Paul Wai Kaupa and his wife are coffee farmers from Gumine District in the Chimbu Province. They are one of three groups of small medium enterprises (SME) that flew into Port Moresby, with assistance of the Chimbu Provincial Government, Division of Live Stock & Fisheries (DALF), to attend the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby from the 24th to the 26th of October, 2023. Mr. Paul spoke to PNG HAUSBUNG from his colorful display booth that was set up in the corridors of the APEC Haus as to what he hopes to gain out of attending the WIBF. “Right now, we are producing about 3000 tons of coffee. We are able to produce a lot more but we need a good market.” Paul said this is where government intervention is needed; to assist with finding a market for rural coffee farmers like himself and others in his community. “Coffee is a highly saleable crop, either as a green bean, dried or in ground form. And we are producing all of these different forms but we need that market.” The Chimbu Coffee Farmer added that the return from growing coffee is low and this has discouraged farmers from continuing to grow coffee and bringing onboard new farmers as well. Seeing this situation, Paul and his wife have now taken it upon themselves, to educate and train people in their community. “We keep telling our people that we need to grow better quality coffee and in a bigger quality and provide a consistent supply of coffee to the market, to get higher and better returns.” He said all of these efforts to grow coffee, including educating and training the people in their community about coffee, but it will all be in vain, if there is no market for their produce. Paul hopes his attendance at the 2023 WIBF, will be the opportunity he’s been looking for, to connect with other likeminded individuals for the international indigenous community that are in the business of coffee growers and to tap into international markets.

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) conducted the third mass burial for 2023 where PMGH laid a total of 27 bodies as well as 13 body parts to rest at the 9mile Cemetery on the 25th October, 2023, That’s according to a statement from the office of the CEO, Dr. Paki Molumi. There was a total of 296 bodies that were kept in the PMGH Mortuary which unfortunately only had a storage capacity of 150. Mr. Albert Tole, OIC of the PMGH Mortuary explained that the bodies buried in the mass burial were all from deaths in the period of April 1 – May 31 and there are plans to undertake another mass burial for the period of June-July. "Even with the mass burial, there is still overcrowding at the facility." Meanwhile Tole added that the hospital had funded up to K40, 000 for advertising and the contractor who provides coffins, transportation and conducts the burial. "The hospital funds up to K40, 000 for mass burials which include the cost of advertising in the list of unclaimed bodies in the two dailies and the contractor who provides the coffins, transportation and burial."

"You have come into the global capital of indigenous communities." PNG Prime Minister James Marape, said this in his keynote address at the second day of the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF), at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby. He spoke in front of members of indigenous communities from within PNG & across the world. PM Marape said, in the past 4 years, he & his government have focused on promoting Micro Small & Medium & Enterprises (MSME) and how members of PNG's indigenous communities can work within their capacity, to tap into opportunities and secure business connectivity, to enhance their products as well as find markets outside of the country. "We have cacao, coffee, copra, vanilla, oil palm, almost any tropical fruit, cultural artefacts...If you are looking for something new and looking to go beyond boundaries, come to PNG." He said as a nation of many cultures, the Government knows that it has to support business, thus they've pumped an estimated K200 million in the last four years into the sector. "I have also given assurance to our business community that we will refine the policies to ensure that there's best practice in place, low-cost lending and funding to enhance their products." He said the government is well aware that they also need to create an enabling environment for business to flourish in the country, including investment in infrastructure, in the financial space, along with law-and-order space as well. "We're doing our very best to remove impediments in commerce & trade and business to ensure local businesses prosper and grow." Marape added that PNG was geographically ideal to do business, as we have a direct access to the Asian Markets; a market location have large indigenous communities of their own. He further urged the visitors to enjoy all that PNG had to offer and to use the WIBF to find PNG partners

