Residents here in Port Moresby can now return empty PET plastic bottles to exchange for cash. This is the result of a partnership between Coca Cola Europacific Partners PNG, Coca Cola Papua New Guinea and Branis Recycling Limited. CCEP PNG Commercial Director, Mr. Tim Solly said that as a beverage manufacturer in PNG, they believe that it is their responsibility to have a long term commitment to the sustainability of their packaging. “Packaging waste is undoubtedly a major challenge and it’s also a solvable one, if we take action.” “Our plastic bottles have an ongoing intrinsic value and we need to treat them this way.” “We have partnered with Branis Recycling limited to collect PET plastic beverage bottles to prevent the going to landfill, waterways or the environment.” “Members of the public are paid an incentive of K1 per kilo.” “The collected beverage bottles are pre-processed using a shredder and then sent offshore for further recycling due to the absence of a PET resin recycling facility in the country.” It began as a pilot project in August 2022 and so far, 40 tonnes of PET plastic beverage bottles have already been collected and shipped offshore for recycling. People can bring their empty PET plastic bottles to Branis collection centres at Ahuia St, Gordons; Spondias St, Hohola; Movivina St, Gerehu; Gordons and Badili and they will be paid in return for the bottles. Coca Cola has purchased two PET shredders, which will pre-process the material and turn it into flake making it easier and more cost effective to ship the material offshore. Previously, PET plastic beverage bottles have been baled before they were shipped. Solly said that CCEP PNG and Coca Cola Papua New Guinea are aiming to expand PET collection across the country with plans to begin in Lae, Morobe Province. Coca Cola ASEAN & South Pacific Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Mr. Russel Mahoney said that the company is very proud to launch the PET Collection in Papua New Guinea with the partnership of CCEP PNG and Branis Recycling. “Like most people, we don’t want to see our bottles end up as litter.” “We are committed to doing more and being part of the solution.” “Our ultimate goal is to help collect and recycle the equivalent of one bottle for every bottle we bring to the market by 2030.” “However, we can’t achieve our goals alone.” “Addressing plastic waste and recycling challenges requires collaboration between industry, the public sector and civil society and we look forward to working with these groups in Papua New Guinea to significantly increase the amount of PET plastic beverage bottles collected.” In addition, CCEP’s sustainability targets include goals on decarbonizing the business, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, water security, building a resilient and low carbon supply chain.

Digicel Foundation partnered with the Department of Education and Bilum Books to launch the Assessment Report for the Literacy Enrichment and Education Development (LEED) Program that was piloted in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and Central Province. The aim of the LEED Program is to improve literacy outcomes for students in Elementary Schools. An important component in the program is the training of teachers to know how to use the Bilum Books Standard Based Curriculum for English teacher guides and student books. The Bilum Books SBC English is an all in one literacy program designed to teach the skills of English to students no matter their mother tongue. Digicel Foundation commissioned the literacy assessment to provide evidence as to the effectiveness of the program. The results in this report are findings from a 10-month literacy assessment involving 789 elementary students in 32 elementary schools in AROB. This was done by comparing the performance of students from schools using the Bilum Books SBC English program with students from schools not using the program. The findings proved that the anecdotal evidence that the elementary teacher using Bilum books improved students’ learning reading and comprehension across all strands in the standard based curriculum while the control group comparatively demonstrated lower outcomes. The attendance of the Deputy Secretary Curriculum and Standards, Mr. Paul Ainui and the representatives from the Education Department were present to receive the report. Mr. Paul Ainui endorsed the reports as acceptable evidence that more of such literacy enrichment programs like LEED need to be taken in schools throughout Papua New Guinea (PNG) to help improve the low level of literacy. Digicel Foundation CEO Serena Sasingian said that in order for any program to be sustainable, they must work closely with partners from Government and schools with strong governance and leadership. ‘’It is through partnership and commitment that we can all strive together for a better education system in our country.” “Digicel Foundation values its partnership with the PNG Education Department and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Division of Education, Bilum Books, LEED trainers, the students, teachers and administration of the participating schools.” “It was through the collective efforts of everyone mentioned that made this report a success.’’  

