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Marape Calls on Papua New Guineans to take Pope’s Message of Service, Peace and Unity into Independence

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Prime Minister James Marape Meets Pope Francis

Prime Minister James Marape and his wife, Rachel Marape today joined hundreds of Catholics in the country to celebrate the Holy Mass with Pope Francis.

Flanked by his deputy, John Rosso, the Prime Minister, a Seventh Day Adventist, including other members of the parliament sat through the three hour service.

Before departing for Vanimo, the Pontiff met with Marape and his wife.

Marape personally acknowledged Pope Francis on his delivery of messages of service, unity and peace to the people of Papua New Guinea.

“This is a great message our people need in our land of so much diversity. Our country is very ethnically, linguistically and culturally diverse, and the Pontiff’s message of unity, love and care, is very relevant to us today. It must be amplified throughout our country.

“Our different Christian churches may read the Bible from different perspectives, but the fundamental tenet of Christianity is the embrace of each other in love, forgiveness, respect and humble service of each other.

“This weekend was quiet and peaceful. It is exemplary of the goodness that can come from our people. It reflects the soul and innermost character of Papua New Guineans.

“We are good people, capable of embracing each other in love, unity and peace.

Marape called on Papua New Guineans to carry the Pope’s message to heart as the country approaches its 49th Independence Anniversary.

“As we approach our 49th Independence anniversary in a week’s time, I appeal to our people to take Pope Francis’ message with us – to continue to respect each other, to respect our country, and respect our God.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the Pope on his decision to continue his visit to Vanimo considering his advanced age, adding that this is reflective of the character of Christ in serving others.

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Pope Francis emphasizes equal sharing of resources

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Pope Francis emphasize equal sharing of resources

Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a proclamation even Pope Francis acknowledges.

But Papua New Guinea is also challenged with socio-economic developments that do not reach the rural majority despite the presence of numerous extractive industries.

The Pontiff in his remarks this morning at the APEC Haus said Papua New Guinea besides consisting of islands and languages, is also rich in natural resources.

“These goods are destined by God for the entire community.

“Even if outside experts and large international companies must be involved in the harnessing of these resources, it is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, to improve their living conditions.

“These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner,” said Pope Francis.

Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae in acknowledging the work of the Catholic Church in the country also requested the Pope in his capacity as a world leader to help advocate on Climate Change and its impacts that is felt by small island nations like PNG.

“Climate change is real and is affecting the lives of our people in the remote Islands of Papua New Guinea.

“Across the Pacific, islands are sinking and are affected and displaced.

“We seek your prayers and support for global action and advocacy on climate change, we need to let the world know that there is no more time.

“What the world needs is commitment for action,” Sir Bob said.

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Pope Francis calls to end ethnic violence

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Pope Francis at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

In his address to Papua New Guinea this morning, the Sovereign Head of the Vatican and the Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis called for an end to ethnic violence in Papua New Guinea.

Pope Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea a month after the brutal killings in East Sepik Province where men, women and children were mercilessly killed.

This happened at the backdrop of continued tribal conflicts in parts of the Highlands Region where in February an ambush resulted in mass killings in Enga Province. Isolated incidents of ethnic clashes in cities and towns.

Highlighting these issues that continues to plague rural Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis called for individuals and groups to take responsibility in stopping the spread of violence.

“It is my hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development.

“I appeal, therefore, to everyone’s sense of responsibility to stop the spiral of violence and instead resolutely embark on the path that leads to fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all the people of the country,” Pope Francis said.

The Pope went on to challenge the Catholic faithful to follow the Gospel of Jesus, and preach the good news of peace hope and love.

“For all those who profess to be Christians – the vast majority of your people – I fervently hope that faith will never be reduced just to the observance of rituals and precepts.

“May it be marked instead by love of Jesus Christ and following him as a disciple.

“In this way, faith can become a lived culture, inspiring minds and actions and becoming a beacon of light that illuminates the path forward.

“At the same time, faith can also help society to grow and find good and effective solutions to its greatest challenges,” Pope Francis said.

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Drunk Policemen Assault Healthcare Workers at St John’s Hospital

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Two (2) police officers under the influence of alcohol forcefully entered St John’s Hospital at Gerehu this morning and started assaulting staff and causing significant damage to the facility.

The altercation has drawn widespread condemnation from health authorities and law enforcement officials.

