Western Highlands Police in a show of strength, paraded in a convoy of 50 plus vehicles comprising of PNG Defence Force members and Special Services Division members to mark the beginning of a 4 day Easter operation. Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent John Sagom says this operation will go on till midnight on the 10th and will commence with foot-patrols around Mt Hagen City and roadblocks within the province. “Our Highway patrol and Armed Units are now Conducting Roadblocks, especially from the main highways into the province and into the city from Jiwaka, Chimbu and Eastern Highlands.” The PPC says this will all be done to ensure the safety and security city residents and those at the borders of the province, particularly to deter those who intend to break the law or any illegal activities. The police boss is monitoring provincial borders and says they will also be keeping a close watch of the movement of other officers into the Province. “We want to make sure that whatever business that they are coming to do in the city, my office will be notified as to the kind of activities they will be doing in the city.” Meanwhile, the Easter Message from the Office of the Provincial Police Commander WHP, including that from all other stakeholders involved in the safety and security is for the people to celebrate in a peaceful way and to take this time to think about bettering themselves and how to make an impact with those around them. “At this time of the Year, everyone must take this time to think about their personal lives and their commitment to Christ, and more importantly look at our Christian lives and our conduct.” PPC Sagom is urging all citizens to celebrate peacefully.

In order to save her local language from becoming the possibility of extinction, a veteran teacher from the Western Highlands province is offering language learning lessons in Hagen Melpa and Timbka/Miam for a week in attempts to save her language. Rose Naginel, a woman with over 22 years of experience in teaching Business studies in TVET institutions across the country has now taken a up a challenge to teach young Western Highlanders living in the Capital. She says what prompted her to start teaching her language was due to her observations on a large number of youth in the country lacking the ability to speak in their native tongues, and said it is sad that they lack such an important aspect of their traditional Identity. “What prompted me was that a lot of people when they move away from their villages to get an education, then tend to raise their kids predominantly in English or Tok Pisin.” “It’s our culture, and we have to maintain our identity.” Naginel says even though this may be good, she called on people not to forget their identity and roots. So far, she has already fashioned her own language training module, where she intends to introduce to her students in her first lesson next week. Rose is encouraging everyone to attend even people from other parts of the country, adding that it will be a positive experience. Fees are K25 an hour, with two-hour classes at the Servant Heart Ministry, Gerehu. Classes will start on the 10th and end on the 14th of this month.

Thanks to technological advances, the National Identity (NID) Project now has an upper hand in addressing issues such as identity theft and the authentication of client identity and lately, the Project has acquired and deployed the use of mobile biometric android devices. Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamlili Jnr said that the new NID cards will be able to read and identify the fingerprints of a person and will have the capability to determine the identity of the presenter of the NID Card. “This applies only to adults 18 years and over who have an NID card.” The devices have been put to use with the first device being granted to Chief Migration Officer, Stanis Hulahau. Tsiamalili said this will enable state agencies to utilize the technology to safeguard the nation. This also makes it quite easier for offices like that of the Immigration & Citizenship to authenticate passport applications prior to submission and acceptance of applications. “This is an important addition to the Authority’s already stringent safeguard policies and will ensure that nobody can apply for a passport unless they have proven their identity by way of NID authentication.” The minister has now mandated the PNG Civil & Identity Registry to come up with a whole new system to have online access with facial recognition at airports around the country. Caption: Upgrade to NID cards includes fingerprint technology ENDS//

Even with limited communication, people affected in the East Sepik Province are still trying their best to report damages done in many areas. In the Diocese of Wewak,Bishop Joseph Roszynski is assessing the damages to church properties and homes to see how best they can assist. The Bishop says against all odds the Caritas PNG office in Wewak is finalizing their reports from various places and are looking to find means to assist in any way they can with relief supplies. So far, stories that they are gathering seem to be quite dire. Reports of houses destroyed, classrooms damaged and many others are coming in from affected parts of the province. “We are thinking of what can be done and we are definitely ready, slowly but surely looking for possibilities to come with relief and definitely some relief will be given.” He said this will be a mammoth of a task, given that the strategy and logistics to administer relief aid is all dependent on the Provincial Government and the Provincial Disaster office to coordinate, which the diocese is hoping to collaborate with. Bishop Roszinski said he is very sympathetic for the people at this time and added that action is needed to provide relief and aid to those affected.  

