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Southern Region Completes Review of National Youth Development Act 2014

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The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) Regional Consultation Workshop for Southern Region is the 4th regional consultation workshops that took place on the 17th-21 September 2024 at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance in Port Moresby.

The purpose of the workshop is to review the NYDA Act 2014, gauge views and opinions of the participants regarding the legal impediments identified in the NYDA Act 2014.

More than fifty participants (NGO, youth reps, community development officer, Stakeholders and Partners) from Milne bay, Daru, Central, Gulf and National Capital Districts raised important views and concerns, especially issues surrounding youth age bracket, lack of coordination, youth representation in the decision making, implementation of youth programs, activities between the national and subnational level.

Director General, Joe Itaki said in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders, NYDA need to work together to raise the bar pertaining to youth interventions, hence the act review is timely to ground programs on a solid legal footing.

“This will help towards strengthening connection from national to the subnational level.

“This is the only time we give our best inputs to change the law process.

“The current Act was done in 2014 and there was no fair consultation workshops like this, as a result there were many disconnection in the Province, District and LLG in terms of getting credible youth services provider who have the recognition to establish the mission,” he said.

In order to change the course of how things were done fifteen to twenty years ago, NYDA aims to create an equal playing field for every youth and stakeholder with strong legal platforms.

All the views and opinions collected from all the stakeholders will be vetted and draft amended version of NYDA Act 2014 will be table before NEC and Parliament.

Related article: https://insidepng.com/modern-youth-challenges-require-new-laws-to-address/

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Modern Youth Challenges Require New Laws to Address

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The riots of January 10, dubbed the “Black Wednesday”, has left a huge imprint, with the Marape-Rosso Government not only calling a Commission of Inquiry into the PNG Royal Constabulary but also summoning heads of departments and government authorities responsible for youth policies and intervention to do something.

One of the instructions was to review the current National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) Act 2014 and align it with current trends and challenges facing Papua New Guinean youths.

The National Youth Development Authority recently concluded the Southern and final regional consultation in Port Moresby.

NYDA Director General, Joe Itaki as the chief adviser said through these consultation workshops, led by the NYDA legal team, they now have a clear glimpse of how and where they can position youth intervention programs, as far as legal frameworks are concerned.

“The challenges we faced today is not the same as in the past,” said Itaki.

Dickson Kiragi from the office of Civil Registry said; “We can talk about youth’s developments in the country but if we do not have responsive comprehensive policies and legislation, we will not progress.”

He said the policies and legislation will always become the impediments to the aspirations of the youths.

“In terms of the legislative review and development, it is critical for NYDA and for those of us who facilitate in the youth space to get it right,” Kiragi said.

The revised Act will ensure provisions that will allow youth service providers and the stakeholders to proactively participate. This will allow the Government to allocate grants for them to implement youth activities in the district and LLG level.

The NYDA’s role is to provide coordination, policy and not implementation.

Itaki acknowledged the representatives of churches, youth service providers and stakeholders for its recommendations to the Act review process.

He said partners are to implement youth’s activities in the country therefore it’s very important they participate in such workshops.

Views and opinions collected from all the stakeholders will be vetted and a draft amended version of NYDA Act 2014 will be table before NEC and Parliament, most likely the beginning of next year.

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Parkop Condemns Violence in Port Moresby

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NCD Governor Powes Parkop in a statement addressed the pressing need for improved security measures following the killing of a man in Tokarara suburb in Port Moresby.

The attack and killing, which occurred over the weekend was all captured on video.

Parkop highlighted the urgent need for a permanent appointment of the NCD and Central Police Commander, as well as immediate funding for the much-anticipated CCTV Safe City Project as promised by the Prime Minister James Marape in 2023.

Since the riots on January 10, 2024, the police command has only had acting appointments.

Parkop stressed that if the Inquiry has cleared ACP Wagambie, he should be reinstated.

“Otherwise, Acting ACP Peter Guinness should be made permanent so he can develop a better strategy to counter the rise in offenses like armed hold-ups,” he says.

The Governor’s comments come in light of a violent clash where a security officer was reportedly shot dead during an armed robbery at a local store in Tokarara..In response, a gang member was killed in retaliation by the victim’s colleagues and family.

Parkop extended his condolences, stressing that “both deaths are totally unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances.”

