On 30 November, Deputy Secretary Annemarie Kona of the National Department of Education on behalf of the Minister for Education, and the Australian High Commissioner HE Jon Philp launched the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program at Papa School in Central Province. This new program aims to provide more children with access to quality inclusive education. The PIE program is an eight-year PNG-Australia Partnership funded program designed to improve access, equity, and student learning outcomes in the early grades. The program operates at the national and subnational level in four target locations Enga, West Sepik, Central and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. [caption id="attachment_31515" align="alignnone" width="906"] Children and dignitaries pose for a group picture after the official launch[/caption] The new program, designed in close consultation with the National Department of Education (NDoE) and key education stakeholders, aims to address limitations and challenges faced in early grade education and ensure more children attend school, including girls and children with disabilities. The program will do this through upskilling elementary teachers with dedicated in-service training, providing curriculum materials, books and supporting School Boards of Management improvement plans and support NDoE to improve data management to inform policy and planning. Deputy Secretary Kona speaking on behalf of Secretary Dr Uke Kombra who was called to Parliament with the Minister of Education said, “We are grateful for the ongoing support by the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership.” Ms Kona said the Department of Education was committed to the program as it aims to achieve quality education for all. [caption id="attachment_31516" align="alignnone" width="1008"] Australian High Commissioner with the heads of the sub schools (elementary, primary and high school) at the Papa School[/caption] Ms Kona said PIE is working closely with the Department to achieve quality education for all, upgrade teacher competency and improve student enrolment and retention. Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp said this investment by the Australian Government will support the PNG Government’s vision towards an educated population that will enable a literate, healthy and inclusive workforce that can contribute to the economic and social development of the country. The foundation of an educated population begins in the early grades. Mr Philp reflected that his own father was a teacher that supported early curriculum development in PNG and had highlighted to him how critically important good teachers are to learning. The PIE program will focus on critical elements to quality education in the early grades including teacher upskilling. High Commissioner Philp emphasised Australia’s commitment to support  greater representation of women at all leadership levels of our society, noting that potential future leaders were amongst the students of Papa School in Central Province. Central Province’s Governor Rufina Peter is one such leader. Deputy Secretary Kona thanked the Australian Government for their collaboration with NDoE and provincial departments of education to refine the approaches and systems to improve early grade education and align with GoPNG priorities and education as outlined in the NEP 2020-2029.

Her Excellency Lady Emeline Dadae today visited sick children at the Children’s Ward of the Port Moresby General Hospital. Lady Dadae accompanied by staff of the Governor General’s Office, visited all the sick children at Wards 1B, Cancer Ward for Children, Children's Emergency and Children's Outpatient. Lady Dadae took time to greet the children and prayed with them and presented gift bags to each of the patients. Lady Dadae held sick babies in her arms and whispered comforting words to them, and at times overcome with emotion shed tears also. Lady Dadae said, she was delighted at the opportunity to visit the sick children which she was not able to do earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents and guardians remarked that they appreciated the visit by Lady Dadae and it meant a lot to them to see Lady Dadae's caring for and comforting their sick children. Lady Dadae is grateful for the kind donation of food items and children's toys from Best Gear Trading Limited which she presented as gifts to the sick children at the Children’s Wards.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has restored banking services in Henganofi District in Eastern Highlands Province  this week, after weeks of shutdown following a breaking and entering of the sub branch. BSP Kainantu Branch Manager Robert Jomino who confirmed the incident said, “the break and enter occurred during a blackout that night when intruders cut open the security wire to gain entry into the premises, but were unable to enter the building and left without any further damages.” This is the third time BSP Henganofi sub branch has closed its doors due to break and enter incidents. The bank is calling on all stakeholders, the local community to take care of the branch and its staff as it is the only bank willing to serve the people and residents of Henganofi District. BSP Group General Manager for Retail Daniel Faunt said, “While BSP is pleased to return and resume services for the people of Henganofi and the Eastern Highlands Province, this is the third instance where BSP will reopen Henganofi sub branch doors due to theft and robbery at this particular sub branch in the same year. Any further criminal act against Henganofi Branch will make it difficult for BSP to once again consider re-opening the sub branch.” “BSP sub branches in rural areas are increasingly becoming frequent targets for criminal activities, which not only cost money for BSP to repair the damage caused but also puts the provision of banking services at risk for customers who rely on BSP in their local communities,” added Faunt. He said: “BSP is the only bank that has representation in Henganofi, no other banks are willing to offer services in this district, or many other rural districts in PNG. We call upon the people of Henganofi and Eastern Highlands to support and look after the bank facilities that provide essential banking service for the community.” These most recent incident follows a spate of similar incidents across BSP’s network in 2022, due to law and order issues throughout the country. Such incidents come at significant cost to BSP. BSP sub branches at Kabwum in Morobe, Chuave in Simbu and Daulo in Eastern Highlands have all suffered from break and enter incidents this year. Meanwhile, Navo Sub- Branch in West New Britain is under indefinite closure and ATM service at Napa Napa has been permanently withdrawn, following attempted theft and destruction of the machine. Despite the cost associated with running and establishing new branches and sub-branches, BSP is committed to expand and extend its services to cater for the number of customers it has. Proof of its commitment to its customers was the recent branch in Lae – Eriku Branch opening and the ground breaking of new Telefomoin Hybrid Branch and the Mt Hagen – Dobel branch.

