Captain Beverly Pakii, Air Niugini’s female pilot continues to make history, this time by becoming the first Papua New Guinean to be certified as an Airbus A220 Captain. She achieved this milestone after successfully completing her type rating with distinction in Montreal, Canada on Monday 18th November. Captain Pakii is among three Air Niugini pilots who started on the Initial A220 Pilot training in Canada as part of the aircraft’s Entry Into Service (EIS). Air Niugini will welcome its first brand new A220 aircraft in September next year, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. Captain Pakii is a trailblazer, whose continuous historical achievements are exciting news not only for Air Niugini but the country and the region. Air Niugini Board Chairman, Mr. Karl Yalo congratulated Captain Pakii for a stellar achievement. “The Board of Directors are very proud of Captain Pakii on this achievement.” One of the two female Board Directors, Lady Aivu Tauvasa in congratulating Captain Pakii said, “Captain Pakii brings pride to our women and Papua New Guinea.” Director, Dame Monica Salter, echoed with similar sentiments,” Congratulations Captain Pakii, you have made Air Niugini and the women of Papua New Guinea very proud.” Captain Pakii is also PNG’s first female jet captain and Dash 8 captain, progressing through Air Niugini’s pilot cadet program. She is also the first Air Niugini female captain to command an all-female crew on Dash 8 earlier on during her career. Captain Pakii is still in Canada with the other pilots, who are part of the Air Niugini project team for the A220 and will work closely with other departments within the organization for a smooth introduction for the A220. The team is led by Air Niugini’s Executive Manager, Flight Training and Standards, Captain Timothy (Tico) Narara whose is responsible for inducting Air Niugini pilots into the A220 flight team. A proud Captain Narara was the first to congratulate Captain Pakii after her check yesterday. He said, “The 4-week course in Montreal is an Airbus course and as such has strict prerequisites and conditions. It comprises of 5 days of ground school, 5 Fixed training device (FTD) sessions and 8 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) sessions, which includes the check ride. “Captain Pakii passed her check with distinction on Monday the 18th of November, making her the first Papua New Guinean to receive a type rating on the A220,” he said. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon, also congratulated Captain Pakii and the Air Niugini team in Canada. “This is a wonderful day for Air Niugini and for aviation in Papua New Guinea. This is testament to the work that is going on behind the scenes and around the clock, to bring these new aircraft to the people of PNG.” Under Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program, the airline is acquiring 11 brand new Airbus A220 regional jets. The A220s are recognised for their versatility, operating efficiency, and passenger comfort. The A220 is capable of operating across PNG and will replace all current Fokker operations as well as undertake several international sectors.

Kina Bank is urging its customers to fully utilize its Digital Hubs for convenience in banking after the bank launched a series of them in Port Moresby city just recently. Kina Bank Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roppe Uyassi, said they opened their third digital hub in Port Moresby at the Rangeview Plaza on Tuesday 12th November. “These hubs are an extension of our branches and although they are cashless, they provide our customers with a convenient means to access almost all the services you would expect from a branch and help our customers to transition into greater usage of digital banking services,” Mr. Uyassi said. The services these hubs provide include opening of Kina Bank accounts, issuing of Visa Debit cards, attending to customer enquiries, registration on internet and WhatsApp banking, conducting education and awareness of Kina Bank products & services. "Our customers will also be able to apply for personal loans directly from the Hubs," he further said. "The Digital Hubs are making banking accessible and bringing it closer to where our communities live, work and shop, we are paving the way for a more inclusive banking experience.” Kina Bank currently has two existing digital hubs located at the Eliseo Rainbow Shopping Mall and the Boroko Post PNG which have been operating since October last year. The bank also officially opened its fourth digital hub at the Eliseo Waigani Supermarket on Thursday, 14th November, bringing the total number of hubs in Port Moresby to four. There are also plans to open a Digital Hub in Lae city before the end of this year and further expand into more locations nationwide.

