The Yangoru-Saussia District MP and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru said, the district in the East Sepik Province will not implement the 1-6-6 school structure. Maru said, “Yangoru-Saussia District is not implementing this structure and will not invest in it because it is very costly.” The 1-6-6 school structure was introduced in 2018 and comprises of one year for elementary education, 6 years for primary education, and 6 years for secondary education. Maru said the Yangoru-Saussia District was not against this school structure but would not implement it because it was costly. “The question is: what do we do with the grade 7 and 8 classrooms that we have already built in our primary schools and where will we find the funds to build new classrooms?" "We simply do not have the means to do that,” said Minister Maru. Maru said that instead of implementing the 1-6-6 school structure, the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) will be focusing on other education priorities in the district like building boarding schools. “Records show that students who attend boarding schools have higher academic results than those who attend day schools." "We currently have two boarding secondary schools in the district - Kubalia Secondary School in the Sausso LLG and Nagam Secondary School in the Numbo LLG." "Our priority now is to build two more boarding schools - one in East Yangoru LLG and another in West Yangoru LLG." "We also have to complete phase two of the School of the Excellence and look at establishing a technical institution to skill our young people after completion of their secondary education." Minister Maru added that he was extremely proud that schools in the Yangoru-Saussia District had done well academically in 2022 with the district being ranked the top performing district in the East Sepik Province according to the Grade 8 National Examination Data 2022 Report. “As a result of our policy of ‘God First and Education Second’ Yangoru-Saussia DDA invests minimum of K3 million and K4 million in education alone every year and we are now starting to see the results of these investments." "We will continue to invest in education because we are still not there yet." "We will be investing in boarding schools to help improve academic performance of our students." "This the DDA’s plan going forward.”

Digicel, PNG’s leading telecommunications and digital operator will be making its customers wishes come true this Christmas’ with grand cash prizes, weekly cash and prizes plus daily prize in its 2023 Christmas promotion. The promotion, officially launched today is dubbed ‘Digicel, Making Wishes Come True’. With this promotion, Digicel will be awarding massive grand cash prizes of K100, 000, K50, 000 and K30, 000 cash to three lucky winners nationwide. Weekly prizes will also be awarded to five lucky winners every week for six weeks. The weekly prizes include; K5, 000 cash, a 5000L water tank, a 3000 watts diesel generator, a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone and an entertainment pack consisting of a 50 inch Samsung Smart TV, a Digicel TV Playbox with dish and free TV subscription for a year, plus a Wowi 4GLTE Smartphone with free mobile plan for a year. In additional to these mega prizes; Digicel customers will also get the chance to win daily prizes of 1TOK Prime Bundles and Data Plans. To participate and make their wishes come true this Christmas, Digicel customers can simply top up with K5 or more or buy any phone from an authorized Digicel Store and they will automatically qualify to win the grand cash prizes, the weekly cash and prizes and the daily prizes. Customers will also enjoy additional great benefits when purchasing a handset this season as prices have been reduced and handsets all come with free data or talk. Digicel currently has the cheapest feature phone in PNG, the WoWi Beep for only K35 and customers will enjoy free talk for seven days. Customers who purchase the Wowi 4G LTE Smartphone at only K99 will enjoy a free 7Day 50GB data plan plus free 60 minutes of talk. In addition, customers who buy any Samsung smartphone will get 100 gigabytes free data which is valid for seven days. All customers who purchase any of these handsets will also qualify and be entered into the Christmas draw for a chance to win the Grand Cash prizes, the weekly cash and prizes and daily mobile plans. Digicel PNG Senior Vice President, Lorna McPherson said, “It is our yearly tradition at Digicel to reward and spread joy to our customers at Christmas and this year is no different." "We are making wishes come true by giving our customers across PNG the chance to win massive grand cash prizes starting from K30, 000 to K100, 000." "Our weekly cash and prizes are also carefully selected to ensure our customers receive the best value rewards to make their wishes and their families’ wishes come true." ‘Digicel, Making Wishes Come True This Christmas’ campaign commences today 17th November and ends on the 31st of December 2023. Digicel encourages all customers to take advantage of this offer to making their wishes come true by simply topping up K5 or more or buying a handset to get a chance to win.

