Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response David Manning has issued a directive banning gatherings of more than 20 persons effective from September 20 for one month ending October 20, 2021. Mr Manning has directed that events/gatherings, inclusive of social (clubbing/bar activities, dances, dinners, parties, sporting competitions, etc.) and religious activities (church, fellowships, etc.) will not be approved. Further, all prior approvals granted for gatherings/events that will occur between 20 September, 2021 to 20 October 2021 are now revoked. Those that have been granted prior approvals must liaise with the Niupela Pasin team at the National Control Centre. Mr Manning also issued another directive outlining the process for those requesting approval for hosting of gatherings/events of more than 20 persons: a)   All organisations, whether private or public, shall request to host an event of more than 20 persons by writing in, copying the Deputy Controller and attention to the Niupela Pasin team; b)   Request letters must indicate the following information – -          Type of event, -          Date, time and venue of event, -          Number of participants who will attend the event, -          Focal person contact information for communication purposes, and -          Floor plans for the event. c)   Venue facilities (hotels, clubs, government buildings, etc.) shall not host events unless approval from the National Control Centre is presented by the event requester/organizer; d)   All organisations, whether private or public, must liaise with the Niupela Pasin Team to ensure due process of pre-event set up assessment and event assessment is adhered to. As per the new directive, all organisations, whether private or public, shall formulate standard operating procedures for COVID-19 safety within their organisations and submit to the Niupela Pasin team at the National Control Centre. Private organisations and businesses shall liaise with the Niupela Pasin team in formulating their respective standard operating procedures. Mr Manning has also directed that the wearing of masks is mandatory and effective immediately in public places as of September 20, 2021. Public places include: the public transport system (buses, taxies), individual transport systems, shops, schools, offices, restaurants, bars, hair salons, hotels, lodges, sporting facilities, markets and churches.

Along the Kokoda track live some of the most remote communities in PNG, which can only be accessed on foot or by helicopter. The delivery of healthcare services to these communities is a huge logistical challenge. However, COVID-19 does not spare anyone and the health and economic impacts of the pandemic have affected these areas too, and misinformation about vaccines has also spread widely. For this reason, the National Department of Health, the Central and Oro Provincial Health Authorities, the SDA Health Services and UNICEF with support from the Australian Government through the Kokoda Initiative are ensuring COVID-19 vaccine doses are rolled out to Kokoda Track communities, providing them with accurate information to make informed discussion and the opportunity to access the vaccine easily. The rollout forms part of the shared commitment by both the PNG and Australian governments to protect the health of communities in the Kokoda Track region, in recognition of Kokoda in forging the bonds and enduring friendship between the two countries. Firstly, awareness sessions were held to address concerns and counter misinformation, with over 100 community and church leaders, ward councillors, teachers, health workers and village health volunteers. These community leaders, equipped with educational materials including videos, shared information on the benefits of vaccination to address concerns in 63 Kokoda Track catchment area villages through community outreach meetings with families and households. The rollout has now started to bring vaccines directly to remote communities in the region and more than 700 local people have been vaccinated in the Sogeri, Efogi and Kokoda catchments. Efogi-based teacher, William Iga, had initially decided against vaccination because of online misinformation, but changed his mind after the awareness session: “As a teacher I felt it was important because I deal and interact with children,” Mr Iga said. “They come from different homes and I might be a threat to them or vice-versa.” “I decided to screen the video for the SDA church members to see and I can talk to them about the importance of the vaccine which will hopefully convince many to be vaccinated.” Depo Ward councillor Billy Iwai, who was infected and has recovered from COVID-19, chose to be vaccinated at the Sogeri session. “As a leader in the community I must be vaccinated first before I speak to my community so that they must know and follow what their leader has done,” Mr Iwai said. “I am the first to be vaccinated in the community, as well as the first in my family. In Efogi, church prayer coordinator and former village health volunteer Regina Bradley was vaccinated after listening to information from the awareness team. “I have medical problems and I thought if I get COVID-19 and I might die,” Ms Bradley said. Kokoda Track Authority chief executive Julius Wargirai and 20 KTA trainee rangers, funded by the Kokoda Initiative, also received their vaccinations during the recent rollout. “I wanted to show our trainee rangers, local people and community leaders that the vaccine is safe and is critical for the trekking industry to recommence in the future,” Mr Wargirai said. The vaccine rollout is being delivered as part ongoing quarterly Kokoda Initiative maternal and child health patrols.

Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra is calling on employers in the process of recruiting employees to consult the Measurement Services Division (MSD) of the Department to verify applicant’s school certificates before employing them.  The Secretary made this call in relation to the huge number of teachers caught early this year and terminated by the Department after they were found to have forged their certificates and identities when enrolling in teachers colleges and the recent termination of recruits by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force due to forged school certificates and identities. “We encourage an education system that is based on fairness, hard work, commitment and natural talent to get an equal footing for everyone. These are the principles that the Department promotes and pursues. We believe that these practices are also happening in other organisations that are recruiting students for employment, training and or further education and we are willing to offer the Department’ services in order to help stop corruption.” The Secretary said that the MSD can be contacted by employers to verify school certificates.  He also said that the certificates that were issued to students from the years 2018 up have special security features that cannot be copied. However, prior to 2018 and whilst every caution was taken to make the certificates as secured as possible there is no guarantee that certificates cannot be forged using the latest technology available in the country now. “The Department of Education is offering a free service therefore, I call on employers to feel free to contact the Measurement Service Division through the contact details below to verify grade 10 and 12 school certificates for applicants applying to their organisations,” Dr. Kombra said. Organisations are also asked to provide a pre-paid postal envelope or forwarding address such as an email address to ensure that the details of verification can be sent back promptly. Employers, institutions and organisations can contact the Measurement Services Division on telephone number 3288876 to verify grades 10 and 12 certificates, and also via emails: Kuagai_Dua@education.gov.pg or Packiam_Arulappan@education.gov.pg .

Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra has thanked Digicel PNG Foundation for continuing to support the development of education in Papua New Guinea. The Foundation conducted a soft launch of the planned 24-hour education channel called Be Lit on Monday, September 13, 2021. The soft launch will see the channel come on air with 3 hours of education programs for children in formal schools as well as FODE in Term 4 of this year. The launch of the 24 hours channel will be done at the beginning of the 2022 academic year. The 24 hours education channel is free of charge and is based upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed between the Foundation and the Department of Education in May this year. Under this MOU, Digicel PNG Foundation will partner with the Department to provide this platform that will increase quality educational outcomes for students in all grades through teacher training, improving classroom infrastructure and the roll out of Television (TV) learning. “I would like to inform students and parents to make use of this channel. It is free of charge and it complements the lessons that the children are learning in the classrooms. Apart from other programs under the EQUITV and MyHomeStudy Application, teachers and students can also access this TV channel as an extra resource for teaching and learning.” Dr. Kombra said that the national government welcomes collaborations like this and he is pleased that this channel will pave the way for the provision of a free-to-air Channel for education content only which is a first for the country to benefit from. “This is exciting news for PNG as far as our education system is concerned because of the rising COVID-19 cases and deaths. Now we can ensure that our students do not miss out completely on any lessons when classes are suspended or when disaster strikes,” the Secretary said.

