The Australian Government is committed to ensuring all infrastructure investments across Papua New Guinea serve people of all backgrounds and abilities, ensuring communities everywhere benefit from secure, reliable and sustainable infrastructure. Infrastructure – that reflects and responds to people’s diverse needs – plays a pivotal role in empowering communities, especially women, girls and marginalized people. At its best, infrastructure can change the behavior and habits of the people it serves, driving a wide social impact. It can reduce inequality, widen access to jobs and education, make communities more resilient to climate change and promote public health and wellbeing. Australia’s Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP) works to ensure all Australian-funded infrastructure is designed and built using an inclusive approach. This means engaging communities – the people who will use the infrastructure – as well as local construction companies, and government agencies throughout each part of the construction process. ESIP is engaged in several major infrastructure redevelopments across PNG, from the new Kimbe Town Market in West New Britain Province to the Daru General Hospital in Western Province, the Metoreia Health Centre in Port Moresby and the Lae City Market in Morobe Province. Each of these developments has the power to transform people’s livelihoods in PNG, especially women, girls and people with disabilities. Designing infrastructure that considers the people’s different needs means everyone can experience the benefits of a new hospital, market, school, or other facility. ESIP’s Director of Social Infrastructure (Markets and Education), Taiko Lalo, emphasised how inclusive infrastructure accounts for the needs of everyone by ensuring equal access and benefit for all (regardless of gender, race, class, sexuality and disability and especially for the vulnerable and marginalised). “When designing markets, you must ensure everyone accessing the market is safe and secure, the space is functional, and it meets the needs of the majority women vendors and patrons accessing the infrastructure,” Ms Taiko added. The Australian Government, through its infrastructure investments, values the needs of women and girls, vulnerable groups including people with disabilities and ensures their voices are included in the design process of construction projects.

Thirty-eight (38) participants comprising of BSP SME customers and BSP staff recently completed a two week training on understanding the different aspects of businesses and how to grow them. BSP Financial Group Limited’s SME Retail in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) facilitated the two-week pilot training for “Your Enterprise Scheme” through its network of Skilled Business Professionals. The training comprised of three (3) working models designed for the PNG SME market covering 17 different topics, primarily fundamental building blocks for SMEs in any market segment. These areas included business structure, compliance and the importance of keeping SME receipts records and growth by way of increasing revenue and profitability through simple fundamental approaches. BSP Head of SME, Samuel Mulina said this Financial literacy training is part of BSP’s continued focus on supporting the SME Sector and is designed to augment the considerable success BSP has had in rolling out the Governments Credit Enhancement Scheme program (CESL). In 2022, BSP assisted 1,105 SMEs by lending K177m under the Scheme. Since the program’s inception, BSP has funded 1,484 SME loans to a total of K266m.   “Apart from the government funded Credit Enhancement Loan Scheme, BSP has been offering its own SME Lending Products since 2013. More than 151 businesses have been assisted with over K14m from BSP’s Smart Business Loan while 64 customers have been assisted with a total funding over K657,000 through BSP’s Micro Business Loan Products,” the Head of BSP SME said. Mulina said the training also covered areas of Business Models, Cost structure, Profit & Loss, how to explore potential business options and how small business can develop road maps among others. “We are not only looking at giving out loans but one of our obligation as the leading financial institution is to provide financial literacy trainings in our chosen markets and the SME segment is no exception. We had 32 BSP SME customers attend our coaching sessions with 6 BSP Lending officer and support staff in the segment. Training commenced on November 22nd that saw one on one coaching sessions covering 17 business related topics on how SMEs can grow their businesses. The trainings were free of charge to our customers and we are looking forward to extend similar programs to SMEs from other parts of PNG,” Mr Mulina added. Certificates of Completion were presented to each SME and BSP staff who attended the Training on Tuesday 6th December 2022