Witnesses reported that an unmarked vehicle carrying two officers arrived at the hospital around 4:30 AM.

Despite being informed by security that the hospital was closed until 6am, the officers ignored the instructions and forced their way inside.

The hospital’s Emergency Doctor, who attempted to reason with the officers, was met with violence.

After advising them that the clinic was closed due to a suspected Monkey Pox (Mpox) case and suggesting they visit the Port Moresby General Hospital instead, the doctor was slapped in the face.

Eyewitnesses said as the officers drove away, they fired a gun shot and later returned to further assault the doctor.

Inside the hospital, the officers continued their rampage, injuring a Health Extension Officer and damaging property.

A nurse narrowly escaped harm by hiding in a restroom.

Dr. Robin Oge, Acting CEO of the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), strongly condemned the officers’ actions, describing the attack as a “shocking act of brutality” against a healthcare professional.

“Such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement and create an unsafe environment for our healthcare workers,” Dr. Oge stated.

He assured staff and patients that the incident is under investigation, with officers involved already identified.

Hubert Namani, Deputy Chairman of the NCDPHA and President of the Law Society, echoed these sentiments, calling for justice and describing the assault as a disgraceful breach of the law and an attack on the values of justice and public service.

Acting CEO of the NCDPHA, Dr Robin Oge (left) and Commissioner of Police, David Manning (right), speaking to the media at St John's Hospital, Gerehu.
Acting CEO of the NCDPHA, Dr Robin Oge (left) and Commissioner of Police, David Manning (right), speaking to the media at St John’s Hospital, Gerehu.

Police Commissioner, David Manning also condemned the rogue officers, emphasizing that their actions do not reflect the values of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).

He confirmed that Internal Affairs and the forensic department are actively investigating the incident and urged witnesses to come forward.

As a result of the incident, emergency services at St John’s Hospital Gerehu are closed for the day and duties expected to resume tomorrow.

All other services continue to operate as normal.

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Vote of No Confidence, Geopolitics & West Papua

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Prime Minister James Marape’s leadership will be tested when Parliament proceeds with a Vote of No Confidence next Thursday 12th September 2024.

The Tari-Pori MP has welcomed the Opposition’s alternate nominee for the Prime Minister’s post, Finschhafen MP, Rainbo Paita.

In the weeks leading up to Parliament this week, Prime Minister James Marape travelled abroad for bilateral meetings with leaders in the region.

Indonesia’s President-Elect, Prabowo Subianto also paid PM Marape a courtesy call in Port Moresby in August before the incumbent President’s inauguration next month.

Both leaders touched briefly on West Papua, the indigenous peoples sharing a land border with PNG and fighting for Independence from Indonesia since the 1960s.

Speaking to the media before leaving for the Pacific Island Forum in late August, PM Marape said, West Papua is within the sovereignty of Indonesia so it was responsible for addressing issues relating to sovereignty in West Papua.

While Indonesia’s President-Elect welcomed PNG’s insights on West Papua hinting greater respect for indigenous views on customs, culture, land rights and the preservation of indigenous heritage; these views have been met with skepticism by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. A Netherlands based Independence movement group.

Its international spokesperson, Raki Ap said of the visit by the President-Elect, “He is doing his best to travel the region to win the hearts and minds, basically buy time to create more injustice to West Papua.”

Raki Ap said an independent West Papua will change geo politics in the region. Climate change will be high on the agenda delivering cutting edge indigenous proposals.
West Papuan leaders abroad are actively campaigning a free West Papua as the Green State.

ULMWP President, Benny Wenda also welcomed the recent Pacific Island Forum call for Special Envoys and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua.

The Independence Movement Group wants to be active in the Pacific and especially within Melanesian countries. In PNG, it wants to convince political leaders to change the position of classifying West Papua as an internal matter for Indonesia.

All remains to be seen given PNG’s economic hardships and political maneuverings on the eve of a Vote of No Confidence against Prime Minister James Marape.

He asked the people to remain united as leaders consider who will best guide the country into the 50th anniversary next year and beyond.

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Business

IBBM launches Supplier Management Portal

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IBBM

The Institute of Banking and Business Management or IBBM is making communication between buyers and suppliers more efficient with the launch of its Supplier Management Portal (SMP).

The Supplier Management Portal, is an online platform where buyers can easily reach out to suppliers and initiate communication, making business deals more convenient.

