Archive

October 2023

Browsing
News

Ready for Work

By
PALM

The ten women from Bougainville selected to undergo the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will commence work at an Australian berry farm.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp said the ten are the first lot of women to represent their region (Autonomous Region of Bougainville).

“These remarkable women are, we hope, the first of many Bougainvilleans who will travel to Australia under the scheme,” said Philip.

The Bougainville Labour Mobility initiative is a collaboration between the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the PNG Government, and Australia, to increase the number of Bougainvilleans participating in the PALM scheme.

Shirley Philips from North Bougainville is one of the ten women undergoing this program. Philips said through PALM, workers from across the Pacific are developing skills and make an income to send back to their families.

“They are filling workforce shortages across industries in Australia, including in agriculture, food processing, and aged care” said Philips.

Since work began in January 2023, more than one hundred Bougainvilleans have been selected to join the PNG LMU work-ready pool.

Labour mobility is an important driver of economic growth and one of the most effective ways to support individuals and their communities.

Labour mobility also provides vast benefits to Australian employers and host communities and strengthens people-to-people links.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/bagana-assistance/

Keep Reading
By
News

Koiari LLG Focus on Capacity Building

By
Koiari LLG

The Koiari Local Level Government in the Hiri Koiari District of Central Province has invested in a new Administration Building. This is part of their capacity building program.

The LLG Manager Alfred Kennedy said, the administration center which used to be at Sogeri, is now being built at 15 mile. Less than an hours drive outside of Port Moresby.

The new administration building is being constructed at the cost of K320 000. Funded by the Central Provincial Administration.

Koiari LLG Admin Building

The LLG president said this is part of their strategic plan to build their capacity at the LLG level, and to ensure a good working environment for their workers.

“With the increase in Population and their demand for basic services, we need to have a better plan to serve our people. But we must sit in a good office space to do our work, and serve the interest of our people,” Kenedy said.

Koiari LLG Manager Alfred Kennedy

The LLG president said, with the new administration building in place, there are plans to build staff houses, including a health center.

“People from this ward area have to travel to Sogeri to get treatment. We need a health center to cater for the people of 14 mile and 15 mile. And also neighboring wards.” Kennedy said.

With Hiri Koiari being one of the newly established District in the province, the LLG is working closely with their local MP to ensure that their development aspirations are achieved.

However, Kennedy highlighted the shortage of staff from the LLG office.

“Currently we have only three staff. We are planning to recruit more casual workers to assist us in data collection and other administration duties.”

With all these plans in place, however, work on the administration building have been delayed, due to funding constraints.

The Koiari LLG Manager said they are committed to have their administration center completed by November.

Koiari LLG

Recent: https://insidepng.com/pom-out-of-water-supply/

Keep Reading
By
Agriculture

Exposure Visit to Madagascar

By
Vanilla Farming

An exposure visit facilitated by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has given one model vanilla farmer in East Sepik an insight into vanilla farming in Madagascar.

Nicodemus Mainga, a model farmer from East Sepik, was amazed. Mainga said the skills and knowledge he acquired, during the visit to Madagascar was invaluable.

He said he learned a lot about how Madagascar grows its top-quality vanilla, making them the best in the world.

“This visit was super helpful for me as a farmer. Now, I can share these techniques with my fellow farmers in Papua New Guinea. So we can also make vanilla as good as Madagascar’s. It’s a win-win for us, and I’m really happy I came to visit Madagascar,” Mainga said.

The exposure visit to Madagascar was arranged and supported by the FAO. A part of the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme, aimed at promoting the development of vanilla value chain in Papua New Guinea.

FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, Rabi Rasaily, says the exposure visit will improve their skills in vanilla production and processing. But most importantly to formulate good governing policies, regulations and standards that protect producers, traders and exporters rights. While contributing to quality assurance to establish trust on PNG vanilla with the international buyers.

The delegation from Papua New Guinea, included senior officers from Central Government agencies. Such as the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), the Spice Industry Board (SIB) under the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL). As well as Provincial Government and Administration Institutions.