Due to the change in the weather pattern, the country is currently experiencing a strong influenza outbreak which at this time, is yet to be confirmed by the National Department of Health (NDoH) as to the type of strand it is. NDoH Deputy Secretary-National Health Service Standard, Ken Wai said, the type of influenza that were experiencing right is stronger which is affecting many people to have the cough and flu that is also contributing to shortness of breath. He added that, this is not COVID and they are working around the clock to find out the strand or type of influenza. They will have a notice out by this week to inform the people on the type of necessary precautions to be actioned. “Influenza is spread by coughing and droplets spread, that’s why we are encouraging everyone to practice the COVID protocols to wear masks when going out to public places like the shops and markets because they are crowded places.” “Before you eat, make sure to wash your hands first." "Hygiene is very important.” Wai also stated that, due to the flu, the elderly and children are developing complications like pneumonia and lung infections. “If someone is experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains and coughing out mucus, they must go to their nearest aid post, clinic or hospital to seek medical attention.” Wai said, this is a normal influenza outbreak but there are different types or strands of flu and are working at this time to find out and isolate the species. “For now, everyone must simply wash your hands before touching food and wear a mask when going out if you are down with the flu so that you don’t get to spread it to other people.”

In a bid to address the growing concerns over law-and-order issues plaguing the East New Britain province, the National Doctor’s Association ENB Branch has presented a timely petition to the provincial government. The move is on behalf of the ENB Provincial Health Authority doctors and Rabaul Provincial Hospital staff comes amidst the alarming rise in criminal activities, putting professionals, including doctors and nurses at risk. NDA Branch president and Senior Surgeon- Dr Kevin Lapu presented the petition to the Member for Rabaul Dr Allan Marat, Acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano and ENB Police Commander Januarus Vosivai today (Nov 15) at the Rabaul Provincial Hospital. The occasion was witnessed by Rabaul Acting District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, ACP NGI Commander N’Ddranou Perou, Acting Hospital Manager Dr Osiah Baining and senior medical physicians with staff. Senior medical physicians raised concerns that as violence spreads across the province, in particular Rabaul district, physicians find themselves increasingly vulnerable to attacks. Recent incidents targeting medical practitioners have raised concerns within the Doctors Association and determined to protect the safety and well-being of its members, the association decided to take a stand and demand urgent action from the government. The petition, consisting of several key points: · For a thorough investigation into the assaults of senior specialist doctors; · Guaranty of staff safety and increased police presence. · For a thorough investigation on why youths are attacking hospital staff given it is a government institution that must be upheld with respect. Concerned authorities have been given a deadline until Monday 20th November, 2023, to respond to the petition and failure to do so, the union will stop work and withdraw services by Tuesday 21 November, 2023. Rabaul MP, Dr Marat when receiving the petition on behalf of the Governor Michael Marum in response said the safety of health workers is equal concern to the government and he intends to take the petition to the parliament organization that usually looks at petitions and he will present on the floor of parliament. “Indeed, if doctors are harmed, who is going to serve those who become victims of this current lawlessness,” Dr Marat questioned. Mr Mano assured the union that the provincial administration will continue to work closely with police. “We continue to support police in whatever way so they can properly do their job and I also concur with the union that maybe by next Monday, the perpetrators must be arrested immediately."

