Kosem Ltd is a family-owned local coffee exporter from Jiwaka and the first recipient of an Australia Government supported concessional loan. This grant, that is expected to boost coffee exports, was received by Kosem Ltd under the ‘Revolving Fund Facility’ that is being managed and operated by Women’s Microbank Limited (Mama Bank). The locally owned coffee exported now has adequate funds to buy green coffee beans, benefitting more than 2000 coffee farmers in Morobe Wau Waria district. The Revolving Fund is an Australian government economic development project in partnership with Mama Bank that is investing PGK 3.5 million in loans to boost agriculture exports from PNG. The Revolving Fund will provide cost-effective value-chain finance to agriculture SMEs to buy more agricultural commodities like coffee, cocoa, and vanilla from farmers. Kosem Ltd Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mark Munnul said access to funds is critical to the development and maintenance of supply chains. “Traditionally, exporters like us, have to bear a significant amount of pre-financing risk through the coffee season to take the coffee out from remote Morobe Province.” Mr. Munnul also took the time to appeal to banks to under the needs of exporters like himself and realize the potential of the coffee sector in the country. Mama Bank CEO Mr Gunanidhi Das said the support received from Australia has helped Mama Bank develop new value chain finance products to serve the needs of agriculture SMEs. He also urged the Agri-SMEs, particularly women-led agribusinesses, to reach out to the bank, discuss their needs, and apply for finance through this facility to improve their productivity.

Julia Patrick is a cocoa farmer from Nagobis Village in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Julia has a disability that impairs her mobility and considering the physically demanding and labour-intensive work that farming requires, she has difficulty going about the upkeep of her cocoa block. She is however, now benefiting from Australia Government-funded Commodity Support Facility (CSF) project. The CSF projects supports training, capacity building and financial assistance to increase cocoa production quantity, improve quality and strengthen market access. It also fosters more inclusive economic and agricultural development in Bougainville with a focus on women, youth, and people with disabilities. Through the support of the CFS Project, the Department of Primary Industries is running through training on Integrated Pest and Disease Management training and the Cocoa Budding. This has helped Julie find a way to nurse, plant and manage cocoa clone trees which are shorter, with higher yields and more disease resistant than hybrid trees, enabling her to successfully manage her plot despite her disability. The improvements have been so successful she plans to expand her cocoa block to farm and sell more beans and increase her income. “When we attended the trainings on cocoa budding, I felt motivated to continue tending to my plots with these new skills.” She has now shared the skills with her family members, and they have also benefited. “For a person with difficulty walking like me, clone cocoa is easy to manage and is shorter than other tree varieties. It is easier for me to prune and reach the pods during harvest time.” “Now I am harvesting my clone cocoa, and I am selling cocoa beans.” “It is the start of something, and my dream is to expand my block and plant more clone cocoa.” “I am also happy that I am contributing to my family’s finances and basic needs.” Julia and her family are member of the Etanaba 93 Farmers Cooperative in Bana District, which is one of 50 cocoa farming cooperatives in AROB that have been benefited from CFS Project. Since 2016, over 50 farmer cooperatives including 2500 small-holder farmers have benefited from K35M in CSF grants.

Apart from being one of the city’s high-profile hotels, the Hilton Port Moresby brought Christmas early to the patients and staff of Gerehu General Hospital recently. Through the generous donations collected from the Hilton Port Moresby team members, according to a media statement, over 200 children’s presents, 200 adult wellness packs and multiple boxes of crackers. Hilton Port Moresby General Manager, Ryan Mikkelson said that giving back to the community is incredibly important to the Hilton Staff and Management. “Gerehu General Hospital is used by many of our team members, so this Christmas it was important to us to give back to the incredible team that manage the hospital and look after so many of those in our community.” “We look forward to supporting them further in 2024.” Meanwhile Santa turned up with a huge sack of lollies, making sure the joy of Christmas was spread all throughout Gerehu General Hospital as patient’s faces lit up with smiles on Thursday afternoon as Hilton Team members handed out cold drinks and presents to patients and their families in both the waiting bays and the wards.

