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September 2023

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Crime

Criminals Vandalized Tokua Airport

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Tokua Airport

PNG Air has temporarily suspended its flights into Tokua airport after the terminal building was ransacked by more that 25 criminals who broke into the terminal this morning.

The airline released a statement at 10am today saying the suspension remains indefinite until the airline can determine safe operation back into the province.

East New Britain Police Commander, Januarius Vosivai said the criminals entered the airport terminal from the airside and vandalized both PNG Air and Air Niugini Officers inside the terminal building.

“Until the NAC (National Airport Corporation) gives a report, we can know the extent of damage. But the incident that happened paints a bad picture for the province,” said PPC Vosivai

Police say the criminals entered the airport premises with bush knives and attacked a security guard in the process.

The ransacking incident occurred in the early hours of this morning and properties destroyed include computers, scanning machines and check-in counters.

In December 2020, police reported a similar attack where 20 armed criminals from a nearby settlement, attacked and robbed students from the University of Natural Resources and Environment who were at the Tokua airport waiting to check-in.

The security breached in 2020 had forced authorities to close Tokua airport but was reopened shortly. In this incident, the extent of damages on airport properties is estimated to be more and may take longer for flights to be resumed.

Police say they have identified six suspects involved in the raid and are working on arresting them.

Meanwhile national flag carrier, Air Niugini has offloaded a number of its passengers who purchased tickets to fly out of Tokua since last Saturday 9th September 2023.

With the airport now vandalized those passengers offloaded may be spending Independence away from their families.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/continuous-flight-delays-cause-frustration-among-passengers/

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Rugby League

Daly Cherry-Evans Headline Aust PM’s XIII

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PM's XIII

The Australian Rugby League Commission and the Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese, MP has announced the Australian Men’s and Women’s Prime Minister XIII squads to take on PNG PM’s XIII teams at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, on Saturday, September 23rd.

The Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII will include eight representatives from the 2022 World Cup winning Kangaroo squad, for the first Prime Ministers XIII encounter in PNG since 2018.

The Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII has been selected with a view to giving some of the best up and coming players in the NRLW an opportunity alongside a number of established representative players including Kennedy Cherrington, Botille Vette-Welsh and Tallisha Harden.

“Being Prime Minister is a great honor. I enjoy every part of the job, but a fun part is getting to pick the PM’s XIII sides,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“These contests represent far more than just a couple of games of footy. Papua New Guinea and  Australia are the closest of neighbors and we are the best of friends. We are working together to build a more prosperous stable and peaceful region. Rugby League is an opportunity to celebrate our friendship and strength in our partnership.

“I’m really looking forward to Cam and Tallisha leading out their teams in Port Moresby, and know the contest will be great for the game, a thrill for the players selected and another important step forward for our region.”

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM congratulated all players on their selection in a special team.

“These players have performed exceptionally well throughout the season and have earned the chance to wear the Green and Gold for Australia,” Mr V’landys said.

“I congratulate the players selected for both teams as to represent your country is the ultimate achievement. It’s also an inspiration for fans in Australia and of course the fans in PNG, where Rugby League means so much.”

Australian Men’s PM’s XIII Coach Mal Meninga said the match would provide a selection guide ahead of the first ever Pacific Championships across October and November.

“This squad is a blend of experience from the World Cup last year, additional State of Origin players from this year, as well as younger players who would like who we would like to see at this level,” Meninga said.

“There was fairly unanimous agreement across the selections and I can’t wait to see this group test themselves in the green and gold.”

Australian Women’s PM’s XIII Coach Brad Donald said the PM’s XIII would provide opportunities for the players to both further their representative aspirations as well as experience something quite unique.

“It’s a really well-balanced team featuring some of our First Nations Gems players, emerging talent in the NRLW competition and a handful of Jillaroos representatives who will be the key leaders,” Donald said.

The PM’s XIII concept is aimed at using rugby league to drive social awareness messages. This year’s event will also see the introduction of the Australian school boys and girls taking on our Junior Kumuls and Orchids respectively, with support from the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade and the NRL.

The 2023 Australian. Men’s Prime Minister XIII is as follows (alphabetical order).