The SP PNG Hunters have announced that existing assistant coach Paul Aiton has been elevated to the role of Head Coach for the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup competition. The club has also named an official 40-man training squad in preparation for the upcoming season. The selection of Aiton in the Head Coach capacity is the latest evidence of the Hunters upward trajectory as a football club. Over the last few years, the Hunters have made considerable strides both on and off the field towards a highly professional and successful outfit, and Aiton’s acquisition fits this mould. Having most recently worked alongside Justin Holbrook in the PNG Kumuls dominant Pacific Bowl Championship series, Aiton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Hunters Head Coach role. A former Kumul captain himself and a veteran of 250 first-grade games between the NRL and UK Super League, Aiton is perfectly positioned to guide an exciting group of young Hunters players into the future. SP PNG Hunters Chairman Stan Joyce said he is “excited to see one of PNG’s finest Rugby League products take the helm at the Hunters and help more of our young Papua New Guinean young men to develop and realise their dreams to play overseas.” Preparations for the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup season have already begun and Aiton will oversee an extended squad of 40 players in the opening stages of the preseason. The final SP PNG Hunters 2024 playing squad will be chosen from this group. The club would like to congratulate the following players on their selection in the extended squad: FULLTIME CONTRACTS: Morea MOREA Solo WANE Brendon NIMA Siki KONDEN Joshua LAU Jamie MAVOKO Judah RIMBU Epel KAPINIAS Benji KOT Sherwin TANABI Sanny WABO Seal KALO Tommy MOIDE Trevor SOLU Sakias KOMATI Whallan TAU-LOI Junior IGILA Joshua MIRE Junior ROP Ila ALU TRAIN & TRIAL CONTRACTS DOUZEN HOYATO DOUGLAS PIRIKA ELIJAH ROLTINGA CLENT LAMA KEVIN YAKO ZACHARIAH SELU GARRY JAMES FINLAY GLARE LIMBI HENRY JUNIOR TALIN ATUA JOSHUA ALEX MAX JORDAN PAT ANTHONY WOROT NORMAN AKUNAI CHRIS URAKUSIE WENDLE KIPSY ISHMAEL WAINE ROBERT MATHIAS TRIALLING JERRY JOE BRENDAN TURI MANASH KAI WEIAYH KOI

Phases 2 and 3 of the jointly managed “Women Directors Program for 2023” saw a total of 19 female directors successfully complete the program which saw the Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director, Professor David Kavanamur and the New Zealand High Commissioner, Peter Zwart certify the 19 women. The training is an initiative of KCH and its vision on promoting women on SOE boards in the country. At present there are 20% women representation on SOE boards. The Women Directorship Program is aimed at achieving 30% female representation on SOE boards by the end of December 2025. Women participants with diverse professional backgrounds, completed the first phase of the training delivered earlier this year in partnership with ADB. The New Zealand Government through MFAT funded the second and third phases and facilitated by New Zealand Institute of Directors. During the presentation, Professor Kavanamur congratulated the participants who now represent the second batch of participants to have completed the Women Directors’ Program since the inception of the program in 2021. Professor Kavanamur said this program was a commitment by Kumul Consolidated Holdings to foster good leadership within its SOEs with a particular focus on female representation to cater to existing, new, and potential Board directors for these enterprises. “The training creates a platform for learning and growth for these potential female SOE directors." "In just two years we have graduated 34 women in total." "We look forward to continuing our partnership with MFAT for future director programs,” Professor Kavanamur said. He also added that KCH anticipated future partnerships with MFAT to increase additional cohorts of women directors to undergo training on broader governance and leadership programs.

Air Niugini will receive much needed assistance to develop human capital from Airbus, through its learning subsidiary, Airbus Beyond after finalizing its commitment. The move signifies a pivotal step towards advancing the airline's workforce capabilities and aims to equip Air Niugini’s middle management with the expertise required for the next phase of its development. This comes following the recent order by the airline for a new A220 fleet. Over the next three years, Airbus Beyond will deliver specialised training courses at Airbus’ Campus in Singapore. The programmes are designed to nurture future talents in crucial areas such as airline operations, planning and sustainability, ensuring Air Niugini will have a skilled and agile workforce capable of navigating the evolving landscape of the global aviation sector. “Airbus Beyond is proud to be a part of this journey and to provide crucial support to the airline's growth," said Adam McGonigal, CEO of Airbus Beyond. Under its fleet modernisation plan, Air Niugini had placed a firm order for six A220-100 aircraft. Additionally, the airline will acquire three A220-300s and two more A220-100s from third-party lessors.

