Public Servants in the East New Britain (ENB) Province held their dedication service at the Vunamami United Church Ground recently. Speaking during the service, the ENB Provincial Administrator Mr. Levi Mani urged more than 500 public servants who gathered for the service to be dedicated to serving the people of the province. He said the implementation of services rest entirely on the level of work that public servants do every day. “We stsnd here today to offer ourselves as public servants to improve service delivery to the 400, 000 population in province and the entire population of Papua New Guinea (PNG).” ENB Provincial Deputy Governor Boniface Gerep, who also offered up remarks during the service, reminded public servants to be honest in their line of work. “We have to change the norm. Let’s turn up early to work and leave at 4:06pm. Many of us turn up at 11am and takes off at 2pm,” Mr. Gerep said. “We are stealing from our people every time we don’t follow the conducts of the administration or government that we serve.” He further added that the year 2024 calls for a change of mindsets to advance the visions and mission of the province. “We recently passed our provincial budget for this year which stands at more than K519 million and the onus is on us to implement the services so it reaches our people.” Meanwhile, ENB Council of Churches Chairman Ps Anthony Kivung told public servants to put God first in their lives. He said they have to be better ambassadors in their own communities. “We have to shift and transform ourselves to better this year,” Ps Kivung said. He applauded the provincial administration for initiating such programs as it shows that God still has a place in the administration and government. Ps Kivung wished the entire public service machinery a best working year this year, 2024.

The Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) in Tari is currently focusing to implement its District Town Improvement Program (DTIP) in its districts, aimed at creating wealth and income earning opportunities for the rural majority. Since the introduction of the District Town Improvement Program in 2019 up till 2022, DPLGA has successfully delivered 21 impact projects at the cost of K25.5 million. According to a press statement, the District Town Improvement Program is aimed at transforming district head-quarters from mere administrative offices into economical hubs and commercial centers, basically to boost rural development and economic empowerment. DTIP is a capital investment project that was introduced in 2019, targeted at improving and developing district towns into economical hubs. Since Independence in 1975, most of the district towns were seen as mere administrative headquarters; however, through this DTIP concept the DPLGA now aims to convert all 89 plus 7 new districts into economical hubs to empower the people into building the country’s economy. Additionally, District Town Improvement Program aims to promote public, private and people partnership for the development of respective districts. Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs is responsible for managing and supervising the implementation of the DTIP. This program was introduced by the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government in response to a public outcry on the lack of service enabling infrastructures in district towns and has been identified as the biggest impediments in delivering social and economic services to the rural population. Furthermore, through the District Town Improvement Program, the National Government aims to empower local economics by guiding all capital investments on key infrastructure that will trigger economic growth at the district level, it will also transform administrative centres into district service and growth centres to drive-social economic growth and development into rural parts of the country. Meanwhile, the following impact projects were funded by DPLGA and counterpart funding from the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and other development grants; 1. The Hulukumaya building (Tari Pori office complex) 2. Komo District complex, Tambul Nebilyer office complex 3. Wabag district office complex 4. Imbonggu public servants stuff house 5. Rigo office complex 6. Nuku office complex 7. Wapenamanda district office complex 8. Wewak district office complex 9. Okapa office complex 10. Lagaip district office and LLG chamber 11. Jimi district public servants stuff houses 12. Finschaffen Gadigu market development 13. Esa'ala Finance office 14. Pomio district public servants stuff houses 15. Wosera Gawi Yambi market development 16. Ambunti -Drekikier sub-district market 17. Imbonggu district market 18. Wain- Erap and Huon- Wamper Growth Centers.

In a recent announcement, Ms. Becky Pais the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the National Cancer Center (NCC), has underscored the vital necessity of routine check-ups for women in their childbearing years. Stressing the pivotal role of screenings, such as Pap smears and mammograms, in early cancer detection and prevention, Ms. Pais emphasized that it is important to identify abnormalities that may lead to cervical or breast cancer, saying that there is treatment and successful recovery rates when these conditions are detected at an early stage. Ms. Pais urged women to proactively monitor their well-being, noting that prioritizing regular check-ups not only safeguards individual health, but also secures a healthy future for families. Advocating for informed decision-making in reproductive health, she stated that regular screenings empower women with knowledge and tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The WELL Women's clinic, housed within the National Cancer Treatment Center at Angau in Lae, extends a warm invitation to women, emphasizing that health is a collective responsibility. Ms. Pais encouraged women to overcome any hesitations and prioritize their health.

