Farmers from the Nadzab area in Morobe province received Village Sustainability Kits (VSK) from Trukai Industries to assist them with their rice farming. The company donated these kits to three model farmers who will be caretakers of the equipment, which will cater to more than 30 farmers from Gabsongek Village. This group of farmers have transitioned their method of farming from dryland rice farming to irrigation rice farming under Trukai Industries’ Smart Farmer Project. While presenting the Village Sustainability Kits to the farmers, Rice Development Manager, Aina Davis advised the farmers that the support that Trukai had given through this donation would greatly benefit them. “I urge you all to take ownership of this farming program which you will benefit from the donation of these Village Sustainability Kits. This will help you in the long run,” said Davis. One of the model farmers, Paul Laban, expressed appreciation of Trukai Industries’ support towards their farming projects and thanked the company for its generosity. “Thank you Trukai Industries for recognising us as we are only village rice farmers. These kits and the skillsets imparted by your field team will greatly help us and in turn help our communities by encouraging more farmers to join this program,” said Laban. Chief Executive Officer of Trukai Industries Alan Preston said this donation was timely as most of the farmers in Gabsongek were transitioning from dryland rice farming to irrigation rice farming. “Trukai Industries’ current Smart Farmer Project aims to shift traditional dryland rice farming to smart farming with irrigation system. The project ensures the farmers are equipped with knowledge and skills of irrigation farming and this donation of the Village Sustainability Kits will greatly help the farmers of Gabsongek village,” said Preston. Through its Small Holder Rice Development Program, Trukai Industries offers support in terms of the Village Sustainability Kit, technical expertise and paddy market access. The VSK is supplied to genuine irrigation farmers who develop and build their skillsets to be model farmers. They are then given a solar rice mill kit, power tiller, manual seeders, knapsacks, sickles and rice seedlings. So far Trukai Industries Ltd, has supported 200 farmers since its inception with plans to expand in the future.

There is no public holiday to commemorate Remembrance Day as it falls on the weekend. This is the message from the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Mr Ivan Pomaleu after certain misinformation had been doing the rounds in the public domain. “Saturday 23rd July is the gazetted day to commemorate the Remembrance Day. It will be observed on that day, with a ceremony in Port Moresby and possibly other parts of the country,” Mr Pomaleu stated in the circular. He said there has been no official change to this approved day; therefore, Friday 22nd July and Monday 25th July are normal working days.

Team PNG is all set to take to the skies today (Friday 22nd July, 2022) bound for the United Kingdom for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Game. As announced earlier this month, 33 athletes from the six sporting codes - Athletics, Boxing, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis and Weightlifting will all be in action during the 11 days of competition from Friday 29th July up to the close of the Games on Monday 8th August, 2022. Upon his departure with the Lead Team on Tuesday 19th July, 2022, Team PNG Chef de Mission, Michael Henao said 16 athletes and officials will leave Port Moresby today, whilst 5 from Table Tennis and Squash left a day early on Thursday 21st July 2022. The Weightlifting Team and part of the Athletics Team have left from Brisbane, Australia, on Thursday as well, direct to Birmingham. “We believe we have put together the best team of athletes and officials and Papua New Guinea is well positioned to achieve good results despite the challenges of preparing for the Games during the pandemic,” said Mr Henao. “The funding support of the Government and our sponsors coupled with the resilience and dedication of our athletes and officials means Team PNG is ready to take the start line.” He also called upon Papua New Guineans far and wide to support our team and to make sure they ‘like’ and follow the official Team PNG Facebook page for real time updates from the Games. Mr Henao, Head Physiotherapist Matthew Natusch and PNG Olympic Committee Administration and Operations Representative Chris Amini have already arrived safely in Birmingham, to conduct pre-arrival meetings with Games organisers in preparation for the Team's arrival. Team PNG departs Port Moresby for Birmingham on Friday 22nd July at 1:25pm via Brisbane and Dubai.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Superintendent John Sagom has confirmed that four people were shot dead and several others hospitalised in an ambush at the upper Nebilyer bridge in the Tambul Nebilyer district of the Western Highlands province on Tuesday 19 July. Superintendent Sagom who was at the crime scene on Wednesday July 20 strongly condemned the barbaric killing saying it was “a first of its kind”and the “worst killing ever” in the history of the Tambul Nebilyer district. “Police will make sure these murderers face the full force of the law. I am appealing to all leaders and the community to work with the police to ensure justice is served in the shortest time possible,” PPC Sagom said. Mr Sagom commended the relatives of the four killed and wounded for not taking the law into their own hands and allowing the police to deal with the matter. He said the suspects are known. Police detectives have commenced the investigation and expect to make arrests soon. “I am calling on the suspects to surrender immediately to police for their own sake,” Mr Sagom said.

