Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape (PMJM) has pledged K10 million to the Jiwaka Provincial Government (JPG) to revitalize the ailing coffee industry. He made this pledge during the launching of the North Waghi District Five-Year Development Plan in Banz, North Waghi recently. This are part of ambitious plans to transform Jiwaka, the home of the Great Waghi Valley, into the Agriculture Powerhouse of the country by 2025-the year that PNG will mark its 50th Anniversary of Independence. This substantial financial support will aid in rebuilding the deteriorating coffee plantations including the renowned Wahgi Mek, and provide price support to farmers, ensuring a steady price of K6 per kg; a crucial step towards revitalising the coffee industry in the Wahgi Valley, known for producing some of Papua New Guinea's finest coffee. "By 2025, when we celebrate 50 years of independence, I want Jiwaka to become the ‘agriculture powerhouse’ of our country." "If you work, we will assist you. If you can’t find a job in the formal sector, there is so much money to be made from our land. Kaukau (sweet potato) is money, broccoli is money, tomato is money, cabbage is money, coffee is money." PMJM said out of the K10 million, K5 million will be dedicated to rehabilitating rundown coffee plantations, while K5 million will be allocated for price support. "Three years ago, I announced this coffee price support; however, public servants in Waigani did not set up a correct structure. This time around, I will bypass them and come straight to the province so that the K6 per kg price can go straight to our people in the villages." He said the price of coffee should drop below K6/kg and the Jiwaka Provincial Government should establish structures to ensure this.

Gelegele Resettlement Sports Oval in the Rabual District was the venue of the initiation of the National Rugby League PNG’s Mini & Modified Games in East New Britain Province recently. NRL PNG National Program Coordinator Martin Ingirin Jnr was on hand to launch this program and he explained that the mini mod concept uses modified rugby league rules and targets kids in the ages of 7 to 12 years old. A total of 120 kids in the age categories of 10, 8 and 6 were present at the launch and to trial out the program. “The mini mod encourages primary and elementary school kids to develop better conducts while using rugby league as the main drive.” “The game is played in Morobe province as well as in Port Moresby." "We are now reaching out to other centers and this is the first for the NGI region,” he said. The children took part in basic training drills before taking the field in teams of six players. “The program has drawn interest among younger kids in the country to take up rugby league.” PNGRFL NGI program coordinator Solomon Darius said the mini mod is in its trial phases and there will also be clinics for coaches and managers. He added that the program will enhance to achieve the goals of the PNG RFL junior development division. “The idea is great in bringing the whole community together, the parents, siblings, teachers and volunteers to collaborate and develop rugby league in the country,” he said. Full trials of the mini mod are scheduled for early January with more kids are expected to attend.

“People can achieve great things without government support.” This was a statement of National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, when commending the congregation of the Christian Brethren Church (CBC), who officially opened their new infrastructure along Gado and Wilhelm Places at Morata 1 over the past Christmas weekend. The NCD Governor said he was very impressed with this self-funded development and the new church building was a testament to what the people are capable of, having built this facility that have a seating capacity of more than 500 people. "Today, I am opening the new Chapel of the Christian Brethren Church at Morata." "This is a church we helped to build to provide spiritual services and support to our people in Morata around 10 years ago, and now I am back to open this new Chapel they built with their own efforts, without my support." Governor Parkop also committed to sealing the street roads in the New Year, as well as K30 000 towards the enrollment of the Early Childhood Development Program at the Church facility and an additional K30 000 to the CBC Southern Regional Office. He went onto layout a background of the Church’s journey, recalling that they started building the church back in the year 1992 from scratch, saying church services were conducted under banana trees before then. Now, there stands a permanent structure worth more than K800, 000 today. "It was also a challenge to build a church among the community renowned for a high rate of crime and violence in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s." "This is a testament to the Church and the community for changing the community into a much safer and peaceful community." "This is also a testament to the work of the church and its interaction with the community at Morata.” “This is also why I have been supporting the CBC Church and the nearby Church of Christ in Morata all these years." "These two churches do a lot of community outreach in Morata 1, which I have been part of all these years.”