After an exhilarating performance at the KPHL Southern Leg 7s as well as a heart—wrenching performance at the Rookie 7s 2023, Razorbacks players Rex Peregua, Kingsley Gegeyo and Patrick Tubal harvested the fruits of their hard work when they were recently selected to join the PNG 7s train-on squad for 2024. The selection had come as a shock for the boys but is nonetheless a dream come true for all three boys with Peregua and Gegeyo making a mention of always having dreamt of representing the country as national representative players. At just 23-years old, Peregua best known to his team mates as “Rexy” from a mixed parentage of Simbu and Morobe Provinces, stated that the news had overwhelmed him and took him up to a week for the news to sink in. He thanked the Lord as well as his family, Defence and Razorbacks 7s Rugby Union, the clubs that have helped him excel in his rugby career. “I've always wanted to be part of the National Squad ever since I switched code from AFL to Rugby. Growing up watching my big brothers, Liebert Suang, Eddie Carl So-or and some whom I've not mention playing representative footy, has always motivated me and that has been one of my dreams growing up and playing alongside these big name boys.” Peregua grew up in the nation’s capital and completed both his primary and secondary education at Coronation Primary and Badihagwa Secondary Schools respectively. He added that he started his sporting career in the AFL code before later making a switch to the rugby union code in 2019 and looks forward to any challenges that come his way because coming over to rugby union changed everything. “It's all new environment for me so I need to work harder to put myself in that category as a rep player. I’m looking forward to take on new challenges every day and challenge myself because now, it's all a new level so if I want to achieve my dream, I will need to work harder and put more effort in to my training to achieve my dream. It’s not easy but I need to work hard to get to the top and I will be doing just that.” Additionally, for 21-year old Kingsley Gegeyo, known to his teammates as “Kings,” who is currently a second year student at Don Bosco Technological Institute and hails from Oro Province, was deeply honored and privileged to be selected into the train on squad and is excited to work hard for his spot on the final squad. He started playing rugby in 2018 with a love for the game that motivated his dream to one day put on the Pukpuks jersey and never thought that he would make it to this point in time. He now hopes to perform to the international standard of rugby union 7s and be selected into the final squad to accomplish goals he has set for himself as well. Gegeyo said he grow up watching players like Manu Guise and Gairo Kapana playing in the big matches. That was motivated him to pursue his dream of one day wearing the national jersey. “If I do get selected, I want to go and win a HSBC tournament, not just the pool games but the finals too.” When asked about their advice to the younger generation of rugby union players, both boys aspire to be inspirations for the younger generation. “I want to be a role model for younger generation and encouraged them to make that pathway for them,” said Gegeyo. “For the young ones who just started playing, all I have to say is have fun and the same amount of hard work you put into rugby, apply in everyday life and you'll see a better version of yourself.” While Peregua mentioned that his advice to them was to take a step forward, don't look back and work harder to achieve their dreams. “Always put God first in everything you do, he will provide for you.” Meanwhile, the Razorbacks Rugby Union 7s Club has always had a passion to develop and push young players to excel in rugby union to someday make a name for themselves and represent not only themselves but their teams, families and communities, playing the game that they love.

In a transformative turn of events for the residents of Menyamya, Kaintiba, Tawa, Tsewi, and Marawaka, the Marape-Rosso government, under the dedicated guidance of Menyama MP Solen Loifa, has emerged as a beacon of hope, pulling them out of the darkness that enveloped their lives in the remote hinterlands of the Owen Stanley Range. Having long been confined to the shadows, the people of these regions, as articulated by their representative MP Solen Loifa, found themselves engaged in the arduous task of digging, pushing, and pulling Toyota Land Cruisers through challenging terrains. The recent intervention by the Marape-Rosso government, championed by MP Solen Loifa, has been nothing short of a revelation, rescuing these forgotten communities from their secluded existence. For those who have not experienced the struggles of navigating mud-filled paths, enduring relentless rain, and swimming through muddy puddles while transporting goods using organic coffee bags from Lae back to their mountain villages, Menyama MP Solen Loifa emphasizes the profound impact the government's efforts have had on these isolated lives. In the face of scepticism from distant critics who label the Connect PNG program as a scam, MP Solen Loifa, representing Menyama, and the people of Kaintiba, who have weathered 48 years of disconnection from the broader Papua New Guinea and the world, stand as living testimonials to the reality of their plight. The Connect PNG program is not merely a distant policy for these communities; it is a lifeline that has been extended to rescue them from decades of hardship and isolation. Walking the challenging path from Kaintiba to Tawa, then to Aseki and finally to Bulolo, MP Solen Loifa, representing Menyama, and the residents of these regions challenge those quick to dismiss the Connect PNG program as a scam to step into their shoes before passing judgment. The tears in the eyes of every father and mother, as poignantly expressed by MP Solen Loifa, narrate stories of untold pain endured over the years, stories that would have remained unheard without the government's flagship program. The Marape-Rosso government's intervention, through Connect PNG, signifies more than just the construction of roads; it is a rescue mission for the forgotten people. The program, embraced by a people-centered government and passionately supported by Menyama MP Solen Loifa, is opening up economic corridors, allowing the region's agricultural produce, including coffee, fruits, and vegetables, to reach markets in towns and cities. Dismissing claims of a scam, MP Solen Loifa, representing Menyama, highlights that the government's efforts are visible in the improved infrastructure development that was once hindered by the lack of accessibility. To the people of Menyamya, Kaintiba, Tawa, and Tsewi, Connect PNG is not an illusion but a tangible reality, a testament to the commitment of the Marape-Rosso government, passionately advocated for by their representative MP Solen Loifa, to uplift rural communities. The heartfelt gratitude expressed by MP Solen Loifa echoes the sentiment of the people who finally feel seen and heard, thanking the government for their newfound path to progress.

