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Natural Resources

K14.8M in Royalties Paid out by the Ramu Nickel Project

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Landowners of the four project impact areas of the Ramu Nickel Project under Ramu NiCo Management Limited, were paid their royalty payment totalling to K14.8 million for the year 2021 on July 20th, 2022.

The landowner groups that the payments were made to include Kurumbukari, Inland Pipeline, Coastal Pipeline and Basamuk. Kurumbukari got a portion of approximately K8.6 million, Inland and Coastal Pipeline LO’s got approximately K2 million each while Basamuk Los got a portion of approximately K3 million respectively.

All payments made totals to the grand total of royalty payment to LO’s for 2021, including the other years concerned. The recent payments are the 6th made by the company since production began in 2013.

Jacob Winis, Principal Landowner of Memeume 1 and Chairman of the Maigari (Inland Pipeline) Landowners Association said, the royalty payments made by Ramu NiCo has contributed immensely in improving the people’s state of living by having access to basic services.

“The royalty payments made by Ramu NiCo to the landowners has helped us in setting up small Businesses or projects, supporting us with school fees, access to health services and I see that there is actual change” Winis said.

The first royalty payments made were in 2018, for years 2013 to 2017, paid in two separate accumulated payments; first payment of approximately K25.5 million was made in June of 2018. While the second  payment of K8 million plus, was made in the same year for July to December of 2017.

Royalty payment of approximately K16.3 million for 2018 was made in 2019, for 2019, approximately K26.2 million was made in 2020. 2020’s payment of K 17.3 million approximately was made in 2021.

With the most Recent payment of approximately K14.8 million made this year, for 2021. A total of K108.1 million in royalties has been paid since 2018 to landowners.

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News

NAC Staff Receive AGL Training at Kavieng Airport

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Training Participants at Kavieng Airport_1

FIFTEEN technical staff at the National Airport’s Corporation recently received specialized training in the Installation and Supervision of Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) Systems in Kavieng, New Ireland Province.

The AGL Systems are crucial in airport operations as it helps pilots scope out the runway clearly before landing the aircraft and even aids in a safe take-off. The AGL Systems are most helpful during night times and bad weather conditions.

Participants during practical session of the AGL training.

Those who underwent the training were equipped with the knowledge to train other colleagues at other airports in the country, as well as supervise and carryout maintenance works on AGL Systems at the airports.

In a statement, NAC explained that in the past, only a handful of NAC technical staff carried out AGL installation under the supervision of ADBSG, however, since they began in-country training, the attendance in participation began to grow.

The statement further explained that the training coincides with the redevelopments of regional airports around PNG and therefore, NAC is taking measures to ensure their staff members are skilled in the latest technological advances in airport operations to ensure its aerodrome environment is safe and secure and in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, as well as PNG CASA rules and regulations.

Participants during the theory session of training.

The training on AGL Systems was conducted by Mr Sam Gray from ADB Safegate (ADBSG), a world-renowned company specialized in providing integrated airport solutions for safe, environmentally friendly and efficient airport operations.

He was assisted by NAC CADIP consultant, Saibal Bose who is specialized in Electrical Engineering.

The training took place in late July to early August and was funded by the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP).

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News

Central Governor’s First Official Visit

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Group Photo_Department of Personnel Management

CENTRAL Governor, Rufina Peter dropped by the Department of Personnel Management for her first Government Department visit since being sworn in as Governor of Central Province on 9th August 2022.

The purpose of the on Thursday 11th August 2022 was to discuss Human Resource employment development for Central Province with the DPM Secretary, Taies Sansan.

Central Governor, Rufina Peter with DPM Secretary, Taies Sansan.

During the visit, the newly appointed Governor said, as a woman and a political leader she and other women politicians have to be demonstrative in order to debunk the perception of women being ineffective in the political space.

Ms. Peter said she and colleague, the newly appointed Rai Coast MP, Kessy Sawang will prove the effectiveness of women politicians in their next five years in office and she is looking at a critical Human Resource to ensure their performances are demonstrated.

“We can be political heads, but we need public servants who can articulate our vision and make it happen,” said Ms. Peter.

After meeting with the DPM Secretary, Ms. Peter was given a rousing welcome by staff members, mostly women, who congratulated Ms. Peter, expressing a sense of empowerment in sharing her win.