As a supplier, the SMP is targeted to be the gateway to connect with business opportunities, access capacity building programs and enjoy business-to-business engagements.

All types of businesses are welcomed on this portal which aims to provide an opportunity to create a robust profile of companies, highlighting its competencies, capabilities through showcasing a product or service.

IBBM’s Chief Executive Officer Susil Nelson Kongoi explained that thanks to a partnership with Exxon Mobil since 2010, IBBM Enterprise Centre was able to establish a supplier database to facilitate contracting opportunities between local businesses and contractors at large.

To date, there are 3325 suppliers currently registered across 19 industries.

“The aim of the Bisnis PNG SMP platform is to go beyond the extractives.

“Because by providing opportunities for our local businesses, we actually help them to grow and sustain their small businesses, in the process creating economic wealth for Papua New Guineans,” Kongoi said.

Interested companies can visit the Bisnis PNG website to register.

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Route 600 PMVs’ warned

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Route 600 PMV Stop

Owners and crew members of Public Motor Vehicles traveling along the Hiritano highway, more popularly known as route 600 to and from Port Moresby and the Gulf Province are encouraged to check all passenger bags before allowing passengers to board.

The Provincial Police Commander of Gulf Province, Chief Inspector Jeffery Lemb made these remarks when police in Malalaua held a PMV crew in custody for picking up a passenger with a substantial amount of cannabis (marijuana).

After establishing that the crew had no relations with the accused, police released them to continue their trip to Port Moresby.

The accused man is from Eastern Highlands Province and was locked up at Malalaua Police Station.

PPC Lemb said this is not the first time police in the province have caught passengers with kilograms of cannabis aimed for Port Moresby.

“PMV crews have no excuse but to check all passenger bags regardless. Crews always give the excuse of not knowing the contents of these bags when picking up the passengers.”

The PPC emphasized that the new drug laws are very tough and there is no such thing as a spot fine for alleged offenders.

He warns PMV crews to always check all passenger cargoes to avoid being arrested and charged for transporting the illicit substance.

“Not knowing is not an excuse.

“The onus is on them to check what goes on their truck.

“If they fail, they can go to jail,” said PPC Lemb.

Section 68 (b) of the Controlled Substance Act outlines that a person who moves, conveys or transports a controlled substance such as a cannabis that is of a medium to large marketable quantity or a commercial quantity, with the intention of receiving a financial benefit or any material benefit in kind, is guilty of an offence.

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Health

PNG’s HIV Prevalence Critical

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National STI and HIV strategy launch booklet red in color

Seventy-two thousand is the estimated number of people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea.

More than 43,000 are on Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) while more than 50,335 are people living with HIV who know their status.  
 
Across the country, 2,400 women are estimated pregnant mothers living with HIV; of that 1,239 are receiving treatment.  

Thirty-four percent of pregnant mothers, that is 34 out of every 100 pregnant mothers have babies born positive.  

Speaking at a recent media briefing, Dr Gideon Nano who is the Program Manager for National STI/HIV at the National Department of Health said the challenge now is to get the mothers on the ART Treatment.
 
Previously, Port Moresby was the known hot spot with high incidences of HIV cases but the figures are alarming now that statistics show 100 percent increases in HIV cases in all provinces in the country.  

The government spends K8 – K9 million on procurement of drugs however this is challenging as the Aids Council Secretariat needs more than K40 million to conduct awareness, prevention and treatment activities.
 
On Friday 30th August, the Government through the Health Department launched the new National STI & HIV Strategy 2024 – 2028.  

The strategy is in line with the government’s vision to ensure every Papua New Guinean is healthy, educated and able to sustain themselves.

In his address, Health Minister, Dr Lino Tom said the HIV epidemic cannot be controlled by the government alone, the success of the strategy relies on many valued partners.
 
The first known case of HIV in Papua New Guinea was reported in 1987, since then the country has continuously faced challenges in reducing the spread of HIV and mitigating negative impacts on the health and economy of the nation.
 
Lino said, “Despite our efforts, the strategy – and the review of the previous one – does not shy away from identifying the gaps in our response and offering solutions. “

Some areas that need improving are primary HIV prevention response, better integration of STI and HIV services and the reliability of the supply chain of medicine.
 
