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Lai Valley Welcomes New Corporative Society 

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The launch of a new corporative society for Lai Valley in the Mendi Munihu district of Southern Highlands Province will pave way for economic benefits for 60,000 locals in the area. 

The Lai Valley Corporate Society was launched in Munihu Government Station on Wednesday (June 29) in front of eager locals wanting to learn about the society and the opportunities it would present. 

Interim Chairman of the society, Karl Sopol said the society’s focus is to help get the communities involved in small sustainable activities like piggery, poultry, and other projects rather than wait for government handouts. 

The birth of the society came through discussions among elites from the area who wanted to see how they could help their people sustain their livelihoods. 

Sopol said the society is all about helping people become economically independent. 

“Our target is to have 5 to 10 projects going in the next five years and with funding support of the government and through memberships and set up market access from the area and into the rest of the highlands all the way to Lae”. 

Sopol said with the right infrastructure in place such as the new Gulf to Southern Highlands Highway and other services such as electricity, it presented many market opportunities for the people to capitalize on. 

Eric Alom, an elite from Munihu encouraged the locals to support and take advantage of economic activities through the corporative society. 

“You alone do not have the resources to mobilize resources or to find the markets for your produce or products, a corporative society is able to do that for you, its here to help you get involved in business activities”, said Alom. 

The society now has plans to continue carrying out awareness activities to help people understand what a corporative society does and how they can benefit. 

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International

USAID for Women in Forestry 

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The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Papua New Guinea Department of National Planning and Monitoring signed an Implementation Letter of USD $2.5 million for Strengthening Women’s Equality and Empowerment in Forestry in Papua New Guinea. 

The funding emphasizes America’s continued commitment to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific through our strengthened U.S.-Pacific partnerships for sustainable, prosperous, inclusive, secure, and democratically empowered societies. 

The Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Secretary Koney Samuel countersigned the implementation letter on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea. 

The activity will enable women entrepreneurs to access supply chains and ecosystem service markets, develop women’s leadership in the forestry industry, and build women’s climate resilience. 

Deputy Mission Director for the Pacific Islands and Mongolia Betty Chung said the $2.5 million agreement reiterates to the PNG public how hard their government has been working to secure resources and partnerships for PNG’s development.” 

Secretary Samuel and Deputy Mission Director Chung also discussed the ongoing projects in Papua New Guinea through USAID funding, and reflected on the increased partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United States. 

“I’d like to acknowledge the support of the US government through USAID. I’m happy that USAID is stepping up to support different sectors including climate change, HIVAIDs, and the PNG electrification partnership to support PNG’s Development strategy plan 2030.” Secretary Samuel said. 

The funding will benefit over 250 women with enhanced livelihood opportunities in two provinces in PNG; reduce greenhouse gas emissions in at least 250 hectares of high-carbon areas; and reach a minimum of 15000 people through advocacy campaigns.

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National Elections

Ballot Boxes Distributed to Namatanai and Kavieng Open

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Ballot papers for New Ireland province are being distributed to the two respective electorates of Namatanai and Kavieng in preparation for polling. 

Ballot papers for Namatanai were delivered on Wednesday (June 29) under tight police security.

According to Provincial Returning Officer, Benjamin Kliawi, 31 boxes containing a total of 55,750 ballot papers were distributed to Namatanai electorate.

Meanwhile 21 boxes holding 42,950 ballot papers for Kavieng Open still remain in the holding container at the Kavieng Police Station. 

“Both electorates have a total of 52 boxes which contain a grand total of 98,700 ballot 

papers for New Ireland province,” said Kliawi.

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Kliawai also confirmed that for Namatanai, a total of 82 ballot boxes were distributed, 41 of which are for Namatanai open and 41 for the Provincial seat. 

According to the Police Chief, police personnel have been doing 24/7 monitoring and securing of the sensitive materials since the arrival last week Tuesday. 

PPC Chief Inspector, Felix Nebanat says upon the electoral office’s request, police had to secure the perimeter of the storage container and oversee the extraction of the ballot papers. 

