The Pacific ICT Dialogue held at the Gazelle International Hotel in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea was officially concluded on Monday (13/02/23) by Prime Minister James Marape. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a delegation of high-level Government officials, including the Minister for Treasury Ian Ling-Stuckey, Vice Minister for State Enterprise Raphael Tonpi, Governor for ENB Michael Marum, Member for Kokopo Hon. Ereman Tobaining Jr and Member for Rabaul Graham Piniau. The Pacific ICT Dialogue was a gathering of Pacific leaders and experts in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), aimed at discussing the common challenges and opportunities facing the Pacific region. The meeting was led by the Minister for ICT, Timothy Masiu, who called for greater collaboration among Pacific nations to drive progress in ICT. With the Prime Minister's arrival, the high-level discussion reached new heights and great progress was made towards collaboration in the field of ICT among Pacific nations. The Prime Minister's presence reinforced the commitment of the government of Papua New Guinea to drive progress in the field of ICT and to work closely with other Pacific nations to achieve common goals. The outcome of the Pacific ICT Dialogue will be documented and submitted to the respective Ministers in the Pacific region, with the hope of achieving concrete actions and initiatives to improve ICT in the Pacific. In conclusion, the Pacific ICT Dialogue was a resounding success, bringing together key leaders and experts in the field of ICT to discuss the common challenges and opportunities facing the Pacific region. The meeting has set the stage for further discussions and collaboration in the future, and the future looks bright for the Pacific with such a strong and united front.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko MP says the Government of Papua New Guinea will support The World Indigenous Business Forum to be held in Papua New Guinea in October this year. Office of The Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Events Hon. Justin W. Tkatchenko CBE BEM OL, MP Minister Tkatchenko, speaking from Auckland today where he is currently on a four-day visit said, Papua New Guinea has plenty to learn from New Zealand as the country hosted the Forum in 2018. In a meeting with the Co-Chair for Te Ohu Wai Ao Trust (a traditional Maori indigenous association) Ms. Rachel Petero today, Minister Tkatchenko stressed the gradual decay of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous cultural history and the need for its preservation. “We have always been poised looking at the Western way because of Australia and other external influences, but it’s still very much that in tune within the rural areas of Papua New Guinea.” “The indigenous way is nearly forgotten in many aspects, because Western side of things are becoming superior.” Ms. Petero said Papua New Guinea had always been a part of the Indigenous nations and would always be part of the forums that are aimed at fostering cultural identity. “I am getting a big group Indigenous Women and Industry in Auckland in 2023 and we are looking at government to sponsor a delegation of women to come this year.” “This event was hosted in 2018 where about 1000 people from about 21 countries attended in New Zealand when we hosted it.” “We’ve got a lot of work to do in protecting our indigenous culture and society,” Ms. Petero said. Ms. Petero highlighted the vast advancements of today’s technology and its influences, and concurred with Minister Tkatchenko on the preservation of indigenous culture. “I must commend our government, it has taken on board our indigenous ways of thinking, that’s central to all of government practices.” Office of The Minister for Foreign Affairs & National Events Hon. Justin W. Tkatchenko CBE BEM OL, MP “When you hear non indigenous people speaking your language you know things have changed. New Zealand can support by embracing those indigenous ways that help us because they take care of the land, sea, and our people.” Meanwhile, Minister Tkatchenko will be travelling to Wellington on Wednesday where he will hold meetings with the New Zealand government officials. He and his delegation will then head to Canberra, Australia for the Ministerial Forum.

The Rescue Fire Fighting (RFF) Team at Nadzab Airport in Lae Morobe Province is now operating out of the newly built Fire Station. The RFF Team started using the new Fire Station after it was recently commissioned by NAC Acting Managing Director Joseph Tupiri and the NAC Senior Management Team. This newly constructed fire station was built as part of the Nadzab Airport Redevelopment Project (NARP) which is jointly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and Japanese International Cooperation Agency-ODA Loan.   Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting is an invaluable service in PNG’s aviation industry provided by the NAC at major airports in the country. The fire station has been built with modern design and optimized systems to boost firefighting operations. Once the NARP is completed, the Nadzab airport will serve as an alternative international airport to Jacksons International Airport. It is therefore crucial that rescue and fire-fighting capabilities are operational and up to standards, to handle any emergencies. Meanwhile, during the commissioning of the newly built fire station, the Contractor, Dai Nippon-Nippo Joint Venture, also officially handed over the new Airport Rescue Fire Truck which was also purchased as part of the Nadzab Airport Project. The Rescue 3 firefighting vehicle complements the operations of the newly built fire station. This would then enable Nadzab firefighting personnel to respond faster and more efficiently to protect lives and aircraft in an emergency. Investment in this facility and asset underscores NAC Management’s commitment to its core business of providing safe operations and remaining compliant with regulatory requirements.