Robin Calistus, the Chief Executive Officer of Lae District Development Authority, has provided an update on the progress of the temporary market project, indicating that it is expected to be completed by the end of March. Calistus elaborated on the project timeline, stating that the commencement of April will mark the initiation of the demolition phase for the Lae main market. This phase is anticipated to span a duration of 18 months. Funding for the project is a collaborative effort, with Lae District contributing K5 million, and a substantial K56 million being granted by the Australian and New Zealand governments. The overall project cost is estimated at K61 million. Upon the completion of the Lae main market, the temporary market will undergo relocation to suburban market locations, where it will function as a satellite market. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring continued market accessibility for the community during the construction period. The development signifies a significant step forward in the enhancement of market infrastructure in Lae, with the temporary market serving as a crucial interim solution. The phased approach to the project reflects a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of the local populace while undergoing major renovations to the main market.

The New Ireland Government is demanding Kavieng Open MP and former Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey to explain why he cut the New Ireland Government’s 2024 budget by K40 million. “Ling-Stuckey must come out clear and explain himself to the people of Kavieng and New Ireland why the big slice from our 2024 Provincial budget,” said New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan. The Governor said in a statement that the 2024 Budget is by far one of the lowest Provincial budgets since his 15-year reign as Governor and is shocked that the estranged former treasurer would even think of chopping such a budget. “The New Ireland Provincial Government Budget Estimates for 2024 is K171,708,525 compared to K211,367,700 in 2023 Budget Estimates, a decrease of K39,659,175 in our total Revenue and Expenditure Estimates which is 19% decrease.” He questioned why Stuckey was intentionally trying to starve off and leave New Ireland crippled and a beggar to the National Government. “New Ireland has bankrolled numerous National Budgets for this country, and we don’t deserve this type of treatment. Give New Ireland its due instead of stealing from our Provincial fund.” Furthermore, Governor Chan added that PNG is surviving because the Lihir and Simberi Mines were keeping it afloat and claims that despite knowing this, Stuckey continues to abuse his own people. “We contribute amongst the highest per capita tax to PNG. New Irelanders are peaceful citizens, we do not retaliate or fight over monies.” "But our patience is running out and the National Government should not tempt us.”