A recent visit by international doctors from the United States to YUS Conservation Area has made the discovery that tuberculosis was identified as one of the most prevalent diseases in the area. Dr. Nancy Philips was part of a team of eight doctors from the United States who recently visited YUS Conservation Area which spans Teptep in Madang and YUS in Kabwum of Morobe provinces. The doctors were hosted at Nayudo LLG in Teptep and conducted a rural clinic at Gangulut Sub-Health Center in YUS LLG. An Emergency Medicine Physician from Vermont, USA, Dr. Nancy Philips emphasized the need for increased awareness and education on tuberculosis. She underscores the gravity of the risks associated with TB, including the potential for mortality and transmission to others. While explaining the challenges tuberculosis posed, Dr. Philips noted that the disease required a prolonged treatment commitment, which can be particularly difficult for individuals. “The crucial role of a healthcare worker is in ensuring that people receive and adhere to their medication regimen.” Dr. Philips advocates for enhanced access to healthcare in remote communities. “Medical teams should regularly visit these areas to diagnose, follow up, and monitor medication adherence.” Furthermore, Philips highlights the importance of individuals accessing health facilities, addressed the issue of medication affordability and transport and that although the PNG Government covers the cost of medication. “It becomes ineffective if people cannot afford transportation to Lae for their treatment.” “I urge the government to consider subsidizing transport costs to facilitate the initiation and continuity of treatment.” During their visit, over 600 patients were screened and treated, highlighting the significant health challenges faced by communities within the YUS Conservation Area. Meanwhile the Dr. Philips added that efforts to address these health concerns are crucial for improving the well-being of residents in rural and remote areas. “These challenges are influenced by the geographic location of the area and contribute to health disparities compared to urban counterparts.”

The National Cultural Commission (NCC) launched its 5-year Cultural Strategic Plan 2023-2027 at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby yesterday. There were a handful of important guests that were present at yesterday’s launching, including the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Isi Henry Leonard, the Executive Director of NCC Steven Enomb Kilanda, NCC Board Members, stakeholder's and development partners. Minister expressed content at the launching of the Cultural Strategic Plan, as it was the tangible translation of the National Cultural Policy that was launched last year. In doing so, Minister also acknowledged and thanked all those that were instrumental in bringing this plan to fruition today. He explained that the NCC along with its affiliated Cultural Institutions and other Agencies under his Ministry, including the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the National Museum and Arts Gallery (NMAG) will collaborate to deliver the cultural services that the government requires. The Minister also made a call for the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Tourism, Arts and Cultures (MACTAC) to ensure that all agencies under his ministry collaborate to deliver the cultural services that the country expects. “I also thank the Marape-Rosso Government for recognizing arts and culture as an important and viable asset for economic development that can be among the major revenue earners of PNG.” “In order to implement the development strategies of the MTDP IV, I will ensure that the cultural and creative industries are developed, supported and enhanced.” The Tourism Minister then urged the NCC to collaborate more closely with TPA, to promote and market PNG’s cultural content plus build cultural tourism hotspots. Furthermore, the Minister said an effective cooperation with contemporary artists should be established, supported and promoted. He said culture has the potential to promote national unity and identity, foster respect for our diversity and preserve our cultural heritage. “In doing so, we realize the importance of taking back our culture from distortion and disintegration.” TPA, to promote and market PNG’s cultural content plus build cultural tourism hotspots. Furthermore, the Minister said an effective cooperation with contemporary artists should be established, supported and promoted. He said culture has the potential to promote national unity and identity, foster respect for our diversity and preserve our cultural heritage. “In doing so, we realize the importance of taking back our culture from distortion and disintegration.”

