Private sectors, church groups, NGO groups must work together as partners with the government (i.e., West New Britain provincial government) and administration to control law and order issues in the province.  This is the call from a youth leader in Kimbe town, Mr. Moses Bera who told PNG HAUSBUNG that it is very important for these sectors to work alongside the Provincial Government and all respective LLGs to raise more awareness concerning violence and promote peace in WNB. Mr. Bera stated this during a youth march around town to promote fighting against law-and-order issues in the province. Meanwhile, Kimbe Police are now on another alert following another fight between the people of Morokea village and Kaibo settlement (located just opposite of Kimbe town), leaving one permanent house destroyed. It was understood that there were some youths from Morokea village who stole a mobile phone from a lady at Kaibo which sparked this conflict, thus leading to the fight. WNB Provincial Police Commander Supt. Peter Baki stated his disappointment with community leaders for not handling this situation.  PPC Baki came very hard on both parties and stated that police will not tolerate anymore of such nonsense arising from small matters. He added that police will now be on high alert to see that people from Morokea village will not cross to the road on the other side of Kimbe town to go over to Kaibo settlement and cause any fights.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape addressed and labelled the Enga Porgera Mine reopening as a significant milestone during the 17th PNG Resource and Energy Conference held in Sydney, Australia. Prime Minister Marape shared among the 1500 individuals of Industry Leaders, Resource Sector Minsters, private sector, and government representatives that the Pogera Gold Mine is soon to be reopened. Stressing the Following Grant of the Special Mine Development Contract (MDC) and Special Mining Lease, and also the progressive workshop on overdue issues as the landowner Compensation Agreement. “Porgera is a step away from ignition,” said Prime Minister Marape. Also expressing his gratitude to the vital operations carried out by Barrick Gold Cooperation President and CEO Mark Bristow and his team of experts. Furthermore, elaborating progressive updates on PNG’s four primary resource project’s including: *Papua LNG: Final investment for next year will be announced during the conference by developer, Total *Pasca LNG: The state negotiation team is coming to a general agreement and Developer Twinza Mineral Resources Development Company’s productivity determines its progress. *Pnyang LNG: Immediately after Papua LNG begins operations; construction will commence with sync planning from both projects. *Wafi Golpu: Landowner court case pending, to be resolved this month but overall, near completion.

The Humanitarian Assistance Response for communities affected by the recent Mount Ulawun volcano in the West New Britain Province has been enhanced. This after the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) have signed a USD $500,000 partnership agreement. This will now allow IOM to reach 4,250 volcano-affected people with relief supplies, including water containers, soap, cooking utensils, sleep mats, and cleaning and gardening tools and signals the continuation of USAID/BHA’s strong support for IOM’s response to the volcano affected population. IOM PNG Chief of Mission Serhan Aktoprak said amidst the recurring escalating emergency situations in the country, they really appreciate the USAID/BHA for their steadfast partnership. “Together, we are committed to addressing the deteriorating situation and providing vital assistance to the most vulnerable groups.” Apart from the direct provision of relief supplies, IOM also deployed its gender inclusive Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), to identify 17,109 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across sites in West New Britain (WNB) and East New Britain (ENB). More than half of IDPs (8,565) are from local villages. The remaining 8,544 are private sector company evacuees. The majority of IDPs are staying at care centres and the remaining are staying in transitional shelters or in host communities. These assessments will provide government, donors, and humanitarian actors, with crucial information about the displacement situation and also informs the relief supplies that have been provided through the continued USAID/BHA funding. This new funding allocation from USAID/BHA will enable IOM to continue providing lifesaving assistance to 850 families displaced across ENB and WNB provinces. IOM is the lead implementing organization providing humanitarian assistance, transition, and recovery support to disaster-affected populations in the country.