Fiji Bati debutant, Jason Qareqare has revealed that he is confident and ready for the challenge this weekend against the PNG LNG Kumuls. Jason further expressed his excitement to run against his Castleford Tigers teammates in the likes of Liam Horne, Nixon Putt and Sylvester Namo as Jason thinks would be a really good experience for him. “They’re such a physical team but in think I’m ready for the challenge and we’ll see what happens.” Recapping last weekend’s game against the Cook Island Aitu, Qareqare said that the atmosphere was great as he watched from the bench how two small island countries battled each other for the win and congratulated NRL for its efforts to grow rugby in Melanesian communities. “It was a really good stage for rugby league trying to grow rugby league in the Melanesian community.” Qareqare stated that being in PNG has been a surreal experience for him as he has never seen anything like this anywhere else in the world. He added that the peoples were so crazy for rugby and the rugby stars which they take it for granted. “We’ll be in the bus and they’ll be shouting for Sivo and Tui. It’s just a surreal experience. I love PNG.” “You don’t get that in the UK or anywhere else but here I’ve taken it for granted as well because you see a lot of people and they don’t have much but there’s always a smile on their faces.” The Bati debutant was born in Lautoka village in Fiji but moved to Germany at the age of four when his father got accepted into the British Army. The family moved to England two years after. Jason explained that he had started off his sporting career as a football player and at the time had really loved football [soccer] so he didn’t really play much rugby until I was about 11years old when he made the switch after the 2013 world cup went to England. “That was my first ever time to watch a rugby game in a stadium and I loved it. A lot of players here and past rugby players such as Kevin Naiqama were playing and I just got inspired to play and I never really looked back at football. I wanted to play rugby for the rest of my life.” He revealed that rubbing shoulders with Kevin Naiqama and Tui has been a surreal experience for him in his rugby career as he was just a little kid in the UK watching big NRL stars. “I have to pinch myself sometimes. I stayed in camp for about two to three weeks with them and it’s a humbled opportunity that I got to train with them.” Jason stated that he was inspired by the Fijian team that played Ireland at the Spotland Stadium in Rochdale, England. “Just hearing the Noqu Masu [the Fijian hymn], it gave me chills. Ever since then I really wanted to play rugby and dropped football.” He added that around that time, he was in the York City development soccer team as a winger and was making his way up in the sport that he did not really think about rugby until that the world cup game and he has not looked back ever since. The Fijian explained that it was only right to play for Fiji being his parents’ homeland despite being eligible to play for England says he would. “I asked my Granddad a year ago and he would have wanted me to play for Fiji. It’s too much of an honor for me to play for Fiji and I don’t think I could ever switch to play England rugby.” Being away from home, Qareqare stated that he missed his family a lot and had to wake up early in the mornings to ring and check up on his parents the past weeks he’s been in the country. “The time difference is bad so I have to wake up early in the morning to call my parents when they get home after work in the night.” Meanwhile looking towards joining NRL next year, Qareqare said he had a year left playing with the Castleford Tigers and wanted to focus on making next year a big year for him in the team. “I think right now I’m trying to focus on my rugby, I’ve got one more year left and I want to make it a big year after last season.” “I really couldn’t share my best then but I’m just taking every opportunity that comes and we’ll see what the future holds.”

Fiji Bati Halfback, Brandon Wakeham stated that the Bati team were looking forward to their game against the PNG LNG Kumuls this Sunday, the 29th of October, 2023. Wakeham said that they were well aware of what the Kumuls brought every year to the Pacific Champs and were planning to match their efforts for competitiveness with hopes to get the win. “We know what the Kumuls bring every year.” “They’re all strong and aggressive so I think we’re going to match that to be competitive and get the win.” Wakeham recalls the competitiveness of the Cook Island team last weekend and mentioned that he was in fact nervous when the Aitu’s were in the lead. “They [Cook Island Aitu] came out firing and I was a bit nervous there towards the end of the game when they got in front but kudos to our boys, we just stuck to what we knew and came out with the win.” He revealed that playing the Cooks had given everyone confidence, especially their debutants as most of them were pretty young and made their debut at the game on Sunday. “I thought they did really well, especially Caleb Navale. I thought he was pretty strong for the middle with his quick play the balls. We need that again from him and the rest of the boys as well to hopefully get the win.” He explained that he had two training sessions last week to work on his combination play with Kurt Donoghue and stated that today’s session felt much better than last week. “I think every day at training, we keep getting better and if we keep it that way, it’s going to go a long way for us.” On the topic of Captain Tui Kamikamica, Wakeham told PNG HAUSBUNG that Tui was a very good leader and a role model and guide to the younger boys. “Tui is a very good leader, all the boys when he talks, we listen.” “He doesn’t talk much but when he does, we all listen and follow his actions on the field.” “He’s been a huge bonus for the younger boys sort of guiding them through, they’re asking him questions at training and he’s helping them a lot.” Brandon also thought that his team mate and fullback, Jahream Bula although a quiet and humble kid, was a freak in the field and a force to be reckoned with as he does his job in the field. “Bula’s a freak as everyone realized. He’s still fresh in the game. I just feel like every game he gets better and if we can get him the ball a lot more this weekend, I think he’ll be dangerous.” “Every time he had the ball, it looked dangerous so the more we give him the ball, the more our opponents will be under pressure. “ Meanwhile Wakeham stated that all of their back five had played exceptionally well in las weekend’s game against the Cooks as they came up with good strong runs especially when coming out from their own try line under pressure in the Port Moresby heat as it was a tough spot to come out of. He also added that this was what they’ll need from the boys in the game this weekend against the PNG side. “It’s a tough spot to come out of your try line and these boys are making fare bit of metres and we’re going to need that this week especially against the Kumuls because they’re going to be aggressive, their line speed’s going to be fast and they’re quick play the balls as well.”