Josh Addo-Carr                                Bulldogs

Daly Cherry-Evans (VC)                  Sea-Eagles

Reuben Cotter                                 Cowboys

Tom Dearden                                   Cowboys

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui                       Titans

Emre Guler                                       Raiders

Ben Hunt                                           Dragons

Nicho Hynes                                     Sharks

Alofiana Khan-Pereira                    Titans

Zac Lomax                                         Dragons

Cameron McInnes                          Sharks

Cameron Murray ©                        Rabbitohs

Reece Robson                                  Cowboys

Tyrell Sloan                                       Dragons

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow                    Dolphins

Murray Taulagi                                Cowboys

Jake Trbojevic                                  Sea Eagles

Cody Walker                                     Rabbitohs

Hudson Young                                 Raiders

The 2023 Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII is as follows (alphabetical order):

Teagan Berry Dragons

Kennedy Cherrington (VC)            Eels

Rueben Cherrington                       Eels

Abbey Church                                  Eels

Keisha-Leigh Coolwell                    Broncos

Quincy Dodd                                    Sharks

Kayla Fleming                                   First Nations Gems

Tallisha Harden ©                          Cowboys

Kimberly Hunt                                 Eels

Emma Manzelmann                       Cowboys

Jasmin Morrissey                            First Nations Gems

Rachel Pearson                                Eels

Christian Pio                                     Tigers

China Polata                                     Cowboys

Tiana Raftstrand-Smith                 Cowboys

Taneka Todhunter                           Eels

Casey Tohi-Hiku                               Eels

Botille Vette-Welsh                        Tigers

Jakiya Whitfield                               Tigers

Janelle Williams                              Raiders

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Rugby League

PM’s XIII 2023 to Include Junior Matches

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The infamous Prime Minister’s XIII rugby match between PNG Kumuls and Australian Kangeroos is expected to see Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids taking on Australian school boys and girls in the two days of the rugby tournament.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced twelve teams will participate when the games are held in Port Moresby later this month.

PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, said the PNGRFL were delighted to see the game back in PNG after 5 years, and fans will be treated to a massive weekend of rugby league come the 23rd and 24th of September.

“For the first time in the history of the PM’s XIII matches, there will be 12 teams playing 6 games over 2 days, something that’s never been done before and we look forward to welcoming all our fans over the two days.” said Hondina.

The PM’s XIII concept is an initiative of both the PNG and Australian governments and since 2005, the matches were one event most Port Moresby residents look forward to annually.

The drawcard matches are on Saturday 23 September, while on Sunday 24th September, the fans will be treated to the up-and- coming stars of our game going head-to-head, with the Defence Men the final match of the day.

For ticket purchasing the ticket prices are priced accordingly and keeping in mind that the prices are consistent with the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the 2019 Great Britain Lions Tour to PNG.

While the Corporate Boxes have all been allocated to the Game’s major sponsors and dignitaries, there are still opportunities for individuals and companies to be a part of a weekend of world class rugby league.

The schedule for the weekend is as follows;

  • Saturday 23rd September 2023
  • 12pm: Defence Women – PNGDF Vs ADF
  • 2pm: PM’s XIII Women
  • 4pm: PM’s XIII Men
  • Sunday 24th September 2023
  • 12pm: Junior Orchids Vs Australian School -Girls
  • 2pm: Junior Kumuls Vs Australia School Boys
  • 4pm: Defence Men – PNGDF Vs ADF

The ticket prices are as follows;

Saturday 23rd September 2023 Stands;

  • Grandstand K120
  • Western Wings K80
  • Eastern Stand K50
  • North & South K30

And Sunday 24th September 2023 Stands;
Grandstand K40
Western Wings K25
Eastern Stand K15
North & South K10

Tickets are on sale now from 6pm today Online at Tiketmastas.com, or you can buy over-the- counter this Friday at at selective normal outlets including;

  • Brian Bell Boroko
  • J-Mart Erima
  • Cool Stuff Rangeview

All games will be held at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

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Crime

Arrest Warrants Expected

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UBS Loan

A significant breakthrough has been reached in the long-standing probe into the controversial 2014 state loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is set to issue arrest warrants for a number of individuals implicated in the case, following an exhaustive 18-month investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions, including Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Australia.