The Department of Education is operating outside of the Fincorp Haus for the fifth week this week while waiting for the Departments of Finance and Treasury to settle rental arrears for the building. As a result, we have scaled down on all operations including payroll services. Teachers are now informed that the Payroll Division will not deal with any outstanding or new queries regarding their salaries as well as processing of new loans from financial companies from the temporary office setup. We will only ensure that teachers and public servants are maintained on the payroll. Payroll officers need to refer to hard copies of teachers documents in order to address their queries and these documents are all locked up in Fincorp Haus. We are now asking for teachers’ understanding and patience until the rental arrears are sorted out and we move back to Fincorp Haus where we can be able to access their files and serve them.  

Prime Minister James Marape has assured the people of Papua New Guinea that the appointment of a person to the position of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Airports Corporation and all ex-officio appointments to the Board of Directors is done based on merit. Prime Minister Marape said these in response to questions raised on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday (29/11/22) regarding the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer. He informed Parliament that the National Airports Corporation is a State Owned Aviation Enterprise, therefore, the Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the National Executive Council. "This is provided for under the Regulatory Statutory Authorities (Appointment to Certain Offices) Act 2004,” Prime Minister Marape said. “In this case, we will talk about an appointment to a vacant position. When the Board of the National Airports Corporation, finds that the position of the Chief Executive Officer is vacant, they will put out an advertisement calling for applications. "The applications are collected and screened and short-listed candidates are interviewed and screened further until three most suitable candidates are identified and short-listed. "The NAC Board will then recommend the three short-listed candidates for further screening and endorsement, then the most suitable candidate will then be recommended by the Minister for Civil Aviation for appointment by the National Executive Council." Prime Minister Marape said the termination of the Chief Executive Officer of NAC is also provided for under the same Act that provides for the appointment and it is also covered under the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act 2016 as a Air Traffic Service Personnel License holder. He said in both these Acts, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, can make recommendations or a report to the Board of NAC or the Minister for Civil Aviation for the termination of any Air Traffic Service Personnel License holder, including the Chief Executive Officer of NAC, should they find the officer(s) to be unfit to work or hold office during routine investigations to re-issue Air Traffic Service Personnel Licenses or if safety concerns were raised by the concerned public or person(s) and ensuing investigations find there is a safety risks to safe Aviation operation. Prime Minister Marape said the Chief Executive Officer of NAC is held accountable in all instances for safety risk in the Aviation sector of Papua New Guinea because he/she is the Aerodrome License Holder for the 22 airports in the country. He said in terms of Section 50 (f) and (g) of the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act 2016, it provides for and ensures that any Aviation Officer(s) who were found to have committed a transport safety offense or has contravened or failed to comply with any regulation or rule under the CA Act before the Amended Act came into effect are still held accountable. "In terms of the Independence of CASA and NAC, we will check on some of the issues recommended including preserving their independence and functionality without much political interference and look at including them in future amendments," Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister thanked all Members of Parliament for their support of the Bill saying that safety is very important in the Aviation public transport system space and must not be compromised. He again assured Parliament that operational issues that were raised, including the Independence of the CASA and NAC will be tidied in future amendments. He said at the moment, the independence of CASA and NAC is protected by the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act 2016 where any recommendation or directions from the Political Head will not be effective or effected without the approval of the Director or in terms of appointments and revocation of appointments, the approval of the Chairman of the Board of either CASA or NAC. Prime Minister Marape also informed Parliament that there was an attempt to sabotage the passage of the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act 2016 on Monday, November 28, which is an attack on democratic process of the legislature. He said this is an attack on the democratic process at the highest level, therefore, the person who allegedly claimed to be a casual staff of the First Legislative Council (FLC) and asked Parliament staff for the bill to be sabotage must be investigated and prosecuted. The Prime Minister added that he has asked the Speaker and Clerk to investigate and to prosecute those who want to sabotage the law-making processes. “We will prosecute those who attempt to infiltrate our law-making processes.”

