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Usino Bundi: Building a Solid Financial Foundation

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Jimmy Uguro, the Member of Parliament for Usino Bundi, has urged his community to become productive members of the district by prioritizing agriculture.

In a recent financial literacy training held in Bill Gara village, nearly 500 men and women graduated with certificates after successfully completing the program.

The training was facilitated by Bank of South Pacific/BSP and helped to capture the district’s goals and visions.

Uguro recognized the significant development that the district has experienced in recent years, such as the establishment of new schools and a sports precinct.

However, he emphasized that now is the time for further progress and community involvement.

Mary Koi, the Madang Branch Manageress of BSP, expressed BSP’s interest in partnering with the local district to set up a cash agent. She also encouraged small- to medium-sized entrepreneurs to register their businesses to receive the necessary support from BSP.

Brenda Igusam, the Officer in Charge of BSP sub branch in Walium, explained that the financial literacy training aims to educate individuals about how they can save and budget their money wisely.

The training covered various topics, including saving terminology, effective saving strategies, spending wisely, and the advantages and disadvantages of saving.

This financial literacy training fills a concerning knowledge gap within Papua New Guinea.

K1 Million was presented to the cocoa program for its continuous roll out in the district and a further k100,000 was committed for BSP to continue rolling out its financial literacy training in the district. Two trucks were also committed to the SME Group. BSP is committed to promoting financial literacy and partnering with local communities to provide the necessary support to help them achieve their economic goals.

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News

Policeman Sergeant Killed

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A police senior sergeant died from injuries he sustained from a bow and arrow attack in Port Moresby.

54-year-old, Ludwig Dondo a member of the NCD Dog Unit died at the Port Moresby General Hospital as a result of his injuries.

The father of five from Talasia in the West New Britain Province, and his colleagues were responding to reports of a drug trade and sales when he was hit by a stray arrow at ATS Block.

Divisional Commander for NCD and Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr in a statement called on the public to identify the killers.

“I strongly condemn this barbaric killing, and I am now urging the residents of ATS settlement to surrender the suspects to police immediately,” ACP Wagambie said.

The Commander said NCD Metropolitan police will work around the clock to find and arrest the suspects involved in this ruthless murder.

The arrow penetrated the Sergeant’s left rib and he was rushed to Hospital. He passed away at 2.30pm.

Members of Dog Unit retaliated by torching several houses at the ATS Block, Eight Mile.

Senior Sergeant Dodo passed out from Bomana Police College in 1985 and worked with other sections within the Constabulary before transferring to the NCD Dog unit until his untimely passing this afternoon.

The body of the late Sergeant was taken to his family home at Bomana and later taken to the Funeral Home.

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News

Geekala Makes History

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A mother of three has created history for herself by becoming the first and only specialized female operator of Air Niugini’s Main Deck Loader. A machine used to load and unload larger containerized cargo from the main deck of large aircrafts. 36-year-old Michelle Geekala who hails from East Sepik and Gulf provinces and has worked with Air Niugini Cargo Department’s operations section since 2021.
Michelle said her journey has not been easy.
“It comes with its own challenges but you have to believe in yourself, even when no one does, you have to be your own supporter and critique, challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday, said Geekala.
Her recent task was unloading heavy mining equipment from the main deck of a Boeing 747-400 series freighter at the Jacksons airport in Port Moresby.

Geekala had previously operated the Lower Deck Loader (LDL) for both the B747 and B737 freighters, but the recent task was her first on the Main Deck Loader.
Air Niugini’s Manager for Cargo Operations, Trevor Elly said the airline’s cargo department has always maintained a healthy level of female presence in its business and in particular its operational areas both within Port Moresby and the domestic network.
“We are proud of Michelle’s progress, breaking into an area where you find only men working there. She is currently the only female in the Port Moresby Operations unit who operates the MDL equipment and joins a legacy of other female Cargo Operations Staff including our current Cargo Business Development Manager.” said Elly.