The focal point of this journey was Sava, a region synonymous with vanilla excellence. Nestled on the northern and northeastern coast of Madagascar known as Sava.

An area that has become the epicentre of vanilla cultivation, encompassing every aspect from farming to processing and export.

Vanilla Farming

The delegation’s itinerary took them through this green expanse. Immersing themselves in the heart of the world’s leading vanilla production and export hub. A hub which accounts for approximately 80% of the global vanilla market.

The delegation was impressed by the quality of Madagascar’s vanilla product’s. As well as the strong collaboration among different stakeholders in the sector.

They also learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by the vanilla industry in Madagascar. Such as climate change, threat of pests and diseases, price volatility, quality standards, traceability, certification, and market access.

Floyd Lala, Director of the National Authorizing Officer Support Unit at DNPM, reflected on the enlightening visit. “After visiting Madagascar, I’ve gained valuable insights into their success as the world’s leading vanilla producer”, he said.

Vanilla Farming
Vanilla Farming
Keep Reading
By
News

Airline Downgrades Services

By
Air Niugini

Air Niugini flights into Madang province has temporarily been downgraded to Dash 8 services due to the airport runway being affected by the recent earthquake in Madang.

The airline company released a statement this afternoon following a notice from the National Airports Corporation (NAC) to commence repair work on the damaged runway.

Parts of Madang province experienced some level of damage during the 6.7 magnitude that occurred over the weekend.

Due to similar repair works at Western Highland’s Kagamuga airport, all Fokker and Boeing 737 flights to Mount Hagen have also been downgraded to Dash 8 aircraft.

Air Niugini says the airport runways have been shortened to allow the National Airport Corporation to carry out maintenance and repair works.

Air Niugini says while the situation is beyond their control safety of their passengers and aircrafts is their priority.

The airline company says it apologies for the inconveniences and will advise when jet operations into both Madang and Mt Hagen are resuming.

Keep Reading
By
News

Support Bilum Project

By
Bilum Project

The Department of Implementation and Rural Development, commenced the lower highlands region leg of its, “Bilum” Digital Reporting System awareness project, yesterday in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

The “Bilum” Digital Reporting System is an online platform. Incorporating the governance framework of the service improvement program (Provincial and District Services Improvement Program – PSIP & DSIP) to ensure districts and provinces maintain compliance.

Speaking during the opening of the workshop was Minister for Environment and Conservation and Member for Lufa District, Simo Kilepa. He said that the lack of good governance is one of the main contributing factors of corruption.

“Over the years, the SIP has done wonders to some provinces and districts. While there is no visibility of impact development and service delivery for others.
 
“I perceived that this Bilum Digital Platform project will also aid effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the SIP funds.

“All of this is part of good governance, addressing abuse and mismanagement of development SIP funds.

“I also think that the Bilum Digital Platform has the capacity to report on other development programs. Like Public Investment Programs, Section 119 and Section 114 reports. Though we have jurisdictional boundaries that guide these reports,” Kilepa said.

He added that the Bilum Digital Platform is leading the space. Capturing the development and service delivery data across the 22 provinces and 96 districts. Saying it will be the second biggest Integrated Information Management System to Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) in the country.
 
The Minister said DIRD Bilum Digital Platform is not just a digital tool – it is the embodiment of Government aspiration for a transparent, accountable and efficient Papua New Guinea – to improve our ranking. This platform promises to be the cornerstone for the future National Monitoring Authority under MTDP 4.

The reporting system hopes to strengthen accountability, transparency and ultimately improve service delivery in Papua New Guinea.

The awareness and familiarization workshop saw sub-national administrators from Eastern Highlands, Simbu and Jiwaka attend.

The Digital Platform Reporting system is funded by the GoPNG and Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

According to NGO group ACT NOW!’s DDA Watch website, out of the 96 districts in the country, Kilepa’s Lufa District is one of the 13 who has launched its Five Year District Development Plan for this parliament cycle.

