The Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in its effort to implement National Government policies on achieving financial inclusion, has partnered with the Department of Education (DOE) to start rolling out financial literacy curriculum in schools in the country. This was achieved when 21 books, comprising of seven Teacher Resource Books, Student Activity Books and Syllabuses each, were launched on Friday 1st November. These books were developed following an intensive two weeks of workshop involving teachers, textbook content writers from the DOE and a team from CEFI who put their heads together to develop the financial literacy curriculum. These books were launched at the Tuhava Resort in Central province just an hour's drive outside the city of Port Moresby where the two- week workshop was held. The Deputy Director for CEFI Mr. Peter Samuel in his opening address said the launching marked a significant event in the history of Papua New Guinea (PNG). It's about teaching the young generation about good financing in the future, he said. This is the first of its kind for PNG to have financial literacy taught in schools to the next generation of Papua New Guineans, to better help them to make wise financial decisions in the later part of their lives, when they become adults. Although other subjects like economics, business studies or accounting are taught in secondary schools, financial literacy, which is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills like personal financial management, budgeting and investing, are not taught from the primary level of education up. Mr. Samuel added that teaching one to be financially literate not only helps one to make better financial choices, but it will also contribute to the whole economic growth of the country going forward. The DOEs first Assistant Secretary for the Curriculum Development Division, Mr. Alex Magun, said the next step now is to train teachers to teach the subject to the students in schools, further stating that it is the perfect time to inject the subject into educating the young generation to be financially literate. Meantime, CEFIs Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe said the outcome of the development of the financial literacy curriculum also shows the hard work put in by both organisations over the years, collaborating to finally have the subject finalized, approved and then progress into classrooms. He added that financial literacy is the main focus to drive financial inclusion in the country, which comes under the focus of the government captured in its development plans like Vision 2050 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MDTP) 4. And achieving this outcome of having the financial literacy subject taught in schools is a tick in the government's plan. This curriculum is expected to be taught in schools initially for Prep to grade 6 only, from next year and beyond. Meantime, the development of syllabuses for the secondary level of education is in progress and should be launched as well in the near future. A syllabus is a legal document, a policy paper document for the DOE that actively tells what kind of curriculum should go into the classroom.

Kina Bank customers have only today to hand in their Kina Local Cards to be replaced with a Kina Visa Debit Card as the bank makes changes to its banking cards to safeguard customers from theft and ensure ease of customer usage of Kina Bank cards. Customers can visit a Kina Branch nearest to them or for those in Port Moresby, they can also visit the two Kina Digital Hubs located at the Boroko Post Office or the Eliseo Rainbow Shopping Mall, to have their cards replaced free of charge. Kina Bank Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roppe Uyassi said the bank has seen a significant number of customers swapping their Local Cards for a Visa Debit Card since the bank commenced the replacement exercise on September 30th. “We advise customers who are still using their Local Cards to have them replaced for the Visa Debit Card immediately by the 31st of October,” Mr. Uyassi said. “After this deadline, the cards will be terminated. The bank is taking this proactive step to protect its customers from losing their money through instances of card cloning or skimming.” “We encourage our customers to visit our branches and digital hubs to swap cards and receive their new cards instantly, with no setup fee, no monthly fees, no EFTPOS fees, and no monthly account fees,” he added. The Kina Visa Debit Cards are equipped with advanced security features, including 3-D secure service, real-time transaction alerts, and micro-chip protection against card skimming and cloning. They also provide customers with greater control over their purchases and access to the global Visa network. The Kina Visa Debit Card also allows customers to: · Shop anytime, anywhere including online and overseas · Tap to pay on EPTPOS machines in PNG and overseas · Make online purchases with Visa fraud protection · Withdraw money from any ATM in PNG and globally that accepts Visa Cards.

A recent drug bust in the Western province saw police nab a suspect with over 4kilograms of marijuana with a street value of over K20, 000. Police personnel in the North Fly Command arrested and charged a male suspect for being in possession of marijuana weighing 4.5kilograms with street value of K20, 000 to K30, 000. The acting Police Provincial Commander (PPC), Inspector Anjap Minata said the suspect was arrested and charged under the amended Dangerous Drug Act under Section 3 (1) (d) and locked up at the Tabubil Police Station. The court file for the suspect is in progress and he would appear in the Tabubil District Court soon. He said the 32-year-old suspect (name withheld) is believed to be from Sanapte village, Oksapmin Local Level Government (LLG), Teleformin district in the West Sepik Province. Police alleged that on Saturday October 12, 2024, between 1pm-2pm, the suspect was traveling on a Toyota Land Cruiser open back vehicle from Teleformin to Tabubil. The suspect upon seeing the police vehicle at Megalsim Hydro started acting suspiciously, prompting police officers to check his carrying bag and confiscated rolls of aluminum foils containing marijuana. The police officers who arrested the suspect were providing escort for a National Court Judge who wanted to visit the Megalsim Hydro site along the Kiunga- Telefomin Highway. Acting PPC Minata said the suspect was brought to the police station where he was formally charged. “I warn the people of Oksapmin and Teleformin who are engaged in drugs trading business to quit it,” said the acting PPC. “It is a fast-money-making business and is on demand on the street but by doing this illegal business you are only destroying the lives of younger generation of this nation.” “If you have a son or daughter and doing this illegal business, your children will pay the price of your illegal practices,” PPC Minata said. Minata encouraged people not to engage in this illegal drug smuggling and trade business. He said there are many ways they can make money for their survival, and selling illicit drugs is certainly not the way.

