Monday 12th June 2023 will be a National Public Holiday throughout the country to celebrate the birthday of the Late Queen Elizabeth II. “Many members have enquired with the Employers’ Federation of Papua New Guinea if the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday will be replaced a King’s Birthday, or an additional Public Holiday will be declared for King Charles’ Reign as the current head of the British Monarchy.” Employers’ Federation of Papua New Guinea Executive Director, Ms Florence Willie clarified that the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday remains as there was no gazettal notice published by the government to declare a day for the King’s Birthday. In Circular No. 10/23, Ms Willie said that employers must take note that they will be required to pay the appropriate rates for their employees who will be working on the public holiday. She added that for anyone with questions regarding the public holidays, can contact the Federation office for assistance. Meanwhile, at the time of this publication, the Governor General’s office had yet to respond to queries for further clarification.

Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, James Marape has extended an invitation to the France President H.E. Emmanuel Macron to visit Papua New Guinea. The invitation was extended during a meeting between PM Marape and Mr. Walid Fouque, Special Advisor for Asia and the Pacific to President Macron in Port Moresby recently. PM Marape and President Macron previously met in Gabon, Central Africa, in March of this year on the sidelines of the One Forest Summit. While discussing the potential visit, PM Marape stated that here is a possibility that President Macron may visit PNG, however, this is subject to continued dialogue between France and PNG. Reflecting on his meeting with Mr. Fouque, PM Marape described it as “highly productive” and highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between France and PNG. "Under my leadership, France and PNG have been enhancing our bilateral relationship, just as we have been doing with other nations." “The commitment of President Macron is evident through his decision to send his Special Advisor to engage with me and discuss matters of mutual interest between our countries." He further encouraged more French companies to follow the example set by TotalEnergies at Papua LNG and invest in PNG, particularly in downstream processing of natural resources such as forests. Recognising the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region, PM Marape emphasised the significance of PNG as "neutral ground" and urged France to consider the country's strategic position amidst the increasing regional dynamics. The visit of President Macron to PNG would further solidify the growing cooperation and shared goals between the two nations, especially in the realms of forest conservation, French investments in PNG like TotalEnergies, mobilising resources to support small Pacific Island countries and communities and other relevant matters.

The Operation Open Heart Foundation has received transportation assistance from Ela Motors for its 2nd open heart program for this year. Operation Open Heart Foundation Chairlady Ms. Katherine Johnston greatly thanked the Ela Motors for their continued support towards the Operation Open Heart (OOH) Program over the last 23 years. “The foundation in partnership with Port Moresby General Hospital and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd will continue to provide the open-heart program.” Ms. Johnston said the operation open-heart has become a successful program because of the partners like Ela Motors and other partners who continue to contribute their resources and finances towards saving lives of children with congenital heart defects throughout the country. Ela Motors Marketing Manager Benjamin Niligur said Ela Motors through its corporate social responsibility program is happy to assist the open-heart program once again, in making available a brand-new Toyota Hi Ace Bus to transport the counterpart Open Heart International voluntary heart specialists from 8th-13thJune, 2023. “Ela Motors saw the importance of this program, and has been supporting since year 2000.” “With this transportation assistance, Ela Motors hopes that it can go a long way in saving lives.” Niligur said on behalf of Ela Motors, Niligur and his team delivered the bus to POMGEN Last Friday. The bus was received by members of OOH& PMGH Intervention Cardiologist Dr. Wesong Boko, Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Alok and Cardiac Anaesthetic Dr. Arvin Karu. The key was handed to Ricky Ilo the driver assigned to drive the bus. Niligur said Ela Motors hopes to continue this vital assistance in many more years to come.

