Papua New Guinea’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is eyeing the vast potential of the Chinese market to propel the country’s fisheries industry onto new heights.
In a recent statement, NFA Managing Director Justin Ilakani emphasized the importance of diversifying PNG’s fisheries exports beyond its traditional markets. While acknowledging the European Union’s significance in terms of value and quantity, Ilakani stressed that tapping into China could significantly boost the development of PNG’s non-tuna sector.
Despite the tuna industry’s prominence, the majority of participants in PNG’s fisheries sector are engaged in other activities such as coastal and inland fishing or aquaculture, reflecting the diverse opportunities awaiting exploration.
In recent years, PNG has witnessed a slowdown in investment in its tuna industry, largely due to external factors. However, there are signs of resurgence, with renewed interest from investors and the return of vessels. Ilakani attributed this positive trend to the government’s proactive measures in addressing policy and regulatory challenges.
Building investor confidence remains a gradual process, but PNG is making strides towards fostering a conducive environment for fisheries investment.
Currenly, PNG boasts nearly 200 fishing companies operating across various sectors, with thousands more involved in aquaculture as farmers. The fisheries sector currently generates approximately K5 billion and aims to quadruple its value to K20 billion, aligning with the government’s ambitious target of growing the country’s economic value to K200 billion.
The NFA’s strategic focus on the Chinese market underscores PNG’s commitment to diversifying its fisheries industry and contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth trajectory.
Tuvalu, a picturesque island nation nestled in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean is currently grappling with a relentless onslaught of storm surges and towering waves, wreaking havoc on coastal communities.
As with most island nations, spring tides occur, in the case of Tuvalu, February’s king tides is nothing like before. The island’s one main road has succumbed to the fury of nature, submerged beneath torrents of seawater, exacerbating the already dire situation faced by Tuvaluans.
With this year’s storm surges and the rising sea inundating vital transportation routes, many of the island’s inhabitants are questioning their future in the face of unyielding climate crisis. The only main road, the lifeline connecting communities and providing the flow of essential services recently became an impassable river filled with water, displaced rocks and coastal waste.
The flooding of the main road in Tuvalu has taken its toll on underground electricity generation. Homes, business and essential services are now grappling with the harsh reality of life without electricity for hours even days. This not only disrupts daily lives but also poses significant risks to public health safety. Papua New Guinea, the largest island in the pacific also face such ferocity within its coastal communities.
Scientists have predicted that Tuvalu might be submerged within 50 to 100 years but Tuvaluans are optimistic. Many young people are questioning themselves whether to continue living in Tuvalu and what the future holds for them and their families. The spectre of displacement and the ever-present threat of climate related devastation loom large, provoking deep seated concerns about the sustainability of life on the island.
In the heart of remote Bundi, Madang Province, a beacon of community-driven progress shines brightly as the Kumura Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Board and Management of MAPAI Transport Limited. Their invaluable support comes in the form of a crucial logistical vehicle, aiding in the realization of impactful community projects.
Since June 2023, and spanning the next two years, the Kumura Foundation, in partnership with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, has embarked on transformative initiatives. These include the construction of a dormitory for 70 students and the establishment of 10 essential community health posts.
Vincent Kumura, Director of the Kumura Foundation, acknowledges the significance of these endeavors, stating, “Despite our limited resources, these projects are vital for our community’s growth. We reached out to MAPAI Transport for assistance, and their response has been instrumental.”
The logistical support provided by MAPAI Transport’s vehicle, labeled ‘099’, has been nothing short of indispensable.
From transporting machinery for timber milling to ferrying construction materials for the dormitory at the Gembogl Orphan Resource Centre ACE School in Simbu Province, ‘099’ has been a lifeline for the foundation’s operations.
Moreover, ‘099’ has played a pivotal role in the construction of four community health posts in Upper Bundi, alongside bridge maintenance in Gembogl, connecting the region. Its versatility extends to facilitating the transportation of medical supplies and volunteers for the annual ‘Travel2Change’ medical patrol, where hundreds of patients receive vital care and referrals to appropriate health facilities.
The impact of ‘099’ extends beyond infrastructure development. On December 25th, the vehicle facilitated the delivery of donated bedding to the in-patient ward at the Denglagu Catholic Sub-Health Centre in Simbu, catering to patients from Bundi. Additionally, it aided in the transportation of reading books donated by the Rotary Club of Eastern Highlands, enriching educational opportunities in Bundi and Gembogl.
