Brazilian soccer great Pelé says he’s “strong” and has “a lot of hope” as he continues his treatment for colon cancer. Pelé’s social media post on Saturday came after local media reports in Brazil said that the 82-year old former footballer’s health had worsened. “My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive,” said a statement on Pelé’s Instagram page. “I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received. “I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too!” According to a hospital statement on Saturday, Pelé’s health condition remains stable. “He [Pelé] has shown good response to the respiratory infection care, not showing any worsening of his condition in the last 24 hours,” said Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital. The 82-year old former footballer, who is one of the greatest players of all time, was admitted to the Sao Paulo hospital on Tuesday to re-evaluate his cancer treatment after Pelé had a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021. During Saturday, past and present soccer stars wished Pelé well on social media Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé urged his Twitter followers on Saturday to “Pray for the King” – a reference to the Brazil great’s nickname – tagging Pelé in his tweet. Meanwhile Brazilian soccer star Vinicius Jr., who is playing for the national team at Qatar 2022, and former Brazil great Rivaldo took to social media to urge the legend to “stay strong.” The 82-year-old’s former club Santos FC added: “The whole world … is together with you, King Pele!”, while soccer’s governing body FIFA told the star to “get well soon.” In December 2021, Pelé was hospitalized and underwent chemotherapy treatment. In September of that year, he underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his right colon, which doctors found during routine examinations. Pelé is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players in history. He played in four World Cups, winning three – in 1958, 1962, 1970) – and scoring 12 goals in 14 games. He scored 1,281 goals in his professional career in 1,363 games. CNN’s Don Riddell spoke with fans about Pele in Doha, Qatar on Saturday, with one American saying that his first ever game was watching the Brazilian star in 1975 in Washington, DC. Pelé played for the New York Cosmos between 1975 and 1977. The fan, who said he’s been to 11 World Cups, said Pele changed his life. “Watching him was the first professional game I ever saw in 75 and because of that, one of the reasons this is my 11th World Cup,” Clifton Broumand told CNN. “I’ve been going since Spain, because that really hooked me, watching him and his ability hooked me to coming and watching soccer and the World Cup,” added Broumand.

A ward recorder in Rabaul District of East New Britain is encouraging his fellow colleagues to diligently collect accurate data from their respective ward to help the Government provide service delivery. Andy Whaittie, a ward recorder in ward eight of Rabaul Urban LLG (RULLG) is among a group of ward recorders from RULLG, Watom LLG and Kombiu LLG engaged as ward recorders in the Rabaul District. The group have just concluded a one week training on how to collect and update data for the ward record book for every council ward in the electorate. While commending the ENB provincial government and administration to empower ward recorders, he said the training is an eye-opener for them highlighting the need to work closely with people in the communities to present accurate data that will progress development. Rabaul District Administrator, Mr Benedict Mode who was speaking at the closing of the training on Saturday Dec 3, said the structure at the wards has now been established and there are people now at the wards to administer resources flowing from the district to the LLGs then to wards. “As Rabaul DA, it calls for working together and we want to see results in what the ENB provincial administration have invested in over the last month in swearing in ward development committees and I believe will achieve results.” He thanked ward recorders for their time and commitment saying the ward development record is an important tool in bottom-up planning from wards to districts and the province. Meantime Acting Assistant Director for Department of Provincial Local Government Affairs, Rowen Nim encouraged ward recorders to take care of their newly issued ward recorders book presented by the Department “Ward Recorders, you are the ears and the eyes of your respective wards, collect your data well and ensure that it is accurate before entering the information,” Mr Nim said.

