The Grand Opening of the upgraded state of the art Kavieng Airport has been deferred by a week to the 27th of October. The New Ireland Government and National Airports Corporation understands that parliament will still be in session on the 20th of October thus to ensure availability of all Chief guests the deferment has been made. The Airport celebration organizing committee which comprises representatives of National Airports Corporation and the New Ireland Government said “ The 27th has been chosen primarily because it will ensure most of our dignitaries and development partners will be available to attend this event.” They assured all New Irelanders and visitors to New Ireland that the Kavieng Airport will still be officially opened this month. NAC and contractor CRCEG have been working around the clock to deliver this world class project. The New look Airport is expected to go into full scale operation as soon as it is officially opened. With a special inaugural Boeing 737 flight set to take off with 100 selected New Irelanders to mark the occasion. Meanwhile there are already a number of service providers being allocated space to run their small businesses at the airport

Lae City FC returns to round three of the National Conference Soccer League Northern Conference on Saturday fielding a little less known side who stuck through the last two rounds. Lae City FC head Coach Bob Morris said today, the return of 9 of its core players from the victorious MSG Prime Minister Cup in Vanuatu boosts the side. Morris said but he believes maintaining the young boys who stood out the last two opening rounds add value to create combinations that is needed to build the team. The new boys including Jeremy Bart, Elijah Kamak, Karodin Robert and Gabby Yanum have played together and created relationship that is boosted with the hyper striking power of Albert Morgan Jr who is the current leading goal scorer of the conference heading into round three. Morris said Morgan Jr scored a hatrick followed by a double in respective two opening rounds and will be backed by Walbo Komuna to lead the team again. ‘’He (Morgan) has earned his place in the team,’’ Morris said. He added there is confidence in the current team after two rounds and is a good sign. ‘’We wanted the combinations and fitness to rise up and we have proven to prepare well and be more organized as a team building up,’’ Morris said. Morris said there is still room to build on understanding each other and the more the current team comes out side by side they can build. ‘’It’s good to see the young boys step up. They just have to create understanding with the old boys,’’ Morris said. Morris confirmed the return of Emmanuel Simon taking the leadership role as captain alongside Ronald Warisan, Jacob Sabua, Bruce Tiampo, Philip Steven and Stahl Gubag. ‘’Training this week was good. Confidence is something we building on to gain ball possession so to utilize our goal scoring opportunities. We can’t underestimate Tusbab FC and we respect them so we just have to do all things right on our part,’’ Morris said. The team travels on Friday to Madang for Saturday’s game against Tusbab FC at Laiwaden oval.