The well-known National Capital District (NCD) Governors Cup Tournament (GCT) is on the way. The tournament influences and encourages teams all over NCD to participate for prices and for the selection process of the local franchise rugby clubs. The tournament effortlessly attracting supporters and fans to witness elite teams around NCD to go head-to-head to reach the same objective, to win. The NCD GCT is estimated for three weeks of non-stop rugby league from 11th -29th December, in four locations and pools. The 4 locations are managed by Gerehu Rugby League Field, Hohola Ipi Park, McGregor Barracks Oval and Waigani Koni Tigers are jammed with supporters and fans. The 4 location head officials were chosen by the NCD Governor’s cup Committee and approved by the NCD governor’s cup President Mr. Billy Aki. They are; -John Mauve (Waigani Koni Tigers Oval, Pool M-P) -Frank Garu (Gerehu Rugby Field, Pool A-D) -Fred Sarufa and Kambi Igiman (Hohola Ipi Park, Pool E-H) -Nicki Kori and Felix Atosa (9mile Megrega Barracks Oval, Pool I-L) Co-Manager of Waigani Pool John Mauve stressed that though we’ve already had some sin bins and violations, the teams’ time consistency maximized operations to run smooth and efficient. According to Waigani official management the first day of the games has grown to be a successful with time consistency and disciplined crowds and players. “We hope to maintain this pace of operations as the games carry out during the weeks.” “It’s a long tournament and anything can happen and we are here to control what we can hope for cooperation from the teams and supporters for us to run smoothly.” Main game official referee Mr. Wilson Saki stressed the teams are more disciplined than last year and the years before and hopes it can be maintained. “Today we started on time and I’m happy about it.” “Today was a good start and I hope the teams can maintain their discipline during the games because it will get tougher for them.” "We really just want and need a controlled and smooth tournament,” said Mr. Saki. The Governor’s Cup Committee with the efficient Budget of K300, 000 from the NCD Governor has fully maximized their efforts to carry out their duties accordingly and resulted in a successful day 01. Though few team players have been sin binned during day 1 (one) games, there has not yet been any major issues. The GCT official security personnel are working tirelessly to control and maintain order to the teams and especially supporters as they know and experience the excitement and rage that follows during supporting. Day one done, day two underway.

A first of its kind for the Simbu Province, Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) Legal Help Desk was launched in Kundiawa. This was made possible through a partnership between The Voice Inc. (TVI) and the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa. This Legal Help Desk is expected to provide SARV survivors with guidance on reporting cases to the police, support for civil claims, and assistance in obtaining protection orders. Additionally, it will develop legal awareness materials, collaborate with SARV stakeholders to improve legal system access and raise awareness on SARV. The Legal Help Desk is an activity under TVI’s Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP) that is funded by the Australian Government and marks the culmination of TVI’s efforts in its campaign against the issue of sorcery accusation related violence since 2020 and recognition of the need for legal assistance for survivors to access justice. The participation of Developmental Leaders on the frontline of addressing SARV in the Simbu Province in the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) Course facilitated by the Building State Capability Team of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government offered through the LLCAP. Together, they identified that a Legal Desk Service was needed to provide free legal aid to SARV victims when seeking justice. The Bishop of Kundiawa Bishop Paul Sundu, speaking during the launch of the SARV Legal Help Desk, acknowledged that sorcery violence was a growing issue and he urged all those present to utilize the services that would be provided. He also thanked TVI for responding to the need for legal assistance for SARV survivors within Simbu. The Executive Director of The Voice Inc. (TVI) Ms. Maliwai Sasingian, who was also in attendance at the launch, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to curbing the issue of SARV through the SARV Legal Help Desk. “TVI condemns SARV. PNG does not need to be defined by these atrocities. We need to take collective action in order to be bring an end to this issue” Sasingian shared. "The Highlands Women Human Rights Defenders Network, Kup Women for Peace, the Family Support Center at the Kundiawa General Hospital alongside Developmental Leaders are essential partners to the work carried out by the SARV Legal Help Desk & TVI is committed to continuing to increase awareness and general public discourse around the issue of SARV." The Voice Inc. (TVI) was established in 2007 and incorporated in 2010. A leading local civil society organization, TVI works in the space of policy reform by engaging and empowering its network of developmental leaders to address some of Papua New Guinea’s most pressing issues.

