Anna Solomon a veteran journalist with 40 years experience now provides training for Journalists at the Wantok Niuspepa. A weekly newspaper and the only Tok Pisin language newspaper in PNG.
Ms Solomon who spoke during the public inquiry on Media in Papua New Guinea, asked if the Parliamentary Committee can work with the Media Industry to set up a Complaints Tribunal that can address issues affecting Media in PNG.
She also called for better Tok Pisin writers as it is one of two main languages that leaders, especially Parliamentarians, use in PNG to communicate with their voters.
At the commencement of the 3-day Inquiry (Tue 21st – Thursday 24th, May 2024) media houses also called for Parliamentarians and the public to understand how the industry functions.
The public inquiry focused on the “Role and Impact of Media in Papua New Guinea” and was led by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication, with an aim to improve the standard of Journalism within the country.
Fr Ambrose Pereira, the editor of Salesian Bulletin, produced by the Catholic Church for its readers stressed the need for media literacy to be taught in secondary schools as a way to prepare young people for a career in Journalism.
A crucial point raised by the clergyman is for PNG to prepare for the advancement of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Fr Ambrose emphasized this at the recent public inquiry into the role and impact of Media in Papua New Guinea which was set up by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications on 21st – 23rd May 2024.
The Committee claims the objective is to improve the standard of Journalism in PNG, restoring the integrity of Journalists and the ethics of Journalism.
The committee’s terms of reference included misinformation, disinformation and sensationalized reporting, the role of media organizations, regulatory standards and the question of whether Media Freedom exists in PNG.
While mainstream and social media influencers presented their cases before the committee, they were also encouraged to make recommendations. The general feeling among media workers is the need for media education.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the EU-STREIT Program in Papua New Guinea has officially opened a Cocoa Export Market Depot in Vanimo, West Sepik Province.
This facility is the first dedicated cocoa export-oriented depot in the province.
The Cocoa Export Market Depot, with an investment of PGK1.67 million and a storage capacity of 50 metric tons, is aimed to support 20,000 farming households and enhance market access and opportunity to premium prices for their cocoa beans.
Ribbon cutting of the Cocoa Export Depot facility by Provincial Governor Tony Wouwou and representatives from FAO and EU-Streit.
The depot was handed over to the Provincial Government and will be managed West Sepik Investment Limited; the business arm of the Provincial Administration of West Sepik.
The newly established Cocoa Export Market Depot is part of FAO’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of local cocoa farmers by providing proper storage, facilitating better marketing, and enabling farmers to sell their cocoa at higher prices.
This initiative also marks a significant step towards increasing sustainable production of cocoa in West Sepik.
The inauguration event saw the presence of several distinguished guests from the European Union and United Nations including Governor of West Sepik Province, Tony Wouwou.
Governor Wouwou expressed his gratitude to the European Union for funding this important facility for the people of West Sepik Province.
West Sepik Governor, Tony Wouwou.
“I commend the FAO-led EU-STREIT PNG Program for facilitating the construction and establishment of this essential facility.
“This initiative will enhance the productivity of cocoa and significantly improve the livelihoods of our cocoa farmers by providing critical marketing services here in Vanimo,” Governor Wouwou said.
Kesang Phuntsho, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to continued collaboration with the government and local communities.
“In Papua New Guinea, cocoa ranks third among agricultural export crops, contributing approximately 14% of agricultural exports.
“The opportunities for growth are significant, and ensuring the sustainability of our achievements is crucial,” she said.
EU-STREIT PNG Program Coordinator, Ali Said Yesuf, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.
“I am extremely pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. This support, provided by the EU-STREIT PNG Program, aims to enhance the cocoa value chain.
“Our objectives are to improve marketing, ensure farmers receive fair prices, and establish Vanimo as a hub for cocoa exports. This will motivate farmers and transform the economy of West Sepik.”
After 25 fruitful years of educating young Papua New Guineans from around the country alongside the teaching of Christian values and teachings, the Don Bosco Technological Institute or DBTI this year celebrates its 25th Silver Jubilee with a number of events to commemorate this milestone in the history of the institution.
