua New Guinea’s democracy,” said Toroama.

But Toroama said that was before Bougainville had an unjust war waged on them by the very institution sworn to protect their rights and civil liberties.

“It was sponsored by a regime so disillusioned by greed and plundering our rich resources it did not hesitate to wage a genocidal war against people who were only defending ourselves, our lands and our constitutional right to exist and express ourselves,” said Toroama.

He said while the Bougainville Civil War will forever remain a very dark period in Papua New Guinea’s history it serves as a powerful reminder to Bougainville that any government sworn to protect its people should never raise its hand against them in an act of war.

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Education

IEA Schools Acknowledged

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PM Visits IEA Schools

Prime Minister James Marape lauded international schools (IEA Schools), for their remarkable contribution to the education sector in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Marape said these institutions have diligently served the nation’s citizens for 48 years, since independence, providing quality education that meets global standards.

He was speaking at the 48th Independence Anniversary celebration at Koroboro International School in Port Moresby.

PM Marape acknowledged the significant role international schools played in the country’s development. The event, themed: “Our Country; Many Cultures, Embrace Diversity”, epitomized the unity within PNG’s rich cultural diversity.

“Koroboro International School is an exemplar of the many educational institutions that have set a high bar for delivering quality education based on moral principles and values to our children,” PM Marape said.

The school, a proud member of the International Education Agency (IEA), has made significant strides in servicing the children of PNG.

James Marape in a guard of honor as IEA Schools Celebrate 48th Year Independencce Anniversary Celebrations at Koroboro International School.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape welcomed with a guard of honor by the students of Koroboro International School on their 48th Anniversary Independence Celebrations on their school grounds.

Marape recognized the sacrifices made by parents who invest their resources to facilitate their children’s education at schools like Koroboro International. He hinted at a potential tax relief initiative for parents sending their children to IEA schools, reflecting the government’s commitment to the ‘No Child Left Behind’ policy.

PM Marape also addressed the need for a societal change in how girls and women are treated in the country. He urged male students to respect and protect the dignity of women, emphasizing their role as the bearers of the nation’s future generation.

In his Independence message, PM Marape urged all citizens to foster respect, care, and love for one another, reflecting the government’s commitment to unity and progress.

IEA Schools Celebrate 48th Year Independencce Anniversary Celebrations at Koroboro International School.
Students dressed in traditional attire of the Prime Ministers’ own home province, Hela province.
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News

Polewara Asks for Cooperation

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Board of Inquiry

Branch Heads and Directors within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force have been called before the General Board of Inquiry (GBOI) into the shooting death of two soldiers, the wounding of another soldier and a civilian.

Acting PNGDF Commander, Commodore Philp Polewara said Commanding Officers are to assist the Inquiry when their members who participated in the final Corporal Qualifying Course are called before the GBOI.

The inquiry intends to identify issues and gaps in the system and make appropriate recommendations for the improvements in PNGDF to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again,” said acting Commodore Polewara.

When the inquiry was launched on 18th August 2023, Prime Minister James Marape announced the sidelining of then PNGDF Commander, Major General, Mark Goina.

Marape had said Goina’s suspension does not imply any wrong doing on his part and the decision to have Goina suspended was to protect the independence and integrity of the GBOI.

“To affirm the integrity of PNGDF and also the integrity of the Commander (Goina)NEC took a decision to suspend Commander (Goina) under Section 6 (3) B of the Defence Act 1974 for three months, or until such a time when the General Board of Inquiry delivers its findings.

But internal PNGDF investigations revealed that Leading Seaman, Eric Gwale and Corporal Watata Kutegen were killed by high velocity ammunitions fired from within 40 meters.

Three soldiers were identified, and one has confused to firing the live ammunitions because he had it in his possession.

While the inquiry continues, the family of late Eric Gwale have laid him to rest in his home province in New Ireland. Gwale is survived by his wife and three sons.