“These sensitive materials are transported under heavy escort along the four hour stretch

of the Boluminksi highway to ensure they arrive safely in Namatanai,” Nebanat said. 

PPC Nebanat appealed to the voting populace of New Ireland, candidate scrutineers and police scrutineers to make it their business to know the number of ballot papers for respective LLGs.

“It is critical that you know the total number of ballot papers so quality check or cross examination can be done when it comes to counting,” said PPC Nebanat.

In that way, you help the police in keeping a tab on the election process in order to maintain transparency, he concluded. 

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News

New Look Kavieng Town Roads

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The upgraded roads in Kavieng have officially been opened. 

New Ireland Provincial Works Manager, Solomon Pela was present with sitting Governor, Sir Julius Chan to officiate the completion of road maintenance in the provincial capital.

“Citizens of Kavieng and New Ireland have every reason to celebrate this occasion. The sealing of our city roads and side streets has never been better in over 100 years. Some of our streets stayed the same from the time they were given before Independence,” said Governor Chan.

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Simply put, we celebrate the fruits of our vision and mission in our development manual, the Malagan and New Ireland Declarations,” added Sir Julius.

PPP believes in People’s Progress. Lifting the standard of affluence from zero level to Self-Reliance and Autonomy, Chan said. 

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Governor Chan said the Kavieng Town roads and all the roads in the Province have and will be upgraded and sealed as a solid investments for the people.

He also expressed that the next priority is the commencement of work on the West Coast Highway. Sir Julius said West Coast people are distant from the service delivery because of bad roads.

“We will give the people of West Coast the same opportunities to succeed by investing big on the West Coast Highway.

It will be sealed from Fangalawa to Lamusmus, and along the West Coast all the way through Sentral Niu Ailan, through Namatanai, and right down to Lamassa in the Konoagil Council,” said Sir Julius.

He added that this is the biggest high-budget project investment in New Ireland and his PPP Government has commenced work to give the people of West Coast the best-sealed road, if not, better than the Boluminski Highway.

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News

Consultations for new Independence Constitution underway

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The Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission (BCPC) began their consultations in North and South Bougainville on Tuesday (June 28).

Commissioners in both regions were divided into teams to cover wards in each constituency respectively.

Team South began consultations with ward members from the Baubake Urban community government on Tuesday (June 28) and consultations with stakeholders and interest groups will be on Friday while Team North began with Hagogohe Constituency in Buka.

The commissioners are now into consultation proper where they will collect views from Bougainvilleans to draft a new autochthonous or homegrown constitution for an independent sovereign state of Bougainville.

This consultation is one of the activities agreed upon by both the ABG and PNG government through the joint consultations that were held after the referendum vote in 2019.

The BCPC was appointed by the Bougainville Executive Council and sworn into office early this year with President Hon Ishmael Toroama as the chairman, Vice President Hon Patrick Nisira as the alternate chairperson and Attorney General Hon Ezekiel Massat as the deputy chairman and a total of 40 commissioners.

The CPC is supported by a Secretariat which acts as a technical team and is headed by the Department of Justice and Legal Services and Department of Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation and supported by the Parliamentary Services and Directorate of Media and Communication.

The CPC is expected to conduct consultations in three months and have a first draft of the constitution by the end of this year.

Meanwhile team Central will be starting consultation proper next week.

Bougainvilleans are urged to attend these consultations when the team visits your constituencies.

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National Elections

PPC Nebanat: New Ireland Police Ready for Election

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New Ireland, Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat, said his men and women will ensure, security for the 2022 National General Election in the province is guaranteed. 

He reiterated this upon the arrival of non-sensitive election materials in Kavieng earlier this week. 

“New Ireland Police is on par with protecting election materials that is kept under police security,” Nebanat said.

He confirmed that a section of the Tomaringa Mobile Squad was tasked to escort the election team to ensure the materials are safely delivered to its designated destination. 

