Katrina ANGELI

Over 762 students across four schools in Kokopo participated in the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) recently from November 14th-16th, 2024. Led by Team PNG HERO athletes, the initiative emphasized the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence, and Friendship, encouraging young people to incorporate these principles into their lives. HERO athletes, Rellie Kaputin, Kele Lessy and Gantianna Joseph shared personal stories about their journey in sports and how the values guided them to inspire the students of Rabaul International School, Kalamanagunan Primary School, Kokopo Primary and Technical Secondary Schools. Olympian Rellie Kaputin, a track and field athlete who holds the national record for jumps, multiple medal winner at the Pacific Games and represented PNG at the Commonwealth and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, spoke about the importance of respecting oneself. She highlighted how self-care, discipline, and balance have helped her excel in both sports and life. Kele Lessy, Vice-Captain of the PNG Men’s Touch Football team, focused on respect for others, illustrating how mutual respect within a team environment has been vital to his growth as an athlete. Gantianna Joseph, a karate athlete and environmental advocate, discussed respect for the environment, emphasizing the role of youth in reducing plastic pollution under the Love Your Coast program. The program culminated with a Touch Football Tournament at Kalamanagunan Primary School on November 16, 2024, where 62 students participated. The tournament celebrated teamwork and respect, providing a platform for students to apply the values they had learned. Team PNG HERO athletes also took part in the event, exemplifying the principles they promoted throughout the program. In addition, the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, Programs Coordinator, Mickey Tamarua praised the students’ enthusiasm and commitment, noting how the values of Respect, Excellence, and Friendship were evident in their actions both during the sessions and on the field. The program’s success underscored the dedication of the East New Britain Provincial Government and the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) to empower youth and foster environmental sustainability. Alongside OVEP, the PNGOC’s Love Your Coast initiative advocates for plastic-free practices and clean coastlines, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment. Building on this success, discussions are underway to expand the program, reaching even more students in East New Britain in the coming years. The Team PNG HERO Athlete Program, which empowers Papua New Guinea athletes to inspire positive change, through the delivery of the Olympic Values Education Program and Love Your Coast program, fosters respect, global citizenship and continue to leave a lasting impact on communities nationwide. Through programs like Love Your Coast, the PNGOC remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging future generations to create meaningful change and contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms. May Torowi Hasola, age 21, from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is now Miss Paradise Boutique for 2024, following the sponsorship of Paradise Boutique; a new business retail arm of Paradise Tailoring which is part of Huram Group of Companies. Hasola is among ten other finalists contesting for this year’s Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) pageant that will take place on the 3rd of December 2024. Hasola who is currently in her 2nd year of studies in Law School, shared sentiments of being someone who strives to live with the values that govern her decisions, that being kindness, responsibility and a commitment to integrity. She comes from a family who have instilled in her the importance of strong family values and community. “That is why I am here before you all as I not only represent myself, but I also represent my community and the women of our country who are shaping our future through their courage, their wisdom and their hearts.” “I joined the MBoP pageant because I strongly believe in the power of change, I believe that this pageant is not only a title, it is not only a crown, but it is an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations and to amplify the voices of young women who want to advocate and speak about things that are affecting our community and our country.” She further shared that she resonates deeply with the values of the MBoP pageant and their mission towards community engagement, women empowerment and uplifting and giving a platform to young women like herself who has something they want to advocate about. “I’m incredible honoured and incredible grateful to be sponsored Paradise Boutique and honoured to be representing them in my pageant journey.” “As I walk this path, I ask for strength to stay true to my values and my mission and I promise to give my best every step of the way and I am beyond excited to share this journey with all of you.”