The Gore family of late State Justice Sinclair Gore are preparing to host a Christmas Family fun day for families and friends, purposely to raise funds to transport the Late Mr Gore’s Tomb Stone to western Province. The fundraiser will include activities for children and adults to trap your attention, commencing in December on 9am to 4pm, Sunday 24th December 2023 at Tutu Bay, Taurama Bay. The children will take part in treasure hunts, Tug of War, and much more while adults compete in beer dart, lucky door prizes and live performances with Saugas, Basil Greg, Garry Vaibua and others. Tickets are sold for K200 per table with complimentary Beverages Christmas Hampers and a dish of food with limited to 10 people and minimum of 5 people, and K50 per head. The late husband and father passed away last year 2022 due to a stroke. He was an exemplary individual who served as a magistrate in district courts and as a judge in the National and Supreme court of Papua New Guinea. He was the resident judge in Eastern Highlands Province Goroka, till the day of his passing. The late Mr Gore is survived by his wife and widow Mrs. Betha Gore, 6 children and 5 grand children. The current Gore family of 7 including widowed Mrs Betha Gore and 5 grand children wish to pay their respect and give back by transporting tomb stone to be laid to rest in Daru, Gama-ewe Village. Due to the remoteness of the destination and the different forms of transport used to travel it will require an adequate amount of money for a safe and efficient journey. Son of the deceased Mr Jordan Gore expressed to PNG HAUSBUNG the families wish to raise funds to safely transport the fathers tomb stone from Port Moresby to Daru, Western Province. The Gore family asks their immediate family and friends to join their cause, and friends of their late father to join if possible.

While the country prepares to celebrate the season of love and joy, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KSTJ, is currently on sick leave and seeking medical treatment in Brisbane, Australia. Acting Official Secretary Mr. Bill Toraso has confirmed in a media release on the 21st of December 2023, that the Grand Chief became ill in late October and was on a medevac to Brisbane and is currently undergoing treatment. Grand Chief Sir Bob is said to be receiving treatment for a viral infection that has caused impairment to his speech, muscle, and joint movement. Toraso said that the Governor General has made good recovery in recent weeks and is now able to walk and talk. “Grand Chief Sir Bob is recovering well from the illness that struck him last October.” “It was confirmed to be a viral infection which the doctors are treating our Governor General for.” “Grand Chief Sir Bob is expected to make further progress in the coming weeks, and we hope to have him back in the country in the new the year.” Toraso acknowledged and thanked our Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso for their continued support to our Governor General through their visits in recent weeks. “I also want to thank many Papua New Guineans who have expressed kind thoughts and well wishes to our Governor General,” Mr. Toraso said. Furthermore, the Acting Official Secretary has conveyed on behalf of the Office of the Governor General his gratitude to Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Eoe, and Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika who have assumed the role of acting Vice Regal since the Governor General’s departure. Speaker of National Parliament Job Pomat is now the acting Governor General.

Papua New Guinea is further extending the Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility to passport holders from Micronesian and Polynesian States and Territories to strengthen its relations with Pacific Island States. This was announced by the Chief Migration Officer (CMO), Mr. Stanis Hulahau. He said this extension means passport holders from all Pacific Island States in Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia are now eligible for VOA at all authorized ports of entry in PNG, specifically Jacksons International Airport and Wutung land border post. “I am pleased to announce that passport holders from all Pacific Island States and Territories can now get visa on arrival.” “They no longer need to apply for visa before their departure and we will communicate the same to all operating airlines and relevant international bodies on this new inclusion.” This VOA is effectively immediately and is accessible to nationals from American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the French Territories of French Polynesia (Tahiti), Wallis and Futuna and New Zealand passport holding countries and territories including Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau and the United States territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands. The inclusion of this island states now adds to the existing list of Melanesian countries including Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia. “Pacific islanders who travel to PNG must have an authentic passport at least six (6) months of validity and must produce a return ticket and the completed arrival card at an immigration officer on arrival as requirements for VOA.” Hulahau continued onto say that Pacific Islanders who meet the entry requirements will be issued with an Easy Visitor Visa for 60 days per visit. He is confident that the inclusion of all Pacific Island States to access this facility would encourage more movements and facilitation of trade and services, and tourism in the region. Apart from the Pacific Island States, Papua New Guinea is also issuing VOA to Diplomatic, Official and Service passport holders from the People’s Republic of China, Japan, State of Israel, and the Republic of Indonesia based on bilateral visa exemption agreements on reciprocal basis. Chinese tourists who hold ordinary passports and travels on organized group tours with a PNG registered tour operation are also eligible for VOA for a specific short stay only.