Air Niugini’s Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Mr. Bruce Alabaster announced today(Tuesday 28th September, 2021) that the airline will operate four special Boeing 767 widebody jet flights from Cairns to Port Moresby between now and Christmas. Flight PX 093 will operate on Wednesday’s 06th October, 03rd and 24th November, and on 22nd December 2021. These flights are mainly scheduled to carry freight for exporters in Far North Queensland up to Asia.   This will include fresh produce and fish from Cairns onto both Hong Kong and Singapore, but are also available for passenger booking from Cairns to Port Moresby. In the southbound direction from Port Moresby to Cairns, the flights will carry freight only, hence assisting PNG exporters. The flights into Cairns will not carry any passenger because of the present Queensland Government restriction on carrying passengers into Cairns on all international flights. Mr Alabaster said “Air Niugini is the longest serving international airline to Cairns, having commenced services 46 years ago and we are pleased to be able to resume, providing services to both PNG and Far North Queensland, albeit initially in a small way. We hope to be able to add more flights, and carry passengers southbound as well, as vaccination rates in Australia and PNG increase and border restrictions are gradually lifted” Mr. Alabaster noted that the protocols for passengers departing PNG to international destinations are probably the most stringent in the world, with all passengers departing PNG being required to undertake a PCR test, the gold plated Covid-19 testing standard at the airport prior to check-in.  Additionally, the entire international terminal is closed to the public, so once passengers have tested negative they remain in a sterile bubble” As part of its plans to be open for business, PNG also announced on Friday that all arriving passengers who are fully vaccinated are no longer subject to quarantine. They will undertake a 10-minute Rapid Covid-19 test on arrival and if the results return negative, passengers are free to go. The resumption of the new Cairns flights is particularly good news for exporters from Far North Queensland to PNG and the Asia markets of Hong Kong and Singapore, who have been looking forward to the recommencement of these flights since they were suspended early last year due to COVID-19.

Statement by Health Secretary Dr Osborne Liko The Post Courier ran a front-page story on 27 September 2021, noting that Western Highlands PHA would close the Mt Hagen General Hospital if outstanding warrants and additional funds to support its COVID-19 effort are not provided to the hospital urgently. As soon as I was informed on 21 September 2021, of the need for additional COVID-19 funds from Western Highlands, I commenced discussions with the Government of Papua New Guinea and partners to seek additional funding support for the Hospital. These conversations continue as supporting our PHAs to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic is a priority. I have been advised separately that a warrant for some of the PHA’s outstanding operational budget allocation was issued by the Department of Treasury on Friday 24 September 2021. Western Highlands PHA, as with all other PHAs in the country, have received direct COVID-19 funds from the Government of PNG as well as donors. In total, Western Highland PHA has received PGK3.6 million in direct COVID-19 support with ongoing funding for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. This is in addition to the PHA’s normal operational budget. The COVID-19 support provided to PHAs is not just in direct funding support but also in equipment and consumables. For example, Western Highlands PHA has received or will receive: Blood Gas Analyzer machine Defibrillator machine Electrocardiogram machine Portable Ultrasound Image Diagram machine Bed-side/mobile x-ray machine Zoll Ventilators Patient monitors ICU ventilators and accessories. Biosafety cabinets Oxygen Concentrators Central Monitors Digital Radiographic Systems Incinerators There are many people working across Government and partners to provide the COVID-19 support required to all PHA’s across the country. I acknowledge and commend the hard work of the staff at each PHA. The work you are doing is invaluable and is saving countless lives. I would like to take this time to advocate for people to take the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 is very real and we must protect our families by getting vaccinated. Image courtesy: O.Adams PNG

Boxing New Ireland is looking to become more competitive with the recent certifying of eight trainee referees and judges that underwent a week long training in Kavieng over Independence week. The trainings were conducted at Kaplaman by two certified technical trainers from Port Moresby including Chairman of PNG referee and Judge Union Joe Efi and Chairman for referee and judge for Hiri Boxing Association John Ono. The eight certified amateur boxing referee and Judges include Simon Kusunan, Kisojau Sapak, Pethro Ismael, Shelinah Rake, Anisa Wulau, Vois Benedict, Len Meli and Steven Torima. Efi said the training now allows New Ireland to host its own tournaments without having to fly in boxing referees and judges from Port Moresby to conduct matches. “Boxing is a very technical sport and you must have well trained referees and judges to oversee the matches because it can become fatal if the match is not supervised properly,” said Efi. He said unfortunately their still needs to be more training for boxing referees and judges throughout Papua New Guinea and until that happens technical expertise will still have to be flown in from Port Moresby to preside over matches. President of New Ireland Boxing Association Suga Ray expressed gratitude for the training which now allows for the association to draw up regular competitions in the province for the coming months. “ We are now looking forward to host National and International tournaments. In December we will have two female boxers coming from Australia while in April 2022 a Queensland team will be in the Province. And with the Kavieng Stadium officially opened we will be able host more local matches too,” said Mr Ray. Shelinah Rake who is also Deputy President of the Tikana LLG was one of two women that undertook the trainting. She was Greatful for the training after she was urged to to take it up by President of the New Ireland Boxing Association. “ For the first time in New Ireland there was a referees and judges training and this is a breakthrough for us because we have so many boxers but not enough technical officials,” said Rake. The other certified female referee and judge is Anisa Wulau from Kulangit village and a officer at the Tikana LLG. New Ireland’s boxers showcased their talent during the grand opening of the Kavieng Stadium on the 16th of September with the trained Referee’s and Judges also making their mark on the stage.