DPM Secretary, Taies Sansan told the Central Governor that DPM boasted a ratio of 60% women staffers who hold executive management positions. She gave the Central Governor the assurance that DPM looks forward to working closely with the Central Provincial Government in building the Human Resource and public service job employment.

Meanwhile Governor Peter said she needs to make sure that those who work with her administer and put the people’s interest first by articulating her vision to fit the needs of the people of Central province.

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News

Call for Unity and Harmony Ahead of Enga Cultural Show

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Enga Cultural Show

Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has called for unity and harmony in Enga Province ahead of the annual cultural show.

Re-elected for the 6th term as the head of the province following the National General Elections, Sir Peter Ipatas urged the people in the province to unite once again for the staging of the Enga Cultural Show this weekend.

“The Enga Show is the pride of our province, an annual activity that has been staged successfully for the past 27 years and grown in stature to become an international drawcard.’’

Speaking in response to concerns about election related unrest in parts of the province, Sir Peter said Enga cannot continue to allow lawlessness and destruction to constantly dictate how the province will go about conducting business.

He urged his people stop the negativity caused by the recent election violence and instead shift to positive and beneficial attitude for the province. 

Governor Ipatas: “When we continue to allow violence to dictate our lives and activities, we are in a way tacitly accepting it.”

Enga takes pride in hosting visitors and the Governor is adamant that showcasing the province’s traditional cultures to the world in 2022 will be different.

The Enga Cultual show will be staged on Friday12th and Saturday 13th August 2022.

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News

Ramu NiCo Completes new Mine Site Clinic

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Ramu NiCo mine clinic

Ramu NiCo Management Limited’s newly built and recently opened Kurumbukari Mine Clinic is well equipped with vital medical devices capable of serving more patients.

The clinic has upgraded its capacity from a two bed space to a six bed space clinic. Providing a more spacious and conducive facility for all patients seeking medical assistance. The clinic now houses, two consultation rooms, a dispensary, emergency treatment and treatment room for small wounds and others, observing ward and a waiting lobby.

The vital medical equipment available at the new and improved Clinic include; an oxygenator, electrocardiogram machine, glucometer, multi-analysis drug testing devices, including the Rapid Diagnostic Test kits for malaria and COVID-19 including other devices for basic testing and diagnosis.

The now standalone clinic is capable of serving and accommodating more patients within the mining camp, including locals from surrounding communities unlike at the previous locations. The new KBK Mine Clinic is a day clinic where no admissions are made.

Nursing Officer in Charge Mr. Cyril Tapasia (Left) Assistant Nursing Officer, Ms. Bernadette Soagili (Centre) and the physician on site, Dr. Wei (Right) at the new and improved Ramu NiCo’s Kurumbukari Mine Clinic.

The RNML KBK Mine Clinic has two Chinese Physicians and three local nursing staff who are on a 28 days on site and 14 days off site shift. Three health personnel are always on site (at the clinic) from 8am to 5pm every day.

Nursing Officer in Charge, Cyril Tapasia, who has been employed with Ramu NiCo Ltd for 14 years now stated; “Since it is a day clinic, we focus mainly on work related injuries. Serious cases are only stabilized at the clinic and referred to the Walium or Usino Health Centres while the very serious cases are identified as emergency cases and referred to the Madang Provincial Hospital,”

RNML’s KBK General Manager, Joseph Umare said “It is only fitting for the company to build a facility big enough to cater for or accommodate more patients, because at any one time, there are about 600 to 700 employees on site”

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Business

Nasfund’s Membership Discount Program renewed with PNG Air Partnership

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Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider, Nasfund and airline service provider, PNG Air, recently met to renew their partnership.

Through their collaboration, Nasfund members can now access a discount of K50 on one-way airfares through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program (MDP).

“Since the easing of restrictions, we have noted an increase in the demand for travel within Papua New Guinea.

“As a nationally-owned airline, it is in our best interest to make air travel more affordable and accessible.

“Given the current economic situation, we are pleased to renew our partnership with Nasfund to provide this discount to the Fund’s active contributors,” said Simon C. Pitt, PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer.

To claim this discount, Nasfund members will have to show their Nasfund membership ID card, when purchasing their tickets at PNG Air sales offices.

This offer is also redeemable on the PNG Air website. A promo code ‘NASFUND22’ will have to be used when booking until November 30th 2022, and ‘NASFUND23’ when booking from February 1st 2023 onwards. Members can travel at any time, except within the aforementioned dates.