Craig Fitzgibbon, who coached the Cronulla side to second position on the NRL ladder in 2022 in his first year as head coach, has signed a new long-term contract to remain at the Sharks until at least the end of the 2027 season. Already contracted for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the new deal will now see Fitzgibbon remain at the Sharks for a further three years. While focused on the upcoming NRL season, Fitzgibbon was excited about the opportunity presented and to what the future might hold. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to build on what we started here at the Sharks last year,” Fitzgibbon said. “We have outstanding playing talent, backed by a Board led by Steve Mace who are supportive of what we are trying to achieve. “We enjoyed our first season, but our journey has just begun and we are looking to create an even stronger environment going forward,” Fitzgibbon added. Sharks Chairman Steve Mace, who had previously expressed a desire to lock down Fitzgibbon as the Club’s long term head coach, was excited to secure the services of a man he believes can deliver the Sharks their second NRL premiership. “Craig managed to create an immediate impression when appointed to the role of head coach, his results then spoke for themselves and we believe as a Board and Management that the sky is the limit for our football program under his leadership,” Mace said. [caption id="attachment_36186" align="alignnone" width="840"] From left, Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta, Head Coach Craig Fitzgibbon and Chairman Steve Mace[/caption] “I indicated some months ago that is was our goal to have Craig as our head coach long term and to get the deal done and to make it a reality, is extremely satisfying.” After a celebrated playing career, one which included 19 Tests for Australia, 11 matches for NSW, a Clive Churchill Medal and a premiership at the Sydney Roosters in 2002, following two years playing for Hull in the UK Super League, Fitzgibbon returned to Australia in 2012 to begin his coaching apprenticeship. Working as an assistant at the Roosters, Fitzgibbon was a member of the coaching staff which helped produce three NRL titles, in 2013, 2018 and 2019, making him a head coaching target for a handful of NRL clubs. Declining several offers as he continued to learn his craft, Fitzgibbon eventually agreed to join the Sharks as head coach for 2022, a year in which the team would win a club record 18 games and finish second on the ladder following the 25-round home and away season. CEO Dino Mezzatesta was involved in the initial approach and contract negotiations that landed Fitzgibbon at the Sharks and was thrilled to have also played a role in helping to secure this latest contract extension. “Our decision to offer this extension to Craig wasn’t just about on-field results, which were certainly impressive last year in his first season in charge. It is also about the culture he is attempting to instill, not only amongst the NRL playing group, but throughout the entire football program,” Mezzatesta said. “We believe Craig is setting our Club up for success, not only in the short term and for the upcoming season, but also for the years to come.” Source: NRL.Com

Papua New Guinea Women’s National Team coach Spencer Prior has named star midfielder Rayleen Bauelua as captain to lead the team against Panama on Sunday. The match to be played at North Shore Harbor Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, is the opening match for the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off. Prior said, the 28-year-old Loaua villager from Murat Local Level Government in New Ireland province is a hard worker both on and off the field. “Rayleen is going to captain the team given her output, work rate, and leadership qualities she has displayed in the team during camps in Australia and New Zealand,” the coach said. The Mussau lass was nervous when she was told to captain the team. “I was nervous but very honored and proud to lead my team. It’s a big role, but I am happy to lead,” the PNG midfielder said.  