The OSHKOSH Global Striker is the name of the specialized rescue and firefighting vehicle which is used by the National Airports Corporation’s Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Team at Tokua Airport in East New Britain Province. The OSHKOSH is fitted with all essential elements that will enable quick response, rescue and firefighting capabilities during any emergencies at the airport. At Tokua Airport, 26-year old Ruth Tenanga, who is the only female in a Team of 10 Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters, is tasked to operate this specialized vehicle. That would make Miss Tenanga the first Papua New Guinean female to operate an aviation fire fighting vehicle in the country. The other airports who have these specialized aviation fire fighting vehicles are operated by her male colleagues. “To be honest, I never thought I’d end up as a Tender Operator (Aviation Fire Truck Operator) but when the opportunity came, I took it and became part of the ARFF Team,” Ruth recalls. She added: “NAC have mentored and trained me to be who I am today and I am thankful to the ARFF trainers for their tireless efforts, dedication and commitment.” Ruth believes that stepping into this new area particularly one that is male dominated, had a positive impact on her growth and has been motivating, inspiring and empowering. “As long as there is respect, having an opening mind, trust and teamwork, there is a team regardless of gender,” Miss Tenanga explained. The job of a tender operator role requires stamina, top coordination skills, excellent physical fitness and mental toughness among others and Ruth has been the perfect fit says George Kalago who is the Tokua Airport Fire Chief and also Ruth’s immediate supervisor and mentor. “I’ve known Ruth since she was recruited in July 2019. She is a brilliant lady and she is very brave in performing the drills and has been involved in two emergency turnouts as an operator for Rescue1 (Global Striker) here in Tokua of which she’s performed exceptionally well.” Said Kalago. “Since here recruitment, Miss Tenanga has undergone in-house trainings of Basic Firemanship, Topography, Radio and Fire Control Centre Procedure, Aircraft Familiarization, Fire Vehicle Operation and Pump Operation Trainings and is competent in her job,” Mr Kalago added. As the aviation fire fighter and tender operator, Miss Tenanga’s work involves: • In the event of an emergency, conducting rescue & firefighting operation to passengers involved in aircraft incidents and accidents. • Providing Firefighting service to aircrafts and buildings within the airport aerodrome. • Giving technical advice on firefighting & fire precaution in the airport as well as providing first aid • Transporting ARFF personnel & firefighting equipment to a scene of an accident and • Operating and conducting firefighting using its pump operation to establish a conducive environment for rescue and evacuation to be mounted. Ruth’s advice to young women who may wish to take up the role in male dominated environment is to never let fear stop them from achieving their goals or their dream job. “Go for the job you desire regardless of the gender.” She said. NAC encourages equal opportunities in its workforce and the support provided to Ruth reflects the organization’s commitment to encourage and promote equal and merit-based opportunities in its workforce which is aligned to the broader efforts by the Government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

This is an appeal to the general public to refrain from pointing laser beams at aircraft during landing as this can interfere with the pilots’ ability to operate the aircraft and may cause an accident. Air Niugini pilots have recently noted an increase in instances of high intensity laser lights being pointed at aircraft while on approach to a number of airports around PNG, but especially in Port Moresby during night landing at both ends of the Jackson’s airport. Laser lights pose a threat to the safety of the flight as the glare makes it difficult to concentrate on flight instruments and if the pilots are temporarily blinded by it at a critical phase of flight, this can endanger the safety of the aircraft and may lead to an accident. This distraction during critical flight phases such as landings, take-offs and emergency manoeuvres can have serious consequences Under the Civil Aviation Act of PNG, those interfering with safe operations of an aircraft can be criminally charged with imprisonment for up to two years. Air Niugini therefore appeals to the public not to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft and furthermore, to report those who are caught doing this to relevant authorities including police. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation on this matter.  

