Minister for Education, Lucas Dawa Dekena, has announced that a total of K 212,497,575.00 million is now currently with the Bank of Papua New Guinea to clear and transfer to the commercial banks which will then be disbursed to school’s accounts soon for the second government tuition fee subsidy. Dekena expressed that on behalf of the schools under the National Education System, he thanked the National Government for its full commitment and support to the Ministry of Education by making the available the funds required to pay the schools in the second quarter. The payments will be made to each…
Author: Katrina ANGELI
Melbourne Storm players and coaches will share their training and coaching skills with schools and rugby league clubs in the lead up to its official NRL trial match to be played at Churchill Park in February. With tickets now available to buy in all Jacks of Fiji outlets and online, Storm confirmed activities being planned with Fiji NRL, local schools and the Kaiviti Silktails. The week of activities will include open training sessions, coaching clinics and school visits, while Fiji Bati Captain and Storm prop, Tui Kamikamica, will also visit his home village during the week with a number of…
PNG Air has advised all its passengers and the traveling public of the bomb threat email that was circulated this morning to certain stakeholders in the aviation industry. This was disseminated in a media statement today. “As a third-party recipient to this email, PNG Air does not compromise on safety and takes this threat seriously.” “To mitigate this threat, across the PNG Air network, stringent security measures are now in place to ensure the safety of its passengers, ground staff, operating crew, and aircraft.” This will see all passengers will now be subject to pat down and bag searches as…
Puma Energy PNG has confirmed that it will begin taking steps to reduce its operations and fuel supply to customers ahead of the unilateral closure of its bank accounts by Bank South Pacific (BSP), scheduled for the 8th of March 2024. The decision comes after eight months of engagement with BSP and various authorities, including the PNG Government, Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and others. BSP has been unwilling to share their reasons for the planned closure of the bank accounts or to constructively discuss solutions. Puma Energy, however, has received no concrete evidence of wrongdoing from either BPNG…
Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang, has praised the Australian authorities over the arrest of a Chinese woman allegedly involved in a drug smuggling plot which hit the headlines of ‘The National paper, dated 24 March 2023’. The lady’s apprehension has also revealed her linkages to business interests associated with certain political figures in Papua New Guinea. Lelang has now called on the Australian Federal Police to work with the Royal PNG Constabulary and Interpol to conduct more investigations into the transnational crime associated with the lady and awarding of contracts using Australian aid money for asylum projects and incidences of other…
The government has warned it will not hesitate to shut down social media applications and sites if there is continuous abuse and misuse of social media spreading fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in the country. Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, issued the warning citing significant evidence of serious abuse of social media spreading false information that led to destruction of properties in Port Moresby and parts of the country resulting also in deaths. “I have a statutory power under the National Information and Communication Technology Act 2009, to restrict access to social media sites and applications if…
CPL Group, a leading retailer and home-grown company, held a press conference today in regard to the recent civil unrest that occurred on Wednesday resulting in a number of their outlets being looted and burned down. The outlets including Stop n Shop Rainbow, North Waigani, Habour city and Badili were looted and burnt down by opportunists due to the alleged public servant increase in income tax. Chief Executive Officer of CPL Group, Navin Raju, said in light of the unfortunate series of events that took place in the Nations Capital, this has greatly affected 500 of their staff who are…
The Launching Program which was set to be staged at the old Kokopo Market in East New Britain for the 14 kilometre four-lane road to be officiated by Prime Minister James Marape, has now been deferred to a later date which will be announced. The decision was unanimously agreed upon by all ENB leadership due to the need to avoid any further escalation that may affect lives and properties. The launching was prepared for a five part Program to begin with a Guard of Honour by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Correctional Services at Tokua Airport, followed…
Member for Bulolo, Sam Basil Jr, has expressed frustration over the looting of shops in Bulolo Town in Morobe Province in which he has now appealed to the youths as well as the general public in Bulolo to remain calm and refrain from violence. “The country is going through a tough time as we speak and let me remind everyone in Bulolo and Morobe that this looting and vandalism started in Port Moresby and then spread to other districts.” Bulolo district unfortunately came under the same spotlight in regards to the civil unrest of the alleged increase in income tax.…
Prime Minister James Marape has announced that the government’s allocation for school fee assistance for this year, 2024, will see a significant boost to K856.686 million, marking an increase of K88.846 million from the 2023 allocation of K767.84 million. The announcement comes after an extensive meeting with Education Secretary, Dr. Uke Kombra, on the outcomes of the Department of Education in 2023 and priorities set for 2024. This will see the first quarter allocation of K214 million which is anticipated to be disbursed this month, just before the commencement of classes. Prime Minister Marape emphasized the need for accountability in…