The National Capital District Commission has collaborated with the PNG Correctional Services to sustain gains made by the city over the years. PNG Fire Services is also a key stakeholder in this partnership. 25 low-risk inmates (including five women), who are serving their terms in Bomana Prison, have been engaged for community correctional duties at the Independence Boulevard, in front of the National Parliament and the National Court House. Correctional duties include awareness and clean-up. NCDC’s Law and Order Officer in-charge of Parole and Probation, Mathew Bai said the fully-vaccinated prisoners were accompanied and supervised by Correctional Service officials. Mr Bai said the program was earmarked for August last year (2021) but due to Covid-19 protocols and its enforcement on vaccination, it was put on hold until last Thursday. He said the program, known as the "City-wide Clean Up and Law & Order Awareness Campaign," is implemented as a rehabilitation program. It is an initiative of NCDC in preparing the inmates well before they are rehabilitated and reintegrated into the communities. "As part of the prisoners' reintegration program, low risks prisoners are to do community work whilst serving their sentences in prison. Therefore, NCDC is working in partnership with its stakeholders to fulfill the prisoners "good citizens’ acts" of community work," says Mr Bai. Thursday's program saw city residents who drove by, smiling in approval as they witnessed the inmates cutting grass, raking, sweeping and scrubbing the footpath and road from betelnut stains. Acting City Manager, Ravu Frank commended the inmates and the key stakeholders for a job well done. A similar program is planned to be held on 7th of April and the final one on 14th of April at the Gordon's market and Boroko's Tabari area.

The MSME Council has made a cash donation of K5000 to the Lavagirl fashion label to assist with legal fees for a copyright infringement battle that has spanned the past four years. From 2019, Lavagirl Creative Director Annette Sete has gained much publicity with a copyright infringement case against Tropicana Ltd for alleged theft of intellectual property of Lavagirl’s Tabu Wheel design. Within those 4 years, they have recently been able to get this case through to a trial stage. President of the MSME Council Desmond Yaninen said that because of a lack in awareness surrounding copyright and protection of intellectual property, many MSME’s are prone to exploitation by larger organisations and companies. “There needs to be greater awareness on how MSME’s can protect their intellectual property,” he said This has brought to light the lack of a precedent in place, making this case the first of its kind under the Civil and Criminal Laws that govern protection of intellectual property in Papua New Guinea. He also referred to the case of Annette Sete as being one of the most prominent cases, which makes it a crucial step for the MSME Council to support Annette in her fight against copyright infringement. Vice President of the MSME Council James Gore also added that they are the voice of MSME’s in Papua New Guinea and are very grateful that they can be of assistance to Annette’s case. As an appeal to other MSME’s, Gore encouraged others to stand up and be vocal about such issues so that appropriate authorities are moved to address these important cases affecting the majority of small business owners in the country. Sete who also owns the Maku Gifts shop expressed that the jargon used in copyright law information is not easily understood by the vast majority of SME’s. “It would be a success to take on the case and learn from it so other business owners are educated in this important area as well,” she added. The Lavagirl label is also engaged in another similar battle with a fashion designer in Lae and has in the past settled other matters out of court, showing that this is an ongoing issue for local creatives. Starting out Sete did not imagine what support she would receive but expressed that it has been overwhelming with hotels offering to accommodate her lawyers in Kokopo, businesses assisting with airline tickets, individuals making cash donations an paying for food, and many others who supported her. “I also had a female SME owner who saw me in Vision City and just gave me K2000; I told her it was too much but she told me to just take it because she also buys from me and sews to sell. It’s come to a point where we cannot walk away because we want to have a precedent set so that other Papua New Guineans will use the case to fight their own battles when the time comes”, she said. The main aim of her social media campaign in the beginning was to make people aware of copyright breaches. “Other SME’s in the country must know that copyright infringements are very high in the country right now and something has to be done”, she said. Sete was very appreciative of the MSME Council’s support to her case and grateful to be part of the fight against exploitation and copyright infringements on MSME’s. As a business owner, she also encourages fellow business men and women to be passionate about their products and take it upon themselves to be aware of such laws and regulations.