Paradise Boutique under the Huram Group of Companies has now come onboard as one of the sponsors for the Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) pageant. This announcement was made on Monday 19th of November 2024 with one of the contestants, Ms. May Torowi Hasola who is now contesting as Miss Paradise Boutique 2024. Huram Group of Companies General Manager, Joseph Tupiri, stated that Paradise Boutique, a new business retail arm of Paradise Tailoring which is part of the Huram Group of Companies, is proud to be a sponsor in this year’s MBoP contest. He said that Paradise Boutique has so much to offer despite being new and with that, are excited about the opportunity to partner with the MBoP pageant brand. “It is my pleasure to commit our support to sponsor our contestant, Ms. May Torowi Hasola as Miss Paradise Boutique 2024.” “We believe in the value and empowering young Papua New Guinea women, youth and, becoming a voice to the under privileged. We look forward to witnessing May’s journey and we believe that she will become a marvelous ambassador to Paradise Boutique.” In addition, Tupiri also congratulated the MBoP committee for hosting their second pageant this year and with that made mention that the committee will surely grow from strength to strength with the leadership of Anna Bais who is leading this year’s MBoP pageant. “We will continue this partnership in growing this business together and we are proud to be a sponsor and wish Miss Paradise Boutique all the best and hope to finish on top.”

In its 2nd year, Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) looks forward in enhancing the young women, moulding them as future leaders through such platform. MBoP took over from Miss PNG last year, rebranding but with the same purpose and for this year, the committee had chosen the top ten finalists out of all other applicants to contest in this year’s pageant. Each finalist represents a diverse set of background and skills with outstanding applications that led them to their successful selections as contestants. Chairlady of MBoP, Anna Bais, stated that this is a pageant with a purpose and that they aim to build young women who are already leaders in their own rights. With this leadership instilled in them, Bais shared that the committee aims to enhance that leadership to a level where they can use that leadership skill and their platform to inspire many young people who she expressed that it is a challenge for youths nowadays becoming somebody. “We wanted to use this platform to advocate for children with disabilities and so this will help nurture our young women who will in turn help others and with that, the major focus of this pageant now, is on the education for children with disabilities.” “When you are supporting a contestant, you are actually educating a child with disability as well and so its way more than that.” The pageant will be held on December 3rd, 2024, in line with the International Day of Disabilities. MBoP is now focused on advocacy and promotes the educational rights of children with disabilities, striving to make PNG more inclusive and accessible.

A delegation from the World Bank is currently in the country undertaking its two-week long Eight Support Mission (ISM) for the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) project from the 10th to the 25th of November 2024. The Mission is led by the Senior Agriculture Specialist and team leader of PACD in the country, Allan Olivier Balbal. The main objective of the mission was to review the overall implementation of the PACD project with a specific focus on the progress of the component two Agriculture Feeder Roads and Component three Productive Partnerships. The mission included visits to the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) in Port Moresby as well as the PACD Cocoa Component participating provinces project sites in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and East New Britain province. According to Balbal, the World Bank does these missions twice annually and this is the last mission for this year which they are focusing on the Cocoa Component side of the project. “These support missions are usually undertaken to see where we are with the project and if there are issues, we try to resolve them and find ways forward for the successful implementation of the project to our people.” “We are happy to see the project partnerships being able to mobilize themselves and prepare for the implementation of their projects and speak to some farmers and get a sense of how they feel and are they getting the assistance needed from the Cocoa Component Project Management Unit (PMU)”. The mission visitation to AROB coincided with the groundbreaking of the Teo-Buin Sipotavai Road in Tinputz which the signing and awarding of the project was done last month. The mission was able to officiate the road grounding breaking on the 13th of November 2024. In addition, the Mission is accompanied by PACD Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in Port Moresby, the National Department of Treasury and the National Department of Planning and Monitoring on behalf of the PNG government for its meetings and project sites visits to see how far the project has come, and understand the challenges not only for the project but the provinces as well. Representing the PNG government, Juanita Sundie, Principal Aid Coordinator from the Department of Planning and Monitoring, encouraged the developing partners and implementation agencies to work together to ensure the project achieves its objective. Sundie stated that with the National Planning they want to ensure that with the loans that the country is getting to help its people, that there is sustainability, and the department is working with the Cocoa Bord for a smooth transition after the project completion. The team then travelled to ENB to meet with the Cocoa Board and the PACD PMU as well, visited the other two roads, 4km Ivon-Kulungere road, Sinivit LLG in the Pomio District and a 3.2km Vunapalading-Burit road, Inland Baining LLG, and Gazelle District both in East New Britain. The mission will be completing its meetings in Port Moresby with the coffee component PMU next week. Furthermore, the PACD project is funded through the Government of PNG loan funding from the World Bank. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock is responsible for the two projects and the Cocoa Board of PNG as implementing agency, covering the Cocoa Component.

