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Sir Julius Chan Passes On

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Sir Julius Chan

The Chan Family has confirmed that PNG’s “Last Man Standing”, their father Sir Julius Chan has passed on at. He was 85.

In a statement released by 2pm today, the family announced that he passed away peacefully in his home Province, New Ireland.

“It is with profound sadness and sorrow we announce the passing of our esteemed father and PNG’s last man standing, Rt Hon Sir Julius Chan GCL GCMG KBE PC MP.

“Our father passed away peacefully this afternoon at 12:30pm at his beloved home at Manmantinut, Huris surrounded by family and friends.”

The family went on to acknowledge all those who have stood by him, and those who have shared his legacy throughout his political life from Pre-independence to the time of his passing.

“He was a political icon transcending generations and his legacy will remain forever in the pages of our history books and moreso in the hearts of so many. God bless and welcome our dear Julius into your loving arms.”

Sir J is survived by his wife Lady Stella Chan and children Vanessa, Byron, Mark, Toea and all his grandchildren.

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New Administration Office for Koiari RLLG

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White two storey building block

The recent inauguration of the Koiari Rural Local Level Government (RLLG) administration building, located along the 15 Mile Sogeri Road in the Hiri Koiari District of Central Province, Papua New Guinea, marks a significant milestone for the community.
 
During his address, the local MP, Keith Iduhu highlighted an important agreement signed by the former government in March 2022, granting Koiari landowners consideration for equity benefits concerning water and power resources.

He urged the current government to fulfill this commitment and establish a development forum in accordance with the Energy Act.

This forum would ensure that landowners, local-level government, district, and provincial authorities all share in the benefits, as water and power are crucial resources for the community, just as vital as oil and gas.
 
Additionally, Governor Rufina Peter called on the people of Central Province to maintain unity and protect their land from unnecessary sale.

Koiari MP, a middle aged man with a lei and bilum around his neck holding a mic up to his face. A bilum is a carryon item made of strings.
Hiri-Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu, speaking at the inauguration of the new RLLG building.

He emphasized the importance of standing together when facing community challenges and underscored that development does not come swiftly.

Both leaders acknowledged that while planning may be easy, the hard work and strategic effort required for effective development take time, particularly for projects like the new administration building, which represents hope for a brighter future in the region.
 
The new administration office for Koiari Rural Local Level Government (RLLG) is an important development for the community.

This establishment hopes to enhance local governance and improve the delivery of services to the remote community.
 
Ward members are essential in this process, as they represent the interests of their respective wards and will be instrumental in addressing local issues, facilitating communication between the community and the administration, and implementing development projects.

Mr Iduhu expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the contractor, stakeholders, and provincial leaders in bringing this project to fruition.

He emphasized that the establishment of this office has been a long-awaited goal, reflecting the dedication and hard work of those involved in the project.

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PNG rugby player terminated after being charged with rape

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PNG Rugby Player, Keven Appo charged with Rape

Papua New Guinean International Rugby Player, Keven Appo, has had his contract terminated from the English Rugby League Club, the Bradford Bulls effective immediately.

The 25-year-old who last played as the second-row and lock for the Bulls was charged by the West Yorkshire Police with multiple sexual offences including rape yesterday.

In a statement the club said: “Following today’s West Yorkshire Police statement, the Bradford Bulls have cancelled Keven Appo’s playing contract.

“Given the circumstances, the club is duty bound to make no further comment at this stage.

“The search for a suitable, quality replacement is underway.”

In a separate statement, the West Yorkshire Police revealed that the PNG International has been released on bail and is due to appear at the Bradford Magistrates Court on Monday, 6th January 2025.

The charges related to an investigation by Calderdale District Adult Protection Team following a report made in April 2024.

Appo made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in the 24-18 loss to Tonga in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, joined the Bradford Bulls in 2023, before signing a new two-year deal in August last year.

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Devastation Strikes Major Fish Farm in Imbonggu District

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Imbonggu Fish farm devastation

Imbonggu district in the Southern Highlands province has been struck by a natural disaster that has left the local community in shock.

Heavy rainfall, compounded by a small earthquake, has wreaked havoc on one of the largest inland fish farms in the Imbonggu area, which was home to an impressive six ponds, including one nearing completion.

Each pond measured 30 meters by 30 meters and housed approximately fifty thousand super tilapia, a vital resource for the community.

Mr. Anjo, the owner of the farm, expressed his devastation upon witnessing the extensive damage caused by the landslide and torrential rains.

