Naked Koala lead singer Kyrre Waag has again visited Papua New Guinea to a warm welcome. The single 30-year-old singer, song writer and producer never knew he would pursue a career in music growing up, until the age 22 when he discovered his passion for music, and from that day has never regretted his decision. Spending most of his journey visiting popular destinations around Port Moresby, PNGFM was privileged to be graced by his presence. Kyre told PNG HAUSBUNG a little about his musical inspiration during his visit. “My music career has done me wonders, because I was in Norway and now, I am here in PNG, this was through music.” “I draw my inspiration mostly from my experience with place and people especially.” “I keep my mind open to absorb almost anything, ideas flow through when least expected.” Kyrre said his advice to artists and general struggling potentials to stop doubting yourself and make the first step. “Important thing is to START, do what you’re passionate about.” The singer plans to experience PNG lifestyle and beliefs to understand the audience and identify their ideas, to express on what his audience desires through his music. He feels the journey can help rediscover the passion and inspiration that drives his motivation through understanding and learning from his fans and supporters. He further added he plans to come and host one of the biggest concerts in PNG to bring some joy to his fans for their undying support.

The unlawful use of Forest Clearing Authorities as a cover by foreign-owned companies for illegal large-scale logging operations has been further exposed in a new report published by ACT NOW in a press release on the 9th of November 2023. ‘A New Forest Grab’ is a report that is focused on the Mengen agriculture project in East New Britain which revealed how a Malaysian owned logging company called ‘KK Connections’ had used highly suspicious claims to establish a forest plantation and agriculture project, in order to obtain a Forest Clearing Authority (FCA), which is now being used as a cover to export thousands of cubic meters of round logs. According to ACT NOW, an FCA only allows the clearing of small, discrete areas of forest for agriculture or other land use changes. Unfortunately, satellite images analysed by ACT NOW revealed the logging company in the Mengen area is roaming over a large area, selectively felling, and extracting valuable timber with no forest clearance or agricultural planting. The Mengen report is the second FCA case study report to be published by ACT NOW after the first report, ‘Ten Years Without a Crop’ was published last month in conjunction with Jubilee Australia. This report revealed how another Malaysian-owned logging company called Global Elite Limited had sold US$31 million (K115 million) worth of round logs from the Wammy FCA in West Sepik Province but has not established promised palm oil or rubber plantations. Both reports highlight how the FCA logging operations had been approved by the PNG Forest Authority without the informed consent of a significant proportion of customary landowners. ACT NOW! Campaign Manager, Eddie Tanago stated that Prime Minister Marape, last week reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the protection and sustainable management of our forest resources. “Yet the PNG Forest Authority is continuing to allow illegal logging across the entire country.” “ACT NOW! Is calling on the PNG Forest Authority to cancel the Forest Clearing Authorities for both Mengen and Wammy projects and to impose a moratorium on logging in all FCA areas.” According to Tanogo, FCAs are routinely being used as a loophole to authorize the theft of PNG’s forests. “We call on the National Forest Board and PNG Forest Authority to extend the current moratorium on new GCAs, suspend logging in all existing FCAs and conduct a comprehensive public review of the projects.” Meanwhile there are active FCA logging operations across nine Provinces in PNG which cover an average of 61, 849 hectares, the equivalent of more than 11, 000 rugby fields. ACT NOW says it is also calling on the Independent Commission against Corruption and the Fraud squad to open investigations into these illegal logging operations as they are continuing under the supervision of Forest Authority Officers.

The Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship service Authority (PNGICSA) was pleased to announce the official re-opening of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI) maritime border on 31st October 2023, at Kangu in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). Due to the Covid19 pandemic in 20th March of 2020, the border was closed for almost 4 years restricting casual crossing visits and selling. The event was joined by PNGICSA Chief Immigration Officer Stannis Hulahau, the SI High Commissioner to PNG William Soaki, and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Minister for Lands Junior Tumare, and ABG Minister for Police John Bosco Ragu. Each respected position had the privilege of cutting the ribbon for the official maritime border re-opening. Mr Hulahau expressed the significance of the re-opening for the neighboring islands. “Re-Opening the border is vital now allowing cross-border movement between the traditional communities on both sides. Allowing visitation from friends and family from both sides.” “This official re-opening will ensure trade or selling will be conducted lawfully,” Said Mr Hulahau. Mr. Hulahau stated the re-opening is part of the PNG and SI government’s commitment through the PNGICSA and SIID to work closely on migration and border security matters. “The re-opening of the border promotes cooperation with SIID provide careful monitoring and management cross-border movement between Buin in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Western Province in SI for the Pacific Games to be held this year in Honiara, and in the future.” “The PNGICSA will provides ongoing capacity support to SIID with assistance is the PNG-Developed travel Entry Capture Hub or TECH applications from Tablets systematically designed to process travelers during the pacific games and in after.“ “We envisage that the tech application can also be used on the PNG side of the Border in Burin.”

Beautiful Madang Province, known for its rich organic reefs and beaches has come to a devastating moment of late, with countless murders and fatal crimes. Government Authorities have mobilized to maximize their strengths to dissipate the crime rate in and around Madang town. In an October 28th press conference, the Provincial Police Commander Dave Seine strongly urged parents to nurture and discipline their children to know what is right and wrong. Madang Town established reinforcements of 2 police units to patrol Madang Town. The police currently patrol in and around Madang to maintain Law and Order. The murders and crimes have forced hard working and decent citizens to always be cautious and seek refuge in public areas which are not always the safest to find security. Families now are always frightened to travel together and alone; insecurities of employees and students rise each day. On Wednesday, the Deputy Mayor for Madang Mr. Sammy Tindipu stressed to PNG HAUSBUNG the struggles and lack of leadership in Madang. “I speak out of total respect to the Madang Provincial Government and its people when I say, Madang currently lacks the presence leaders from the provincial government.” “Communities lack the presence of their leaders. Locals especially youths feel abandoned and rejected which results in misbehavior and violence amongst themselves and others, affecting decent folk in and around Madang.” “I believe leaders should be more present in meetings and community events to engage and maintain and build a relation between the community leaders and LLG councilors to have some form of contact to the people.” “This allows communication and collaboration between the two parties to effectively carry their duties in their respective positions and develop positive outcomes for Madang Province.” Deputy Mayor Tindipu humbly expressed deep sorrow for the pasts deaths and hopes for forgiveness and peace from the families and communities to minimize more killing and violence and to move forward.

The Prime Minister and Pangu Pati Leader James Marape has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of Porgera-Paiela in Enga following the passing of their Member of Parliament, Hon. Maso Karipe, on the night of November 7, 2023. "On behalf of my family, the Pangu Pati, and the people of Papua New Guinea, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of Porgera-Paiela on the untimely passing of their dedicated MP, Hon. Maso Karipe." PM Marape stated that the sudden loss of Hon. Karipe has left us all in a state of shock and profound sadness. "The creation of the Porgera-Paiela Electorate last year, with the Hon. Karipe as its inaugural MP, made his passing even sadder, particularly as we stand on the brink of reopening the mine and with numerous development plans for the region." Meanwhile Prime Minister Marape said a committee will be set up to oversee the funeral arrangements for the late Mr. Karipe, honouring his significant contributions to the Porgera-Paiela region and the nation as a whole.