As part of building the capacity of its workforce, NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) is looking at introducing in the very near future a school to train the next generation of air traffic controllers for Papua New Guinea (PNG). NiuSky Pacific Acting Managing Director, Mr. Graham Blythe said this plan is captured in the recently launched 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan for the state-owned entity. Released along with NiuSky Pacific Strategic Direction 2025- 2030, the Corporate Plan outlines the focus for the next three years and the building of the new school is captured under its Strategic Portfolio Plan to enhance workforce. “This is a training school in recognition of air traffic services, but over time, we want to expand that to include more of the engineering side and also bring in some aerospace training,” Mr. Blythe said when revealing further plans to expand the school. According to the Corporate Plan, a growing concern faced by the aviation industry globally is the production and sustainability of the next generation of aviation professionals. This applies locally where NSPL faces staffing challenges. Therefore, recruiting and retaining qualified air traffic controllers and other highly skilled industry professionals is an ongoing challenge for PNG, particularly in PNG’s remote towns, due to factors like limited training facilities and the high cost of living in urban centers. The Acting Managing Directed emphasized that the establishment of a new air traffic controller school is important because there is a need for capacity building within PNG’s aviation sector to reduce dependency on foreign expertise and develop local talent and capacity.

NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) is in the process of reviewing the salary structure for its employees to improve the wages of its hardworking workforce nationwide. This was revealed by the NiuSky Acting Managing Director (MD), Mr. Graham Blythe when stating that this has been catered for under the newly launched 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan, which was launched along with the Strategic Direction 2025- 2030 on Tuesday 22nd October in Port Moresby city. “So, we’ve had a thorough review of salary structure, the staff have not had a pay increase since 2019. So, looking at the state of the economy and the world in terms of inflation and the cost of living, we’re now in a process of putting in a salary increase,” the Acting MD said. Captured under the Workforce Enhancement under the Strategic Portfolio Plan, it states that the current salary structure that is used to renumerate staff is the Hay Salary Scale, and a comprehensive Job Analysis and Evaluation will enable NSPL to provide an updated, more aligned Salary Scale for NSPL based on market analysis in PNG and Australia. The implementation is planned for the fourth- quarter of 2024. It is not only the Salary structure of NSPL staff that is being looked at; housing and vehicle schemes are also covered for in this Corporate Plan. “We’re also looking at vehicle ownership and home ownership in the NSPL plan,” Mr. Blythe said. The Company Assisted Housing Schemes aim to support employees achieve their homeownership aspirations by NSPL providing interest- free loans to cover the equity required for obtaining home loans from banks, whilst employed with the company. They are: · Home Equity Loan Assistance Scheme (HELAS) · NiuSky Housing Development Scheme In terms of vehicle ownership, the purpose of the Vehicle Ownership Scheme is to ensure the provision of reliable transformation solutions for NSPL management and staff. Recognizing the importance of accessible transportation for employees, this scheme establishes a framework for facilitating access to motor vehicles. By implementing this scheme, the NSPL aims to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and mobility, ultimately contributing to a positive work environment and organisational success.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has further strengthened its relationship with fellow Melanesian country Vanuatu in terms of economic and technical relations, through the signing of a significant framework agreement in Samoa. Prime Minister, James Marape, signed a framework agreement with the Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, committing the two countries to pursue, develop, and implement economic and technical cooperation activities within the two countries for the benefit of their people. The signing took place today at Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia, Samoa, and on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). While thanking Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Tabimasmas for taking time to attend and sign this agreement, Prime Minister Marape highlighted that the agreement is a milestone achievement for the two countries, which will foster and deepen a long relationship the two countries have as members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and with PNG playing a small role in the birth of Vanuatu as a country. In response, Prime Minister Tabimasmas expressed appreciation to PNG for its assistance in the past, including sending relief aid to Vanuatu after it was hit by a cyclone. He highlighted that this is a result of few discussions he held with leaders from PNG and thanked the Government officers from both countries for working hard and ensuring that those discussion resulted in the development of this framework agreement. The agreement provides an overarching framework under which the two parties can initiate, develop, and implement subsidiary cooperation understanding and agreements between various sectors and areas of development. The scope of cooperation in the agreement includes, but is not limited to: • Agriculture • Air Services • Bilateral Trade and Investment • Climate Change and Environment • Defense and Security Cooperation • Double Taxation • Education and Human Resource Development • Disaster • Health and Medical Services • infrastructure • Investment Promotion and Protection • Marine and Fisheries Cooperation • Policing • Mining and Energy • Tourism and Culture The event was witnessed by PNG’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong and Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth Jason Peter.