The discount is now available for members and their beneficiaries, and will be in place for the next 12 months.

CEO, Ian Tarutia welcomed the renewed MDP agreement and thanked PNG Air for their commitment to provide affordable air travel for Nasfund Members.

“This offer certainly provides more value for our members, especially during these challenging times.

“We encourage our members to take advantage of this partnership, to save more while you work today.

We are committed to work together to provide value for our members while they work, so that they are ready for tomorrow,” Tarutia added.

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Business

Key implications of PNG’s recent CPI figures

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The price of goods and services have continued to increase since the second quarter of 2021, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) rating closing the first quarter of this year at 6.9 percent – the highest level rating since 2010.

To counter this high domestic inflation, the Bank of PNG has tightened the Monetary Policy

by increasing the Kina Facility Rate (KFR) by 0.25 percent to 3.25 percent this month (July

2022).

According to the BSP Pacific Economic and Market Insight Q2 2022 Report, BSP Group

General Manager for Corporate Banking, Peter Beswick said the uplift in the Kina Facility

Rate (KFR) by BPNG in signaling and tightening the Monetary Policy would result in the

finance sector reviewing loan and deposit interest rates.

The KFR intends to serve as the interest rate at which funds can be lent or borrowed. It is a

monthly rate and any changes to it should translate to market interest rates.

“The Bank of PNG has flagged the tightening Monetary Policy, with an increase in the KFR

by 0.25 percent to 3.25 percent in July 2022. This move is to counter high domestic inflation.

Domestic prices have continued to increase since the Q2-21, with headline CPI for the Q1-

22 at 6.9 percent. The highest level since 2010,” Mr. Beswick said.

“BPNG has noted the key drivers of inflation as being import inflation (through fuel and food),

caused by the pandemic and Russia-Ukraine conflict. Inflation and living costs are expected

to remain high for the remainder of 2022, as global recession fears affecting fuel, energy and

logistic costs globally,” he added.

Mr. Beswick further said that under this scenario, PNG should benefit from increased prices

on commodity exports. However, this lift could be partiality offset by reduced export volumes

in the agricultural sector, as small holders and regional communities are involved in the

general election.

“In terms of business drivers, we have seen some uplift in select business sectors of the

PNG economy. Hotels & Accommodation providers have seen increases in occupancy

levels, due to additional consultants and short term contractors arriving to assist government

with the general election. Australia has an increased presence, with additional defense force

personal assisting with law and order nationally. While aid agencies have committed

additional resources on the ground to assist with the election operations, logistic and

oversight.

“Major extractive projects on the horizon for 2023, should see improved sentiment as the

PNG economy transitions into its next significant growth phase,” Mr Beswick concluded.

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Education

Suspects Arrested Over Kimbe School Arson

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ON the eve of year 12 mock examinations, the Administration building of Kimbe Secondary School in West New Britain was burnt to ashes.

Students and staff and woke up in shock this morning.

Seven arson suspects have been arrested by police and are currently held at the Kimbe Police Station cells.

According to a source in Kimbe, the seven were rounded up by police following eyewitness reports of arson in the early hours of this morning.

From reports, the main school administration building was set alight by the suspects. The fire started at the administration kitchen then extended quickly and engulfed the whole building.

“The whole administration block is down to ashes,” said the Chairman of the School Board Management Steven Raphael. I can’t understand why anybody would go out and deliberately do this. It’s the nerve system of the school. That is where all the record of the school is kept. Records for students, staff and school,” said Raphael.

The suspects also lit fire at a nearby Grade 10 classroom but boarding students managed to put it off.

The fire truck was called but was too late. Firemen attempted to stop and control the fire but couldn’t. The help of the second fire truck only managed to extinguish fire and stop it from spreading.

Authorities are now establishing the reason why such act of arson is committed.

A female student said its shocking. “We now very concern that important documents are gone. Exams are nearing and we are not sure how the school administration will decide on”, said a student.

This morning Kimbe Secondary School Principal George Areng and the Board Chairman addressed students during assembly. He expressed sadness over the incident but encouraged students to maintain focus. Areng reiterated that authorities will ensure those involved are dealt by the law.

Principal Areng also confirmed that the Grade 12 Mock Exam will proceed.