The charges are a direct result of the work of the Proceeds of Crime Task Force, a special unit established by the RPNGC to investigate the UBS loan.

“The charges that are about to be laid are covered by the Criminal Code Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act,” said Commissioner of Police, David Manning. The alleged offences are described as “extremely serious”, depriving Papua New Guinea citizens of substantial public funds.

Former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill was arrested following the Inquiry into the UBS loan in June on allegations of giving false information during the inquiry.

InsidePNG has reached out to Peter O’Neill who said he will not comment as the case is before the court.

In a stern warning, Commissioner Manning stated that any attempts to spark social unrest in response to these arrests would be met with swift and resolute action, potentially leading to additional charges. He called on the public to act responsibly and be prepared for potential disturbances.

He also emphasised that those charged would have their day in court, allowing justice to take its course. “Individuals charged will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court as part of due process,” Manning said.

The individuals involved in the UBS loan scandal stand accused of a massive breach of public trust and abuse of government office. “No one is above or beyond the reach of the law,” the Commissioner declared, adding that the police will “fearlessly execute their constitutional duties in the service of our country.”

The Proceeds of Crime Task Force, made up of members of the Fraud Squad, forensic auditors, and other specialist experts, has been instrumental in uncovering the alleged offences.

The upcoming arrests follow the completion of the ‘Royal Commission of Inquiry into processes and procedures followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea in obtaining the offshore loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and related transactions,’ which concluded in March 2022 with a final report.

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News

PNG Logging Volumes Fail to Meet Reduction Targets

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Export Logging failing targets

Papua New Guinea (PNG) continues export logging at an unsustainable rate, falling short of the government’s reduction targets, according to ACT NOW!, a community advocacy group. The group’s analysis of official data reveals that the PNG Forest Authority has not been able to maintain export volumes within the limits set by the government.

Prime Minister James Marape has consistently spoken of his government’s goal to eliminate all round log exports by 2025. Instead, Marape has urged the forest industry to shift their focus to downstream processing and value addition. This change is projected to increase employment, generate more export revenues, and help PNG uphold its international commitments to reduce deforestation and preserve forests.

The Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), released in May, backs the government’s policy by setting annual log export limitations. Starting from 1,695,000 cubic metres in 2024, these limits are slated to decrease each year to a maximum of 200,000 cubic metres by 2027.

ACT NOW!’s analysis of official log export data, however, suggests that the PNG Forest Authority is not meeting these targets.

“Over 1.1 million cubic metres of logs were exported in the first half of 2023 alone,” says Eddie Tanago, ACT NOW!’s Campaign Manager. “This volume is equivalent to 66% of the maximum limit set for the entire year.”

Unless immediate action is taken to decrease log export volumes, ACT NOW! predicts that the government’s limit will be exceeded by more than 500,000 cubic metres by the end of 2023.

ACT NOW! additionally reports that one-third of log exports originate from logging projects authorised under a Forest Clearance Authority (FCA), despite a moratorium on new FCA projects implemented by the National Forest Board in December last year.

FCAs are intended to permit the clearance of small, discrete forest areas for agricultural planting or other land use changes under the Forest Act. ACT NOW! alleges, however, that FCAs are being misused to enable the exportation of large volumes of logs from areas not designated for agriculture over extended periods.

In a recent report on the Wammy Rural Development Project, ACT NOW! highlighted an instance of continuous logging under an FCA for eight years with no evidence of promised agricultural planting.

The advocacy group insists that the immediate cessation of log exports from fraudulent FCA projects could significantly help reduce export volume to within government limits.

“The PNGFA should immediately suspend all logging and log exports from FCA areas,” Tanago advises. “A public review should then be conducted to determine the legitimacy of these projects.”

Such efforts, ACT NOW! believes, will not only address the issue of widespread illegal logging but also help bring down the volume of log exports to within government targets.

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News

Support for Aquaculture Development

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Fish Farming

An initiative desired to increase access to nutrient-rich fish protein and improve diets of approximately 856 rural residents has gained positive response in West Sepik Province.