Keep Reading
By
International

Marape Condemns Attack on Israel

By
Marape Condemns Attack

PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has cautioned Israel on its response to Hamas, a Palestine faction of Islamic Militants who attacked Israel and killed 384 people and the wounding of 1,697 others at 11:30am PNG time.

Described as a surprise attack, the on-going conflict between the Israeli and Hamas includes the dispute over Al-Aqsa Mosque which is considered sacred to both Palestine and Muslims.

The PNG Government is issuing statements condemning the attack because it recently opened its Embassy in Jerusalem.

Marape who condemned the attack on Israel said war-related violence is out of place in this modern day and age.

“In a world where the modern family of nations are coming together under the United Nations charter and rules on human rights, any issues we may have with each other must be resolved through peaceful means,” said Marape.

Marape said if they engage in war and acts of terrorism the response equals to violence.

“Papua New Guinea has shown this since 2001 when we came together to sit at the table in the Bougainville Peace Process. We settled on a Peace Agreement and we are now working through this process to resolve our issues peacefully,” Marape added.

Hence Marape has encouraged Hamas and others aggrieved in matters in relation to the Nation of Israel to resolve these issues through negotiations that can lead to a peaceful outcome.

PNG Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu, echoed Marape’s comments describing the attack as barbaric, unproved and callous.

“The grim reality of this senseless attack is that the hard yards of tedious gains and achievements would be lost overnight, said Wohengu.

He added that the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented economic and commercial growth and expansion in the region triggered by winds of change and flowers of friendship and springs of peace.

Keep Reading
By
News

Housing Scheme Back on Track

By
Duran Farm

The construction of houses at the Duran Farm Housing Estate in Port Moresby is set to commence, following the electrification launching of the Project recently.

Last week, Prime Minister James Marape, Housing Minister, Dr. Kobby Bomareo and dignitaries officially launched the project, by turning on the electricity to Duran Farm.

This signifies the start of the project, which will see over 2000 houses, being built at the cost of over K28 million.

Duran Farm

The Duran Farm Housing Project is a project undertaken by the National Housing Commission. The project aims to build affordable homes for middle class public servants.

Housing Minister, Dr Kobby Bomareo in his remarks thanked the Marape-Rosso Government. For their vision in providing affordable homes for the people.

The Minister said the Duran Farm project began in 2014, but has been delayed over the years, due to legacy issues and other management issues.

“We started very slow, we don’t have a proper board to protect some of our decisions. We have our management in place, but management were too slow,” the Minister said.

The Minister said this will not repeat under his leadership.

Five project developers have been appointed by the National Housing Corporation to develop the project.

Minister Bomareo challenged the developers to complete the project on time and on budget.

“We have our board already in place. Those developers who are not active, will have their contracts terminated,” the Minister said.

Prime Minister James Marape in his key note address highlight the need for Housing in the country.

He said that housing is an important need and every family needs to be housed.

“As a responsible government. We have made it our call to ensure there is a Housing program rolled out throughout the country. For our citizens to have a house, or land to build their house,” Marape said.

With the delay in the project over the years, the Prime Minister challenged the National Housing Corporation to provide a report on the project.

“We have failed our people big time, in as far as progress in this project. I want to commend the leadership today that we are getting up and get going,” Marape said.

Keep Reading
By
Education

Mrs Marape Visits Former School

By
Rachael Marape

Wife of Prime Minister, Rachael Marape, encouraged students at her former High School, to engage in agricultural activities or start up small businesses.

Mrs. Marape spoke on behalf of her husband, the Prime Minister, at the Aiyura National School of Excellence, in Eastern Highlands.

The National High School graduated 280 students last week.

Mrs. Marape highlighted the availability of SME’s and agriculture. She told students that if they cannot find a space at tertiary institutions and colleges, they should consider returning to their land to run their own small agriculture businesses.

“There are thousands of you coming out of schools every year, but there are not enough jobs at the moment for you all,” she said.

