Four pilots in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force have qualified as the pilots, loadmasters and maintenance personnel for the recently gifted PAC 750 aircrafts.
The up-skilling of these airmen follows the Defence Corporation Program between PNGDF Air Element and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) through the Flights of Excellence Program.
Part of this program includes the recent acquisition of two new PAC 750 aircrafts by the PNGDF Air element.
PAC 750 Aircraft.
Commanding Officer of PNGDF’s Air Transport Wing, Nancy Wii said the future looks bright for the air element.
“Five years we had a Pac 70 aircraft in our hanger not knowing what to do. Our RAAF partners have come along, and Fenix 701 got airborne, Fenix 702 and Finex 703 ready to be airborne, our latest aircraft,” said Wii.
The acquisition of the new planes increases PNGDF’s aviation capabilities to transport a section for patrol along the land borders, maritime surveillance and provide humanitarian assistances during natural disasters. It increases PNGDF’s PAC 750 fleet to three, following the Australian Defence Force’s support to remediate the PNGDF’s first PAC 750 in 2021.
Assistant Minister for Defence, Matt Thistlethwaite, said the addition of the planes supports regional security and protects the common interests of both countries.
“They will play an important role of delivering PNGDF’s long term goal of developing its sovereign aviation capability. As they are put to work, they will be supported by the joint Flights of Excellence Program,” said Thistlewaite.
PNG Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso while thanking the Australian Government said the PNG government has not supported the Air Transport Wing for a long time.
PNG Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso (left) and Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite addressing the media.
A hire car company in Port Moresby has gifted St John, a fully kitted ambulance. This is to help continue its work, responding to health emergencies in NCD and neighboring provinces.
The Island Mobile Hire Cars handed over a brand-new Land Cruiser to St. John worth K170,000 as its dedication to the welfare of communities in Papua New Guinea.
Island Mobile Hire Cars’ Executive Officer to the Managing Director, Malcolm Mamatta said they recognize the vital roles St.Johns play.
“We are proud to be part of their mission and to contribute this fully kitted ambulance to enhance their capacity to save lives,” said Mamatta.
The running of an emergency service like St John is costly and there were reports of St. John Ambulances stoned while ambulance officers were attending to emergencies.
The handover of a fully kitted ambulance will increase the capacity of the responses by ambulance officers.
SJA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Cannon said the new ambulance is fully kitted with medical equipment and supplies which is needed to save lives.
“The addition of this ambulance to their fleet will enable them to continue to respond promptly to accidents, injuries and other medical emergencies. Ensuring that residents in targeted regions receive the car they need,” said Cannon.
There’s notable development made in the ongoing discussions between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in relation to the Judicial Review Dialogue.
This includes the appointment of five Bougainvillean directors to reflect it’s local representatation.
“I am pleased to advise that good progress has been made in our ongoing discussions with Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) aimed at amicably ending long-running Judicial Review proceedings in the National Court of PNG, “said Toroama.
In January 2018, the Bougainville Government refused an extension of BCL’s exploration licence (ELO1).
In April 2018, the Court granted a leave to BCL for a judicial review of the decision.
Toroama said much has happened since then, including the historic referendum that’s paving Bougainville’s path to independence.
“BCL has also continued its transition as a local company, and the ABG currently has 36.45% shareholding in BCL. Through this, the process of transferring another 36.45% presently held by the National Government started,” said Toroama.
Panguna Mine Pit
In total, the ABG and people of Bougainville are set to have a 72.9% ownership stake in BCL.
As a result, the ABG and BCL have agreed on terms for a deed of settlement that would result in BCL ending the judicial review proceedings once the parties have delivered on a series of undertakings.
These include BCL contributing funds to assist Panguna reburials and reactivating the Bougainville Copper Foundation education scholarships program.
For its part, the ABG has agreed, consistent with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, to reconsider BCL’s EL01 extension application with a view to extending the exploration licence for five years.
“It must be stressed that this would NOT be a mining licence; the issuance of which is subject to a separate process. BCL has agreed to file a notice with the court for the discontinuance of the Judicial Review,” said Toroama.
An extension of EL01 will allow BCL to continue its program of community support and work cooperatively with the ABG, landowners and the broader community to achieve mutual goals.
An abandoned bridge near the once busy mining area of Panguna.
Any future redevelopment of Panguna under a mining licence will inevitably require the involvement of many project partners. The ABG will continue to progress dialogue with landowners and important stakeholders in preparation for the eventual granting of a mining licence in the near future.
In the meantime, required feasibility related activities must be progressed under an exploration licence; these activities will take years to complete before the project sees actual mining development stage.