The Marape-Rosso Government’s emphazise on education is to ensure every child has a right to education and no child is left behind and fully support training institutions imparting skills and knowledge to our children. To achieve such out-comes the Government is putting both human and financial resources into the education sector in the 2023 national budget under its tuition fee funding policy. The Secretary for the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council, (PM&NEC), Ivan Pomaleu said this when addressing the first graduation ceremony for the Caritas Business College in Port Moresby on Friday, 02nd December, 2022. He represented Prime Minister James Marape who was attending Parliament to debate and pass the 2023 budget. He said the National Government is placing its emphasize on education so no one child is left behind in the formal education sector including Flexible Open Distance Education-FODE. “The key emphasize you will find is in education is on building infrastructure, capacity of teachers to enable them to teach the students adequately and that is very important. “If the Prime Minister were to be here to speak he will emphasize the point that opportunities for each of our children must be placed before them. “That is an important statement towards the Governments’ drive to achieve desired outcomes in the education sector,’’ he said. But Secretary Pomaleu says it will take time to achieve those capacity building in terms of infrastructure, classrooms, and teachers to match the capacity in the growth of number of students. He told the students that those who have excelled and progressed in life the world over are those that were able to get an education or educated. Secretary Pomaleu said education creates opportunities, opens doors, creates an awareness and knowledge about things in life. “Let me first of all congratulate you all the twenty-five graduates, pioneers of Caritas Business College in completing your two years of studies both in theory and practical. “Your graduation now marks the end of a new beginning. You have finished one phase of your life. Now you will enter into the next phase. “Those who are going to succeed in life are those who are willing to work hard,’ said Secretary Pomaleu. He encouraged the students that there is no easy pathway to life and in education to achieve ones dreams. “There are no short cuts, but for many of us in this country for whatever reasons, maybe culturally, we want to take short cuts and there aren’t many. “Those who are prepared to draw up their sleeves, prepared to sweet it out, and those who are prepared to work hard are those will succeed,’’ said Mr Pomaleu. He advised the graduates that the grades on their Certificates are just to open some doors and one they get into those doors they will need to work even harder. “You have to make use of the opportunities that is before you. “There will be some setbacks, disappointments and regrets along the way, but those who are prepared to use those as stepping stones, rather than road blocks, will be those who succeed in life. “Let me on behalf of the Prime Minister James Marape and the Government congratulate the school, Caritas Business College for passing out your first graduands and congratulate each of you students, for being successful and seeing you through this stage this morning. “We would also like to thank your parents, guardians, siblings, and sponsors for supporting you in your studies and school and those who stood behind you to make this day possible. “I take my hat off and pay my respects to them for they have made this possible to receive your Diplomas in Office Administration and Tourism and Hospitality courses. I wish you all the best in your future,’’ he said. A total of 25 students graduated with Diplomas in Office Administration and Tourism and Hospitality. Secretary Pomaleu was accompanied by the spouse of Prime Minister Marape, Rachel Marape, Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), Francis Hualupmomi, officials from the National Training Council, parents and guardians of the first class of students from the Caritas Business College.

Persons with disabilities are part of the community that we live in. Often times because of their special needs, they are shunned and marginalized. Whilst there has been increase in advocacy initiatives for inclusion of persons with disabilities in development initiatives, such is not the case in reality. WaterAid PNG has been working with communities where persons with disabilities are involved in transformative solutions for access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. With this year’s International Day of Persons with Disability (IDPD) theme; “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world,” one such person who is taking a leading role in ensuring Pari villagers are informed of safe and inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene is Simon. Simon Kwalahu is a 31-year-old visual impaired male and father of one from Pari Village, in the National Capital District. He is taking that lead in sanitation and hygiene awareness with 12 other Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Committee members in preparation of the soon to be implemented Pari Water Supply Pilot Project. This project will supply clean and safe water to Pari Village through a canteen like structure called a water kiosk from which community members will buy water. It is an initiative of the Motu Koita Assembly (MKA) in partnership with WaterAid PNG and supported by Australian Government as part of the Water for Women WaSH Consortium Program. Simon was selected to be a member of the WaSH committee due to his role as a member of the Papua New Guinea Disabled Persons Assembly (PNG ADP), a national umbrella body representing organizations of persons with disabilities, in order to promote and protect their rights and advocate for their needs in the country. “With my disability, it helped me to be in the WaSH Committee to represent all People with Disability including my visual impairment or any other impairments.” His involvement to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities is more than just a personal quest as his is also married to a woman, Theresa Karukuru with visual impairment who is twice more vulnerable to marginalization in accessing safe water due to being a women and visual impaired.

Police in Hela Province are investigating the recent killings and destruction of a landowner company's base camp in Hides. Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Joseph Tondop said it was a serious criminal matter with acts of arson and double murder.  He also confirmed reports that two people were killed in the fighting and properties and assets belonging to landowner company TransWonderLand Limited got burnt down. PPC Tondop said the motive as to how and why the incident happened was unclear at this stage.  He added that he cannot  confirm or deny whether it was related to indifference in the benefit sharing arrangements. Tondop was  on the ground working on getting more information. Meanwhile, situation is still tense, as one of the Multi Billion Kina PNG LNG Project sites is threatened by infighting amongst landowners themselves. Tondop also appealed for peace, respect for government authority and rule of law in the area.