Devine Management Services Limited is a small medium enterprise that promotes sustainable livelihood and owner, Dorothy Luana has gone from being an informal market meri to a commercial business woman as her Roasted Galip business has moved from the East New Britain and Port Moresby into bigger markets over the past 9 years. Dorothy and her family are from the East New Britain Province and are operating their business from within the province. According to Mrs. Luana, the family had bought a block of land at Warongoi 18-years ago and at the time they had decided to be a part of the NARI Trial to plant Galip trees. They had then received and planted 400 seedlings, a program that was sponsored by the European Union. About 12 years later, the galip trees were ready to be harvested and sold. Mrs. Luana stated that the galip nut were popular in Rabaul and Kokopo Markets and she wanted to expose her product so she decided to find a market outside where the galip nut would be in more demand whilst experimenting on the nut and its flavor in cakes and cookies. “My daughter and I learnt to bake cakes and cookies with the galip nuts for sales as well as the packed roasted galip nuts.” Luana stated that she aimed to commercialize her product and came to Port Moresby to sell at the Pom City Markets for a wider market exposure. “We decided to ship a container full of galip nut to the city for sales at Pom City Markets and it was there that we worked out how to process the nuts and essentially after a few trials, started selling in small packets.” She told PNG HAUSBUNG that a buyer had approached her at her stall during the Pom City Markets and had offered to buy in bulk. According to Mrs. Luana, these people had loved the galip nuts and offered to meet with her to give their suggestions and feedback on the product. “We had to improve our product in certain areas so they we could sell it to these buyers and others and we also had to figuring out a way to bring the products across cause shipping it was costly.” She revealed that after that meeting, the buyer bought 1,500 Galip nut packets and it has been nine years since this happened. Now Mrs. Luana has buyers across the country that include the City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) group which sell products at the Roasted Galip Nuts at all the Stop N Shop Outlets in the city. The DMS business had gone from selling on the street to a commercialized business that had started off from the family just wanting to make an income and registered 500 resource owners to help grassroots. These are galip farmers also that they buy from. Her family had to figure out a way to keep up with orders. Luana said that they had saved a lot of money by using her daughter’s digital skills to come up with design graphics and a logo for the company. They had worked hard to find innovative ideas for packaging skills until they had come up with the recent packaging. “We are very grateful that we had invested time and effort into this business. We took it in a stride because we saw a vision and we put effort into it and we have come this far.” She had started her business with one oven that she used to bake cakes and cookies and now has three commercial ovens. With the power problems the country is facing, they decided to install solar power for lights and a gas oven for stand-by, all of which they had fundraised for. “I’m so grateful for Pom residents for buying and supporting our Galip Business. You can find roasted galips in Stop and Shop stores as well as at the CHM duty free shop in the international departure lounge.” Apart from her growing business, Mrs. Luana also went out to the communities and has held manual trainings and awareness not only on the galip nut and its market benefits. She is said to have built a good relationship with other galip suppliers as her objective was to create a platform for resource owners to appreciate their potential and work together to raise income for their families as well. “They have to know that business is a lot more than just buying and selling for successful development.” She has successfully registered the PMG Galip Club Association and has up to 500 resource owners registered under the association. Meanwhile Mrs. Luana’s Roasted Galip Business has seen local markets as well as international markets as she was showcasing the unique flavors of the Roasted Galip nuts to the world at Fine Food Australia, Australia's premier trade food event on the 11 - 14 September 2023 at the ICC in Sydney.