Mr. Kumura highlights the crucial role of ‘099’ in supporting vulnerable children from Bundi attending schools in Gembogl as boarding students. Weekly food ration deliveries from Kundiawa and Jiwaka are made possible through the vehicle, alleviating logistical challenges for the foundation.
As an emblem of community service, ‘099’ embodies the legacy of the late Chief Jacob Luke and his commitment to serving others. Since June 2023, it has traversed the Northern Corridor of Simbu, contributing to rural health, education, and community services.
The collaboration between the Kumura Foundation and MAPAI Transport exemplifies the power of community partnerships in driving positive change. Mr. Kumura reflects, “The impact of ‘099’ goes beyond measure. Late Chief Luke’s vision lives on through its service to the Northern Corridor of Simbu. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Board and Management Team of MAPAI Transport for their unwavering support.”
In the journey towards community empowerment, the partnership between the Kumura Foundation and MAPAI Transport stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collective action and shared commitment to progress.
Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited is teeing up for a significant cause with its upcoming charity golf tournament.
The event, set to kick off this Friday aims to rally support for cancer treatment services at Morobe Provincial Hospital.
Marlcom Negints, the Community Affairs Manager of Kumul Petroleum, announced that proceeds from the tournament will be dedicated to acquiring crucial cancer drugs.
Last year’s inaugural event saw remarkable success, raising over K368,000, thanks to the generous contributions of participants and sponsors.
This funding injection significantly boosted the availability of essential drugs for the cancer treatment facility.
However, with the high costs associated with cancer medications, Negints emphasized the ongoing need for financial assistance. Despite surpassing last year’s fundraising goals, there’s still a surplus of K70,000 to bridge the gap.
Beyond fundraising, Kumul Petroleum is actively involved in facilitating the importation of a cobalt-60 source, vital for advancing cancer care infrastructure. Supported by a K15 million commitment under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2020, this initiative underscores Kumul Petroleum’s dedication to corporate social responsibility.
David Wissink, Board Chairman of Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA), provided insights into the progress of cancer treatment initiatives. He highlighted significant advancements since the signing of the memorandum of understanding several years ago. Emphasizing the organization’s commitment to enhancing existing equipment for radiation therapy.
The cost of chemotherapy drugs remains a significant challenge, but Dr. Kipas Binga, CEO of Morobe PHA, expressed gratitude for Kumul Petroleum’s assistance in purchasing these vital medications. With a focus on collaboration between public and private entities, Dr. Binga reaffirmed Morobe PHA’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for the community.
The extension of the K15 million memorandum of understanding demonstrates ongoing support for cancer treatment initiatives. Dr. Binga assured the public that efforts are underway to restore radiation services by the end of March, utilizing remaining funds effectively to benefit those in need.
The Air Niugini Board and Management announced it had purchased bulk of jet fuel stock to support the operation of the airline during the shortage of Jet A Fuel in the country.
This decision is a response towards Jet A Fuel sole supplier, Puma Energy’s decision to close it’s Operations in Papua New Guinea
The shortage of jet fuel in PNG had already affected the airline’s ability to operate some flights as scheduled.
Air Niugini’s supply of jet fuel has been successfully delivered to Port Moresby storage facilities to ensure the continuity of scheduled services out of Jackson’s Domestic airport.
However, Air Niugini understands there is no regional center jet fuel delivery solution in place and In the event of any disruptions to the Air Niugini schedule due to the lack of regional jet fuel supply, announcements will be made to keep passengers informed.
Air Niugini’s jet fuel will be stored and transported to aircraft in strict compliance with the applicable standards including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, concerning international safety and regulatory conformance.
Meanwhile Air Niugini has been able to maintain its international flights, ensuring connectivity for passengers traveling between Papua New Guinea and international destinations. It will continue to manage its fuel requirements for the foreseeable future, whilst working to establish a permanent, capable, and appropriate aviation fuel supply contract.
Traffic Police in Lae says the additional bus fare charged by PMV Operators within the city is illegal.
Reserve Constable, Simon Ottogoma said the authorized bus fare amount put in place by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) remains unchanged at K1.30.