Papua New Guinea's (PNG) Leading Digital Print and Documents Solutions Provider Remington Technology in Partnership with Konika Minolta visited the Don Bosco Technical Institution (DBTI) following the PNG EXPO Innovative Conference to witness promising young technicians show case their skills and knowledge. Remington Technology has arranged a partnership with Konika Minolta Business Solution to focus and observe skilled candidates and accommodate for Training Development Programs, certifying young potentials under their development Programs recognized by the Australian Government. The program launch was observed by Remington Technology General Manager Mr Justin Kieseker, Remington Group Chief executive Officer Mr. Peter Godwin, Mr. Andrew Ward and Chief Strategy Officer, Konica Minolta Business Solution Australia Mr. Ted Garner. DBTI staff and students were pleased and proud to host the visitation tour of the different technician fields. DBTI President Father (Fr.) Ariel Macantangay expressed his deepest gratitude to the official representatives for their time. “Thank you very much for making time for us and observing the skills and knowledge demonstrated by our students.” “I have a vision to make DBTI an Entreprenual University in Partnership with Government and the Industrial Community to produce more opportunities for graduates after school." "I will focus on making it reality,” said Fr. Ariel. The tour was prepared to show case four technician fields in accordance to the business foundation skills, showcasing the Information technology Workshop, Electrical Technology Workshop, Electronics Communications Workshop and the Instrumentation workshop. The fine course members showcased their Practical skills and electrical appliances developed in the workshops. From Javascript Programing, Neutralisation Mechanism of Salt water, Internal Software programing to external Mechanical System Outputs, Radio transmitting, Security Programing and much more. Students were on their toes during presentations to answer questions and demonstrate the potential their miniature technical projects. 4th year Information and Technology (IT) Student Frederick Mai Kembun expressed his excitement and pleasure to demonstrate the projects to expert who appreciated their efforts and were impressed by it. Mr Ted Garner further stated the significance of each trade and how it would play a role in students everyday lives when they graduate. “These skills will become the foundation of your life at home and work." "I was once a student and my skills have brought me so far to where I am standing now.” “Be proud and embrace them to be your life’s work."

Following the launch of the CPL Christmas Scratch and Win Card Promotion on the 8th of November 2023, a man from Yule Island in Kairuku, Central Province has been the first to win as he walked away with a deep fryer after shopping at Stop N Shop Waigani Central in Port Moresby. Winner Joe Nuabi told PNG HAUSBUNG that he and his wife, Josephine Nuabi are on holidays from Kimbe and are here in Pom visiting their daughter, Joyce Nuabi who resides here in the nation’s capital. He expressed his gratitude to CPL for this promotion and stated that it was a great early Christmas gift for him and his wife. “Mipla I hamamas nogut tru [We are so happy].” Daughter, Joyce stated that this was a great promotion from CPL and was happy she did not have to worry about getting Christmas Gifts for her parents. Meanwhile CPL’s Christmas Scratch and Win Card promotion started on the 8th of November and will end on the 31st of December 2023. For every K50 spent at any CPL shop, you receive a Christmas Scratch and Win Card.

Blue Heelers Rugby Union Club has announced the full-fledged support of leading retailer and community-oriented organization, JMART for the Young Gunz 7s team through a sponsorship of three new jersey sets for each of the team’s divisions, Under 20’s, Senior Men’s, and Women’s division. This was according to a press statement released to media today. The Young Gunz is a 7’s team that is under the National Gaming Control Board Blue Heelers Rugby Union Club which aims to provide an avenue for young individuals to engage in sports and develop essential life skills. JMART shares the same vision with the NGCB Blue Heelers RUC and is committed to the welfare and empowerment of the youth in Papua New Guinea by engaging in sports as an ideal way to living a positive life. Justin Tan, Managing Director of JMART expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration and stated that as a part of this exciting collaboration, JMART with support also from TrackPro are proud to support Young Gunz jerseys in their mission to empower our youth through sports. “JMART believes that through this initiative, investing in our youth and keeping them engaged in sports can lead to a healthier, more motivated, and ideal way to living a positive life.” “We firmly believe that by providing these individuals with the right tools and opportunities, we can help them grow, not only as athletes but as responsible and confident citizens.” Young Gunz coach, Ase Boas, added that the club was thrilled to have JMART and TrackPro on board as club partners. “Their support will meaningfully have a positive impact on our youths. What our club promotes is more than just sports; it’s about instilling life skills, good values, leadership, and self-confidence.” Meanwhile Boas also added that this collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting community engagement and youth development through sports. “Together, we are working to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young individuals in our community.”