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Project Visits

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Evaluation and Monitoring officers from the Autonomous Bougainville Government have been visiting development projects in the region to ensure smooth delivering of Bougainville projects.

Acting Deputy Chief Secretary for Strategic Planning and Policy, Stephanie Elizah, said such visits are important to see how resourced are effectively channelled towards the sustainable development projects.

Bougainville Projects

“The primary objective of these monitoring visits is to conduct comprehensive assessments of all Bougainville Development Projects at the district level, closely examining their progress and ensuring strict adherence to established guidelines,” she Elizah.

These visits coordinated through the ABG’s Office of the Chief Secretary is desired to maintain
transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources in the pursuit of Bougainville’s development objectives.

The team had visited 21 project sites including building and construction sites and economic development projects in several districts. The monitoring visits are part of the ABG’s annual performance review and reporting process.

This initiative is incorporated in the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027, which was launched recently in Awara.

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News

It’s Time for Change

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Calls for a cabinet reshuffle has been made to Prime Minister James Marape to bring the best MPs from both sides of the house together.

Chuave MP James Nomane, made this remark when reflecting on how the government is addressing the socio-economic challenges in the country on the eve of PNG’s 48th Independence.

“In the last 12 months, the country’s socio-economic indicators have regressed. We just need to look at the lack of jobs, no medicine in hospitals, and the unprecedented crime wave. This is a reality check and an indictment on our ability to manage the nation’s affairs as its elected leaders,” said Nomane.

He said the government is yet to mitigate the PNG’s Youth Bulge Pandemic, create safer
communities, leverage its geopolitical strengths for rapid growth, create mass employment
through foreign direct investment and promote sustainable resource management that gives.
immediate benefits to landowners.

“How can we expect our people to be more and do more when we have failed to create a conducive environment for them to grow, inspire, and succeed,” Nomane said.

He said the government cannot continue to pass the buck and must demonstrate total ownership of the multiple crises affecting the people; Economic stagflation, health system collapse, high attrition rates in the education sector, a weak electoral process, and an upsurge in violent crimes that threatens to spiral into anarchy.

“This Independence Day I call on the Prime Minister to put the country first and do a
complete Cabinet reshuffle that brings the best of both government and opposition MPs
together”, said Nomane.

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News

Flights Resumed to Tokua Airport

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PNG Air flights into Tokua airport resumed today after the airline suspended its flights for the whole of yesterday.

The temporally suspension was put in place after the Tokua Airport Terminal Building was broken into by armed criminals who attacked security guards.

Police reported the break and enter and robbery incident involving 25 criminals who entered the terminal building and destroyed computers, check-in counters and scanning machines between 2am to 3am on Wednesday morning.

East New Britain Police Commander Januarius Vosivai said while police know the identity of six men allegedly involved, the incident paints a bad image for the province.
“The suspects are believed to be from two plantations from within the vicinity of the airport area,” said PPC Vosivai.

Police believed the armed criminals entered the terminal building airside and made their way to the other side of the terminal.

Meanwhile, PNG Air flights into Wapenamanda remains suspended due to on-going tribal violence in the Enga Province.

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News

PNG Power Proposes No Blackout

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No Blackout

PNG Power says it will strive to ensure there will be no power disruption throughout the country as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 48 years of national sovereignty.

The national electricity service provider has come under scrutiny by Papua New Guineans who complained about frequent power outages in main centres like Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen.

However, Chief Executive Officer of PNG Power, Obed Batia said he want to personally commit to ensuring PNG celebrates Independence free from any planned maintenance or shutdowns.

“All scheduled maintenance plans that will downtime on power supply have been postponed to ensure everyone enjoys their Independence Celebrations”, said Batia.

He added that there are some provinces are experiencing load shedding of electricity but by end of today (Thursday 13th September 2023) there will be no planned power outage.

Batia has asked the general public to be vigilant during the celebration to avoid instances to damages caused to the power poles and lines which can lead to unexpected loss of power supply.