He acknowledged the rise in petty crimes and hold-ups, urging both national and local governments to implement social and economic solutions to prevent youth from turning to crime.

“Our ordinary and decent residents are fed up with crime,” he states.

Parkop has called on the police to apprehend those involved in the recent violence, using evidence from widely circulated social media footage.

“I call on the police to intervene quickly to neutralize the situation and ensure the culprits are brought to justice,” he added.

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Eliseo Group Opens New Shop in Gerehu

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Eliseo Group of Companies launched the opening of their new shopping center today in the suburb of Gerehu in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby.

This now brings total number of shops operated by Eliseo Group to eight.

Eliseo Group of Companies, managing director Max Li said, Eliseo has a good reputation in the country and also provided job opportunities for Papua New Guinean locals spanning over 10 years since its establishment at the Gordon suburb in Port Moresby.

Today mark’s a another milestone achievement for Eliseo for adding a another figure to their tally bringing the total to eight, it is through the commitment and hard work of the Papua New Guinean workers, Li said.

He said, the company’s aim is to give a second chance to the people of Papua New Guinea by providing them employment opportunities and help make a living in the city.

He added that Eliseo shops are also avenues for students to do part-time jobs to gain a bit of work experience during school holidays.

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Unpaid Electricity Bills Costing Port Moresby Residents

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PNG Power Limited today released a statement announcing the commencement of load shedding exercises in the National Capital District due to low generation of electricity.

The load shedding commenced when one of PNG Power’s Independent Power Producers, Dirio Gas & Power Company Limited decided to shut down its electricity supply to Port Moresby city.

The company claims, PNG Power Limited owes them K240 million of outstanding electricity bills.

While both companies are in discussions to resolve this issue, PNG Power Limited Board Chairman McRonald Nale highlighted global economic challenges coupled with unpaid bills and aging infrastructure as major challenges placing this State Owned Enterprise in such a position.

Nale said adverse global economic situations and market fluctuations have also impacted our costs and are making it more difficult for PPL to operate efficiently.

“These conditions include, a shortage of Foreign Exchange within PNG, an increased fuel costs partly driven by global uncertainties.

“Unpaid electricity bills and unfunded community service obligations continue to drain PPL’s financial resources.

“PPL requires immediate additional funding so that it can reduce it’s outstanding debt and modernize its infrastructure,” Nale stressed.

Despite all these challenges, Nale said PPL is working hard to ensure there is limited power disrupted to all businesses and residents in Port Moresby.

Residents are advised that there will be a three to four hour interval of power disruption at this stage as talks with Dirio continue.

Dirio’s engagement to supply electricity into the city is under PPL’s Independent Power Producers (IPPs) partnership.

Nale said they appreciate the contributions of many IPPs as important stakeholders as they play a very crucial role in generating electricity for PPL’s major grids.

“PPL will continue its partnership with IPP’s on terms and conditions that are fair and equitable to both parties,” Nale said.

Related Article: https://insidepng.com/dirio-suspends-supply-of-electricity/

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Dirio Suspends Supply of Electricity

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Dirio Gas and Power Company Limited has issued a notice to PNG Power Limited to shut down its power station in Port Moresby.

The notice statement by the Chairman of Dirio Gas and Power limited Ambassador Issac Lupari came into effect as of Friday, the 27th of September.

According to the statement, PNG Power has continued to neglect its obligations under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) despite numerous attempts by Dirio to engage and elicit a commitment to pay Dirio and it’s landowners.

“The result has now become untenable and PNG Power owes Dirio more than PGK240million” the notice states.

Dirio was founded in 2017 in line with the Papua New Guinea Government’s policy to increase local participation in key industries to economic growth and to ensure that the government’s target of 70% electrification is reached by 2030.

The gas and Power company is entirely owned by the PNG landowners from the LNG affected areas. The chairman also outlined in the notice that since its inception, Dirio has never been a beneficiary to any governmental support such as tax concessions or State guarantees.

The first commencement of the sale of electricity from Dirio to PNG Power Limited under a long term Power Purchase Agreement (PPL) was in November 2021.

Together with its partners, Dirio has operated the Dirio Central Province Power station in accordance with the PPA terms to meet the electricity demands of Port Moresby residents and business houses. However, PNG Power Limited has refused to receive more than 30 megawatts of electricity from Dirio despite having the capacity of 45 megawatts limiting the power generation available to Port Moresby residents.