The PNG Mosquitoes (Mozzies) kicked off their campaign in the inaugural 2024 AFL Pacific Cup on a high note after an excellent performance against Fiji Tribe at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. The PNG boys played extremely well, defeating the Fiji boys with a massive 91- 10 victory in the Open division of the competition yesterday, Monday 18th November. The next match for the Mozzies is expected to take place on Thursday November 21st where they will play against the Nauru Chiefs at 4:30pm in the afternoon. Meantime, the PNG Under- 17 (U17) Binatang boys finished a very close runner up in the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup in the U17 division of the competition. It was indeed a successful week for the AFL PNG Talent Academy teams, topping off with the PNG Kurakums crowned 2024 AFL Pacific Cup Champions, taking home the Cup where they were given a hero’s welcome by their families at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby city yesterday. Meanwhile, looking the PNG Flames campaign in the Pacific Cup, the girls have about three matches lined up for them. The PNG women’s national team will take on Tonga Storm this afternoon at 2pm. They will then meet New Zealand Kahu tomorrow and then take on Nauru Aroeni on Thursday 21st November.

Kina Bank customers can soon expect better services with the bank set to open more of its state-of-the-art Digital Hubs in 2025. Kina Bank Head of Banking Distribution Hylton Levi said this following the recent opening the bank’s fourth Digital Hub in Port Moresby city at the Eliseo Waigani Supermarket on Thursday 14th November 2024. Kina Bank aims to provide convenient banking options to customers through this initiative and more. “These hubs are an extension of our branches and although they are cashless, they provide our customers with a convenient way to access almost all the services you would expect from a branch and help our customers to transition into greater usage of digital banking services,” Mr. Levi said. The services these hubs provide include opening of Kina Bank accounts, issuing of Visa Debit cards, attending to customer enquiries, registration on internet and WhatsApp banking, conducting education and awareness of Kina Bank products and services. “Our customers will also be able to apply for personal loans directly from the Hubs. The Digital Hubs are making banking accessible and bringing it closer to where our communities live, work and shop, we are paving the way for a more inclusive banking experience.” Director of Eliseo Group Jacky Chow expressed gratitude towards Kina Bank for partnering with Eliseo to provide customers a convenient way to access banking services easily. “We appreciate Kina Bank’s commitment to customer needs by partnering with us to establish this Digital Hub here, which is the second one for Eliseo after the one at our Rainbow supermarket. It’s great to see that customers can handle their banking and shopping needs in one convenient location,” he stated. Kina Bank currently has three existing Digital Hubs located at the Eliseo Rainbow Shopping Mall, Boroko Post Office and Rangeview Plaza, and plans are underway to open one in Lae before the end of this year and more to be opened, nationwide, in 2025.

The PNG Kurakums have been crowned champions in the inaugural 2024 AFL Pacific Cup after performing extremely well in the Under 17 division. It was a memorable moment and a wonderful achievement for the PNG girls, having won all their matches in the females’ competition and defeating Fiji Junior Vonu in the final match on Sunday with a massive 68 to 9. PNG Kurakums Coach, Dominic Worio said they are bringing home the Pacific Cup. Also, a huge congratulation to Mackelyn Hendingao who was voted the Best & Fairest player in the U17 Youth Female division. The PNG girls’ performance in the Pacific Cup was just excellent with a victory over Tonga Storm 39- 15 on Thursday 14th November, followed by another victory over the Nauru Angels 47- 13, on Friday 15th November. Following their victory, the PNG girls expressed their gratitude for the support they received from their friends, families and partners who supported the AFL PNG Talent Academy to ensure they participated in the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup. Meanwhile, the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup Open Men’s and Women’s division competitions start today, Monday 18th November. The senior PNG National Teams, the Mozzies and the Flames have games this afternoon. The Flames will meet Tonga Storm in the female’s competition at 2pm, while the Mozzies will take on Tonga Thunder in the men’s competition at 4:15pm. All matches will be played at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) has highlighted that the majority of public bodies have failed to submit annual financial statements, as required under the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995 (as amended). Many have failed to provide reports for multiple years. As the nation of Papua New Guinea is almost halfway to the next National General Election, TIPNG is calling on the Members of Parliament and the Department of Finance to support the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) in making a commitment to ensuring public audit reports are submitted and tabled in Parliament, as a measure to improve the accountability of these entities in spending public money. TIPNG’s “ACCOUNTABILITY SCORECARD” uses publicly