Category

News

Category
Arts & Culture

Support towards Goroka Show

By
Goroka Show

South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has announced its commitment to supporting the annual Goroka Show.

Aaron Japu, SPB Regional Sales Manager for the Highlands region, expressed the company’s dedication to the Goroka Show, which spans several decades. “SP Brewery has remained a steadfast sponsor of the Goroka Show, and we are honored to continue our support,” said Japu.

“This event is a vital platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea, and we are proud to be part of its journey.”

In line with their commitment to responsible consumption, SP Brewery will set up a dedicated booth at the show.

The booth aims to raise awareness about responsible alcohol consumption and promote safe behaviors among attendees. Showgoers above the legal drinking age of 18 are invited to visit the SP Brewery booth to engage in informative discussions about responsible drinking practices.

Additionally, the SP Lager Coaster Bus promotion will be highlighted at the event.

The Goroka Show, an event of cultural celebrations in Papua New Guinea, will be held from September 15th to 17th at the National Sports Institute in Goroka. Showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region, the event attracts both local residents and visitors from around the world.

Keep Reading
By
News

Project Management Training

By
EU STREIT PNG

Government officers and private contractors in Papua New Guinea have been equipped with enhanced project management skills in a recent comprehensive capacity-building training, as stated from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The training, part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, was designed to improve the quality and efficiency of transport infrastructure project management in the country.

The infrastructure sector is crucial to Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and connectivity.

The capacity-building workshop held in Wewak focused on Project Scheduling and Resource Planning, engaging a diverse group of participants, including key stakeholders, contractors and government officers involved in road construction.

The training aimed to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to use project management software such as Primavera and Microsoft Project, which are pivotal for effective scheduling and project planning in transport infrastructure projects. The workshop covered essential aspects of project management, including project lifecycle, planning, time management, work breakdown structure, resource allocation, project structure, organisation breakdown structure, cost management, risk management, monitoring and control, and reporting.

The capacity-building initiative was attended by 20 participants from government agencies, private contractors, and development partners. One of the participants, Mr Sani Sani, Project Engineer from Sani Construction Limited, praised the training, stating that it was an “eye-opener” and the skills they acquired would be valuable in their work.

Key takeaways from the training included enhanced project efficiency, improved decision-making, timely project delivery, resource optimization, and fostering collaboration. Participants learned to use Primavera and Microsoft Project to optimize resource allocation, streamline workflow processes, and make data-driven decisions.

The ILO, under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of skills and capacities in Papua New Guinea’s transport infrastructure sector.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. Implemented as a UN Joint Programme with FAO as the leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF, and UNDP as partners, it aims to enhance sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas and improve the efficiency of value chain enablers.

Keep Reading
By
Crime

Criminals Vandalized Tokua Airport

By
Tokua Airport

PNG Air has temporarily suspended its flights into Tokua airport after the terminal building was ransacked by more that 25 criminals who broke into the terminal this morning.

The airline released a statement at 10am today saying the suspension remains indefinite until the airline can determine safe operation back into the province.

East New Britain Police Commander, Januarius Vosivai said the criminals entered the airport terminal from the airside and vandalized both PNG Air and Air Niugini Officers inside the terminal building.

“Until the NAC (National Airport Corporation) gives a report, we can know the extent of damage. But the incident that happened paints a bad picture for the province,” said PPC Vosivai

Police say the criminals entered the airport premises with bush knives and attacked a security guard in the process.

The ransacking incident occurred in the early hours of this morning and properties destroyed include computers, scanning machines and check-in counters.

In December 2020, police reported a similar attack where 20 armed criminals from a nearby settlement, attacked and robbed students from the University of Natural Resources and Environment who were at the Tokua airport waiting to check-in.

The security breached in 2020 had forced authorities to close Tokua airport but was reopened shortly. In this incident, the extent of damages on airport properties is estimated to be more and may take longer for flights to be resumed.

Police say they have identified six suspects involved in the raid and are working on arresting them.

Meanwhile national flag carrier, Air Niugini has offloaded a number of its passengers who purchased tickets to fly out of Tokua since last Saturday 9th September 2023.

With the airport now vandalized those passengers offloaded may be spending Independence away from their families.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/continuous-flight-delays-cause-frustration-among-passengers/

Keep Reading
By
Crime

Arrest Warrants Expected

By
UBS Loan

A significant breakthrough has been reached in the long-standing probe into the controversial 2014 state loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is set to issue arrest warrants for a number of individuals implicated in the case, following an exhaustive 18-month investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions, including Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Australia.