Twenty thousand kina has already been raised by an ‘English Channel Swim’ fundraising event for Cheshire Disability Services. The K20,000 represents 20 percent of an overall K100,000 fundraising goal. The swim is being supported by the Steamships Group, with 100 percent of all sponsorship money going towards initiatives that will directly benefit people with disabilities and the families who support them. Swimmer Neil Papenfus, a General Manager in Steamships’ Logistics Division, is registered to swim the English Channel in October. “I love swimming, I love challenging myself physically, and I love the work that the team at Cheshire Disability Services do for people in our community who are living with disabilities” says Papenfus. The K20,000 already raised has been a mix of personal as well as business donations: · PNG Motors K10,000 · Carpenters Shipping K5,000 · David Doig K1,000 · Ashley Houston K1,000 · Greg Rudani K1,000 · Corey van Genderen · Sean Vincin K1,000 · Bill Crain K500 General Manager of Cheshire Disability Services, Benson Hahambu, says that he’s “extremely grateful” for the generosity of the businesses and people who have donated so far and that “every kina will make a real difference” in the lives of the people who turn to the charity for help. Papenfus is busy not just with raising money but also training. He’s currently swimming an average of 30km per week which includes a 12km swim on the weekends. As October approaches he will be swimming between 30-35km per week and will have completed longer swims of 26km including competitive long-distance events in Australia and New Zealand. Neil’s next international competitive swim will be in Sydney in March where he’ll swim the 26km ‘Palm to Shelly’ open ocean race. In the middle of the Australian winter Neil will attend a special ‘Cold Water Training Camp’ in Sydney which will include a 6-hour swim. Some Facts About Swimming the English Channel · It will take Neil about 16 hours (the world record is just under 7 hours) · He will swim between 34-40 km depending on the tides and currents · The water will be very cold (about 16⁰C) – Fairfax Harbour is around 26⁰C. · Neil will need to eat and drink as he swims – he’s not allowed to get out of the water · The English Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes (an average of 600 tankers and 200 ferries pass through it every day) Steamships will ensure that 100 percent of all money raised will be given to Cheshire Disability Services.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Southern Command is looking to uncover an alleged drug syndicate operating in the Southern Region and persons of high offices within the region. Southern Commander, Chief Superintendent Clement Dalla, said after the indication given by the Member for Kerema Open Mr. Thomas Opa last year during the launch of the Gulf Police Festive Operations, he and his officers have commenced planning to counter this syndicate. “There is some form of a syndicate on the ground, including in the police and other people who have networks in the province, but we have yet to identify who exactly is behind those and the group that is going around using government authorities to by-pass detection.” The Southern Commander also stated that they are planning to increase police presence in the area along the waterways to try counter the alleged drug syndicate in the Southern Region, especially in the Gulf and Southern Highlands provinces. Dalla added that they will be looking to establish a water police base at Kikori to monitor the surrounding areas. They will also be establishing a police station at the border of the two provinces. This will be constructed with the support from Total Energy along the corridors where drug trade has increased and with the new road link from the highlands towards Kikori, there is a huge number of people heading to the National Capital to conduct business and some might not be the ideal type of business.

Data is important for making informed decisions at all levels of government. However, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), several barriers restrict the availability of quality data for making informed decisions on service delivery. The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 4 titled “Barriers to the use of Data to drive Policy Decisions in Papua New Guinea” by Peter Michael Magury, Research Fellow at PNG NRI, looks at interventions that can be used to build capability and to address barriers associated with the use of data for making policy-related decisions. The barriers that restrict the use of data to drive policy decisions in PNG include the following: • Knowledge gaps in statistical skills and data use resulting in lack of access, analyses, poor interpretation of data, and difficulty in summarizing data into clear messages for decision-makers in presentable formats. • Poor data quality that includes data that are not timely, reliable, accurate and complete that limit the confidence and value that decision-makers place on data. • Unavailability of data, which includes inaccessibility of relevant data and poor packaging of available data that restrict its availability for use in making informed policy decisions. • Poor communication between data producers and users throughout the stages of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and use. Interventions for making quality data available is important for providing the needed confidence in using the data for making informed policy related decisions by policy-makers. Interventions such as building skills and knowledge in data use, improve data quality and communication, access and improve engagement between data users and producers can improve data used to drive policy decisions .

Air Niugini Destinations members can now redeem loyalty points with PNG Office Works Limited. PNG Office Works is offering customers who are Destinations members the opportunity to redeem loyalty points on selected stationery and electronic appliances at their shop located at 6 Mile in Port Moresby. The two-year partnership arrangement provides more options for members to redeem Destinations points in addition to redemption on airline tickets. Air Niugini General Manager Commercial Services, Mr Paul Abbot welcomed PNG Office Works on board highlighting the need to partner with more organisations to add value to the program. Mr Abbot said,“We would like to have more program partners from different industries come on board to provide a wide range of products where members can earn and redeem their points.” PNG Office Works General Manager, Jovita Kenni said they’re pleased to partner with Air Niugini by becoming a points redemption centre for Destinations Loyalty members. Ms Kenni added that PNG Office Works provides an alternate choice for its customers in Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea with a range of quality products and services offered. PNG Office Works inclusion to the Loyalty program now brings the total Destinations corporate partners to 11. Air Niugini’s Destinations Loyalty Program was launched in August 2009 as PNG’s first Frequent Flyer Program with currently over 123,000 active members.

