The Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs and Member for Kikori, Soroi Eoe, is now the Acting Minister for the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI). Prime Minister (PM) James Marape appointed Mr. Eoe as the Acting Minister to determine stability while the incumbent Minister for DCI, Mr. Henry Amuli, continues contesting a National Court Decision that declared his seat as a member, null and void. Minister Eoe has met with all DCI divisional heads for a briefing to discuss their departments work status. Minister Eoe encouraged the departmental heads to focus on their mandated task in creating a sustainable socio-economic growth for the country. He said that DCI plays a vital role in growing the country’s economy and that they must maximize both natural and human resources to achieve this. Minister Eoe commended DCI Secretary David Ganai and senior staff for providing their respective briefs. He pledged his support to ensure issues are identified and addressed in his term as Acting Minister.

Five tries between wingers Tesi Niu and Jamayne Isaako lifted the Dolphins to a 36-20 victory over the Knights on Friday evening, which saw them become just the third expansion team to win their opening three games. Niu scored twice in the first half before his third with 12 minutes to go looked to have put the result beyond doubt, only for Felise Kaufusi to then be sent to the sin bin for a late tackle which saw him put on report for the second time in the game at McDonald Jones Stadium. It set up a nervous finish, before Isaako's double inside the last five minutes saw Wayne Bennett's side get past a stubborn Knights side who had three players appearing at NRL level for the first time, with a bench that had just 18 total games of first-grade experience. The Dolphins controlled much of the first 40 minutes to lead 16-12 at the break, but couldn't shake the plucky Knights who were led by an inspired showing from fullback Lachlan Miller, who at one stage looked set to lift his team to victory after scoring five minutes either side of the break. After the Dolphins fought back to lead 26-18 with 11 minutes to play, following the Knights hitting the front early in the second half, Newcastle centre Bradman Best blew a golden chance to put his side back into the game when he dropped a potential try over the line, and minutes later Isaako's quick double ended any debate around the result. Source: NRL.com

Jaxson Paulo played a leading role in the downfall of his former club on Friday night, scoring twice to help the Roosters beat the Rabbitohs 20-18 in a typically fierce encounter between the great rivals. A second-half double from Paulo helped lift the Tricolours to victory, but only after they survived a wild finish which saw the Rabbitohs score with two minutes to play, setting up a hail Mary two-point field goal attempt from Latrell Mitchell which fell short of the posts. Earlier South Sydney raced out to a 10-0 lead after 15 minutes and dominated the opening proceedings at Allianz Stadium. It was a masterclass in interchange management from coach Trent Robinson that changed the game on 24 minutes, with the introduction of Kiwi Test stars Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Brandon Smith, who had reverted to bench roles just before kick-off, wrestling momentum in their side's favour, which included Smith scoring his team's first try. As predicted the opening exchanges were full of emotion, and a heavy collision on the first set saw Hame Sele leave the field for a HIA which he failed, before Joseph Sua'ali'i was placed on report. It didn't take long for the Rabbitohs to settle into their rhythm though, and by the time the clock hit 13 minutes they were up 10-0 thanks to tries from Keaon Koloamatangi and Alex Johnston, the first of which was converted by Mitchell. But Smith's clever try from dummy-half, followed by a peach of a kick from Luke Keary to put Daniel Tupou over, saw the Roosters tie things up, and although a late penalty goal gave Souths a 12-10 lead at the break, the game had turned in favour of the Roosters. Paulo's first try five minutes into the second half gave the Roosters the lead for the first time, before his second – which followed a miraculous try-saving strip from Joey Manu minutes earlier – put them in position to close the game out. The Roosters survived the late comeback from the Rabbitohs to pick up their second win of the year. Source: NRL.com

The Ministerial Vaccine Taskforce visited New Ireland Provincial Health Authority from March 12 – 16 2023 to learn about challenges in managing COVID-19 as well as their successes and experiences. The Taskforce aim is to ensure that 60%-80% of all health facilities with functioning Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) have COVID-19 vaccines by March 2023; And 100% of all health facilities with functioning CCE must have both COVID-19 and routine immunisation vaccines. Starting from March onward, integrating COVID-19 and routine immunisation will be a key focus for the Vaccine Taskforce as it works together with other health authorities and donor partners to normalise the COVID-19 vaccines in Papua New Guinea. Uptake of COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to ensure the protection of one’s health and that of their families. Get vaccinated at an authorised vaccination site near you today to protect yourself and your family. Call the hotline number 1800 200 for more information.  

