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Neighboring Wards Unite for Peace Amidst Conflict

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Three adjacent wards within the Morobe Patrol Post in Huon Gulf District have come together to call for peace, aiming to quell over three years of internal strife. Representatives from Mayama (Ward 3), Zinamba (Ward 4), and Amoa (Ward 5) recently convened with District Administrator Andrew Namuesh to discuss strategies for reconciliation in a closed-door meeting at the district office.

The primary goal of the meeting was to restore peace and ensure unimpeded movement and service delivery within their communities. Reports shared during the meeting painted a grim picture of the toll the conflict has taken, including casualties, injuries, displacements, and property destruction in Amoa.

The conflict’s origins date back nearly two decades, rooted in a disputed land boundary issue aggravated by settlement encroachments and increased lawlessness, fueled by the growing logging industry in the Local Level Government (LLG) area.

Participants from the three wards unanimously agreed on the urgency of engaging in land mediation, with plans to follow up with a public peace and reconciliation ceremony. Their collective desire for tranquility was emphasized:

“We want peace and normalcy.”

Recent peace initiatives included the deployment of Morobe Water Police two weeks prior and plans announced by Namuesh to conduct comprehensive land and subdivision surveys to accurately delineate boundaries in the conflict-affected wards. Villagers’ cooperation was sought for these endeavors.
Namuesh also revealed intentions to formalize agreements through a Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement during a peace ceremony in the LLG. However, he stressed that the district would not provide financial compensation, highlighting the need for community-led initiatives in resolving issues and fostering peace.

Acknowledging historical neglect, Namuesh underscored the significance of Morobe Patrol Post while calling for a collective shift away from past grievances. He encouraged collective responsibility in elevating Morobe’s stature and reputation.

In response to villagers’ requests, Namuesh noted calls for a permanent police presence and the establishment of a village court system, hinting at potential future developments aimed at enhancing security and governance within the area.

This united effort from neighboring wards in Morobe Patrol Post signifies a crucial step towards peace and stability in the region, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in resolving longstanding conflicts and building a better future for all residents.

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News

Upholding Security Amid Transportation Challenges

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Madang Police

In the face of transportation hurdles that have hindered police mobility in Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim has rallied for collaborative efforts between business entities and law enforcement to sustain police presence in the region.

Baim has emphasized the necessity for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures due to the looming threat of opportunistic crimes.
“It’s really affecting our mobility, but with the help of a few business houses and supportive police allies, they have been assisting to at least show police visibility around,” remarked Baim, shedding light on the ongoing challenges confronting law enforcement in the province.

Recognizing the constraints imposed by transportation obstacles, Baim has urged businesses to bolster their security protocols, cautioning against potential exploitation by opportunists. He has underscored the risk of delayed police response to incidents under such circumstances, stressing the imperative of increased vigilance within the community.
“Opportunists might take advantage of the situation and commit acts that police might not respond to promptly,” cautioned Baim, highlighting the significance of proactive measures in mitigating security risks.

Despite the adversities, Baim has reassured the public of the police force’s preparedness to tackle any criminal activities. He has affirmed the unwavering commitment of law enforcement personnel to uphold law and order, while urging cooperation from residents in safeguarding their communities.

The concerted efforts between business establishments and the police epitomize a unified approach towards addressing the security challenges prevalent in Madang. Baim’s proactive stance underscores the pivotal role of community engagement and collective action in ensuring public safety amidst logistical constraints.

Furthermore, the repercussions of fuel rationing have extended to operations at the Jomba police station, where suspects detained in cell blocks are being managed amidst logistical constraints.

Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander, disclosed that the fuel shortage impacting police mobility has also affected the management of detainees at the Jomba police station. Despite these hurdles, Baim has assured that the police force is diligently working to uphold essential services, including the management of detainees.
“The fuel rationing police are managing at the moment has also impacted operations at the Jomba police station, where suspects detained in cell blocks are being managed,” affirmed Baim, addressing the additional strain imposed by fuel shortages on law enforcement activities.

Baim’s proactive approach and collaboration between stakeholders serve as a beacon of hope in navigating through the challenges posed by transportation constraints, reaffirming the collective commitment to maintaining security and order in Madang.

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News

France Visit

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France Visit

The Papua New Guinea Defense Force has hosted a brief visit of Commander in Chief of France Armed Forces in New Caledonia, Brigadier General Yann Latil to Port Moresby.

