Katrina ANGELI

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed a new partnership with the PNG Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) in a collaborative effort to combat workplace harassment and gender-based violence (GBV). The initiative aims to introduce stronger policies, advocacy programmes, and legal frameworks to protect women and girls in the workforce and beyond. At a high-level meeting, PNGTUC General Secretary, Clemence Kanau highlighted the critical role of trade unions in addressing GBV and workplace harassment, stating that this issue has never been formally tackled in employment contracts before. “GBV is a serious problem. As unions, we have fought for workers’ rights for many years, but this is one issue that has never been properly addressed in our workplaces.” “We want to collaborate with the Employers’ Federation and other stakeholders to develop a policy that will make workplace harassment a dismissible offence. This is something new, and we are committed to making it work.” Kanau further outlined PNGTUC’s nationwide approach, which includes advocacy in schools, workplaces, and rural communities to educate young boys and girls about the importance of respect, safeguarding women, and rejecting violence. “We must train boys and girls in classrooms, so they understand why violence is wrong and learn to protect their sisters and mothers.” “This will not only empower women but also create a generation of men who stand against violence.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape commended PNGTUC’s initiative and agreed that legal amendments may be necessary to incorporate anti-harassment and anti-violence clauses into employment contracts. “This is a powerful and necessary step, and we already have workplace policies that address harassment, but they are often confined to specific organizations. It’s time to expand these protections across all sectors and make them a national standard.” The Prime Minister reiterated that combating GBV is not just about workplace policies; it starts in the home. He noted that abusive behaviour, whether by men or women, must be addressed at its root cause to create a society where violence is unacceptable in every form. “Leadership starts in the home. If a person is found to be abusive; whether it’s a man towards a woman or vice versa, there must be consequences. We must change our national mindset.” On the other hand, Kanau also emphasized the importance of engaging international organizations, diplomatic missions, and development partners in this effort. PNGTUC plans to work closely with the United Nations, employers’ groups, and civil society organizations to ensure this initiative is well-resourced and effectively implemented. “Unions have been fighting for workers’ rights for years, but often governments do not listen to us,” Kanau said. “However, because of our democratic foundation, unions remain a critical voice in society. This collaboration is our first major step towards institutionalizing protections against workplace harassment and GBV.” PNGTUC’s strategy includes: - Developing curriculum-based advocacy programmes in schools to educate young people about gender equality and violence prevention. - Strengthening link with rural communities to ensure that anti-violence messages reach all Papua New Guineans, not just those in urban centres. - Incorporating GBV protections into labour laws and workplace policies to ensure victims are protected and offenders are held accountable. Additionally, as part of PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence commemorations, PM Marape emphasized that addressing GBV and workplace harassment must be a key part of the country’s long-term development goals. “This issue is not just about workplace policies; it is about creating a safer, more respectful society. As we reflect on our nation’s journey over the past fifty years, let us make a commitment to ensuring that our next fifty years are defined by equality, justice and respect for all.” The government, in collaboration with PNGTUC, will work towards legislative changes, workplace reforms and national awareness campaigns to ensure that violence and harassment in any form are no longer tolerated in Papua New Guinea.

