Immediate investigation has begun in the events that saw the loss of two Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers and another injured, including a civilian. This was revealed by the Chief of Defence Force Major General Mark B Goina, during a media brief at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby on Wednesday afternoon. Major General Goina conveyed his deepest condolences, and those of all the men and women of the Papua New Guinea Defence, to the loved ones, families and friends of the deceased. “Their death is a tragic loss to all." "Further, as the Defence Minister said yesterday, those who were injured are our highest priority of support, and will remain so as we support their speedy recovery." He revealed the names of the two deceased and added that their families and next of kin, have all been informed. “I will not be naming those injured at this time in order to protect their privacy." "The names of the deceased are Leading Seaman Eric Gwale of Morobe and New Ireland descent, employed at HMPNGS Tarangau on Manus and Cpl Watata Kutegen from Enga, employed as instructor at Goldie River Training Depot.” The Major General Goina had been advised by the Defence Minister to provide more details on the incident, which he did so, while also being mindful not to compromise the investigations into the incident. “This was a tragic training accident." "Those who were killed were not killed in action rather as a result of a tragic accident; just as those who were injured were not wounded in action, rather it was as a result of that same tragic incident.” “It is the circumstances of how this occurred and respective responsibilities that is now being investigated." "Our investigation is being conducted separate to, but in concert with, a police investigation." "We are cooperating fully with the police and their investigation.” He provided that the first members of the investigation team were on site late as of Tuesday afternoon, with the team comprising of very experienced and senior members of the PNGDF and they have been tasked to investigate very aspect of the incident, the immediate lead up to and aftermath, in order to understand how such a tragic incident occurred. “The team have been given 14 days to do this; at which point their findings will be forwarded to me via the Deputy Chief of Defence Force." "It is possible they may require an extension to ensure the thoroughness of their report; such a request will be considered on its merits; and if this occurs the families of the deceased, and those who were injured will be informed, as will the media." "The families and those injured will also be briefed on the report’s outcome.” Goina said following the outcomes of the investigation, he will convene a Board of Inquiry to consider the wider context in which the incident occurred and whether there were systemic failures that might have contributed to it. “As you will appreciate, the PNGDF is involved in the security of our sovereignty and support for our police, our business by its very nature is dangerous, where the risk of injury or death, particularly on operations is always present." He said safety and duty of care are the number one priority for every leader in the Force and when they fail at this, it is incumbent upon the PNGDF to look closely at how it occused and what changes or improvements should made. “It is my intent that the Board of Inquiry be led by an eminent former member of the PNGDF, and again, include relevant subject matter experts." "I will provide more detail on this in due course." "The Incident I will now outline in general what happened at Kupiano, noting that the specifics form part of the terms of reference for the investigation.” Major General Goina further revealed that the deceased and one of the injured were on the final, assessed exercise for a corporal qualifying course. The other injured person was a civilian, not involved in the exercise. There were 45 students on the course. The deceased and other members of the course were deployed to Kupiano on the 24th of June, and it was during the final activity on 4th of July that the incident occurred. “On such exercises, blank rounds only are used." "Some live rounds however, are often issued to nominated personnel in the group for safety and security reasons." "There are strict protocols around these as to who gets them and how they are managed." "The exercise was a land based exercise involving infantry minor tactics at the section commander level." "Course participants were taught how to issue orders and lead a section of soldiers in a series of challenging scenarios over an eight-day period." "This included a series of tactical drills.” He said the final activity was a dawn raid on a notional enemy position in the vicinity of Kupiano Station, where a group of soldiers were acting as the enemy party. This involved the course assaulting in a formation using fire and maneuver techniques. The enemy party, as is common practice, opened fire on the assaulting group. This assault, or attack, commenced at 5.45am and at some point it was realised that something had gone tragically wrong, the exercise was immediately stopped and first aid and medivac procedures initiated. The Commanding Officer from Goldie River Training Depot was on site. All those involved in the incident, students and instructors were bought together. The incident site was secured and overseen until the police arrived, by road in the early afternoon. The injured were medivaced by helicopter, and in the early evening the deceased were also repatriated to Port Moresby, by helicopter. “This is all I’m prepared to say on the incident at this time." "As I mentioned, the specifics of what occurred and the actions of all those involved will be detailed in the investigation report.” Major General Mark Goina closed off the brief with a word of acknowledgement for the people and organizations immediately rallying around the families and the PNGDF in dealing with this very tragic incident.