Papua New Guinea’s aircraft giant has advised its valued customers in a media release on Monday, December 11, 2023 that the airline has made changes to its Cairns schedule for this week. Air Niugini is making these changes due to the operational restrictions at Cairns airport whilst Tropical Cyclone Jasper is affecting the coast of North Queensland. The flight changes are as follows: Port Moresby to Cairns; PX098 Tuesday 12th December is cancelled PX098 Wednesday 13th December is rescheduled to depart at 0445am the next morning Thursday 14th December, arriving Cairns at 0610am Cairns to Port Moresby; PX091 Wednesday 13th December is cancelled The Corporate Communications Department has advised that customers who are holding tickets for the above flights may change or refund their flights without penalties. Customers are urged to contact Air Niugini or your Travel Agent for further information. Meanwhile Air Niugini will continue to monitor the situation and will make further changes to the Cairns schedule if required. “We regret any inconvenience caused, however safety is paramount in our operations.”

Young people in Papua New Guinea have in the past years, gotten themselves into the trend of vaping without knowing the full extent of what the damages the device poses. While scrolling on Facebook recently, I noticed the World Health Organization (WHO) page sharing posts that were advocating for people to stop the use of vapes in vaping. So, I curiously clicked on the link and it led me to a Question and Answer page that I then started to read. To vape means to inhale and exhale vapour containing nicotine and flavouring produced by a device designed for this purpose. A Vape is categorized as an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) that also includes electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). These systems heat a liquid to create aerosols that are inhaled by the user. These e-liquids may or may not contain nicotine (not tobacco) but also typically contain additives, flavours and chemicals that can be toxic to people’s health. ENDS contain varying amounts of nicotine and harmful emissions and can also expose non-smokers and bystanders to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Some products claiming to be nicotine-free (ENNDS) have been found to contain nicotine. The consumption of nicotine in children and adolescents have detrimental impacts on brain development, leading to long-term consequences for brain development and potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders. Nicotine is highly addictive, and some evidence suggest that never-smoker minors who use ENDS can double their chance of starting to smoke tobacco cigarettes later in life. Evidence reveals that these products are harmful to health and are not safe. However, it is too early to provide a clear answer on the long-term impact of using them or being exposed to them. Recent studies suggest that ENDS use can increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders and nicotine exposure in pregnant women can have similar consequences for the brain development of the foetus. Additionally, there is growing evidence that ENDS could be associated with lung injuries and in recent times e-cigarette and vaping have been linked to an outbreak of lung injury in the USA. According to the WHO page, the levels of risk associated with using ENDS or tobacco products are likely to depend on a range of factors, some relating to the products used and some to the individual user. Factors include product type and characteristics, how the products are used, frequency of use, how the products are manufactured, who is using the product, and whether product characteristics are manipulated post-sale. Meanwhile both tobacco products and ENDS pose health risks, and the safest approach is not to use either while the World Health Organization regularly monitors and reviews the evidence on ENDS and health and offers guidance to governments. Staying away from vaping helps keep you healthy and avoid an increased risk of getting addicted to nicotine products, including conventional cigarettes. Stay free from vaping to protect your health.