Indonesia's parliament is expected to pass a new criminal law this month that will punish sex outside marriage with imprisonment of up to a year. Bambang Wuryanto, a politician involved in the draft, said the code could be passed as early as next week. The law, if passed, would apply to Indonesian citizens and foreigners alike. Punishment for adultery can only take effect if there are parties who lodge complaints to the authorities. For those who are married, the party entitled to lodge a complaint is the perpetrator's husband or wife. The law also allows the parents of unmarried people to report them for having sex. Cohabitation before marriage will also be banned and those convicted could face a six-month prison sentence. Business groups have expressed concern about the damage the rules might do to Indonesia's image as a holiday and investment destination, according to Reuters. Shinta Widjaja Sukamdani, deputy chairperson of Indonesia's Employers' Association (APINDO), said: "For the business sector, the implementation of this customary law shall create legal uncertainty and make investors reconsider investing in Indonesia." The previous draft of the code was set to be passed in 2019 but sparked nationwide protests with tens of thousands taking part in demonstrations. Many, including students, took to the streets in cities across Indonesia with the main clashes taking place in the capital Jakarta. Tear gas and water cannon were used against protesters who had thrown stones at police. Such strict laws on sex and relationships are not without precedent in parts of majority-Muslim Indonesia. The province of Aceh enforces strict Islamic law and has punished people for gambling, drinking alcohol and meeting members of the opposite sex. In one case in 2021, neighbours denounced two men for having sex. They each received 77 lashes from a police officer in a public caning. On the same day a woman and man were each given 20 lashes for being caught in close proximity to each other, and two men were given 40 lashes each for getting drunk.

We are in the peak of the southern hemisphere spring and dry season has come to an end. Wet season or the northwest monsoon has commenced with north westerlies well established across the country. Seasonal change from spring to summer will occur on the 13th December and should see increase in the rainfall with heavier falls in the southern parts of the country. Most climate models show a weak La Niña forecasted to be short lived. A weak atmospheric wave (MJO) is passing our region and will enhance rainfall over the next two (2) weeks. Over the last 3-6 months consistently drier conditions were experienced over most parts of the country with 8 provinces impacted; New Ireland in critical drought condition, AROB, East New Britain, West New Britain, Manus, Jiwaka, Enga and Western Highlands on drought alert and Hela, West Sepik and Central on drought watch. Seasonal Climate Outlook (Dec-February 2022) The wet season rainfall for the next 3-6 months is expected to be below average and severe drought conditions are likely across the country by the return of the dry season in May 2023. The Tropical cyclone season has also commenced and it is expected that average number of tropical cyclones (1-2) are expected to form within PNG area of responsibility. Extended Outlook - Summary A negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is underway. The IOD continues to exceed negative values since October 2022. A negative IOD event results in more wetter conditions, especially for the southern and eastern parts of PNG. With the La Niña condition underway, below average rainfall is expected over the New Guinea Islands throughout the wet season and upon the return of the dry season, severe drought conditions could evolve in parts of the region. PNG National Weather Service will continue to monitor and report any developments of severe weather within its areas of responsibility for the sake of our people. The general public is urged to heed and comply with the warnings issued by the PNG National Weather Service.

Prime Minister James Marape has thanked all 118 MPs for their support over the last two weeks, culminating in yesterday’s (December 2, 2022) marathon session in which the 2023 Budget was overwhelmingly passed. He also announced that he is leaving for Sydney, Australia, today (December 3, 2022) to attend the 16th PNG Mining and Petroleum Investment Conference. PM Marape said Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso was out of the country on duty travel in Europe and Africa, and in their absence, United Resource Party Leader and State Enterprises Minister William Duma would be Acting Prime Minister. “I will be out for the country for three days and will be back next Tuesday (December 6, 2022) afternoon,” he said. “I ask our people to give their support to Hon. Duma, who has been an MP since 2002, while he is Acting Prime Minister.” PM Marape appealed to everyone in Papua New Guinea for peace and calm during the Christmas and New Year period. “I wish all Papua New Guinean a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year,” he said. “We have just passed a Budget that is geared towards helping our small people. “We have made provisions for land to be allocated in our towns and cities to help our people who live in settlements, we will provide relief for low wage earners earning less than K20,000 through no income taxes and reduced taxes for those earning more than K20,000 a year, we will pay for all school fees next year, we have money for agriculture and SMEs – all geared towards helping our ordinary people. “It’s a Budget drawn up by leaders who have the small people at heart and wants to help them. “As we enter the Festive Period, I appeal to all citizens to take responsibility, put the country first, and don’t resort to lawlessness. “I appeal to our young people in towns and cities to look at opportunities made available by the Government, such as Flexible Open Distance Education, or otherwise go back to your villages. “Next year, we will start the Youth Mobilisation Programme, so keep a lookout for these and others that your Government is embarking upon in 2023. “Love, care for, and respect each other into the Christmas period and I look forward to a good year for all of us in 2023.”