available information from the Report of the Auditor General Part IV*, of which 132 public bodies are recorded. Shockingly, from the list, eighty (80) public bodies had not submitted their 2022 financial statements to be audited, in addition to 183 financial statements for 2021 and prior years have not been submitted to the AGO for audit. This trend reflects a serious lack of financial management of public funds and represents a direct violation of the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995 (as amended), Section 47L provision on Reports and Financial Statements. Chairman of TIPNG, Mr Peter Aitsi, “TIPNG calls on public bodies and statutory authorities to check their score on the Scorecard and work with the Department of Finance and the Auditor General’s Office to ensure the provision of timely, accessible, and accurate public audit reports.” “The Government must ensure that our public accounts are in order and made available to the public.” “This is critical if we are serious about keeping our officials accountable in their performance and responsibilities.” To further ensure accountability in the public sector, TIPNG calls for: • The Department of Personnel Management, Public Accounts Committee and other responsible ac tors must take swift and decisive action to hold government entities accountable for breaches of law. • Parliament must consider the Auditor General’s recommendation for the establishment of legislative requirements to make renewal of contracts of Chief Executive Officers subject to the timely submission of financial statements and prudent financial management. • All Papua New Guineans must demand greater accountability from our government and report any corrupt acts that they encounter. • The Finance Secretary to establish and oversee internal audit committees in public bodies and entities that fail to meet their reporting obligations. As is the Secretary’s authority under Section 4(6) of the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995 (as amended). TIPNG urges the Government of Papua New Guinea and all public bodies to foster a culture of integrity and accountability by prioritizing transparency, ensuring timely financial reporting, and upholding the law to safeguard public trust and the responsible use of public funds.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has officially welcomed the return of the 14 members of the Opposition to his government led by the Member (MP) for Finschhafen, stating that their return shows that these leaders want to work together to address the problems faced by the people in this country. PM Marape commended MP for Finschhafen Rainbo Paita, and the members of ‘Our Pati’ for forming their own party and highlighted their Constitutional rights in making the decision to rejoin Government, as well as his government’s openness to diversity of opinion. MP Paita had been the Opposition's nominee for prime minister a few months back when they lodged an unsuccessful Vote of No Confidence (VONC) against PM Marape. “Firstly, I commend them for making a choice that is based on their Constitutional freedom under Section 45 (Freedom of Conscience and Thought) and Section 47 (Freedom of Assembly and Association) which they further exercised in organizing themselves into a political party," PM Marape said. “Often in politics, we choose to stay with polarized views and fight but what has transpired in the last year has caused instability that has permeated into our political system and has greatly affected the Public Service." Marape said despite what had happened, his government remains a government for all. “Pangu Pati is the party that formed this country, and we are tolerant of the diversity of opinions; we are tolerant toward leaders from all parts of our country; and of our expectations to ensure that we embrace divergence of opinion and views,” said the Prime Minister. He said with the looming 50th Independence anniversary in less than 12 months approaching, the pressure to see through reforms in the political and public service structures, in the provincial government systems, the judiciary, and in resources laws is mounting as the country prepares to begin on the next 50- year chapter. “These are the work we have started since 2019, and Honorable Paita has been part of this work. I am humbled by his gesture in laying aside personal interest and ambitions and seeing that the common good of the country prevails." Marape, when appreciating Paita's choice to return, stated that instead of fighting from the outside, Paita had decided to bring his party to associate with the Pangu Pati-led coalition in the government benches, a very wise decision that would benefit the country immensely. “Most of these Members of Parliament are first-term or second-term MPs who want to get things done for their constituents. In their heart of hearts, they mean well," the PM added. “All of them are not new to us. They have been part of our government since 2019, and since 2022 but due to policy differences, have made their move. However, considering the need to consolidate to provide stability in light of our 50th anniversary next year 2025, they have returned. “On behalf of Pangu Pati, as the leading coalition party, I welcome him and his party members back to Government,” he said. The Prime Minister said he would be meeting his Pangu Pati leaders and officials, and coalition party leaders to process this announcement at the earliest after Sabbath this weekend.