Member representatives of Nambawan Super in Wabag recently witnessed the opening of the upgraded Wabag Branch today. Formerly located within the Post PNG Office, the Wabag Branch has been relocated to the ground floor of the Bettel Building as part of NSL’s continued focus on improving Member access to superannuation services in centres around the Country. The Branch was opened by Nambawan Super Member representatives alongside Enga Provincial Administration – Director Corporate Services Mr. Raphael Taiman and Nambawan Super Limited CEO Mr. Paul Sayer. Mr. Sayer said, “the opening of our Wabag Branch today is part of Nambawan Super’s strategy to renovate and upgrade our Branches Nationwide”. “The Wabag Branch is now conveniently located within walking distance to local schools, Government offices, key state institutions and several other businesses which employ many of our Members in Wabag.” “The strategic location will also serve Members who pass through the town between Mount Hagen and Pogera.” “With the anticipated resumption of the Pogera Gold Mine, We have invested in revitalising this Wabag Branch noting that Enga Province, is a significant contributor to the economy of Papua New Guinea.” “We expect that as the mine’s operations continue to grow, so will the number of opportunities for residents here in Wabag and the potential for the town to grow into a key industrial township in the near future.” “Nambawan Super looks forward to supporting the growth of our Members in Wabag and Enga Province as they work and when they retire. Through this Branch we will continue providing our valuable superannuation products and services, to ensure that our Members here have the chance to enjoy a comfortable retirement”, Mr. Sayer added. Improved features of the Wabag Branch include three counters; one self-service counter for ease of access; and one comfortable interview/meeting room that provides privacy for Members when discussing their superannuation benefits and retirement savings. “The Branch has also been upgraded to accommodate Members with air-conditioning, featuring improved staff and Member amenities, and it utilises a backup generator for the best Member experience for our over 5000 plus Members that live and work in Wabag and within Enga Province”, Mr. Sayer stated. “This is the second Nambawan Super Branch that we have relocated and opened this year after opening our Kiunga Branch last month. In December last year, we also opened our newly relocated Daru and Wewak Branches.” “All the relocated Branches have also been upgraded to improve on Members’ experience and ensure our staff have everything they need to deliver quality services.” “As part of our Branch Relocation and Improvement exercise, we are also planning to open 13 more Branches including relocated, upgraded and new Branches across all four Regions of PNG.” “Through this exercise, we want to ensure that we can provide the same welcoming look and feel that is now the standard for our 22 Branches Countrywide so that our Members receive the same level of services wherever they are.” “At Nambawan Super, our Members are at the core of all that we do and as such we aim to continue delivering quality services while managing our investments to generate strong returns on Members’ savings so that the money they save today, grows over the long-term to help build better futures for our members and achieve their best retirement outcomes”, Mr. Sayer concluded.

Team PNG would like to congratulate Team PNG and Athletics PNG athlete Leeroy Kamau who broke the PNG National indoor 400m record with a time of 47.83 seconds in Kansas, USA!! What an achievement, and great to see your progress abroad in the lead up to the games this year. Leeroy is currently studying and training in the United States as he prepares to represent Team PNG at the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games at the end of this year from November 19th - December 2nd. Source: Team PNG

Melbourne have confirmed they'll be without star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for at least the opening six rounds of the Telstra Premiership as he continues to recover from a knee injury. The Storm released an injury update on Tuesday indicating they were hopeful Papenhuyzen would make a return between Rounds 6-8 but would also not rule out his comeback potentially being longer. The club also confirmed they'll will be without new recruit Tariq Sims for their Pre-season Challenge clash against the Warriors this weekend due to a calf injury while Marion Seve (knee) is also unavailable. Storm centre Justin Olam will miss six weeks due to a fractured forearm. Meanwhile, Broncos star Reece Walsh is in doubt for the opening round of the Telstra Premiership against the Panthers after scans confirmed a facial fracture suffered in the Pre-season Challenge last weekend. Walsh was electric in his return to the Broncos on Sunday night before copping a knock to the face in a tackle that forced him from the field. The Broncos have confirmed the 20-year-old suffered a fracture to his eye's orbital floor with no surgery required. Source: NRL.Com