OpenAI has released GPT-4, the latest version of its hugely popular artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. The new model can respond to images - providing recipe suggestions from photos of ingredients, for example, as well as writing captions and descriptions. It can also process up to 25,000 words, about eight times as many as ChatGPT. Millions of people have used ChatGPT since it launched in November 2022. Popular requests for it include writing songs, poems, marketing copy, computer code, and helping with homework - although teachers say students shouldn't use it. ChatGPT answers questions using natural human-like language, and it can also mimic other writing styles such as songwriters and authors, using the internet as it was in 2021 as its knowledge database. There are concerns that it could one day take over many jobs currently done by humans. OpenAI said it had spent six months on safety features for GPT-4, and had trained it on human feedback. However it warned that it may still be prone to sharing disinformation. GPT-4 will initially be available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers, who pay $20 per month for premium access to the service. It's already powering Microsoft's Bing search engine platform. The tech giant has invested $10b into OpenAI. In a live demo it generated an answer to a complicated tax query - although there was no way to verify its answer. GPT-4, like ChatGPT, is a type of generative artificial intelligence. Generative AI uses algorithms and predictive text to create new content based on prompts. GPT-4 has "more advanced reasoning skills" than ChatGPT, OpenAI said. The model can, for example, find available meeting times for three schedules. OpenAI also announced new partnerships with language learning app Duolingo and Be My Eyes, an application for the visually impaired, to create AI Chatbots which can assist their users using natural language. However, like its predecessors, OpenAI has warned that GPT-4 is still not fully reliable and may "hallucinate" - a phenomenon where AI invents facts or makes reasoning errors. Source: BBC

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs. It will be the second wave of mass redundancies from the tech giant, which laid off 11,000 employees last November. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said the cuts - part of a "year of efficiency" - would be "tough" In addition to the 10,000 jobs cut, 5,000 vacancies at the firm will be left unfilled, he told staff. In a memo, Mr Zuckerberg told employees he believed the company had suffered "a humbling wake-up call" in 2022 when it experienced a dramatic slowdown in revenue. Meta previously announced that in the three months to December 2022, earnings were down 4% year-on-year - though it still managed to make a profit of more than $23bn over the course of 2022. Mr Zuckerberg cited higher interest rates in the US, global geopolitical instability and increased regulation as some of the factors affecting Meta, and contributing to the slowdown. "I think we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that this new economic reality will continue for many years," he said. The latest job cuts come as companies, including Google and Amazon, have been grappling with how to balance cost-cutting measures with the need to remain competitive. At the start of this year, Amazon announced it planned to close more than 18,000 jobs because of "the uncertain economy" and rapid hiring during the pandemic, while Google's parent company Alphabet made 12,000 cuts. According to layoffs.fyi, which tracks job losses in the tech sector, there have been more than 128,000 job cuts in the tech industry so far in 2023. Timeline for cuts Mr Zuckerberg said the recruitment team would be the first to be told whether they were affected by the cuts, and would find out on Wednesday. He also outlined when other teams would be informed: "We expect to announce restructurings and lay-offs in our tech groups in late April 2023, and then our business groups in late May 2023," he wrote in the memo to staff on Tuesday. "In a small number of cases, it may take through to the end of the year to complete these changes. "Our timelines for international teams will also look different, and local leaders will follow up with more details." Source: BBC