Governor for Eastern Highlands Province Hon Peter Numu has given his full support for the establishment of the Extractive Industries Transparency Commission. Governor Numu opened the lower Highlands Consultation workshop on the PNG Extractive Industries Transparency Commission Bill in Goroka on Monday, September 6th, 2021. He welcomed the State legal and policy officials from key government departments, Department of Petroleum and Energy, Department of Treasury, Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, National Economic and Fiscal Commission, Internal Revenue Commission, including Provincial administration key representatives from Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, and the PNGEITI staff who gathered in Goroka for the week-long consultation. “As the Governor of Eastern Highlands Province, I am in support of transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. “The government must be accountable and it must make sure the developer is transparent in the extraction of our natural resources,” he said. “Our government recognises the need to have transparency and visibility of revenue received from the extractive projects and other sectors in the country particularly in our province. “We also acknowledge the importance of having factual data from the sector to ensure we are able to make informed decisions in the governance of the sector. He added that Eastern Highlands Province contributes significantly to the economy of the country through coffee production and exports. The province is a major coffee producer and from coffee exports revenue is generated for the country, while local farmers benefit directly from selling their coffee produce. “The province also hosts the K92 Mine located in the Kainantu District, that started four years ago. The company K92 Mine Ltd paid K25 million to the government last year, given the tough economic times and is looking at a promising future for the province,” he said. “Our government also recognises the importance of supporting the work of the PNGEITI in transitioning to an independent entity as proposed ‘Commission’ to fully implement the EITI requirements and best practice Standards that PNG has signed up to implement for our benefit. “We look forward to providing our comments and views on the proposed PNGEITI Commission Law and work in close consultation with the PNGEITI as it promotes good governance, accountability and transparency in the resources sector. He acknowledged the National Secretariat’s leadership and the government agencies for their participation and contribution to drafting of the Commission law and the consultation process and reiterated that consultation is the way forward as it captures our people’s views in framing this important legislative requirement.

