Flights to Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen have been disrupted due to unserviceable vehicles responsible for Rescue Fire Fighting services (RFF). This was the situation yesterday afternoon until this morning. The airport authority has to ensure these services are available and operational prior to airlines operating into the area, in the unlikely event of an emergency. Both vehicles are owned by the National Airports Corporation (NAC), who are working to restore the equipment to full operations. Meanwhile, Air Niugini (ANG) is exploring options with CASAPNG and NAC to establish an interim safety strategy and appropriate contingency planning to allow operations to recommence. Options considered will not compromise the safety of the traveling public or our crew. While ANG regrets the inconvenience caused, they maintain that they place paramount importance on safety.

A recent investigation completed by the Department of International Trade & Investment over the past weekend found that the most affordable rice on the shop shelves in Port Moresby was Rigo Rice. Rigo Rice is a locally grown and packaged, retailing at K3.50 per kilo. The same investigation found that HS Jasmine Red/Gold was the most expensive on the shop shelves, retailing at K7.48 per kilo. The Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru said he could not understand the rice pricing if rice was a price-controlled item. “ICCC must explain why there is a big difference of up to 100% more from the cheapest rice to the most expensive one.” “Rice is a very basic food item of Papua New Guinea. The people of this country are being ripped off as far as I am concerned.” He said this is totally unacceptable and the ICCC needs to give a full explanation to the country and its 11 million rice consumers why the price of rice is not fixed at K3.50 per kilo across the board. “This is one of the reasons why our people have been complaining about the high cost of living which has reached the highest level since independence.” PNG spends K900 million annually on imported rice.

It is important to involve men and boys in times of humanitarian crisis experienced in in communities, because they play a very critical role in such times when help is needed. The Director of Curative Health Services for the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA), Dr. Betty Koka said this during a week-long training on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for sexual and reproductive health in emergency situations and the clinical management of rape. “Most importantly, safety and security can be provided to survivors of GBV, SARV, and rape as an immediate response to times of crisis.” According to Dr. Betty Koka, while these health workers are already trained to provide sexual reproductive health services, this is the first training on how to provide these services in humanitarian settings, especially in conflict and natural disasters. This specialized training, led by the PNG Family Health Association, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund and funding support from USAID, is important as humanitarian emergencies can disrupt access to supplies and support that would be available during the facilities’ regular operations. Emergencies may also place greater stress on facilities as displaced persons are vulnerable to gender-based and sexual violence. “We know that disasters will happen, but we do not know when they will occur. Through this training, our health workers will learn how to respond to the immediate health needs of vulnerable populations, especially women and girls and people living with disabilities.” The importance of engaging men and boys during such emergencies was a focus throughout the training. “In a cultural setting such as Enga Province, where men and boys are given more prominence, engaging them as partners for better sexual and reproductive health is key to ensuring women and girls have access to their SRH rights and needs.” “We have to start teaching our communities that women are equal. To achieve that, men and boys are key partners in development and change.” Participants shared their gratitude for the insights provided to them when it comes to sexual and reproductive health during emergency situations. The Enga PHA now plans to roll out this training at the district level within the remaining months. “These 20 health workers will now go into their district health facilities and train their local staff. Ideally, these district trainings will take place between August and November.” “I am happy for this training and the partnership UNFPA has provided to the Enga Provincial Health Authority.” UNFPA anticipates and implements efficient, quality and inclusive emergency responses to ensure that the reproductive health and protection needs are addressed before, during and after a crisis. UNFPA works closely with national governments, civil society organizations and other partners to build the capacity of institutions and communities and to advocate for sexual and reproductive health and protection needs. UNFPA works to ensure that life-saving supplies and services are accessible for the affected population. Priority areas include maternal health, family planning, prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, adolescent health, and prevention and response to gender-based violence.

