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October 2023

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Rugby League

Judah Rimbu Impressive on Debut

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Judah Rimbu

Judah Rimbu is fast becoming a breakout star for the Kumuls and has been gathering praise from a lot of the players in the team including the Coach, Justin Holbrook.

His performance on Sunday in the Pacific Championship Bowl Challenge against the Cook Islands was nothing short of hard work, he played 74 minutes making a total of 40 tackles and 84 passes at dummy half. He also had a try assist to his name. His contribution was praised in the 46 to 10 victory over the Cook Islands.

With the absence of Edwin Ipape, Judah made sure to perform at rake for the Kumuls.

His performance in the Prime Ministers XIII ensured a call up to debut for the Kumuls and Coach Justin Holbrook keeps piling on the praise.

Fellow teammate Jacob Alick was also commending of Judah adding that despite having a few marque players absent Judah was a standout on debut.

Judah Rimbu being the humble chap says he had dreamed of a Kumuls call up and said making sacrifices and hardwork has taken him this far.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/nene-macdonald-lifeblood-in-kumuls-camp/

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Rugby League

Don Polye on Rugby League NRL Bid

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NRL Bid

Sports Minister, Don Polye after the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge Match, commended the Kumuls on their win over the Cook Islands Aitu, and gave an update on a proposed Bill to be presented to Parliament.

The Bill will help with providing a guide for PNG to chart a course to a successful NRL Bid.

It will cover the development pathways and funding aspects associated with meeting the standards of the NRL competition.

Polye mentioned that Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League was refining the proposed bill to be presented by the Minister to Parliament.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/nene-macdonald-lifeblood-in-kumuls-camp/

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News

Marape Welcomes Ramu Nickel Expansion Plans

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Ramu Nickel

Developer of Ramu Nickel/Cobalt, Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) says it is considering expansion plans and doing downstreaming in Papua New Guinea.

This follows a meeting between PNG Prime Minister, James Marape and MCC Board Chairman, Chen Jiangguang in China.

Marape urged the company to expand into downstream processing because Ramu Nickel/Cobalt Project is a big project and invited MCC to move into other resource sectors, including Clean Energy.

MCC became the first company to come on board as a platinum sponsor of the inaugural PNG – Asia Investment Conference (16 October-17 October) and invited the chairman to visit PNG to see the environment in which Ramu Nickel operates.

Mr. Jiangguang thanked Prime Minister Marape for the government’s continued support of the project and says the MCC project in Ramu contributes to two-thirds of MMC’s revenue and is their biggest investment outside of China.

Ramu Nickel

Related: https://insidepng.com/ramu-nico-to-feature-women-lo-group-at-inaugural-canconex-inside-png/

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News

Meet with Head of Hong Kong Special Administration

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Hong Kong Meet

The merchandise trade between Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong Special Administration Region of China has recorded a substantial increase of 34 per cent in the past three years, from US$65 million in 2019 to US$87 million in 2022.

This information was revealed to PNG Prime Minister, James Marape following a brief meeting between Marape and Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administration Region in China, John Lee.

Hong Kong

The meeting resulted in an invitation issued for companies listed on the Papua New Guinea Stock Exchange (PNGX) to also be dual listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hang Seng Index (HSI).

Marape said their discussions on Sunday (15th October 2023) included Papua New Guinean companies having access to capital market in HKSAR, access to technologies and other capabilities that the Special Administrative Region (SAR) has to offer in all areas, including the public service.

John Lee welcomed Marape’s visit to Hong Kong, noting that Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea have been maintaining a close relationship in business despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19 pandemic.

Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific Island Nation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with China for co-operation on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.

Hence, more Papua New Guinean enterprises have been encouraged to leverage Hong Kong’s institutional strengths, such as the commitment to the Rule of Law, the free flow of information and capital, a simple and competitive tax system, with a view to seizing opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative.

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Rugby League

Nene Macdonald Lifeblood in Kumuls Camp

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Nene Macdonald

Nene Macdonald has been described as a leader in the Kumuls camp by Coach Justin Holbrook. The Kumuls finisher racked up to 214 run meters the highest in the match, five tackle breaks and two line breaks yesterday against the Cook Islands, a gutsy show of leadership.

Four try hero Nene Macdonald was out of football for an extended period. Due to paternity leave and recently severed ties with his club the Leeds Rhions. But amidst the controversy he was selected for the PM’s XIII challenge and ultimately to the Kumuls and yesterday scored four tries against the Cook Islands.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook said Nene seemingly is like the lifeblood of the team. He says Nene has been a leader in camp and has much to offer. Holbrook couldn’t pass the opportunity to have Nene on the team and his decision has been rewarded with Nenes performance on Sunday.