Prime Minister James Marape visited the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission on Tuesday 11th September 2022 to introduce and install the new Chairman Hon. Saki Soloma, making the visit to CLRC, a first by any Prime Minister of PNG. The visit also saw the Prime Minister praise the Commission for the work it had been doing in reforming and updating our laws and also signaled the important task for CLRC in the lead up the country’s 50 years of nationhood in 2025. “The next two years is important and this office will be at the forefront in driving the reform agendas.” the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Marape said his government will be working closely and supporting CLRC and the Chairman to address critical questions on the Constitution, the laws, and systems and processes we having been using since Independence and charting a way forward for the next 50 years. “Our role specifically is to ask those critical questions and to conceptualize them into policies, and CLRC can further promulgate them into law and hopefully Parliament can pass if it is in the wisdom of Parliament,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister said in keeping with the path set by our founding fathers and mothers in the Constitution, CLRC’s constitutional mandate on consultation, must also be utilized to elicit endorsement and solutions from the people on those key questions, such as the review on the system of government that includes the election of the Prime Minister by the people and the Judiciary, as well as the future of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. “Any substantial constitutional change we want do, must be with and by the people,” he said. He said the foundations set in place by our founding fathers and mothers have brought us this far in the last 47 years, adding it is our time to pass on a democratic, safer and better PNG for our children after us. The Prime Minister said he is confident with the leadership of Hon. Saki Soloma who as the experience to lead CLRC on delivering on the important reforms. “On behalf of my family and people of Okapa, I thank the Prime Minster for entrusting me with this job and I will do my best with the support of CLRC but we also need the Prime Minister’s support from time to time to ensure we change the state of PNG going forward for the next 50 years,” Hon. Soloma said. Hon. Soloma also said the time is right for people to understand and appreciate the role of CLRC and need for changes to many of our laws in order for the country to be competitive with the rest of the world. He further extended his condolence to the family and people of the former Chairman and Member for Wewak, late Hon. Kevin Isifu and pledged to continue the good work he started. While thanking the Prime Minister Marape for his visit, CLRC secretary Dr. Mange Matui said the Commission understands the significance of the nation’s 50th anniversary and their contributions, some of which, he added, the Commission have already commenced work such on the development of the underlying law, the colonial laws and the major review on the form of system of Government, apart from the legislative reviews. He also welcomed the appointment of the Hon. Soloma and expressed excitement for a good working relationship with the new Chairman.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, will visit Papua New Guinea from 12 October to 14 October. This is the Deputy Prime Minister’s first visit to Papua New Guinea since assuming office and is an important opportunity to reaffirm our close and enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea following National Elections held in both countries this year. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with key Papua New Guinean Ministers and officials including Prime Minister the Hon. James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. John Rosso, Foreign Minister the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and Defence Minister the Hon. Win Bakri Daki. They will discuss priorities and opportunities in national security, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic cooperation. While in Papua New Guinea, the Deputy Prime Minister will attend the official openings of the Lae ANGAU Hospital redevelopment, and the Taurama Barracks Chapel. Both facilities will provide important and essential services to the PNG community. The Deputy Prime Minister will also take a friendship walk along part of the Kokoda Track to mark the 80th anniversary of the pivotal Kokoda Campaign during the Second World War.     Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP: “My visit to Papua New Guinea reflects the importance Australia places on our friendship with our closest neighbour, and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to partnering with Papua New Guinea through the PNG-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP)”. “I am looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Marape and some of his Ministers, to discuss our respective priorities and how we can better align our efforts, partnership opportunities, and reaffirm the importance of working with our Pacific family” “Many know that I have a close affection for PNG, and am very much looking forward to what will be one of many visits to our close neighbour.”

The Madang Jack's of Papua New Guinea assisted the Madang Mayors 9's pre-season cup with K5,000 in cash to sponsor the event as the game prepares to go into its finals this weekend. Madang Town Mayor, Peter Yalsi Masia said they were privileged to get assistance from Jack's of PNG Madang to be part of this event as this is the first time a business house in Madang town has given such an amount in cash to support Madang rugby league. Mayor Masia stressed that, even though Jack's of PNG is new in Madang they have indicated that they have the spirit and heart to support this type of event that engages youths who are doing nothing and are engaging in criminal activities in town. Masia challenged other business houses in Madang to support sports activities as it will greatly assist in minimizing the law and order problems faced in Madang. "Most of the youths that you see roaming in town are unemployed and with sporting events Iike rugby league it will keep them away from criminal activities as they know they are playing to win something," Masia said. "On behalf of the Madang Rugby League and the participating teams I thank the Jack's of PNG for its generous support and declare that Madang Mayors' 9's Cup is now proudly sponsored by the Madang Jack's of PNG," he announced. Furthermore, Madang Jack's Branch Manager, Louise Paraka stressed that they are proud to sponsor the young people in sports as they see that they are the future of this nation whilst with the initiative of the Mayor's nines cup they are delighted to be part of the community to sponsor this type of events that will encourage the youths in becoming good citizens of this nation.

