The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has been commended for its support and training outreach programs such as the one rolled out for the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) teachers in the NGI region this Month, known as the Training of Trainers (TOT) Program in Know About Business in fisheries (KABF). Last week Friday concluded the 2 weeks program, implemented through a tripartite partnership between the NFA, the National Department of Education (NDoE) and the small to medium enterprises (SME) corporation. SME Special Advisor and Facilitator from the SME Corporation (SMEC) Edward Kepa who spoke at the closing of the program, commending the NFA for this training as it will impact the youths in the country greatly. “This tripartite Partnership program is capture under the National Government’s 4th Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP).” “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 and as a result, a recommendation was made for this TOT for agriculture and business studies teachers to deliver the National certificate one and two in schools,” he said. Mr. Kepa stressed while most student end up in the village, such a program is vital to government to help relief the unemployment in the country. After students graduate with their national certificate, the program comes into place for student to acquire and start their own business and contribute to the socio –Economy development of the country. “The idea to offload the fisheries training to schools Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) began in 2011 and renewed in 2022 including SME with the signing between the NFA and the technical Vocation Education Training (TVET) Sector of the Education Department.” Furthermore, stressing the NFA’s commitment to ensure knowledge and skills are imparted to the younger generation so expand he fisheries resources to another level. East New Britain TVET Inspector Fatima Parapi stressed she will be involved in the assessment teachers will undergo completing the business plan and the action plan before you go back, and documents will be back to the authorities for monitoring and implementation. “The program is focused on enabling young people to get certified and upskilled to become self-employed in their communities,” she said. Teachers’ representative Ms. Latoya Biana expressed gratitude to the KABF Program and government agencies and stressed the challenge to put into practice the concepts learnt as it’s not enough to absorb information. The 2 weeks program had 24 participants from institutions, 14 from West New Britain and 10 ENB and were presented with certificates.

Dr. Martin Daimen, the Director of Public Health at the Madang Provincial Health Authority, has recently highlighted concerning developments regarding essential services. The recent disruptions in water, power, and fuel supply are significantly impeding service delivery. The availability of water, power, and fuel are pivotal for ensuring the seamless operation of healthcare facilities. Without adequate fuel supply, vehicle movements are restricted, potentially jeopardizing emergency retrievals and patient care. Furthermore, the functionality of crucial medical equipment and standby generators is compromised, posing a direct threat to patient well-being. Water scarcity poses a grave concern for maintaining health and hygiene standards within healthcare settings. Both patient and staff safety rely heavily on access to clean water. As guardians of public health, it is imperative that we address these challenges promptly to safeguard the well-being of all individuals relying on our healthcare services.

Divine Word University (DWU), located in the center of Madang, is consumed in an absolute crisis as the institution's strength is continuously tested by shortages of fuel, water, and electricity. The President of DWU, Professor Father Philip Gibbs, in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG spoke about the ongoing issues of fuel, water and continuous power outage in Madang and the steps taken to get through these trying times. Professor Gibbs said, “Unlike earlier challenges, this one is much more dangerous, requiring the organization to implement stringent fuel restriction in order to maintain essential operations.” "Our previous buffer with fuel reserves spared us from such crises.” “However, this shortage marks a notable departure from the average.” The town's water supply has been disrupted, making the problem worse throughout the dry season, and DWU has been battling this issue. Innovative measures have been taken to counter this, such as purchasing a water truck for delivery and looking into subterranean water sources to augment supply. Notwithstanding the obstacles, DWU is unwavering in its dedication to providing continuous instruction. Large generators reduce interruptions, but sporadic malfunctions call for staff cooperation and adaptable solutions. "Staff cooperation and patience are required due to the intermittent malfunctions.” “Nevertheless, we work to preserve operational continuity through sensible power and fuel rationing.” According to Professor Gibbs, health issues are a major concern, with particular attention paid to water quality and food safety. Although the facility has so far been able to minimize health hazards, periodic freezer failures have resulted in significant losses because of food spoiling. Professor Gibbs is cautiously optimistic about the future and is pleading with regulatory bodies and electricity companies for assistance. Reevaluating solar power regulations and enhancing service reliability are essential steps in effectively overcoming these obstacles but DWU as Professor Gibbs is located within the urban area with limited space. The DWU community is standing together in solidarity, and they are determined to work for a better future in which fuel, water, and power shortages are only distant memories.

