Sea travel made more efficient for the people of Pomio with the addition of a new vessel to serve the district in the East New Britain (ENB). Prime Minister (PM) James Marape launched the K8 million “MV Pomio 2,” as Pomio districts second vessel at the Palmalmal wharf last week Friday. PM Marape, while accompanied by the ENB Provincial Member, Michael Marum, and the Member for Pomio Elias Kapavore, stressed that the government is taking collaborative efforts in linking Palmalmal to the city of Kokopo since Pomio district holds almost 75 percent of ENB’s landmass. PM Marape also mentioned that the vessel will serve the people of Pomio district as well as neighboring Maritime Provinces. “This vessel will assist our people in bringing their produce to the markets. We want our people to be empowered and sustain themselves through agriculture. Work has commenced on the south coast links to Kokopo while we launch the ship. These are all part of the Connect PNG Program,” he said. Pomio MP, Elias Kapavore, stressed that the Marape- Rosso Government is touching the lives of rural communities like never before; therefore, the people must act attentively to the level of government support to develop the district, by being productive in the economic sector. PM Marape also opened the 30-meter Ngelngel Bridge in the Totongpal Ward in West Pomio LLG. Pomio Acting Deputy District Administrator for Operations, Joshua Jeremiah said the bridge and vessel were both delivered through the National Government’s Connect PNG Program; however, the Ngelngel Bridge was co-funded by the Pomio District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) with K500, 000, while the balance of K700, 000 was catered for by the National Government. “The Ngelngel Bridge was constructed as a response to the disaster caused by continuous heavy rains last year and thus, was issued a Certificate of Inexpediency (COI),”he said. The bridge will serve the people of the Totongpal Ward, and Wards from neighboring LLGs of Mamusi Yana and Melkoi.

The traveling public at East New Britain’s Tokua Airport can now experience shorter queues, with the airport’s fast passenger and baggage screening process, thanks to newly installed security screening equipment. According to the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Airport Corporation (NAC), Dominic Kaumu, the equipment includes primary personal and check-bag screening at the entrance to the terminal facility, which can scan, detect, and identify explosives, dangerous goods, and illegal items intended to cause unlawful interference against civil aviation operations at Tokua. The new security screening machines replace existing old and aging equipment, purchased from Nuctech Company Ltd, a global manufacturer and supplier of aviation security screening systems. The screening machine is managed by technical officers and aviation security officers from the NAC, who received specialized training and refresher courses to effectively operate and maintain this crucial equipment. Mr. Kaumu said the upgrade is part of ongoing NAC’s support to improve regulatory compliance in its operations at Tokua, and other airports in the country. NAC provides airport security screening facilities at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport; Nadzab Airport in Morobe’s Lae city; Mt. Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport in the Western Highlands; Tokua Airport in East New Britain; Eastern Highland’s Goroka Airport; New Ireland’s Kavieng Airport; Vanimo Airport in West Sepik; and Hela’s Tari Airport. Mr. Kaumu also said new terminal buildings to be constructed and completed for Madang; Gurney in Milne Bay; Western Province’s Kiunga Airport; Hoskins Airport in West New Britain; and East Sepik’s Wewak Airport, will also have airport security screening facilities.