NASFUND Contributors Savings & Loan Society (NCSL) announced that they had a security threat that caused them to remove their online services portal while they fixed the threat. NCSL Board Chairman, Ian Tarutia said they have made significant progress so far in restoring the member services and the core IT Systems are on and undergoing further checks before their online services will be available for members. Details and timelines for the rollout of the member services will be announced on Friday, 17th March, 2023. They will be able to announce which member services and order of priority in will be made available for members. Tarutia said that they understand the hardships and members frustrations endured during this outage and he would like to sincerely thank members for their patience and loyalty. He reminded members that their funds are safe and encouraged those members that need funds urgently to email their applications to ceo@ncsl.com.pg. For specific member queries, contact ncsl staff on: Member Services: 7932 1404 | 7100 8587 | 8220 4709 | 8220 4712 | 8220 4710 Lending: 7100 8583 | 7100 6531 | 8220 4711 | 82204713 E-Channels: 8220 4734 | 8220 4735  

The Parramatta Eels have extended the contract of Head Coach Brad Arthur to the end of 2025. Parramatta Eels Chairman Sean McElduff said Brad is the best person to lead the Club towards challenging for a premiership following a Grand Final appearance last year. “We have come a long way as a Club both on and off the field in recent years and Brad has played a major part in our success. “Our NRL team has consistently played finals football since 2019 falling one game short of a premiership last season. “The players love him and we’ve seen many of them develop and become better players under his coaching and guidance.” Brad Arthur said he was happy to have the support of the Club and to continue to build on the success of the last few years. “We are heading in the right direction, and while we’re proud of making it to the Grand Final last year, everyone at the Club is determined to take it one step further this season and deliver the results that our Members and fans deserve. “I love being at this Club and the relationships I have with our staff and our playing group. The best is yet to come from this team, so I'm excited to confirm my future at the Club.”

Michelle Yeoh has won best actress at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win the award. Yeoh, who earned the trophy for her acclaimed performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” has also entered the history books for becoming the first Malaysian-born performer to be honored with a best actress Oscar. Yeoh is the fifth person of Asian descent to win an Oscar in an acting category and the first to win in a lead acting category. “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof to dream big and dreams do come true,” Yeoh gushed while accepting her Oscar. She added: “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.” Yeoh dedicated her Oscar to her mother, and “all the moms in the world, because they really are the superheroes and without them none of us would be here tonight.” In “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Yeoh portrayed Evelyn Wang, a beleaguered Asian American immigrant who runs a laundromat and is confronted with the staggering prospect of infinite possible lives as part of the multiverse. As she navigates this bizarre new terrain and gains exceptional new powers, she must come to terms with rifts within her family that ultimately pose a grave existential threat – all while also facing a tax audit. Upon learning of her history-making nomination for the film in January, Yeoh told The Hollywood Reporter that “it’s taken a long time. But I think this is more than me.” She also mentioned that constantly, “Asians (are) walking up to me saying, ‘You can do it, you’re doing it for us.’ It’s like, ‘I understand. I totally understand.’ All this time, they’ve not been recognized, they’ve not been heard.” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” also stars Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, who both won in their respective supporting acting categories on Sunday night. In total, the film won seven Academy Awards out of 11 nominations, including best picture. Among its other wins, “Everything Everywhere” clinched best original screenplay and best director for duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Source: CNN