Waigani Christian College (WCC) Principal Mr. Abakure Kaupa upon being reappointed Principal expressed that in 2024, WCC will focus on giving second chances to neglected students from the education system. WCC Principal Mr. Kaupa disputed the Government’s No-child-left-behind policy stressing that the PNG Education system lacks capacity to accommodate great number of students left out of their school selection. Therefore, he says WCC will offer second chances for the students willing to learn. WCC Principal was happy to inform PNG HAUSBUNG of an increase of student enrolments of over 1, 700 students in 2024, and the WCC is planning for additional building such as, two Computer labs, a Library, Workshop and State of the Art Science lab to accommodate more student under its new Standard Base Curriculum. According to Mr. Kaupa the WCC Founder and Director has graced positive confidence in the school and its staff members. “A few classrooms will be refurbished, and new classroom furniture will be bought to utilize fully classroom capacity to sufficiently accommodate the increased number of students.” “With the government facing its issues in parliament, we will focus on the students who seek to be educated and will ensure that no child gets left behind.” Furthermore Mr. Kaupa mentioned his belief that this year will be successful with staff confidence and commitment in the first 3weeks of school. He aims to maintain a positive environment to produce a productive environment for the staff and students. “Some students have made their way to further their studies in higher Institutions and University and this makes us focused on giving second chances.”

In a joint media statement, Sam Koim, Commissioner General of the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), and Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive Officer of BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP), have announced the resolution of the Supreme Court judicial review regarding the PNG Government's imposition of the Additional Company Tax. The settlement follows the payment of K190 million by BSP into an escrow account with the Bank of PNG, pending the judicial review outcome, as announced in December 2022. Under the terms of the settlement, the entire escrowed amount will be disbursed as follows: K95 million will be refunded to BSP, while the remaining K95 million will be paid to the IRC, effectively concluding the litigation surrounding the Additional Company Tax imposition. However, the settlement is subject to the consent of the Attorney General of Papua New Guinea and the superannuation funds that supported BSP's judicial review, with final approval awaited from the Supreme Court of Justice of Papua New Guinea. The anticipated timeline for securing these consents is approximately one month. It is expected that both BSP and the IRC will receive K95 million each during the first or second calendar quarter of 2024. Mark Robinson expressed his satisfaction with the settlement, thanking BSP's superannuation fund shareholders for their steadfast support throughout the process. Commissioner General Sam Koim also expressed the IRC's contentment with resolving the tax matter and commended all involved parties for their professionalism. “The IRC is pleased to settle this outstanding tax matter with BSP and appreciates the professionalism of all parties involved in addressing this case,” Commissioner Koim said, further acknowledging Prime Minister James Marape's directive, in his capacity as Treasurer, to settle the outstanding matter. “We are happy to settle this on mutually agreed terms.”

ExxonMobil PNG Limited once again recognizes the vital role women play in science and is celebrating the success and contribution impacts from their very own women in the oil and gas industry as it continues to provide employment opportunities, training, and community projects to promote equal participation of women and girls in science, Technology, Engineering and Math. There are incredible women who work behind the scenes in their field ensuring success of the PNG LNG Project. There are 9 females out of a team of 16 working in the PNG LNG Plant site laboratory, playing a critical role in ensuring quality of the LNG that is loaded at PNG LNG Plant Terminal meeting requirements before shipment. Aila Keleb-Moy stands a as a testament, from Milne Bay and a Laboratory Technician by Profession and currently a Laboratory Quality Assurance planner at the PNG LNG Plant site Laboratory. “We ensure the lab meets ExxonMobil Quality Practices and Guidelines (QP&G) standard and ensuring accurate data produced in the lab, timely and of highest standard.” “Also cargoes test methods meet quality control requirement and no equipment or standards used calibration and maintenance are out of date.” Aila celebrates a decade with ExxonMobil PNG Limited as it was her first employer after graduating from the University of Technology in Lae Morobe Province. The highlight of her career, she participated in an external Quality Practices and Guidelines audit in 2019. Aila stressed that it was an opportunity she is grateful for, “I wouldn’t be exposed to the High Standards that ExxonMobil PNG sets for its laboratories.” “It is remarkable the commitment ExxonMobil has for Quality and safety environment for employees is world class.” “We ensure the results we produce are honest, accurate timely and of the highest integrity sets the standard for Quality control.” Aila added that during her 2019 Audit she represented ExxonMobil PNG Laboratory in the external Audit as the first National Quality Coordinator in a team of three and was thrilled and honoured for the opportunity. Her advice to the aspiring young people who finds passion in science and want to work with a prestigious and global corporation such as ExxonMobil must find your purpose and work towards it and give your best every day, perseverance will help you achieve your goal. “Always turn up every day, be present and ready.”