The Rotary Club of Port Moresby will be hosting their Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) next week. The Rotary Club is a not for profit organization whose current projects include the Family Sexual Violence Unit, School desk distribution and wheelchair donation etc. Rotary engages in projects do to with provision of clean water, sanitation, hygiene, support education and fighting disease. After a two-year hiatus thanks to Covid-19, RYLA will be hosted at Emmaus Conference Haus at Don Bosco Technical Institute along Taurama Road. From Monday 17 October to Friday 21 October 2022. The program will be attended by 30 participants across NCD, Madang and Kimbe. A range of presenters from community and business leaders and peer mentors. RYLA aims to demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth; provide an effective training experience for participants; encourage leadership in youths to recognize their potential. Abigail Doa-Neill, Head of Communications, presented the cheque to Rotary Club executives on Tuesday 11 October 2022. She said, ‘Kina Bank is proud to support an event that directly impacts the community, an event that reflects our purpose which is the improve the prosperity of our people. And one that demonstrates the shared values or Kina Bank and Rotary Club. We wish you every success and thank you for providing learning opportunities for change makers within our communities.’ Kina Bank support will go towards accommodation and meals for the 30 participants. Rotary Club PP and Community Services Director, Adam Hughes, said. ‘On behalf of the RCPOM, thank you for your donation. It is companies like yourselves that help us to deliver our projects and what good cause but to support our youth leadership program (RYLA).’ For Kina Bank, this program highlights three of our core values; reflection, togetherness and honesty. It provides participants the opportunity to reflect on information received, to challenge themselves to be better, take ownership and translate opportunities into action. Togetherness, to connect with others who share the same values and goals to achieve shared success. To listen to others with the intent to understand. Last but not the least, honesty. Honesty to use opportunities and resources in the best interest of the communities’ participants live and work in.

The country is experiencing yet another COVID-19 surge since the beginning of the month of September, 2022. A total number of 109 positive cases were reported in the last 7 days (3rd – 9th September).  Said the Deputy Pandemic Controller Dr Daoni Esorom. Cases have been reported in all the provinces with the highest cases reported from NCD with 29 cases followed by Southern Highlands Province 12, Enga 9, Hela 6, Western Highlands 4, Eastern Highlands 3 and West Sepik 2. Central, Jiwaka, Morobe, New Ireland and Western all reported 1 case each. There were no reports of deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Whole Genome Sequencing report from Doherty Institute in Melbourne, the COVID-19 variants were mainly Omicron BA.2 and BA.5. Unlike Delta variant, Omicron subvariants are much more highly transmissible but the symptoms are mild such as dryness and sore throat, flulike illness, headache and fever. Dr Daoni says that although the symptoms are mild, its impact on those with pre-existing medical conditions and other vulnerable population including older people can be worsened and need to take extra precaution. The testing rate at the moment is very low, and as such it is very difficult to really determine the extent and true prevalence of the infection in the country, and the different variants we are dealing with, says Dr Daoni. Furthermore, the country’s vaccination rate remains one of the lowest globally with just over 6% of the total eligible population vaccinated in the country.  Dr Daoni warns everyone that the pandemic is not yet over. COVID-19 is here to stay and we must all look after our own health, including our family and those we care for. With the recent events related to the 2022 national general election, the Independence celebrations and with poor compliance of Niupela Pasin Measures, we are expecting the number of cases to increases, says Dr Daoni. All the Provincial Health Authorities by now should be integrating COVID-19 testing in all the hospital care settings and health facilities to test everyone presenting with symptoms of COVID, ILI, SARI and other critical conditions, and provide appropriate care and advise. Similarly, all business houses, private sectors and government departments must make sure your staff is tested and cared for if they have any of the COVID-19 symptoms. The cumulative number of cases in the country as of 6th October 2022  stands at 45 143 with 668 reported deaths. The current vaccination rate is 354,579 received 1st dose and 294,786 fully vaccinated. We must all be vigilant as COVID-19 is here to stay and is increasing in the community. Lets all help to build a resilient community and economy.

The Lae Biscuit Company congratulates the successful hosting of the 59th Morobe show in 2022. After two years of the Morobe show cancellation due to Covid-19, the return of the annual show over the weekend (08-09 Oct) was highlighted by the staging of the Morobe Show Queen amongst other attractions. And under the Red Ribbon Sponsorship of the Morobe show by the Lae Biscuit Company is the privilege of being awarded the Naming Rights Sponsors of the Morobe Show Queen and Pikinini show contest. The Lae Biscuit Company embraces the opportunity to build the spirit of promoting and fostering pride in cultural heritage of this country through the younger generation of Papua New Guinea by hosting the annual Morobe Show Queen contest. The Lae Biscuit Company shares a close partnership with the Morobe show for more than 5 years now through the hosting of the Show Queen for the above 14 years category and Pikinini Show Queen for the 9-13 years boys and girls category. For the Lae Biscuit sponsored Morobe Show Queen it was young Duba Steven dressed in full Central province regalia from her mother’s clan of Hula in Central province that stole the show’s judging panel final decision. Miss Steven was crowned the 59th Morobe Show Queen over the weekend and Kerenashanty Kerenga from Sine Sine Yonguml district in Chimbu the second runner up. Naya Tetang from Markham in the Morobe province settled for the third runner up as well collected the Encouragement Award sealing the top three winners from around 20 contestants. The top three winners earn K1, 000, K600 and K200 respectively apart from consolation prizes courtesy of the Lae Biscuit Company. In the under 13 years category and representing Manus province, Emmanuel Scott took out the top prize among three boys and 5 girls contesting the race and closely trailed by Siawi Samuel on second placing. Similarly the top winner as well cashing out with K200 and K100 respectively apart from consolation prizes from the Lae Biscuit Company. Lae Biscuit Company will continue to be a key stakeholder of the annual October event through the Morobe Show Queen and Show Pikinini contest in the years to come.

