Local Level Governments need to draft their own laws which can enable them to exercise their powers as local authorities and manage their own affairs. This was highlighted in a workshop at the Rabaul District Headquarters, aimed at outline the legally required steps needed to pass a valid Provincial or LLG Law. The workshop was carried out by the East New Britain Autonomy Implementation & Advisory Committee of the ENB Provincial Administration. Speaking during the opening of the workshop was Mr Nakikus Matalau, a Legal Consultant engaged with the ENB Autonomy Implementation & Advisory Committee who stressed on the importance of having LLG Laws. “LLG Laws provide a legal framework for local governance which can enable them the authority to make decisions that are relevant to the specific interests and needs of their communities.” He said there are several steps and processes to take into consideration when wanting to draft a law and added that wider awareness and consultation with the communities is vital. “When drafting a law, you have to consider whether that law is needed or not, what is its aim, is it practical and who is going to enforce it.” The Legal Consultant said that drafting instructions must be based on clearly defined policies and follow all the required processes. From seeking legal advice to drafting and getting approvals in the LLG Executive Council, Provincial Executive Council, the Provincial Assembly and Minister responsible. Meantime Deputy District Administrator (Admin.) Mr. Babel Umri who attended the workshop said that he is pleased with the presentation and added that it is a way forward for LLGs to enhance local autonomy. Mr. Umri added that this will also compliment ENB Provincial Administration’s Focus on Ward Empowerment and foster inclusive and sustainable development at the local level.

The Mauberema Ecotourism Nature Conservation Education Research & Training Center (MENCERTC) in Sinesine Yonggomugl District in the Chimbu Province is setting a perfect example of what happens, when a community comes together with a common goal. MENCERTC will be launching the Professor Novonty Early Childhood Development Center tomorrow, Thursday 10th of August, 2023. Head of the MENCERTC, Mr. Moses Kirikumul Kerry explained that funding for this Center came from the United Nation’s Development Program’s (UNDP) Global Equator Prize Award Grant that they won in 2022. “We decided to use the money to build a learning facility for the children that attend the Mauberema Early Childhood Learning Center.” Mr. Kerry said that the Mauberema Early Childhood Learning Center is an existing arm of the MENCERTC under their Community Education Outreach Program, where they carry out educational programs to complement their main work of Conservation. “The kids that come to the center usually have to sit on the ground. They also don’t have proper learning materials.” Tomorrow’s launching of the early childhood learning center will now fix these issues. “The Professor Novonty Early Childhood Development Center is a proper educational facility with a double classroom, a library, a computer lab, café for the kids to have their lunch, a mobile health facility, as well as a small cultural museum.” Mr. Kerry said some of the building materials they needed, like wood, were sourced from their surrounding environment. MENCERTC also put part of the grant towards purchasing a small vehicle for ease of logistics in their remote location. “We tried our best to utilize the grant and our own natural resources in the most efficient way possible, to build this early childhood learning center and cater for additional things as well.” Moses Kerry explained that here are volunteer teachers at the Center who are all trained in early childhood education. “Now that we have a proper education facility, we are in talks with the Provincial Education Department to register the school and have the volunteer teachers register as educators with the Department of Education, so they can get paid.” He said this will also pave the way for MENCERTC to seek subsidies and funding from the National Education Department to expand the Center. The Launching will have in attendance, representatives from key stakeholders that continue to be instrumental, not only in the building of the Learning Center, but in the overall work that MENCERTC does. Chimbu Governor Noah Kool will be the guest speaker at the launching, which includes a program that will see traditional performances from neighboring provinces as well as. “The Launching of the Professor Novonty Early Childhood Development Center will be a small ceremony, but a very special and significant one.”

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson recently accompanied the Commissioner of Police to address the newest Police Recruits. This was at the Bomana Police Bomana Centre of Excellence in the National Capital District, where the new recruits will commence their training. Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson highlighted that the Constabulary needs more policewomen. She encouraged the 61 female recruits in both regular and cadet programs to take the training seriously and join the serving women in the force. “Currently we have a gender imbalance in the Constabulary, and I want to encourage more women to join the force.”  “The force needs females just as much as it needs men.” Ms. Clarkson explained that the infrastructure at the Bomana Centre of Excellence has received major facelifts and the recruits will be the pioneers to utilize these new facilities.

