TMW Group will join the rest of the world to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day and support the 2023 theme ‘Solutions to plastic pollution’. World Environment Day will fall on the 5th of June and for the TMW Group, this year marks the 8th consecutive year that the company takes part in worldwide celebrations to observe this very important day for the environment, as it serves as a reminder and a call to action to protect the environment. TMW Groups World Environment Day will involve a clean-up campaign around the Napa Napa Road and neighboring coastal areas. This will also include a rollout of awareness campaigns by way of a series of educational and competition programs with the Porebada and Roku Primary Schools. Plastic awareness ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ will be a topic of discussion with the students and an award presentation will follow to announce the winners of the Plastic Innovation competition. Managing Director of TMW Group, Mr. Kori Chan reiterated the same message from last year, for everyone to be responsible for the environment all year around and not just on World Environment Day. “This must continue to be a daily responsibility for all individuals, communities and organizations. Two core values at TWM Group are to ‘Act Sustainably and Lead the Way’, and these values are relevant for this year’s WED as they emphasise who we are, what we stand for and what we do day in and day out.” He also encouraged all Papua New Guineans to think beyond WED and think about what one can do today, to make tomorrow, a safe and greener place to live in. “Look deep within yourself and ask yourself if you are doing enough to protect our beautiful planet earth. And if you’re not satisfied with what you and your community are doing, then do something about it! Be the agents of change!” Since 2015 TWM Group have worked on a series of clean up campaigns across the country, including significant projects in Hides in the Hela Province, Papa Lealea, Ela Beach, Roku in Central Province and NCD respectively.  

Trukai Industries under its Roots brand has announced its support for a rugby touch football tournament in Port Moresby. The Touch Football Papua New Guinea Inc. recently received a total of K8,400 sponsorships of cash and kind. This include merchandise, rugby balls and rice which will go towards supporting their National Touch Football Tournament that will take place in June. The four days trial games will have 134 athletes display their skills to impress selectors who will choose the best to represent the country in touch rugby during the Pacific Games. Trukai Industries’ Marketing Manager Maryanne Tom said this support through its Roots brand demonstrates its strong association within communities in PNG. “Trukai Industries’ partnership with Touch Football Papua New Guinea Inc. (PNGTF) demonstrates its support for local sporting activities that promote fitness and a sense of community, and we wish all the athletes the very best in their trials to represent PNG during the Pacific Games,” Tom said. President of Touch Football PNG Inc. Kevin Luana was appreciative of the support stating that the partnership will contribute to the development of touch football in PNG. “This is the first time a corporate company has shown interest and has supported our initiative to help build touch rugby as a sporting code, Luana said. The 134 touch football athletes were selected from previous tournaments held in Lae and Popondetta. “From this tournament 20 athletes will progress to the next round then the final 14 will be selected to represent the country,” said Luana. Trukai Industries will provide awards for the player of the match, best referee and bales of rice for all ten teams. This National Touch League is set to take place from June 1 – 4 at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Residents in the wards of Rabaul Urban Local Level Government (RULLG) in the Rabaul district have been urged to adhere to town rules and dispose their garbage responsibly. Rabaul Urban LLG Environmental Health Officer Ms. Josephine Varip who spoke on behalf of the LLG Manager Mr. Joshua Wowo said that Waste management is important as it reduces pollution and creates a clean environment to live in. She highlighted these during a radio awareness program by the Rabaul district team on Tuesday leading up to the cleanathon yesterday to commemorate the East New Britain Day 46th Anniversary of the East New Britain Provincial Government since its inception on May 31st, 1977. The cleanathon saw officers of Rabaul District Administration and its four LLGs took part in a major clean up in town along the Malaguna Road. The cleanathon started from Malaguna No.1 around Tropicana Ltd. area with rubbish collection, sweeping of pavements, grass cutting and drainage clean-up all the way to Hamamas Hotel, Mango Avenue. An awareness team also set on foot encouraging residents, institutions, and business houses to be responsible for their rubbish. Residents who are not paying garbage fees were urged to visit the Rabaul Urban LLG Office and fill out forms for proper garbage collection and disposal. Meantime, Rabaul District Administrator Mr. Benedict Mode during the closing of the cleanathon program thanked all officers for their efforts in cleaning up the town as early as 6am. The program is a lead up to the World Environment Day to be celebrated on Monday, 5th June. “This is our town and let us be responsible and work together in keeping our town clean. East New Britain province and Rabaul town especially is a tourism hub, and maintaining a clean town will contribute in attracting visitors, Mode said. The District Administrator further said that next year’s celebration will be bigger and better and added that schools and business houses can join in the cleanathon.  