The Vanimo Green MP has put out a statement, providing supporting commentary on the National Budget while also cautioning on certain aspects of it. MP Belden Namah said while the 2024 National Budget strengthens accountability in government, it also requires visibility on a certain fund frittered away in questionable allocations and urgent reviews in two important areas. He said the 2023 Budget was themed “Going Rural” and he expected the 2024 Budget to be themed “Going Rural Phase 2”, instead of the theme “Securing our Future’, as this year’s budget has not achieved what it was themed to achieve. “The Budget needs to make a positive impact on the lives of our people. So far we haven't seen that happening.” “Instead, we are witnessing massive rural-urban drift. A lot of people are now moving into towns and cities looking for employment and good life.” “However, they bring with them tribal and ethnic conflicts and bags full of problems and trouble.” He MP the budget strengthens accountability as there are significant increases in the three (3) arms of Government, especially in the goods and services funding allocations but made a call on the day’s and future Governments, not to cut budget allocations to Parliament & Judiciary as they are the two most important arms of the Government. MP Namah went onto comment on the visibility of Division 207 under the Department of Treasury that is called Miscellaneous, that he understands comes under the full control of the Treasurer. “My concern is that K2.9 billion is too much money to be under the control of one individual.” “Why are we parking such huge amounts of monies there? Why can't we allocate directly to implementing departments and agencies or better still fund projects and programs directly.” “Too often we park monies in Vote/Division 207 without expenditure plans and we end up spending on impulses. That has been a common practice and that must stop." He said parking lump sums of money under Miscellaneous and under the control of one person is very highly suspicious and is unconstitutional and promotes corruption. Namah commented that the reduction of 20% Log Export Tax from 70% to 50% is commendable and while it may provide relief to the forest industry, investor confidence is still lacking. “The Government must seriously take stock of the impact of this sector's overall contribution to the economy and work with the industry and develop a Win-Win situation for all including the resource owners and beneficiaries.” “I would have thought the Government should have reduced the Log Export Tax right down to 38.5%.” “This would have then created a conducive platform for Government to drive its Agri-Forestry and downstream policy initiatives.” Namah said he observed that there was no mention of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in the 2024 Budget and queried where all the revenue of the PNGLNG Project that was supposed to go into the SWF. “The 2024 budget theme is about "Securing the Future" and yet no mention is made in the same budget about SWF.” “The SWF is exactly about securing the future through developing a stabilization fund to cushion the country from the volatile resources commodity markets and also provide a secure fund for future generations to benefit.” According to Namah, the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited seems to have usurped the role of the SWF and it needs to come under scrutiny of the National Parliament and the public. “This budget is a deficit budget of over K3 Billion. Why can't the Government take a bold decision and abolish KPHL, recover all the proceeds of PNG LNG Gas sales held by KPHL and park all the funds in the SWF?” “The Government can then use these funds to finance this deficit instead of borrowing and depending on external grant."

Prime Minister, James Marape is set to open the 17th Papua New Guinea Resources and Energy Conference at the International Convention Centre in Sydney today, December 11, 2023. The Resources and Energy conference opening, according to the press release on the 10th of December, which follows the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Canberra, where he signed the Bilateral Security Agreement with Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese. The Prime Minister expressed that this event would serve as a significant gathering while bringing together representatives from both the government and private sector, resource sector ministers, and industry leaders. “The conference will be held at an exciting and crucial time for the mining and petroleum sectors in Papua New Guinea.” “It is indeed an honour to be back here in Sydney to open this important annual conference.” “I highly value this conference as it serves as a platform that brings together key stakeholders from both government and business to share ideas and explore opportunities in the hydrocarbon and mineral sectors.” Meanwhile Marape had engaged with leading investors on Sunday, 10th December 2023 ahead of the conference's opening and emphasized the importance of collaboration in the dynamic resource and energy landscape.

The National Capital City Manager has appealed to Port Moresby residents to take ownership and refrain from vandalizing the Christmas lights and decorations. Mr. Ravu Frank made this appeal when also appealing to the public in Port Moresby to embrace the Christmas mood as the city is lit up with an array of lights and decorations to welcome the festive season to the city. “More in particular, we want to create an atmosphere of festivity in the city and in the process instil in the minds of the residents the spirit of Christmas.” He issued a stern warning that the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) will not tolerate any form of deliberate destruction to the Christmas lights and the related decorations.” “Anyone vandalizing, stealing or damaging Christmas light and the related decorations in public space in the city will be arrested and prosecuted under the relevant laws on wilful destruction to public property.” He urged residents to support the cause for a meaningful celebration of Christmas in the city in peace and harmony. “I appeal to everyone in the city to enjoy the lights and appreciate the joyous and wonderful festive atmosphere it is creating in our city and in all of us.”

Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change (MECCC) has called for serious attention to climate changes around the world, calling on high emitting carbon Nations to maximize their potential resources to action against Climate Change. Minister Simo Kilepa emphasized the urgency for swift action by high carbon emitting states to combat impacts of climate change hugely affecting small island states in the Pacific including PNG. Citing the latest Synthesis Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), he highlighted the severe impacts of human-caused climate change, stressing the urgent need for high-level political decisions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement to keep the global temperature below 1.5 degree Celsius. Addressing the summit leaders at the at the recent COP28 Leaders’ Summit, Kilepa reminded the international leaders of the Pacific Resilience’s Facility Roles and Obligations supported by the Pacific Leaders, compelling leaders to participate in contribution. The Minister also announced forthcoming inclusive policies and laws aimed at mitigating societal issues and empowering vulnerable groups, aligning with the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 (2023–2027). One is the amendments to the country’s Climate Change Management Act which will now enable the implementation of the Carbon Market Regulation and increasing Results Based Payments for REDD+ credits. The Bank of PNG’s proactive steps in developing a Green Finance Taxonomy and plan for a Green Finance Center was also emphasized. This initiative aims to streamline Green Finance applications, provide green finance literacy, and focus on refinancing for sustainable climate-resilience and low-to-zero carbon emission products. Minister Kilepa concluded his statement by reiterating PNG’s serious political commitments to protecting forests, marine biodiversity, and sustainable use of natural resources. He called on high carbon emitting states to make new commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fulfil climate finance commitments to the Green Climate Fund.

With less than five more days to go, the stage is being set for the country’s biggest sevens competition to be staged in Port Moresby. The Rookie 7s is set for the 14th -17th December and is by far the largest sevens tournament in the country that a lot of teams have been looking forward to. In an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Rookies Rugby Chair Lady, Cybele Druma mentioned that the organizing committee is working hard to deliver another great weekend of Rookie rugby this year. The tournament since its’ start in 2006 with 16 teams, has grown immensely and this year’s competition is expected to be heated with more than 60 teams confirmed across the four divisions-Open Men’s, Under 20, Women’s and Deaf. Three days of games will be played at Bava Park while the fourth and final day will be played at the Sir John Guise Stadium. “Our dates are now 14th -17th December, that’s four days from Thursday to Sunday. The number of teams participating is approximately 66, it may go up within the next few days but we’re looking at under 70 teams.” “Competition this year is going to be extremely tough. A lot of the teams have been preparing for a while now so all the defending champions from last year will have a very big task in defending their titles this year.” The Rookies rugby committee and operations team, according to Druma is comprised of young leaders who have proven capable of being entrusted these roles and have delivered in the Rookies 2022, are looking forward to making this year’s event another success. “We have an excellent team organizing. It’s always nice to work with young people, they have the energy and a lot of vision and ideas and so it’s very nice collaborating with young people and starting to invest in them for the future.” “Hopefully, at the end of the day, a lot of them will consider coming into the management side of the operations as we start to move up and out of that place for the founders. Yeah, it’ll be nice to be able to sit in the stands and enjoy the games.” “We’ve got an excellent group of young people this year, we are blessed every single year to have great volunteers and this year is no exception. Most of them are new faces but we got a really good mix of people-both young and old." Druma further added that the competition will be great entertainment and is encouraging families to come down to Bava Park or the Sir John Guise to watch some rugby. “It’s a family event and so I’d like to encourage everyone if you have nothing to do, head down to Bava park and enjoy the weekend with us.” “For further updates on the game draws and ticket prices, keep an eye on the Rookie 7s Facebook page.”