The Commissioner of Police congratulated the first lot of recruits and cadets for coming through a vigorous and lengthy recruitment process to be where they are right now. Police Commissioner David Manning was speaking at the Bomana Centre of Excellence in the National Capital District when he addressed the first batch of 222 new police cadets and recruits at the commencement of their training. Manning told the new recruits that the commencement of training was just the beginning of a long journey. “Your nine (9) months of residential and practical sessions that you will undergo are very critical.” “Both your intellectual capacity and attitude will determine whether you are the right person in character and have all ethical values to wear this uniform. “Being here does not guarantee you to graduate. We will not fail you. It is you though your commitment to training, and your desire to serve our country and our people will sail you through. I want to see you all 222 graduating in 9 months.” The Commissioner explained that the police recruitment and training will commence every 12 months until the Royal PNG Constabulary reached a ceiling of ten thousand. This first batch of 222 people is part of a total of 509 people that were selected from the 13,039 shortlisted applicants for the 2023 recruitment. The 509 includes 443 regular recruits and 66 cadets, will be undergoing intensive training for nine (9) months and three (3) years respectively. The officer cadet training will commence in September, followed by the second batch of regular recruits in three (3) months. Manning concluded his address by thanking the Marape-Rosso government for focusing on the law-and-order sector and its steadfast commitment to rebuilding the police force and its manpower going forward.

Kokopo Plant Hire has been awarded a major road upgrade project in the Rabaul District of East New Britain. The company expressed that they are glad to partner with the government to restore vital services destroyed following the twin volcanic eruptions in 1994. Under the contract, Kokopo Plant Hire will be upgrading the Matupit part one and other associated works from Namanula/Matupit junction to Matupit ward 2. Speaking during the singing of the contract, Kokopo Plant Hire Director Mr. Patrick Midelit, thanked the Rabaul District Administration for the opportunity to work on this vital project that is a much-needed service for the people in the concerned communities. “For my company, there is nothing better to do then to return and re-develop Rabaul,” Mr. Midelit said. Mr. Midelit also assured the district administration that his company is prepared to cooperate on future projects to restore services back in Rabaul. Acting District Administrator Mr. John Vule thanked the company for the work it has done so far and called for continued commitment to see the successful completion of the project. “We have awarded the project to the company in good faith and we ask that this be reciprocated until eventually we realize the restoration of this vital government service,” Mr. Vule said. Deputy District Administrator for Administration Mr. Babel Umri also took the opportunity to call on the company to ensure it delivers quality work and services that are up to acceptable standards.

20 young women from across the country, have been given the opportunity to go through a week long Pilot Program on Young Women Political Boot Camp, provided for by the Pacific Institute of Governance & Leadership (PILAG). The goals of the program are to build and nurture political interest, enhancing knowledge of the political, electoral and legislative process, networking for development collaboration, empower passion in response to gender disparity and embracing leadership virtues in making change in the political space. Team Leader for the Young Women Political Boot Camp for PILAG, Nellie Hamura Oa said this program is targeting 18–30-year-old women. “We received an overwhelming response from across the country, with over 300 applications. And from the 300, we selected 20 women.” The 20 selected for the Young Women Political Boot Camp, applied via a questionnaire provided for by PILAG with their responses going through a stringent process before they were informed of their successful applications. Ms. Nellie said that since the boot camp is a pilot program, they can only cater for 20 young women for now. “We want to transfer knowledge, to inspire these young women and boost their confidence and prepare them to participate in the political space.” She explained that they have a number of guest facilitators who will run through different aspects of political leadership, including community mobilization as well as using art as a creative means to communicate. “At the end of the week, we will have a gallery walk through, where we will showcase the work that the participants have done over this past week. The 20 young women will also attend a parliament session this week for exposure to a politics.” The Young Women Political Boot Camp is being carried out in partnership with UN Women; an ongoing partnership since 2021, with the backing of donors in the Australian & New Zealand Governments. With the continued support from international donor agencies, business houses and the government, PILAG is hopeful that this pilot program can be turned into an annual boot camp. [audio mp3="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PURPOSE-OF-THE-BOOT-CAMP-BY-NELLIE-OA.mp3"][/audio]

