Prime Minister James Marape has spoken refuting accusations and charges made by the opposition against his government, especially with reference to the "Vote-of-No-Confidence" proceedings. Prime Minister Marape further emphasized the value of productive policy talks above divisive remarks. PM Marape added building a new administration required a serious approach and the creation of alternative policy initiatives that intended to go beyond existing accomplishments. Marape said those in the Opposition should stop their campaign of defamation against him and instead submit strong, alternative policies for review. The Prime Minister defended the record of his government, pointing to accomplishments like the Constitution's incorporation of a Christian identity, the Porgera and Wafi-Golpu projects, which maximized the benefits from natural resources, and programs aimed at empowering Papua New Guineans by increasing their participation in a range of sectors. In addition, Prime Minister Marape refuted the narrative of the opposition, advising them to put more effort into outlining their own policy vision rather than resort to smears. He further urged Opposition leaders, including Allan Bird, the alternative Prime Minister, to show off the concrete outcomes of their leadership, especially in the areas of economic growth and employment creation. Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the commitment of his government to transparency, integrity, and service delivery in the face of impending political difficulties and a vote of no confidence. He urged an end to polarizing political strategies and emphasized the significance of governance based on observable outcomes. While the country expected more changes in the political environment, Prime Minister Marape's stated his unwavering position demonstrated his resolve to overcome obstacles and lead Papua New Guinea toward development and prosperity.

Cricket PNG has revealed its comprehensive 2024 domestic and international cricket schedule, aimed at fostering the growth of the sport across Papua New Guinea. The schedule includes pathway programs and domestic initiatives tailored to engage cricket enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. The schedule confirms this month’s Kumul Petroleum PNG Baramundi’s T20 World Cup Preparation tour in India, Oman, and Malaysia. CEO Richard Done also unveiled a new management and high-performance structure designed to support the ambitious objectives set for 2024. Among the key appointments are Tatenda Taibu, who will serve as Senior Manager of Performance and Barramundis Coach, and David Drew, appointed as Senior Manager of High-Performance Operations and Lewas Coach. Additionally, Jack Vare-Kevere has been named Garamut’s Coach, Mahuru Dai as Siales Coach, Alan Moramoro as Senior Manager of Commercial & PR, Lakani Oala as Senior Manager of Domestic Cricket, and Margaret Sibona as Senior Manager of Development. These appointments reflect Cricket PNG's commitment to elevating the sport's standards and accessibility nationwide.

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent has assured concerned bus drivers and bus conductors that a thorough police investigation is being conducted into the police shooting of a bus driver over the weekend and urged them to return to work, and let police do their job. Speaking to a casual crowd at the Unagi Oval at Gordons in Port Moresby city this morning, Superintendent Silva Sika told the crowd that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is committed to carrying out a comprehensive investigation into this incident. He said that the investigation had started as soon as the police learned of the shooting incident on the afternoon of Saturday 17th February, and promised openness and accountability throughout the proceedings. Sika said that police officers from the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) had been given explicit instructions to conduct a comprehensive investigation and gather all pertinent data regarding the incident. He also underlined that the Manu Auto- Port Bus Stop, where the shooting of the driver and wounding of a police officer occurred, is a center for illegal activities and black markets and stated that ongoing measures are being taken to maintain safety and security in the area. On that note, Mr. Sika also confirmed that the bus crew and the injured police officer are receiving care and are in a stable condition after receiving medical attention at Port Moresby General Hospital. Sika restated that the RPNGC has a zero-tolerance policy on police officers doing wrong and that if the officers or officer involved in the shooting, are found to be in the wrong, they will be dealt with accordingly by the law. The Met. Supt. also appealed to eyewitnesses at the scene of the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation. “I urge key witnesses to come forward and give detailed testimony in an effort to put together how the incident occurred," said the Met. Supt. Meanwhile, given the significance of PMV services to the city's transportation network, Sika requested that PMV drivers resume their regular work schedules today on onwards and let police handle the investigation. He said that maintaining essential bus services is necessary for NCD as a whole, and also expressed gratitude to the PMV owners and employees for their efficient service to the people in the city.  