The Kokopo City Authority (KCA) Chairman and Member for Kokopo District in East New Britain province, Mr. Ereman Tobaining Junior, has issued a challenge to the police department in East New Britain province to use assets and support given to them to improve the current law and order issues faced in the district and province. Speaking at a recent law and order press conference in Kokopo, Tobaining Jnr said that since resuming public office in 2022, the KCA has supported the police department with six vehicles and accommodation. While commending the police department for the festive operation which saw a reduction in lawlessness, Tobaining Jnr bluntly told the Assistant Commissioner of Police for New Guinea Islands the public concerns over the lack of arrest by police in many of the reported cases in the district. “We spent around K2.7 million in assistance towards the police department. The problem is that no arrests have been made on criminals.” “We can build infrastructures but when there is lawlessness, then it is a waste of resources when facilities like schools get burnt down.” Tobaining Jnr also raised concerns on the misuse and abuse of donated assets to the police department, and the actions of some suspected rouge officers working with criminals, tipping them off about movements by the police force, saying this is not helping to address the escalating law and order issues in the province. The district has been riddled with community fights and armed hold ups over the past few years and the member is concerned on the lack of progress on most of the reported cases. “We need to put in an Operations order and get those suspects arrested. The KCA has financed past Operations already and thus, need the support of the police department to address the continuous lawlessness in the communities.” The member further called on the provincial and station commanders to tighten up their belts to provide leadership for their officers. Meanwhile, Tobaining Jnr said that KCA will also use the KCA Act to put up measures to assist the provincial government in its strategies to address law and order issues in the province. Likewise, he called on parents and community leaders to take responsibility of youths and juveniles in their wards. “Law and order is not the responsibility of the government, but it starts from the family home.” He further stated that the KCA supports the initiatives and decisions by the Provincial Government and has allocated funding for programs targeting youths and communities. The KCA also has committed to assisting the Kerevat Correctional Services with K200, 000, awaiting the public accounts to be opened this month.

Nominations for the 2025 PNG Media Awards are now open only for the month of March. This means that mainstream media members of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea have this month to collect, decide on, and submit the work of their news personnel for a total of eighteen awards covering Journalism, Radio, Television, Print, Online, and an additional category of Special Awards. The 2025 PNG Media Awards is the return of this annual event to recognize and acknowledge the performance of media personnel over the past year. President of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea, Neville Choi says for these first return of the council’s awards event, nominations are restricted only to mainstream media houses. “Our 2025 PNG Media Awards are aimed at giving a sense of acknowledgement of the hard work that media personnel continue to do every day, while trying to ensure that professional media standards are maintained.” “There is a lot that the media has accomplished in the past year, despite extremely strong criticism from the public.” “The past year has also seen the review and establishing of the Media Council of PNG Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (2024), which is now the recognized standard of professional media in PNG.” “These annual awards are to acknowledge the work media personnel do to inform our citizens and hold our leaders to account while protecting our democracy.” The categories of Media Awards are as follows: JOURNALISM 1. Journalist of the Year 2. Best Investigation 3. Provincial Journalist of the Year 4. Outstanding Young Journalist 5. Sports Journalist of the year 6. Report of the Year RADIO 7. Best Radio Show 8. Radio Presenter of the Year TELEVISION 9. Best Programme/Show 10. TV Presenter of the Year PRINT 11. Best News Story 12. Best Photograph ONLINE 13. Best Website 14. Best Blog 15. Creative Media Award SPECIAL AWARDS 16. Media Personality of the Year 17. Diversity In Media Award 18. Outstanding Contribution to Media Award

The Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang has graduated more women than men over the years. These were the words from the President of Divine Word University, Professor Father Philip Gibbs who spoke during the 43rd Graduation today at the DWU campus in Madang town. In line with the International Women’s Day, Fr Gibbs stated that over the last twenty years, DWU has graduated over 24, 000 graduates in which 12, 193 are women and 11, 832 men and this he stated has surely made a difference in the country. “We strive to make gender equity and social inclusion a hallmark of our mission here at this university and it's amazing to see the ideals that young people have when they come here to DWU.” “It's a huge responsibility for us for the team here to foster and encourage those ideals so that they can become a reality and to have the space and the energy to exercise their God given talents.” A total of 761 graduates officially graduated today as family and friends travelled from across the country to witness this special occasion of their loved ones. Fr Gibbs stated that the university, through its graduates and alumni, plays an important role in nation building in the country and elsewhere. He said that it was the intention of the founding missionaries who wrote in the charter how the planning of the institution harmonized with national planning and how as a Christian institution, it should serve national objectives simultaneously with church purposes. Whilst speaking to the graduates, he made mention that not only did they gather to celebrate their achievements but to celebrate who they are as educated people with new skills and are now sending them out to be agents of change and integral development in the country and beyond. “Having to be educated in an institution moved by Christian values, it is my hope and belief that DWU through its alumni will promote the true spirit of the preamble to our constitution.” “So, in conclusion, my final word to you is this, may this day be a milestone for you in realizing your life’s purpose.”