The Police Commissioner has come out to stress that media personnel must be respected and protected at all times for the work they do as the mouthpiece for the public, by keeping everyone informed and up to date with the latest developments and happenings in the country.  Police Commissioner David Manning said this in relation to the safety of journalist in hostile situation and is set to discuss this matter further with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG).  This all comes on the aftermath of an incident at Moitaka in the National Capital District (NCD), where a National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) cameraman was grazed by a stray bullet that struck a journalist in the arm.   “The situation is not acceptable and occurred after criminal elements fired weapons wildly and police proceeded to bring the situation under control.  Manning advised that the NBC journalist has received care and wished her a full and rapid recovery.  “Investigations are ongoing as to what occurred, and I will release details when they come to hand.  He continues that it is an unfortunate reality of the environment in which Police operate after decades of neglect to matters of internal security services.   “We are making changes to return the balance in the favor of law-abiding people.”  Commissioner Manning welcomed the suggestion by the Media Council to engage with the RPNGC to come up with safety measure for journalists. “No person is bulletproof, so we don’t want to see journalists placing themselves or the lives of the public or police at unnecessary risk during security operations. “We cannot allow those who are central to our democratic process and the enforcement of public order to be at risk while covering news stories or intimidated and threatened because of the news they publish.”  The Commissioner of Police is looking forward to meeting with MCPNG representatives to forge a better way forward in protecting the media fraternity in the country.

“There are no safe houses for displaced victims of the tribal wars in the Enga Province.” This was made known by the Engan Human Rights Defender Mr. Solo Yokopyao when speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG. He said this situation has made it quite difficult to keep track of the number of the victims, most of whom are women and children. Mr. Yokopyao said they only become aware of the plight of these people when they are approached by the victims themselves. “We try our best to house them, but most of these victims do not come forward to the authorities, because their safety is never guaranteed.” “The victims know well that the enemy tribe has a far-reaching network, and their safety can be compromised.” He added that recently, he had to use his own resources and those of his family members, to house several victims from the tribal fights in Enga. “Even if the victims are taken to neighbouring provinces, they are never safe from the enemy and can still be attacked.” He said that is probably why victims do not come forward to the authorities for help, instead opting to go into hiding themselves. “It is quite a complicated situation. We do the best we can to help the victims, but we always must be very careful. Mr. Yokopyao previously worked alongside American Lutheran Missionary Mr. Anton Lutz, who was is a staunch Human Rights Defender in Sorcery Accusation Related Violence in the Enga Province. He is now attached to the Tribal Foundation and continues in his role as a Human Rights Defender.

“The Nawaeb District Coastline will soon be implementing several navigational and lighting towers.” This was made known by the Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen during a brief awareness and consultation with several communities along the Bukawa Coastline recently While there, he spoke with landowners of Gayahapu Village of Ward 7 & 8 and at Wideru Village at Ward 5 and gave details of the proposed project. This project is expected to improve several things including: 1. Provide Lighting and Navigation Assistance for traveling seafarers. (Security & Safety of travelling passengers especially at night) 2. Provide GPS assistance (echo sonar) to attract fish back for fishing activities. Pelgen said the security and the safety of the people is paramount, as he himself has experience the dangers of travelling at night. “The lights will assist skippers to know and identify the exact locations they are travelling along the Bukawa coast.” MP Pelgen furthermore added that the navigational system will encourage fish stock to return the coastline for locals to catch. “The fish stocks will return to the near coastline, and this will encourage locals to catch more fish for sale and consumption.” “This will stimulate more economic activities and enhance income for the people.” He added that the NDDA had requested the fisheries minister for assistance. Funding for the purchase of the system has been approved with the equipment ready for shipment to Lae soon. “From there the system will be implemented in due course, since this sort of technology has never been implemented in the area for the benefit of the people.” The Nawaeb MP also assured the people that the issue of overfishing will be brought up in the next Parliament Session.

Sepik wood carver Mr. Jack Kauwi will stamp his mark in the form of a totem that will be mounted on the façade of the Melanesian Spearhead Secretariat Head Office in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Mr. Kauwi is from Tambunum village in the Angoram District in East Sepik Province. “I am humbled to be leaving my legacy in Vanuatu and I thank the National Cultural Commission for selecting and supporting my travel to Port Vila to participate in the 7th Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival.” Mr. Kauwi was part of a host of other wood carvers from other Melanesian States including Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, who worked on their totems as part of the exhibition at the recently held 7th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival in Port Vila. According to the Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat, the previous totems were removed as posing a risk to public safety, as the wooden totems had deteriorated over the years. “We had to take them down otherwise they might fall on somebody, and people will be claiming compensation from us and the Secretariat.” Lomai explained that the old totems were removed after a ritual ceremony and that a similar ceremony will be staged before the new totems are mounted. “For the Vanuatuans, and just like all our MSG countries, we regard these totems and artefacts not just simple artefacts, but they represent spirits that protect the Secretariat. “So, it is for that reason a lot of effort has been made to respectfully conduct events that would signify our respect to mount those artefacts on and call on our spirits to come back and look over and cast their protective wings over the Secretariat.”

