POSTS BY AUTHOR
Kerebi DAVID
S.O LEAGUE CREATING PATHWAYS FOR KIDS
What started as a dream for a former Rugby League Player, Mr. Stanley Olo is now growing from strength to strength and reaching more kids in the Nation's Capital, giving them a career path in Rugby League.
Mr. Olo, who was one of the rugby household names who had played for Mendi Muruks, Rabaul Gurias, Lae Snax Tigers, Hela Wigmen, is now runny a Rugby League Pathway Program for kids age 7 to 14 years old.
Olo even had bit of fair chance running balls in Natingiah Matevera Sea Eagles club in Cook Island back in 2019.
After retiring from Rugby League, Mr. Olo started this program last year 2024 and it has gain momentum in less than a year.
Olo who came from a humble background growing up in 2mile, YWCA settlement said that he knows how much young kids love rugby league, but to get proper training is another thing.
Olo said there is a big gap in rugby league in terms of development in the country, thus he is now trying to fill in this gap by starting the S.O League Agency and Academy Program.
The S.O League Agency and Academy Program is a development pathway program for all kids, especially the under privileged kids who grew up in settlements and love rugby league, to get into this program and start their career.
“Most kids in settlements come from broken homes, most are street kids, but when you talk about rugby league, they smile because they love it and are crazy about rugby league,” said Mr. Ollo.
“This program has the under- 10 category, under- 13 category and the under- 14 category for both boys and girls, and right now, we have about 116 teams in this league.”
Olo also mentioned that the S.O League has now affiliated to PNG Rugby Football League, aiming to development skills and talents as young as 7 years old.
He started the league with 38 teams in Moresby South last year but got interest from all 3 districts in the Nation's Capital and today about 116 teams in total from Moresby South, North- East and North-West, are all taking part in the league.
“Right now, our competitions are happening at Unagi oval every weekend and Hohola Suk Suk Park, but we reserve competition in Moresby South due to security reasons but teams from Moresby South are participating in the two suburbs."
"Mr. Olo highlighted pathways programs, stating that after Under 14, selections are made for players to go on join the PNGNRL Bid selection side, and then they continue to Under 17 and Under 19 in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition and then further in the Digicel competition and so on.”
“This is an academic program for rugby league and is totally different from the School Boys Rugby League program because for this program underprivilege kids who are not in school can play.”
“This is where we create and grow talents from as young as 7 years old, so unfortunate kids can have a future, a career in life in rugby league.”
Published on April 17, 2025
PNG BOXING NEEDS MORE PROMOTERS
For the sport of boxing in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to excel, there is need for more promotion of the sport to take place.
This was highlighted by PNG Boxing Rep Junior Kauka Raka when stressing that PNG Boxing needs more promoters to come on board and sponsor fighters in tournaments.
Mr. Raka said that there are two main boxing categories in the country, the Armature and the Professional Boxing and currently there is only one Promoter, Oceania Fight Promoters, which was founded by Late Ben Micah.
“Oceania Fight Promoters has been the sole promoter for fighters in the country, which has been promoting and sponsoring fighters, however, we need more promoters in order for the sports to grow to new heights.”
“PNG Professional Boxing Control Board Chairman Mr. Bernard Foam has been in the front line pushing professional boxing and seeking promoters to come on board and we are hopeful that one day we can have more promoters coming onboard.”
Raka said big countries like Australia and Asian countries invest more in boxing because they see big money in boxing.
He said professional fighters enter the arena of World Titles such as Heavyweight: WBA, Bridger weight: WBA, Light heavyweight, Super middleweight, Middleweight, Super welterweight and other world titles.
"That is where the big money is, and if we have promoters that promote fighters who do better in the national tournaments and then later in the international stage, we will be looking at over thousands and even hundreds of thousand of kina.”
Mr. Raka explained that for men the competition is a bit hard as they would have to go through many stages and challenges to come out as the best fighters, however, it is not the same for the female category.
“Because there are not many women fighters, there are not many fights or steps to go through, once they turn pro and fight in 1 or 2 international fights and do better, they can become world champions and that is a good career path and financial stability for women in boxing.”
With almost 20 boxing clubs in the Nation's Capital and other boxing clubs around the country, the need for promoters to come on board is very big.
“Having Promoters can mean we can scout more talents, who are recognized and have at least some financial supports to help them in their boxing journey as well as having a stable life outside or the arena too.”