Papua New Guineas (PNG) got off to a great start in the 2024 ALF Pacific Cup with a victory over Fiji in the Male Under 17 (U17) division match played out at the Sunshine Coast, Australia. The match played yesterday was the opener of the prestigious AFL competition where the PNG Binatangs (junior national team) thrashed the Fiji boys with 5 goals and 5 behinds to reach 35, to nil. AFL PNG Senior Football Operations Manager, Mr. Rex Leka, earlier this week confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the junior’s (under 17s); the Binatangs (boys) and Kurakums (girls) teams, are now in Australia participating in the Pacific Cup. The 2024 Pacific Cup on the Sunshine Coast is one of the three regional championships to be played this year – along with the Transatlantic Cup (Canada, August) and the Asia Cup (location TBC, November) – as part of a refreshed AFL-sanctioned international program. The Pacific Cup is both for the Open (seniors) division and the under 17s (juniors), and as for the senior PNG national teams, they are all set to head over to Australia to participate in the senior leg of the competition right after the under 17 matches wrap up. Mr. Leka said the senior national teams: the PNG Mozzies (men’s) and PNG Flames (women’s) teams, will travel out this weekend ahead of the Open division matches next week. “The Mozzies will fly out of PNG on Saturday 16th November and the Flames on Sunday 17th, with the first game on Monday 18th November,” said Mr. Leka. The 2024 Pacific Cup will eventually see over 500 athletes from Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and South Africa competing across Open and U17 divisions at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex over the 10-day event.

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea now has an updated Code of Ethics and Professional Practice against which the performance of its media members’ can be measured. In its 2024 Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 2nd, the Management Council of the MCPNG endorsed the Code, which will now be socialized throughout the country’s mainstream media newsrooms. Media Council President, Neville Choi, said for too long, there have been very public conversations referring to what many perceive to be a drop in the standard of journalism, without actually defining what their arguments are based on. He said this Code now provides a standard to which all practitioners of media should be performing. It is a guide which also arms Editors and News managements with a performance standard to expect of all media workers in the business of producing and disseminating news and information. “This updated Code clearly defines the role of journalists and all media workers, how they should carry themselves in the course of their duties, and the values they should be subscribing to as the guardians of important news and information for our people.” “It clearly defines the obligations of media owners and managements to the safety and well-being of their workers, their working environment, and professional growth and development.” “Most importantly, the Code can be used and referred to by the public to judge and appreciate the way media workers represent the organizations they work for, and the integrity and foundations of the profession of journalism.” Mr. Choi said the Code, which has been updated to be fit-for-purpose in today’s media landscape, also covers how the media deals with issues around the use of Artificial Intelligence and AI generated content. He said now that the Code has been endorsed, it provides the foundation for the setting up of the Media Council of PNG’s Independent Complaints Tribunal which is the Council and industry’s complaints management mechanism. The Code and the Tribunal, form two of the PNG media industry’s strongest arguments for media self-regulation. Mr. Choi said the Code also features in the National Media Development Policy as part of Industry’s standard and guidelines for its performance and addresses the media policy’s emphasis on industry self-regulation. He said the Media Council will continue its rebuilding program which began in 2022 with the review and updating of its Constitution. The review and updating of the Council’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice will now be followed by the formal establishment of the Council’s Independent Complaints Tribunal. “If the media is serious about developing for the better, it needs a set of standards to operate by.” “We now have a standard for media industry, media education, and for all who practice in the media space, regardless of whether they are members of the Media Council of PNG or not.” “If you provide information and news for public consumption, do it correctly. Be guided by the MCPNG Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.” The updated Code can be accessed via the Media Council of PNG website https://www.mcpng.net/code/