Prime Minister James Marape said today he was pleased to receive the audited financial accounts for Mineral Resources Development Company Limited (MRDC) for the years 2018 and 2019. “The audited financial accounts for both years that were presented to me were impressive,” he said. “The reports for both 2018 and 2019 were unqualified, or clean, reflecting that the accounts were properly kept in accordance with compliance requirement under international accounting standard. “The only exception was an emphasis of the impact of COVID-19 on investment in the 2018 accounts, which is understandable, given the adverse impact the pandemic had on businesses in the country and globally.” The Prime Minister commended the board and management of MRDC for working hard to meet its compliance obligations, while growing the assets under management. “When we passed the MRDC Authorization Act 2020, I stressed that MRDC was incorporated under the Companies Act and therefore must be independent and perform as a company, in compliance with company law, its Constitution and Trust Deed requirements,” he said. “I am very pleased that the MRDC Board and the management under the leadership of the former Chairman and the Managing Director Mr Augustine Mano has worked hard to deliver on the intent of that legislation. This is a milestone achievement.” The company’s 2018 financial statements received by the Prime Minister were accompanied by an Audit Opinion of the Auditor General, which carried out an independent audit of the accounts. “MRDC has been subjected to public criticism regarding various matters relating to project benefits for landowners. The board and management have been questioned in various forums about the status of audit of the company accounts,” PM Marape said. “Despite these criticisms, the board and management have worked tirelessly on these matters, and I am pleased that the result has been a clean audit report of the company’s financial statements for 2018 and 2019.” The Prime Minister, who is trustee/shareholder of the company, said he expected the audited financial accounts for the subsequent years of 2020 and 2021 to be completed within Q1 next year. The Prime Minister said he was also pleased to learn that apart from MRDC’s accounts, almost 90 per cent of MRDC’s 16 subsidiaries had also attained unqualified audit outcomes for their respective financial accounts, and the MRDC Board and management intended to bring all audits up to date by 2023.

Prime Minister James Marape has encouraged Chinese enterprises operating in the country to diversify their investment and partner local businesses to support the government’s downstream processing ambition and export finished products. Prime Minister Marape said this at a Christmas dinner hosted by the Chinese Enterprises Association of PNG (CEA PNG), at the Hilton Hotel, in Port Moresby, last night (13/12/22). He said major Chinese enterprises operating in PNG have contributed enormously to the development of the country in terms of infrastructure, employment, tax revenue both in construction and the retail sectors. Prime Minister Marape said PNG and China have a strong trade and bilateral relationship and China is one of PNG’s major investors, in fact the second trading partner in the Pacific region with PNG also exporting raw materials and mineral resources. He said for the Chinese businesses, they have a market made up of 1.4 billion people back in China at their fingertips and encouraged them to go into downstream processing and export finished products to Asian markets. “The reason why I am making this statement is simple. You have been here in PNG longer and I encourage you, please do not pack up and leave. “Please diversify your businesses and help incubate the other local SMEs and bring them up with you and they become your project partners and project security. “We urge you to pay your taxes and your dues, follow the laws of our country, produce and export more to your own country China as well as the Asian market place and the world because we have strategic links to all markets that PNG is connected with,’’ said Prime Minister Marape. He also thanked the Chinese enterprises in PNG for their service and for contributing to the development of the country by creating employment, building infrastructure and promoting local spin off businesses. “To all the Chinese enterprises who are all here tonight, thank you all for your services to Papua New Guinea. “In the last three years when we took office most of your businesses know how the backlog of claims and payments for the businesses who won contracts was piling up and we were trying to clean those up. “The previous government which I was part of issued contracts and never honoured them or the state components were never paid up so we have tried to resolve these issues in the last three years, we have been in government. “Consequently, we have been supporting businesses in our country with no discrimination, whether you are an Asian business, Western business or Papua New Guinean business, so long as you operate within your space. “For foreign businesses, we have kept our limits. That is, anything K10 Million and above, is open for anyone to bid for. For any business opportunity below 10 Million, it will be reserved for local PNG businesses and SMEs only to bid for. “I want to thank the Chinese businesses who have been operating in PNG and have been bidding for some of our PNG Government funded projects, where some have been successful and some have not. “For those who have not been successful, my government has issued contracts with no bias and or discrimination based on the tenders that have come through and we are starting to ensure their dues are paid,’’ he said. Prime Minister Marape also said Chinese firms are starting to feature prominently in some of the government projects and contracts that the government has been giving out or tendering. “I want you to remain focused at work in my country and I kindly urge you to incubate local Small to Medium Enterprises SMEs with you. "They are your security and they are a combined security to your investment and businesses because when the locals are engaged, they are happy, you are happy and I am also happy with it. “Keep on maintaining your business address here in PNG, keep supporting our local SME, keep on obeying our laws, as you have been, whilst doing businesses with our government and private sector. ‘We will be fair to everyone with no form of discrimination as Christians should be. Being friends to all, we will not be selective or discriminatory,’’ he said. The Prime Minister informed the Chinese enterprises that they are in fact operating in a fair environment. “So therefore, any Chinese investor, investment or business in our country under my watch or any other watch into the future will not experience any form of indiscrimination whatsoever. “You are operating in a fair place and in fact our own history with the Chinese investors and based enterprises date back, over a hundred years. The dinner was hosted by the Chinese Enterprises Association of PNG (CEAPNG). The Association is made of many of the major Chinese owned and based businesses in the construction, mining and retail sector, who are operating in the country. Prime Minister Marape was graced by the Chinese Ambassador H.E Zeng Fanhua and the CEA PNG Chairman Wang Hongming. Mr Marape also acknowledged the fact that PNG has a ‘friends to all, enemy to none’ foreign policy agenda, which covers both trade and investment, bilateral and multilateral relations PNG has with China and other countries and will be fair to all. PNG recognizes the ‘One-China Policy’ and will continue to do so but the government will make its own decisions to promote investment as a sovereign and independent nation.