The East New Britain (ENB) handed down its annual budget recently, with the Law & Justice Sector receiving a significant increase and cut from this year’s total budget of K519 816 218 million. This allocation amounts to K12 million and is the second largest allocation, owing to the East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG) commitment to addressing the escalating law and order problems being experienced all over the province in the past couple of years. The ENBP Governor & Chairman of Finance Michael Maru made this announcement during his budget speech at the 2024 Provincial Budget during a special budget session held at the Malapau Beach Resort in Kokopo. The increased allocation to the Law & Justice Sector in the Province will ensure key areas like Special Security Operations and a Community Policing program are improved. The Connect ENB Program gets the biggest slice of the pie, with a funding allocation of K23 million, to go towards fixing provincial, district and LLG roads in the province, in a means to provide access to markets for the local rural populace. This year’s budget comprises of K274, 440, 856 million from the Provincial Headquarter, K206, 841, 362 from the 4 District Development Authorities (DDAs) with K38, 543, 200 for the 23 LLGs. Fifty – three (53%) percent of funding goes to the development component of the budget while the balance is for recurrent expenditure. Governor Marum said that the substantial increase in the 2024 LLG budget signifies the province’s focus on LLGs as institutional focal points for an effective service delivery model. “This model is aligned with the service delivery partnership agreement and profiling autonomy at the lower community level,” he said. He said that the LLG Budget totalling over K38 million, focuses on initiatives that support local capacity and governance, such as establishing Ward Offices, Ward Support Grants, the conduct of the 2024 LLG Elections, payment of Ward Recorders’ Allowances, a Ward Accounting Package, and the implementation of the Ward Quarterly Reporting System. “There are several Strategic Result Areas (SRA) in this budget which are aimed at addressing the pressing needs of our people, whilst setting the stage for critical investments that are needed for tomorrow." The prolonged construction of the Provincial Civic Centre (Provincial Headquarter) has been allocated K1,2 million, the province’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Action Plan got K1 million, while the Connect ENB Program gets the biggest allocation of K23m. Under the economic sector, K1 million has been allocated to Tourism Development, the Agriculture Sector was given K1.2m while a Downstream Processing program for the sector was allocated K1.5m. Social Services was given K1.5m with K3.6m for Sports and Recreation programs, while Law and Order got the second biggest allocation of K12m. The Education Sector received an allocation of K2.5m, the Health Sector was given K1.8m, as Land Mobilization got K2m this year. The 2024 ENB Provincial Budget is being implemented under the theme ‘Fostering Sustainable Livelihoods at the Wards through Partnerships for Economic Growth and Development.’ “This budget theme strikes a delicate balance between immediate needs and future investments. It is a blueprint for building a strong foundation for future generations,” the Governor said.

Mr. Jackson Mark and Ms. Rose Nol who live in the Chuave District of the Chimbu Province have been trailing bulb onions and potatoes in their gardens in their village. Speaking on behalf of his wife, Mr. Jackson Mark, who has a background in agriculture from the University of Technology, ran through an explanation of their backyard garden project. “Our first and most important objective, is to help stop the mentality of waiting for free handouts. We have so much land and potential to develop the land and help ourselves.” Mr. Jackson said communities need to do away with sitting around and gambling and they hope that by setting an example of utilizing their land for farming will show people that you can toil the soil for a more honest income. “Our second objective was to come up with an alternative source of income to support and sustain ourselves.” Despite this being just a trial project, Mr. Jackson and his wife, have big plans for the future. “It is going to take some time, but we plan produce enough to meet the market demand.” In the short-term though, the rural farmers are hoping to put in a place a workable production plan that will see them produce enough bulb onions and potatoes to sell to lead farmers, who then sell to bulk buyers. Nevertheless, these rural farmers from Chimbu, have already harvested a sizeable quantity of bulb onions from their backyard, which they are now air drying in their house cook; a process that is required to meet the market standard. They are now seeking assistance by way of a solar drier, to make the abovementioned process more efficient and effective. “The solar drier will help us cure the onions we grow faster and will assist in ensuring quality control.” In relaying their story, Mr. Jackson also admitted that their needs to be more assistance for rural farmers like himself and his wife, from donor agencies and the government alike, to encourage more development in agriculture in the rural areas. “The bulk of us are mostly farmers… but we need pathways,” Mr. Jackson said, explaining that their main challenge is finding a suitable and profitable market for their produce. “Once you create these pathways, it enables market access and encourages more people in the rural areas to get into farming.” Mr. Jackson believes these developments in agriculture in the rural areas, will also counter increasing law and order problems as well provide a holistic approach to improving the livelihood of the people.

The Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea in Kokopo, East New Britain, is ready to take on the challenges of the New Year 2024, following their Dedication Service recently that was launched under the theme ‘Working Together with Dedication to Achieve the Goals of the Cocoa Board of PNG. Present at the Kenabot United Church in Kokopo for this dedication service were the Board Director Benjamin Irima, staff from the headquarter Kokopo office, Research Extension Development (REDS) at the Tavilo office and the PNG Agriculture Diversification and Commercialization Project (PACD). Leading the Dedication Service was United Church Reverend Ezekiel Tioti, who called special attention to the theme of the service, stating cooperation encompasses a number of good qualities, including dedication, corporation, creating solutions and achieving goals together. “You are working now is according to God’s purpose and calling in your life, you must make good choices and do your work diligently to achieve your goals in your work as well in your life,” the Reverend said. He went onto remind the staff that the particular task that they are doing is God’s calling and they must do their work to serve its people as there is unity and blessing in togetherness. The Cocoa Board CEO Jesse Anjen gave his remarks after the Reverend’s sermon, saying that this small yet significant event marks the Cocoa Board’s preparedness to bring about changes this year. “This dedication is important because it helps nurture your work ethic as everything starts with God and ends with God,” Ajen said. “We want to do this for God, for the industry itself and for the farmers in the communities and we dedicated this year for us to get prepared on what we can do differently this year.” In encouraging his staff, Mr. Ajen said that they must all start this new year, with a new mindset towards the work that they carry out. “We must all have one goal and agenda… We cannot have conflicting agendas as we are working to serve and improve the lives of the cocoa farmers in the cocoa industry in the country.” The Cocoa Board CEO capped off his remarks by reiterating the need for the staff do the little things right and to work hard and smart to increase cocoa production in the country, going forward.