All thanks to the efforst of youths in the Urban Youth Employment Project II, the memorial Sana Peace Park in Port Moresby is taking shape. Landscaping and other minor works is currently being carried out by youths in Intake Four as part of skills training under the supervision of Project contractor Phoenix Builders Limited. Intake Four from the Port Moresby Northwest (MNW) electorate are working to construct an 850-meter footpath including 1.249 kilometre of perimeter fencing. With strong emphasis from the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop for a citywide approach to development, the contribution by the youths, although as part of skills training, is adding value to the overall expansion efforts in the city. City Manager Ravu Frank, having spent more than 20 years with the Commission prior to taking the top job on 8 July 2022, takes pride in the city’s progressive development over the years. “The major infrastructure projects that I have been involved with and taken leadership of, have greatly impacted the appearance of the city and are testimony to the high commitment I have always had to provide the best in service to the city and its residents.” Mr Frank added mention of development since 2011 where all the major capital road projects were constructed, notably the four-lane highways and arterial roads, the first ever fly over in the country, Ela Beach and the grand stadiums and sporting venues in the city. He vowed to continue to give his best for the betterment of the city in his four-year tenure. The works at the memorial and recreational park at Waigani initially began in September by trainees in Intake Three that involved the supply and installation of 227m of perimeter fencing and the construction of 1.7km footpath. UYEP II is an initiative of the Government (GoPNG) which aims to improve the capacity of participating young men and women in Project areas, to engage in productive income generating activities. The Project will be extended to include Lae in Morobe Province.

Papua New Guinea has announced its flag bears for Team PNG with tennis ace, Mathew Stubbings and champion woman footballer, Ramona Padio to lead Team PNG to the XVII Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands this month. The duo will lead the team into the National Stadium on 19th November during the Opening Ceremony of the Games. This was announced during the Team PNG farewell ceremony on Friday 10th in Port Moresby by the PNG Olympic Committee. President of the PNG Olympic Committee Sir John Dawanincura said, they are blessed to have such a wide diverse set of athletes, ranging in experience from those seasoned Games veterans to the new and next generation’s Team PNG athletes. He said, “Being the Team PNG Flag Bearer is a unique responsibility that places you in an elite and distinguished class with those who elegantly carried the flag and its responsibilities before you." Stubbings has attended two Pacific Games and one Commonwealth Youth Games. He represented Papua New Guinea well at these Games winning a Silver Medal in the Mixed Doubles at the 2015 Pacific Games at the age of 15. Stubbings also won a Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Youth\ Games in the Mixed Doubles the same year. Two years later in 2017, Stubbings won a Silver Medal in the Men’s Singles at the Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila, Vanuatu. At the XVI Pacific Games in Samoa in 2019, at the Pacific Games, Stubbings won Silver in both the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The 2022 Pacific Mini Games was another successful endeavour for Stubbings and his most recent. He won a Silver Medal in the Men’s Singles and Gold Medal in the Mixed Doubles. Stubbings is ranked number one in the National Senior Ranking and number two in the Pacific Oceania Senior Ranking this year. He is poised yet again to bring PNG more medals at the 2023 Pacific Games, and now, he also has the honour to be one of the Flag Bearers for Team PNG. Padio on the other hand was one of the members of the Gold Medal winning women’s football team at the 2015 and 2019 Pacific Games. The PNG women’s football team has won a Gold Medal in the last five consecutive Pacific Games starting with the 2003 Pacific Games in Suva, Fiji. It will be a great feat if they can go one more this year and make it six consecutive Pacific Games Gold Medals in Women’s Football. Padio has been part of the National Women’s Football team for many years, and also represented PNG in the 2018 and 2022 OFC Women’s Championship in New Caledonia and Fiji, the 2016 Olympic Qualifiers, the 2016 and 2023 World Cup qualifiers, 2017 Under 19 OFC Championship, and the 2023 Club championship. Padio is also credited with having great leadership qualities and is currently the Co-Captain for the Women’s National Team, and at Club level plays in the Women’s National Soccer League with the Hekari United Football Club. Padio who was excited to be given the honour said: “Thank you for the opportunity and we are going to bring back the 6th Gold medal” to a roar of approval from the rest of Team PNG." 2019 Flag Bearer, Abigail Tere-Apisah was present at the farewell ceremony to pass on the flag which was then presented by PNG Prime Minister, James Marape to the two champions. Sir John said, “I am looking forward to watching you lead our Team PNG contingent out during the Opening Ceremony in Honiara, and then onwards into the Games." “God Speed Team PNG!"

