The Wayana Tourism & Culture Center, with support from the USAID’s Lukautim Graun Program, recently hosted the Asbin Festival. Asbin is a winged bin which originated in PNG and holds a special cultural significance for the people in the Highlands Region. It has a variety of distinctive characteristics that require specific skills and knowledge to cultivate holds special cultural significance for the people in the people in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea however, this traditional knowledge is being lost. The Asbin Festival provided an opportunity to preserve this traditional knowledge, promote the conservation of native food species, and enhance economic, social, and environmental values in the community. Director of Wayana Tourism and Culture, Tralla Daisy expressed gratitude for the support of donor agency in the Asbin Festival as it has reignited local interest in the winged bean particularly from framers around the area. “Thank you, USAID, for coming forward to be part of this event, as this demonstrates your interest in working with us to preserve, protect and promote our traditions and cultures.” Winged bean plays an important traditional role in peace ceremonies, compensation payments, bride price ceremonies, debt repayment, and family status among clans and tribes. For example, winged beans are sometimes offered with other food crops and gifts as a sign of peace. People from Lufa, Okapa and Ungai Bena districts brought their own cooked asbin to sell at the festival. Small local businesses like Mino Orito Bricks, Monique Hair and Beauty Salon, Yasina Nature Park’s Women’s Bilum, and Eastern Highlands Province Floriculture were among those that used the event to promote their products and services. Many businesses and Non-Government Organisations also set up stalls to do their awareness and promotions like MiBank Agents, Yasina and Jedo who assisted several winged bean farmers, mostly women, to open bank accounts.

One man was shot and wounded but later died at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Friday, after he and his gang attempted to rob a female motorists. A long policeman happened upon the unfolding robbery and reportedly shot the gunman who was taken to the POMGEN where was pronounced dead on arrival. Details provided by the NCD Central Commander Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jnr said that the female motorist was driving along Nikibata Road in Gerehu when several men jumped in front of her vehicle brandishing homemade guns and knives. At about the same time, a police vehicle arrived, causing them to scatter in panic. And then a loud gunshot went off almost instantly, and one of them fell to the ground, reportedly wounded by a police bullet. Several police patrol cars raced to the crime scene, and the wounded suspect was later carried away in a stretcher by ambulance workers who arrived at the request of police. Mr Wagambie said the lone cop acted courageously by stopping the armed criminals single-handedly. Mr Wagambie is appealing to the community at Gerehu to provide information on the gang so police can pursue and arrest the rest of them.

Recent actions to disrupt the Kokoda Track Operations, specifically by Kokoda Adventures and the operational team, has irked and prompted a strong statement from the Hiri-Koiari MP to respect the mandated authority in place responsible for the management of this National Heritage Site. “Any operator on the Kokoda Track needs to respect the Kokoda Track Authority, as it is the legally mandated authority that acts on behalf of the state, to promote and manage the track while also improving the quality of life of communities along the Track.” He said failure to recognize the KTA is a failure to recognize the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government and such actions will be dealt with firmly and legally. “Industry operators must not dictate terms and use local groups to drive their agendas. Such actions disregard the interests and well-being of the communities, and we will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines the communities' interests.” He said the recent cause of action of creating blockades is unacceptable and demonstrates a lack of respect for the Kokoda communities and the trekking industry's interests. “PNG takes a strong stance against any form of disruption to the Kokoda Track and will not hesitate to take necessary legal action against any parties involved. Any Australian operator found guilty of inciting violence among local communities will be dealt with accordingly.” He said that the KTA will continue to promote and manage the Kokoda Track for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the communities living along the track, the operators, and the tourists. Any anti-social behaviour will not change this. “The KTA is committed to protecting the Kokoda Track's cultural and historical heritage while ensuring its economic potential is realised. We encourage all Kokoda operators to continue to bring guests to the Kokoda and to enjoy the strong bonds we share between PNG and Australia.”