The National Capital District (NCD) and New Ireland province are still on alert for potential drought, but there's hope on the horizon. The latest report from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Weather Service (NWS) indicates that El Niño, known for dry conditions, is weakening, with a transition to a more neutral state expected by March or April. Additionally, the Indian Ocean Dipole has returned to a neutral state, offering some positive signs. So, with the ongoing wet season, there's optimism for relief from the dry spell. While NCD and New Ireland remain under watch for the next three months, there's some relief for Hela, where recent rainfall has eased drought conditions. However, long-term deficiencies persist in parts of the Highlands and Momase provinces, resulting in low groundwater and reduced streamflow. Looking ahead, forecasts suggest above-average rainfall for PNG, with Milne Bay expecting average rainfall. As El Niño weakens and transitions, and the Indian Ocean Dipole returns to neutral, the PNG NWS anticipates improved weather conditions. However, the Madden-Julian Oscillation in the Central Pacific may cause some fluctuations over the next few weeks.

The Alternative Government issued a press statement today expressing deep sorrow over the tragic massacre in Wapenamanda, Enga Province, where over 50 men lost their lives in ongoing tribal conflicts. Urging swift action, the opposition called upon the National Government to utilize its power and resources to address the escalating violence. Standing in solidarity with Enga's leaders, particularly Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, the Opposition emphasized the need for enhanced police presence to bolster security in the affected regions. They lamented the devastating impact of the violence, which not only claimed lives but also led to the abuse and assault of women and children. In addition to demanding justice for the victims' families, the opposition urged immediate action to trace the source of firearms fuelling the conflict. Highlighting concerns about the ease of access to weapons, they called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for supplying arms to tribal war criminals. Expressing disappointment in the Government's response to the crisis, the Opposition criticized the lack of tangible results and called for accountability at both the ministerial and commissioner levels. Emphasizing the urgency of restoring law and order, they underscored the need for specialized police units and greater autonomy for provincial governments to effectively address security challenges. The Opposition reiterated their commitment to advocating for meaningful change, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and decisive action to address the country's pressing law and order issues.

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika, has come out to say that there should be no protest whatsoever to be staged tomorrow by PMV bus drivers in the city, over the shooting of one of their colleagues by police on Saturday afternoon at the Manu Auto- Port Bus Stop. The city’s police boss said this after a message was circulated on social media today about a planned stop work by PMV bus driver and a protest to be staged over the shooting incident. Mr. Sika told PNG HAUSBUNG that the incident was unfortunate but a police officer was forced to use excessive force after the driver had struggled and resisted the police officer’s directives, stressing that the officer made a reasonable decision, and the planned protest is based on misconception, speculations and fake news spread on social media to ignite fear among the public. “There has been no formal notice to police for a protest, so there will be no protest,” added the Met. Supt. “The rule of law must not be tested by citizens who do not understand and absent minded of law and order, especially from people leaving their native homes and settling in the modern city setting.” “You will not get away if you create problems amounting to lawlessness, this is not your backyard,” he said. Furthermore, the Met .Supt. warns people circulating false information to stop scaring the innocent public and that they will face serious consequences if they are caught spreading false information, especially on such a sensitive matter. Mr. Sika concluded by reiterating that the people must go about their daily routines tomorrow without fear of anything. “The police will remain committed to enforcing law and order in the city, " said the NCD Met. Supt. Meanwhile, the victim of this police shooting remains in a critical condition at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). The Emergency and Accident Doctor in Charge, Dr. Mangu Kendino, confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the victim was brought in by police officers in their vehicle with a gunshot wound to the pelvis, which had caused him to go into shock. The doctors attended to him and treated his wounds and had him admitted in the emergency ward at the PMGH for surgery and recovery. However, she is yet to check on his progress and therefore, unable to confirm the status of his current condition .