“We have to remain vigilant always in carrying out our duties in making sure this election is safe, fair and secure,” Nebanat said.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Felix Nebanat

PPC Nebanat revealed that his operation order is all set with two sections from Tomaringa mobile squad already on the ground with the PNG Defence Force expected to arrive later this week. 

He said the additional personnel from sister forces and will be embedded into his command 

structure to give support to the 325 local police in the Province. 

Meanwhile PPC Nebanat warned candidates, groups and supporters with the intention to rigg the election to refrain from that intent. 

“I will not hesitate to deal with this offence with the highest level of force to appropriately deal with such situations if and when they arise,” said Nebanat. 

New Ireland non-sensitive election materials

New Ireland Assistant Election Manageress, Annette Bais also stressed that this election is anticipated to be different from the previous elections with higher risks anticipated according to threat analysis. 

However she expressed confidence in the security forces in ensuring the election process comes to a successful conclusion and is carried out transparently and safely. 

She confirmed that the arrival of the non-sensitive materials completes the necessary election 

materials required for polling as New Ireland prepares to join the nation in going into polls in a week’s time.

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National Elections

PRP Raises Hand to Form Government

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People’s Reform Party is one political party determined to form Government in the 11th Parliament. 

PRP Leader, James Donald revealed this in Kiunga during a rally. Donald said PRP is ready to transform and reform the country with its policies as the driving factor. 

“We can be an economic power in the Pacific if we embark on better policies that are workable for us,” said Donald.

Incumbent North Fly MP and PRP Leader, James Donald, speaking to the crowd in Western Province.

He urged Papua New Guinean’s not to be lazy but must work the land. He said PRP has endorsed more than 10 candidates to contest the 2022 National General Elections. 

“Our resources are abundant, if we equally share the benefits our communities will see drastic changes,” said the PRP leader.

Donald expressed gratitude towards his people for their trust in his leadership in the past five years and urged voters to choose leaders who are able to deliver essential services.

“Vote for credible leaders who can do more for the people and better their life,” he said.

I spent the whole five years in Opposition bench, now I want to be in Government and emphasize more on Party policies,” he added. 

PRP Supporter at PRP rally in Western province

The incumbent North Fly MP also urged voters around the country to vote for the 12 PRP candidates endorsed by the Party. 

“I will push for reforms to ensure resource owners are not left out. The P’nyang Gas project provides that avenue to see people get maximum benefits in infrastructure, integral human development and greater financial autonomy, ” Donald said.

PRP held two major political rallies in Ningerum, Tabubil before ending it in the township of Kiunga.

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News

Madang Ward Recorders & Agents raise concerns on allowance

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Ward Recorders and Agents in the six districts of Madang have raised grievances over nonpayment of allowances, including the cost incurred during the roll update for eight months.

The ward recorders and agents met with the Madang electoral officer manager, Sponsar Navi, on Monday (June27) at the Madang town police station demanding for the electoral office to pay their dues.

Madang Urban Local Level Government Ward Recorder, Theodore Mandoma, says they have been patient over five months and it is time the electoral office addressed their grievances.

Mandoma explained the buildup of their frustrations stems from four issues; nonpayment of allowance, insufficient allowance as per their contracts, risk allowance and the cost incurred since they started work on the roll update.

The ward recorders and agents started work on the roll update in June 2021 and completed the work in January 2022.

But the recorders and agents are arguing that the electoral office had not supported in funding the roll update and they had been using their own funds or borrowing from service providers to complete the exercise; adding that the cost incurred was too much an expense and the electoral office needs to address the issues outlined and sort out their allowances including the added costs.

Mandoma says ward agents received only K300 whilst ward recorders were paid K700 which wasn’t what they were promised as per their contracts.

Mandoma says the temporary Election workers need to know the actual rate of the recorders and the agents and if there was a change to the rate.

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Meanwhile, Phillip Yatukru of Middle Ramu District, says the temporary election workers used their own funds or on credit basis to carry out the roll update.