Fuel consumers and the travelling public throughout the country may be impacted over the long weekend by Puma Energy’s restrictions on fuel supply. The fuel company announced that its fuel stocks continue to decline and will regrettably impact fuels for the aviation and maritime sectors. The lack of sufficient foreign exchange and restrictions on Puma Energy’s access to financial services has restricted the company’s ability to buy fuel products on the international markets to meet Papua New Guinea’s fuel demand. According to Puma Energy, the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has not released sufficient USD to the fuel and lubricant company for over seven weeks, despite the FX being provided to the wider market. Mr. Hulala Tokome, Chairman and Managing Director of Puma Energy Papua New Guinea said that this is an unfortunate and regrettable situation, which we understand has a significant impact on the community. “It is crucial that we ration the remaining fuel stocks to extend security of supply as much as possible, especially for emergency services, hospitals and key critical infrastructure. We have been forced to implement fuel rationing across all segments.” He said at the request of the Government, we have done our best over the last few days to protect the aviation sector as we know the critical role it plays. “Unfortunately, given the delays in finding a solution to the critical issues we face, it is no longer possible for this to continue. As a result, the rationing will regrettably impact the aviation and maritime sectors.” He said while they continue to engage and work closely with BPNG, the situation is critical. “We request support from the Government to address the current crisis and accelerate the process of resolving any final outstanding issues with BPNG in order to reinstate Puma’s access to FX and our core financial services.” Puma Energy intends to return to normal fuel supply activities as soon as these issues are resolved. They also apologised for the inconvenience and sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Funding has been provided to minor works on the Bumburum Bridge that will see more traffic flow and sustenance of more economic activities. The Bumburum Bridge is located at Ward 11 of Nabak LLG in Nawaeb District of Morobe Province and the funding for its upkeep is coming from the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA). The presentation of K50, 000 funding for minor works for the bridge was done recently in the presence of Labuta LLG Kiap Mr Pesa Takos. The funding allocation was approved through the Nawaeb District Development Authority through CEO Buds Botikie. Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen is keen to improve most infrastructures within the district and has set infrastructure development as number one priority. “Already, timber for minor works of the bridge have been transported to project site. This Weekend construction will begin. It will take two weeks to complete due to weather issue.” The minor works will be carried out by local contractor Wainga Construction, which comprises of local team of youths from the area. According to Mr Takos, at Nabak Ward 11 which covers Kopsanik village and Gawam Village, the area has the highest numbers of coffee farmers with coffee production. Furthermore, Greens (Sako leaves) Gawam is the Major supplier to Lae city market with an estimated population of more than 5,000 plus people. MP Pelgen said Nabak road (Nabak Highway) construction will commence soon when funding is approved. The Nabak Highway Road is funded by Morobe Provincial Government through the Leadership of Morobe Governor Luther Wenge and Nawaeb DDA will counter fund the project. Furthermore, the Gawam to Kasanombe- Baindoang new cut road project has been proposed and presented to CEO of NDDA funding. A working technical team of Engineers are working on the scope of work and costing NDDA have also committed to upgrade the Gawam water supply maintenance, coffee nursery and elementary double classroom projects.

The State has settled its long outstanding rental arrears of K10 million to Nambawan Super Limited (NSL). NSL Chief Executive Officer Mr. Paul Sayer thanked the State, through the Departments of Finance & Treasury for the payment of these outstanding funds. “The continued payment of these arrears is crucial as it enables the Fund to continue reinvesting our Members’ savings so that we can keep generating strong returns for them over the long-term.” He explained that last year, through an agreement with NSL, the State committed to settling the remaining balance of its rental arrears in K10 million monthly installments. “The installments include K5 million for clearing the balance of the arrears previously accrued and K5 million to pay its current rental invoices.” He said however, in 2023, the State only paid K20 million for the January and February installments and has yet to pay the remaining K50 million for March, April, May, June and July. “At present, the total rental arrears owed by the State to the Members of Nambawan Super is K108 million.” “We strongly urge the State to honour its commitment to settle these arrears to avoid further negative impacts on our Members’ returns, many of whom are hard-working public servants that tirelessly support the development of this country.” Any further delays to the agreed payment schedule will force the Fund to consider taking necessary actions to protect its Members’ commercial interests from undue losses.