“Most of the coconut trees were planted before the twin volcanic eruption in 1994 and have now reached their aging stage and added that coconut farmers should engage in major replanting exercise within their blocks.” This was the advice given by the Manager for Industry Capacity Building and Strengthening (ICBS) for Kokonas Indastri Koporeisen (KIK) in PNG Mr. Ephraim Tade during the closing of five days training yesterday at Nodup ward in the Kombiu Local level Government of Rabaul District, East New Britain Province. The training included three days of sustainable livelihood course and two days white copra skills funded by the Rabaul District Administration. It was facilitated by KIK and the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) through its training centre, Kairak Centre for Sustainable Rural Development with the theme “Sustainable livelihood and decision making.” “The productive life for coconut trees is 15 to 50 years so we need to start replanting for the future and given this important training, we should start implementing what we’ve acquired to sustain our livelihood.” He encouraged the people of Nordup to capitalize on their resources, saying that ENB province used to produce 100, 000 tonnes of copra per annum and that they should improve on production. “KIK is already into negotiations with partners to bring investors into the country but our biggest challenge now is having the capacity to boost and maintain our production." Meantime, Rabaul District Economic Sector Head Mr. Eliaser Mutumut when congratulating the participants on behalf of the District Administrator Mr Benedict Mode, said the district will continue to partner and support such programs. A total of 400 tall coconut seedlings were presented by KIK to Nordup ward as well as kiln pipe from Rabaul District Administration for the ward’s white copra dryer. A similar training will be held next month for Watom Island LLG.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) have congratulated Wayne Bennett, who will coach his 900th Premiership match when his Dolphins play Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Magic Round Brisbane on Saturday. Bennett’s premiership coaching career began with the Canberra Raiders in 1987 (28 games), with stints following at Brisbane Broncos (631 matches 1988-2008 and 2015-2018), St George Illawarra (79 matches 2009-2011), Newcastle Knights (75 matches 2012-2014) and South Sydney Rabbitohs (77 matches 2019-2021), and as inaugural coach of the Dolphins (eight matches). Bennett’s career record so far stands at 562 wins, 323 losses and 14 draws, for a winning percentage of 62.5. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said he can only marvel at the career of Wayne Bennett – what he has done for the game and what he has been able to achieve out of the game is phenomenal. “Records may be meant to be broken, but it’s almost certain this one will not be.” “Wayne is simply one of a kind. He has a presence, aura, and charisma which is found rarely in anyone. There is only a select few. Put that with care and unwavering loyalty to his players and you have the champion coach, Wayne Bennett. “On behalf of the game, I congratulate him on this momentous achievement.” Bennett holds the record for most games (899) and most wins by a first-grade coach (562), as well as most consecutive seasons as coach of a premiership club (21 years with Brisbane Broncos). He steered the Broncos to the finals 22 years out of 25 and 17 seasons in succession between 1992 and 2008. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Wayne has had an immeasurable impact on the game. Not only as a coach, but as a mentor to hundreds of players throughout his career, an inspiration to coaches at all levels and a character admired by fans. “Over the course of his career, he has coached over 378 players. As a remarkable manager of men, he has produced remarkable results along the way.900 games as an NRL coach, in one of the most competitive environments in professional sport, will be celebrated by everyone in the game, not just on Saturday. "Over five decades Wayne has remained relevant, at the forefront of football strategy and creating a high performing team environment.”

Twenty long serving employees of the National Airports Corporation (NAC), with the support of the organization, successfully concluded a week long training program on financial literacy to equipping them with financial skills in preparation for the company’s upcoming retrenchment program. Many of these employees were employed in the civil aviation industry prior to the civil aviation reforms and had transitioned to NAC and spent a significant portion of their professional lives in the aviation industry and NAC is grateful for their unwavering service and dedication. The NAC is also confident that this financial literacy training has provided them with practical knowledge and skills in managing finances, business start-up and management, investing and budgeting. NAC values their long serving employees and they are committed to supporting them in the best possible way as they work together to prepare them for life after NAC. The training was facilitated by Tiri Kuimbakul, an esteemed Papua New Guinean Economist, Author and Trainer and the NAC is grateful to have his support throughout the program.