The Dios Bridge, located in the Tinputz District of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville was aging and reaching an unserviceable condition. A new Dios Bridge was built and officially opened recently, providing a reliable connectively for the people of Tinputz District and Bougainville to access goods and services, with increased loading capacity allowing vehicles with cargo to pass over safely. The construction of the bridge was funded under the Bougainville Roads Program funding by the Australian Government through PNGAustralia Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP) in partnerships with Department of Technical Services (DTS) and local constructions. Dios village is located in Tinputz District along the Kokopau to Itakara road about 50 kilometers from Kokopau; a road that provides a critical link between the Central, Northern and Southern Regions of Bougainville. Australia is also funding other transport infrastructure works in the region through safety and security upgrades for Buka wharf and aviation navigation procedures for Buka and Aropa airports. Australia invests over K21 million each year to maintain roads and bridges across Bougainville. This includes routine repair and maintenance of the trunk road from Kokopau to Arawa, maintaining connectivity of the key economic corridor between north and south Bougainville.

The annual Rookie Sevens Tournament held over the weekend saw five teams from outside centres attend the four-day tournament that started on the 14th-17th December. Among these teams was the Unitech Reds boys from Lae who competed in the Under 20 division who travelled over with Head Coach John Milba, Assistant Coach and Head Trainer, Darren Maino, and the Team Manager Wimban Bieso. The Unitech Reds Assistant Coach and Head trainer, Darren Maino stated that the Rookie 7s was a great way for outside teams to expose their young talents in their province. “I think the Rookies tournament is a great way for outside centers such as ours because back in Lae.” “We don’t have an Under 20 Division where we get to expose our young talents playing in the overall competition like the Morobe Rugby Football Union competition back in Lae.” Maino said that most of the young boys that play in the team are playing in the A grade and Senior Men’s Divison and that was because the boys were exposed to that higher level of rugby. “All our boys have been exposed to that higher level of rugby so when they play in their own age groups as you’ve seen over the weekend.” Maino said two of their players are twenty years old, who have just finished this year playing in the grand final in the MRFU tournament with the Tent City Lights which were back top back grand finalists, so it was a boost for the team. According to Maino, the team had initially begun to train for the Rookies tournament in the first week of November, undergoing a very gruesome training. “Our main focus in Lae was training. Here in Pom our focus is on playing and winning our games.” “We had the support of our reds family in Port Moresby and how they went out of their way to organize and meet all our challenges, so they made it easier.” Due to the age vetting process by the tournament managers, the team had to drop on of their players due to the fact that he had turned twenty-one within the last week of training and another player due to the passing of a family member. After topping the U20 Division by winning all three of their games, the Unitech Reds unfortunately bowed out of the competition in the Cup Semi-Finals on Day 4 of the competition. He further added that the bond and the chemistry between the boys was strong on and off the field because they had been playing together for a year. “They’re all in the same schools and they grew up together, so the bond is strong on and off the field.” Meanwhile Maino thanked the Lord for all His Blessings and also for making it possible for the team to travel and bring exposure to their young talents. “We’re so thankful for our families here in Pom and in Lae as well. We didn’t get the win, but we’ll come back stronger next year.”