A groundbreaking partnership between the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) has set its sights on empowering a thousand Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and women-led SMEs in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG) with financial literacy, with a particular focus on regions covered by the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA). The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on Tuesday, March 12th, signifies a significant stride towards sustainable economic development by bolstering financial literacy and supporting SMEs in the region. Under the terms of the agreement, CEFI will conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions in designated areas, equipping 25 individuals with essential skills in personal money management. These trained individuals will then disseminate direct retail training to 1,000 SMEs and women-led SMEs in the Western Province. The formalization of this partnership took place during a signing ceremony held in Port Moresby, where Mr. Andrew Mari, Acting CEO and Program Services Executive Manager of OTDF, and Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe, Executive Director of CEFI, cemented the collaboration. Mr. Mari hailed the partnership as the commencement of a vital initiative for OTDF, emphasizing its significance in aiding women's groups with financial empowerment and facilitating the growth of their small businesses in the Western Province. “This will be the first MoU that we (OTDF) will be signing with CEFI and we are privileged that CEFI will partner with OTDF to roll out the financial literacy training targeting respective women associations.” Mr. Ranasinghe echoed Mr. Mari's sentiments, underscoring the importance of financial education in propelling the province's development forward. He urged women leaders to utilize the training effectively, recognizing their pivotal role as community influencers. Mr. Ranasinghe also outlined CEFI's plan to enhance financial services accessibility in the Western Province by collaborating with local financial institutions to set up service points, highlighting the 16, 500 access points in PNG which include banks, sub-banks, agencies, Eftpos machines, and ATMS. This concerted effort aims to bridge the financial literacy gap and foster economic resilience among SMEs in the Western Province, with CEFIs intending to replicate this model in other provinces across PNG.  

Rabaul district in the East New Britain (ENB) province has been selected for the implementation of the PacFresH2O Project; a project aimed at protecting fresh water sources and enhancing climate change resilience in the Pacific. This significant initiative is funded under the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) through the International Climate Initiative; and in collaboration with the South Pacific Community (SPC) as the managing director for funds distribution in PNG, and WaterAid PNG as the implementing agency. A courtesy visit to the district by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) WaSH Programme Management Unit (PMU) and its partners, will pave a way forward in conducting baseline assessments of existing WaSH infrastructure and identifying stakeholders. Speaking during the visit, WaterAid PNG Programs Director Navara Kiene said this is an important project and an opportunity for the district. “Climate change has imposed a huge threat on our environment and the concept of this project is to ensure that our people can be able to build climate resilience through access to water and sanitation and water resource protection.” She added that the project will complement the Rabaul District WaSH Plan that will be developed as per the MOU signed between the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and the Rabaul District Administration last year. GIZ Project Manager for PacFresH2O Project Bernd-Markus Liss said that they are grateful to rollout the program in PNG and particularly in East New Britain where Rabaul and Pomio Districts have been selected for the project. “This initiative looks into vulnerable communities and how we manage our water resources, what kind of impact climate change has on the water resources and making water resource management more resilient.” Meanwhile, Deputy District Administrator (Admin.) John Matava commended the DNPM and its partners for selecting Rabaul District to benefit from this essential project. “Rabaul is a disaster-prone district and has been greatly affected by various droughts in the past and such projects will ensure communities manage their water resources well.” Meanwhile, a consultation workshop is being carried out today, Wednesday 13th March in Kokopo that will be followed by scoping field trips on Thursday, 14th and Friday, 15th March.

Police personnel in the Central Province have returned to regular duties, and no police stations will be shut down. Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Laimo Asi confirmed this in a media statement. PPC Asi was refuting claims published in a PNG Bulletin news report of police station closures in the province, following respective commands - allegedly contacted by PNG Bulletin – claiming they would stop police operations following the removal of their PPC due to the reshuffle of top police commands. The report further claimed this was a show of support for Central Province Governor Rufina Peter’s disappointment over the removal of Asi as PPC Central. But PPC Asi, who verified the information released, confirmed that no police commander had made such a statement. Expressing dissatisfaction, he criticized this kind of media coverage as media propaganda meant to damage the reputation of the diligent police carrying out their sworn obligations. PPC Asi stated that he wants the police officers in Central to work as a team and that he has nothing to say about the reorganization or where he will be working. PPC Asi was referring to the recent announcement by Police Commissioner David Manning over his reassigned appointment as Banz Police Station Commander in the Jiwaka Province, which will take effect on or by April 5th. PNGHAUSBUNG was told by Commissioner Manning last Friday at the Konedobu Police Headquarters that a subsequent appointment for the PPC Central post will be made known in due course. Despite this, PPC Asi highlighted ambitious plans for the province's police force, declaring his ongoing close collaboration with local leaders and elected leaders to handle crime in the province. "Law and order problems already exist in the province.” “We now need to figure out how to handle these problems with law and order, and one method of managing crime is to meet and collaborate closely with leaders.” “Another is to assist in placing police officers in close proximity to people so they can provide them with assistance, and in order to accomplish that, police housing must be constructed to accommodate police officers.” “We are constructing such housing in the province, where the provincial government has promised to construct two police houses for the Tapini police station before moving on to the other stations.” PPC Asi further reminded police personnel to adhere to higher management decisions and urged senior officials to ensure that significant issues communicated to the media are confirmed through proper channels before being made public.