The United Nations unequivocally condemns the recent escalation of violence across the Highlands during the election period and calls for its immediate cessation. The United Nations further calls for the swift investigation of alleged crimes and the prosecution of alleged perpetrators and instigators. Recent and consistent reporting highlight a deteriorating security situation across the Highlands provinces of Papua New Guinea. Official sources confirm deaths, assaults, rape, and the extensive destruction of property and infrastructure. “I am deeply concerned over allegations of the brutal killing of dozens of civilians, reports of heinous sexual violence against women, including at least eight girls, and estimates of several thousand people, mostly women and children, displaced,” said Mr. Dirk Wagener, acting UN Resident Coordinator. “This unmitigated violence shows utter disregard for human rights, the rule of law,” he added. Families in many districts are living in fear due to widespread violence in their communities. This violence has already forced an estimated 3,000 people in parts of Enga alone to flee their homes and has caused damage to schools and medical facilities. Businesses and markets have also temporarily closed. Roads have been deliberately cut off through the digging of trenches and destruction of bridges resulting in disruptions in the delivery of goods and services to these communities, which are now experiencing shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and other critical supplies. Expressing shock at the escalating violence and the developing humanitarian situation, Mr. Wagener urged all parties to immediately cease all fighting and called on authorities to fully investigate all alleged killings, assaults, and violence with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice. “I wish to underline that the State of Papua New Guinea has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all persons and property, particularly its most vulnerable members of society. This responsibility extends to facilitating safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access to those affected by this violence,” said Mr. Wagener. The United Nations and its partners stand ready to respond to any potential call for assistance requested by the Government.

The Port Moresby General Hospital Labour Ward received 40 pieces of lifesaving obstetric equipment - The Midwifery Kit - courtesy of the United Nations Population Fund Country Office in Papua New Guinea as part of its mission to ensure every child delivery is safe and there are zero preventable maternal deaths in the country.  The Midwifery Kits contain 32 essential items including a stainless kidney basin, plastic draw sheet, infant scale, and thermometers that a midwife and other health workers use to provide a safe delivery and care of mother and baby during delivery and postpartum period . According to Country Representative Ms. Marielle Sander, UNFPA, as a close partner to the National Department of Health, puts the health of women and newborn babies first.   When Port Moresby General Hospital asked for help, UNFPA was able to respond immediately by donating these midwifery kits.  “Sexual and Reproductive health and safety of our mothers and daughters is neglected in the country, especially in the rural areas.   With this donation of sterile midwifery equipment, we can ensure a significant contribution towards lowering the risk of infections, which remains one of the major causes of complications amongst post-natal women and new born babies “ Ms. Sander said.  “UNFPA prioritizes the health of pregnant women and newborn babies especially during life -threatening complications during childbirth and with these kits, we hope to assist health facilities and midwives to make their job a little easier.”  UNFPA has 615 midwifery kits prepositioned and to be delivered to the 22 Provincial Health Authorities in the country.  The procurement of these items was done in partnership with the National Department of Health - through the directorate of family and population health.  A distribution list was developed based on how many newborn deliveries were done per year, determining the number of kits a health facility was to receive.   Accurate record keeping of births is critical to ensuring distribution of these kits where they are needed. Procurement and provision of the 615 Midwifery Kits costs USD$105,000 (PGK 370, 121), an approximate of PGK 602 for one kit.  In receiving these much needed Midwifery Kits, Sister Mary Sitaing, who manages the Port Moresby General maternity ward and who is also Acting President of PNG’s Midwifery Society, expressed her gratitude towards UNFPA for the donation.  “The POMGEN labour ward conducts approximately 12,000 deliveries per month, and as I speak we have run out of these essential items. With limited equipment and delivery packs, work becomes very difficult - especially when we have an influx of mothers coming to deliver at the same time,” Sr. Mary Sitaing said.  “Without adequate sterilized equipment, we have noted an increase in mother and newborn infections at the postnatal ward, especially this year and the last year, due to staff using one delivery tray between more than one mother causing cross infections.”  “This situation could have been prevented if there were enough lifesaving equipment including medical drugs and supplies available within the birthing facilities”, says Sr Mary.  “We thank UNFPA for this partnership in ensuring the quality care of mothers and newborn during labour and post delivery.”  About the Midwifery Kit  Most rural health facilities in the Country have limited basic and lifesaving equipment and at times the available equipment is malfunctioning.  The United Nations Population Fund recognizes the challenges faced by midwives in health facilities and has assisted the National Department of Health to procure Midwifery Kits. Each kit contains 32 essential items that are used in the Labour and Postnatal Wards.  UNFPA procured a total of 615 midwifery kits at a cost of PGK 370,121. The target was all 22 Provincial Health facilities.   This was done in collaboration with the National Department of Health - the Family and Population Health Directorate.  To date some of the kits have already been distributed to the targeted provinces with more ready for distribution.    