Prime Minister James Marape hosted a warm culturally-enriched dinner over the weekend as recognition and to express his overwhelming gratitude to the Pacific Rugby Team’s participation in the 2023 Pacific Championship Bowl Tournament. During that time, PM James Marape took the time to emphasize the significance of the “Pacific Family” and to appreciate and recognize the presence of the Cook Islands and full Fiji team and staff in PNG. In addition, the dinner was set out as a farewell event for the Cook Islands men and women’s team, who had spent two memorable weeks participating in the tournament in Port Moresby. Fiji however will remain and as they are set to play this upcoming weekend against PNG. James Marape also emphasized the potential opportunities between PNG and the pacific Islands when PNG succeeds in securing its bid for the 18th Australia National Rugby League team. Pacific players can be essential members of the PNG team who will be based in PNG. Furthermore, stressing the relationship forged before and during the tournament between the pacific regions through sports, expressing a promising future for future potential athletes across the pacific Region. “As Cook Islands leave, I want to say thank you very much for being with us over the last two weeks on behalf of the of the entire 800 plus tribes in PNG, including the Motu-Koita people on whose land we stay today.” “Most of you are young, in your 20’s, and have miles ahead of you to prosper.” PM’s words embraced pacific nations as family and established mutual trust and promoting purpose among the pacific nations, celebrating successfully the Pacific Championship Bowl and the promising future ahead for rugby league and sports in the regions.

Easy Yoke Fresh Juice Product, a PNG owned and registered SME, specializes in freshly squeezed fruit juice; a healthy and refreshing product that has become a hit, amongst weekend market goers in Port Moresby. The SME was created by and is headed by 24-year-old Mr. Pattison Brownie, who juggles his roles as a juicer, warehouse worker and student. He is assisted by his small sister and her husband, along with a couple of his church mates. PNGHAUSBUNG spoke to Easy Yoke Fresh Juice Product Owner and asked him first, how he came up with the name for his SME. “I was reading the Bible when I came across this name.” “So, when it came time to register the SME, I said, why not just use the name Easy Yoke.” Pattison explained that the idea for his SME, came about as he was reading a couple of interesting E-Books on the topic of making fruit juice. “We also have a blender at home, so I decided to use what I had read and try to make my own fruit juice.” He further added that he usually frequents the Waigani and Gordons Markets here in NCD, to source the best and juiciest fruits at an affordable price, to make the homemade fruity, colorful concoctions. And what is next on the agenda for Easy Yoke Juice Product, PNGHAUSBUNG asked Pattison. “We plan to improve our packing and supply to shops here in the city.” Easy Yoke Fresh Juice Product, recently won the 2023 PNG SME ‘Sumatin Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award; an event that Pattison describes as a golden moment in his life. “When I was going up to get my award, I was shy because I was walking in front of owners of other bigger and more established SMEs. But it was a joyful moment nonetheless.” You can find Easy Yoke Fresh Juice Product Official Facebook Page, to follow where they will be setting up booth next, so you can try out their freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Nawaeb District Students attending the University of Goroka, have been praised for presenting their acquittals, back to the Nawaeb District Administration. The students were given funding of K50 000 upon special circumstances affecting their accommodation status whilst attending the institution at Goroka. The acquittals were presented during their closing function recently and received by Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen’s representatives, Nawaeb DDA Members, Church & Youth Representative Mr Eric Mantaung and Mr Jimmy Amati. MP Pelgen said that this is true character of leadership shown by the students to show clearly how the funds were spent and distributed according to its purpose. “I praise the students for embarking on reporting on the support given to them.” The MP further appealed to the all others that have been allocated funds from the district this year, to properly acquit the funding clearly on which specific projects or programs they have undertaken. “This practice of acquitting will ensure all funds are utilized for its purposes and that will maintain transparency and accountability of funds received from the National Government to the district.” MP Pelgen was keen on allowing funds to be fully utilized for its intended purposes. Meanwhile, the MP said he is fully backing the UOG students endeavor to establish a Student Association that aims to carryout educational, social and economic awareness during the holiday period in all LLGs of Nawaeb.