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Sport

QRL Round 6 Preview: SP PNG Hunters v Burleigh Bears

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The SP PNG Hunters are back in Australia this weekend when they take on the Burleigh
Bears at UAA Park, Gold Coast in Round 6 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Kick off is at 3pm on
Saturday, 22nd of April.
It’s been a short week for the Hunters who returned to Port Moresby following their
disappointing loss to the Northern Pride last weekend. The travel to and from Papua New
Guinea means the Hunters observed a restricted training schedule this week, but no doubt
they will be eager to take the field on Saturday and respond to their Round 5 loss.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for the Hunters to take away from last
week’s match against the Pride. The PNG-based side showed that when they hold the ball
and control their discipline, they can pile on the points quickly.
They also produced some compelling defensive efforts on their own try line to repel an
expansive Pride attack. It often took multiple repeat sets for the Pride to crack PNG’s line,
and if the Hunters can limit their opponents attacking chances, they will be confident in
defending their line.


Player to Watch
PNG Hunters skipper Ila Alu stood tallest last week in a beaten side, playing out an inspired
53 minutes through the middle to be one of the Hunters best.
Alu took 13 carries for 110 metres (35 in post-contact) last week to be the only forward to
notch 100+ running metres against the Pride. His ability to hit a hole in the line and time his
runs smartly with hooker Wesser Tenza makes Alu a difficult task for defending middles. He
is strong through contact and has great late footwork that allows Alu to either break
through the tackle (four tackle busts last week) or find his front to win a quick play-the-ball
for his team. An Alu carry is often the trigger for Tenza to scoot from dummy-half on the
following tackle.
Alu’s point of difference though is the ballplaying option he provides PNG around the ruck.
He is a key member of the spine when the Hunters shift the ball through the backline, and
as he develops combinations with the players around him, Alu’s value will only increase.
Team List

  1. Morea Morea
  2. Brandon Nima
  3. Benji Kot
  4. Rodrick Tai
  5. Solo Wane
  6. Sakias Komati
  7. Jamie Mavoko
  8. Junior Rop
  9. Wesser Tenza
  10. Epel Kapinias
  11. Sherwin Tanabi
  12. Julius Yakoba
  13. Ila Alu (captain)
  14. Trevor Solu
  15. Tom Moide
  16. Koso Bandi
  17. Henry Noki
  18. Sanny Wabo
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News

More Focus on GBV and SARV

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GBV/SARV Workshop

by Harlyne Joku – Freelance Journalist

Hot spot areas of Gender Based Violence and Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (GBV and SARV) especially in the highlands and other remote areas need more focus according to the Secretary for Community Development and Religion, Jerry Ubase .

Participants and speakers at GBV/SARV Workshop hosted at Gateway hotel, Port Moresby.
GBV/SARV Workshop hosted at Gateway hotel

Secretary Ubase made the remarks this morning (Wednesday 29th March) at the opening of the two-day GBV/SARV workshop held at the Gateway Hotel.

Mr Ubase welcomed participants of the workshop comprising of 13 Civil Society Organizations who are recipients of grants that help them carry crisis response and recovery services for the victims of GBV/SARV and urged them to do more.

“We need to do more; we need to extend the support further. We need to cover the wider areas of PNG especially the hot spot areas in the highlands.

“The government system has gone down to the provinces so we should not be pointing fingers to each other who is responsible to carry out tasks, we are all paid to serve our people,” Secretary Ubase said.

UNDP Gender Team Leader, Chelsea Magini speaking at the GBV/SARV Workshop in Port Moresby
UNDP Gender Team Leader, Chelsea Magini

UNDP Gender Team Leader, Chelsea Magini supported Secretary’s remarks saying she is happy to hear of the work or the CSOs done so far in the community level where the national and provincial governments cannot reach.

In 2022 the National Government allocated PGK7.93 million to address GBV, the biggest budget allocated to address GBV and SARV in PNG’s history.

On the 9th December 2022, the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) awarded 13 grants to civil society organizations.

The grants were jointly funded through the DFCDR and UNDP through the European Union Spotlight initiative on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Children.