A high-level meeting was held This week to address security issues and challenges in the city. The meeting was a joint initiative of Minister Onglo and Governor Parkop to address petty crimes and other security challenges as a result of the impact of Covid19 pandemic on the economy and other causes. It came as a follow-up of the earlier meeting that was held last week by the Governor and NCD police Command following a workshop held for three weeks by NCD and Central Province Police to develop a strategic security plan for NCD and Central Province “Police can no longer operate on a one size fit all approach where Police Headquarters in Konedobu prescribe strategies and operations plans for the entire country. The time for such an approach to policing and securing security and safety in the country is over. Police will now work with the provinces and districts to develop strategies and intervention tailored specifically to meet the conditions of the particular security challenges of each Province.” Minister for Police Hon. William Onglo made these policy and strategy overview during the meeting with Governor of NCD Hon. Powes Parkop and the other political leaders and police command in the city this morning at Police Headquarters Konedobu to develop a solid partnership with the city. Governor Parkop and Minister Onglo were joined by member for Moresby North West Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel, member for Moresby North East Hon. John Kaupa, Minister for Housing and Urban Development and member for Moresby South Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, Deputy Governor and Chairman for Motu Koita Hon. Dadi Toka Jnr, City Manager Mr. Bernard Kipit, NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu and ACP NCD-Central Anthony Wagambie Jnr in a productive meeting at Police Headquarters Konedobu this morning. Minister Onglo also in his opening remarks emphasized that Law and order is everybody’s responsibility and needs collective effort and a new paradigm approach as police on their own cannot resolve and deliver standards of security our people and country deserve. In reply Governor Parkop welcomed the paradigm shift announced by the Minister and pledge the entire support of the city to work with the Minister and Police Commissioner to pilot this new strategy in the city and ensure its success. Governor Parkop stated that under his leadership, the safety and security of the city is a major priority for him and the NCDC. “Our vision is to have a safe, secure and peaceful city as we recognize that nothing will be successful without peace, safety and security. Without security and safety, all that we have done in terms of developments, what we have gained from all our resource developments and services we provide will come to nothing. People won’t be able to access the government services when they feel insecure”, said Governor Parkop. Governor Parkop pledge to give safety and security his highest priority in the city’s budget in 2022 and called on all the Members of Parliament in the city to also do the same including the Motu Koitabu Assembly. The meeting considered representations made by all leaders present including ACP Wagambie and Metsup Ikumu and the various plans that have been formulated in the last four weeks and agreed to incorporate these and other initiatives into a Memorandum of Agreement to secure the partnership to implement this paradigm approach. Emphasis in this respect was placed on involving the communities in the city to secure policing and security and the utilization of advance technology towards this end. It was agreed that a draft of the MOU would be made available this week and the final draft to be signed next week. “Through this partnership, we will look into setting up simple and practical goals that is achievable where Police presence is visible on the ground in every community within the city. This template will serve as an example for the other provinces so it’s very important that we ensure success so other provinces can learn or improve from it” said Minister Onglo.

Iceland briefly believed it had made history by electing Europe's first female-majority parliament - before a recount showed it had just fallen short. Some 30 of the 63 seats (47.6%) were won by women. But earlier results had showed women winning 33 seats (52%). No European country has breached the 50% threshold, with Sweden coming closest at 47%, according to data from the Inter Parliamentary Union. The results mean a further six women have been elected to Iceland's parliament, but men still hold a majority of seats. Unlike some other countries, Iceland does not have legal quotas on female representation in parliament, though some parties do require a minimum number of candidates be women. Initially, the apparent female-majority in parliament was hailed as a landmark achievement. "In a historical and international light, the most significant news is that women are now first time in majority in the Icelandic parliament, and a first in Europe. This is good news," President Gudni Johannesson told broadcaster RUV before the recount. Iceland has long been considered a leader in gender equality and was ranked the most gender-equal nation in the world for the 12th year running in a World Economic Forum report released in March. It offers the same parental leave to both men and women, and its first law on equal pay for men and women dates back to 1961. It was also the first country in the world to elect a female president in 1980. Just five countries currently have parliaments where women hold at least half the seats. Rwanda leads the way, with women making up 61.3% of the members of its lower house. It is followed by Cuba on 53.4%, Nicaragua on 50.6% and Mexico and the United Arab Emirates at 50%. Women make up just 34.2% of the members of the United Kingdom's House of Commons and just 27.6% of the House of Representatives in the United States. Meanwhile, yesterday's election saw the incumbent left-right coalition government, led by Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, increase its majority. However, her party, the Left Green Movement, looks set to lose several seats, while her right-wing partners gained five MPs, casting doubt over her future as prime minister. Opinion polls had predicted that the coalition would fall short of a majority but a surge in support for the centre-right Progressive Party, which won five more seats than in 2017, pushed the coalition's total seats to 37, according to RUV. The current government, which consists of the prime minister's Left-Green Movement, the conservative Independence Party and the centrist Progressive Party, said before the election that they would negotiate continued cooperation if they held their majority. SOURCE: BBC NEWS