“It’s heartbreaking to see what has happened to my farm,” he said, visibly shaken.

Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation
Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation
Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation

The fish farm has not only served as a source of income for Mr. Anjo’s family but has also played a crucial role in supporting unemployed youths in the area.

Furthermore, it has contributed significantly to reducing malnutrition among women and children in the community by providing a steady supply of nutritious fish.

The loss of this vital resource has raised concerns about the future. Mr. Anjo, however, is determined to rebuild.

He stated, “I will be looking for ways to restore my farm, as it is essential for the livelihoods of many in our community.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Mr. Anjo’s resilience embodies the spirit of a community that has always found ways to overcome adversity.

As the community rallies around Mr. Anjo in his time of need, the hope remains that, through collaboration and support, the fish farm can be restored to its former glory, continuing its legacy of sustenance and empowerment.

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K20million Relief Package and PNGDF Assistance for Vanuatu

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James Marape

In a significant move to support regional solidarity, Prime Minister for Papua New Guinea, James Marape announced the approval a K20 million relief package to assist the government and people of Vanuatu in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the island nation earlier this week.

The funding will enable immediate deployment of aid and resources, including personnel from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), to assist in relief, rescue, and recovery efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Vanuatu during this difficult time,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“The National Executive Council’s decision to approve K20 million in relief reflects our commitment to standing with our Pacific neighbours in their time of need. This funding will facilitate urgent assistance, including the mobilisation of PNGDF engineers, medics, and logistical experts, along with critical supplies such as food, water, and medical aid.”

The PNGDF is preparing to deploy a contingent to Vanuatu in the coming days.

Their mission will focus on addressing immediate humanitarian needs, supporting search and rescue operations, and assisting in the restoration of essential services.

“This is not just about delivering aid but also about reaffirming our shared commitment to the Pacific family. When one of us is impacted, we all stand together,” he said.

Meanwhile, Australia has already begun aid efforts in Vanuatu.

The Australian government has repatriated 148 citizens on two air force planes sent to deliver search and rescue teams and other assistance following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that devastated Port Vila.

With the airport reopening on Wednesday afternoon, relief and support from Australia was able to touch down including a C17 Globemaster and C130 Hercules with personnel from Queensland and NSW fire and rescue.

Australian Federal Police, a foreign affairs department crisis response team and a medical assistance team were also deployed.

Vanuatu relief response.
A supplied image obtained on Thursday, December 19, 2024, of AustraliaÕs disaster response teams arriving in Port Vila, Vanuatu, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Australian rescue and medical teams have arrived in Port Vila as the Pacific nation races to respond to Tuesday’s 7.3-magnitude earthquake. (AAP Image/Supplied by DFAT)

Their first priority was to help people trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings as “there are lives to be saved there right now”, taskforce leader chief superintendent Douglas May said.

Parts of this content © Australian Associated Press

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NYDA Concludes validation workshop for NYDA Act 2014

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NYDA Concludes validation workshop on NYDA Act 2014

The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) recently concluded a significant week-long validation workshop focused on the review of the NYDA 2014 Act.

This event brought together various stakeholders dedicated to the development and empowerment of the youth in PNG societies.

The workshop provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, where participants engaged in discussions that aimed to refine and enhance the existing policies governing youth development.

On the final day of the workshop, NYDA Managing Director, Mr. Joe Itaki addressed the participants, acknowledging their contributions and the importance of their engagement throughout the week.

He emphasized that such gatherings are not merely formalities; they serve as vital opportunities for stakeholders to contribute their ideas, perspectives, and interventions.

Mr. Itaki’s remarks resonated with the overarching goal of crafting strategies that will influence the policy landscape for the next five to ten years, ultimately striving to create a better society for young people.

“It is paramount that we come together to share our insights and strategies,” Mr. Itaki stated.

“Our collaborative efforts can shape a future where our youth not only thrive but are also equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow. The input we provide today is crucial in forming the policies that will guide us into the future.”

The workshop featured a diverse array of speakers and specialists who shared their expertise on various aspects of youth development.

Participants engaged in panel discussions, breakout sessions, and brainstorming activities designed to elicit innovative solutions and strategies.

This collaborative environment fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility among attendees, reinforcing the notion that the success of youth programs depends heavily on the input and commitment of all stakeholders involved.

As the validation workshop drew to a close, Mr. Itaki highlighted that the feedback collected during these sessions would be meticulously compiled into a report that would be submitted to the House of Parliament.

This submission aims to advocate for policies that are informed by the insights gained during the workshop, ensuring that the voices of all participants are heard in the legislative process.