The Education Department released their final notice approved by the Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, to Head Teachers and Principles to stop receiving addition School fees from student’s parent and guardians. This is following the Governments paid of amount of K316 million to cover for term1 of 2024 tuition, boarding and project fees for every student. The funds were released directly to the to school accounts or via provincial trust accounts last week Thursday and Friday. Despite official instructions for students not to be charged additional school fees and denying their right to classes, we are getting many reports of defiant heads of schools. To avoid the confusion and chaos in the first week of school, from Monday 5th February 2024, the head teachers will be dealt with. Dept inspectors will be allocated in local schools, responsible for acting towards defiant Head Teachers. Charging and suspending defiant head teachers or principals without pay effective immediately. The Education Department warns head teacher, to avoid getting suspended or charged. 1. Stop immediately the collection of additional fees. 2. Provide official Letters to parents/guardians to stop paying any further fees. 3. Fees collected already are refunded. After the date given, if such actions are still active, student’s parents, guardians and the public must report local Inspectors with evidence of receipts and deposit forms. And without the presence of a local inspector, you can use these contacts. Email: gtfinfo@education.gov.pg / Phones 3288800/ 7266881/ 7577792 Genuine school projects must submit their project to the P&C, then to PEB or NEB specifying the project, the budget, its duration for completion and get a written PEB or PEB approval to collect any fees. PEB should not require fees. Allowing P&C of each school to submit and justify the feels to be collected. PEBs must approve project if genuine, consistent with SLIP, is affordable and fees will be collected on a voluntary basis and over a period of time.

In a noteworthy stride towards bolstering cancer care services, the Angau Cancer Center in Papua New Guinea extends its gratitude to the national government for elevating cancer as a pivotal facet of public health. CEO of Morobe Provincial Health Authority Dr. Kipas Binga said this underscores the government's commitment to this cause, evident in the ongoing initiatives to reinstate and upgrade cancer treatment services, particularly in the domain of radiation therapy. Historically, Angau has been at the forefront of providing radiation services. However, the facility encountered a setback when the radiation source exceeded its operational life. Furthermore, as Papua New Guinea joined the International Atomic Energy Agency, adherence to its regulations became imperative. Subsequently, an act of parliament facilitated the country's membership, triggering a comprehensive restoration process. A team of biomedical engineers is currently in Lae to rectify the control base of the cobalt-60 machine, also evaluating the treatment facility's needs to aid Angau in reviving the cobalt-60 machine—an indispensable component of radiation therapy at Angau. The team is optimistic about resuming radiation services by the end of the first quarter, with the cobalt-60 source anticipated to be operational by that time, and brachytherapy services to follow suit by the end of the second quarter. To ensure the security and infrastructure essential for the revived services, Angau has initiated security works and fencing. The internal security layer is entrusted to G4S, with support from the National Department of Health and the US Energy Department. The ambitious project's financial backing, amounting to K15 million, stems from a memorandum of understanding signed with Kumul Petroleum in 2020. These funds have played a pivotal role in various aspects, including the recruitment of oncologists. Dr. Kipas Binga emphasizes the importance of exploring alternatives for the expansion of the cancer treatment centre. Discussions are underway regarding the possibility of expanding the existing facility rather than constructing a new one. While the primary focus remains on enhancing treatment services, Angau's management underscores the significance of preventive measures. Consideration is being given to shifting towards preventative programs to allocate resources more efficiently and alleviate the burden on the healthcare system. The management believes that investing in public health initiatives can substantially impact the population's well-being. Addressing the preventive aspect, the team is devising strategies to target specific groups, including the middle class, middle-aged individuals, women, and men. The objective is to educate the healthy population, minimizing reliance on health facilities for treatment. Recognizing the pivotal role of histology in cancer diagnosis and treatment, Angau actively seeks to establish a facility in Australia for timely histopathology services. This initiative aims to reduce waiting times for biopsy results, ensuring quicker turnaround times for accurate cancer diagnoses. With these comprehensive efforts, the Angau Cancer Center is poised to make significant progress in delivering advanced and holistic cancer care services to the people of Papua New Guinea.