“Nene loves playing for the Kumuls you know. The minute he steps into camp he is one of the leaders. He gets everyone together, he makes sure there is a good environment.

“I keep reminding him train hard and play well. He just loves being back home in PNG with everyone like that. It makes for a good environment.

The PNG Kumuls have put themselves as favorites on home soil for the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge with a convincing win over Cook Islands 46-10, but they will face their toughest opponent the Fiji Bati.

PNG is currently ranked 6th, while Fiji is ranked 7th according to International Rugby League rankings. Fiji take on the Cook Islands this weekend. While PNG will be on bye and face Melanesian rivals Fiji on the 29th of October 2023.

Despite Cook Islands best efforts in the second half, PNG managed to dominate the score board. Coach Justin Holbrook said they overcame the challenge of Cook Islands but he feels the biggest challenge they face is Fiji.

“We had a big lead obviously and it was tough conditions, and we were good enough to come out with a win.

“Some of these players hadn’t played footy in a while and it’s great to have a hit out and we really enjoyed it.

“Yes we have to be more consistent, Fiji obviously is a stronger side and we know that we had discussed that as a team, it’s just the first game but we will work hard on finishing the game a lot better,” Holbrook said.

With Edwin Ipape, Rhys Martin and Wellington Albert yet to arrive in Port Moresby Holbrook will be making some tough calls to the lineup.

“It will be a tough decision for me in a couple of weeks’ time against Fiji. Knowing the quality of the depth of players we have in our camp. Ultimately that’s what we want. To have a big pool of players to choose from,” Holbrook said.

PNG ran in nine tries in a dominant performance against a woeful Cook Islands side, that were battered early on. Managing to pick up their game in the second half to score two tries.

PNG managed to capitalize on the Cook Islanders poor defensive effort, with winger Nene Macdonald scouring four, while Zac Lybutt on debut, bagged himself two tries. Epel Kapinias, Valentine Richard and Robert Derby each scored a try as well.

Zack Laybutt with the boot managed to convert 5 from 10 conversion attempts.

Kumuls Coach, Justin Holbrook, was impressed with the team’s performance. The Kumuls led 30 – 0 at halftime but struggled to maintain their barnstorming effort in the first half. The Cooks managed to take advantage of the Kumuls downtime scoring two tries to Esom Ioka and Steven Masters.

The game ended with PNG coming out winners 46 to 10.

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News

Marape Arrives in Hong Kong

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James Marape

Prime Minister, James Marape has landed in Hong Kong to officiate at the inaugural Papua New Guinea – Asia Investment Conference today.

Marape departed Port Moresby yesterday morning with the hope to gain enhanced access to the Asian markets for Papua New Guinean businesses and industries.

Before flying off, he said PNG wants to elevate from being an exporter of raw products to becoming an exporter of finished products.

“This is the aim of the PNG-Asia Investment Conference, which will include a number of side meetings,” said Marape.

Papua New Guinea is interested in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, petroleum, mining, and tourism sectors.

Marape said the government would be inviting local businesses, especially those in manufacturing, to participate in the conference and make partnerships with family and corporate businesses in Asia.

Anthony Smare, President of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum said the conference is extremely important to unlock and create opportunities needed to grow the country.

“Creating jobs is a critical challenge for both government and those in other areas, increased investments mean more employment for everyone,” Smare said.

Prime Minister James Marape added that conversations would also be had on climate change and the conservation of Papua New Guinea’s forest for the Carbon trading market, where the government has introduced a policy to to conserve 30 percent of forests and to replant trees where timber has been harvested.

He assured carbon-conscious investors that PNG is a good place for them to do business because they can offset their carbon footprint by assisting PNG protect its forests.

Related: https://insidepng.com/marape-continues-international-travels/

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Climate Change

Response to Climate Change

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Bougainville Climate Change

Implementation work on a set of areas outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are expected to kick off in Bougainville, this month. The MOA signed in July between the Bougainville Government’s Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Environment and Conservation and the National Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) is desired to counter effects of Climate Change.

Key areas under this Agreement include these four crucial areas:

  1. Activity Plan for Climate Change Action in AROB: The teams will develop a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
  2. Capacity Building – ICT and Communications Training: Plans are underway to conduct training sessions aimed at enhancing the technological and communication capabilities necessary for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  3. Establishment of the AROB Climate Change Committee: A dedicated committee will be formed to spearhead climate change initiatives within the region.
  4. Medium & Long Term Plan for Climate Change Policy and Legislation: A robust plan for the development of climate change policies and legislation tailored to Bougainville’s unique circumstances will be devised in alignment with the ABG’s long term and medium term plans.

This actions comes after an initial visit by authorities to Pewana village, Koromira, Arawa Coast, Loloho and Teperoi communities.

