West New Britain Provincial Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UN Women to partner in empowering women market vendors and improve market operations in the Province.

The MOU has agreed by both parties will enable women’s economic empowerment in the province. The MOU communicates the mutually accepted expectations of all of the parties involved in a negotiation.

Three basic objectives are covered in the agreement.

1) To develop gender-sensitive strategies, mechanisms, and action plans to strengthen the capacity of the market authorities for accountable governance in market management that includes women’s voices.

2) To enhance provincial, district and local level government systems and processes for improved market management systems that build local economies and provide a safe and economically vibrant environment for market vendors to pursue entrepreneur activities in pursuit of their livelihood

3.To build the capacity of women market vendors to seize economic opportunities and voice their concerns with market authorities and resolve problems that adversely affect their economic wellbeing through the establishment of women’s voice mechanisms.

According to UN it’s a work in progress for a collaborative manner to strengthen the local economy by creating safe markets within which women are empowered to pursue entrepreneurial activities, improve their incomes, and control their earnings for the benefit of their families.

Also during the signing, UN Women representatives Vivian Ningi and Eloi Longsen also presented two market booklets as toolkits to Acting Provincial Administrator, Leo Mapmani.

The booklet contains information on helpful market operations.

The U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Ambassador Erin E. McKee will depart Papua New Guinea on Thursday 14th of April 2022 to take up her new role as the Assistant Administrator for Europe and Asia.

The Biden Administration nominated Ambassador McKee, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Career Minister, to be the Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination by unanimous vote on March 24.

She will be sworn in and begin her new position at USAID shortly after her arrival in Washington, DC.

At her departure ceremony, Ambassador McKee acknowledged the partnership forged by US and the three pacific nations that has expanded in recent years.

“I’m departing on a high note, and yes, it is sad, and it is bittersweet, but I’m so deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished in the last two and a half years.

“The United States is expanding our presence in the region and is here to stay.

“The New Embassy Compound is nearing completion, and symbolizes the United States’ strengthened and enduring partnership with the governments of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, while we advance the United States’ commitment to the Pacific, to a prosperous, inclusive, and democratically empowered society,” McKee said.

Her leadership saw an increased presence of US in the Pacific.

“Our Embassy staff has expanded significantly – we’ve actually doubled in size since I arrived.

“But not only in size but in diversity, in terms of skills and focus and passion.

“Since I arrived, we’ve added new agencies from the executive branch, our Defense Attaché’s office, USAID, and now we have the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Justice, and Homeland Security, and the U.S. Forest Service- that shows an enduring commitment in a lot of areas where we’ve heard very loud demand signals from our partners here for engagement.

“And we’ve attracted top talent to staff these positions,” she said.

She leaves satisfied that despite only two and a half years she has done her part to strengthen corporation and collaboration through many impact areas.

“I’m proud to say that, again and again we fulfilled our promise to engage on issues of health, the economy, security, and we amplified and shored up our many shared values.

“We fulfilled our promise to promote gender equality and rule of law. We fulfilled our promise to level the playing field and equip women and men with the tools they need to succeed.

“Together, America and Papua New Guinea are providing opportunities to all people.

“That’s what democracy means,” McKee said.

She explains that the US PNG partnership is a demonstration of support to freedom and dignity.

“In the contest between democracy and autocracy, between sovereignty and subjugation, make no mistake: freedom and dignity will prevail.

“As your partner and ally, the United States is committed more than ever to continue working with you and the other partners to achieve Papua New Guinea’s democratic goals.

“So, while I’m sad to leave, I leave knowing that Papua New Guinea is moving in the right direction, ever upwards and onwards, and I depart knowing that you are in good hands, hand-in-hand, with the United States of America.

The artwork of a 48-year-old Papua New Guinean artist is being displayed on SP’s Pacific Export Lager (White Can).

Peter Elavera, an artist who graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea’s Creative Arts School in 1995 has partnered with South Pacific Brewery to showcase his artwork.

“It’s an honor seeing my artwork design on SP Pacific Export Lager. Knowing that the can is not only available in Port Moresby but throughout the country; this means my artwork will reach a wider audience. It is a great feeling,” Elavera said.

Designs from East New Britain, East and West Sepik, New Ireland, Simbu, Enga and Central are already selling on the shelves throughout the country. Sixteen more designs will be hit the market next.

Born in 1974, Elavera is from a mixed parentage of Simbu and Gulf.

Between 1974 and 1984 Elavera lived between Simbu and Morobe province before moving to Port Moresby where he has been ever since.

After a decade of formal employment, Elavera resigned in 2006 and ventured into SME.