POLICE in the New Ireland Province had started off with election security preparations despite challenges, says Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat yesterday. Mr Nebanat said the police in the province are conducting awareness on the 2022 National General Election as well as general law and order. They started last week in the Kavieng District and will move into Namatanai District next week. Mr Nebanat said he had spoken to the Chief Executive Officer for the Social Sector Mr Ben Apelis to arrange for school awareness. This is a strategy to reach a wider range of population in the province with the election security messages. Mr Nebanat said one of the big challenges for police is the distribution of the population in the province, with 54% of the population on the mainland while 46% are scattered on the Islands. He said the police have only one police boat which makes it quite difficult to reach all those on the Islands. “We also need good vehicles capable of hitting the rugged road of the West Coast of New Ireland,” Mr Nebanat said. To overcome logistical, transport and funding challenges his provincial command has decided to conduct a Trainer of Trainer (TOT) training where all police stations in the province identify representatives for their station to attend a one-day training where they will then go back and train other police men and women at their stations. “We aim to train all our police personnel to conduct election awareness and I believe this is the best positive way given our many challenges,” said Mr Nebanat. Mr Nebanat said manpower on the other hand continues to be a challenge. However, with the operation plan in place, New Ireland police has involved 200 community auxiliary police to boost the manpower. “We will also be having police personnel coming in from East New Britain to assist us,” he said. Mr Nebanat said whilst faced with many challenges, his men and women will not be deterred from their prime objective in ensuring security is provided for a free, fair and safe 2022 National General Election.

Outgoing Secretary General (SG) of Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society (PNGRCS) Mr. Uvenama Rova was farewelled on the 04th of March 2022 after more than four years of service to the society. Chairman of the PNG Red Cross National Council Mr. Henry Yamo spoke at the farewell functions on behalf of council members, volunteers, staff and management of PNG Red Cross, including movement partners – International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), International Committee of Red Cross and Red Crescent movement (ICRC), who were represented by their respective delegates at the farewell occasion at PNG Red Cross office at 3 Mile in Port Moresby. In farewelling Mr. Rova, Chairman Yamo thanked Rova and praised him for his dedications, hard work and contributions to Red Cross humanitarian services. “Despite challenges and struggles he faced with limited financial resources, he led with perseverance in saving lives of vulnerable people in communities,” Yamo said. “Under his watch, the society has responded to following major disasters; highlands earthquake, polio outbreak, volcanoes (Manam) in Madang and (Kadavu) in West New Britain including current COVID19 pandemic”. He added that Rova was instrumental in forging and strengthening important partnerships with movement partners and others like Coca-Cola Foundation who is now assisting PNGRCS in the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the Covid-19 front line workers and volunteers in the country. Mr. Rova joined the Society on October 30th, 2017 and served over four years. He was employed on a three year term contract which ended on 30th October 2020. Due to delays in recruitment several times the incumbent was allowed to continue until a replacement is sought. In his last address as Secretary General Rova thanked the national council members, volunteers, staff and management of PNG Red Cross, including movement partners for their support throughout his term. He further praised movement partners for their proactive support in addressing issues at hand whilst fostering sustainable, transparent and inclusive growth within PNGRCS and working closely with him and the government to fulfill PNGRCS’s auxiliary role as the leading National Humanitarian Organization in country. Rova was a people’s man who connects well with people and strengthened people to people connections. He thanked management, staff and volunteers for their endless support and commitment to their individual roles which he referred to as service to humanity. He didn’t seek re-election because he has other ambitions to pursue but admitted that he will register as a volunteer and still be part of PNG Red Cross movement. He further stressed that this will create opportunity for others to come with fresh minds/new visions and directions to drive the organization forward. PNG Red Cross Society National Council met on 26th of February 2022 and resolve that since Rova didn’t re-apply for this role his services would formally cease on 04th of March 2022. Council then appointed Newton Kiafuli, current Internal Auditor to be the Interim Secretary General for PNGRCS until recruitment is formalized and a new Secretary General is appointed.

Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed the second bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the new Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The PALM scheme brings together the Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Workers Programme under a single program that helps to strengthen worker protection and build capacity to address workforce shortages in Australia, particularly in agriculture and across regional areas. Minister Payne said that labour mobility between Papua New Guinea and Australia provides important benefits to both countries and strengthens our extensive people-to-people connections. “Australia recognises the outstanding contributions by Papua New Guinea workers under the labour mobility schemes in recent times, keeping food on shelves and contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of our regional and rural communities”, said Minister Payne. A key objective of the PALM scheme is to contribute to economic development in Papua New Guinea, by providing remittances, opportunities to gain knowledge and work experience in Australia and supporting skills transfer. Papua New Guinea’s Treasurer, the Hon Ian Ling-Stuckey has long been an advocate for labour mobility given the positive impacts for Papua New Guinea and its people. “Now that borders have reopened, we are looking forward to seeing more opportunities for workers from Papua New Guinea to enter Australia under the scheme over the coming years,” said Treasurer Ling-Stuckey. Labour mobility is just one element of Australia and Papua New Guinea’s Comprehensive and Strategic Economic Partnership (CSEP), which underpins Australia’s long-standing relationship with our closest and valued neighbour. More information on the PALM scheme can be found at www.palmscheme.gov.au

The U.S. Army and the Papua New Guinea Defense Force concluded a three-week joint military exercise, Tamiok Strike, which began March 21 and ended April 1, 2022. The exercise built on last year’s iteration of Tamiok Strike and strengthened the bonds of friendship between the U.S. Army and the Papua New Guinea Defense Force forged in WWII. The exercise enhanced combined interoperability capabilities through training, skills sharing, and cultural exchanges. The U.S. Army shared their experiences for basic security operations and medical training, while the PNGDF shared their expertise on jungle operations. Tamiok Strike was held for the first-time in August 2021. This year’s iteration of Tamiok Strike was held at Goldie River Training Depot in Port Moresby, Moem Barracks in Wewak, and Igam Barracks, Lae, and involved the 1st and 2nd Royal Pacific Island Regiments from the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, and the 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theatre Sustainment Command, and the 10th Support Group from the U.S. Army. The exercise focused on medical training, jungle survival, and strengthening security operations. The Tamiok Strike exercise builds on the growing relationship between the U.S. military and the Papua New Guinea Defense Force. In addition to last year’s Tamiok Strike, the United States hosted senior leaders from the PNGDF in Hawaii and in Wisconsin and will continue exchanges for years to come.

The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 'the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) on March 31, 2022. This MoU is a 12-month partnership between Nasfund and CEFI that enables both organizations to work together in providing financial literacy training to Nasfund’s more than 623,000 members. The Fund’s collaboration with CEFI is important as it empowers Nasfund employees to be champion advocates of the savings culture through financial literacy. Commenting on this development, Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia was pleased with the partnership, which would benefit the Fund’s membership and the communities it operates in. “The importance of saving for retirement is a priority for the Fund, especially when engaging with our members right across the country. Educating our members on the pathway to a comfortable living after active employment,including how much is required to fund a meaningful retirement is a key focus for us. There is also the challenge of the unbanked segment of our population which is being addressed through the BPNG initiative to extend financial inclusion across the country.We support this program and will play our part in increasing coverage.. This is why working alongside CEFI under this partnership is especially meaningful in preparing  our staff to drive financial literacy to our membership. A well-informed membership makes well-informed decisions – this is crucial, especially in retirement.” Under CEFI’s Training of Trainer (TOT) program, 60 selected Nasfund staff will undergo a 5-day training session conducted by CEFI aimed at equipping and upskilling Nasfund staff on the planning, delivery and monitoring of financial literacy training for Nasfund members. CEFI’s reach for financial inclusion through Nasfund’s branch network and continuous engagement with its membership will be extensive. Nasfund is looking forward to working together with CEFI to promote financial inclusion through education. Similar sentiments were shared by CEFI Executive Director Saliya Ranasinghe. “Financial education plays a very important role as it brings new knowledge and changes attitude,” said CEFI Executive Director Mr Saliya Ranasignhe. “We hope this initiative will change the lives of Papua New Guineans to have a better standard of living,” Mr Ranasinghe added.

