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The National Game Fishing Titles, Papua New Guinea’s premier fishing event, is back – this time, it is

taking place in the stunning waters of East New Britain.

Scheduled from April 11 to 21, 2025, the competition promises an exciting experience for both

anglers and spectators.

Now in its 48th edition, the event brings together teams from across Papua New Guinea and the

Pacific, with participants competing in teams of two to four.

The event will see anglers displaying their skills in one of the country’s most scenic marine environments.

Trukai Industries Limited has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the sporting event, renewing

its sponsorship of K50, 000 with the Game Fishing Association of Papua New Guinea (GFAPNG).

Trukai’s Marketing Manager, Peggy Maha, expressed the company’s eagerness to continue its

partnership for the event.

“Trukai is proud to once again be the sponsors of the National Game Fishing Titles. Since its

inception in 1976, the competition has grown into an important national event, and we are

delighted to support it this year,” said Maha.

“We believe this partnership with GFAPNG not only supports the tournament but also contributes to

promoting sports tourism in Papua New Guinea.”

New Britain Game Fishing Club president, Jason Seeto, also shared his excitement about the

tournament.

“This event continues to showcase PNG’s vibrant marine life and the spirit of competition among our

anglers,” he said.

“We are thrilled to bring the 48th National Titles to East New Britain, a province rich in natural

beauty and community pride and an ideal location to host the National Game Fishing Title.”

The event promises an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators, with various

competitions, social events, and community engagements planned alongside the main tournament.

Campaign Manager for Act Now Eddie Tanago is now more then ever, adamant to hold the PNG Forest Authority accountable for Papua New Guineans who have lost their land rights due to logging.

These were the sentiments he shared after the Waigani Committal Court struck out his Cyber Crime Charge.

A criminal charge of Identity Theft against Tanago was struck out by Magistrate Mr. Paul Puri Nii, as there were insufficient evidence to proceed to the National Court.

A prominent civil society advocate, Tanago was arrested and charged by police in December 2024 following a complaint made by the Managing Director of the PNG Forest Authority.

This was after ACT NOW had hosted a public seminar highlighting the abuse of Forest Clearing Authorities by foreign-owned logging companies who use the licences as a cover for large-scale illegal logging.

The charge against Tanago alleged that he had committed identity theft by reposting on social media an advertisement for an FM100 talk-back show where the Managing Director was due to appear and which included his photograph.

Eddie Tanago says he is delighted that the court has dismissed the charge against him and thanked his family and all those who have supported his fight for justice.

Tanago says that he was always convinced that justice would be done and that the charge against him would be dismissed.

He has also expressed his gratitude to his lawyer, Carlos Tsora from Posman Kua Asi Lawyers.

Tanago says that the criminal charge against him has only reinforced his determination to speak out against corruption, widespread illegal logging and the abuse of FCA licences.

He also says the criminal charge against him was a further example of the growing use of SLAPP lawsuits in PNG.

SLAPP lawsuits, or Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation, are a misuse of the legal system by people in positions of power who want to silence their critics through intimidation and unwarranted but costly legal proceedings.

While common in some overseas countries, SLAPPS have until recently been rare in PNG.

In 2024, ACT NOW was the victim of two civil SLAPP lawsuits brought by Malaysian logging companies trying to prevent circulation of reports about their logging activities. Neither of those lawsuits was successful.

Tanago says the dismissal of the case against him is another win for freedom of speech and democracy in Papua New Guinea.

Tanago is urging the PNGFA to take effective action to prevent illegal logging under FCA licences rather than trying to intimidate and silence public debate on a national issue of critical importance.

The private sector through large scale agriculture companies and small holder farmers were praised for “holding the fort”. 

Speaking at the inaugural National Agricultural Industry Public-Private Sector Partnership Conference, Managing Director for Livestock Development Corporation Mr Terry Koim acknowledged large scale industry players for their commitment and interventions that has continued to maintain the industry. 

“I acknowledge Nuigini Tablebirds, Zenag Chicken, Ramu Agri, Duran Farm and others who persisted through often difficult situations to maintain the supply of fresh meat in the country. 