“I realized that my creative powers will become stagnant if I continued in formal employment, like a bird in a cage,” Elavera said.

Elavera’s other artwork include:

– Designer in Production of the 30 metre Jungle Mural that was installed at Jackson’s Airport Arrival Lounge.

– Beer Garden Wall at SP Brewery Lae

– SP Brewery Wall in Port Moresby

K3 million funding has been set aside for Police in Morobe for the National Election’s Security Operations.

K1 million from this K3 million will be used for Security Operations while a larger proportion will be used for allowances for security personnel including PNGDF Soldiers and Correctional Service Officers.

Morobe Police Commander, Superintendent Jocob Singura said they are happy with K3million funding assistance from Morobe Provincial Government.

“Manpower and logistical support are our biggest challenges, especially for a province like Morobe with a big landmass and scattered population.” said PPC Singura.

The Morobe Command is looking at engaging 90 plus members from PNGDF and CS in election security exercises.

PPC Singura said the Manpower Nominal roll has been finalized and set to National Election Planning Team for approval at the Police Headquarters in Port Moresby.

The Kina-for-Kina Scheme initiative has resulted in the purchase of two new vehicles for Gulf Police.

A significant investment for Gulf Command in preparation for the National Elections.

Under the kina-for-kina scheme Police Commissioner, David Manning aims to alleviate the continuous logistical problems for police nationwide.

Thus the Constabulary entered into the arrangements with various open and regional members whereby every kina they put in the constabulary reciprocated and purchased vehicles for their provinces and electorates.

Similar arrangements were done for Namatanai Open, Madang Open, and the Northern province.

While for Gulf province the Constabulary is still waiting for political heads to participate in the scheme.

The new vehicles were presented to Gulf Police Commander, Chief Inspector Jeffery Lemb in Port Moresby.

Back in Gulf, the Election Security Operations are expected to be launched this Month (April).

The new vehicles will assist in pre-election operations effectively to prepare for a free, fair and safe 2022 election for the people of Gulf Province.

Meanwhile, a hand-over-take-over parade is scheduled for April 13 in Kerema, Gulf Province, where outgoing PPC Chief Inspector Maria Johns will hand over the command to Mr Lemb on 20th April 2022.

A four-day induction by the Bougainville Constitutional Planning Committee (BCPC) in Arawa has come to a close.

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, Vice President, Patrick Nisira and the Attorney General, Ezekiel Masatt were present at the closing.

President Toroama said the purpose of the induction is to ensure that each commissioner is kept abreast with the government’s vision for the constitution of an independent Bougainville.

“We have reached the point of no return and we have reached the pinnacle of our endeavor to create a new and independent nation,” President Toroama added.

He encouraged his fellow commissioners to be proactive in ensuring the Bougainville Constitution gauges the views of the people and captures the vision of the people to be free and governed within a democratic legal framework.

Adding these preparations will determine the outcome of any process; nation building is no exception and the crafting of the constitution of an Independent Bougainville will depend on how we prepare for nationhood,” President Toroama said.

The induction introduced the commissioners to Bougainville’s political roadmap, the commission’s guiding principles, international standards in constitution making process and sharing their experiences.

President Toroama who is also chairman of the BCPC further thanked the BCPC Secretariat for its efforts in guiding the BCPC.

The BCPC also presented the President with a resolution from their induction which the government will look at to ensure its effectivity in consulting the people.

Enga Province has successfully validated and endorsed its Climate Resilient Green Growth (CRGG) Action Plan in a two-day workshop which concluded today.

The Action Plan captures priority climate-resilient and green growth initiatives to be mainstreamed into the Province’s Strategic Development Plan 2022-2030.

Acting Managing Director for Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), William Lakain said Climate change poses risks and challenges both at the national and international fronts.

“The Government of PNG is committed to ensure that there are appropriate plans and policies in place to support PNG adapt to growing challenges induced by climate change and global warming. “This means practical local actions are needed. The CRGG Action Plan for Enga is one crucial step that paves way for mainstreaming CRGG at the provincial level”, said Mr. Lakain.

The Enga CRGG Action Plan was developed based on a provincial assessment conducted from 2019-2022. The assessment identified entry points for CRGG priorities in Enga Province with recommendation from the Provincial Climate Change Committee (PCCC) to have climate change mainstreamed in the provincial development plan.

Strategic initiatives under the Action Plan includes sustainable forests (REDD+) and sustainable landscapes; climate-smart agriculture; water conservation and access; green industries and jobs; green infrastructure, transport, energy, buildings, and cross-cutting green growth interventions.