Historical Government Documents dated back from 1998 will be misplaced as the Government Office Allocation Committee (GOAC) has directed Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) including other key departments to re-locate to newly constructed Twin Tower building in Port Moresby. DIRD, one of the key government department that facilitate, coordinate and monitor Service Improvement Program (Provincial and District Service Improvement Program) and Constitutional Grants (Provincial & District Support Grants) will be greatly affected by the proposed re-location exercise.  This will also affect the 118 elected MPs of Parliament including sub-national administrations who frequent DIRD for technical support and advise on the successful implementation of the SIP program in the country.  Historical Government Documents dated back or since the establishment of the then Office of Rural Development (ORD) in 1998 (24 years) will be misplaced as there is not enough space to file and store at the newly built Twin Tower.  Most of these documents are PSG and DSG including PSIP and DSIP Acquittal Reports, in which some of these documents are subjected to investigation by Ombudsman Commission and Fraud Squad.  Secretary Aihi Vaki stressed that the department (DIRD) is happy to re-locate and welcome GOAC's decision to move out and feel comfortable with a new environment that is more luxurious, however concern now is the backlog of historical documents, province & district data and other vital communication infrastructures.  Mr. Vaki has written to the GOAC Secretariat seeking extension of date   for the re-location exercise and further requested more than K800,000 for ICT equipment and infrastructures to be purchased and establish at the new Twin Tower building. The funds requested from the Government through GOAC has not been honored as the due date for the re-location plan is two weeks away.   GOAC has recently issued a circular instructions to DIRD, Department of National Planning, Department of Finance, National Procurement Commission and other line agencies to re-locate to Twin Tower building at Waigani by November, 2022.  "Our current office here at the Kumul Building is okay, however we have spent K1.5 million on this building for maintenance and other facilities using government funds to be well equipped. Government has to claim these money from the landlord, nothing was here since we moved in 1998, the building itself was skeleton with no office equipment and ICT infrastructures," Mr. Vaki said.  Vaki said there are lot of historical documents, assets to be disposed and ICT infrastructures to be purchased and establish before moving out and the timeframe was not enough. 

The United Nations Development Programme under the European Union funded Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project (PNG Anti-Corruption Project) worked jointly with the National Government’s Department of Justice and Attorney General and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea to deliver a workshop on whistleblower protection in the private sector in Port Moresby on Thursday, 6 October. Delivered by UNDP, the workshop was one of a series of three workshops and trainings related to the implementation of the Whistleblower Act 2020. The workshop was attended by, among others, representatives of the private sector, Government of Papua New Guinea, the Business Council of Papua New Guinea, the Chamber of Commerce, Transparency International. Of particular focus was the Whistleblower Act 2020 and the model draft Whistleblower protection policy developed by UNDP as part of the PNG Anti-Corruption Project. “The fight against corruption is not straightforward. It is a challenging task. This workshop is crucial in highlighting why whistleblowing is a powerful instrument to expose corruption in the workplace, both in the private and public sectors,” said Thomas Eluh, Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Interim Independent Commission Against Corruption. The Papua New Guinea Whistleblower Act was passed in 2020. However, its implementation has not started yet. UNDP provides support to the key partners in developing regulations, guidelines, and policies to implement the new Act and to build the capacity of those responsible for its implementation. “Addressing corruption in this country is crucial. Corruption not only impacts citizens and communities, but also businesses, and the whole country. Corruption is one of the key issues to address to create a conducive business and investment climate in order to leverage both domestic. and foreign investments,’’ said Dr. Hans Lambrecht, First Secretary and Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Papua New Guinea. The three-day training session on whistleblower protection for public officials started on Monday, 3 October and finished on Friday 7 October with the internal consultations on the implementation of the Whistleblower Act 2020 and on the associated draft regulations with key Government departments. “Corruption is a major issue in any country. It erodes basic services. This training gives participants the chance to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of international standards and best practice related to whistleblower protections, frameworks and ways to report the alleged wrongdoing within the private sector,’’ said Edward Vrkic, UNDP Officer in Charge. The PNG Anti-Corruption Project is generously funded by the European Union and implemented by jointly by UNDP Papua New Guinea and UNODC. It aims to strengthen the Government’s commitment and capacities to address corruption for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.

Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider, Nasfund, has partnered with one of the country’s leading insurance provider, Capital Insurance Group Limited, CIG, to provide more value for Nasfund contributors. Through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program (MDP), Nasfund members can now enjoy discounted rates on the following general insurance products offered by CIG; Homeowners / home insurance, Motor insurance – Private and commercial, and Plant machinery & equipment CIG Group Chief Operating Officer Roger Baweja said this partnership seeks to provide outstanding value for Nasfund contributors, especially as we try to survive this most challenging economic environment. “Capital Insurance Group has developed an extensive range of insurance products, which are tailored to Papua New Guinea’s needs. Through this partnership with Nasfund, CIG is delighted to offer discount rates to Nasfund members. These discounts range from 5% to 20%, depending on the premium range for each insurance product. Nasfund members will have to show their Nasfund membership ID to take advantage of these discounts. This offer is available immediately, nationwide, and is in place for the next 12 months.” Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia, welcomed CIG as its latest discount service provider to the Nasfund membership. "We thank Capital Insurance Group for coming on board the Fund’s MDP to provide discounts to our contributors". This offer is the first in the general insurance space, and provides more value for our members, especially during these challenging times. We encourage our members to take advantage of this partnership, to save more while you work today. We are committed to supporting our MDP partners, as we work together to provide value for our members while they work, so that they are ready for tomorrow.”

The district of Samarai Murua welcomed its first load of district services materials for this new term of parliament in a barge from Port Moresby this week. The barge left Motukea wharf last week Friday and travelled three days and nights before arriving in the district centre at Bwagaoia Station, Misima Island on Monday this week. Samarai Murua MP Hon. Isi Henry Leonard who officially discharged the barge from Motukea, was again on hand to receive the barge on Misima Island. He flew in to Alotau over the weekend and travelled by boat to Misima with his team to receive the barge. Mr Leonard while officiating at the program at Bwagaoia wharf, reiterated the importance of service delivery for a maritime district like Samarai Murua. He said now after his re-election back in office, he was looking forward to continue on most of his ongoing programs from the last term of parliament including new ones for this term. He highlighted some of the materials and items in this first load of the barge run. “We have eight PMV trucks, Misima secondary school building materials, East Liak United Church building materials, Pantava United Church building materials and Tagula government outpost building materials for maintenance works. We also have solar street lights, we have eight copra driers from India and eight bales of copra hasen bags for the copra farmers among other building materials and items,” Mr Leonard said. He indicated that after the unloading of these cargoes, the barge would return to Motukea wharf and load more items and materials for the district that were not loaded due to space. “The next load would include motor vehicles for the district administration and one more PMV truck among solar products like freezer and lighting systems for the remote clinics and health centres that will be distributed. Adding that more building materials for schools and churches within the district would be loaded in the second trip of the barge as well. Mr Leonard expressed his satisfaction that the loaded barge had arrived and was docked at Bawgaoia station wharf ready to be unloaded with the much needed materials and items for the district. While officiating at the program, he thanked his people for their patience since his re-election three months ago. Meantime, Mr Leonard has called on all leaders within his district to come together for the common good and development of the people of Samarai Murua. Expressing his concerns that many leaders especially election candidates with ulterior motives were only going to delay further development progress for their people. He said that the people of Samarai Murua had spoken through the ballot boxes and as the re-elected MP he was ready to serve his people for the next five years. Mr Leonard said it was time they put aside their differences and come together for the sake of their people and district.