Dirio in its notice, stated that it does not intend to cause any inconvenience to Port Moresby business and residents but by providing advance notices, Port Moresby users will be prepared for any supply interruptions.

Meanwhile, PNG Power Limited has also issued a planned load shedding electricity schedule for Port Moresby residents and businesses effective as of Friday the 27th of September.

Dirio suspends supply of electricity, forcing PNG Power to carry oout load shedding execises.
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PNG Fashion Debut in Russia

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PNG Fashion will be represented in Russia next month (October 3-5).

Ms Philma Kelegai, Founder and Managing Director of PNG Fashion Week, is attending the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow.  BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The global event, the largest of its kind for the emerging fashion markets, will bring together industry leaders, heads of fashion associations, manufacturers, designers, and experts from around the world to discuss the future of fashion.

PNG Fashion

The highlight of the Summit will be the International Exhibition ‘Heritage’.  It will showcase the powerful influence of national and cultural heritage of BRICS countries, as well as countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The founder of PNG Fashion Week will observe this event and make a presentation on ‘Heritage’.

It will also look at modern clothing design and reflect the global trend of embracing cultural codes in a contemporary context.

Ms Kelegai said, “As a leader in this space in PNG, I am excited to see how connections like this that foster collaboration and exchange can lead to massive returns on investment and invaluable reach not just fashion in PNG but brand PNG.”

She added, “PNG deserves to be seen on global platforms, its art, culture, story and rich history is undeniable and I am proud to represent PNG at this global forum.”

Following the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, Moscow Fashion Week will take center stage from October 4th to 9th, featuring talented designers from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, Costa Rica and the UAE.

PHOTOS BY: PNG Fashion Week

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Papua New Guinea Reaffirms Commitment to Nuclear Disarmament at Global Meeting

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Papua New Guinea is the latest state to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The CTBT is an international treaty that aims to ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes. The objective is to curb the development and spread of nuclear weapons by making it illegal for countries to conduct nuclear tests, thus contributing to global security.

The 11th meeting of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) took place on 24 September 2024 on the margins of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York.

The meeting brought together key international figures, including Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and UN Under-Secretary General Izumi Nakamitsu, to discuss the future of nuclear safety and disarmament.

In his address, Foreign Affairs Minister for Papua New Guinea, Justin Tkatchenko, highlighted the pressing need for global cooperation in nuclear disarmament.

Tkatchenko says the participation of Papua New Guinea at the CTBT meeting is a vital effort towards ensuring peace and security for current and future generations reaffirming the country’s commitment to the CTBT having ratified the treaty on the 13th of March 2024. This step reflects the nation’s dedication to promoting safer and more controlled uses of nuclear technology for the benefit of humanity.

In his remarks, Tkatchenko addressed the historical and ongoing consequences of nuclear testing in the Pacific, pointing to events such as the Moruroa Atolls testing and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. He emphasized the need for a coordinated response to safeguard the region’s environment and the health of its communities. “Our region and ocean have been and continue to be on the receiving end of the consequences of actions we are neither a part of nor benefit from,” he stated.

Highlighting the unique challenges of the Pacific nations, Tkatchenko called for solidarity among Pacific neighbors yet to ratify the CTBT. He asserted that the region’s identity and sovereignty are linked to the ocean, which has faced threats not only from nuclear testing but also from pollution and industrial dumping.

To date, 187 countries have signed the treaty, and 178 have ratified it. However, for the CTBT to enter into force, it requires ratification by 44 specific countries that participated in the negotiations, known as Annex 2 states. As of October 2023, several key states of the Annex 2 countries, including the United States, China, India, and Pakistan, have not ratified the treaty.

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Air Niugini Launches Rebranded Loyalty Programs Amid Service Enhancements

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Air Niugini officially launched its rebranded loyalty programs, Destinations Frequent Flyer and Air Niugini Kumul Club

PAPUA New Guinea’s National Airline, Air Niugini officially launched its rebranded loyalty programs, Destinations Frequent Flyer and Air Niugini Kumul Club, during a ceremony held in Port Moresby.

CEO Gary Seddon addressed the audience of management, staff, and partners, highlighting the evolution of the loyalty programs since their inception in August 2009.

