The Papua New Guinea Defense Force has hosted a brief visit of Commander in Chief of France Armed Forces in New Caledonia, Brigadier General Yann Latil to Port Moresby.
In a security meeting with PNGDF acting Commander, Commodore Philip Polewara and Defence minister, Dr. Billy Joseph, both countries discussed on humanitarian support and disaster relief exercises.
A similar meeting held with Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko and Fisheries Minister, Jelta Wong expanded into measures of minimizing illegal fishing.
As this is the first visit, The French Commander in Chief toured few military barracks including a brief visit to the Air Transport Wing near Jackson’s airport and Basilisk Nasal Base at Konedobu.
His tourend included a stop over at the Bomana War Cemetery outside port Moresby where he laid a wreath to remember the fallen soldiers.
The Defence relationship between PNG and France reached new security height when both nations signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) in 2023.
The Department of Education, through the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) center in Port Moresby signed a Memorandum of Understanding, signifying their partnership with the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).
The three – year agreement aims at addressing the department’s guiding principle of “Leaving No Child Behind” strengthens the collaborative effort between OTDF and FODE in delivering FODE services to the mine affected areas of Western Province.
Deputy Secretary Waipe Wingi (left) and OTDF Executive Manager Andrew Mari (right).
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation over the years they have been delivering services in Education, Health, Social Development, including infrastructure Development in Western Province,
As a registered study center since 2019, OTDF has been collecting fees and meeting costs of satellite centers in the province. With this agreement, OTDF will be meeting full fees and operational costs. The Education Department through FODE will provide all learning materials, including training and orientation of tutors and administrative support, for the effective delivery of FODE in Western Province. This initiative has seen students from remote areas, in the province enroll with full correspondence and upgrading programs.
First Assistance Secretary of FODE and Inclusive Education, Andrew Angobe acknowledged the Management of Ok Tedi Development Foundation, for their commitment in providing a pathway for students in the province. “Please pass our appreciation to the management of Ok Tedi Development Foundation, for investing in education for the people of Western Province.” Angobe said. He also challenged other resource centers throughout the country to partner with FODE and invest in education.
The Principle of FODE, Anthony Rayappan, also gave his assurance that education materials will be printed and distributed on time.
OTDF Executive Manager Andrew Mari highlighted the challenges they are facing in the province. This include shortage of trained personnel’s and inadequate infrastructures due to limited funding at the district and provincial level.
He said the objective is to ensure quality and affordable education is made accessible to students. Offering a second chance to those who have discontinued formal education. “Since 2019, FODE has supported about 4000 students, who have pursued tertiary education and find employment, thus contributing to the human resource development of the province.” he said.
Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama said the appointment of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Anthony Wagambie Jnr as Deputy Chief of Police in the Bougainville Police Service is not recognized by the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Toroama’s comments follow a change of command directive issued by police commissioner, David Manning.
“This appointment will not be recognized by the Autonomous Bougainville Government as it is unconstitutional and breaches the Bougainville Peace Agreement,” Toroama said in a statement.
Wagambie was transferred to Port Moresby from Lae and served as the NCD and Central Divisional Commander until his suspension in January over the riots in Port Moresby.
Under Section 26 of the Organic Law on Peace Building on Bougainville and Section 237 of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, “The appointment of the hierarchical officers in the Bougainville Police Service by the Commissioner of Police is to be based on the direct nomination of a suitable candidate by the ABG through the Bougainville Executive Council”
Toroama said the National Government through the Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary had ignored his government in this decision
” We were never consulted nor privy to the process of appointing the Deputy Chief of the Bougainville Police Service,” Toroama sai.
He commented further that PNG’s disciplinary forces are barred by the Peace Agreement from instituting any decisions, be it administrative or tactical on Bougainville without the knowledge and input of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
“I am dissatisfied with the manner in which the National Government of Papua New Guinea has yet again usurped the role of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in implementing the parameters of the Bougainville Peace Agreement,”Toroama said in a statement.
The joint creation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement by the National Government and the people of Bougainville legally requires the joint implementation of its provisions.
‘I want to be clear to the National Government that Mr. Wagambie’s appointment to the Bougainville Police Service by RPNGC Commissioner David Manning is neither welcomed nor recognized by the Autonomous Bougainville Government,”Toroama said.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement does not exist merely to protect the civil liberties of the people of Bougainville and resolve the Bougainville Conflict. The peace agreement is also intended to empower the autonomous arrangements for Bougainville that came into existence as a direct result of the agreement in 2001.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has given too much quarter to the National Government in usurping the legal process in the administration of Bougainville’s autonomous arrangements and the Post Bougainville Referendum consultations.
Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA) CEO, Dr. Kipas Binga, has announced that a financial report and acquittals will be submitted to Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge once the funds allocated to address the drug shortage in Morobe have been utilized.
Dr. Binga clarified that out of the K3.5 million allocated by Governor Wenge on December 4, 2023, K1.5 million was earmarked for the regular operations of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MPHA). The remaining K2 million was specifically designated to tackle the pressing issue of drug shortages that had plagued the province.
The CEO emphasized that the K3.5 million provided by the governor constituted a substantial lump sum payment covering both operational expenses and the drug shortage initiative.
Of the K1.5 million allocated for regular operations, K200,000 has already been utilized for public health purposes.
However, Dr. Binga assured that the remainder would be carefully budgeted, primarily targeting the first quarter of the current year.
Regarding the K2 million allocated to address the drug shortage, Dr. Binga affirmed that the funds are readily available.
Once these funds are utilized, a comprehensive report will be compiled and submitted to Governor Wenge for review.
The K2 million donation by Governor Wenge was a response to the “Nogat Marasin Campaign,” which gained traction in Lae City.
Led by a dedicated team of Lae citizens and supported by Morobe Citizens the campaign aimed to draw attention to the critical shortage of medical drugs in the province’s health centers.
This initiative underscores the collaborative efforts between local authorities and concerned citizens to address pressing healthcare challenges, with transparent financial reporting ensuring accountability and effective utilization of resources in Morobe Province.
In a recent statement, Dr. Kipas Binga, CEO of Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA), highlighted the daunting challenges confronting Angau Hospital.
Dr. Binga illuminated a stark imbalance between patient numbers and available healthcare staff, presenting a significant hurdle to the hospital’s operations.
Serving a densely populated area, Angau Hospital currently grapples with a staggering 860 unfilled positions.
In response, Morobe PHA has initiated an intensive three-week online recruitment drive aimed at filling these vacancies. Dr. Binga acknowledged that immediate relief might not be attainable, but expressed hope that the recruitment efforts would gradually alleviate the strain on existing healthcare workers, particularly in the Accident and Emergency Department, thus reducing patient wait times.
Addressing allegations of nepotism in the recruitment process, Dr. Binga vehemently refuted such claims. He assured stakeholders that all applicants undergo rigorous screening and interviews conducted jointly by Morobe PHA and the Department of Personnel Management, emphasizing transparency and adherence to established protocols.
Furthermore, Dr. Binga stressed the critical shortages of medical doctors and nurses at Angau Hospital, affirming ongoing efforts to address these gaps through targeted online recruitment initiatives.
Dr. Binga’s statements underscore Morobe PHA’s resolute commitment to tackling staffing challenges at Angau Hospital. The organization remains dedicated to transparency and fairness in online recruitment processes, with the overarching goal of enhancing healthcare delivery and effectively meeting the community’s needs.
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.