Prime Minister James Marape was among others who paid tribute to the Late founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare yesterday. PM Marape attended two separate occasions in commemoration of the Late founding father and the country’s first Prime Minister; first at the Late Grand Chief’s gravesite at Kreer Heights in Wewak, East Sepik Province where he attended the Dawn Service and the second one at the Sir John Guise Indoor stadium in Port Moresby for the Memorial Service. This year marks the fourth year since the Grand Chief’s passing on the 26th of February 2021. PM Marape during his address at the gravesite, reflected on Sir Michael’s enduring legacy, describing him as the architect of Papua New Guinea’s independence and a statesman who upheld the values of unity, peace, and the rule of law. “I stand here deeply humbled, to pay tribute to the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.” “This site holds immense national significance, as it is the resting place of a leader who dedicated his life to shaping Papua New Guinea into a sovereign and independent nation.” In addition to this, PM Marape also attended the Memorial Service at the Sir John Guise Indoor stadium also shared similar sentiments on the immense contribution Sir Michael Somare gave towards this nation. “During his lifetime, he united this diverse nation and even in death, he still united this diverse nation.” “Somare’s legacy lives on, his sacrifice, his unwavering commitment towards PNG’s Independence and also his continuous service to our country.” “As the nation turns fifty years, I want to re-echo his character to us and urge today’s generation and those who come after us, whether in politics or public service, that leadership is not about ourselves but about others and Sir Michael portrayed those characters in which we must follow.” Furthermore, PM Marape also spoke on the importance of leadership and the family values that the Late Grand Chief himself portrayed during his life till his passing. “Even at a very old age, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare had a sense of duty to this country and participated in significant and national moments all the way until the end.” “During his final days, he remained a guiding force, reminding the people of Papua New Guinea of the values that define all people as a nation.”

Citizens from around Port Moresby gathered Wednesday evening at the Sir John Guise Indoor stadium to pay their respect in honour of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. The day marked the fourth death anniversary of the Late Grand Chief since his passing on the 26th of February 2021. Distinguished guests including the Prime Minister James Marape, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries also attended to witness this special occasion of the Memorial Service of the Late Grand Chief. The service began with an entrance walk from a group of NCD mothers accompanied by a police band. The service also comprised of different groups who also took part including the singing of the National Anthem led by students of Caritas Technical Secondary school as well as a choir group "Peroveta" from Keapara in the Central province who performed twice on the night. A special performance from the PNG Defense Force Platoon Band also took place along with four moving tribute documentaries in honour of the Late Grand Chief. Prime Minister James Marape who was present to witness this special service, spoke on the importance of leadership and family values that the Late Grand Chief always portrayed during his life till he passing. “Even at a very old age, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare had a sense of duty to this country and participated in significant and national moments all the way till the end.” PM Marape added that even in his final days, he remained a guiding force, reminding the people of Papua New Guinea of the values that define all people as a nation. Many took part in showing their respect not only in Port Moresby but throughout the country to celebrate the life of our great leader who united the people of PNG as one and to also celebrate his great contribution to the country’s history.

As the country marks the 4th Anniversary of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael, people from around the Capital city of Port Moresby braved the rains and weather to gather at the Sir John Guise Indoor stadium for the Memorial Service in honour of the Late Grand Chief. A number of distinguished members have also come to witness this significant event in honour of the Late Grand Chief. The program started with an entrance walk from a group of mothers from NCD in show of their respect and mourning to the Late founding father and father of this nation, late Sir Michael Thomas Somare. This was followed by a moving tribute documentary as the Prime Minister James Marape also joined the memorial to pay his respects.