“I also acknowledge the contribution of small holder farmers, whom without any government support for the past 30 years that LDC was non-operational have managed to survive. 

“Today, we want to see how we can work with them to improve the sector. We will be having a consultation meeting in the coming weeks and we’d like to have their input in the policies that we are developing,” Koim said. 

The Livestock Development Corporation was established in 1982 by the Somare Government but operations declined in 1992 due to mismanagement and political interference. 

The Marape/Rosso Government when taking over Government in 2019 pushed for revitalization of LDC beginning with the appointment of a new Board in 2020. 

The establishment of the new Board has seen the reclaimation of over 30 000 hectares of land, reviving the cattle stocks, staff capacity building and good governance measures. 

Koim stressed the need for policy and regulatory reforms, better data collection and partnerships with private investors to support small holder farmers and develop the livestock industry. 

The National Agricultural Industry Public-Private Sector Partnership Conference was held in Lae from the 7th to the 11th of April 2025. 

Epeanda Urban Clinic, located in Southern Highlands Province, stands as a beacon of hope for many, providing integrated healthcare that ensures individuals receive timely and holistic clinical services.

Through the Sexual & Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP), the clinic has strengthened its capacity to diagnose and manage HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), offering life-saving interventions to those in need.

One such patient is Marchella Andrew, a 28-year-old woman from Karinz, Mendi Munhiu electorate, who had been battling a mysterious illness that worsened with each passing month. She first noticed severe facial rashes that spread aggressively across her face and body.

 Seeking help from various clinics and hospitals in Western Highlands Province, she was repeatedly diagnosed with skin infection and given antibiotics and creams, yet nothing worked. Desperate for relief, she turned to over-the-counter medications, but her condition only deteriorated further.

As her illness became unbearable, affecting her ability to care for her family and live a normal life, she decided to travel to Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, in search of proper medical care. At Epeanda Urban Clinic, she was attended to by Nicholas Philip, a trained health worker.

Epeanda Urban Clinic is among the 13 Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) facilities implementing the Sexual & Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP), a program of the Australian Government which CCHS is implementing in partnership with ASHM, Burnet Institute, and Igat Hope PNG.

The project ensures that health facilities provide holistic and integrated services, reaching those who need them most.

Upon seeing her, Nicholas could hardly recognize her facial features due to the severe red rashes and swelling. Sensing the urgency of her condition, he immediately took her medical history and performed an HIV Determine test. Within 15 minutes, the result was reactive.

To confirm the diagnosis, Nicholas referred her to the Epeanda Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) site, where she underwent further tests using ABON and Genie Fast kits. Both results confirmed she was HIV-positive.

For a moment, her world stood still. The weight of the diagnosis was overwhelming, but Nicholas’ pre-and post-test counseling reassured her that treatment was available and that she could regain her health.

Without delay, she was started off on Antiretroviral Therapy or (ART), along with medications for STIs, fluconazole, and albendazole to address other infections. Nicholas carefully explained the importance of faithfulness  to ART, preparing her for potential side effects and encouraging her to remain committed to the treatment.

Behind the success of cases like Marchella’s is the guidance and mentorship of Maria Koke, the Master Mentor for HIV and STI services. Her expertise has been instrumental in training health workers like Nicholas, ensuring that they deliver high-quality counseling, testing, and treatment services.

Two months later, Marchella returned for her scheduled review appointment. The transformation was remarkable—her skin had cleared, she looked healthy, and she was more energetic. With a smile, she shared her gratitude:

“I am married to a Western Highlander and have a child. We were happily living together until I got sick. I sought help in many clinics and hospitals in Western Highlands, but they only treated my symptoms. It was only when I came to Epeanda that I finally discovered the root cause of my illness. I am so grateful that I was properly diagnosed, treated, and given a second chance at life.”

Today, Marchella is one of over 600 patients actively receiving treatment at the Epeanda VCT site, which has more than 1,600 registered clients.

 The integration of HIV services within the main urban clinic has improved accessibility to testing and treatment, ensuring that more people receive timely and comprehensive care.