New Porgera Limited (NPL) has come out to clarify certain matters related to the reopening of Porgera gold mine that have been the subject of speculation and considerable misinformation in the national media recently. The benefit sharing terms agreed between the State, Barrick Niugini Limited (BNL), Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited (KMHL) and Mineral Resources Enga Limited (MRE) to restart the mine ensure a transparent and fair distribution of the overall economic benefits that will be generated by Porgera over its 20-year mine life. PNG shareholders comprised of Porgera landowners, Enga province and the State (including KMHL, which will hold the equity in new Porgera on behalf of the State) will receive 53% of Porgera’s overall economic benefits and BNL will receive the remaining 47%. At a gold price of US$1, 800 per ounce, Papua New Guinea (PNG) shareholders would expect to receive nearly US$7.3 billion (K25.2 billion) over a potential 20 year life and US$2.8billion (K9.7billion) in the first ten years. The current gold price is significantly higher at approximately US$1,950 per ounce. BNL, the operator of New Porgera Limited has committed to finance the capital required to restart the mine. Once the mine has restarted, any additional loans made by BNL or its affiliates to New Porgera Limited will be on an interest-free basis. During the period since the mine ceased operations more than 3 years ago, BNL has on its own funded 100% of the cost of care and maintenance, totaling some US$540million (K1.9billion) to date. The State, KMHL and BNL agreed that KMHL’s dividends will initially be redirected to BNL to reimburse it for the costs of the care and maintenance. However, the other PNG shareholders are not affected by this arrangement and will receive their dividends as they are declared following the start of operations. In addition, New Porgera Limited will be a significant tax payer, being subject to a 32% corporate tax rate, in return for fiscal stability under the Resource Contracts Fiscal Stabilization Act and an increase in the royalty from 2% to 3%. The proportion of equity and economic benefits that belong to the landowners is also a first in PNG’s agreements with international investors. These facts have been shared to clarify some of the confusion created by less accurate accounts of the terms of Porgera’s reopening and demonstrate beyond doubt that the benefits derived from this world class mine are to be shared fairly between PNG and its partner, BNL.

Lealea Primary school in Central Province had a small but significant ground-breaking ceremony for its new school library. The ceremony was witnessed by students, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders. The new library is funded by Niupower Ltd. This was an important event as the school is working towards upgrading to a technical High school and one of the requirements is to have a school library. School Head Teacher, Mrs Ranu Lari thanked Niupower Ltd for their continuous support towards the school. She appealed to the students and the community to take ownership once the library is built. The new school library will be built at a cost of estimated half a million kina.

Credit Corporation (PNG) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and literacy initiatives with a donation of K22,680 to Buk Bilong Pikinini (BbP). Credit Corporation has been proudly supporting of Buk Bilong Pikinini since 2019, recognizing the vital role that the non-profit plays in improving the country’s literacy rates through its Early Childhood Literacy, Numeracy & Awareness program. Danny Robinson, CEO of Credit Corporation (PNG) Limited said that they are delighted to continue their support to Buk Bilong Pikinini and their efforts in promoting early childhood literacy in Papua New Guinea. "We believe that education is the foundation for a better future, and we are committed to helping children across the country reach their full potential.” He further added that with the support of Credit Corporation and many other organisations within the community, BbP will continue to provide a platform for children to learn, grow and succeed in the future. With this donation, Credit Corporation is aiming to contribute to the ongoing expansion of BbP’s library learning centres, the development of early childhood programs and the provision of essential educational resources to remote communities. BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson thanked Credit Corporation Limited for their donation. "We appreciate Credit Corporation’s continuous support over the years and for recognising the importance of early childhood literacy in building a better future for all Papua New Guineans.” The donation is part of the company’s social responsibility program and reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates in.

National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika said Zone One Sector Patrol Unit police officers quick response resulted in the capture of a suspect who allegedly robbed a female student off her school fees and other properties on Sunday at Hohola. Mr. Sika said the victim, a 20- year- old female student from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville who attends the Asia Pacific Institute, was attacked and robbed when she was walking home. He said police officers who were around that area were quick to respond to the message broadcasted on the police radio. He said police officers picked up the victim who then directed the police officers to the National Housing Corporation Headquarters where they got off the police vehicle and went on foot after the suspects. “The police officers’ response time was critical and resulted in the capture of the alleged robber.” “Two of the accomplices ran away but the main suspect who was armed was caught.” “He had in his possession the victim’s waist bag and her phone.” “The suspect allegedly admitted that K1, 300 in cash which they took from the victim was with his two accomplices who ran away when they saw the police.” “I want to thank the Officer in Charge of Sector Patrol 100 Units, First Constable Kerry Kaman and your team for a well-coordinated response that led to the apprehension of the main suspect.” “I want to warn these criminals that they won`t escape doing that because police response teams are everywhere in the city.” “Do something productive and stop robbing innocent people of their hard-earned things.” The suspect, 20-year-old Kevin Sebby from Gabadi in the Central Province was taken to Hohola police station where he was detained in the cell and formally charged with armed robbery.