All fisheries catches must be processed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for export, rather than being sent overseas. This is the directive issued by the PNG Prime Minister James Marape, following the recent signing of the memorandum-of-understanding (MOU) between RD Fishing Group (RDFG) of the Philippines and the PNG Government. As part of the MOU, RDFG and the PNG Government will enter negotiations to establish a fishing company in Madang. The primary objective of this agreement is to define the commercial terms for a joint-venture (JV) company, responsible for fishing and processing all catches, within a new cannery located in the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang. The PMIZ is designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Despite PNG having the largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South Pacific and controlling around 15 percent of the global tuna trade, with an estimated value between K13.3-K16.9 billion, most of this catch is currently processed overseas, depriving the country of significant benefits from its maritime resources. "I will soon issue notice to all fishing companies operating within our waters that, under our Domestication Policy, all catches must be brought back inshore and processed in the country,” Prime Minister Marape said. He emphasised that there will be no unmarked ships in PNG waters, no high-seas fish transfers to overseas motherships, and all fishing vessels in our territorial waters will be equipped with cameras to monitor their catches. Processing of our fish in-country must be implemented within the next four years. Prime Minister Marape expressed appreciation for Minister Jelta Wong's strong leadership in the fisheries sector and acknowledged the continuous growth of the industry as a significant revenue generator for the country. "The fisheries sector, under the NFA, is expanding and contributing sustainable revenue to our nation. We must further foster its growth.” The MOU was signed by the Prime Minister alongside top level executives from RDFH, National Fisheries Authority, Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), International Trade and Investment and State Enterprises. A State Negotiating Team (SNT) has been appointed and granted a three-month period to finalise negotiations and present a mutually agreeable proposal to the National Executive Council. Successful outcomes from these negotiations will pave the way for the establishment of the proposed new fishing company. PM Marape further commended RDFG for being the pioneer in downstream tuna processing since 1997 and for providing employment opportunities to thousands of Papua New Guineans

The 2023 Melanesia Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) kicks off in Port Vila on Wednesday with the theme of 'rebuilding our Melanesia for our future'. The event is hosted by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) which includes Fiji, New Caledonia's FLNKS, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Only the Papua New Guinea delegation is yet to arrive into Vanuatu to join cultural contingents from Fiji, FLNKS and Solomon Islands, which were welcomed by the hosts on Sunday and Monday. The chairman of the festival organising committee Richard Ching urged local residents to show visitors plenty of Vanuatu's trademark hospitality. "As hosts of the MACFEST event we would like the people of Vanuatu to show Vanuatu's hospitality," Ching said. "My message is that people respect our visitors, help them and make sure their stay over here is very successful for a good and successful event." Cultural delegations from across Vanuatu itself are also travelling to the main island of Efate for the event, which runs until the end of the month. Vanuatu chief Reuben Naram, who is the head of the contingent representing Aneityum, will be playing an important role with performers during the festival's opening ceremony. Naram told RNZ Pacific that Aneityum was the country's southern-most island in Vanuatu but was the first to arrive into Port Vila due to the difficulties with transportation elsewhere. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the MSG foreign ministers endorsed the MSG director general's 2022 Progress Report, the MSG Secretariat's 2020 and 2021 Annual Reports and the accompanying Audited Financial Statements, which could not be tabled last year. "MSG foreign ministers, in approving the Calendar of Events, directed the Secretariat to establish a committee to identify the inadequacies in processes and the apparent appearance of a decline in interest and commitment towards MSG matters by members and propose options that would better improve coordination and means of communication between members and the Secretariat," the MGS said via a statement. Source: rnz