The long-abandoned Watom jetty approach on Watom Island in the Rabaul District of East New Britain (ENB) province is currently undergoing much-needed maintenance work so to properly serve the people on the island. The 32-metre-long jetty, which once served as the main link for goods and services to the island more than two decades ago, has been faced with weakening and eroding risks at its approach which required urgent attention from the local authorities. According to District Civil Works Engineer, Mellie Munulai, the maintenance project is a counter-funded initiative under the PSIP and PIP funding with cost totaling to K850, 000. The project is being rolled out by NewLand Real Estate Ltd, and the maintenance work includes realigning the edge beam of the approach using boulders and pouring in new concrete to reinforce and stabilize the structure. “Concrete works for structure such as gabion baskets, river training and bed protection have also been carried out to ensure the jetty can withstand various sea levels and weather conditions,” said Munulai. Watom Island LLG Manager, Emmanuel Tokom said that the jetty had been lying idle for years and it has crippled them in terms of accessibility like when transporting cocoa, copra, fish, and other fresh produce to the mainland. “Once the jetty is completed, it will boost economic activities and also attract potential investors,” he said. Meanwhile, Acting District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki commended the district infrastructure sector for such vital project, stating that it is the main access point for goods and services. The district administration is confident that the contractor will successfully complete this essential project and ensuring a strong and durable jetty to enable access for the communities on Watom Island. The project is 80 percent complete and is expected to be fully completed by next month.

The Central Provincial Member, Ms. Rufina Peter wants the outgoing Provincial Police Commander, Laimo Asi, to be reinstated to his position as the police boss in the province. The Provincial Member released a statement calling out to the Police Commission, David Manning, to return PPC Asi back to the province, stating that the Central Provincial Government (CPG) has a really good working relationship with the PPC and with important policing initiatives and programs already in place to be implemented, it would be better for the province to retain the PCC and work together to implement them. Ms. Peter expressed shock and dissatisfaction on the decision made by the Police Commissioner to transfer the former PPC to a lower-level command position in the recent reshuffle of commanders in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). “I saw this in the papers on Thursday (7th March, 2024) and it came as a shock and a great disappointment to me, to the Central Provincial Government as a whole and the people of Central province,” the provincial member expressed. “Basically, we have a very good relationship with the former PPC and we have programs and initiatives planned already to undertake during the course of this year and next, and the sudden removal, and what seems to be a demotion of our PPC and positioned up in the highlands in Banz, is a slap in the face of the people of Central province.” One of the important initiatives that Ms. Peter was referring to is the Peace and Reconciliation program in the Goilala District which resulted in the youths in the villages laying down their arms last week after at least 3 years of crime and violence in the Woitape Local Level Government (LLG). “The leader of that group, Emmanuel Amo, created that rapport with former PPC Central Mr. Asi and because he was on the ground in the community when the youths were laying down their arms, they established their understanding and because of that, Emmanuel is now liaising with other groups in the LLG to also lay down their arms to allow for development initiatives.” “This process is critical for the youths of the LLG and for Central Provincial Government, and for this initiative to be brought to a sudden halt has significant law and order implications and as such, as the Governor of the Province I am very disappointed,” she added. Meanwhile, according to Commissioner Manning, the reshuffle and deployment of senior police officer to new positions is to further strengthen and improve the service of the RPNGC to the people. The Commissioner said it is essential that the police force has the right personnel in roles that draw on their experience and capabilities to more effectively provide for the enforcement of law and order. Nevertheless, Ms. Peter stated that while it is the prerogative of the Commissioner of Police to make these decisions, the CPG would have accepted common courtesy in discussing or at least making the intentions known so that the CPG could present their position on the changes.