A newly cut 5 kilometer road into Ward 9 of Wain Erap LLG by the Nawaeb District Development Authority, will open up more economic activities for the people. After almost 49 years of no road access, the new road cut is also expected to connect the villages of Kalawang, Balawang and Kasingan. Funding for this new development was approved through the leadership of Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen and endorsed by the Wai/Erap LLG President Kunump Ameke who allocated K250 000 to contract the road. While officiating the opening ceremony of the road, Mr. Ameke expressed that the road was needed to improve the lives of his people. “People needed this road to have easy access for more coffee trade and the supply of fresh produce and vegetables to Lae City and Nadzab, as it is a vital connection for economic activities and services to reach the people.” He explained that people had to walk a day to reach the nearest village of Tinibi or either Sibi or Linbum Village to catch PMV to Lae and that this new road will see people benefit from health and other vital services. “Children and mothers will now have access to health facilities at Torowa via vehicle compared to the past.” “Wain/Erap LLG have the potential of coffee, cocoa, fresh produce and tourism in this area and I hope to partner with international donors or NGOs to boost trade and investment as well as basic services into this area.” Meanwhile, the Provincial Works Chairman Phillp Poli said Morobe Provincial Government will be committed to fund the road at provincial level until the completion of the road. He thanked Wain/Erap President, Nawaeb DDA and LLG Administration for their effort to access funding for the new road cut. The new road cut will be built by Quantum Construction and Engineering Limited, a local based company of Morobe Province.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister (PM) James Marape met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles on the margins of the inaugural Korea-Pacific Islands Summit in Seoul, Korea. Both leaders discussed issues of concern for both countries including giving updates on the recently signed Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States and the proposed Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) with Australia, Visa issues and the PNG NRL Bid. Marape informed Marles that the Bilateral Security Treaty that Australia would like to have with PNG is a work in progress and requires the PNG side to consult the country’s domestic processes and sovereign laws in relation to certain wordings and provisions. He also conveyed apologies to Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, for the delay in formalizing this proposed Treaty with Australia. For the DCA with the US, Marape informed that it was centered on improving the PNGDF's capabilities and interoperability including protecting our frontiers and sovereignty and would complement domestic law enforcement. “The Ship Rider Agreement on the other hand was also vital in combating illegal fishing and transnational crimes.” For Visa issues, Marape provided that the current Australian Government was fully aware of the situation. Following the Ministerial Forum this year in Canberra, a joint Ministerial Team had been established to work on bringing back the Australian Visa processing facility to PNG. “All processes from both sides had to be attended to in order for smooth facilitation and for citizens and businesses to continue without much hindrance now and heading into 2050 when PNG celebrates 50 years of nationhood.” On Papua New Guinea’s NRL Bid, Marape explained that PNG was still very keen, as rugby league was a major unifying factor, bringing our 800 tribes together as one people.

EVoting is the best way forward in Papua New Guinea’s next general election. This was proposed by the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Mr. Steven Matainaho during the recent National Election Summit. “The concept of eVoting in the country is to save time, resources and funding, as well as honest voting will be done,” Mr. Matainaho said. The DICT Secretary admitted that the manual process during election has and will continue to be a challenge for the government. “We must seriously look into digitalizing the voting process in the country as we will save time and resources, and also transparent voting and trouble-free elections will be conducted.” Secretary Matainaho said the first step in rolling out eVoting in the country is the process of digital ID for citizens. “The process of Digital ID for individual citizens is easy and convenient for all. Download the Digital ID Wallet application and identify yourself digitally – self register through existing sources of ID for instance NID card number or passport.” He further explained that link physical ID for authentication of individual to register for eWallet after downloading application, and after completion of authentication, it will be convenient or user friendly for all citizens. Mr. Matainaho added that DICT is progressing work for Digital ID and is expected to be rolled out later this year. “Once Digital ID is done, I propose for it to be used in the coming National General Election in 2027 but it is up to the Government or Electoral Commission to decide on the eVoting process.” He said manual voting process has too many loop holes as experienced in previous elections and it must be removed as eVoting can be one of the solutions to transparency and non – violent election. “We have done enough as government to register 3 million citizens in the country under the NID program and this is one of the primary data that can assist us in common rolls as well,” he added. “This is one source of primary data and we have started a process to make additional policy process to ensure Digital ID wallet is rolled out by the end of this year, 2023. “EVoting is important for the country, for people to use it conveniently from their locations.” Secretary Matainaho added that collaborative effort is needed from all government agencies to discuss further and also what available technologies areneeded when discussing further on digitalization. “We have the potential to look into eVoting and Digital ID wallet as it will obviously change the dynamics of what we are doing now and into the future,” Secretary Matainaho added.  