On the 11th of May, the APEC haus in Port Moresby was graced with the presence of stakeholders, sponsors, past-pupils, donors, members of the Catholic clergy, family and friends who were present for the 25th Silver Jubilee Fundraising Dinner.
The event was to celebrate and sustain the achievement of DBTI in reaching 25 years, yet to also maintain partnership with stakeholders towards the advancing in development of the institution in playing a key role in educating young men and women to become “good Christians and honest citizens” as St. John Bosco intended.
As part of DBTI’s contribution to nation building despite the grim reality surrounding the quality of education in the country, the providing of quality education towards the betterment of the country has always been at the forefront of DBTI’s teaching objectives.
Such was the sentiment shared by the President of DBTI, Fr. Ariel Macatangay SBD during his speech to mark the welcome note of the event.
Fr. Ariel Macatangay SBD, President of DBTI delivering his speech.
“Besides DBTI’s potential in being a partner for technological training, DBTI can also be your partner in boosting the education in Papua New Guinea.
In its May 2024 Papua New Guinea Economic Update entitled “Invest in Your Children,” the World Bank paints a dim picture of the education crisis in PNG and “focuses on the urgent need for more and better investment in education to address a human capital crisis in PNG.”
With a total of 21 technological programs offered at the institute, this was a key statement and was emphasized on depicting the belief in ensuring that the young citizens of the nation are to possess healthy minds, God-fearing hearts, and skilled hands in order to be contributing and productive members of the community.
The same was noted and emphasized by the Guest Speaker and the Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko.
“The Catholic church has done a lot towards the educating of young Papua New Guineans”, he said.
“The takeaway from this event is that we can all achieve so much through effort and partnership for the nurturing and excelling of our young people”, he further added in regards to the importance in the benefits of working together to ensure that young women and men have access to quality education they deserve.
Tkatchenko has been a supporter towards the upgrading and development of educational institutions within his electorate.
Further complimentary remarks to mark the celebration of DBTI’s Silver Jubilee were shared and cemented by alumnus, Godrey Morisa, the Managing Director of GMT Automation who elaborated on the importance of institutions such as DBTI that has given many past pupils as himself, the opportunity to have access to quality education and achieve dreams and goals they had set forth in life.
DBTI was established in 1999, with its first batch of 75 young men as pioneer students and further opened its doors in 2001 accepted its first female students to be part of the educative community.
The institute has over a total of 800 students in 21 different technological programs.
THE Peoples National Congress Party or PNC has endorsed two candidates for the Maprik and Sohe By-Elections.
Hildeanne Wefin, a former banking finance executive and founder of WomenLink PNG will contest the Maprik Open seat in East Sepik province.
Ms Wefin holds two Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Applied Finance.
Party Leader, Peter O’Neill said Hildanne Wefin’s dedication to gender equality and her impressive educational background and extensive professional experience make her the right choice.
The seat was left vacant following the death of then MP and PNC man, Gabriel Kapris who passed on in August 2023.
Meanwhile, the Sohe Open seat in the Northen province was left vacant after a Supreme Court Ruling in November last year that upheld a National Court decision declaring the election of Pangu Party’s Henry Amuli null and void due to bribery.
Amuli is recontesting this seat under the Pangu banner.
Sixteen candidates are contesting the Sohe Open seat including only female candidate Delilah Gore, the petitioner in the Court of Disputed Returns.
In the 2022 National General Elections, she contested under the PNC banner, however, in this by-election, the former MP (2012 -2017) has been endorsed by Social Democratic Party while PNC has endorsed Paulinias Uhena, the runner up in 2022.
Uhena is a former senior public servant who served as Manager Finance with the Oro Provincial Administration for 35 years.
The Maprik and Sohe by-elections will be held simultaneously with polling scheduled to start 25th May and end 29th May 2024.
Writs will be returned from 14th June to 18th June 2024.
Finley Glare is set to come into the SP PNG Hunters side as the replacement for Jamie Mavoko for this Saturday’s clash against the Northern Pride.