In a security meeting with PNGDF acting Commander, Commodore Philip Polewara and Defence minister, Dr. Billy Joseph, both countries discussed on humanitarian support and disaster relief exercises.

A similar meeting held with Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko and Fisheries Minister, Jelta Wong expanded into measures of minimizing illegal fishing.

As this is the first visit, The French Commander in Chief toured few military barracks including a brief visit to the Air Transport Wing near Jackson’s airport and Basilisk Nasal Base at Konedobu.

France Brief VIsit
France Brief Visit

His tourend included a stop over at the Bomana War Cemetery outside port Moresby where he laid a wreath to remember the fallen soldiers.

The Defence relationship between PNG and France reached new security height when both nations signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) in 2023.

Related: https://insidepng.com/france-president-visit/

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Health

Angau’s Accountability: Report

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Angau Accountability

Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA) CEO, Dr. Kipas Binga, has announced that a financial report and acquittals will be submitted to Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge once the funds allocated to address the drug shortage in Morobe have been utilized.

Dr. Binga clarified that out of the K3.5 million allocated by Governor Wenge on December 4, 2023, K1.5 million was earmarked for the regular operations of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MPHA).
The remaining K2 million was specifically designated to tackle the pressing issue of drug shortages that had plagued the province.

The CEO emphasized that the K3.5 million provided by the governor constituted a substantial lump sum payment covering both operational expenses and the drug shortage initiative.

Angau Accountability

Of the K1.5 million allocated for regular operations, K200,000 has already been utilized for public health purposes.

However, Dr. Binga assured that the remainder would be carefully budgeted, primarily targeting the first quarter of the current year.

Regarding the K2 million allocated to address the drug shortage, Dr. Binga affirmed that the funds are readily available.

Once these funds are utilized, a comprehensive report will be compiled and submitted to Governor Wenge for review.

The K2 million donation by Governor Wenge was a response to the “Nogat Marasin Campaign,” which gained traction in Lae City.

Led by a dedicated team of Lae citizens and supported by Morobe Citizens the campaign aimed to draw attention to the critical shortage of medical drugs in the province’s health centers.

This initiative underscores the collaborative efforts between local authorities and concerned citizens to address pressing healthcare challenges, with transparent financial reporting ensuring accountability and effective utilization of resources in Morobe Province.

Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital

Related: https://insidepng.com/angau-hospital-crisis-morobe/

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Health

Angau Hospital Crisis: Morobe

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Angau Hospital Crisis

In a recent statement, Dr. Kipas Binga, CEO of Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA), highlighted the daunting challenges confronting Angau Hospital.

Dr. Binga illuminated a stark imbalance between patient numbers and available healthcare staff, presenting a significant hurdle to the hospital’s operations.

Serving a densely populated area, Angau Hospital currently grapples with a staggering 860 unfilled positions.

Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital

In response, Morobe PHA has initiated an intensive three-week online recruitment drive aimed at filling these vacancies. Dr. Binga acknowledged that immediate relief might not be attainable, but expressed hope that the recruitment efforts would gradually alleviate the strain on existing healthcare workers, particularly in the Accident and Emergency Department, thus reducing patient wait times.

Addressing allegations of nepotism in the recruitment process, Dr. Binga vehemently refuted such claims. He assured stakeholders that all applicants undergo rigorous screening and interviews conducted jointly by Morobe PHA and the Department of Personnel Management, emphasizing transparency and adherence to established protocols.

Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital

Furthermore, Dr. Binga stressed the critical shortages of medical doctors and nurses at Angau Hospital, affirming ongoing efforts to address these gaps through targeted online recruitment initiatives.

Dr. Binga’s statements underscore Morobe PHA’s resolute commitment to tackling staffing challenges at Angau Hospital. The organization remains dedicated to transparency and fairness in online recruitment processes, with the overarching goal of enhancing healthcare delivery and effectively meeting the community’s needs.

Angau Hospital Crisis

Related: https://insidepng.com/angaus-accountability-report-2024/

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News

NFA Targets China Market for Industry Expansion

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Justin Ilakani Eyes China Markets

Papua New Guinea’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is eyeing the vast potential of the Chinese market to propel the country’s fisheries industry onto new heights.

In a recent statement, NFA Managing Director Justin Ilakani emphasized the importance of diversifying PNG’s fisheries exports beyond its traditional markets. While acknowledging the European Union’s significance in terms of value and quantity, Ilakani stressed that tapping into China could significantly boost the development of PNG’s non-tuna sector.