Ottogoma made this comments when addressing concerns from commuters on escalating bus fares and assured the public that PMV crew found charging above the approved rate or any passenger disputing to pay less could face penalties if reported to the traffic office.
It was clarified that this regulation applies specifically to routes within Lae City, following complaints from commuters about purported fare hikes.
PMV operators and crew members had cited increased fuel prices and recent shortages as reasons for proposed fare adjustments. However, Ottogoma reiterated the importance of adhering to the stipulated fare rate.
In a recent meeting with PMV operators, Ottogoma highlighted a concerning trend, stating that 99 percent of all crews in Lae have been operating without a crew permit, which constitutes illegal collection of fees from passengers.
He stressed the importance of acquiring the necessary permits, whether in the form of a photo ID or receipt from Traffic, which authorize crew members to collect fares in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, Ottogoma urged PMV owners to employ drivers and crew members who are well-versed in traffic regulations and signs to mitigate avoidable road accidents.
He cautioned PMV operators about the severe penalties imposed by the court for traffic-related incidents, with the highest penalty reaching K60,000 in cases where a driver is found guilty of causing an accident resulting in the death of a passenger.
The directives issued by Ottogoma aim to ensure compliance with regulations, maintain passenger safety, and uphold the integrity of the public transportation system within Lae City.
A Chinese-born businesswoman accused of taking part in an audacious plot to fly a light plane packed with drugs from Papua New Guinea to Australia allegedly ordered a co-conspirator to pay into a bank account in the name of PNG’s former Migration Chief in order to obtain a visa, court filings show.
Mei Lin, 41, was arrested and charged in Brisbane, Australia, in January for allegedly playing a key role in facilitating a “black flight” in March 2023 that carried over 71kg of methamphetamine from a remote PNG airstrip to the Australian town of Monto.
Lin, a naturalized PNG citizen, has denied the charges.
According to a statement of facts submitted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to a Brisbane court last week, Lin allegedly instructed one of her co-accused, Australia-based businessman Chun Li, to pay A$10,000 (US$ 6,546) to a Sydney bank account last February in order for Li to obtain a visa in order to travel to PNG and take part in the drug trafficking scheme. The money was allegedly transferred in mid-February last year.
The account at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia is simply listed in the police document as belonging to a “Stanis”. However, by using the bank’s online payment system, reporters were able to confirm that the branch and account numbers in the police document matched the full name of Stanis Hulahau, PNG’s then-chief migration officer.
Hulahau has not been charged with any crime.
“[I] am not aware of the transaction and will have to check with my Bank in Australia,” Hulahau wrote in response to questions from Inside PNG, adding that “the visa was granted electronically so there is no way I will be involved in this process.”
“I have no link to Mei Lin on the drug issue and [have] not assisted Mr Chun Li’s visa or travel to PNG to participate in drug activity as I am a leader who leads the fight against drug[s] in PNG,” he said.
The then Chief Migration Officer, Stanis Hulahau.
Hulahau resigned as migration chief earlier this month after reporting by Inside PNG, OCCRP and the ABC revealed that companies tied to Lin had received Australian government money under a controversial program to care for refugees and asylum seekers in PNG. Known as the PNG Humanitarian Program (PHP), the PNG government-administered arrangement is now under investigation over allegations that contracts had been improperly doled out and money had gone missing.
An Inside PNG-OCCRP investigation last month revealed how Lin had built a web of business ties with some of PNG’s most influential people. They include Moses Maladina, a former deputy prime minister who owns a company, Chatswood PNG, where Lin was previously employed and which has been a key contractor in the migration scheme. Maladina has denied any wrongdoing.
Lin was granted bail last week and is in Brisbane awaiting trial.
The latest police filing also contains new details alleging that last year’s black flight, if successful, was likely intended to be the first of many bringing drugs to Australia.
Police allege that Lin used a specialized encrypted communications device, under the handle “Make it Rain”, to coordinate the drug flight with members of an Australia-based syndicate that included local pilots.
The flight was intercepted in Monto on March 21 after the group had made previous unsuccessful attempts to fly to Australia, the AFP statement said. Police allege that the group intended the black flight to be the first in an “ongoing commercial business of importing methamphetamine from PNG to Australia”.
Police also stated that a forensic comparison showed similarities between the meth found on the black flight and an earlier stash of 125kg of meth seized in PNG in November 2022. Two Malaysians and two PNG nationals were reportedly charged over that previous haul.