The Broncos are investigating a fight between star prop Payne Haas and five-eighth Albert Kelly, with two reportedly facing fines and possible suspensions. Foxsports.com.au has obtained the footage of the pair fighting. It’s understood the incident occurred in Sydney after their game against the Bulldogs in Round 2. News Corp reports Haas and Kelly have been asked to explain their actions to the NRL and will be interviewed by the integrity unit. The footage Haas’ left fist making contact with Kelly. The New South Wales Origin forward can also be heard calling Kelly a “f***ing c***.” Kelly was also heard saying: “Why would I step on your shoes?” “It was in was in the foyer of the hotel they were staying at,” Phil Rothfield said on Big Sports Breakfast. “It was after their Round 2 (game against) the Bulldogs, they were in Sydney and had been out for a couple of beers after the game there was a dispute between the pair. “The problem for the Broncos is it has gone public and the other problem is Payne Haas should be behaving better than he was in that video. To be roughing up, throwing a punch at a little halfback. “In 2019 he was suspended for four matches and fined $20,000 for failing to co-operate with an integrity unit investigation. “Last year he behaved disgracefully and was charged with offensive language and intimidating police at Tweed Head. He was fined $50,000 and suspended for three matches by the NRL. “I’m wondering if there’s a wider problem here and if Payne Haas even wants to be at the Broncos or whether he wants to play for another club (because) he doesn’t appear to be happy there.” Thomas Flegler and Jordan Riki clashed during the Broncos’ 2021 mad Monday celebrations. It was reported at the time that Riki was left “bloodied” and required stitches. Flegler apologised the next day, while CEO Dave Donaghy lashed the behaviour. “If we are fair dinkum about being a world-class sporting organisation, we can’t just talk the talk, we need to walk the walk and that’s everyone,” he said at the time. “We have reported our matters to the NRL integrity unit and the players understand how disappointed I am with what’s happened in recent weeks. “It (improving the individual) is something I am passionate about and it will be an enormous focus for us moving forward.” This latest incident is untimely for Haas who has been in talks with the Broncos over a monster upgrade which would make him the highest-paid forward in the game. The 22-year-old is also no stranger to the integrity unit. He was fined and stood down by the Broncos in 2019 for refusing to co-operate with an investigation being carried out by the integrity unit. He was then fined and banned for three games for intimidating police last year. The Broncos suffered a humiliating 20-6 loss to the Warriors on Saturday afternoon. Source: via Foxsports.com.au

EU Funded UN Joint STREIT Programme in PNG steps up its converging support to rural communities in Papua New Guinea with setting the foundation for an overall integrated Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) strategy for Sandaun Province to strengthen enabling environment for the adoption of digital solutions for improved service provision in rural areas. In this regard, the EU Funded UN Joint STREIT Programme in PNG in close collaboration with provincial partners, including provincial divisions of Agriculture and Livestock; ICT; West Sepik Investment Limited; Commerce; Cocoa Board; Fisheries Authority; and Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority, developed and validated a tailor-made E-Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan for Sandaun Province. Led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the development of the E-Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan helps the country and the province, at the institutional level, to enhance communication and coordination between stakeholders, institutions, and individuals in using ICTs across different sectors impacting agriculture, leveraging a whole-of-government approach. At the infrastructural level, rolling out of this E-Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan provides a vision and plan to address existing challenges in the access to information resources, networks, digital services and platforms that are critical to support policy decisions and innovative services. In addition, it improves the quality and timeliness of data and information availability (in particular for Cocoa, Vanilla and Fisheries) for better decision making, improving the livelihoods of rural farmers. Improving market access, financial services, risk mitigation, disaster management, logistics, and thereby enhancing income generation and improving profitability, are among other major benefits of the adoption of this E-Agriculture Strategy. As part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme’s mandate to support capacity development, the E-Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan provide a roadmap to strengthen the capacity at all levels for the use of relevant ICT tools and applications for better access to agriculture information and support services, including financial products and services and strengthen the state of consumer protection, privacy and empowerment through clear policies and guidelines. The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, being implemented as a UN Joint Programme (FAO as the leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as partners), is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the country and the Pacific region. The Programme aims to help improve the lives of the people from East Sepik and Sandaun provinces, by focusing on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through improved economic returns and opportunities from cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains while strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers, including the business environment, and supporting sustainable, climate-proof transport and energy infrastructure development.