Madang Province is taking a new approach in its attempts to resolve social issues, break down in law and order, gender-based violence and many more crippling the province in recent times, and hoping to restore the province to its glory days. Madang governor Ramsey Pariwa has already thrown his support behind PNG Football Association under the leadership of President John Kapi Natto to utilise football as a development tool for the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea. Governor Pariwa was guest of honour to the John Kapi Natto hosted PNGFA Congress in Madang and was delighted to learn that Mr Kapi Natto took time off from his busy scheduled to visit two primary schools and one international school in Madang town while attending the PNGFA Congress in Madang over the weekend. Mr Kapi Natto said PNGFA and Madang Provincial Government can work together to change lives and unite the people through football. Governor Pariwa, who is a keen soccer follower, said people of Madang are passionate about football and it has always been part and partial of their livelihood. It has become the way of life for people of Madang. Mr Pariwa said he firmly believes that football (PNGFA) can work in partnership with the province in service delivery through Integral Human Development. Both parties; PNGFA and Madang Provincial Government must seek a workable solution to work in partnership in resolving social issues; breakdown on law and order, gender-based violence (GBV) plus many more. “Football can be used as a tool to amicably resolve the everyday law and order problems in the town and rural communities," the Madang Governor said. “I have pledged my 100 percent support in the political arena to see PNGFA grow moving forward,” Mr Pariwa said. Mr Kapi Natto said he is looking forward to work with Madang Soccer Association as an affiliated member and the Madang Provincial Government.

East Tanna residents in Vanuatu urgently need following two tropical cyclones and now acid rain from Mount Yasur which is an active volcano. The Vanuatu Daily Post quoted Rita Kelema, who is seven months pregnant, as saying the majority of locally grown food has been damaged. Images show some houses badly damaged. Trucks are taking water to impacted residents and the French Army has been reponding there, handing out essential supplies. Australia and New Zealand have also provided aid. Meanwhile, Save The Children Vanuatu is working to ensure the thousands of people affected by the cyclones get vital assistance. The charity's Pacific manager Kim Koch said her organisation is focusing on the needs of children, both in the short and long term. "Right now what children need are hygiene kits, shelter materials and that's really just buckets and tarps - making sure that families have something to help them get their house back in order and to get access to safe water, to be able to wash food and wash themselves." Koch said they were working with the Ministry of Education to get schools re-opened.   Chinese assistance The Government of China has given $US500,000 to aid recovery efforts in Vanuatu after cyclones Judy and Kevin. Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau received the donation from the Chinese Government Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs, Qian Bo, last week. The Vanuatu Daily Post reports this contribution is additional to the $US100,000 donated by the Chinese Red Cross Society. The Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu said this assistance will go a long way in supporting the people of Vanuatu during these difficult times. The initial estimate of the recovery cost is estimated at six billion vatu, or just under $US50 million.   Coffins exposed Six coffins were reportedly visible at the surface of graves in Port Vila, after Cyclone Kevin smashed through Vanuatu. A family member expressed shock at the sight, and alleged that it was due to a lack of extra effort to properly maintain the cemetery. The Port Vila City Council said it was not aware of damage, but claimed the coffins surfaced due to heavy rainfall during the cyclone. It said this was not the first time graves had opened during such weather. The council confirmed that the coffins would be reburied. Source: Radio New Zealand

Feni Primary School in Tanir Local Level Government now has a new double classroom after its officially launching on Friday. The officially opening was done by The Member for Namatanai and Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Mr Walter Schnaubelt during his electoral tour on remote Anir Island. The ceremony was witnessed by a large crowd including students, teachers, community leaders and the general public. A local contractor with the help of the Feni community constructed the double classroom with funding under the ward development support grant at the cost of K50,000. During his speech, Schnaubelt said that he knew it was challenging to build this classroom due to the island being isolated and how hard it was to bring in the building materials. “I understand and appreciate the challenges and as long as I’m your leader, we will work together in addressing some of these challenges going forward.” “I want to say thank you to the school board of management, carpenter and the community for working together in building the double classroom.” He shared that he was happy with the people working together and he committed another K50, 000 to the school for other school infrastructure projects. Minister Schnaubelt also announced that there will be a new policy shift that will help people in the rural areas and that is the Ward Development Support (WDS) program. “This program allows each ward in Namatanai to receive K50,000 each year for the development needs of the people at the ward level. It will be administered by the NMT (Network Management Team) based in each ward,” he said. Schnaubelt further announced as well a housing project whereby 50 recipients in a council ward will receive 16 sheet red colour bond roofing irons together with a K300 voucher from a hardware store to purchase nails and other needed items to help build a house.