Miss Bird of Paradise Papua New Guinea, May T Hasola, today paid her respect in honour of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as the country marks his 4th Anniversary since his passing on the 26th of February 2021. “As we pause to remember and honor the remarkable life of our Late Grand Chief on this Memorial Day, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary legacy he has left behind." "Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was more than just a leader, he was the heart and soul of our journey to independence and the guiding force that shaped the future of Papua New Guinea.” “His unwavering love for our people, his courage to stand firm for our freedom, and his deep belief in unity and nationhood are qualities that will forever remain in the fabric of who we are as a country.” “Today, as we remember him, we reflect on the path he paved-a path filled with hope, determination, and love for all of our diverse communities.” She said that the late Grand Chief’s dream for a stronger, united PNG is a vision the people must continue to honour every day. "It’s not just about remembering his contributions, but about living in a way that reflects his values; values of respect, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to the common good of all Papua New Guineans." “On this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to appreciate the immense impact our Late Founding Father had on our lives." "Let us honour him by working together to build a brighter future for our nation, one that he dreamed of, where every voice is heard, and every person is valued.” “Thank you, Sana, for everything you gave to us. Your spirit and vision will continue to inspire generations to come." "You will always be in our hearts.”

A total of 57 employees working with the Simberi Gold Company Limited (SGCL) recently celebrated their long service of ten to fifteen years with the company, with 39 locals and eighteen national staff. The awards were presented early this month, with 27 staff which included three females and 24 males being presented with certificates and a Lenovo ThinkPad Laptop each for their fifteen years of service to SGCL. The ten-year awardees who were six females and 24 males, received their long service certificates with customized company branded watches. The Simberi gold mine has been in production since 2008, with the current employment of 812 employees. The local employees make up 49% of the workforce, nationals 46%, and expatriates at 5%. SGCL’s Executive General Manager, Randy McMahon, congratulated and thanked the awardees for their commitment and dedication to the company over the past ten to fifteen years. “Your dedicated service has been a key contributor to our successes, and you have witnessed first-hand the evolution of our operations from the early days of infrastructure development to the progress we have made today.” ‘’As we move toward the Sulphide Project, we truly appreciate your contributions and need the experience that you all have, to guide new employees on working safely and bring your skills to new challenges.” “Your hard work and dedication are valued, and we encourage you to continue striving for excellence.’’ McMahon is now looking forward to continuing this journey with each of the employees in achieving greater milestones. In addition, a total of 65 employees were also recognised for their five years of service to the company this month. Despite being a small mine, SGCL continues to provide significant impact to the communities of Simberi Island and the Tabar Group of Islands in terms of providing employment opportunities and sustainable development through ongoing projects. Furthermore, SGCL is proud to have employees who are dedicated to the company’s values and commitments.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlighted some of the challenges of achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health for women, girls and young people in Papua New Guinea that was re-emphasized at the start of the new year. The infrastructural constraints, limited funding and insufficient human resources continue to have a significant impact on the access to quality sexual and reproductive health in the country. Despite this, the country office has had a busy few months during the tail-end of 2024 as they closed off the year, 2024. Together with UNFPA’s partners, they recently opened the refurbished Youth Center at the Family Health Association (FHA) in Lae, Morobe Province. Supported by World Vision Papua New Guinea, the launching of this center will provide young people with vital sexual and reproductive health services, counselling, and information. UNFPA extended their gratitude to PNG FHA and World Vision PNG, for making this initiative possible. In addition to this, UNFPA also hosted the Morobe Youth Parliament in Lae, where thirty young leaders participated in leadership and civic training. These efforts gathered further momentum at the 2024 National Youth Parliament in Port Moresby, which brought together sixty youths from across the country, empowering them to shape their communities and the nation’s future. In collaboration with the National Government, UNFPA handed over the 2024 State of the World Population Report to the Department of Monitoring and Planning. First Assistant Secretary Mr. Sanja Pepae, highlighted the report’s valuable recommendations for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in PNG. Another milestone was the official handover of a fully equipped ambulance to the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA), made possible by funding from the Australian Government. During the ceremony, Officer-in-Charge of the Enga PHA, Mr. Ben Nema, expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the ambulance’s vital role in delivering healthcare to remote areas of the province, including those affected by natural disasters. With the beginning of a new year, UNFPA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure the achievement of their three transformative results, towards ending preventable maternal death, ending the unmet need for family planning, and eliminating all forms of gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Contracts worth over K9 million for the upgrade and maintenance of two Agriculture Feeder Roads in East New Britain province (ENBP) were signed last Thursday at the National Procurement Commission (NPC) in Port Moresby. The agreements were formalized between NPC, the Cocoa Board of PNG through the PNG Commercialisation and Diversification (PACD) World Bank funded project and two contractors. The signing program was witnessed by the PACD Cocoa PMU Project Manager, Roland Kerina and Senior Engineer and Agriculture Feeder Road Component Coordinator, Raymond Paulias together with contractors’ representatives and NPC officers. According to Mr. Paulias, the two contracts signed includes the rehabilitations of the 3.18KM Vunapalading- Burit Feeder Road in inland Baining in the Gazelle District and the 4.0Km Kulungere Feeder Road in Sinivit in the Pomio District. He stated that the Vunapalading- Burit Feeder Road was awarded to COVEC PNG Ltd for a total of K4,101,405.28 and the Kulungere Feeder Road to Kokopo Plant Hire Ltd for a total of K4,964,336.34. “The existing feeder roads will be upgraded to all weather condition to ensure produce reaches the market.” “This will ease critical market access constrains for Cocoa growing communities in the respective areas.” Work will commence for both roads early next month in March and will have ten months to complete with completion expected by December of this year, 2025. Meanwhile, the Road Rehabilitation of the 5.8Km Tehobuin- Sipotavai Feeder Road in Tinputz of North Bougainville which was awarded in October of last year and under the PACD program, is progressing well and is expected to be completed by June of this year. These roads will benefit over 5, 000 cocoa farmers and will open doors for economic growth and connectivity between the different nearby communities as they are reporting an increase in cocoa production. With good road access, this will also bring in new and exciting opportunities to farmers in the area drawing attention for other services like schools, health or spin offs. Farmers in the two roads in ENBP, shared that in the past, they carried heavy loads and walked long distances following bush tracks crossing rivers to reach the nearest road junction to catch PMVs. A female cocoa farmer in Vunapalading in ENB, Rachel Micheal, also shared sentiments to her struggles of being a farmer. “We used to distribute our bags of cocoa dry beans into smaller bags and share the weight with our children and walk.” “We wake up early in the morning around 3 or 4 am and started walking.” “Now with better roads, our farmers can transport produce efficiently, children can attend school, and families can access health care.”