Interested MSMEs, business groups, farmers cooperatives and Women and Youth groups engaged in cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains in the Sepik are being invited to submit business development plans for the STREIT Innovative Fund’s support. Innovation Fund grants aim to support local MSMEs and entrepreneurs and to stimulate investments in cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. Programme Coordinator for the EU-funded STREIT Programme in Papua New Guinea, Mr. Ali Said Yesuf explained the objective of the Innovative Fund to the participants during an information session in Maprik, East Sepik Province. “Our objective is to support your community to make a better living and more importantly to earn better in your engagement in Cocoa, Vanilla or Fisheries so we will accept all reasonable proposals.” The call for proposals opened on the 20th of June and will end this month on the 20th July. Applications will be accepted via email only to PG-STREIT-innovation@fao.org. The STREIT Innovation Fund will channel financial support (in-kind) to local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), registered cooperatives, business groups, as well as registered Youth and Women Groups which are engaged in the cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains in the West and East Sepik provinces. PNG-owned and–based businesses which intend to invest in the Sepik Region are also eligible to apply. Financed by the European Union, the support from the STREIT Innovation Fund ranges between PGK 35,000 and PGK1 million and will be provided in-kind (no cash) supports in the forms of provision of services, training, equipment and technology.

A total of 35 persons, allegedly involved in Monday's riot at Koki, in the National Capital District, were arrested and detained following a massive police operation across the Koki suburb. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika personally took charge of this operation to identify and arrest the suspects responsible for yesterday's carnage. Koki was rocked by violence on Monday when opportunists rioted, looted shops and smashed the windows of vehicles of commuters traveling along Healy Road. The extent of the damage, loss, and injuries sustained by victims, both locals and foreigners, are yet to be determined at this point in time. The violence erupted following the killing of a man. A massive crowd swarmed the main Koki round-a-bout and began attacking the shops and pelted passing vehicles with rocks and robbed the occupants who were caught up in the chaos. Mr Sika said all commercial activities in this part of the city will remain shut for an indefinite period until the suspects involved in the rampage are identified, arrested and charged by police. Police combed through the area today and arrested 35 suspects. Met Supt Sika said the suspects were locked up and depending on the investigations, may be charged for Monday’s riot. Sika added that police will work closely with the community leaders in their effort to locate and arrest more suspects involved in Monday’s incident. He further said, the local community who depend on cash income from the betelnut, vegetable and fish markets are also equally responsible and therefore they must assist the police in identifying and apprehending the culprits involved in Monday's violence.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) held its Annual General Meeting recently at the Holiday Inn, Port Moresby to present its annual report for the year 2022 to its members. The 2022 Financial Statements for TIPNG was conducted by DFK Mayberry returned an unqualified audit and represented fairly the Association’s financial position and of its financial performance in accordance with accepted accounting practices in Papua New Guinea and the Associations Incorporation Act 1966. The AGM also saw the election of Peter Aitsi as chair & Belinda Kanau as secretary to serve for the coming year. Other directors re-appointed were Richard Kassman, Christopher Elphick, Michael McWalter, Bill Doa Neill, James Lunge, Stephanie Kirriwom-Sawong, Paul Barker, Mary Udu. The two new directors to the Board of TIPNG were Jeffery Vagalia and William Koregai. The role of director of TIPNG is voluntary and the directors receive no payment for their leadership & service to the organization. The Board is responsible for setting of the organisation’s strategy, vision, reinforcing its purpose and oversighting its financial performance. As well as ensuring statutory compliance and with management guiding the overall performance of TIPNG. The Board will focus on implementing its strategic priorities including strengthening its brand, continuing the building of stronger and more active partnerships, ensuring financial sustainability, and strengthening organizational capabilities, all of which are part of TIPNG’s Strategic Plan 2019-2023. “I believe TIPNG a respected voice within our communities as well as our region and on a global stage.” “Our work is driven by a sense of purpose and made more urgent by the depth and scale of corruption impacting our Country.” “We remain committed to being a voice on issues of corruption and working with our partners to strengthen the integrity of systems in Papua New Guinea.” Those were sentiments of TIPNG Chair Peter Aitsi. The coming months will see TIPNG continue to advance several key priorities including generating awareness of the PNG Independent Commission against Corruption, closely working with stakeholders to drive the reforms to secure and improve the conduct of our National General Elections. Special emphasis will be placed on building and supporting the role of the Community Coalition against Corruption as a united vote on major national issues, as TIPNG remains committed to its primary role to empower citizens to act against corruption and reduce the current level of public apathy.