Improvements to school infrastructures to enable better delivery of teaching and learning will contribute to quality education for students like for young Silas Kelre, who wants to grow up to become a lawyer one day. Young Silas comes from the Galowe area in central inland Pomio district of East New Britain province and attends the Palmalmal Secondary School, which is one of the schools in the province that has reaped the benefits of infrastructure development. The facilities Silas uses were made available through a K3.5million Australian Government grant in 2017. With this funding, Palmalmal Secondary School constructed eight new classrooms, two science laboratories and an ablution block for day students. New scientific equipment and learning resources were also purchased. “The science labs have a lot of equipment for us to use and do experiments during our science classes. I’m learning a lot and with this new building, a lot is done every day making us learn more,” said Silas. For Silas and the 903 other students at the school and 31 teachers, the new facilities have transformed their experiences at school and helped meet the standard set by the National Department of Education. Since the new facilities were opened in 2019, students’ academic performance has improved. Palmalmal Secondary School Deputy Principal, Ludwick Kampukia, who pushed for the infrastructure improvements, was a former student himself and is determined to see his students excel. “Our history students performed very well in 2022, taking out the number one spot in the province rating.” “Our Economics students came in second place and our Business Studies students are also doing very well.” “That is through the conducive learning environment and the impacts of the new facilities.” “Most of the buildings are old, built in 1975 when the school was established.” “Having the science lab and eight classrooms in one building is a facelift in terms of infrastructure.” “It also changed the mindset of kids in terms of discipline, giving a new environment that is welcoming to students.  

78,966 grade 10 students from 452 high and secondary schools nationwide will be sitting for this year’s Grade 10 Written Expression Examination come Thursday, June 1st. Schools in all provinces have received their exam papers according to the nomination data that was received by the Measurement Services Division in Port Moresby. Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra is encouraging all students, teachers and provinces to give their best and to ensure that the exams are done fairly and to the best of their abilities. “I call on all the citizens of Papua New Guinea to support and abide by the fair administration of exams.” Dr Kombra has appealed to all schools to fix their Registration Documents with the School Registration Committee of the department. No proper Registration means the school won’t be allowed to sit the objective examinations. Dr. Kombra also warned all schools against any mal-practices relating to the national examinations. Students and schools have been warned of the serious consequences which include non-certification for students, termination from teaching for teachers and banning of the schools involving themselves for a minimum period of 3 years. “We have eliminated cheating in examinations.” “Hence, results are based on hard work, and offer better education benchmarks.” “I wish all the grade 10 students 'best of luck' in their first National Examination for 2023 this Thursday.”  

Students from the School of the Holy Bible College at the Debeini's Living Waters Church in Gerehu, have been urged to be agents of change in their communities. Guest speaker and Senior Pastor of the Christian Outreach Centre Victory Church in Hohola, Edward Wange told the students to make a difference in their communities. Pastor Wenge in his message at the 23rd graduation of the Holy Spirit School on Sunday May 28th, told the students to build good relationships in the community driven by love. "Today, as you graduate from here and go to your domain, you will be an open book for a new chapter of your life." "Never forget that people are watching you.” “They know your story from the first book you wrote, but this time you are going to write a new book and the people who see the content of the book, will tell your story." "Don't operate by results.” “The miracle you see comes today and goes tomorrow. Build your relationship with God and with people so you can see the next miracle in your life." "Love is about laying down your lives to serve others." A total of 36 students graduated in their respective levels of Spiritual Studies. Nineteen Year 1 students received their certificates in Spiritual Studies, 6 Year 2 students received Advance Certificate in Spiritual Studies and 11 Year 3 students received their Advanced Diploma in Spiritual studies. Founding Principal of the School, Senior Pastor Peter Solomon encouraged the students to stand firm in serving God because it can be a lonely life. "Get established on the word of God, build your ministry on the word of God and you will be able to stand up through the storms of life." "Don't look to men, but to God alone. How successful you are in ministry depends on your personal walk with God." "What we have taught you, take it home with you and exercise it." "This is a practical school for practical people, so you can go out and practice what we have taught you." "In all you do, let God be the centre of your life," Pastor Solomon said. Head boy Rodney Mait spoke on behalf of the students and acknowledged the administration of the school, the staff and the students. "We are celebrating our graduation today as well as embarking on the new chapter of our lives." "We have been called to be servants in this harvest field, and this is a new challenge, but we have faith that God will provide, guide, and equip us for the work ahead," Mr. Mait said. The graduation coincided with the celebration and church service at the Debeini's Living Waters Ministry.  