Her journey highlights the critical importance of early testing and accurate diagnosis. If she had continued receiving only symptomatic treatment, her health would have worsened, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

 Health workers play a vital role in ensuring that patients undergo proper investigations and receive lifesaving interventions. However, challenges persist. Shortages of HIV test kits sometimes delay diagnosis and treatment.

Confidentiality concerns arise when family members demand to know a patient’s diagnosis. Geographical barriers also prevent many from accessing healthcare services on time.

To strengthen service delivery, Nicholas and the Epeanda Urban Clinic team emphasize the need for a consistent supply of HIV test kits, continued training and mentorship for health workers, and an expansion of Provider-Initiated Counseling and Testing (PICT) for all patients visiting the clinic.

Marchella’s story is a testament to the power of integrated healthcare services. It is a reminder that with early detection, proper treatment, and compassionate care, every patient deserves a second chance at life.

A marketing strategy closer to the hearts of many ordinary Papua New Guineans who dream of a owning a modern-day home.

Trukai Industries began the promotion “Roots: Win Your Own Home” on the 7th of October 2024.

“Loyal” Roots Rice customers were given the chance to get entry tickets from selected 10kg of Roots Rice purchased.

They then filled out the entry form before dropping it into an entry bin at any of the 406 participating stores across the country.

The major draw initially scheduled for the 12th of March, had to be deferred due to transportation delays with third party service providers.

Trukai Industries confirmed all entries were received by Friday 21st March, and announced a new draw date on the same day.

Today, the much-anticipated draw took place in Lae at Raumai-18, in Kokopo at Echo Supermarket, in Mt Hagen at Tininga Rainbow Supermarket, and Port Moresby at Stop and Shop, Central Waigani.

Hundreds gathered at the 4 locations, eagerly anticipating the draw, with the Trukai team adding to the excitement with fun games and prizes to entertain the waiting crowd.

The grand prize was on everyone’s mind as they witnessed the draw of a three-bedroom Bumbu Range Kit Home valued at over K132, 000.

Popular YUMI FM legend, Kasty was on hand as master of ceremony – announcing the names of the winners as the draw was done.

The lucky winners for each kit home are as follows:

Southern Region Winner: IAMO RIGANA

Momase Region Winner: MADILA JOHN

Highlands Region Winner UKUT INAKO

New Guinea Islands Winner: PAULINE SIMAHUN

Trukai Industries Regional Sales Manager for the Highlands region, Peter David, thanked all Roots consumers for their participation, and the individual outlets who supported the promotion.

 “We recognized the growing demand for housing in both urban and rural areas and wanted this promotion to give our loyal Roots consumers a real opportunity to own a house of their own,” he said.

Trukai Industries Marketing Manager, Peggy Maha, also extended her congratulations, highlighting the positive responses to the promotion despite the delays in the final draw.

 “We thank our customers for their patience and understanding over the last two weeks, as they have waited for us to confirm a draw date.

“We are happy that all entries were received, and all participants across the country were given a chance to win this kit home.

“Our consumers are very important to us, and we are proud, knowing that we have made a difference to the lives of four Papua New Guinean families today. Once again congratulations to all our winners,” Maha said.

The installation of solar panels at the Headquarters of Special Services Divisions in Port Moresby is desired to ensure the work at SSD base continues during power outages.

The much-needed stand by electricity generator is from Energy company Santos.

Santos hopes this gesture shows that the Australian Company is dedicated to supporting functions of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

Mobile Squad Deputy Director, Chief Inspector Luvi Florian acknowledged the support towards the division.

He said the training facilities not only train officers in Port Moresby but also officers throughout PNG.

“The installation of the solar panels is now a great relief for us, Thanks to Santos. They also maintained our office, painted it, and it’s shining now,” said Director Florian.

Apart from installing solar panels, their support included building a fence and renovating offices and an ablution block, and installing a water tank at the SSD base at McGregor Barracks.

The Mobile Sqaud has been involved in a number of call outs to the upper Highlands Region for varies Government operations including maintaining a presence at the Porgera mine.

The SSD Director also acknowledged the New Britain Palm Oil for providing seven computers to the SSD office in Milne Bay Province.