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News

TKATCHENKO KEEN ON SOUTH EAST ASIA TIES

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Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Events Hon. Justin Tkatchenko MP
departed the country today in a bid to encourage stronger diplomatic
relationships for Papua New Guinea between three South East Asian countries
of Indonesia, Malaysia and China.

Picture Courtesy of the Office of The Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Events

Minister Tkatchenko who led a delegation of five officials will travel to Jakarta
where he will meet his Indonesian Counterpart Hon. Retno Marsudi over a
period of 3 days to focus on key bilateral issues affecting both countries.
“In the last couple of weeks, we have passed the Basic Border Agreement
(BBA) in Parliament which opens the way now for a full review for all parties
to come on board and review the BBA.”
“This agreement enables us to talk about our boundaries, trade, traditions and
culture and our people “and review a long outstanding border agreement that
would now be reviewed.”
“This includes those members that are on the borders, including the defence and
police to enable a common understanding with our border of West Papua,
Indonesia and Papua New Guinea,”
Minister Tkatchenko said this was long overdue.
“As we have stated very clearly, Indonesia is a sovereign country and we
respect this nation.”

Picture Courtesy of the Office of The Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Events

“If there are any issues that Indonesia wants us to be involved especially with
West Papua, we are more than happy to support and assist.”
“We look forward to that open dialogue on West Papua with the Foreign
Minister Marsudi.”
“We have officially passed the reciprocal visa arrangements between Papua
New Guinea and Indonesia, those with a diplomatic passport or official passport
will get visa on arrival here in PNG and also in Indonesia.”
Minister Tkatchenko said another very important matter is the Defence
Cooperation Agreement between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
This has been approved by the National Executive Council that allows both the
Papua New Guinea Defence Force and Indonesian Defence Force to strengthen
their ties and their cooperation in areas of mutual security concerns.
The three-day visit to Indonesia will also capture initial coordination plans of
the official visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo in June this year.
“Straight after Indonesia I travel to Malaysia to meet the new Foreign Minister
and their new government as well.”
“We will strengthen our ties with Malaysia as they are big economic and trading
partner to PNG.” Minister Tkatchenko said.

Picture Courtesy of the Office of The Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Events
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HON. TKATCHENKO ON
OFFICIAL TRIP TO CHINA

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Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Events Hon. Justin Tkatchenko MP
will make an Official Visit to China upon the invitation of the Government of
The People’s Republic of China.

Addressing the media today before his departure, Minister Tkatchenko said he
will be meeting with recently appointed Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang
and will also attend the 2023 Annual Conference of The Boao Forum for Asia.
Minister Tkatchenko said his Chinese counterpart was previously the chief of
protocol for the President of China and had already visited Papua New Guinea
on more than one occasion.
“He is now the foreign minister and I look forward in working with him for our
relationship between China and Papua New Guinea.”
“We will be discussing our bilateral relationship, working relationship going
forward.”
“We will be discussing our economic importance between Papua New Guinea
and China.”
“China being one of our biggest trading partners to Papua New Guinea and also
people to people arrangements, infrastructure, education, health and
development, we will be holding discussions in these areas too.”

“I only go on these tours when I know there’s going to be good outcomes for
the people of Papua New Guinea and for our country.”
“When it comes to deference, security, health, education, investment and trade,
these things must come forward for the benefit of our people.”
This official trip will also cover a visit to Shenzhen City which currently has a
sister city arrangement with Port Moresby and the National Capital District.
“We will be renewing our sister-city relationship with our capital city and with
Shenzhen.”
“We will also be going to Guangdong, looking at their facilities there in
education, environment and their zoo and doing some conservation work with
them.
“A very productive six day trip to China covering many aspects but also to see
and introduce ourselves to Mr. Qin, the new Foreign Minister who has already
been to Papua New Guinea.”

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Government assistance needed for Bundi-Simbu road

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A local team of youths from Bundi and Simbu cleared up piles of dirt and debris blocking off the road from Simbu to Upper Bundi.

The blockage resulted from six landslides caused by continuous rainfall along the area two months ago.

Piles of logs and huge rocks completely covered the road making it impassable, blocking off all services into Bundi.