The charges are a direct result of the work of the Proceeds of Crime Task Force, a special unit established by the RPNGC to investigate the UBS loan.

“The charges that are about to be laid are covered by the Criminal Code Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act,” said Commissioner of Police, David Manning. The alleged offences are described as “extremely serious”, depriving Papua New Guinea citizens of substantial public funds.

Former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill was arrested following the Inquiry into the UBS loan in June on allegations of giving false information during the inquiry.

InsidePNG has reached out to Peter O’Neill who said he will not comment as the case is before the court.

In a stern warning, Commissioner Manning stated that any attempts to spark social unrest in response to these arrests would be met with swift and resolute action, potentially leading to additional charges. He called on the public to act responsibly and be prepared for potential disturbances.

He also emphasised that those charged would have their day in court, allowing justice to take its course. “Individuals charged will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court as part of due process,” Manning said.

The individuals involved in the UBS loan scandal stand accused of a massive breach of public trust and abuse of government office. “No one is above or beyond the reach of the law,” the Commissioner declared, adding that the police will “fearlessly execute their constitutional duties in the service of our country.”

The Proceeds of Crime Task Force, made up of members of the Fraud Squad, forensic auditors, and other specialist experts, has been instrumental in uncovering the alleged offences.

The upcoming arrests follow the completion of the ‘Royal Commission of Inquiry into processes and procedures followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea in obtaining the offshore loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and related transactions,’ which concluded in March 2022 with a final report.

Keep Reading
By
News

PNG Logging Volumes Fail to Meet Reduction Targets

By
Export Logging failing targets

Papua New Guinea (PNG) continues export logging at an unsustainable rate, falling short of the government’s reduction targets, according to ACT NOW!, a community advocacy group. The group’s analysis of official data reveals that the PNG Forest Authority has not been able to maintain export volumes within the limits set by the government.

Prime Minister James Marape has consistently spoken of his government’s goal to eliminate all round log exports by 2025. Instead, Marape has urged the forest industry to shift their focus to downstream processing and value addition. This change is projected to increase employment, generate more export revenues, and help PNG uphold its international commitments to reduce deforestation and preserve forests.

The Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), released in May, backs the government’s policy by setting annual log export limitations. Starting from 1,695,000 cubic metres in 2024, these limits are slated to decrease each year to a maximum of 200,000 cubic metres by 2027.

ACT NOW!’s analysis of official log export data, however, suggests that the PNG Forest Authority is not meeting these targets.

“Over 1.1 million cubic metres of logs were exported in the first half of 2023 alone,” says Eddie Tanago, ACT NOW!’s Campaign Manager. “This volume is equivalent to 66% of the maximum limit set for the entire year.”

Unless immediate action is taken to decrease log export volumes, ACT NOW! predicts that the government’s limit will be exceeded by more than 500,000 cubic metres by the end of 2023.

ACT NOW! additionally reports that one-third of log exports originate from logging projects authorised under a Forest Clearance Authority (FCA), despite a moratorium on new FCA projects implemented by the National Forest Board in December last year.

FCAs are intended to permit the clearance of small, discrete forest areas for agricultural planting or other land use changes under the Forest Act. ACT NOW! alleges, however, that FCAs are being misused to enable the exportation of large volumes of logs from areas not designated for agriculture over extended periods.

In a recent report on the Wammy Rural Development Project, ACT NOW! highlighted an instance of continuous logging under an FCA for eight years with no evidence of promised agricultural planting.

The advocacy group insists that the immediate cessation of log exports from fraudulent FCA projects could significantly help reduce export volume to within government limits.

“The PNGFA should immediately suspend all logging and log exports from FCA areas,” Tanago advises. “A public review should then be conducted to determine the legitimacy of these projects.”

Such efforts, ACT NOW! believes, will not only address the issue of widespread illegal logging but also help bring down the volume of log exports to within government targets.

Keep Reading
By
News

Support for Aquaculture Development

By
Fish Farming

An initiative desired to increase access to nutrient-rich fish protein and improve diets of approximately 856 rural residents has gained positive response in West Sepik Province.

As part of the EU-funded STREIT PNG Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched this program to support inland fish farming in the Vanimo-Green District,

FAO supplied 12,900 high-quality Tilapia fingerlings to 107 households in Yako, Pewi Conner, Hogru, and Biaka villages located along Vanimo west Coast.