The Inaugural Sport Anti-Doping National Compliance Stakeholders Meeting will take place in Port Moresby in a days’ time.

High on the agenda will be PNG’s efforts in complying with international standards.

According to the PNG Sports Anti-Doping Organization (PNGSADO), the stakeholders meeting is one of its solutions to address the issue of non-compliance with the Anti-Doping Convention Against Doping in Sport of UNESC.

Papua New Guinea Sports Anti-Doping Organization in collaboration with the PNG National Commission for UNESCO, will host the inaugural Sport Anti-Doping National Compliance Stakeholders Meeting on March 19, 2025, in Port Moresby.

The meeting follows the alarming findings of the state of Papua New Guinea’s non-compliance to the convention in the 2023 Monitoring Report released during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris on November 7, 2023.

The report revealed that Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains non-compliant with the Anti-Doping Convention, placing the country’s sporting integrity at risk.

As part of the corrective action plan to meet the compliance trash-hold, this meeting seeks to address this critical gap in compliance and set a clear path toward rectifying the situation in line with the upcoming implementation deadline.

 Dr. Sereugava Ugava, Chairman of PNGSADO, emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency in addressing the issues surrounding anti-doping in PNG.

 “This meeting will bring together all relevant stakeholders – from government bodies, sports organisations, to athletes and anti-doping experts – to share vital information, strengthen partnerships, and chart a course for compliance with global anti-doping standards,” Dr. Ugava said.

The meeting is set to play a pivotal role in forging a united front to enhance anti-doping efforts in PNG.

Stakeholders will discuss strategies for improving anti-doping education, enforcement, and monitoring to protect the health of athletes and uphold the spirit of fair competition in sports.

PNGSADO is dedicated to ensuring that PNG aligns with international standards, safeguarding the integrity of sports, and promoting a clean and fair environment for athletes.

This event is a critical milestone for PNG in its efforts to enhance anti-doping measures and comply with global expectations and will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to collaborate and move forward collectively.

Customary Land should be protected at all costs.

That’s the main message behind the newly released song “Lukautim Graun”.

The song is a collaboration between Starbox Production and Act Now!

Act Now! is a community advocacy group that has highly spoken against Land Registration and the importance of protecting Customary Land.

Starbox Band Manager Willie Sarenga said the Production Company are humbled to work with Act Now! to produce this important song that promotes and protects customary land.

“We are glad to partner with ACT NOW! to promote this very important message.

Music has the power if utilised well can create better understanding, awareness and hopefully create positive changes in our communities”, said Starbox Band Manager, Willie Sarenga.

In Papua New Guinea it is estimated that 97% of the country is still under customary land tenure and 85% of our population rely on customary land for all the essentials of life.

Act Now advocates that in Papua New Guinea, customary land supports sustainable livelihoods, a vibrant economy, social inclusion, community control and good governance.

“It is our most important national asset!”

Act Now! promotes that the concept of protecting customary land is a total contradiction to the westerners, foreign governments, big corporations and financial institutions and how they view customary land.

“In the West, land is simply viewed as an economic commodity or asset that can be bought and sold just like any other goods or services.

“All land has fixed boundaries and each parcel of land is owned and controlled by an individual person or company. Often the owner does not live on the land and one person can own many pieces of land in different places and even in different countries.

“It is a criminal offence to go onto someone else’s land without their permission and strict penalties including imprisonment can be applied.”

In the West all land is controlled by the same national laws and if disputes happen, they have to be settled by the courts.

This is all very different from customary land In Papua New Guinea.

“As the country turns 50 this year, its important for us to reflect on so many things and one of them is on the most important asset all of us have- customary land. Time to rethink and refocus on the management of our natural resources wisely for today’s and tomorrow’s future. We are only custodians. We are inspired and looking forward to more of similar engagements to promote very important messages”, said Sarenga.

The song can be found on the Act Now! Youtube channel.

The National Superannuation Fund (NASFUND) has recorded a net profit of K849 million for the year 2024.