Two individuals have been charged with misappropriation after an investigation launched by the new headmaster of Kovon Primary School in Kovon LLG, Middle Ramu District, Madang Province. The suspects identified as Jerryson Keng, 35 – former headmaster of Kovon Primary School and Zebedee Sakora, 41 – a Provincial Education Officer from Kuluguma, Manam Bogia allegedly conspired with a bank teller to fraudulently withdraw K10, 000 from the school’s account on Monday February 12, 2024. Acting on information provided by the new headmaster and the school’s board management, law enforcement officials from Madang’s Transnational Crime and Investigation Unit apprehended both suspects in town at 3:45pm on Thursday, February 15th, 2024. They were transported to the Jomba NCIU office for further proceedings. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime. Jerryson Keng and Zebedee Sakora were formally arrested and charged, each on one count of misappropriation. Additional charges may be brought as the investigation unfolds. It has been disclosed that with the collusion of a bank teller, the suspects withdrew K10, 000 from the school’s account. Half of the withdrawn amount (K5000) was given to the teller, while the rest was divided between Keng and Sakora. The identity of the bank teller is known and authorities will proceed with questioning. During a search at the office, Zebedee Sakora was found to possess K550.00 in cash, while Jerryson Keng has K1100.00. The confiscated cash, along with their mobile phones containing incriminating text messages, calls and WhatsApp conversations related to the withdrawal, were seized as evidence.

Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has confirmed the deployment of additional security forces to the Wapenamanda area in response to tribal fighting on February 17th. In a statement, Manning urged provincial and local leaders in Enga to intervene and calm tensions, condemning the violence as a "disgraceful act of barbarity." Manning emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the exact number of casualties is still being assessed as police continue to recover remains from dense scrubland. He described the conflict as an "act of domestic terrorism" and announced forthcoming legislation aimed at strengthening law enforcement's capacity to prevent such incidents. “There is no other way to look at this situation other than it is an act of domestic terrorism… (and) … legislation is being introduced to Parliament that will further strengthen the law enforcement capacity of security forces to intervene to percent acts of domestic terrorism,” Manning stated. “There is absolutely no excuse for this senseless violence that has caused a significant number of deaths and ruined the lives of many families, and further harmed the reputation of Enga and the Nation.” “The total number of dead and injured is still being assessed as police recover further remains from dense scrubland,” he said, adding that police responded to the situation as soon as was possible under the circumstances. “Details on the conflict are still being investigated and information on what occurred will be released as confirmed this comes to hand.” Security personnel have been instructed to engage with offenders using all legal means necessary, with targeted operations initiated to isolate fighting zones and restore law and order. Manning stressed the need for tougher measures, particularly in addressing the proliferation of illegal firearms and bringing perpetrators, including weapons smugglers, to justice.

The United Nations has strongly condemned the mass slaughter of over 50 people in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, in a sharp response to the current wave of violence in that region. The tragedy, which has been called the bloodiest in recent memory, has shocked the country and sparked pleas for justice and peace. The UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, Mr. Richard Howard, expressed deep shock at the violence shown in pictures and videos showing the massacre's aftermath. He emphasized how crucial it is that all parties concluded conflicts right away and pleaded with the authorities to look into the matter thoroughly in order to hold those responsible for the crimes accountable. Modern weapons have been used in tribal battles, which has increased tensions and resulted in significant casualties among innocent bystanders. This most recent tragedy highlights the urgent need for significant action to stop the spread of small guns, especially in the Highlands region where this kind of violence is common. The Government of Papua New Guinea enjoys the unflinching backing of the United Nations in tackling the underlying causes of tribal conflict and stopping the illicit supply of guns. Encouraging enduring peace and security in the Highlands continues to be the worldwide organization's top priority. The international community is standing in solidarity with the victims and their families as Papua New Guinea struggles to deal with the fallout from this needless slaughter. Around the country, there is a resounding cry for peace as everyone involved works nonstop to stop more deaths and clear the path for a safer future.

