The perception that Papua New Guinea’s standard of Journalism is dropping was part of discussions during the three days of Inquiry into the role and impact of Media In Papua New Guinea, the inquiry facilitated by the Parliamentary Committee on Communications unearthed an interesting predicament that faces the Mainstream Media Industry in Papua New Guinea.
The perception that there is a drop in the standard of journalism and the quality of journalists in recent years has been attributed to many factors.
During the inquiry three participants mentioned that the low standards of education at the secondary school level is a contributing factor toward the low output at the university level.
President of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea and seasoned journalist, Neville Choi, said many media houses have to retrain graduates because they are not grasping the basics that lead to a promising career in journalism.
Poor grammar and writing skills have been a clear indication of the drop in the level of journalism, Universities have argued that they are research institutions and are not responsible for basic English and grammar.
Independent Journalist and renowned Papua New Guinean Journalist, Scott Waide called for more funding to be put into the education system to improve the facilities to foster better teaching and learning.
Scott Waide said he had in previous years trained a lot of journalists and cameramen, he also saw that it was easier to recruit those outside of the school of journalism and train them to be journalists.
Professor Cecilia Nembou, Vice Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea concurred with shared statements on the drop in education standards in both the University and the Secondary school system.
Professor Nembou mentioned that as a university, they require the best lecturers, however, that costs money.
She says academic staff of the university should not be viewed as public servants and be limited to a public servants pay ceiling.
She added that Universities, especially Government run institutions should be given the freedom to set their own salary packages to lure qualified lecturers to improve the standards.
She highlighted that salary packages for academics was really poor, and that it was the same at the secondary school level where teachers are being paid poorly as well.
Scott Waide also emphasized the need for education geared towards utilizing recent and trending innovations in Technology, this will in turn help students to be more efficient and innovative to help improve workflow and maximum output.
THE Secretary for the Department of Information Communication and Technology, Steven Matainaho, says his department is on their fourth draft of a Media Development Policy that would improve training and capacity for Media personnel and state-run institutions like universities, that provide courses on journalism.
This was highlighted during the inquiry into the role and impact of mediain Papua New Guinea hosted by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications; a committee made up of members of parliament.
Matainaho added that the Media Development Policy is in its draft phase, and as the name suggests is a Media Development Policy and not a regulatory policy.
Many in the Media fraternity were concerned that the policy was a way to control or regulate the Media, which would infringe on the democratic right of free speech, however, those claims were brushed aside by the Secretary.
To support the policy, the Secretary added that when they did a survey and a public consultation, they found out that there is an immediate need for training and capacity development.
Matainaho added that the Government is not doing enough to provide training incentives for universities.
Environmental advocate Wenceslaus Magun has sounded the alarm over the potential negative impacts of sand mining on biodiversity and local communities in the Sumgilbar Area of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The region, spanning 51 kilometers from Murunas to Tokain in the Sumgilbar LLG of Sumkar District Madang, is under threat from the growing sand mining industry, particularly in the absence of a regulatory framework, allowing large-scale operations to proceed unchecked.
“Unregulated sand mining threatens both marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Sumgilbar Area,” Magun stated.
Vanansius Barrar of Murukanam village Sumkar District says his village is under threat from logging activities and now sand mining is becoming a threat for locals who depend on the marine life for sustenance.
Sand mining, a rapidly expanding sector in PNG, poses significant environmental risks in the Sumgilbar Area, covering both land and sea territories, including crucial bodies of water like the Gilagi River.
The lack of comprehensive policies exacerbates challenges, with limited monitoring and transparency regarding sand extraction activities and the involved parties.
“The absence of effective policies and monitoring mechanisms enables unsustainable practices that jeopardize the environment,” added Magun.
Contrary to popular belief, sand is not a renewable resource and unregulated extraction poses immediate threats such as habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
The environmental risks include coastal erosion, degradation of marine ecosystems, and disruption of freshwater systems.
Social risks are equally alarming, especially for communities’ dependent on the sea for food and finance.
Huge Leatherback Turtle laying in the sand. [[PHOTO FILE: Wenceslaus Magun]]
These risks include the depletion of fish stocks, loss of livelihoods, and the erosion of cultural practices tied to marine environments.
“Communities relying on these ecosystems face severe socio-economic impacts,” Magun emphasized.
Academic researcher, Ms. Winnifred Duk, currently pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Goroka, supports this view.
“As sand protects the environment and is not a renewable resource, the large scale of mining sand would bring environmental concerns, and social and economic impacts, including the direct habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity,” says Duk.