Today 3rd of December marks the International Day of persons with disabilities. According to WHO, every 10% of the country's population are people with disabilities, including children. Persons with disabilities in PNG face tremendous issues daily- most importantly, their survival kit and enabling system. PNG, a state which ratified UN 6 of the nine treaties, is adhered to the international instrument to improve the approach to persons with disabilities in PNG through services, policies, and programs, and, most importantly, support services that enable these citizens to a daily routine. PNG state ratified the international convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in 2014 and has the utmost mandate to execute the international treaty. Disability focus groups in PNG have worked three times harder without the proper state mechanism. This critical issue has been reviewed, and recommendations were provided; however, a few steps have been taken, but we still see no big picture of development. PNG was fortunate to have a service provider, Callan Services working in PNG since the 1960s and has significantly helped with exceptional education and other services. Year in and year out, we lobbied and petitioned, but all these have fallen on deaf ears. The disability bill was presented to the NEC/CACC but is still sitting there. The state can invest a considerable sum of money in able people but continues to ignore this vulnerable community- our ignorance is a stigma that discriminates against these pwds. Today on this Pwds Day, I would ask the media to stress our voices that 1. Can the mandated office provide the status of the disability bill? 2. The DSIP and PSIP must have specific fractions that indicate improving services to pwds at the ward and district levels. All MPs must know how many pwds are in their electorate and their needs. This approach may help you. 3. Works department, Procurement board, building board, etc.. consider accessibility for their mobility. It's time we take some small steps to ensure protections are given, and services are provided. 4. Education department must improve inclusive education in every province in PNG. 5. Include the PWDs in all the processes, so their representation is seen- these are the rightful citizens of this nation. Magna Carta PNG Inc. would like to thank their partners, who have, in so many ways on many platforms, worked hard to give voice and mandate to PwDs in PNG. They also thank the church partnership program of the Australian Govt for taking this bold stand to promote and protect the disability space. Not forgetting all the special eds, carers, sign language interpreters, and community workers, we thank you- you are why these people live.

Morobe Rural SME Foundation Inc. (MRSMEF) recently carried out a Financial Literacy Training for the locals in Gagidu, Finschaffen District, in Morobe Province. The participants of this training were mainly public servants, primary and secondary school teachers and health workers from the local Braun Hospital. They went through a week long training on the business startup process, business development skills, budgeting, cash flow, savings, and risk management including as well record keeping basics. This training was the fourth of its kind, in Finschaffen, that has long been seen as a potential area for economic growth. The first training was held at Wengune Village organized by the Seventh Day Adventist Local Mission, the second session at Sopa Valley Primary School Mape LLG and the third one was held at Wareo Ward 5 Kotec LLG. President of the MRSMEF, Mr. Ezra Kelly, who also facilitated the training, noted that there is a great need for there to be commercial or micro banks established to encourage the growth of MSMEs in the area. “It is a struggle for people in Finschaffen to operate, since most of the banking services available are centralized in Lae,” Ezra said. “The cost of transport is high as well as risky, with sea transport being the main mode of getting around. A bank in the district will serve also Tewai Siassi and Kabwum District. Also the District Development Authority who intend to fund SMEs under grants, must only fund those with existing SME bank accounts and those who are financially trained and certified.” Ezra revealed that with this training, many of the participants had identified failures in their approach to MSME and are now motivated to start off with the proper skills acquired from the training. MRSMEF has trained over 1000 Morobeans and is excited to see the growing success stories of many of them progressing steadily. “With the current struggle of mobility in the province we estimate that it will take up to 2 years for a SME to be fully established and operating with constant income generation in Morobe Province,” Ezra Kelly said.