The U.S. Secretary of State Anthony J Blinken visited the Lawes Road Clinic on Monday while in Port Moresby for the US- PIF Meeting, to see how the U.S.-funded healthcare clinic is helping to combat HIV/AIDS. Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the United States has provided HIV support in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for over 17 years. The Secretary met with Dr. Poruan Temu, Chief of Party and Country representative of FHI 360, and Priscila Sine Mal, Country Director of HOPE Worldwide as well as clinicians and healthcare workers. Secretary Blinken was informned on how the clinic works with the PNG government and civil society to provide critical healthcare services to combat the increasing HIV epidemic and help those living with HIV. U.S. funding and support has led to 100 percent of people living with HIV in the National Capital District (NCD) of Port Moresby being tested, 100 percent of clients testing positive starting antiretroviral therapy and 92% of clients on therapy being virally suppressed, which is the best thing people with HIV can do to stay healthy. Thanks to the PEPFAR program here in PNG and around the world, well more than 20 million lives have been saved globally. The U.S. is committed to its partnership with the government and people of Papua New Guinea. The US Secretary of State was in Port Moresby for the US- PIF Summit, which coincided with the Forum for India- Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit (FIPIC) held on Monday 22nd May.

Gerehu Primary school, A level 8 school in the heart of Port Moresby has become a sad sight with no new infrastructure in the last 4 years. This was the concern raised by the Gerehu Primary School Parent and Citizens Representative, Mr Smith Yamanavan. Mr Yamanavan told PNG HAUSBUNG that they have written countless letters and petitions to the school Head teacher, the school board, the Department of Education, NCD Education Services and the Teaching Service Commission to act promptly to save Gerehu Primary School from the deteriorating infrastructure that is a health hazard and unsafe for teaching and learning. “Our children are sitting on the floors, classroom floors have holes, blackboards falling apart, students resorting to school oval for toilets as all current toilet blocks are closed.” “Teachers and their families are currently living in the school offices and use the school facilities as their own.” “The teacher’s families have dug a pit toilet that they use while students are sent home because there are no proper toilets for them to use. “The School administration and the board are refusing to meet with parents so the parents are not aware of this issues happening in the school.” “In my son’s classroom, they found used condoms and teachers’ families just hang out their laundry anywhere in the school.” “We are worried that the health department might close the school if they do inspect the school.” Mr Yamanavan said that they had a meeting at the beginning of the year where parents tried to raise issues but the Head Teacher brought in Police personnel who had an altercation with parents. He said that parents have requested to know what is happening with school funds since the school doesn’t have resources for teachers to use for teaching. Yamanavan said the Head Teacher is hardly at the school and is turning a blind eye to what is happening at the school. The P&C Representatives called for a meeting for Sunday, 21st May 2023. However, when they tried to deliver a letter to the school regarding the meeting, the Head Teacher cancelled the meet saying telling the reps that it was illegal access to the school. Mr Yamanavan is making a call to the authorities to step in and do something about the school and replace the Head Teacher as well as the school board so they can move forward. “We are concerned that the school is not a conducive learning space for students.” Meanwhile, this newsroom’s attempts to get a response from the Gerehu Primary School administration via the Head Teacher have been unsuccessful thus far.

Police Commissioner David Manning confidently said that he is happy with the security arrangements for leaders attending the Forum for India Pacific Islands Countries (FIPIC) Summit so far. He said members of the security forces (Police, PNG Defence Force and Correctional Services) have planned in earnest and committed to ensure that the world leaders’ visit was a safe and memorable one. The summit today 22nd May is being attended by the US Secretary of State Anthony John Blinken, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, and the leaders of other Pacific Island countries.

Kaugere Urban Clinic located in the Moresby South Electorate has been out of antibiotics for both children and adults for some time now. The Clinic Health Manager, Josephine Mamis said that they haven’t received any new medical supplies even though they have been following up with their suppliers for a while. “We do not have antibiotic suspension for the children and tablets for the adults.” “Right now, we just write prescriptions for the patients and refer them to the pharmacies to buy their medicine.” “It is sad when we have to do that because not everyone can afford to buy medicine from the pharmacies.” She said the basic drugs such as paracetamol and antibiotics like amoxicillin and septrin usually run out quickly. Mamis added that currently at the clinic, they are seeing an increase of patients presenting themselves at the clinic with flu and alot of children under the age of 5 are reporting mumps. She also said they usually have routine immunization on Tuesdays and Thursdays but due to the Supplementary Immunization Activity for Measles Rubella, Polio and Vitamin A, they are carrying out immunizations every day so they can make sure that all children under 5 get immunized.