The Lae Tennis Club (LTC) will be hosting the Panamax Lae Tennis Open 2023, from the 9-12th of June 2023, at the Lae Golf Club in Morobe Province. President of the Lae Tennis Club, Mr. Glenn Cabasug said this is the second year that LTC in partnership with Panamex Pacific (PNG) LTD, are hosting this tournament. Initially held in May last year, the LTC have moved the date to the next available long weekend in the month of June, to provide more time for matches given the limitations at the Lae Golf Club. “We will continue to ensure it remains the major tournament in our tennis calendar every year. “ The 2022 tournament saw 5 separate events held, including the Opens, Women’s Open, Under 19 boys and girls & Masters. This year 2023 will see the addition of Opens Doubles. “This is to provide an extra incentive not only for our Lae players, but especially for our visiting participants from other centers, to play in both Singles and Doubles events and making their trip to Lae, more worthwhile." The Panamax Lae Tennis Open will, for the first time, see LTC utilize the Tournament Software with the assistance of PNG Tennis. This is a system that is already been used by the Port Moresby Racquets Club and it is a software, which provides for managing, recording and providing real-time updates of all draws and matches throughout the tournament that can be viewed online anywhere in the world with internet connection. The specifics of the Panamax Lae Tennis Open are as follows; • • 6 main events are offered: OPEN, WOMENS OPEN, BOYS U19, GIRLS U19, MASTER 50+ and OPEN DOUBLES. • All draws will have the standard Main Draw and Plate Draw as consolation for those who lose their first matches. • Matches will start from Friday evening, morning to evenings of Saturday and Sunday, and finally Finals in the afternoon of Monday • • A player can participate in a maximum of 3 events. • • Juniors are K10 only, Adults - K50 first event, K30 second event, K20 third event. • • Deadline of the Player Registration Form is on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. LTC President mentioned that they are aiming to surpass the total entries from last years of 37 players. “In Lae, we have our existing and new club members, who are excited to participate. This includes an increasing number of our junior players, who have progressed through our LTC Junior Development Program.” Among the Lae players, the LTC is also anticipating the return of all the 2022 champions to defend their titles. “We expect some strong challenges coming from our visitors from Port Moresby for both the senior and junior players, some of whom are current PNG Representatives. “ Mr. Cabasug also revealed that the organizing committee have been in contact also with other centers and have received some positive interest from Goroka, New Tribes Mission and SIL. “We will look forward to providing an update once we have confirmation from all centers we have reached out to.” The tournament will also be graced with the participation of two PNG Tennis Legends; Mr. George Barakat and Mr. Vikram Tikari. “For many of us we would recall them from the 80s and 90s. George, who is based in Lae, represented PNG in the Arafura Games / Darwin, South Pacific Games / Noumea, Tonga, Fiji, Port Moresby, and won many tournaments in the Highlands, Islands, Morobe, Port Moresby and PNG Opens. He continues to train, play and coach to this day. Vikram, who is based in Goroka, had his share of glory in the 80s; PNG Junior Champion, PNG Open, and represented PNG to the Mini Games in Cook Islands. It is great to see them join, not only to support our tournament, but to have a chance to play against our younger generation of tennis stars in PNG.” The organizers have extended their gratitude to Erich Illemann and major sponsor, Panamax Pacific (PNG) Limited for their continued support this year in hosting the tournament. “Not only are they sponsoring our Lae Open, but they continue to sponsor our Team Tournaments held twice a year. Panamex has also provided much needed logistical support for our Juniors Team whilst in Port Moresby for both the POM Open 2022 and the recently held PNG Junior Tennis Open 2023. Erich will also be spearheading this year's Open as the Tournament Director.” The organizers also acknowledged and thanked Scott Golden and the Lae Golf Club & Barbara Stubbings of PNG Tennis, for their continued support in helping revive and grow tennis in Lae and their assistance in hosting this year’s tournament.