Rugby League sensation - BSP Brand Ambassador and retiring PNG Kumuls Captain David Mead while in Port Moresby visited the POM Racquets Club, its executives and a young team Squash players in their lead up preparation for the 2022 Squash and Tennis Open which will be from the 12th to 14th of August. “I’ve always had support at the community level. That has made me to push forward and realize my sporting dreams. It is inspiring to see BSP continue this partnership with POM Racquets Club. Such support enables athletes to excel and achieve positive outcomes at all levels in sport,” Mead said. “It is great to see the bank investing in sports development programs to upskill and develop talented athletes. With that being said, I am proud to be part of BSP and present K10, 000 towards the signage renewal and POMRC Squash & Tennis Open 2022,” Mead further added. BSP has invested in numerous sports development programs, including the PNG Swimming Inc, the junior Golf Development, the Rabaul School Rugby League Program and the biggest and award-winning program - the BSP School Kriket Program. POM Racquets Club President Tim Kriebisch in receiving the sponsorship thanked BSP for its continued support over the years. Participants of the Squash & Tennis Open 2022 were delighted to have the Kumuls captain over at the club and took the opportunity to play a short match with the Rugby league icon.

Deputy Police Commissioner and Chief of Operations Mr Anton Billie has commended NCD-based police personnel who provided security for the 2022 National General Elections in the highlands. He told the members before their return to the NCD today that they performed well despite the challenging situations and threats encountered in various parts of the highlands. The NCD members numbering 600 provided security for the polling teams over the last three weeks starting from the Hela Province on July 4. Mr Billie commended them for a job well done and wished them safe travel back to their families. Deputy Billie expressed his appreciation this morning in Mt Hagen following the completion of the final polling in Western Highlands and Simbu provinces yesterday, Tuesday July 19. The polling contingents composed of the National Capital District Metropolitan Command, Bomana Police College, National Police Headquarters and Police Band from the National Capital Districts and the Northern Command contingent were recalled into Mt Hagen to be extracted back to their respective commands starting today. Whilst commending the members he reminded them that the 2022 election operation is not over yet. “We are now transiting into the counting operations and I urge you all to return and assist with the counting operations in your respective commands,” Deputy Commissioner Billie said.

The donation to POMGen Hospital was in response to the hospital’s call for support from personal, business houses and corporate organisations to support vital needs for the children admitted to the pediatric ward. The request was timely, as it forms part of the bank’s interventions under its Core value of ‘Community’ to support people and local communities that the bank operates in.” Prior to the visit, each BSP Group Compliance team member pledged K50 which assisted for the purchase of items ranging from Diapers to toiletries, blankets and towels, dry goods and animated children’s bags packed with BSP merchandise in the hope to bring a smile on the sick children’s faces. The team then visited the Friends of POMGen Foundation with 50 bags of equally assorted items for each child in the ward, and an extra 5 bags consisting of personal items generously donated by staff members. This is not the first for the bank to support health initiatives in the country. BSP also supports health initiatives through its community projects, donations including Cancer Foundation, Operation Open Heart, and Kidney Foundations and through the annual Christmas hospital visits.