People of the Oro Province can now look forward to better services in the future after Governor Garry Juffa revealed that the 2024 budget is focused on restructuring public services to improve service and delivery and sustainable development for the province. The Oro Provincial Government is reported to have presented its annual budget on Wednesday 14th February at the Prime Minister’s Office at the National Parliament in Waigani. Oro Governor Gary Juffa and his team consisted of members of the Provincial Executive Council, Assembly and the Provincial Administration, announced that the budget would prioritize Law and Order, Health, Education, Infrastructure and community-based programs among other fundamental sectors. “This year we have a budget this year of K168 Million, which captures all fundamental sectors including our internal revenue and infrastructure, with a special focus on revenue making agencies and infrastructure.” Governor Juffa stated that the provincial budget 2024 has been framed with the intent of capturing this government’s vision that all citizens must have access to basic services and that no one is left behind. “Our budget will prioritize investments in these critical areas, with a focus on improving healthcare facilities, enhancing educational resources, and strengthening law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of our communities.” Mr. Juffa highlighted that the achievement of sustainable development would only be made possible through prioritizing the health and education sectors. He mentioned that their budget directs substantial funds towards improving healthcare infrastructure, equipping hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring accessibility to quality healthcare services even in remote areas. “This year we will also be focusing on vigorously carrying out our reforms within the provincial administration. I am taking this task on as the chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform. This will allow us ensure our public servants receive better benefits.” “Heath care, housing, continuous training to add value to service delivery. By doing this we will ensure that our public servants remain committed and dedicated to their duties. They will be loyal to an organization that is loyal to them, “he said. The governor was grateful for the government’s support of his province as they have finally received their outstanding shares from the oil palm industry in Oro that have been withheld for decades and says that these funds have allowed the people of Oro to build their new Provincial Assembly building that is worth K14 million, which is also factored in this year’s budget. “All that we have requested for from this government has been given to us. It may come in small amounts but we do eventually receive what has been promised to us.” “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you prime minister for being dedicated to the parliamentary committees, specifically the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery of which I am chairman of. Under this committee we have facilitated the much-needed Public Service Payroll review that was handed to the government last year, “he said. Prime Minister James Marape whilst receiving the budget from Governor Juffa and his team, said that he was particularly pleased with the efforts of Oro province in preserving the Managalas Plateau as a conservation area, saying that this was ground-breaking for our nation. “It has emphasized our efforts of fighting climate change and preserving one the biggest largest remaining rainforests in the world and encourages sustainable development practices and ensures that our people benefit perpetually, instead of one-off projects that ultimately destroy our natural environment.” “Besides this, you have other world-renowned tourists’ destinations such as Tufi, and the Kokoda Trial in which we will be assisting with K5 million and I am glad to see that the Divune Hydro Dam is now fully operational and currently serving our good people of Oro.” Marape pledged his continued support for Governor Juffa because of his ability to address national matters and his determination to bring development and change to Oro Province. Additionally, the Prime Minister spoke of the need to turn The University of Natural Resources and Environment campus in Oro into a fully-fledged college. Meanwhile, Governor Juffa has called upon all stakeholders, including the public servants, private sector partners, and the people of Oro, to join hands in the spirit of unity and collaboration and work towards achieving their shared vision for a better, brighter future for their beloved province. “The 2024 Oro Provincial Government Budget reflects our unwavering commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive future for our province.” “As we move forward, we will remain steadfast in our determination to implement prudent fiscal policies, drive meaningful public sector reforms, enhance service delivery, and invest in strategic infrastructure development.”