The NYDA remains committed to its mission of promoting youth development and empowerment. This workshop was a step forward in that mission, setting the stage for future initiatives that will address the pressing needs of young people across the nation.

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PNGDF Supply Company: A 56-year journey

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The color yellow in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Support Battalion represents the Supply Company, a vital logistic unit that manages supplies for all ten PNGDF units throughout Papua New Guinea.

As bright as the color itself, the Supply Company has a colorful history that was birthed on the 26th of July 1968.

Established seven years before independence the Supply Company remained the backbone of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force including the Maritime Element and the Air Transport Wing.

When the name Papua New Guinea Defence Force is mentioned, most people imagine soldiers on patrol at the borders or soldiers responding to tribal conflicts in the Highlands.

However, many do not know enough about the Supply Company to appreciate their work in ensuring soldiers are equipped with uniforms, boots, operational gear and fire power to carry out the duties of the Defence Force.

This essential role is performed by dedicated men and women of the sub-units within the Supply Company based out of Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.

For over five decades the Company evolved from One Base Ordinance Depot to Defence Support Agency (DSA) before transitioning into Supply Company as it is known today.

On November 28th the Company commemorated its 56th anniversary with a day’s celebration out of its base at Murray Barracks.

Chief Warrant Officer, Sition Saulo.
Chief Warrant Officer, Sition Saulo.

The longest serving member of the Supply Company, Chief Warrant Officer, Sition Saulo who served 34 years in the Company said 26-years had passed since the company hosted a Parade to mark the Company’s anniversary.

“I am happy about this parade; this is my last parade. I am retiring next year,” said Saulo.

Enlisted into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in January of 1981, Saulo was posted to the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) where he spent his early years as a young PNGDF solider.

“After Goldie, I passed out and I was transferred to A Company 2RPIR and from there I was posted to the Support Company as a store man,” Saulo recalled.

Ten years later, Saulo was part of the Delta Company from Moem Barracks who travelled to Port Moresby because of a curfew in Moem.

When the rest of the Delta Company returned to Moem, Saulo stayed back to attend a Supply Course.
Little did he know that he would be spending 34-years serving in the Supply Company based out of Murray Barracks.

“I attended a Supply Course at Goldie and from there on, I was posted to Supply Company. From then on, until today,” said Saulo.

Major Chalem Chandrol - Supply Company Commanding Officer Reviewing Anniversary Parade
Major Chalem Chandrol – Supply Company Commanding Officer Reviewing Anniversary Parade

When addressing serving members of the Supply Company during the anniversary parade, its Commanding Officer, Major Chalem Chandrol said the celebration was an opportunity to honor past serving members, acknowledged the dedication of current members and celebrate the contribution of Supply Company within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

“This anniversary celebration holds immerse significance for us. On July 26th 1968, to 26th July 2024 makes over five decades, 56 years of service and evolution of the PNGDF Supply Company,” said Chandrol.

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West Papuans Still Holding on to the Hope of a Free West Papua

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West Papuans Still Holding on to the Hope of a Free West Papua

THE 1st of December has always been Independence Day for the people of West Papua.  

This week Port Moresby residents of West Papuan descent celebrated the day on Sunday with the theme, “Celebrating and preserving our culture through food and the arts. “

The day began with everyone participating in the National Anthem, Hai Tanaku Papua which translates to, My Land, Papua.  

Other activities included song and dance, and a dialogue with the young and older generations to share ideas on a way forward.  

West Papuan children dancers.

SME stalls were also set up selling West Papuan cuisine and arts and crafts.

Guest Speaker and NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, a staunch supporter of the West Papua cause reminded attendees of the struggles of their ancestors and for future generations to not lose hope.

“We must be proud of our identity, our culture, our land, our heritage and most importantly we have to challenge ourselves, redefine our journey and our future, that’s the most important responsibility we have.”’

West Papua was a Dutch colony in the late 1800s and by the 1950s, Netherlands began to prepare for withdrawal.  

On December 1st 1961, West Papuans held a congress to discuss independence.  

The national flag, the morning star was raised for the first time on this day.  

Governor Powes Parkop described the West Papua cause, ‘a tragedy’.  

This is due to the fact that following the declaration of Independence in 1961, Indonesia laid claim over the island a year later in 1962.

This led to the United Nations sponsored treaty known as the New York Agreement.  

Indonesia was appointed temporary administrator without consultation or consent of West Papuans.