The United States Agency for International Development’s Lukautim Graun Program is continuing to advance the protection of PNG’s rich biodiversity through awarding of small grants to non- governmental organizations. These funds will reduce threats to biodiversity, strengthen traditional landowners’ rights and promote women’s economic empowerment. Eco Custodian Advocate Inc. an NGO based in Milne Bay province is among the few recipients of these small grants. The signing of the grant agreement between ECA and USAIDLGP took place in late April 2023. It is a 14-month project which starts from April 20, 2023 to June 19, 2024. Executive Director of ECA, David Mitchell and USAID LGP’s Chief of Party, Tom Pringle held further discussions on the 09th May, 2023, giving effect to this partnership. With funding support from USAIDLGP, Eco Custodian Advocates Inc. will extend its work on sound marine management and conservation support across Milne Bay province. ECA will increase its investment in the highly biodiverse Milne Bay seascape of the Coral Triangle by providing technical and soft skill support to 1,250 fishers of both genders, impacting 5,000 community members. ECA will build on the customary practice of gwala [customary NRM – Marine] for priority food security and livelihood concerns of target fishers and communities by addressing the: • Rekindling of customary marine resource management; • Empowerment of women and the vulnerable; • Generation of ecologically beneficial and sustainable livelihoods. The funding support from USAID LGP, enables ECA to continue: • Working with community youth in audio-visual smart-phone recordings that document local stewardship and customary law over their natural resources. • Providing skills training in basic editing of audio-visual material to a level that is recognized as a legal retrievable record. • Documentation of this approach to inform, socialize, and promote this as an acceptable new paradigm of having retrievable audio-visual material that is a record of oral customary law that is specific to local linguistically defined community groups. Then promoting the incorporation of this into NRM and Ward Development Plans supported by the village court. • ECA’s activities will contribute to LGP’s goal of reducing environmental threats to biodiversity through community empowerment and increased opportunity for cultural conservation driven well-being initiatives. Specifically, ECA will strengthen and amplify its successful interventions of communities across the Milne Bay seascape. The activities will gain greater recognition of gwala customary closure and in doing so improve the well-being and livelihoods of coastal communities. Mr. Mitchell thanked USAID for this agreement. “The signing of this agreement with the Chief of Party demonstrates USAID LGP’s goal to work with communities, in recognizing the value of their customary marine management that protects, saves and preserves the marine resources.” USAIDLGP’s Chief of Party Mr. Pringel said that they believe the funding support will help in conserving PNG’s rich marine resource. He added that the funding is important especially at this critical time when biodiversity faces grave threats around the world with critical species and habitats threatened at an alarming rate.

Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loan hosted member conferences in Lae and Port Moresby recently. The Port Moresby conference was held on Wednesday the 10th of May at the Hilton Hotel. Chairman Ian Tarutia, and Chief Executive Officer Vari Lahui as well as other senior managers addressed the participants, comprising of numerous business houses. Following the conference in Port Moresby, Chairman Tarutia said the second quarter was very challenging due to the recent IT issues. “This engagement was very important in that it gave employers an opportunity to speak directly with our team, especially during the Q&A session at the end of our presentations.” “We were also able to discuss remedial actions currently underway to restore full services for our members, including the important Poro Card service.” “We shared ncsl’s strong results for 2022, delivering an overall crediting rate of 6% to our members.” “This is something we are very proud of.” On Thursday the 11th of May, ncsl held conference in Lae where members were represented by their employers. The conference was hosted at the Lae International Hotel and was well attended. The ncsl team was led by CEO Vari Lahui, who presented updates on remedial action being taken by ncsl to address issues with the online portal, Poro Card system and USSD service. The 2022 financial results were also shared on that day. The ncsl team paid a visit to Ramu Agri Industries Limited on Friday the 12thof May. Ramu Agri Industries Ltd, located in the Ramu Valley is part of the New Britain Palm Oil Group, the largest private sector employer in Papua New Guinea with over 24,000 employees. At all engagements ncsl CEO Vari Lahui was pleased to report consistency in ncsl’s performance with a 5.7% average crediting rate paid to members over the past five years. “Despite challenging economic conditions during the period, we maintained a strong performance record, providing consistent returns to our members.” “We acknowledge that the last few months have been difficult for our members given IT challenges that have impacted our service offering.” “We have improved our customer care services with the establishment of a call centre and are monitoring our official social media channels to improve customer experience for our members.” During each engagement, members were assured that despite the system outage, member funds are safe with most services restored, with access to e-Banking Services back to normal and no impact to the Core Banking System. Ncsl continues to grow from strength to strength and remains committed to supporting the aspirations of members, by delivering essential and affordable financial services.