Fighting at Taikone in the National Capital District, between Engans and Keremas, flared up again on Christmas night, Monday 25th December 2023. Badili Police Station Commander (PSC) Jerry Obert, speaking to PNGHAUSBUNG this afternoon, said Police were quick on the scene and were able to disperse the rowdy crowd and bring the situation under control. “Two suspects in last night’s fight have been locked up." "Tensions are still high but Police are maintaining a presence in the area.” He said he will be meeting with the fighting factions this afternoon, or sometime in the near future, to get to the root of this ongoing fighting that began on 19th of December 2023, stemming from a domestic issue. Apart from the Taikone incident, the Badili PSC said Christmas has been relatively quiet but that there were the expected pockets of fighting in the area. “There was fighting at Sabama between the Gorokas and Ialibus." "Two suspects were brought in and locked up in the police cells." "There are a couple of other suspects that were involved in this fight but we are working with the community leaders, to bring these individuals in.” Police are yet to determine the cause of fighting at Sabama. Moreover, PSC Obert appealed to the people in and around Badili, to have common sense. “If you are having parties are drinking, stay within your premises!" " Don’t come out into public and cause a nuisance for the community.” He said Police Units are continuing their patrols in the area and urged people to enjoy this festive period peacefully.

West New Britain police will be out in full force during the New Year period operations. Police have reminded families to celebrate indoors during the New Year period and also encourage celebrants to participate in an orderly manner. Children and youth who are lighting up firecrackers have been advised also to proceed with the activity only when they’re celebrating and welcoming the New Year; but again it is too difficult this time for police to control the situation because there’s a lot of being sold by certain groups to the public. Another thing the police have been reminding the general public especially drinkers of, is not to break any bottles on public road when they’re on the street. At the same time police have urged the public that they will be arresting people who are not behaving well, people drinking irresponsibly and being a nuisance particularly in all towns of WNB province.

A substantial number of locals in East New Britain have been certified in Financial Literacy this year, through Kada Poroman Microfinance Limited (KPML). KPML Marketing Manager Joe Totabu, when presenting the latest certificates recently, said around 400 locals now have Financial Literacy Training (FLT). He then presented FLT Certificates to 66 individuals from the Vunapalading and neighboring wards in the Inland Baining LLG of Gazelle District. Mr Totabu told the participants that the basic FLT skills acquired are part of the national government's financial inclusion program. “This is a policy direction from the national government to the district levels." " The district then formally invites stakeholders like us to facilitate the programs in wards and LLGs,” he said. Gazelle is the second largest districts in ENB in terms of landmass. The Gazelle area has a thriving economy since the majority of its residents are cash crop and agricultural growers. “Business activities in the Gazelle area is immense as most supply the main markets of Rabaul and Kokopo.” The four-day FLT sessions cover the fundamentals of saving and budgeting, investments, company setup, and account creation. “You can have all the resources in the world, but if you don't know how to manage them, it's a waste of time and effort.” He urged the participants to put into good use the skills that they have acquired at the training and be wise in spending their money. One of the participants of this latest FLT was Mr. Lawrence Wangu who is employed by New Britain Palm Oil Ltd as a safety officer at the neighboring Oil Palm estate, who said the training has opened possibilities for many workers who are always moving from one pay packet to the next every two weeks. “We can't keep on like this. Training has taught us to save money for the future, as well as to plan and invest." "A kina saved per week adds up to K365 at the conclusion of the financial year,” Mr. Wangu said. He commended KPML and the Gazelle District for rolling out the FLT sessions and encouraged the district to cover more communities in the Gazelle Area next year.