Meanwhile the student body demanded the school administration to stage a peaceful protest in Town today but were discouraged. Chairman Raphael appeal for peace stating it’s an unfortunate incident.

He said the Board will work with Police to ensure justice hails.

“Staging a protest is not right now, there is counting (2022 NGE in town and opportunist might stir riot,” added Mr. Raphael.

I’m hoping this is not election related. We are a school. What do we have to do with the election? Its shows that there is a sick society of humans out there taking out their frustration on an institution like,” said Chairman Raphael.

Police have begun investigations into this matter.

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National Elections

Marape: “Marat A Dignified Leader”

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Tari Pori MP and leader of Pangu Party, James Marape has described ousted Rabaul MP, Dr Allan Marat as a dignified leader. He said Dr Marat showed true leadership by accepting defeat and commending his successor, Graham Piniau Rumat.

“He lost by three votes and did not ask for a recount. Dr Marat showed maturity and I praise his style of leadership,” said Marape.

The Pangu Party leader said the action taken by Dr Marat is a living example to our young generation of leaders. Marape said accepting defeat is not easy for many of us.

“The Office we hold is not our birthright. The people of Rabaul have spoken and Dr Marat as a leader has applauded this,” said Marape.

It’s a good reflection and testimony to all of us. We all must learn from this and be inspired because Dr Marat is one political character you will hardly find, said Mr Marape.

Marape added that leaders are mandated by people.

“Public office is not anyone’s birthright or inheritance, it’s a public space appointed by people”, said PM Marape.

The Pangu leader further mentioned that in every election there is always a giant slayer.

“It just happened to be the case for the Rabaul Open Seat; the Member elect, Graham Piniau Rumat is one in Papua New Guinea’s political arena,” said Marape.

The Pangu leader said Rumat has been chosen by the people of Rabaul and deserves the respect of a leader.

Mr Marape said the new member for Rabaul is expected to be in Port Moresby and will be joining the other Pangu declared leaders before heading over to Wewak for camp.

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National Elections

Sinai Says Don’t Blame Electoral Commission

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THE Electoral Commissioner has condemned the actions of candidates and supporters that instigated the destruction of election materials; this is in relation to Markham and Kabwum in Morobe Province.

Ballot boxes and ballot papers were seen broken and burnt, scattered across the counting center; Papua New Guineans viewing the aftermath of the destruction through pictures on social media.

The question is who is to be blamed? The Electoral Commissioner, Simon Siani in a Media conference on Sunday (July 17) blamed “an aggrieved candidate” and his supporters for the destruction of the counting center in Markham.

The Electoral Commissioner has resorted to not taking some of the blame, stating that they are just facilitators of the electoral process and it’s the public that have to take ownership of the process and not resort to fighting and destroying the process, instead embracing it as an opportunity to express their democratic right.

“For the Electoral Commission I am satisfied and I am sure that I have done what I am supposed to do and what I am tasked to do as the election management body in the country, don’t blame the Electoral Commission that I have not done my work, the ballot boxes were bought to your door step, but people are fighting destroying ballot papers and ballot boxes what type message are we sending to the world,” Sinai said

The world is obviously seeing the destruction and chaos and will know of the violence through the many international observers and pictures and news on social media.

People are crying for a failed election but Sinai says that the process to declare the election in Markham and Kabwum as failed takes time and we could see the people go back to the polls.

“We are working together with Police and the security forces, at the end of the day the Electoral Commission is the Authority that will assess all the situations, where there is a need to have another polling we do that, if there needs to be counting we continue, but we will need a complete report from the officers in the provinces,” Sinai said

The Commissioner did consider some responsibility on their part stating that some of their tardiness could have caused a trigger to some of the actions by the public but says it’s a different demographic across the nation and people have a different approach towards elections.

“To some extent, there are contributing factors people are different, people going late to the polls or not having their names on the roll can trigger violence, but there are a host of different views and different understandings of how the people view the electoral process,” Sinai said

Sinai added that the process to declare a failed election in parts of Papua New Guinea is a process and will be made known once the writs are returned, Sinai also said the process includes meeting with their legal team as well to ensure that all processes are followed to make the hard decisions.

It is not only the Morobe Province experiencing a destruction of the democratic process, districts in Enga Province, Kompiam and Pogera have been facing issues which include the hijacking of ballot boxes and the destruction of property.

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