Four Air Niugini staff have received Graduate Certificates in Leadership from the University of South Australia. Mrs. Molly Polongou Popu, Ms. Stephanie Bawo, Ms. Ritchilyn Barrios and Mr. Alex Kia graduated after successfully completing a short course program offered through an Australian Aid scholarship. It was a five month long course, which included three intensive studies and projects at work covering the Responsible Leadership, People, Leadership and Performance, Managing Organizational Change with special topics on ‘Thinking and Acting Strategically’. Recent graduate and General Manager- Procurement & Projects, Mr. Kia said the course was insightful as it raised our level of awareness in the different leadership traits and styles that can impact organizational performance. “As Air Niugini grows, the concepts and strategies learnt will continue to add value, enabling us all to contribute more meaningfully,” Kia said. Another graduate, Ms. Bawo added that apart from making informed decisions and solving problems as leaders, the course helps them to see the importance of providing guidance and motivation to work as a team to achieve their intended goals. “This course has taught us how to effectively apply the tools and concepts in our work environments, to encourage the best versions of each other and to create a conducive environment for individuals to thrive and achieve mutual objectives.” Ms. Bawo said. Australia Awards is a prestigious international scholarships and short courses that offer the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research, and professional development. The staff also acknowledge Air Niugini for its commitment to continuous staff development as captured in its Corporate Plan. Another seven Air Niugini staff, all females graduated recently from Divine Word University in Madang with Bachelor’s Degree in Management. They included Ms. LeeAnne David Maino, Ms. Hepshebah Maru, Ms. Jollanda Basse Mencindimi, Ms. Sheila Maso, Ms. Roddy Nason and Mrs. Illan Kaprangi, while Ms. Judith Wyborn successfully completed a Diploma in Business studies. Their program took two years to be completed. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, when congratulating all the graduates, said continuous learning and personal development remains a vital part of our employees’ careers. “At Air Niugini, we are proud to support members of our team who continue to wisely invest their time in self-development. This learning takes tremendous dedication and discipline. Air Niugini is investing over K40million in training and skills development for its employees.”

Papua New Guinea’s tax office will now work closely with the country’s leading superannuation provider to share data on areas of mutual interest, after the signing of a partnership agreement between the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) and National Superannuation Fund (NASFUND). IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim, and nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma were on hand to sign this MoU. Commissioner General Koim said , this agreement is significant, and look set to deliver benefits for both organizations. “This agreement marks the first MOU between the Commission and an Approved Superannuation Fund – nasfund.” Under the terms of the MoU, both organizations will enhance information sharing capabilities that will enable the IRC to better comply with regulations and assess risks associated with salary packaging abuse by employees through their employers. “We welcome this collaboration with nasfund and are grateful for the Fund’s willingness to facilitating their request for similar terms under this agreement.” Koim mentioned that this MoU also represents a significant step forward in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of employee benefits. “We look forward to a productive and mutually beneficial partnership with nasfund.” nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma, speaking on the MoU, highlighted the positive opportunities that are available through this strategic partnership. “As the country’s leading superannuation service provider and largest by membership, it is in our best interest to partner with key stakeholders to ensure we remain compliant, relevant and competitive in the ever-changing business environment in this part of the world. This partnership is a demonstration of our efforts in this regard.” The nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma said both parties will agree to share information that may be used to ensure their contributing employers are being compliant. “Utilizing this partnership with IRC will also enable us to have greater visibility in key areas.” Sharma also explained that in the coming days, the website will provide members a link to the IRC website that will enable visitors to the IRC website easy access to nasfund. “This we believe will ensure that our current and prospective members have easier access to the Fund, and for our membership to also have easier access to the IRC and its services. It is important to note that no individual member data will be provided to IRC.” Through this partnership, information to be share with the IRC will include; • a list of names of registered employers with employees contributing to nasfund; • aggregate number of employees for each of the registered employers; and • list of contractors engaged by nasfund; • amount of contribution received from each employer in a year and to specify: I. the aggregate employee portion, II. the aggregate employer portion, and III. the aggregate voluntary portion (if any).