“Quality Care for All Preterm Babies will dramatically reduce preterm deaths,” UNICEF says. UNICEF urges healthcare workers and policy makers to guarantee high-quality healthcare for all preterm babies, no matter where, when, or how they are born, and calls on the government and partners to back initiatives that make quality maternal and newborn health care accessible to everyone. On World Prematurity Day, UNICEF Papua New Guinea (PNG) joins the global community in highlighting the urgent need for high-quality healthcare for preterm babies. This year’s theme, “Over 13 million babies born too soon every year. Access to quality care everywhere!”, emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring that every preterm baby receives the care they need to survive and thrive, regardless of their birthplace. In Papua New Guinea, the situation is particularly pressing, with 26,000 babies born preterm and lack access to specialized medical support to survive. UNICEF Papua New Guinea Interim Representative, Vikas Singh stated, “Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal death in Papua New Guinea.” “Preterm and low birth weight babies often face many difficulties, such as infections, low temperature, breathing problems and developmental delays.” “It is imperative that we work together to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to these vulnerable infants.” “This includes access to skilled healthcare professionals, essential medical equipment, and supportive policies that prioritize maternal and newborn health.” UNICEF PNG is committed to supporting the government and healthcare providers in improving neonatal care services. Through partnerships with the national department of health, professional associations, donors and partners, UNICEF is working to: Enhance healthcare infrastructure: Equip hospitals and clinics with the necessary equipment and technology to care for preterm and low birth weight babies. Train healthcare workers: Provide specialized training for doctors, nurses, and midwives to ensure they are equipped to handle the complexities of preterm births. Raise awareness: Educate communities about the importance of prenatal care, institutional deliveries, and early intervention to prevent preterm births. Advocate for policy changes: Work with policymakers to develop and implement strategies that support maternal and newborn health. On this World Prematurity Day, UNICEF calls on all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and the community, to join forces in ensuring that every preterm baby in Papua New Guinea has access to the quality care they deserve and the best possible start in life.

In a strong game Saturday afternoon, the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) Boromas clawed their way to a 19-7 victory over the Morobe Rugby Union (MRU) Hammerheads in the 2024 Vodafone Cup Challenge match played at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The match was a fierce battle with both teams vying for dominance. The first half displayed a strong defence from both sides, however, Boromas backs, Ron Butler scored the first try. The first half ended with the halftime score, 7-0 in favour of CRU Boromas. The Hammerheads, despite their strong start, were unable to maintain their momentum and instead the Boromas, with their disciplined approach, outplayed the Hammerheads’ mistakes scoring crucial tries. Both teams showed significant achievement in both their defence and skill, showcasing their testament to hard work. This was also quite a game for the Hammerheads who had an outstanding line of players that defended and fought right through until the end. The Hammerheads may be disappointed with the result and end scoreline, but many agree the scoreline did not match the fierce battle that was this showdown between both rep teams. The Hammerheads can further take solace in their strong performance particularly in the early stages of the match and aim for better moving forward.