West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Peter Barkie remains confident that police operations in 2024 will address and reduce the increased crime rates experienced in the province. The crime rate in the New Guinea Island province has fluctuated in the transition into 2024, especially in the isolated rural areas. PPC Barkie stated that mid last year the crime rate was a cause for concern for the authorities in the provincial capital Kimbe town, forcing police reinforcement to assist during the year, which then helped to reduce the crime rate a bit, and he is confident that police in the province with some good support, will minimize criminal activities going forward. This is because despite a lot of criminals in possession of firearms, there is reinforcements of police firearms and police reserve personnel available to counter and neutralize armed criminals. Meanwhile, due to the crime rates, the Kimbe Town Police station cell is always overcrowded with detainees. This has resulted in prisoners having to be distributed across Hoskins and Kapore Police stations to make space in the cell. “Our police units pickup culprits every day to be jailed and the Kimbe Town Police station Cell currently contains 90 to 100 criminals, over the standard limit of 50.” “We process each criminal and await the court to issue warrant to send to Lakiemata Prison to serve time under the Correctional Service supervision and care, relieving the police cell to be utilized adequately.” Meanwhile, PPC Barkie remains firm to his duty and confident in the hard work of his police officers to prevail in fighting crime in WNB this year.

A group of local youths in Rabaul town in East New Britain (ENB) province proudly graduated on 7th March from a two-month sewing and cooking course at the St Joseph Training centre in Iawakaka along the North Coast Road. These youths who graduated are the first batch for the year 2024 which comprised mainly of victims from the fights in Rabaul town last year and those who lost their homes. The youths were sponsored by the Rabaul Urban Local Level Government (RULLG) through the Community Development sector under the Youth Development funding. From the total 52 participants who graduated under the cooking and sewing courses, 31 youths were from the wards of RULLG in Rabaul Town, who expressed their gratitude for the vital life skills training. When giving the key note address, Deputy District Administrator (Operations) Petrus Maninga stressed on the importance of acquiring life skills such as sewing and cooking and said that such trainings will add value in their lives. “You are the people we want to empower; utilize the knowledge and skills you have gained and keep yourselves busy and avoid engaging in unlawful activities.” Maurus Farau a town youth thanked the RULLG, District Administration and St Joseph Training Centre for taking up the courses. “I am grateful for the training; now my fellow youths and I are able to sew apron, men’s shirt, ladies shirt, meri- blouse, ladies skirt and more.” “We used to buy expensive shirts and other clothing, but now our hands are blessed and we can sew our own, even cook new recipes.” He added that such government funded programs help to minimize crimes in the communities, gives second chances and allows youths to see things differently. Meanwhile Rabaul Town Manager commended the participants for their determination in successfully completing the training and announced that the RULLG will donate a baking oven and sewing machines to the training centre to assist them. The next batch of cooking and sewing classes will commence on March 25th, 2024.

The West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Peter Barkie has clarified that a recent social media post showing some youths committing Domestic Terrorism acts by portraying criminal like behaviors and issuing threats, was not made by youths in the province. The social media content of the youths exposing their identity, displaying homemade firearms and distributing stolen goods among themselves, was assumed by many viewers to be conducted by youths from WNB; however, that was not the case. Mr. Barkie later clarified to PNG Hausbung that this sort of behavior was considered as Domestic Terrorism and police will be extremely tough on those who commit this offence, not just in WNB but right throughout the country. He said that police officers in WNB are very attentive to offensive posts on social media , and react to these cases when there is enough solid evidence to warrant an arrest or arrests. Furthermore, he said that decisions have been made to categorize crimes of different nature to better prioritize the risks involved in each case to neutralize efficiently. Such as the case of displaying unlicensed and homemade firearms to scare the public on social media, is categorized as Domestic Terrorism and will gain the full attention of police. “In Domestic Terrorism, police will move against these criminals with strength. The house and family supporting terrorism will be considered as accessories and be evicted from their homes, known as selective eviction.” Although many rural communities in WNB isolated from main central locations may not fully grasp the penalties associated with the crime, Barkie said many families near the provincial capital Kimbe town are pleased with these actions of eviction conducted, as it has minimized the crime rates.  