One local SME Owner, Nelson Gandai, led a team of 22 boys in the clearing exercise two weeks ago.

Using a chainsaw and bush knives, they hacked away at the logs and sticks and dug through dirt piles with sticks, crowbars and spades.

Founder of a local Community Based Organization, Kumura Foundation, Vincent Kumura in a statement, said it was a very daunting task.

Mr Kumura said the Kumura Foundation has gathered 16 youths from Pomie in the upper Bundi area and partnered with Mr Gandai and his team, along with a second team of nine (9) boys led by David Monguma from Simbu to continue the work of clearing debris just to create a pathway for four-wheeled-drive vehicles to pass through.

The youths camped out at Mondia Pass for two weeks at a height of 2,900m under freezing conditions at night to fix the road.

While it is somewhat accessible now, persisting damp conditions still beg for proper work to be done on the road.

Last Friday, 12 youths assisted an ambulance vehicle with wheels stuck in the mud.

The whole exercise of digging, pushing and pulling through piles of debris took them three hours before the vehicle arrived in Simbu.

Mr Kumura says fortunately, there weren’t any emergency passengers onboard the ambulance.

He stated that the 32km stretch from Simbu to Snow Pass and Yandera in Upper Bundi is badly deteriorated and needs urgent government assistance.

“We have three Primary Schools (Bundi, Yandera and Snow Pass), the Snow Pass Eco-lodge, the Snow Pass Medical Dispensary, Kumura Foundation, proposed Yandera Mining, SMEs, coffee farmers and the 20,000 people of Bundi including sick patients affected from these bad road conditions.”

Furthermore, the 2023 ‘Bundi Komba Festival’ will be held from April 17-19. The festival is a recognized event by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and the National Cultural Commission of Papua New Guinea.”

Therefore, the foundation is calling for respective government authorities to respond quickly in clearing up the landslides and maintain the road link to Bundi,” stated Kumura.  

Mr Kumura said the Kumura Foundation is prepared to work with local and provincial government authorities to serve the people of Bundi.

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Proposed media policy will hurt Public’s right to information

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The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF), an advocacy network of Journalists and Media Practitioners have expressed grave concerns about the new media policy proposed by the office of the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Timothy Masiu.

In a statement, PFF said this policy will put limitations on PNG journalists’ ability to report freely and impact the quality of public information.

A concern raised by current Chairperson, Robert Iroga of the Solomon Islands stated that the public right to information will be affected by restrictions and regulations of the PNG Media Industry.

All eyes of the outside media fraternity are now on PNG as recent news of the policy has sparked the interest of journalists regionally and globally.

“We join the many voices in opposing the policy as it is a red flag in democracies like PNG where the role of the independent media is important for keeping island communities informed,” said Iroga.

PFF is extending their support toward journalists in PNG and the Media Council of Papua New Guinea by calling on the PNG Government to heed the voices of PNG’s journalists’ and seek understanding of the outpouring support against the Government’s proposal.

“Media and elected leaders serve the same people, our communities of the Pacific”

PFF encouraged Prime Minister, James Marape and his cabinet to seek dialogue with members of the PNG Media fraternity and bring forth a solution that upholds the public’s best interest.

“We oppose any efforts to undermine democracies by using the law to curtail the freedom of journalists to report freely in any democracy.

“Efforts such as those aiming to regulate or license journalists must never replace our professional ethics and the freedom to report without fear or favor”

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Crime

One Hostage Released

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Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that one of the four people being held captive in the Highlands has been released.

In a statement released by the Commissioner, Manning confirmed that a female Papua New Guinean has been released.

“The release of one female Papua New Guinean is a positive outcome, and negotiations continue for the safe release of the remaining two female Papua New Guineans and the male New Zealand citizen,” Manning said.

“From the information that we have received, the remaining three captives are in reasonable health, though are being held in difficult terrain,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manning has issued a strong warning to every citizen to stop spreading fake news on Social Media.

“The circulation of fake news can complicate security operations leading to tragic outcomes and I call on people using social media and administrators to not post information that has not been verified by official sources,” Manning said.

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