A woman in Oro province has been delivering fresh garden food and vegetables to customers in Port Moresby to generate income to support disability advocacy programs in Popondetta town. “Everything that I do with my SMEs, supports my disability advocacy programs in Oro, including the community support programs as I am currently the PNG Women in Disability Network Incorporation Chairperson.” Ms. Sommerville Kanaba is a business woman from a mixed parentage of East Sepik and Oro Provinces who resides in Popondetta, who identified the need for affordable fresh garden produce in the city in 2023 while frequently flying between Port Moresby and Popondetta for her Disability Advocacy Workshops. She started the business of selling fresh garden food from Oro as a side business. She first started advertising on Facebook in 2023 and got a good number of interested buyers who ordered from her. “When I started out, I had about 20-25 interested people but I only delivered around 10 bags of food at that time. A day before I flew, I would go to the market and buy the food in the afternoon, pack them in the night and bring them over to Port Moresby the next day.” Sommerville with the help of her sister, packed the food in K50 and K100 bags as per the vegetable orders and payments and delivered. The bags of food contained the famous Oro Queen Bananas, taro, greens and some fruits and vegetables, hence the name ‘Veggie Delights.’ Most of the vegetables she sends over from Oro while she purchase her Chicken trays and Dry coconuts here in Port Moresby that are included in some orders. In an interview with PNG Hausbung, Sommerville mentioned that some of the challenges she faced were flight cancellations, delays and recently it has gotten costly to airfreight the food. “I’m aiming to one day expand and maybe charter a plane with the sole purpose of flying the vegetables over to avoid flight delays and cancellations.” Sommerville highlighted that she started this side business mainly to teach her family to find something to do and try to generate an income from it. “Some of my nieces and nephews just sit around doing nothing so I started this business as a way to teach them how to identify market gaps and fill those gaps and maybe make some money out of it.” Apart from Veggie Delights, Sommerville and her family own other small businesses that are all operate under her family SME-Oro Stringed services. “My sole trader is Zoar Travel and Passport services, Zoar Floriculture and Zoar Tourism, which is run by my partner and I. Our newest edition is Veggie Delights which is used to support disability initiatives.” If people want to find out more about Veggie Delights or order a bag of the best taro in the world, they can check out Oro Stringed Services on Facebook or directly WhatsApp them on 675 82140792.

The Ok Tedi Mining limited (OTML) remains committed to maintaining an industry-institution relationship with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) to ensure the institution prepares quality graduates that are industry ready. OTML Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr. Kedi Ilimbit mentioned this recently during the opening week of PNGUoT’s Orientation and Registration week, which marked the start of the 2024 Academic year for the institution. Mr. Ilimbit announced as a commitment to their relationship with UoT, certain projects which are currently being progressed. These include: 1. A donation of five light vehicles; 2. Building of the state-of-the-art Analytical Chemistry Laboratory facility under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme; 3. A funding of K100, 000 for the development of a Technology Transfer Centre; 4. Aiding final year students through Industrial Training placements; 5. Assist drive changes in the Industrial Training program within the Mining Industry; and 6. Possible collaborations on knowledge and skills sharing. He said one of the greatest legacies that OTML intends to have is the people it has trained, and OTML has been fortunate to acquire some of the best minds from PNGUoT over the last few decades through OTML’s training programs or direct employment. “Vice Chancellor Professor Oala Renagi, who was my Physics Lecturer some odd years back can attest to this as he visited Ok Tedi late last year and met many talented professionals who once called UNITECH their educational home and are now doing great work for Ok Tedi. I'm sure that a lot of you are on this path! You're welcome! We're prepared for your arrival,” said Mr. Ilimbit. “In addition, a number of our trainees have found work in additional resource operations at both national and international level. They'll be found in Lihir, Kainantu, Simberi, Morobe Mine, Porgera, as well as in the oil and gas sector. They can also be found in projects in Australia, Asia, the Americas, and the African continent.” The OTML Board in September 2023, approved to extend the mine’s life to 2050 and has potential to extend even further. This will generate over K30 billion (US$8.0 billion) in social benefits including taxes, royalties, and dividend payments, over the next years. What's this going to mean for your students? This means that there will continue to be opportunities for training and employment. “We're looking for a good GPA in all the areas we'd like to hire. So, it is for each of you seated here today to do your best while you are in the course of your studies," he said.