Despite the tuna industry’s prominence, the majority of participants in PNG’s fisheries sector are engaged in other activities such as coastal and inland fishing or aquaculture, reflecting the diverse opportunities awaiting exploration.

In recent years, PNG has witnessed a slowdown in investment in its tuna industry, largely due to external factors. However, there are signs of resurgence, with renewed interest from investors and the return of vessels. Ilakani attributed this positive trend to the government’s proactive measures in addressing policy and regulatory challenges.

Building investor confidence remains a gradual process, but PNG is making strides towards fostering a conducive environment for fisheries investment.

Currenly, PNG boasts nearly 200 fishing companies operating across various sectors, with thousands more involved in aquaculture as farmers. The fisheries sector currently generates approximately K5 billion and aims to quadruple its value to K20 billion, aligning with the government’s ambitious target of growing the country’s economic value to K200 billion.

The NFA’s strategic focus on the Chinese market underscores PNG’s commitment to diversifying its fisheries industry and contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth trajectory.

Related: https://insidepng.com/8th-pacific-tuna-forum-2023-commences-in-port-moresby/

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Climate Change

Tuvalu Drowning Within Decades

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Tuvalu Drowning

Tuvalu, a picturesque island nation nestled in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean is currently grappling with a relentless onslaught of storm surges and towering waves, wreaking havoc on coastal communities.

As with most island nations, spring tides occur, in the case of Tuvalu, February’s king tides is nothing like before.  The island’s one main road has succumbed to the fury of nature, submerged beneath torrents of seawater, exacerbating the already dire situation faced by Tuvaluans.

With this year’s storm surges and the rising sea inundating vital transportation routes, many of the island’s inhabitants are questioning their future in the face of unyielding climate crisis.  The only main road, the lifeline connecting communities and providing the flow of essential services recently became an impassable river filled with water, displaced rocks and coastal waste.

The flooding of the main road in Tuvalu has taken its toll on underground electricity generation.  Homes, business and essential services are now grappling with the harsh reality of life without electricity for hours even days.  This not only disrupts daily lives but also poses significant risks to public health safety.  Papua New Guinea, the largest island in the pacific also face such ferocity within its coastal communities.

Scientists have predicted that Tuvalu might be submerged within 50 to 100 years but Tuvaluans are optimistic.  Many young people are questioning themselves whether to continue living in Tuvalu and what the future holds for them and their families.  The spectre of displacement and the ever-present threat of climate related devastation loom large, provoking deep seated concerns about the sustainability of life on the island.

Related: https://insidepng.com/community-awareness-on-climate-change-unre/

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News

MAPAI Transport Steps Up Vital Logistical Support

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MAPAI Transport Steps Up Vital Logistical Support

In the heart of remote Bundi, Madang Province, a beacon of community-driven progress shines brightly as the Kumura Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Board and Management of MAPAI Transport Limited. Their invaluable support comes in the form of a crucial logistical vehicle, aiding in the realization of impactful community projects.

Since June 2023, and spanning the next two years, the Kumura Foundation, in partnership with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, has embarked on transformative initiatives. These include the construction of a dormitory for 70 students and the establishment of 10 essential community health posts.

Vincent Kumura, Director of the Kumura Foundation, acknowledges the significance of these endeavors, stating, “Despite our limited resources, these projects are vital for our community’s growth. We reached out to MAPAI Transport for assistance, and their response has been instrumental.”

The logistical support provided by MAPAI Transport’s vehicle, labeled ‘099’, has been nothing short of indispensable.

From transporting machinery for timber milling to ferrying construction materials for the dormitory at the Gembogl Orphan Resource Centre ACE School in Simbu Province, ‘099’ has been a lifeline for the foundation’s operations.

Moreover, ‘099’ has played a pivotal role in the construction of four community health posts in Upper Bundi, alongside bridge maintenance in Gembogl, connecting the region. Its versatility extends to facilitating the transportation of medical supplies and volunteers for the annual ‘Travel2Change’ medical patrol, where hundreds of patients receive vital care and referrals to appropriate health facilities.

The impact of ‘099’ extends beyond infrastructure development. On December 25th, the vehicle facilitated the delivery of donated bedding to the in-patient ward at the Denglagu Catholic Sub-Health Centre in Simbu, catering to patients from Bundi. Additionally, it aided in the transportation of reading books donated by the Rotary Club of Eastern Highlands, enriching educational opportunities in Bundi and Gembogl.