“The onset of new media technologies has not only changed the way we treat news but has also created a new culture of misinformation and disinformation.” Those were remarks of the President of the PNG Media Council, Mr. Neville Choi speaking at the United Nations Resident Coordinator hosted Media Freedom Day Breakfast today at Lamana Hotel, Port Moresby in honour of the importance of free and independent media in democratic societies. Choi further explained how social media platforms have interwoven individual preference algorithms into online sales and consumerism behavioural tracking, creating a new business culture. However, Mr. Choi believes that rebuilding trust is the key to navigating these challenges. “Today, we have a mainstream industry of traditionally independent media, having multi-media delivery platforms.” “Traditional print media are finding their feet in the online space. Traditional newsroom processes have had to be updated, and news teams’ upskilled. And exciting new and homegrown Online News service platforms have become part of the mainstream media family.” Mr. Choi stressed the importance of having a credible and effective Media Council in Papua New Guinea that represents both the public interest and the interests of the sector. “It is important never to underestimate the role of effective and trusted media in a developing democracy, especially one such as ours, with its many challenges. It informs, educates, and gives a voice to citizens.” “It holds government and other vested interests to account; and by doing so, contributes to the rule of law and public integrity. It enables government to be more effective in communicating with citizens, and in providing services across the nation; and it supports business and the nation’s economic development.” “None of these can be achieved unless there is a reasonable level of community trust in media, and in the accountability of media to the public.” The event aimed to address the challenges and brainstorm best practices in the media landscape of Papua New Guinea, and to inspire methodologies to navigate emerging media technologies while retaining the important model of a self-regulating media industry.

“I will soon announce the 3rd draft of the National Media Development Policy 2023.” “Prior to this, there will be a national survey, commencing this week. This survey will be available to public and stakeholders through the Department’s website and Facebook page, SMS Blasts and the general media to further gauge views of the public on key policy questions.” “This is a wholesome and across the board review and reforms process in the information, communication and technology sector encompassing the many changes taking place globally and transcending into PNG.” This is from Minister for Information & Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu in joining the global community celebrate Media Freedom Day today. Minister Masiu highlighted the important role that media played in the country’s development adding that this role must be bigger and more robust. He said the issue of lack of support to journalism training, Media institutional support, Media remuneration and workplace support and capacity building and the need to protect media workers especially journalist requires attention in the region and PNG is no different. “As you are aware, the government is now amongst its various review and reforms, also looking into the media industry in the country.” He said the government through this review and reform also want to strengthen the country’s media sector and the support of Journalism Schools in various institutions throughout the country and more importantly to see where they can play their role in improving the welfare and security of the media. This being especially for the Journalism Profession and to allow journalists to write without fear and favour while being accountable and responsible. He said the media influences the public by sharing news with an opinionated perspective. “The personal values of owners and operations of media businesses impact the information shared.” Masiu said the personal perspectives of reporters influence the stories they cover and the personal spins they interject into stories. “Technological advances provide venues to reach a larger audience than was possible in years past.” “The media in PNG has also raised these pertinent issues as a serious detriment to a more robust and competitive media environment affecting the profession and standards of media and journalism in the country.” “I therefore want to again reassure all stakeholders and especially the media industry and the Journalism profession that I stand strong and steadfast in my desire to reform the media landscape in the country.” This government seeks to protect media freedom and to strengthen the resolve to make media a more professional, dynamic, and competitive and to strengthen its freedom and protection and access to information. “This is clearly indicated in our governments passage of the ‘Whistle Blowers' Act and our effort to properly establish by policy and law, the ‘Access to Information’ law and other enabling policy and law to fight and expose corruption.” Following the survey, will be regional workshops and a final validation workshop for key stakeholders. “I intend, following the survey and validation workshop, to bring submission to the National Executive Council by the end of May and or early June 2023 for approval of the National Media Development Policy.” Masiu also paid tribute to those in the media fraternity who has passed on and to encourage all who continue to work in the profession to continue to work hard to strengthen our overall resolve for a free and vibrant media. “It is an important day and one we must always protect and cherish as media freedom is a critical and fundamental part of a striving and free democracy.”