Rachael Marape was a student at Aiyura from 1988 to 1989. She reassured the school principal, Mr Karl Puluma, she would take his requests for the repair and maintenance of school facilities at the graduation, back to the Prime Minister to consider.

From the 280 students who graduated with their Higher School Certificates, included 42 Stem students.

Stem is a new education program recently introduced by Prime Minister Marape. To develop highly skilled young people in the National Schools of Excellence for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.

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

Keep Reading
By
News

PNGDF Welcomes NUSHIP Gilbert Toropo

By
Patrol Boats

The last of the four Guardian Class Patrol Boats gifted to Papua New Guinea Defence Force – Maritime Element has been handed over to the PNG Government.

PNG Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki accepted the (NUSHIP) patrol boat in a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Perth, Australia.

NUSHIP Gilbert Toropo’s Crew in Parade.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, said PNG and Australia are close friends with a long history of Defence cooperation.

“The Guardian-class Patrol Boat program is one of the most significant programs in support of our Pacific partners,” said Marles.

The NUSHIP which will be commissioned as HMPNGS Gilbert Toropo was designed and built by Australians in Australia.

This patrol boat joins Papua New Guinea’s other vessels Ted Diro, Rochus Lokinap and Francis Agwi as the 17th Guardian-class Patrol Boat delivered under the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program.

PNG Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki, and Australian Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh cut the ribbon during the Handover Ceremony of the NUSHIP Gilbert Toropo.

The program is a 30-year commitment by the Australian Government to ensure uninterrupted engagement with our Pacific partners in support of a stable, prosperous, and secure region.

Australia’s minister for Defence Industry and International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said the commitment is part of Australia’s long-standing commitment to support its Pacific partners.

“The construction and delivery of these Guardian-class Patrol Boats by Australia’s world class defence industry offers increased capability to our Pacific partners,” said Conroy.

The inclusion of this patrol boat will extend PNG’s ability to protect its territorial waters and tackle shared maritime security challenges such as illegal and unregulated fishing.

Australia’s minister for Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh said he was proud to deliver NUSHIP Gilbert Toropo.

“The Guardian Class Patrol Boats are critical assets that support Papua New Guinea’s maritime security operations, help to combat illegal fishing and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, contributing to the peace and prosperity of our region.”

Keogh emphasized that working together under the Pacific Maritime Security Program means we are well positioned to protect our collective maritime resources now, and into the future.

NUSHIP Gilbert Toropo’s Crew

Recent: https://insidepng.com/two-pngdf-sailors-trained-on-qi-jiguang/

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

Pacific Championships Squads Announced

By
Pacific Championships

The Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) CEO, Stanley Hondina together with PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk and the newly appointed Chairlady for the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove, in a press release, announced the 21-person squads for the upcoming Pacific Championships this October – November 2023.

Papua New Guinea will participate with the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids, playing matches in Port Moresby.

The teams under Head Coaches Justin Holbrook of the PNG LNG Kumuls and Ben Jeffries of the Santos PNG Orchids, are set to field the best available athletes in the sport, competing at the highest possible level and also exposing talent having come through the existing PNGRFL pathways.

Mr. Hondina shared, “With the excitement from the Prime Minister’s XIII and finally having international exhibition and test matches now returning to PNG, we are seeing the different levels of the pathway for our game highlight the ability of our pool of players from the various national championships and now the mentioned matches.”

“Our Coaches have been entrusted to engage and take our teams to where they need to be for these matches and I take this time to thank them for their leadership and wish them the best as they prepare for their upcoming matches,” Hondina added.

The PNG LNG Kumuls will vie for the Pacific Championship Bowl.