Fuel consumers through out the country will have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets this month because the price of fuel will increase starting tomorrow, Friday November 8th. The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) announced that the price for all three petroleum products, which are petrol, diesel and kerosene, will increase on average right across Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the month of November. The domestic increase in the fuel price is affected by international supply restrictions due to the ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The changes will commence tomorrow with their Indicative Retail Prices (IRPs) increase on average nationwide. After adding all the various cost components, including the imported costs for each petroleum product, the domestic sea and road freight rates for the 2024 third quarter, the annual wholesale and retail margins for 2024 and Goods and Services Tax among other parameters, the maximum retail price movements for fuel in Port Moresby city will increase as follows: - Petrol increase from K4.18 per liter in October to K4.24 per liter in November; a 6 toea increase. - Diesel increase from K3.88 per liter in October to K4.01 per liter in November; a 13 toea increase. - Kerosene increase from K3.62 per liter in October to K3.74 per liter in November; a 12 toea increase. Meanwhile, the fuel retail prices in all other designated centers will change according to their quarterly approved domestic freight rates for the fourth quarter of 2024, and their respective annual retail margins for this year. For all other centers, the maximum retail prices for each regulated petroleum product will all increase on average consistent with the increases observed in Port Moresby city. The ICCC also states that as part of its enforcement and compliance of fuel prices, its Investigative Officers will conduct inspections to all service stations to ensure prices of declared petroleum products comply with the allowable maximum prices in the country. The ICCC officers will also conduct compliance inspections in Lae, Mt. Hagen, Kokopo and Port Moresby cities. Inspection Administrators in other provinces will be supported by ICCC Agents and respective Provincial Administration in those provinces.

American energy company Chevron USA Inc will make an advance payment to Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), in exchange for LNG and condensate cargoes over the next two years. This was achieved when Chevron (Singapore Branch) and KPHL closed an agreement just recently. Since the introduction of equity marketing at the start of 2024, KPHL has sold 4 LNG cargoes on the spot market and this term- sale will provide more security for KPHL. KPHL Managing Director, Mr. Wapu Sonk said KPHL selected Chevron’s forward sales agreement, following an extensive bid process with major trading, utility and other entities to source funding. “We appreciate Chevron being able to finalise this deal,” said Mr. Sonk. “This agreement advances PNG’s hydrocarbon business, where we believe there is significant potential in LNG and related energy businesses, including carbon offset possibilities. We look forward to working with Chevron in the future.” Meantime, Mr. Sonk said this agreement will further as well Kumul Petroleum’s goal of acquiring additional equity in the PNG LNG Project, which he said KPHL made a partial payment to Santos earlier this year in relation to acquisition of an additional 2.6% in the PNG LNG project, with the balance to be paid by December 2024.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) reports an uptake of registrations from delegates, exhibitors and sponsors with just a month to go before the hosting of the 2024 PNG Investment Week in Australia. Chief Operating Officer for PNG CORE, Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis, says preparations are underway for the 2024 PNG Investment Week hosted by the PNG CORE from the 6th – 11th December at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. “Whilst we still have a number of delegate seats left, they are selling out fast alongside our exhibition booths and sponsorship packages and we encourage those intending to participate at this event as a delegate, exhibitor or sponsor to register now while we still have spaces available,” she said. Mrs. Taueni-Sialis also mentioned that part of the uptake in numbers was through the ‘BOMO’ (Booth and Membership Offer) special offer for non-members of PNG CORE who have taken advantage of this special by signing up as exhibitors and new members of PNG CORE. “We welcome these new members to the Chamber and look forward to their exhibition at the 2024 Investment Week.” The 2024 PNG Investment Week will open with the ‘PNG Investment Week Charity Golf Challenge’ on Friday 6th December, followed by the pre-conference sessions on Sunday 8th December which will have key regulators speaking on PNG Ready for Investment, and will run in parallel with the International PNG Suppliers Forum. The opening plenary will commence on Monday 9th December with key government officials from both Papua New Guinea and Australia speaking under the conference theme ‘Creating Opportunities and Reinvesting Equity’, Investment and Trade, Banking and Security with more interesting themes on Tuesday 10th December and the final day on Wednesday 11th December. PNG CORE will make available a full program on the conference in the coming days.