Teachers in East New Britain have been urged to improve their lesson planning and preparation. This after they attended the Provincial In-service Training week for Rabaul District where they revisited the structure and content of Standard Based Curriculum (SBC). Speaking at the closing at Malaguna Secondary School was Rabaul District School Inspector Mrs. Cecilia Tapil who stressed on the importance of lesson timetables. “We have to consider that children have a limited attention span and we have to have a variety of activities to keep the children interested,” Tapil said. She added that equal focus should be given to students in preparatory stages in setting their foundation right. Tapil further stressed on the importance of SBC saying it is the centre or heart of education in the country. She said that with effective implementation, we can be able to fully experience quality teaching and learning. Speaking on behalf of the preschool teachers was Mr Robin Okole of Watom LLG who said that he was grateful for the SBC training. “We are now trying to do away with the Outcome Based Education and fully implement the Standard Base Education.” “The standard has been set and we have to keep up with it,” Okole said. He said that there are challenges faced as preschool teachers and one of them is dealing with children with special needs. Okole added that inclusive education strategies have really helped them to ensure learning is conducive for everyone. Meantime, Provincial Education Planner Mr Wilson Kairat who officially closed the one-week in-service training said that the important recipient of the SBC training is the student. “The onus is now on us to go back to our respective schools and implement what we have learnt.” He further encouraged school management, board of management and parents to work together in lifting the standards of education in Rabaul district.

This year will see the Chimbu Province stage the Kundiawa Cultural Show, after almost 10 years without such an event. This was made known by the Minister responsible for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Isi Henry Leonard, when officiating at and launching the Kundiawa Cultural Show recently. He said the Chimbu Province holds one of the highest mountain peaks in the country, that is Mt Wilhelm and this needs to be properly packaged and promoted as a tourism product so the people can benefit from it. “Mt Wilhelm holds the potential to be the biggest resource for the province and it will last for an eternity, even after all the copper and gold is gold is gone.” The Minister went onto to explain that there are many educated and knowledgeable people, and it was incumbent upon these elites to now utilize the human resource to help preserve, protect, and promote their culture and environment. “People take culture and traditions for granted, but in fact it is our greatest wealth, and it is time for the people of Simbu to monetise and benefit from it.” Minister Isi said the Kundiawa Cultural Show has now been recognized and registered in the National Cultural Commission Calendar of events for the show to be stage for three days from September 10th to 12th every year, starting this year. He added that three days was enough time for tourists to visit the cultural show and spend their money on the event where people could benefit directly. In his speech, Minister Isi also stressed the importance of promoting domestic tourism as it provided the basis of strengthening tourism within the country. “As Minister responsible, I give my assurance to continue to support this event through the state agencies under the Ministry, including the National Cultural Commission and the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA).” He called on the Chimbu Provincial Government through the Governor to sign an agreement to partner with NCC to develop tourism in the country. “With the National Cultural Policy already passed in parliament, the government is taken to task to build cultural centres/hubs in the provinces to promote and develop culture and tourism." Minister Leonard acknowledged the presence of Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) Acting Managing Director Jude Tukulyia for his part in declaring that Mt Wilhelm and its precinct as a Heritage site. Minister Leonard presented a K10, 000 cheque through the NCC and announced a further K50, 000.00 funding from the TPA at a total of K60, 000.00 to help support the Kundiawa Cultural Show Committee prepare for the event in September. He commended Governor Kool, Kerowagi Open MP Francis Kikin and host MP for Kundiawa Gembolg Muguwa Dilu among others for promoting this cultural event, as it was a step in the right direction. Minister Leonard was accompanied by NCC Executive Director Steven Kilanda who flew into Mt Hagen and travelled by road to Kundiawa to attend the event.