The strategic approach seeks to revitalize the STI and HIV Prevention efforts, increase attention on treatment, strengthening systems and working in partnership with all Provincial Health Authorities.

Related story:

18 New HIV Cases Recorded Daily in PNG
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Religion

Two days to Arrival of Pope Francis

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Pope Francis in white holding a staff and one one hand on his chest

With just two days remaining before the arrival of Pope Francis, preparations are underway for this historical religious event.

The Sir John Guise Stadium’s out door complex is expected to be filled to capacity by thousands of Catholic followers and enthusiasts on Friday (6th September) at 6:50pm.

The Catholic Church in PNG is preparing to host a candlelight vigil on Friday to welcome the Pope and his delegation. The candlelight service will be the first event of his three – day visit in the country.

Pope Francis will be the second Pontiff to visit PNG after the visitation of Pope John Paul ll in 1984 and 1995.

According to the Vatican News, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the street Ministry and Callan Services at Caritas Technical Secondary School on September 7th to meet with religious leaders and Catechists at the Shrine of Mary.

The Pope will then travel to Vanimo on September 8th to perform a Eucharistic Celebration. He will meet with youths on September 9th before he departs for the Vatican at 11:40am.

He has departed Rome at 5:32 pm (Vatican time) to begin his 45th 12-day apostolic journey abroad to visit four countries in Asia and Oceania.

Pope Francis will visit Papua New Guinea at the age of 87.

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Indonesians crossing over to see Pope Francis

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Thousands are expected to cross the PNG-Indonesian border to get a glimpse of Pope Francis when he visits Vanimo in West Sepik province, Papua New Guinea.

He will spend three hours in the province.

Despite the pope visiting Indonesia for three days before arriving in Papua New Guinea, the people of West Papua will be in close proximity to Vanimo as they are very far from Jakarta, the Capital of Indonesia.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko who made the announcement said, those from Indonesia will be thoroughly checked at both boarder posts at PNG and Indonesia.

“When the Pope is in Vanimo we will be expecting a couple of thousand of Catholics from West Papua in Indonesia, we will have to make sure that security is up to par, and the Foreign Affairs secretary, with the Defense and the Police have been working closely with the Indonesian Embassy to ensure that all security details are complete and secure for the popes visit and for our boarder operations.

“Because we will be seeing thousands of people crossing the boarder at one particular time to attend to the popes visit, and with the help of immigration as well at our side the PNG Side we must be on full alert, to ensure that all people are checked and have gone through the proper process when crossing over to Papua New Guinea.

PNG's Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko speaking about the visit of Pope Francis.
PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko.

“We will be working with the Australians and Indonesians on the intelligence side of things to ensure only those that are attending the Popes visit make it through to Papua New Guinea.

“Security is the number one priority for us we have been handling it on a day to day basis with all our line agencies to ensure we are up to date,” Minister Tkatchenko added.

The Government has committed K10 Million that will go to all the line agencies, to ensure that the papal visit to Papua New Guinea runs smoothly.

Minister Tkatchenko said the visit by Pope Francis is accorded as a state visit and is held with the highest regard for protocol like any other state visit to Papua New Guinea by an independent nation overseas and the Pope being the head of state for Vatican city, which is recognized as a land locked country in the world.

“His holiness Pope Francis is the head of state and he is accorded a state visit and as a head of state he comes as equal as our Governor General, so we keep the level of protocol at the highest order.

“He will receive a 21 gun salute and will be received by our ceremonial guard at the airport and will be accorded everything a state visit is attributed to,” Tkatchenko added.

Pope Francis is 87 years old and despite the many concerns of a long journey to Papua New Guinea, he is determined to visit the Catholic faithful across Asia pacific.

“His health is one of our top priority and he will be coming with his medical team as well, but the Vatican have inspected our private hospitals and hospital facilities, they have already earmarked incase anything happens we have a emergency plan put in place with an evacuation plan to Australia.

“The Pope is still very strong, he does have mobility issues which you will see, but mind body and soul he is determined from the briefing from the Vatican and he is really excited to come to PNG to Vanimo and visiting all the faithful in Papua New Guinea and we look forward to his arrival,” Tkatchenko said

The Pope will arrive on the 6th by Indonesian flag carrier Garuda Airlines, and will leave on the 9th of September for East Timor’s capital Dili on board PNGs National Flag carrier Air Niugini.

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