Defending champion France ended Morocco’s 2022 World Cup dream on Wednesday thanks to a 2-0 victory at the Al Bayt Stadium. Theo Hernández scored on five minutes with an acrobatic finish, with substitute Randal Kolo Muani tapping home late on as France reached its fourth World Cup final just four years after winning in Russia. But Morocco, the first African team to reach the semifinal stage of the World Cup, can go home with its head held high after running France close before Kolo Muani’s decisive strike. France is the first defending World Cup champion to reach the final in two decades. Lionel Messi and Argentina now await as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup titles. “Here we go again. It’s just an amazing feeling,” France captain Hugo Lloris said afterwards, per FIFA. “We suffered a lot, especially in the second half. We played too deep and they showed they’re not a team only focused on defending. They know how to attack. They deserve a lot of credit for this World Cup. “Now the last step, the most difficult.” [caption id="attachment_32485" align="alignnone" width="906"] Kolo Muani celebrates with teammates after scoring France's second goal against Morocco.[/caption] Breaking of hearts It felt like this semifinal was being played in Rabat or Casablanca rather than Al Khor, such was the support for Morocco. Moroccan players were cheered like heroes every time they touched the ball, while their French counterparts were booed and whistled. Not that France were flustered by the vociferous support for Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium and it didn’t take long for Didier Deschamps’ team to take control of the match. Antoine Griezmann – so brilliant in the quarterfinal win over England – took advantage of a slip from defender Jawad El Yamiq to break into the Morocco box, before crossing towards Kylian Mbappé. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, twisting and turning in the box, had two efforts at goal blocked by despairing defenders, but the ball spun to Hernández, who acrobatically finished to give France an early advantage. Remarkably, it was the first goal Morocco had conceded from an opposition player at the tournament and was the first time the team had trailed at Qatar 2022. However, Morocco wasn’t flummoxed and minutes later Azzedine Ounahi drew a fine save from Hugo Lloris as the Atlas Lions grew into the match. Olivier Giroud, who is joint-second goalscorer at the tournament behind Mbappé and Messi, missed two glorious opportunities for France to extend their lead. First, his shot cannoned off the post as he broke towards the Morocco goal, before the AC Milan forward curled just wide shortly after Mbappé had been denied by Yassine Bounou. Morocco’s riposte was El Yamiq’s brilliant bicycle kick, which came off the corner of the post, inches away from giving his country a route back into the semifinal. [caption id="attachment_32486" align="alignnone" width="906"] El Yamiq attempts a bicycle kick which comes off the French post.[/caption] After the break, it was one-way traffic, with Morocco pressing for an equalizer. Countless times Morocoo played around a scrambling France defense, but between an errant touch or a last-ditch touch from a defender, the Atlas Lions couldn’t find an equalizer. Morocco pushed and pushed, but to no avail and then Kolo Muani – just seconds after coming on as a substitute – tapped home a deflected effort to claim his first international goal and confirm France’s place in Sunday’s final. Kolo Muani’s goal was the third-quickest goal for a substitute in World Cup history, the Eintracht Frankfurt forward scoring 44 seconds after coming on, according to Opta. The goal seemingly took the air out of Morocco’s fans at the Al Bayt Stadium, though it continued to search for a miracle back into the game. Having captured the hearts and minds of the footballing world, it was a sad end to Morocco’s aspirations. But having given reigning champion France a run for its money, Morocco leaves the competition knowing it has achieved more than just success on the pitch. For France, an mouthwatering final against Argentina at Lusail Stadium on Sunday will see Mbappé face his PSG teammate, Messi, as the two nations clash to decide the 2022 world champion. Argentina is chasing a third title, while Les Bleus is attempting to become the first side to retain the World Cup since Brazil managed the feat 60 years ago. A World Cup winner with France as a player in 1998 and as Les Bleus’ coach in 2018, Deschamp said that he wants his players to savor their achievements at Qatar 2022. “Obviously this was an important match. There will be one last one,” Deschamps said, per FIFA. “It’s been a month we’re together with the players. It’s never easy. “But it’s been such a joy until now, and that my players, the group has been compensated for this success. We’re going to go after the title on Sunday. “We’re going to take the time. I tell this to my staff and players: ‘Take every moment in the day to really appreciate and savor the moment.’ In four days, we are going to play for a world title. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.” Source: CNN News