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has extended the deadline for the grace period for taxpayers, especially business owners who have yet to make their tax returns, to do so quickly or face consequences. This week, the IRC sent out word to those business owners who have yet to lodge in their tax returns to the State, that they have until November 29th to do so or face deregistration. A tax return is a form filed with a tax authority (in this case the IRC) on which a taxpayer states their income, expenses, and other tax information including how much they have earned in a year. This so to inform the tax authority on the status of taxes being submitted by taxpayers in a financial year. Following that grace period public notice, the IRC on Friday 25th October stated that about 388 taxpayers responded to it, and that number is expected to grow as the IRC continues to do more awareness both on traditional and digital media channels and in person. So far, 16 provinces have seen business houses lodged in their tax returns. They include: · Jiwaka leading with 117, · West New Britian with 58, · Western with 52, · Morobe with 50, · National Capital District with 40, · East New Britain with 35, · Autonomous Region of Bougainville with 9, · New Ireland with 8, · Enga with 8, · East Sepik with 7, · Eastern Highlands with 6, · Western Highlands with 6, · Madang with 3, · Southern Highlands with 3, · West Sepik with 2, and · Simbu with 1. Provinces not listed currently have zero responses. The IRC also advised that taxpayers lodging returns are not required to submit Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) documents, and provinces without processing powers should complete the survey form, assist taxpayers as usual, and send the necessary documents to their designated processing centers. Also, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) holders who regularly file returns will not be affected and TIN registered from 2022 onwards are exempted.

NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) recently launched two significant documents aligned with the government's strategic plans on transportation, by focusing on further enhancing its services in air navigation in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and improving its current workforce capacity. The Minister for Aviation and Transportation, Walter Schnaubelt, who launched the plan on Tuesday 22nd October, said the Strategic Direction 2025- 2030 and the 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan, marks a significant milestone achievement for NSPL. Speaking further on the two documents at a press conference just after the official launching, the minister began with the Strategic Direction 2025- 2030, stating that it sets NiuSky Pacific Limited on a clear path on maintaining its current position as a leading air navigation service provider in the Asia Pacific region. It aligns NiuSky Pacific’s goals with national priorities including the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 4 and Connect PNG Program and the anticipated Transport Sector Medium Term Transport Plan 3. “The long-term strategy outlines where NiuSky Pacific will focus its efforts in advancing the provision of air navigational services, the business, the workforce and operations over the next five years,” said the minister. On the Corporate Plan, the minister described it as a medium-term plan focus for NSPL which provides a practical road map to implement the strategic vision outlined in the longer-term plan. “This period will focus on improving key infrastructures, adaptation and introduction of advanced technology and workforce development,” Minister Schnaubelt said. “The key milestone of the plan reflects NiuSky Pacific's commitment to innovation and service excellence by preparing the organization to adapt to evolving industry demands.” In its commitment to national development, the NSPL strategy aligns with the government’s strategic plans and priorities. NSPL strategy aims to contribute to the successful delivery of Connect PNG Program by improving air and transport connectivity across PNG. It also supports social economic growth through the provision of world class aviation services. The minister added that some key areas the Corporate Plan focuses on are enhanced aviation services, improved air navigation services, environmental sustainability, workforce enhancement, and community development. Minister Schnaubelt then encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate and support the implementation of Strategic Direction and Corporate Plan that NiuSky Pacific Limited launched.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Australian Football League (AFL) Commission has confirmed the final lists for both the senior men’s and women’s national teams for the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup coming up next month in Australia. AFL PNG Senior Football Operations Manager, Mr. Rex Leka said the two teams are now going through the training program, preparing for the Pacific Cup from the 18th to the 24th of November at the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane. “The two teams are ready with 28 players each, which will including two boys and two girls based in Australia to join the team when they reach Australia,” Mr. Leka said. Five countries will be participating in the Pacific Cup; PNG, Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, and Tonga. Australia will not be participating in the competition. Mr. Leka further explained that in the men’s competition, all five countries will be participating. While in the women’s competition, only four countries will participate; PNG, New Zealand, Nauru and Tonga. The senior national teams, the Flames and Mozzies, will leave PNG on the 16th of November for Australia. Meantime, the AFL PNG junior national teams, the girls Kurakums and the boys Binatangs teams, will also participate in the Pacific Cup in the under- 17 competition. AFL PNG Talent Academy already announced the under- 17 final team list. Mr. Leka also mentioned that there won’t be any friendly matches played by the senior national teams, as the teams will just head straight into the games right after the under- 17 competition.