“Panguna is also a Bougainville-wide agenda given its relationship with the Bougainville Crisis. This fact, coupled with evidence of strong backing across Bougainville from prior consultative forums undertaken by the ABG in North, Central and South Bougainville supports my decision to pursue this path as President,” President Toroama said.
Calls by Koiari Landowners for the reinstatement of Obed Batia has been echoed by the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC).
The Trade Union Congress made the call to reinstate Obed Batia as CEO for PNG Power Limited (PPL).
The demand comes amidst mounting controversies around PPL’s management and the alleged government interference.
Anton Sekum, Acting General Secretary of PNGTUC said in a statement that the National Executive Council’s (NEC) decision to align PPL’s employment contracts with the provisions of the Essential Services Act, without declaring a state of emergency, points to “ulterior motives”. Sekum questioned why the policy specifically targets PPL employees, while other essential service providers are unaffected.
Sekum also criticized the replacement of experienced PPL staff with less experienced personnel. Claiming that the subsequent termination of employment, intimidation, and reduction of employee benefits are demotivating factors that could lead to decreased productivity.
The forced resignation of Obed Batia, along with the signing of new employment contracts prohibiting union affiliation, has received particular attention. The PNGTUC has called for Batia’s reinstatement, arguing that these actions will not help turn PPL around.
Furthermore, Sekum highlighted that the frequent power blackouts have worsened. Since the NEC-backed intervention program began at the start of the year.
Speculation continues over a K1 billion loan from a syndicate of lenders, funded in December 2022. Which will reportedly be appropriated in the 2024 budget to rehabilitate PPL. Sekum questioned why the proceeds from this loan was not included in the 2023 budget. Suggesting that parking public funds with Limited Companies could allow for disbursement outside the oversight of government apparatus.
In a call to action, Sekum urged the government to reinstate Batia, dismiss the current PPL board and its chairman, and adopt a fresh approach to resolving PPL‘s issues.
This situation continues to evolve, with the stakeholders eagerly waiting for the government’s response.
Papua New Guinea has announced a temporary closure of its embassy in Israel due to on-going attacks between Israel and Hamas.
PNG Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu released a statement dated 26th October 2023 and explained the stand PNG government has taken to temporarily close the embassy as of 17th October.
Wohengu said the two foreign affairs officers assigned to set up the embassy were recalled back because of the security concerns.
The PNG government is also aware that 18 PNG citizens departed Israel through the assistance of Australia’s repatriation exercise that was extended to Pacific Island countries at the start of the conflict.
PNG opened it’s embassy in Jerusalem in September, months before Hamas launched it’s suprise attack.
During the initial attack, Prime Minster Marape had cautioned Israel on how it should respond to the Hamas attack.
However the attacks have escalated since and the death toll is now in the thousands.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Officiating the opening of the PNG Embassy in Jerusalem, early September this year.
The Papua New Guinean Government has been attending several high level meetings on a world stage but it’s people are struggling with high cost of living and high unemployment rate.
The prices of basic goods like rice, sugar and cooking oil have doubled even tripled within months but the PNG government doesn’t acknowledge the hardship.
Prime Minster, James Marape said PNG will make it’s first appearance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland, next January.
“The invitation from the World Economic Forum serves as a clear indicator that Papua New Guinea is gaining significant recognition on the global stage. Our outreach to numerous world leaders since my assumption of office in May 2019 has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” said Marape.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape (2nd from left)
However the PNG economy doesn’t reflect the government’s claims. It’s’s costly running a business in the capital City of Port Moresby and the costs are even higher at outer centers.
The invitation follows comments from Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Professor Klaus Schwab who extended the invite to PNG at the opening of the World Indigenous Business Forum.
Professor Klaus Schwab (picture by World Economic Forum)
Marape said the significance of this invitation notably stands as a testament to Papua New Guinea’s increasing prominence on the global stage.
“Papua New Guinea occupies a pivotal role on both regional and global fronts, blessed with vast rainforest biodiversity and serving as a vital energy supplier to Asia and Japan. Our strategic location bridging the East and the West adds to our significance. Following the principles of ‘friends to all and enemies to none,’ as outlined in our foundational foreign policy in 1975 during the Pangu Pati-led Government of Sir Michael Somare, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this approach,” Marape said.
While it’s true that most natural resources are being exported overseas, the outcome of energy benefits doesn’t serve the interest of business owners.
Small to medium enterprises business owners say the electricity supply is unreliable and just the cost of operating a business often exceeds the income.
This forces them to charge a higher price on basic goods in the effort of making profits.
The burden of this all falls on the customers, mostly the average to low income earners.
The Marape government needs to support the SME owners to lower the cost of services like electricity and water.