Papua New Guinea University of Technology OH7 team who represented the university and the nation in this year’s 48-hour Ocean hackathon prototype development competition in Noumea, New Caledonia, bagged the regional title. For this 7th edition of Ocean Hackathon, 85 challenges were selected with the objectives of better understanding the ocean and contribute to its sustainable development; and to rethink the use of marine data. Unitech OH7 competed under the theme "Ocean Hackathon - The actors of the sea, digital and innovation". In their event category, the team developed a prototype for their challenge title within 48 hours before given 3 minute to pitch to a jury. Based on the successful development of the prototype, the data used, the tools and methods used, the innovation solutions created and business model formulated, they were awarded the regional title. The UNITECH OH7 team developed a system as an online platform base to process satellite imagery with real time temperature data to detect, monitor and track coral bleaching. The prototype was assessed by jury during the event to be effective and can be fully developed and operated in the long run to solve climate change issues relating to temperature rise and coral bleaching and can also be incorporated into a business model for full implementation. Currently the UNITECH OH7 team is preparing to fully develop the system and aiming to partner with CCDA, CEPA and GGGI for full business model implementation. This is where the idea developed and tested will be fully implemented. Source: Papua New Guinea University of Technology

More than 80 aspiring lawyers took part in the annual advocacy workshop hosted by the Legal Training Institute where they learned advocacy skills from expert practitioners from Victoria Bar Association and PNG Law Society, an initiative supported by the PNG Aus Partnership. The course was officially opened by Supreme and National Court Justice Ellenas Batari and focused on civil and criminal advocacy. Just as many women participated as men, an important step to ensuring PNGs future lawyers represent all Papua New Guineans. Representing the Australian High Commission was Minister Counsellor Paul Lehmann who was pleased that the long-running event had enhanced the advocacy skills of hundreds of lawyers currently practicing in PNG. Mr Lehmann thanked members of the Victoria Bar for generously giving their time and expertise and praised the PNG legal fraternity for its increased involvement in the training. Source: Australia High Commission Papua New Guinea 

Stephen "tWitch" Boss, choreographer, DJ and co-host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," has died. He was 40. Boss died by suicide at a hotel Tuesday, according to a report from the Los Angeles medical examiner. Boss, known as "tWitch" on DeGeneres' long-running syndicated daytime talk show, joined the show as a guest DJ in 2014 before becoming a permanent fixture and later being named the show's co-executive producer in 2020.  ("Ellen" ended its 19-year run in May.) His wife, dancer Allison Holker, shared a statement about his death to People magazine. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us," she said. "Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans."