As part of the EU-funded STREIT PNG Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched this program to support inland fish farming in the Vanimo-Green District,

FAO supplied 12,900 high-quality Tilapia fingerlings to 107 households in Yako, Pewi Conner, Hogru, and Biaka villages located along Vanimo west Coast.

These beneficiaries are owners of more than 200 fish ponds and six fish nurseries. As part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, these farmers have received training in aquaculture production techniques, including Tilapia biology and lifecycle, fingerling stocking, fish feed production using local ingredients, pond construction and management, and financial record-keeping, among other skills.

The initiative, which is in partnership with the Provincial Fisheries and Marine Resources Office, focuses on helping inland fish farming households to increase fish production, earn a higher income, and boost food security in inland areas.

FAO Fresh Water Aquaculture Officer, Lapia Renagi, said the tilapia fish has a mild flaky taste and firm meat texture, and that makes it a top consumer choice.

“With a steady growth gradient, Tilapia fish farming is emerging as a potential income stream as wild stock populations are dramatically declining.” said Renagi.

As part of the initiative, households received between 50 to 150 fingerlings, depending on the size and number of their fish ponds. FAO plans to continue its support to West Sepik Province with an additional 20,000 fingerlings.

The intervention comes as part of the fisheries value chains upgrading plan in the Sepik region. This plan is based on a study commissioned by the FAO to the PNG National Fisheries Authority (NFA) under EU-STREIT PNG, which identified challenges faced by key actors.

“Inland Fisheries or Fresh Water Aquaculture is the fastest growing industry globally, taking over from capture fishery,” said Mr Mohammed Zakir Hossain, FAO International Fisheries Officer.

“It is an environment-friendly and sustainable activity and an effective option to shifting fishing pressure on natural habitats.”

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, led by FAO, is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in Papua New Guinea. It focuses on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through enhancing cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers. The programme also supports sustainable, climate-resistant transport and energy infrastructure development.

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News

Search for Pacific Musician

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Pacific Break

The search is on for the next best original musical talent from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The launch of the 2023 Pacific Break is set to kick off in Port Moresby come 21st September and a winner will be announced on 2nd November.

Pacific Break is considered the longest running music competition in the Pacific and was first hosted in 2008.

For this year, a free concert will be held at the Lamana Gold Club and will feature last year’s winner, Danielle and PNG-born Australian artist Ngaiire.

The winner of 2023 Pacific Break will be flown to Australia to attend its largest international music festival WOMADelaide in March 2024.

Pacific Break 2

Throughout this six-week campaign, (September to November) featured artists in the region will have their music and videos featured on ABC Radio-Australia and including ABC Pacific digital and social media forums.

With the entries set to close on 2nd November, a winner will be announced on ABC Radio- Australia’s morning show Nesia Daily on Thursday 9 November.

Judge’s for this year’s talent search will include Ngaiire, DJ Hau Latukefu, Sose Fuamoli, and Rick Howe.

Australia says it is proud to promote the growth of unsigned artists living in the Pacific and Timor-Leste through such career-changing opportunities.

For more information on about Pacific Break visit www.abc.net.au/pacificbreak.

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International

Marape Clears Statement

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West Papua

Prime Minister, James Marape says he wants to set the record straight on his meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo regarding the West Papua Issue.

Marape claims an earlier statement regarding PNG’s position to abstain from supporting West Papua United Liberation Movement (WPULM) for a full fleged membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was released without consent.

In an effort to rectify the misinformation and alleviate concerns raised within the MSG, Marape released another statement to address the inaccuracies.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape

“An earlier statement released without consent wrongfully said that at the recently-concluded MSG Leaders’ Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, I informed leaders of PNG’s abstaining from supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) bid for full membership, plus a notation that human rights issues in West Papua are of no concern to PNG. I wish to clarify these misconstrued assertions.” said Marape.

Marape corrects that, “Papua New Guinea never abstained from West Papua matters at the MSG meeting, but rather, offered solutions that affirmed,” said Marape.

Marape made these comments during the bilateral meeting with President Widodo in Jakarta and stressed the respect PNG government has towards Indonesia’s sovereignty, territorial rights but Human Rights is a different issue.