Adding, the K300 and K700 paid respectively to the ward recorders and agents is less than the expenses involved in the exercise.

Ward Recorder John Marleh, of North Ambenob in Madang District also expresses of non-payment of allowances and other services that were rendered on credit basis that will also pose a risk to election officers during polling.

Madang Election Manager, Sponsar Navi, says like any government departments even provincial governments rely on the national government.

Navi reaffirmed that the roll update was started last year. 

However, the PNG Electoral Head office has not given any funds to the Madang electoral office to carry out roll update.

Navi says this is a big issue that needs to be sorted out but the smooth running of the election involves collaboration from all stakeholders including ward recorders and agents.

The Madang Election Manager thanked the temporary election workers for the work done adding the electoral head office has assured Madang electoral office that funds will be sent to sort out the overdue allowances.

Navi adds, the funds will be paid into the electoral office account and then cash withdrawn to pay temporary election workers who do not have bank accounts.

Navi says he will need clarification from the electoral head office on ward recorders and agents who have been paid K300 and K700 respectively including risk allowance, as all operations carried out in preparation towards the election must always include K300 risk allowance.

Mr Navi claimed he was not aware that the ward recorders and the agents were paid K300 and K700 separately.

Meanwhile those who have engaged services on credit basis have to provide evidence to the electoral office to look into the cost incurred during the roll update exercise.

The temporary election workers gave Madang Electoral office two days to seek answers and sort out their grievances.

The ward recorders and agents will meet again on Thursday 10am at the Madang town station to deliberate on the matter.

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News

Rita Flynn Complex re-opens for COVID-19 Services

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The Rita Fylnn Complex (RFC) is now re-opened for COVID-19 testing and other services in the National Capital District (NCD).

Deputy Controller for the National Pandemic response Dr Daoni Esorom explained that the complex was re-opened on June 16th, after a meeting with the NCD Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Team and the Sports Foundation CEO.

“During the meeting, I have given directives for them to reopen the complex.

“So, there is no issue with the RFC and it is opened,” Esorom said.

Staff have also been asked to resume work at the center.

Similar directives were also given by the Pandemic Controller David Manning to the PNG Sports Foundation to ensure the COVID-19 services continue to be provided.

“I have had several discussions with the Sports Foundation CEO to see how best NCC and other partners can support the Sports Foundations to rehabilitate the facility as part of our COVID-19 recovery roadmap.

“It’s now the responsibility of the NCD PHA to continue on the services there including all the other COVID-19 services in other health facilities in the city,” Manning said.

Meanwhile new covid 19 cases have been reported.

As at the 24th of June 2022, there were 30 new cases reported.

27 cases were reported in Enga, 1 each in Western Highlands, East New Britain and NCD.

The new cumulative total for COVID-19 cases in PNG now stands at 44,691, with 658 cumulative deaths.

Over 277,913 people have been fully vaccinated, with over 337,243 people have been vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

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National Elections

PNGDF Ships Armored Vehicles

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The three armored vehicles that will be used for election security in the Highlands were shipped to Lae on PNGDF’s naval vessel, HMPNGS Lakekamu.

A team of 25 sailors, three navy divers, one intelligence officer and Commanding Officer of HMPNGS Lakekamu departed Port Moresby last Tuesday (21 June) and arrived in Lae on Saturday (June25)

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (Navy) Bryan Pohai and his men on their return journey, loaded two patrol boats in Lae and delivered at Popondetta to assist in election.

“The trip has been good. We have been getting enough support from Maritime Cell Block back in Port Moresby, National Maritime Surveillance Center and now we have established contact with the Joint Task Force Command in Lae, said Commanding Officer Pohai.

The armored vehicles handed over to RPNGC’s acting Officer in charge of Transport, Sergeant Manu Volu will be driven to Mt. Hagen and used to provide security during the polling and counting period.

HMPNGS Lakekamu will be patrolling the waters of Port Moresby through to Milne Bay and will be assisting with logistical support and security during the election.

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