A substantial K3.73 million in disaster relief supplies were flown into the country by the Indian Government to assist displaced from the Mt. Ulawun volcanic eruption in West New Britain Province. On hand to witness and officially receive these crucial supplies was the Nakanai MP Francis Galia Maneke, the First Secretary to Indian Ambassador to PNG Mr. Ravindra Nath, as well as representatives from the Office of the WNB Governor and PNG Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking on behalf of the displaced people and the Marape Rosso Government was the Nakanai MP who conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for this timely donations. “I would like to thank the people of India and their Prime Minister & the High Commission here in Port Moresby for this very important donation.” The MP said that assessments have been carried out in the care centers for the displaced people and the humanitarian aid from India, would be more than adequate to cover these needs. Maneke said the donations, which were valued at US$1 million was a great contribution to the disaster relief effort and he again expressed his deep gratitude to India for their generosity and the WNB Provincial Government was now working around the clock, to bring these supplied to the people as soon as they could. First Secretary to the India Ambassador in PNG, Mr. Ravindra Nath said these relief supplies was a demonstration of their unwavering solidarity and commitment to humanitarian assistance. He said India had chartered a flight specifically to deliver these donations. “The relief essentials included crucial items such as tents, sleeping mats, hygiene kits, readymade meals and water storage tanks.” “This initiative falls under the category of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies, showcasing India's preparedness to respond swiftly and effectively to humanitarian crises in the region,” Mr. Nath said. The First Secretary said the aid delivery is a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between India and Papua New Guinea, solidified through initiatives like the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). “The Indian government's immediate response reflects its commitment to supporting relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in Papua New Guinea, echoing the sentiments of friendship and partnership.”

The Member for Rabaul, Dr. Allan Marat extended warm festive greetings to all of the people in his electorate, sending heartfelt Christmas and New Year wishes. “It is an honour to serve as your Member of Parliament, and I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me.” He said Christmas is a time of love, joy and togetherness and a time to reflect on blessings received throughout the year and to extend kindness and compassion to those around us. “It is my hope that this Christmas brings happiness and warm memories to your homes, and that you find solace in the company of your loved ones.” The Minister said as the year 2023 will be coming to a close soon, people must all look ahead to the New Year with anticipation and excitement. “It is a time for fresh beginnings and an opportunity for us to set new goals and work towards a brighter future." "I am committed to continuing my efforts to address the needs and aspirations of our district and community, and I thank you for your continued support.” Dr. Marat also expressed deep appreciation to all the dedicated individuals, volunteers, and organizations who have tirelessly worked for the betterment of Rabaul. “Your contributions and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and together, we have achieved significant milestones." "Let us carry this spirit of collaboration and unity into the coming year, as we work hand in hand to build a stronger and more prosperous Rabaul for all.” “May the Christmas season fill your hearts with love, peace, and joy, and may the New Year bring you success, good health, and happiness." " Remember, true happiness lies not in material possessions, but in the relationships, we nurture and the impact we make in the lives of others.” He thanked his constituents once again before rounding off by expressing that he was looking forward to continuing his journey with the people as their MP in the New Year.

“You shouldn’t be travelling, it’s stressful for the baby." "You should be resting.” I heard the nurse tell the young girl. Standing there observing as the nurse talked to the patient and checked her, I realized that there were pregnant mothers out there every day that faced these challenges helplessly in fear for their lives but there were people like this amazing organization that is committed to helping the people of Papua New Guinea when no one would or could not. Popularly known as the ‘Green Angels’, St. John’s Ambulance is the beacon of hope for those in need of help not only here in the city but around the nation as well. Carrying out their Festive Season Operations, they had invited the media for a ride along where we get to witness first-hand the emergency procedure that they follow both at base and at the scene. It was a few minutes to 10pm when this call came in. We watched as the call taker asked the caller a few questions to know the state that she was in. We watched as the pending case file was being filled in - she (the patient) was experiencing labour pains so her case was marked as ‘Urgent’. Given the setting in our country, at St. John’s, Childbirth cases are marked urgent as we all know it is not only the life of the mother at risk but of the child also. The Patient was a 21 year old female from Rigo Province who had just returned from a trip from the village and was spending the night in a hotel with her husband, kids and family members. Her vitals and blood pressure levels were normal and everything else was normal as well but she was experiencing these contractions which according to her happened every 5mins and had begun the night before whilst travelling to the village. Upon further discussion the young couple had decided they would go to the hospital just to be on the safe side and so we transported the patient and husband to Port Moresby General Hospital Labour Ward. As we made our way back to base, I prayed silently for God’s safety on this women and her baby and for all the Green Angels attending to cases around the city every night. There are people who in a city full of helpless people, tend to disrespect the only people who are willing to help us no matter what and this has got to stop because at the end of the day, these are sacrificing time with their families to be on the job for the citizens of this country. We all can sleep peacefully at night knowing we have ‘Green Angels’ risking their lives for the lives of countless others in dire need. When no one else dares to help, trust that St. John’s Ambulance will.

The operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG once again expressed its commitment to the people of Hela province by sharing the Christmas holiday cheer and joy with the patients at the children’s ward at Tari Hospital. The Tari Hospital ward visitation was joined by the company’s staff, Santa and the PNG LNG Community Ambassador Justin Olam, who shared gifts and taking pictures and putting a smile on the sick children’s faces this Christmas. The visitation to the children’s ward was to ensure that those who were unable to be with their loved ones at home during the festive season, can still enjoy Christmas where they are because of their conditions. This generous initiative was supported by the Hides Gas Development Company (HGDC), an ExxonMobil LANCO partner, which also joined the merry band of helpers to wish patients a Merry Christmas.

The members of the Central Agencies Co-ordination Committee (CACC), in a first ever visit to the Port Moresby General Hospital yesterday, put smiles on the sick children’s faces when they presented them Christmas gifts at the Children's Ward. Chairman of CACC and Chief Secretary to Government, Mr. Ivan Pomaleu along with CACC members paid a pleasant visit to the ward which brought plenty of smiles to the children and their parents. Mr. Pomaleu and the team were briefed by Port Moresby General Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Paki Molumi before distributing gift hampers to each sick child. In appreciation, Dr. Molumi thanked Mr. Pomaleu and some of the members of the CACC present, adding that the committee's presence alone during this festive time meant a lot to the children and their parents. The CACC members that visited included the Finance Secretary Mr. Sam Penias, National Executive Council (NEC) Secretary Grace So'on, and Mr. Pomaleu.

An exciting collaboration is set to redefine the landscape of rugby events in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the next three years. Rookies Rugby was delighted to announce a landmark partnership with XCMG (PNG) Engineering Machinery Ltd as the exclusive naming right sponsor of the Rookie 7s for the next three years (2024 to 2026). According to a media statement, the Rookies as it is affectionately termed, will now bear the official title of XCMG Rookie 7s throughout the duration of this partnership. This agreement reflects the shared commitment of XCMG and the Rookie 7s to elevate the tournament's profile, enhance fan experiences, and foster the growth of rugby on a national scale. Key Highlights of the Partnership is to Enhance Tournament Experience so fans can look forward to an enhanced tournament experience with exciting activations, innovative fan engagement initiatives, and unique opportunities to connect with their favorite teams and players. The partnership will provide the Rookie 7s with unparalleled visibility. This exposure includes prominent branding throughout the tournament, on broadcast platforms, and across various digital channels. Managing Director of XCMG, Mr. Jimmy Lin stated that the company is committed to supporting grassroots rugby development and community initiatives of the Rookie 7s. “This partnership will be the game changer. We are proud to be the naming right sponsor of a Papua New Guinean product that has consistently delivered for the sport of rugby union and its communities”. He said that XCMG was desirous of supporting grassroots initiatives that played a direct role in the transformation, elevation and prosperity of Papua New Guineans. “The corporate social values of XCMG align with the tournament values, so the decision to become the naming right partner was an easy one.” “We will work closely with the Rookie 7s Committee, to grow this platform and create initiatives that will have meaningful impact in our communities”. Founder of the Rookie 7s, Cybele Wari, expressed enthusiasm about this agreement, saying that this will be the first time since the tournament’s inception in 2006, that the Rookie 7s will have a committed naming right partner for three years. “Securing partners has been challenging, despite the tournament having a compelling case for success.” “Hence, we are excited about this partnership, especially what it means for the growth of the tournament, and being able to continue to deliver a high value product for the code. Meanwhile the President of PNGRU, Mr. Paul Siwi, in response to the partnership deal mentioned that long term partnerships are vital to the advancement of rugby in PNG. “They ensure that key programs continue to be staged over a fixed period of time and boost development on the ground. The benefits and impact of this partnership will also be felt at the national level.” “We congratulate the Rookie 7s Team, and XCMG on this historic partnership and warmly welcome XCMG to the code of rugby union and to our wider family of sponsors. This partnership is a win for rugby and our communities.” The XCMG Rookie 7s promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together the best of rugby talent, passionate fans, and the innovative spirit that defines both the Rookie 7s and the sport of Rugby 7s.