Match 1: 15th October 2023 Santos National Football Stadium
Match 2: 29th October 2023, Santos National Football Stadium
Match 3:– Finals TBC- 5th November 2023 at the Santos National Football Stadium

PNG LNG Kumuls

PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach, Justin Holbrook, will lead his team boasting PNG exports to England, Edwin Ipape of the Leigh Leopards and Wellington Albert of the London Broncos. The squad sees the injection of seasoned Kumul and RLWC Captain, Rhyse Martin, alongside the likes of NRL top performer, Alex Johnston. New faces to the squad include, Jack De Belin next to experienced Kumuls forward, Dan Russell both from NRL side, St. George Illawarra.

The Pacific Bowl series will also likely see PNG Hunters, Judah Rimbu, Junior Rop and Valentine Richard earn their Kumuls numbers as they make their debuts.

Wapu Sonk, Chairman of the PNG LNG Kumuls, said, “We saw an outstanding effort from our PMXIII’s side in September and it is a privilege to announce this year’s Pacific Championship squad, with a high calibre of our PNG players assembling from Australia, England and Papua New Guinea, to fly our flag for the first test match in country, since the 2019 Great Britain Lions match.”

Santos PNG Orchids

The Santos PNG Orchids squad will feature 12 Orchids who have earnt their numbers in the recent 2022 Rugby League World Cup and previous test matches. Whilst 6 have come from the PNGRFL National Women’s Championships which includes two promising talents from the Junior Orchids, Meli Joe and Yolanda Taute. After their performances during their Prime Minister’s XIII weekend match against the Australian School Girls side last month.

The Ben Jeffries coached side will go up against the Cook Island Moana 12:30pm, Sunday 22nd October, Santos National Football Stadium.

Newly appointed Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids and PNG Communications Manager of naming rights sponsor Santos, Ms. Celestine Ove, said, “The journey of the Santos PNG Orchids, has been one that continues to see the advancement of women in the sport and this squad highlights and celebrates the progress of our women and girls. Seeing our NRLW and Australian based players combined with the strong upcoming domestic talent and Juniors, is an indication of the evolution of the women’s game and I am proud to be able to share this squad, who will represent PNG come 22nd October.”

The Pacific Championships squads are as below:
2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
PNG LNG KUMULS SQUAD
15 OCTOBER -5 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Alex Johnston
South Sydney Rabbitoh
2
Benji Kot
PNG Hunters
3
Dan Russell
St. George Illawarra Dragons
4
Edwin Ipape
Leigh Leopards
5
Epel Kapinias
PNG Hunters
6
Jack De Belin
St. George Illawarra Dragons
7
Jacob Alick
Gold Coast Titans
8
Judah Rimbu
PNG Hunters
9
Junior Rop
PNG Hunters
10
Justin Olam
Melbourne Storm
11
Kyle Laybutt
Townsville Blackhawks
12
Lachlan Lam
Leigh Leopards
13
Liam Horne
Castleford Tigers
14
Nene Macdonald
Leeds Rhinos
15
Nixon Putt
Castleford Tigers
16
Rhyse Martin
Leeds Rhinos
17
Robert Derby
North Queensland Cowboys
18
Rodrick Tai
PNG Hunters
19
Valentine Richard
Central Qld Capras
20
Wellington Albert
London Broncos
21
Zac Laybutt
North Queensland Cowboys

2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS SQUAD
PNG V COOK ISLANDS, 22 OCTOBER 2023
1
Almah Johnson
PNG
2
Belinda Gwasumun
PNG
3
Bertshiba Awoi
PNG
4
Elsie Albert
NSW
5
Emily Veivers
QLD
6
Essay Banu
AUS
7
Freda Waula
PNG
8
Gloria Kaupa
NSW
9
Jessikah Reeves
AUS
10
Lancy Ulkambane
PNG
11
La-Toniya Norris-Addo
NT
12
Leila Kerowa
PNG
13
Lyiannah Allen
PNG
14
Meli Joe
PNG
15
Roswita Kapo
NSW
16
Sareka Mooka
QLD
17
Sera Koroi
QLD
18
Shellie Long
QLD
19
Sillah Rumints
VIC
20
Ua Ravu
ACT
21
Yolanda Taute
PNG

Keep Reading
By
Pin It