Residents here in Port Moresby can now return empty PET plastic bottles to exchange for cash. This is the result of a partnership between Coca Cola Europacific Partners PNG, Coca Cola Papua New Guinea and Branis Recycling Limited. CCEP PNG Commercial Director, Mr. Tim Solly said that as a beverage manufacturer in PNG, they believe that it is their responsibility to have a long term commitment to the sustainability of their packaging. “Packaging waste is undoubtedly a major challenge and it’s also a solvable one, if we take action.” “Our plastic bottles have an ongoing intrinsic value and we need to treat them this way.” “We have partnered with Branis Recycling limited to collect PET plastic beverage bottles to prevent the going to landfill, waterways or the environment.” “Members of the public are paid an incentive of K1 per kilo.” “The collected beverage bottles are pre-processed using a shredder and then sent offshore for further recycling due to the absence of a PET resin recycling facility in the country.” It began as a pilot project in August 2022 and so far, 40 tonnes of PET plastic beverage bottles have already been collected and shipped offshore for recycling. People can bring their empty PET plastic bottles to Branis collection centres at Ahuia St, Gordons; Spondias St, Hohola; Movivina St, Gerehu; Gordons and Badili and they will be paid in return for the bottles. Coca Cola has purchased two PET shredders, which will pre-process the material and turn it into flake making it easier and more cost effective to ship the material offshore. Previously, PET plastic beverage bottles have been baled before they were shipped. Solly said that CCEP PNG and Coca Cola Papua New Guinea are aiming to expand PET collection across the country with plans to begin in Lae, Morobe Province. Coca Cola ASEAN & South Pacific Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Mr. Russel Mahoney said that the company is very proud to launch the PET Collection in Papua New Guinea with the partnership of CCEP PNG and Branis Recycling. “Like most people, we don’t want to see our bottles end up as litter.” “We are committed to doing more and being part of the solution.” “Our ultimate goal is to help collect and recycle the equivalent of one bottle for every bottle we bring to the market by 2030.” “However, we can’t achieve our goals alone.” “Addressing plastic waste and recycling challenges requires collaboration between industry, the public sector and civil society and we look forward to working with these groups in Papua New Guinea to significantly increase the amount of PET plastic beverage bottles collected.” In addition, CCEP’s sustainability targets include goals on decarbonizing the business, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, water security, building a resilient and low carbon supply chain.

Digicel Foundation partnered with the Department of Education and Bilum Books to launch the Assessment Report for the Literacy Enrichment and Education Development (LEED) Program that was piloted in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and Central Province. The aim of the LEED Program is to improve literacy outcomes for students in Elementary Schools. An important component in the program is the training of teachers to know how to use the Bilum Books Standard Based Curriculum for English teacher guides and student books. The Bilum Books SBC English is an all in one literacy program designed to teach the skills of English to students no matter their mother tongue. Digicel Foundation commissioned the literacy assessment to provide evidence as to the effectiveness of the program. The results in this report are findings from a 10-month literacy assessment involving 789 elementary students in 32 elementary schools in AROB. This was done by comparing the performance of students from schools using the Bilum Books SBC English program with students from schools not using the program. The findings proved that the anecdotal evidence that the elementary teacher using Bilum books improved students’ learning reading and comprehension across all strands in the standard based curriculum while the control group comparatively demonstrated lower outcomes. The attendance of the Deputy Secretary Curriculum and Standards, Mr. Paul Ainui and the representatives from the Education Department were present to receive the report. Mr. Paul Ainui endorsed the reports as acceptable evidence that more of such literacy enrichment programs like LEED need to be taken in schools throughout Papua New Guinea (PNG) to help improve the low level of literacy. Digicel Foundation CEO Serena Sasingian said that in order for any program to be sustainable, they must work closely with partners from Government and schools with strong governance and leadership. ‘’It is through partnership and commitment that we can all strive together for a better education system in our country.” “Digicel Foundation values its partnership with the PNG Education Department and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Division of Education, Bilum Books, LEED trainers, the students, teachers and administration of the participating schools.” “It was through the collective efforts of everyone mentioned that made this report a success.’’  