“When matters concerning ULMWP’s application for membership was raised, I indicated that the presence of Indonesia on MSG as an Associate Member and ULMWP as observer is sufficient for the moment. MSG has placed a moratorium on new membership until the criteria for membership is reviewed,” Marape said

Marape said President Widodo has assured him that all is okay in the two Papuan provinces and invited senior government members to visit it’s Papua Province..”

West Papua
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News

Iduhu urges Govt to reassess Connect PNG Road and Highway Program

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(PHOTO FILE: Courtesy of Connect PNG road and highways program.)

MEMBER for Hiri-Koiari district, Keith Iduhu voiced his urgent concern today regarding the Marape Government’s ambitious Connect PNG Road and Highway program that aims to build inter-provincial highways across the country. Instead, he urged the government to prioritize the construction and improvement of district and provincial roads, enhancement of social services, and bolstering of local economies.

Mr Iduhu acknowledges the long-term necessity of a nationwide road network, but insists that immediate attention should be given to pressing local issues.

Many residents of his district and Central Province share his skepticism towards a program that focuses on linking distant provinces, while many key social programs are yet to be implemented by the government.

The MP, who is part of the Marape Government, said although he subscribes to government policies, he felt obligated to express his constituents’ reservations.

He pointed out that the country currently faces a law and order situation spiraling out of control, compounded by economic difficulties that are straining society.

He highlighted the struggles of districts and provinces in fulfilling the basic rights of their people, including services in education, law and order, health, infrastructure, economic development, and housing.

He stated, “It is apparent that most districts and provinces are lacking in access to water, power, police and judicial services, housing, and basic infrastructure, and yet the proposed connection of provinces and regions will only create more problems for local leaders.”

Mr Iduhu also raised concerns about the lack of credible data on population and demographics, stating that without key development indexes, the country risks further social issues and the exacerbation of existing problems.

The MP pointed to the example of Port Moresby, which he claims, is struggling to accommodate the millions of Papua New Guineans seeking a better life.

The city’s inability to meet the growing demand for services and opportunities has led to issues such as land grabbing, criminal activity, and environmental degradation.

Mr Iduhu emphasized that the desire to migrate stems from a lack of services, not roads. He called for prioritizing district and provincial economic development before opening borders to the rest of the country.

He asked, “How can we deal with further migration when our current services are not capable of taking care of the local population?”

He suggested that the government should consider reallocating the funding for these highway projects to improve basic services throughout the country, building up local economies and service centres first before embarking on this program.

Mr Iduhu made these remarks on behalf of concerned citizens, and appealed to the government to respect their concerns and rethink the Connect PNG program.

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Education

Supporting Adult Literacy

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Adult Literacy

A teacher with over 15 years of experience has found herself teaching adult basic literacy skills in her community in Southern Highlands Province.

Margaret Emmanuel from Ialibu had always wanted to be a changemaker in her community.

She said after seeing that adults lack basic literacy skills, she took on the challenge to help her people.

In 2022 Margaret completed a phonics training and a Level 1 Adult Literacy Teacher Training with the support of the Baptist Union of Papua New Guinea (BUPNG) church in Kompiam, Enga province and the Australian Government’s Church Partnership Program.

“People in my church struggled to read the Bible and understand the word of God. Since there were classroom buildings left vacant for many years, I combined the two and saw an opportunity to teach literacy”, said Margaret.

So far Margaret had taught three groups of people, one was combined group of students in Grade 8 to 12.

Margret says her approach encouraged parents to support their children to further by engaging more in their education aspirations.

Left: Margaret Emmanuel (Seated) with class participants
Right: Preparing class materials.

“Most parents don’t know how to read and write thus find it difficult to support their children. For example, they can’t read report cards, so they neglect participating in their children’s learning. [Through these literacy classes], parents and children can work together, and learning can be both ways.”

Margaret’s initiative is suppored by her family and church community.

She hopes to further this adult literacy trainings throughout her District.

“I believe that when I change someone, that person will [go out] and change the community. I want to build that foundation early in the community.” said Margaret.

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