There are pathways and discipline involved in boxing, thus more kids, youths and girls are urged to take up boxing, to stay sharp, healthy and focus on life.
Published on April 14, 2025
PNG & BOUGAINVILLE GOVTS CONTINUE CONSULTATIONS THIS WEEK
A second round of formal consultations between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, was held recently from 7 to 10 April 2025 in Port Moresby.
The second of consultation forms part of a scheduled series of four consultations taking place between March and June 2025.
Bougainville Independent Moderator, Sir Jerry Mateparae stated that it the second consultation was built upon the outcomes of the first meeting, during which Prime Minister James Marape and President Ishmael Toroama presented their respective visions for Bougainville’s political future.
“The primary focus of this round was to identify and agree upon key issues requiring resolution to advance toward a mutually acceptable political settlement.”
“Discussions centered around four thematic pillars: Political, Institutional, Economic, and Parliamentary matters.”
Sir Mateparae highlighted that within these pillars, the parties engaged in constructive dialogue on a range of critical topics, including consultation processes, the nature of the future relationship, transitional timing, institutional preparedness, fiscal arrangements, political economy, constitutional considerations, parliamentary processes and awareness.
Both Prime Minister Marape (joined by Minister Makiba) and President Toroama (joined by Minister Masatt) reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the path of peaceful dialogue.
These leaders acknowledged the importance of sustained engagement and mutual respect in navigating this historic process.
“The next consultation is scheduled to take place at Burnham, New Zealand — a location of historical significance, having hosted key negotiations in 1997 that led to the Bougainville Peace Agreement which was signed in 2001.”
“I commend both parties for their continued dedication to peaceful dialogue, and I remain honored to support their efforts toward a lasting and meaningful resolution,” said Sir Mateparae.
Published on April 11, 2025
NEW IRELAND ACTING GOVERNOR DISAPPOINTED WITH SCHNAUBELT'S ACTIONS
Following an illegal session of Assembly conducted by the Namatanai MP, Walter Schnaubelt, the Acting Governor for New Ireland province, Sammy Missen has come out and stated that he disagrees with Mr. Schnaubelt’s actions as he did not follow proper processes.
Acting Governor Missen stated that the New Ireland Provincial Government under his leadership still intact despite the Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt illegally instructing the Assembly clerk Ao Ure to conduct an illegal session of Assembly for his own convenience to be elected Governor on Friday 28th March.
Leader of Government business Edwin Maingen said the Assembly sitting was illegal because under the Organic law on Provincial & Local Level Governments and standing orders of the Assembly, stated clearly that every meeting of the Assembly, the Chairman has the power to convene any meetings.
“When there is a vacancy in the office of the Governor as per section 14 (3) (d), the Deputy Governor shall perform the functions and responsibilities of the Governor as Chairman of the Provincial Assembly.”
“So, my question is, who chaired the illegal meeting?”
He said the office of the Deputy Governor is a constitutional office as captured under section 18 (1) and he has never vacated, been dismissed or resigned from office as per section 18 (a) (b) (c) of the law.
Acting Governor Missen said it was obvious the MP for Namatanai wants to become the next Governor of New Ireland unopposed, but the Provincial Assembly is a constitutional entity and guarded by its own jurisdictions and standing orders separate to the National Parliament and must be respected as a house of the people.
He said Schnaubelt’s behaviour was similar to a tyrant and dictator and questioned why he was in a hurry to become Governor without being elected through a legal sitting of the Assembly.
“No one is stopping Schnaubelt from becoming Governor, but due process must be followed. And the bulldozing into the Assembly Chambers without my presence as the Chairman of the Assembly is deemed illegal,” said Missen.
He also said the letter by the Minister for Provincial & Local Level Government affairs Soroi Eoe did not give them the legal right to convene the Assembly sitting forthwith without him being the legal authority of the house being present to preside the meeting.
A Gorgor was placed outside the New Ireland Legislative Assembly gates after the illegal sitting. Maimai Stanley Peni acting on behalf of the Provincial Government, said the sitting was illegal and any disputes must be settled in court.
The acting Governor has also called for New Irelanders to remain calm and for the Police force to maintain neutrality while the Provincial Government deals with the courts.
Published on April 11, 2025
IOM EXPANDS EARLY WARNING FOR ALL SYSTEMS TO STRENGTHEN DISASTER RESILIENCE
With so much effect from the climate change happening in the Pacific region, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up early warning systems in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu to enhance national and community resilience against disaster risks.
This initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, aligns with the United Nations Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) strategy and regional commitments to disaster preparedness.
In early March, the Government of Japan allocated US$ 55 million to support a wide range of operations to be implemented by IOM in 2025, in line with IOM’s Global Appeal.
The funding will enable IOM to help migrants, displaced persons, returnees, and communities affected by crises, conflict, and disaster in 33 countries.
The Pacific region is highly vulnerable to climate-related and geohazard disasters, with existing gaps in early warning coverage and accessibility.
Through the initiative, IOM will enhance the capacity of 24 Emergency Operation Centres, improve localized telecommunication linkages, and support 15 communities with scalable early warning packages.
Additionally, national mapping exercises and regional exchanges between Fiji, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu will strengthen best practices and enhance disaster response coordination.
"Ensuring that at-risk communities receive timely and actionable early warnings is critical to saving lives and reducing disaster-induced displacement,” said IOM Chief of Mission/ Sub-Regional Coordinator Solomon Kantha.
“The projects in Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu will see IOM working closely with their local counterparts and government agencies and identify and prioritize assistance to vulnerable communities.”
The EW4All initiative is a testament to the long-standing partnership between IOM and the Government of Japan and the collective effort to assist the broader pacific region.
Published on April 8, 2025
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING BANKING FORUM SUCCESSFULLY HELD
Following a productive Anti-Money Laundering Banking Forum that was held recently, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) and Kina Bank are reaffirming their commitment to tackling corruption and money laundering in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Mr. Daniel Baulch, Deputy Commissioner of Operations at ICAC, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, ICAC is fully aware of the destructive impact that corruption has on our country, and that corruption diverts crucial public funds that could otherwise support vital services, damage the business environment, and erodes public trust.
“Money laundering, as a direct consequence of corruption, continues to be a major challenge for Papua New Guinea.”
“Through the forum, we are strengthening our collaboration with the banking sector to identify and confront this issue head-on.”
Baulch highlighted that ICAC, in partnership with the banking sector, is taking significant steps toward improving the country’s effectiveness in tackling money laundering.
“The financial sector plays a crucial role in investigating corruption and preventing money laundering, thus by working together, we can gain access to critical financial documents, banking records, and other data that enable us to carry out investigations and bring perpetrators to justice.”
The recent forum was attended by senior representatives from most major banks in the country, including the Kina Bank CEO and Chief Risk Officer.
It focused on the role the banking sector plays in both facilitating and combating money laundering initiatives.
The discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by financial institutions and offered an opportunity to further encourage their compliance with anti-money laundering protocols and their support for ICAC's investigative efforts.
Kina Bank valued the opportunity to participate in the recent ICAC Banking Sector Forum and commend the ongoing efforts on transparency and integrity in the financial sector.
Kina Bank's involvement highlights its commitment to support the strengthening of governance that will help create a stable and secure economic environment in PNG. Kina Bank continues to collaborate with ICAC and remains committed to sustaining PNG’s financial hub.
The forum also addressed Papua New Guinea’s ranking on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which scored Papua New Guinea 31 out of 100.
Ms. Arianne Kassman, CEO of TIPNG, noted, that the CPI and the recent Financial Action Task Force (FATF) assessment show that we are not making enough progress in the fight against corruption.
“While we have laws and policies in place, what is lacking is the proper enforcement and implementation of these measures. It is imperative that we all take meaningful action to address corruption.”
Kassman emphasised the need for a collective effort between civil society, the private sector, and the government to combat corruption more effectively.
“Today, we offered the banking sector insights into how civil society can be an active partner in this work, and it is crucial that we are part of these conversations, not only to understand the complexities of the issue but to also communicate the importance of tackling corruption to the public, who are the most affected.”
Both ICAC and TIPNG are committed to advancing a systemic, whole-of-country approach to combating money laundering and corruption.
Meanwhile, Baulch stressed, “We must be serious and united in this effort. Corruption is systemic, and money laundering is also systemic, if we don’t work together, we will continue to face significant challenges now and in the future.”
The organizations look forward to continuing their dialogue with the banking sector and other stakeholders to make meaningful progress in combating corruption and money laundering in Papua New Guinea.
Published on April 8, 2025
PNG LNG PLANT COMMUNITIES RECEIVES EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURES
Four schools in the vicinity of the PNG LNG Plant site in the Central province recently received new educational infrastructures thanks to the operator of the PNG LNG, ExxonMobil PNG Limited.