The CPL Group showcased their ‘We PNG Buy PNG’ Campaign at the 5th Annual SME Breakfast with the Prime Minister at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby. The ‘We PNG Buy PNG’ Campaign is the group’s support towards Small to Medium Enterprises in bringing their produce to market through Stop & Shop & City Pharmacy, through their extensive network of farmers across the country who are involved in their supply chain. Hosted by the PNG SME Magazine and supported by the SME Corporation, and Department of Commerce and Industry, the event marked the start to the SME week which saw the Prime Minister and regional stakeholders in attendance from the Agriculture and Tourism sectors. This year’s theme is Trailblazing the PNG SME Frontier and celebrates the international day for micro and SME businesses globally. In addition to the breakfast, a “meet the makers” exhibition had several organizations and SME groups set up information booths to showcase their products and services designed for small businesses. CPL had on display a wide range of products from its SME partners and farmer suppliers which varied from beauty products to fresh produce. Some of which included the Pearl Body Scrub, Sweet Potato (Kaukau) Flour, Virgin Coconut Oil as well as an array of fresh produce. The exhibition was an opportunity to demonstrate the magnitude of our lead as PNG’s leading retailer and our footprint and support in the SME space. In alignment with its vision to live healthier, better lives, CPL is committed to expanding its SME and farmer network and takes pride in the support it provides to its current Entrepreneur Partners.

Papua New Guinea is stepping up to fight domestic terrorists who are involved in kidnappings, killings, rapes, and other acts to terrorise communities. This from the Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr and Commissioner of Police David Manning, who are both working across law enforcement agencies and the Office of the Attorney General to draft the planned amendments to the Criminal Code Act. Commissioner Manning indicated that international organized crime networks are behind domestic terrorists. “These intended amendments will give police greater capacity to take down domestic terrorist activities through increased powers to search, investigate, intercept, and prosecute people involved in these activities. “Many of our laws do not take sufficient account of the way criminals, including domestic terrorists, use the internet and phone systems in carrying out violent crimes, and this is a key area for reform.” Manning said the amendments will further improve law and order cooperation and collaboration with international partners through training, equipment, technical advice and the use of new technologies and resources. He elaborated that the new will be tough, but this will ensure the all about protecting our law-abiding citizens and their right to freedom. “While amendments have been made in recent years to the Criminal Code Act 1974, now is the time for us to take the next major step forward to confront this menace of domestic terrorism. Manning added that the legislative amendments will serve to define and criminalize acts of domestic terrorism, introduce penalty provisions for acts of domestic terrorism, and to provide explicit powers for the investigation of and response to acts of domestic terrorism. “These reforms may impose limitations on the individual rights of some, but they will be reasonable, proportionate and in the interest of public safety.” He further said this is intended to protect people from the increasing menace of kidnap for ransom, sexual offences and the proliferation of firearms use by criminal groups.

Leaders should not boast about providing the basic rights of people including education, health care, sanitation, roads and electricity. These were the sentiments of the Kokopo Lord Mayor Isidor Bonga, when differentiating between basic services and initiated programs. He said recently there have been numerous bold statements full of political rhetoric influencing the minds of people with basic services that is already provided to the public as a part of the government’s duty to ensure the welfare of its citizens “The people will not ask or demand the government for these services because it is already entailed in the system and only requires responsible leaders to deliver through efficient and effective planning and implementation.” He said instead, leaders should emphasize on initiating their own plans and programs to address critical issues, outside of what the government has already accommodated for in the budget. “Let us focus on empowering every family unit through the three pillars- education, health and wealth creation.” He said with a healthy, wealthy, and educated population within the society, they cannot go wrong in terms of development because people will realize their potential and have the capability to drive it themselves. He added that strategies must be put in place to effectively drive education, health and wealth creation in Kokopo District and ENBP as a whole. “We need to be more engaged in consultation on how we will drive this focus by compiling a plan on how we are going to achieve in the next 5 years.” Mr Bonga said Kokopo district has suffered from deteriorating law and order issues as youth offenders that have dropped out of school or parents do not have money to pay for school fees, so they end up engaging in illegal activities. “Let us draft policies that will not allow for dropouts but accommodate special coaching lessons to give them a chance to upgrade their marks.” He further stated there must be more effective health awareness across all wards to prevent more deaths from curable diseases. “When we have an educated and healthy population, they will drive the local economy of our province through wealth creation and SMES under agriculture, fisheries and commerce.” “The people’s initiatives and skills must be empowered so they can become self-reliant.”