The National Research Institute through the NRI Research Report No. 12 has outlined key pointers for future planning and implementation of urbanization projects. The report, titled “Dynamics of informal customary land transactions between landowners and migrants at Taurama Valley, National Capital District” authored by Dr. Elizabeth Kopel, Dr. Linus Digim’Rina, Lewis Iwong and Cathy Tukne looks at a major potential source of ongoing conflict between the landowners and Informal customary land transactions between landowners and migrants. The authors supposed that while landowners assume that they have ownership rights, settlers also assume permanency of settlement and make major investments by constructing homes and/or doing businesses and is a key issue the ongoing conflict in the Valley. According to the authors, Informal land transactions also have a negative impact on landowning families. Found within the report, it has been established that a major impact project planned by the government for implementation on customary land at the area known as the ‘Taurama urbanisation pilot project’ in 2012 was abandoned when landowners sold/leased land informally to settlers before the project could be implemented. Any intervention to bring a lasting solution for Taurama will be challenging as it needs to engage not just with landowners but also with migrants and the investments they have made on the land. Policy recommendations of future Urbanization projects are the following: Thorough process of stakeholder analysis and engagement of all key stakeholders in every stage of the project planning and implementation cycle should be considered; Give recognition to and promote the use of mediation to resolve issues related to land and other matters for urban peripheral areas like Taurama. Policy should set broad guidelines to be implemented locally (by provinces and districts) applying simpler, user-friendly local models and practices consistent with national goals; Improve on packaging and dissemination of information on existing government policy and intervention strategies; and Interventions to address common concerns for landowners and migrants, such as provision of basic services and infrastructure and, facilitating the process for landowners to maintain ownership and collect ongoing rental dues from settlers.  

A group of survivors congregating at the Pagwi Station, Ambunti District since the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the East Sepik Province in the early hours of Monday [03/04/2023] are seeking relief assistance from those in and around province. A total number of 20 people have assembled at the station since Monday, prompting residents of Pagwi to set up a committee and seek relief assistance for those displaced. Head of the relief committee, Mr. Gideon Marlow said it is a sad sight as many have lost their homes, properties and others and have sought assistance from those around the station as no one has reached out to them yet. “We are taking this initiative because I see that no one has come forward as yet to provide assistance, so with the help of a few of my friends, we are trying to get assistance for those affected.” Marlow said they have set up 3 designated areas within Wewak town to for donations, one at the Provincial Assembly Guard house and the other 2 at the Chair of the Friends of Greater Sepiks residence and the Franciscan Sisters House. He said the LLG has taken their own step to provide for those displaced, with the Deputy District Administrator paying a visit to assess their situation. He added that he is not too sure of their plans of how they would like to assist but for the mean time Marlow is calling on everyone in the province to assist them in this challenging times by donating. He said it is highly likely that the number of people seeking refuge there will increase over the coming days. Picture courtesy: Salvador Kemaken

Exciting news for schoolies in the Yangoru-Saussia District as the Yangoru-Saussia District University Centre officially initiated lectures for diploma and degree programs at the Yangoru-Saussia School of Excellence recently. Classes are being conducted at the state-of-the-art computer & science labs established under the direction of Member for Yangoru-Saussia, Richard Maru through the Australia-PNG partnership. CEO of the YS District Development Authority (DDA), Mr. Jacob Yafai, in his welcome remarks, acknowledged the districts commitment to serving God and placing Education as a priority forming the basis of the District’s Administration. He welcomed Executive Deans, Prof. Simon Saulei and Prof. Leo Marai along with the Executive Director of Open College, Prof. Lahui-Ako. “This is the first time that a team of high-level academics has visited the District to provide personal contact lectures at the UPNG Yangoru-Saussia District University Centre. This reflects the high value and quality of programs been offered through the Open College and at the District. It further endorses the strong commitment by the Yangoru-Saussia District under the leadership of Hon. Maru,” said Mr. Yafai. The academics were impressed with the facilities highly commended the local member for his commitment. Right now the University of Papua New Guinea stands committed to support the University Center given the District’s own demonstrated value in quality education for the District. So far, there are 28 students who have registered and are showing high levels of attentiveness to the UPNG academics, and the SOE staff their appreciations for bringing the University close to them which was something they could not get due to lack of space and high expenses involved in study at the UPNG Waigani campus.

Bougainville Regional Member and Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsialmalili has outlined plans to make sure that the nation’s population has NID Cards by 2025. He says this is an ambitious target but he is confident they can be able to do it. Tsiamalili said that the NID project was a key government priority, as the country continues to enhance systems and the Issuing of NID Cards continue, the country will see long term benefits. The Minister said that the NID project was a key government priority. “The cards will support the delivery of government services and enable businesses to authenticate customer identity. The NID card will also be an important tool when we conduct the 2027 national election and this why all leaders must ensure that work to deliver the NID project continues at pace.” The minister also made mention of work to complete NID registrations in both Yangoru-Saussia and the Unngai-Benna Districts. He added that they have completed their NID registrations and are currently undertaking a data cleansing exercise. This is the first phase in ensuring that NID data is aligned to the national electoral role. “I commend and congratulate Richard Maru and Kinoka Hotune Feo, for working in partnership with the NID Project. These two districts will now be able use NID data to inform development and investment in local services.” The Minister said that Acting Registrar, Noel Mobiha and his young team are fully aware of the challenges faced in the roll out of the project and have invested considerable time and effort to reduce processing times whilst maintaining the quality and authenticity of an individual’s information.