Driving transparency, accountability and transformation within the Papua New Guinea Law Society is the aim of the newly elected President of the Papua New Guinea Law Society (PNGLS). The new President of the Law Society Hubert Hanjause Namani said he is committed to drive reforms to bring about transformation, transparency and accountability within the Law Society as he had full confidence in the capabilities of the diverse Council members who were elected alongside him. “It is my vision to align the Law Society with the best practices observed within the Commonwealth and the wider region." "Transparency and accountability will be at the core of our operations - ensuring that the interests of the public and lawyers are safe guarded.” “We will strive to create an inclusive, ethical and supportive environment for our members - promoting the highest standards of professional conduct." "To achieve our vision, I will lead and drive the implementation of comprehensive governance structures, provision of enhanced training opportunities, and active engagement with members to address concerns and issues affecting the legal community.” He said this commitment extends to fostering collaboration with stakeholders, including government bodies, organizations and fellow lawyers. Meanwhile, he thanked lawyers for participating in the 19th Council General Election of the PNG Law Society. “I am humbled by the trust that learned colleagues have placed on me by electing me as the President of the Nineteenth (19th) Council of Papua New Guinea Law Society,” he said. New Council members elected were Anthony Roden-Paru and Jonathan Holingu. Councillors re-elected were Tauvasa Tanuvasa, Christine Copland, Phillip Tabuchi, Eunice Parua, Emmanuel Asigau and Justin Toliman Wohuinangu.

Credit Guarantee Corporation Limited's (CGC) innovative Loan Referral Platform has been honoured with the prestigious Innovation Award, (Government Category) at the Innovation PNG Gala Awards Dinner, held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, on 09th November 2023. This recognition reaffirms CGC's commitment to revolutionizing the financial landscape in Papua New Guinea. The Innovation PNG Conference, a highly esteemed event in the region, serves as a platform for showcasing ground breaking ideas and innovations from various sectors. The judging panel led by a well-known author and futurist Dr. Jane Thomason awarded CGC the Award under the Government Award category following the announcement of the shortlists. Innovation Award is a testament to CGC's dedication to fostering financial inclusion and enhancing access to credit for MSMEs across Papua New Guinea. CGC's Loan Referral Platform is a game-changer in the financial sector, facilitating quick and efficient access to credit with a user-friendly interface. CGC plans to develop an advanced credit assessment algorithms soon which will further simplify the lending process, making it accessible to a wider audience. "We are immensely proud of this recognition from Innovation PNG and would like to thank the organisers, the judging panel led by Dr. Jane Thomason and the sponsors of this event" said CGC CEO Mr Dominic Sikakau. "This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team in developing an innovative solution that empowers MSMEs to achieve their financial goals." "I would also like to acknowledge GGGI who are our partners in this innovation." “The Loan Referral Platform is just one example of CGC's ongoing commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhances access to credit for MSMEs in Papua New Guinea.”

Puma Energy has not received any FX sufficient to purchase products which is restricting them to have the ability to import fuel into the country. Puma is not able to repay suppliers for fuel purchased on international markets over the past six weeks as it continues to urge commercial banks and the Bank of PNG (BPNG) to allocate foreign exchange. Puma Energy currently has nearly USD 70 million of outstanding FX orders with the Bank of Papua New Guinea, which has limited the company’s ability to sustainably manage long term fuel requirements. BPNG has not released sufficient USD to Puma Energy for its outstanding orders from October and commercial banks have not allocated available commercial FX flows to Puma. Hulala Tokome, Chairman and Managing Director of Puma Energy Papua New Guinea said ensuring fuel supply is vital to PNG. “We continue to urge the BPNG and banks to work together and allocate FX flows to fulfil Puma Energy’s orders." "We are working hard to ensure there is no impact of fuel supply this month and avoid the possibility of fuel rationing to preserve stocks for emergency services, hospitals and critical infrastructure, such as power generation.”