Port Moresby City residents are skeptical at the news of the recently declared betelnut free zone in Boroko’s Central Business Hub in Port Moresby by the National Capital District Commission. The ban entails an absolute zero tolerance for the selling, buying, chewing, spitting and littering of betelnut in the area and hefty penalties for noncompliance and or community service ranging from 2 to 6 hours and even imprisonment. Considering past bans, many city residents are now raising concerns of the effectiveness of this new betelnut ban. Mr. Robinson Leka, who commutes regularly through the Boroko CBD, said the betelnut ban will not be effective at all. “Given that there are a lot of loiters in the Boroko CBD, there is bound to be a lot of rubbish created from betelnut.” Mr. Leka went onto to compare the Downtown CBD with that of Boroko, explaining that there are more working people compared to loiters in the area, attributing to less sale and rubbish from the consumption of betelnut. “Instead of putting a complete ban on betelnut, they should at least set up a designated area, where people can go and sell and chew betelnut.” Another resident, Mr. Kevin Rau, who runs his own tourism SME, also questioned the effectiveness of this new betelnut ban. “I don’t think it will be effective in the long run. People struggle to survive, and they will continue to sell buai, as long as there are people that want to chew.” Mr Rau also pointed out that the authorities that are enforcing this new betelnut ban, need to also abide by the new rules. “The Police Officers that are enforcing this new betelnut ban need to set a good example and not chew while they are on duty and in a public place.” He also added that the government needs to work to create alternative means of employment for people, so they don’t have to resort to selling betelnut. PNGHAUSBUNG also spoke to a couple of betelnut vendors, and they shared the same skepticism about the effectiveness of this new betelnut ban in Boroko CBD. “Mipla lukim disla nius lo pepa na mipla toktok namel lo mipla yet na mipla tok osem, disla sam sumtin ol laik wokim bifo, eno wok gud, na nau too, em bai nonap wok.“ (We read in the newspaper about this new betelnut ban and we agreed amongst ourselves, that this same thing has been done before and it didn’t work well so we don’t think it is going to work out well, this time.” Many also expressed that the betelnut ban would make it hard for them to find money to feed their families, as the sale of betelnut was the only way in which they could earn quick money for their daily needs. The NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the betelnut ban in the Boroko CBD was effective immediately and after a trial period, considering it was a success, would then be carried out and enforced in other CBDs in the city. Here is a vox pop of what some city residents had to add on to the comments stated above in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG. [audio mp3="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/VIEWS-ON-BUAI-BAN.mp3"][/audio]

About 300 Cocoa Farmers in the Huon Gulf District of the Morobe Province sold an estimated 2000 plus bags of dried cocoa beans, generating K8 million in total, in the first quarter of 2023 alone. The Babuaf cocoa farmers’ cooperative is a leading farmers’ group based in Wames project site in the Lower Watut area in Wampar local level government (LLG) in Huon Gulf, Morobe. The Cooperative is being assisted by Chepan Yaling, a field officer and veteran cocoa breeder with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Chepan is ensuring that the farmers affiliated to the cooperative were captured under relevant training in cocoa husbandry practices. “Cocoa production has taken a flourishing turn and with new direction and initiatives through the National Volunteer Services (NVS) has also contributed to a substantial increase in cash flow within the communities.” Chapan has also trained under the leadership of Joel Efron, an Israeli who is considered one of the world’s imminent plant breeders. “The purpose of this project is to produce a quality cash crop that can sustain the lives of the Babuaf communities as a pioneer project and to bring this knowledge to assist others in similar rural settings.” Chepan, together with volunteers Watson Tilam and Daniel Aba are working with established farmers in the area and are implementing cocoa rehabilitation as well as other farming methods to produce quality cocoa in large volumes. “Cocoa in the area is of good quality and I am happy that the farmers have been working well with us which has resulted in a positive outcome from which they have benefited." All these efforts are being done to produce world-class cocoa representing Morobe and Papua New Guinea as a whole. They are yet to go into downstream processing, but the farmers are confident that they can be able to meet the challenge and eventually set up a chocolate factory in the area. The future sees them introducing an end product to the market that is 100 percent locally grown cocoa and will be appropriately called Babuaf Chocolate. The cooperative is now planning to host a Babuaf cultural show in Lae in the month of July to showcase its end product, which is chocolate.

PNG Air Flights to Wapenamanda in the Enga Province resumed over the past weekend. This is after services were suspended on the 13th of June due to safety concerns following a civil unrest. Passengers are advised you can now book tickets to travel online on PNG Air website www.pngair.com.pg or the nearest PNG Air, Post PNG Sales Office, and Travel Agent. PNG Air further thanked customers for their continued understand and the team is looking forward to welcoming them back onboard soon.