After starring in his return to the Test arena last Saturday, Jamayne Isaako is relishing the prospect of facing off with his Dolphins teammate Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow this Saturday in Melbourne. A two-try showing in New Zealand's 50-0 drubbing of Toa Samoa in week two of the Pacific Championships headlined Isaako's first international match since 2019. Now the 27-year-old is set to clash directly with Tabuai-Fidow at AAMI Park when the Kangaroos take on the Kiwis, after 'Hammer' enjoyed a promising Australian debut earlier this month with a double of his own against Samoa. The pair have each carried their strong NRL form – which saw them score a combined 39 tries for the competition newcomers – into the Test arena with their nations of birth, after both representing Samoa in the past. "Definitely looking forward to it, there's been some banter between us leading up to this game," Isaako said when asked about facing Tabuai-Fidow. It's always special to see your teammates and how they are going, especially Hammer representing Australia. Jamayne Isaako "To see him and how he shone in the green and gold, I was pretty happy for him." Following the match at Eden Park Isaako paid tribute to the Dolphins' coaching staff for helping him rediscover the type of form which once had him considered among the NRL's top up-and-coming prospects. A tough 2022 campaign saw him switch clubs from the Broncos to the Titans mid-season and finish the year in reserve grade, before he linked with the Dolphins and enjoyed a huge season, which included topping the Telstra Premiership in try-scoring and point-scoring on his way to being named in the Dally M Team of the Year. "The confidence that Wayne and the coaching staff at the Dolphins have been able to instill in me and bring back, obviously I haven't really been playing with too much confidence over the last couple of years," Isaako said. "I've spent a lot of time trying to get that confidence back over the pre-season. "They've given me full confidence coming into this season and then obviously coming into camp with the Kiwis. "To be back in the black jersey and play on home soil was extra special." Source: NRL.Com

Papua New Guinea (PNG) attend the recent weeklong South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Meeting that concluded on the 20th of October with the South Pacific Tourism Minister’s Council Meeting in Tahiti’s Capital Papeete. PNG was represented at the SPTO Meeting by a delegation that was headed by and included the Minister for Tourism Arts & Culture, Mr. Henry Isi Leonard, and Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Kilanda. The meeting comprised of two panel discussions comprised of Tourism Minister’s from countries across the Pacific. As a panellist in the Council of Tourism Minister, MP Leonard emphasized the need for cultural tourism. “There is demand for authentic cultural products in the tourism market today. People want to see authentic tourism products.” “However, the challenge for us Pacific Islanders is how do we protect our authentic cultural heritage whilst participating in the economic benefits that tourism brings.” To conclude the 2nd SPTO Meeting, Minister Leonard placed a bid to host the 4th SPTO Meeting in PNG. “It is an ideal opportunity for other Pacific Leaders and delegation to meeting and celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary together in the true Pacific Way.” Meanwhile, SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Coker said as the regional body that focusses on promoting and supporting tourism in the Pacific, they were very impressed with the participants from across 21 Pacific Islands. The two major agendas discussed by the Council of Tourism Ministers were on Improving Regional Air Connectivity and on Future Focused Partnership in the region. The respective Tourism Ministers had an intensive dialogue around the critical links between tourism and aviation and as regional air, connectivity is recolonized as a key priority in the SPTOs regional plan to harness the huge untapped tourism potential in the Pacific. Recognizing tourism as a key economic driver in the region, it has the potential to generate wealth and improve the lives whilst ensuring the protection and management of the environment and eco-system through sustainable tourism in the region.

Karanas Comfort Tours (KCT), a PNG owned and operated SME based out of Kavieng in the New Ireland Province, was recently recognized, and awarded for their efforts in promoting tourism in the country. But it was not an easy road to get where they are today, as the owner and operator of Tour Operator, Ms. Alice Alu explained. Setting up business in the year the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the world, shutting down borders and the steady flow of international tourists into the country, KCT faced an uncertain future. Alice explained that it was through the Entrepreneurship & New Venture Program that she had undergone in 2020, through the Australia provided scholarship, that ensured KCT survived and became a success after the pandemic. KCT offers Adventure and Culture Tours among other packages. They also support local artisans, which KCT’s owner said is important, as it complements the services they offer, as well as ensures that the locals are active participants and benefit from tourism. “We like to involve the community in every aspect of our business. It is our way of giving back to the community as well.” KCT bagged four awards in this year’s PNG SME Awards Night that was held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby recently, including: 1. Start-up Entrepreneur of the year. 2. Best Tour Operator Award. 3. PNG Woman SME of the Year. 4. PNG People’s Choice Award SME of the Year. Alice told PNGHAUSBUNG that KCT set up in New Ireland Province (NIP), because despite being from the Southern Highlands and East New Britain, she now calls NIP home. “NIP is an ideal place for tourism because it is a beautiful location, and the people are resilient, resourceful and respectful and make good business partners in the tourism industry.” PNGHAUSBUNG also asked Alice for tips for anyone that maybe interested in setting up an SME Tour Operator, as she did. “When we started out, we had the aim to build a homegrown brand in our own capacity.” “Once you get that right, the brand sells itself.” She added that people need to use social media to their best advantage. “Invest in a good phone or camera, so you can take quality pictures and videos for your social media marketing campaign.” “Also, make sure you put eye-catching captions. These are the simple things you can do to market your business on social media and grow your SME.”