Eight people have been charged so far over the black flight in Australia, while six others, including Chun Li, have been charged in PNG.
The case comes amid fears that PNG could become an increasingly important staging point in the lucrative trade bringing drugs to Australia, one of the world’s most expensive narcotics markets. Papua New Guinea suffers from endemic corruption, poverty and violence, and experts say organized criminals are seeking to build influence with local elites.
Callan Services PNG has many volunteers that help with their work. The Network of Callan Services is the largest provider of services to children and adults with disabilities in Papua New Guinea.
With their aim to help improve the lives of People living with disabilities, the Callan Services relies heavily on volunteers.
Volunteer work involves a lot of time and commitment, Michael Eran is a Community Based Rehabilitation Volunteer and works with the Callan Services in Mingende Chimbu Province.
He started training to be a Community Based Rehabilitation Volunteer in 2010 and in 2011 started as a volunteer.
“2010 I underwent training and in 2011 I received the certificate to work as a Community Based Rehabilitation Volunteer. It’s been 13 years now working for this Organization,” Michael Eran said.
His work extends to all who need the services provided by Callan Services PNG and its international partners, he works with different groups of individuals living with disabilities, which includes the blind and other various disability patients.
Michael said one of his most satisfying role as part of his volunteer work is rehabilitating paraplegics, those who are paralyzed.
“We have various people living with disability in the community, and each of them have specific Programs for their rehabilitation, to help them to be more independent, so we schedule what devices to use also what exercises they need to do, to help improve their mobility as well,” Eran said.
He said those who seek help with Callan Services, he also assesses and refers them to specialists.
Michael says he doesn’t expect much praise and recognition towards his volunteer work, he says he often gets assistance from his patients but doesn’t expect much overall. He is happy when those in his care are doing well.
“Sometimes if those I help are able to assist me in any way possible they do. They are always appreciative of the work I do to help them, especially when they get some independence in their movement and show signs of improvement,” Eran said.
The West Papua Community in Port Moresby that attended a West Papua family Day Organized with the support of Governor of the National Capital District Powes Parkop, were warned by Police not to raise the Morning Star Flag that has been the symbol for West Papua’s want for Self Determination.
Frank Makanuey a Community Leader within the West Papua Community in Port Moresby was present at the West Papua Family Day celebrations and he and others Present were not too pleased when Police told them they were not allowed to raise the West Papua Morning star flag.
For West Papuans in Indonesia that do fly the West Papua Flag they are arrested for treason, the flag was first raised on the 1st of December in 1961 West Papuans used the flag to represent their nationhood to the world, translating their desires for freedom and self-government into a form made clear to the world and to the United Nations.
The Family Day was held at the Drill Hall at the University of Papua New Guinea, on Saturday and Governor of NCD Powes Parkop was the Guest Speaker during the event, the day served as a gathering of the West Papua Community, in Port Moresby to Promote and uphold their values and heritage.
Those with West Papuan Heritage, their families and supporters of the Liberation of West Papua, gathered in Port Moresby, on Saturday, for a West Papua Family day.
The day was marked with a walk within the University of Papua New Guinea Campus, with families taking part in the walk, Governor of the National Capital District Powes Parkop who has been a long time supporter for the self determination of West Papua took part in the days activities.
The family day was held at the UPNG Drill Hall and was organized with the support of Governor Powes Parkop, the walk culminated into a session of speeches and a day filled with families and individuals sharing in the Culture and food of their West Papua heritage.
Powes Parkop has his links back to West Papua Indonesia through his grand parents, he said he has been a strong supporter for the Self Determination of West Papua since his high school days.
Papua New Guinea being the closest neighbor to Indonesia and sharing the Border with West Papua, those living in diaspora and have become citizens of Papua New Guinea, always hope the best for their families that still live in Indonesia, and as part of diplomatic talks between the two nations of PNG and Indonesia, most feel that PNG must continue to address issues that affect the people of West Papua.
Governor Parkop says that he is ready to Visit Indonesia once a PNG Delegation is confirmed to Visit.
Indonesia is expected to hold its elections in the coming weeks and most in Indonesia and outside of the region, believe that there should be a boycott of the elections by those indigenous to West Papua.