The negative consequences of sand mining are profound. They encompass forced migration, loss of fertile land, increased social issues, and regulatory challenges linked to illegal operations.
The loss of biodiversity can lead to the collapse of local ecosystems, further endangering species like the leatherback turtle and undermining the food security of local communities.
“The threat to biodiversity and local livelihoods is immediate and requires urgent intervention,” Magun warned.
Another local, Willie Mayng, said their land is a conservation area and is a nesting zone for the endangered leatherback turtles.
The absence of policies governing sand mining in PNG is a critical issue requiring urgent attention.
The government’s acknowledgment of this lack underscores the need for a shift towards sustainable practices prioritizing ecosystem preservation.
“Without a proper regulatory framework, the detrimental effects of sand mining will continue unchecked,” Magun urged.
In response to the environmental concerns, Wenceslaus Magun, in collaboration with the Turtle Island Restoration Network, initiated the Sea Turtles Restoration Project in Karkum village.
This project aims to prevent the loss of endangered sea turtles, marine habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity while restoring food sources and promoting alternative economic opportunities.
“Our focus is on protecting both the environment and the community’s livelihood,” Magun explained.
The project’s primary goal is to involve resource owners in marine and near-shore resource management plans and empower indigenous communities to actively preserve their environment.
This not only benefits endangered species like leatherback turtles but also supports the livelihoods of the people.
PHOTO FILE: Provided by Wenceslaus Magun.
Magun and his team emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditional practices intertwined with the environment.
“Integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts is key to our success,” stated Magun.
The project seeks sustainable solutions that balance community needs with environmental protection, aiming to raise awareness about the significance of preserving endangered species and promoting alternative income sources.
Through the Sea Turtles Restoration Project, Magun and his team collaborated with the Turtle Island Restoration Network to establish the MAKATA Association, a local NGO sustaining the project.
MAKATA ensures the vision of saving, protecting and restoring endangered leatherback sea turtles and marine resources is achieved; allowing inhabitants to sustainably utilize these resources for improved lifestyles in harmony with their cultures and spirituality.
“By fostering sustainable practices, we can ensure a better future for both people and nature,” Magun affirmed.
On November 17, 2008, representatives from each of the four clans in Karkum village signed a conservation deed, granting them more control over their resources.
This deed maintains customary practices, empowering them to be direct custodians and stewards of their resources.
The conservation deed enables them to assert their customary rights, respond to threats, and actively manage land and sea to protect important areas while recording and safeguarding traditional knowledge.
“The conservation deed is a crucial step in empowering local communities to protect their heritage and environment”. Magun concluded.
Anna Solomon a veteran journalist with 40 years experience now provides training for Journalists at the Wantok Niuspepa. A weekly newspaper and the only Tok Pisin language newspaper in PNG.
Ms Solomon who spoke during the public inquiry on Media in Papua New Guinea, asked if the Parliamentary Committee can work with the Media Industry to set up a Complaints Tribunal that can address issues affecting Media in PNG.
She also called for better Tok Pisin writers as it is one of two main languages that leaders, especially Parliamentarians, use in PNG to communicate with their voters.
At the commencement of the 3-day Inquiry (Tue 21st – Thursday 24th, May 2024) media houses also called for Parliamentarians and the public to understand how the industry functions.
The public inquiry focused on the “Role and Impact of Media in Papua New Guinea” and was led by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication, with an aim to improve the standard of Journalism within the country.
Fr Ambrose Pereira, the editor of Salesian Bulletin, produced by the Catholic Church for its readers stressed the need for media literacy to be taught in secondary schools as a way to prepare young people for a career in Journalism.
A crucial point raised by the clergyman is for PNG to prepare for the advancement of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Fr Ambrose emphasized this at the recent public inquiry into the role and impact of Media in Papua New Guinea which was set up by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications on 21st – 23rd May 2024.
The Committee claims the objective is to improve the standard of Journalism in PNG, restoring the integrity of Journalists and the ethics of Journalism.
The committee’s terms of reference included misinformation, disinformation and sensationalized reporting, the role of media organizations, regulatory standards and the question of whether Media Freedom exists in PNG.
While mainstream and social media influencers presented their cases before the committee, they were also encouraged to make recommendations. The general feeling among media workers is the need for media education.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the EU-STREIT Program in Papua New Guinea has officially opened a Cocoa Export Market Depot in Vanimo, West Sepik Province.
This facility is the first dedicated cocoa export-oriented depot in the province.
The Cocoa Export Market Depot, with an investment of PGK1.67 million and a storage capacity of 50 metric tons, is aimed to support 20,000 farming households and enhance market access and opportunity to premium prices for their cocoa beans.