New Porgera Limited (NPL) has come out to clarify certain matters related to the reopening of Porgera gold mine that have been the subject of speculation and considerable misinformation in the national media recently. The benefit sharing terms agreed between the State, Barrick Niugini Limited (BNL), Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited (KMHL) and Mineral Resources Enga Limited (MRE) to restart the mine ensure a transparent and fair distribution of the overall economic benefits that will be generated by Porgera over its 20-year mine life. PNG shareholders comprised of Porgera landowners, Enga province and the State (including KMHL, which will hold the equity in new Porgera on behalf of the State) will receive 53% of Porgera’s overall economic benefits and BNL will receive the remaining 47%. At a gold price of US$1, 800 per ounce, Papua New Guinea (PNG) shareholders would expect to receive nearly US$7.3 billion (K25.2 billion) over a potential 20 year life and US$2.8billion (K9.7billion) in the first ten years. The current gold price is significantly higher at approximately US$1,950 per ounce. BNL, the operator of New Porgera Limited has committed to finance the capital required to restart the mine. Once the mine has restarted, any additional loans made by BNL or its affiliates to New Porgera Limited will be on an interest-free basis. During the period since the mine ceased operations more than 3 years ago, BNL has on its own funded 100% of the cost of care and maintenance, totaling some US$540million (K1.9billion) to date. The State, KMHL and BNL agreed that KMHL’s dividends will initially be redirected to BNL to reimburse it for the costs of the care and maintenance. However, the other PNG shareholders are not affected by this arrangement and will receive their dividends as they are declared following the start of operations. In addition, New Porgera Limited will be a significant tax payer, being subject to a 32% corporate tax rate, in return for fiscal stability under the Resource Contracts Fiscal Stabilization Act and an increase in the royalty from 2% to 3%. The proportion of equity and economic benefits that belong to the landowners is also a first in PNG’s agreements with international investors. These facts have been shared to clarify some of the confusion created by less accurate accounts of the terms of Porgera’s reopening and demonstrate beyond doubt that the benefits derived from this world class mine are to be shared fairly between PNG and its partner, BNL.

Lealea Primary school in Central Province had a small but significant ground-breaking ceremony for its new school library. The ceremony was witnessed by students, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders. The new library is funded by Niupower Ltd. This was an important event as the school is working towards upgrading to a technical High school and one of the requirements is to have a school library. School Head Teacher, Mrs Ranu Lari thanked Niupower Ltd for their continuous support towards the school. She appealed to the students and the community to take ownership once the library is built. The new school library will be built at a cost of estimated half a million kina.

Credit Corporation (PNG) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and literacy initiatives with a donation of K22,680 to Buk Bilong Pikinini (BbP). Credit Corporation has been proudly supporting of Buk Bilong Pikinini since 2019, recognizing the vital role that the non-profit plays in improving the country’s literacy rates through its Early Childhood Literacy, Numeracy & Awareness program. Danny Robinson, CEO of Credit Corporation (PNG) Limited said that they are delighted to continue their support to Buk Bilong Pikinini and their efforts in promoting early childhood literacy in Papua New Guinea. "We believe that education is the foundation for a better future, and we are committed to helping children across the country reach their full potential.” He further added that with the support of Credit Corporation and many other organisations within the community, BbP will continue to provide a platform for children to learn, grow and succeed in the future. With this donation, Credit Corporation is aiming to contribute to the ongoing expansion of BbP’s library learning centres, the development of early childhood programs and the provision of essential educational resources to remote communities. BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson thanked Credit Corporation Limited for their donation. "We appreciate Credit Corporation’s continuous support over the years and for recognising the importance of early childhood literacy in building a better future for all Papua New Guineans.” The donation is part of the company’s social responsibility program and reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates in.

National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika said Zone One Sector Patrol Unit police officers quick response resulted in the capture of a suspect who allegedly robbed a female student off her school fees and other properties on Sunday at Hohola. Mr. Sika said the victim, a 20- year- old female student from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville who attends the Asia Pacific Institute, was attacked and robbed when she was walking home. He said police officers who were around that area were quick to respond to the message broadcasted on the police radio. He said police officers picked up the victim who then directed the police officers to the National Housing Corporation Headquarters where they got off the police vehicle and went on foot after the suspects. “The police officers’ response time was critical and resulted in the capture of the alleged robber.” “Two of the accomplices ran away but the main suspect who was armed was caught.” “He had in his possession the victim’s waist bag and her phone.” “The suspect allegedly admitted that K1, 300 in cash which they took from the victim was with his two accomplices who ran away when they saw the police.” “I want to thank the Officer in Charge of Sector Patrol 100 Units, First Constable Kerry Kaman and your team for a well-coordinated response that led to the apprehension of the main suspect.” “I want to warn these criminals that they won`t escape doing that because police response teams are everywhere in the city.” “Do something productive and stop robbing innocent people of their hard-earned things.” The suspect, 20-year-old Kevin Sebby from Gabadi in the Central Province was taken to Hohola police station where he was detained in the cell and formally charged with armed robbery.