The SP PNG Hunters are delighted to announce an emotional homecoming to Papua New Guinea on the 10th of August, 2022, with their final three games of the 2022 QRL Hostplus Cup competition to be played at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The Hunters’ return to PNG next month is made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports Program and Newcrest Mining Limited, owner of the Lihir gold project, who are co-funding the operation. “This is a great chance for all of us who support the SP PNG Hunters to see them live and cheer them on at home for the first time in a long time,” said Newcrest’s PNG Country Manager Stanley Komunt. “PNG loves rugby league and we’re thrilled to play a part in getting the Hunters back in front of their home crowd for their last three games.” “The Australian Government was pleased to support the Hunters to relocate to Australia in 2021. We are now equally excited to help bring them home, and wish them well in these final matches” said Australian Deputy High Commissioner Dr Joanne Loundes. The Hunters board and management led by CEO Scott Barker have worked tirelessly throughout a two-and-a-half year relocation period to bring the Hunters back to PNG for the first time since 2019. The club has always recognised the significance of playing at the National Football Stadium – the spiritual home of the Hunters – and in front of their valued supporters and sponsors. The club is also keenly aware of the connection between the Hunters and community in Papua New Guinea and is delighted to be bringing the playing squad and staff back home to their families, friends and fans.

The new Birthing Ward at ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital continues to improve its services for expectant mothers before and after birth to ensure they receive the best care possible. One year since the Birthing Ward opened, more than 11,700 babies have been born at the new facility. The new Birthing Ward consists of 10 private birthing suites, and eight observation beds. The Birthing Ward with specialized equipment is one component of the ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment project supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the PNG Government. Georgina Simon, a mother who recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the new Birthing Ward, was overjoyed describing the new birthing facility. She loved the convenience it provided new parents. “The new birthing facility is just awesome,” said Georgina. “It’s very clean, healthy, and has private rooms with its own bathing facility.” This is Georgina’s second birth. Her first birth (twins) was at the old Labour Ward which is now the Antenatal Ward. Georgina says she has seen a big difference now compared to the old Labour Ward in terms of bed spacing, privacy, and the patient care that she also received from the midwives. Georgina is happy with the improved services she received and thanks the Australian Government and the PNG Government for funding the new facilities. “Mi tok tenkiu long hausik management, ol donor na ol company buildem displa naispla nupla flashy labour ward,” (I want to thank the ANGAU Hospital Management, the donor and the contractors who build this new flashy birthing ward) said Georgina. The ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment project is not just constructing buildings and installing medical equipment, but also co-ordinating and delivering clinical training support including training for the midwives and the clinicians working at the new Birthing Ward, as well as other wards. For Sister Florence Nick, a midwife and Nurse Manager of the Birthing Ward, the new Birthing Ward, and the new equipment, together with the midwifery training provided her and other nurses with new knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. “After going through the midwifery training facilitated by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre at the University of Technology Sydney (WHO CCUTS) I have seen a big improvement,” said Sister Nick. Nurses and midwives are providing improved care and are more confident delivering babies during potentially risky scenarios when the doctors are not available. “Thanks to the new knowledge received from the training, certain complications are now being managed well by midwives,” said Sister Nick. The new Birthing Ward, the Special Care Nursery, a Children’s Outpatient Department and the Pathology Unit are part of the ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment. The ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment is Australia’s largest single infrastructure project in Papua New Guinea since independence, valued at over AUD200million (K500 million). It is a joint effort between the Papua New Guinea and Australian governments, driven by strong relationships with the National Department of Health and the Morobe Provincial Health Authority.

BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming in providing his insight in the BSP Pacific Economic and Market Insight Q2, 2022 Report said resumption of production at the Porgera Gold Mine operations later in the year would represent a significant injection into the PNG economy. He said as some of the key mining industries await the finalisation of negotiations, projections are looking positive with anticipation of some operations commencing as early as the first half of 2023. The outcome of the National General Elections and the policy priorities of the emerging government will determine the pace of these processes. “We expect that the re-opening of the Porgera Mine will be a key priority for the government that emerges from the 2022 National General Elections. Porgera and other resource investments are important as the post COVID economic activity has been led by government spending in infrastructure, and private investment is important to make the recovery sustainable in the long term,” he said. “PNG has benefited from high global prices for its major exports in 2022. Mining exports in particular have seen sustained price increases which positively impact PNG’s gross domestic product (GDP), and present much upside for economic activity and government revenue generation.” Mr. Fleming also said the recent positive announcements made on large resource projects present some upside in the medium term. “Apart from the reopening of the Porgera gold mine, Wafi-Golpu, Papua LNG and P’nyang LNG are still being progressed. The delivery of these large projects represent a significant injection into the PNG economy and will ultimately impact growth and government revenue. “Mining-adjacent sectors will also benefit from the uplift in activity with some spill over into retail, wholesale, and accommodation sectors,” the Group CEO added.