Ribbon cutting of the Cocoa Export Depot facility by Provincial Governor Tony Wouwou and representatives from FAO and EU-Streit.
The depot was handed over to the Provincial Government and will be managed West Sepik Investment Limited; the business arm of the Provincial Administration of West Sepik.
The newly established Cocoa Export Market Depot is part of FAO’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of local cocoa farmers by providing proper storage, facilitating better marketing, and enabling farmers to sell their cocoa at higher prices.
This initiative also marks a significant step towards increasing sustainable production of cocoa in West Sepik.
The inauguration event saw the presence of several distinguished guests from the European Union and United Nations including Governor of West Sepik Province, Tony Wouwou.
Governor Wouwou expressed his gratitude to the European Union for funding this important facility for the people of West Sepik Province.
West Sepik Governor, Tony Wouwou.
“I commend the FAO-led EU-STREIT PNG Program for facilitating the construction and establishment of this essential facility.
“This initiative will enhance the productivity of cocoa and significantly improve the livelihoods of our cocoa farmers by providing critical marketing services here in Vanimo,” Governor Wouwou said.
Kesang Phuntsho, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to continued collaboration with the government and local communities.
“In Papua New Guinea, cocoa ranks third among agricultural export crops, contributing approximately 14% of agricultural exports.
“The opportunities for growth are significant, and ensuring the sustainability of our achievements is crucial,” she said.
EU-STREIT PNG Program Coordinator, Ali Said Yesuf, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.
“I am extremely pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. This support, provided by the EU-STREIT PNG Program, aims to enhance the cocoa value chain.
“Our objectives are to improve marketing, ensure farmers receive fair prices, and establish Vanimo as a hub for cocoa exports. This will motivate farmers and transform the economy of West Sepik.”
After 25 fruitful years of educating young Papua New Guineans from around the country alongside the teaching of Christian values and teachings, the Don Bosco Technological Institute or DBTI this year celebrates its 25th Silver Jubilee with a number of events to commemorate this milestone in the history of the institution.
On the 11th of May, the APEC haus in Port Moresby was graced with the presence of stakeholders, sponsors, past-pupils, donors, members of the Catholic clergy, family and friends who were present for the 25th Silver Jubilee Fundraising Dinner.
The event was to celebrate and sustain the achievement of DBTI in reaching 25 years, yet to also maintain partnership with stakeholders towards the advancing in development of the institution in playing a key role in educating young men and women to become “good Christians and honest citizens” as St. John Bosco intended.
As part of DBTI’s contribution to nation building despite the grim reality surrounding the quality of education in the country, the providing of quality education towards the betterment of the country has always been at the forefront of DBTI’s teaching objectives.
Such was the sentiment shared by the President of DBTI, Fr. Ariel Macatangay SBD during his speech to mark the welcome note of the event.
Fr. Ariel Macatangay SBD, President of DBTI delivering his speech.
“Besides DBTI’s potential in being a partner for technological training, DBTI can also be your partner in boosting the education in Papua New Guinea.
In its May 2024 Papua New Guinea Economic Update entitled “Invest in Your Children,” the World Bank paints a dim picture of the education crisis in PNG and “focuses on the urgent need for more and better investment in education to address a human capital crisis in PNG.”
With a total of 21 technological programs offered at the institute, this was a key statement and was emphasized on depicting the belief in ensuring that the young citizens of the nation are to possess healthy minds, God-fearing hearts, and skilled hands in order to be contributing and productive members of the community.
The same was noted and emphasized by the Guest Speaker and the Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko.
“The Catholic church has done a lot towards the educating of young Papua New Guineans”, he said.
“The takeaway from this event is that we can all achieve so much through effort and partnership for the nurturing and excelling of our young people”, he further added in regards to the importance in the benefits of working together to ensure that young women and men have access to quality education they deserve.
Tkatchenko has been a supporter towards the upgrading and development of educational institutions within his electorate.
Further complimentary remarks to mark the celebration of DBTI’s Silver Jubilee were shared and cemented by alumnus, Godrey Morisa, the Managing Director of GMT Automation who elaborated on the importance of institutions such as DBTI that has given many past pupils as himself, the opportunity to have access to quality education and achieve dreams and goals they had set forth in life.
DBTI was established in 1999, with its first batch of 75 young men as pioneer students and further opened its doors in 2001 accepted its first female students to be part of the educative community.
The institute has over a total of 800 students in 21 different technological programs.