In a gesture to show and strengthen the long-standing commitment to education in Papua New Guinea (PNG), ExxonMobil PNG Limited handed over seven newly built educational infrastructure projects valued at almost K2 million to the communities of Lealea, Papa, Boera and Porebada.
Lealea and Boera Primary schools together with Papa Junior High School each received a double story classroom while Porebada Primary School got a double story duplex classroom.
In addition to the classrooms, Lealea Primary School and Papa Junior High School each got a new staff house, while Porebada Primary School got keys to a brand-new administration building.
“At ExxonMobil, we believe that education drives social and economic development and improves living standards, which is why it has been a long-standing community investment focus area for us,” said Dinesh Sivasamboo, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG Limited.
“A well-structured learning environment, infused with the right resources and a positive atmosphere, can be transformative for both students and staff.”
“Infrastructure investments like these clearly demonstrate our partnership with, and ongoing commitment to – PNG and its people,” Sivasamboo said.
In acknowledging the support from ExxonMobil PNG, Mr. Taumaku Baru, Board of Management Chairman of Porebada Primary School, encouraged the community to look after the newly built infrastructure.
“I thank ExxonMobil PNG for their continuous support to our schools and community, for now the challenge comes back to teachers, students and parents on how well we can look after these facilities for the future,” he said.
ExxonMobil PNG’s ongoing investment in education across schools neighbouring the PNG LNG Plant site has also included first aid units, educational programs and computer donations.
Since LNG production commenced in 2014, ExxonMobil PNG has invested more than K18 million in educational initiatives across its project areas ranging from refurbishing and building new school facilities and teacher’s houses, WASH amenities, secure fencing, distribution of SBC textbooks and teacher training materials, stationery support, uniforms and sports equipment.
Published on April 4, 2025
MOBIL OIL NEW GUINEA COMMISSIONS NEW FACILITY IN LAE
Access to fuel supply for Morobe Province, Madang Province and the Highlands Region is now being made easier by Mobil Oil New Guinea, who is a subsidiary of the ExxonMobil Corporation.
Mobil Oil New Guinea recently commissioned a bottom loading facility at its Lae Terminal to further enhance fuel supply for its customers in Papua New Guinea as part of its ongoing K40 million investment project program.
This initiative, which is now fully operational, once again highlights Mobil Oil New Guinea’s commitment to reliably provide quality fuel to support the growing demands of customers in Lae city, the Highlands Region and Madang Province.
It follows a recent major tank investment to expand fuel supply at its Idubada Terminal in Port Moresby in 2024.
The Lae Terminal upgrade included the installation of a bottom-loading facility to complement the existing top-loading rack. Together, this combination speeds the loading process and shortens delivery times from the Lae Terminal to its customers.
Mr. Dinesh Sivasamboo, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG Limited highlighted that this upgrade significantly reduces truck loading times, allowing more trucks to be loaded each day at the facility.
“Our customers reap the benefit of enhanced availability of our high-quality fuel,” Mr. Sivasamboo said.
He further added that throughout its long history in PNG, Mobil has always been committed to implementing initiatives that will better serve their customers.
“At our core, we are a PNG company with ExxonMobil’s unmatched global expertise and capabilities, and we continue to look for ways to strengthen and grow our business – and fuel stability – for Papua New Guinea.”
For more than a century, Mobil Oil New Guinea – through its network of terminals, branded retail service stations and wholesale customers - has been committed to the country and its people and stands ready to continue to be the country’s most trusted and reliable supplier in the decades to come.
Published on April 2, 2025
PNG HEADS OF MISSION SIGN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
The official signing of the employment contracts for the heads of Mission was done today at the Government house at Konedobu.
His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, today, officiated the signing of employment contract for heads of missions that will represent Papua New Guinea abroad.
The heads of missions are Mr. Joseph Varo, as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium with concurrent accreditation to Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Mr. Varo will serve as Ambassador for a period of four (4) years.
Mr. Henry Mokono, was contracted as Ambassador to the State of Israel for a period of four years, followed by Ms. Helen Aitsi as Ambassador to South Korea, for a period of four (4) years and Dr. Thaddeus Kambanei, as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, for a period of four (4) years.
The appointments of the Papua New Guinea heads of missions by the National Executive Council has been gazetted in the National Gazette.
Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs Mr. Elias Wohengu witnessed the signing of employment contracts at Government House this morning.