These beneficiaries are owners of more than 200 fish ponds and six fish nurseries. As part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, these farmers have received training in aquaculture production techniques, including Tilapia biology and lifecycle, fingerling stocking, fish feed production using local ingredients, pond construction and management, and financial record-keeping, among other skills.

The initiative, which is in partnership with the Provincial Fisheries and Marine Resources Office, focuses on helping inland fish farming households to increase fish production, earn a higher income, and boost food security in inland areas.

FAO Fresh Water Aquaculture Officer, Lapia Renagi, said the tilapia fish has a mild flaky taste and firm meat texture, and that makes it a top consumer choice.

“With a steady growth gradient, Tilapia fish farming is emerging as a potential income stream as wild stock populations are dramatically declining.” said Renagi.

As part of the initiative, households received between 50 to 150 fingerlings, depending on the size and number of their fish ponds. FAO plans to continue its support to West Sepik Province with an additional 20,000 fingerlings.

The intervention comes as part of the fisheries value chains upgrading plan in the Sepik region. This plan is based on a study commissioned by the FAO to the PNG National Fisheries Authority (NFA) under EU-STREIT PNG, which identified challenges faced by key actors.

“Inland Fisheries or Fresh Water Aquaculture is the fastest growing industry globally, taking over from capture fishery,” said Mr Mohammed Zakir Hossain, FAO International Fisheries Officer.

“It is an environment-friendly and sustainable activity and an effective option to shifting fishing pressure on natural habitats.”

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, led by FAO, is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in Papua New Guinea. It focuses on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through enhancing cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers. The programme also supports sustainable, climate-resistant transport and energy infrastructure development.

Keep Reading
By
News

Search for Pacific Musician

By
Pacific Break

The search is on for the next best original musical talent from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The launch of the 2023 Pacific Break is set to kick off in Port Moresby come 21st September and a winner will be announced on 2nd November.

Pacific Break is considered the longest running music competition in the Pacific and was first hosted in 2008.

For this year, a free concert will be held at the Lamana Gold Club and will feature last year’s winner, Danielle and PNG-born Australian artist Ngaiire.

The winner of 2023 Pacific Break will be flown to Australia to attend its largest international music festival WOMADelaide in March 2024.

Pacific Break 2

Throughout this six-week campaign, (September to November) featured artists in the region will have their music and videos featured on ABC Radio-Australia and including ABC Pacific digital and social media forums.

With the entries set to close on 2nd November, a winner will be announced on ABC Radio- Australia’s morning show Nesia Daily on Thursday 9 November.

Judge’s for this year’s talent search will include Ngaiire, DJ Hau Latukefu, Sose Fuamoli, and Rick Howe.

Australia says it is proud to promote the growth of unsigned artists living in the Pacific and Timor-Leste through such career-changing opportunities.

For more information on about Pacific Break visit www.abc.net.au/pacificbreak.

Keep Reading
By
International

Marape Clears Statement

By
West Papua

Prime Minister, James Marape says he wants to set the record straight on his meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo regarding the West Papua Issue.

Marape claims an earlier statement regarding PNG’s position to abstain from supporting West Papua United Liberation Movement (WPULM) for a full fleged membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was released without consent.

In an effort to rectify the misinformation and alleviate concerns raised within the MSG, Marape released another statement to address the inaccuracies.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape

“An earlier statement released without consent wrongfully said that at the recently-concluded MSG Leaders’ Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, I informed leaders of PNG’s abstaining from supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) bid for full membership, plus a notation that human rights issues in West Papua are of no concern to PNG. I wish to clarify these misconstrued assertions.” said Marape.

Marape corrects that, “Papua New Guinea never abstained from West Papua matters at the MSG meeting, but rather, offered solutions that affirmed,” said Marape.

Marape made these comments during the bilateral meeting with President Widodo in Jakarta and stressed the respect PNG government has towards Indonesia’s sovereignty, territorial rights but Human Rights is a different issue.

“When matters concerning ULMWP’s application for membership was raised, I indicated that the presence of Indonesia on MSG as an Associate Member and ULMWP as observer is sufficient for the moment. MSG has placed a moratorium on new membership until the criteria for membership is reviewed,” Marape said

Marape said President Widodo has assured him that all is okay in the two Papuan provinces and invited senior government members to visit it’s Papua Province..”