THE Peoples National Congress Party or PNC has endorsed two candidates for the Maprik and Sohe By-Elections.
Hildeanne Wefin, a former banking finance executive and founder of WomenLink PNG will contest the Maprik Open seat in East Sepik province.
Ms Wefin holds two Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Applied Finance.
Party Leader, Peter O’Neill said Hildanne Wefin’s dedication to gender equality and her impressive educational background and extensive professional experience make her the right choice.
The seat was left vacant following the death of then MP and PNC man, Gabriel Kapris who passed on in August 2023.
Meanwhile, the Sohe Open seat in the Northen province was left vacant after a Supreme Court Ruling in November last year that upheld a National Court decision declaring the election of Pangu Party’s Henry Amuli null and void due to bribery.
Amuli is recontesting this seat under the Pangu banner.
Sixteen candidates are contesting the Sohe Open seat including only female candidate Delilah Gore, the petitioner in the Court of Disputed Returns.
In the 2022 National General Elections, she contested under the PNC banner, however, in this by-election, the former MP (2012 -2017) has been endorsed by Social Democratic Party while PNC has endorsed Paulinias Uhena, the runner up in 2022.
Uhena is a former senior public servant who served as Manager Finance with the Oro Provincial Administration for 35 years.
The Maprik and Sohe by-elections will be held simultaneously with polling scheduled to start 25th May and end 29th May 2024.
Writs will be returned from 14th June to 18th June 2024.
Finley Glare is set to come into the SP PNG Hunters side as the replacement for Jamie Mavoko for this Saturday’s clash against the Northern Pride.
Finley is the younger brother of former SP PNG Hunter Warren Glare; the Lae City junior was the captain of the Junior Kumuls that played the Australian School boys last year in Port Moresby.
The young utility is a promising dummy half and has been at rake for the Hunters off the interchange bench.
The inclusion of Glare at halfback is a show of trust by Coach Paul Aiton who is currently short on halve pairings, with both Sakias Komati and Jamie Mavoko unable to take the field due to injury and concussion.
Glares inclusion comes after recently returned halfback Jamie Mavoko was stood down this weekend, after a failed category one (1) Head Injury Assessment (HIA), this happened during the team’s 52 to 16 win over the Townsville Blackhawks in round eight (8) last week.
Glare will partner fellow Lae Snax Tigers team mate, Joshua Lau in the halves.
The young duo will have a tough task ahead this weekend, however, Coach Paul Aiton says his side is preparing well for the clash this Saturday.
Coach Paul Aiton commended the teams dominating performance against the Blackhawks in Townsville last week which saw the Hunters score nine tries and Jamie Mavoko with the boot nailing eight out of nine conversions.
The performance by the SP PNG Hunters to dominate the Blackhawks has sparked new life into the team.
All along Coach Paul Aiton has been talking about sticking to their game plan and having trust in the players, but this weekend they face their biggest opponent yet.
For the Hunter, taking on competition leaders the Northern Pride at home is a huge contrast and challenge for the Hunters who are 10th out of 15 teams.
Coach Aiton added that the team are starting to grasp the systems and processes in their game plan and with the teams performance last weekend they look to maintain that consistency as they take on the competition leaders on Saturday.
“We were individually prepared, we are understanding our systems and processes a lot more, and the reduction of our errors and penalties we reduced that quite a lot, its about having faith in what we’re doing, don’t stray away from what we are doing, even though it looks like its not working it will work, we just have to stay with it.
“I am looking forward to it, I know the guys are looking forward to it as well, it will be a good measure for us the Northern Pride are right in front at the top of the ladder,” Aiton said.
The Gumine road in Simbu, has for the second time been blocked.
Landslips and floods at the beginning of this month are the reason for these blocks.
The flood happened at Sikola, about six kilometers from Kundiawa, where the major landslip occurred and buried 10 people, among them an unborn child on 13th March.
The 50 kilometers of Gumine Highway, located to the south of Simbu, was cut-off from Kundiawa for almost two months till the road was restored and made accessible on 19th April.
However, on the 01st of May, the loose soil up the Sikola slope flooded onto the cleared road.
According to Sikola Natural Disaster Committee’s Clement Bruno, the flood of silts and fresh landslips some meters away from Sikola occurred on 01st of May.
Bruno said further up to the Baul main village of the Kobilkane clan another landslip occurred blocking off the road.
He said the people of Gumine should take precautions while travelling on the road at this time.
Mr Bruno said he informed the Gumine District Administration of the situation on the road.
The Gumine District Administrator, Diang Kil said he was being informed and the District Works Unit will move into clear up the road blockages soon.