In Teperoi Primary School, the land is under imminent threat due to continuous erosion caused by rising sea levels and wave action.

Bougainville Climate Change

The implementation of the MOA reflects the commitment of both the ABG and the CCDA to building a strong foundation for the region’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and a sustainable future in Bougainville.

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News

Pacific Partnership in Moem

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Wewak Pacific Partnership

Moem Barracks in Wewak is expected to host several humanitarian works over the coming weeks as part of the Pacific Partnership-2023.

The home of the Infantry Battalion, the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment is set to accommodate at least 1,500 military personnel participating in Pacific Partnership.

Similar to Exercise Pukpuk, an annual engineering exchange between PNG Defence Force and the Australian Defence Force, Pacific Partnership is an also an annual deployment of United States Navy supporting governments in the area of humanitarian aid or preparedness towards disaster assistance.

Wewak Pacific Partnership 2023

In Moem, the major project being worked on include engineering work on repairing of a damaged water collection system.

Wewak Pacific Partnership 2023

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Wewak, Pacific Partnership Mission Commander, US. Navy, Captain Claudine Caluori, said the team is excited to work with Papua New Guineans and experience PNG communities.

“I am looking forward to participating in the various activities we have planned here in Wewak over the next week, but on a personal level, our team is eager to experience all that Papua New Guinea has to offer and meet the locals and residents that make enduring missions like these possible,” said Captain Caluori.

For this mission stop in Wewak, Partners involved in the humanitarian and preparations towards disaster assistance include, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan and PNG.

Wewak Pacific Partnership 2023

Recent: https://insidepng.com/pacific-partnership-us-navy/

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News

Signing to Reopen Porgera Mine

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Porgera Mine

The signing of four agreements towards the re-opening Porgera Mine in Enga comes with the prediction the mine will reopen before the end of 2023.

The four agreements signed between the Papua New Guinea Government and New Porgera Limited include the Mining Development Contract, Special Mining Lease (SML) 13, Fiscal Stability Agreement, and Escrow Arrangement for Landowners.

Porgera will be operated by New Porgera Ltd, a company with a 51 percent ownership by Papua New Guinea stakeholders and 49 percent by Barrick

Prime Minister, James Marape expressed his gratitude to developer, Barrick for their care and stewardship of the mine since its closure in April 2020.

“This is the first time that a Papua New Guinea company has merged in a joint venture with a global supermajor like Barrick. This incorporated joint venture is structured in a way where accountability of all parties is on the table. I want to assure everyone that this has been done transparently,”Marape said.

The Porgera Mine was closed after Barrick’s Mining license reached an expiration date in April 2020. For the next three years, the state and the developer would engage in negotiations until the signing last Friday.

Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation said a milestone was reached and both parties will look forward to the exciting voyage ahead.

” We’ve worked hard to get here, and it’s important now to finish the last step, and that is the compensation arrangements for all the landowners. We want to get that out of the way as quickly as possible. We believe that we can do that with the help of everyone,” Bristow said.

The signing held at the Government House was witnessed by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Marape, Barrick Gold Corporation President and CEO Mark Bristow, company representatives, Enga Governor Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas, Ministers and MPs, Porgera landowner representatives, members of the State Negotiating Team, and others.

Related: https://insidepng.com/ipatas-wants-new-porgera-development-forum-in-enga/

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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Fresh Water Plans for Bougainville Atolls

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Bougainville Water

People from the Atolls in Bougainville will have access to electricity supply and water purifying projects set to commence in the coming weeks.

Through the 2023 High Impact Projects coordinated by Bougainville President, Ismael Toroama, locals on the Bougainville atolls will be recipients of five new Solar Mini Grids and Desalination Plants.

The project that costs K9.5 million will be built on Petats, Fead, Mortlock and Tasmas Islands and was awarded to local contractor DNF Engineering.

President Toroama said that the project is designed to provide people with the basic necessities of life and improve their livelihood within their communities.

“The rest of Bougainville takes for granted our ease of access to clean and safe drinking water. On the atolls it is a precious resource that they conserve and use wisely,” President Toroama said.

“Access to clean and safe drinking water is a universal right that I want our people in the Atolls to have. I urge our people in the Atolls to take ownership of this important development and use it to empower our communities,” President Toroama said.

President Toroama said that clean energy is the way to go with energy generation and the plants will not cause any harm to the environment and marine life in atolls.

The Mini Solar Grid and Desalination Plants will be constructed on communal areas, such as churches and schools, to enable greater community access by the people.

The Office of the President will also be conducting a feasibility study on the possible construction of a larger plant for Buin, Buka and Arawa Towns in the near future.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/coastal-waters-survey/

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