A recent Biology graduate from the University of Papua New Guinea, Ms. Karen Watnawi from the East Sepik Province, was born and raised on Misima Island in the Samarai Murua District of Milne Bay Province; a place that she now calls home. Like many who have grown up in adopted towns and provinces where work has led their parents to settle, Ms. Watnawi was born in 1999 at the Misima District Hospital on the island when her dad was first serving as a police officer on the island. “We moved to Alotau town where I started school in Alotau Elementary then transferred back to Misima Island where I did grades four to eight at Bwagaoia Primary School from 2010 - 2014.” “I completed grades nine and ten at the former Misima High School now Misima Secondary School then got selected to the Sacred Heart Secondary – Hagita to do grades 11 and 12.” Ms. Watnawi got accepted to UPNG to do Science Foundation in 2019 then streamed into Biological Sciences in second year. “This was not an easy journey, my parents separated when I was just starting primary school. It was hard, but I thank God that I figured it out earlier in life that my happiness was in my own hands.” “If I wanted to be happy in the future I had to work hard in school. So, I shut out all the chaos that was going on around me and in my family and focused on school.” “My parents still supported me, my dad provided everything I needed, and my mom always prayed for me. Starting at UPNG was a struggle because of the tuition fees but we are so blessed, not just me but every student and their parents in Samarai Murua District who are or were under the sponsorship program of our local MP Isi Henry Leonard.” She added that it was a privilege to be sponsored through the Samarai Murua District School Fee program for the four years of studies at the university as well as paying for the graduation and gown fees. “My encouragement to all the children out there who are experiencing what it is like to come from a broken home, that we should not let our parents’ problems drag us down but instead rise above it and challenge yourself to be better and remember that only you can make yourself happy.” Meantime, MP Leonard was delighted to attend the UPNG graduation for the Science students recently. “I want to create a legacy for my people and that is why we at Samarai Murua are one of the very few districts in the country that continues to support our students pay their full school fees at tertiary level.” MP Leonard said that not many parents in rural areas were able to fully pay and support their children’s education, so he had taken it upon himself that while in office as the mandated leader of Samarai Murua District, he would ensure education was given priority through such school fee programs. “This program lifts the burden off the parents and guardians who are simple village men and women, many of whom are only fisherman and gardeners. They are appreciative that the MP’s office can support the school fees for their children attending universities and colleges across the country,” Mr Leonard said. Five students from Samarai Murua District have graduated from UPNG this year, and they are Karen Watnawi (SNPS), Marie Louise Gham (SHSS), Janet Serah Omuru (SHSS), Lynne Kaur (SNPS) and Pais Ronny (SHSS).

The Nakanai District of West New Britain (WNB) province has had to mount its own security operations after seeing what had happened in Kimbe town in the past few days of unrest. This was revealed by the Nakanai District Administrator Mr. Wilfred Augustine, who said this immediate action was needed to address the escalating law and order problems in the District as well, which resulted in a fight that shut down Bialla Town last week. He said the Nakanai District Administration had appealed to the residents of the Banana Settlement, to surrender the youths that were involved in an alleged robbery attempt, which resulted in the unrest in Bialla Town. “We gave them 48 hours to them (the youths) but they have not come forward so we had to mount a one month security operation, that begun yesterday (24th of April) and will end on the 25th of May, 2023.” The District Administrator said they are now waiting for reinforcements from Tomaringa in neighboring Province, East New Britain. “Our District Operations will now coincide with the Provincial Operations but I can’t give you details on that, as it is a security operation.” Mr. Wilfred said that the youths involved in the town fight recently are from the Banana Settlement, which is an illegal squatter settlement on state land and it should not be confused with the Oil Palm Settlers.