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko clarified the joint stance taken by Foreign Heads of Missions on Russia's war in Ukraine, responding to comments made by Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah. Tkatchenko criticized Namah's remarks as lacking context and decency, emphasizing the complexity of foreign affairs issues. "The member's statement is a narrow, single-window statement.” “The many issues and agendas on the Foreign Affairs platform are challenging and interconnected.” “We just cannot attack foreign issues on a single-window accusation.” “When you make a statement, especially on an issue above national level - on International relations matters or foreign nations, you just cannot attack on a bilateral level.” "You have to understand and appreciate, for the country's sake, why all these nations are coming together. The Minister explained that the coalition of nations supported each other beyond national interests and discussed reforms at the United Nations, especially regarding nuclear weapons and veto powers. "Besides the strong united call for an end to Russia's war on Ukraine, the coalition spoke of the serious need to look at reforms at the world governing body - the United Nations, the United Nations Security Council, and veto powers among other concerns." "It is also important that our people know and understand the global concerns of like-minded nations when it comes to war." Tkatchenko highlighted concerns about Russia's aggression despite efforts for peaceful resolutions and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in global security matters. Concerns about the current war on Ukraine included the recognition that Russia is a member of the Permanent 5, and had gone against every effort at the United Nations Security Council for a peaceful resolution. The Permanent 5 are countries known to have nuclear stockpiles; including the United States, China, France, and the United Kingdom. Minister Tkatchenko further explained that the Permanent 5’s veto powers ensure that they can decide not to abide by any decisions or resolutions, and continue the aggression as demonstrated by Russia, hence the collective call by the Foreign Heads of Missions. Concerns raised also included the representatives' recognition that the number of countries that have nuclear weapons may be more and that this was inconsistent with the United Nations Charter, and a threat to world peace.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko MP expressed disappointment at Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah's recent social media statement, criticizing it as lacking decency for using the Russia-Ukraine conflict for political gain. In a statement, Tkatchenko clarified that PNG's stance on Ukraine aligns with international calls for peace and humanitarian grounds, reiterating that PNG has not affirmed plans for a security arrangement with China despite insinuations from Namah. "I made this crystal clear in my meeting with Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Penny Wong prior to Prime Minister James Marape's Guest of Government visit to Canberra, Australia." "We respect China as our key economic development partner, and will do so with our traditional security partners going forward" Namah's reference to Ukraine was further condemned by Tkatchenko as political posturing, emphasizing the need for genuine concern amidst the ongoing conflict which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. He criticized Namah's attack as an embarrassment, urging for policy challenges based on facts rather than politicizing sensitive global issues like the Ukraine conflict. "According to the report from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, reported deaths of Ukraine civilians is at over 10, 000 since the start of the war on February 24, 2022 - over 500 of them children; and the Member chooses to use this to drive his political attack on myself.” “That is not honor as a former Military officer!” “Where is the decency as a Papua New Guinean?" Tkatchenko commended the collective stand taken by foreign missions in PNG last week in support of international law and peace efforts- spearheaded by French Ambassador Guillaume Lemoine with support from fellow foreign heads of missions consistent with the United Nations Charter. "I welcome the challenge on policy, my record as Foreign Affairs Minister, and what has been accomplished; but it is a shame that this clear attack comes under the cover of a false sense of concern for diplomacy, and using Ukraine to score political points is broadside in nature. "Our moral support is for an end to the conflict.” "Standing together and binding together for a common cause is to demonstrate that should this happen to PNG; we will also expect such a coalition of nations to stand for us and voice their positions and our concerns in a time of war."