Published on March 31, 2025
NCD BOXING TO HOST BIWEEKLY TOURNAMENTS
The NCD Boxing Association has grown from strength to strength over the past few years with about 17 boxing clubs established in the nation's capital, Port Moresby city.
Despite having been around for some time, the association started hosting tournaments just a few years back in 2023.
NCD Boxing Association Tournament Director Mr. Kauka Raka Jnr highlighted over the years boxing clubs have been only giving training sessions only, thus most fighters have lost interest, so it is important to run small tournaments locally, so it gives the fighters some sense of pride and dignity when they win and get a trophy. Plus, it gives them exposure to more times inside the ring.
“There is a need for tournaments so that our fighters will have more experience in the ring, thus more experience can make them better prepared for bigger fights when opportunity arises.”
Mr. Raka added that this year the NCD Boxing Association has started a biweekly tournament every Sundays at the Street Kids Boxing Gym at Koki and all Boxing clubs in NCD are urged to participate in this tournament.
“Registration is K250, for all member clubs to register to the association plus a submission of all new boxers’ names especially the beginners are required.”
“Biweekly is every government fortnight Sundays, so all clubs must come prepared for 30 bouts each Sunday tournament.”
Mr. Raka highlighted that from the 30 bouts, 10 is for the beginners (Cadet division), 10 bouts for the Junior boxers and the other 10 bouts are for the experience or senior fighters.
Raka also explained that within the Boxing Sports there are five (5) different stages by which each student will have to go through to earn their spot and are placed in their age categories; however, with exposure to ring experience, a junior boxer can take on someone older.
The Cadets category is from the age 9-12 who are the beginners, then the Jnrs category, which is for kids aged 13-15, youth’s category 15-17, Knowbies category 17-19 and the Elites category from 19 and over or anyone who has 15- 20 years fight experience in the boxing ring.
“Despite age difference a younger fighter with more ring experience can take on an older fighter because it is about the number or ring experience that give one fighter confidence, energy and a mindset to take on any fights.”
“We want all our fighters to have this ring experience here so that they can be prepared to take on other fights nationally and internationally whenever tournament and opportunity arises.”
However, the only set back NCD Boxing Association is facing at this time is sponsorship to train, develop and run tournaments.
“Right now, all this is more or less volunteer work where we put our mind and heart to help the young ones find a purpose in life and we need financial assistance and we could definitely use some backings from corporate or stakeholders who are willing to support NCD Kickboxing Association,” Raka said.
Published on March 26, 2025
NSO CLARIFIES BURNING OF CENSUS MATERIALS
With recent social media outburst regarding the burning down of a warehouse operated by Post PNG that contained Census Material, the National Statistical Office (NSO) wishes to clarify and correct this misinformation.
NSO clarifies that they have a binding Storage & Logistics Services Agreement with Post PNG, who has been a major partner in providing storage and logistics services since it was contracted by NSO to provide storage and logistics services since 2019.
With having a Storage & Logistics Services Agreement, Post PNG has the prerogative to supply NSO with the above services in its entirety at a location deemed necessary for use and management.
The old warehouse at the former PNG Ports Wharf was dismantled because of the redevelopment exercise there.
Post PNG arranged for NSO cargoes to be moved to another location.
The new location was at Konedobu, Section 36, Lot 3, Lawes Road, it was that storage facility that got burnt next to Desh Besh Supermarket where both NSO and Desh Besh share the same gate, Bay 1.
NSO stated that the destroyed census materials were procured in 2021 through NPC Tender (APC Registration No.: 01/2021, 02/2021 and 03/2021) worth K14.1m and a further K800,000 worth of materials were from censuses and surveys that were conducted by NSO including furniture and equipment from the previous office located along the Kumul Avenue, Waigani.
NSO lost the following items worth almost K15m.
A) 2021 Census Printed Documents – over 60 different types of documents
B) 2021 Census Stationery – over 17 different types of stationery
C) 2021 Field Gears – over 6 different types of field gears
D) Census Accounts Files (2019-2022) including 2x containers
E) Office Furniture & Equipment
The Census tablets and accessories were yet to be procured when the incident occurred.
NSO clarifies that the tablets that were used in this Census arrived in the country in June 2024, a few weeks before the enumeration started in July 2024.
Furthermore, the tablets were procured as soon as funds became available in March 2024 after the ‘Black Wednesday’ mayhem.
The 22,000 tablets were stored in our forward bases at Hohola and Waigani and distributed to all 22 provinces from there.