With few hours away, local music artists are now preparing to come together to perform in tonight’s Medical Appeal concert for well-known fellow music artist, Daniel Bilip. Bilip is currently battling a challenging medical condition that needs to undergo urgent medical treatments overseas. In response to his medical appeal, Willie Sarenga, also known as Parix, has come up with the initiative to host this medical appeal concert under the banner, ‘Musicians Unite in Concert.’ Parix is a local keyboardist in the PNG music industry who aims to help support Daniel in his journey to recovery. “After hearing the news of one of our brothers in the music industry, I then reached out to Daniel as show of my support to be there for him and it was then I decided to host a medical fundraiser as a big contribution through music.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Metelel Tribe, Channel Yohrin, also stated that as part of helping a brother, they also agreed to perform on the night when asked by Parix to take part in the medical appeal concert. “As a young band from Vanimo in West Sepik province, we see Daniel as a mentor and a brother who has helped us with his support and advice in the music industry and so when Parix reached out to us, we couldn’t turn it down.” Another well-known music artist, Sailas Kania who is commonly known as Saii Kay, stated that this initiative is also good for the artists to come together and sing as one. “As music artists, we do have competition in the industry but moments like this bring us together as one and so I thank Parix for coming up with this idea.” A total of ten music artists will be performing tonight where each will be performing three songs each. A few of the artists will also be singing a cover each Daniel Bilip’s songs that will also be performed tonight. The artists who will be performing are, Stagajah, Metere Crew, Saii Kay, Hotwills, Ragga Siai, Muno Worrix, Zone 5 Crew, O-Four, Metelel Tribe, Dr Wiz & Yung Dee. The medical appeal concert will take place at The Cosmopolitan club tonight in Port Moresby. Pre-sold tickets are going for K40 and K50 for door entry. For those who would also like to donate, can kindly send donations to the account provided below: ACCOUNT NAME: DANIEL BILIP BANK: KINA BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER: 21103512