“The present leadership of Papua New Guinea is resolute in maintaining this policy discourse, demonstrated by our engagements with numerous world leaders since 2019, culminating in this prestigious invitation to the 2024 World Economic Forum,” said Marape.
The WEF Annual Meeting serves as a global assembly of leaders from government, business, and civil society, fostering discussions on the current state of the world and setting priorities for the year ahead. This year’s event assumes heightened significance as it unfolds amidst a “polycrisis,” denoting the convergence of multiple critical issues, including climate and biodiversity crises, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and concerns surrounding the cost of living.
But when such high level business meeting end in Port Moresby, SME owners will still be facing the high cost of services and slow profits.
The World Economic Forum 2023, held in Davos, Switzerland. (Picture by World Economic Forum)
Counting for the North Bougainville by-election is into the quality checks now after the completion of primary counts.
This follows a temporary suspension after concerns that transparent counting was not done right.
Results after progressive count number eight are as follows for the top five candidates,
Lauta Atoi -477
Francesca Semoso – 320
Noel Sarei -113
Jeffrey Magum- 67
Martin Takali -17
Courtesy: NBC Buka
Counting is down in Buka. At least four women are in this race.
The by-election of the North Bougainville Seat follows the passing of former member William Nakin in July 2022.
Since the formation of the 11th National Parliament, the people of North Bougainville has been without a representative on the floor of National Parliament.
Hungarian President, Katalin Novak is scheduled to fly into Port Moresby on 25th October, and travel to Putiliu Island in Manus province.
She will be welcomed by a 21-gun salute upon her arrival at 5pm this Wednesday and she will be received by PNG Prime Minister, James Marape.
“We look forward to President Novak’s visit, and will do our utmost best to ensure that she is given a warm welcome. We will give Her Excellency the full treatment as we have given to every Head of State and Head of Government who has visited PNG,” said Marape.
Novak and 25 of her delegate will travel to Manus province to pay tribute to the martyred Hungarian missionary, Maria Molnar.
Molnar had served and lived among the people of Pitulu island prior to World War II.
The state visit of the Hungarian President follows the announcement of Hungarian High Commissioner to PNG, Zsolt Csenger-Zalan who met with Governor General, Grand Chief, Sir Bob Dadae in September.
Marape says the visit by president Novak’s visit consolidates PNG’s consolidates the new and engaging relationship forged between the PNG and Hungary.
“Hungary is an established country in Europe, within the European Union, and President Novak’s visit consolidates our relationship with Hungary.
President Novak will be visiting Papua New Guinea with 25 members of her delegation.
Port Moresby will host the World Indigenous Business Forum from 24th October to 26th October, for the first time. Attracting more than 500 delegates from across the globe.
The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has planned a grand opening ceremony. It will be staged from 5pm to 9pm tonight at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to mark the launching.
The World Indigenous Business Forum presents a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange and economic collaboration. Offering the chance to tap into the vibrant and diverse market landscape of Papua New Guinea.
Prime Minister James Marape, while extended a warm welcome to 150 international delegates from 14 countries. He encouraged Papua New Guinean businesses to attend and meet with international businesses, showcase their produce and be part of the indigenous business owners network.
Marape also extended a warm welcome to executives of the World Indigenous Business Forum. He also thanked them for having confidence in Papua New Guinea to host the 2023 event.
“We extend a warm invitation to indigenous business delegates from around the world to explore the opportunities and partnerships available in Papua New Guinea.” Marape said.
This gathering of indigenous business owners is organised by the PNG Government. Under the leadership of Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru. In collaboration with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).
“We are blessed with an unparalleled marine biodiversity. Serving as the world’s foremost breeding ground for tuna, supplying 60 percent of the global market.
Marape, while extending his warm welcome to the international delegates, also extended an invitation for them to consider investing in Papua New Guinea.
“I welcome you all to the most diverse indigenous country in the world. A place that combines the rich cultural tapestry of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian traditions. With a vibrant embrace of Christianity,” said Marape.
Marape said PNG stand as the Pacific’s gateway to the flourishing Asian markets.
China will make available a K50 million in grant following Prime Minister, James Marape’s attendance at the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Marape said the funding will go straight into the construction of business and technical facilities in selected secondary schools in the country.
“This will complement the government’s drive to have secondary school students learn business and trade skills,” said Marape
The government says this will place school leavers at an advantage when they leave school, they will be able to start their own small businesses from the knowledge and skills they have received, whether in agriculture, tourism, cookery, bakery, carpentry, auto mechanic or whatever technical skills they have picked up.
“I thank the Chinese Government for this grant as this is one of results that has arrived at the back of this visit,” Marape said.