Finley is the younger brother of former SP PNG Hunter Warren Glare; the Lae City junior was the captain of the Junior Kumuls that played the Australian School boys last year in Port Moresby.
The young utility is a promising dummy half and has been at rake for the Hunters off the interchange bench.
The inclusion of Glare at halfback is a show of trust by Coach Paul Aiton who is currently short on halve pairings, with both Sakias Komati and Jamie Mavoko unable to take the field due to injury and concussion.
Glares inclusion comes after recently returned halfback Jamie Mavoko was stood down this weekend, after a failed category one (1) Head Injury Assessment (HIA), this happened during the team’s 52 to 16 win over the Townsville Blackhawks in round eight (8) last week.
Glare will partner fellow Lae Snax Tigers team mate, Joshua Lau in the halves.
The young duo will have a tough task ahead this weekend, however, Coach Paul Aiton says his side is preparing well for the clash this Saturday.
Coach Paul Aiton commended the teams dominating performance against the Blackhawks in Townsville last week which saw the Hunters score nine tries and Jamie Mavoko with the boot nailing eight out of nine conversions.
The performance by the SP PNG Hunters to dominate the Blackhawks has sparked new life into the team.
All along Coach Paul Aiton has been talking about sticking to their game plan and having trust in the players, but this weekend they face their biggest opponent yet.
For the Hunter, taking on competition leaders the Northern Pride at home is a huge contrast and challenge for the Hunters who are 10th out of 15 teams.
Coach Aiton added that the team are starting to grasp the systems and processes in their game plan and with the teams performance last weekend they look to maintain that consistency as they take on the competition leaders on Saturday.
“We were individually prepared, we are understanding our systems and processes a lot more, and the reduction of our errors and penalties we reduced that quite a lot, its about having faith in what we’re doing, don’t stray away from what we are doing, even though it looks like its not working it will work, we just have to stay with it.
“I am looking forward to it, I know the guys are looking forward to it as well, it will be a good measure for us the Northern Pride are right in front at the top of the ladder,” Aiton said.
The Gumine road in Simbu, has for the second time been blocked.
Landslips and floods at the beginning of this month are the reason for these blocks.
The flood happened at Sikola, about six kilometers from Kundiawa, where the major landslip occurred and buried 10 people, among them an unborn child on 13th March.
The 50 kilometers of Gumine Highway, located to the south of Simbu, was cut-off from Kundiawa for almost two months till the road was restored and made accessible on 19th April.
However, on the 01st of May, the loose soil up the Sikola slope flooded onto the cleared road.
According to Sikola Natural Disaster Committee’s Clement Bruno, the flood of silts and fresh landslips some meters away from Sikola occurred on 01st of May.
Bruno said further up to the Baul main village of the Kobilkane clan another landslip occurred blocking off the road.
He said the people of Gumine should take precautions while travelling on the road at this time.
Mr Bruno said he informed the Gumine District Administration of the situation on the road.
The Gumine District Administrator, Diang Kil said he was being informed and the District Works Unit will move into clear up the road blockages soon.
The Department of Lands and Physical Planning or DLPP has closed all its regional offices in Lae, Goroka and Kokopo, and all regional lands officers have been relocated to the National Department of Lands and Physical Planning in Port Moresby.
Department of Lands and Physical Planning Secretary Benjamin Samson was in Goroka, Lae and Kokopo, to personally lock all offices for the last time, to signify the closure of the offices.
Secretary Benjamin Samson said it was a collective decision by the Executive Management Committee to shut down all regional offices in Goroka, Lae and Kokopo, with all regional lands officers to be operating from Eda Tano Haus, in Port Moresby.
“The regional offices have served its purpose and its time is up.” Mr. Samson said.
“The regional offices were created when all Provincial Lands Offices were reporting to the National Department of Lands and Physical Planning Head Office. The regional offices were created to ensure things were done according to procedures and protocols, and for Provincial Lands Officers to report to the Regional Lands Officers, who then reported to National Lands Officers.