Milne Bay  Rice will soon be hitting shelves in shops, once packing and labelling of the product is complete. Caretaker of the  Food Security Program under the Milne Bay Administration’s  Division of Agriculture Livestock Ms. Thelma Galele, said this product is an incentive for the local rice farmers. “We have provided them with the resources to grow their own rice and we are now providing a market for their produce.” Ms. Thelma acknowledged that they are still a long way off from full capacity of producing and supplying but the launching of Milne Bay Rice to the market is a big step forward. “So what we have been doing is harvesting paddy rice from the local farmers and this will now be processed and packaged, ready for sale.” She provided that as an added incentive, the DAL has provided 20 manual mills for the locals who are now farming rice. All these are efforts to improving food security as well as providing income earning opportunities in Milne Bay Province.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape acknowledged South Korea as one of Papua New Guinea’s biggest trading partners. He made these remarks at the start of bilateral meetings with the Republic of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol, during the inaugural Korea-Pacific Islands Summit in Seoul Korea. The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, Vice Minister for Finance and Implementation John Boito and Vice Minister for Treasury Solen Loifa. Present at the meeting on the Korean side were President Yoon Suk Yeol, the Prime Minister of Korea His Excellency Duck-soo Han and the Minister for Foreign Affairs His Excellency Park Jin. MP Marape said Korea and Papua New Guinea have had healthy bilateral relations since 1976 and the President re-echoed PNG’s own thoughts on wanting to ramp up these existing relations. “We invited them to bring in their business expertise, especially in the space of manufacturing, into our country’s focus of moving into manufacturing in downstream processing, in our Special Economic Zones.” The PNG PM said current trade between both countries stands at USD1.8 Billion. He encouraged more Korean businesses be set up in PNG as well as more trade in PNG products, as PNG makes the move from exporting raw to finished products. Marape while commending Korea for emerging from a poverty-stricken country to one that is now a rising economic powerhouse in the world, indicated to H.E Yoon Suk Yeol that Papua New Guinea will give support to Korea to host the 2030 World Trade Exposition in Busan. “We also commended Korea’s sensitivity to rising sea levels and climate change, and their commitment to using technology and innovation as a means to address the protection of seas and environment. “This complements Papua New Guinea’s own focus on using technology for land reclamation and protecting our small island communities and small island states.” Prime Minister Marape said in that respect, he also indicated that for their focus on the Pacific, they must work with the Pacific Island Forum. He added that PNG must not be viewed as a small island state though because the country’s land mass and population is bigger than other island states. He said as such, the South Korean President, his Prime Minister and Foreign Minister that they must relate with Papua New Guinea through a separate, specific bilateral framework that will embrace government to government, people to people and business to business relations, to fine tune future relations. Prime Minister Marape also asked the President to look at reopening the KOICA Office in Port Moresby and H.E Yoon Suk Yeol did indicate that he will get his officials to look into that. Other matters discussed were the Korean Exim Banks commitment to fund the Wewak and Vanimo Wharf and the Exim Bank’s Soft-Lending facilities that Papua New Guinea can open a credit line to access. At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Marape extended an official invitation for President Yoon Suk Yeol to visit Papua New Guinea at a time which is mutually convenient.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and Foreign Minister for Republic of Korea, His Excellency Park Jin, signed Reciprocal Visa Waiver Arrangements between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Republic of Korea for Diplomatic and Official Passports today in Seoul, Korea. The PM and his delegation flew off to Korea over the last weekend to attend the first Korea-Pacific Islands Summit in Seoul on May 29-30. They arrived at the Incheon International Airport yesterday (28th May) morning and were received by the Republic of Korea's Deputy Minister for Marine Policy Office H.E. Song Myeong-dal, the Minister for International Trade & Investment Richard Maru and delegation and the PNG High Commission to Korea Charge d’Affaires, Helen Aitsi. PM Marape will also be having a bilateral meeting with Korean President H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss issues of climate change as well as furthering bilateral relations between Korea and pacific nations. Korea-PNG trade was worth US$1.8 billion (K6.33 billion) in 2022, a massive 240 per cent increase from 2021, something that PM Marape will be looking to improve on. “Trade volume in 2022 between Korea and Papua New Guinea recorded US$1.8 billion dollars, which was a 240 per cent increase compared to the previous year,” PM Marape said. “I believe it shows how our economic relations are complementary to each other, which means there is greater potential for both development and cooperation. “Korea and Papua New Guinea, and their economies, are complementary because Korea has the experience of growth and high-level technology, while PNG has high-growth potential as well as rich resources. “Korea has grown from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the G10 countries in the world, which is why we are wanting to establish win-win relations with them – based on mutual understanding.” PM Marape said the big increase in trade between Korea and PNG had not gone unnoticed by his Government, and there was room for even more growth. “I want to offer PNG as an investment destination for Korean companies, as well as for our producers to export to Korean markets,” he said. “We have energy sources and raw materials. My Government is pushing for downstream processing and we will invite companies in relevant industries in Korea to come into our Special Economic Zones (SEZs). I will be pushing for Korea to especially buy more of our coffee and fish. “Our GDP (gross domestic product) is well-placed to expand rapidly in the next 10 to 15 years, based on the resources we have, so we are inviting companies from Korea to come and do business here.” PM Marape assured the people of PNG that this Government was doing its best in difficult times to progress the country. “ Our Government is looking at every possible means to grow our economy at the very earliest. An expanded economy will ensure that we can finance all our development needs,” he said. “This is why this Government places economic development at the forefront of our priorities, and when I travel overseas to countries like Korea, I do my best to promote PNG as an investment destination.” Deputy PM John Rosso will be Acting PM until PM Marape returns next Thursday.