It has been confirmed that the inaugural Highlands Regional Youth (RYG) Games will take place in November at the capital of Eastern Highlands province, Goroka. This confirmation was made following a recent meeting between the RYG Secretariat team and the Highlands Regional Coordinators, held on October 18th at the National Sports Institute (NSO) in Goroka. According to the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), it was agreed upon in that meeting that the games will be held from the 18th to the 22nd of November 2024. The RYG Council Chairman then endorsed the decision. The Goroka District is set to host the games as confirmed by the District Administrator, Mr. Benson Imara. Also, the Eastern Highlands Governor, Simon Sia, is looking forward to seeing the games unfold. Meantime, of the 36 districts in the Highlands region, so far 17 districts are ready and looking forward to participating in the games. The number is bound to increase over the coming weeks. Preparations are underway beginning with accreditation to be held soon and all other related trainings for the games will be conducted by the team at NSI. The staging the Highlands Regional Youth Games follows the successful hosting of the New Guinea Islands (NGI) Regional Youth Games, which was held in Kavieng district of New Ireland province at the start of the month. According to the Director General of the NYDA Mr. Joe Itaki, the RYGs is an avenue to which the next up and coming sporting talents from the districts and regions of Papua New Guinea can be identified and later selected go through further training programs to become the next best athletes who will in the future represent the country in sports.

Papua New Guinea stands to benefit from stronger gold prices for the reminder of this year and going into 2025. That is the announcement from Kina Bank when stating in its latest economic report that the continued record gold prices will have positive implications for PNG’s gold export proceeds. When releasing its September 2024 Economic Update, Kina Bank Managing Director and CEO Greg Pawson said that gold prices reached record historical highs of US$2, 600 per ounce in September, and that trend is likely to continue given the uncertainties around the global economic outlook, in particular with the looming U.S elections and on-going middle east conflicts. “During these periods, gold is often seen as a safe-haven asset for investors,” Mr. Pawson said. “In addition, the anticipated rate cuts by the U.S Fed is poised to weaken the U.S dollar. There is a historical inverse relationship between gold and the dollar, so further rate cuts in the next quarter could see gold prices continue to spike. This could have positive implications for PNG’s gold export proceeds.” The bank also noted that there have been significant improvements in PNG’s foreign exchange (FX) market. The PGK/USD interbank rate continues its downward trend, with the import order book for essential items decreasing by 25% over the past year for Kina Bank. This improvement is attributed to the Bank of PNG’s consistent intervention levels, with the order book now also including non-essential goods in the import order book. Despite the inclusion of these new orders, waiting times for currency have reduced from months to around 4-6 weeks. Meanwhile, PNG Stock Exchange-listed companies involved in the export of key commodities reported very strong half-year profits, driven by high cocoa prices and resilient global equity markets. “Elevated international cocoa prices and resilient global equity market conditions were some of the key drivers that supported the performance of the local companies. Looking into the second half, we are expecting another strong performance from these companies.”

The law-and-order situation in the Porgera Valley and issues along the road at the landslip areas of Mulitaka in Enga province continues to affect the mining operations at New Porgera Limited (NPL). Just last week on Thursday 17th October, NPL issued a notice announcing that the Porgera mine has stood down operations due to recent violence in the Mulitaka area and illegal roadblocks along the Highlands Highway. Since the announcement, there has been nothing further from NPL on the status of the Porgera mine for almost a week now, meaning that the mine operations have stopped for this long. This is the second time now that the NPL has had to stood down operations, the first time was in September when NPL announced in a statement on Tuesday 17th September that it had to suspend most of its operations until the 19th of September for the protection of its employees due to law-and-order issues in Porgera, as most of the mine’s workforce is from the local community. The mine itself employs over 3, 000 workforce and the continued scale down of operations mean workers will be affected too, and another thing to mention as well is the implications to the country's economy due to the stop work, given that the mine is a major project in PNG. Nevertheless, NPL says that it will resume operations once law- and- order has been restored to the area.