The media of Papua New Guinea must start exercising more responsibility in how it portrays the country when its members live in this same country and make their money from it. Prime Minister James Marape said this today (301122) while pointing out that the media must be held accountable for the content it carries and how these stories are written, and how they impact upon the development of the country. The Prime Minister was responding to the Member for Karamui-Nomane Hon. Francis Alua who expressed grave concerns during Questions Without Notice at graphic images of beheadings on the front page of The National newspaper recently and various other instances of what is seen as a lack of media ethics and editorial control. He said: “The media is a very powerful tool. The way they are plying their trade creates a very bad perception about this government. Some people would say that the Constitution provides for the freedom of speech and expression.I understand, and as a lawyer myself, I know that the right to freedom of expression is a qualified right. It is not absolute. The exercise of that right is subject to other rights provided for in the Constitution. If we do not address this issue, it has the potential to create more problems going forward.” Prime Minister Marape said in reply: “The media in the country, while they have the freedom to write, print, sell and disseminate information to our country and the world, must also appreciate and take some responsibility. The right to freedom of expression is a qualified right. “While you continue painting negative image of our country, it does not help in the area where you are doing business.” PM Marape said there must be accountability by media houses and journalists and the Government would look into this area closer in defamation penalties for both mainstream and social media where a lot of content was going out based on hearsay, lies and fake news and not facts and the truth. “Going forward, we looking at some of these areas – media and journalism accountability so that the writer is writing the correct information to society and not fabricating it, not making inferences. We want to make sure that proper and correct information goes out to the public. “To our two print media companies: have some sense of responsibility to the people. Run good stories. We all live in one house called PNG. You have a responsibility to the country that you make your money from,” said the Prime Minister.

Lionel Messi had a penalty saved but Argentina booked its ticket to the knockout phase of the 2022 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Poland. Alexis Mac Allister’s scuffed effort 60 seconds into the second half broke the deadlock before Julián Álvarez’s brilliant curled shot sealed the three points as Argentina advanced as Group C winners. The opener came after Messi, Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer, had his penalty saved by Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. Álvarez’s sublime finish midway through the second half capped off a nail-biting evening for Argentina, who will now face Australia. Poland advanced to the knockout stages by the skin of its teeth, qualifying on goal difference. The other Group C game was a thrilling affair, Mexico beating Saudi Arabia 2-1, but the win wasn’t enough for the Central American team and Poland will now play France in a last-16 match on Sunday. [caption id="attachment_31481" align="alignnone" width="906"] Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with his teammates after scoring Argentina's opening goal against Poland at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar.[/caption] An enthralling evening Not for the first time in his career, all the pressure laid firmly at Messi’s door, the 35-year-old endlessly striving to emerge from the long shadow which Diego Maradona has cast over the Argentina national side. Playing in his 999th professional match, Messi looked up for the challenge, troubling Poland from the opening minute. While the Polish attack offered very little throughout the game, Argentina cranked up the pressure – and both Messi and left-back Marcos Acuña coming close. Argentina was offered a great chance to break the deadlock when the video assistant referee adjudged that Messi had been fouled by Wojciech Szczęsny when he was hit in the face by the Polish goalkeeper’s flailing hand. However, Messi’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Szczęsny’s who somehow beat the ball away one-handed. It was the crowning moment of a busy first half for Szczęsny, who finished the opening 45 minutes with nine saves to his name as Argentina piled on the pressure. [caption id="attachment_31482" align="alignnone" width="906"] Szczesny saves a penalty from Messi.[/caption] The penalty save was Szczęsny’s second of the tournament already and he became only the second goalkeeper since 1966 to save a penalty at the World Cup having conceding it himself, after Joel Bats for France against Brazil in 1986, according to Opta Stats. It took just under 60 seconds for Argentina to break the deadlock after the break. A cut back cross from right back Nahuel Molina fell to the feet of Mac Allister whose scuffed effort just managed to sneak past Szczęsny and send Stadium 974 into delirium. It was Mac Allister’s first international goal, and continues his excellent year – he came to this World Cup as the top scorer for his Premier League club, Brighton and Hove Albion, this season. That goal seemed to relax the Argentina players and fans inside the ground. Messi, Álvarez and Ángel Di María began to turn on the flair, toying with the Poland defense. Midway through the second half, Álvarez showed why he’d been brought in for this game – he’d started the first two group games on the bench – curling home to get his first World Cup goal. With Poland opening up at it attempted to claw itself back in the game, more spaces opened up for Argentina, with Messi, Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez all going close. Group C’s conclusion must have been an agonizing watch for Poland’s fans. For a brief period of time during the match, Poland and Mexico were tied on goal difference. That meant Poland was slated to advance via its better disciplinary record. With Poland fans checking their phones furiously to keep tabs on proceedings and with all eyes on whether any Polish players picked up a yellow card, there was one last twist to Wednesday’s proceedings. That was delivered by Salem Al Dawsari’s 95th-minute goal which gave Poland had a superior goal difference, assuring it’s progression to the next stage. Source: CNN News