All schools in the National Education System (NES) as well as all Provincial and National Education Authorities and agencies have been asked to familiarize themselves with the Security Features of original school certificates to differentiate the fake ones from genuine ones. Education Secretary, Dr Uke Kombra said that forging of certificates of any kind is criminal in nature and blocks the growth of all citizens internally and their international participation. "This he strongly urged that nobody should engage in such despicable acts. “I appeal to all Papua New Guineans to report anyone forging or producing fake certificates to Police, to contain any such self-destroying mal practices." "I demand all our Citizens to be honest and loyal to PNG." For a long time, the genuine certificates have had Small-texts, Micro-texts and Embossing as the Security features in the grade eight, grade ten and grade twelve certificates. Since 2018, several new security features have been added, for grades eight, ten, twelve, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE), Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and Teacher Registration Certificates, with the intent to make them fool-proof from any malpractices. Kombra stated that certificates are printed by international Security Printing Companies and can’t be duplicated. The current features are as given below; 1. Small-texts – the lines, have the minute texts with the Certificate Names 2. Micro-texts – ‘line width modulations’ as in the cheque books 3. Embossing – Seal with the Year, raised from Normal, can be felt by touch 4. Serial Numbers – Different certificates have their own sequence numbers 5. Gold Foil Hot Stamping – of the Certificate Names. Raised from normal 6. Holograms (as in Driver’s License) – PNG Crest with different shiny colors 7. UV Crest – Ultra-violet equipment detectable PNG Crest 8. Anti-copy – this feature has certain elements hidden from normal viewing 9. Few other features – Measurement Services Division identifiable Furthermore, Kombra said that it is crucial to ensure the authenticity of school certificates to avoid potential legal and professional consequences.

Air Niugini is currently promoting its rebranded Kumul Club passenger loyalty program throughout the domestic ports, commencing with a recent roadshow that took place in Lae, Morobe Province. This is to inform members of the new look Kumul club following its rebranding from Executive Club in September and the enhanced benefits and value adds as part of the change. Air Niugini’s Manager, Destinations Loyalty Program, Henry Gelu, said that with the arrival of the airline’s new aircraft fleet now less than ten months away, it’s an exciting time for Air Niugini and with the service improvements in all areas, are key to its future success. The improvements to Kumul Club and Destinations loyalty program are also the airline’s way of recognizing and rewarding its loyal, valued customers. Gelu explained to members in Lae the three distinguished membership tiers of the new look Kumul club and the added benefits such as improved baggage allowance and lounge access, among others. “The three membership tiers are Kumul Club-Premium (formerly known as Executive club Gold), Kumul Club-Domestic (previously known as Executive club Silver), and Kumul club-Junior (formerly known as Minors’ club). These tiers offer enhanced privileges for the club’s esteemed members tailored to their membership tier level.” “There are plans for new lounges to be opened soon. Our members will benefit from the lounges as well as improved baggage allowance and increased in guests’ passes.” “Other enhancements include, immediate points recognition, improved redemption levels, virtual downloads, online membership payments, online claims for missing points, statement downloads and family membership. Kumul club members will also have access to exclusive discount with our partners.” Air Niugini also introduced Status Points to its Destination’s Frequent Flyer Programme which is the airline’s way of recognizing and rewarding loyal members based on their travel. Customers can accumulate points together with their Destinations Loyalty Points to reach the different Kumul club membership tiers (Platinum and Gold), every time they travel with Air Niugini. Status Points compliments the existing rewards points system, allowing members to achieve elite status faster and enjoy more benefits. Also, the Destinations Flyer Programme remains free to join and has already attracted over 127, 000 members both within PNG and overseas. Annual membership fees for the new Kumul Club also remain unchanged and members will continue to have access to domestic and international lounges, subject to their membership tier. Meanwhile, Air Niugini’s Deputy Board Chairman, Anthony Seeto attended the Lae event and thanked the airline’s valued customers for their continuous support and loyalty. He gave an insight on Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program, the progress of the Airbus A220s’ Entry into Service (EIS), Air Niugini’s code share and partnership with other major airlines and the potential of direct international flights out of Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport in Lae when market conditions are more suitable. The next roadshow on the new look Kumul Club will be carried out in Rabaul, East New Britain province and Mt Hagen, Western Highlands province respectively.

As part of expanding its business, Jacks of PNG yet again opened a new shop in Port Moresby city. The grand opening took place at the Brian Bell Plaza in Boroko on Monday 11th of November, marking it as the latest addition to the growing business. The newly opened shop is the third shop located in Port Moresby and the sixth store nationwide with one already established in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands province, Lae, Morobe province and one in Madang province. Shop Manager of Jacks of PNG at Brian Bell Plaza, James Koma, shared excitement as he and his team celebrate the opening of the addition of a new Jacks of PNG shop. “As for my team and I, we are very excited moving forward and are privilege to have Jacks promote us as locals by giving us the opportunity to have a job at Jacks.” “Also with the opening, we are willing to help assist and grow with the company moving forward, so we want to develop especially in terms of human development and discipline.” Jacks of PNG has been in operation for eight years now.