The Bubiang Moreng Mama Group in the Nawaeb District of the Morobe Province, is the first Women’s Group in the area to get Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) seed capital from their District Administration. According to the President of the Womens Group, they have active 12, 000 members from Mamas at Labuta, Wain/Erap and Nabak Local Level Governments (LLGs). They received K5, 000 provided for by the local Member of Parliament (MP), Theo Pelgen through the District Development Authority (DDA), to enhance their SME activities. “We will (also) send four (4) new sewing machines and 20 laplap rolls (material) to the group for the mama to start sewing kolos (clothes) for sale.” The presentation of these funds was done recently at Situm Narus Block Ward 1 of Labuta LLG. The Nawaeb MP, members of the Nawaeb DDA, as well as officers from the Morobe Governor’s office and Ward Officials were all present during this event. The Nawaeb MP also confirmed receipt of the Women’s Group’s request to build a Resource Centre, saying it will be taken into consideration for funding. Mr. Pelgen added that he will start to roll out SME Centres attached to school classrooms for each area in his district. This will allow women and youths to engage in their respective SME activities and furthermore, partners will be accommodated to provide financial literacy courses and other SME trainings as well. The MP encouraged other registered existing SME activities to organize and approach his office with submissions for funding considerations. T he category for funding support is women, youth and church groups. “Funding has been approved by DDA for SME Activities Roll – Out in the district and therefore, proper submissions must be made to acquire these funds.” MP Pelgen also pledged to upgrade existing roads and provide a reliable and clean water supply connection in the areas soon.

20 years of Kokoda Track Foundations (KTF) was commemorated with the hosting of the Kokoda Festival. It was a celebration of the impact of the KTF in affecting change in the areas of education, health, equality, and leadership in rural and remote Papua New Guinea. The Kokoda Festival provided an opportunity for local community members, Government and non-government partners, and donors to attend the Kokoda FODE College and Kou Kou Community to learn about the diverse range of life-changing projects currently being implemented along and around the Kokoda Track and broader Oro Province. KTF’s CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson, reflected on the turning of the sod that took place in 2012 with Kokoda veterans, Bede Tongs, George Palmer, Owen Baskett and Garnet Tobin. Eleven years later, KTF’s Kokoda College is a thriving hub for education, health, and equality projects in the region. KTF’s FODE (flexible open distance education) College provides second-chance education pathways for students who never had the opportunity to complete their high schooling. It enables students who had to leave school early an opportunity to matriculate at a Grade 12 level or allows students to upgrade their high school marks and gain opportunities into further tertiary study. The Kokoda Festival brought together local communities, students, partners and esteemed guests for a day of celebrations, activities and learning. Festivities kicked off with speeches from the Deputy Provincial Administrator, Joseph Mokada, the Provincial Education Advisor, Maino Vegoli, and Conwell Barai, representative of the leaders of Kou Kou Community. Attendees then had the opportunity to take part in guided tours of the Kokoda campus, gaining valuable insights into the importance of FODE within the community and obtaining vital information for prospective students interested in enrolling in 2024. “We are so grateful to KTF and all their donors and partners for their generosity and long-term support of our Province and projects,” said Mr Mokada. “We especially thank the many donors in Australia who make the KTF work possible and lend a hand to us as their neighbour.” For sports lovers, KTF’s Kokoda Festival in partnership with PNG Olympic Committee also hosted a Kicks 4 Kokoda soccer tournament. “The tournament is such an important and exciting event for the Kicks for Kokoda program and the broader community,” said Dr. Nelson. “Utilising sports and role models to support young people to adopt health-seeking behaviours and gain valuable education about sexual and reproductive health is critical to the program.” Amid the excitement and vibrancy of the Kokoda Festival, festivalgoers were encouraged to visit the information booths to gain invaluable insights into KTF’s early childhood education, solar, health and equality projects. The Kokoda Festival highlighted the significant impact that KTF has achieved in rural and remote communities over the past 20 years, and showcased the life-changing projects that are currently empowering communities and changing futures. KTF remains committed to keeping the spirit of Kokoda alive and looks forward to continuing its impactful journey in shaping a brighter future for PNG. KTF acknowledges all the partners and donors who have supported its work over the past 20 years.