Here at St Barbara, we are proud to be contributing to developing and empowering the future generation of industry leaders for Papua New Guinea (PNG). We continue to engage students from various tertiary institutions in the country at our Simberi Operations to complete their on-the-job- training (OJT) as part of their tertiary studies. This month we welcomed two female students from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (UniTech) and a male student from the Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) in Port Moresby who are currently on a six-week OJT in their respective fields of study. Nigel Neofa, a second year Bachelor in Instrumental Technology student with the DBTI, was recently joined by two Unitech final year students Scholastica Towal (Bachelor of Mineral Processing Engineering) and Edna Tetuna (Mining Engineering) to apply theory to application with various departments of the Simberi Operations. [caption id="attachment_31519" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Scholastica and Edna briefly catching up outside St Barbara’s Simberi Operations processing mill.[/caption] Nigel has already learnt so much doing his In-Plant Training (IPT) and finds Simberi as an exciting and interesting learning environment. Attached with the Mill Maintenance team, Nigel has learnt how to do hands-on trouble shooting as a trainee instrumentation technician. “So far, I have learnt how to do trouble shooting as an instrumentation technician. I get to test equipment and use multi-testers to do calibration. Apart from doing jobs within my trade, I was given the opportunity to do some electrical work and that involved the termination and setting up of seven light bulbs in the warehouse,” explained Nigel. Scholastica, after her first week of working with process engineers and metallurgists to analyse plant performance, is overwhelmed with excitement and gratefulness. “I am really enjoying my training at Simberi, and I thank the company for giving me the opportunity to put into practice what I have learnt. I am graduating in April next year and I am excited about the possibility of starting a career with Simberi Operations,” she said. Two more female trainees will start their training in December.

Air Niugini wishes to advise the travelling public that due to an ongoing dispute between Puma Energy and the Bank of PNG, Puma has decided to restrict the supply of fuel to Air Niugini and all other airlines effective from today. This restriction applies to Port Moresby and all the airports around PNG. Unfortunately, there is no alternative supplier of aviation fuel in most airports, including Port Moresby. Consequently, Air Niugini is forced to announce that the remaining domestic flights for today (Thursday 1 December) have been cancelled due to PUMA Energy’s refusal to supply Jet A1 fuel to the airlines. The airline is also cancelling half is domestic flying for Friday 2nd December to reflect these restrictions imposed by Puma. These cancelations will have to be ongoing each day until Puma’s restrictions are removed. Air Niugini will endeavour to advise passengers in advance of their flight being cancelled, however due to the difficulties of predicting exactly when the daily fuel allocation will run out, this may not always be possible. Puma has advised that they will continue to refuel international flights as normal. Air Niugini regrets any inconvenience caused to our customers, however the situation is outside the airline’s control. Air Niugini said “We have done everything possible to ensure that this situation did not occur and that we could continue to support the people of Papua New Guinea especially in this busy Christmas period. We can assure all our customers that we are completely up to date with our payments to PUMA Energy and this regrettable situation is 100% outside the control of Air Niugini. We will continue to work with all concerned to ensure normal operations can resume as quickly as possible”. Air Niugini apologise to its customers for the inconvenience, acknowledging the matter is outside of its control and that the airline will not reduce its operational standards and that safety is always paramount. Our customers are advised to revalidate their travel to the next available flight once the date these restrictions will be lifted is known.