Fuel, water, and power shortages have plunged Madang into a crisis, with Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim Water addressing the gravity of the situation while assuring continued police service despite the challenges. Speaking on the critical issues of fuel scarcity, water shortages, and power outages, Acting Superintendent Baim emphasized the indispensable nature of these basic necessities for human life. "Fuel, power, and water are the main basic sources of life every human being is entitled to," he stated, underlining their essential role in everyday existence. The fuel crisis has particularly hit hard, impacting businesses across Madang and posing challenges for law enforcement agencies like the police force. Superintendent Baim acknowledged the hurdles faced by the police in carrying out their duties amidst the nationwide fuel shortage but assured the public of their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and properties. "We are in the red now but will try our best to provide as much service as possible to our people until fuel is made available." Superintendent Baim affirmed, acknowledging the efforts made by Police Headquarters to supply fuel but lamenting the lack of stock in Madang's depots, which exacerbates the problem. In addition to fuel scarcity, Superintendent Baim also addressed the ongoing issues of water and power shortages in Madang, highlighting their potential impact on police operations and public welfare. He urged local leaders to swiftly address these challenges to prevent further escalation that could lead to crises affecting people's lives. Expressing concern over potential disruptions to business operations, Superintendent Baim issued a stern warning to anyone considering taking advantage of the situation. "I'm sending out a warning to anyone that might sabotage the normal flow of business operations in Madang that we will be tough on you," he cautioned. Recognizing the need for collective responsibility, Superintendent Baim called on all business owners to take extra precautions during this crisis period. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of individuals taking initiative for their own well-being, acknowledging that police resources may be stretched thin. "People must learn to look after themselves; police won't be with you 24/7." "Be mature in thinking and act more maturely," he advised. Superintendent Baim's statement underscored the seriousness of the fuel, water, and power crisis in Madang while reaffirming the police force's dedication to maintaining order and security despite the daunting challenges faced.

Former Prime Minister (PM) and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Peter O’Neil has released a 32-page report online, shedding light on payments made by the Department of Finance under the Connect PNG program. Mr. O’Neil revealed that the report, initially presented in Parliament on February 14, 2024, contains details of approximately 1, 400 transactions. In a social media post today (February 19th, 2024), Mr. O’Neil again disclosed that the information was provided by a whistle-blower, outlining the Department of Finance's transaction history for all Connect PNG cheques and transfers from April 14th, 2021, to January 22nd, 2024. The report indicates a total expenditure of just under two billion Kina (K1, 933,364,152.94) over a span of two and a half years. Among the payments highlighted, several are deemed questionable and requiring further investigation, as they appear to provide no tangible benefit to the Connect PNG program, according to Mr O’Neil. Mr. O’Neil urged the public to access the report via a provided link, https://peteroneill.info/ citing a lack of credible responses from PM James Marape and Works Minister Solan Mirisim regarding contracts and payments under Connect PNG. PM Marape had defended the transparency of the Connect PNG program, disputing Mr. O’Neil's claims of impropriety, as highlighted in a previous statement issued by Mr O’Neil yesterday. However, Mr. O’Neil maintains his allegations, labelling Connect PNG as an "outright scam" and alleging misuse of funds. In today’s post, Mr. O’Neil emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the people of Papua New Guinea deserve to know how their money is being spent, as he continues to push for accountability within the program.

Prime Minister James Marape has summarized the accomplishments and policy priorities of his administration in the face of mounting political unrest, notably in relation to the "Vote-of-No-Confidence" procedures. The achievements of Prime Minister Marape's government over the last four years were highlighted. Among these were the production of more than 100,000 new employment, the reintegration of more than 100,000 school dropouts into programs offering second chances, and the significant assistance provided to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). He cited accomplishments in resource management, like the Porgera project's ownership terms being renegotiated in a way that favored Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Marape also emphasized improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and assistance for provincial governments, indicating a dedication to raising living standards and facilitating better service delivery throughout the country. The administration persisted in its efforts to stabilize and expand the economy in the face of external obstacles including the effects of COVID-19 and geopolitical concerns. In the middle of the political turmoil, Prime Minister Marape demanded that the opposition put an end to the slander campaign and offer positive policy alternatives for the sake of Papua New Guinea. He reaffirmed the goals of his administration, which include sustainable development, citizen empowerment, and inclusive growth, stressing the value of stability and continuity in government. The theme of resilience and resolve conveyed in Prime Minister Marape's speech signaled a commitment to overcoming political challenges and advancing the interests of the country. The administration of Papua New Guinea was committed to guiding the nation toward a better and more affluent future even as it navigated stormy political waters. In the middle of the political turmoil, Prime Minister Marape demanded that the opposition put an end to the slander campaign and offer positive policy alternatives for the sake of Papua New Guinea. He reaffirmed the goals of his administration, which include sustainable development, citizen empowerment, and inclusive growth, stressing the value of stability and continuity in government. The theme of resilience and resolve conveyed in Prime Minister Marape's speech indicates a commitment to overcoming political challenges and advancing the interests of the country. Despite the political unrest, the administration of Papua New Guinea is committed to guiding the nation toward a more promising and affluent future.