The SP PNG Hunters couldn’t reel in a fast starting Brisbane Tigers side in Round 3 of the Hostplus Cup, going down 22-12 to a Brisbane squad stacked with NRL experience at Bycroft Oval on Sunday. The Tigers found the scoreboard early, making the most of some early field position to score through centre Bernard Gregorius. The Hunters responded well, applying pressure with their defence and working upfield effectively through the middle. On the back of this, in the 17th minute and in his debut appearance for the Hunters, halfback Jamie Mavoko orchestrated PNG’s first points with a perfectly weighted grubber kick that Rodick Tai would fall on to score. The Tigers hit back shortly afterwards with George Fai barging his way over the line in the 29th minute to give Brisbane a 12-6 lead going into the break. Just as they did in the first half, the Tigers came out of the sheds quickly to score again through Gregorius right after halftime. Making the most of their field position, Brisbane crossed once more in the 49th minute when winger Solomona Faataape scored to bring his tally to three for the year. The Hunters would finish strongly, dominating field position and possession in the final quarter of the match. Emmanuel Waine showed an immense display of strength to score in the 64th minute and was strong throughout, busting nine tackles and running for 112 metres in an 80 minute effort. Coach’s Comments Although understandably disappointed, Head Coach Matt Church says there are plenty of positives to take from the loss. “We showed that when we hold the ball and get through our sets we can play some footy,” Church said. “We kept ourselves in the contest and if we can execute a little better or a few calls go our way, the results will come.” Church was also pleased with the efforts of all three Hunters debutants tonight; Jamie Mavoko, Matthew Jesse and Anthony Worot. “I thought all our debutants gave a good account of themselves. It’s just reward for a strong preseason and I was pleased with their efforts today,” said Church. Result Brisbane Tigers 22 def. PNG Hunters 12