The strong financial performance and positive return is credited to the contributions of 715 000 members and a Net Asset Value of K8.1 billion.

Following these results, the Trustee Board has declared an interest crediting rate of 11.75% for the 2024 financial year.

This translates to a distribution of over K839 million to members’ accounts this weekend, reinforcing the Fund’s commitment to Growth and increasing members’ savings despite economic challenges.

According to NASFUND, the positive financial outcomes were significantly influenced by the valuation gains of K487m, more than double the valuation gain of K180m last year.

It should be noted that K280m of this gain is from investment in BSP, which represents 59% of the overall valuation gains.

NASFUND Chairlady Tamzin Wardley said in a year that started with the devastations of Black Wednesday, the continuing Government cashflow crisis adversely impacting local business performance, and shadowed by ‘a cost-of-living crisis’ the team at Nasfund has ensured that returns to members remain steady.

“Despite no major projects commencing in country during the year, we have seen strong Growth from our existing membership with 56,874 new members and 191 new companies joining the Fund.

“Our crediting rate for 2024 of 11.75%, underscores our dedication to providing strong and stable returns to our members above CPI over a rolling five-year period, which on average is 7.2% compared to 5.1% CPI average over the same time during 2020 to 2024.

“This performance underlines our dedication to ensuring the financial well-being and Trust of our members, and we look forward to this positive trajectory in the future,” Wardley said.

Main highlights for FY2024 include:

• Cash income of K482 million compared to budget of K486 million (FY23: K485

million income)

• Valuation gain of K487 million (FY23: K180 million)

• Foreign currency loss of K5.7 million (FY23: 84.9 million gain)

• Expenses of K78 million compared to budget of K86 million (FY23: K75 million)

• Net profit before valuation of K336 million against Budget of K334 million

• Net profit after tax of K849 million (FY23: K596 million)

• Total assets of K8.19 billion (FY23: K7.13 billion)

• Net assets of K8.12 billion (FY23: K7.07 billion)

• Contributions received of K793 million, 12% higher than collected in 2023 (FY23:

K705 million)

• Member benefit payments of K591 million (FY23: K534 million)

• Total membership increased by 4% to 715,873 members (FY23: 688,169)

• Gross employer base increased by 5% to reach 3,776 employers (FY23: 3,585)

• Interest credited of K839 million (FY23: 584 million)

• Interim Crediting Rate paid to Exiting Members during the year of K13.7 million

Simberi Gold Company Limited has been ensuring their female employees spend more time with their newborns.

Though it is a small mine in PNG, 62 female employees have benefited from a Maternity Leave Policy since it’s inception in March 2019 at a cost of K6.8 million.

The company prides itself to be an employer of choice for women with an attractive maternity policy, that addresses the need for primary care givers by increasing leave up to one year four months and two weeks.

Female employees are entitled to four months and two weeks of paid maternity leave and are entitled to request for an additional 12 months of unpaid maternity leave. Under this policy, male employees are also entitled to paternity leave, which provides 15 days of fully paid leave to be taken within 12 months of the child’s birth.

This benefit ensures that female employees are retained after taking maternity leave and return to work.

Work coverage during their absence is considered and addressed prior to their leave, by taking onboard additional staff support.

In its commitment to building stronger communities, the Company has this policy for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.

While the company is improving its operational capacity in a transition period into the production of Sulphide in 2027, it recognises that women are equal participants in the development of its sulphide expansion.

SGCL Laboratory Supervisor Julie Patelo while representing female employees and speaking during the 8th of March International Women’s Day commemoration highlighted the ongoing silent struggles many women face alone and the importance of social groups to foster supportive environments for women to advance the progress on gender equality for women.

Another way of supporting this action to move forward is to have better policies for women in the mining industry and workplaces to boost women’s participation.

Work policies that are considerate of women’s need in the workplace are essential for a thriving and productive workforce.

“I have worked in other places, and they have five months paid maternity leave for females. The four months (18 weeks) paid leave and additional option for female employee to take 12 months unpaid maternity leave is reasonable in case the female encounters childbirth complications as long as her job is still secured it’s a fair go.” stated Julie Petelo

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