In times like these, when the country is undergoing an economy crises, parents with financial constraints are scrambling to find means and ways to fund their children tuition fees for their university or college funds. Marie Eorage and her family are helping to fundraise for a young boy’s university tuition fees by selling food dishes in the city. 18 year old Seth Yasida completed his grade 12 at the St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School here in Port Moresby and was accepted at the University of Technology to take up Bachelor of Business in Applied Economics, but is facing a problem with school fees. Marie Eorage, grew up with Saki Yasida-Seth’s father in Goroka for most of her childhood and stated that he was like a big brother to her, hence her helping to cook and sell to help raise Seth’s school fee funds. In 2017, Saki was working as her “haus-boi” and she later got him a job as a security guard in the building she was working in. Saki was terminated later on in 2020 when he refused to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saki Yasida, Seth’s father is working as a cleaner at the University of Papua New Guinea and gets paid only K200 to K250 fortnightly, hardly enough in the range to be eligible for a loan at any financial institution. Marie and her husband bumped into Saki while shopping at Vision City when he mentioned his situation to them. Saki explained that Seth had done well and gotten into the HECAS program. School fees under HECSA is K8, 000 but 60% of the fee is required to be paid upfront before Seth could commence his studies. This had happened a day before registrations at Unitech closed for the year, so they got right to work. “We called the school, explained the situation and pleaded with the administration to give us a bit more time to come up with his school fees and they gave us an extension.” “Seth flew to Lae on Sunday-made possible by his HECAS ticket, which is part of the scholarship and he is getting ready to start school soon as we have already deposited K3, 600 and will be paying the remaining K1, 200 when we collect payments for the dishes of food we had sold to pay off the 60% component for him to start.” Marie highlighted that she was ready to assist him in the next four years that he will be studying at the university and has managed to set up a GoFundMe account ‘Lets Help Seth’ that was organized by Molly Igo for Seth’s tuition fundraising. “I’m looking to do a fundraiser for him. There are people overseas who have suggested that I start a GoFundMe account for him for the next three years.” “It really touched my heart that this boy worked so hard, even though it was a struggle for him. His father held a flashlight for him as he worked on his assignments.” Additionally, she said most children take their parents money for granted whereas there are smart students out there who commit themselves to their studies in hopes to succeed, but are held back by financial constraints. “Doing this for Seth has encouraged me along the way to do a fundraising drive for children who may find themselves in the same situation as young Seth’s.” Meanwhile, Marie mentioned that there were challenges that she faced when she was fundraising. There were a lot of negative and positive comments, but she is happy that she was able to help Saki and his family. “I spent out of my pocket to pay for the food, electricity and fuel used to do this fundraising, but I am happy and satisfied with the success of this initiative.”