A registered concrete company who secretly manufacture chewing gums in its premises would be under investigation after members of the Immigration spot check team found their illegal factory over the weekend. Chief Migration Officer Mr. Stanis Hulahau says the company is disrespectful of PNG Laws and established processes and procedures to register a company and to meet the taxation requirements. The Immigration led Spot Check operation targeting logging, retail and foreign companies along Hiritano Highway in Central province has made this discovery near Laloki outside Port Moresby. The Chinese company (name withheld), registered in PNG in December 2017 is specialized in concrete and aggregate products. However, it was discovered that the company secretly manufactures chewing gum in its premises under the disguise of engaging in gravel and concrete products. IPA records confirmed that the chewing gum manufacturer (name witheld) is not a registered company and is illegally producing chewing gums and engaging in possible tax evasion and production without certification of health and safety standards. Upon inspection, the Chinese owners were too protective over this but local workers and residents of Laloki confirmed the company produces these chewing gums in its premises and secretly sell to business houses in the city using its chain of networks. Mr. Hulahau says such illegal operations are secretly practiced in closed and restricted premises and urges government authorities to step up efforts to prevent such illegal operations. “I am disappointed that this particular manufacturer is not a registered company and is illegally producing chewing gums in mint and strawberry flavour and is making profit without paying any taxes to the government,” Mr Hulahau says. “If Immigration and police officers were not there, this illegal company would secretly operate and make profit without the knowledge of relevant government authorities.” “Our intelligence confirms there are many similar operations in metropolitan areas registered as specialized in one activity but operating underworld in illegal productions for cigarettes, alcohol, cooking oil, chewing gums etc. with the idea of evading tax. Such activities are threats to the national security, the economy and the health of our people,” Mr Hulahau added. The Immigration officers identified two Chinese nationals working with the company concern who have discrepancies in their visas and penalised them with a fine of K5,000 each. The Spot Check operations over the weekend collected a total of K100,000.00 as spot fines and penalties from Logging, retail and concrete companies along Hiritano highway. The Chief Migration Officer says he will initiate investigations with other State Agencies into the operations of this foreign manufacturing company.

Over 160 cocoa farmers in Madang’s Raicoast now have access to superannuation services, after registering as National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) contributors. Through Nasund’s Eda Supa product, members of Poro Cocoa Cooperative Society of Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government (LLG) formally joined the Fund, with the first group of farmers receiving their membership cards. The registration of these farmers was made possible through the Fund’s partnership with Madang Cocoa Company Limited (MCCL) and Madang Cocoa Cooperative Association (MCCA). Nasfund Special Projects Executive Judah Waffi led a team from the Fund’s Madang branch to Bang village, to present the farmers with their membership cards, and also register the remaining members of Poro Cocoa Cooperative. When addressing the occasion, Mr Waffi explained the importance of saving through superannuation, and the benefits of saving with the country’s leading superannuation provider, Nasfund. “The addition of Poro Cocoa Cooperative to the Nasfund membership is a milestone for the people of Madang in that Poro Cocoa Cooperative is the first in Madang Province to register as members of Nasfund. You now join more than 600,000 members from across all industries who contribute to the Fund. As an active contributing Nasfund member, you can also benefit from services including the Nasfund Membership Discount Program (MDP) which allows you to earn discounts from approved MDP providers. This is part of our efforts in ensuring that farmers and SME operators, including our cocoa growers across Madang Province have the opportunity to save for retirement, through superannuation, with Nasfund.” Chairman of Bang Cocoa Cooperative Society, Solomon Dumuk acknowledged the need for his farmers to develop a savings culture – one that is now being nurtured in partnership with Nasfund. “Previously, when our farmers sold their cocoa, almost all the money received was spent in town, with nothing saved for use later. It was only through our umbrella association Madang Cocoa Cooperative Association and our cooperative owned company  Madang Cocoa Company Limited (MCCL), that we were made aware of the opportunities to save through Nasfund’s Eda Supa product. With support from MCCL, we were able to register the first 56 farmers, who today have received their membership Cards. The remaining 160 farmers will be registered in the coming weeks. We thank Nasfund for seeing the need to assist farmers from Poro Cocoa Cooperative save for retirement through Eda Supa. Our farmers are now ready for tomorrow.”