Local Communities of Mt Giluwe in the upper Mendi Local Level Government (LLG) of the Southern Highlands Province, marked the beginning of their efforts to conserve their forests, culture & natural environment with the launching of the Mt. Giluwe Conservation Foundation. The launch took place at Yokai Base along the Tambul-Mendi Highway, witnessed by hundreds of people from Upper Mendi, Tambul, Nebilyer and heads of key government agencies and guests who travelled in from other provinces. Chairman of Mt. Giluwe Conservation Foundation Mr. Richard Kuna said their main objective is to protect the pristine forests and natural environment around the Mt. Giluwe. “Mount Giluwe, being the second highest mountain in PNG, with the highest volcanic peak is also an iconic spot for tourism efforts, which can socially and economically benefit the local communities.” Mr. Kuna explained that the foundation will also educate children in the area, of the importance and protection of the environment. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Acting Managing Director of Environment and Conservation Protection Authority (CEPA), Jude Tukuliya, assured the local communities that the government through CEPA stands ready to work with the Foundation to kick start conservation projects in the area. He went on to present K50, 000 to the Foundation, on behalf of Minister responsible Mr. Simo Kilepa. Acting Managing Director of Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) William Lakain commended the people of Mount Giluwe for their bold initiative to set up this foundation and urged the people to work closely with CEPA and other relevant bodies to develop and pave the way for more conservation projects Other representatives and heads of agencies present includes, Tourism Promotion Authority, National Capital District Commission, PNG Forest Research Institute, Telikom PNG, National Procurement Commission, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, PNG Defence Force and others; most of which have also pledged funding and technical assistance to kick start the operation of the foundation.  

Air Niugini held its very first face-to-face networking event with its travel and ticketing agents in Port Moresby recently, since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic so to brief them on the latest plans and developments within the airlines. The event also provided an opportunity for Port Moresby agents, as well as those that flew in from Kieta, Madang, Lae & Goroka, to discuss and ask questions about the airline products and anything relating to Air Niugini. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gary Seddon thanked all the agents for turning up to the event, as he was then able to give a progressive update since he joined Air Niugini two months ago. He highlighted several activities including re-fleeting, opportunities to improve customer service and airfares. “As part of longer-term efforts to reduce airfares, Air Niugini is introducing new and more fuel-efficient aircraft to our inventory. We will continue to effectively manage expenditure and ensure the successful integration of new aircraft and crew. We need more seats on more efficient aircraft, to help us to reduce airfares.” This signif icant fleet replacement program will see the acquisition of 13 state of the art aircraft over the next five years, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Before that, Air Niugini will add two more Boeing 737-800 aircraft to the fleet as well as four Dash-8 Q400 turboprops. These aircraft will arrive by September.” Mr Seddon said Air Niugini will restore integrity in their r schedule and confidence in our service while also strengthening their capacity, as they actively recruiting pilots and cabin crew. “Our plans also heavily depend on the development of domestic airport infrastructure – runways in some centres need to be strengthened and lengthened.” Since Mr. Seddon’s joining, Air Niugini has commenced a skills enhancement program to improve customer service for all front-line employees including ground staff and cabin crew. ANG have also established a leadership program with the first of many future airline leaders commencing the program shortly. “Air Niugini is committing K40m to training over the next 3 years. With this training, we are defining the winning competencies to make Air Niugini the best airline in the region. This is a very exciting time for Air Niugini, there is a lot to do, and I am very grateful to have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the management team to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.”