World AIDS Day, December 1st highlights the need for more focus on HIV/AIDS and ensuring everyone has access to medical testing, treatment, and care across the world. Papua New Guinea has the highest HIV incidence and prevalence in the Pacific. According to UNAIDS, approximately 45 000 people are living with HIV in the country, of whom 65% are on antiretroviral therapy. With proper medical care and antiretroviral drugs, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. Knowing your status also means better health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of further transmission to others. At the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, we are proud to do our part to bring awareness on HIV/AIDS in our communities providing access to health information and working with various organizations as well as making testing available to all potential blood donors at the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion during mini-physical examinations. All blood donors are provided with a mini health check which includes HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STDs, and numerous other diseases that can be found by testing the blood. “We encourage everyone to be informed learn about HIV/AIDS and get yourself tested and know your status to help us in our plight to stop the disease impacting our communities. Start conversations, seek advice if you have questions and most importantly break the stigma so more people will access care” commented Sir Brian Bell CEO Bronwyn Wright. World Health Organisation: The global HIV response is in danger, even as HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Over the last few years, progress towards HIV goals has stalled, resources have shrunk, and millions of lives are at risk as a result. Division, disparity, and disregard for human rights are among the failures that allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis. On 1 December WHO joins partners to commemorate World AIDS Day 2022, under the theme “Equalize”. WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS; and equalize access to essential HIV services, particularly for children and key populations and their partners. Learn more: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-aids-day Source: Sir Brian Bell Foundation 

Mathew Leckie netted his 14th goal for Australia to send the Socceroos through to the last 16 of the World Cup for only the second time in their history. The last time they accomplished such a feat was 2006. "We had our doubters but with our spirit, our belief, our work ethic and how close we are as a group, it shows on the pitch," said a jubilant Leckie. "That last 15-20 minutes, we battled until the end and it didn't matter what they threw at us, we weren't conceding." For Denmark, it has been a disappointing tournament. Down and out with Kasper Hjulmand's side taking just one point from their three games. Source: FIFA

Investment in education has always been a priority for Digicel Foundation therefore it is pleased to announce the completion of a 8-in-1 double-story classroom for Tubusereia Primary School in the Hiri-Koiari District, Central Province. The project was completed in September 2022 at a cost of K1.02 million with a contribution of K50,000 from the school. This is the first biggest classroom construction funded by Digicel Foundation. The School has a plan to become a Junior High School which will allow students from the neighboring villages to remain within the area to continue their education without having to travel miles away to boarding school to access Grades 9 and 10. A key requirement to ensure this becomes a reality is extra classrooms to cater for the increase in enrollment which is something we were pleased to partner with the school to address. Mr Manu Momo, Chairman of the School Board said, “The 8 in 1 classroom for Tubusereia Primary School by Digicel Foundation is by far the single most significant infrastructure development for the school in years. The new set of classrooms also signifies a greater milestone for the school and community in realising its dream and wish to elevate Tubusereia Primary School to a Junior High School catering for students from Tubusereia Village and the surrounding communities within the next three years. For that, I on behalf of the School’s Board of Management, say a very big Thank You to Digicel Foundation.” The completed school infrastructure project comes with eight fully furnished classrooms inclusive of 120 standard student desks and chairs, whiteboards, pin boards and teachers’ tables and chairs for each classroom. The project also includes two 9,000L Tuffa tanks on a reinforced concrete base with a lockable tap to ensure the students have access to clean drinking water. Oliver Camplin-Warner, Head of Telstra International which overseas Digicel Pacific was there to officiate the event and said, “The work of the Foundation over the past 13 years has been a wonderful achievement for us and we are proud to continue in the rich tradition of Digicel which is to give back to communities through the Digicel Foundation. We welcome Tubusereia Primary School into our own Digicel and Telstra Foundation footprint that spans across all of PNG, Australia and parts of South East Asia.” Since its establishment in 2008, Digicel Foundation has invested over K162 million into social projects reaching 936, 000 direct beneficiaries in all the 89 districts in PNG. In Central Province alone, we have invested K9.422 million into projects including: · 25 double classrooms for Primary Schools & 1 x 4 in 1 classroom building · 8 school libraries · 3 Ambulances & 3 rural health aid posts · 12 community learning centres Digicel PNG Foundation will continue to work in partnership with the government, communities and other stakeholders to ensure we create a world where no one is left behind.