The former Opposition Leader and Member for Kandrian- Gloucester, Joseph Lelang has finally made his move to join the ranks of the government, siding with the Pangu Pati and boosting its strength to 58 members. Lelang resigned last week as the leader of the alternate government, stepping into the backbenches of the Opposition when Parliament reconvened on Tuesday this week. Today, flanked by most of the government members at Parliament’s State Function room, and other coalition partners, including West New Britain Governor Sasindran Mutuvel, Lelang was officially welcomed into government by Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and his Deputy, John Rosso. Lelang’s move now means that the whole New Britain Island – East and West – has all its elected representatives in one government, a feat for the Marape-led governing executive. Both Marape and Rosso welcome the seniority and experience Lelang brings with him. “Welcome, for the first time, to the Honorable Joseph Lelang, after serving consistently since 2012. On behalf of all of us, I’d like to offer a special welcome,” the prime minister told Lelang. “He now decides to join us with the rest of the New Guinea Islands leaders in government, and now joins us for the first time in his career in Government.” “Last night he was brought into the Pangu Pati caucus, and I make a special thank you to his governor Muthuvel, and two other leaders from West New Britain for reaching out to Honourable Lelang.” “So now we combine both islands, and it is a significant achievement for us to combine island-wide interest as we pursue one interest in this government,” Marape said. He further said, “Honorable Lelang is not a new kid on the block; he was a senior bureaucrat and recently was the head of the alternate government and resigned as Opposition Leader when his rights were trampled upon, and based on West New Britain Provincial interest, and New Guinea Island interest and in this context, decided to come in together instead of fighting from outside.” “They decided to work from within to offer constructive criticism and to drive our regional and national agendas.” Rosso too, as Marape’s number two, and also deputy Pangu leader, extended his warm welcome to Lelang. “He (Lelang) brings a wealth of experience with him, sitting on the Opposition bench as the Opposition Leader, and he’s been very articulate and proven to be a very good Opposition Leader. He always expounds on and using facts, and does personalize anything.” “He brings us over that threshold, and now we (Pangu) are sitting on a comfortable 58, but this does not diminish the very strong support we get from our coalition partners that we value very, very highly,” Ross said. In response, Lelang said he is now committed to supporting the current government, when acknowledging the welcoming remarks from both the prime minister and his deputy. “I want to thank the prime minister for inviting me, because as I was sitting there (on the back bench of opposition), I was pondering the kind of political future I would have and how I can continue to contribute to the service of our nation and to our people, so I want to thank the prime minister for inviting me to join the government ranks, and to join Pangu Party which I have accepted,” he said “I know I have just joined, but I can reassure the prime minister, and leaders of the coalition government parties that I will do my utmost best to join hands and contribute together in the service of our people and our nation.” Meantime, the prime minister, when describing this week as hectic, expressed his gratitude to the public, civil servants, and the business community for their ongoing patience as parliament proceeds with its procedures, emphasizing the importance of adhering to due processes relating to the motion of no confidence vote.

Australia has partnered with Lily Magazine and Pacifund to offer crucial entrepreneurial skills training to 15 Homemade competition finalists, with the goal of empowering Papua New Guinea's aspiring business owners. The effort, known as the Business Launch Challenge (Biz Launch), sought to provide these business owners with access to the technology they needed to support the expansion of their firms and with practical skills. On December 18, 2023, the 30-day Biz Launch program began, with participants exploring a range of company lifecycle topics. The extensive course covered subjects including financial literacy, marketing tactics, and company plan development. It was delivered both in-person and virtually and combined structured training sessions with individualized one-on-one coaching. At the end of the program, participants pitched their concepts to representatives from banks, business houses, and other stakeholders, and their enterprises were formally launched together with their graduation. One of the success stories was Alice Kolokolo, the creator of Jadasha Grace Collections, whose earrings made of clay and coconut shell took first place in the 'wearable' category of the homemade competition. Expressing her excitement, Alice shared, "Becoming a finalist and the top winner for the category has changed my whole perspective.” “I feel like I have a purpose now - I’m not just a stay-at-home-mum.” “I can be a businesswoman and I’m just ready for it.” “I’m so eager to do it. I feel like I want to come to school every day. I’m really excited." Australia's involvement in this initiative underscores its commitment to fostering networking opportunities and strengthening supply chains for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Papua New Guinea. Through targeted training and support, the Australian Government hopes to empower these entrepreneurs and encourage the expansion of PNG's economic ecosystem. In Port Moresby, the Australian High Commission stressed the importance of these kinds of programs in bolstering the nation's economic growth. Australia works in partnership with regional organizations such as Pacifund and Lily Magazine to support the long-term development of Papua New Guinea's business scene. The successful conclusion of the Biz Launch program is a critical turning point in the history of these 15 SMEs, representing a leap forward for the business community in Papua New Guinea as well as personal development for the participating entrepreneurs. With continued assistance from Australia and other relevant parties, these business owners have the potential to significantly boost the economic growth of the country.