With a current membership of 127,000 in the Destinations program and nearly 7,000 Kumul Club members, Seddon noted an impressive growth over the past 15 years, with 85% of members residing in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and 15% overseas.

He emphasized that the Destinations program remains free to join, offering members the opportunity to earn points on flights that can be redeemed for travel or partner goods and services.

Air Niugini CEO, Gary Seddon, standing at a podium with a mic in hand, speaking to attendees at the rebrand launch.
Air Niugini CEO, Gary Seddon, standing at a podium with a mic in hand, speaking to attendees at the rebrand launch.

The revamped Destinations program introduces three membership tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, allowing members to accumulate status points based on flight frequency and spending. Enhanced benefits, such as added baggage allowance, priority check-in, and lounge access, will be available as members advance through the tiers.

For the Kumul Club, which operates on an annual subscription model, there are three options: Kumul Club Premium, Kumul Club Domestic, and Kumul Club Junior.

Seddon reassured attendees that there would be no changes to annual membership fees, and Premium members will continue to enjoy access to all international lounges in PNG and partner lounges abroad. The airline recently opened new lounges in Manus, Vanimo, and Kavieng, bringing the total to 12 lounges across PNG.

Looking ahead, Seddon announced further enhancements set to roll out later this month, including virtual cards, family memberships, and online features such as statement downloads and claims for missing points.

During his speech, Seddon also acknowledged the challenges faced by the airline in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain disruptions, rising operational costs, and difficulties in attracting skilled personnel. He acknowledged the need for continuous improvement in customer service, stating, “We cannot accept mediocrity. We have to own that.”

To address these challenges, Air Niugini has invested over K5 million in customer service training for its staff over the past 18 months.

Seddon introduced Lisa Hill, the airline’s new Customer Engagement Manager, who brings extensive experience from the airline and hospitality industries. Hill will play a pivotal role in enhancing customer relations as the airline strives for excellence in service delivery.

As Air Niugini embarks on this new chapter, the introduction of a new fleet of 13 jet planes—expected to arrive within a year—promises to be a game changer for the airline, further elevating the travel experience for passengers.

[Pictures supplied by Air Niugini]

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Lieutenant Colonel Kagena Selected for Prestigious US-Pacific Rising Leaders Fellowship

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Lieutenant Colonel Velmoore Kagena of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force has been selected as one of two representatives from Papua New Guinea to participate in the esteemed US-Pacific Rising Leaders Fellowship program. The program will take place in Washington, DC, from September 30 to October 18, 2024.

This fellowship, announced by the White House during the September 2022 U.S.–Pacific Island Country Summit, aims to empower mid-career public service professionals from Pacific Island nations.

The second cohort is set to welcome up to 32 participants to the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) for a three-week leadership development experience.

The fellowship is a collaborative effort between Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Department of State.

Participants were chosen following a public call for applications and recommendations from regional governments and experts, with final selections made by a panel convened by Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and U.S. missions in the region.

Lt Col Kagena, who hails from Central Province, Gavuone Village in Abau, and Malati Village in Kanosia, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity.

“I decided to apply for the program after seeing the advertisement online,” he stated.

Currently serving as the Director of the Incident Response Group, he previously held the position of Officer Commanding of the Long Range Reconnaissance Unit. With 25-years of experience, he has excelled in various capacities in both training and operational roles, both domestically and internationally.

An accomplished military professional, Lt Col Kagena is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Australia.

His academic credentials include a Diploma of Personnel Management from the University of New South Wales, a Bachelor of Business and Management (Professional Studies) from the University of Papua New Guinea, and a Master of Military and Defence Studies from the Australian National University. He is also a recent alumnus of the Australian War College in Canberra and the Asia Pacific Centre for Strategic Studies in Hawaii.

Looking ahead, Lt Col Kagena is eager not only to explore Washington DC but also to enhance his professional military education and forge valuable connections with fellow participants, lecturers, and facilitators during the program.

This fellowship presents a unique opportunity for him to further his leadership skills and contribute to the development of effective public service in the Pacific region.

“Establishing networks and building mutual relationships with the other Fellows from the Pacific Islands countries to collaborate in addressing the complex security and development challenges faced by our respective countries in the Oceania region”, says Lt. Col Kagena.

As Papua New Guinea continues to strengthen its ties with global partners, Lt Col Kagena’s participation in this prestigious program underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering leadership and collaboration in the Pacific Island community.

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