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja met with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape. On her first visit to Papua New Guinea, she took the opportunity to highlight the long-standing partnership between UNDP and Papua New Guinea. Ms. Wignaraja said, “I am pleased to finally visit Papua New Guinea. It is a place of incredible opportunity. UNDP has enjoyed a strong partnership with Papua New Guinea for many years and we remain committed to strengthening this partnership further in coming years. The world is in uncertain times. UNDP’s commitment is to support Papua New Guinea find solutions that will accelerate progress toward fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals and transitioning to a green economy.” A range of topics were discussed during this first meeting. These included the importance of Papua New Guinea pursuing a green economy transition, increasing efforts to empower women, and accelerating efforts to deliver on the 2030 Agenda. During these discussions, Ms. Wignaraja drew attention to the continuing importance of maintaining global commitment to climate action. Following COP 27, she reiterated that this included investment in a fundamental restructuring of economies towards renewable, low-carbon and sustainable technologies. Ms. Wignaraja highlighted the importance of this particularly for Papua New Guinea where biodiversity and the scale of forest cover, made it a custodian of an irreplaceable international public good. Ms. Wignaraja also took this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of further empowering women in Papua New Guinea. Reflecting on the challenges that women continue to face, she highlighted the global experience which demonstrates that where women are able to fully participate in social, economic and political life, countries are more resilient, safer and more prosperous. The recent release of the 2021 UNDP Human Development Report has shone a stoplight on growing global uncertainty showing declines in hard fought development gains among many countries as they pursue post-COVID recovery and navigate global economic uncertainty, been no exception to this. Ms. Wignaraja reiterated the importance of addressing this decline, making up for lost ground on the 2030 Agenda. Ms. Wignaraja will be in Papua New Guinea from 30 November to 4 December. She will call on senior political, government, civil society, and private sector leaders.

The mainstream media in our independent country was this week accused of being anti- PNG and not being responsible in its role in the country. This call was made in the confines of the National Parliament during Questions without Notice and was in reference to the front-page story of one of our daily papers featuring a story of a multi-homicide case in the Transgogol area of the Madang Province. In response to this call, the government urged the media in the country to be more responsible in its coverage of stories, and ‘how it portrays the country’. The Media Council of Papua New Guinea is compelled to provide several points of clarity in reassurance of its members’ collective and continued resolve as being both the watchdog of society, and when necessary, highlighting areas which need urgent government intervention and action – all in the interest and wellbeing of our audiences, WE, the people. The homicides on which the article was based, occurred in the Transgogol area of Madang, renowned for instances such as these recent heinous crimes, being perpetuated by youths who have dropped out of grades eight or ten, and who have no available opportunities at the village level. The Media in PNG continues to be responsible in its reporting, contrary to what is being portrayed by national leadership. We must not pretend that violent crimes do not happen in our country. The Media has a responsibility to report on them as brutally, and as truthfully as they are allowed too. Every day, Editors and News Managers make important moral and ethical decisions on how much positive change they can create for the betterment of our country’s future, while operating within the confines of agreed to reporting guidelines for PNG Media. All media newsrooms abide by and adhere to the MCPNG’s Code of Ethics, and their own story vetting processes. To suggest otherwise is an insult to the hard work of mainstream media organizations against social media users who upload uncensored, violent and gorish imagery with no consideration of taste and decency standards. The media continues to promote daily positive stories of growth, innovation, and Papua New Guinean ingenuity and perseverance. We do this because we understand the power of the written word and images. By the same token, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that: • Alcoholism is rife. Nine out of every ten trauma cases in hospitals are alcohol- related; and nine out of every 10 cases of violence is related to alcohol. • Violent crimes are happening in our country, and if we do not address them, they will only worsen. The MCPNG and its members understand fully the responsibility and role the media can play in the future growth and development of our country and stands ready to work with the government in its responsibility to address current problem areas and create the conditions that allow our people to get out of the cycle of violence we are seeing. The MCPNG acknowledges and is encouraged by the budgetary interventions in the areas of the regulation of alcohol, and increased support to the Law and Justice sector. The media will continue to report honestly, truthfully, and fairly, on the implementation and realized impacts of these measures, and looks forward to seeing more tangible, nationally focused development discourse on the floor of the National Parliament, rather than the electorate, provincial and supporter-based focus that has become the norm in recent times. The MCPNG looks forward to seeing government’s increased push for the implementation of the Whistleblower Act, and a Freedom of Information Bill which will strengthen transparency and increase scrutiny on good governance, or the lack of it.