Salamaua Local Level Government is the first in Morobe Province to financially show support for the province to embrace the P & O Cruise Ship in 2023. The financial support came from Salamaua LLG President Hon Kolo Mattias to Eco- Tourism Consultancy Services who are earmarked to bring tourists into Morobe Province. Eco-Tourism Consultancy Services, under the Directorship of Mr Francis. Steven has set a mark of K274,000 for the event to be launched and staged with support already from Huon Gulf District, Markham District, Bulolo District, Nawaeb District and Lae City Authority. “This is an historical moment for Morobe Province because the Year 2023 Eco-Tourism Master Cultural Calendar will create seasonal employment of 200 permanent personnel in one district and more than 1000 participants as product owners taking lead as tourist guides and security.” He further stated that the SME Eco-Tourism Cultural Calendar for Year 2023 inclusive for all ten districts of Morobe Province is out and is targeting P & O Cruise Ships to bring tourists to Morobe Province. “Research, Survey, Logistics and Planning for bringing tourists have been carried out from 2018 to 2022 with training and awareness done, the first cruise ship will visit Lae on 24th to 25th February 2023.” Mr Steven said the cruise ship event is supported by the Office of Lae City Lord Mayor, Morobe Governor’s Office, Salamaua Local Level President in partnership with International Healing Ministry and the Church Partnership Program Office of Morobe Provincial Government. An estimated 5000 tourists classified as retired people will dock in Morobe Province to visit sites of tourism potential under several packages in line with the annual schedule calendar 2023 designed by Eco- Tourism Consultancy Services. Mr Steven said, an estimated figure of K10 Million plus in revenue is expected to be derived from the arrival of tourists from the program. He further urged interested LLGs and Districts of Morobe Province to partner in the program as soon as possible with already Labuta LLG, Aseki LLG and Siassi LLG showing keen interest to partner.

Researchers say they have successfully completed a trial of a personalized cancer vaccine that uses the same messenger-RNA technology as Covid-19 jabs. The experimental vaccine, made by Moderna and Merck, is designed to prime the immune system to seek and destroy cancerous cells. Doctors hope work such as this could lead to revolutionary new ways to fight skin, bowel and other types of cancer. Moderna and Merck called it "a new paradigm" moment. Other pharmaceutical companies are looking to run similar studies. But this is the first phase-IIb randomized clinical trial to test the investigational mRNA vaccine in patients. Patients taking Keytruda for advanced melanoma were less likely to die, or have the skin cancer reoccur, if they also had the jab, mRNA-4157/V940, Moderna and Merck said. The findings, in 157 patients, have not yet been scrutinized by independent experts or regulators. More trials will be needed to check how effective the treatment might be. Moderna's chief medical officer Paul Burton said: "This is a significant finding. It's the first randomized-trial testing of an mRNA therapeutic in cancer patients. "It's shown a 44% relative reduction in the risk of dying of cancer or having your cancer progress. That's an important finding and I think it has the potential to be a new paradigm in the treatment of cancer patients." 'Very exciting' Tailormade to match each patient's cancer, the vaccine is very expensive to make - although, the company has not named a price. Prof Alan Melcher from The Institute of Cancer Research said: "There's no question, this is very exciting. These results show the feasibility of making and delivering personalized vaccines to treat cancer, and that the vaccine can add benefit to current treatments. "These results establish the principle that this complex technology is doable." Consultant colorectal surgeon at the University of Birmingham Mr. Andrew Beggs said: "Although early data, it is very encouraging that this is a likely effective treatment option in the future. "This advance is likely to have important implications for metastatic cancer patients in the future and opens a new therapeutic avenue for these patients." Dr. Sam Godfrey from Cancer Research UK, said: "There is unlikely to be a single cure for cancer and we must focus on ways to tailor treatment for patients. These results are grounds for optimism that the science which helped get us out of the pandemic could add another powerful treatment option for cancer in the future." Source: BBC