Mr. Kumura highlights the crucial role of ‘099’ in supporting vulnerable children from Bundi attending schools in Gembogl as boarding students. Weekly food ration deliveries from Kundiawa and Jiwaka are made possible through the vehicle, alleviating logistical challenges for the foundation.

As an emblem of community service, ‘099’ embodies the legacy of the late Chief Jacob Luke and his commitment to serving others. Since June 2023, it has traversed the Northern Corridor of Simbu, contributing to rural health, education, and community services.

The collaboration between the Kumura Foundation and MAPAI Transport exemplifies the power of community partnerships in driving positive change. Mr. Kumura reflects, “The impact of ‘099’ goes beyond measure. Late Chief Luke’s vision lives on through its service to the Northern Corridor of Simbu. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Board and Management Team of MAPAI Transport for their unwavering support.”

In the journey towards community empowerment, the partnership between the Kumura Foundation and MAPAI Transport stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collective action and shared commitment to progress.

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News

Charity Golf to Support Cancer Treatment

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Charity Golf to Support Cancer Treatment

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited is teeing up for a significant cause with its upcoming charity golf tournament.

The event, set to kick off this Friday aims to rally support for cancer treatment services at Morobe Provincial Hospital.

Marlcom Negints, the Community Affairs Manager of Kumul Petroleum, announced that proceeds from the tournament will be dedicated to acquiring crucial cancer drugs.

Last year’s inaugural event saw remarkable success, raising over K368,000, thanks to the generous contributions of participants and sponsors.

This funding injection significantly boosted the availability of essential drugs for the cancer treatment facility.

However, with the high costs associated with cancer medications, Negints emphasized the ongoing need for financial assistance. Despite surpassing last year’s fundraising goals, there’s still a surplus of K70,000 to bridge the gap.

Beyond fundraising, Kumul Petroleum is actively involved in facilitating the importation of a cobalt-60 source, vital for advancing cancer care infrastructure. Supported by a K15 million commitment under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2020, this initiative underscores Kumul Petroleum’s dedication to corporate social responsibility.

David Wissink, Board Chairman of Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA), provided insights into the progress of cancer treatment initiatives. He highlighted significant advancements since the signing of the memorandum of understanding several years ago. Emphasizing the organization’s commitment to enhancing existing equipment for radiation therapy.

The cost of chemotherapy drugs remains a significant challenge, but Dr. Kipas Binga, CEO of Morobe PHA, expressed gratitude for Kumul Petroleum’s assistance in purchasing these vital medications. With a focus on collaboration between public and private entities, Dr. Binga reaffirmed Morobe PHA’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for the community.

The extension of the K15 million memorandum of understanding demonstrates ongoing support for cancer treatment initiatives. Dr. Binga assured the public that efforts are underway to restore radiation services by the end of March, utilizing remaining funds effectively to benefit those in need.

Other stories: https://insidepng.com/news-march22-rotary-club-of-port-moresby-supports-st-john-ambulance/

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News

Air Niugini Secures Fuel

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Air Niugini Secures Fuel

The Air Niugini Board and Management announced it had purchased bulk of jet fuel stock to support the operation of the airline during the shortage of Jet A Fuel in the country.

This decision is a response towards Jet A Fuel sole supplier, Puma Energy’s decision to close it’s Operations in Papua New Guinea

The shortage of jet fuel in PNG had already affected the airline’s ability to operate some flights as scheduled.

Air Niugini’s supply of jet fuel has been successfully delivered to Port Moresby storage facilities to ensure the continuity of scheduled services out of Jackson’s Domestic airport.

However, Air Niugini understands there is no regional center jet fuel delivery solution in place and In the event of any disruptions to the Air Niugini schedule due to the lack of regional jet fuel supply, announcements will be made to keep passengers informed.

Air Niugini’s jet fuel will be stored and transported to aircraft in strict compliance with the applicable standards including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, concerning international safety and regulatory conformance.

Meanwhile Air Niugini has been able to maintain its international flights, ensuring connectivity for passengers traveling between Papua New Guinea and international destinations. It will continue to manage its fuel requirements for the foreseeable future, whilst working to establish a permanent, capable, and appropriate aviation fuel supply contract.

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