PinBox, a global social pension tech and digital micro-pension inclusion innovation, administration and expert advisory services firm, has now collaborated with the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in promoting mass scale voluntary subscription in micro pension and insurance products in Papua New Guinea (PNG). PinBox is already working in over half-dozen countries in Asia and Africa to support pension inclusion for non-salaried informal sector workers. This partnership signed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organizations will run for three years where both parties will work together to promote the products through guidelines set out in the MoU. The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) recently granted PinBox entry into the BPNG Regulatory Sandbox to customize and pilot test its innovative digital-micro-pension administration and delivery platform and inclusion model to help expand voluntary uptake of superannuation, insurance and micro-savings products among MSMEs, self-employed women, informal sector workers and farm communities. PinBox is accordingly working with BPNG, Nasfund, ASFPNG, development partners, microbanks, payment gateways and other digital financial inclusion stakeholders under the Project to promote micro-pension and insurance concepts and products. At a brief but significant signing ceremony, both organizational heads expressed their excitement in working together to introduce superannuation and insurance awareness and knowledge to the self-employed population of the country. According to Co-founder and Director of PinBox Solutions, Gautam Bhardwaj, the PinBox team is delighted to be partnering with a highly respected and forward-looking institution like CEFI on expanding superannuation and insurance coverage among self-employed women, youth and micro-enterprises in Papua New Guinea. “It is a privilege to be working with an agency that has continued to play such a pivotal role in financial inclusion and in driving not only policy but also ground level impact in this area in PNG.” In response to this, CEFI Executive Director, Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe stated that this was a very important programme that both organizations will be venturing into because they will educate the informal sector workforce on micro-pension and insurance products through effective communication, training, financial literacy tools and strategies. “We are delighted to partner with PinBox and to get this important strategy into the mainstream of Papua New Guinean informal sector.” “We will be working in two provinces to start with on a pilot basis, and then, based on the lessons learned, we will be expanding the field-tested model and strategy to other provinces where informal sector workers and their families will benefit and will start saving for their retirement.” One of the joint obligations of both CEFI and PinBox is to customize the PinBox retirement literacy and training toolkits for PNG for deployment under this project. The toolkits include calculators, FAQs, trainer handbooks, leaflets, flip charts and educational videos. In addition, both organizations will also design new, effective promotional and publicity materials as well as other training and financial literacy tools for use by field staff during field meetings with target beneficiaries.

Policewomen and wives of policemen as well as daughters from the National Captial District (NCD) and Central Provincial Commands, will now be privileged to do free breast cancer checkups that will be provided by the Chinese embassy here in Port Moresby city. This is an initiative from the new commander of NCD and Central Province, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Turi. Commander Turi, who resumed his duties this week, organized the medical team who visited his office at Boroko to negotiate how best to help the policewomen, the policemen's wives, and their daughters learn the status of this deadly disease. Turi said that since the test is free, all police officers in the command are encouraged to provide the names of those in their families who are recognized by the police department. His office will provide the total number to the Chinese medical team to book a venue for testing next week. “Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has been very helpful in raising funds to help the fight against cancer. We had lost families and relatives who could not cure themselves from breast cancer and we also have police officers who are always busy with work and spend less time with their families to visit hospitals and do checkups.” He said that since the Chinese medical team had come forward to help, he wanted all to submit names as soon as possible so they could go by the names. For those who are outside of the city, we will discuss that and will see how best we can reach out to you all. “This is a start, and we will continue. I want all police station commanders to go through your manpower list and provide names for the females who will come for the testing.” “We must think about our female colleagues and our wives, mothers and daughters. Cancer is a killer disease, so the earlier, the better.” Furthermore, a venue will be selected when the names are submitted to his office.