The Gildipasi, a local Community Based Organisation (CBO) recently organized and hosted a Mini-Agriculture and Micro, Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) exposition at the Yadigam Village in the Sumkar District in the Madang Province. Gildipasi acts as an umbrella organization for 10 CBOs from communities of Karkum, Mirap, Tokain, Simbukanam, Malas and Murukanam within the wards 3 and 6 of Sumgilbar LLG, Sumkar District of Madang. The event was organized with support from United States Agency for International Development’s under the Lukautim Graun Program (USAID LGP). Over 200 people attended the two-day event which coincided with the opening of the newly built resource center and it was an opportunity for the CBOs, women’s groups and partners to showcase their skills through the production of arts and crafts and display of agricultural produce to wider MSME audiences and business houses. The event provided an opportunity for local farmers to connect with non-traditional alliances, agricultural entities, and key provincial aggregators to access training on improved farming practices and quality assurance for market accessibility. Richard Munvi from Kamapim Limited, a private company specialized in buying vanilla and cocoa took time out to educate villagers about the farming techniques that will result in high yield for their crops. “We are here to provide basic advice and demonstrate farming techniques both for vanilla and cocoa that farmers may find useful when tending to their crops. The turn-up has been good.” “A lot of farmers have expressed interest in attending the trainings that we (Kamapim) conduct. Thank you Gildipasi and USAID for providing this opportunity for us to engage with the community,” Richard said. Owner of Kumul Organics Tina Manamb was also in attendance at the Mini Exposition, and she said coming out to the community was good exposure. “It gives us the opportunity to educate the people about the number of products, we produce such as virgin coconut oil, turmeric oil, noni oil, ginger oil, carrot oil and the organic soap. In most of our trainings, we emphasis on quality control and show the people how to get this right.” Tina Manamb had also announced that this expo has given the opportunity to meet with the oil producers especially women groups. Kumul Organics plans to extend its supply base to the communities within Sumkar District which in turn creates market access for the women groups for economic benefits. Kokonas Indastri Koporesen, Digicel and RD Cannery were among the business houses that put up stalls to show-case their products to the community. Negilopa Daisan from Milne Bay, married to a local from Yadigam village was happy that the expo provided the opportunity for her to sell some of her baskets. Negilopa has utilized the Mini-Agriculture and MSME Expo to earn money through the sales of arts and crafts. “I have the skills to weave baskets, and I am willing to share these skills with women in this community but access to market has been my problem. I’m happy that the mini expo has provided the market for me to sell my baskets. Thank you, USAID,” Negilopa said. A group of mothers from Karkar Island have been weaving bilums for sale but market access has been the problem until they attended the exposition. Group spokeswoman, Lyn Kale said market access is always problem but in attending the event, they were able to sell some of their Bilums and they were looking forward to when the exposition becomes an annual event. Executive Officers from both the Sumkar MP and Madang Governor attended the two-day event giving their undivided support for this exposition to become an annual event. As part of the sustainability Plan, USAID LGP is discussing with the Madang Provincial Government to make the Mini-Agriculture and MSME Expo an annual event under the provincial and local level government recurring economic priorities.

Puma Energy in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and globally is promoting Compliance at the workplace through a campaign known as,” Be the Face of Integrity” in the month of November. Puma Energy PNG will mark this year’s Global Ethics and Compliance Week by commencing throughout the month of November, as Compliance is non-negotiable internally and with external clients on behalf of the company. The campaign began last week at its Port Moresby head Office and Napa Napa Refinery, to affirm what the company stands for. The campaign host Regional Compliance Officer from Puma Group in India, Punita Khetan, also her first visit to PNG. Punita Khetan stressed the significance of Puma Energy compliance in preserving and promoting cultures of individuals as it is the foundation of people’s lifestyle and beliefs. “Puma energy respects the culture, roots and values where an individual is from and that’s the foundation of integrity. We engage with employees through different learning games, presentations, and interactions.” “We aim to make integrity the DNA of our organization. This is not fluctuating effort but a lifelong purpose. Our employees have the responsibility to build the culture of the organization.” “Our Compliance Motto is, “Do the Right things right, Everyone, Every time, Everywhere!” She added. Puma Energy PNG General Manager, Daniel Duffau emphasized once again the significance of integrity. “We all make mistakes, and we all fail. But there one thing we cannot compromise- Integrity in the business.” In any professional environment is important as it establishes the base for ethical practices and mitigates risks. Compliance ensures stakeholder’s interests are protected and corporate governance is strengthened and maintained.

The Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League once again came alive over the weekend commencing the B-grade and A-grade Semi-Finals and is now set for the Grand Final. The first game was a brutal match between B-grade teams, the Mountain Bulls dominated the Northern Warriors with a successful score of 16-4. And the Marane Rats face defeat against the Bandicoots in a tough game scoring 10-8. The A-grade also experienced a very competitive game between 54 Bears and the Marane Rats, Marane rats face a brutal defeat scoring 10-2, leaving 54 bears to be the Grand Finalists. The weekend games were a success after the previous weekend a devastating event that involved PSRL officials sustaining injuries from a brawl from players during the game. The weekend commotion forced PSRL officials to issue fines to teams and their staff for violation of PSRL Polic, forcing the compliance of teams to participate according to policy. Due to the brawl mainly involved the A-grade community, the A-grade grand final draw is currently under review due to teams not satisfied of the PSRL decisions on proceeding teams. PSRL Points collector and Games Organizer Mr. Judah John told PNG HAUSBUNG that the matter at hand will not be taken lightly and will be observed and discussed among the officials. “We will review the matter and discuss among officials to take the right action to move forward.” Mr Joshn stressed that updates will immediate be released out on our Facebook Page (Pom Suburban Rugby League) once the decision has been made concerning the A- grade Grand Final Participants. The Grand Final is schedule to be next weekend on 18th of November. All teams will have two weeks of preparation to maintain their condition and focus for the Grand Final, with B-grade finals to lead and finish by the A-grade. The PSRL Grand Final is set to commence at Waigani, Koni Tiger Oval.

The Grass Skirt Project’s 3rd Annual Hevea Cup and Wellness Expo (HCWE) is set for this year 2023. That’s the word from Grass Skirt Project Co-Founder and Managing Director Mrs Tahina Booth who stated that the event will be held at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) on the 10th and 11th of November 2023. This HCWE theme this year is changing attitudes and behaviours while addressing the root cause of gender-based violence through sport.” The press conference was joined by Sir Brian Bell Foundation representative Ian Chan (on behalf of Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Wright), Stakeholder Coordinator and Rugby League Lead David Westley and Managing Director Tahina Booth, expressing the significance of educating young girls and boys on positive health practices. GSP Managing Director Tahina Booth stressed the mission for this year to strengthen Papua New Guinea (PNG) into a healthier Future. “Through the games awareness and education on various health issues will be taught to the young.” “When taught at a young age and understood fully the consequences, this will help them develop healthy habits changing their mindset as they grow.” Mr Westley stressed the engagement from youths when using sports to raise health awareness. “Sports will engage the young and awareness will be provided through the games, we have engagement form Kerewagi and Kikori who will travel down to participate this 10th and 11th November. “There will be teams from Kerowaghi (Chimbu Province) and Kikori (Southern Highlands Province) travelling down to take part in the two days event.” The 2days event is set to accommodate over 400 participants, providing a platform for sporting excellence and offers candidates a rare opportunity to access health service and information in collaboration with over 20 Nongovernment organizations (NGO). Including prevention, treatment and testing non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, and family and sexual violence issues impacting PNG. The preparation and confirmation for the 2023 Grass Skirt Projects is thanks to major sponsor and Day 1 supporter Sir Brian Bell Foundation and to CEO Bronwyn Wright, the Brian Bell Group, Golden Sponsor the sanctuary Hotel Resort and Spa and EMTV, and the silver and bronze supporters sponsors.