A great partnership Library Learning Centre has today officially opened its doors to children in Tabubil. In this remote part of Papua New Guinea, high quality books and literacy materials are hard to come by – yet the only way for children to gain information and knowledge. Established by the LikLik Skul Foundation in partnership with StartMart, Kayop Investment Limited, the Tabubil Development Corporation, the Milum community, the Ok Tedi Mining Limited and Buk bilong Pikinini - the new centre ‘Buk bilong Pikinini Fubilan Library’ (named after Mt. Fubilan) - features an Early Childhood Education program, community library services and a school bus. Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has established more than 20 such Library Learning Centres across Papua New Guinea with its partners and offers a highly efficient – free – Early Childhood Education program to 5-year-old children. In addition to this, the organisation also conducts teacher and community educator training, donates School Library Kits and publishes books especially for PNG children. Most schools in Western Province have empty library shelves - one teacher mentioned that the last time they were able to order books was more than a decade ago in 2009. Miss Cathy Kiri, the principal of Tabubil International School said that: “Literacy is very important especially for the landowner children as after the mine is gone, what will happen to them? She added that these children have never left Tabubil and the library is a window to the world.” She applauded the initiative by the partners and Buk bilong Pikinini to establish the Library and the Early Childhood Learning Centre. It has taken a lot of work to get this Library Learning Centre opened but everyone has pulled together and got it done for the community. Around fifty, five-year-old children from the Tabubil town community and the nearby mine villages will be enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program in April. The children will be attending the program from 8am-2pm every day, which is delivered by Agnes Taiyo - a highly experienced Buk bilong Pikinini Head Teacher-Librarian. The community library is also open for all school children to attend on weekends. To mark the opening of the Library Learning Centre the Buk bilong Pikinini Fubilan Library also received the donation of a 15-seater bus from Maino Lucas of Kayop Investment Limited. The bus will provide the children with much-needed transport from the villages. Ian Middleton, Founding Chair of the Lik Lik Skul Foundation, said: “I am super excited about the Liklik Skul Foundation's partnership with Buk Bilong Pikinini, and the consequent opportunity to deliver improved education outcomes for children in Tabubil town and the surrounding mine villages. BbP is a proven early childhood development program with demonstrated results across many other locations in PNG, and I look forward to seeing these evolve here in Tabubil. I also look forward to growing our partnership and reaching more and more children across Western Province in the years to come. All this would not have been possible without the added generosity of OTML and StarMart and I sincerely thank both organisations. We would not be here today without you all, happy celebrations.” Leanne Resson, BbP Executive Officer said: “We are grateful for the support from all partners in this venture and are looking forward to assisting the children enrolled at the Buk bilong Pikinini Fulbian Library with a comprehensive Early Childhood Education program, giving them the best educational foundation skills for a very bright future indeed.” Anne-Sophie Hermann, BbP Founder and Chairperson said: “As we are celebrating our 15 years of operations this year – we are so excited to have the opportunity to reach children in a location as remote as Tabubil. We will also look forward to be reaching the surrounding communities to assist with improving access to books, literacy materials and training at schools and thereby help to improve learning outcomes. It is vital that all children across Papua New Guinea be given the chance to become literate and enjoy reading about what goes on in the world around them.” Norman Temu, OTML Acting General Manager, People and Capability said: “Ok Tedi Mining Limited recognises the importance of early childhood education and supporting the Tabubil town and mine village communities with improved education from the very beginning is important. There is currently an absence of proper functioning public libraries in PNG, and Tabubil and its surrounding communities are very privileged to have this library established that will go a long way in helping our children.”

The New Ireland Provincial Election Steering Committee has endorsed one day polling for New Ireland Province and is pending approval of the Electoral Commissioner. While reading the statement during the recent New Ireland Legislative Assembly sitting, Deputy Governor Sammy Missen said one day polling is possible for New Ireland Province. “We have conducted one day polling for the 2019 LLG Elections and successfully delivered. With this experience we are ready for one day polling, pending approval from the Electoral Commissioner. “ According to the Election calender Nomination period begins on the 28th of April to the 05th of May. Campaign period for 58 days starting 28th April to the 24th of June. Polling period 4 days from 25th June to 08th July. Counting period 22 days from 09th July to 29th July. Missen said there will be over 142 polling teams covering 142 wards of the LLGs in the Province. With security planning for the 2022 NGE being worked on by the Provincial Police Commander. “Police manpower shortage is a major concern but the option to utilize the auxiliary police and village court peace officers in the province will help.” The counting venues as endorsed by the PESC are Stamper Hall in Namatanai Town for the Namatanai Open seat. National Fisheries college for the Kavieng Open Seat and NIP Regional seat counting will be done at the respective Open electorate counting centres but the counting centres will be maintained at the main tally centre at the National Fisheries college. The New Ireland Government will be allocating over half a million kina to support the Electoral Commission to assist in delivering free, fair and safe election and on time. On administrative support the Provincial Administrator will release all public servants in the Province to assist the PNGEC to conduct the one day election if approved for one day polling by the Electoral Commissioner. Meanwhile the New Ireland Government has established a computerized data management system to record all data from village record books. Data recorded at the beginning of March shows there are a total of 76, 243 eligible voters out of the total population of 170,053 in NIP. 34,756 for Kavieng and 41,487 for Namatanai. However Missen clarified that the data collected was not part of the Electoral Commissions Electoral roll data. Instead it gives an indication on the type of data the village record system is able to capture. 10 village record books from Three LLG’s including Namatanai LLG, Matalai and Sentral are yet to submitted.