Country Representative for Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Sakiusa Tuisolia commended the Enga Provincial Government and participants for their local knowledge and input in the formulation of the Action Plan and stressed on the importance of implementing the plan.

“GGGI is happy to support the PNG Government and the Enga Provincial Government and its people in the CRGG interventions”, said Tuisolia.

Enga Province is one of three pilot provinces to mainstream CRGG into its strategic development plan. The other two provinces are New Ireland and Milne Bay.

The CRGG Project is being implemented by GGGI in partnership with CCDA and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The PNG Women in Coffee Association (PNGWICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) at the Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen recently.

With the signing of this MoU, PNGWICA becomes the 31st country chapter of the global network under the IWCA. During the MOU signing, PNGWICA also officially launched its five-year strategic plan.

Co-Founder and Executive Officer of PNGWICA, Catherine Pianga said the collaboration between PHAMA Plus and WICA is a demonstration of the confidence that the Governments of Australia and New Zealand have in the capability of women for lasting sustainable change.

“I am excited because, for the first time in PNG’s coffee industry, women in the coffee value chain have a plan, a road map to work with and draw guidance from,” said Pianga.

“This marks a significant milestone in our relationship which will enable a vast span of opportunities and possibilities as PNGWICA joins this global network’, added Pianga.

Pianga acknowledged the support and guidance of its strategic partners – CICL and Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA Plus) Program.

CICL Chief Operations Officer, Steven Tumae congratulated and commended PNGWICA executives for their commitment and perseverance in ensuring the association carried on with its vision to reach this stage.

“For so long, women’s participation in coffee production has been given less recognition. This partnership will now put women in their rightful place to be recognized for their hard work and contribution in the coffee industry,” said Tumae.

To this date, WICA has grown from 112 foundation members to more than 6000 members, with five coffee companies and 200 coffee households.

WICA was in existence since 2016 and the concept was launched in 2012 by the Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd (CICL) and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.

The Deed of Amendment to the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement (PPCA), and the Deed of Escrow to park 10% of the project equity were signed today at the Government House.

The PPCA was deemed concluded when Mineral Resources Enga signed on 3rd February 2022.

The PPCA is the central and structural document designed to elaborate and deal more specifically with what was set out in the Framework Agreement.

In a statement the Prime Minister explains that the PPCA is the main foundational agreement that establishes how the joint venture will operate and the operating model that delivers the agreed benefits to all parties.

It deals with legacy liability issues, taxation issues, license issues, the establishment of the incorporated joint ventures, benefit flows, landowner benefits, project financing, mine closure and reclamation, fiscal and regulatory stability issues, and other issues and legal terms supporting the recommencement of the mine.

The Prime Minister said this is a major milestone and the Government needed to ensure that all the important responsibilities and commitments by all stakeholders are captured in very clear terms under this agreement.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Barrick and its CEO, Mark Bristow, for his patience in allowing the state and its stakeholders to ensure that any matters, which were overlooked in the original PPCA, were captured in the amendment deed.

“The amended PPCA now paves the way for the parties to move very quickly to implement further series of documents which include, the signing of the shareholders’ agreement and the incorporation of the joint venture company, the operatorship agreement between the joint venture company, and Barrick as the operator, the fiscal stability agreement, a mining development contract, and the memorandum of agreement regarding benefit-sharing between the relevant provincial government and local level government.

In accordance with the PPCA, the shares in the new project company will be as follows: Barrick Gold and Zijin, 49%, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, 36%, Mineral Resources Enga, 5%, and Porgera Landowners 10%.

The parties to the PPCA have agreed that until such time a determination is reached by the landowners as to how the 10% is apportioned, at an appropriate forum, the 10% would be held in escrow.

Marape said this arrangement is important because they want a proper forum to be held to have the landowners themselves determine how the shares will be held to best represent their interests.

The intention of the escrow is to allow the project company to be incorporated in the short term so to enable the lodgment of its application for a special mining lease to be made.

It further allows important regulatory tasks to proceed unhindered while plans are put into place for the development forum to take place.

“I am also pleased to announce that the stakeholders have all agreed for the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) to be the escrow agent. MRDC is an experienced company dealing with landowner matters in the oil, gas, and mining space. We are confident that they will be able to perform their tasks diligently in accordance with the Deed of Escrow.”

These important signings now pave the way for the final pieces of the puzzle to be put in place for the mine to be reopened.

“I have been briefed on the critical pathway to the reopening of the mine, and it remains my utmost priority to ensure that matters which are within the control of the government are concluded as soon as possible to allow the process to move and accelerate. The operator has already assembled their team to design the shortest possible pathway and I want to do what I can to assist in this regard.”