Preparations are well underway for Bou Festival 2023 (BOUFEST 23) to be held over a three-day period, from the 6th to the 8th of October 2023 at the Bou Village in Alotau, Milne Bay Province. The first to be hosted after almost two years, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, BOUFEST 23 is themed ‘Promoting Agri-Tourism & Community Developments’ and is a showcase of the activities and products of the Bou Resources Development Cooperative Society (BRDCS). Head of the BRDCS and the Organizing Committee, Mr. Noah Taugaloidi said he had just wrapped up talks with potential sponsors and was awaiting feedback. “At this point we are trying to secure a major sponsor for the event and also put out the interest to outer islands. We are trying to share our story while also marketing opportunities to other people.” With all the negative publicity that the Milne Bay Province has been receiving of late, particularly with all the law & order issues being experienced in the Province, Mr. Noah hopes to use the BOUFEST 23 to show people an alternative lifestyle from that of crime. “I have been telling our potential sponsors that the BOUFEST 23 will be used to show people that there is hope in agriculture.” Mr. Noah, when giving a rundown of the program, added that they are trying to plan the BOUFEST 23 so it coincides with the arrival of the P&O Pacific Encounter Cruise Ship. "There will be an estimated 2, 000 international tourist on board the ship and seeing that my missus is a tour operator, I am trying to get her to work with other tour operators in Alotau, to bring a number of tourists down Bou Village for the BOUFEST.” He explained that they will have cultural performances from the local groups at Bou Village, string band music. “There is also the possibility of bringing a guest artist to perform during the event. Our last BOUFEST, we have K-Dumen from the Morobe Province, come down and perform and that’s a great attraction that boosted our visitor numbers. So hopefully, if we are able to, we can bring in another guest performer.” Mr. Noah said the NGI Community in Alotau have also expressed their interest to perform during the BOUFEST 23, as well as a group from Aiyura. Baking competitions will also feature in the BOUFEST 23, as well as a choir competition for the night part of the program. “I will meet with all of them next week and we will see how we can fit everybody in.” BOUFEST 23 is reigniting agritourism in Alotau, with the organizers already planning for and looking forward to a bigger and better show in the coming New Year.

The people of Matupit, Matalau, Nordup and Baai wards of the Kombiu LLG of Rabaul District will soon see a much-needed power supply project rolled out. This follows a successful awareness on the rural electricity (RE) program conducted recently in the area to high the positive impacts of power supply, including improving access to electricity, enhancing living conditions, supporting economic growth and enabling social progress. This awareness exercise was carried out by the Rabaul District Administration technical officers and representatives from PNG Power and contractor Pawa Com. District Works Engineer Mellie Munulai told the people that before the RE project is rolled out, maintenance and repair work will be conducted on feeder roads to provide accessibility for this service. He said the road clearance will begin by the end of August this year and appealed to the communities to remove fruit trees and gardens to pave way for the establishment of the RE project. Mr Munulai said the district administration will be working closely with ward development committees in the target wards to identify youths that will be engaged in clearance works. PNG Power’s acting Manager for Transmission and Distribution with Gazelle grid, Tiamuruka Boski told the people that they are fortunate to benefit from the project. He encouraged all stakeholders and the community to work together because schools, churches and small businesses will all benefit from the project once it is completed. Pawa Com representative Mathias Sammy gave assurance that while they await road clearance, they have begun to prepare materials for the RE project.