As per the request from the East Sepik Governor Allan Bird to East Sepik Provincial Police to assess and provide a damage report on the situation in the areas affected by the earthquake, East Sepik Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Chris Temari has advised that today he, along with officers from the Provincial Disaster Office and other stakeholders will be travelling to the Chambri lakes to find out the extent of the damage. Speaking from Boram Airport, Superintendent Temari stated that on Monday he had gone to visit his Police Station Commanders in various affected areas to determine the damages and establish whether there have been casualties. The PPC said that he had received reports, but he will be going out to confirm these reports. “Because of the earthquake, we want to establish the number of lives lost, the destruction and establish which district is most affected." "We heading out to the epicenter of the damage, Chambri Lakes to ascertain the damage there.” He further added on Monday he had received a brief from his men in and around the province. "The police will be working closely with the Provincial Administration to assess the damage and see how well the Provincial Government can assist." According to the provincial police boss, reports that he has on hand state that there have been 6 casualties reported this far.

The sport of surfing is growing predominantly in the West Sepik province with a lot of interest from people but the sad things is that organizers and clubs are still seeking assistance to promote the sporting code. Chairman of Surfing Vanimo, Mr. Steve Tekwie, said that much like other sporting codes in the country, they would like to reach the top level in the sport. Every year, Surfing Vanimo tries its best to hosts local events to gather people together and build confidence in young athletes and promote the sport. Tekwie says they try to gather sponsors together, some have been very helpful and would like to contribute to the growth of surfing in the country. “We are trying our best and they are also trying their best to support us.” Tekwie said with a host of talent in the province it tends to be quite challenging in garnering support for the growth of the sport. He added that this all depends on the national body to expose these raw talent. West Sepik Province has the biggest following in terms of youth participation in the sport of surfing and Tekwie believes that this may be the case in other provinces as well. “We have young people who are ready to take part, but the problem is that everything needs to be constant.” He said that this is about promoting the code and is encouraging more people to take part by hosting regular events. Tekwie further added that PNG does not have anybody on the international stage as yet but hopes to one day see the sport develop fine athletes. He is now calling on the Government to look into this area of sporting.

This year will be an exciting year for educators and the Western Highlands Provincial Education Board, as they look forward to the launch and implementation of their Provincial Education Plan. Chair of the PEB, Mr. Esley Tickel says there is much excitement, especially since they have concluded the teacher’s appointments in the province. “Now that we’re done, we are looking forward to the launch later this year, pending consultation." "We are very happy that it’s completed and are now looking forward to implementation.” According to Tickel, the plan is in line with the Provincial Development plan and will go on for the next 3 years. He said this is a very big achievement for the PEB, as they were only established in November last year. The other major undertaking the PEB will be implementing will also be the School Structural Reform to the 1-6-6 structure. Tickel said a few schools have already gone through the reform, taking on students from primary schools in the province. “Some schools have already gone through the restructure, not all have yet but we are looking at a holistic approach to do this and we will only know what will come out of this once we implement. The chair further stated that they have a mammoth task ahead of them, with many challenges but is looking forward to the coming months.

Angoram District in the East Sepik Province has reprotedly suffered a huge damage following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the East Sepik Province and surrounding nearby provinces early this morning.   According to reports from the Provincial Disaster Office, Wewak District Administrator, Martin Waingu has advised that they are mobilizing enough manpower and resources to attend to Anogoram District, after reports from the District Administrator of huge damage to property and loss of lives.   “Everywhere around the Wewak area is fine but the Angoram District is the most affected.”   The District Administrator said that after getting in touch with people on the ground in Angoram, it can be determined that most of the damage was done, especially to houses collapsing under their own weight.   Up in Karawari, Maingu said they have received unconfirmed reports that 2 adults and an infant were killed as a result of the earthquake.   He said the Angoram District Administration and the Disaster office in Wewak are preparing to send officers into those areas affected to determine the extent of the situation.   It is highly possible that teams are already being sent out to various locations in Angoram District.   Other Districts reported to have sustained huge amounts of damage include, Wosera-Gawi and Maprik, whilst Yangoru-Saussia and Wewak have not reported any damages so far.