The China Southern Airline made its maiden journey into Papua New Guinea (PNG), at the Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby this morning. The welcome party included a host of dignitaries, including the Minister for Tourism Arts & Culture Isi Henry Leonard, Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko, Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa, and heads and representatives from the National Cultural Commission (NCC), Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), National Capital District Commission (NCDC), National Airports Corporation (NAC), the Chinese Embassy in Port Moresby. They were all treated to a mini side show of sorts, with live painting, amid the beat of the Kundu and traditional song & dance of the Motu Koitabuan Dancers. As the humidity turned into flash rain, the blue, white China Southern Airline Dreamliner 787 descended, receiving the traditional wash-down from the NAC fire trucks. Aboard this inaugural flight was National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Walter Schnaubelt as well as the management and executive team of China Southern Airline. Minister Schnaubelt was the first in line, of a number of speakers, to welcome the airline into the country on behalf of the Marape-Rosso Government. “This will be a weekly flight, to open up the skies and give both China and PNG the opportunity to work together and strengthen the friendship that we have.” “I would also like to encourage the people in PNG, in trade and commerce, to utilize this opportunity as the products that we can produce here in PNG, now have a potential market in China,” Minister Schnaubelt said. He said China has an immense market and it is up to PNG to now capitalize on this opportunity. Minister Schnaubelt rounded off his remarks by thanking all the individuals that were instrumental in finally bringing the airline to touch ground at the Jackson’s International Airport. The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Isi Henry Leonard was also on hand at the inaugural flight ceremony at the Jackson’s International Airport this morning. He explained that, according to the Tourism Promotion Authority’s international travellers report, PNG has continued to see a gradual increase in the number of Chinese travellers into the country, for either work or leisure. “We need to understand the Chinese Market to succeed in trade… understanding the regulations and competition is important for PNG to gain market access to the Chinese Tourism Sector. The Tourism Minister said through collaboration amongst all interested parties, including the government and the private sector, PNG will grow tourism business in the Chinese Market. “Today’s occasion is the step towards entering into the lucrative Chinese Market and I welcome all our visiting friends from China.” “Please enjoy your stay and enjoy all the colors of Papua New Guinea,” Minister Isi pronounced. A jubilant NCD Governor Powes Parkop, who has been spearheading the ‘Amazing Port Moresby’ Brand, of which today’s inaugural flight was part of, joined his colleagues in welcoming the airline to Port Moresby and PNG. He said this morning’s maiden journey was the link to one of the largest industrial and tourism hubs of China. “Today, we had 150 passengers on this inaugural flight and 11 000 tonnes of imports. On the return flight tomorrow, there will be 180 passengers and 3 tonnes of export.” “That is the potential. The challenge now, is for PNGeans to increase business and export to the People’s Republic of China.” Governor Parkop also reiterated the potential of tourism, explaining that 60% of tourists from China, come from Guangdong Province. “This is what our Capital City would like to harness. In Port Moresby, we can’t do Agriculture, Mining, Forestry, Oil and Gas.” “We only have one people. But we have a greater opportunity as here in our Capital City, a thousand tribes convene, thousands of cultures, thousands of traditions, thousands of songs and dance.” “That is what we can bring to this equation.” “The challenge for the future, is for all of us, to seize this opportunity.” He ended of his remarks, with a Chinese Proverb; “A journey of a thousand miles, requires you to make the first step. Today, we are taking the first step.”

The International Hotelier Radisson Hotel Group announced their partnership with the Port Moresby Paga Hill Economic Zone to establish a Radisson Blu Branded hotel worth of K700 million in Port Moreby 19 December 2023. Also appreciating an expressive warm welcome from Prime Minister James Marape, recognizing the significance of Radisson among other companies aligning to Paga Hill SEZ. PM Marape emphasized the right timing of development as PNG is set to prolong for 10 years beginning next year 2024 with an economic expansion, affirming company investments within the upcoming years to experience substantial dividends. “Papua New Guinea is concerned so you will not go wrong,” said Marape. “The economy in the next 10 years will be very exciting for PNG and the potential may be bigger than most countries in the region.” Marape spoke during the gathering on Paga Hill in the presence of Dignitaries such as, International Trade and Investment Minister Mr Richard Maru, Paga Hill Development Company Chairman Peter Barge, Managing Director Gudmundur Fridrikson, special Economic Zone Authority Chairman Varigini Badira, Chief Executive Officer Kikila Yavase, Radisson Hotel Group Associate Director Josie Hungerford and others. PM Marape regarded the growth anticipated to the major projects such as the new LNG discovery by ExxonMobil (Eastern Papuan), P’nyang LNG, Pasca LNG, Papua LNG Final Investment Decision, Wafi Gold Mine special Minng Lease and Mine Development Contract and Porgera Mine Reopening. Furthermore, emphasizing the mineral; producing establishments to flourish up to 2060 and beyond, stressing the PNG’s commitment to downstream processing. “PNG anticipating a significant economic surge between 10years time, Radisson Blu will expect substantial benefits from this and clientele when once our economy begins to progress.”