In a small but significant ceremony this morning, Sir. Chris Haiveta, Governor for Gulf Province lead a delegation from the Gulf Provincial Administration to sign a Memorandum Of Understanding (M.O.U) with the management of National Fisheries Authority (NFA) represented by Jelta Wong – Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, NFA Chairman Laurie Williams and NFA Managing Director Mr Justin Ilakini. Mr Ilakini further reiterated that the Provincial MOU’s have proven to be the single most effective mechanism for service delivery in the provinces, “I am excited about the signing of this MOU between the Gulf Provincial Administration and the National Fisheries Authority. Gulf Province is a resource rich province, and our people in Gulf are well aware of the potential of Fisheries and have been avid participants in the industry throughout the years. While 80% of our people are spread throughout the length and breadth of the rural areas, we are certain that 100% of the resources are within the province”. Sir Chris concurred stating that commercial fisheries has been in place in the province for over 50 years through organized prawn trawling and shared his experience of the industry in the Province, “The Gulf fishing grounds are well established, the studies in our province are extensive and the baseline data is already there. Gulf fishing waters spread from Bells point, across the mouth of the Fly, Torres Straits, through to Central and encompasses popular reefs like Eastern Fields, Andora and Paska”. Sir Chris stated that Gulf fisheries resources include Prawns, Beche De Mer, Crabs and Fish Maw and the province is looking to NFA to provide the regulatory guidance and enforcement assistance to protect and grow the industry sustainably in the province. Sir Chris shared his concerns with activities that are currently taking place in the Province, and shared openly his reluctance to sign previous MOU’s due to a mistrust he shared with the authorities in relation to the non-detention of illegal fishing vessels found in his province. Sir Chris also asked to work with the Fisheries Minister to relook at the Torres Strait Treaty which he believed in its current format does not serve the interest of the people and the state. Jelta Wong – took on board the concerns of the Governor and offered his commitment to ensuring licensing issued to companies who apply to operate within the waters of Gulf be issued only with the endorsement of the PEC. “Our role at National Fisheries Authority is simple. It is to work with the Administration and the people to sustainably develop Fisheries in the province, and this MOU is the key. We have a lot of plans for the Gulf Province and are looking to introduce fishing programs that promote sustainability”. Minister Wong shared the vision of the Marape-Rosso Government captured through the Medium Term Development Plan (4) to ensure that all resources including Fisheries and Marine resources are transitioning towards 100% on shore processing and that the Authorities that regulate these industries are supporting this policy with the appropriate interventions. From a Fisheries perspective, licensing must be issued to companies that show a genuine willingness to farm and process onshore. “We have big plans to make Gulf the Prawn fingerling hub of the country and create an unrealized revenue stream in the province. If Saudi Arabia can export prawns out of the desert, what is stopping us utilizing our abundance to sustainably maintain a revenue stream for the people of Gulf” Minister Wong stated. Sir Chris, shared his concerns on an emerging trend where children are leaving school to partake in fishing activities. He was concerned about the Integral Human Development and Social implications that this creates. He asked the National Fisheries Authority to consider Mangrove Habitat Protection programs and awareness to ensure the protection and sustainability of the industry in the province. Overall Sir Chris and his representatives were satisfied with the intent of the MOU, reflected that it was an improvement on the previous MOU’s that he had cited and expressed a willingness to work with the Minister, Chairman and MD and his administration to ensure that all parties deliver on the agreements captured within the confines of the MOU. “Gulf people will enjoy oil revenues for a long time to come – but the more income the people generate themselves is more sustainable. Not all people of Gulf will directly benefit from those revenues, so the Provincial government is committed to putting our financial resources into this MOU, and even committing more – to satisfy our SME programs which will be more far reaching”.

The Office of Censorship started the National Shareholders Consultative Workshop on Thursday at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby, where the Research Findings on Media & Sexual Content was presented. The Director National Research Institute Dr. Osbourne Sanida in his opening remarks, said that mass media plays an important role in education and in the dissemination of useful information in Papua New Guinea. "If the content of the information that is disseminated is not managed properly, it has the potential to corrupt the mindset and behavior of people, especially the young people, who are the focus of this report." Dr. Osbourne said the report being presented today by the Office of the Censorship & the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Religion, is timely as young people have an ever-increasing access to internet and all kinds of information. “The question now is, what sort of information are young people accessing?” He explained that the content provided by the mass media may have adverse effects, especially on young people, it is important to regulate the materials to avoid strapping them in their education of emotional, psychological and of course their general wellbeing." Dr. Sanida explained that developing countries continue to face the challenge of regulating and filtering information by mass media as they do not have the adequate technology, funding or experience to provide such control. He added that this is why the research was done and its outcomes are very important for a way forward for PNG. "For PNG to have a breakthrough in managing the materials that mass media provides in the country, relevant government agencies should consider drawing lessons from other countries that have done well, as well as continue to create more awareness on the negative impacts that materials such as sexual content and violence can have on young children, and the need for parents to regulate the content of material that their children access." He said this report on Media & Sexual Content sets the tone for broader discussions on the content of information disseminated to young people. "The report itself will not address the current issues that we have until all the recommendations within it, are implemented in an effective manner.” "So, it is my hope ambition that the recommendations of the report will be effectively and efficiently implemented and I believe that this workshop is a start on that journey.” Dr. Osbourne concluded his speech by highlighting the role the PNGNRI has in addressing socio-economic matters, which is by gathering and analyzing information to arrive at recommendations and that they at the PNGNRI look forward to future collaborations with the Office of Censorship and all other stakeholders in addressing other such issues. The workshop and presentation of research findings will ran throughout Thursday and will conclude today. Meanwhile, in attendance today was Minister for Community Development, Youth & Religion Mr. Jason Peter, Secretary to the Department of National Planning & Monitoring Mr. Jerry Ubase, Chief Censor Mr. Jim Abani, the Director of the National Research Institute Dr. Osbourne Sanida, as well as stakeholder representatives.