West Papua
Keep Reading
By
News

Iduhu urges Govt to reassess Connect PNG Road and Highway Program

By

(PHOTO FILE: Courtesy of Connect PNG road and highways program.)

MEMBER for Hiri-Koiari district, Keith Iduhu voiced his urgent concern today regarding the Marape Government’s ambitious Connect PNG Road and Highway program that aims to build inter-provincial highways across the country. Instead, he urged the government to prioritize the construction and improvement of district and provincial roads, enhancement of social services, and bolstering of local economies.

Mr Iduhu acknowledges the long-term necessity of a nationwide road network, but insists that immediate attention should be given to pressing local issues.

Many residents of his district and Central Province share his skepticism towards a program that focuses on linking distant provinces, while many key social programs are yet to be implemented by the government.

The MP, who is part of the Marape Government, said although he subscribes to government policies, he felt obligated to express his constituents’ reservations.

He pointed out that the country currently faces a law and order situation spiraling out of control, compounded by economic difficulties that are straining society.

He highlighted the struggles of districts and provinces in fulfilling the basic rights of their people, including services in education, law and order, health, infrastructure, economic development, and housing.

He stated, “It is apparent that most districts and provinces are lacking in access to water, power, police and judicial services, housing, and basic infrastructure, and yet the proposed connection of provinces and regions will only create more problems for local leaders.”

Mr Iduhu also raised concerns about the lack of credible data on population and demographics, stating that without key development indexes, the country risks further social issues and the exacerbation of existing problems.

The MP pointed to the example of Port Moresby, which he claims, is struggling to accommodate the millions of Papua New Guineans seeking a better life.

The city’s inability to meet the growing demand for services and opportunities has led to issues such as land grabbing, criminal activity, and environmental degradation.

Mr Iduhu emphasized that the desire to migrate stems from a lack of services, not roads. He called for prioritizing district and provincial economic development before opening borders to the rest of the country.

He asked, “How can we deal with further migration when our current services are not capable of taking care of the local population?”

He suggested that the government should consider reallocating the funding for these highway projects to improve basic services throughout the country, building up local economies and service centres first before embarking on this program.

Mr Iduhu made these remarks on behalf of concerned citizens, and appealed to the government to respect their concerns and rethink the Connect PNG program.

Keep Reading
By
International

MSG Secretariat Condemns Japan’s Discharge of ALPS Water

By

Japan has started the releasing of treated nuclear waste water (ALPS) into the Pacific Ocean as of 24th August, sparking different reactions from Asian and Pacific Island Countries.

Scientists including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have backed Japan’s plan to release treated nuclear water but China anounced it will not be importing Japanese sea food.

In the Pacific, Secretariat of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) said the health of the Pacific Ocean determines the survival of Pacific Islanders.

MSG Laumo ALPS Water
MSG, Director General, Leonard Louma

A statement released by MSG, Director General, Leonard Louma, states that the best proof that ALPS (treated water from Fukushima) is safe, is to discharge it into Japan’s own internal waterways and that no amount of justification, scientific or otherwise, will suffice.

“We in the Pacific are too well aware of the fallacy of the safety of nuclear activities, “said Louma.

The treated nuclear waste from Fukushima Nuclear Plant will be released into the Pacific Ocean over the next 30 years after the UN Nuclear watchdog approved the plan by the Japanese Government.

The discharge is seen as a key step in decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant after it was destroyed by a tsunami in 2011.

The plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) began releasing treated nuclear water at in August through an underground tunnel.

Back home, Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister James Marape had commented that it’s best the treated water is released in a controlled manner.

James Marape ALPS water
PNG Prime Minister James Marape

“For us in the Pacific our position has always been the same, a Nuclear free Pacific. But I also note that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been working with the government of Japan to rigorously review the safety for waste water for release,” said Marape.

However MSG is of the view that, after reading the IAEA Assessment Report before the discharge, had given no comfort at all.

“The “qualified” words and “diplomatic” construction of language used in the Assessment Report suggests to us that even the IAEA is not sure of the safety of the discharge of the ALPS water into the Pacific Ocean,” said Louma.

Louma is concerned on how would one interprets the use of “consistent with” safety standards, the effects will be “negligible”, and “additional review” or checks will be done again when discharge takes place.

“So please forgive us if we are sceptical of this safety narrative that you have gone overdrive to have us believe that the ALPS water is safe. Excuse us if we appear naïve when we say science can be wrong. Our experience tells us to be cautious,” Louma added.

Keep Reading
By
Pin It