Papua New Guinea will observe 48 years of Independence on 15th September (tomorrow) because Independence day falls on Saturday.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/tag/edevu-hydropower-dam/

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Climate Change

Grants for Research Work

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Climate Research Grants

The Australian Government has announced it will support research work towards Papua New Guinea’s Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Policy.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp said this will be through the form of grants offered to the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA)

These funding support will is aimed at emerging cohort of climate researchers from PNG to deliver evidence-based research in support of PNG’s climate goals.

The grants will support eligible Master’s and Doctoral students in a one year program of research and the findings during the study which will be presented at the Third National Climate Change Summit next year.

It will be delivered in partnership with CCDA, the National Research Institute (NRI), and the PNG Science and Technology Secretariat.

This joint initiative between PNG and Australia is one component of Australia’s dedication to support PNG implement the climate national adaptation and mitigation goals.

Part of this partnership included the facilitating of a team of international experts from the Australian National University to attend the National Climate Change Summit in Port Moresby.

Presentations made by climate change specialists from Australia included topics on climate challenges faced by communities in the Pacific Region and how to identify solutions.

The topics covered blended finance options for climate adaptation, climate justice and social inclusion, and new research to trial carbon trading through coffee farming.

Meanwhile the application information for the climate research grant opportunities will be available on the Climate Change and Development Authority website following the conclusion of the Summit.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/new-climate-change-regulation-to-improve-carbon-trading/

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Arts & Culture

Support towards Goroka Show

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Goroka Show

South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has announced its commitment to supporting the annual Goroka Show.

Aaron Japu, SPB Regional Sales Manager for the Highlands region, expressed the company’s dedication to the Goroka Show, which spans several decades. “SP Brewery has remained a steadfast sponsor of the Goroka Show, and we are honored to continue our support,” said Japu.

“This event is a vital platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea, and we are proud to be part of its journey.”

In line with their commitment to responsible consumption, SP Brewery will set up a dedicated booth at the show.

The booth aims to raise awareness about responsible alcohol consumption and promote safe behaviors among attendees. Showgoers above the legal drinking age of 18 are invited to visit the SP Brewery booth to engage in informative discussions about responsible drinking practices.

Additionally, the SP Lager Coaster Bus promotion will be highlighted at the event.

The Goroka Show, an event of cultural celebrations in Papua New Guinea, will be held from September 15th to 17th at the National Sports Institute in Goroka. Showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region, the event attracts both local residents and visitors from around the world.

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News

Project Management Training

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EU STREIT PNG

Government officers and private contractors in Papua New Guinea have been equipped with enhanced project management skills in a recent comprehensive capacity-building training, as stated from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The training, part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, was designed to improve the quality and efficiency of transport infrastructure project management in the country.

The infrastructure sector is crucial to Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and connectivity.

The capacity-building workshop held in Wewak focused on Project Scheduling and Resource Planning, engaging a diverse group of participants, including key stakeholders, contractors and government officers involved in road construction.

The training aimed to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to use project management software such as Primavera and Microsoft Project, which are pivotal for effective scheduling and project planning in transport infrastructure projects. The workshop covered essential aspects of project management, including project lifecycle, planning, time management, work breakdown structure, resource allocation, project structure, organisation breakdown structure, cost management, risk management, monitoring and control, and reporting.

The capacity-building initiative was attended by 20 participants from government agencies, private contractors, and development partners. One of the participants, Mr Sani Sani, Project Engineer from Sani Construction Limited, praised the training, stating that it was an “eye-opener” and the skills they acquired would be valuable in their work.

Key takeaways from the training included enhanced project efficiency, improved decision-making, timely project delivery, resource optimization, and fostering collaboration. Participants learned to use Primavera and Microsoft Project to optimize resource allocation, streamline workflow processes, and make data-driven decisions.

The ILO, under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of skills and capacities in Papua New Guinea’s transport infrastructure sector.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. Implemented as a UN Joint Programme with FAO as the leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF, and UNDP as partners, it aims to enhance sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas and improve the efficiency of value chain enablers.

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