“Following the government’s decision to decentralize certain government functions to provinces, all land functions were absorbed into the Provincial Structures in each province, and hence there really was no need for a regional office.” Mr. Samson said.
Mr. Samson urged the regional lands officers to join the team in Port Moresby and be part of the new and exciting changes that are happening at the Department.
“We have great vision for the department. Our aim is that all our business processes must be automated, and we must do away with paper tittle and start issuing electronic tittle. I can’t do it without your support.” Mr. Samson said.
This new report is a case study out OF Wasu in the Tewai-Siassi District of Morobe Province.
The report is a third of a series and focuses on a project that is referred to alternatively as a cattle project or an integrated agriculture project, but to date, there hasn’t been any cattle on ground or any agriculture project.
The Morobe based Wasu Integrated Agriculture Project, received an FCA in 2019 and began exporting logs in 2021.
To date, it has generated over K15.6 (US$4.5 million) in log export revenue for Malaysian owned Wasu Resource Limited.
The new report highlights: • Allegations by customary landowners that they did not give their legally-required consent to the project; • The absence of any evidence that the logging company has established a cattle farm in the area, despite exporting logs valued at over K15 million since 2021; and • Evidence from satellite imagery showing a logging pattern more consistent with commercial selective logging than forest clearance for agriculture.
In a statement released yesterday following the release of the report, Act Now! calls on the Government to act now and address the abuse of the Forest Clearing Authority (FCA).
An FCA is a type of logging license intended to allow forest clearing to promote use of land for the economic development. However, previous reports by ACT NOW! and others have discussed cases in which FCA licenses have been misused to facilitate large-scale selective commercial logging activities.
ACT NOW! is calling on the government to undertake an independent, public and transparent audit of all existing FCAs’.
Act Now! Campaign Manager, Eddie Tanago says, until this is done, log exports from FCAs should be suspended.
He said an urgent review should also be conducted to see if the Wasu Cattle Farm project is operating legally.
The full report can be accessed through the Act Now! website.
To ensure the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea, the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition or PNGNRLC is introducing a women’s national competition.
The competition will be led by six participating franchises.
Taking a page out of the Women’s National Rugby League Competition in Australia, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League with funding support from Kumul Mineral Holdings and other stakeholders are ensuring a strong and vibrant women’s competition takes place in Papua New Guinea.
The expansion of the Competition to include the women and juniors is part of the PNGNRLC five-year plan (2023 to 2027).
An ecstatic Chief Executive Officer of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, Stanley Hondina after making the announcement said the first premier women’s competition in PNG will be launched soon.
“We will for the first time have a women’s national rugby league competition, we are starting with six teams and the competition will be for seven weeks,” Hondina said.
The competition is slated for kickoff in July this year.
Out of the current 12 franchises in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup; six franchises have been selected to field teams in the Women’s competition, and these franchises were selected following a Club audit of the 12 franchises in line with the Club Professionalism Pillar of the PNGRFL’s PNGNRLC five-year strategic plan (2023 – 2027).
In supporting the realization of the Women’s Competition the Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited has committed to giving K15 million over five years to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League.
The funding package will run from 2024 through to 2028 and part of this funding will go towards boosting the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and the new Women’s Competition.
KMHL made a cheque presentation of the first K3 million to the CEO and Directors of the PNGRFL in Port Moresby last week Friday; Chairman of KPHL Dr Ila Temu said KPHL was more than happy to make the commitment.
“We are committed to and excited to partner with the PNGRFL for the first time as it continues to build the domestic competition, this provides a great opportunity for our women and girls,” said Dr Ila Temu.
CEO of PNGRFL Stanley Hondina says that the funding was timely and would provide the seed funding for the Women’s Competition to get off the ground.
“We actually set 2025 to start the National women’s Competition but we’ve managed to bring it in a year early due to the great cooperation with the franchises and among other factors this support from KMHL will really assist us,” Hondina added
The PNGNRLC is responsible for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, which is the men’s premier rugby league competition in Papua New Guinea.