On the 19th of January 2024 after the incident, Post PNG wrote to the NSO informing us of the destruction and damages caused by opportunists.
Through their contractual obligation, Post PNG took proactive steps in informing the Police (OB No.: 55/24) and the State of Emergency Controller on the same whilst deeply regretting the incident that took place.
Those assumptive and glory seeking keyboard warriors must visit Bay 1 at Konedobu, Section 36, Lot 3, Lawes Road and confirm their assertions.
NSO wants to clarify to the public that NSO has lost almost everything which was procured in 2021/2022 and stored for the conduct of the deferred 2024 National Population Census.
Those procured items were not used because of the 2022 NGE and the Covid 19 Pandemic that made the NSO defer the Census to 2024.
NSO conducted the 2024 Census using tablets and census materials that were procured after March when Census funds were released in March 2024.
Thus, stating it is clear that this census was the most challenging and had the shortest preparatory phase ever for such a major and resource intensive exercise in the country.
Published on March 22, 2025
THE NFA LAUNCHES FARIS
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has successfully launched its groundbreaking Fisheries Automated Resources Information System (FARIS), a comprehensive Single Window Software Solution designed to revolutionize fisheries management in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The National Fisheries is proud of this significant achievement that emanated from the MTDP IV (2023 – 2027) in strategic priority area 8 on Government’s policy directive to become a digital Government, and more so aligning with the Digital Government Act of 2022, paving the way for government to use information and communication technologies.
This new technology is aimed to enhance accessibility, reliability, and affordability of government digital services and ICT offerings for the citizens of PNG.
The NFA Managing Director, Mr. Justin Ilakini, emphasized that the launch is a vital step in the Government's digital transformation strategy, connecting existing digital infrastructure with other government services to create a cohesive one-stop solution for citizens. In its totality, the FARIS solution consists of a suite of integrated modules, enabling NFA to manage fisheries, licensing controls, compliance, and accountability effectively.
FARIS aims to:
Streamline NFA internal processes.
Increase productivity.
Reduce duplication of NFA databases.
Display near real-time financial transactions and analytics.
Consolidate fisheries management with all information in a single platform.
Monitor small craft and artisanal fishers effectively.
Facilitate near real-time financial transactions and vessel monitoring with automated reporting and compliance tracking.
Provide a secure and user-friendly interface.
Enable control of NFA ICT systems within PNG computing facilities.
The initial launch of the Fisheries Automated Resources Information System (FARIS) was done recently in Brisbane and featured two critical modules.
Firstly, the Managing Director’s Financial Dashboard, providing near real-time insights into NFA's financial position through a direct data feed from the BSP Financial Group. This information will be accessible by the Managing Director at any time via laptop, PC, and mobile devices.
The second module is the New Era in Marine Observation small craft tracking solution. This module displays all current vessel positions from VMS data within the PNG EEZ and beyond including position and situational data from NFA supplied NEMO units, in near real time.
According to the critical timeline of the FARIS software rollout, all other FARIS modules are scheduled to be operational by December 2025, and this is a significant milestone achievement in the space of the Government’s ICT transformation agenda, as the country celebrates it’s 50 years of Independence.
Regionally, FARIS will also provide a platform for the implementation of the East New Britain Initiative, moving the ENBi away from being aspirational in the vision of the Pacific Leader’s and now into a more practical sense, through offering a near real-time marketing and traceability platform for the marketing of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish.
This integration also adheres to international best practices, collaborating with platforms such as the Global Fishing Watch, Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability, and the UN Global Information Exchange System.
Going forward, the FARIS is a testament of the NFA’s commitment to ensuring it delivers on the Government’s policy directives and the expectations of its key stakeholders, especially the citizens of PNG who deserve to have a government that is responsive to service delivery and is fit for purpose.
"This system can be a model for sister government agencies and departments to emulate and customize for their purposes in service delivery to our citizens," said Mr. Ilakini.
Furthermore, FARIS can also provide bilateral partners and regional organizations within the region an alternative in terms of digitalizing and streamlining business processes within their relevant organizational operations.
The Managing Director when launching the FARIS, said, “Today marks a historic moment for the fisheries sector in Papua New Guinea, a vision we started 18-months ago to ensure NFA has a system in place that allows for data to be seamlessly obtained at our fingertips. I am proud because this system is home-grown and built by us, for us.”
Published on March 21, 2025