In 1969 the Act of Free Choice enabled West Papuans to decide their destiny but again only 1026 West Papuans had to make that choice under the barrel of the gun.

To this day, West Papua remains under Indonesian rule.

NCD Governor, Powes Parkop at the West Papua Day celebrations.
NCD Governor, Powes Parkop at the West Papua Day celebrations.

Parkop said; “PNG will celebrate 50 years of Independence next year but this is only so for half of the island, the other half is still missing, we are losing our land, we are losing our resources, if we are not careful, we are going to lose our future too.”

He encouraged the people to preserve their culture and heritage and to breakaway from the colonial mindset, colonial laws and ideas that hinder progress to freedom for West Papua. 

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Bringing Christmas Joy to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre

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Bringing Christmas Joy to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre

Students at the Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre will not worry about school stationary next year, after receiving Digicel Backpacks full of school supplies.

In the true spirit of giving this holiday season, Digicel PNG brought cheer to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre located in Bomana, Port Moresby.

A non-government organization, the Centre is a recipient of an open-air classroom built in partnership with Digicel’s Foundation housing over 150 students.

The school was first established in 2017 and this year marks its seventh year of operation in the community. The program started with a fantastic welcome speech by advanced grade student Tina Pele, followed by prayer and a moment of silence dedicated to the co-founder and Head Teacher of Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Center, the late Mrs. Florence Sam; who passed away in October this year.

Bringing Christmas Joy to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre

The activities began with Digicel Staff Volunteers led by Head of Marketing, Tessa Valace gifting each student with a Christmas gift as well as a Digicel backpack filled with school supplies for the next year.

Following the ceremony, the students and teachers were treated to a mini party with refreshments and drinks to further celebrate the end of the school year.

Lorna McPherson, Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer commented, “It’s always heart-warming to see the smiles and joy on the children’s faces when our team visits the Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre.

“Holidays are a time of reflection and we as a business and individually reflect on our blessings, we are truly honored to share with those who may need a little extra.

At Digicel, we believe in using our resources to make a positive difference in our communities and partnering with the Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Center allows us to do just that.”

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Call to Modernize the Employment Act

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BCW Survey - Employment Act

A survey carried out by the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) has suggested for the government to modernize the Employment Act.

The suggestion among others, draws on evidence from BCFW’s nationally representative survey of 2,026 Papua New Guineans, published earlier this week.

The survey is the first in recent years to collect data on earnings of Papua New Guineans and the first to estimate the gender earnings gap in PNG.

With the budget sitting this week, BCFW has put forward three main suggestions for the Marape-Rosso Government to consider. The major one is to “Commit to Modernizing the Employment Act”.

The organization that forces on empowering women leaders believes that this would be a “quick win” for the government on jobs – benefitting both women and men.

While the organization acknowledges the government’s keen interest in reviewing the Employment Act, they suggest the following to be included in the amendment;

· Introduce paid maternity leave (currently the Act includes only unpaid maternity leave).
· Introduce paid paternity leave for fathers (currently, there is no paternity leave).
· Strengthen anti-discrimination protection for women who are pregnant or are new
mothers (e.g. prohibit dismissal of pregnant workers).
· Remove Sections 98 and 99 which prohibit women work in underground mining,
heavy labour, and at night in industrial settings.

From it’s research, BCFW found that a sizable number of women (31%) would be interested in night shift, physically arduous, or underground jobs.

Apart from this, BCFW also proposed “Include job policies targeting women” and “The Budget should prioritise family and household care policies”.

Both they say will be popular with the public – among both women and men.

Other analysis show that improving the prospects of work for women will benefit PNG’s
economy as a whole.

“Our findings suggest Papua New Guineans agree: 69% say PNG would be better off if more women had the opportunity to work.

“We also found that Papua New Guineans would support policies to promote women’s work.”

Over 70% – including among men and young people – think the government should develop
jobs policies specifically targeting women.

“Our findings show that household care is the main reason Papua New Guineans are out of the labour force or are underemployed.

Among those not working, 39% of women and 14% of men cite household care responsibilities as the reason for not working.

Among those who are working, 51% of women and 36% of men cite household care duties as their main reason for not working as much as they would like to.

For the remainder (who are not currently interested in such roles), they too could be interested – if safety concerns were addressed.

“We urge the government to consider these three suggestions for inclusion in the 2025
Budget. Acting on them would benefit the PNG economy, for all of us, whether women or
men.”

The full survey report, ’PNG Labour Market Survey: Earnings, Gender, and Ambitions –
Findings, Analysis, and Policy Implications’, is available on BCFW’s website.

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